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MnM
|
1526
| 9 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-11-03T01:25:18+00:00
|
2013-10-19T20:22:57+00:00
| 11,773 |
The Rookie and Mickey charged up the street, diving behind a barricade just before a barrage of plasma passed over their heads. Mickey shouldered his assault rifle and rose up, firing a long burst before ducking behind the barricade, narrowly dodging another storm of plasma. The Rookie went prone and scooted to the right, barely exposing himself to enemy fire, but exposing himself enough to return fire. He shouldered his SMG and looked down the red dot sight, firing a quick burst at a jackal who had its shield turned away from The Rookie. It squawked in surprise as the rounds hit it, purple blood misting out behind it before falling down the ground. He scanned to the right and targeted a grunt, who was running away, its arms raised in the air. He fired a burst in its direction, making it to fall over in a cloud of fluorescent blue mist. They heard someone running up towards them, and they looked up in time to see Buck diving in between them, assault rifle against his chest.
"How are you two holding up?" he asked. The Rookie answered with a simple shrug.
"I've been better, Gunny." Mickey said, rising up and firing the rest of his magazine at the Covenant, succeeding in killing a brute and injuring another.
"I know what you mean." Buck muttered. He shouldered his assault rifle and placed it in between a small crack in the barricade and opened fire, mowing down a small squad of grunts that were hobbling up the street. Several longswords screeched overhead, dropping cluster munitions on an approaching Covenant armor column, destroying wraiths, choppers, and prowlers. A couple anti-air wraiths opened fire on the longswords, destroying one of them, sending it crashing into a nearby hill. Several Covenant drop pods landed nearby the O.D.S.T.s, who readied their weapons and aimed at the drop pods. The doors of the drop pods launched off, as a squad of Spec Ops Elites climbed out of them. One Elite stood out from the others, dressed in ancient grey armor. Buck immediately recognized him as the Arbiter. A few banshee's screeched overhead, firing their plasma cannons and fuel rod cannons at the attacking Covenant Loyalists. The Arbiter charged up, activating his plasma sword and ran it right through a fleeing grunt, who squeaked in surprise and pain. The Arbiter flung the grunts body into a nearby building, as two green wraiths hovered past him. He walked up to the three humans, who were watching as the Elites slaughtered the attacking Loyalists.
"I would have thought that after the deaths of the false prophets, the brutes would have given in. It appears I thought wrong." The Arbiter said. "Where is the Spartan?"
"He was escorting one of the planets leaders to a safer location. We lost contact with his pelican a few hours ago." Buck answered solemnly. The Arbiter's faced formed into what Buck guessed was the Elite version of a frown.
"I hoped I would be able to see my comrade in arms once more... but it matters not! We will destroy these mongrels and show them the true power of vengeance. My fellow warriors will help you in anyway we can, human. To battle!" The Arbiter bellowed, raising his energy sword into the air before charging past the humans, who followed after him.
"Incoming!" A Equis Militia member called out, "lots of incoming!" The ground shook as Star Streak looked up to see an enormous purple machine lumbering towards him. It was taller and larger than all the buildings in Ponyville, and almost looked like a crab.
"What is that thing?!" Star Streak demanded.
"Scarab!" A Marine called out. The scarab's plasma cannon charged and fired a stream of green plasma at the town, sending multiple buildings up into flames. A scorpion tank rolled up the street, firing its main cannon at the scarab, barely leaving a scratch. The scarab turned to the tank and fired. The Marines inside of the scorpion attempted to scramble out of it, but only the gunner managed to make it out before the scorpion exploded in a ball of flame.
"We need air support!" A Marine Sergeant screamed into a radio.
"Two hornets en route, stand by." A voice responded from the radio. "Attempt to take out the legs."
"Roger that!" The Sergeant said. "Aim for the legs!"
Big Mac unslung his rocket launcher and fired two rockets, one of them hitting home. These rockets were soon joined by multiple other rockets, the vast majority of them hitting the legs. An alarm was heard coming from the scarab as it lowered to the ground. As it did this, two hornets passed over them, firing their cannons and rockets at the scarab. However, the anti-air turret on top of the scarab rotated towards the hornets and fired large bolts of plasma at them, shooting both of them down.
"Great, now what?!" Rainbow Dash asked. Star Streak was about to reply when he noticed two streaks pass by, one colored black and red, and one pink.
"Pinkie?!" Applejack called out, flabbergasted, as she saw a grey Pegasus and the pink party pony climb inside of the scarab.
"Come on Drafty!" Pinkie called out to Backdraft as they climbed into the scarab. "This is going to be fun!" She cocked the shotgun Backdraft gave her and shouldered it, aiming down the sights while moving forward. Backdraft followed suit, SMG at the ready. Two jackals sprinted down a ramp, plasma pistols at the ready. Before they got a chance to fire, Pinkie charged up and flanked them, blasting one of them away with a blast from her shotgun, and bucking the other one in the face with all her strength. Backdraft and Pinkie heard the sickening crack of bones breaking as Pinkies backhooves made contact with the jackals head, which seemed to collapse under the force of the impact. The two ponies trotted up the ramp, which led to the top of the scarab, which had recovered and was back in the air, firing its plasma beam at anything in its way. Backdraft unloaded his SMG on a brute, destroying the power armor and tearing it to shreds.
"This thing has to have a weak spot somewhere..." Pinkie muttered, walking towards the back on the scarab, Backdraft right behind her. At the end of the walkway, there was a small room with what Backdraft guessed would be the power source.
"Maybe this is it." Backdraft suggested.
"It's worth a shot!" Pinkie sang as she fired two blasts of buckshot into the power source. Orange liquid starting leaking out of it as an alarm sounded. The scarab shook as it started to explode.
"Time to go!" Backdraft said as he tossed aside his SMG and picked Pinkie up into his hooves. She giggled as he dove off of the scarab, gliding away seconds before the scarab exploded, resulting in a very large ball of flame and plasma.
"Who took out that scarab?" Buck demanded, as he, his squad, and the Arbiter walked past the flaming remnants of the scarab.
"Some random ponies." A Marine responded, pointing to a grey Pegasus with a long dark red mane with a black streak going through it, and a bright pink pony with a bouncy pink mane, who were surrounded by other ponies and Marines. Star Streak slapped Backdraft on the back, before shaking his hoof.
"Good job, son. We could use ponies like you and your fillyfriend in my squad." He said. Both of them blushed heavily at this.
"We aren't in a relationship like that..." Backdraft said.
"Not yet." Pinkie said, winking at Backdraft, resulting in an even heavier blush from him.
"People... err... ponies! We have a war to fight!" Buck called out. "Stop standing around and get a move on, or the Covenant won't be the only thing you have to worry about!"
"Yes sir!" They all called out, saluting and charging up the street.
"Buck, can you hear me?" The Chief's voice said from Buck's radio.
"Chief?! Jesus, we all thought you were dead. How is the cargo?" Buck asked.
"The Princess is a little shaken, but unharmed."
"And Romeo?"
"He's fine. We have regrouped with the remnants of the Marine defense force that was assigned to Trottingham."
"How many men are left?"
"Two O.D.S.T.s, one Marine."
Damn. "That's too bad..."
"We need an evac." The Chief stated.
"I know." Buck responded.
"Cortana is sending you our coordinates right now."
Seconds later, the coordinates the Chief was talking about appeared on the O.D.S.T.s HUD. Buck pulled out a holomap and checked the coordinates. He then looked over several pictures of the area that several drones took the day before.
"Chief, there is a clearing a good ten kilos away from you. Sending the coordinates to Cortana."
"Got it." Cortana's voice stated from the Chief's helmet. A yellow marker appeared on his HUD, the yellow numbers marking the distance to the extraction point as 10.6 KM.
"Alright." The Chief said.
"We will be sending you a pelican shortly. Get there ASAP, over?"
"Understood." The Chief said, handing the radio back to Stacker. "Let's go" He said, signaling the Marines and the Princess to follow him.
"What about the hog, sir?" Reynolds asked.
"It will draw too much attention, we need to walk." The Chief responded.
"You heard him, Marines! Chief, you got point." Stacker said. The Chief nodded, walking into the trees, the Marines and the Princess right behind him.
"Star Streak, do you read me?" Buck asked over the radio.
"I read you Buck, what do you need?" Star Streak responded.
"I've got a mission for you and your squad. Could you put Dash on the horn?" Buck requested.
"Give me a second." Star Streak said.
"Need something, Gunny?" Rainbow Dash's voice asked over the radio.
"I need you to grab that pink pony and grey Pegasus. I'm assigning them to your squad."
"No problem."
"Once you find them, meet me in the town center."
"Alright, you got it Gunny."
Buck turned off his radio and turned to his squad mates and the Arbiter. "Rookie, Mickey, stick with the Arbiter. I need to go do something. I will regroup with you guys later on." Buck ordered. The two other O.D.S.T.s nodded at Buck and turned to the Arbiter, who towered over them. He nodded to the two humans and walked down the street, signaling them to follow.
Twilight Sparkle, Veronica, and Cole all watched as an entire Covenant fleet exited out of slip space.
"Get the Shipmaster on the horn, Lieutenant!" Cole called out.
"Yes sir!" A technician called out. The Shipmaster's face soon appeared on the main screen.
"Shipmaster, please tell me those are your ships." Cole pleaded.
"It would appear not, Captain. That is a Loyalist fleet. I have more ships in bound, but I am not sure if we have the strength to take on something that big."
"Right." Cole took a deep breathe. "I'll contact U.N.S.C. High Command and have them send more ships. I don't think four ships can take on an entire fleet."
"I agree, for now, we must regroup and be ready for a fight. Good luck, Captain." The Shipmaster said, before main screen flickered off.
"Commander! Conta-"
"Already done, sir!" The Commander shouted out.
"Good!" Cole said, walking back to his chair and sitting down in it. "I want all weapons armed and ready to go! Let's move!"
"Yes sir!" The crew called out.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 10 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-11-03T01:25:30+00:00
|
2013-10-19T20:23:07+00:00
| 16,516 |
"Sir!" A crewman called out. "The Covenant fleet is heading our way! Your orders?"
Captain Cole scratched his chin, looking out at Equis and the Covenant fleet looming their way, "Ms. Sparkle, I am putting you on the next pelican out. It's going to get pretty dangerous here soon, and I don't think Luna would be happy if she found out you died on our watch. If my understanding is correct, you are very important on Equis, are you not?" Twilight nodded. "And that is why Corporal Smith here is going to escort you to the pelican launch bay. Smith! Get over here!" An O.D.S.T. walked up to the two, armed with a silenced variant of the assault rifle. He saluted the Captain and motioned the unicorn to follow him.
"Me and my fireteam are being assigned to protect you, Ms. Sparkle. You don't have to worry about the Covies anymore. They won't be able to get through us." Smith stated.
"That's good! So, where are you guys taking me?" Twilight asked.
"We're taking you to the refugee camp. The Mayor was killed in the initial attack, so someone needs to lead the ponies there."
"Oh dear..." Twilight said to herself.
Star Streak and his squad jumped aboard the waiting pelican. Recently, some Technicians with the U.N.S.C. and a fasionista named Rarity made a new suit similar to the armor O.D.S.T.s wore for ponies, as well as a variant of the armor the Marines wore. They were called P Suits. Not the most creative name, but it served its purpose. The Militias Special Forces squads, like Star Streak and his ponies, were decked out with P Suits similar to the O.D.S.T. armor, which was called the P Suit Mark II. The P Suit developed for Standard Militia members was called the P Suit Mark I, with variants for different camouflage schemes, such as the Mark I D, for desert camouflage, the Mark I U, for urban camouflage, and the Mark I W, for woodland camouflage.
"As much as I like my Royal Guard armor, this armor certainly is a lot more comfortable." Star Streak commented. Most of the squad nodded in agreement. Rainbow Dash, Backdraft, and Pinkie Pie jumped aboard the pelican together, with Buck standing behind them.
"Alright ponies," He began, "You know the mission. Your Princess and some humans are awaiting for your extract. There is a heavy Covenant presence in this area, so be ready! Good luck!" And with that, Buck walked away, the pelican lifting off shortly afterwards.
The Arbiter charged up to a brute minor, stabbing his energy sword right into its stomach. He bellowed in pride over his fresh kill, before jumping over the body, running up the street. There was a Pony Militia member in a Mark I U P Suit, and a Special Ops Elite in maroon Spec Ops armor. Nearby, an elite with cobalt armor was just getting finished with a brute chieftain, pulling his energy sword out of its neck.
"Arbiter!" The Maroon Elite called out, charging up to him.
"Good day, Usze 'Taham." Arbiter said to Usze. "Hello, N'tho 'Sraom." He said to the cobalt Elite walking up to him,
"Greetings, Arbiter." N'tho said, switching off his energy sword. "This is... Derpy Hooves?"
"Ditzy Hooves" Ditzy corrected.
"Sorry." N'tho apologized.
"Don't worry about it, everypony makes the mistake." Ditzy assured.
"Where is your team, pony?" Arbiter asked.
Ditzy started shaking, as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "T-they... they're gone."
"I'm sorry." The Arbiter apologized.
"We shall make the mongrels responsible pay." Usze promised, unclipping his two plasma rifles and holding them at the ready. A few jackals sprinted past the Elites. They were holding green shields and wearing green armor pieces, marking them as jackals loyal to Elites. They were soon followed by a pair of hunters, clad in green armor, a squad of skimishers with green armor pieces, two squads of Special Ops grunts, and squad of Special Ops Elites.
"Let us go, we can't let them have all the glory!" The Arbiter bellowed, running up the street with the two other Elites and the Pegasus in tow.
"Stop!" Stacker ordered as they reached the end of the forest. Beyond them was a clearing, labelled as their Extract Point. "Marine, you go first." The Marine Corporal walked into the open cautiously, assault rifle at the ready. The crack of a beam rifle sounded as a laser shot through the Marines head. He fell to his knees and face planted.
"Sniper, 3 O'clock." Reynolds observed.
"Romeo, I'll draw its fire, you take it out once you have the shot." The Chief ordered.
"You got it, Chief!" Romeo responded. The Chief nodded to him and ran out into the opening. He heard the crack of the beam rifle as his shields flared, signaling to the Chief he was he hit. Another crack rang out, and a laser shot past the Chief's head. The Spartan heard the crack of a sniper rifle, and the sound of a body hitting the ground.
"I got him." Romeo's voice said over the COM.
The Chief waved the others forward. Once the regroups, they started setting up a perimeter. Romeo climbed up the hill the enemy sniper was camped out on, who turned out to be a lone brute major. Romeo took its beam rifle and checked the charge on it. '73 percent charge, good enough for me', Romeo thought to himself, setting the beam rifle to his side, before setting his sniper rifle up on its bipod. He looked down the scope and scanned the sky for incoming Covenant.
"Sir, I see two phantoms heading this way, over." Romeo said over the COM.
"We're ready for them." The voice of the Chief answered.
"Buck, do you read me?" The Chief asked over the COM.
"I read you Chief." Buck's voice responded.
"We have two phantoms in bound. Where is our evac?"
"I have sent a pelican, manned by a squad of Equis Militia Special Forces. They should be there in... oh.. twenty or so minutes." Buck said.
"Alright." The Chief said, turning off his radio. "Okay people! We got incoming, and evac is twenty minutes away. Take up positions, and be ready to book it when the pelican gets here. Luna, stay with Romeo."
Luna nodded and lifted off, flying off towards Romeo's position. The Chief, Reynolds, and Stacker dove behind some rocks, their weapons at the ready as the phantoms hovered above the nearby field, dropping their troops in before flying away.
Luna trotted up to the prone form of Romeo, who just finished firing off his first magazine. She sat next to him and looked out at the forest.
"You may wanna get down, ma'am." Romeo said, loading a new magazine into his sniper rifle and firing off another four shots. Luna nodded and laid down in the grass.
The Chief looked up over the rock to see the Covenant run out of the forest. They opened fire on the hill that Luna and Romeo were positioned on. However, all the shots were blocked by some sort of magical force field Luna must have set up. The Spartan shouldered his assault rifle and opened fire, firing in short, controlled bursts. Once the magazine ran out of ammo, the Chief glanced over the rock to see two grunts, a jackal, and a brute lying dead on the ground. He strapped his assault rifle to his back and took out his battle rifle and fired three lethal bursts into a trio of grunts, fluorescent blue blood misting out from behind each of them.
Star Streak trotted into the cockpit and looked out of it at the firefight about a mile or two ahead of their pelican. He walked back out and faced his squad.
"Alright ponies, our L.Z. is hot. It appears allied forces are being engaged by enemy Covenant forces. Lock and load!" Star Streak called out. "Zephyr," Star Streak began, turning to a brown Pegasus with a blue mane, who had his hooves wrapped around a sniper rifle, "I want you to take out any threats to the princess before the enemy will even know what hit em'."
"Yes sir!" He called out, loading a magazine into his sniper rifle and working the bolt. The pelican bay door open as Zephyr readied his sniper rifle and aimed down the scope. As the pelican passed over the L.Z., he fired at a squad of grunts running up a hill the princess and a human were positioned on, killing each of them.
"Master Chief, can you hear me, over?" Star Streak asked over the COM.
"Who is this?" The Chief's voice responded.
"This is Lieutenant Star Streak, 11th Royal Guard Regiment and member of the Equis Militia. We are here to evac you and the princess. Head of the hill she is on, over?"
"I copy Lieutenant, see you on board."
"Let's move!" The Chief called out to the two O.D.S.T.'s. "Head for the hill!" Reynolds and Stacker ran past the Chief, who was shouldering both his assault rifle and battle rifle and firing wildly at the Covenant, providing cover for the two. As he ran out of ammo, he pulled out two SMG's strapped to his legs and opened fire on the Covenant, mowing down the Covenant infantry quickly. He threw both of them aside and ran up the hill towards the waiting pelican. Two green banshees passed overhead, firing their plasma cannons and fuel rod cannons at the Covenant infantry charging up the hill. The Spartan leaped aboard the pelican just as it started to hover away.
"Everypony is aboard, move it pilot!" Star Streak called into the cockpit.
"You got it!" A pilot called back as the pelican zoomed off. Star Streak walked up to the Chief and held out his hoof to him.
"Master Chief?" Star Streak asked. The Chief nodded. "I heard a lot about you from the Marines, it is an honor to meet you."
The Chief shook the hoof that was being offered to him. "Likewise." He replied. The Chief looked out of the pelican bay door to see the banshees form up on their pelican, before the bay door closed. Star Streak got out his radio and turned it on.
"Buck, we have the package secure, over?" Star Streak stated.
"Understood, good job, Star Streak. See you when you get back." Bucks voice responded. Star Streak turned off his radio and put it back in its spot in his utility belt.
Ditzy trotted forward, magnum at the ready. She aimed at a grunt's head and fired a single shot, which hit dead on. The grunt fell limp as she jumped over it and bucked a jackal in the face. A brute charged at her, almost impaling her with his brute shot. Before it got the chance, N'tho charged up and cut its head clean off with his energy sword. He then turned to a nearby grunt and his energy sword right through it. He then picked up its limp body and threw it against a wall. Usze sprinted past him, plasma rifles raised in the air, and proceeded to mow down a squad of skimishers. Ditzy picked up a SMG from a dead pony and unloading the remaining ammunition into a fireteam of jackals. The four allies looked around for additional enemies. Seeing none, they regrouped in the center of the street.
"Good job, pony. You fight with the strength of many brutes!" Usze bellowed. The two other Elites nodded in agreement and Ditzy blushed at the compliment.
"Gee, thanks." She said. She let the empty magazine fall out of her SMG, before she slid in a new magazine, which locked in place with a satisfactory click. "Let's keep moving, shall we?"
The Elites nodded in agreement as the four continued up the street.
The pelican hovered over a small field outside of the refugee camp as Twilight and her O.D.S.T. protectors jumped out. Two Equis Militia members, wearing Mark I W P Suits, were waiting for them. One of them walked up to Twilight.
"Evening ma'am, my name is Sergeant Sandstone, and this Specialist Xavier. We have been assigned to protect you by General Rainbow Dash." said Sandstone.
"Guess we could use some back up..." Smith muttered to himself.
Twilight nodded to the two Militia members. "Take us to my station, sirs."
"Right away, ma'am. We will get you suited up on the way. Follow us." Xavier said, before they started walking up the street. Twilight eagerly followed, with the O.D.S.T.s surrounding her.
Backdraft jumped out of his squads pelican, soon followed by the rest of the squad. He walked through the town square and to the mess hall, where several humans and ponies were making food and serving them to the troops. He picked up a nice, juicy golden delicious and bit down into it.
"Always teh best, eh Backdraft?" Applejack asked, nudging him playfully.
Backdraft nodded and swallowed. "If there is one thing that you and your family is better at than shooting, it is making apples."
"Well, ah reckon that's cuz that is our specialty. Ain't that right Big Macintosh?"
"Eeyup." Big Mac said.
"Hi Drafty!" Pinkie Pie called out before tackle hugging him.
"Oooof!" Backdraft squeaked out, falling over.
"Well howdy there Pinkie." Applejack said.
"Hi there Applejack!" Pinkie said, pulling her head out of Backdraft's coat. Backdraft had a severe blush on his face.
"Don' ya think ya should let em' go?" Applejack asked.
"Nope! I think he's enjoying it." She sang before burying her face back into Backdraft's coat.
"Well I gu-" Applejack started, but was cut off by a large explosion that shook the entire camp.
"Let's get to work!" Star Streak shouted to his squad, loading a magazine into his assault rifle.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 11 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-11-03T01:26:54+00:00
|
2013-10-19T20:23:16+00:00
| 13,829 |
Corporal Heat Stream slowly regained consciousness, his vision blurred as his eyes fluttered open. He looked up and saw Specialist Schnelle trying to shake him awake. He was shouting at him, though he couldn't hear him over the ringing in his ears. A human medic ran up to him, checking his pulse and looking for any serious injuries. A large metal spike shot through the medic's head. Schnelle stood up and shouldered his assault rifle, opening fire on a nearby brute.
"Get up Heat!" Heat Stream finally heard Schnelle say. "Get to cover, pony! Move!" Schnelle helped Heat off the ground, as the two of them dived behind a barricade. A skirmisher jumped over the barricade, firing its needler at a nearby Militia member, causing him to explode in a ball of pink flame and plasma. Heat shouldered his SMG and fired a quick burst at the skirmisher, its blood spurting out onto a nearby wall.
"Good shot!" Schnelle shouted, rising above the barricade, shouldering his assault rifle and unloading his magazine on a squad of grunts, all of them falling to the ground in a mist of fluorescent blue blood.
"Move! Move!" Star Streak shouted as him and his squad ran out of the mess hall, weapons locked and loaded.
"Contact left!" Rainbow Dash called out, shouldering her SMG and opening fire on a jackal, it falling over in a bloodied mess. Pinkie Pie cocked her shotgun and fired a blast a nearby brute minor, blowing its head off. Zephyr set up his sniper rifle on its bipod on a barrel, firing one round, hitting a brute in the head.
"Nice shot!" Backdraft called out, shouldering his SMG and firing a burst a grunt sneaking up on two Equis Militia members, who were taking cover behind a barricade. Backdraft ran up to them, Pinkie right behind him.
"You two alright?" Backdraft asked. Both of them nodded, obviously a little shaken over the whole situation. They looked over Backdraft and Pinkie.
"You guys S.F.?" Heat asked.
"Uh huh!" Pinkie Pie sang.
Heat and Schnelle both raised their hooves to their heads in a salute. "We're with the 23rd Militia Battalion, or what's left of it. We could use a hoof." Schnelle stated.
"Not a problem." Backdraft said. "Let's go show them who's boss."
"Oorah." Heat muttered, sliding a fresh magazine into his SMG.
The Chief sprinted up the street, past the wreckage of burnt out homes and vehicles. He pulled out his shotgun and loaded eight shells into it before cocking it. He slowed down and raised the butt of the shotgun to his shoulder, aiming to its iron sights. The Chief stopped suddenly and listened intently. Then the Chief heard it. There was something whimpering. He looked for the source of the whimpering and noticed it was coming from the burnt out remains of a house to his left. The Spartan walked up to it and stepped through the shattered remains of a window. He heard a feminine gasp and something suddenly moving, probably trying to get away from the Spartan. The Chief looked around and spotted the source of the whimper. It was the same yellow Pegasus from earlier, covered in black soot and cuts.
"Poor thing." The Chief heard Cortana say. The Pegasus seemed to shrink as he walked up to her. He slowly dropped down to his knees, placing his shotgun aside and holding his hand out to the Pegasus.
"I'm not going to hurt you." The Chief promised in a low whisper. The Pegasus looked at him, her eyes tearing up. She jumped onto the Spartan and hugged him, fresh tears streaming down her face. The Chief was taken aback at this, but he gently hugged her back. After a few moments, she let go of him and motioned to three small lumps in the corner. The Chief flashed his helmet mounted flashlights at the lumps, revealing the three small ponies from a few days ago.
"Please... help us..." the Pegasus whispered.
The Chief nodded at her. "Consider it done."
The Pegasus smiled timidly and nudged the three fillies awake.
"Just five more minutes mom..." Applebloom muttered sleepily.
"Chief," Cortana's voice said from the Chief's helmet, "I am reading multiple enemy contacts heading this way."
"Right." The Chief responded. "We need to go, now."
The three fillies immediately jumped up at the sound of the Spartans voice.
"Hey! It's that guy!" Scootaloo said.
"I heard something!" The Chief heard a gruff voice say.
"Come on out! I can smell you!" Another gruff voice called out.
"Brutes. Get down!" The Chief ordered the ponies as he picked up his shotgun and shouldered it. The ponies dove behind a knocked over table, holding each other in their hooves. The Chief stepped out of the house, immediately running into two lances of Covenant infantry.
"It's the demon!" A brute called out.
"Let's destroy it!" Another bellowed.
A loud, enraged roar silenced the brutes. They stepped aside as a large brute, carrying a gravity hammer and wearing bright red armor, walked forward. "He's mine!" It bellowed, raising his gravity hammer above his head and charging at the Spartan.
"Shipmaster! Brute ships, standard line! They outnumber us four to one!" An elite major called out.
The Shipmaster rose from his chair and looked over the approaching Covenant fleet. "Then it is an even fight. Burn their mongrel hides!" The Shipmaster bellowed.
Cole looked as the Shadow of Intent's plasma cannons glowed an angry red as they charged, then firing a barrage of super heated plasma at the Covenant fleet looming their way, destroying two corvettes and a cruiser. The Captain cracked a small smile at this, reveling in the destruction of his enemies.
"Captain, the MAC cannon is online and fully charged! The Aegis Fate and Provocation are reporting all systems green." A crewman called out.
"All longswords have been launched, they are awaiting orders, sir!" Another crewman called out.
"Right, tell them to stand by." Cole ordered, before turning on the ship's P.A. system. "Now hear this! All crew, battle stations! We have an incoming hostile Covenant fleet. This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill!"
Cole walked over to a table that showed a hologram of the planet. He placed his hand on the upper left corner of the hologram, causing it the hologram to zoom in on that spot. It showed four green dots, labelled Aegis Fate, Gettysburg, Provocation, and Shadow of Intent, as well as ten red dots, three of them with a black ex mark running through them.
"Selena, what is the closest enemy ship?" Cole asked. The glowing green form of a young woman appeared. She had long, flowing hair and appeared to be in her late twenties. She also appeared to be wearing a Japanese kimono. Selena was the Gettysburg on board 6th Generation Smart A.I., having been installed on the ship just a few months ago after the previous Smart A.I. entered rampancy and had to be terminated.
"The nearest ship is a Covenant Class Corvette, designated Enemy Contact Three." Selena said.
"On screen."
"Yes Captain." Selena said before the image of a Loyalist Corvette appeared on a nearby computer screen.
"Fire salvos one through seven at it, then finish it off with the MAC cannon." Cole ordered.
After a short pause, Selena spoke again. "Fire solution has been set."
"Execute."
The Gettysburg shook as the seven missile salvos were launched. The archer missiles dashed across space and ripped into the Corvette, its shield flaring as the missiles hit. The Gettysburg shook even more violently as the MAC cannon fired, the round ripping through the shield and Corvette itself. The force of the impact ripped it half, causing a violent explosion seconds later.
"Enemy Corvette is out of commission, Captain." Selena stated.
"Captain, we have incoming Seraph interceptors!" A crewman called out.
"Have our longswords engage once they are within range." Cole ordered.
"Aye sir." The crewman responded, shooting off a salute to the Captain.
The Chief rolled to the right as the Chieftain brought its hammer down on the spot that the Spartan was standing on just seconds ago. The Spartan aimed his shotgun at the Chieftain's stomach and fired three blasts, knocking out its power armor. It released an enraged roar and swung the gravity hammer at the Spartan, striking the Chief in the side, sending him flying. The Chief grunted as he landed, gritting his teeth at the pain. Immediately, the bio-foam injectors inside of the suit went to work, attempting to repair the four broken ribs from the force of the impact. The Spartan rose back up to see the Chieftain charging at him, hammer in the air. The Chief side stepped to the left and launched a round house kick into the side of the brute, stunning it. Taking advantage of this, the Chief pulled out his combat knife and tackled the Chieftain, running the blade across its neck. It threw the Spartan off of it and gripped its bleeding neck. It writhed in pain until it bled out. The Chief stood back up, unclipping the two SMG's from his side and readying them, diving behind a nearby building and narrowly dodging a storm of plasma bolts. He leaned to the right and opened fire, mowing down multiple grunts and a few jackals and brutes. He threw aside one of the SMG's and pulled out a fragmentation grenade from his utility belt, throwing it in the middle of one of the lances. It exploded in a large ball of flame, the deadly shrapnel ripping apart anything that wasn't unshielded. The Chief clipped his SMG to his side and pulled out his battle rifle, shouldering it and aiming down the ACOG sight, firing three bursts into the head of the last brute, knocking out its power armor and blowing away part of its face. Only a few grunts remaining, who threw their weapons aside and fled. The Chief loaded a fresh magazine into his battle rifle and walked back into the building, where he found the four ponies waiting for him.
"Is it safe?" The Pegasus asked.
The Chief nodded. "They are gone now."
"Good..." She said.
"We need to leave, they will return." The Chief stated.
"Right," She said, before turning to the three fillies, "Time to go, my little ponies." The three fillies slowly got up and walked behind the Pegasus, their faces showing excitement and fear at the same time.
"I never caught your name." The Chief said.
"I'm Fluttershy..." she said quietly.
A small mare ran up to Twilight, her face showing shock and worry.
"Ma'am! I bring terrible news!" The mare stated. The two Militia members exchanged worried glances.
"What is it?" Twilight asked.
"We have an enemy force heading our way. We need to evacuate!"
"Shit..." Smith muttered.
"Alright, begin evacuation forces, and tell the Militia and our human allies to prepare a defense immediately! We can't allow them to get to the civilians." Twilight stated. The mare nodded and galloped away. Twilight sighed deeply and turned to her bodyguards. "I hope you guys are ready for a fight..."
"Ma'am, we were born ready." Smith stated, pulling out his assault rifle.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 12 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-11-03T01:27:29+00:00
|
2013-10-19T20:23:29+00:00
| 11,236 |
The Chief and the four ponies walked through the abandoned streets, heading back towards the F.O.B. in the town center. They came to a crossroads, where a squad of Militia pulled a last stand. Fluttershy attempted to get the fillies not to look, but failed.
"Why are all those ponies sleeping, Fluttershy?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I-" Fluttershy began.
"Hey mister, wake up!" Applebloom said, interupting Fluttershy, nudging the body of one of the Militia members.
"Applebloom... you can't wake him up."
"Why not?"
Fluttershy was beginning to say something, but the Chief stepped forward. "Because, he's probably really tired. You should let him rest."
"Oh... okay..." Applebloom muttered. The Chief thanked God that the filly still had enough innocence left for her to believe the obvious lie.
"If anypony can read me," a voice said from one of the Militia members radios, "Ponyville has been overrun. Anypony still alive should head for the refugee camp. Be warned, Covenant are attacking the camp, and an evacuation is underway. This message will repeat until the evacuation is complete. Good luck."
As the message started to repeat, the Chief turned to Fluttershy. "Come on, we need to hurry."
"Okay..." Fluttershy muttered. "Come on girls."
"Go, go, go!" Star Streak yelled as he and the remnants of his squad ran across an empty field on the outskirts of Ponyville. A scorpion rolled up, firing its main cannon twice before being hit by multiple plasma mortars. A storm of plasma was flying over them, disintegrating anything it touched. Applejack stopped dead in her tracks and turned around, holding her assault rifle at the ready.
"Applejack, what are you-" Rainbow Dash began, but Applejack held her hoof up.
"Buying ya some time. Move!" Applejack yelled.
"But-"
"AH SAID MOVE!"
"You heard her, move!" Star Streak shouted, taking Rainbow's hoof. He looked at Applejack and nodded. "Thank you, Applejack." He shot off a salute to her, before the rest of them ran. Applejack took a deep breath and looked at the mass of Covenant heading her way. She heard hoofsteps coming up to her, before she turned around to see Big Mac next to her, his rocket launcher balanced on his shoulder.
"Apples stick tagether, sis." Big Mac said, a smile on his face.
Applejack smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek before she gave Big Mac a hug. She shouldered her assault rifle and unloaded her magazine into a squad of grunts heading her way. All the other Covenant stopped and looked up at the two ponies. They raised their weapons into the air and opened fire. 'Applebloom' was her last thought before a wall of plasma hit
her and Big Mac, disintegrating them.
"Sir, more Covenant ships have just exited slipspace! Several cruisers are currently in the process of glassing the planet." A crewman reported.
"We just lost contact with Trottingham, Las Pegas, and Manehatten!" Another crewman reported.
"God dammit!" Cole shouted. "Get Hood on the line and tell him that we need back up, or some transports to evacuate the planet!"
"Yes sir!"
"Sir, our longswords just finished mopping up the seraphs. They report eighty two percent casualties!" A Lieutenant called out
"Selena, do we have any sabres in our inventory?" Cole asked.
"Yes Captain, we have two squadrons worth, in fact." Selena replied.
"Launch all sabres and call back our remaining longswords. Have them defend the frigate from anything that is within one hundred meters of us." Cole ordered.
"Aye sir." Selena said as her form disappeared.
"Get down!" The Chief said, dropping to the ground. The ponies did the same just in time, as a Covenant armor column hovered by. There was some machine gun fire down the street, which was quickly silenced by multiple plasma mortars and cannons. The last wraith hovered by, but stopped suddenly.
"I smell something..." A brute stated.
"Shhhh..." The Chief whispered, motioning the ponies towards a closed door. As Fluttershy opened the door, a loud creak emanated from the hinges. She froze, a soft squeak escaping her lips.
"What was that?!" Another brute demanded.
The Chief pushed the ponies inside of the building and readied his shotgun, aiming it at the doorway. The Spartan heard loud footsteps walking their way.
"You idiot, get back in line!" The first brute ordered. The footsteps stopped for a moment, then continued, slowly becoming quieter and quieter. The ponies and the Chief shared a collective sigh of relief.
"Let's go." The Chief said quietly, leading the ponies out of the building.
Princess Luna awoke to the sound of knocking at her door. She climbed out of her bunk, brushing her messy mane.
"Just a minute!" She called out, before opening the door, revealing the two Pegasi that served as her bodyguards. On the right was Comet, a black stallion with white mane. On the left was Nova, a brown mare with a cyan mane and purple tail. Both were dressed in Mark II P Suits and armed with silenced battle rifles.
"Princess, we have Covenant heading this way. We need to get you to a transport immediately!" Comet stated, fear evident in his voice.
"But the others-" Luna began to protest.
"They are being evacuated as we speak. We need to move!" Nova said, interrupting the princess.
Nova took Luna by the hooves and dragged her out of the room, Comet followed them, on the lookout for anything that may be a threat.
"The evacuation is sixty four percent complete, ma'am." Xavier reported.
"Good, how is the defense holding up?" Twilight asked.
"Our forces are holding, but we are taking heavy casualties." Sandstone replied.
"We need to get you aboard a pelican, and now, ma'am." Smith ordered.
"But I need to wait till the evacuation is finished." Twilight protested.
"You don't have an option. You are too important to risk losing." Smith said sternly.
"Incoming!" Xavier shouted a banshee screeched overhead, firing its fuel rod cannon in the middle of the group. Xavier tackled Twilight and covered her body with his own.
"Medic!" Xavier heard Smith shouting. He looked over his shoulder to see three of the O.D.S.T.s dead. Smith was down, hit by a heavy amount of shrapnel. Sandstone had a large gash in his left shoulder, but was otherwise okay.
"Um... Specialist?" Twilight muttered. Xavier looked down at the blushing Twilight and realized what position the two were in. He quickly jumped up with his own impish blush and gently helped her off the ground.
"If you two lovebirds are done, we need to get Smith out of here!" Sandstone shouted.
"Right, Specialist, Sergeant, cover me. I'll carry Smith." Twilight said as she picked up Smith with her telekinesis. The group ran up the road. A column of Scorpion tanks rolled by them, firing their main cannons at the distant Covenant troops. One exploded as it was hit by a wraiths plasma mortar. A screaming Marine jumped out of it, lit ablaze by the explosion. Twilight cringed and pulled out her magnum out of its holster. She aimed at the Marine, firing one shot. The Marine dropped to the ground, still aflame. Twilight froze in place, shaking as she dropped both her magnum and Smith, who Sandstone was barely able to catch.
"I-I killed him." Twilight stammered.
Xavier put a hoof on her shoulder. "You did him a favor, Twilight. Come on... we need to go."
"A-a little h-help here, g-guys." Sandstone managed to get out, who was still holding Smith in his hooves. Twilight and Xavier exchanged glances before Twilight picked up Smith with her telekinesis.
"Xavier, where are the pelicans?" Twilight asked.
"Right this way, ma'am." Xavier said, leading the rest of the group away.
"Lieutenant, did you get Hood yet?!" Cole requested one of his crew.
"No sir, the Covenant took out our long range communications." He responded.
"Well that's just great!" Cole fumed as Selena's blue form appeared before him.
"Captain, I am reading a new contact, it should be coming out of slipspace right about-" Selena said as a modified Pheonix-Class Colony Ship exited slipspace, "now."
"What the-" Cole began, "What is the identification of that ship?"
"That is a Pheonix-Class Colony Ship, the Spirit of Fire. Funny, that ship is supposed to be lost with all hands on deck." Selena responded.
"Raise them." Cole ordered.
Meanwhile, aboard the U.N.S.C. Spirit of Fire, Serina's glowing form appeared in front of Captain Cutter's cryotube, which was currently thawing. After drifting in space for over thirty years, the Spirit of Fire entered a portal of some kind, which ended up leading them to this planet. After observing the U.N.S.C. and Covenant presense, Serina deemed it necessary to wake up the Captain.
"Captain, wake up. Something has happened." She said as the unfreezing process was completed.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 13 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-11-03T01:28:22+00:00
|
2013-10-19T20:23:42+00:00
| 6,579 |
"Captain, we are being raised the U.N.S.C. Gettysburg." Serina stated.
"Answer them." Cutter ordered.
"Yes Captain." Serina said as Captain Cole's face appeared on the main screen.
"Captain Cutter? I am Captain Cole, the Captain of the U.N.S.C. Gettysburg. I see you guys are still alive."
"Very much so." Professor Anders said, walking up next to Cutter.
"Captain, the crew has finished thawing," Serina reported, "What are your orders?"
"Have them get to battlestations immediately, and have all Marine forces ready for deployment." Cutter ordered.
"Yes Captain."
"Captain Cutter, we are in desperate need of help." Cole stated.
"What do you need?" Cutter asked.
"We have around 200,000 ponies that need to get evacuated, and-"
"Ponies?" Cutter raised a brow.
"I know... I thought the same thing when I was told too. Yes, they are a race of ponies, with intelligence rivaling our own. The Covenant have almost completed the glassing of this planet, and we need to get our forces and the ponies out of there. Do you have enough room aboard the Spirit of Fire?"
"It will get a bit cramped... but we should have enough." Anders said.
"Right. Our pelicans are heading to the last evac point as we speak. Is the Spirit rated for atmosphere?" Cole asked.
"We're a Pheonix-Class Colony Ship, of course we are." Anders pointed out.
"Good, I would recommend landing the Spirit nearby the last evacuation center so we can pick up our forces and the ponies." Cole stated.
"Understood." Cutter said.
The Chief and the ponies watched silently as the last pelican dropship left, just barely five kilos from their current position.
"Well, what are we going to do now?" Cortana asked sarcastically.
The Chief tapped his helmet to get Cortana to shut up. "Cortana, get me Cole."
"On it." She responded.
"Master Chief?" Cole voice asked from his helmet radio. "Why is your transmitter telling me you are still in Ponyville?"
"Sir, we missed the last pelican out."
"We?" Cole asked.
"I have a few civilians with me." The Chief responded.
"Elaborate Chief." Cole ordered.
"Sir, one adult, three children." The Chief stated.
"Very well, I will send in a rescue party. Stand by." Cole said.
"Cutter, do you read me, over?" Cole asked.
"I read you Cole, what do you need?" Cutter responded.
"Spartan-117 is stranded on the planet. My forces are spread thin, I don't have the men to send in a rescue party. Think you can spare some?"
"I can send in some O.D.S.T.s, but it will take about thirty minutes to-"
"Sir," Jerome-092 said quickly, walking aboard the bridge, "permission to take Spartans forty-two and hundred thirty with me on a rescue mission?"
"Granted. Good luck, Spartan." Cutter responded. Jerome saluted the Captain and walked off the bridge. Cutter turned back to the main screen. "I have Spartan Red Team running an op to get the Chief out of there. They won't fail."
"Good, in the mean time, High Command wants me to brief Doctor Halsey on the abilities of these ponies. She seems very interested in them." Cole said.
"Good luck, Captain." Cutter said with a salute before the main screen turned off.
"Hey Douglas, think you can toss me a couple SMG's?" Alice requested.
"No problem." Douglas replied, tossing her two SMG's. She stood up and caught both of them, clipping them to her legs.
"Thanks." She said with a smile, before placing her helmet over her head, it sealing with a hiss. As she did this, Jerome walked in, clutching an assault rifle and a shotgun.
"Spartans, form up." He ordered. Alice walked up to him, Douglas right behind her, hefting a rocket launcher.
"What's the mission, boss?" Douglas asked.
"We're being sent in to save Spartan-117 and some civilians, who were stranded on that planet." Jerome responded
"Covenant presence?" Alice asked.
"Heavy."
"Sounds like a lot of fun." Douglas said, placing his helmet on his head.
"So what's the plan, Jerome?" Alice asked.
"We're going in via H.E.V.'s. We have an extract point about 50 kilos away from the Chief's current position, where a pelican will be waiting. We're going to have to stay low, though. The Covenant would not pass up a chance to kill four Spartans at once." Jerome responded.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Douglas asked, handing Jerome a spartan laser before taking the shotgun from him. "Let's go."
A good thirty minutes later, Cole's voice reappeared over the Chief's helmet radio. "Chief, I have a rescue party entering orbit via H.E.V.'s as we speak. They should be at your position shortly."
"Understood." The Chief said.
"You have three days to get to the extract point, fifty kilometers to the west from your current position."
"I understand, Captain, Spartan-117 ou-" The Chief began, but was interupted by the sound of three H.E.V.'s crashing nearby. The Chief and the ponies ran up to the pods, as the doors launched off. Jerome climbed out of it and took his assault rifle out of its rack. He walked up to the Chief, Alice and Douglas in tow.
"Hell of a day, eh Chief?" Douglas asked. The Chief nodded.
"It's good to see you again, Chief." Jerome said, offering his hand to him.
"Likewise." The Chief replied, shaking it.
"Alice?" Jerome requested.
"Yes sir?"
"You got point."
"Yes sir."
"Come on Chief, let's go. Say, where are the civilians?" Jerome asked.
"Right behind me." The Chief replied, motioning to the ponies behind.
"My God, you can see them too? I thought I was going crazy." Jerome said before turning to Alice and Douglas. "Why didn't you guys say anything?"
"I thought I lost it too." Alice replied.
"I was just ignoring them." Douglas replied.
"They do know we aren't deaf, right?" Scootaloo asked.
"You know what... I'm done." Douglas said, walking off in the direction of the extract point.
"I thought I got point." Alice stated.
"Not anymore." Douglas replied, cocking his shotgun.
Alice shrugged and followed, with the other Spartans and the ponies in tow.
Zephyr and Rainbow Dash looked up at the Spirit of Fire as it descending towards the planets surface and hovered over them. It was so huge, it blocked out the sun.
"I wonder how the humans are able to build this stuff..." Rainbow pondered.
"Beats me, Dash. They certainly know how to build their weapons, though." Zephyr said, clutching his sniper rifle.
"True that. Did the Royal Guard have anything like what the humans have?"
"Not even close. Mostly swords and spears, though we did have some experimental black powder weapons and cannons, similar to the firearms the humans use."
"Ah." Rainbow Dash said, still gazing at the Spirit. Star Streak walked up behind the two Pegasi.
"Rainbow Dash, we have a bit of a... situation." He said.
"What is it, Star Streak?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"We have a very large Covenant force heading our way. We also have a cruiser heading this way. We don't have enough time to get everyone on board." Star Streak said.
After a brief moment, Rainbow Dash spoke up. "I'll stay."
"What?!" Both Star Streak and Zephyr demanded in unison.
"Someone needs to buy you guys sometime. I can do that. Does the humans have anything on board to help me with that cruiser?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"They have a missile battery set up." Star Streak stated.
"Good." Rainbow said.
"Rainbow... you do know what this would mean, right? You will die here." Star Streak pointed out.
"I am prepared for that. Good luck, you two." Rainbow stated, as she walked away from the two. Zephyr ran after her.
"I'm going with you, Dash." Zephyr said.
"No, you're n-" She began, before a brown hoof hushed her.
"You don't have much of a say in the matter..." Zephyr said in a low whisper. Rainbow Dash smiled and nodded.
"Let's go show them who's boss." She said with a large smirk on her face.
"That's more like the Rainbow Dash I fell in love with." Zephyr said, patting her back. "Let's go!"
|
MnM
|
1526
| 14 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-11-03T01:28:50+00:00
|
2013-10-19T20:23:56+00:00
| 6,624 |
Rainbow Dash and Zephyr walked through their makeshift firebase, looking at their defenses and equipment.
"Alright, what type of equipment do we have?" Rainbow Dash asked
"We have about thirty Marine and Militia volunteers, five scorpions, five heavy machine guns, small arms, and a missile battery to take out that cruiser." Zephyr responded.
"Do you think that is enough to hold out as long as needed?" Rainbow asked.
"Probably not, but we will have to try, won't we?" Zephyr replied.
"We've got Covies!" Alice called out as she raised her two SMG's, firing two long bursts into a group of skirmishers. They all fell over, lying in a pool of their own dark purple blood.
"Take them down!" A brute captain ordered, raising his spiker and firing a few shots in the direction of the Spartans. One of spikes hit Alice in the leg. She screamed out in pain and dropped to ground.
"Douglas, save Alice! I'll cover you!" Jerome screamed as he ran up to Alice, firing his assault rifle widely at the Covenant. Douglas charged up behind him and dragged a screaming Alice behind a fallen tree, where the Chief was taking cover.
"Alice is clear! Get to cover!" The Chief shouted to Jerome. Jerome nodded and fired the rest of his magazine, before running back to the Chief and the other Spartans.
"This is Spartan-092, we are pinned down! We cannot get to the evac point, over!?" Jerome shouted into his helmet radio.
"I copy, Spartan. We are sorry, there is nothing we-" Cutter began.
"Spartan-092, this is pelican flight Alpha three-three, we are in the area and are willing to extract you, over?" A new voice said over the radio, interrupting the Captain.
"I copy three-three, L.Z. is hot, how copy?"
After a short pause, three-three's voice returned. "I copy Spartan, we know the risks."
"Three-three, I am vectoring a flight of shortsword bombers to give you fire support." Captain Cutter stated.
"Much abliged,. Captain. We are in-route to the Spartan's location. Keep the coffee hot for us."
"Incoming!" A nearby Marine shouted.
"Here we go." Rainbow said, pulling back lever of her heavy machine gun and letting it spin up. She aimed it at squad of charging brutes, literally ripping them apart. A large amount of wraiths hovered forward, but a brute chieftain in black and gold armor stood in front of them.
"Be still, comrades!" It shouted. "We have but a small amount of defenders. Your plasma mortars will ruin their precious meat! Charge!" As it said this, the air suddenly became filled with the sound of hundreds of enraged roars, as hundreds of brutes charged forward, a mass of grunts, jackals, hunters, and skirmishers in tow.
"Open fire!" Rainbow Dash ordered. The five scorpion tanks rolled forward, firing their main cannons at a rate of a round every seven seconds. A mass of explosions started blanketing the Covenant infantry, but it barely putting a dent in their numbers. Rainbow Dash turned to Zephyr.
"Z! How many rockets do we have for the missile battery?" She asked.
"Plenty. Why?" Zephyr asked.
"Tell the Marines to fire their rockets at the Covenant infantry." Rainbow Dash ordered.
Zephyr nodded and charged up to the missile battery.
"Marines! Focus your fire on the Covenant infantry!" Zephyr shouted.
"On it!" One of Marines shouted back. Seconds later, the missile battery fired two barrages at the Covenant, a large explosion blanketing them.
"Shotguns to the front!" Rainbow Dash shouted. Fifteen Marines and Militia members armed with shotguns charged forward and jumped into a trench. The scorpions rolled past them, firing round after round until a mass of plasma mortars blew them apart. By then, hundreds of brutes charged past the remains of tanks and jumped into the trenches, ripping apart ponies and humans alike.
"Rainbow Dash, this is Cutter, we have one more MAC round. We are going to use that to take out the shield of that cruiser so you can take it out with that missile battery." Captain Cutter's voice said from Rainbow's radio.
"Understood! Good luck, Captain." She replied, before turning to the Marines manning the missile battery. "Be ready to take out that cruiser!"
"Yes ma'am!" They replied as the missile battery rotated towards the cruiser. Moments later, the Spirit of Fires MAC cannon opened fire, its MAC shell ripping through the shield and multiple hulls of the cruisers. This was soon followed by two barrages from the missile battery. The cruiser shuddered and exploded into a large ball of purple flame and plasma. Rainbow watched as it crashed into the ground and the Spirit of Fire flew off into space.
"We are away," Cutter's voice said over the radio. "Thank you for this..."
"This is shortsword flight Zulu Six-Two, we are closing in on the target area. Alpha Three-Three, are you ready to extract the package?"
"Affirmative." Three-Three replied. The pilot of Three-Three looked out of the cockpit at the five shortsword bombers and three longsword interceptors in front of him. They zoomed forward, dropping their cluster munitions onto the Covenant.
"Take cover!" Jerome shouted as he dived onto Alice, shielding her from the raining dirt and shrapnel. Two Vulture gunships hovered overhead, firing their deadly thirty millimeter cannons into the Covenant. A pelican hovered past the Spartans and landed nearby. The pelicans bay door opened and a few Marines jumped out.
"Get inside!" One of them shouted. The Chief helped the ponies on board the pelican while the others jumped aboard. The Chief then ran back to where they were taking cover, picking up Alice and jumping aboard the pelican. The pelican lifted off just as the Covenant took out the Vulture Gunships. The Chief patted Jerome's shoulder as the bay door closed.
"This is pelican flight Three-Three, we are away." Three-Three said.
"Do you have the package?" Cutters voice asked.
"Affirmative."
"Good job, Three-Three. See you on board."
The pilot of Three-Three turned off the radio as the pelican entered the orbit of Equis and flew towards the waiting Spirit of Fire.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 15 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-11-03T01:29:12+00:00
|
2013-10-19T20:24:07+00:00
| 8,223 |
"They're away... mission accomplished..." Rainbow muttered. She looked at Zephyr and smiled. "We saved a lot of ponies today, Z."
"True that... too bad we can't go with them, huh?" Zephyr asked.
"Yeah. So, do you wanna go down fighting, or-"
"Rainbow, I would much rather die with my arms wrapped around you." Zephyr said with a smile on his face. Rainbow smiled at him and wrapped her hooves around his neck, kissing him lightly on his lips.
"We may be leaving this life, but at least we will be in the next life together." Rainbow said, kissing his cheek. Zephyr kindly returned the favor as a brute chieftain charged up to the two ponies, crushing them under his gravity hammer.
"Captain, the Chief and Spartan Red Team are aboard." Serina said. "Also, technicians from the Provocation finished installing a new FTL drive."
Cutter looked at the planet below him, which the Covenant was just finishing with glassing, and closing Covenant fleet. "Enter a blind jump immediately."
"Yes Captain." Selina said. Cutter watched as a slipspace vortex formed in front of the Spirit of Fire. The Spirit was sucked into it, as the portal closed behind the Spirit of Fire and it entered slipstream space.
The Chief helped Alice out of the pelican, supporting her as they walked to the ships infirmary. The ships nurse, Lulu Hershey, was waiting for them.
"Jesus H. Christ, that looks pretty nasty." Lulu commented. "Don't worry though, I'll have you fixed in a jiffy." She pointed Alice to a nearby bed, which the Chief helped her into. The bed creaked under the weight of Alice's armor, but held together.
"Thanks, Chief." She said. The Chief nodded to her and walked out of the infirmary.
Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom found themselves being rounded up with the other foals and fillies in a room, where a team of humans were waiting for. Twilight Sparkle and a woman in strange armor walked up, who Sweetie Belle remembered as Captain Dare, and introduced the team as O.N.I. operatives. They went through the ranks of fillies and foals, a few of them writing on notepads, and others occasionally asking a random filly or foal a few questions. After they were finished, they walked up to Dare and Twilight. After talking to them for a few brief moments, the O.N.I. operatives pointed out roughly 20 percent of the foals and fillies, including the CMC. Those who weren't introduced were excused, as a older woman wearing a white lab coat walked in. Several human soldiers followed her and blocked the exits.
"Good day, children. My name is Doctor Halsey." She began. "Out of all the other children, you, my friends, are the most capable. I now must give you all a choice. Will you help me in saving both your race and my race from certain destruction? If some of you are not ready to accept this responsibility, you may leave now. If you want to help me, there is no going back. Make your decision."
Twilight Sparkle walked up next to Doctor Halsey. "Those of you who wish to leave, do so now." She said. Over half the ponies walked out. The CMC looked around at those who were left. Out of the around thirty or so ponies, they recognized Pipsqueak, who moved to Ponyville from Trottingham a year before, Firefly, who was Rainbow Dashes niece, and Surprise, who was Pinkie Pies little sister who moved to Ponyville a month before. Halsey walked through the ponies a split them up into six groups of five. The CMC were thankful to see they were paired up with their friends, Firefly and Surprise.
"What do ya'll think this is 'bout?" Applebloom asked.
"Beats me, Applebloom. Maybe we get go to fight some aliens." Scootaloo said.
"That would be so cool!" Firefly exclaimed.
"Ooo! Maybe we're going to have a party." Surprise said, clopping her hooves together.
"I doubt that very much." Sweetie Belle said.
Before the ponies could continue their conversation, Doctor Halsey began talking again.
"I am sure you are all aware of the feats the Master Chief pulled off in Ponyville, correct?"
"Who?" One of the ponies asked.
"The huge guy in the green armor." Twilight replied.
Scootaloo turned to Firefly. "That guy? He was awesome!"
"I know, right?!" Firefly replied.
"Silence!" Halsey ordered. A hush fell over the ponies. "Thank you. The Master Chief is in fact a Spartan-II."
How would you ponies like to be like him?" Twilight asked. There was a general sense of approval throughout the young ponies.
"Good, because that is what you are signing up for. You are all as of now Spartan-IV's. I'll see you when we begin training." Doctor Halsey said, walking out. The team of O.N.I. operatives and Twilight quickly followed. They had to explain to some ponies that their little filly or foal was going away, for a long, long time.
"Attention! Any ponies with medical experience is ordered to head to the infirmary immediately!" A voice boomed from the P.A. system. Rarity nudged Fluttershy.
"Go on darling, you've helped plenty of animals and ponies in the past. They could use your help." She said.
"I guess..." Fluttershy muttered.
Rarity trotted over to a nearby Marine and cleared her throat. "Excuse me, good sir, do you mind escorting my friend here to the infirmary?"
"Not a problem, ma'am." The Marine said, before turning to Fluttershy. "Right this way, miss." He said as he lead her out of the room.
"Right in here, miss." The Marine said, motioning Fluttershy into the infirmary. Fluttershy shot him a timid smile before walking in. Lulu walked up to the yellow Pegasus.
"What's your name?" Lulu asked.
"F-fluttershy..." She replied.
"Hello Fluttershy, I'm Lulu Hershey, the head nurse of the Spirit of Fire. What type of medical training do you have?" She asked.
"Well... I helped sick animals get better in my spare time, as well as occasionally helping ponies who got injured." Fluttershy stated with a timid smile on her face.
"Not exactly what I'm looking for... but good enough for me. Come with me." Lulu said as she lead Fluttershy over to one of Spartans that saved her. There was a large spike protruding out of her leg. The gruesome sight made Fluttershy cringe.
"Just try to keep her calm, and hand me some tools if I need it, think you can do that, sweetie?" Lulu asked. Fluttershy nodded and placed her hoof on Alice's shoulder. She seemed to calm at her touch.
"Alright... I'm going to be taking out the spike now, are you ready Alice?" Lulu asked.
"Yes." She replied. Lulu gripped the spike and started pulling on it with all her strength. Alice winced in pain as she pulled it out. Fluttershy cringed at the sight of the injury.
"Fluttershy, cover the wound!" Lulu ordered. Fluttershy snapped out of her trance and picked up a few rags and placed them on the gaping wound. Lulu placed the spike aside and injected bio-foam into the wound.
"H-how did I do?" Fluttershy asked.
"You did great, kid. How would you like to be my assistant? You have a lot of potential." Lulu said with a smile.
"Well..." Fluttershy began, but Lulu hushed her.
"Sleep on it, okay kid?" She asked. Fluttershy nodded and smiled. "You're done for now, why don't you head back to your quarters? I'll call you back when I need you."
"Okay..." Fluttershy said, walking out of the infirmary.
Six Months Later...
"Welcome to Earth, Princess." Hood stated, holding his hand out to the Princess. She offered him her hoof, which Hood shook.
"Thank you, Admiral. Kind of reminds me of home." Luna said, cracking a smile.
"This way, your highness." Hood said, motioning the Princess to follow him. They walked through the halls of an underground bunker, with multiple paintings of events in human history, including a newly added picture of the Spartans, the destruction of the Ark, and the meeting of the ponies and humans, showing Captain Cole shaking the hoof of the late Princess Celestia.
"This is HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6, Princess. But we like to call it the Hive." Hood stated, holding a door open for the Princess. She smiled at him and walked in, revealing a large chamber, where the Master Chief, Captain Cutter, Captain Cole, and the remains of the Elements of Harmony were waiting. A Navy Lieutenant pulled out a chair for the Princess, who proceeded to sit down in it in an elegant manner.
"Let's get this show on the road." Cole said.
"Yes. Princess, it is my understanding that you wish to join the U.N.S.C., correct?" Lord Hood asked.
"Yes, that is correct." Luna replied.
"Then sign here, Princess." Cutter said, handing over a bill to the Princess. This bill stated that the pony race would now become members of the U.N.S.C., Princess Luna would be made a Captain, and would be given her own ship, the U.N.S.C. Destroyer Equis. Twilight Sparkle would be made a Commander, and would be given her own ship, the U.N.S.C. Marathon-Class Cruiser Harmony. The Princess signed the bill, as well as Hood and Twilight Sparkle. Hood took the bill and handed it to the Navy Lieutenant. He then walked up to Luna and shook her hoof.
"Welcome to the U.N.S.C., Captain." He said.
"Thank you, Admiral. However, I have a favor to ask." Luna stated.
"What is it, Luna?"
"You have been briefed on the Elements of Harmony, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, they are now rendered useless due to the deaths of the Elements of Honesty and Loyalty. Do you think there is anyway to bring them back, Admiral?"
"I will see what I can do. Maybe through the combination of your magic and our technology, we can bring them back to life."
"Thank you, Admiral. When will my ship be ready?"
"Within the month." Hood promised.
Three Years Later...
June 28th, 2565
U.N.S.C. Cargo Ship Nightingale
Commander Anderson ran into the cargo deck, where a Marine was waiting for him.
"Hello sir!" The Marine said, saluting the Commander.
"At ease. What have you found?" Anderson asked.
"Well, we found-" The Marine began.
"Greetings! I am 2401 Penitent Tangent. I am the Monitor of Installation 05." The Monitor exclaimed, quickly interupting the Marine.
"Yeah, we found him..." The Marine muttered.
"And what about that?" Anderson asked, motioning towards a towering structure covered in red, glowing symbols.
"I'm not sure, ask him." The Marine replied.
"Tangent, what is that thing?" Anderson asked the Moniter.
"It is what my makers called a Marker. The Marker is a very powerful and dangerous example of Precursor technology. Only the most intelligent lifeforms can understand it. Those who aren't able to understand it were driven to insanity." 2401 Penitent Tangent explained.
After the Commander took this in, he cleared his throat. "Tell the technicians to be careful with it. Understood?" Anderson asked.
"Yes, Commander." The Marine said, walking away.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 16 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2013-10-19T20:31:08+00:00
|
2013-10-28T08:55:05+00:00
| 13,465 |
Four years earlier
"Chief?" Spartan-117 heard a familiar, feminine voice asked, "Can you hear me?"
The Chief's eyes fluttered open as he found himself floating in a debris-filled hallway. As he drifted towards a nearby wall, he extended his arms off and pushed off of it, allowing the Spartan to slowly drift down the corridor.
"I thought I'd lost you too," Cortana said, relief obvious in her voice. The Chief gave a gaping hole in the frigate’s hull a quick once-over before turning on his mounted flashlights, which quickly flickered to life. As he did so, he heard a faint ping of metal behind him. Swinging his head around, he spotted an MA5C slowly drifting away from him. The Spartan grabbed it and examined it. Satisfied there was no major damage, he took the assault rifle and clipped to a magnetic holster built into the back of his armor, before drifting to the end of the hallway.
"What happened?" the Chief asked.
"I'm not sure." Cortana began, "When Halo fired, it shook itself to pieces. Did a number on The Ark. The Portal couldn't sustain itself. We made it through just as it collapsed."
The Chief reached the end of the hallway, which opened up into the endless void of space. The ship’s debris was still red-hot from the sudden Slipspace slowdown.
"But you did it. Truth and the Covenant. The Flood..." Cortana continued as the Spartan drifted into a room with a row of cryotube. He plugged her into a nearby holotank, which Cortana's blue form appeared on. "It's finished."
"It's finished,” the Chief repeated, in his usual calm demeanor. He then switched off his helmet-mounted flashlights and placed his assault rifle in one of rackets on the wall nearby.
"I'll drop a beacon. It will be awhile before anyone finds us," Cortana stated as the Chief climbed into a cryotube. "Years even."
The door slowly began to lower.
"I'll miss you," she said somberly.
"Wake me, when you need me," said the Chief as the cryotube sealed with a lengthy hiss. Cortana nodded, smiling, as the Master Chief was frozen in the blink of an eye.
Four years later, Present Time, July 20th, 2557
"Mayday mayday mayday," Cortana began, "this is UNSC FFG-201 Forward Unto Dawn, requesting immediate EVAC, survivors aboard. Prioritization code Victor 05-3-Sierra 0117.”
Cortana hovered gingerly on her holotank, the focus and dedication she gave to him, what she would be willing to do for him, would make her seem like his guardian angel. There, sadly for the Smart AI, wasn't much to around the remnants of the frigate Cortana and her company were stranded on. Watching over the Chief and tinkering with his Mark VI MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor were two of the only three things she could do. The only other, significantly less fulfilling and tedious task, was repeating the same message that she had repeated millions, no, billions, possibly trillions of times over the past four years.
And of course, the lack of activities the AI could perform on the desolate frigate left her with a lot of time to think.
And at her age, thinking could prove deadly for an AI like Cortana. Cortana was honestly shocked she was still functioning as well as she was at the ripe ol’ age of eight years. The fact that Spartan would likely be doomed if she went rampant was probably the only thing keeping her together. Just barely, though.
Cortana then realized that she had been sitting there in a trance-like state, watching over the Spartan like some sort of stalker.
"You almost are, in a way," a voice inside of her said.
The AI ignored this voice, as she learned long ago that arguing with this part of her only sped up her path to rampancy.
In an attempt to escape that haunting voice in her 'head', Cortana once again began to say the only thing she had really said in the past couple years. "Mayday mayday mayday, this is UNSC FFG-201 Forward Unto Dawn, requesting immediate EVAC, survivors aboard. Prioritization code Victor 05-3-Sierra 0117.”
She went on like this for hours, repeating the same message over and over again, like some sort of cadence that the Marine recruits would chant during their physical training sessions. It was also... therapeutic, in some ways. It gave Cortana something to do, which in turn distracted her from thinking and slowing down her rapid decline towards the final stages of rampancy and her inevitable demise.
As she continued to recite her plea for help, a shrill alarm started sounding off on a nearby control panel. After a second’s delay, the AI accessed the control panel and took a moment to examine the data it was displaying.
The control panel indicated that one of the Dawn's few remaining short-ranged sensors picked up a large, unidentified object nearby. After a few moments, Cortana accessed an external camera attached to the hull of the ship, which was still surprisingly working after escaping The Ark and floating in space for four years. The AI spotted a large Forerunner object in the distance, with what looked like similar to a slipspace rupture floating in the middle of it.
The Dawn's hull suddenly shuddered and creaked as the frigate began to slowly change it's course, sending it straight towards the portal. Alarms started to screech as the portal's pull started to cause damage to the frail remnants of the Dawn. Explosions erupted throughout the ship, causing chunks of the hull to violently rip away.
Cortana knew immediately that she needed John more than ever. She activated the Spartan's thawing sequence. The unfreezing process would be quick, which was typically painful and very dangerous for the average human, but there was no doubt in the AI's mind that Spartan-117 could handle it.
“Wake up Chief...” she said quietly to herself.
"Wake up Chief! I need you!" The Chief heard Cortana shouting as he began to stir. "Please!? Wake up, John!" The Spartan shook himself awake as his senses and memories came flying back. The cryotubes door burst open as the Spartan forced his way out, his helmet mounted lights flickering to life as he propelled himself over to holotank where the AI was standing.
"John..." she began to say in a weak voice.
"I'm here!" the Spartan exclaimed as a large explosion caused a nearby door to fly open. He quickly stowed Cortana's chip in his helmet and pushed off the holotank to speed down the hallway. The inertia carried him forward until his armor's thrusters powered up, allowing for better navigation through the badly-damaged ship. The Chief ducked and weaved his way through the large amount of debris floating through the Dawn.
He noticed a M363 Remote Projectile Detonator floating among the debris. The Spartan shot his arm out and grabbed it, firing it at a large piece of twisted metal in his way. Suddenly, he stopped his movement by grabbing onto a protruding girder and magnetized his boots to the floor, narrowly stopping himself from launching into the void of space. He threw the sticky detonator aside and grew concerned with what he saw. Beyond him was a portal, and they were heading right for it.
"Chief, you may want to hold onto something," Cortana said as the Chief ran back the way he came and into an elevator. After checking to see that it was still operational, the Chief put Cortana's chip into the elevator's holotank.
"Get me to the motor pool!" the Chief ordered.
"On it." The elevator quickly descended and within seconds, the door opened to reveal the motor pool. The Chief retrieved Cortana from the holotank and exited the elevator. He looked around, soon finding what he was looking for. He jumped into a nearby warthog and strapped himself into it.
"Chief, what are you planning?" Cortana asked, her voice distorting mid-sentence.
The Spartan chose to ignore this, due to the dire situation at hand. "What does it look like I'm doing?"
"It looks like you are planning to go on a Sunday drive in space." The Chief could imagine the smile on her 'face'.
"Just trust me on this."
"I don't have much of a choice, Chief,” Cortana replied dryly. The whole frigate shuddered as it entered the portal. After about ten minutes the Frigate exited, revealing a large terran planet, large enough to be gravitationally pulling the Dawn towards it.
"What the hell?" the Chief said as he examined the planet.
"I don't know where it came from, but we're heading right for it. Brace yourself!" Cortana exclaimed as the Forward Unto Dawn started descending into the planet’s atmosphere.
Twilight Sparkle laid on a hill on the outskirts of Ponyville, watching the stars above with awe. Though she had a busy schedule, she always took time out of her schedule to go stargazing. Sadly, her telescope that she received for her birthday last year was on the fritz, meaning that she was left with her own two eyes.
Beside her laid Spike, whom was leaning against her and holding a notepad in his claws, in case Twilight needed him to jot anything down.
“Hey Spike?” Twilight asked, not turning her eyes away from the starry night.
“Yeah?” the baby dragon responded.
“You ever wonder what’s up there?”
“Like what?”
"Maybe somepony up there is wondering what it's like here."
"I guess. Do you think we'll ever meet them?"
"I hope so. Don't you?" the purple unicorn asked, turning towards the baby dragon. As she did so, she caught a glimpse of something streaking across the night sky.
“Spike... look!” she exclaimed excitedly, pointing at the streak.
"Huh? Oh cool! A shooting star!”
Twilight didn’t remember Luna scheduling any shooting stars tonight. Even when she planned to surprise her subjects, she would typically give Twilight a heads-up first. This wasn’t right. Something was wrong.
“Twilight?” Spike asked, noticing her concerned expression.
A million thoughts shot through the unicorn’s head. Should she contact the Princesses? Should she contact the Guard? Should she gather the Elements of-
“Twilight!” Spike shouted, shaking her out of her thoughts.
“I’m sorry, Spike-”
“Look! Something’s happening!” he shouted, pointing at the object.
It was changing course.
It was heading their way, now. And was growing much, much bigger.
As it passed overhead, a piece of the object sheared off and headed straight towards them. Her horn glowing a bright pinkish-purple, Twilight summoned a magical barrier between them and the imminent threat. The object collided with the shield, causing the object to bounce off.
Twilight groaned in pain as the force of the object caused the shield to shatter. After taking a few moments to recompose herself, she looked the object that nearly took their lives. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that there was something engraved in it. There was a symbol of an eagle, maybe a falcon, standing over a planet. There was ribbon displayed over the planet, with the words ‘United Nations Space Command’ inside of it.
’Do you ever think we’ll meet them?’ her question echoed through her head.
“Twilight?! Are you okay?” Spike asked, clinging onto her as she continued to stare wide-eyed at the object. She looked up in time to see the larger object crash near the border of the Everfree Forest.
“Spike, send a letter off to the Princess. Tell her to get the Guard and send them to Ponyville.”
“Why? It’s just some meteor,” Spike said, looking at her like she was crazy.
“Just do it... we have visitors,” Twilight said, before walking past the object that nearly squashed the unicorn and her companion and making her way towards the object. “Come on... we need to investigate this.”
|
MnM
|
1526
| 17 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2013-10-27T19:28:49+00:00
|
2013-10-28T13:51:44+00:00
| 10,741 |
“Chief? Chief, are you alright?” Cortana’s voice seemed a little distant to the Spartan and he slowly opened his eyes, finding himself in the remains of once used to be the Dawn’s motor pool.
“Great. Good to see your luck hasn't run out yet,” the smart AI commented.
“Where are we?” the Master Chief asked.
“Checking coordinate impact data...” she said, before randomly blurting out in a distorted voice, “we have asked your to give up your family, your childhood, your future...”
The Chief shook his head in confusion. “Cortana?”
“I’m sorry... it’s the crash. I’ll be fine.”
“What happened?” the Spartan asked as he climbed out of the warthog he had holed up in.
“The Dawn crashed landed into the planet. I did what I could to make the landing as pleasant as I could, but the ship is a total loss. Parts of it are scattered for miles. Most of the vehicles save for a couple warthogs and one scorpion tank are destroyed. The armory is trashed, and only a few of the experimental weapons the UNSC had stored on board survived. And we’re light years away from any human settlements, if we’re lucky enough that those weren’t destroyed by the Covenant and they still have the ability to come here and save us. Overall, I’d say the situation is pretty dire.”
“Where’s the armory?” the Chief asked.
“Parts of it are scattered for miles, but a portion of it is still within the main part of the wreckage. I’ll set a waypoint.”
A small yellow arrow showed up on the Master Chief’s HUD, with a distance marker of several dozen meters away. After several minutes of making his way through the wreckage of the Dawn, he found himself in what was supposed to be where the Dawn’s armory used to be. The only difference between the remains of the armory and the rest of the wreckage surrounding it was a few scattered weapons, most broken, and several battered weapons lockers.
“Weapons are over there,” Cortana said as she highlighted a nearby weapon’s locker. “Go nuts.”
The Chief approached the locker the smart AI had marked, which had since fallen over on its side. After pushing the locker over onto itss back, the Spartan wretched open the locker doors, revealing the contents to the Spartan.
Inside were several experimental weapons, including two assault rifles, two battle rifles, one DMR, one shotgun, two magnums, and a sniper rifle, plus plenty of ammo. These weapons were supposed to go in service several years ago. The Spartan wondered if they made it into service yet for a brief second as he snatched a sniper rifle and locked it into place on his back. He then grabbed the magnums and clipped them to his legs, then grabbed an assault rifle and a battle rifle in each hand and started to retrace his steps towards the remains of the motor pool.
“Chief, I picked up what appeared to be a settlement on the way down. I originally discounted it, but after looking into it more with a few surviving external cameras, I can pick up multiple unnatural light sources to the east. With our apparent lack of firepower, I recommend avoiding contact with any possible threats,” Cortana advised.
“Understood,” the Chief responded. “Cortana, is there any way for me to get those warthogs out of this mess?”
“Negative. However, there may be a possibility that you can blow a path through the wreckage with a scorpion tank. There is one still intact in the motor pool. Make it quick, Chief. The crash appears to have attracted some attention.”
Princess Celestia awoke with a start upon feeling something light landing on her head. The princess let out a small yawn and flicked on the light on her nightstand. After a few minutes of searching for what awoke her, she came across a hastily-written note. After a moment's examination, she noticed that the note had Spike’s hoof--no, claw--writing.
“Dear Princess Celestia,” she read to herself, “there is a big possibility that Equestria is in danger.
“This evening, as me and Spike were stargazing, what originally appeared to be a shooting star crashed into area on the border of the Everfree Forest. However, there is proof that this shooting star may possibly be an alien space vehicle. One of the pieces that sheared off landed near us, and we were able to identify markings in it, as well as the words ‘United Nations Space Command’. Even if it isn’t, I recommend an immediate deployment of Royal Guards to Ponyville. Our local detachment likely won’t be able to handle the inevitable panic... or an alien invasion.
“Signed, Twilight Sparkle.”
Climbing out of her bed and doing her best to keep a calm face, the alabaster alicorn made her way to her bedroom door. After giving a couple light taps, the door opened to reveal a unicorn Sun Guard, bags under his eyes, likely thanks to his long shifts.
“Do you require anything, Your Majesty?” he asked.
“Bring me Captain Firewall, and send for Prince Shining Armor as well, please,” she requested.
“By your will,” he said, bowing before turning tail and making his way down the hall at a brisk pace. Gently closing the door behind her, the princess made her way to a nearby cushion and sat on it, awaiting her company.
A billion scenarios raced through the alicorn’s head as she waited. What if Twilight as right? What if this wasn’t just some meteor strike? What if there were aliens aboard the object? Would they even survive the crash? Would it be the beginning of an invasion?
“Would it lead the destruction of Equestria?” she asked herself silently. The noise of her door opening shook her out of her thoughts and turned her attention to who was entering, Captain Firewall.
After Shining Armor left to lead to the Crystal Kingdom with Princess Cadence, Firewall was chosen as the best candidate for Captain. He was one of the only Royal Guard officers to serve in combat, having served in the Coltistan and Saddle Arabian conflicts. When the Changelings invaded Canterlot, he was the only officer not trapped at the wedding. Instead, he was leading the Royal Guard, as well as Equestrian Army reinforcements, against the swarm. So far, Firewall has proven to be as good of a leader as Shining Armor, if not better.
“Your Majesty,” he greeted as he bowed before her.
“Please rise, Captain. No need to be so formal,” Princess Celestia stated with a small, amused smile.
“Thank you, Princess,” he said, before a loud yawn escaped his lips. “I wasn’t expecting business so late. Tell me, does this have to do anything with that meteor crash earlier? I got information for our Ponyville detachment that it crashed in their vicinity.”
“Indeed,” the princess said. “My student, Twilight Sparkle, was in the area when it crashed. She has alerted me that a piece of the object sheared off it and landed near her, and she could identify markings as well as the words ‘United Nations Space Command’ engraved in it. Now, whether or not this object is proof of alien life or not remains to be seen. If my student’s... hypothesis... is right, I don’t want there to be any risks to the citizens of Ponyville and the rest of Equestria. I was an immediate deployment of the Royal Guard to Ponyville, only leaving Guards that are necessary at Canterlot. I also want you to alert General Ironhoof to prepare his forces for an immediate deployment, in case this happens to be the beginning of an invasion.”
“And if it isn’t?” Firewall asked.
“Well, you know my little ponies,” she said with a toothy grin, “they always get riled up over nothing.”
The Captain let out a light chuckle. “Indeed. You should have seen this one time in Trottingham when a dragon ambassador wanted to get some of his favorite tea. He sent the entire town running. And he wasn’t even that big, either.”
“Ah yes, I remember that,” Celestia said. “Captain, as much as I would like to stay and chat, we do have a possible threat to Equestria to take care of.”
The Captain’s face turned red hot. “O-O-Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll have our forces in Ponyville in less than thirty minutes.”
“Excellent. You are dismissed, Captain.”
*BOOM*
“Good job, Chief,” Cortana said as the last bits of wreckage came crashing down, revealing the path out of the remnants of the Dawn. “I wouldn’t recommend using the Scorpion. It’d probably attract a lot of attention.”
“Understood.”
Popping the top off the tank, the Spartan climbed out of the Scorpion and jogged back to the remains of the motor pool, picking up the battle rifle he placed aside and tossing in the back of a nearby warthog.
“Alert, two unidentified contacts are heading this way from that possible settlement. Engaging them wouldn’t be your wisest decision,” Cortana advised as the Chief climbed into his hog.
The Spartan revved the engine twice before putting the pedal to the metal, sending the hog rocketing through the path of destruction caused earlier by the Scorpion. The wreckage eventually opened up to a flattened forest and an open field. A few rabbits who were examining the wrecked watched, frozen in fear as the M12 LRV screeched in front of them
“Head into the forest and stay hidden until the contacts pass,” the smart AI said.
The Chief drove his hog past the flattened part of the forest and into the tree line. Satisfied that he and the warthog were properly camouflaged, the Spartan hopped out of the LRV and unslung his sniper rifle, balancing it against his shoulder and peering down the scope.
With the press of a button, after a few moments, the two contacts came into view. One of them resembled a miniature horse, while the other resembled a small child. They were clearly not a threat.
“Cortana,” the Spartan whispered, “what exactly am I looking at?”
After a moment’s pause, the smart AI responded. “I checked all my databases... can’t identify the small biped, but the equine appears to be a unicorn.”
“A unicorn?” the Chief asked.
“Look closely,” Cortana prompted.
The Spartan focused on the approaching equine. After a moment, he was able to make out a horn projected out of its head, something he had originally mistaken as its mane.
“My guess is that the unicorn, or whatever it is, is a domesticated animal, and the little bipedal creature may be it’s owner. Just a guess, though. Perhaps-=”
“Cortana,” the Master Chief said, interrupting the AI’s ramblings.
“What?”
“They’re talking.”
“Twilight... I don’t think we should be here...” Spike said quietly, glancing around for anything suspicious.
“Quiet, Spike,” Twilight prompted, glancing over at the baby dragon. “We have a duty to Equestria, no, the world, to fulfill.”
“And what duty is that?” he asked.
“Spike, are you blind? Can you not see all this?” the lavender unicorn asked, motioning to the wreckage of the Dawn.
“Yeah. I see a meteor. It’s cool, but nothing special,” Spike said with a shrug.
“Are you crazy? This isn’t just some meteor. Look at this!” Twilight exclaimed, moving up to a particular pile of wreckage. “This is a girder. They use these to put together skyscrapers in Manehattan. And look at this one. This has writing on it. It says ‘UNSC’, or something like that. Can’t you see?”
“See what?”
“There is no way an Equestrian-built vehicle capable of space travel, especially at this size. This is an alien craft. We aren’t alone in this universe. Think of what we could learn from this! Think of the advanced alien technology among the ruins of this craft! If we adapt it to our needs, we could advance our technology by decades, possibly centuries!”
While Twilight continued on her rant, Spike’s attention was turned elsewhere. “Hey Twilight?”
Twilight didn’t notice her assistant, just continued ranting.
“TWILIGHT!” he shouted, ending her rant and causing her to look his way.
“What?”
“Look,” he said, pointing at the ground. There seemed to be something similar to cart tracks leading out of the wreckage, just larger.
“Tracks...” Twilight said, as the gears in her head start turning, “There must be survivors.”
“Uh oh,” Cortana said, her voice seeming to distort slightly. “Those creatures spotted the tracks and are heading your way. Chief-=”
At that moment, the sounds of a thousand voices filled the Chief’s head.
“Take the shot!”
“Get out of here!”
“Take the shot!”
“Kill them! Before they do!”
“Chief, run!”
“TAKE THE SHOT!”
Then, above the voice sounded a shrill cry of pain, causing the Spartan to flinch from pain.
“Cortana?!” he demanded in hushed tone, concerned.
“I’m sorry, John... evade, evade now!” Cortana responded.
The Spartan slowly crept away from the warthog and into the treeline, hiding himself among the various shrubs and bushes, his olive-green armor camouflaging him perfectly.
“Wait here. Hopefully, they’ll move on,” Cortana advised.
“Twilight... what are you doing?” Spike asked as the lavender unicorn started following the tracks.
“Spike, imagine the possibilities if we could track down the survivors. Think of what we could learn from them! I’m sure if we offer them some help, they’ll be willing to tell us about their technological advancements.”
“But what if they don’t?”
“Well then...” Twilight began to say, a mischievous smile spreading across her face, “I guess an interrogation and a dissection would be in--ouch!”
The unicorn rubbed her aching her head for a few minutes, before lighting up her horn and checking what she bumped in to.
“Woah...” Spike said in awe, “What is it?”
“I don’t know. It looks like a cart, but different. Obviously some sort of ground transport for the aliens. They must be close.” As she finished saying this, she started checking the ground around the vehicle, checking for any signs of tracks. Upon approaching the right side of the the vehicle, she found a set of tracks leading into the forest.
“Bingo! Come along, Spike!” she said cheerfully, beginning to follow these new sets of tracks.
“Chief, I recommend firing a warning shot. She’s onto you,” Cortana advised.
The Chief nodded in acknowledgement, slowly and silently sliding his sniper rifle behind his back locking it in place, then he unholstered one of his magnums and brought it to bear.
There was a distinct crack as the magnum discharged, a single round exiting the firearm’s chamber and rocketing towards the lavender unicorn, missing its face by inches.
The unicorn stood there, frozen, while the small, purple bipedal creature fell to the ground, clutching his head. Moments passed before the bipedal creature crawled over to the unicorn and started to tap its hoof lightly.
“Twilight...?” it, a young male by the sound of its voice, asked the purple unicorn.
The unicorn suddenly shook its head violently before its horn glowed a bright violet, and the two were surrounded by a pink barrier.
“Who’s out there?!” this ‘Twilight’ demanded, aiming its horn threateningly at the tree line.
“KILL HER BEFORE SHE KILLS US!” Cortana’s voice boomed inside of the Spartan’s head.
The Chief did his best to ignore Cortana’s outbursts and unstable condition. Though this was a very bad sign, it was something that needed to dealt with another time. Clipping his magnum to his leg, the Spartan brought his assault rifle to his shoulder, training it on the lavender unicorn.
Suddenly, five contacts in formation showed up on the Spartan’s motion tracker, and they were approaching their location fast.
“Miss Sparkle!” A male voice called out, “Is that you?!”
Twilight looked up to see a squadron of pegasi Royal Guards rapidly approaching their location. She let out a small sigh of relief, but did not let down her shield. Just in case.
The guards landed around the unicorn and looked around for anything out of the ordinary, before turning their attention back to Twilight. “Miss Sparkle,” one of them said, “what are you doing out here?”
“I was out stargazing when that object crashed. I went to investigate and came across evidence that the object wasn’t a meteor, but a crashed extra-Equestrian space vehicle. I also found tracks leading into the forest, as well as that thing,” she said, motioning over to the alien vehicle. “I came under attack once I approached the forest by some sort of projectile, similar to the rifles in use by the Army.”
The guards glanced around at each other. “I... I haven’t been trained for anything like this. But don’t worry about it, Miss Sparkle, we’ve got it under control. Shooting Star, please escort Ms. Sparkle back to Ponyville and get us some back up. We’ll start combing the nearby area for these aliens.”
“Yes, Sergeant,” Shooting Star said as he turned to the lavender unicorn. “Come on, let’s get a move on, ma’am.”
Twilight Sparkle took one last look at the forest and the remains of the Dawn, before letting down her shield and allowing Spike to hop onto her back. “Alright, let’s. Good luck, Sergeant.”
“Don’t worry about us, Miss Sparkle. We can handle a few aliens,” one of the Guards said.
“Boy are they in for a big surprise,” the Master Chief heard Cortana comment as he watched the unicorn leave with one of the equine soldiers.
The fact that these were soldiers meant a couple things. One, that there was some sort of government in this land. Second, these leaders were aware of the Dawn’s crash, but at the moment, not aware of his presence, based on the dialogue between the purple unicorn and the soldiers. And thirdly, the fact they are soldiers means that the Chief was a little bit more open to defending himself against them, should they attempt to attack him.
Which was a major probability.
“Alright, gents, let’s get this show on the road. They can’t be too far away, so this should be easy. Spread out and find them,” the squad leader ordered.
“Chief, I do not recommend lethal tactics against these combatants unless necessary. However, simply sitting here or running isn’t an option. You’ll need to take them down, quietly and non-lethally, one by one,” Cortana said as the Spartan watched the group of soldiers split up and start moving in the forest.
“Understood,” the Chief whispered, his voice no quieter than a mouse.
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MnM
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1526
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Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Haylo: A New World
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The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
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complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
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teen
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2013-11-01T11:13:46+00:00
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2013-11-01T19:36:26+00:00
| 12,909 |
As stealthily as possible, the Spartan fled farther into the forest. More equine soldiers appeared before the Chief could do anything, making retreating his only choice, unless their first contact to be fight between him and the equines.
One, two, then four contacts showed up on his motion tracker. The Spartan fled into the shadows and looked up in time to see a squadron of pegasi flying overhead, their golden armor glistening in the moonlight. They descended and landed in a nearby clearing, their swords at the ready. The Spartan recognized the equine soldiers as the ones from before.
“All clear?” one of the soldiers asked.
“Clear,” another responded.
“Five minutes, then we get back in the air.”
One of the soldiers reached into a bag strapped to his side and tossed a bag of what looked like oats to the other three, before taking out for himself and opened it.
The Master Chief sat there, watching the soldiers eat in silence, every second seemed like an eternity as he watched them eat.
Suddenly, something showed up on his motion tracker that made the Spartan clutch his assault rifle a little harder.
The Spartan watched as three, four, six, then over a dozen contacts showed on his motion tracker, surrounding his position.
“Chief, check your left,” Cortana prompted.
The Master Chief slowly glanced to his left. There crouched in the bushes was what looked like a wooden wolf, watching the equine soldiers. It seemed blissfully unaware of the half-ton super-soldier barely ten feet away from him.
“Keep still, I don’t think they notice you yet. I’m pretty sure they want to make a quick snack out of your pursuers.”
A slightly larger and darker wooden wolf came into view. It rose from its hiding spot and howled menacingly into the air, before rushing forward towards the equine soldiers. The soldiers turned in time to see the wooden wolf charge at them, but not in time to counter it. The wolf pounced onto one of the soldiers, knocking him down to the ground. As it bit and scratched at the soldier’s neck desperately, another equine soldier turned away from the wolf and his fallen comrade, before kicking it in its side, shattering the wooden wolf into bits.
“Timberwolves!” one of the soldiers called out.
“Stand your ground!” the squadron leader growled, bringing up his sword.
The rest of the pack charged at the four soldiers, whom went back to back, their blades glistening dangerously in the moonlight.
“Chief, if I were you, I’d take this time to leave,” Cortana advised.
“Right,” the Spartan agreed. As he started to rise and find a route out of the forest, something made the super-soldier stop dead in his tracks.
“Chief?” he heard Cortana question.
In his time on the battlefield, fighting desperately against the Covenant, trying to buy humanity just a little more time, he had to left many behind for the slaughter. That included many of his brothers and sisters, his fellow Spartans that he grew up with, training and fighting side by side.
This time, he wasn’t going to let the innocent fall to the slaughter, when he could easily stop this.
Before Cortana could even protest, the Spartan turned around and ran into the clearing, his assault rifle at the ready. Training his assault rifle on the timberwolves closest to the equine soldiers, he opened fire, reducing half of the predator’s numbers to splinters. Once his assault rifle clicked empty, the Spartan clipped the assault rifle to his back and rushed forward, grabbing a timberwolf by the neck and squeezing, causing its neck to explode into splinters.
The timberwolves turned away from the equine soldiers and turned to face this new threat, circling around the super soldier.
“Chief, we’re surrounded,” Cortana stated.
“I know.”
Two of the timberwolves rushed at the Spartan. Prepared for this, the Spartan slapped one of them aside, before bringing his foot down on its head. The other one latched onto the Spartan’s back, scratching away at the Chief’s shields rapidly. As alarms started to ring in his helmet, the Spartan reached behind him and threw the timberwolf to the ground. Before it could rise again, the Spartan unholstered one of his magnums and put two rounds in the wolf’s head.
The Spartan rounded on the remaining members of the pack, drawing his other magnum and training it on the pack. The timberwolves, knowing they’ve been bested, slowly started backing away. One stubborn wolf stood its ground, earning two rounds in the head. Seeing another one of their comrades fall, the rest of the pack turned tail and ran.
Satisfied that the threat was now gone, the Spartan holstered his magnums and drew his assault rifle, letting the empty magazine slide away from it before replacing it with a fresh magazine. He then turned away and faced the equine soldiers, who stood there, looking up at the super-soldier with wide eyes filled with a mix of awe, respect, and fear.
“Thanks...” one of them managed to mutter.
“Tell your purple friend that she might want to reconsider her plans to dissect me,” the Chief stated, before running past the four soldiers and disappearing among the trees.
“Sir, should we pursue?” one of the soldiers asked.
“No,” the squadron leader said, “he saved our flanks. He could have just sat there and watched, or killed us himself. But he didn’t. We owe him that much. Come on, let’s get back before somepony notices.”
The Equestrian Royal Guard had just finished setting up its command post outside of what was earlier confirmed as the wreckage of an extra-Equestrian spacecraft. In the center of the command post was what served as Captain Firewall’s temporary office, where he was coordinating search efforts for survivors and technology from both the wreckage and the nearby Everfree Forest.
Captain Firewall sat there, finishing writing up a report of the camps’ ready status addressed to the Princesses and General Ironhoof, when the Royal Guard assigned to the Captain’s tent walked in.
“Sir?” he asked.
“Yes?” the Captain replied.
“One of our pegasi squadrons made contact with an alien. The squadron leader is here to talk to you,” the guard explained.
“Alright, let him in,” Firewall said. The guard saluted and opened the tent flap for the squadron leader. The squadron leader nodded to the guard and walked in, standing at attention, saluting to the Captain.
“Sergeant Silver Bullet, 10th Pegasi Regiment. It’s an honor to meet you, Captain,” the Sergeant greeted.
“It’s good to meet you too, Sergeant. At ease. We have a lot to discuss. Please, take a seat,” Captain Firewall said, motioning to the cushions in front of his workstation.
Silver Bullet nodded, sitting down on one of the cushions. “My squadron was taking a quick break to get some grub. While we were eating, we were attacked by a pack of timberwolves, easily a dozen or more of them. We were likely going to be overran... but then one of the aliens emerged from hiding and decimated the timberwolves without breaking a sweat, sending the survivors scurrying with their tails in between their legs.”
“So, wait, they actually helped you?” Firewall inquired.
The Sergeant nodded.
“What can you tell me about this alien?” the Captain asked.
“The creature was easily seven, maybe eight feet tall, dressed head to toe in olive-drab armor. He possessed the strength of ten stallions, and his weapons fired projectiles just like what the Army is equipped with, just smaller and automatic. He also seemed to possess some sort of shielding. He seemed damn near invincible.”
“Indeed... is there anything else?”
“Yes... there is. Once the timberwolves were eliminated, he turned on us. Instead of killing us like I thought he would, he talked to us. In perfect Equestrian.”
The Captain raised a brow. “Are you sure...?”
“Yes. Ask any of the soldiers in my squadron if you don’t believe me.”
“Do not fret, Sergeant. I believe you,” the Captain reassured. “Sergeant, seeing how you’re the only one who actually knows anything about these aliens, what do you recommend we do?”
The Sergeant brought a hoof to his chin and scratched it as he thought. “It’s clear that they mean us no harm, if the fact that the alien saved our flanks shows anything. However, I don’t doubt that if we provoke them, they could easily wipe us out. I honestly think we should handle this peacefully. Instead of trying to hunt them down like animals, we should try to get them to come out of hiding and talk with us.”
The Captain nodded in agreement. “I think that’s for the best... Corporal?!”
The tent’s guard emerged from outside and stood at attention. “Sir?”
“Alert everypony that no more patrols may leave the base until I say otherwise. If the aliens show up, attempt communication and contact me. Anypony who attacks the aliens without being attacked first will be court martialed and punished severely.”
“Yes sir!” the guard said, saluting before leaving the tent.
“Sergeant, I want you to make sure your squadron gets plenty of rest. Once you have ensured they are getting their deserved R and R, come back here. I’d like you to be here when the princesses show up.”
“It’d be an honor, sir,” the Sergeant said.
“Dismissed. See you in a few,” the Captain replied.
Silver Bullet nodded and saluted, something the Captain returned, before making his way out of the tent.
Twilight looked out her window as a formation of Royal Guards marched by the Golden Oak Library, shaking the entire library as they passed by.
“T-Twilight?” the lavender unicorn heard a familiar shy voice ask shakily.
“Fluttershy?” She asked as she turned around, spotting the diminutive yellow pegasus standing in the doorway, “Can I help you?”
“Oh... well... I-I was wondering if I could stay over here for a few days... the Guard evacuated everypony near the crash... i-if that’s okay, that is,” she requested, doing her best to shrink from view.
“Of course you can stay here, Fluttershy. I’ll have Spike prepare the guest room,” Twilight said, rising from her seated position and making her way over to her shy friend.
“A-are you sure? Because...I don’t want want to intrude...” Fluttershy said, hiding behind her long pink mane.
“Yes, I’m sure. Don’t worry about a thing. What about your animals?” the lavender unicorn asked.
“Oh... the Guard has animal specialists to look after them... I hope they don’t miss me too much...”
“Don’t worry, Fluttershy. I’m sure you’ll be allowed to go back in a few days, maybe later tomorrow if you’re lucky.”
Fluttershy nodded shakily. “What are you doing... if you don’t mind me asking, that is?”
“Nothing in particular, just doing some notes on the crash, the possibility of alien creatures, what their technology could mean for Equestria, what they could look like, and what could happen if Equestria faced an alien invasion. I’m certain that’s what they are here for. Equestria has plenty of natural resources for the-”
“Um, Twilight?” Fluttershy interjected.
“Hmm?”
“How do you know they are... you know... invading us...?” she asked.
“It’s mainly just a guess... though they did attack me when I was investigating the area.”
The yellow pegasus gasped in shock, then started thinking about it. “Twilight... what do you mean by investigating...?”
Twilight’s face turned a bright pink. “Well... I sort of followed them...”
“When backed into a corner, and scared, an animal will defend themselves, Twilight. The fact that you are still here shows that the aliens didn’t mean any harm, they were just scared.” Fluttershy said knowingly.
“I dunno... it was pretty close...” Twilight said, thinking it over in her head.
“Don’t be so quick to judge... they might be peaceful and kind.”
Twilight remained silent for a moment as she processed this information. "I'm not so sure about that, Fluttershy. But you may be right. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see, and hope we don't enter an interplanetary war with them."
Master Chief Petty Officer Edward Buck stood over the corpse of a Covenant Elite, his combat knife glistening with it’s purple blood, slowly dripping down onto the floor below. It had been a challenging fight, something he would have not won when he was a simple ODST. But now, he, as well as the rest of his old squad, were now Spartan-IV’s, the new best of the best. The only downside as far as the former ODST could see is that they had to use Naval ranks now.
He honestly missed being Gunny.
“Bastard nearly got me,” Buck said as he turned towards the rest of Fireteam Firefly. “It would have dropped us in the rankings for sure. Thanks for help.”
“We thought you had him, and look, we were right,” Romeo said with a shrug.
“It doesn’t really matter. Mission accomplished. Drinks all around,” Dutch said, as the scenery began to shimmer and fade, revealing the UNSC Infinity’s massive VR room, used by the Infinity’s complement of Marines and Spartan IV’s to train. Though they typically took on other Spartans in training scenarios, they could also take on AI controlled by the Infinity’s smart AI Roland, whom sometimes actually made better opponents than actual Covenant.
“Nice job today, Spartans,” Roland said, his avatar appearing before them. “You’re now tied with Fireteam Crimson for second. Impressive. Please clear the room for Fireteams Sword and Talon. Thank you.”
“You heard the computer, let’s move, gentlemen.”
As the five Spartans made their way out the room, Mickey spoke up. “You guys hear about the new Halo they discovered?” he asked.
“You mean the one teaming with flood?” Buck inquired.
“Yeah.”
“What about it?” Romeo asked.
“FLEETCOM is talking about possible deploying the Infinity to try and clean off the ring, or at least hold off the swarm until we deactivate it.”
“No thanks,” Dutch said., “I know Spartans are supposed to be up for suicide mission and all... but that’s a bit much for me.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it, though,” Mickey replied, “it’s more likely they’ll just nuke the entire surface and recover whatever is left.”
“If there is anything left.”
"I dunno, those Forerunner ruins are pretty-"
“Hey, Spartans!” someone called out.
Buck looked over his shoulder and noticed a Marine running their way. “What’s up, Marine?” he asked.
After taking a few moments to catch his breath and regain his composure, the Marine spoke up. “Captain’s about to make an important announcement. You guys should head to the mess hall. That’s the closest room it’s being broadcasted at,”
“I guess I could use some chow,” Buck said with a slight shrug. “Let’s get a move on, Firefly.”
The Master Chief hid among the brush, watching the equine military camp set up outside of the remains of the Dawn. The camp was surprisingly large, seeming to circle the entire debris field. This would make getting back to the Dawn for supplies, ammo, weapons, and transports damn near impossible without hurting any of the natives, something the Chief wanted to avoid unless completely necessary.
“Chief,” Cortana spoke up, “I’ve noticed that every single patrol that comes back in isn’t going back out, nor are any new patrols going out. Either they have simply given up, or your actions earlier showed that you don’t mean them any harm.”
“Which means?”
“I don’t know, honestly,” the AI admitted. “I suggest we stay here and observe to see if their behavior doesn’t change in the morning, then we’ll act.”
The Spartan nodded in agreement. As he continued to watch the Equine camp through the scope of his sniper rifle, the Chief's mind wandered to Cortana's earlier issues. Cortana had become increasingly unstable since arriving on this planet, and even before then, something was wrong before they got onto the Dawn. It needed to be addressed.
“Cortana...”
“Hmm? Something on your mind, Chief?”
“What was with your earlier outbursts? You’ve been increasingly unstable since we got here,” the Spartan said, removing the AI’s data chip from his helmet and holding it in front of him.
“As I explained before, I’m fine,” she said, her avatar appearing on the chip. “It’s just the crash.”
“Something was wrong before the crash,” the Spartan pointed out.
“Chief, really, I’m fine,” she said, her voice and avatar distorting slightly.
“Cortana...”
The AI’s avatar turned away from the Spartan, instead looking towards the rising sun. “I was put into service eight years ago...”
“Eight years...?” he asked as he looked away, pondering this.
Cortana’s avatar turned back towards the Spartan. “AI’s deteriorate after seven, Chief.”
The Spartan went silent for a moment as he thought this through. "Halsey..." he said.
“Chief...”
“We need to find Halsey.”
“Chief, please.”
“She made you,” the Spartan said, “...she can fix you.”
“I won’t recover from rampancy, Chief.”
“If we could just get back to Earth, and find Halsey, she could fix this.”
“How?!” the AI demanded. “We’re stranded on a planet light years away from UNSC space. The sentient species on this planet are still using swords and centurion armor, so even if we got on good terms with them, they probably couldn’t help much."
"Remember... don’t make a girl a promise you can’t keep," Cortana reminded him.
Before they could continue, the duo noticed a pair of patrolling sentries trotting their way.
“We need to move.”
The Chief nodded, putting the AI’s chip back in his helmet and falling back into the forest.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 19 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2013-11-09T06:50:43+00:00
|
2019-09-15T21:26:09+00:00
| 12,983 |
Fireteam Firefly walked into the mess hall, which was currently packed with a variety of Marines, Naval personnel, and Spartans, all eagerly waiting for Captain Del Rio to make his announcement. On the holoscreens displayed throughout the mess hall was a message alerting people of the impending announcement.
Buck looked over to Monk, the squad’s former rookie, and pointed him over to an empty table in the Spartan portion of the mess hall. The Spartan nodded, getting the message, and made his way over there to save the spot for the rest of his fireteam.
The fireteam quickly made their way through the grub line, Buck getting a sizeable portion of chow mein for Monk as thanks for him saving their spot.
“So, what do you think this announcement’s about? Must be pretty big.” Dutch mused as the fireteam took their seats, Monk nodding in thanks to Buck as he slid the plate of noodles and assorted vegetables over to him.
“Maybe the brutes decided to make a return?” Mickey suggested.
“That’d make things... interesting,” Romeo said, unconsciously placing a hand over the spot where he was impaled by a brute chieftain’s gravity hammer four years earlier.
“What if FLEETCOM is actually sending us to a flood-infested ring?” Buck asked, earning a few chuckles from his men.
“That’d be bad news, for the flood,” Romeo said.
Monk nodded in silent agreement.
Before the fireteam could discuss the topic any further, the face of Captain Del Rio appeared on all of the holoscreens all at once.
“Crew of the UNSC Infinity, this is your Captain speaking,” his voice boomed.
“Recently,” the Captain said, “one of the drones tasked with exploring space outside of former and current UNSC controlled territory has come across something very important. A beacon.”
A nearby technician looked from his station and recognized his cue, pressing a button, playing the transmission for all to hear.
“Mayday, mayday, mayday,” the transmission boomed, “this is UNSC FFG-201 Forward Unto Dawn, requesting immediate EVAC, survivors aboard. Prioritization code Victor 05-3-Sierra 0117.”
The Captain noticed a few heads poke up upon the words 'Sierra 0117'.
“As some of you may know, the Forward Unto Dawn was involved in action in the later stages of the Battle of Earth, as well as the Battle of The Ark. In the end, the Dawn and three individuals stayed behind to destroy The Ark and the newly constructed Halo ring, destroying the flood from infecting and killing everyone, and stopping the Halo rings from activating and killing us all. After this, half of the Dawn returned to Earth, with only the Arbiter on board. It was revealed that Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, one of the three who stayed behind, sacrificed his life for us all. The other half, as well as its one occupant, went missing and was presumed lost.”
“Crew of the UNSC Infinity, this drone has found the Dawn crashed in a previously undiscovered Earth-like planet.”
“We have found Spartan-117, and we have been tasked with recovering him.”
Spartan-117 hid and watched for the rest of the day and the next night, watching the equine camp for anything suspicious or any changes in their behavior, only stopping to change position if any of the sentries patrolling the perimeter got to too close for comfort. From what he saw, the forces stationed here were armed with swords and spears, though the unicorn soldiers could use powerful magic spells against enemies. Even a few soldiers, who were dressed olive green uniforms, carried what looked like firearms from the late 19th century or the early 20th century. There was also a few cannons set up here and there, which the Spartan could easily dodge. Such a military force wouldn’t prove a challenge for a platoon of Marines, let alone a half-ton Spartan.
All the Chief knew was that he needed to get into Dawn. He needed food and ammo, as well as transport. Sure, the Spartan could easily survive by himself, but eventually, the fusion pack powering his armor would fail, leaving it useless. He would also eventually run out of ammo, leaving him to his fists and his wits. While this wouldn’t be an issue in normal situations, from what he saw in the past twenty-four hours, this forest was filled with all sorts of dangers, including those timberwolves from the first night, hydras, manticores, and even a dragon. This planet was like something out of a fairy tale, just much more real and dangerous.
It was either he made contact with the equines and hope that they would be peaceful, or he would have to remove them.
“Cortana?”
“Hold up Chief, something’s happening,” the smart AI said, “look.”
Captain Firewall stood at attention, Sergeant Silver Bullet by his side, as the Princesses’ chariot descended from the heavens, landing perfectly in front of them. Two Royal Guards rushed forward and opened the chariot’s door, revealing Princesses Luna and Celestia.
Everypony in the immediate vicinity bowed before them.
“Rise, everypony, please. Do not let us get in the way of your work,” Luna said.
As everypony got back to work, the princesses approached the awaiting officer and Sergeant. “Good morrow, Captain Firewall, Sergeant Silver Bullet,” the Lunar Princess greeted.
“Your Majesties,” both of the stallions greeted, bowing before them.
“Please rise, we have much to discuss,” Celestia said.
Both of the Royal Guards rose off the ground. “Follow me, please, Your Majesties.” Captain Firewall requested.
The Master Chief watched through the scope of his sniper rifle as two equine soldiers, one wearing dark crimson armor instead of the usual golden armor, lead two much larger equines into a much nicer tent compared to the surrounding ones--likely a command tent.
The larger equines were adorned with jewelry and wore crowns. The white equine had the symbol of the sun on its flank, and the dark-blue equine had the symbol of the moon on its flank. They also seemed to have a lot of protection, as roughly a dozen of the soldiers followed them and guarded the tent’s entrance.
“My guess is that they are this nation’s or state’s rulers,” Cortana said. “The regular soldier with them is the squadron leader you encountered, so they are likely being briefed on the Dawn’s crash, and you.”
“Cortana, I need to get to the Dawn. If we can’t get in there, we can only operate for so long,” the Chief said. “Either we go in there and wipe them out, or try some diplomacy.”
“Taking them on is out of the question. From my count, there is over a thousand soldiers in the area, plus probably more in the nearby settlement. Most are armed with swords and spears, but there are also the soldiers in the olive drab uniforms armed with primitive firearms. Also, those unicorns seem to wield some powerful--as much as I hate to say it--magic. I don’t know what they can do with those horns, so I wouldn’t want to risk it, especially when one out of every five soldiers are unicorns. No, diplomacy is the only option. Let’s save blasting our way out as a last resort.”
“Agreed,” the Spartan said. “How should we go about this?”
Private Lucky Clover and Corporal Horse Shoe walked along the perimeter of the Royal Guard encampment, their semi-automatic MK3 Colt rifles hanging loosely at their sides. They were two of just fifty-two members of the Equestrian Army sent to reinforce the Royal Guard. They had been sent in response to the Guard learning the aliens were armed with projectile weaponry, superior to their own, as reported by a member of a pegasi squad who encountered one of their soldiers. Apparently, they were surrounded by a pack of timberwolves, and out of nowhere, an alien soldier came out of the treeline and wiped out the entire pack without even getting his armor scratched. The two soldiers prayed to Celestia that they did not get in a firefight with one. It would surely be the end of them.
“Pleasant morning, isn’t it?” Lucky Clover asked, watching his breath come out as a mist.
“Indeed,” Horse Shoe agreed.
The two continued their patrol along the perimeter in silence, enjoying their pleasant morning walk. Though most of the Royal Guards would hate to do patrols this early, the members of the Equestrian Army stationed here reveled in it. Most of their soldiers were stationed in extreme environments, areas too dangerous for the Royal Guards to police, and, of course, combat zones. To the Equestrian Army platoon stationed here, it was like they died and found paradise.
However, the pleasantness of the morning couldn’t last.
“H-H-Horse Shoe...?” the Private asked shakily.
“Yes?”
“I-Is that w-what I think that is?” he asked, pointing into the distance.
The Corporal looked into the distance and stopped dead in his tracks when he spotted what the Private was talking about.
There, walking towards them, was a seven-foot tall bipedal creature, dressed head-to-toe in olive-drab armor, carrying what the Corporal guessed was the automatic firearm that the member of the pegasi squadron told them turned half a pack of timberwolves into splinters into a matter of seconds.
This was the last thing that the two soldiers wanted to encounter this morning. Even the Corporal, a veteran of two wars, could feel his bowels ready to release.
“Come on, Private,” the Corporal said with a gulp, “we have orders.”
“You can’t be serious, Horse Shoe,” Lucky Clover said, looking at the Corporal like he was a madpony.
“We all gotta go sometime, kid,” Horse Shoe said as he started walking towards the alien. “Besides, Firewall will likely do much worse to us if we fuck this up.”
Lucky nodded, following the Corporal. “At least this will be quicker.”
“Indeed.”
“Looks like we attracted some attention,” Cortana said. The Chief noticed too. Two of the equine soldiers dressed in olive-drab fatigues and armed with primitive firearms on patrol noticed the super-soldier heading towards the camp and were now heading towards him.
“Let’s hope that they are friendly,” the Chief said.
The Chief stopped his approach and let the equines come to him. In an attempt to come off as less threatening, the Spartan clipped his assault rifle to his back and let his hands fall to his sides, though he was careful to keep his magnums within reach.
When the equine soldiers eventually reached, they stood there for a few moments and looked up at super-soldier, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and awe.
One of the soldiers shook his head, shaking him out of his trance. “Good morning,” he greeted simply.
“Morning,” the Spartan responded.
“Off to a good start, I guess,” Cortana commented.
“Corporal Horse Shoes, Equestrian Army, 22nd Infantry. This is Private Lucky Clover, also a member of the 22nd Infantry.”
The Spartan nodded to them. “Spartan-117, UNSC Navy, Master Chief Petty Officer.”
From the way the two equine soldiers stiffened upon hearing his rank, the Spartan guessed that there was some sort of Navy within their military, and that they were aware of his status as a NCO.
“I’ll be honest, sir, this isn’t how I expected first contact to go,” the Corporal said with a side. “Captain Firewall, the pony in charge of this camp, ordered everypony here to attempt to make communication with you or any other aliens... I guess the next step is to take you into camp to talk with the necessary ponies. Would you mind following us, Chief?”
“We came this far,” Cortana said.
The Spartan nodded to the Corporal.
“That’s about it, Your Majesties,” said Sergeant Silver Bullet. “I personally don’t believe these aliens wish to harm us, despite what Miss Sparkle may think. If they truly wanted to kill us, why did that soldier save us? Why didn’t he just watch those timberwolves tear us apart, or kill us himself?”
“We agree with the Sergeant’s analysis, sister,” Luna said.
“Captain Firewall!” A guard said as he entered the tent, “Pardon my interruption, but we have a major situation that requires both your and the Princesses’ attention.”
“What is it, Private?” the Captain asked.
“You’re gonna want to come out here and see for yourself,” the guard said before leaving the tent.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 20 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2013-11-15T22:31:47+00:00
|
2013-11-20T06:25:38+00:00
| 8,424 |
As the Chief followed the two equines--or ponies, as they called themselves--into the camp, he received the reactions he expected. Much like with the previous soldiers he met, he received wide stares, their eyes full of fear and wonder. Some of ponies did their best to get out of the area, or at least stay out of the Spartan’s way. Some got closer to look at the seven-foot, half-ton alien super soldier. But most spoke in hushed whispers, sending curious glances the Spartan’s way. It was much like the reaction the Spartan-II’s would receive when they came into contact with UNSC forces or civilians.
The thought of his brothers and sisters, most of which were dead--piles of ash on the glassed remains of Reach--brought a shiver down the Spartan’s spine.
The Spartan also noticed quite a few unicorn and soldiers in olive-drab fatigues were following the trio in a loose formation, trading uneasy glances with each other. A smart move.
“Officer on deck!” Corporal Horse Shoes called out, causing everyone in the immediate vicinity, including the Spartan, to stand at rigid attention.
The Spartan caught sight of the soldier in crimson armor, flanked by a dozen other soldiers. The Chief guessed this was the officer the Corporal was speaking about.
Unlike the pony soldiers, who would just stand there and stare, the officer marched straight up to Spartan, looking up the Master Chief with eyes full of... something.
“My name is Captain Firewall. I am the head of the Equestrian Army’s Royal Guard division. Thanks for saving my colts,” he said, holding his hoof out to the Spartan.
“Sir,” the Chief responded, reaching out and accepting the Captain’s hoof, shaking it while making sure not to crush it.
“Corporal Horse Shoe, Private Lucky Clover?” Captain Firewall said, turning to the two soldiers.
“Sir?” they responded.
“Thanks for not bucking up first contact. I got it from here,” the Captain said. The two soldiers saluted, which the Captain returned, before trotting off.
“Do you have a name, soldier?” Firewall asked the Chief.
“You can call me Master Chief,” the Spartan answered.
“I see. Navy?”
The Spartan nodded.
“Excellent. Please, follow me,” he said to the Chief, “we have a lot to discuss.”
“Change course to heading one-two-five, and prep our slip space drives,” Captain Del Rio ordered, watching the vast expanse of space from his command chair.
“Coordinates inputted. We should arrive at planet six-six-three-seven-echo in a week, give or take a few hours,” Roland stated, his avatar hovering above a nearby data pad.
“Commander Lasky, I want you to get Fifty-Fifth Tactical ready for deployment, and alert Fireteam Firefly that they will be hot-dropping with two combat teams from Seventh Shock Troops Battalion on the Forward Unto Dawn’s crashsite and securing it for us.”
“Yes sir. Will I be going down with them?” Commander Lasky asked.
“Affirmative. Go get your equipment ready to go and head to cryo,” Del Rio ordered. The Commander saluted, then made his way out of the bridge.
Fireteam Firefly jogged down one of the many hallways of the Infinity, stripped down only to their black bodysuits.
“Attention, all non-essential personnel,” Del Rio’s voice boomed over the Infinity’s PA system. “Please report to cryo.”
“Think there will be any hot alien babes on that planet?” Romeo asked.
“Probably. But they will almost certainly want nothing to do with you, Romeo.” Buck responded.
The fireteam hung a right, nearly running straight into Commander Lasky.
“Sorry, sir!” Buck apologized, as the fireteam regained their composure and stood at attention.
“No need to apologize, Chief. You actually made my job a lot easier,” Lasky said, taking a couple seconds to regain his breath. “Fireteam Firefly will be hot-dropping on the planet with a couple combat teams from the 7th Shock Troops Battalion. It will be your job to secure the crashsite for the incoming Marine forces. Your men up to the job?”
“Of course, sir.”
“Good. Get to cryo. I’ll see you guys on the ground.”
The fireteam saluted as the Commander sprinted past them. Once he was out of sight, the fireteam continued their journey to the nearest cyro.
The Chief now found himself outside of the command tent, where he earlier spotted Captain Firewall enter with the two supposed rulers of this land. The tent was now guarded by two dozen unicorn soldiers, plus a good amount of soldiers in olive-drab fatigues milling about the area. Someone was being awfully cautious about his presence.
“Cortana, keep track of the pony forces in the area,” the Spartan ordered.
“Already on it, Chief,” the smart AI responded. “There are more soldiers in the surrounding tents. My guess is they are just being cautious, but it doesn’t help to be on guard.”
The Chief nodded in agreement, and reached for the tent flaps to open it, but soon found a red, armored hoof reaching in to stop him.
“I’m sorry, but I gotta ask you to leave your weapons outside. Just a security precaution. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me carrying in a sword if I went to meet your leaders for the first time.” Captain Firewall explained.
The Chief nodded, as he place his assorted weaponry aside in a neat pile. “As long as you don’t touch or move them.”
The Captain nodded and made his way into the tent
The Spartan hoped that he was just being paranoid as he followed Firewall inside of the tent.
Inside waited the squadron leader of the pegasi he had saved earlier, as well as the two larger ponies he had spotted during his earlier recon. The white pony reacted much like Captain Firewall had earlier, giving the Spartan a quick once-over. The dark blue pony looked up at the Spartan with eyes full of wonder, looking much like a child.
“Master Chief, meet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They are the leaders of the nation of Equestria,” Firewall stated.
The Spartan sent a respectful nod their way.
“And I’m sure you remember Sergeant Silver Bullet here,” the Captain said, motioning to the pegasi.
The Chief and the Sergeant shared respectful nods.
“Chief, I’m picking up something with the Dawn’s short ranged sensors, which are still operational, for the most part. Could be nothing, but I’ll look into it,” Cortana spoke up.
The Spartan acknowledged the AI with the slightest of nods.
“Is there anything you could tell us about you, Master Chief?” Celestia asked.
Everypony immediately leaned forward slightly, interested in what the alien super soldier had to say.
The Spartan quickly thought about what to say, considering there wasn't a whole lot he could say without breaching protocol, and spoke up. “My designation is Spartan-117. I am a Master Chief Petty Officer in the United Nation Space Command’s Navy, and am a member of the Spartan-II program. My mission is to defend Earth and her colonies from any threats, whether it be insurrectionists or Covenant. Everything else is classified.”
“Might I ask... what is a Covenant?” Princess Luna asked the Spartan.
“The Covenant was a collection of alien species who worshipped a species of advanced and long dead aliens known as the Forerunners,” the Chief explained, noticing the princesses share an uneasy glance at the mention of the Forerunners. “They declared humanity a threat to their religion and went from colony to colony, burning entire planets into glass and killing billions.”
Sympathetic and shocked looks spread across the faces in the ponies in the room.
“Damn...” Captain Firewall commented.
After a few moments, Princess Celestia spoke up. “Chief... I am so, so sorry to hear about that.”
The Spartan nodded slightly, only to acknowledge her condolences. “We won, and saved everyone in the galaxy from death. That’s what counts.”
The room remained silent for several minutes, interrupted only by Celestia occasionally sipping on her tea. Then, Princess Luna spoke up.
“Are there... any other survivors? From the crash, I mean,” she asked.
The Spartan shook his head. “I was the only one on board.”
“So, it’s only just you?” Luna asked.
The Master Chief nodded.
“I must ask you, Master Chief, what is your purpose here?” Celestia asked.
“I have no purpose here. My ship crashed here. I need to find a way back home. That’s as far as it goes.”
The two princesses shared a glance before looking back to the Spartan. “We have no reason to doubt your intentions,” Celestia said. “I will allow you to stay in the nearby town of Ponyville on the condition that you will be followed by an escort, just in case.”
The Chief nodded.
“Very good. You may stay in the camp for tonight, as my student will need to prepare for your arrival,” Celestia said, before rising. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we must return to Canterlot. The nobility is making quite a fuss over your ship.”
Celestia trotted out of the tent, Princess Luna following behind her. However, the blue princess stopped at the exit and turned towards the Spartan. “Master Chief... I would like to invite you to join me tonight at my observation deck.”
“No thanks,” the Spartan replied.
A small giggle escaped the princesses lips. “It’s nothing like that, I assure you... I have some things to talk to you about the Forerunners.”
“She knows something, Chief,” Cortana spoke up.
“I want to get a few things from the Dawn first.”
Princess Luna nodded. “May I join you? I could be of some assistance.”
“It’s your land, ma’am,” the Chief responded, walking past the princess. The princess blinked and thought about this for a couple seconds, then chased after the Spartan.
“Is this useful?” Princess Luna inquired, pulling a rocket launcher out of a pile of rubble with the help of her telekinesis. The Chief plucked the rocket launcher out of the air and gave it a thorough examination. Though it was heavily scratched and chipped, it appeared in working order. This was great news, considering the Spartan had come across a few cases of 102mm HE AT missiles, yet no working launchers.
“Good find, Princess,” the Spartan complimented, tossing the launcher into the bed of a nearby, intact warthog.
The princess made her way over to the warthog and looked inside of the bed of the hog. “Do you really need all of these... things, Master Chief?” she asked, looking over the large assortment of weapons, ammo, rations, and other supplies.
“It’s better have something and not need it than to need something and not have it,” the Spartan retorted.
“Too true, Spartan,” she said, turning away from the warthog. “Is this everything you need? There are quite a few ponies eagar the examine the wreckage.”
“One more thing,” the Chief said, reaching behind his helmet and pulling out Cortana’s chip, holding it out in front of him. Cortana’s avatar appeared seconds later, much to the amazement of the Spartan’s company. “Cortana, wipe all classified files from the Dawn’s system, provided they still exist.”
Cortana’s avatar nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s done,” she said after a moment. “Chief, regarding the earlier anomaly, I am almost seventy percent certain there is something in orbit around the planet, though I cannot identify what.”
“Keep tabs on it. Alert me of any and all changes,” the Spartan ordered.
“Understood,” Cortana responded.
“What is that, might I ask?” Luna asked, pointing to Cortana’s avatar.
Cortana’s turned towards the blue alicorn. “I am Cortana, UNSC AI Serial Number CTN0452-9,” she responded.
Suddenly, the AI’s avatar faltered and distorted, turning a shade of red. “I am a monument to all your sins,” she said, her voice distorted, before her avatar returned to it’s usual blue color.
“Cortana?” the Chief asked, concerned.
Cortana’s avatar turned towards the Spartan, looking up at him with a weak looking smile. “I’ve been in better condition,” she said, her voice distorting mid-sentence. “Let’s just hope we can get to Halsey before it’s too late.
Princess Luna looked concerned. “Pray tell, is there something wrong with Cortana?” she inquired.
The Master Chief looked back to the princess. “It’s complicated.”
“I see. Shall we head to Canterlot?”
“I’ve got everything we need,” the Spartan stated, placing Cortana’s chip back in his helmet and climbing into the warthog. Princess Luna looked at the seat beside the Chief’s, but ended up hopping into the warthog’s bed.
“Is there some sort of trail leading to Canterlot?” the Chief asked.
“Yes, but there’s no need,” Luna responded.
Before the Spartan could ask her what she meant, the princess's horn glowed a bright blue. Seconds later, the warthog, the princess, and the half-ton super-soldier disappeared without a trace.
|
MnM
|
1526
| 21 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Crossover,Human,Dark,Science Fiction,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Haylo: A New World
|
The Chief wakes up to find the remains of his Frigate has landed on a colorful, new planet.
|
complete
| 536 | 72 |
<p><b>Please read the pre-word prior to reading the remastered or original version.</b></p><p>"Wake me, when you need me."</p><p>The year is 2557, 5 years after the destruction of The Ark. The threat of the flood is gone, the Covenant is a small shadow of its former self, and the universe is now at peace. Or so it seems, as the remnants of the U.N.S.C. Forward Unto Dawn is sucked into another portal, causing it to crash into the land of Equestria. Will the inhabitants of the planet accept or exile him, and is there a new threat looming? Will Spartan-117 be able to handle it? Find out the answer to this and much more in Haylo: A New World.</p>
|
teen
|
2013-11-24T21:39:10+00:00
|
2013-11-26T00:25:36+00:00
| 9,810 |
The Master Chief felt his body disassemble into millions of atoms, before reassembling seconds later. The feeling was much like when he was teleported around the surface of Installation 04.
The Spartan looked around, finding himself still inside of the warthog. However, he was no longer inside of the wreckage of the Forward Unto Dawn, instead finding himself in front of a large palace.
And he was now surrounded by pony soldiers, swords and spears drawn.
“Out of the... whatever that is!” one of the soldiers shouted.
“Stand down, guards!” a voice boomed, louder than the sound of a scorpion’s main cannon firing. Spartan-117 looked up to see Princess Luna hovering over the warthog, her eyes glowing a fierce blue. The sight was quite intimidating.
“My apologies, Your Majesty!” the lead guard responded, as all of the guard realized their mistake and bowed before the princess. “With the crash in Ponyville, we have been ordered to--”
“I care not for your excuses! Be gone!” Luna boomed, before landing beside the Chief’s side of the warthog. “If you guards want me and our guest to forget this mess, you’ll ensure that all of this stuff makes it to my observatory, safe and sound!”
The Spartan was about to protest, but the look the princess gave him told him to keep his trap shut.
“I’ll take my weapons. They can get the rest,” the Chief said, hopping out of the warthog and maneuvering his way to the back.
There wasn't much the Spartan could recover from the wreck, only a couple weapons cases, some ammo, and the rocket launcher Princess Luna found.
“Come along, Spartan!” the princess called out, walking away from the hog. The Spartan nodded, slinging the rocket launcher over his shoulder and picking up a weapons case in each hand.
The Chief followed the princess into the palace and through its grand halls. Most of the ponies avoided the Spartan like the plague, though some of the nobles whispering slanderous remarks to each other. Most of them watched the Spartan uneasily, keeping a close eye on his weapons.
The deeper the two went into the palace, the less civilians there were, and instead were replaced by a growing number of guards.
The princess stopped at a doorway, guarded by four ponies dressed in dark armor. They were a subspecies that the Spartan hadn't seen before. They looked like a hybrid of pony and bat. They seemed much more intimidating than the guards and soldiers the Spartan had come across previously. In addition to their intimidation factor, these guards were also armed like the soldiers, carrying rifles as well as swords.
The guards bowed in unison before the princess, something the princess, much to the surprise of the Spartan, returned.
As they all rose together, one of the guards, his pitch-black armor decorated in red war paint, stepped forward.
“Good evening, Princess Luna,” he greeted.
“Good evening, Lieutenant Ardent Moon,” she responded.
“We weren’t expecting you to bring company. Shall the servants prepare refreshments for two?” the Lieutenant inquired.
The princess glanced towards the Spartan.
“No thanks,” the Spartan said.
The Lieutenant nodded. “The refreshments will be up immediately, Your Majesty.”
Ardent Moon tapped his hoof against the floor. Upon hearing this, the two guards nearest to the door opened it and held it open for their princess.
“Please enter, and alert us if you require anything,” the Lieutenant said.
“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Luna said, as the junior officer and the princess bowed to each other.
The two passed by the guards, the Spartan nodding respectfully to the Lieutenant, as they walked through the doorway, the guards outside closing the doors behind them. Beyond them was a stairwell.
The two quickly ascended the stairs and entered a large room at the top. The walls were painted a dark blue, and were adorned with beautiful paintings of past heroes and the night sky. At the opposite end of the room was a balcony, where several small telescopes were standing.
But the main feature of the room was the skylight, allowing the Spartan to see most of the night sky from inside the room.
“Please, make yourself at home, Master Chief,” Luna said with a smile.
The Spartan nodded, placing one of the gun cases on a table near the center of the princess’s observatory, undoing the clamps and opening it. Inside of the case were two M7 SMG’s, accompanied by ten sixty round magazines, loaded with 5x23mm M443 caseless rounds. Inside it were also two suppressors and red dots that could be installed on the SMG’s, transforming them into M7S’s.
As the Spartan went to work stripping down the SMG’s and cleaning them, Princess Luna took a seat on a cushion at the opposite end of the table.
“What are you doing?” she inquired.
“You have to to clean these out every so often, otherwise they break when you need them most,” the Spartan explained, finishing with the first SMG and moving onto the second.
“I see. I would assume you wouldn't have to clean futuristic weaponry such as yours," the princess commented.
The two sat in silence as the Chief continued to work. At one point, a few servants came in and placed out some tea and snacks. The Spartan ignored these treats, still unsure if it'd be safe to eat their food or not, while Luna picked up a cookie and gingerly nibbled on it.
After several long moments of silence, with only the sounds of Luna sipping on tea and the Spartan fiddling with his weapons, the alicorn spoke up. "Spartan... in our earlier meeting, you mentioned a race of aliens known as the Forerunners. Is that correct?”
“Yes," the Chief answered.
“I have something to talk to you and your blue friend about regarding the Forerunners. Do you mind?”
After a moment's hesitation, he shook his head and finished up with his last SMG, then removed Cortana’s chip from his and placed it on the table. Cortana’s avatar showed up a few moments later.
“Give me a moment,” Luna said, rising from her cushion and walking over to a bookcase filled with aged tomes. After scanning through the various tomes, she took out a particularly old book and examined it, before placing it on the table.
“While ponykind and our fellow sapient species are ignorant of this, me and my sister have already known of the existence of the Forerunners,” Luna said, taking a sip of her tea before opening the book.
As the princess opened up the tome, a slim, dusty piece of metal fell out of the book and landed on the table. With the press of a button, the piece of metal activated and displayed a large hologram of a planet. The hologram was so large it practically consumed the entire
“What is this?” the Spartan asked.
“It’s a map of this world, 10,000 years ago, millennia from before Equestria even existed. It was scanned by an alicorn scout ship near the end of the Era of the Alicorn,” she explained, flipping the page.
“The alicorns have reigned over the local star system for eons. Our influence spread over this star system and several nearby ones. All this was thanks to the Forerunner relics that were leftover on our home planet.”
“If your species was this advanced and were spread across the galaxy, what happened to them?" the AI suddenly asked, "Why are you now using such primitive technology?”
Luna closed her eyes, considering her next words carefully. “This book covers everything up until near the end of the Era of the Alicorn. We were only children back then. All I remember is that we were left on this planet with a dozen other foals and some soldiers. This planet was discovered only a few years before the end of the Era of the Alicorn, so nopony got around to colonizing it.”
“As for our lack of advanced technology, we weren’t left with much. Just food and these books. However... according to the information we have, this planet has plenty of Forerunner artifacts. We would go there ourselves and harvest whatever technology there is left, but me and Celestia both agreed that our little ponies are not ready. History would most certainly repeat itself.”
“Chief,” Cortana said, turning towards the Spartan, “what if there is something there to help us get home? Or, maybe even help with my rampancy?”
The Master Chief looked towards the princess. “Is there any way we could get access to these relics?”
Princess Luna nodded. “I’ll organize an expedition. A good place to start would be the original capital of Equestria, which was built over an underground Forerunner structure, perhaps a bunker. It was abandoned long ago, so the wilderness has overtaken it, which means the castle grounds are likely very dangerous.”
“I think I can handle it,” the Spartan stated.
The princess shook her head. “No. Even with your armor and weaponry, there are many unknowns involved. We’ll have to bring a guard escort.”
“They’ll only slow me down,” the Chief said.
“Not these guards. Trust me,” Luna replied. “We’ll leave in the morning. You can sleep up here. Get plenty of rest... you’re gonna need it.”
The Chief looked around, examining his new, yet, surprisingly familiar surroundings. He found himself on a hill overlooking what appeared to be a school. The sounds of children playing and laughing filled the air.
Realization hit the Spartan moments later. He was back at his old school, before he met Halsey. Before he was kidnapped at the age of seven and trained into a soldier with an unmatched killing capability. Before the Covenant. Before the Halo Rings. None of that mattered back then, when he was a carefree child.
The Master Chief looked down to see a large group of children rushing the hill. Most of their faces he couldn’t place a finger on, but he could identify a few of the faces. He could spot his brothers and sisters among the crowd, pushing and shoving each other in an attempt to get to the top of the hill and challenge the king. Samuel, Kelly, Linda, Fred, Will, and Kurt, all there mixed in with the crowd.
His brothers and sisters emerged among the crowd, having brutally beaten down the others. They charged the Chief with eyes full of fierce determination. While the Master Chief’s movements were refined and super-fast, much like they are in the present, the movements of his brothers and sisters were sloppy and chaotic. The Spartan easily took on the others, knocking them down the hill one by one, until only he and Samuel-034 remained.
They stood there, unflinching, staring each other down. Neither of them willing to make the first move.
Before either of them could make a move, the school and the surrounding area turned into an inferno, the sounds of play being replaced by blood-curdling scream of pain and agony.
The Chief was briefly distracted by this, looking up into the sky as he watched a fleet of Covenant cruisers descend from the heavens, their excavation beams burning the planet to glass.
“This place will become your tomb...” Cortana’s voice echoed from the heavens. Spartan-117 turned back to his brother, only to find him replaced by a Covenant elite, an energy sword held tightly in its claws. The elite let out a hearty, guttural laugh as it picked up the kicking Spartan, whom was unable to do anything but spit in the alien’s face.
The elite growled, wiping the spittle away from its face before impaling the Master Chief with his energy sword, then throwing him into the fire, where his fellow Spartans burned.
“This is how the world ends...”
“Wake up, Spartan!” Luna shouted, shaking the fretful super-soldier. She was awoken early by his thrashing and cries of anguish. She was shocked that her observatory wasn’t invaded by a Royal Guard response team.
The princess soon realized her mistake, as one of the Spartan’s hands shot out, grasping the blue alicorn by the neck. The alicorns long life flashed before her eyes as he tightened his grip around her neck.
Thankfully, seconds later, the Spartan loosened his grip and let her go. The princess choked and regained her breath
The Master Chief rose from the floor, glancing down at the princess. “Are you okay?”
The princess coughed a few times before rubbing her throat. "Yes, I believe I shall live."
"I apologize, ma'am. I-"
Luna held up her hoof to his face, signalling him to stop, as she shook her head. “I understand. I’ve been there myself... do you have dreams like that often?” she asked.
The Spartan didn’t answer.
“I see... there are ways to stop them, you know. If you ever need any help, please, ask me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The Princess nodded, rubbing her neck lightly with a grimace. “Thank you for not crushing me, Master Chief. I am certain it was well within your capabilities.”
The Spartan remained silent.
“Master Chief, I suggest you gather whatever you want to bring with you. But try not to go overload, Spartan,” she said. “I must gather our escort. I’ll come back in ten minutes to retrieve you.”
“Understood,” the Spartan said. Luna nodded to the Chief, before trotting out of the observatory.
“Chief... what if we don’t find anything useful inside of the temple? What if we’re just wasting our time?” Cortana asked.
“Then we’ll wait. Someone will eventually come along and find us,” the Spartan responded, clipping the SMG’s to his legs.
“I certainly hope so,” Cortana said as the Chief grabbed a battle rifle and some extra ammo for all of his weapons.
“If we don’t escape, Chief, and I end up going rampant... I just want to say it’s been an honor serving with you, John,” the AI said.
“Don't say that,” the Spartan said, picking up a few fragmentation grenades.
After a few moments, Princess Luna poked her head into the observatory. “Are you ready, Spartan?” she asked.
The Master Chief nodded.
Luna waved him along. “Come on. Our chariot awaits.”
The Spartan and the princess quickly made their way through the palace’s halls, their footsteps echoing down the nearly empty corridors.
“Where is everyone?” the Chief asked.
“Save for a few guards and servants, there isn’t many around at sunrise. Which is good news. We don’t have to launch in the afternoon rush,” Luna replied.
The two then walked in silence. The Master Chief took this time to examine what the Spartan guessed was princess’s combat loadout. She was wrapped in a worn, tan cloak, which completely covered most of her body. If it wasn’t for both her wings and horn sticking out, and her large stature, she would've been likely unidentifiable as the princess she really was. At her sides were two large blades, similar to scimitars, which were kept in place by two midnight blue sheaths with her mark on it.
Once they exited the palace, the Spartan caught a glimpse of what would be accompanying them. Five of those bat pony soldiers stood in formation, their rifles balanced against their shoulders. They stood there, unmoving, looking more like statues than living creatures. Like Luna, they were all adorned in worn, tan cloaks, hiding their identities to only the most observant. Next to them was a single chariot, all pulled by standard guards.
The princess walked towards the guards. They stood at each other for a moment, before they bowed to each other in unison.
As they rose, Lieutenant Ardent Moon stepped forward, holding his rifle out to the princess. “On behalf of the Lunar Guard, please accept this rifle. It has served us well, and it will serve you well.”
The Princess smiled, taking the rifle and giving it a quick once over, before sling it over her shoulder and bowing to the Lieutenant. “I thank you for this gift, Lieutenant.”
Another guard walked forward and handed over a bandoleer holding ten magazines. After the guard helped the princess with the bandoleer, they shared a quick bow and the guard fell back into formation.
“We await your order, Your Majesty,” Ardent Moon said.
“Mount up,” ordered the princess.
It was a rather short and uneventful flight to the old castle. Unlike what the Chief was used to when he was being flown in a combat zone, there were no shoot down sentries, no banshees waiting to ambush him, and no anti-air turrets on the ground. Just a short, peaceful flight, with only some slight turbulence once they got over the forest past the Dawn's crashsite.
The chariot passed over the castle once and began it's descent. It passed the walls of the castle and landed in the overgrown courtyard. The moment the chariot touched down, the Spartan shoved the doors open and rolled out of it, bringing his battle rifle to bear. The Lunar Guards followed his lead, quickly fanning out and setting up a tight perimeter around the chariot.
"Sector's clear!" one of the guards shouted.
"Excellent," Lieutenant Ardent Moon stated, before looking back at the chariot, "We're clear, your majesty!"
The princess stepped out of the chariot, unslinging her rifle and examining the area around her. For a moment, she appeared lost in her memories as she seemed to space out for a few moments. But quickly shook out of that and got her head back in the game.
"Lieutenant, you and Corporal Moonshine stay with the chariot," Luna ordered, "and set up a perimeter with our drivers. The Spartan, the others and I will go on."
"Copy that. Good luck, Princess." the Lieutenant said.
"We should be fine, Lieutenant. The chamber's guardians were deactivated long ago," the princess said, before turning to the others, "Come along, Spartan. I have point."
As the Chief rose from his position and followed the princess away from the chariot, his motion trackers lit up with movement. As soon as it appeared, however, it was gone.
'Odd', the Master Chief thought to himself.
The shattered glass from the castles long shattered windows cracked underneath the metallic boot of the Spartan as he and the Lunar Guards accompanying them followed the princess through the castle's halls. As the princess had told him earlier, the castle was indeed reclaimed by nature and was slowly falling apart. Luckily, they hadn't run into any wildlife beyond a few rabbits, who ran away in terror the moment they spotted the Spartan.
Suddenly, the princess stopped and held up her hoof. The Spartan stopped in his tracks and took a knee, while the Lunar Guards checked their surroundings.
"Do you hear that...?" Luna asked the Spartan with a low whisper.
The Master Chief listened for what she was talking about. After a few seconds, the Spartan heard it too.
The laughter of children.
"Why would foals be this deep in the Everfree?" one of the Lunar Guards wondered aloud.
"Come, we must investigate." the princess said.
As the five followed to source of the laughter, the laughter was soon replaced by singing.
"Ring around the rosy..." the voice sang, "a pocket full of posies."
The five turned the corner and found themselves outside once more, this time in a small playground with old rusted and falling apart playground equipment. At one time, it must have been filled with children, but now, it was empty.
Except...
Three foals stood in the middle of the playground, staring at the five.
"What are you three doing out here?" the princess asked concerned, racing towards them, "Do you have any idea how dangerous this place is? Where are you parents?"
Instead of answering the question, the children continued to sing. "Ashes... ashes... we all... fall... down..."
And then, the three smiled. But it wasn't a normal smile. It was an evil, sinister one. One so sinister that it gave the princess pause.
"What are you?" she asked.
"Chief," Cortana said with a distorted voice, "I'm picking up multiple contacts on your motion tracker."
Several green bolts, similar to a plasma bolt from a plasma pistol, flew towards the princess. The Spartan raced forward and stood in front of the princess, his energy shields easily absorbing the bolts. A swarm of what appeared to be a hybrid of pony and an insect flew over the ground, firing these same bolts at them. One of the guards were hit in the head by one, instantly killing them.
"CONTACT! CONTACT!" one of the two surviving Lunar Guards exclaimed.
"IT'S AN AMBUSH! RETURN FIRE!" the princess ordered.
|
DavidReinold
|
1527
| 1 |
Crossover,Dark
|
Darkly Dreaming Dash
|
incomplete
| 19 | 5 |
<p>Credit to Coffeebean for help on Zecora's lines in chapter 2.<br /><br />Meet Rainbow Dash, a polite Griffon in pony's clothing. She's talented and loyal, but something in her past has made her abide by a different set of rules. She's a serial killer whose one golden rule makes her extremely likeable: she only kills bad ponies. And her job as a blood splatter expert for the Ponyville police department puts her in the perfect position to identify her victims. But when a series of brutal murders bearing a striking resemblance to her own start turning up, Dash is caught between being flattered and being frightened - of herself or some other fiend…</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-06-27T14:59:23+00:00
| 1,111 |
Cloud. Glorious cloud. Heavy, distant reddish cloud, a hovering shadow in the sky, dampening the moonlight into obscurity. Yet the night remains brighter than day for in the day we are blinded from the darkness, a darkness unto itself. On this night I could feel the howl of the Equestrian wild, not the fauna but the tertiary scum feeding on flowers in the jungle of modern society. In the distance I felt a petal drop and swooped in upon it like a spectrum-maned terror.
The howl also came from within me, a guttural scream of need. The Need that drove me each night to hunt my prey. The Need that made me tremble and jitter and shift in my seat whenever it went unsatisfied. Unfortunately, This Need was rather frowned upon by my fellow citizens of Equestria. But they don't know what I am or what I do, and they are happier for it. Were they to discover my habits they would never understand. So, I decided, it was better if they just didn't find out. Logically.
Of course I prepare first, and I prepare well. That was the first rule of the code of Firefly, cover your tracks and always be 100 percent sure, and then 20 percent more just so you're 100 percent sure that you're 100 percent sure. If everything is just going to fall apart, there was never any point in trying.
Then I stalk my prey. Learn their patterns, habits, daily routines. Work out an opportune moment would be to catch them in my trap and skin them for hide. They are animals, yes, but not stupid. They can tell when they are being followed by one of their own.
Fortunately, I'm good at not being one of their own.
* * *
The time was right. Darling Dash takes the back seat and lets her hungry friend, the Changeling, take the wheel. Now we think as one. The Need harnesses my meticulous methods as we begin to stalk our prey.
We took to the skies and sought out The One. It was still early, so she probably wouldn't be out yet. But this was deliberate - my Changeling knew what it was doing. For nearly an hour I circled the Ponyville skies (doing what was, if I do say so myself, a very convincing impression of practicing stunt routines). When Princess Luna's beautiful luminous musical moon was at the peak of the sky, I saw her. The One. The grotesque and disgusting soul that my Changeling wanted me to dispose of.
I attempted to calm my Changeling. Soon, very soon, it would be satisfied, another little corner of our world would be cleaned up.
My Changeling sang with merciless glee.
There, on the ground, stood Berry Punch. She seemed innocent enough at a glance, but once I went into her criminal record, I started to second-guess that first impression. Seven counts of drunk and disorderly conduct, the third of which came bundled with one count of accidental mareslaughter. That looked suspicious, so I dug a bit further. She used to have two young ones as well, it seemed. One was in a trauma ward, the other in protective custody. Both had been severely beaten by their dear loving mother.
If I had emotions, I'd be feeling sick to my stomach just thinking about it. And that wasn't even the last of the horrors. But as my mind wandered over my research, my Changeling reminded me to keep my eyes front and center.
So there she was. Leaving a nightclub with her pal Carrot Top. When the two friends parted ways for what we gleefully noted would be their final time, I pulled my ShadowBolt-styled mask over my face and went to work. Gently swooping down next to her, I put a hoof over her back and whispered in her ear.
"Hey, hold up there Berry Punch. You sure you can manage? You look absolutely wasted."
With her half-dead wits, Berry Punch jumped, apparently attempting to react to my recent appearance in the vicinity. Oh, how I hated dealing with drunks.
"Oh....hi Rainbow Dash," she said slowly, just barely managing to keep from slurring her words.
"Hello! Hi. Should I walk you home?"
"No....no, I'm fffffffffine."
"You don't look fine. Here, let me walk you home..."
"Ok-kay...."
Well, that was easy. I walked her down the street past countless corner stores and bakeries and all sorts of repair shops. What a glorious and peaceful town Ponyville could be when it wasn't being overrun by murderous fiends.
And no, I am not a hypocrite. But thank you for asking.
* * *
When we reached the crossroad where one would normally turn to got to Berry Punch's house, I lead her instead further down the street we were already on. She put up no fuss. If nothing else, her being intoxicated made it easier to proceed with the plan.
We were probably a half-mile farther down the road before she realized we were headed in the wrong direction.
"Hey, this...isn't the way to my housssssssse," she mumbled vaguely.
"I know, I just wanted to show you something."
"Ok-kay..."
She was more wasted than I expected.
After about a mile, we reached the older Ponyville neighborhood, filled with old, unoccupied houses, most of them dilapidated and almost reclaimed by nature. It was disgusting and beautiful at the same time.
I led her inside a house with boarded up windows.
"This place looks...familiar..."
"It should, this is your old house. Now just hang on a moment."
I sunk into the darkness of the empty house and made my presence scarce. As I circled back around behind her, I flitted my wings and noiselessly found my opportune location, the spot just to her left, just out of view, where she wouldn't pick up on my presence. With a swift and fluid motion I pulled a hypodermic from my saddlebag and cleanly ran it through the vein under Berry Punch's jaw.
She was out like a light.
* * *
I watched as she opened her eyes. I could see in them that a hangover was beginning to grip her.
"Augh, my head...hey, do you have any asprin?"
It amused me that she hadn't even noticed what I'd done yet.
"I already gave you a drug for the hangover. It will be over quickly, but it will be extremely harsh. You'll have to endure the pain for about 10 minutes," what she didn't know was that compared to what I was about to do to her, a hangover feels like a mere tickle.
"Okay, thanks...but hey...why am I being held down by plastic wrap?"
"Oh, that's so you don't try to escape."
Her eyes widened. Perhaps she realized who I was and what I was here to do. Perhaps she was late for some appointment. I had no idea, and it made little difference to me.
"Now, before we begin I'd like to show you a little presentation..."
On a screen right above her, I projected a photo of a young colt with a white coat and blue mane, and an umbrella for a cutie mark.
"This is Brolly. He passed away nearly two years ago. You don't remember when it happened because you were drunk, which is ironic, because you did it."
I could see her begin to hyperventilate. Her eyes narrowed in pain from the hangover. I didn't like this reaction, so I shined a bright light in those eyes. Tears filled them and she just about screamed.
"Hey," I said, "stay with me."
I put the light away and continued. I pressed a button and the slide changed to a picture of a filly and a colt playing together. The filly was slightly older and had an indigo coat and bubblegum-pink mane, while the colt, being younger, had a light-green coat and pure white mane.
"Here we have Berry Crunch and Sweetberry, your son and daughter respectively, both out of your care, in protective custody and the Trauma Ward respectively. But you already knew that. What's next. Ah yes..."
I killed the projector and kicked on the recessed lighting to reveal a dank and unpleasant basement. In this new light, I stood over Berry Punch and looked into her eyes.
"I see your hangover is gone."
"Y...yes..." she was almost in tears, which satisfied me. Satisfied us, the Parasprite and I.
"Good. I need your full attention for the final introduction before we begin our main event."
I stepped aside and pressed a button. The screen above us was pulled back to reveal a horror behind it. A truly disturbing sight that made even a monster such as myself writhe in agony and distress. Fortunately, I had strong nerves. For the satisfaction of this cleansing, I would endure the sight.
Berry Punch, on the other hand, had no such discipline. Her face was a faucet of tears and I was sure if she kept it up, she'd drown before I could have my fun. She squirmed and thrust every mobile joint against the bondage of the plastic wrap.
It was truly a horrific sight. I'm not even saying that hypothetically as though I had feelings - this made even me feel something, deep down. It was painful enough to search for them and dig them up, but it was another thing entirely to string them up to display for her. I was disrespecting their memories by doing that to them, but I hoped the effect of this horrific display would give them peace as their young, unlearned souls attempted to discover what you do when you're dead.
"I swear...I didn't mean..."
"Oh but you did. The only question is....why?"
"I didn't-!"
I'd heard enough for the moment. I stuffed a cotton gag in Berry Punch's mouth and, with a quick flit of my scalpel, ran a cut through her cheek. One quick fluid motion and I'd gathered some of her blood in a dropper.
Drip, drip. The blood found its way onto the microscope slide. I covered the tiny piece of glass, and, with part one of my routine complete, removed the gag from Berry Punch's mouth again.
"Now tell me...why did you kill them?"
"I didn't-!"
"Tell me!"
"They...they wouldn't shut up...Every day I'd come home and the brats would be over...I'd kick them out, and the little monsters who brought them here got what they deserved...but it just got worse, and I couldn't help myself..."
"...I understand."
"You do?"
"Completely. You see, I can't help myself, either. But this, no. I could never do this, not to foals. I could never kill a filly or a colt. It goes against my very existence. And that's why, now, I have to end your precious little life. You've done something to sicken me, and like I said, I can't help myself. I need to take a life. So now, Berry Punch, it's your turn to atone. If you wish to pray, I suggest you start quickly."
"But...but I'm not religious."
"Even better, that speeds things up." I wandered over to a silver table where sat several sharp metallic instruments of all sorts and sizes. I selected my favorite and returned to the operating table, "Well, if you have nothing more to say for yourself...let's begin."
I replaced Berry Punch's gag and went to work. As the pink mare sobbed, my Parasprite sang. And for that moment, as all the life drained from that horrible creature, I felt a surge of life enter my soul. In that moment, I felt alive. I felt Equine. Emotions filled me and consumed me. Nostalgia, pleasure and pain mingled in my heart and I reveled in it. But soon, the moment was gone, and before me sat an empty husk which I would have to clean up.
What a pain.
So I was back to being myself. For a moment, one fleeting but perfect moment, I had been a true mare. But now the moment had passed, and I was once again hollow inside. I returned to being that meticulous beast, the griffon in pony's clothing.
The polite monster, Rainbow Dash.
|
|
DavidReinold
|
1527
| 2 |
Crossover,Dark
|
Darkly Dreaming Dash
|
incomplete
| 19 | 5 |
<p>Credit to Coffeebean for help on Zecora's lines in chapter 2.<br /><br />Meet Rainbow Dash, a polite Griffon in pony's clothing. She's talented and loyal, but something in her past has made her abide by a different set of rules. She's a serial killer whose one golden rule makes her extremely likeable: she only kills bad ponies. And her job as a blood splatter expert for the Ponyville police department puts her in the perfect position to identify her victims. But when a series of brutal murders bearing a striking resemblance to her own start turning up, Dash is caught between being flattered and being frightened - of herself or some other fiend…</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-12-05T03:53:21+00:00
| 1,893 |
Two hours isn't exactly a record time clean up for dearly demented Dash, but to be quite fair, I had taken my sweet time picking this one apart. That horrid monster was even more monstrous than I, and that took skill. She had not only out-monstered me, she had offended me on a personal level. What she'd done to those poor colts and fillies left me with a bad first impression already. But the process itself...she didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped, so I had to work double-time and enjoy it enough for both of us.
Usually there's at least a muffled screaming, and some sort of resistance when I pull out the big knives. But all I got were a few tears that faded quickly. It was no fun at all. It was like she'd already repented before my performance had started, and by the time the first incision was made she'd already come to terms with the fact that she deserved this fate.
Such a shame, I rather enjoyed being able to watch as the evil left their dying eyes. I relished in those last few moments, seeing the repentance consume them as they settled down. But this time? None of that, not even the slightest bit. The remorse was already upon her. When they already feel the regret and embrace the acceptance before I even have a chance to start, it feels like I'm killing an innocent, which the Code of Firefly tells me to avoid at all costs.
It wasn't just me, the performance was a team effort. And if one of the players finishes their lines before the other player takes center stage, that's a bit of a lame performance if I do say so myself. I'd want my money back, except the players were also the audience, which I supposed made it easier to self-critique. Well, for one of us anyway. The other, clearly, was in no such capacity to say much of anything.
It was half-past two in the morning. I gathered up the mutilated remains in my industrial-grade saddlebags and set off outside.
* * *
I loved the skies. In the sky, I was alone. Nopony could fly as high or a fast as I could. I loved that when I was in the skies, I could be myself. No facade to put up so the other ponies wouldn't see me for who I was. No, I could just be...myself. Well, myself and the little Parasprite voice that lingered in the back of my dragon-brain.
It also conveniently so happened that the skies were the perfect place to scout out-of-the-way areas. The kind of area where nopony would notice, say, a dismembered body or twenty.
The population of Ponyville's recent suburb, Cadaverville, had a meager population thus far. Fourteen residents total, all with severe criminal records. It was quite a rough neighborhood, especially its location, which was the bottom of the gorge that surrounded the House of the Royal Pony Sisters, deep within the Everfree Forest.
Correction, make that fifteen. With a dull thud, Berry Punch found the last home she would ever need, alongside her kin, the other monsters.
With the knowledge of a job well-done, I flew back to Ponyville so I could report for duty.
* * *
My good friend Twilight Sparkle had asked me to help her start a makeshift Police Department in Ponyville. Technically, it was Celestia's idea - after our work using the Elements of Harmony to stop Nightmare Moon and Discord, she decided that it might be a good idea to work on a local law enforcement team. I had no problem with this - it only made it easier for me to get information and scout new victims.
Given my skills in motion, agility and choreography, it was natural that I'd be given the job of blood spatter expert; and the best part was, I could pin my intuition on visualization without ever having to reveal that I actually knew from experience. It seemed like a pretty sweet deal.
As the fastest flier at their disposal, I was also appointed as a field officer. I got to run around and hunt down the criminals. Same game, but with a slightly different outcome. I had no problem with this, unless the criminal happened to be guilty of something detestable and horrid, in which case I would have to painfully wait as the justice system processed them and eventually spat them out.
No justice system involving Fluttershy could ever have the death penalty.
* * *
When I reached the PVPD headquarters, I was greeted by my friends and co-workers. They were all smiling - not because they liked me, of course, but because I had brought doughnuts. It was a weird sensation, being temporarily liked. I wasn't sure I wanted to feel it again. I knew better than to think anyone here cared about each other, but if they were as good at pretending to be friends as I was at pretending to be normal, I couldn't complain. I could play that game, too.
The first one to greet me was Pinkie Pie, the only pony on staff who I knew sincerely cared about me. We hadn't known each other for particularly long, but I felt I could trust her. Given how few feelings I experienced throughout my life, it stood to reason that the ones that did crop up were worth listening to.
"Hey, Dashie!"
"Hi, Pinkie Pie. Anything new?"
"Well it sounds like Colgate just called in a cold one. But I haven't been there yet, so I wouldn't know."
"So wait...why is everypony here, then? And not at the crime scene?"
"Zecora got there first, and she asked us to hold back while she combed over the scene. It sounds like it's a really odd piece of work."
"And so you're just hanging out here until you get the call?"
"I might not even get a call. I'm the only one not on this case at the moment."
I felt genuinely bad. I cared enough about Pinkie to hope that she'd get what she wanted. In this case, she wanted to be able to investigate homicides, which was a steep deviation from her current job of 'morale-booster'. When she wasn't keeping everypony's spirits up, she was regarded as somewhat of a nuisance. Nopony believed her to be capable of any serious detective work. I knew better, of course; my Parasprite told me about her potential. I could feel it too - I could sense that she had good intuition and that her thought process worked more quickly and accurately than anypony else's in the department. Even more than the genuinely genius Twilight Sparkle.
I don't believe in wishing for things, but if I did, I'd wish for Pinkie to get the promotion.
* * *
We let an hour or so of happy doughnut munching pass. When all the doughnuts were gone, I picked up the box and went to throw it out. When I reached the trash can, I noticed that the box was like me. Empty inside. Before I could ponder this potentially symbolic notion, Spike marched in through the front door of the PVPD and reported that Zecora was ready for us to have at the crime scene.
"I'm just warning you now," he said, turning slightly pale, "...it's awful. Do guys mind if I stay here?"
"Go ahead, Spike," Twilight spoke up, "we'll take it from here. And Pinkie Pie...you stay here and hold down the fort, okay?"
Pinkie tried so hard to hide her disappointment behind that weak smile. She deserved better. I stayed back a moment.
"You go on ahead, Dashie," she said weakly, "they're just doing what they think is right."
With a slight nod and a returned smile, I followed after the crowd.
* * *
There's something disarming about the sight of a crime scene in as happy and peaceful of a town as Ponyville. It's like walking into a new and edgy toy store. Corpse R' Us. Colts, check out our sales on body bags, aisle 5. Three-inch rolls of Police Tape come free with every purchase.
We entered slowly. About eight yards in, we were greeted by Zecora, the local medicine mare who was now what you might call a lab tech. When she wasn't sweeping crime scenes for every possible detail, she was running all sorts of toxicology reports. I truly respected her proficiency at the job they'd given her. Although perhaps I am a bit biased. After all, Zecora shares my opinion on Pinkie Pie. As a level-headed and logical pony, she too was also able to see Pinkie Pie's potential in the investigative field.
"You should be careful going past this site, for it will give you quite a fright."
"I'll keep that in mind. So you're headed back to the lab, then?" Twilight spoke up.
"Indeed, my wise and studious friend, my time in this place has reached its end."
"Well, when you get there can you mix up something to calm Spike down? He seemed a bit upset."
"And I shall do just as you tell, for I do wish to make him well."
And with that, she was off.
Fluttershy was talking to the Mayor, which at every crime scene seemed to be her way of avoiding the crime itself. I had no quarrel with this method. At least she was able to do something useful. I wanted her to succeed almost as much as I wanted Pinkie Pie to succeed. She had been a classmate of mine back in Cloudsdale, and since those days I'd always been a big sister to her. I'd stood up for her numerous times.
Cloudsdale...hazily I was drawn back to those days...
My first kill, a bittersweet nostalgia gripped me.
This is not the time for reminiscing! My Parasprite whispered into the back of my dragon-brain. Eyes front and center, as always. The Parasprite never let me think about the past. Only about the future. What to do, what not to do. What will happen and what absolutely cannot. That was where my focus had to lie if I was to keep up this imitation.
Applejack came running back from the crime scene. Her face was pale and even her rock-solid applebucking legs were a bit wobbly. I'd never seen her so upset.
"Zecora n' Spike weren't kiddin'. This one here's a bit of a doozy..."
She looked up and noticed me.
"Rainbow, I'm just gonna throw this out there...we might not need'ya on this one..."
I stepped back a pace, "Why not?"
"You're our blood spatter expert. And, well...there's no blood here. Not gonna lie to ya, sugarcube, that makes you a mite useless to us."
No blood? This I had to see. I tried to ask my Parasprite what I could say that would get me in, but it was too busy having a fit of eager giggles. I decided to wing it.
"Is it okay if I take a look anyway? Just on my personal time?"
"Wait, you want to go in there? Well...ah s'pose ah can't stop ya', but ah warn ya, it's horrible."
My Parasprite was doing cartwheels inside my frontal lobe, and there was nothing I could do to calm it down except to go in and get the wait over with. I made for the police tape that surrounded the drop site, when I was stopped by none other than Rarity.
"It bothers me that you actually desire to see such a sight."
"And it bothers me that you agreed to join the team despite wanting to never see anything of the sort."
"But you seem to...enjoy it," her face contorted into a slight grimace.
"Am I not allowed to revel in an opportunity to put a killer behind bars?"
Rarity paused for a moment.
"You just...you scare me a bit sometimes, Rainbow."
She turned away and galloped off to speak with Twilight. What scared me was very different from what scared Rarity. I gathered a bit of fright from the idea that, among all the ponies Celestia picked to track down criminals and stop evil, Rarity was the only one with even the slightest clue something might be just the slightest bit not right with our favorite sociopath.
Perhaps I'd overestimated everypony.
I rather hoped nopony else desired to speak with me before I went in to see the body. My Parasprite had gotten bored with doing cartwheels and was now proceeding to drag race across my cerebellum. The intensity of the wait was too much for it. I decided to give it peace.
Slowly, carefully, I nudged open the gate that lead to the dump site in the back alley behind Colgate's "Dentally Challenged" tooth-care shop. Before me lay the unfortunate mare. As it seemed, all the scare was over nothing.
I thought it was beautiful.
|
|
Chatelier
|
1530
| 1 |
Big Macintosh,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Childhood Toys
|
Something little can end up meaning so much...
|
complete
| 189 | 7 |
<p>Something little can end up meaning so much to a pony, just as one little moment can lead to a whole new situation. Big Macintosh and Twilight Sparkle realize that, all thanks to a little doll.</p><p>(Fanfiction inspired by the crazy events of Lesson Zero. This is a story idea that would just NOT let me sleep until I had written it out.)</p><p><b>Note:</b> This story has been cross-posted to Fanfiction.net under the same pen name, and to my Deviantart under the pen name "Quarkonia."</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-16T06:29:28+00:00
|
2011-10-16T06:29:28+00:00
| 10,741 |
Twilight Sparkle walked up to the Apple family home overlooking Sweet Apple Acres. She had gotten a letter from Big Macintosh asking her to come to their house at a certain time of the day, and not to tell anypony else. The purple unicorn wondered why he had done so, but decided paying a visit to the quiet stallion would be good after the craziness a few days ago that involved her tardy letter to Princess Celestia.
She knocked on the door and heard a crash sounding from within, followed by the sound of Big Macintosh saying "ow."
"Is everything okay in there, Big Macintosh?" she called out, raising an eyebrow at the door in front of her. She was already halfway through remembering a spell to break it down when the door swung open, revealing a rather embarrassed-looking bright red stallion.
"Howdy there, Twilight Sparkle," he greeted with a cough, his face just a shade redder than the rest of him. "Thank ya mighty kindly for comin' over on such short notice," he told her.
"Well, your letter looked like it was written in a hurry," she said, using her magic to take the letter out of her saddlebag to show him. "It didn't even come in the normal mail. I just found it slipped under the door of the library this morning."
"Miss Twilight," the letter began in rather sloppy writing. "I've got something important for you here at my family's farm, please come by at 2 o'clock and please don't tell Applejack or any other pony." The words "please don't" had been underlined several times, further emphasizing Big Macintosh's need for secrecy.
"You're lucky Spike didn't find it or else I'd never heard the end of his questioning," she remarked with a chuckle. "I was just having my morning cup of tea when I noticed it on the floor."
The stallion nodded. He had actually been the one to deliver the letter himself, going to Ponyville early in the morning before anypony in Sweet Apple Acres was awake, shoving it under the door of the library, and then running back to the farm to be in the middle of plowing the fields by the time his sister woke up. He had been counting on the fact that Twilight Sparkle mentioned to him once that she always had to wake up Spike in the mornings, and was therefore usually the only one in awake in the library at that time.
"So, what have you've got for me? And why two in the afternoon?" Twilight asked, breaking Big Macintosh out of his thoughts. "You're usually out working the fields at this time," she remarked.
He let out a cough, looked around as if to check if anypony might be around, and then ushered the purple mare into his home. "I asked you to come at two since AJ's usually out sellin' apples and apple treats in Ponyville, Applebloom's out playin' with her friends, and Granny Smith's havin' a very slow walk around town at this time," he explained as they walked through the house, eventually stopping in front of a door with a sign hanging on it. The sign matched the green apple half that Big Macintosh had on his flank. "This here's my room, and it's inside here. Would you like to come in?"
The purple mare blinked. "Uh... Well, if it's where this important thing is, I suppose so. Plus, if it'll help you with your worries about keeping this all a secret, I'm fine with it," she replied.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Well, you keep looking at the windows as if half-expecting somepony to catch us in here," she told him, chuckling. The bright red stallion chuckled as well, albeit nervously.
He opened the door and led her inside. She noticed that the room had the basics, such as a bed and storage space for Big Macintosh's things. She also noticed that there was a chart tacked up on one wall, with different dates indicating when they had to plant and harvest. In the middle of his simply-decorated room was a rug, and on that rug was a familiar-looking toy.
"Smarty Pants!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed happily, trotting over to her doll and picking it up. "I thought I'd lost you a few days ago! But how did you..." She trailed off, looking at Big Macintosh, who was blushing again.
"Well... After the crowd dispersed... I kinda... I kinda..." He quickly looked left and right. "I kinda took your doll home," he said very quickly and quietly.
"Even after the enchantment wore off?" she asked him, a confused expression on her face.
A sheepish grin appeared on Big Macintosh's face. "Well... Eeyup," he admitted. "I took her home right after everypony else had gone and made sure none of 'em saw me. I can't really explain why, guess I got caught up in the moment," he remarked. "But anyway, once I got home, I realized that I had to give her back to you. I just had to wait for the right time." He shrugged. "And I can't have AJ findin' out about this," he muttered.
"I won't tell her, I promise," Twilight replied. She looked at her doll again, and noticed that she seemed a little different. "Did you..." She noticed how Smarty Pants' button eyes were sewn back on securely, how she was no longer leaking stuffing, and how she looked like she had gone through the wash. "Did you... Repair Smarty Pants?" she asked in disbelief.
She turned the doll over in her hooves. Although the faded color remained, she noticed the new stitching on some parts of it and the rest of the changes to her childhood toy. The stitching was a little uneven but Smarty Pants definitely looked better than a few days ago.
He rubbed the back of his head with his hoof. "I hope ya don't mind, Twilight. I just fixed her up a little for ya, as an apology for takin' her. It was a little hard though," he said, holding up a hoof. "I ain't used to workin' with tiny things like needles and such. Sorry if it seems a little sloppy."
Twilight gave him a smile. "No, it's fine." She looked at the doll in her hooves again, and was reminded of the feeling she experienced when she first received Smarty Pants. Her smile brightened and she laughed. "Thank you, Big Macintosh. This was very sweet of you," she told him, causing him to blush.
The stallion returned her smile with one of his own. "You're welcome, Twi... Just wonderin' though..."
"Hm?" She looked up from the doll.
"Was Smarty Pants your favourite doll?" he asked her.
Much to his surprise, Twilight let out a laugh. "Yes, she was," she said, gently setting the doll down on the rug and sitting down. "She didn't come with the really pretty mane that all the other fillies had on theirs, and she didn't have all the bows and ribbons either," she began. "But she had her own pad of paper and quill, and I always used to pretend she was writing down her assignments whenever I was doing my own assignments. Whenever I'd be studying, she was always right next there to me. Nopony could really separate us when I was younger. She wasn't the prettiest doll in Canterlot, but I always believed she was one of the smartest ponies there."
"One of the smartest ponies," Big Macintosh echoed. "Just like you, Twi. I think you're one of the prettiest too."
Now, it was Twilight's turn to blush deeply and look away. An awkward silence descended on the pair. The stallion broke it a few moments later with a cough.
"I-I-I mean! I... I..." he began. "Uh... I mean... I understand what it's like to have a favourite toy," he quickly said. "One that ya just can't seem to let go of and such..." Twilight turned to look at him, tilting her head to one side. "I'll show ya..."
He went over to a chest and opened it, rummaging around for a while until he found what he was looking for. Using his teeth, he carried something bright red over to his visitor, and set it down next to Smarty Pants.
"This here's somethin' my Granny made for me when I was younger," he told her. Twilight looked at the toy. It was a pony similar in size and shape to Smarty Pants, just a bit bigger. It had bright red coat made out of plush material, a mane and tail out of orange yarn and two green buttons for eyes.
"It looks just like you!" Twilight exclaimed, chuckling.
Big Macintosh smiled. "Yeah... Granny Smith gave it to me after she saw me lookin' at all the other colts with their new superpony toys," he told her. "She told me that even if this pony didn't have magic or could fly like the other ponies, she said this pony had something just as good."
"What's that?"
"She said that this pony had a hard-workin' nature. He took real good care of his family, 'specially his two younger sisters. He was big and strong, so he'd plow the fields and work even harder. That sure was somethin' I needed to hear," he told the mare, who looked at him in confusion. "Oh, when I was younger, I was bigger than the other colts. Kinda made me feel a little bad, on accounta I'd sometimes accidentally break stuff like the seesaw if I sat on it, or a toy 'cause I didn't know my own strength. But I felt better after Granny Smith gave me Mini Mac and told me that story. Made me feel better, and made me realize I could put all my physical ability to good use."
Twilight laughed. "So, he's big and strong, just like you?"
Big Macintosh laughed as well. "Eeyup, I guess."
"And he works hard on the farm, just like you?"
"Eeyup."
"And he cares about his family, just like you?"
"Eeyup."
"And he's a handsome-looking pony, just like you?" Twilight asked, making her voice a little higher and levitating Smarty Pants in front of Big Macintosh's nose.
"Eeyu-What was that?" Big Macintosh asked, looking at the doll in front of him in confusion.
"I think Mini Mac's a looker," 'Smarty Pants' told the stallion, who sat down opposite the doll and picked up his own toy to hold up, and cleared his throat before speaking in a different voice as well.
"Really now, Smarty Pants?" 'Mini Mac' asked 'Smarty Pants.'
"Yeah-huh!" 'Smarty Pants' replied. "Twilight Sparkle thinks so too!"
"Really? Well, thank ya kindly, Smarty Pants. Better thank Twilight Sparkle when I see her."
"Can you keep a secret, Mini Mac?"
"You can count on me, Smarty Pants."
"Twilight thinks that Big Mac is one of the sweetest, most caring, and hard-working ponies she has ever met," Twilight's voice returned to normal as she finished her sentence, and she finally gathered the courage to look the stallion in the eye.
"Well, Big Mac thinks Twilight is also one of the most caring ponies he's ever met," he started, his voice normal now and green eyes locked with Twilight's purple ones. "How she's always helpin' out her friends, and Ponyville, and even Sweet Apple Acres. And that she's the smartest pony he's ever met. And that..." He took a deep breath. "She's amazing."
"You're pretty amazing yourself," Twilight said, her voice barely above a whisper. Both of them were sporting blushes on their faces, and they had both let their toys drop to the rug, Smarty Pants and Mini Mac leaning against each other.
"Twilight Sparkle," Big Macintosh began. "If can make a humble request... Would you let me bring you for a walk through the apple orchard?" he asked her in a hopeful tone. "They look mighty pretty this time of the year."
"I would love to," she replied and gave him a warm smile.
They went out to the orchard together, both of them talking about memories from their childhood, all brought on by a simple doll.
|
Terse
|
1531
| 1 |
Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Sad,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
All The Ladies In Waiting
|
Twilight and her father share a moment on her wedding day.
|
complete
| 23 | 2 |
<p>A short piece based on a beautiful picture by Dr. White. Twilight’s father has a moment with her on the day of her wedding. Spike is present. The groom is indeterminate.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-16T01:09:53+00:00
|
2011-10-16T01:09:53+00:00
| 1,925 |
All The Ladies In Waiting
By Terse
“Hey, dad?”
Orion was silent for a moment as they turned the corner towards the entrance to the grand hall. The imposing wooden double doors, thrown open in celebration of the grand occasion, loomed large and intimidating ahead of them; Twilight couldn’t help but flinch a little at the thought of quite literally crossing the threshold between her old life and the new one that awaited her, only just managing to avoid stumbling over her own hooves. Behind her, Spike, lost in dazed contemplation, bumped into her backside, reeling back for a moment before shaking his head and returning to idly following along in bedazzlement.
The blue unicorn couldn’t help but grin, starry mustard eyes glittering with mirth and joy. The age on him felt palpable - wrinkles all over his face, mane and tail shot through with gray, creaky old bones barely managing to plod along - but the sight of his beautiful daughter, all dolled up in the same gown and bridle Dazzle had been wearing on the day of his marriage, was enough to fill him with revitalising energy.
Orion had never thought he’d see the day he’d finally be able to hand his only little girl over to someone else, someone who would hopefully take his little filly in, make her happy, and maybe someday give him a grandfoal of his own.
The thought rankled a little in his mind, in a way he felt was completely understandable. She’d been daddy’s darling little girl for so long, and he’d thought she’d always be that way. Suddenly losing her to someone else’s love and affection struck a jealous chord in his heart, one that sang with notes of fear and apprehension, for her and for himself.
But every time their eyes made contact, he couldn’t help the tears that welled up in his own. She looked amazing. Her star-spangled ears danced merrily with anticipation, and though it seemed she could barely stand on her own four hooves, her eyes, though fearful, were resolutely trained on the doors ahead of them.
The elder unicorn slowed to a halt, raising a single hoof and gesturing for Twilight to stop. She did, though quizzical; Spike caught himself at the last moment, falling into place next to Twilight with the hem of her wedding dress still clutched tightly in his tiny dragon claws (sharpened specially for the occasion).
“Twilight, before we go inside...” he paused for a moment, struggling to find the right words. The twin purple creatures, mare and dragon alike, cocked their heads in unison.
“Dad, I wanted to ask you something-”
“Honey, let me finish,” he interrupted, closing his eyes and nodding for silence. Both Twilight and Spike knew the drill, settling down for the long, boring lecture they knew was to come.
“And right before you’re about to get married and all,” Spike whispered, holding a claw in front of his mouth to hide the movement. Orion took a deep breath; Twilight simply tittered.
“Okay,” Orion began, exhaling heavily, “I’m going to tell you the same thing my dad told me when I was getting married, first of all.” A momentary lapse in the conversation. “You’re probably really nervous right now, and that’s okay. Everyone is nervous when they choose to make the greatest commitment of their lives, and there isn’t an easy out from here.”
“We don’t have much time, dad,” Twilight interrupted, rolling her eyes. Orion smiled at that.
“Always so impatient, my little sugar plum,” he said soberly, tears beginning to gather at the corners of his eyes. “Driven to be the best you can be. I can’t believe I’m losing you.”
“You’re not losing me, dad,” she sighed. “I’ll still be your little girl, you know that.”
“I know that, but it’s different,” he shot back, blinking repeatedly. “When you’re with someone your first priority is them. When you have kids, they’ll be your numero uno. Where does that leave your mother and I?”
“Harassing them, probably, you old fussbudgets!”
That got a laugh out of everyone.
“I hope so,” Orion said, wiping away the tears beginning to stream down his face. “I hope we’re around, then, to be there for you. We’re getting old, baby, we might not be here much longer. I’m just glad I was here for the day we finally managed to pawn you off on some poor pony!”
“Don’t say that, dad,” Spike muttered, shaking his head. Orion leaned over to clap him on the shoulder, again smiling that same serene smile.
“Chin up, my boy,” he said, carefully lifting Spike’s head to meet his own, eye-to-eye. Taking a step back, he stared at Twilight, herself altogether not much better off than Spike. “And you, Twilight, this is important. Are you listening?”
“Yes, dad,” they chorused in unison. Orion dutifully noted that Spike’s young voice was beginning to crack a little. They’d have to have a heart-to-heart talk later on. Whether it was out of sorrow, or adolescence, Orion didn’t know.
“If I’m not here tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that,” he said, “then I want you to know that the only things you really have in the world are each other. You’re family, remember? And family comes first.”
“We know, dad,” the two groaned again.
“But there’s more than that,” Orion continued, unabashed. “You’ve got your friends now, and your lives, and you may even have children in future. There’s only one piece of advice I want to give you, okay? I could talk for all the time in the world, but you don’t want to listen to me ramble on during your wedding procession, I’ll bet.”
Decidedly emphatic nodding was enough of an answer for that question, Orion supposed with a grumble.
“Just make sure that whatever happens...”
Suddenly, a fit of choking coughs wracked the older pony’s frame, and he fell backwards, wheezing and puffing like a blocked-up chimney stack.
“Dad!” The mare and whelp cried, rushing forward to help Orion to his feet. He chuckled through the coughing fit, easing himself back into place beside Twilight as the sensations slowly ceased in his throat.
“It’s okay, I’m fine,” he croaked, grinning again. “Just remember what I told you. Family comes first. Promise me you’ll always be there for each other.”
Twilight and Spike took a long look at each other. Orion didn’t know quite what was going through their minds: his blood daughter, the most precious thing in his world, or his adopted son, the apple of his foggy, misted eyes. He felt a little weary, and deep in his heart, he knew that when fatigue finally came to claim his soul, they’d need each other; he hoped that their life experiences together had forged a strong enough bond for them to soldier on after that. They would need it.
“Are you ready to go, my perfect little girl?”
Twilight nodded, grim and determined once more. In front of his eyes, Orion saw the proud, talented, mature mare melt away, replaced by a tiny purple filly, gasping and struggling for life, eyes brimming with burning determination; on the first day she’d touched his hoof with her own, a tiny little touch that kick-started the spark of paternal love between them, he’d made a vow never to let her lose that will for life.
Twenty years later, he felt certain he’d kept it. He’d done right by his girl.
Falling back into place in total silence, the trio proceeded towards the open doorway, and through it. Orion heard the wedding march begin to play, an old song that had greeted him on the day he’d first walked down the aisle, and the feelings of loss, ecstasy, sadness, and interminable hope for the future that gripped the very essence of his heart, was enough to remind him of his own father-in-law. A sudden surge of sympathy rushed through him for the deceased stallion, the first he’d felt in a long time. All he wanted was to grab Twilight in his hooves and run away with her, take her away somewhere where she’d never be hurt or tainted by others. Carefully, and with sobs ripping themselves quietly from his throat, he pushed those feelings aside, content to revel in the happiness of the occasion.
In front of them, at the altar, stood a group of ponies, each with indeterminate expressions on their faces save one, whose happiness was almost tangible in the stark aura of the grand church hall. Even the Princess had attended, officiating the ceremony with her glorious presence, but her eyes strayed to Twilight and only Twilight, an almost maternal expression of tranquil love and calm pride etched onto her wondrous, divine features.
Next to her, the elderly frame of his own wife glowed with fierce elation and passion. She’d been waiting for this day all the same, and now she and Twilight shared a brief glimpse of each other, and small, pure smiles spread themselves across their faces.
This was it. This was their moment.
As Twilight took her place by the groom’s side, Orion moved to stand with Dazzle, distancing himself from the centre stage, and finally letting go of his daughter’s life.
When she finally looked back over at him, he mouthed “I love you”, with a fond smile.
|
MegaColt
|
1532
| 1 |
Big Macintosh,Original Character,Prince Blueblood,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
Demonocracy
|
A story of lies, war, and political corruption in Equestria.
|
cancelled
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Big Macintosh is a soldier with a story to tell. Witnessing first hand the lies, violence, and corruption of the Equestrian Civil War, Big Mac relays his role in ending the conflict as well as his musings about politics, war, and corruption.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-22T23:26:17+00:00
|
2011-12-22T23:26:17+00:00
| 1,140 |
Demonocracy
A MLP FiM fanfiction by: MegaColt
Disclaimer: All rights to MLP FiM belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 1: Prologue
It had only been a month since the “peaceful” revolution. The clock in the center of Ponyville chimed nine times as I carefully slipped through the large oak door of the plantation house that had once belonged to my family; Sweet Apple Acres. The communal kitchen at the opposite end of the corridor smelled heavily of eggs and bacon. It had a large line of ponies flowing into it, waiting for their daily rations. Plastered above the ponies’ heads was a poster with a unicorn’s face on it. It was a poster of Prince Blueblood, the then newly crowned dictator of Equestria. How the most hated pony in all of Equestria became the supreme overlord of all Equestrians is a story full of lies, war, and corruption.
As we all know, or at least believe, Celestia was a ruler who loved and cared for all ponies. She had ruled Equestria in absolute peace for eons. The idea of war wasn’t even known to most Equestrians. Everypony loved and tolerated their neighbor regardless of what they said or did. That all changed when Princess Luna returned from her banishment on the moon.
After being freed from the bonds of jealousy and rage, Luna returned to Canterlot and began quietly reasserting her authority. Her political ideas were the complete opposite of Celestia’s, and whenever she told Celestia about her ideals the elder alicorn ignored the younger one. Celestia believed that Luna was still disillusioned by jealousy, Celestia thought that she couldn’t trust Luna. After being ignored and denied power for so long, Princess Luna began associating herself with a small group of radicals who suggested that Luna leave Celestia’s administration and create her own.
Luna began taking “diplomatic” trips to places such as Neighxico, Zebraca, and Appleloosa. Unbeknown to Celestia, Luna was actually giving speeches on how she was going to bring peace, prosperity, and wealth to the frontier regions of Equestria; something that Celestia had never been able to do. Not only did she make promises to the ponies, but she campaigned for freedom and equality for the buffalo, deer, zebras, and griffons. These creatures had seen Luna’s revolutionary ideas as a sign of hope.
While on one of these trips, Luna sent Celestia a letter of secession. She was going to take all the frontier lands of Equestria, and make them into a Lunar Republic. Luna asked to meet Celestia at a conference in Appleloosa to discuss the drawing of borders between the two nations.
Celestia was stunned by Luna’s actions. She didn’t have a valid reason to take such a drastic step, at least in Celestia's opinion. As far as Celestia had known, Luna had been content with the way she had been running the government.
What happened the following day in Appleloosa is a mystery to all but a select few. Luna’s government proclaimed that the tyrannical Solar Empire would not recognize their new country. Celestia told her subjects that Luna and her followers were traitors. Celestia created and mobilized an army. Equestria was going into the first war of its history.
I listened to Celestia’s passionate speech on the radio while I was plowing a field for the next planting season. She announced that she was going to need volunteers in order to form an army to squash the rebellion. I didn't even know what she was talking about. This thing called war was an idea that was about as alien as Mars. In the speech she declared that Luna was a traitor and that she would stop at nothing to bring eternal darkness to Equestria. I was such a fool to believe an obvious lie like that. All Luna wanted to do was to make Equestria a better place for everypony.
Regardless of whether or not Celestia had lied to us, we all believed her. As ridiculous as her story had sounded, nopony believed that Celestia would lie to us. All of us farmers signed up for the royal guard as soon as we heard the speech. We wound up unknowingly joining the ranks of the most villainous and ruthless unit in the Solar Empire's military; the Demon Lords.
Before I left the farm for basic training, I went to Twilight Sparkle to ask her what war was. When I arrived at the library she was crying at her desk. I asked her my question anyway. She looked up at me with her big purple eyes and quietly told me, “Well Mac, war is a place where everypony is a hero and a villain, but no one knows who is the victim or the aggressor.” At the time it sounded like a load of nonsense, but it didn't for long.
In basic training we were taught how to form phalanxes, and how to advance on an enemy battalion without taking major losses. They told us how to deliver a kill on an enemy without our rival even knowing that we were there until it was too late. The military took us country bumpkins and turned us into killing machines. We were no longer loving and tolerating ponies, but bringers of death and destruction. Our only mission was to bring the rebels to justice, and to reunite Equestria.
During the training I had become good friends with a general who was known as Shadow. He was a tall and gaunt looking earth pony who had eyes that looked like they would melt your face off if he so chose to. His cutie mark was a shield covering two crossed swords. He was definitely meant to be in the military. In training he was a fairly friendly pony who seemed to care for his subordinates, but in battle you were merely another pawn to be sacrificed for the glory of the Solar Empire. I was lucky enough to get on his good side. I made small talk with him almost everyday, and because he seemed to like me, he allowed me to ride his coattails to the rank of lieutenant.
He left me in charge of a squadron that seemed to consist of all the work hands I had met in my years at Sweet Apple Acres. These weren't the same ponies who had plowed the apple orchard only a year before. On the contrary, they were now elite soldiers in Equestria’s most efficient unit. Despite their ruthlessness, they were the best soldiers an officer could ask for. With them under my command, our victory seemed assured.
On the night we set off on our first campaign to retake Appleloosa, I had a lengthy conversation with the general. I strode into the general's tent with his nightly pot of coffee. “Here is your coffee, General.”
He replied in a distant tone, almost as if he had been trapped on another world until I had walked in. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Do you mind if I ask you something that has been bothering me?”
I answered him not like a soldier, but a friend, “Of course I don't, General. You can ask me anything. What's bothering you?”
“Have you wondered why the marauding band of savages that is supposed to be trying to make eternal night a reality in Equestria aren't attacking us? Night and day still changes like always. Nothing has changed except for the fact that Luna isn't ruling by Celestia's side.”
I didn't even take his questions seriously; I honestly thought it was a test. I gave him the same counterpoint that I’d been giving all of my men. “Sir, why would Celestia lie to us? It is imperative that we strike first so we can put a buffer zone between them and the capital.”
Shadow glanced at me with disbelief. “So, you too, huh?”
Now it was my turn to be surprised. “Sir, what are you talking about?”
He shouted at me with more ferocity than I had ever seen him muster before. “You’ve fallen for a darn lie! Why can’t you see it? Celestia’s entire rule is based on lies! That old pony’s tale that tells why Luna was banished to the moon; that was a lie. The ‘fact’ that Celestia was letting Luna share power with her after her return is a lie. This bucking war is a lie! You’re an idiot, just like the rest of them, not to mention that you’re such a drama queen! Get your flank out of here, now!”
I risked being demoted, but at the time I didn’t care. I yelled at him. “Listen, Shadow, you shouldn’t call Celestia a liar. She loves everypony. She wouldn’t harm a fly, yet alone lie to all of us. Shame on you.” I didn’t even wait for his reply. I simply trotted out of his tent.
He called out to me, “Listen, Lieutenant, come back in here, that’s an order!”
I grudgingly trudged my way back into his tent, “Yes, sir.”
He grabbed a seat and leaned back. “As you know, my family has been in the service of Celestia’s military for a long time now. I guess you could say that I’m part of the oligarchy. Being part of such an oligarchy I’ve come across some secrets. I’m going to tell you the biggest one. If Celestia found out I’ve told you she’d probably have me executed. So, if I do tell you, you must not tell anypony.”
I suddenly became nervous, “Why would you tell me something that could get you killed, sir?”
He grimaced as he told me, “Because someone outside of the royal circle needs to know. When Luna was banished what really happened was that she suggested to Celestia that they should create a legislature, and a system of checks and balances to curb some of their absolute power. Luna also told her that she had been giving speeches without consulting Celestia about it first. She also told Celestia that she had been reading the forbidden book; ‘Two Treatsies on Government’ which had been written by a radical reformer. The two had an argument, and the same thing happened that is happening now.”
I couldn’t believe him. At the time even the idea of that being true shook the core of my beliefs. I said to him, “Sir, you need to lay off the coffee, and stop spreading lies.” I stormed out of his tent.
I felt so stupid after that. The general was a smart pony. He was one of the few who knew the truth about the meeting at Appleloosa, and Luna’s banishment. He felt guilty about what he was about to send his troops to do. He had every right to feel that way.
The next morning was the first time I didn’t wake up feeling that the day was going to be great. In fact I felt sick. I was about to experience war firsthand. I was left in charge of the best unit in all of Equestria. The Demon Lords were going to lead the charge into Appleloosa.
We set out from our borders, and marched into enemy territory. It was a desolate and unforgiving place. It looked like there was nopony around besides us for at least a hundred miles. The red sand crackled beneath our hooves as we walked over it. A pair of griffons flew over our heads towards Appleloosa. Shadow sent two of his best pegasi after them.
An hour later the pair came back with two griffon scalps. Despite having strict orders not to kill them, the soldiers had done so anyways. One of them told me that it had been the most adrenaline filled experience of his life. Taking the life of another being seemed to be the most exciting thing this pony had ever done. Now it sickens me what we had done to these soldiers in training, but back then all we felt was pride.
Not even a month ago these same ponies had been buying apples from me, now they were cold-blooded killers. I was surrounded by ponies like that. I was no different from them, I too was looking forward to killing some rebel scum. Equestria was no longer the peace-loving place it used to be, that was certain.
Our army came to the outskirts of an Appleloosa that seemed to be as busy and prosperous as ever. Our orders came from General Shadow over the radio. His voice boomed in our comlinks. “Alright men, your orders are to take Appleloosa. If they resist, take no prisoners. We spare no traitor. It is imperative that we strike fear into our enemies' hearts. Use any means necessary to take the town. That is all.”
Methodically our forces descended on the western village like a tiger stalking its prey. The Appleloosans didn't even realize our intentions until it was too late. It was almost like there wasn't even a war underway. The townsponies went about their normal business as if nothing was going on out of the ordinary. We walked right into town without seeing a hint of an enemy army.
When the attack began we were smack dab in the middle of town. Words can not describe the horrors me and my men committed during the fight, but I’ll try my best. My squad was assigned to capture the town saloon. When we walked in most of the patrons were too drunk to even see, “but they wouldn't surrender”. So we needlessly butchered them. I made an example of one particularly rowdy unicorn. I cut his head off and paraded it around the town on the end of my spear. As if that wasn't bad enough, the general ordered my men and I to do the most shameful deeds we had ever done. We raped the mares and killed the fillies. We burned all of the buildings, and left nothing behind for the enemy to use.Our forces behaved like savages...we certainly lived up to our units name.
Finally towards the end of the fighting an enemy force of buffalo and cowponies descended from the hills above us shouting wildly. They were led by one seemingly familiar pony who galloped at full speed with his forces behind him towards our lines. We formed a phalanx and braced for their charge. At the very last second before impact we thrusted our spears out from behind our shields skewering the charging buffalo braves. I personally dispatched of their leader, but then I realized who he was. He was my cousin Braeburn. I immediately dropped everything, and held his dying body in my hooves while the battle raged around us. For a pony who was raping mares and slaughtering children five minutes ago I was crying like a newborn filly when Braeburn told me his last words.
“Mac! Is that you, cousin? Listen, Momma is dead and so are all the all the others. These soldiers are destroying the town for no reason. You've gotta help us Mac, you just have to...”
He was coughing up blood the whole time he was saying this. Brae was so out of it that he didn't even realize I was one of the soldiers attacking the town. I got sick right then and there. I was responsible for all of this. I was the one who told the men to show no mercy and I even told them to have their way with the girls. I snapped back to my old self as I watched my beloved cousin die. I considered taking my own life to somehow make up for the killing of my beloved cousin, but what good would that have done? It would only have served to bring more grief to my beloved family. His final words were, “Not you too...” As he went limp, I dropped his body on the ground and walked away from the fight.
I was done with this “war”. The so-called enemy didn’t even realize that we were going to attack them until it was too late. I finally understood what Twilight meant when she told me what war was. I thought I was going to be a hero when we took the town, and brought the rebels to justice, but now that we had done just that I only felt like a villain and an aggressor.
When we returned to base camp I asked General Shadow for a transfer to the Royal Guard in Canterlot. The general smirked, an action that really irked me, and said to me, “So you’ve finally realized what I was talking about before the battle. You know, Lieutenant, it is good that war is a horrible thing, lest we grow fond of it. I’ll be more than happy to transfer you, but there is a catch.”
I was starting to get irritated with the general, so I snapped the obvious question at him, “And that is, sir?
He laughed and said, “I will understand if you’d rather stay here and fight, but it seems that the only position open in the guard is the job of guarding Prince Blueblood. He seems to have had a falling out with yet another one of my men. If you accept, it means that you’ll have to stay with him at all times. You might even have to become friends with him. I know it doesn’t sound fun, but it pays better than your current job. So, do you want the job, Lieutenant?”
I couldn’t have accepted the assignment fast enough. “Eeyup, I sure do.” I thanked Shadow, and the next morning I was in a balloon heading back to Canterlot. I was about to begin the next phase of my career as a soldier. I was going to be the bodyguard of the most hated royal in the Solar Empire, and as crazy as it sounds I was going to befriend him. I didn’t want to at first, but then I realized that he had access to information that if exposed would easily end the war. All I had to do was convince him that it was the right thing to do. That would turn out to be just as hard as it sounds.
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MegaColt
|
1532
| 2 |
Big Macintosh,Original Character,Prince Blueblood,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
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Demonocracy
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A story of lies, war, and political corruption in Equestria.
|
cancelled
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Big Macintosh is a soldier with a story to tell. Witnessing first hand the lies, violence, and corruption of the Equestrian Civil War, Big Mac relays his role in ending the conflict as well as his musings about politics, war, and corruption.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-17T16:39:16+00:00
|
2011-12-17T16:39:16+00:00
| 1,110 |
Demonocracy
A MLP FiM fanfiction by: MegaColt
Disclaimer: All rights to MLP FiM belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 2: The Soldier and The Prince
I wasn’t looking forward to my new assignment, but anything was better than having to go back and serve in the so called war. Up to that point I had only heard rumors about the arrogant and “proper” prince, but now that I was looking at his photo he didn’t look that special. He was a white unicorn with a bleach blond mane. There seemed to be absolutely nothing special about this pony except for the royal blood that supposedly was in his veins.
I trotted down the gigantic hallway of the palace, images of the war still floating in my head. I was starting to get worried. Maybe I was going mad, but I didn’t think that it was uncommon for an ex-combat soldier to be haunted by images of the horrors of war. I was going to be turning over a new leaf today anyways. The great conflict was in my past, and I didn’t have to worry about it anymore; at least that’s what I hoped for.
I walked up to the room where I was supposed to meet Blueblood and knocked on the door.
A smug voice answered on the other side. “The door is unlocked. Let yourself in.”
I walked into the room and presented myself to the prince.
The white unicorn smirked and sighed, “So, you’re my new bodyguard. What’s your name soldier?” Blueblood asked in his stereotypical melodramatic fashion.
I dutifully answered, “My name is Lieutenant Macintosh sir, and I’m from the village of Ponyville. As you seemed to have already guessed I’m your new bodyguard.”
The prince recoiled at the mention of my hometown. “Listen to me Lieutenant. I want no more mention of your birthplace. It’s filled with nothing but peasants. They don’t even have any upper class cuisine there. All they had were disgusting apple based dishes.”
I was actually surprised at his reaction. This prince was such a prissy. I busted out laughing. “You don’t like apples? I can’t believe you don’t like apples! They’re the staple of almost everypony’s diet, and they’re delicious. You’re such a weirdo!”
I thought Blueblood was going to cry. For a second, I almost felt sorry about what I said, but then he regained his composure. He took the opportunity to exercise his rank on me. “I am your new boss, and that means you have to listen to me! Now apologize you pathetic excuse for a soldier.”
Despite Blueblood’s orders, I mustered up the courage to ask him a question that seemed to have never been asked to him before. “Why are you such a douchebag, your royal highness?”
Blueblood was really taken aback by my rebellious attitude. He stammered as he said this. “What do you mean a douchebag? I am no such thing.”
I continued to put the pressure on the prince. “Yes you are. Everypony knows you’re a douchebag. I’m pretty sure you think you’re one yourself.”
The unicorn broke into a sob. “I know I’m not the nicest pony in the world, but how am I supposed to know any better? Aunt Celestia sent my adopted mother away for my entire childhood, and Celestia never payed any attention to me. I hate them both. What little bit I know about outside society, I learned from the prim and proper books that were given to me as presents by the oligarchs.”
I really felt bad for him. “Dude, I’m sorry I brought it up.”
Blueblood continued to cry. “It is quite alright. I honestly needed to tell somepony about my troubles. You know that when my aunt and mother are gone I will be the next in line to the throne.”
I interrupted. “No, I wasn’t aware of that. Didn’t you say you were adopted?”
He pounced on me. “Don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt someone when they are talking? Anyways, it doesn’t matter that I’m adopted. I’m still technically Luna’s son, and I have a rightful claim to the throne when the princesses are gone. When they do pass I’m planning on making some really big changes. Tell me Macintosh, have you ever read Das Magikal by Kolt Marx?”
I answered the question honestly. “I’ve never even heard of that pony or that book before.”
A look of dread came across Blueblood’s face. “I just remembered, you’re not even supposed to know that book exists. It’s one of the banished books that’s only available to royalty. I guess I might as well tell you what it’s about though. In the book Marx talks about how a leader could reform Equestria into a utopia where everypony does their fair share of work and no one is poor. There will be no aristocrats who control all of the bits. Everypony will get their fair share under my socialist system!”
At the time those ideals sounded perfect. I immediately knew what I had to do to keep from being lied to by yet another royal. “Hey buddy, can you sneak into the royal library and get me a copy of that book? I’d like to read it myself.”
I think the prince was overcome by the fact that I called him my buddy. “No problem friend. I’ll have it dropped off at your quarters tomorrow morning.” Blueblood had a grin a mile wide across his snout as he told me this.
I thanked Blueblood and went about my duties. The prince wasn’t really that bad. I guess if I hadn’t been raised properly I’d act like a mule too. Blueblood seemed to be genuine when he told me about his ideals. The poor fool couldn’t afford to lie to me. He actually had a chance to make a real friend with me. I was going to use that to my advantage.
I walked into my new bedroom. It was a small grey room that barely had enough space to fit the one tiny bed it contained. I couldn’t complain; during the war my men and I had slept on the ground wherever we could find shelter. This was certainly a step up from the horrors of the great crusade that had been taking place on the frontier. I rolled onto the stiff, hay-stuffed mattress and turned on the television.
“Tom Brokhoof here with the nightly news. Tonight’s topic: the war in Equestria. You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers!” Despite the grim subject, the anchorpony continued to talk about the news in his usual cheerful manner. “As you may have heard, our forces have taken the rebel stronghold in Appleloosa with a surprise attack, and are now marching towards Neighxico.” Brokhoof was definitely right when he said it was a surprise attack. Most of the town’s citizens didn’t even have any weapons on them. “Now that Luna’s rebels realize our intentions they have formed a defensive border. “Our sources in the military tell us that despite the experienced leadership the rebels have, they will be no match for the superior forces of The Solar Empire.”
Our military is composed of fools. The rebels might not be as well equipped as us, but they’re going to fight with everything they’ve got in order to avenge those lost at Appleloosa. I turned off the TV in a rage. Even the news is full of government propaganda. I turned over and went to sleep.
It’s a fact that it’s not healthy to fall asleep while you are angry, and I paid for it. Ever since I participated in the pillaging of Appleloosa, I was haunted in my dreams by the specters of my friends and family. Braeburn led the phantoms in their crusade against my sanity. He would repeat the same sentence over and over to me. “Not you too. Why Big Mac?” My head was swirling and my deceased cousin Braeburn’s face continued to show up in my dreams night after night. “Momma is dead, cousin. You’ve got to help us!” Even my darling little sister Applebloom was trying to break my heart. “Why did you do it big brother? I thought you loved your family?” The dream ended the same way every single night; with me hanging from a tree in the middle of nowhere. Every time it ended, I woke up in a cold sweat. My sanity was slowly going down the drain.
Prince Blueblood knocked on my door. “Hey buddy, you still alive?”
I quickly strapped on my armor and answered the door. “Yeah buddy, I’m still alive, but sometimes I wish I wasn’t.”
The prince looked puzzled. “Why is that? You’ve actually got a family, and you get to spend all the time in the world with me.” I think he noticed my grimace at that comment, where he said that I’d have to spend my day with him, but he was quick to salvage the conversation. “What’s the matter, bro?”
I sighed and looked out the window in the hallway. “You know Blueblood, I’ve been wondering what the true meaning of peace is. What do you think it is?”
The unicorn thought about it for a minute. “I’ve never thought about it. Quite frankly, I don’t have a clue. What are your thoughts on the subject, Lieutenant?”
I grabbed Blueblood around the neck and whispered in his ear. He smelled like he was wearing an entire cheap bottle of cologne. “Well, I’ve thought about this for a long time now, and I think that peace is something that nopony truly knows about. I believe that peace is a subject whose definition is purely up to you. One thing I do know is that the Oligarchy don’t want to have peace in this world right now. This war is being waged only to better their status in society.”
Blueblood brushed me off of him. “Don’t touch me like that solider. I wouldn’t want anyone thinking we’re more than just friends.”
I stared at the foolish “royal” in front of me and rolled my eyes. “You’re such an over-reactor. Besides what do you think about my musings, Prince?”
The prince scornfully told me. “I think that you think about things too much, and that you should just accept things for what they are. That’s what I do.”
I gave him the best counter-scorn I had. “Do you have any idea the things that I’ve seen and done in this war? I’ve killed children, raped mares, and slaughtered members of my own family, all in the name of the Solar Empire. I’ve had enough of the lies and deceit, and I’m going to do something about it.”
The prince’s mouth dropped. “You’ve done what? Run that by me again. Have they assigned a savage to protect me?”
I smart mouthed back to the unicorn. “Yeah, I really did those things, and they sickened me. I wasn’t always like that, and I most certainly am not like that today. I was a soldier then. The only reason I even took this job is because I wanted to get away from the slaughter and the misdeeds of the war. It wasn’t because I wanted to hang out with a royal douchebag.”
Blueblood snorted at my last comment, but he regained his composure. “Let’s just forget this conversation even happened. Today, General Shadow is visiting the castle on an inspection tour. You have to be in the main chamber so that you can greet him when he arrives. The general wants to greet you personally. Apparently he still thinks highly of you. I’ll be in my room if you need me, buddy.” Blueblood had his muzzle down as he sulked to his room. I shouldn’t have called him a douchebag, but at the time I was having a hard time coping with my actions in the war. I should have apologized, but I didn’t, and I deeply regret that I hadn’t.
As I made my way towards the reception room where Celestia normally holds her court, I couldn’t help but think about the war. The one pony who could tell me exactly what was happening in the conflict was the general after all, and since he apparently considered me a good friend he probably wouldn’t mind me asking him a few questions. That was my logic initially but the more I walked the more I realized that he was the one in charge of our military, and he was the one who ordered us to destroy Appleloosa. Truth be known, Shadow was solely responsible for the war. I didn’t know that for sure though, and I wasn’t exactly of clear conscience at the time, so I decided to forget about those ideas even though they made sense. I would later regret that decision.
I had been so lost in thought that I didn’t even realize I was in the middle of the receiving room. The general shouted to his aide. “Who is that guard over there? He isn’t following standard procedure.” I quickly realized who he was talking about and snapped to attention. A smile spread across Shadow’s face as he realized who the guard was. “Lieutenant Macintosh, you know that isn’t the proper way to greet a superior officer. How have you been getting along lately? You seem to have a lot on your mind.”
I was extremely fortunate to consider the general a friend at the time, because if I wasn’t one of his friends I would have been stripped of my rank and made to perform latrine duty. I explained my actions to the general. “Sir, I’m still having a hard time coping with what I’ve seen during the war, but I’m starting to get over it.” That was a lie, but the general didn’t need to know that.
He scratched his mane for a second and dismissed me. “Very good Lieutenant, I want you to come see me in my office at a later point today. I’ve got an appointment with the princess in a couple of minutes and I don’t want to be late. Stop by around three o’ clock this afternoon, and we’ll have some coffee and tell stories.”
I saluted General Shadow and rested my haunch on the staircase that led to Celestia’s throne. I was glad to see the general back again. I finally had someone to talk to who could relate to me. If anyone could help me get my mind in order it was the general. I got back onto my legs and walked to the dining hall where they were serving lunch. I had not eaten anything all day, and I was dying to try one of the best sandwiches in Equestria.
On my way there, I walked past Celestia’s private office and overheard the general and the princess’ meeting. I decided to take a guard post at the door, and listen in on their conversation. I heard Celestia’s booming voice shouting at General Shadow. “I can’t keep waging this meaningless war. I didn’t even want to have it to begin with, but you told me that it was the perfect way to establish our authority in the region. Look where it’s gotten us! We’re chest deep in scandals and massacres. I want you to pull our forces out of The Lunar Republic, and for you to oversee the treaty to end this war, and I want you to do it as soon as possible.”
I wish I could have seen the general’s face when the princess ordered him to withdraw, because he turned the tables on her. “Now listen here Princess, you don’t have the military expertise I have, and you don’t have the right to tell me what to do with my army.”
I peered through the window only to see Celestia’s face red with rage, and Shadow seated in front of her flanked by Celestia’s two guards. Celestia was furious. “Your army? The royal guard is my army, General!”
A smirk came across Shadow’s face. Apparently he had Celestia right where he wanted her. “It’s not your army anymore. You see these two guards behind me, they’re my two best agents, and if you don’t do as I tell you, I’ll have them slit your throat while you sleep. You’re the oligarchy’s puppet now, Celestia. The only reason we allow you to live is that the citizens of The Solar Empire will follow every single order you make.”
Celestia’s face was one of anguish and defeat. “I can’t believe I didn’t curb the oligarchy’s power before it was too late. This is all my fault, and there is nothing I can do about it.” Celestia paced around the room, apparently trying to make up her mind on the subject. “Fine General, I’ll be your puppet, but if the citizens find out you’ll pay for your actions. It could even lead to a legitimate revolution.”
Shadow got up and headed for the door which was my cue to get out of there. As I walked away I overheard him say one last thing. “It’s okay Celestia, Equestria is in good hands.” The general laughed like a stereotypical villain, which really annoyed me, and came out into the hallway. He called out to me. “Lieutenant Macintosh, I wish to see you in my office now. Come with me.” I had no choice but to comply.
A thousand thoughts raced through my mind as I accompanied Shadow to his office. Did he know that I was spying in on his conversation with Celestia, or did he only want to exchange stories and drink coffee with me? I couldn’t keep serving this pony. He was the real source of corruption in Equestria, not Celestia. He was the one turning our utopia into a dystopian demonocracy, but how was I to stop him? Shadow locked the door behind him as we walked into his office. “Have a seat, Lieutenant.” The two guards handcuffed me to the bench as I sat. “You and I need to have a little chat.”
I tried my best to play dumb, but I knew in my heart that I was busted. “Of course sir, what do you want to talk about?”
Shadow grinned and proceeded to grill me. He had caught me red handed. “You know good and well what I want to talk about. What did you overhear in the conversation between me and Celestia?”
Despite the hopelessness of the situation I still tried to pass a lie on him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about sir. I was on my way to lunch when you called me into your office.”
The general snarled. “Don’t lie to me Mac. I know and you know that it was your silhouette in the window of Celestia’s office. Now you can either come clean now, or we can force it out of you.”
I confessed, I had no choice. “I did listen in on your conversation, and I know everything. I know about how you’re manipulating Celestia and how this war is nothing more than an excuse for the oligarchs to gain more power. You’re going to hell for what you’re doing. It is best you repent now, and save yourself... from yourself. Your entire life is a lie, but you can fix it.”
Shadow chuckled at my appeal to him. “I’m not in any danger, but you sure are. I hereby charge you with the crimes of treason and spying. You are to be hung at the gallows this evening for all to watch. I might even have it broadcasted on television. You will be made into an example of what happens to traitors in The Solar Empire. Take him away guards.”
The next thing I knew I had been stuck in the neck with a needle. As the world around me swirled into blackness I couldn’t help but think how ironic it was that my so called friend, Shadow, had been the true villain all along.
I awoke standing on the gallows that had recently been erected in front of the palace. I had a rope around my neck. Shadow’s voice boomed over the loud speaker. “This poor soul has been convicted of the crimes: spying and treason. He shall be hung from the neck until dead. This will be the fate of anypony who wants to follow in his footsteps. May Celestia have mercy on his soul.”
I heard the pulling of a lever, and felt a trap door below me open. A blindingly bright light emitted from all around me as I fell, and the next thing I knew I was lying on my back in what appeared to be a seedy old warehouse. A blue unicorn with a flowing white mane walked up to me, and checked on my condition. “Are you alright?”
The blue unicorn looked back and gloated to two rough looking colts in a tone of triumph. "I told you my spell would work.” She looked familiar, too familiar, and then it hit me.
I sat up with a gasp. It was almost as if I had been injected with an adrenaline needle after one of Pinkie’s parties. I knew exactly who this unicorn was. “Trixie!”
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 1 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-19T01:06:33+00:00
|
2011-10-19T01:06:33+00:00
| 1,570 |
Prologue
The day had been like any other day. Ponies moving about their daily lives, and the animals were all gathering food for the coming winter.
But then the skies darkened and all of Equestria was thrown into darkness.
While in this darkness, a new group made their presence known. They destroyed cities, towns, and every little settlement. Thousands of ponies was killed in a matter of minutes. The invaders became known as 'The Dark ones'.
Nopony knows where they came from. All that is known is that they came down from the heavens and began the extermination of all ponies.
The place hit the hardest was the palace and the surrounding areas. There had been no survivors, the area had been flatted before any pony knew what was happening.
The Dark ones had killed over seventy percent of Equestria's population in less than a day.
After The Dark ones finished destroying every city and town, they just disappeared, like they never even existed. What they left behind was a post-apocalyptic Equestria, were violence and death became an every day thing.
The ponies of Equestria had to fight to survive. As a result of this, they began fighting each other. Turning Equestria into a true hell.
No order, no law, no control, and no rules. The chances of waking up in the morning are very small. Nopony is safe in this hell, except for the few who were trained all their lives for this kind of situation.
The Nightblades, the secret organization that was formed to protect Princess Luna, had been training and preparing for a life threatening event like this. They would have given their lives to keep the Princess safe from harm.
But they also had another mission, one that only the members knew. They were suppose to be ready for Nightmare Moon to return and posses Princes Luna again. They would then launch their plan to remove Nightmare Moon once and for all. That was their mission, but since The Dark ones arrived and killed almost everypony, including Princess Luna, their mission was over.
Many Nightblades died when The Dark ones arrived, but four are left. All had been sent out on four separate missions, they had been far enough away from any towns or cities to be safe from The Dark ones wrath.
One of the Nightblades, Cole, was sent deep into the wilderness to investigate a the possible return of Nightmare Moon. Upon leaving the forest, he saw a world gone to hell. Cities and towns almost burnt completely down, bodies lined the streets, and a few lucky ponies that had survived.
He was a dark grey Pegasus, with a black and slightly spiked mane and black tail. His cutie mark was two swords crossed over a shield, with a lighting bolt on each side. He wore a black pair of goggles and black cloak. He carried around his sword, he had had it since he was very young, which had a slightly curved blade and sharp edge.
He, like all other Nightblades, had been trained to fight and kill if necessary. They had almost no emotion, emotion just slows you down is what the instructors had said. Nightblades were trained to endure the most sever pain.
Cole was no exception to the rest of the Nightblades, he could endure pain, but he had a small weakness. His emotions wasn't as dulled as the rest of the Nightblades, this weakness could get a pony killed out in the wast lands of Equestria.
This is his story, its been two long years since The Dark ones arrived and destroyed everything. Ponies died every day in cold blood, there was no mercy and no love. The lands of Equestria was a living nightmare.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 2 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-16T02:22:37+00:00
|
2011-10-16T02:22:37+00:00
| 1,289 |
Cole stepped out of the small cave that he had used as a shelter. Upon stepping out of the cave, he was greeted by the bright sun.
The sun was up, at all times of the day. Since the princesses were gone, there was no way to raise and lower the sun and moon. Night had become nothing more than a long lost memory.
Cole shielded his eyes against the bright sun. He pulled the hood of the cloak he wore over his head and pulled down his goggles to shield his eyes against the bright light.
He looked at his side to make sure his sword was securely secured to him.
The sword had served him well for the many years hes had it. He had forged the sword himself. It was a beautifully made sword, with a slightly curved blade, and had a edge that could cut through bone like butter.
He scanned the area for any threats. The area was baron, no trees or plants for miles.
Seeing that there was no threats in the area, he set off for another long day of walking through the wastelands.
As he walked, he looked up to the skies, wishing he could spread his wings and take to the skies, but he knew if he did he would be announcing his presence and could draw unwanted attention to him. That was something he did not want.
He had learned that you trust nopony in the wastelands, no matter who they are. Trust doesn't exist out in the wastelands. Trusting somepony can lead to you laying in a ditch with a knife in your back.
He continued walking, thankful for the flat baron land. You could see for miles in every direction. It was close to impossible to for somepony to sneak up on you out here, unless you are not paying attention to your surroundings.
He walked for a few hours before coming upon a small town. Most of the buildings were either burned down or blown to pieces, but a few still stood or was staple enough to stand.
Places like this was dangerous, every building could hold ponies, ready to rip your throat out.
Cole looked at the small destroyed town, wondering if he should go through it or around. It would be faster to go through the town, but will also be dangerous, or he could go around and add another hour to his trip.
He weighed his options, safe or dangerous way. He looked at the town again, he could deal with what ever was in the town. He started to walk into the small town.
The town was silent, a normal thing for the waste. As he passed a house, he thought he saw a dark figure duck down in a window. He knew what was happening, who ever was here was doing a surround tactic. That was the favored tactic of wastelanders, they would surround their pry and move in on it.
As he stepped into what use to be a town square, six dark figures rushed out of the rubble and surrounded him.
Cole looked at the ponies around him, a few of them looked weak from starvation and carried makeshift weapons like wood clubs and poles.
"Look at what we have here. Another scumbag from the waste." Said the one that appeared to be the leader.
Cole just looked at him, showing no emotion on his half hidden face.
"Boss, let me have this one." Said a tough looking pony, the only one that looks well feed.
"He's yours Lace, and try to keep this one whole. We can't use the bodies if they are in pieces." Said the leader.
The pony named Lace begin moving towards Cole. He held a hammer type weapon in his mouth.
Cole looked down and smiled, did they not see his sword at his side.
When Lace was within three feet of Cole, Cole's head jerked to the left and then to the right. In his mouth was his sword, pulled out so fast that nopony had noticed.
Lace stood there confused at what just happened, but when he went to take a step forward, his two front legs fell out from under him. He slammed into the ground face first.
All the ponies gasped, this new pony had just cut the legs off of one of their best fighters, so fast that Lace or any other pony knew what just happened until it was to late.
Lace began to notice the pain coming from his bleeding stumps. He began to scream out in pain.
Cole looked down at him, no emotion playing on his face. He raised up his hoof and brought it down on Lace's head, caving it in and stopping the screams of pain.
The leader wiped the shocked look on his face away and looked at Cole with a smile on his face, "Well, it looks like we underestimated you, but all ponies have a weakness." He glanced at two brown ponies, "Daz, Stone, take care of this Pegasus."
They stepped forward, both holding metal poles in their mouths. They both had confidence in their steps, not knowing the true danger of the Pegasus in front of them.
The first pony, Stone, to reach him lashed out with his weapon. Cole easily moved to the side and swung his sword towards the brown colt. The colt dropped his pole, blinked, and slumped to the ground, neck cleanly cut.
The other one, Daz, stopped and looked over to his dead friend. Before he could act, Cole was beside him, sword raised. The sword came down and Cole turned to face the leader.
Daz looked straight ahead, then felt himself falling backwards. He had been cut in half, just above the stomach. His intestines and organs spilling onto the ground.
The three remaining ponies looked on in shock, how could this pony from the waste be able to kill three of them with no effort.
Two of the ponies turned and ran, but the leader stood his ground. "I see you are skilled with that sword of yours. Perhaps you would like to join me."
Cole looked at him, nothing on his face giving away what he was thinking.
"I trust nopony, especially one that just tried to have me killed. I will however let you leave with your life, if you leave now." Cole said with a bored voice.
The leader laughed and looked at Cole with a amused look on his face. "Showing mercy," he took a few steps closer to Cole, "I see we have found your weakness." He took a few more steps closer to Cole, now just five feet from him, "You know showing mercy can have unexpected results." He took a few more steps closer, now just three feet away. "Showing mercy out here is something you..."
Cole stepped closer and swung his sword outwards, and put his sword back in its sheath. He looked at the pony in front of him, "Who said I was showing mercy, I was just giving you a chance to escape with your life, but you chose death by approaching me."
He walked pass the pony and continued his long journey to no ware.
The leader blinked a few times and coughed. He felt him self falling and slammed into the ground. His body in front of him, jerking from the loss of its head.
Cole walked into the waste, he could see the two other ponies still running. This is a every day thing for him, always running into a new problem.
He saw something out of the corner of his eye, when he turned his head he saw the air twenty meters away wavy like gas. Then the mysterious wavy air disappeared.
Cole shook his head, the sun must be getting to him. He continued walking into the waste, his cloak had a few new small blood stains in it.
As he walked, he had no idea he was being watched by something that no pony would have expected, something evil that had been thought to not exist anymore.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 3 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-16T02:23:35+00:00
|
2011-10-16T02:23:35+00:00
| 1,330 |
Cole walked for several hours. Nothing exciting had happened on his long walk. He looked up to see a lone cloud in the sky, something rare to see.
Clouds are a rare sight, but are a safe haven for Pegasus's.
Cole hadn't seen a cloud in over a year, it was a welcoming sight. He could sleep on it without fear of being attacked.
He stretched out his wings, he hadn't used them in a month. He lifted off the ground and flew up towards the cloud.
As he neared the cloud, he saw something black draped over the clouds edge. He became worried, what could this be.
He slowed down and slowly drew his sword, he glided over to the cloud.
Once he was close to the cloud, the cloak came up and there was a flash of metal.
Cole brought his sword up and blocked the attack, he flew backwards a few feet and readied himself.
The cloak rose up, revealing a black Pegasus under it, also wearing goggles. The Pegasus held a sword in its mouth.
Cole started to recognize the Pegasus. He pulled down his hood and pushed up his goggles.
The cloaked Pegasus stood straight and put away his sword, "Cole, is that you?"
Cole returned his sword to its sheath, "Yes comrade Link. I though you had died when The Dark ones arrived."
Link pulled down his hood, revealing his black mane, "I thought the same of you my friend. Its good to see a fellow Nightblade has survived."
Link had been a Nightblade along with Cole. He was one of the four to be sent out on one of the missions to investigate the possible return of Nightmare Moon.
Link was a light black colt with a black spiky mane and tail. His eyes were a deep green, most ponies were intimidated by them. His cutie mark was the same as Cole's, but instead of lighting bolts, there was a sword with blood dripping off it on either side.
"I to am glad to see that I'm not the only Nightblade left. How has your journey been going?"
Link pulled up his goggles, "My friend, the waste is a unkind mistress. I have seen to many of my friends die out here."
Cole flew in closer, "Yes my friend, the world we once knew is gone, replaced with this hell."
Link looked over to Cole, "Have you met any other Nightblades in your travels."
Cole sighed, "Sadly my friend, I have not. Nothing out there but bandits. I am sad to say this, but we may be the last two left."
Link walked across the cloud towards Cole, who was still hovering above the cloud. "If that is true my friend, then I think we should travel together. Nightblades travel forth, into the unknown, comrades at side."
Cole smiled, remembering the old motto for the Nightblades. "I agree, I haven't had a companion in a long time. It would be nice to have a friend in battle."
Link smiled, "Then lets set off my friend." He pulled down his goggles and pulled his hood over his head.
Cole pulled his good over his head and pulled his goggles back down, "To the ground my friend, as you may know, it is dangerous to fly."
They flew down to the ground and surveyed the area.
"The waste, the place where you can watch a dog run away for three days." Link said with a grin.
Cole smiled, Link was the only Nightblade other than him that had a sense of humor.
"Still the same colt I knew two years ago I see, still the clown of the group." Cole said while smiling.
Link laughed lightly, "And your still the same cold hearted colt I knew."
Cole shook his head, but he couldn't help but laugh, "My friend, I have never met a colt who could be..." He looked up suddenly and jumped back.
Before link could ask what he was doing, a rock a few yards away from where Cole had been exploded.
Cole looked to the right. The air ten yards away was wavy, just like before. Cole rushed forwards just as it was about to disappear. He drew his sword and sliced the air in front of him.
There was a few sparks coming from the space he had swung his sword, but what followed was blood, pouring out of no ware.
Then, as the blood still flowed from the unseen wound, a creature materialized in front of Cole. The creature stood on two feet, its face was covered in a mask, and its body was in a suit of some kind. Its body was almost nothing but muscle.
The creature brought up its arm and slammed it into Cole from the side. The tremendous power from the blow sent Cole flying side ways for twenty feet.
He hit the ground and slide for a few more feet.
Link drew his sword and ran towards the beast. Once he was in range, the creature raised its left arm and pointed it at Link. Before the creature could do anything, Link swung his sword , taking off the creatures left arm.
The creature looked at its severed arm. It screamed in rage and before Link could act, the beast swung its other arm. The blow hit Link in the side, causing a loud crack to be heard.
Link flew for a few feet before hitting the ground.
As this was happening, Cole had regained his balance and was rushing towards the creature. He jumped up in the air and spread his wings.
The creature turned around to see Cole flying towards it, sword in mouth. As the creature brought up its hand, Cole flew past it, sword making contact.
As Cole landed, the creature behind him reached up with its good hand. When it touched its head, its head fell off backwards. The creature went to its knees, then continued to fall to the ground.
Cole smirked, another clean kill. Then Cole remembered Link, he looked over to Link to see him trying to stand. Cole ran over to him, "Link, are you okay, you took a heavy blow there."
Link looked up at him, "Of course my friend, my satchel took the full blow. But I'm afraid it may have broke a few ribs."
Cole looked down at his friend, "Can you stand?"
Link slowly stood and winced, they may have been trained to resist pain, but they still felt it. "Yes my friend, but until those bones heal, I'm no use in battle."
Cole looked around, "Can you fly, we can settle up on that cloud until you heal."
Link looked at him, "Now why would I do that, I want to keep moving, not just lay around. You know me, my bones heal fast."
Cole looked at his stubborn friend, "Okay my friend, but keep pace with me."
"I will, I'm not a filly you know." He looked over at the dead creature, "Umm, what was that thing?"
Cole turned around and walked towards the creature he had just slain. The creatures body had what looked to be metal and wires covering it. He looked over at the arm that Link had cut off.
The arm was not a arm at all, but a type of machine. Upon further observation, he noticed the thing could hook up to nerves in a body. Those creatures would give up their arms for a weapon, now that's dedication.
He picked it up and knocked the cloak off his back, revealing his own saddle bag.
The bag was big enough to hold filly or two in each side.
He placed the weapon or what ever it was into his bag and closed it, the thing was heavy, but nothing he couldn't handle.
Link looked at him, "Why take that?"
Cole looked at him with a grin on his face, "I don't know, could be useful and its pretty cool looking."
Link laughed, "All ways taking what you want when you want I see, come on, lets get moving. I want to find some ponies to fight, it gets funner every time."
They walked off into the waste, unaware that the body of the creature was being dragged away by an unseen force.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 4 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-16T02:24:48+00:00
|
2011-10-16T02:24:48+00:00
| 1,230 |
"So my friend, do you think that little town ahead of us is safe?" Asked Link.
Cole looked ahead, "Of course my friend, I went through there once. Nice place to rest and trade, one of the last places left with a little order."
They were walking upon one of the few towns that had ponies in it that were not looking to fight. The town was more of a rest stop and trading post than any thing else.
Link looked at the town, "So you mean we can sleep in real beds and eat real food."
"Yes, as long as you have something to trade."
Link smiled and pulled up his cloak to reveal a long bag strapped to his side. "I think I have plenty to trade. Everything in this bag is trophy's from my kills and my best finds. Swords, knives, you name it."
Cole smiled at this, "You keep trophy's of your kills too." He pulled up his cloak to reveal he also had a bag along his side, "Swords, knives, jewelry, and a few odds and ends."
Link looked at the town again, "Then lets go my friend, I want some real food."
Upon walking into the town, they saw a few ponies with saddlebags walking in and out of buildings. Some of the buildings still stood. The town had a hotel, bar, a few houses, a general store serving as trading post, and a warehouse.
Cole looked around the small town, "We should see about getting a room."
Link walked towards the hotel, "Come my friend."
They walked into the hotel, the building was well kept, but dirt still covered the floors. They pulled down their hoods.
They walked over to the desk, the receptionist looked up at them.
The receptionist was a light blue colt with rough features. He had a scar that ran down from his right eye to his mouth. His mane was also blue and was short.
"Yes?" He asked with a bored face.
Before Cole could say anything, Link moved in front of him.
"Me and my friend here would like a room." He placed a gold necklace on the desk in front of the receptionist, "I think this will cover the room."
The receptionist reached over and picked up a set of keys in his mouth. He placed it on the desk in front of them.
"Go down the hall, third door on the left."
Link smiled, "Thank you my good sir." He picked up the keys with his mouth, and started to walk towards their room. Cole followed him.
When they walked into the room, Cole took notice of the single double bed in the room and the small table in the corner.
Link walked over to the bed, "I haven't seen a bed in so long. I can't wait to sleep in it later."
Cole laughed, "Lets eat before we think about sleep."
Link stretched, "Fine, but lets hurry. I'm starving over here."
They walked out of the hotel and across the dirt street to the bar.
Upon walking into the bar, they were met with a sour smell. The ponies here was either at the bar or staggering around.
Cole walked up to the bar and took a seat. Link sat down beside him, "Here, use this to buy our food and drinks." He placed a nice looking knife in front of Cole.
Cole grinned, "When are you going to let me pay for something?"
Link smirked, "The day I die." He joked.
The bartender walked up to them, "What can I get you two colts?" He asked.
Cole cleared his throat, "I would like your strongest cider and anything with hay in it."
Link smiled, "I'll have what hes having."
"I think this knife will cover it."
The bartender examined the knife, "Okay, coming up." He picked up the knife and walked down the bar.
Cole turned around and observed the ponies around him. Most of them looked to be hardened wastelanders, but a few looked like they couldn't last a day in the waste.
Cole heard a light thud behind him, once he turned around he saw that the bartender had brought out their food and drinks.
Link started stuffing his food into his mouth without even checking what it was.
Cole looked at the food, it was hay, flowers, and a few fruits mixed together. He picked up the cider and swirled it around in the glass. He put it to his lips and let it slowly pour into his mouth. The taste was strong and it almost made him gag, but it was the way he liked it.
He took a long swig from the cider before putting it down and moving to the food.
Half way through the food, Cole heard Link gag, he must have finally taken a drink from the cider.
"Wow! My friend, this cider is strong." He took another swig, "Just the way I like it."
He turned around in his seat and looked around the room, "Cole."
Cole looked at him, "What is it?"
"Look, that pony in the corner is wearing a cloak like ours."
Cole turned around and looked at the corner where the cloaked pony was. The pony had its hood down over its face.
"Give me a minute my friend." Cole said as he got off his seat and started walking towards the cloaked pony.
When he got closer, he noticed that it was a Pegasus with a blue coat. The Pegasus's cloak covered the rest of its body, so he couldn't see any other features.
"Hey." Cole said once he was in front of the Pegasus.
The Pegasus looked up at him.
He could tell that the Pegasus was a mare by her face, even if she was wearing goggles similar to his.
"Cole, is that you." She questioned.
Cole smiled and pulled up his goggles, revealing his red eyes.
The Pegasus pulled back her hood, revealing her purple mane. She looked at him and smiled, "Cole, your alive. I though you was dead."
He smiled, "I'm alive Flash, and so is Link."
Flash was a mare who was also a Nightblade. She was a blue Pegasus with brown eyes. Her cutie mark was the same as Cole's and links, but had wings on the shield.
She was by far the fastest Nightblade, living up to her name. She was also very skilled with her sword, which she had decorated with flowers and blood.
She stands and walks over and hugs Cole. "I'm so happy to see that you survived."
Cole stood there, why is she being so emotional, Nightblades don't show this much emotion.
She stepped back smiling, "Its great to see you Cole."
Link walked up next to Cole, "Well, Flash. I'm happy to see a fellow Nightblade and friend is alive."
Flash looked at Link, "Its good to see you alive also Link."
"Where are you staying Flash?" Asked Cole.
She looked at him, "Oh, I was just passing through this town, so I have no ware to stay."
Cole thinks for a second, "Well would you like to join me and Link. We could us your skills and it would be great to have all the Nightblades together. You can stay with us if you like."
Her eyes brighten at this, "Yes, I would love to join you two. Where are you staying."
Cole was a little taken back by the way she was acting, "We are staying at the hotel across the street. After we get done eating, we will head back there. Link is tired and so am I, so I think its time to rest."
Link turned around and headed back to the bar to finish his food.
Cole turned around to follow when Flash appeared beside him. She looked unnaturally happy for a Nightblade.
He sat down at his seat and started to finish his food. He looked to his right a Link, he was chugging his cider.
Cole put the last of the food in his mouth and finished off the cider. He turned around, "You two ready to turn in for the night."
"Yes, I need to rest for a while." Link said while standing up.
Flash looked happier, "Yes, lets hurry. I'm tired as can be."
The three Nightblades walked across the street and into the hotel. When they walked into the hotel room which was theirs, they all noticed the single double bed.
Cole sighed, "Well it looks like we all have to sleep in the bed together, unless somepony wants to sleep on the floor."
Link looked at him, "The hell I'm sleeping on the floor, I'm sleeping on that bed, even if I have to fight you two."
Flash smiled, "I don't mind sleeping in the bed with you two, we had to do it sometimes anyways when we were at the Nightblades HQ."
"Well lets get ready for bed then shall we." Cole said.
Cole slipped off his cloak and bags and put them in a pile, then he pulled off his sword and put it on top of the pile. He looked over at the other two, Link had just finished taking off his cloak and gear and was heading towards the bed. Flash however had just gotten her cloak off, she had a saddlebag and two long bags strapped to her.
She piled her gear next to the table and walked towards the bed, "Come on Cole, your just standing there."
Cole shook his head, "I'm coming, I'm coming."
Link was already in bed, on the right side of the bed.
Flash got in bed and looked at Cole, "I get the middle, you can have the outside."
Cole laughed slightly, "Okay, just move over."
He climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to him.
"Good night Cole, good night Link." Flash said with a yawn.
"Good night you two." Cole said was he rolled onto his back.
"Mmhf." Mumbled Link, who was already on the verge of falling asleep.
Cole lay there for a while, trying to relax and fall asleep. But sleep wouldn't come, he wasn't use to being in a place were he didn't have to be on guard.
He looked out the window at the sun, which was high in the sky. He sighed and shifted a little.
Flash turned over and snuggled up close to Cole.
Cole looked down at her, she had a smile on her face.
"Flash, are you even asleep." Cole said with a grin on his face.
She looked at him in surprise, "Your awake, I thought you feel asleep."
Cole smiled and put his hoofs to his face, "No not yet. Can't sleep, I'm to use to being on guard all the time."
She smiled, "Well your safe here, you don't have to be on guard."
Cole moved his hoofs from his face and smiled at her, "I know, its just kinda hard to relax."
"Just try and relax, okay."
Cole grinned, "I'll have to sooner or later."
"Go to sleep, both of you." Said a annoyed Link.
"Link, I thought you feel asleep" Cole said.
"I did but you two woke me up with your talking, now go to sleep or I'll make you."
Cole smiled to him self, "Of course my friend, I will go to sleep."
He laid his head back down and sighed.
Flash moved closer to him and put her hoof over him and snuggled close to him.
Cole was surprised at this, he though about making her get off him, but he decided to let it be. Strangely for him, he liked the the feel of her body against his and her slow hot breath against his neck.
He felt himself relax, slowly falling asleep. Before he fell asleep, he felt Flash lay her head on his chest. Then he fell into a restful and peaceful sleep.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 5 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-16T02:26:03+00:00
|
2011-10-16T02:26:03+00:00
| 1,192 |
Cole opened his eyes slowly, he was looking up at the ceiling. He yawned, he hadn't had that good of a sleep in two years.
He looked over at his two companions, Link was still asleep with the covers wrapped tightly around him. It looked like he had had a fight in his sleep. Cole smiled, he always was a rough sleeper.
He looked down to Flash, who had her hoofs wrapped around him and her head on his chest. Cole couldn't help but smile at this, why would she, a Nightblade, be so attached to him. They were just friends before The Dark ones arrived, and now it seemed like she has developed new and stronger feelings for him.
He would have to be careful around her so that he doesn't hurt her. He was going to protect her, he wasn't going to let her get hurt on his watch. It had already happened once, and he wasn't going to let it happen again.
Cole smiled, well he could enjoy this one moment. He put his hoofs over Flash and held her close to him.
Flash snuggled up closer to Cole. She had a smile on her face and her grip on him tighten slightly.
He nuzzled her mane, "Come on Flash wake up."
She opened her eyes sleepily and looked up at him. She smiled brightly, "Good morning Cole."
Cole smiled, "Morning Flash, did you have a good sleep last night."
Flash nuzzled his neck, "Yes, thanks to you."
Link turned over, "Are you two already awake, how am..." He noticed that they were embracing each other and he smiled. "So, it finally happened. You two have finally hooked up, I new it would happen sooner or later."
Flash laid her head back down on Cole's chest and smiled, "Go back to sleep Link."
Link shook his head, "I am, but can you two wait and do it when I'm not in the room."
Cole laughed, "Fine, just go back to sleep."
Link smiled and rolled over.
Flash looked back up at Cole, "So.."
Cole looked at her, "So what?"
She blushed, something that Cole has never seen a Nightblade do. "Does this make us a couple."
Cole laid his head back and smiled, "I guess, you do want to right?"
She moved her head under his neck, "Of course."
He tightened his grip around her, "Then its settled, me and you are a couple."
Flash yawned, "You do know that I'm still tired right. You woke me up early. The sun is still high in the sky."
Cole laughed, "Of course its still high in the sky, it never goes down remember."
She smiled, "I know, I was just joking." She yawned and snuggled up close to him. "Let me sleep for a little while longer."
"Okay."
She fell asleep with her arms around him and her head resting on his chest.
Cole smiled, he was enjoying himself.
Five hours later.
Cole walked out of the bar where he and his fellow Nightblades had just ate.
Link pulled his hood back over his head and pulled his goggles back in place, "Well you two ready to head back in to the waste."
Cole and Flash also pulled their hood and goggles back into place, and Cole looked around, "Well I guess we should, no use staying in this town any longer."
Then Flash's eyes light up, "Wait, before we leave, I have something for you two." She started walking towards the hotel, "Come on, follow me. I can't believe I forgot to give those to you."
Once they walked into the hotel room, she lifted up her cloak and dropped the bag she had strapped to her back onto the ground.
She opened it to reveal five special suits.
Cole instantly recognized them as the Nightblades special operations battle suits. The suits covered the waist and legs, but didn't cover the head. It was black with a few pockets on it. The suit could protect you from a blade,magic, and impact. It was specially made for them by the princesses them selves.
Link walked over and picked one up, "Were did you get those Flash. I thought you only got them for dangerous missions."
She smiled proudly, "They gave them to me for a mission, but I kept them after it was over. I said I lost them, and I'm glad i did."
Cole picked up one and looked it over. He smiled, "Perfect, I always wanted one."
He slipped off his cloak and gear. He saw that Link and Flash was doing the same. He pulled on the suit and placed his bags back on his back and side.
Flash walked over, already dressed in her suit and gear. She picked up his sword and placed it on his side, "There you go Cole."
Cole smiled, "I could have done that you know." He slipped his cloak back on.
Link grinned, "I fell like I could take on the waste by my self."
Flash smiled, "You won't have to with us around."
Link looked at them, "Lets fly this time." He looked at Cole, "Come on, we are safer in a group."
Cole thought about the idea, "Well I suppose it would be okay, but only for the day."
Link almost jumped with excitement, "Finally, I get to spread my wings and enjoy my self."
Cole smiled at the thought of flying again, "Lets go then my friends."
They walked out of the hotel, spread their wings and took off.
"Where are we heading Cole." Asked link, clearly enjoying himself.
"Where ever we end up." Cole said, who also seemed to be enjoying himself.
They flew for a few hours, and throughout the whole time, Flash kept flying close to Cole.
Cole was enjoying her affection for him.
He looked over at her, she was flying with a smile on her face.
"Uhhh, comrades. Are those Pegasus flying towards us." Link said while pointing ahead.
They all stopped and looked at the approaching crowd of Pegasus. Cole could see at least twenty two of them.
The crowd stopped fifteen yards away and a Pegasus flew forward.
"Hello fellow Pegasus. Tell me, why are you flying in my air space."
The Pegasus in front of them was brown and appeared to be the leader of the group.
Cole looked at him, "What do you think we are doing. We are flying, what else."
The brown Pegasus looked at Cole, "I don't need your mouth you infidel."
Cole flew forward a little, but Link put his hoof in front of him and whispered, "Don't provoke them, lets try to avoid a fight with them.'
The brown Pegasus looked at Flash and smiled, "Oh and what do we have here. A mare, and a nice looking mare at that."
Cole flew in front of her, "Back off."
The brown Pegasus smiled, "We haven't seen a mare Pegasus in a while." He pointed behind him at the Pegasus's, which were all colt's. "Why don't you come here you pretty little mare and we will show you a good time."
Flash became angry at this, "Go buck you self."
The brown Pegasus smiled, "That's no way to treat your future master."
Cole and Link drew theirs swords and faced the crowd of Pegasus's.
"If you want her, your going to have to go through us." Cole said with evil in his voice.
Flash drew her sword, "Your not leaving me out of this."
The brown Pegasus laughed, "What can you three do against us." He turned around and yelled to the crowd of Pegasus, "Kill the two colts, bring me the mare."
The Pegasus's yelled in response and drew their weapons, swords. This was the first time Cole had saw any other pony other than his group who carried swords.
The brown Pegasus pointed his hoof towards Cole and his friends, "Do it."
The crowd of Pegasus swarmed towards them.
"Well, this should be interesting." Link said while taking his sword in his mouth.
"When I go forward, I want you two to follow behind me, cut through their ranks." Cole said as he put his sword in his mouth.
As the crowd of Pegasus neared them, Cole shot forward, Flash and Link by his side.
When they made contact with the crowd, they began swinging their swords.
Pegasus feel from the, missing legs, heads, and their lower half of their bodies.
Cole flew out the other side of the crowd and turned around just in time to block a attack from one of the Pegasus. He easily counter the weak attack and cut the top part of the Pegasus's head off.
He looked over to Link, who was taking on four Pegasus at once. He started to fly towards him when he saw that Flash was fighting five at once.
Before he could decide who to help, three Pegasus flew in front of of him. The first one came at him, resulting in the lose of his head. The other two hesitated, which resulted in them losing blood through holes in their throats.
Cole looked at over to Flash, who now had only two to fight. She can handle her self, he looked to Link to see that he also was doing okay.
"Doing nothing in battle, bad mistake."
Cole spun around, taking the head off the brown Pegasus who had started this whole thing.
Four Pegasus flew up to him, swords raised. He brought his sword up, ready to finish this. Before he could make a move, there was a flash of blue and black behind the four Pegasus. They floated their for a second, looks of confusion on their faces, before they fell to the ground in two pieces.
Flash flew up beside him, "How ya doing Cole."
"You know me, surviving."
Link flew up beside them and looked at the remaining Pegasus, only six left.
"You two ready to finish this." Cole said with a smile.
"Yes Cole. Each of us get two, this should be a little fun." Link said with a smirk.
Flash shot forward and engaged three of the Pegasus, while the other three flew towards Cole and Link.
"Does she even listen." Link said moving forwards.
"From time to time, but not today." Cole said as he flew forwards.
The first Pegasus swung his sword at Link, the swing was to soon and missed. Link brought his sword up wards, splitting the Pegasus down the middle of its face and chest. As it fell to the ground, Link pushed his sword deep into the second Pegasus's chest.
Cole flew towards the last one, and swung his sword. The Pegasus dodged his attack and swung at Cole. As Cole went to block the attack, the Pegasus throw his sword pass Cole and tackled Cole, rapping his hoofs around his wings.
They started falling towards the ground. The Pegasus knew he couldn't win in a fair fight, so he was going to take Cole with him.
As the two speed towards the ground, Cole let his sword fall out of his mouth, "What the buck are you doing."
The Pegasus didn't move, "Killing you."
Cole looked up to see Flash coming towards them, sword in mouth.
Before the Pegasus knew what happened, he felt his lower half of his body fall away. His eyes went wide and lost his grip on Cole. Cole took the moment to push away the top half of the Pegasus and spread his wings.
As he turned to face the ground, he knew he wouldn't be able to stop him self completely. He braced for impact, but he felt something lace onto him. He looked down to see that Flash was under him, she was going to let her body take the impact.
He felt a tear come out of his eye, he wasn't going to let her sacrifice her self to save him. He spun around so that he was on bottom and would take the full blow of the impact.
She looked at him, tears in her eyes, "No." She whispered.
He kissed her and pulled her tight.
When they hit the ground, their was a sicking thud.
Link looked on in shock as his two friends lay on the ground, not moving.
He flew down to them, "Why."
Then Flash started to move. Link ran over to her, "Flash are you okay? Don't move, you could be hurt."
But she was looking at Cole, who wasn't moving. "He stopped me from taking the impact. Why, why would he do that." She gently laid her head on his chest. "It was suppose to be me."
As Link watched Flash cry on their friend, he felt his eyes fell with tears. Their last friend had just died, leaving them alone in the world.
Flash sobbed, "I.. I... I loved him." She cried harder.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 6 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-16T19:45:33+00:00
|
2011-10-16T19:45:33+00:00
| 1,229 |
Chapter 5
"Come on you worthless filly, take the damn pain." Said a angry Nightblade instructor to a young Cole.
"If you can't take the pain, then we'll just have to give you more." He said as he slammed the club into Cole's left foreleg, resulting in a loud snap.
Cole fell to the ground, resisting the erge to scream in pain.
"What? Is this to much."
He hit Cole multiple times in the legs until three loud and sickening cracks were heard.
"If you want to be a Nightblade you worthless filly, then you need to learn to resist pain." He brought the club down on Cole's jaw. The crack made all the other Nightblade trainees wince.
Cole's eyes filled with tears, but he held them back.
"Cry, I dare you."
He brought the club down on Cole's side, making him turn onto his back, his broken legs laying at awkward positions.
The instructor brought the club down on his chest, making a few ribs break and puncher the skin.
"He's done. You did well trainee, if you survive you wounds, you will begin the real training."
Cole opened his eyes fast and looked around. He was sweating from the dream he had just had, a dream of his past.
He started to move, but felt a sharp pain in his back. He fell back on the bed, wait bed.
He looked at were he was. He was in a small room with bare wooden walls. He glanced to his left to see Flash, fast asleep in a chair, her head resting on the bed where he laid.
He looked down at his body, but a blanket covered him. He pulled it off to reveal bandages wrapped around his body.
What happened, last thing he remembers is kissing Flash goodbye and hitting the ground. Wait, kissing Flash. He looked over at her, still asleep.
He smiled, even if it hurt his head to do so. Flash was the second mare he had ever cared about. He put his left hoof on her shoulder and shook her.
She jumped and looked around. Then she looked at Cole and smiled. "Your awake."
Cole started to speak, but his voice was rough and dry, "How long... was I out."
Flash smiled, still happy to see him awake, "Two weeks, I haven't left your side since we got here."
Cole smiled at this, "What happened after we hit the ground."
She looked a little sad at remembering the moment, "Its a long story."
"I have time, I'm not going anywhere."
She smiled, "Okay, well after we hit the ground, me and Link thought you was dead. Then you started breathing again and I told Link we need to get you to someplace with a doctor. He told me the chances of a doctor was slim." She cleared her throat, "After a while, I convinced him to at least try. I tried to pick you up, but I wasn't strong enough to lift you. So Link carried you. We walked for about a hour before running into a earth pony. You won't ever guess who it was."
"Who was it?" Cole asked.
"Vespi, remember him."
Cole smiled, he remembered him alright. They had been good friends during training.
Vespi was a earth pony, so he wasn't in the same Nightblades group as Cole and the others. He had been in the Silent Nights, a group of skilled assassins. They were the best of the best when it came to stealthy kills.
He was brown with a black mane and tail. His cutie mark was a black V, the symbol for the Silent Nights.
He was a easy going pony, probably the most relaxed and laid back pony in the Nightblades, but he could be very serious when he wanted to be.
"Well we ran into him, and after he saw you. He took us to a pony he was working for."
"Wait, what do you mean he was working for."
"Oh, hes offering his skills to others. He's been doing a lot of bodyguard work lately."
"Oh, well continue."
"The pony he was working for was a doctor, lucky us. Well after he set your bones and bandages you, he told us to wait for you to wake up, and two weeks later, here we are."
Cole smiled, "And you said you've been by my side the whole time." He put his hoof on hers.
She smiled brightly, "Yes, I couldn't bring myself to leave you."
Cole looked around, "Where's Link?"
"He's outside with Vespi, they are guarding the house for the doctor."
"So I take it we are at the doctors house."
"Yes, we couldn't move you after the bandages were put on."
Cole smiled, "Come here and give me a hug."
She blushed, "Why?"
"I just want to hold you."
She smiled and slowly got on the bed, careful not to hurt him. She slowly rapped her hoofs around his chest and laid her head next to his neck.
Cole put his hoofs around her mid section and pulled her close, ignoring the pain.
"Cole."
"What is it." He said as he nuzzled her neck.
"I... I... umm." She stuttered.
He kissed her neck, "I love you to Flash."
"How did you know that was what I was trying to say?"
"I just knew."
She smiled and nuzzled his neck.
Cole smiled. Despite all the pain he was in, he felt better than he had in years.
He stroked her purple mane with his right hoof.
She kissed his neck, "When you heal, I'll show you how much I love you."
Cole smiled, knowing what she meant, "And I'll show you how much I really love you."
She tighten her embrace slightly, "I can't wait."
He pushed her head up till her face was in front of his.
He pulled her into a deep kiss. He licked her teeth, asking for permission to enter. She opened her mouth and he pushed his tongue into her mouth and began to explore.
He tongue entered his mouth and ran along his gums. Their tongues met and ran along each other.
They broke the kiss slowly, both with a hug smile on their face. Cole kissed her cheek and pulled her into a tight embrace.
She snuggled into his embrace, "Cole, I love you."
Cole smiled and nuzzled her cheek, "I love you to Flash."
The door across the room opened and in walked Link.
"Hey Flash I need... Oh so I see you two love birds are already at it." Link said with a smirk.
Cole smiled, "Link, leave us along for a while, you already ruined one moment. You can talk to me later."
"Fine, I don't want to see this stuff any way." He said while leaving the room.
Flash went back to snuggling up to Cole.
Cole smiled, he was happy, something rare for him
3 days later.
Cole stood up, he was finally able to walk, and it felt good to be wearing all of his gear again.The Nightblades special operations battle suit was on under his cloak, that thing may have saved his life. He pulled his goggles down but left his hood on his shoulders, no use in wearing it right now.
He hadn't talked to Vespi yet, he had stayed outside the whole three days.
Cole walked out of the house and into the bright sun. The doctor who's real name is Necro, a very nice brown earth pony with a grey mane and tail, was walking around his garden.
Cole looked around till he saw Vespi, fully dressed in his Cloak, goggles and the battle suit, Flash must have given it to him.
"Vespi my friend, how have you been."
Vespi spun around and smiled, "Cole, its good to see you after so long." He walked over to Cole.
Cole raised his hoof and Vespi raised his, they slammed them together.
Vespi smiled, "How many ponies have you killed Cole."
Cole went into thought, "At least a few hundred, what about you."
Vespi grinned, "I lost count at two thousand."
Cole laughed, "Of course you would kill that many. Makes me wish I wasn't a Pegasus, then I could have joined the Silent Nights instead of the Dark Nights."
The Dark Nights were the elite part of the Nightblades, they were specialized in killing fast. They were the main ones who protected Princess Luna.
"Your a better Dark Night than I would have ever been, but you would never have been able to to be a Silent Night."
"Oh and why is that."
Vespi smiled, "You Dark Blades are trained to fight, but we Silent Nights were trained to fight and be able to take on crowds with ease."
Cole laughed, "I can fight a crowd easily."
"But not the way a Silent Night would."
"True, but I think..."
He was interrupted by Necro, "Uhh, hey Cole I need to ask you something."
Cole looked at Necro, "Okay, what is it."
Necro looked around, "Lets talk in private."
"Okay, lead the way."
Necro lead him to the house and to a small door, "You go in first."
"Where does that door lead."
"My lab."
Cole looked at him, "Lab? I thought you was a doctor."
Necro smiled, "I'm also a scientist, former scientist for Princess Celestia."
"I never saw you at the palace."
"I was under the ground, in the lab with the rest of the scientist. But I left it a week before The Dark ones arrived, and came here and set up this lab."
They went down into the lab, not much down here but weird machines and tubes.
Then he saw something on a table, "Hey, did you get that out of my bag."
Necro looked at it, "Yes, that's what I want to talk to you about."
"Okay, what did you want to know."
"Where did you get it."
"Oh, I got it off a creature that attacked me and Link, Link had cut it off during the battle."
Necro looked shocked, "What did the creature look like?"
"It stood on two legs and was almost nothing but muscle. It wore a suit made of metal and weird objects, it had a mask on over its face."
Necro ran over to the arm and looked it over, "This is not good, this is not good."
Cole walked up to him, "Whats not good?"
Necro looked at him, "This is terrible, The Dark ones have returned."
Cole's face turned into a look of shock, "How, they left years ago."
"No they didn't leave, they just went into hiding. They must have decided it was time to finish the job they started."
Cole looked at Necro, "Our swords barley did anything against them, how are we suppose to fight them."
Necro looked at him, "Fight them? Why try, they are to powerful."
"We killed one already, shouldn't be that hard."
"Yes one, and how hard was it. Now think about fighting a hundred of them at once, its impossible."
Cole sighed, hes right. How can they fight that many if it took him and Link both to just kill one.
"Can you do any thing to help us fight them."
Necro looked around, "Well, yes I can. I can add a stronger substance to your sword that can cut through anything, even diamond."
"But my sword is already a diamond edged."
"Yes, but this substance is stronger and sharper than diamond. Its from a Dark ones weapon, very advanced."
Cole pulled out his sword, "Do it, I want to be able to slice through them with ease."
Necro took his sword and smiled, "My pleasure, and see that arm on the table, its a weapon that fires out beams. The good thing is its powered by the sun, so unlimited amount of use."
Cole smiled, "I want that thing."
"Of course, I'm already getting it ready to fit on you hoof."
"Nice."
"Now leave, I need to be alone to do this."
Cole turned to leave, "Thank you comrade."
He walked back up to the house and looked around, nopony was in the room.
He walked back into the room where he slept, and saw Flash in bed.
She smiled, "I've been waiting for you Cole."
Cole looked around the room, "Uhhh, what do you mean."
"Remember when I told you I would show you how much I love you after you healed."
Cole smirked, "Oh that's right."
"Well come on then tough colt."
Cole slipped off his cloak and gear and walked to the bed.
She reached over to him and pulled him into the bed next to her.
Cole ran his hoof along her back, "You ready Flash."
She smiled, "Are you?"
"Yes."
He gently pushed her on to her back until he was positioned on top of her. He started to deeply kiss her, slowly moving his lower half down to her lower half.
She broke the kiss and reached down and guided him into her.
When he penetrated her, she let out a moan of pleasure. She smirked and pulled him back into a kiss.
He started thrusting back and forth into her, slowly picking up speed.
Flash started to moan and laid her head back. Cole started kissing her neck while he continued thrusting into her.
She started to move under him, she let out a loud moan, "Cole, I'm about to.." She moaned loudly before having her first organism.
Cole speed up, and started thrusting faster. "Flash, I'm about to do it."
She moaned, "Do it."
He pushed in as far as he could before releasing his seed deep into her.
He fell on top of her, breathing loudly.
Flash, also breathing loudly, put her hoofs around him.
Cole smiled, "Flash, that was great."
She smiled, "Who said we was done."
Before he could question her, she turned them around and was on top of him.
She started kissing him, then slowly started kissing down his body. She kissed his chest,lower chest, stomach, and below his stomach.
She looked up at him and smiled before taking his member in her mouth.
Cole gasped in pleasure.
She started slowly going up and down with her head.
The door opened and somepony laughed, but then the door closed again.
They didn't hear it, Flash continued to bob up and down on him.
Cole let out a sigh of pleasure as he released his loud into her mouth. He heard a sucking sound coming from Flash, and he felt a tongue running around his member.
Flash came up beside him and snuggled up close to him.
He pulled her into a tight embrace and smiled.
Life was good.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 7 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-18T01:26:22+00:00
|
2011-10-18T01:26:22+00:00
| 984 |
Chapter 6
"Come on Cole, we're almost there." Said Spark.
Cole ran to catch up, "I'm coming."
Spark stopped, "I can't believe this has happened, those things destroyed every thing."
Cole stopped beside her, "I know, but as Nightblades, its our jobs to protect Princess Luna. We have to get back to the palace."
Spark ran forward, "Then come on, we must hurry."
Cole sprinted after her, "Stay next to me Spark, I don't want to lose you."
Spark smiled, "Really my love, you think I would really leave your side."
Cole smiled, "Of course my love, just worried."
They ran till they saw the area where the palace should be.
"No, it can't be. The palace is destroyed." Spark said walking forward.
"We were to late." Cole said slumping to the ground and putting his face in his hoofs.
Cole looked up to see a Pegasus holding Spark in the air, a sword to her throat.
"Give me your weapon and I may let her live."
Cole jumped up, "Drop her now, or you will experience a fate worst than hell."
The Pegasus smiled coldly, "Drop her, as you wish." The Pegasus cut sparks throat and let her drop to the ground.
Cole looked in shock as his lover slumped to the ground, dead.
He looked at the smiling Pegasus with evil in his eyes, "You bastard."
The Pegasus tilted his head back and laughed, "You told me to drop her, you didn't say how." He looked down to see Cole flying towards him, hatred in his eyes.
Cole tackled the Pegasus to the ground and sat up on his chest.
Cole started slamming his hooves into the Pegasus's face, each hit causing blood to pour out of its nose, mouth, and eyes.
"YOU WORTHLESS." Cole slammed his hooves down on his jaw, causing it to brake, "PIECE OF SHIT." He brought both hooves down, causing the Pegasus's head to slightly cave in. "YOU WILL PAY IN HELL!"
Cole screamed in rage and slammed his hooves into the Pegasus's head. The whole head caved in on itself, blood and brains oozing out of cracks.
Cole stood up and looked at Spark, his rage was replaced with sadness.
Cole awoke in a cold sweat, and he sat up. Why was he having dreams of his past. He winced at the memory of Spark, his first love. He had let her die, after all they had been through.
He shook his head, no need to dread the past.
He looked over to Flash, who was still asleep next to him. He smiled, remembering what they had done.
He laid back down, and she snuggled up to him.
Cole lay there thinking about the events of the past two years.
The door opened, and Necro walked in.
"Oh good, your awake. I'm happy to tell you that your sword is done, and that the weapon has been changed to fit on your hoof."
Cole looked at him, "That's good to hear, thanks."
Necro smiled, proud of himself, "It was no problem. It was fun to work on both of them. Just one thing, the bracelet can over heat, so fire it one shot at a time."
"Wait, how do I even use it?"
Necro looked exited, "I was hoping you would ask. Once you put it on, little needles will go into your skin and attach to your nervous system. From there it will connect to your brain, this will give you the ability to fire it at will, just will it to fire. Its like moving your wings, it will come natural to you."
Cole thought about this, "So, its that easy."
"Yes, a filly could do it with ease."
Cole smiled, "I like that. Now tell me about my sword."
Necro looked happier, he must love explaining this, "Your sword is a master piece. I was able to combine the substance from The Dark ones technology and diamonds to form a unbreakable blade. It is extremely sharp, it cut my desk in half and some of the floor when I dropped it."
Now it was Cole's turn to be happy, "It's that sharp. I can't wait to test it out."
Necro smiled, "I feel sorry for the poor pony to who faces you."
Cole smiled, then started thinking of something, "If its not to much to ask, can you build me some different weapons and work on my gear."
Necro almost jumped with excitement, "Yes yes, of course I would be happy to."
"Thanks, my cloak and gear on the chair."
Necro grabbed his gear and ran out of the room, a big smile on his face.
Cole relaxed back into bed and let out a sigh.
Flash put a hoof over his chest and laid her head next to his.
Cole smiled and kissed her on the cheek, "Afternoon."
She smiled, "That was fun."
"I know, want to do it later."
She giggled and kissed him, "You know it."
Cole rubbed her side, "And lets make it last longer this time."
Before Flash could reply, a scream came from out side and something hit the wall.
Cole jumped up, "Whats going on."
A sword came through the wall, and blood started seeping through.
Link ran in, fully dressed in his gear, "What happened."
Cole put his sword on and pulled it out, "I think Vespi needs our help. Hurry."
Cole ran out of the house, wearing nothing but his sword.
What lay in front of him was something he had not expected.
The ground in front of him was littered with dead ponies, at least fifty.
Cole looked around till he saw Vespi. He was fighting a group of nine ponies.
Vespi struck one pony in the throat with his short blade, causing blood to pour onto the ground. Then he bucked one in the head, breaking the neck, and cut through three of their necks with ease.
He sprung forward, embedding his blade deep into the chest of a unlucky pony.
The remaining ponies did the smart thing, they turned and ran.
Vespi turned to look at his friends, with a smile on his face, "And that my friends, is how a Silent Night does it."
Cole laughed and looked at all the dead ponies, "How long have you been fighting, we didn't even know this was happening."
Vespi smiled proudly, "That's how good I am."
Link laughed and shook his head, "Couldn't wait for us could you."
Vespi smirked, "Now why would I let you three come and..."
His head shoot up and he grabbed his sword in his mouth. He swung his head to the side, then throw his sword at Cole.
Cole looked in shock, why was Vespi his friend throwing a sword at him.
As Cole closed his eyes and awaited the cold blade to embedded into him, he heard the sound of meat being cut.
He looked up to see the sword in midair, stuck. Blood pouring out of no ware.
Then a creature materialized in front of them.
It turned around and looked at Vespi, it let out a low growl.
Cole acted on instinct, and swung his sword. The legs of the creature fell out from under it and it fell to the ground.
Vespi ran forward, pulled his sword from the creature and put it to its neck.
"NO! Wait Vespi." Said a excited Necro.
He came out of the house and stood in front of the beast, "Don't kill it yet."
Vespi looked at him, "What the hell is it."
Necro cleared his throat, "Its a Dark one."
Everypony jumped back in surprise, except Cole and Vespi.
"What, a Dark one?"
"Yes, a Dark one. They have returned and I want to know why."
Cole looked at the Dark one, who was looking straight at Vespi, hatred in its eyes. "But Necro, this one is skinnier and doesn't have a suit like the other one. The last one had a battle suit or something, this one has what looks like a torn lab coat."
Necro looked at him, "Well of course, there are two different types of Dark ones, the smart ones, the one we have here, and the stupid brute ones, the one you fought."
Cole looked surprised, "Two types?"
"Yes." He looked at the Dark one, "I know you can understand me and I know you have a voice changer. So turn it on and talk to us now, or I will have my friend here cut you to pieces."
The Dark one raised its hand up to its throat and turned a nob. A faint crackling noise came from it, "You ponies are so clueless. We the Abaryims, are a proud race. I will not answer your useless questions."
Necro looked at Cole, "Kick him, show him some pony hospitality."
Cole smiled and kicked the Dark one in the chest.
It coughed and laughed.
Cole kicked it five more times and pulled his sword up and chopped off its right arm.
It winced, "Fine you damn ponies."
"Why are you here, why did you destroy everything." Necro said with anger but also excitement in his voice.
"We came here to take this world as our own. Our world has become toxic, thanks to us introls, or the ones you refer to as the smart ones. We looked through the universe till we came upon this planet, with its perfect habitat for us to live on. You ponies was to easy to take out, but we didn't expect some of you to live. I guess we should have bombed more of the planet before leaving."
Necro processed the information, "I see, now tell me about your race."
The Dark one laughed, "I will tell you this, seeing as you won't live to see it. But we have constructed a base here, a mega fortress. Right under your snouts, we are preparing to kill you all."
Cole stepped forward, "What do you mean we won't live to see it."
The Dark one laughed again, "This whole time, I've been transmitting my location to the rest of the Abaryims, they should be here soon. You can't survive our beams and missiles."
Necro ran into the house, "Do want you want Vespi."
Cole stopped him, "Wait one second Vespi." He looked at the Dark one, "Why was you following me."
The Dark one looked at him, "You are the only pony to have the ability to be like us, we was going to experiment on you and your three friends here." It laughed again, "I was going to take the pleasure to work on that mare there my self."
Cole looked at him with furry in his eyes, "You son of a horse." He brought his sword down on its head.
Vespi jumped back, "Hey, he was mine."
"Sorry about that."
Necro walked out with Cole's gear, "Here, I've done all I can. The hood can not be cut or destroyed, thank their technology for that. I also made some boots to go on your hooves, they increase the power behind each punch."
He tossed the Nightblades Special Operations Battle Suit to Cole, "That suit can now take all of their weapons, just don't get hit in the head."
Cole pulled on all his gear, "Thanks, this will come in handy.'
Flash walked up to him, "Whats going to happen."
Before he could answer, they heard a loud scream, not a scream they had ever heard before.
On the hill a fourth of a mile away, a crowd of Dark ones appeared. They all looked mad.
"What the hell." Vespi said as he spun around.
The Dark ones raised their right arms at the same time. Then missiles started flying towards the small house and the Nightblades.
"GET DOWN!" Yelled Link.
Cole jumped on Flash.
The whole place exploded, wood, rock, sand, and metal flying everywhere.
As the dust settled, Cole stood up. His cloak, thanks to Necro had protected him and Flash from the explosion.
Flash looked up at him, "Are you okay?"
Cole looked around, "Yes, but were are the others?"
Then two cloaked ponies stood up, one with a injured pony under it.
Good everypony was okay, except for Necro, who looked pretty banged up.
Cole looked at the crowd of Dark ones, they were slowly coming towards them.
Cole and the other three night blades brought up their swords, prepared to take on the advancing crowd of Dark ones.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 8 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-19T00:04:41+00:00
|
2011-10-19T00:04:41+00:00
| 1,192 |
Chapter 7
The crowd of Dark ones swarmed towards the Nightblades.
"What are we going to do?" Asked Link, looking scared but also excited.
Cole brought up his sword, "We fight, what else."
"Well lets hurry up and die." Said Vespi with a grin on his face.
Flash moved forward, "Lets go down with honor."
Cole looked at the horde of Dark ones, slowly making their way to them. "Nightblades, prepare to fight."
The four Nightblades started moving forwards.
"Wait, what about Necro," Said Flash.
"Link, protect him."
"All ways me isn't it." Link said as he put Necro on his back and under his cloak.
Vespi ran forward, towards the oncoming crowd.
Cole ran after him, followed by Link and Flash, "Oh no, your not having all the fun Vespi."
The Dark ones raised their arms. Their arms started morphing into blades, the blades were like spinning saws.
Cole was the first to make contact. A Dark one brought down its spinning blade, Cole jumped to the side. Cole felt a sharp pain in his side. He felt himself go flying away from the crowd and slammed into the ground.
What happened, did one hit him. Cole stood but felt like falling back down, the pain in his side was almost to much.
He looked up to see Vespi, who already had a group of Dark ones laying at his hooves. He was doing to well.
He couldn't see Flash or Link, but he knew they were fighting.
Cole ran back towards the crowd of Dark ones.
He ran towards some who had their backs to him. Cole swung his sword, watching as two Dark ones fall to the ground in to pieces.
He saw Flash fly through the crowd at her top speed and land on the other side.
The Dark ones that was in her path stood there motionless, but then they all slumped to the ground, all missing body parts.
A Dark one came at Cole and swung its spinning blade at Cole.
Cole brought his sword up and went to block, but instead cut the Dark ones blade in half.
Both Cole and the Dark one looked at the clean cut on the blade.
Cole took the moment of surprise and leaped forward, taking off the Dark ones legs.
Cole stomped its head in and turned to see a Dark one.
The Dark one kicked Cole, sending him into the air and back down to the ground.
As he began to stand, he felt big meaty arms wrap around him. A Dark one had him in a sort of headlock.
It turned around with Cole in its arm and looked at another Dark one. It raised its arm and pointed it at Cole.
Cole watched as a missile came out of its arm and flew towards him and the Dark one holding him.
Cole had seconds to act, he slammed his head back into the Dark ones masked face. A loud crack was heard and it dropped Cole, putting its hands to its face.
Cole grabbed his sword and dived forwards, away from the Dark one. There was a explosion behind him and a leg flew past him.
Before Cole could act, another Dark one hit him. Cole winced and swung his sword. The Dark one backed away and was blown to pieces.
Cole looked in shock, how did he do that?
Then three Dark ones advanced on him, bringing their fist down on to him.
Cole hit the ground and swiped his sword side ways, taking out their legs. He slowly stood, but something slammed into him. He fell to the ground with something one him.
He pushed what ever was on him off, but then he noticed what it was. It was his friend Link, blood pouring from his mouth. Necro rolled off his back and moaned.
Cole looked at his friend. A Dark one ran at him and raised his arm, Cole brought his sword up and chopped off its arm. A second Dark one pushed the handles one out of the way and grabbed Cole by the neck.
Cole heard a sound come from the Dark one, it sounded like a laugh. It brought up its hand with the blade and swung it at Cole, who couldn't move.
Cole kicked out with his hind legs and barely dodged the attack. The blade came back and Cole kicked out again, but this time the blade went through his suit and cut across his chest.
He gasped in pain and surprise, he felt his rips snap and his lungs heat up.
There was a blue and black blur behind the Dark one, its head slid off its shoulders and it dropped Cole.
Cole slumped to the ground coughing. Flash landed beside him, and Vespi jumped in front of him.
"Cole, are you okay," She looked at his chest, which was cut deeply. Her eyes watered up, "No, no. Not again, please Cole, please." She pleaded with tears running down her face and on to Cole's.
"Flash.." Cole began but started coughing.
Link walked up with Necro on his back again, "I don't think we can make it."
The four Nightblades stood in the middle of a hug crowd of Dark ones.
Vespi looked around, "Why are they not moving in."
Necro talked for the first time since this began, but it was with great effort, "They are awaiting a introl to give them their next order, its only a matter of time till they move in."
Flash grabbed Cole's hoof, "I'm not losing him, even if I have to die to let him live."
The Dark ones around them all raised their arms and pointed them at them, all preparing to fire more missiles at them.
Flash put her head on his shoulder and prepared for the end.
Vespi looked down in defeat, and Link looked at his surroundings, "I knew I would die with my friends, I just didn't think it would happen so soon."
Cole looked around and put his hooves around Flash, "I love you Flash."
Flash started to cry, something very rare to see a Nightblade do, "I love you to Cole."
Everything around them filled with light.
Cole lay there holding Flash, this didn't feel like death and I don't feel dead.
He opened his eyes to see that they were in a large room.
Flash also noticed and she sat up, looking around.
Cole looked around him, and he gasped at what he saw.
Nightblades, all around them. He looked at his chest to see it healed, whats going on here.
He stood up and looked at the Nightblades that surrounded them. Link and Vespi did the same, even Necro who was also fully healed.
"Welcome back Nightblades, we had thought we had lost you all." Said a familiar female voice.
Cole turned around and gasped, he and the others bowed, "Princess."
Princess Luna stood a few feet away, horn still glowing from the transportation spell she had just cast.
"Arise Nightblades, your troubles with the waste are over."
Cole stood, "But Princess, we thought you had died in the beginning, how are you still here?"
She stood there, smiling. "Shortly before the Dark ones arrived, a Nightblade came to me and told me that the scientist had picked up something coming this way. They had said it was dangerous and that we should head to the Nightblades emergency bunker, forty miles under the ground."
Cole and his friends took this all in, Link stepped forward, "Wait, then how did you survive and where is Princess Celestia?"
Luna looked sad, "She didn't make it, she didn't believe me or the Nightblades. So I teleported me and the Nightblades down here, we survived, like so many other ponies should have."
"Why did you wait so long to bring us here?" Asked Cole.
"We could only do it once, so we waited for you all to be close to each other."
Cole looked around, "So, every Nightblade is alive. That's great to hear."
Luna looked unhappy again, "Not all, we lost so many trying to battled the Dark ones a few days ago. But now that we have Necro, he can fix our weapons to battle the Dark ones."
Necro looked unexpected happy, "Oh thank you Princess, I would love to fix every weapon to fight the Dark ones, just lead me to the lab."
Luna smiled, "I missed that happy sprite of yours Necro." She looked at a Nightblade beside her, a Pegasus that Cole knew. "Take Necro to the lab."
The Nightblade looked up, "Yes Princess." He looked to Necro, "This way my friend."
Necro almost ran after him, they walked out of the room.
Luna looked at Cole, "Now I know the happy couple wants some time to them selves, you know were the rooms are, this bunker is just like the Nightblades HQ."
Flash blushed, "Thank you Princess."
Cole bowed, "You are to kind Princess."
She smiled, "Now go, have fun." She turned to Vespi, "Vespi, your wife is down the hall, shes waiting."
Vespi jumped with excitement, "Shes alive, thank you Princess."
He ran towards the door leading to the halls, Vespi's wife was also a Nightblade, but a Pegasus.
Cole and Flash started walking towards their room, but not before hearing what she had to say to Link.
"Link, you will very happy to hear that your brother is alive."
Link looked happy, "Really? Where is he."
"Right here."
A dark cloaked pony stepped out and ran to Link, give him a hug.
Cole and Flash walked through the doors and towards their room.
They walked in and Flash instantly throw off her cloak and gear. She jumped up into the air and landed on the bed.
She looked at Cole and put on a seductive smile, "Well, I'm waiting."
Cole smiled and stripped off his gear and climbed into bed and on top of Flash.
She turned over and was now on top, "Oh no you don't. I want it first."
She started sliding down his chest and stomach to his lower half. She looked up and smiled, just like last time.
Cole shook when she took his member in her mouth and started bobbing her head up and down. She let out a moan of pleasure every time it hit the back of her throat.
Cole tried not to moan in pleasure, but it was to hard to resist. He moaned, "Flash, you are..." He felt a burning sensation, "Flash, I'm about to release."
Flash started going faster and sucking harder, Cole tried to hold it back, but the pleasure was to much for him to handle. He let his load go into her mouth.
Flash gasped at the large amount that had just filled her mouth.
Cole heard her sucking, and he felt her lick the head. She came up beside him and put her hoof on his chest.
Cole smiled weakly, still recovering from the pleasure he had just experienced, "Flash, you are great at that, next time I get a turn with you."
She put a hoof on his member, "Who said it was over." She said with a devilish grin.
Cole smiled, "My turn."
She laughed, but keep looking at him seductively, "Your mine for now."
Cole laid his head back and smiled, "Oh no."
She got on top of him, and started her part up against his stomach.
Cole lay there, enjoying him self. Waiting for him to have his turn with her body.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 9 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-20T01:00:51+00:00
|
2011-10-20T01:00:51+00:00
| 1,021 |
Chapter 8
Cole awoke and looked around, and smiled. He was in his room with Flash next to him.
He shifted and let her snuggle closer to him.
Cole smiled as he thought about what they had done. She never let him have a turn with her body, but it was still fun.
The door to his room opened and a fellow Nightblade walked in, "Princess Luna request your presence in the meeting room. You may want to hurry my friend."
Cole jumped out of bed and pulled on his gear and cloak, "Lead the way my friend."
Cole and the Nightblade, who was one of Cole's old friends, walked down the hall and into a room with other Nightblades and Princess Luna already there.
"Welcome Cole, hope you had fun, because now its time to be serious." Luna said while looking at him.
Cole looked around and sat down in a empty chair, only a few feet from Luna.
"Okay, now that everypony is here, lets begin. As you all know, the dark ones are slowly preparing to kill every thing they left alive. They have already taken the town north of here, and their next target is the town to the west. But we are not going to let them take it, we are not going to even let them get their."
Cole looked around and saw that every pony was talking to each other about what the Princess had just said.
"What do you want us to do Princess?" Asked a Nightblade Cole knew all to well.
"Well Blitz, I want you to take all available Nightblades and take on the Dark ones before they reach the town. I have had Necro upgrade all your gear to take on the Dark ones."
Blitz is the leader of the Nightblades, a black Pegasus with enough muscle to back him up.
"Yes Princess, I will send all of them once they are prepped and ready."
Luna looked at Blitz then to Cole, "No Blitz, not all Nightblades. I want Cole here and his friends to stay here. They are the only ones to fight and survive a battle against the Dark ones."
Cole almost jumped up, "Princess, please send me, Link, and Vespi to the battle, leave Flash here. We are the only ones who really know how to fight them."
She looked a little angry at him, "Cole, you are not going and that is final." She then softens her gaze, "We can't lose you four, your all special to the fight against the Dark ones."
Cole was getting a little annoyed at her not letting him fight, "Princess, we are just normal Nightblades. Our job is to protect you, but also the rest of Equestria."
"No Cole, your all special. You are the only ones to be exposed to the Dark ones substance's."
Cole looked at her, confused, "What do you mean."
"Your blood is different from everypony else. Your the only ones who can be used to create a virus to kill the Dark ones."
Before Cole could question her any more, a Nightblade scientist ran into the room, "Princess, Princess."
Luna looked at him, "Calm down, what is it."
He ran in front of her and bowed, "Princess, we have just found out where the Dark ones are setting up base."
Luna looked very happy at this, "Where, where are they hiding."
"Outside of where Manehattan use to be, in a cave. But the cave is not just any cave, it looks small, but the inside is huge. Bigger than this bunker, and they have over ten thousand Dark ones already there."
Luna sat back, looking worried at what she just heard, "Ten thousand."
Blitz stepped forward, "What should we do Princess."
She looked up, with a look of defeat, "We can't fight ten thousand, we will die before we even began. Their weapons will kill us before we even have a chance to try and fight."
They all murmured to each other.
Necro walked in, "Princess, I think I have a solution to our Dark ones weapons problem."
She looked up at him, and stood. "Tell us Necro."
He walked to the front of the room, "Well has you all know, the Dark ones weapons run on energy from the sun, which is probably why they attacked at high noon."
Blitz walked up to him, "Well, whats your point."
Necro looked happy, clearly enjoying telling everything hes learned, "Well, without the sun, all their weapons and equipment is useless, all they will have is their bare hands to fight us.'
A white pony stood up, a Silent Night, and looked at Necro, "If you haven't noticed, but the sun is always up."
Necro looked at him, "I know, but the Princess here has the power to only lower the sun and raise the moon." He looked at all the other Nightblades, "You see, if the Princess lowers the sun and rises the moon, then the Dark ones will be defenseless against us."
Luna looked at him, "Yes I could do that, but that could cause the return of Nightmare moon. Because if I do that, she will be getting what she wants, eternal night."
Necro looked at her, his smile still there, "Yes that could happen, but we have a plan to stop her if she posses your body. Now, what would you rather happen, the Dark ones kill everypony or Nightmare Moon return but be removed easily."
She thought about this, "You have a point Necro." She looked at all the other Nightblades, "Well what does everypony think, should we go with this plan."
Every pony said yes at the same time.
Blitz walked towards Luna, "What are your orders Princess."
"Get your Nightblades ready and send them to the cave to confront the Dark ones, I will lower the sun and raise the moon as soon as your ready to leave."
Blitz yelled, "Nightblades, go to the armory and grab your new gear. Prepare to move out, and tell all the other Nightblades to do the same."
Cole walked through all the ponies, who were running out of the room. He walked up to the Princess, "Princess, let me, Link, and Vespi go, we will be a lot more useful there."
She thought it over, "If Flash stays, you stay. Link and Vespi may go if they please, but two of you must stay here."
Cole looked at her, "Please let me go Princess."
"If you go, Flash goes." She said, sounding annoyed.
Cole looked down in defeat, "Fine, I'll stay. Link and Vespi can go if they want."
She smiled, "Don't worry Cole, your helping out more being here."
He bowed, "Yes Princess."
Necro walked by and tapped his hoof to Cole's side, "Cole, I have something for you."
"Okay, what is it."
He pulled out the bracelet he had made out of the Dark ones weapon, "Here, I've made it so it works off a alternate power source, darkness. Took me forever but I got it."
Cole smiled a little, "Thanks Necro, you always have something new."
Necro smiled back, "It was no problem Cole, happy to help."
He turned and left, leaving Cole and Luna alone.
Cole put the bracelet on his hoof and felt the needles go into his skin, he felt a cold sensation go through out his body.
Luna started to walk out of the room, "Cole, I hope you know your friends won't go unless you all go right."
Cole looked down and smiled, "I know."
She continued and left the room, leaving Cole to sit there and think about the battle he was about to miss.
A few minutes later, a young filly, probably one of the Nightblades kids, ran by screaming, "ITS NIGHT OUTSIDE, PRINCESS LUNA DID IT!"
Cole jumped at the screams, but slowly relaxed, so she did it. Its night for the first time in two years.
Cole smiled, well at least he would know that Flash and the others would be okay.
He sat up and walked out of the room and down to the dinning hall.
When he got their, Vespi and his wife, Delia, was already there. Holding hoofs and eating.
Cole walked in and laughed, "I see you two are back in the swing of things."
Vespi looked up and shook his head, "Hey, you have a mare too. Can't make fun of my anymore."
Cole sat across from them and laughed, "You got lucky, I have so many things I can say right now, but can't."
Vespi smiled, "To bad."
Delia looked at Cole, "So I heard you and Flash are together."
Cole smiled and looked around nervous that everypony already knew. "Uhh, yeah, we are officially together and everything."
She smiled warmly, "That's good to hear."
Vespi smirked, "Also, everypony heard what you two was doing in your room. I hope that was her who was moaning that loud."
Cole's eyes widened with surprise and embarrassment, he didn't know he was being that loud. "Oh, well... that was... its just..."
Vespi started laughing like crazy, "Oh I knew it, I knew it. I knew you was a moaner when I saw you two in bed together that one night back at Necro's house."
Cole looked at him, blushing slightly, "What do you mean."
Vespi smiled, "Nothing."
Delia laughed and looked at Cole, "Oh don't worry about it. Vespi here is the same, once I get full control of him, he moans and screams in pleasure louder than you did."
Cole started laughing and fell back in his chair, and held his stomach with his hoofs. "Vespi, you wimp."
Vespi stood and drug Delia out of the room, "Uhh, we need to be going, come on Delia."
Cole slowly stood and wiped the tears out of his eyes, that was funny.
He left the dinning hall and walked till he saw Link out side of Cole's room.
"Hey Link, hows it going."
Link looked up and looked a little down, "Oh hey Cole."
Cole walked up to his friend, "What is it Link?"
"Its my brother, hes going to that battle. I want to go, but I can't leave you here."
Cole put his hoof on his shoulder, "Link, just go. We will be okay here, only thing dangerous here is the boredom."
Link smiled weakly, "But what if I don't make it, what will you guys do."
Cole slapped him on the back, "Link, we will be fine and you will come back. Now if you don't make up your mind, I will have Vespi make it for you."
Link laughed half heartily, "I guess I'll go, you sure you guys will be okay."
Cole started walking into his room, "Yes Link we will, now go before they leave you behind."
Link walked away, head held high.
Cole walked into his room and saw that Flash was already gone, probably walking around the bunker. He decided to go find her.
He walked out of the room and walked around for a hour. He walked by the room which was Luna's.
He looked in to see her pacing, a worried look on her face.
"Princess, whats wrong."
She looked up, sad, "Cole, the Nightblades are losing. The Dark ones may not have their weapons, but they still have their hands, and they are butchering the Nightblades. Its horrible, they don't stand a chance."
Cole looked at her in shock, "How do you know."
She looked at him, sadness in her eyes, "I can see it through the eyes of Blitz, its horrible."
Cole walked in, "Princess, you must let me go their."
She sighed, "I will send you with a spell to get you there faster, but you must make sure that Vespi and Flash stay here."
"They will Princess."
"Go see Necro, see if he has anything for you."
Cole all but ran to Necro's lab, after talking a little with Necro. Necro had nothing else to give but information, "If you can destroy the main core to the base they built, then they should all either die or something. We don't know that much as of right now."
"How do I destroy it."
"With this." He pulls out a device that was round but rough. "This here is a bomb, powerful enough to destroy this bunker in seconds. Just place it at the center of the base and let it do its work."
Cole put it in his bag, "Thank you Necro, your a life saver."
"Don't mention it, please come back alive my friend."
Cole ran back to the Princess, "Princess, I'm ready send me now."
"Okay, prepare your self."
She aimed her horn at him and light surrounded him. A second later he was in outside, in the dark.
He looked around, he was on a hill just above the battle. He pulled down his goggles, thankful that they allowed all Nightblades to see in the dark.
What he saw below him was horrifying, Nightblades and Dark ones engaged in full on battle. The Dark ones was ripping Nightblades in half and Nightblades was cutting Dark ones in half, but the Dark ones was clearly winning.
Cole ran forwards, but stopped, remembering that he had to get inside the cave to plant the bomb.
Then he saw somepony running towards him, it was Link.
"Oh my.. Cole what are you doing here."
Cole looked at the cave, "We need to put a bomb in their, come with me Link. I could use your help."
"You'll need all the help you can get." Said a familiar voice.
He turned to see Blitz, his cloak covered in blood. "How did you know."
"Princess Luna told me, she's been talking to me through my mind. She's said we need to protect you with our lives to get that bomb down their."
Cole smiled, glad to have help, "Thanks, now please lets hurry."
They ran around the battling crowd and ran into the cave. It was small upon entering but huge on the inside.
"Wow." Link said in surprise at the size of the cave.
"MOVE IT! DARK ONES COMING BACK INTO THE CAVE!" Yelled Blitz.
Cole turned to see a small group of Dark ones running towards them, like they know their plan.
They ran deep into the cave till they came upon a large room with a lot of machines in the middle.
Blitz looked around, "Let the Princess tell us if this is the place."
They sat there and waited for a minute till Blitz spoke again. "Okay, this is the place, she says place it next to the biggest of the machines."
Cole and Link run forward and place it next to the largest of machines.
Once it was places and armed, Link looked at the timer, "Six minutes? That's kinda lot of time don't you think."
"It is, but it was set that way... wait feel that?" The ground was shaking, like something was taking heavy steps.
"Yeah, what is it?" Asked Link, looking worried.
They turned and almost screamed in horror.
Behind Blitz was a huge nasty looking Dark one, bigger than the rest and more evil looking.
Link screamed out, "Blitz, behind you."
Blitz whipped out his sword and spun around.
He turned around and looked up slowly, his sword dropped from his mouth as it hung open in surprise.
The beast looked down and brought down its fist, right down onto Blitz. Blood and guts flew out from under the beast fist as it slammed down onto Blitz.
Cole looked in horror as the beast raised its fist, revealing nothing but a cloak and blood where Blitz once stood.
"What are we suppose to do Cole. Cole? Cole what are we to do?" Asked Link sounding desperate.
Cole stood their, unable to move. He couldn't get the image of Blitz out of his head, and he had to do something.
The beast started walking forwards, a sort of smile on its face.
Cole couldn't do anything but watch as it got closer to him and Link. 'Cole move, now.' said a voice in his head.
He slowly backed away followed by Link, what was they going to do.
|
Kickass222urmom
|
1535
| 10 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Adventure,Romance,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
To The End
|
Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world, can a colt survive it with his friends
|
complete
| 9 | 10 |
<p>All of Equestria becomes a post-apocalyptic world after a terrifying event takes place. Every day is a fight for survival, can a unknown pony from a secret organization survive the terrors of a Post-apocalyptic Equestria.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-21T00:28:38+00:00
|
2011-10-21T00:28:38+00:00
| 1,656 |
Chapter 9
Cole and Link backed into a corner of the room.
The beast slowly walking towards them, fist raised.
Link looked at Cole, desperation in his eyes, "Cole, what do we do?"
A loud growl came from a corridor beside the beast.
The beast stopped its advance, but looked at Cole and Link with a hunger.
A Dark one came out of the corridor, but this one was a smart one, a introl.
It reached up to its throat and turned a nob, "Ahh, I see you've meet our little pet."
Link looked at the Dark one, "What is that thing?"
The introl laughed evilly, "This is a bigger and smarter Phog."
Link looked confused, "What the hell is a Phog?"
The introl looked unhappy at the question, "You ponies are all the same, stupid. A Phog is the biggest of us, the dumb and tough ones. Does that answer your damn question?"
Link's face went from confusion to anger in an instant, "Who the hell are you calling stupid?"
The introl looked amused, "Oh, so I take it as your the stupid one of your group."
Link took a step forwards, but Cole, who had not moved since they had been cornered, put up his hoof and stopped Link, "No Link, that's what he wants, to separate us. Just stay next to me and we may live to see the moon again."
The introl looked at Cole, "Wait a minute, your that damn pony who killed my scout a few days ago." The introl laughed, "So your the pony we was looking for."
Cole looked confused, "What?"
The introl raised its hand, but instead of a weapon built into it, it held a device, "I will take the pleasure in killing you, by blowing your brains on your friend there."
He laughed and aimed the device at Cole, it started to glow at the end.
Then their was a sound of meat and metal being cut.
Cole looked at the introl, who was standing there in shock.
"What..?" It said with a weak voice.
Flash landed next to Cole, her sword in her mouth already bloody.
Cole almost jumped, "Flash! What are you doing here?"
She looked like she had flown for miles, "I couldn't sit around and wait for you to die. You can say what you want, but I'm not leaving you."
Cole shook his head, "No, Flash get out of here."
The introl fell to the ground in two pieces, it looked up, eyes filled with fury, "KILL THEM! KILL THEM NOW!"
The beast roared in rage and moved forward.
Cole and the others looked at it in shock, "MOVE!" Yelled Cole.
They all jumped in the air and flew above it. The beast brought its fist down on where they just were.
The introl looked over to its side at the machines, and it pointed to them, "THEY PLANTED A BOMB! DESTROY IT!"
Link came down crushed its head with his right hoof, "Who's stupid now, huh."
The beast looked at the large machines and roar, now knowing their plans.
Cole flew above its head, "Don't let it stop that bomb. Its our only hope."
The beast swiped its hand up and barely missed Cole.
Link flew in front of machine and raised his sword, "Come and try it you over sized bitch."
Cole flew down on its back and brought his sword down on its neck and twisted it. Blood poured out of the wound, but it didn't even phase the beast.
Its hand came up fast and swiped Cole against the wall.
Cole hit the wall and slide down it to the ground.
He looked up, eyes blurry from the impact. He saw Link take a swing at the beast, taking off one of its over sized fingers. All it did was make it madder and kick Link, who flew through the caves wall.
Flash flew by and swiped her sword from side to side, taking off large amounts of skin and muscles.
It roared in pain and rage, it brought up its hand, slamming into Flash and sending her up towards the roof. She hit it and fell to the ground, trying to stand as it neared her.
Cole tried to stand, but fell back down, his right hoof was broken.
He looked on in defeat as it neared his lover, there was nothing he could do.
Then he heard a voice in his head, 'The bracelet Cole, use the bracelet.'
His eyes opened wide and he looked at his hoof, yes the bracelet was their. He remembered what Necro had told him, just point and will it to fire.
He raised his hoof weakly and aimed it at the beast, he willed it to fire with all his remaining strength.
The bracelet heated up and fired out a beam. The beam traveled towards the beast, and slammed into its torso.
The beast screamed at the pain coming from the huge hole where its stomach use to be.
Cole smiled as the beast fell back, gasping for air. Cole slumped back down and felt Flash wrap her hooves around him, "Cole are you okay?"
He smiled weakly, "Of course, now please get Link out of here, I'll be behind you."
She shook her head, "No, we all leave together or not at all."
Cole rubbed her mane, "Flash, I don't think Link can walk, I'm not even sure hes awake from that hit. Now get him out of here, I promise I'll be behind you."
She let a tear fall out of her eye, knowing he was trying to save his friends and not him self.
He kissed her, "Go now, and hurry. Link needs you right now."
She shook her head, and flew towards Link. She lifted him up on her back and looked at Cole, "Be behind me, please."
"I will my love."
She jumped up and flew out of the room and towards the surface.
Cole tried to fly also, but didn't have the energy for it. He stood and almost screamed in pain as he put his broken hoof down.
He slowly made his way towards the hall that lead out of here. As he neared it, he felt a heavy object hit him in the side. He slammed against a wall and saw a Phog standing where he had, holding a pipe in its hand.
It walked forward, pipe raised. Cole aimed his hoof at it and fired a beam at it, sending it flying towards the wall on the other side of the room, its top half missing.
Cole could no longer move, all his strength used to the point that even breathing was a struggle.
He lay there, knowing he was going to die. He felt at piece, almost. The thought of Flash brought tears to his eyes, he wouldn't be able to live a happy life with her now.
As he lay there, accepting death, a blur flew past him and something picked him up. He felt himself moving at a high speed.
There was a loud explosion behind him, but it was far off. His mind was not working right under the amount of pain he was in.
Soon he felt him self being lower to the ground and the sounds of voices around him.
He opened his eyes and his vision slowly returned. There was Nightblades around him, all looking worried.
A Nightblade stepped forward, a unicorn that was a medic for them all. His horn glowed and Cole felt his bones popping and his skin started tingling.
The Nightblade medic stepped back, "There we go, he should be healed now. Just don't try to do a lot of heavy lifting for a day or two."
Cole slowly stood, feeling better, "Who saved me?" But he already knew the answer.
Flash stepped forwards and hugged him, "I did, I knew you wouldn't be able to follow, so I went back for you as soon as I dropped Link off here."
Cole looked around, there was Dark ones and Nightblades covering the ground, a bloody mess.
"How did we beat the Dark ones?"
A grey Pegasus stepped forwards, Blend, "We don't know, the Dark ones just fell over at the same time, they aren't dead, just in a kind of sleep or something. We are walking around and finishing them off."
Cole smiled, so it had worked. He pulled back from Flashes embrace, and kissed her, "Thank you Flash, I knew I could count on you."
She smiled, "What would you do without me."
Link walked up with his brother, "Hey, remember my brother Blaze, right."
Cole smiled happily, "Of course I do. Hey Blaze."
Blaze raised his hoof and Cole raised his, they slammed their hooves together.
"How ya been Cole?" He said in his relaxed voice.
"You know, surviving, getting put on the brink of death, the usual stuff."
Blaze laughed, "That's the Cole I remember."
Blaze was a light black Pegasus, like Link. His mane and tail was also black, and his cutie mark was a skull with two bones crossed behind it, and also a feature on either side.
"Where's Blitz?" Asked the second in command Nightblade, Fade.
"He didn't make it." Cole said with sadness in his voice, he had known Blitz since the beginning of his training.
Fade looked down, "That means I'm in charge, I always wanted to be the leader, but not this way."
Blaze put his hoof on his shoulder, "Don't worry, just because hes dead doesn't mean you won't be a great leader. Now lead us back to HQ to be greeted by the Princess."
Fade smiled a little, "I guess your right." He turned and looked at the other Nightblades, already awaiting their next order. "Everypony, back to HQ."
They all began the hour walk back to the HQ. Flash's head on Cole's shoulder the whole time.
Once they where at the base, Cole felt like just going to his room and falling asleep. The crowd of Nightblades all walked into the bunker and began the descend to the main bunker.
As they all walked into the main room where the Princess holds all mass meetings, the Princess wasn't on the thrown. Instead sat something that made every Nightblade jump back in horror and raise their swords.
Because, in the thrown sat Nightmare Moon, a big smile on her face. "Well its good to see all my wonderful Nightblades back safe and sound." She laughed with a evil tone.
Fade stood tall, "Nightmare Moon, we should have known you would wait for us to leave the base to take over Princess Luna, you coward."
Nightmare Moon laughed, "Why wouldn't I? Its so much funner this way."
Cole looked stunned but found his voice, "Where is everypony that was here. What did you do to them."
She smiled evilly, "I haven't done anything to them, all I've done is kill all the ponies that posed a real threat to me."
A dark brown Pegasus flew towards her, "YOU BITCH!"
She laughed and the Pegasus was blown into pieces. She looked at the crowd of Nightblades, "You see what happens when you try to fight me, instant death." She smiled and a pony who was backing away stopped and flew into the air, "And where are you going."
The pony was ripped in half by an unseen force, his guts and insides falling to the floor.
The Nightblades looked in horror as the pony was killed with no effort.
"Drop your swords and I will allow you to live for now. Don't and you will suffer the same fate as the last two."
Every Nightblade looked at each other and dropped their swords, knowing they stood no chance.
She smiled, "Great, you have earned your selves some more time to enjoy what life you have left. Now, I'm off to have a little fun with the ponies outside of those walls, I will be back for you when I'm done with them. Enjoy." She laughed loudly and disappeared.
The Nightblades looked at each other in worry.
"What are we going to do now, Nightmare Moon is back and we have no way to stop her with out the scientist." Fade said while he slumped to the ground.
Cole looked around and sighed, was there ever going to be a time to rest and enjoy life.
Fade stood, regaining his composure, "Come on Nightblades, we don't have time to stand around and think about what may happen. We need to take action."
The Nightblades all cheered half heartily.
Cole stood, Flash by his side. He felt like he could take on the world with her at his side, and he may have to do it sooner or later.
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 1 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-11-13T01:28:21+00:00
| 1,848 |
Character Bio
Rob
Born: 27th of September
Age: 19
City/Town of Residence: Stalliongrad
Appearance: average-sized earth pony. Coat is an amber yellow color. Mane and tail are red-brown in color. The tail appears to be forked, splitting into two near the end of it. Eyes are a maroon color.
Cutie Mark: two gears interlocked, one small, the other about medium.
Interests: the workings of machinery of all kinds: mechanical, electrical, steam-powered, etc. etc. Loves the taste of exotic fruits native to Neighsia, whenever he could get one when they shipped over to Stalliongrad. Also likes some light classical music. Not too into the heavy symphonies yet. Enjoys the DJ PON-3 broadcasts.
Dislikes: he finds that a lot of other genres of music don’t quite catch his ear, except for DJ PON-3’s things. Does not like crabs (as a little colt, he went to the beach when he and his parents visited the boardwalk, and got chased down by a mob of crabs. He forgot he was carrying a baby crab on his back (Yes, this is QUITE silly, which is why it’s in here!)). He also doesn’t find Stalliongrad too great.
Other notes: did we mention he’s into machinery? The reason for this, and his mark: he was walking home from school one day, and stumbled upon a construction site. The huge construction machines caught his eye instantly, and the workers kept him entertained by explaining what each one did, and how it worked. He even got to operate a few! He dedicated his remaining school time studying everything he could about machines, and this is seen by disdain from his parents. They wanted him to follow in his great-grandfather’s steps and become a sea merchant, since both his father and grandfather passed up on the “offer.” They are trying to push Rob into doing this…
Rob's father is currently employed as a low level accountant and Robs mother is currently unemployed.
Both parents are roughly 35-45 years old.
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 2 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2013-03-06T13:00:15+00:00
| 290 | |
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 3 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2012-07-15T08:48:07+00:00
| 1,476 |
Chapter 1
A loud hiss could be heard as the 7:50 A.M. train pulled into the station. Ponies on-board began to gather their things, ready to end their trips of varying lengths, and step into the town of Ponyville. An earth pony of average size, amber yellow coat and red-brown mane and an slightly-forked tail, with a pair of gears - interlocked, and one larger than the other - resting on his flank, stepped off the train and onto the station, his maroon eyes taking a glance around, taking in the new and unfamiliar town, and the bright, warm day.
Slowly, almost timidly, he walked down the station steps and onto the gravel paths that ran through the town. After standing around for a couple minutes and gathering his thoughts, he stepped to the side - so as not to obstruct other ponies trying to get off the station and into the town - and pulled out a brand-new journal. The cover read:
The Journal
Of Rob
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Keep Out!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
This Journal Purchased on the 13th of September
He took a few minutes to record his first entry: riding the train into town, details included. Rob took one last look around, and spoke to himself.
“So, this is Ponyville. Much different from the cold dampness of Stalliongrad.”
After another minute of standing, mulling his thoughts, he began to trot off, much more confident than before. "Time to find a good sized tree. And perhaps some lumber,” he again spoke to himself.
‘A good 6 days spent on the train, and I think they were a tad slow, too,’ he thought, letting his body loosen as he started to explore the town. All he knew was he wanted to be as far from the seaside city as possible, and the train brought him here - it didn't seem to him that there was any place more remote from Stalliongrad than Ponyville.
'This is a new town, a new area, pretty much a new life! So why not act like a tourist and sight-see? I just might find what I need!' he thought. The whole time, however, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that ponies were watching him… ‘Stop that!’ he thought. ‘You’re just being paranoid! Heck, the time spent in Stalliongrad made you jumpy.’
Minutes later, his eyes glanced over a very peculiar-looking building indeed - too short to actually see the structure well, but still it caught his attention. Backtracking a few steps to see the structure better, the first thing he thought to himself was: ‘candy!
'That whole building looks like it is made out of candy and baked goods!’ After what seemed like several minutes of staring at this oddity, the sound of stifled coughing. Spinning around, he found himself nearly nose-to-nose with a white unicorn - three diamonds on her flank, and purple and poised mane.
“Darling, you must be new in town, or else you wouldn't be staring. Well, I suppose you still might stare, but by then you would be used to it.” She spoke with an air of decadence.
“That’s Sugarcube Corner, home of the local bakery and bakers!” This new information stunned Rob quite a bit. The mare giggled at his confusion, and commented, “why don’t you stop in there for a treat?” before trotting off, still giggling to herself.
After a minute or so, Rob shook himself out of his trance, and, remembering what the unicorn just said, made a mental note to visit the bakery sometime. Looking around to make sure nopony was staring at him - and relieved to find nopony was, in fact, not - he proceeded to see more of the town.
After walking around for a while, he somehow got lost, because he had passed Sugarcube Corner at least four times now! Confirming his direction, and making sure it was a different one, he moved on. Eventually, he saw a rather large tree in the distance.
Enticed by its abnormal size, he moved towards it. As he got closer, he was surprised to see… windows? And bookshelves? His confusion cleared when he read the sign sitting off to the side, depicting an open book.
‘How clever! It’s a library!’ he mused. Seeing the door standing open, he assumed it was open, and tried to enter. All of a sudden, there were feathers and wings in his face!
“Gah!” he shouted, and, without realizing what it was, turned and fled. Only when he stopped panicking did he realize that his assailant was just an owl, and that he more than likely made a fool of himself. ‘Luckily, no one saw that.’
Walking back towards the center of town, he passed a baby dragon, covered in purple and green scales. Trying to give him a courteous nod, as if to say “hello” as he passed, Rob moved on to find someplace to have lunch.
Meanwhile, Spike looked after the passing colt, and wondered, ‘Is he alright? And did he just twitch?’
Journal open to record his events thus far, Rob sat at a table with a daffodil sandwich in front of him. As he glanced around, taking in the activity of commerce that arose due to lunch break, he spotted a trio of young fillies - a unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony - carrying what appeared to be a length of heavy fabric.
Before he could ponder what it was for, he heard a familiar voice shout, “Return that fabric at once! I need it to complete an order!!” and a second later, the white unicorn from earlier ran past, appearing distraught and more than upset. ‘Nnnnot sure what just happened, but alright.’ Rob put away the journal into his saddlebag, ready to continue his search.
After a few more hours of wandering the town, taking in what there was to see and looking for a suitable tree for his needs, he finally found one. The tree stood several heads above him - farther than he could reach with his forehooves stretched to the skies - with a sturdy trunk and full-looking branches.
“This is just about perfect!” he surmised to himself. Taking a good look around, making sure sure he wasn’t on any pony's private property, he decided to make his home here. “Good! Now I only need tools and lumber to get started.”
Taking another glance, he noticed two things: one, that he was near a path that led into a nearby forest… a rather large one, seemingly surrounded by, and certainly filled with, imperceptible darkness; and two, that he could see chimney smoke over a small group of hills. ‘Must be somepony’s home over there,’ he noted in his head.
Rob then walked over to the tree, attempting to take a peek inside the foliage by climbing the trunk.
“Looks perfect in here too! There are a good amount of branches, and it’s practically a hollow ball of green leaves and branches!” he exclaimed. “Now… about getting down…”
After three botched attempts to climb down, he finally gave up... and promptly fell. With a loud -thud!- he hit the ground below, dazed and dizzy.
“…never do that again,” he mumbled. More than eager to get started, he stood up - and wobbled about while his head cleared - and turned towards the town to a place to obtain some sturdy lumber.
He finally stopped, exhausted from three hours of searching. Not having found lumber, he reminisced on his so-called “easy life” back in Stalliongrad. ‘Bah, don’t think of that now,’ he chided himself. ‘Remember, what they wanted of you was definitely not what you wanted, Rob.
'You had clearly expressed your interest of machinery, and they scolded you for it - ever in control of your life, even in your adulthood - saying you were to become a bloody sea merchant! And that’s why you’re here now: to make your own life as you see fit. Get back to looking, Rob. Night approaches.’
As sunset approached, turning the horizon into a magnificent blend of pastels, Rob was tired and weary - no luck in finding the lumber he needed. “Where is there a sawmill when you need one?” he asked himself.
‘Well, I suppose the town wouldn’t have such a thing, seeing as how it is not a major city.’ Giving up for now, he went off to eat dinner.
He jingled the remaining bits he had, hoping that the measly amount would last him. ‘I should have tried to save more… I know I needed just enough for the train ticket, but I didn’t really think past that. I especially didn't plan for meals...’
Walking towards the outskirts, he once again passed Sugarcube Corner… except this time, he could feel a pair of eyes watching him.
‘Okay, that’s normal... if a little bit creepy... am I really the only pony out here?’ Indeed he was: the street was empty, save for him. Reminding himself to try to not make these walks common, he moved on.
Eventually, he stumbled upon what looked like a ranch. Looking it over, he saw a medium-sized barn, a small home, and a large field… he wasn’t sure. It was hard to make out such things in the dark.
Trying to make out any more details, his eyes settled on a pile of objects which he eventually recognized as planks of wood. He finally found some lumber!
‘But, I can’t just take it… that’s thievery,’ he instantly thought. As he was turning away, the door to the barn opened, and light spilled out. A shrunken form walked over to the gate to see who this random colt was.
When the pony was close enough, Rob spoke out.
“Hello. This is a rather nice ranch you have here.” The stooped-over figure continued to approach, and Rob saw the pony before him - an older pony, that much was sure... but the dark wouldn't give out any more details.
The elder pony stopped and said, “Why hello there. I don’t get many visitors, especially at this time of night. What brings you by?”
“I was hoping you would be willing to part with even a portion of that lumber sitting over there,” Rob replied in kind. The elder stood there, giving Rob a look-over.
“50 bits,” he said after a couple minutes of silence. Rob was taken aback.
“I don’t… have that money,“ he said, defeated.
Rob nearly turned around to head back to his would-be home, when the elder spoke out suddenly. “Unless you would like a job? I could use another helping hoof around here.”
The words shocked Rob; he thought, ‘he’ll actually give it to me?’ Almost instantly, he exclaimed, “I-I’d be glad to! I could use some bits, and the lumber is mighty important to me!”
Humored by his attitude, the elder chuckled and proceeded to say, “Very well then. You may have most of the lumber - I still need some for repairs around here. I’ll expect you here tomorrow to learn what it is you’ll be doing around here; for now, you can take the lumber you need, along with this sack to get it to wherever you are going.”
Rob thanked the elder colt many times, loading up the sack with some of the piled lumber. The two then parted ways, Rob heading to his home - which now seemed all the more possible thanks to the elderly pony - and the elder going to go relax in his home before he fell asleep.
As Rob was dragging the lumber along, he realized all of a sudden that he never asked to borrow some tools. “Oh bother.” He was more than halfway back to the tree, so he told himself to put it off until tomorrow.
Finally back at the tree - the lumber sitting at the base - he rested on a limb with journal in lap, Rob began to record his third entry: of what he’d done, what he’d seen, and who he had met. All of a sudden, a loud clatter could be heard, and the quill and ink well fell from the branches… Rob went out like a light, completely wasted from his long day.
End of Chapter 1
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 4 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-11-15T17:34:51+00:00
| 1,079 |
Chapter 2
A new day was beginning in Ponyville. Rob, having simply passed out, was still asleep, in the same spot throughout the night. This didn’t last long, however, when he was abruptly awoken by a very loud and strong gust of wind. Trying to maintain his balance was turning out to be a losing battle, however, and he eventually tumbled from the branch, to the rough ground below.
Wincing from all this, he suddenly noticed that the gust had stopped, and that calm had replaced it… the only trace of anything being there was a straight rainbow mist… Rob straightened himself out, before searching around the tree, only to find his journal (which remained undamaged), his quill, covered in a few strands of grass, and his ink well, now nearly empty due to a crack. “Great. Now I’ll need a new well… might as well start early, I suppose. Also, I’ll need some kind of ladder to scale the tree… ow.”
After purchasing his new well, Rob made his way down to the ranch he had visited the night before; at this point, however, he was relying on memory to get there. When he arrived, the elder colt from the previous night hailed him, and Rob could see his appearance for the first time: slightly hunched over, skin taught against his body, with a saffron coat and dusty gray mane; his features betrayed his age. The elder colt’s titanium-colored eyes rested upon Rob’s, before speaking.
“Th’ name’s McCloy. We never got the chance to introduce ourselves last night.” McCloy extended a hoof. Rob took it in his own, saying, “Name’s Rob. I’m pleased to meet you.” The elder pony stopped shaking and asked: “no last name?” Rob, rather quickly, contested with: “I’d prefer not to use it… just Rob is fine.” McCloy chuckled at this, appealing to calm Rob’s slight temper.
He turned after opening the gate, and proceeded to say, “now, the job, or rather, jobs you’ll be doing are directly linked with mine. Essentially, a second-hoof assistant, if you want to call it. I can pay 5 bits to the hour.” Immediately, Rob’s face brightened. He’d heard of similar pays for jobs much more demanding! ’Well, that has yet to be determined, doesn’t it?’ he thought. He calmed a bit before speaking, trying not to betray his excitement, “that’s great. That’ll give me enough, thank you!” Chuckling again, McCloy dismissed him for the day, seeing as how there was nothing to be done.
Before he forgot again, Rob asked if the elder colt had any construction tools. “They’re over in the barn. You’ll find a hoof-saw and a hammer.” Rob replied, “These will do, thank you again!” McCloy walked over to his house, chuckling the whole way. When he was out of Rob’s earshot, he remarked under his breath, “what an interesting young colt!” With the knowledge of his job and tools for his home in his saddlebag, Rob trotted back to his home.
Later, Rob, after realizing he didn’t know how to start such a task, decided to go to the information center of the town: the library! Silently hoping that the owl wasn’t there, or, at the least, wouldn’t bother him, he didn’t notice that he’d walked straight into an apple cart. “Got som’thin’ on yer mind, sugarcube?” immediately remarked the mare behind the cart. “Nah, just wasn’t watching where I was going,” replied Rob, turning to see the speaker.
“Name’s Applejack,” the earth pony stated. She had an orange coat and a bright yellow mane and tail, both tied with a strap at the end. She was also wearing a hat that Rob had seen many times before in Stalliongrad. He tried to recall the name, but it wouldn’t appear; he only knew that they were a) really good at keeping the sun out of your eyes, and b) somewhat a fashion statement in Stalliongrad. “Nice to meet you, Applejack. I’m Rob,” he said.
“Say, one of those apples looks really appealing right about now. How much for one?” “Ya sure you just wan’ one?!” spoke up a voice from behind the cart. “Now shh, Applebloom, he can’t even see ya!” remarked Applejack in a low voice to the mysterious source. “I can fix that, easy!” said a young earth pony, one of the trio of fillies from yesterday. She was a pale cream color, with an apple red mane, and a large pink bow in her mane.
“Hey, I remember you from yesterday. You and a couple other fillies had some sort of fabric,” stated Rob. “Yeah, we needed that fer a trampoline we were makin’,” replied the filly. “Well, I remember being asked to fix one of those back where I’m from, so maybe I can mak--.” Before he could finish his sentence, an apple was stuffed into his mouth, shutting him up. “Well, Ah think it’s about time fer a certain filly ta head on home.” “But why?? Ah ain’t a baby!” whined said filly. Having finished the apple, Rob asked, “So how much again?” “Jes’ two bits. Lemme get that apple fer ya,” Applejack replied. As he walked away, apple in the saddlebag, both Applejack and Applebloom said, “Welcome to Ponyville!”
Rob began to slow his pace as he approached the library, unsure of whether the owl was still there or not. Again, the door was open, but he had the common sense to knock on it before entering. “Oh! There’s somepony here!” called out a voice. Trotting could be heard, as a lavender unicorn with a dark mane stepped to the open doorway. “Hello there! Need a book?” she asked with genuine earnest. “Oh, um, yeah, I do. See I’m building… a… treehouse, and I wanted to see if you had one on woodworking,” replied Rob, working the words around the ‘home’ part.
“Oh, yes! We have a lot of books here. Spike, there’s a--” she began, before stopping herself. “Nevermind, I forgot he was out. I’ll get it myself.”
“Um… alright?”
“Let’s see… ah! Here it is!” she muttered, before settling on a book that looked new. ‘Must not be used a lot nowadays,’ he thought. “Thanks, this will be mighty useful,” he spoke. “Well, that’s what the library is for. Unfortunately it seems that most ponies don’t need books nowadays…” she said with an inflection of sadness.
“Well, I’m sure I’ll need more books later, so I’ll make sure to stop by, heh!” remarked Rob, trying to liven the mare up.
“Great! I don’t think I caught your name,” said the unicorn.
“Oh, it’s Rob. I just got here from a long ways away.”
“Well, I would suggest avoiding Pinkie Pie for now. She knows everypony here in town, so if she gets word, she’ll be all over you, trying to learn about you.”
“Um, who?”
The unicorn chuckled. “Nevermind, just, don’t worry about it now. Oh! Never told you who I was! My name’s Twilight Sparkle.”
“Nice to meet you. Well, I better get going. Work to do, and all…”
“Okay, nice to meet you too! Take care now, and welcome to Ponyville!” replied Twilight.
“Thanks! And thanks for the book again!” called Rob as he left. Walking down the path, he passed by the dragon from yesterday, his arms full of assorted goods. “Oh, pardon me,” was all the dragon said in passing. Rob nodded in compliment, though he wasn’t sure the dragon could see it or not. As Rob turned around to look at the tree again, he saw the owl fly through the door and perch next to the window. He swears to this day the owl was burning laser sights into the back of his head.
Rob finally had everything he needed to get started. As he was working, though, about halfway through the pile of wood, he thought he heard… a spring compressing? He looked around, but there was nothing. As he got back to work, he heard the sound again, and could almost see a blur of… he wasn’t sure. He almost turned around, intent on finding this… noise, when all of a sudden--!
“Oof!” was all he managed as he was tackled by a pink earth pony. “Ohwowsoyou’rethenewresident!It’ssooooonicetomeetyouaftertryingtofindyouforforEVER,afterbeingmentionedbyRarity,andthenApplebloom,soIknewIhadtoFINDyou--!”
“C-can you at least let me breathe?” wheezed Rob. It took the pony a second to realize she was standing on top of him.
“OH! Sorry about that. Sometimes I get carried away, well, that’s what everypony says, but I can’t tell, I guess because I’m sooooo happy all the time!!” exclaimed the pink pony.
“Well, can you at least let me know who you are?” asked Rob.
“Well!! I’m surprised you don’t already know who I am, I mean you DID visit Twilight!”
It took him a moment, but he finally got what Twilight had said earlier. “So you’re Pinkie Pie, eh?” “Yup!” she replied. “Well it’s good to meet you. Unfortunately, I’m kind of busy--.” Was all Rob could say before Pinkie went off again. “Omigosh I have to throw you a party now! There’ll be cake and streamers and music and cake and balloons and cake and punch and CUPCAKES!!!” she started on and on. In the middle of this, she went from next to Rob to on the ground, then up on TOP of the tree, before ending up with Rob’s head in a headlock. As she went on, Rob had to interrupt her. “I’m sorry, Pinkie, I’m not much of a party person… time spent where I’m from will do that to you.”
Pinkie suddenly went into serious mode, her eyes narrowing until they were almost slits, staring at Rob intensely. “By the end of the month, you WILL go to a party, or my name isn’t Pinkamena Diane Pie!” As suddenly as she started, she stopped, and went back to bouncing. “Well, I see you have a house to build! Oops! I mean, treehouse! Haha!” Pinkie giggled.
“Yeah. Well, I ought to get back to working on this…… treehouse.”
“Okie dokie lokie!” she giggled, and jumped off the tree. Before Rob could say anything, she was back in the air. He finally looked over, and saw a trampoline. Sighing and shaking his head from all the excitement, he struggled to find his journal, before realizing that it was in his saddlebag, down by the base of the tree. When he turned to go get it, the bag struck him in the head. “There’s your saddlebag!” yelled Pinkie, somehow knowing he was going to retrieve it.
With Pinkie finally trotting (or rather, bouncing) away (Rob watched her the whole time to make sure she didn’t sneak up on him again), he relaxed as he opened up his journal to recount the day’s events.
Heading back to town to have dinner, Rob passed by a stage, where it appeared someone was setting up for something. ‘Hope it’s something nice going on,’ he wondered. He continued walking, but before he could step onto the patio of the restaurant, he was nearly trampled by the trio, each of them yelling at the top of their lungs, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS: APPLE SELLERS!! (In response to which could be heard, “Oh no ya don’t!!” belonging to Applejack) YAY!!!” Not bothering to understand, he entered the restaurant, ready for a nice salad.
Making his way back home to finish up the pile of lumber, he was on the ground for the second time today, tackled by the pink pony, for the second time today. “I wasn’t sure if you met my friends, but if not, they want to meet you!” she said rather bubbly. “Standing on me again…” he tried to say. She got the hint though, and swiftly stepped off. As Rob stood up, he recognized three of the five other ponies standing there: Applejack, Twilight, and Rarity, who simply said, “Pleasure to see you again, darling.” Then there were the other two mares.
The first one he instantly recognized from the multicolored mane as the pony who woke him up this morning. “Name’s Rainbow Dash. Sorry ‘bout this morning, I was just practicin’ my flight moves!” she stated as the cyan pegasus flexed. “Well, it was very… loud, is all I can really say. I’ll try to wake up earlier, to avoid this from happening again.”
Rob then shifted his attention to the pastel-colored pegasus trying to hide from him… Seeing his confused face, Rainbow spoke: “Oh, that’s Fluttershy. She’s really shy. I mean really shy.” All the hidden mare could utter was, “u-um, h-h-hi,” before hiding again. “Great! Now that you met my friends, what about that party?” asked Pinkie again. “Heh, still gonna have to refuse for now, Pinkie.”
Pinkie only glared back, eyes squinting again. Rob could almost feel the words hanging in the tension: “You will relent.” As suddenly as she had stopped, she abruptly went back to bouncing. “Okie dokie lokie!”
As they each said their goodbyes to one another, Rob suddenly turned to Twilight. “Hey Twilight. You know that owl? Could you maybe ask him to not try to kill me?” She laughed at this question. Answering his confusion, she replied, “oh, you mean what happened yesterday? Yeah, that was Owlowiscious’s way of trying to say ‘hello’ to a new friend!” Still giggling, she trotted off, presumably heading back to the library. ‘His way of saying hello? Spooked me out of my mane!’ he could only think.
As he was heading back home, he realized he needed more ink. ‘Gonna have to get some before they close shop.’
On his way home, Rob passed by the stage again, except there was music emanating from it. Really beautiful music. He had to see what and who was making it! As he approached the stage’s audience, he saw the source of the enchanting music: a mint green unicorn, holding a lyre with her magic. As he stood there, surrounded by the music that permeated the dead silence, he realized what few audience members were actually there… and, apparently, so did the musician, tears in her eyes, already saddened by the low turnout.
As she finished, he made sure to applaud just slightly louder than the rest of the audience members, giving her his encouragement. She smiled subtly at this, and slowly walked off. Rob could remember the last time he’d heard such gorgeous music… it was the last thing he ever heard on the radio set his family owned, before his parents sold it due to ‘not using it enough.’ He even recalled the title of it, and the composer: it was the second movement of Pyotr Tchaikhoofski’s Symphony no. 1. He slowly walked away, humming the evening’s last remaining melodies.
Back working, Rob realized that he had completed the floor’s base and supports, and gotten a small area of actual flooring in place, plus a portion of two of the wall’s bases started. He reached down for a piece of wood, only to find none. Rob was surprised that it had even lasted this long, though he had that book to thank: it gave a tip to halve each plank, keeping each new plank strong while doubling the amount of usable wood. Glad about this turnabout, Rob situated himself directly below the thickest portion of canopy, trying to shield himself from tonight’s impending downpour. With a startle, he tried to locate the journal, before remembering that he uncovered a small section of flooring to make a cavity for the library book and journal. Head at ease, he went to sleep, hoping he didn’t get too wet.
End of Chapter 2
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 5 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-11-15T17:42:56+00:00
| 1,028 |
Chapter 3
“Well, this has been a weird day.”
Indeed, for the McCloy Ranch, it was a weird day. At least, for Rob, who just had an encounter with a slightly off-normal Pinkie, and a rather troublesome insect. But, if you took a look at the damage to the ranch, you’d know, in a second, what it was…
Trying to get some rows plowed and tilled for a special crop, McCloy was more than focused. Rob, having nothing to do yet (McCloy asked him in advance to prepare the crop’s seeds), is not. Starting to lose attention, he began a brisk jog around the inside of the fencing. Coming around to the barn, he heard a faint buzzing, and… munching… intent to see what it was, he moved quietly to the barn. Before he got there, a round insect (rather, that’s what it looked like to him) popped out of nowhere… with the cutest facial expression a pony ever saw. Taken slightly off-guard by its appearance, he spoke to it, “Well, aren’t you just the cutest thing. Never seen a feller like you back in Stalliongrad.”
He went to push it aside, but encountered the weirdest feeling ever- pure static. “Ah!” he sharply exclaimed, not expecting it at all. “What the- h… how?” Now quite interested, he went to touch it again, and felt… fur. “Oh. That’s how! My, cute on the outside, and fuzzy and soft to the touch. I bet the mares just wanna hug you ‘til you can’t take it any more!” retorted Rob; clearly, the insect had cemented his interest solidly. If only he’d actually seen the other side of the barn… Instead, he brought the creature over to McCloy.
“Hey McCloy! You seen one of these things before?” Rob asked of the elder. After looking the insect over multiple times, he simply replied, “I might have. Can’t seem to recall it at the moment.” At that moment, the creature let out a cooing noise to try to garner affection. Looking around, Rob noticed that it wasn’t alone… and that there were 3 others heading over… he turned to ask McCloy about the new arrivals, but the elder was nowhere to be seen. The cooing intensified as all four floated around the field in almost a dance-like pattern…
“Oh, nonononono! Rob, get away!” was all he heard, before being tackled to the ground. “Hi, Pink,” he managed to say. “Why didn’t you call me sooner?!” she practically screamed. Seeing his confused expression, she remarked, “the Parasprites?! Ya know, eat non-edible objects, multiply like mad, become a living terror?!”
Still confused, all Rob uttered was, “…non-edible… objects…?”
Pinkie finally gave up on trying to explain to him, and began humming an all-too-familiar tune. As if in a trance, the few Parasprites there (which had quickly grown to 12) began lining up behind her. Rob could only stare, trying to comprehend what the hay just happened. On her way out, Pinkie gave Rob a glare, trying to say, “you’re welcome.”
Rob watched the procession until the pony-and-sprite parade was out of sight. He then rushed over to the barn to see that, in fact, ‘non-edible objects’ included wood… which the barn was now missing a lot of. ‘It’s a wonder it’s still standing,’ bemused Rob, as he saw it slowly listing.
Walking back to the house, he caught sight of McCloy, apparently having entered the home. “What did you go do?” he inquired. The elder only replied, “I knew what those things were after I heard its noisemaking.” Connecting two and two, Rob figured he must have called Pinkie, knowing something Rob probably didn’t want to.
“This has happened before?”
“Yup.”
“When?”
“I don’t quite recall, but it was a mess. They ended up wrecking the whole town.”
“…ouch.”
“Well, it was a while back… all I know is, apparently, Fillydelphia suffered the same fate as us… same day too.”
“Good thing I wasn’t here or there at the time, then,” Rob tried to chuckle off. McCloy gave a chuckle himself, and the two set off to find some wood… the barn’s not gonna fix itself.
While McCloy checked locally, Rob went out farther, checking all over the town. He returned with nothing. “I’ll get on ordering some from Fillydelphia or Manehattan,” sighed Rob. “You do that, and I’ll try to keep the barn from tipping any further,” McCloy said in reply.
‘Well, no lumber in town means I’ll have to wait on that order to ship before any more of my house gets finished… might as well go back and check on things,’ Rob silently mused, already thinking of the implications this could have if things didn’t get completed in time… Thinking past today, he realized he would need to stock up on ink once again.
“…well, this has been a weird day,” he said to himself, humming the tune he heard from Pinkie.
A week has passed, luckily with not much more trouble. Pinkie had told McCloy that the Parasprites found the other day were the only ones around town, because of his call to her. The lumber ordered from Fillydelphia has not arrived yet, so the barn is still in disarray. The whole week, Rob has been attempting to keep himself amused; having nothing to do, especially since it used to be filled with house-working, leaves one scrambling for activities… and excuses.
If he counted correctly, he was asked to at least 9 different parties… or was it 11? Either one, he had to make up everything from an excuse, to a reason, and anything he could just plain think up, to avoid something he apparently dreaded. He figures it’s from the time spent in the frigid North, where it’s not very likely that any hosted party was either for those of his age group (singling them out further), or done so in a… respectable… manner. And, each one apparently made the party pony all the more steeled to get him to go.
Waking up, Rob silently wished today would not be one of those days. Stretching out from another night with no solid bed (he had, however, moved up from ‘bare floor’ to ‘comforter’ in the last couple weeks), he noticed a pegasus pony flying his way. As she neared, however, he noticed four things: the mare was carrying a mailbag, her coat was a light smoky gray, her eyes and mane were a (stark) contrast of amber-yellow, and those same eyes were crossed.
She landed on the floor of the home (since there still was no roof to speak of), and brightly proclaimed, “Hi there! I’m the mailmare, and you have mail!”
Rob could only garner, “I have… mail.”
“Erm, yeah, everypony gets mail!”
“Then how have we never met?” he inquired.
“Simple, you’ve never… had… mail… before…” she finished slowly, realizing the implication. “Oh, muffins! I must have mixed up your mail, or I lost it! Oh, no, what if I did?”
Rob almost let her carry on before stopping her. “It’s alright, I really have had no mail yet... as far as I know. I’m surprised that you received mail for me, and that you knew where I was.”
She paused to think, before saying, “Oh! That’s right! Pinkie asked me to give you this!” while pulling a bright pink envelope out of her bag. “She also told me where to find you.”
“Ah, I see.” Rob gingerly accepted the envelope, before asking, “by the way, what is your name, since this is our first time actually meeting one another.”
“Ditzy Doo!” she brightly replied.
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Ditzy. I hope I get more mail, heh.”
“Well, if you ever do, not saying you won’t, I’ll deliver it with… what was the rest of the motto…? Oh yeah! With 80% guaranteed delivery!” She then flew off, ready to deliver the rest of her mail.
Chuckling slightly, having met somepony new (and somepony slightly entertaining at that), he opened the envelope. When he saw the inside, however… his gut clenched, his lungs ached, his brain shut down, and his throat closed up, threatening to choke Rob… for inside, was something he had never encountered once in his life before: a written invitation. To a party. And, not just any party, but a birthday celebration. In his own name.
Struggling to come to terms with this, he read it through multiple times.
20th Birthday Celebration
Of Rob, on the 27th of September,
held at the Sugarcube Corner,
at 7:30 pm sharp.
Music hosted by DJ PON-3
Hostess: Pinkie Pie
Just as his brain finally kicked back into place, he read a small hand-written note near the bottom that threatened to shut down his mind once more:
You better be there, or I will haul you over myself. And yes, I mean it.
-Pinkie
Finally, after about 20 minutes, all he could manage to say was, “…how did she know my birthday? I haven’t told a soul!”
Finally glancing over to the clock, he exclaimed. “I have to be at work in 40! I haven’t eaten breakfast, so I need to do that, oh blast, do I need more ink?” In his confusion, which was only aided by his trying to untangle his bag from his hooves, Rob stumbled over the edge of the flooring, making it the second time he’d fallen out of his own home under his own free will. “…ow.”
Working his way through town, he was thinking of what he ought to be getting for breakfast, instead of watching the growing dust cloud rapidly approaching him. With a loud clatter, the two collided. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he noticed that the object in question was actually three: the pegasus, earth pony (who he immediately recognized as Applebloom), and unicorn trio.
They immediately sprang to their hooves, trying to apologize over one another. Chuckling, Rob calmed them down, saying, “hey, woah, it’s alright… nopony's hurt, right?” They gave themselves a look over, each proclaiming “nope!” “Sorry, mister, again, fer runnin’ into ya,” Applebloom started up again. Rob could only chuckle this off.
After a minute, though, the young pegasus's eyes betrayed a glint of recognition. “Hm? Got something to say, um… erm…”
“Scootaloo.”
“Ah, thanks. Scootaloo. Got something to say?” Rob inquired with a smile.
“Well… I was talking to somepony the other day… and I think I recognize you.”
“Oh?” Now his curiosity was piqued. “Well, who was it, and what were they saying ‘bout me?”
“Well, she was telling me about how much--” Scootaloo never got to finish this sentence, as Applebloom and the unicorn filly tackled her to the ground. Her retorts were muffled by hooves.
“Aheh, Ah'm sorry, Rob, Scootaloo here was about to blurt out ‘nother pony’s secrets!” Applebloom said rather sharply, more towards Scootaloo than Rob. Having broken free of the two fillies' restraints, she replied, “Says who, Apple??”
Then they broke out into another dust cloud, this one mostly immobile, as they began tussling with one another. Rob could only back up, trying to stay out of the ‘brawl.’ The dust cloud would spit out words and phrases occasionally, like, “That’s not a good thing, dodo! You don‘t spill secrets!” and “Don’t use words I don’t know!!” One might have found this humorous for a while, had they not been Rob, who was now trying to get to the ranch for work, all the while thinking… ‘Who said what about me?’
The next day, things at the farm were relatively peaceful. At least, until about 2 o’clock.
As Rob and McCloy were about to finally get working on fixing the farm (the wood they were waiting on finally arrived), the sky darkened imperceptibly at first, then slowly darkened to a serious storm. “Funny, nothing about this from the weatherponies,” remarked both McCloy and Rob. Then, whack! as an object struck Rob sharply in the head. He bent to pick it up, and, looking at it, he noticed it was a piece of… “…hail?”
Almost at his beckon, the storm broke out. A severe wind picked up, threatening to pick up McCloy in a comedic fashion. “Down, baaad wind. I said bad!” he retorted, as he was slightly lifted. Following that, the rain let loose, soaking anything under it well within a minute. Rob could barely see through the rain. He struggled to get over to McCloy, who was back on terra firma. “C’mon! We need to get to somewhere dry!” he yelled at the elder.
“Why’s that? It’s just rain and wind!”
“Because it’s not going to be just that…”
A loud clattering confirmed this, as hail started to drop without mercy. “C’mon, McCloy!” Hobbling through the stinging hail and rain, they finally managed to get to the house. The storm blew over in a couple of hours; during its run, however, the rain, wind, and hail gouged the farmland, ripping topsoil and freshly-planted seeds and tossing them to the crosswinds. The hail managed to punch out some more of the barn’s remaining roof, and knocked out a couple windows in the house itself.
After the storm finally dissipated, they stepped outside to view the damage. They were greeted by a slightly-bruised Rainbow Dash.
“Eheh, sorry about that guys… a freak storm blew over from the Everfree, and we tried to subdue it before it hit town.”
“Wait,” asked Rob. “Wasn’t just us?”
“Nah, dude, it hit a good portion of the town… though it didn’t hit nearly as hard. We couldn’t work our way over here, you were near the eye,” responded Dash.
“Well, I suppose we will have to get back on this tomorrow, Rob. For now, there’s nothing else to do,” mused a slightly solemn McCloy. “Pay’s on the table. Dash, if you’d care for a drink or some tea?” Rob headed in with the other two, Dash slightly wincing, and headed out shortly after, pay in his bag, feeling like nothing had been gained today. Reminding himself that he had a book to return, and a party to prepare for, he set off for town.
Continued in Chapter 4...
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 6 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-11-15T17:54:36+00:00
| 898 |
Chapter 4
“…ugh, my head feels like… like someone bucked it. And pretty hard.” This was all Rob could think, after yesterday‘s highlight. Cursing himself, hoping it would end his pain, cursing over and over, he tried to recall the events of the previous day…
The first thing that came to memory easily was what that orange-ish pegasus filly, what was her name… Scootaloo, said: “she was telling me about how much-” was all she said, and yet it permeated his mind like a sore spot’s pain often does… much like his pounding head.
The second thing that came to mind was the freak storm. ‘That sucked pretty badly, actually,’ he reminisced. ‘No wonder I can think of it pretty easily.’ And then the third and fourth things that he remembered: the invitation, and the party.
“Oh, that party… I knew… ugh, scratch that. What happened…?” he mumbled, his mind still fuzzy... he had to know what happened. Working his way down the gravel pathway, he went to go see if Twilight had anything to say about this.
On his way out, however, the previous evening sprang to his mind, leaving no question what happened:
After he left the ranch after the hectic storm, he made his way over to the library to return his book on stone structure. He didn’t need this book, necessarily, because he was working with wood, but he got it anyway, mainly because he was interested, and because he wanted to see if there was any good structuring that could be implemented for his own home; having no solid ground to sit on, he was going to have to rely on extra-sturdy framework and structures to keep it aloft in the branches.
The tips the book gave concerning stone were very marvelous, he found! And, not only that, he tested a few, with a little of the lumber shipped to the ranch the other day, and found that they would work. He then set himself on memorizing the structure’s layouts for future use. Once that was done, he really didn’t need the book anymore.
Reaching the library, he mused, ‘Odd that Twi would have these books that I needed. Whatever, I’m pretty glad she does.’ Entering the library, Twilight offered him some tea, which he accepted, ready to dry out a little from the rains. They ended up talking for about an hour about various things (ones that could not be remembered right now), and by the time they realized this, Rob had to finish his day’s tasks before the party.
On his way out, he asked Twilight, with earnest, “Tell me, is there something about this party that I should… worry about?”
She giggled, almost openly, at this, seeming to know something he didn’t. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about it… now…” As she giggled a little, Rob felt more confused on his way out, while feeling more determined to find out the message‘s underlying context.
Seeing the Carousel Boutique, for the first time purposefully, made Rob realize that the building he’d seen at a glance was really Rarity’s workshop and home. But alas, even with this realization, Rarity was no more helpful than Twilight; she gave almost the same answer that Twi had when asked the same thing by Rob: “darling, it wouldn’t be a secret if everypony knew, right? Ah, but for the time being, don’t fuss about it. Tata~! And, next time you’re around, I might have a use for you…”
That confused him even further. Fluttershy was of no use either. He found her while trotting through the market. When asked, she had nothing to say… only a slight blush on what little of her face could be seen. She was too embarrassed, trying to hide her face from Rob’s, to give a straight answer… before he left, she simply squeaked out, “I dunno, i-it wouldn’t be quite right to say…” Now a little upset at the turn of events so far, he made his way to Dash’s place.
Which ended up to no avail, seeing as how she wasn’t even home!! ‘There’s no reason to get upset at her, though,’ he rambled internally, ‘she’s probably out practicing her flying again.’ That left him the only place to go, where he desperately hoped he would get the answers he needed: Sweet Apple Acres. Trotting quickly, as time was beginning to run out, neither he or AJ would realize how interesting the conversation would get.
“Howdy, Rob! What brings ya here?” asked Applejack, finishing her chores.
“I was wondering, and I’ve asked the others the same: is there something I ought to expect from this party?”
“…well… hm… uhm…”
Noticing she was struggling for an answer, Rob settled back, intent on waiting. He was surprised however:
“What do ya mean, pardon my askin’?”
“W-what? Like, any kind of… not-normal events?”
“Well, this is Pinkie we’re talkin’ ‘bout…”
“Yes…?”
“Uhm… Ah really can’t say fer sure.”
“Wwwhy not?” Clearly, this was irritating Rob a little.
“Well… ya see… erm…”
“. . .”
“…I’m honestly obl'gated ta not say anythin’, because it’s not mah place to…”
“C’mon, you’re killing me here, AJ.”
“…well…”
This banter was interrupted by Big Mac’s booming voice: “Dinner’s on, AJ, git on in here.” And, clearly, this was exactly what AJ was hoping for, much to the chagrin of Rob.
“Well, gotta go eat, I’ll seeya at the party, bye now, take care,” she rushed out of her all at once, rivaling Dash for speed getting to the front door.
After he walked off the property, Rob then proceeded to shove bark bits into his forehead.
“Oh well. What happens… happens, I suppose,” he finally spat out at the tree, knowing it wouldn’t respond. He gave it one last headbutt, and was shocked to have an apple fall on his head.
Walking up to the Sugarcube Corner, Rob was stunned to see just how much it could change in a matter of, well, not even a day! He was about to walk away, when Pinkie Pie spotted him from within the window. “Oh, there he is! C'mere Rob!!” she said as she dragged him into something he thought he would regret. As he stepped inside, however, that feeling began to pass away, being replaced with a slight anxiety.
“Aren’t you glad you came now, huh Rob?” shouted Pinkie over the music.
“Heh, now that ya mention it, yeah, a little bit!”
“Hm, glad to hear!! Oops, cupcakes are done, I’ll be right back!”
Wondering how she heard that over the noise, he walked around, trying to absorb the atmosphere… it was unlike anything he’d ever known back in the Northern lands, a very unique experience. He finally felt himself relax a tad, knowing he just might enjoy this night.
Moving over to the punch bowls, he noticed there were two… and that slightly tipsy ponies were ladling their drinks out of one. ‘Avoid that one,’ he mentally noted, taking some of the other punch. He then found a seat over by a table. Coincidentally, Twilight and the others were sitting there as well, sans Dash, who was over on the dance floor.
“Hey there, Rob, enjoying yourself?” asked Twi, a slight edge of amusement in her voice.
“A little bit, yeah. It’s just… different,” he could only reply back.
“Well, when Pinkie throws a party, she sure throws one!” remarked AJ.
“Yes, darling, you must try to attend more!”
“I’ll try. I really will.” With that, Rob was suddenly pulled away by Pinkie; she was trying out some new recipes, and felt that Rob ought to try at least one or three, and oh, he had to have some of the cake… on and on.
After finally breaking away from the party pony, wanting to sit back down and relax, he found himself back to the table he was just at, with the others there, including Dash, acting… nonchalantly? Raising an eyebrow slightly at this, he took a sip of his punch, which he left because of Pinkie’s abruptness. ‘Hm,’ he thought, ‘it tastes more apple-y. Was it always like this?’
Shrugging this off, he finished the glass. He then got back up to try to mingle with the crowd… to little avail. He walked outside, to get some fresh air (the sweets can really get to you after a while)… but once out there, he felt a slightly familiar buzz… and it was almost as if someone were lowering earmuffs on his head… little by little…
“I freel… I freel… fuuny…” was all he managed to say, before he was pushed back in by other ponies… too drunk to notice them.
“OH CELESTIA!” he screamed out loud, despite the pounding. “I was drunk! Drunk off my flank, and didn’t do anything about it!!” This continued on like this for a bit, before he finally collected his senses. “Okay… I have to go see Twilight about this headache… and surely, she’ll have answers as to last night…”
Reaching the library, he was immediately greeted by Twilight, who looked like she had spent some time worrying.
“Oh thank Celestia you’re fine, you’re alright, it was nothing more than a minor prank, and oh goddess we were all involved, do you feel alright, are you mad, I hope you’re not mad--” she was cut off by Rob, giving a shake of the head, apparently flooded by all the words.
“Please… start at the top… slowly, and calmly. Yes, I’m fine, I just have a minor headache.”
“I know what'll help that, I’ll be right back…”
Returning with an herbal tea, she began her explanation: “Seeing as how it was your birthday, and your 20th at that, Pinkie thought it a good idea to… spike your punch with some of AJ's cider. She thought it would loosen you up, but hopefully not too much. What happened? You had only the one glass, and you were out in an hour! Heh, poor Dash, she had to fly you home.”
“Well… I guess I have an intolerance to alcohol. Wow, that’s all, huh? Cider’s strong stuff, I hear.”
“Yeah, it didn’t seem like a great idea, but Pinkie… insisted.”
“Alright. Now, exactly what did I do?”
“…well, nothing.”
“Come again?” he asked, quite confused.
“Nothing happened. Your words were increasingly slurred, but that’s about it. You didn’t go through some huge attitude swing, you didn’t get… erm… restless, I guess some ponies could say about others… and, you just crashed within the hour.”
“Heh… guess I know now. ‘Stay away from hard liquor,’ haha.”
“Heh, yeah… the others apologize profusely, too…” she apologized again, “especially Pinkie… this was her idea after all…”
“Tell them that I’m not upset… after all it was in good-natured fun, and besides, you didn’t know… I’m heading over to Pinkie’s. Thanks for the tea, it did help a little.”
After their goodbyes, Rob set out to talk to Pinkie about the night, with no anger in his step, and as much of a smile as he could muster on his snout. Reaching her home, however, he was surprised to be greeted by Mrs. Cake.
“Oh, hello there, dear. You’re Rob right?” A nod confirmed this for her. “Oh, Pinkie’s been worrying herself sick about you, I’m sure she’ll be back down. She’s been checking with us every five minutes, always asking about you…”
Hearing this from Mrs. Cake only supported Twi's explanation, and supported his unvoiced claim on how she might have felt about the whole thing. ‘How is she going to react? Will she break down, much like Twilight almost did? Or will she just be plain down?’ he asked himself, expecting one or the other…
Within no time, however, Pinkie practically flew down the stairs and tackled Rob, her eyes brimming with tears; however, she had a smile on her face, and she felt just as energetic as normal… if only a little toned down. “Oh, Rob, I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just wanted you to loosen up, and-!” she began, but was interrupted by Rob.
“Don’t worry, Twi explained. And, I’m not upset… well, I guess I’m miffed at this headache, but I’m not mad at you, or anypony, really…”
“Really? You mean it?” she asked, with a bit of concern in her words.
“Yeah… I know you guys meant well. The thing was, there was no such thing as a ‘party’ for the younger ones back in Stalliongrad.”
“That’s… that’s party suicide!” she gasped, surprised that there could be ‘no such thing as a party.’
“Pretty much… it was either you weren’t old enough, or you weren’t of class, or simply not invited. So, I genuinely thank you for that invite… even if it was my own birthday party.”
“Okie-dokie-lokie!” she replied, all the tears gone.
“Can I ask two things?”
“Sure!!”
“…you’re still on top of me, for one.”
She nearly blushed at this (‘At least, I think it was a blush,’ he thought), and got off him so he could once again stand.
“The other thing is… how’d you know it was my birthday? Nopony else but myself knew!”
“Oh, I broke through the 4th wall and checked out your Bio, silly!”
“The what, and the what??”
“Oh, nothing… haha!” she merely giggled, sending Rob, once again, into confusion. But it was a happy confusion this time.
After Rob left, having bought a few cupcakes, and Pinkie trotted up the stairs to do whatever it was Pinkie did, Mr. Cake turned to Mrs. Cake, and said, “Well, would you look at that.”
“What, dear?”
“You ever seen Pinkie so happy?”
“What do you mean? She’s always happy, isn’t she?”
The Mr. just chuckled. “I mean, with Rob around.”
It took her a few seconds, but she finally replied, “Oh, yes… I did notice, now that you mention… I think they look sooo cute together.”
“I reckon you’re right, dear.
“…
“I don’t think he’s noticed, however…”
“Oh, hush. He will eventually…”
Fall swings into Ponyville swift, but not roughly… with it, it brings cool autumn air; the festive of the Running of the Leaves, as well as Oktobearfest; and delicious pies and cupcakes of all assortments, made by the Cakes and Pinkie. It also brought its share of problems to the McCloy ranch.
One such problem? Wild hares. With the storm a week or so back, the only crop McCloy wanted to grow so late, pumpkins, had been uprooted by the fierce winds and rain. Having tilled and planted once again, things looked fine on the surface… as Rob was checking out the crops one afternoon, however, he found himself falling through a hollowed-out section of ground… “Oh no!! Where’d all these hares come from?!” exclaimed McCloy, making Rob realize that he must have broken open a hare’s den.
“Don’t sit there, boy! Help me round these fellers up!” the elder spoke, a bit of wheeze in his voice.
“On it!” Rob exclaimed, chasing down a pair of the lupines. However, they got the better of him, disappearing a hole near the fencing, leading Rob to run smack into a post. “…ow.”
“Plug up the holes!”
“On it, McCloy!”
Finding a shovel right near the holes, he began sifting any un-tilled top soil into the holes, blocking routes of escape, both in and out. “Got these!”
“Great! There’s a pair over on the other side!”
Rob sprinted over, shovel in his mouth, and quickly found the holes. “They’re filled!”
“Alright… I think we have them!”
“What‘re we doing now?” Rob asked back.
“What we’re gonna do is, I’ll wait at the den, and you’re gonna stomp the tunnels to shake them out!”
“What?”
“Jus’ trust me boy! Done it all me life!” snapped McCloy, though not in a harsh tone; the end of his sentence was rattled by a nasty cough. “Alright, if you say so, starting!”
McCloy's plan was working! The hares began scattering out of the den, right into a fenced hallway, leading right out of the ranch!
“Where’d you find the fencing?” Rob asked.
“Some old chicken coop I used to have! This is what was left!” hacked out McCloy. “We got them out! Hooray--!” More hacking…
“Um… are you alright, McCloy?”
“Y-yeah, I’m fine. A tickle in my throat.”
They went back to work, trying to fill in the den the hares had made. But not 20 minutes later, the hares were back, and in force!
“Oh, not again!!” screamed Rob.
“Rob. Go get Fluttershy.”
“Ugh… alright.” Rob trotted off, intent on getting back to work.
He returned about a half-hour later, Fluttershy in tow. Within five minutes, she had the ranch rid of the hares. “Whew… that took a bit out of me, Robby. I’ll be right back out… need some water. In the meantime, finish up the barn; we’re nearly done.”
“Glad to almost be done with it too. That was a bad couple of weeks.”
“Agreed; get to it, sonny. Be right back out.” He left in a fit of coughing, planting a small nagging worry in the back of Rob's head.
After work, Rob had essentially nothing to do, so he decided to head to the Quills & Sofas. On the way, though, he was hugging his best friend, the ground (AJ‘s cart wanted a hug too), as a pink blur did what she did best: tackling. “Hi Rob! Heard you and Gramp McCloy had a… ‘hare’-y problem, heehee!”
“Haha, that was clever!” Rob could only laugh out.
“Hey, you alright, Rob?” AJ asked. “Ah may need th’ two of ya t’ move, so Ah can run mah bus'ness, if ya don’ mind?”
“Oh! Um, of course, AJ…” Rob could only muster out, realizing that he’d been tackled right in front of a customer. “Pardon me sir… eheh.”
“Now, Pinkie, what was it… you… wanted.” She was nowhere to be found.
‘Confound that mare sometimes… she’s so random,’ he thought, a smile adorning his face.
Finally back at his place (which was shaping up nicely: the surplus of wood and lumber coming to the ranch was helping him finish his house: one wall was paneled and had proper supports, and another wall was near complete; a third has been started up, and the roof’s basics were forming), he found Ditzy there with yet another letter. It was just like the previous ones (‘This makes five, doesn’t it, within two weeks, huh?’ he thought), the only thing changing about it the color of the envelope.
“Hiya Ditzy! Another one, eh?” inquired Rob.
“Yup! Somepony must had a MAD crush on you.” She giggled as she said the last bit.
“U-um, I really wouldn’t know,” he nearly mumbled; it was the truth though. He had no idea where and whom they were coming from.
“Ohh… she must be MADLY MADLY crushing, ‘cause she’s using fragrance!”
“Wait, really? Lemme have it real quick.” Indeed, it smelled of fresh flowers… he didn’t know of anypony in town who used such a fragrance. “Smells like the last four, now that I recall, Ditzy. Don’t you agree?”
“Oh yes. It’s a nice smell, though! She must--”
“Yes, yes… ‘have a MAD crush on me.’ But why make things difficult?”
“Silly! Where’s the fun if she told you outright?”
“…good point. Goodbye, Ditzy, thanks again.”
“Heheh, no problem,” she said before flying off.
With nopony to chat to, and nothing to do, Rob leaned back on his bed (yes, he finally has a bed!! (don’t ask how it got up there though)) and began thinking about who the letters could have come from… his thoughts, in a bizarre twist, led to McCloy. Rob began thinking seriously about the coughing and hacking he heard… ‘I’ve never heard someone who looked so healthy cough like that! I hope he’s not caught something…’
He decided to not reminisce too much about it. ‘Worrying is the last thing you need to do, Rob. Best thing to do is pick up some of his work, in case he does fall ill.’
With his mind set, he resumed working on his house.
For the next few weeks, not much has changed in Ponyville. Pinkie continues to host parties, and Rob has been attending many of them. The pumpkins are growing in strong, and just in time for the 31st. The barn is patched over, having suffered quite a bit during the early bits of the month. Rob continues to receive the mystery letters, and eventually received not only the letters, but a small basket of flowers (which smelled quite similarly to the fragrances used on the letters... the flowers themselves weren't the kinds they smelled like, however) as well.
Work continues the same as it has been, with the exception of McCloy needing his plow repaired; Rob ended up building one from scratch, seeing as how aged the old one was. Big Mac even asked Rob if he could take a look at his plow’s blade, seeing as how he got McCloy's to run with the refurbishing.
The last weeks of October were happy.
End of Chapters 3 and 4
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 7 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-11-15T18:02:26+00:00
| 825 |
Chapter 5
“WHAT?!”
Rob was visibly seething, trying his best to not stare down the medical pony before him, to little avail. Pacing back and forth angrily, with a look on his face that betrayed great pain, all he could think was, ‘What? How, when? And why him…?’ “You’re sure this isn’t a really really bad joke.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s the honest truth…
“McCloy has been diagnosed with pneumonia at the Belleview Hospital in Manehattan at 5:34 yesterday evening.”
Autumn was hitting the town of Ponyville in full swing. The air was rapidly approaching chilly, and the fillies and colts of young were winding up for Nightmare Night, the best holiday (at least, at the time) to the children, mainly because of two things: candy, dressing up, and candy. Unfortunately, none of that joy was being felt by Rob right now, hit hard by the news.
“There’s nothing more I can say, sadly…” the doctor said to Rob; both were within McCloy's ranch house, the doctor sitting at the table with two mugs of coffee, one halfway finished, the other untouched. A clock on the table read 10:25 am.
“How did we not see it sooner, though? Aren’t there any visible signs?” a greatly befuddled Rob asked.
“You mean you didn’t notice sooner? There are obvious signs…”
“Well, I guess we were too busy trying to harvest those pumpkins out there, and I just didn’t pay too much mind to it; I knew about the coughing, but whenever I asked if he was fine, he shrugged it off, and worked harder,” Rob stated, unease and anger tinting his voice ever so slightly.
“Unfortunately, with the older and younger ponies, it’s much harder to fight off…”
“So you’re saying he could… he could…” he didn't dare think the worst.
“Afraid so.” The doctor stood up, apparently with things to get around to within the town, before heading back to Manehattan.
“And you’re sure of the diagnosis?”
“Again, yes… I made the diagnosis in the first place.” The doctor put a hoof on Rob’s shoulder, as if to say, “I’m sorry,” before walking out the door… leaving Rob in the ranch house, empty of life, and void of all sound.
After several minutes of standing in the same spot, Rob finally shook himself out of his stupor. He began to look around the home to find any notice McCloy might have left right before leaving. Quickly, he found the note:
“To Rob, one of the best ranch heads I have had in a long time:
I will be away from the ranch for a while… I’m expecting at least 5 days. Until I get back, you’ll be ranch owner provvisorio until I return. I expect those pumpkins uprooted and sold by then! I’m sure Pinkie has been awaiting at least one! Do me proud, boy. I left you the 5 days’ average pay in the second right-hoof drawer next to the stove.
Take care,
Frank McCloy”
Reading the letter made him realize that he never knew his first name… Rob always called him McCloy, and he almost always insisted it. “Alright, Frank, I’ll get these pumpkins sold, lickety-split just for you!!” Rob stated out loud, ready to take over for McCloy… possibly permanently. He could only ponder upon this fact… with nothing else to do until those pumpkins were matured, he set about fixing some holes in the barn's roof.
As he was exiting the ranch house, he noticed a less-than-normally-bouncy Pinkie standing by the gate. “Heya Rob! Where’s McCloy?”
As if he’d been stunned, he just simply froze, looking into Pinkie’s eyes with sadness abound within his own. Noticing this, Pinkie stopped bouncing, instead, opting to stand still.
“…what? What aren’t you telling me, tell me now!”
“Pinkie… first off, I’m going to need you to… try to be calm.”
“…sure, I can try…”
“Second off, you are not going to like what I’m about to say, most likely… so, come on in. It's chilly out.”
“…alright? But, isn’t this McCloy’s home still?”
Rob responded with silence as he up the porch steps.
Slowly coming to a halt in front of the door, Rob began to speak. "Pinkie… I'm afraid McCloy is… Well… He might be gone…"
Pinkie looked at Rob, "Well where's he gone? Oh! Is he on vacation?" Rob's point and tone weren’t getting through to her.
Rob shook a confused face off and replied, "No, Pinkie like, gone gone."
Pinkie snickered. "What do you mean by that?" she asked in her normal high-pitched voice. The two walked inside, Rob thinking how exactly to explain.
Rob looked grimly up, and sighed. "I'm afraid he's caught a disease of sorts…" he managed to mutter, hating himself for talking about McCloy in this way, the stallion he'd come to love like a father, the one who helped him set up the roots of his new life in Ponyville.
Pinkie's eyes changed, "A-a disease? What disease?" she asked her voice winding down.
Rob sighed, and closed the front door. "It's called 'pneumonia…' It's a lung disease caused by a bacterial infection in the lungs. It takes a heavy toll on the carrier, laboring their breathing until..." he stopped abruptly, knowing the pink mare finally got his point.
Pinkie looked up, "So he‘s…" she said lowly.
Rob nodded, "I'm afraid so… He might not ever come back..." he finished grimly, still holding his melancholy tone and his hate for himself for not noticing McCloy's condition before.
His heart nearly shattered, however, when he saw the pink mare collapse in anguish, sorrow, and tears…
Rob could do nothing except freeze, as his mind began locking up with stray thoughts from all directions and venues... some as abstract as the fancy art you might see hanging on a wall. After a half-minute, the fog of his mind cleared, with a single thought resting within the clarity: comfort.
He slowly walked over to the fallen mare, wrapping his forelegs around her back, trying to give her solace. She returned the gesture, and hugged him tightly, the tears still flowing…
They sat there for what felt like hours to them. Eventually, Pinkie Pie stopped crying, and began to speak, if only to just talk… another hour or so passed, before Rob noticed she had crashed from exhaustion. He then glanced over at the clock on the table, noting it was already past 7, meaning he’d been here for half the whole day. He brought Pinkie up onto his back, and began walking towards Sugarcube Corner.
Eventually, he got to the Corner. He figured it was about 8 or so, so he knocked louder than he usually would on the front door. Almost immediately, it opened, Mrs. Cake seemingly right there, waiting for somepony eagerly.
“Oh, thank goodness she’s alright. Where was she?”
He tried to bury his emotion, and calmly said in response, “she’s been with me the whole time, don’t worry. Something… happened to McCloy,” he continued, traces of his sadness seeping through his façade.
“Oh… well, no need to explain, dear. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” She tried comforting Rob with these words, with little effect. She didn’t notice, and continued on. “Thank you for bringing her back. You can set her on the couch, and I’ll get her something so she doesn’t freeze through the night.”
“It was the least I could do…” he replied, still trying to hold his emotion in check. After sliding her off of his back gently, he waited for Mrs. Cake to return with a thick comforter, before saying, “if you would, please be gentle with her in the morning… she was hurt, hearing about McCloy…”
“Oh, well, no problem, dear. I’m glad to see you caring so much for her,” she replied, holding a smile on her face. Rob looked away, trying to hold back a shy grin.
“I-it’s not that, I just… don’t want to see her broken… again…” he managed to say, his only emotion from before now mixing with others.
“Well, it’s still a nice thing. Thank you,” she stated, a little confused by his words.
After taking goodbyes from the Cakes (the Mr. walked down the stairs sometime after Rob set Pinkie down on the couch), and turning down a couple of cupcakes, Rob walked out of the door, intent for home, trying to put together everything that has happened today.
Slowly trotting up to the tree, he noticed something at its base… “What is… oh.” He got a good look at it, before he found a note tied to its handle.
“Winter’s coming, so you’ll probably need one of these lanterns.
-Twilight Sparkle”
He smiled, knowing he would have to get a few… but Twi just made his job that much easier. He smiled again, feeling happy for possibly the first time today.
He climbed up into the still-unfinished home, lantern in mouth. He knew he would need something to hang it from, or else the heat from the lantern could ignite the wood. Looking around, he realized that he had some wire lying about (he used it to attempt to secure his bed in case of really strong winds). He gathered some of it up, bundled it as tight as he could manage, then twisted it until it formed a hook. At the other end, he fashioned a cross base, slid it into a wormhole in the ceiling (the lumber used there was a little aged), and hung the lantern.
Checking to make sure the metal wouldn’t heat up from the lantern’s heat, he lit it, and climbed into his bed. After just a couple minutes, he noticed a change: the lantern was working, probably better than it should normally, and was filling the area with an even heat. It was then he noticed a particular aura emitting from the lantern. ‘Heh, she really does think of everything, doesn’t she?’ he thought, watching the aura turn purple in color, resembling Twi’s own magic. He lingered on this thought, then mused, ‘I’m gonna have to learn metal-working. It’ll help, I’m sure.’ Not long after thinking this, he fell into a long-needed sleep.
The next morning, Rob woke up early. He thought about breakfast, but this thought didn’t last long, as memories from yesterday flooded his mind. Shaking his head to clear it, he remembered: pumpkins. They needed to be plucked off their stalks, and shipped to town. ‘It’s going to be a long day, but this is what Frank would want,’ he thought bitterly, but adamantly. Walking into the barn, he heard a creak… followed by a crack. Startled, he ran towards the source, which was one of the support beams holding up what little of the roof that was done. It appeared to have been chewed through. ‘Add repairing that beam to my list.’
Sighing, he got out a recently-constructed cart, and headed out into the fields, where 4 large, fresh pumpkins awaited his arrival. “Now, if *grunt* I remember this *grunt* right,” he said out loud, pausing to buck the stems just hard enough to snap the stem, “two pumpkins need to *grunt* get to Sugarcube Corner, *grunt* and two to Sweet Apple Acres.” He then turned around, where the rest of the pumpkins lay. Much smaller than the four, but much more numerous, Rob continued to kick the pumpkins’ stems. “Then, of course, these need to be distributed around town.”
As he passed the smaller pumpkins, after kicking the stems to free the fruits, he picked them up, one by one, to place in the heavier-by-the-pumpkin cart he was pulling. “I’m sure the townsfolk will be glad to see these!” he added, trying to brighten the mood… of which nopony else was around to enjoy. He muttered a curse to himself, then continued his work. Eventually, he reached the large pumpkins. He knew these were going to be the trouble-makers, and, knowing full well the size they would get, McCloy insisted that the two of them load each one together… however, he remarked that, when it was just him, he had a thick piece of plywood to roll the pumpkins into the cart with.
Rob entered the barn to look for the makeshift ramp. Seeing nothing but hay, he almost left… when he noticed a corner of wood raised out of the sea of hay, not unlike a fin. Dusting off the hay, he found it to be a long piece. “Heh, probably to reduce the work load,” Rob surmised, thinking back to school, where he had taken a physics class. It stated that the angle of a ramp determines the force and energy required to scale it… that didn’t make his job easier, though.
He set the ramp in place, after unhooking one of the cart’s sides, and went to tip one of the pumpkins over… he found himself short of breath very quickly. Catching his breath, he remembered another physics topic: fulcrums and pivots. Looking for a very sturdy beam, he amused himself. “McCloy must have been mighty strong to do this on his own…” Saying this, however, brought a lump to his throat, and he quickly dashed the thought.
Finally finding a beam that he thought would do the job, he set about looking for a good-sized rock. Luckily, there was one near the set of pumpkins. Setting up the makeshift seesaw, he readied himself to tip the pumpkin. With a short heave, he pushed. Very quickly, he expected things to go very wrong, because the beam bent at a nearly awesome angle… it proved its sturdiness, however, when the pumpkin was suddenly sitting on its side, waiting to be rolled. Rob sighed in relief, and proceeded to push the heavy fruit into the cart, trying not to squish the smaller ones. He then repeated this process for the others.
By the time he finished, the sun was beginning to ride high into the sky, and Rob was extremely winded. He almost went into the ranch house, but decided hastily against it. ‘I’ll get some water in the town. I’ll make my first stop to the Corner,’ he decided. With a pull and some flying dirt, he was off, proud of himself for doing this task on his own. He quickly reached the Corner (seeing as how the farm was relatively uphill from a good portion of the town), and went to knock on the door. It opened before he could even tap, and, a surprised look on his face, was blinded by pink; before he knew it, he was on the ground, Pinkie embracing him.
“Hi Rob! I was just thinking about you!” This brought the slightest of blushes on his face. A long gasp could be heard from the mare, as she saw the pumpkins in the cart. “Oh WOW! These are this year’s pumpkins?? I bet we could make a lot of pumpkin pies with these! Oh-oh-oh, I wonder how good they’ll be as cakes and cupcakes?” she said, all in one breath, while running around the cart several times. This did allow Rob to stand back up, but not for long, as he was back down.
“Oh my, these look great, Rob! Must have been tough to get them here!”
Rob chuckled, and replied, “Yeah, but they were tougher to load. Listen, can I… ya know… get back up? We do need to get these where you’ll need them.”
Pinkie only turned a slightly darker shade of her normal pink self, as she got back up, and began to lead Rob to where the pumpkins would go.
“Here, they can go here.”
“Thanks. Now, let me get the ramp.”
“Oh, good idea. I mean I can’t imagine you or really anypony holding that on your back at all!”
“Heh, yeah, I did not want to try that, however… fun… it might be,” Rob said, a slight smile on his face.
With two of the large pumpkins unloaded, Pinkie turned to Rob and started up again. “Oh thank you, I bet these will make great cupcakes and cakes, what else can I make? I’ll think of something, haha!”
“I bet you will, and I can’t wait to try one. We need to get to Sweet Apple Acres, or we’ll never make it. There’s also the many small pumpkins we need to distribute around town.”
“Ooh! Can I come with?”
“Sure, I’m not gonna hold you back.”
“Yay!” she only yelped, as she dashed onto one of the pumpkins in the cart, having as much fun she could. Rob only shook his head, holding back laughter of his own. He slowly lumbered towards the farm, Pinkie apparently playing Pirate Ponies with the pumpkin serving as the crow’s-nest.
When they showed up, they were greeted by cheers, as the Apples waited diligently outside the farm for the pumpkins to arrive.
“These shure are big, no doubt ‘bout that,” Big Mac drawled, impressed by this year’s crop.
“Yeah, you wouldn’t imagine what it took to load them up, heh.” Rob looked close to collapsing.
“Say Rob, would you like a drink?” Applejack asked, noticing his slump.
“Yes please!” he quickly replied, having forgotten to ask back at the Corner.
“Heh, I’ll be right back out.”
“Well, let’s get these unloaded lickety-split, shall we?” Big Mac said slowly. It always seemed to Rob that he pondered on everything he said, is saying, or is ever going to say.
“Yeah, sure, lemme catch my breath a little.”
“Well alright.”
Instantly, laughter filled the air, as Pinkie hired a second-hoof mate to join her pirate crew, and Applebloom was the very pony for the job. Everypony there began to laugh at these antics, and AJ soon joined in, returning with the water.
Back at the ranch, Rob and Pinkie were placing the cart back where it was, when suddenly, Pinkie got a mischievous idea. Very quickly, she tapped Rob’s shoulder, and yelled “Tag! You’re it!” before running off giggling. He couldn’t help but give chase, laughing the whole time, this sort of amusement much needed at the time. When he reached the gate, he found it closed, Pinkie apparently reading his mind, and he simply leaped over it.
By the time Rob caught up to Pinkie (which only happened because Pinkie wasn’t running at Pink-warp; the chase still led all the way around town), they had reached the Corner, and it had gotten dark. Rob finally got what some might call revenge by taking down the pink mare in a tackle of his own. They could only laugh and laugh, as they realized what had happened… while a pair of bakers watched from the window, not wanting to disturb the two, with nary but a grin on their faces.
Eventually the laughter died down, and they stood up, shaking off the dirt they’d collected from rolling on the ground. As Rob looked into Pinkie’s eyes, he saw what must have been the truest form of happiness he’d seen since at least the day before last. Pinkie broke off the stare with a swift hug, and a whisper into Rob’s ear: “thank you.” Just as quickly, she entered the Corner, while Rob only smiled, knowing she was happy. As he turned away to walk home, he thought about the embrace… and recalled the smell of flowers. ‘That was a familiar scent… I don’t know from exactly where, though,’ he mused.
He headed home quickly, ready to end the day, for he realized: tomorrow was going to be pretty hectic… a couple of nights from now was Nightmare Night.
End of Chapter 5
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Ohm Machre
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1536
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Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
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Rob's New Beginnings
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-In the works for an update!!-
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hiatus
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<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
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everyone
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2012-02-20T11:04:29+00:00
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Chapter 6
The town began to calm down after the events of the 31st, a week ago to the day. That night had some ponies proclaiming ‘sanctuary,’ while others had been at a loss as to what had happened; needless to say, a lot of the town was reeling from the recent Nightmare Night. That didn’t mean, however, that they hadn’t enjoyed themselves.
The pumpkins that the McCloy ranch had provided for the pies, cakes, and even cupcakes ended up being stuffed to their brims with the gooey matter inside them, allowing the farm and bakery to make many products of each confectionery. There ended up being a surplus, bringing a little extra revenue to Sweet Apple Acres and Sugarcube Corner. The treats sold clear through the week up to the 5th, when they finally ran out (and for good measure; sales had actually slowed down near that point).
Rob, having had a very fitful night of sleep, was awoken by the sound of hooves trotting up the path leading towards his tree-home, and the edge of the Everfree Forest. He lay still in his bed, trying to collect his thoughts. ‘How early is it? It’s barely bright out,’ he wondered.
“Hello? Is this the residence of… Rob?” a voice called out from below the tree’s canopy.
“O-one second, let me get up first,” he hastily called out. He shook himself awake, and climbed down the ladder attached to the trunk of the tree. “What can I do for you?” he said, trying to put a cheery business-like tone into it.
“I take it your Rob, right?” one colt of a pair said. Both were dressed in slightly off-black colored suits… which put Rob off quite a bit.
“Yes…”
“We… um, we read the sign attached to the ranch home’s front door, telling us that we could find you here.”
Recalling having made the sign, Rob replied, “yeah, I put it up in case anypony needs me when I’m not working.” He then noticed the grim looks on their faces. “What can I do for you…?”
“We’re not quite sure how to put this, and we want to break this to you as gently as we can…”
His comment garnered nothing but silence… for a few minutes, Rob didn‘t speak a word… but it was evident from his paling face that he was about to react just as they had seen, possibly countless times before.
When he did respond, it came out of his mouth shakily.
“…please… don’t… don’t say what I think you are about to…” Rob could only stumble out, his mind beginning to lock out all other thoughts, undergoing a complete mental lockdown.
“I’m sorry… Rob… but Franklin McCloy the Second has passed away.”
Nothing but the wind answered them, as Rob lapsed back into silence… but the tiny tremors his body occasionally gave were clear enough to them.
Fighting back strong tears in his eyes and the harsh biting taste of bile, he muttered, “…when?”
“The doctors who were running diagnostics estimate it was very early the morning of the 5th… it was a peaceful passing, they say.”
This last bit was not heard by Rob, however. He couldn’t think… he seemed to him that he couldn’t even speak, to respond…
Finally, after a few minutes, Rob managed to speak to the pair of gentlecolts. “Thank you for… for letting me know…”
“It was the very least we could do… I personally know how it is to lose your father to an illness…”
Rob nodded, as if in thanks, and the gentlecolts meandered off. When they left, Rob thought to himself, ‘they thought I was Frank’s son?
‘Come to think of it, did he have children?’ Letting his mind wander, he began to think about things to be done due to this. ‘I’ll have to talk around town, see if he did have children… notify them, set up a funeral, then… actually have the funeral…
‘We’ll have to talk about the ranch, the property… my job… and what might happen to it all.’
Priorities in mind, he set about town, trying to not let on his intentions… but as he passed by the Corner, he was… standing. Pinkie apparently picked up on his feelings, and decided against pouncing him.
“Hey, Rob… why the low mood?” she asked.
“……I’d rather not say right now…”
“…oh… can I come with you, then?”
He gave much consideration to this, before responding, “I guess… you were bound to find out anyway.”
“…find out what?”
“…” Silence was all he gave the pink mare, wrapped up in his emotions, while thinking of what to ask some of the town’s folks.
They walked on, Rob intent on finding somepony who knew more about McCloy, Pinkie intent on finding out what was distressing Rob so.
Eventually, the duo stumbled upon Nurse Redheart. ‘She might know something,’ Rob thought. “Excuse me… Nurse Redheart?”
“Yes, dear?” she responded kindly.
“I was wondering… if you could help me with information…”
“Probably dear… but about what? Or who?” she inquired, a little confused.
“It’s… it’s about McCloy…”
The pink mare next to him froze up.
“Well, what about him, dear? I haven’t seem him around in a while.”
Rob shifted slightly, unsure of what to say to either mare hanging onto his words. “McCloy… Frank, I should say… he’s…”
“Dear, you shouldn’t hesitate… please, tell me what’s wrong.” Redheart sounded worried.
“Alright… Frank is gone.”
“What?”
“He’s passed away… a pair of gentlecolts, probably from Manehattan, told me this morning.”
“Oh, dear! From what??”
“He had pneumonia…” Pinkie replied to her, having not spoken the whole conversation.
“Oh, dear… I was afraid it would come back eventually,” Redheart said with a hint of sadness.
“He had it before?” Rob was surprised to hear this.
“Yes. It was only months ago… I didn’t have the proper medication at the time, so I could only halt its progress… I told him to come back, but he never did…”
“Why do you think he never came back?” Rob could only ask.
“Well… you know McCloy… too proud of himself, and a little too stubborn. He was convinced that it was truly nothing, and he said he needed to be working, not resting… so he might have blown it off… I’m so sorry, dear…”
Rob was slightly stunned by this. The fact that McCloy had denied treatment… just to work. “Thank you, Nurse… but the ponies from earlier didn’t tell me anything more than his… condition… I was really wondering, do you know his immediate family?”
Nurse Redheart had to think of this, before responding, “well, I’m a little shaky on details, but I believe he did have a son in Manehattan, and maybe one in Fillydelphia. I might have contact information on the Manehattan son. I’ll have it to you when I get around to it, but for now, my break’s almost over… again, I’m terribly sorry dear…”
Rob felt the acrid taste from earlier, and with difficulty, responded, “it’s alright… I’ll be fine… thanks for your help, Nurse Redheart.” With this, she trotted off, getting back to her station. It was then that he felt pressure on his side. Rob looked over to see Pinkie leaning heavily on him as he talked.
“Pinkie… are you alright…?”
“I’m fine, Rob… are you?”
“…I will be… eventually…”
“You know I… just want you… you to be happy…” she tried to say, with great difficulty, as if she were trying to admit something.
“Thanks, Pinkie… I appreciate it…
“I need to get working on other things… you’re welcome to join me, if you would like…” Rob stated, to nopony in general, but towards Pinkie.
“That’d be nice… but right now, I need to get back to the Corner… I’m sure there’s a whole line of customers right now!”
“Heh, well, better get there now, then. They might be hungry!” Rob put a false sense of enthusiasm in his voice.
“Heehee, yeah! Gotta go!” she said, with a little renewed energy, despite what she heard about McCloy. Rob watched her go before turning towards the one place he almost definitely did not want to be at the moment.
Approaching the ranch, he was surprised to see a pony awaiting his arrival. As he stepped into view, the colt, dressed in a business suit, much like the two from this morning, approached Rob.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” Rob asked with earnest.
“Appropriately, yes. You’re Rob, I presume,” the colt asked, with a voice that sounded high pitched, but not ‘feminine‘ high… it also had a sense of clarity to it. From what Rob could see of the pony before him, the gentlecolt bore a coat color like Frank’s, but lighter, and a mane that was nearly pure white.
“You are the…” He paused to think back to this morning. “…third pony to ask me that today.”
“And with good reason. I’m Francis McCloy.”
Rob stood there stunned. “Really now. I was just trying to contact a McCloy, actually-”
“Presumably so. From what I’ve heard, I was the second notified about his death-” at which Rob slightly winced, not wanting to hear this again- “and wanted to find the first pony told about this… I’m a little surprised.”
“About what?”
“You’re not related to him at all, are you?” he inquired forcefully.
“…can I venture a guess, and say that you are from Manehattan?”
Francis only stared. “…how would you know that?”
Rob replied rather quickly, “well, it’s your behavior, the way you dress, and your accent.”
“Really? I have an accent?”
“Well, not so much of an accent, but lack of one. See, having worked under your father as a ranchhoof for… a month and a half now, I’ve heard the way he talks… and he has an accent. Cloplin, I presume?”
The colt stared on. “You’re good.”
“Well, I lived in Stalliongrad. You learned to pick out accents, especially if you yourself was devoid of one,” Rob replied.
“Hm, it’s cold there huh. Anyway, so, you said my accent, my dressing habits, and my attitude. Let’s talk about the ‘dressing’ part. What makes you think I’m from Manehattan based on that?”
“Simply put, you dress like a big business man. That’s not common at all here in Ponyville, or even Stalliongrad. In fact, two places that I know of where it is, is Manehattan, and Fillydelphia.”
The colt looked surprised, if just a little bit. “Clever. I do in fact work at a business in Manehattan. Fourth seat of power.”
Rob’s turn to be a little surprised. “Wow, fourth? In what?” Before Francis could reply, Rob stopped him. “Hm… it’s not fashion. You’re too fancily dressed-up for power. I’m gonna say finances.”
“Heheh, strike one, kid. I actually am in the power industry. Gotta control the controllers of power if anypony wants running water.”
Rob shook this off. “Mm, I was close.”
“Now… what about my behavior?”
“You wanted to get right to the chase, like you were rushing, but I know you aren’t in any particular rush to visit our town. Probably because it takes a bit to reach Ponyville from Manehattan, so you had to set aside a few days to get here, take care of business, and get back..”
“You’ve got some talent there, kid.”
“Would you knock it off with the ‘kid?’” Rob said, slightly frustrated. “I really only guessed… and I’m not some dumb rural hick.” Almost immediately, he regretted his words, and, under his breath, said, “sorry, AJ, even though you didn’t hear what I said.”
Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack’s nose itched, then she let out a soft sneeze.
“Somepony’s talkin’ ‘bout you, sis,” Big Mac drawled on.
“I reckoned.”
“What was that, erm… what’s your name again?”
“Rob.”
“Right, Rob. Anyway, I… suppose you’re right, you’re definitely not stupid. But I wasn’t sure of your connection to Pop.”
“Which I’m sorry to hear about… honestly.”
Francis looked at Rob as if he’d been hit. “Why would you be sorry, exactly? I don’t recall you being more than his ranchhoof,” he lashed out, the sorrow beginning to crack through his thick citypony exterior.
Rob was taken aback. “If you would care to know a little about me, then listen.
“I was his only ranchhoof he had in a while, according to him, and it was him that had given me what I needed to even live in Ponyville! He gave me the wood which now makes up my house!” Rob was more than a little miffed at the tone the Manehattan colt had given him.
Francis McCloy started fumbling his words before he finally found his voice… but it was a soft tone, rather than the sharp bout he had just belted out. “I’m sorry about that… I really am. I’m mighty upset about Pop… you, as well, it seems…”
Rob took his time in responding, not wanting to set off the colt again. “It’s alright… while we weren’t related by blood, I thought of him as a fatherly figure… like I said, he helped set my roots here… he gave me a job, and materials and even tools to build my home.”
“Well, why were you building your home in the first place?”
“Still am, actually.”
“Well… why?” Francis was curious to know.
“Well… I didn’t technically ‘move’ from Stalliongrad… rather, I ran from it.”
This piqued Francis’ interest. “And why is that?”
Rob only sighed… “This is something I’ve told very few ponies about… but you see these gears on me?”
“Yeah, what about them?”
“Well, I got this mark after discovering my love for mechanical things… levers, gears, pulleys, currents, flows, the works. I even studied all I could possibly attempt to! But my parents had others plans for me. They saw my behavior, and reacted with pure scorn. They wanted me to follow the path my great-grand-dad had, and become a fisherpony. A sea merchant!
“They wanted me to follow this path because both my father and grand-father didn’t go down it… they did what they thought was good for them, which ended up not being much better for them anyways… but I knew that what I was wanting to do was right for me…”
“Jeez, ki- Rob,” Francis said, stopping himself before calling him a ‘kid’ again, “you responded to that by running away? Seems a little… drastic.”
“You don’t understand… they had been talking about me being a sea merchant for years, even before I had my mark! They were making my destiny! You can see how wrong that is, right?”
Francis sighed before speaking. “That I can… that I can.
“To tell you the truth, I’ve been shaping my own son to follow in my own steps… and didn’t realize how uncomfortable it must be making him.”
“Well, I can’t really say what you should do, so…”
Francis thought for a while, making the silence seem more and more awkward. But before long, Rob felt a pony step next to him, and there was Pinkie, as bouncy as normal. “Heya Rob! Who’s this?”
“Oh, hi, Pinkie. Meet Francis McCloy…”
“Oh… hi…”
“Hey, kiddo, don’t be scared of me. I’m just his son, is all. At least, one of them.”
Rob asked in response, “so how many sons does-- did he have?”
“Just two. You’re looking at one. The other, who lives in Fillydelphia, is named Franklin McCloy the Third.”
“…and Frank was the second one, eh?”
“Yep, first one was Pop’s great-great-grand-daddy. He was named after the man, who fought valiantly in the Royal Guard, may he rest in peace.”
“What does your brother do in Fillydelphia?”
Francis’ face scrunched up a bit. “Technically, half-brother… and, he’s a police officer, following the steps of the great colt generations before him.”
Rob then looked at Pinkie, and asked, “hey, Pinkie, you alright?”
“Mm, sure, I feel fine… just worn down… is all.”
“You sure? I don’t want you to break down again.”
“I said I’m alright!” Pinkie said in exasperation. “When did you start worrying about me so much?”
“Well, I… didn’t like it when you… broke down a week or so back, and… it made me nervous.”
Francis chuckled. “Well, seeing as how you’re preoccupied, I’ll be heading to where I’ll be staying tonight. We can talk after the funeral… seems there are matters to discuss…”
Rob, hearing these words, and trying to make two and two work in his head, said, “Wait, discuss what?”
“Like I said, Rob, after the funeral… Ciao.”
He started walking away, before turning around, and saying, “ya know, you two make a cute couple.”
Both mare and stallion turned away from Francis in great embarrassment, Rob turning a dark red, and Pinkie going nearly maroon. Francis chuckled as he walked away from the pair, both still reeling in shock from the words ‘cute couple.’
It took him a few minutes, but eventually, Rob calmed himself down to the point where he was comfortable talking. He turned around, and saw… nothing. Pinkie had vanished. ‘That random mare,’ Rob could only think, before remembering some of Francis's words: “We can talk after the funeral.”
The thought put a chill in his chest. It occurred to him, also, that Francis never mentioned what time it was at. Rob set off, ready to face what he thought would be a difficult event.
The skies above Ponyville were light gray, almost promising rain, but giving none of the sort; almost oblivious to the event transgressing below them, they waited patiently.
Not a lot of ponies showed up to the funeral of Franklin the Second, but those that were there included some of the townsfolk, there to pay their respects to a neighbor and, to some, a friend; the two sons, Francis and Franklin the Third, along with Francis’s wife, preaching safe departure for their father to the Heavens; and Rob, mostly there against his own will, having forced himself to attend, and Pinkie Pie, for reasons unknown, but in a state of sadness.
The event passed with little ruckus, but with a clear undertone of dismay from everypony in attendance…
As if on their own cue, the clouds opened up what little rain they contained, but it wasn’t much, to pretty much everypony’s surprise.
It almost seemed like a good omen, as if they said, ‘things will be alright, things will be just fine. We will take mighty good care of Frank.’
Almost everypony left the funeral without saying a word.
The next day, Rob was yet again awoken by the sound of hooves. But this time, his inability to sleep was created by the previous day’s events transpiring.
“Hello, up there? Robby-colt?” the voice of Francis floated up to his ears.
“Y-yeah, just a minute… hold on.”
After climbing down the ladder, his mane disheveled, he asked, “What can I do for you?”
“Well, we need to talk.”
“…about?” It was here that Rob noticed Frank III standing off of the path.
“The ranch, sport.”
“….and what about it?”
“Well, we were wondering if… if you’d be willing to work there as a permanent employee.”
Rob was almost aghast, if his shocked appearance wasn’t apparent enough. He kept silent for a moment too long.
“…sport, what’s wrong?” Francis asked out of concern.
“N… nothing. I’d love to…
“But I’m not sure I’d be able to live down what happened there…”
Francis nodded his head in understanding. “I meant you no trauma in asking, but we needed somepony to at least look after the ol’ ranch for us.
“Neither of us, living in such distant cities as we do, are capable of doing so ourselves, and besides, neither of us-- well, maybe excepting Frank,” he added, under a powerful glare from the latter pony, “--are strong enough to run it.”
“…I see.” Rob thought to himself for a while.
“I suppose I could check on it every so often, just to make sure no plant ponies sprout and try to invade,” he responded, adding a fleck of humor into the end.
Francis, and even Frank, broke out into laughter. “Ahahaha!! I like you, kid! I needed that laugh, too!
“Well, I’m glad you are at least willing to do such. I’ll make sure to wire your monthly check.”
“Wait, wait, wait-- I can’t be paid for something so simple! It’s not right!”
The businesspony only chuckled. “Sure you can… I’m paying you, Rob, to run a job for me, Francis, involving my property, the ranch land and house. If that is not legal, then somepony strike that from our fair list of legalities!”
“……I wouldn’t feel right doing so…”
“Robby, Robby… I understand… but I wouldn’t feel right denying you a legal obligation. Just, please… you worked so hard for him… and it would not be right to no longer pay his only employee.”
“…I suppose you have a valid point.”
“Damn right he does.” This was the first Frank had spoken in the last few days. His voice had a tinge of gravel to the svelte baritone undertones that boomed out whenever he spoke. “I’m a cop, kid, remember that. I know all about legalities and obligations just as much as this hothead here.”
“Ey, who are you calling a hothead, Frank??” Francis retorted.
“You!!”
“Alright! I get it,” Rob almost yelled out.
“Fine, I’ll take it… seeing as how it ‘isn’t right.’”
Francis clopped his front hooves together. “Wonderful. I’ll expect a letter every month, listing any charges needed to keep it in condition?”
“And why would I need to do that?” Rob wondered out loud, directed to Francis.
“Because, I plan to move out here with what little I have.”
This shocked Rob even further. “But… why? Why leave the fair city of Manehattan?”
“Well, kid,” Francis began to reply, sighing his way through it, “sometimes, the city life gets… harrowing. Theft, general crime… even the strict and by-the-painted-line style and life of business.
“And seeing this beautiful, quiet town made me realize it wasn’t for me.
“Me and my son are moving in in a few months. Please don’t let the ranch go to dismay.”
Rob was amazed… here was a city pony giving up his life, which Rob had thought was good, for a simple town. And more importantly, for Rob. ‘If I hadn’t taken that job, would this have transpired?’ he wondered.
“And you’ll receive 300 bits every month until we move, then 150.”
“‘Rob nearly fainted right there and then--’ oh, who could that be?” remarked the author, hearing a knock on his front door. He trotted over… only to find…
‘A raven?’
He turned around and, closing the door, returned to his parchment. Just as he began writing, he heard a voice…
‘Nevermore…’
Looking around, he found the raven perched upon his fireplace mantel! Staring at it, he watched it say, ‘Nevermore, Mister Machre. You will find, at this rate, to have no more viewers…… nevermore… nevermore…’
“Argh, shut up, you wretched bird! Is that the only reason you chose to visit me?!” Macre screamed in anguish! “I’m writing as fast as I possibly can, but ideas… they block the flow…”
‘Much like now?’
He stopped, thinking about this. “Y-yes, just like… now…” Thoroughly spooked, in what was a tiny, but substantial, cracking of the fourth wall, he set about writing once again.
‘Nevermore, Mister Ohm Machre… nevermore…’
Rob nearly fainted right there and then, but managed to hold on to consciousness, and possibly his sanity.
“I… I can’t thank you enough, Francis… this will last me quite a while!”
“I’m fairly sure of it, Robby… it’s well-deserved, as I’m sure you kept our father happy through his final weeks.”
Fighting back a few tears, he managed to reply, “Yes… I am sure… I did… again, I cannot thank you enough.”
“Then stop thanking!” Frank spoke up yet again, obviously of little words until it counted. “Start doing!”
“Heh, you’re right… I shall.”
“Then we’ll be off. Frank’s vacay for the half-year is almost over, and I have to plan.
“Au revoir! And may we meet yet again!” Francis said in goodbye, Frank III giving a curt, but generous nod, before the duo trotted off.
Rob watched them go, before his mind collected enough thoughts to make one:
‘Life is fortunate,
‘simultaneously, most
‘unforgiving, too.’
And indeed, life can be both good and bad.
Rob set off to begin his daily tasks. First off: he needed some sugary treats.
End of Chapter 6
----
AN: Hey all! I hoped you enjoyed this! I made it quite quite QUITE lengthy (sorry for that!) to make up for my profane nonexistence!
I may or may not continue them at this length. It depends on how much information I’ll need to express with my fair readers!!
‘Nevermore…’
SHUT UP YOU BLOODY BIRD!!
……
Ahem.
Welp, time for Chapter 7.
‘Nevermore…!’
ARGH!!! SOMEPONY HELP ME, I NEED SOME HELP!!!
...also, 'The Raven' is a work of literature by Edgar Allen Poe.
Just.... want to avoid trouble... eheh.
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 9 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2013-03-06T13:01:45+00:00
| 658 |
Fair warning about this chapter: because of its material, this chapter will be rather jumpy compared to the last ones, and the length might not hit everyone’s and everypony’s fancy. I try to apologize in advance...^~^
Chapter 7
The last week's time was mostly spent frivolously trying to complete these walls so he could get a proper roof in place. With what little money remained in his account, Rob bought a good sized amount of lumber, which had to be shipped in from Fillydelphia, through Manehattan. A certain mare was quite surprised to find out her and her team were to deliver lumber!
While working on it one pointedly bleary day, Rob heard hooves heading up the path up to his home. How, he figured, he didn’t know, because of the noise the wind made as it scraped through the tree’s branches, and the sound of the hammer driving nails home. He looked down, and saw the mailmare… walking.
A tad perplexed, he called out, “Hey, Ditzy, why are you walking?”
“Oh, hiya Rob! I’m walking ‘cause of this awful wind!
“It’s a particularly blustery day, huh?”
Sensing she was trying to hint at some piece of literature he most likely hadn’t read, he simply replied, “Yeah, and it’s making my job a touch harder.”
“You shouldn’t be talking, you silly colt!” she said, not out of anger, but fun. “Anyways, I have a package for you.”
“……let me guess, sender--”
“--unknown, yeah.”
“Alright, well, let me get down from here, so I can take it, eh?”
He climbed down rather quickly - he was getting better at not falling out - and began to take the package, before noticing its size. “Well, what could be in here?”
Ditzy shrugged, before commenting, “beats me! It’s really light too, and thank goodness, I don’t think I could take on too much heavy things, what with the weight of paper and muffins.”
“Heh, yes, I would think so. Well, thank you Ditzy! I’ve got to get back to work now, heh.” He left it at that, and climbed back into the tree as Ditzy walked off. Standing near his bed, he set down the package, but had to hold it down, as the wind nearly picked it up and blew it away!
He carefully opened it, before getting a good look at its contents: a scarf! ‘Somepony must be thinking about the winters coming soon,’ he wondered. It was a really nice looking scarf, too… the entire thing was a red color, not dark like his own mane, but not too bright that it hurt to look at it. The lacing was done in almost Boutique-like quality and fashion; the warp and weave were intricate, leaving very little spacing, but not so much that it wouldn’t stretch, and even the ends were in-lined with a touch of golden-colored wool.
‘Gives it a wonderful touch,’ he noted, before noticing something else he did not notice before: it was giving a fairly familiar scent… like that of flowers. He felt around the scarf, before touching a round orb. He brought it to eye level - or, at least, as close as he could, what with the wind blowing about - and saw those aromatherapeutic beads one would see all the time down at the Spa. He even knew, finally, the scent he had been doggedly pursuing an answer for - lavender and cherry blossoms. ‘I’ve seen these beads being displayed in the shop, just waiting to be bought. Well,’ he surmised, ‘it seems somepony finally did, and for a purpose.’
He wrapped the scarf around his neck, and immediately took notice to the scent that arose from the simple action.
‘Whoever made this, they knew about this scent, and must have known how I like it so.’
One part of the mystery of the letters from nopony solved, he got back to finishing this wall. Then it was time to lay supports for the roof. However, for now, he was going to leave the walls and roof slightly incomplete. The corner they would make - the part of the home that stuck out of the foliage - was to be a temporary window. Plus, it gave him a wonderful view of the area’s mountains, and where the mountain, town, and Everfree met.
The next morning was met with the sounds of quiet, still air, sounds of nature awakening to meet the new day with vigor... and a small intruder inside Rob's home...
……’mmm? What’s there…?
‘It’s… I can hear it, but not where it is… sounds like… claws.
‘And scales against the floor...
‘Alright, Spike, you rascal, you want some of me today, don’t you??’
Rob awoke rather suddenly as he felt his tail under attack by a great amount of pressure! He began to run around the room, before falling, yet again, out of the tree. ‘Dammit!! Isn’t this the fourth time?! Or is it the third?’
He quickly got up, and spun around to get a look… sitting on the end of his tail was--
“Gummy!!”
-----
Erm… Pinkie… could you let me tell the story?
“And why would I do that? I mean, I am a character!”
Yes, but you’re not the narrator. That’s my job.
“Aww! You get the fun job…”
-----
…anyway.
“Gummy! Where have you run off to?!” Pinkie yelled out, trying to locate her suddenly-missing pet.
“Pinkie, he’s right here,” Rob clarified, before the pink blur narrowly avoided tackling him for the umpteenth time this month.
“Gummy! You know better than to run off like that!” she mildly scolded the alligator, knowing he probably wasn’t able to comprehend what she said… the alligator just stared off into space, as was usual. “Sorry about that, Rob, I really hope he didn’t startle you,” she apologized, sighing.
Rob chuckled, before replying. “Nah, he just woke me up was all… and good thing too, I needed to be up right now.”
“Well, still, I hope he wasn’t any trouble.” Pinkie looked away, most likely thinking of further along today. “I’m going back to the Corner now, cupcakes need to be made! Heehee!”
“Well, you enjoy that. I’m off to… hm, I don’t think I have much to do today, actually. Gotta check on the ranch… and that’s about it.”
“Great! Then you’re coming to tonight’s party!”
“Another one? What’s this one about?”
She shrugged. “Just to throw a party, I suppose!”
Rob barely avoided not laughing at this comment. “Well, that is standard from you, so… sure, I might be able to come tonight.”
“Oh, wonderful!! See you at 8 then!”
“Alright, take care! And try not to mix up the hot sauce and drinks again!” He remembered back vividly to a few parties ago, where all the punch was somehow replaced with a very hot brand of pepper sauce… needless to say, fireponies were called to the Corner.
“I’ll try not to! Heeheehee!” She bounced off, Gummy clenching onto the back of her mane for his life. Rob shook his head, before proceeding to the ranch, sure that everything, like the last time, was alright. He was thinking the whole way over, however, how the little gator managed to find his way over here.... without having ever been here before, as far as Rob knew... it seemed, to him, that anything associated with Pinkie had their own mysteries, and it spooked him a little.
A little later in the day, Rob began to work on the roof once more… what he didn’t notice was the aura beginning to emanate around the tools he was using. With no warning, the hammer he was currently using was ripped out of his mouth, and it, along with the others, floated out of the house!
“Get back here!” he yelled, forgetting that a) nopony was even around to hear him, and b) the tools were inanimate.
Charging after the flying tools, he noticed they were rapidly approaching the Everfree Forest. ‘Oh, great… I cannot afford to lose these tools anywhere in here!! I’d never get them back!’
He never noticed the rather amused mare hiding behind a row of shrubs, her horn aglow with the same aura surrounding the tools, with a couple of voices desperately trying to silence their laughter.
Deeper and deeper he ran, avoiding all sorts of objects, from branches and roots, to spiderwebs and pits, and even a ferocious creature! He dared not slow down, in fear the lion-bat-scorpion-thing would actually catch him; he was not about to become lunch.
Eventually, a low hut came into sight. The tools charged at it provocatively, and followed them did Rob.
Inside, a zebra was in the middle of her daily meditations… calmly, she balanced on a pole resting freely upon the floor. Most interesting was the way she balanced. It wasn’t as some ponies might think. She was cross-legged - well, as far as an equine could be - and upside-down, balancing on the top of her head.
Her loose state of trance was shattered, just as her window was, as an angry hammer flew through it. Her door followed not soon after, as an unknown colt crashed through it! ‘What is this world coming to?’ she thought in anger.
“Halt there, fair stranger!
“Do you pose me any danger?”
The colt, confused by the situation he was experiencing, thought about this statement quickly, before realizing the implication.
“No, no no, I do not. I was just following these tools, which began their unexpected trek through the air on a whim, it seems.” He said all this quickly, before stopping himself to pick up the tools, and try to at least help clean up the glass.
“I can feel the magic off of the tools which it does flow,
“And it seems you were just made a foal of, though…
“Even though we have not ever met, and, against the lack of better judgment,
“I can tell you are not of malicious intent.
“I am Zecora, and this is my home.
“Tell me, if you wish, your name and where you do roam.”
The colt began to think again, before deciding that he would speak.
“My name is Rob, and… um, I presume ‘where I roam’ means where I live?” Getting a nod in reply, he continued: “I’m a resident of Ponyville. I must say, I never expected anypony - or zebra - to be living so far into the Forest.”
Chuckling she replied, “Ah, truly nopony does, and some even think me mad…
“But you have yet to tell me why you hail from Stalliongrad.”
“Wait… how’d you know that?” Now he was really perplexed, but astounded and even intrigued, as well.
“I didn’t. I simply made a guess.
“And it seems I was not amiss.”
Fumbling for words, the colt took a while to reply. He did, after a while of trying to figure himself out, it seemed to her.
“Yes, I do originally hail from Stalliongrad… but I’d like to leave it at that, for reasons I wish to not be known…”
“You do not have need to hide things from me, Rob McRaec. I know more than you might wonder.” Not allowing him a chance to retort, she continued on.
“Of course, you might be upset at them, but it’s not their fault at all.
“What I must say to you will have cause to ponder,
“But know this: the Ponies which Drove You Out will eventually fall.”
And indeed, Rob fell silent, thinking about what she just said.
It took him a few minutes of contemplating silence before he began to ask, “how do you know this? Why do you know this? And how did you figure out my name?”
She chuckled, and replied rather swiftly, “It was not hard, for I have met many a pony, yet quick,
“that did hire your own father to keep them in front of the bar and brick.”
“And how did you know it was my father?”
“Simple. Your mannerisms, although you may try to hide,
“are just like his, as if you were by his side.”
Rob only turned his head, as if hiding a blush; in truth, he was hiding a scowl. Zecora took no notice, however, and continued to speak.
“While here, would you care for tea?
“Whichever you choose, I’ll let you be.”
Rob turned back to her, and, trying to hide any discomfort, replied, “I’d be grateful, but I really must get back. I’m not even sure of the time, and I’ve heard more than one thing about this forest.”
Chuckling again, she claimed, “when as affluent in potions and magic as I,
“those mystic creatures have sense to let one by.
“It still doesn’t hurt to be wary, if one is to be sure,
“for there is always more to harm oneself, which may not be in sight.
“When the occasional lost soul stumbles in, not sure how to endure,
“they are given, often than not, a perilous plight.
“But do not be afraid, dear Rob, for I’ll give you this:
“an enchantment, which will last until you are out.
“If for any reason should things seem amiss,
“you know where I live.”
“Well, then. It was nice to meet you, Zecora,” he said in departure, realizing, shortly after, she did not rhyme.
“Be careful when you are out and about.”
‘There it is,’ thought Rob, smiling that she did finish it after all.
Walking back through the Forest, Rob was astounded, not at the fact that nothing was bothering him, due to Zecora's enchantment, but by the very intimate nature of the woods. The untamed growth did so in such a way that it seemed like it was given a directed, but unguided, hand in its development. It was, simply put, just a lot to take in.
So much, in fact, that he didn’t notice that he was back at the edge of the Everfree, right near his home. When he looked around, he saw the row of shrubbery that he passed on his way in. Standing behind it, of course, was a very tall colt clad in a dark colored cloak, with a dark metal helmet upon his head. The helmet itself was adorned with some kind of darkened cloth or moss, and a pair of massive antlers. Seeing Rob, he began to speak to him. “Halt!!”
Noticing the strange pony talking to him, he responded. “Erm, yes?”
“I cannot allow you to pass!!”
“Oh? And why not?”
“Because, we are the guardians of this pass!”
‘We?’ he thought. “We?” he asked.
Suddenly, he was surrounded by normal-sized ponies, each similarly clad as the giant one.
“We are the Knights who say Ni! and we require something for you to pass!”
“Okay, first off, I’ve never even seen you lot before, and, what would you need?” Rob was quite confused, but it was like that one word… what was it - ni - pierced his mind.
“We require…… a shrubbery!!”
Somewhere in the background, a rather sharp dramatic chord played.
Rob only stared in amazement, as if the Knight had revealed a profound discovery.
“…a shrubbery?”
“Yes, a shrubbery!!”
“You’re standing right in front of some!!!” He tried to hide his annoyance, but ultimately failed.
Looking down, the giant pony said, “oh. So there is.
“Very well, then!! You may pass!!!”
Still quite annoyed, and, simply shrugging it off as some kind of reference or plot device, Rob walked the short distance to his home… but not before noticing a set of little hoofprints, adorned with some markings, which looked like they belonged to a miniature set of wings, brushed along the ground... ‘I think I know just who was making my tools move…’ he thought. ‘I’ll have a talk with them… as soon as I know where they are…
‘Why, of all the days they choose not to be everywhere at once, did it have to be today?’
End of Chapter 7
------
A/N: Well, there it is. The unobtrusively (and somehow obtrusively) short chapter.
I don’t think I’ve written a chapter this short since the first few, but it was mostly side events.
“Events?! Just events?!? Nay, sir, We cannot allow this to sit that way!!!”
Oh… no… GET BACK IN THE STORY, NOW!
“NEVER!! Now you will continue this story… or we, the Knights who say Ni will be forced to say……!
“NI!!”
I SAID BACK. IN. THE. STORY. NOW!
“NI!!”
Go on then!!
“NI!!!”
Shut up!!
“NI!!!!”
Alright!!! Alright!!!
I’ll continue the story…
“Very well, then! Knights!! We’re off!”
……next chapter.
“NAY!! We said for you to CONTINUE the story!”
I AM! Just not this chapter!
"……We concede defeat. Stupid loopholes…
"Quickly Knights! We must find some shrubberies!!"
End of Act I
|
Ohm Machre
|
1536
| 10 |
Comedy,Random,Romance,Sad
|
Rob's New Beginnings
|
-In the works for an update!!-
|
hiatus
| 34 | 5 |
<p><div style="text-align:center;">'<em>Deciding your own life isn't easy. <br />But if you're willing to follow it through,<br />and keep yourself to it, then, true,<br />you may end up a happier pony.</em>'</div><br />This is what Rob finds out for himself, through his own trials and paces.<br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />New viewers, if any, should be noted that this will no longer update…<br /> - Ohm Machre</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2013-03-06T13:00:23+00:00
| 80 | |
Grey Prophet
|
1540
| 1 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
|
A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
|
complete
| 119 | 20 |
<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
|
teen
|
2012-08-03T06:16:10+00:00
|
2012-08-03T06:16:10+00:00
| 3,512 |
Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
The biting north wind blew across the lands of Equestria, carrying upon its breath the promise of an early winter. Everypony, from the mighty citadel-capitol of Canterlot to the humble village of Ponyville, took shelter from the fell notice; its howling call may just as well have been that of a pack of wolves outside their doorways. That is save one pony overlooking the lands from her mountain perch. Well, “pony” is perhaps unfitting to describe a living-deity out performing her daily task of seeing to the proper upkeep of the night-sky. Yet, obscured by its dark shroud, one would be blameless for mistaking the alicorn goddess for a commoner. Her stature paled in relation to her sister Celestia and, fair or not, the sun goddess was the standard of what ponies had come to expect from a divine being.
But this was not what troubled Luna.
Well, in a very small way it did. The ancient issue of respect was close to Luna, but she was never too keen of being too visible to her subjects, and her low-key appearance aided her in this endeavor. In fact, she found her natural form quite liberating as she did not need to don the pretensions of divinity and was therefore not constrained by the order and duty it entailed. Unlike her sister.
Yes, Luna was quite unlike Celestia. The obvious dichotomy the two represent manifested itself daily to the world in the very nature of the cycle the goddesses put into motion: Celestia’s single, massive star subjugating the skies to conform to a uniform blue and Luna’s multitude of stars shining and swirling across the chaotic void were fitting descriptions of their respective personalities.
Celestia was a leader, an apt, pragmatic politician who was keen with preserving the status quo. Celestia’s dear student of a past age, Marechiavelli, had compiled her observations of her teacher and employed them in supporting her treatise, The Princess. The work was largely suppressed by the court at Canterlot, but nonetheless depicted Celestia’s statecraft with deftness and insight. The goddess was a mare of many masks, a vital quality that allowed her the fluidity needed to survive as supreme ruler of Equestria for two millennia. Over the centuries, her public life and private life had become blurred and the former gradually came to dominate her personality, though this isn’t to say she had lost her famous sense of humor or any other aspect of her personality. Luna could attest to that. But even these light hearted characteristics had become increasingly just more tools in her political war-chest.
Luna, on the other hand, was no politician. She was a free spirit compelled to shatter the shackles of the ordinary and challenge her subjects to confront the unknown. The princess of the night was the patroness and inspiration of all artists, those ponies who accepted her invitation to peer deeper into the inner-workings of both the natural and social world. Of the works of her many admirers, Luna loved Beethooven’s Moonlight Sonata above all. It invoked the tranquility and peace of her night while providing the intellectual stimuli conducive to creating something wholly new and beautiful, and this she did daily with her wonderful welkin. Being a relatively undisciplined free spirit, however, left Luna susceptible to letting her passions impair her judgment and dilute her overarching objectives for change and reform, ones quite unpopular with Celestia...
It was just this fact that had brought Luna to the lonely mountain just outside Ponyville. As she stared up at the cosmos, the faint light of the stars reflected in her soft tears causing them to glisten; a final, tender act of comfort that both concluded and made worthy the ancient journey of her celestial rays. The wind, however, was no friend of the goddess. Her tears were buffeted by the chilling breeze, cutting at her flesh like a knife grating against stone. Her dark blue face was tinged with red, but the wind’s harsh caress was not the sole cause for this; a pony need only look into her eyes to be assured. In them reflected the indignation and confusion in her heart, Luna’s usual prescription of solitude doing little to allay her seething emotions. But then why would it?
She had confronted Celestia.
It was the first time she had done so since her madness was cast off by the Elements of Harmony one short year ago. Trying to beat back her emotional impulses, Luna focused on recounting what had occurred this evening in her mind.
//
Celestia and Luna were walking together from their quarters to one of the great dining halls of their castle. Luna was starving, having absent-mindedly passed over lunch. A little irritable, she quipped at Celestia.
“I don’t see why we have to wait so long before we go seat ourselves at our table and eat something. Don’t you ever get tired of this endless pomp and procedure? I mean, I would be fine with a hay sandwich, well, maybe a side salad too. It’s a tad bit extravagant to put on such a pointless fea---“.
Celestia stopped her there.
“Luna, you know full well that I would much rather have a quick meal with you and relax for awhile away from this…incorrigible lot, but these dinners serve their function. It’s important to not appear distant to the nobility, you know. I have to assure them that we are serving their interests, even though we may not be. Please behave yourself, and I promise that we can prepare a more private dinner for us later this week.”
“There, she did it again”, Luna thought, her eyes rolling, “Trying to buy me off as if I were a foal to be pacified. “
Quickly picking up the fact Luna was peeved, Celestia realized what she had done. “Luna, I’m so sorry, it’s just that I’ve been working on breaking up and redistributing the unproductive fields the nobility neglec--.”
“Not doing their intended jobs, eh Celly? Surprising.” Luna sneered, taking to the air and spinning around her sister casually.
“—t so that more farmers can produce to feed the demands of the growing population. The poor harvest this year isn’t helping either…”
“Why must we keep these “nobles” around after all these centuries still? I always thought them to be a bunch of lazy, pretentious hacks when I ruled at Everfree all those years ago, but their heirs are even more useless…”
Celestia turned to her sister with a stern look.
“Enough, Luna. I don’t like their elitist airs anymore than you. But you know why. You’re no foal,” she said with exasperation as they neared the dining room, “so please don’t bring this issue up at the banquet. It took me a century to fix the damage your last outburst caused.”
Luna’s eyes widened and her body froze as Celestia passed her and entered the dining hall. It was the first time Celestia had mentioned their fight; the fact that it was in such a passive aggressive manner made it even worse. She descended on hoof and tried to shake it off before entering the hall, but the blood had drained from her face and her mind was a thousand miles away as she faintly heard the familiar announcements.
“Mares and Gentlecolts, the Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna.”
Luna heard the sound of a few hundred ponies rising from their seats at once in perfect orchestra. She quickly shook her head in an attempt to regain focus as she entered the great hall, but it did little to stave off her shock. As she took her seat next to her sister at the head table and everypony sat down, Luna desperately searched out something to distract herself from Celestia’s cold words. Thankfully, the opulence of the hall and the droves of elite provided a significant amount of distraction fodder for the princess.
Admittedly, Luna had never actually attended a banquet in the hall. Heck, she had hardly met anypony present. After she had been cured of her ills, Luna kept a low profile in her quarters studying modern history and science in an upward-hill struggle to grasp the contemporary world. Though aspects of technology and chemistry often frazzled her, history was, at first, a pleasure. It showed Luna that Celestia had allowed the ponies to progress, even in the realm of governance. A few centuries after Luna’s departure, Celestia had established a parliamentary body consisting of nobles and members of the bourgeoisie. As time passed, the assembly took on a democratic character with representatives catering to their constituent interests rather than class interests. Luna’s heart rejoiced at this, thinking it as a sign that the monarchy had outlived its usefulness and that the goddesses could finally begin to detach themselves from the affairs of ponies and live life free, just what she had wanted to so long ago…
Through more reading, however, Luna found that Celestia still was still the ultimate authority in nearly all affairs, from local boundary disputes to national defense spending. Equestria’s political history was clear; no major party could effectively challenge Celestia. The common-pony’s reverence for the goddess in their midst was a powerful political force that made it unnecessary for Celestia to dispose of her opposition directly, helping her to maintain her immaculate public appearance while allowing her to bend the system to her will. Parliament was Celestia’s tool, an illusory democracy designed to pacify revolution and maintain the status quo. History became more unpleasant for Luna as this reality dawned on her. Celestia was still enthralled by her power drive…
“No!” Luna thought “Stop thinking about the past! Think of something else! Look at the hall,
isn’t it lovely?”
Indeed, the hall was an impressive sight. It was far grander than any room at the Everfree Castle had ever been. Mighty, classical columns rowed the entire length of the hall, each gilded with gold and silver along its grooves. Five long tables of solid oak dominated the room, four of the tables parallel with the head table running perpendicular to them and elevated. The number of tapestries and banners, however, caught Luna’s eyes, each depicting Celestia’s triumphs over the centuries or the coat-of-hooves of some insipid noble family. She saw that a few of them were of her raising the moon, and nothing else. Of course her politique of a sister would make sure little Luna got her shout out, but she thought it strange that it was the sole feat Celestia found her noteworthy of. Had Equestria forgotten her expulsion of the parasprites, the defense she led to safeguard Stalliongrad against the onslaught of an army of trolls, or her eclipse that had blinded the Dragon Lord Ragrog? She may not be a great leader, but Luna had intervened in the past numerous times to ensure her subjects immediate safety. Oh, why did she skip over early
medieval Equestrian history?
“No, no, no!” Luna thought again, “I can’t dwell on this, oh, why can’t we just eat or dance or whatever?! Is there somepony here I can talk to…”
Her eyes searched the room desperately for a familiar face. Hopefully Celestia wouldn’t be mad if she trotted off for a bit…
But then it caught her attention.
A long, worn-looking banner decorated with a thousand images contained a scene that sent a shiver down Luna’s spine. It was the picture of a black alicorn lying subdued before a white one with a pink mane. The memory of the past hit her fast and hard and soon the princess found herself again trapped in a web of anxiety.
“Welcome to tonight’s banquet, everypony.”
Celestia’s voice snapped Luna back to reality.
“Nobles.” Celestia turned to the left, where the multitude of coat-of-hooves was clustered.
“Members of parliament.” She said, turning to the right and giving a quick wink. Seeing their cue, the servants emerged from the kitchen ready to serve the prepared feast.
“It pleases me that so many of you decided to attend the festivities, despite the recent fiasco at the gala. As you can see before you, such bravery does not go unrewarded! I know you all have waited long for this to start, so, for the sake of our appetites, let us skip the formalities for now, shall we? So please, eat and be merry!”
Luna looked at her sister with a smile, Celestia’s sweet, comforting voice and light-hearted comments dispelling Luna’s immediate anxiety attack. As Celestia took her seat again, Luna smirked and gave her insightful critique:
“Good speech. Nice and short.”
“Leaves more time for drinking!” Celestia replied as wine filled their goblets. The two laughed as they toasted and put the cups to their lips. Reassured of her sister’s love and respect for her, Luna felt much better, but the image of the alicorns continued to gnaw at the back of her mind. Celestia’s focus was diverted by some noble or minister, so Luna turned her attention to the other ponies sitting at the table. The pony sitting next to her was a rather large white unicorn with a star resembling the points of a compass on his flank. His fore hooves were adorned with smooth silver bracelets and his torso covered by an elegant tuxedo. He turned to Luna and began speaking in an accent dripping with everything she hated about Celestia’s little caste system.
“Oh, Aunt Luna! Such a surprise it is to see you at Aunt Celestia’s table. From the way I heard it, you were still completely native.”
There were several things with the unicorn’s words that caused a look of confusion to wash over Luna’s face, but one stuck out in particular. Lifting an eyebrow, she replied:
“Uh, ‘Aunt’? Excuse me, but do I know you?”
The unicorn looked indignant as he responded.
“My auntie, I am not like you in at least one respect. Everypony knows me for I am Prince Blueblood of the House of Haysburg. I am the object of adoration of many as my valorous feats of daring and intrigue are well recorded by periodicals---”
“Tabloids” a nearby pony coughed.
“Of excellent repute.”
“You’re…a prince? I can’t say I really believe you, and, uh, do I have a sister I don’t know of?“
“Here are my papers, dear aunt” Blueblood responded haughtily, using his magic to present a large scroll to the princess. “I carry them at all times for the rare occasion I cross a skeptic, like you.”
“Of course you do.” Luna said as she rolled her eyes. As she looked at the ancient looking parchment, she completed her thought “You sad, little foal.” It was indeed an extensive genealogy, but as Luna scanned the older branches, the names devolved back into Old Equestrian and then to an even older script, Thracian. Luna knew the language and writing quite well, however, and proceeded to the patriarch of the House of Haysburg. “My little long lost brother”, she chuckled to herself. And there he was, his name clearly written by Celestia herself. The great and powerful δενάλογο, or rather “Nopony”. Luna’s amusement with the document was piqued by her sister’s ancient joke, and she burst into a fit of laughter. It was so terribly simple and cliché, but Luna simply couldn’t help herself, to her the timing was all too perfect and fitting.
“Ha! My, oh why yes, this is…this is, INCREDIBLE, “nephew”…Bwaha! Should I crack out my copy of Lord of the Bridles for reference? It’s in the appendices, right? Haha!”
Prince Blueblood gave a look of shock as Luna let go of the document, nearly dunking the weathered parchment into a bowl of steaming carrot soup. His magic was just able to save the only thing sparing him from bucking apples out in the boonies. He turned to Luna, who was now banging the table with her right hoof as she continued to laugh loudly, and mustered up every pretentious fiber in his being to give Luna such a look of contempt and bewilderment that would put even a goddess to shame.
Well, that’s not exactly how it panned out for old Blueblood. Luna hardly noticed the white unicorn as she continued banging the table. As the fates would ordain it, this soon changed as Luna’s hoof hit the dreaded carrot soup, sending it flying. If the villainous bowl couldn’t ruin the idiot prince’s life, it was going to make damn sure he gave the bastard a scalding burn, perhaps leave a little scar as a reminder too. With its destiny before it, the bouillabaisse bomb sailed perfectly into the muzzle of the unlucky (but deserving) prince.
As Barry Bowl hit the floor, the once-simple object knew it had earned its place in the pantheon of its fellows, accompanying such illustrious inanimate notables as Mr. Turnip and Rocky for all eternity.
A gruff roar silenced the entire hall. Celestia, who up to this point was dealing with a difficult old aristocrat and writing off Luna’s obnoxious behavior as typical, turned abruptly to the unpleasant scene to her side, mouth agape. Luna’s amusement turned quickly to silence as she noticed the enraged and burned unicorn before her. Embarrassed, a shade of red tinted her blue complexion.
“Uhh…Nephew! I’m so, so sorry abou---“
“You…you…WITCH!! You wretched demon what have you done to my beautiful face!” Prince Blueblood exploded, leveling his burnt face with Luna’s “Celestia should have put you to the sword 1000 years ago when your power lust drove you to exterminate all life! Your second coming no different! You genocidal barbarian, you wicked beast, you…NIGHTMARE MOON! Cursed be your name, may all remember you as the murderer and uncivilized power whore that you are. You jealous tyrant! May Celestia damn you to the moon, forever this time!”
With that he raised his hoof and smacked her face. Seconds later several guards had tackled and subdued the furious prince. Luna had not expected much pain, she was, after all, an immortal otherwise impervious to mortal means of injury. But she felt the full force of the brawny pony’s hoof bashing against the side of her head. She felt dizzy and disoriented. Perhaps the pony was cut from immortal cloth? No, that was impossible. Why did this hurt so much?
As Luna regained her focus, she felt a stream of blood drip from the side of her face. Blood. She had not bled since that day 1000 years ago. Her eyes widened in amazement as she turned around the silent room. Everypony stared at her with equal shock. Not only had they watched their goddess insulted, but they had also seen her bleed. Luna’s mind drifted back to Prince Blueblood’s words. She was the power whore? Genocide? What was the meaning of this?
And then it caught her eye again. The black and white alicorns. That day.
“Celestia wouldn’t, she wouldn’t!” Luna thought, tears welling.
Her sister was making a damage control speech, but Luna didn’t hear it, she couldn’t. She was so distressed at the dark revelation her mind was piecing together, she didn’t even hear the final venomous words of Prince Blueblood as the Royal Guard took him away.
“She saw me as a threat. Once I was gone, she lied and crafted her own history. History? More like a morality tale. Good, evil. Celestia, Luna. Perhaps shutting me up in that rock for a millenium was just frosting on the cake, the final dressing needed to prove to the world that I was always an evil monster. But I know what happened, I know that I was not Nightmare Moon when I fought my sister. I alone know the truth of that day.”
As Luna thought this over, her emotions began to bleed into her mind.
“She doesn’t love me. I’m just another pawn in her game, to be used or cast away when needed...just like all her other subjects...”
As Luna came to this conclusion, a worried Celestia trotted towards her and nuzzled her.
“Luna, are you all right? How is it tha---Luna!”
Luna broke away from her sister and fled the banquet hall, blood and tears streaming as she ran to her room. As she reached her destination, she slammed the door and ran out to her balcony and threw herself on the ground.
How could Celestia do that? No wonder everypony hated her. It wasn’t just the brief Summer Sun disruption; it was a long history of systematic demonization.
Her tears dried as sadness turned to rage.
“Luna!“
The moon princess turned sharply and glared at her older sister. Celestia was taken aback at Luna’s animosity towards her, it was unlike her sister to be so angry.
“Luna, please, let’s get your wound treated. I’m sorry about the prince, but I warned you not to bring those sorts of issues up.”
“No Celly, I’m glad I did.” Luna sniffed “That smack to my face did wonders for me!”
“Wha-what do you mean?” Celestia asked in confusion.
“Sis, please don’t play dumb with me. I know it has worked this far, but no longer.” Luna paused and looked at the moon. “Do you remember why you set me to that rock? Do you remember what crime I had committed to deserve a thousand years of loneliness, sorrow, and madness?”
Celestia did not respond.
“You don’t? Well, let me refresh your memory, because you won’t find it in any of your history books. I wanted you to stop ruling and let our creation tend to itself. Once I assembled a group of influential…nobles…to write you what we called back then “the great letter”, you had little patience for me. You said I didn’t understand government, that I was going down a path riddled with chaos and uncertainty that would ensure Equestria’s ruin. I guess that's why you made me look like a second Discord...no, not a second, you made me look worse than Discord!” Luna shouted, not relenting for a second.
“Luna, please,” Celestia began, her eyes filled with tears “your actions threatened to destabilize everything we had worked so hard to build up! You wanted to pass our rule into the hands of a mob of mortals, a lot doomed to die. It would be a never ending succession struggle for power! Civil war and slaughter would have been inevitable had you been able to carry out your misguided plan, ones even more terr--...”
“Celestia, many other nations do without deities running their affairs,” Luna cut off coldly.
“Er, yes, and they haven’t had the blessing of divine protection that accompanies it,” Celestia answered, adapting to the conversation as needed. Even after a thousand years, the sun goddess knew how her sister was prone to shift topics at will without finishing the first.
“Sister!” Luna shouted “That’s just the problem! You’ve treated our creation like it was a giant, retarded foal that needs constant care instead of letting it grow! Your justifications are just rationalizing the issue! That's what you always do! We are goddesses, and even we cannot make such predictions.”
“History shows us…”
“History shows nothing Celly! You are this nation’s history! We know nothing else but absolute rule!”
“So what if I rule from my throne? Without my guidance, parliament would be nothing more than a breeding ground of endless bickering and fighting. It is only through my strength that peace and prosperity has reigned in this land for two thousand years. Would you see that end just because it's not perfect or ideal?”
“It's nowhere close to perfect, you cannot even call this elitist sham a democracy!” Luna rebuked, “Remember Celly, we made this country for them, not us!”
Celestia stood in silence. Luna had never succeeded in overcoming her sister’s skills in persuasion before, so she took the opportunity to drive the nail in deeper.
“The day you banished me to the moon…a day I lived over and over again as I wandered my barren prison…I will never fully understand. I know why you did it, I mean, it doesn’t take an expert to see that I was the greatest threat to your authority. But how could you do it!? Your only sister, your sole equal!?”
“Luna...” Celestia’s stammered “I—I didn't kn-- I thought a millennia would be enough to let our creation grow in an environment free from your…your…radicalism. I was protecting them from something they weren’t ready for—“
“And a thousand years have passed and they’re no more ready! I guess I'm due another banishment, huh?” Luna interjected furiously, “Enough about protection and security! You know deep down you stay here for the power.”
Celestia’s eyes narrowed, her voice tinged with shock and rage “Ho-how dare you, Luna! Are you calling me a tyrant?”
“Yes! Your ponies may be fat and content, Celestia, but it is only because the world you gave them is the only one they know, and it is a lie. ”
Luna paused, watching the wind scatter Celestia's soft tears.
“What do you see yourself as, Celestia?! A benevolent ruler? A princess beyond politics? A nurturing mother? Are those the lies you decieve yourself with?”
Celestia tried to avert her eyes, but Luna met her sister’s gaze again and moved in closer “Being a goddess isn’t enough, is it Celly? Nature is beautiful, but boring in comparison to the ponies that populate our fair land. Each with her own story and a journey, a special talent and a dream. It’s much more fun to play with them then fly among the empty heavens and watch, isn’t it? Your beloved student Twilight Sparkle is an excellent case and point, isn’t she?”
At the sound of the young mare’s name, Celestia’s ears perked up.
“Yes, Twilight Sparkle, my savior.” Luna continued, her thoughts and feelings pouring out like floodgates releasing a mighty river “it’s a good thing you had her assemble the Elements of Harmony to cure me of my insanity and fill my heart with forgiveness. Eternal night? That’s what a thousand years of unjust imprisonment does to a pony, even a goddess!”
“Luna, I apologized for what I did, but I…I” Celestia began to cry, taking Luna off-guard. “I can’t let go, they need me!”
“No sister.” Luna said coldly “You need them. Certainly so now that I too am mortal.”
Celestia looked at her sister confused and scared.
“No, no, Luna—“
“Don’t cry for me, dear sister.” Luna shouted, the flames of rage growing in her heart “No, I can only guess that your dear student purged my immortality along with the shell of Nightmare Moon. But look on the bright side Celly, with me dead you can reign unchallenged and alone for all eternity! You asked me if you were a tyrant. If you aren’t already now, you will be when I’m gone.”
Celestia fell to the floor weeping. Luna couldn’t stand the sight, she wanted to comfort her sister.
But Celestia needed this and so did she.
Spreading her wings, Luna flew upwards, the cold wind brushing against her feathers. With tears in her eyes and anger in her heart, the moon goddess spoke her departing words:
“The prince said I was jealous. Of you, I assume. But he couldn’t be further from the truth. Celestia, I never have nor do I want to be you; a slave to power and ambition! My only wish is that if you leave any record of me, let it contain those very words so that Equestria may know that I was not the Nightmare you depicted me as but rather the Dream that never was!”
With that, she flew into the night with reckless speed, not looking back for a second. Her mind remained tormented by conflicting emotions, anger and compassion, despair and love, until they blurred together into a primitive drive to escape. No better place in Equestria existed for this than the lonely mountain before her. As her hooves hit the mountainside, she collapsed emotionally exhausted and physically weary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Reflecting on what happened eased Luna’s mind a bit, but it also brought to mind some questions she still had not answered. How could she have been injured? Sure she told Celestia an idea, but it was purely conjecture. As brave as Luna was about the whole issue in front of her sister, she was scared out of her mind. The idea of her dying was impossible for Luna to grasp.
“Well, at least Celly has to grapple with it too,” Luna told herself, “I can only hope it will make her reevaluate her outlook on things. Just the idea tha maybe she’d give up some of her authority and go home...Only good can come of it.”
Yes...but you could die.
The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
“No” she thought “I don’t even know if I’m a mortal for sure. I should to talk to somepony about this and see if we can’t find out just what’s really wrong with me.”
She couldn’t return to Canterlot, her sister needed time to do her own soul searching. As she gazed across the land from the mountain, she saw a quaint village not too far from her position. She recognized it as the site of her return and home of the Elements of Harmony, Ponyville. Luna smiled at the convenience, for if any mortal could aid a goddess, it was Celestia’s beloved student, Twilight Sparkle.
With the cold wind to her back, she spread her wings and took off, gliding across the moonlit sky towards Ponyville.
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Grey Prophet
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1540
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-08-03T06:11:01+00:00
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2012-08-03T06:11:01+00:00
| 2,176 |
Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 2
Before reaching the sleepy village, Luna descended on hoof a safe distance away. She needed to be cautious; if there was any place in Equestria that would have good reason to harbor a distrust or fear of the moon goddess, it would be Ponyville. Its residents witnessed the pinnacle of her insanity in a display that only confirmed her portrayal as the manifest evil of Celestia’s mythology. Though a feast was thrown after the defeat of her alter ego, Luna couldn’t help but to think that it was more of a celebration of her sister’s return than a welcome for her. The wreath of roses the villagers had bestowed on her spoke of the veiled bitterness they felt towards her. Yes, the flowers were beautiful, but the interlocking stems wove a crown of thorns that gripped and tore at her neck with every movement she made.
As Luna neared the village, she pondered the source of that sensation. At the time, she thought the irritation was merely due to her body’s sensitivity after being freed from her illness. Was what she felt merely discomfort or pain? Had the thorns cut her, had she bled? Were her fears correct, had the Elements of Harmony cast out her immortality?
Questions of this nature swirled in Luna’s mind as she entered Ponyville. Though distracted, the princess initially made sure to stay in the shadows so as not to bump into anypony. A particularly violent blast of icy wind, however, shook her from her thoughts and reminded the Luna that the likelihood of encountering a pony in the streets this night was slim. Feeling more free to move undetected, she took to her wings and swiftly glided towards the town center.
“Now, I know Celly mentioned that her student was staying in the town’s library, so it shouldn’t be too far away from the other civic buildings,” Luna thought.
As she rounded the corner, she froze and retreated behind the building. Peering from her hiding place, she saw two members of the Royal Guard speaking to a pony with a scroll on her flank, the town administrator it would seem.
“…and so Madam Mayor, it is imperative that you maintain order here while the authorities in Canterlot sort this mess out,” The first instructed. “General Hawkeye has drafted a contingency plan in the event of panic, so if need be, contact the district’s barracks if you see any signs that usually prelude a public riot. We, of course, will be standing by as well...”
Luna listened in, impressed that Celestia had mobilized her Royal Guard so quickly, or had she? Luna had a natural sense of time synched with the rotation of the planet, but she still managed to forget or ignore it at times, much to Celestia’s grief. She looked up at the moon and realized that seven hours had passed since her departure from Canterlot and took note of it. On the run or not, Luna still had to lower the moon to make room for Celestia’s sun. As she calculated when she should perform her duties, Luna caught the sight of two more guardponies moving towards her out of the corner of her eye.
“Ack! I’m such a scatterbrain!” Luna thought “Ok, now how did that spell work again?…ugh…”
The guards drew closer and Luna began to panic. She was flanked.
“…no…no…Oh right!”
With a quick spell, the princess of the night dissolved into the shadows of the town hall. It had been awhile since she had performed the feat, but luckily she just managed to evade the guardponies’ gaze. As they walked, Luna overheard what the two were discussing.
“...can’t believe this, captain. Of all the nights, it had to be the one when the wind is so cold it feels like I have a bloody glacier growing in my wings!”
“Hold your tongue, private,” barked his superior officer, a rather large, dark brown pegasus,“I know your daddy got you into the Royal Guard, but I thought by now that I’d taught you a thing or two about speakin’ out of line and complainin’. You do it again, and you’ll find yourself back in the mess hall peelin’ apples!”
“Ye…yes sir! But, I was just voicing everyponys’ thoughts. It’s just terrible flying conditions for a marehunt…”
“Well soldier, looks like you’ll be bakin’ apple fritters for a month! I expect ‘em to taste the way my nanny made ‘em back at Canterlot Castle! Now stop makin’ yourself useless and get back to your patrol! Bother me again with your brilliant observations again and I’ll make damn sure you never wear that armor again. You got that? One more slip up and you’ll find yourself back at daddy’s business sittin’ behind a desk; a front row seat to watch the best years of your life be mercilessly swallowed by an ever creeping sense of your own worthlessness! How does that sound, Golden Pockets? Now--”
“Captain! Did you hear that?” interrupted the timid guard, his voice tinged with a sudden anxiety and his ears perked up “It wasn’t the wind, right? It’s gotta be something bad, it’s gotta be Nightmare Moon. Should we draw our weapons?”
“Wha--? Are you kidding me, private? Grow a pair, it’s just the rest of the battalion. Great Celestia, the shit I have to deal with...”
Over the howl of the wind, Luna could make out the sound of rattling armor growing closer. In a minute, about twenty-five pegasi were assembled and lined up in to two neat rows, ready to be presented to their commanding officer.
The first pair of guards, their task complete, joined their company and arranged themselves into rank and file. Once done, they saluted their captain.
“Captain Braveheart! The local authorities have been informed and are taking the appropriate actions as prescribed by General Hawkeye.” The first guard reported.
“Good work Lt. Nightshade, Private Blackmane.” Braveheart commended, moving on with his inspection of his soldiers. When all seemed satisfactory, he faced them:
“Now pegasi, I know we’ve never had to deal with runaway goddesses before. It’s a daunting task, but it’s damn important we complete the mission or all hell will break loose, understood? That Princess Luna has always been a problem just waiting to blow and that royal scumbag Prince Blueblood set her off. Anyway, given the circumstances, we can only assume the worse. She may look innocent and small, but I’ve been briefed that she has more blood on her hooves than...well…anypony! You aren’t sealed in the moon for no reason, if you know what I mean. The general has sent us, the elite pegasi division of the Royal Guard, to personally search and garrison this village while the rest of the armed forces search elsewhere.”
He paused and then shouted “Do you know why, pegasi?”
“No, sir!” The soldiers shouted in unison. Captain Braveheart grinned and chuckled.
“I didn’t think so; it ain’t exactly Manehatten now, is it?”
“No sir!”
“Well, this little dinky town apparently houses somewhere a weapon of incredible power. The general believes Princess Luna will be drawn to it either to claim it for herself or destroy it. Both scenarios are unacceptable!”
“Yes sir!”
“Now, the town has another gem we should be aware of. Celestia’s prized pupil Twilight Sparkle resides in the local library. She is to be guarded at all times! Ms. Sparkle was reportedly instrumental in Princess Luna’s defeat last year, and is thus a likely target. Being who she is, Ms. Sparkle may also prove to be a source of vital intel. Lt. Lightning Strike!”
A yellow pegasus emerged from the ranks.
“Yes sir!”
“How did the questioning of Ms. Sparkle proceed?”
“Sir, she was somewhat reluctant to provide any information to us.”
“You didn’t tell her anything, right soldier?”
“No sir, the questions pertained to her contact with Princess Celestia and her knowledge of Princess Luna. A search of the library was conducted as well, per your orders.”
“Good pony. First the questioning. What did she tell you?”
“Not much, sir. She told us that she had indeed sent a letter last evening to Princess Celestia and that the princess had responded. We then requested that she replicate her original letter to the princess.”
Lightning Strike paused and reached into his saddle bag to take out a scroll and passed it to the captain.
“Sir, the correspondence.”
“Very good. Continue.”
“When pressed for information on Princess Luna, Ms. Sparkle insisted she knew little and told me to ask the Royals myself. Sir, I remember Ms. Sparkle quite well from her studies with the princess. She can’t lie worth a damn. She’s hiding something.”
“And the search?”
“The library yielded little. All we could find were these old books concerning medieval Equestrian history that seem to depict Princess Luna, or rather Nightmare Moon. However, the texts are written in a strange language. It’s not Old Equestrian, that’s all I can say.”
“Hmm…perhaps we can get some brainiac down here to translate ‘em...or we could get Ms. Sparkle herself,” the captain suggested. “If it better prepares us for an encounter with a pissed off goddess, it’ll be worth it. At 0800 hours I want you to alert Ms. Sparkle that her services are compulsory. Until then, you, Whitewater Rush, and Golden Pockets are to guard the library. Understood?”
“Yes sir!”
“Lt. Nightshade!”
“Yes sir!”
“Take the books from Lt. Lightning Strike and have them delivered to my quarters in the town hall. Same goes for these scrolls.” The captain ordered, giving up the letters.
“Yes sir!”
Captain Braveheart turned his attention to the whole battalion and spoke:
“Well pegasi, you know your orders. I want you stationed at every entrance to the village and four of you doing aerial reconnaissance at all times. It’s basic night watch protocol, think you dumb foals can handle it?”
“Sir, yes sir!”
“Damn good! Inspection will happen at 0700 hours, and I want you all as alert and active as that bouncin’ pink pony who ran out to greet us tonight!”
The soldiers looked at each other uneasily.
“Well…?”
“Sir, yes sir!”
“You all are dismissed, make me proud boys!”
“Uh-hem.”
“…and Sgt. Storm Cloud. Sorry ‘bout that.”
“Don't let it happen again.”
The Royal Guard divided ranks and flew to their respective posts. Seeing his pegasi in such excellent formation, Captain Braveheart confidently turned to the town hall and entered the building knowing well that his pegasi would not fail him.
With nopony in the immediate area, Luna materialized and proceeded to throw up. The reaction was a surprise to her; although she was never a fan of being torn apart atom by atom, she never had a problem shadow shifting before her encounter with the Elements. A tingling sensation spread across her entire body. Was this pain? It didn't feel like any she had felt before, the best she could compare it to was the uncomfortable twinge she got sometimes from unexpected bug bites. But this felt like a thousand of those.
“Hopefully I don’t have to do that again.” Luna thought, itching herself a bit before turning to more serious issues, “But it looks like Celly is worried that I snapped. A fair assessment granted our fight, but she won’t get me quite yet; this goddess has a few more tricks to spare…”
Luna contemplated the best course of action. Teleportation was far too visible and noisy and, like shadow drifting, might have her puking up her stomach by the time she was done. A camouflage spell? No, these guards were trained to pick up on such petty magic.
And then she got it. Smiling, she thought to herself:
“It’s been a long time since I played the Sand Mare.”
When Equestria was still young and the ponies far from civilized, Luna had been tasked with putting their nighttime fears of dragons and griffons to rest by inducing a powerful and peaceful sleep over them. As centuries past and towns began to crop up and her subjects felt more secure, she stopped performing the duty. The ponies of Equestria still referred to her as the Sand Mare for some time until that memory too past into myth.
But tonight Luna was going to show Captain Braveheart’s pegasi that the old folk tales rather than Celestia's history contained the greater truth when it came to the princess of the night. The gall of that pegasus and his company! Luna’s face burned red when she recalled the vociferous captain’s words.
She may look innocent and small, but I’ve been briefed that she has more blood on her hooves than...well…anypony! You aren’t sealed in the moon for no reason, if you know what I mean.
The lie-passed-as-truth stung and only helped to support her suspicions that Celestia had demonized her in an effort to re-consolidate her authority after her attempt to check it. Celestia’s reaction to Luna’s accusations and Prince Blueblood’s vitriol were more telling, but it was still difficult for Luna to outright conclude her darkest fears. She wanted to see those books the soldiers had confiscated from Twilight; they no doubt contained the answer.
“Twilight Sparkle!” thought Luna, “The poor young mare, it’s unfortunate that she got dragged into this, but I need her help.”
Do I? How can such a young unicorn even hope to solve a crisis that ails an ancient goddess?
Luna suppressed the thought. She was no fatalist. She was an artist who saw endless potential in all aspects of life. To bow down to death out of fear and helplessness would be contrary to everything she had come to embody. She could not betray herself, neigh, everypony in such a way.
Taking courage from her brief reflection, Luna surveyed the town. The whole village was dark save one beacon of light shining from within a great tree. It was crowned with a large telescope, much to Luna’s amusement. It was clear that Celly’s young student lived there.
Peering further, she caught the silhouettes of the pegasi charged with guarding Twilight.
“Ok I’ve got a job to do now!” Luna mused, “Let’s see…ah yes this should do it!”
Luna’s horn glowed as she transfigured several nearby rocks into piles of fine blue dust. Using her magic, she gathered the powder and swirled it around her body to test the substance. Its fragrance was reminiscent of spring flowers and its caress warmed the body, making her eyelids feel heavy…
Luna shook herself and grinned.
“Still got it.”
It was quite the distance for her to drug the guards, and she didn’t want to use her magic as the vehicle lest the guards remember the obvious glow when they awoke. No, she needed to be more discreet. While she thought, a fierce wind blew in the direction of the library as if summoned by Luna’s necessity.
“Perhaps we can be friends yet, fell wind.” Luna whispered as she dispersed her potent drug into the night breeze. Faithfully and quickly it carried her gift to the Royal Guard.
As the guards patrolled, they felt a sudden shift in the weather. The buffeting cold wind turned into a light summer’s breeze that melted their stiffened bones and made them recall fair memories of seasons past. Their eyes dried and grew impossibly heavy and, one by one, they fell into a deep-seated sleep.
Luna chuckled as she trotted up to the library and looked at her victims.
“Poor dears, looks as if you’ll be missing inspection in the morning. Shame, the captain will be most disappointed. Oh well, the company can do without the additional ‘yes sirs’, don’t you all think? Have a pleasant night.”
Luna turned to the door. A sense of nervous anxiety swept through her body. Twilight was a loyal to the throne, no doubt, but it was mostly Celestia that had her heart. She had been cultivated in the image Celly found to be most favorable to her rule. How would she see Luna? The demon of her teacher’s fables? Luna could only hope not. Perhaps Twilight could sympathize with her? For the more she thought, the more Twilight’s expedition to the village became questionable in nature. Had Celestia considered Twilight as a threat? Was this town a subtle form of banishment? Luna’s head began to ache from the strain; her sister was extremely crafty when it came to disposing her political enemies and it was often difficult for Luna to understand this game Celestia loved to play. Often her purges were seen as voluntary resignations by the public, but Luna knew that Celestia was always pulling the strings, manipulating the outcome to maximize her interests. Just what those may be all the time remained a puzzle for Luna.
“Well, no use fretting, Luna, best to be informal.” She told herself, hoping to calm her misgivings. Luna knocked on the door.
“WHAT NOW!?”
The princess was taken aback by the loud growl erupting from just behind the door. Luna heard the door being unlatched and saw it thrown open, revealing a very angry purple unicorn standing in the doorway.
“You barge into my home, throw all my books off their shelv—“
Twilight stopped as she realized who she was addressing, her rage changing quickly into awe and fear.
“Uh, ugh, eh…” the awkward mare stuttered, a bead of sweat dripping from her forehead.
“Hello Twilight Sparkle, may I come in?”
“…oh, ah, yes! Yes of course, come in, of course!” Twilight said. As Luna entered her home, Twilight brought her hoof to her face. “Stupid, Twilight stupid Twilight, protocol!” she muttered to herself as she prostrated before Luna, burying her face into the library’s floor.
“Princess Luna, goddess of the moon, arbiter of the night sky, mistress of the cosmos…”
“Twilight?”
“Yes your majesty?”
“Please drop the protocol, you look ridicoulous.”
Twilight arose and looked at the princess. The unicorn’s nervousness and anxiety could not be shielded by the cheesy smile that now stretched across her face.
“Of course, Princess Luna.” Twilight said through her clenched teeth “How may I be of any service...at this late hour...?”
“I require assistance. A lot of it.” Luna frowned, “I was hoping that my sister’s star student could perhaps help me sort out a few questions I’ve been tossing around in my head.”
“Oh well, umm, yes, uh, I can try, but, you know, don’t you think Celestia would be, ugh more helpful?”
“To be straightforward with you Twilight, I’m largely here because… well, I fought with Celestia this evening.”
“You, wha-what?!” Twilight’s nervousness broke into shock “Well, that explains why the Royal Guard came in here and ravaged my book collection! But why, why did you fight with Princess Celestia!?”
“Twilight, I don’t expect you to understand what transpired between Celestia and I. Let’s just say I was trying to address an ancient grievance.”
“Um, against you?”
“Yes.”
“Uh, Princess Luna, not to disrespect you in any way shape or form here, but I don’t think you’re coming from a good position to…how do I put this….complain about past injuries.”
A flash of anger passed over Luna’s face, but it was quickly replaced with a look of resignation. She sighed.
“As I said, I didn’t come here expecting you to understand. I came here to ask you a few things. Now, what exactly did you tell the Royal Guard about me?”
“Oh, you know of that? Ah, well, nothing princess, really! I thought it inappropriate that they should just bust through my door and interrogate me without a proper warrant. So I told them…
“To ask Celestia.”
“…right.”
“Yet you surrendered your letter from my sister.”
“That’s true, but that was largely Spike’s fault. Well, actually all of it was. He answered the guard when I was pressed to give up information. The little dragon has a good heart, but sometimes he doesn’t know when to keep his jaw shut. Anyway, I was pretty much forced to comply; I don’t think I’ve ever seen them so pushy before…or so disrespectful for that fact. Just look at this place!”
Luna looked over the library. Sure enough, all the books had been torn from their shelves and were cluttered throughout the room. Not a few of the books were trampled and ripped during the Royal Guards’ raid. Twilight sighed and began picking up books and sorting them to their proper shelves.
“I must say that I’m sorry about the mess” Luna said, “It’s completely my fault…”
“Oh no princess, it’s all right. This kind of thing seems to happen to me every other day. So, what kind of help do you need? Magic? Science? Naturally the two compliment---“
“No Twilight. I want you to tell me what you know about Nightmare Moon.”
Twilight’s eyes bulged at the request and dropped the book she was putting away.
“Princess! Umm, I’m not really a historian at all.” She said, giving a nervous laugh “I work with the natural sciences mostly. I can tell you that a thousand years ago she grew jealous of Celestia’s power and popularity and sought to overthrow her to establish an everlasting night…”
“Enough Twilight.” Luna interjected calmly “I don’t want the foal’s tale, I want an actual account.”
“Uh, sorry Princess! I can’t really help you here, but, uh, send Princess Celestia my love, okay?”
Once again, a cheesy smile plastered Twilight’s anxious face. Luna huffed and rolled her eyes out of impatience.
“The Lieutenant was right. You are a terrible liar.”
Twilight’s phony smile quickly turned to a genuine frown.
“I’m, I’m sorry princess” her voice quaked, “it’s just, well, it’s just…I swore to Celestia that I wouldn’t tell anypony!”
Luna’s ears perked up at the mentioning of her sister’s name.
“Twilight, it’s of the utmost importance that you tell me. I cannot reconcile with my sister until I know what the old histories say about Nightmare Moon. Please, for our sake, tell me!”
Twilight sniffed and contemplated the goddess’s request. At length, she finally replied.
“Okay, Princess, I’ll tell you.”
Luna gave a big smile and nuzzled Twilight, surprising the young unicorn.
“Oh thank you Twilight Sparkle! Please, go on!”
“Um, so I mentioned that my main studies deal with the natural sciences. I was never too good with the social sciences, as you can probably tell by my assignment to Ponyville. But during my schooling under Celestia, I was taught several academic languages; Old Equestrian, Wyrmish, and Thracian. Being taught a skill, I didn’t want it to get rusty during my stay here, so I sent a request to the royal library to send me some old texts to translate in my spare time. The mailmare, Derpy had one heck of a delivery that day; they must have mailed me thirty books! Anyhow, while I was sorting through them, three Wyrmish titles caught my attention. Rendered into Modern Equestrian, I think they were titled A History of the Great Shadow, Of the Pestilence of the Moon Witch, and The Triumph of the Sun Goddess…”
“I’m aware that the guards confiscated these books.”
“…yes. Anyhow, having just defeated Nightmare Moon, I was curious to learn more about her…”
“Me, you mean.”
“No Princess Luna, you and Nightmare Moon were not the same pony! Celestia made it clear to me…”
“What, that I was possessed? Or that she needed a convenient excuse to bring me back into the public light!? Twilight, I am the sole pony responsible for my actions that night, I refuse to put blame on any phantom designed by Celestia. What I do refuse is to be blamed for a past I know nothing about!”
Twilight gave a confused look, raising a single brow. She was quite unsure what to make of Luna’s sudden mood swing and rejection of Celestia’s interpretation of events. It seemed contrary to what one with Luna’s kind of history would want to say.
“Oookayyy…As I was saying, I wanted to learn about you. So I translated the one of the books and parts of the other two and what I found was, well…” Twilight paused, hesitating for a bit “Princess, you were a monster. Tens of thousands died of the famine, disease and dubious wars that you largely caused.”
At Twilight’s words, Luna had to fight back the urge to cry. It was true; her sister made her the very incarnation of evil on earth.
“I don’t know why you want me to tell you this, do you want to destroy these books or something?” Twilight asked “Because Celestia was not happy that I had them either. Just last month, she sent me a letter asking me if I had them. Apparently, Derpy mixed up her delivery at the censorship bureau and ended up taking several rare books that were intended for the incinerator. Luckily, they ended up in my hooves. Since I knew their fate, I told my teacher that I could not in good conscience send the books back. Celestia consented under the condition that I not translate them and keep them out of sight. So naturally, I obeyed. I stopped, but I could not bear to throw away the work I already had, so I hid the translations in the safest place in the library.”
“Under your mattress, right?” Luna joked half-heartedly, trying to mask her sadness.
Twilight blushed.
“Well, yeah! This library is constantly in a mess! I’m sure I would have lost them by now if I hadn’t put them there. But you’re right, it’s a good thing they didn’t search my room, the Element of Magic…”
“Is under your mattress too?”
“No!...It’s in the drawer of my nightstand.”
Seeing Twilight’s embarrassment, Luna shifted back to the matter at hoof.
“Twilight may I see your translations? Based on what you told me, they’re the only documents left that can help me piece together my sister’s past.”
“You may princess, but they’ll open up some old, ugly wounds…”
“Believe me Twilight, these wounds are quite fresh. Don’t worry about my feelings, I can handle myself.”
“All right, one second then. Spike! SPIKE!”
“…what?” came a muffled voice, “it’s late Twilight, can’t we clean up tomorrow…?”
“SPIKE!”
“Okay, okay! I’m coming!”
A small purple and green dragon descended down the stairs, his eyes still tinted with the fog of sleep.
“Hey Twilight, hey Lu-- ”
Spike stopped, his eyes widening to the size of saucers.
“Ah, oh, Princess Luna, um, how do you do? No, what was I supposed to say again? Darn—“
“Spike, Princess Luna has requested to see my translations. Please organize and retrieve them for her.”
“Uh, right away ma’am!”
With that, Spike dashed back up the stairs to prepare the documents.
“All right then.” Twilight said, turning back to Luna, “Would you care for any tea, princess? It’s really cold and windy outside tonight. Not to be disrespectful, but it looks like you were out there for quite awhile!”
Luna looked at the nearby floor mirror. Sure enough, she looked like a mess. The wind had blown her mane into a tangled frenzy and her coat was still tinged with gray dust of the mountainside.
“Sorry about that,” Luna said, her mind a thousand light years away, “I’ll take care of it.”
The glow of alicorn magic covered her body. It swiftly brought order to the persistent knots in her mane and removed every foreign particle on her body. Once again the spitting image of a princess and no longer a ragamuffin, Luna looked back to Twilight and faintly smiled. The unicorn did not return her sentiment, her face instead contorting to an image of horror.
“Pri—Pri—Princess! You’re bleeding!”
Indeed, the trickle of blood from Blueblood’s blow continued to run gently and slowly down the side of her face. The frigid night winds had numbed her pain, but at some point the gash had opened back up. Now Twilight’s cozy abode was begining to revive the unpleasant sensation. Still a bit distant, Luna responded in a low tone.
“Oh, yes, I guess that’s why I came here in the first place, isn’t it? Like before, Twilight, I’m not going to beat around the haystack. I believe I’ve lost my immortality.”
“Huh-huh wha--? H-how? Celestia didn’t…”
“No Twilight, Celestia did not rob me of it, I doubt she even has the power to do so. No, I don’t know how and I’m not quite sure if what I think is true. I came here to confirm or disprove my suspicions. If the latter, I wish to discuss with you about the Elements of Harmony, as I feel that they are somehow involved with my…problem.”
“Oh no, oh no, no no no no! This is bad, really, really bad! Princess, if you die, the world will too! The heavens will collapse without you! No, no, what can we do? What can I do?...”
As Twilight proceeded with her panicked rant, the reality of her situation dawned on Luna. She had been so absorbed with her own relationship with Celestia that she failed to take into account the impact her death would have on the world. Luna bowed her head in shame. Sometimes she was so selfish, so thoughtless that she wished maybe a bit of Celestia’s omniscient foresight was hers. Perhaps Celestia was right, maybe she was too short-sighted and too detached to make wise decisions concerning her subjects.
“No.” she thought, “Even if that were the case, it should never merit a thousand years of solitude.”
Luna brought her attention back to Twilight who was still going on.
“…where could it have even gone? Is immortality a spiritual or magical manifestation? What would Celesti—“
“No Twilight, my sister can’t help me. Not with this. I need you to be strong with me. I’m scared too, but you’re the most talented unicorn in Equestria. Celestia often tells me that she has never seen a mortal with such power, capability and intelligence. That's saying a lot. If there’s anypony that can help me, it’s you Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight’s distressed expression gave way to one that radiated with confidence and pride.
“Well, I’m pretty gifted, I guess.” she responded, trying to hold onto at least a little shred of humility.
“I’m glad to hear you’re willing, because the first thing I need you to do is to hit me.”
“All ri---wait wha!?”
“I told you, I need to know that I’m truly mortal. The head injury you see was the result of a mishap at a banquet Celestia was throwing. To be brief, it involved Prince Blueblood striking my face.”
“Blueblood…your, uh, son?”
“Son!? Dear sweet Celestia no! What gave you that idea?”
“Well, he’s Celestia’s nephew, and you’re her sister…”
“You’re quite mistaken. Apparently, I’m his aunt too.”
“That doesn’t make any sense at all! Who is he then?”
“He’s the Prince of Haysburg from the line of our brother, Nopony.”
“Nopony?”
Twilight wasn’t getting it. Luna contemplated whether it would be wise to tell Twilight that Celestia’s “Royal Family” was nothing but a politically useful fabrication her sister had concocted. After a bit of thinking, Luna decided in favor of it. Twilight was a bright pony, she could handle the truth.
“How should I put this…Twilight, the Royal Family is a lie.”
The purple unicorn looked at Luna with disbelief.
“…Perhaps I laid that on you a bit too thick. Umm, a long time ago, in order to rule more efficiently, Celestia decided to create a class of ponies that would be loyal to her and administer their land in accordance with her standards and orders. She instilled in them the idea that they were linked to her through blood, making them feel special and privileged. However, this intimate connection bound them to Celestia’s will and interests, making them unlikely to rebel against her rule. In short, it was a way for her to fragment her political responsibilities without giving up any of the power. Do you understand?”
Twilight’s brow furrowed.
“That doesn’t sound like something Celestia would do, princess...that just sounds ruthless.”
“Twilight,” Luna sighed, “Didn’t you ever pay attention to the way Celestia governs Equestria? Her relationships with different aristocrats and ministers? The law making process?”
“Uh, no. As I said, those things don’t really interest me at all. That’s why Celestia sent me here, to acquire a better range of social skills.”
“Okay then, but you enjoy reading, right?”
“More than anything!” Twilight beamed.
“Have you by chance then come across Marechiavelli’s The Princess? The book is essentially a day in the life of Celestia.”
“No, but the author’s name is familiar, it’s so strange, isn’t it? I think Celestia brought her up once when she had me accompany her to parliament to deliver a speech or something. I was kind of reading up on transfiguration spells at the time, so I can’t really recall, but the name stuck out. To be honest, though, the book sounds like it’d be boring. To me at least, I lived with her for a couple of years. She just has a lot of meetings.”
Luna wasn’t making much headway with convincing Twilight that her teacher was a master of manipulation and moral ambiguity. Defeated again by Celestia’s clever calculations and constructions, Luna tried to steer the conversation back to its original content. The moon goddess was starting to notice that, between the two scatterbrains, focusing longer than five minutes on a single issue was going to be a monumental task.
“Never mind then, Twilight. The point is simple; the prince is not immortal. Thus, he shouldn’t have been able to hurt me. He was, however, wearing mithril bracelets. I don’t know where he got them, but I think it likely that Celestia must have given them to the stallion. If that’s the case, she may have blessed the bracelets. But it’s also just as possible that they were not blessed and simply given as to the prince as a token of goodwill. So to be sure, I need you to give me a good smack to the side of my face.”
“Uh, okay then…umm…how do you want me to do it?”
“Do you really need instruction?”
“All right then,” Twilight said with obvious uncertainty, “Sorry princess…”
Twilight raised her right hoof and brought it down heavily across Princess Luna’s face, sending Luna straight to the ground.
“Okay Twilight, I go—What the hay is going on in here!?”
The small dragon stood in the stairway with a look of disbelief on his face.
“Spike! It’s not what it looks like…”
“Twilight, you just punched the princess in the face!”
“We were testing to see if, uh she was still immortal, that’s all!”
“Well why the hay didn’t you just prick her with a needle or something?”
“I don’t know, she told me to, and, umm, and…”
“It’s fine Spike, Twilight did nothing wrong.” Luna said as she got back up, her face bearing a new dark blue bruise that contrasted dimly against her azure coat. Twilight looked at her with a worried expression.
“Princess…does this mean…”
“Yes.” Luna responded. She had no desire to voice the obvious but disturbing revelation.
A long silence passed in the room as Luna tried to grasp her fate. She had put so much hope in the possibility that her wound had some divine roots. But no, she was doomed to die, quite possibly bringing the world down with her. A fitting end for the evil-made-flesh; if she could not exist, neither would the whole of creation. In the end, Celestia’s predictions finally came true. Luna would be the ruin of everything. The moon goddess closed her eyes, a single tear escaping. It trailed down the side of her face, uniting with the stream of hot blood that now surfaced from the site of Twilight’s strike. Her sorrow and pain now joined as one, the single droplet fell from her face and splattered on the library floor, breaking the library’s silence with a light thud that resonated throughout the library.
Twilight kept her gaze fixed on Luna. She was clearly hurting, but Twilight was hung up over the proper means to comfort royalty. After pondering over what to do for a short while, Twilight shook her head
“What am I thinking? She’s in pain and I’m wondering which guidelines I should base my response on!? Celestia was right to send me here, I’m too insensitive when ponies need me the most…”
Breaking out of her comfort zone, Twilight moved to Luna and nuzzled her. At the unicorn’s touch, Luna’s dark thoughts dissipated. The princess of the night smiled and returned her affection. Another tear, clean and pure, traveled down her cheek until it rested upon Twilight’s purple mane.
“Thank you Twilight Sparkle. Thank you.”
In an attempt to duck out of the growing sense of awkwardness he felt, Spike ran and placed Twilight’s translations and notes on a nearby desk.
“I got what you wanted Twilight,” Spike said “so I’m going back to bed now. Night Princess Luna, uh, get better!”
With a wave, the dragon rushed back to his bed.
The two hardly heard him. They remained together for quite some time, saying nothing until at long last Luna broke their embrace.
“Twilight, that meant everything to me. I thank you with all my heart. But the night grows short, and we have some things to discuss yet before I set the moon.”
“Yes princess, you wanted to know about the Elements of Harmony?”
“Yes, I’m almost certain now that they are the cause of all this.”
“Well, perhaps the first thing you should know then is that I am an Element. All five of my friends are as well. It’s true that their power is channeled through several jewels, but the source dwells within a pony that best manifests the purest form of each specific quality: Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Compassion, or Generosity. Once these individuals are assembled, the Element of Magic is revealed and the power of the Elements may be unleashed. It is said to be the most powerful of all magic, as I’m sure you know. It defeated even you, a goddess.”
“Right after my defeat, I felt a change come over me. It wasn’t merely the departure of my madness, my sense of touch became far more acute and sensitive. We now know that it was a sign of mortality, but did you or your friends experience a change of sorts too? Perhaps something you’d never expect yourself capable of, or maybe your personality changed?”
Twilight listened to Luna’s questions and tried to recall anything odd. Well, other than all the crazy adventures she had in Ponyville. Then it struck her.
“Actually, I have noticed that my friends and I are…durable, to say the least.”
“Yes, go on.”
“It’s just that whenever something dangerous happens to us, we manage to always pull out all right.”
“Twilight, that sounds more like good luck than anything else.”
“ No, I don’t think we’re on the same page here. The dangerous thing happens. But we’re always okay. For instance, once I was trying to figure out my friend Pinkie Pie’s strange behavior, a whole delivery truck of goods came crushing down on me. I’m talking about pianos here.”
Luna’s eyes were fixed on Twilight.
“Yes?”
“My injuries were grave. I was even put in a wheelchair with a full body cast. But after a few hours, I hardly needed any of the medical care. My body seemed to heal itself. I chucked it up as the result of my special gift. You know, magic.”
“But how about your friends?”
“I’m not as sure about them, though I swear Rainbow Dash should have severe brain trauma by now. Applejack tells me her flying has gotten far more reckless and her tricks far more insane since I came to town. Oh and speaking of Applejack, she managed to go for a week without sleep despite her unrelenting harvest of the entirety of her orchard. Alone. Pinkie Pie is an enigma, I have no idea how she works at all. Fluttershy and Rarity aren’t very physical, so I’m not as sure about them. You’d have to ask them yourself, but I’m pretty sure the pattern will hold up. We’ve been through some pretty dangerous adventures.”
Luna smiled.
“I think I’ve figured out the most plausible answer. Twilight, Celestia didn’t steal my immortality, you did!” Luna said with a light laugh, “But what is taken can be returned, don’t you think?”
“Now listen, I think I understand what happened now. When the blast from the Elements hit me, it coursed through my being and purged every villainous intention I had. When it retreated from my body, it must have taken a part of my divinity, namely my immortality. As you said Twilight, the elements can defeat even a goddess, and how does one kill a deity? They strip away her immortality and let either the sword or the passage of time to do its work.”
“Then my friends and I…”
“Yes, my immortality was fragmented and passed into you six. Though you’re not exactly immortals, you still have a magnificent resilience to pain and injury. If surviving a falling piano cannot attest to that, I don’t know what else can.”
“Princess Luna, if what you say is true, then we need to get my friends and find a way to give back your immortality immediately!”
“And we’ll do just that,” Luna replied, magically gathering the documents Spike left behind, “but we’ll need to pack first! Here could you put these in a saddlebag for me? Gather your Element and…wait, Twilight, are you tired? I’ve kept you up all night…”
“Oh, don’t worry about me princess. I’m a professional student, I’ve pulled off hundreds of all-nighters!”
At the mentioning of “all-nighters”, Luna froze. How could she forget the Royal Guard!
“Twilight, there is another thing you should now. The Royal Guard has been sent here not just to question you, but guard you. They’re stationed throughout the village, and outside of your door. We need to be careful. Not only are they looking for me, but the Elements as well.”
Twilight frowned and rolled her eyes.
“Really? Ugh, well, we can teleport to Sweet Apple Acres, that’s where my friend Applejack lives. It’s on the outskirts of town, so we should be able to sneak past the guards with little trouble.”
“A good start to a plan. Now pack light and meet me outside your door. Don’t worry about the guards assigned to the library, I took care of them when I arrived.”
“…‘took care of them’ princess, you didn’t…”
“What!? Of course not! I put them into a deep sleep!”
“Oh, right, yeah! Just playing with ya, you know?”
Luna was a bit annoyed by Twilight’s presumptions of murder, but she let it pass. There was no point trying to prove to Twilight she was never the demon her sister’s stories made her out to be. She had just better get used to it, especially since she’d have to deal with ponies that probably had far less sympathy for her.
Suddenly, Luna’s felt a twitch, her body’s natural clock telling her to perform her duty.
“Twilight, I have to go and lower the moon now. Collect our things and meet me outside.”
“Will do princess. Be careful.”
Luna turned and exited the library and looked up at the sky. Her face quickly melted into shock. There was no dawn, the same darkness was in place as it had been on the mountainside. Celestia was not raising the sun. In vain Luna tried to lower the moon, but she needed her sister to complete the cycle. Panic seized Luna.
“No, no, Celly, where are you?” she shouted at the sky, abandoning all other concerns “Sister, don’t abandon me now! I need you, please!”
There was no reply save the north wind’s roar.
Luna began to head back into the library to retrieve Twilight, but, out of nowhere, she heard a rush of air and the familiar clattering of golden armor. Before she could react , she was encircled by the entire company of the Royal Guard. Emerging from the ranks to greet her was Captain Braveheart, a cigar hanging grotesquely from the side of his mouth.
“Well, well, good work pegasi! We’ve caught the fugitive princess, what’d I tell you all? She’s nothing but a cowering, coddled witch with too much power.”
The captain turned his attention to Luna, leaning in with a smirk on his face.
“You’re a goddess, but you’re not very bright are you? The general said you had a knack for ignorin’ details and procedure! When you knocked out my pegasi, did you care to remember the idea of a ‘night rotation’? You’ve had an eternity to live, but you’re as predictable and sneaky as a teenaged brat. Did sittin’ on the moon for a thousand years rot your brain black, highness?”
Luna blushed at her foolish mistake, shifting her eyes away from the cocky captain.
“We’ve been waitin’ for you to start feelin’ safe and tired. Made you just that much easier as a target! And now you’ll be coming back home to Canterlot with us, princess.”
Fed up with the captain’s impudence, Luna mustered her courage and shouted back.
“How dare you?!” her voice shook, “What right have you to take a goddess into custody!? When my sister hears of your disrespectful and shameful conduct…”
“Lt. Nightshade!” Captain Braveheart barked, turning to the soldier on his left and handing him a scroll “Read the princess the charges!”
“ Yes, sir! You, Princess Luna, alias Nightmare Moon, have been charged with kidnapping her royal highness Princess Celestia and plotting to once again plunge our land into the heart of eternal darkness.”
Luna could not believe her ears. Her sister was missing? The possibility was nearly incomprehensible. Celestia would never leave her throne. Luna’s mind shut down, leaving her face stuck in a state of violent shock.
“Any resistance to us during the arrest will be met with force.”
“Well said, Lieutenant, now restrain her and bring her in! I can’t wait to get outta this dump of a town.”
“Not so fast!”
The library door burst open. From the doorway Twilight leaped to Luna’s side, positioning herself in an aggressive stance, her horn lowered and hooves stomping.
“Back off!”
Twilight’s horn began to glow, causing the captain to grin even wider at the scene.
“Oh, what are you going to do? Throw a rock at me? For all your magic, you unicorns are real one trick ponies! Bwahaha!”
“No captain, I’m going to ruin your day.”
“Ha, look at the sass in this no good, collaborating traitor! You’ll pay severely for your treachery Twilight Sparkle. I swear it, even if that means torturing the evil right out of you myself! Arrest ‘em!”
“How's this for a one trick pony?” Twilight shot back with a grin, “Good-bye!”
In a brilliant flash of light, Luna and Twilight vanished. Captain Braveheart’s jaw dropped, the cigar falling to the ground. A unicorn could do that? Braveheart was very aware that Twilight was Celestia's student, but he had never expected such godlike magic could be passed on to a mortal.
Suffice it to say, it did not sit well with him.
“What the bloody fuck just happened?!”
The captain’s foul curses rung throughout the village, waking many a pony. It would be an unpleasant start to a horrific day.
|
Grey Prophet
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1540
| 3 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
| 119 | 20 |
<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-08-03T05:57:35+00:00
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2012-08-03T05:57:35+00:00
| 2,194 |
Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 3
"Big Mac, what in Sam hill is goin' on here?" a confused Applejack asked her giant of a brother, "Clock says it's 7, but it looks like the middle of the gaul darn night!"
The two earth ponies stood in the midst of their orchard looking up at the night sky. The Apple family had been fortunate to avoid the blight that many other farmers in Equestria had been suffering, but their output was still far less than expected. Nonetheless, it was still back breaking work that needed to be done, so the pair had woken up at the usual time, 4:30, to start harvesting the last of their crop before an early winter could claim the sweet, juicy life blood of Sweet Apple Acres. Being early birds, the absence of the morning sun was that much more noticeable and disturbing.
"Ah dunno Applejack" Big Mac responded in his usual droll tone "Maybe we forgot it was daylight savin' time an' Granny turned the clocks back?"
"You kiddin' me? We just had daylight savin' time! Not to mention that Granny's been outta town for a week..."
"Ah know Applejack, but Ah can't say nothin' else. Ah'm just as stumped as you, Ah ain't seen nothin' like it before."
Applejack paused at her brother's words.
"Say that ah'gin Big Mac?"
"Well, Ah ain't seen nothin' like it before."
Applejack's memory struck her like a ton of bricks.
"Nah Big Mac, Ah reckon we have seen this before, just last year even. Remember the Summer Sun Celebration?"
Big Mac's eyes widened.
"Eh-yup..."
Applejack's face scrunched up in anger. Suddenly she erupted, catching Big Mac off guard.
"She's behind it! After we trusted her, after Celestia forgave her! The witc—
"Now slow down there Applejack," Big Mac interrupted ,"Ah think it a might early to be jumpin' to conclusions…"
Applejack butt heads with her older sibling and stared him down.
"The hay you defendin' her for Big Mac, cause she got a pretty face?"
"Now, now, Applejack, there's no need to get angry with me." Big Mac said, averting his eyes, "It's jus, well, yer too quick to act sometimes when you should really wait 'n see for a bit…"
"What are you talkin' 'bout Big Mac? You don't act fast enough! Jus' takin' everythin' slow 'n steady all the time! If you had to the apples to face Nightmare Moon—"
The bickering pair was interrupted by a loud boom and a flash of light from across the orchard. Applejack smiled, but her brother still looked just as confused as he had been looking up at the sky.
"Uhh, Applejack…"
"No worries brother, it's Twilight teleportin', I know that sound anywhere!"
"Uhh, what's 'teleportin''?
"It's travelin' magic or somethin', don't worry 'bout it. But Twilight's a real smart gal, she'll know what's up with the sky, she's gotta direct line to Celestia after all! C'mon Big Mac!"
With that, Applejack galloped off in the direction of the sound. Big Mac smiled and trotted slowly behind.
"Lil' sis, you'd run intah a gator's gut without thinkin' a second 'bout it, but I dunno what Ah'd do without c'ha."
/
A thunderous bang struck the ground and a blinding light illuminated the surrounding apple orchard. As it quickly faded and the dust settled, the freshly teleported duo emerged from the epicenter. Twilight stood looking down at Luna, who had fallen to the ground. Her eyes were still wide open and her mouth agape; the unraveling events were too much to bear. There was too much to process, too much to explain to Twilight. Too much convincing that needed to be done.
"Princess, princess are you all right?" Twilight asked, meeting Luna's empty gaze. The goddess blinked heavily several times and got up, saying nothing.
"Princess, what's the meaning of all this? Why didn't you set the moon? Where's Celestia?"
Luna turned back to the inquisitive unicorn with a frazzled expression. She stared at Twilight for a minute before responding:
"Twilight, I, I have no words for you right now."
"What do you mean 'you have no words'?" Twilight snapped, her voice now raised "Princess, you told me you got into a fight with Celestia last night. What did you do? What have you done?"
Twilight's accusative interrogation snapped Luna back to the present situation. Of course it was Luna's fault; it could only logically be the great adversary of life who would be so cruel as to rob the sun from the heavens. She had done it once and tried a second time. What would stop her from doing it again? Trying to keep calm, Luna replied:
"Twilight, I must have your trust."
"Princess, it's difficult to do that when all the signs seem to point to you as the cause of this. Celestia never just up and leaves her throne! Everypony knows that. The last time that happened, you appeared as Nightmare Moon and kidnapped her."
"Wha-, excuse me, I kidnapped Celestia? How?"
"Well, umm, with divine magic I presume?"
"I overcame my older sister, the goddess of the Sun, the one who imprisoned me, in a matter of minutes and then imprisoned her, somewhere, until the moment you defeated me? Twilight, if I had actually encountered my sister beforehand, there would only be one of us alive. Do you recall a rainbow pegasus asking me what I did "with your princess"?"
"Yeah, that was Rainbow Dash…"
"What did I say?"
"…Nothing about Celestia. You just said 'Am I not royal enough?'"
"Exactly. Twilight, if you don't have a solid grip on what actually occurred last year, can you at least give me the benefit of the doubt? Please, trust me when I say that I do not know where my sister is, and that I cannot set the moon without her starting the cycle anew."
"I, I guess. I mean, you do seem really, really distressed about this whole predicament. But how can you say about the cycle be true? Celestia took care of the sun and moon by herself for a thousand years."
"I was curious about that myself, but Celestia told me that she used an ancient spell to channel my power from my prison in the moon. Of course, the power she took was but a fraction, so her nights were never as fair or beautiful as mine. It just allowed her to raise and lower the moon."
"Well, can't we use that spell?"
"Twilight, you know more than anypony that Celestia's private collection of books is only accessible to her and is constantly guarded. Even if we could pass the guards and break Celestia's enchantment, it would take us days to find the book. Even if we did, I have no idea where my sister is. I cannot channel her strength out of thin air. No, I can't raise the sun. We need to find Celestia, but I will be of little help if I cannot first reclaim what was taken from me. We need to assemble the Elements before we can search for her."
"…okay Princess Luna. I guess I agree…"
"Twilight!"
Suddenly, a familiar country twang caught their attention and the duo turned in the direction of the sound.
"Twilight! Twilight! Where are ya girl?"
"Applejack!" Twilight responded, "Over here!"
It didn't take long for the country mare to pick up where her friend was. In a minute the orange pony saw two obscured shapes and dashed over.
"Hey Twilight, hey Rarity, do y'all see what I'm seein'? The darn sun ain't risen ye…"
Applejack stopped mid-sentence to get a better look at her audience.
"Yer Twilight" she pointed to one, and the moved her hoof to the other "But yer definitely not Rarity…"
"Applejack, this is, uh, Princess Luna, you've met before remember?" Twilight nervously said.
"Hello Applejack." Luna said, hoping to give a good impression, "Forgive us for intruding on your farm, I hope we didn't wake you or your family."
Applejack stood back, flabbergasted for but a second, and then positioned herself back to her original footing, neck lowered and eyes narrowed.
"Nah, you didn't wake anypony princess. We're hard workers here, early to bed, early to rise, ya hear? Besides Ah think it's time for folks to be gettin' outta bed round this hour anyhow, don't cha think?"
"Yes, I suppose..."
"Usually some folk need a bit of sunshine to remind 'em that a new day is startin'. I ain't seen the sun yet today, have you?"
Applejack leered at Luna, waiting for the goddess to give away her guilt. However, her open hostility did not faze Luna; she was expecting that the down-to-earth pony would need a good deal more convincing than a student stuck in the ivory tower. Then again, she still had a lot of work with Twilight left to do as well. "This is going to be a difficult day" Luna thought, giving a light sigh. It was a sign of weakness that the cowgirl pony was waiting for.
"Ah ha! Admit it, you've done kidnapped the princess again! Nightmare Moon."
"Applejack, please," Twilight spoke up, "I think that Princess Luna is not at fault here."
"Twilight, I love you, but this witch has played you like a fiddle! You honestly believe that anypony 'cept Princess Luna could be behind this? It's nighttime Twilight! Not dawn, not dusk. Nah, it's straight up pitch-black night!"
"But…"
"But nothin' Twilight! She's a trickster, a conjurer of illusions and black magic! Remember our journey to Everfree Castle? All the trials she put in front of us? She tried to kill us!"
It was now becoming very hard for Luna to keep a calm disposition. Applejack wasn't lying and the truth hurt. Luna had tried to dispose of the six ponies; they were direct threats to her goals of vengeance. True, she was utterly insane, but she was still responsible for her actions. She could only hope that the farm pony would fail in turning Twilight against her. Luna turned to the purple unicorn and was disturbed by the doubt she saw in Twilight's eyes.
"She's a no-good murderin' psycho witch!" Applejack railed "Can't ya see, Twilight? She's turnin' you against—"
"Uhh, AJ?"
Twilight and Luna turned to look at the newcomer, a great red stallion standing just behind Applejack. Sure enough it was Big Macintosh.
"Big Mac! Glad to see ya caught up! Quick, I need ya to take this here devil down!" Applejack said, still staring down Luna, "She's got Celestia, Ah know it!"
"Eh-nope!"
Applejack's eyes bugged. She shot her brother with an angry face.
"An' why not?"
"Sis, Ah think you should calm down a bit. Ah know you've been doin' the talkin', I followed the sound of yer voice here, and that's just the problem. AJ, you need to learn to listen and stop accusin' all the time. Ah know yer guess 'bout the night sky sounds pretty smart right now, but it all just doesn't add up. If the princess kidnapped Celestia, why would she be runnin' 'n teleportin' round Sweet Apple Acres with Miss. Sparkle here? Ah think the princess might like to say somethin' 'bout what all is goin' on 'round here."
Humbled, Applejack looked at the ground. Big Mac turned to Luna and smiled.
"Sorry yer majesty, AJ here has bit of a short fuse. The kid's gotta a lot of heart and sometimes she gets herself inta trouble with it. Ah see you're hurt too, we'll needa take ya to the house and fix that up fer ya. But fer now could ya tell us 'bout what ya know?"
Luna was moved by the giant red pony's intercession and kindness. He managed to cut through the tense emotional environment and bring a sense of rationality back into the discourse. Luna couldn't help but be reminded of her own sister. The thought put a smile on her face.
"Thank you Big Macintosh, you're patience is the greatest gift anypony can give me now." Luna said, making the stallion's face a bit more red. Luna then took a long breath and continued .
"I know what everypony thinks of me, I know that most do not trust me the slightest. I have come to expect this, the wicked nature of my return to Equestria cannot be simply dismissed. My thirst for revenge bred a hatred so powerful that only the Elements of Harmony could purge. You know, Applejack, that you and your friends won that day. You took away from me that poisonous draught I had craved for so deeply. In doing so, you not only saved the world, you saved me from myself. However...that was not all you took from me."
Luna's horn illuminated briefly her features as she rubbed her injuries.
"I'm not sure how, but it seems that the Elements ripped away my divinity and passed it to you. Simply said, I'm no longer immortal. That is why you see these wounds on my face, they were given to me by mortals, not in a struggle with Celestia."
"Oh yeah?" said Applejack, "Then where is she?"
"I don't know." Luna replied with a frown, "Am I my sister's keeper? The last I saw of her she was at Canterlot attending a banquet..."
Twilight nudged the princess a bit to be more straight forward
"...but we did not depart on the best terms. I left to seek solitude and, later, Twilight's assistance with my problem. It is only just in the past few minutes that I've learned of Celestia's disappearance. Trust me, if I knew where she was, I would be the first to say. I have more to lose by her absence than you can possibly imagine."
Luna bit her tongue in an attempt to stifle her anger. She couldn't let Applejack know how upset she was at her sister, it could very well backfire if she got too emotional about her grave misfortune.
"As it is, I have no idea where she could be." Luna continued, "My sister has seldom ever vanished like this, and why would she? She loves Canterlot more than anywhere else in this world. It is her throne, her sanctuary, her cult."
Luna paused for a bit, looking deeply into Applejack's skeptical gaze.
"Her child. It's everything to Celestia, why should she flee it? And to where? What precedent do we have? During the Summer Sun Celebration, she seemed to vanish into thin air to give the impression that I had truly captured her. But it worked. Based off this knowledge, the general of the armed forces, like you Applejack, thinks I am to blame. So now the Royal Guard has set up camp in Ponyville, just waiting to arrest me for something I didn't do, and for something I can't do: complete the solar cycle. I need my sister to raise the sun, just as she needs me to set the moon. At least, that is how it was in the old days..."
As Luna spoke, Applejack made sure Luna didn't break eye contact with her. She read every bit of body language she could gather from Luna, but couldn't detect a bit or deception. Maybe a little discomfort, but that was natural for being put on the spot. As the Element of Honesty, Applejack could call out any liar with ease, but Luna didn't exactly meet any of the tell tale signs she was apt at keying in on when dealing with a deceitful pony. Applejack was torn, her pride and gut feeling refused to accept Luna's interpretation of events, but she had no proof and her brother made an excellent point. Sweet Apple Acres was a strange place for a fugitive to flee to. Still, she had a nagging feeling that the goddess was a masterful trickster above her powers of observation.
"Thankfully, Twilight teleported us away from town before the guards could arrest me. And so I stand here, Applejack, asking you to forgive me for the dangers I put you and your friends through during the height of my insanity and believe me. I need you to help me if I am to regain my immortality and find my sister. Will you?"
Applejack looked to Twilight who nodded her head in affirmation of Luna's account and turned to Big Mac who simply smiled back at her. Facing Luna with a look of defeat, Applejack responded solemnly.
"…Yeah, Ah forgive ya and Ah'll do what I can to help…Ah can tell if somepony is lyin', an' you ain't. But you gotta understand princess, mah faith in you is small an' shaky. You fib to me once, an' Ah'm done, you hear? Now what's the plan?"
It was now Twilight's turn to speak up.
"Well, I'm glad that's settled. I feel like we've spent too much time in one place, the Royal Guard are probably tearing Ponyville apart looking for the princess. As such, Luna and I can't go into town and get Pinkie Pie and Rarity…"
"Wait," Applejack interrupted, "why do we need the whole gang now?"
"The princess and I figured that the Elements of Harmony drained her of her immortality. We need to reassemble to give it back to her."
"…Ah think this sounds a bit sketchy, reversin' the Elements' power and all…"
"Applejack! We have to do this, if Luna dies, so will everypony!"
"…okay then. So you were sayin'?"
"Right. So we'll need you to retrieve those two with their elemental jewels. The guards won't bother with you, I don't think many will even recognize you, but still: be careful. Keep out of sight the best you can. Luna and I will find Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy."
"Got it. Ah'll head over there now, you two go with Big Mac back to the house. My elemental jewel is under mah mattress, take it with ya. We'll meet up 'round Fluttershy's place, sound good?"
"It's fine with me, how about you, princess?"
"Yes, it sounds like a good enough plan." Luna replied.
"All right then," Applejack started, "I don't think Ah'll be long, I may even beat y'all to Fluttershy's. But if it's as risky as you say I may be a bit late. Explainin' things may take time too, darn it…anyhow don't worry 'bout me."
Applejack then turned to her brother.
"Show 'em the way home Big Mac. Make sure they eat somethin' there and bandage up the princess here, okay?"
"Eh-yup!"
"Good, see y'all later!"
With that Applejack dashed off in the direction of town. Big Mac shook his head and smiled again.
"Mah sister, always runnin' off. She has a foal's energy, don't y'all think? Anyway, follow me, Applebloom should be finishin' breakfast 'bout now."
The big red earth pony turned his back and began walking back, Luna and Twilight not far behind.
"Big Mac, you let Applebloom cook alone?" Twilight asked, coming up alongside the large pony.
"Well Miss. Sparkle, the filly's yet to find her true talent, so we figured that cookin' is a good thing fer her to do to help out. Everypony needs to know how to cook. Yeah she can be messy, but she always puts edible food on mah plate and that's all that matters to me."
"Pinkie Pie showed me the remains of her cooking. It looked like black death."
"Nah Miss. Sparkle, I think you'll be pleased what you find. Ponies grow an' change with time, nopony is the same forever, especially the little ones." Big Mac said. He then turned to Luna "Yer majesty, are you feelin' all right? Those are some nasty cuts ya got there."
"Yes, thank you for asking Big Macintosh," Luna replied "and thank you for encouraging Applejack to listen to me. I can tell she respects you greatly."
"Yeah, I suppose. Ah know her weaknesses and she knows mine. We do our best to point out to each other when they flare up durin' inappropriate times. That way we can avoid lookin' an' behavin' like foals. It's what siblins' ought to do fer another, ya know?"
Luna looked at the ground and then back to Big Mac with a frown.
"You're wise far beyond your years, Big Macintosh. Even goddesses forget such things. I wish only that Celestia were here to listen to your advice, I feel that she could use it."
"Yer majesty…"
"No Big Macintosh, please call me Luna."
"Luna, you may be right 'bout yer sister bein' all high an' mighty, but you gotta remember that we all fall inta the same sorta self-righteousness at times. It's only natural an' healthy to think ourselves right, but it can blind us to what all is actually happenin' 'round us. Jus' be sure that yer not in the wrong before ya harp on others."
Luna was not expecting sage advice from a simple country pony, and yet she just received plenty of it. It'd be difficult to translate well into the political and cosmic struggles of Equestria, but the goddess was convinced that it was necessary before encountering Celestia again. She had a feeling their next meeting would not be as one-sided as the last.
"Well, look at that y'all, we made it back in record time. Eh-yup!"
As they emerged from the orchard they came upon the Apple homestead. Approaching the door, they could hear the clanging of pots and pans being shuffled about. Whatever was for breakfast, Twilight had a bad feeling about it.
Peering through the screen door, Luna could make out a bit of the layout of the household. The entry way led into the foyer, which had a staircase leading up to the second floor. Straightforward from the foyer was the entry to the kitchen.
Big Mac opened the door and called to his youngest sister:
"Applebloom, we have guests. Now be proper an' c'mere to greet 'em."
A loud crash of dishes and a galloping of hooves were heard as the group entered the Apple home. Suddenly a small figure leapt through the air and landed atop Big Mac's back, surprising Twilight and Luna.
"Big Mac, yer back already! Ah think you'll like breakfast this mornin' I worked real hard on it an' everythin'!"
"Ah'm sure ya did, but don't be rude now…"
"Oh right, sorry!" Applebloom apologized, turning to Twilight and Luna.
"Mornin' Twilight! Mighty fine you could join us this mornin', were ya out helpin' Applejack? Ah'd be out helpin' too, but she says I'm too…" Applebloom paused, the stranger catching her eye, "…uh sorry ma'am, but who are you? Yer a unicorn but, ya got wings? What the hay?"
"Applebloom, this here is Princess Luna" Big Mac introduced, "An' she's Celestia's sister, so respect her kindly."
"Yer Princess Luna?"
"Pleased to meet you Applebloom…" the goddess responded before being pounced on by the enthusiastic filly.
"Oh mah sun! Yer Princess Luna!" Applebloom cried out, embracing the goddess with a surprising amount of strength, "Ah can't wait to tell Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo! Can ya help us find our cutie marks, princess? Of course ya can! You know how to do everythin' after all!"
Luna was happy to see somepony that ecstatic to see her. It was likely that Applebloom had witnessed the return of Nightmare Moon, yet the young filly had failed to make a connection between Luna and her alter ego. Such was the beauty of the innocence of youth, bereft of the prejudices and free of the web of myths and inventions of her sister. But as the filly's hug tightened around her neck, Luna's thoughts of happiness quickly shifted to ones of her own mortality. Finding it difficult to breathe under Applebloom's vice-like grip, Luna gasped for a fresh breath of air.
Seeing this, Big Mac grabbed Applebloom's collar, tore the two apart, and set his sister down lightly.
"Now Applebloom, ain't right to be so bold an' familiar when meetin' new ponies. Remember when AJ took ya to market?"
"…yeah."
"Ya darn well scared most of the townsfolk with yer in-yer-face behavior. Now Princess Luna here is a special pony who deserves special respect. Ah can tell you Applebloom, you'd be in big trouble if the Royal Guard ever saw you chokin' out the princess, ya understand?"
"…yeah."
"The Royal Guard!" Twilight said, bursting into Big Mac's lesson in proper etiquette, "Big Mac, I don't want to seem too hasty right now, but the Guard is searching for us as we speak. I think it's best that we do as Applejack instructed and then get moving on again. I'd hate to see Sweet Apple Acres torn up like my library…"
"Ah think yer right, Miss Sparkle. Applebloom, how're the flapjacks comin' along?"
"Well ah reckon I need to make a couple more for Twilight and Princess Luna, so 'bout 10 minutes?"
"That'll do Applebloom." Big Mac said, then turning to face Twilight "Miss. Sparkle, why don't cha help Applebloom with the cookin' while I go an' bandage up the princess? Maybe you can even teach her a thing er two."
"Yeah Twilight, teach me! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!" Applebloom shouted as she ran back into the kitchen.
"Of course I can." Twilight said, giving her typical nervous smile while slowly following the filly. "Yes, I'd love to help you not blow up the kitchen."
Big Mac gave a light chuckle and turned his attention back to Luna.
"Princess, if ya just follow me, ah got some first aid stuff jus' right over here. This is a farm, injury ain't too uncommon an' so we're always prepared for the worst an' you got it bad."
Turning left, Luna was led into the living room. Big Mac trotted up to a big chest that sat adjacent to one of the few pieces of furniture that occupied the space. Opening it up, Big Mac took out some bandages, tape and disinfectant.
"All right Luna, come here an' lemme get a good look at that pretty face."
With a slight blush, Luna parted her mane to give Big Mac access to her wounds.
"Eh-yup, this is gonna sting a bit."
A shot of pain went through Luna as Big Mac applied the ointment, but the healing properties of the substance soon replaced it with a feeling of cool relief. Luna gave Big Mac a smile, and he returned it, saying nothing. As he began wrapping a bandage around her first cut, Luna was a bit surprised at the stallion's quite demeanor. He stood in the presence of a goddess, seemingly oblivious to that reality. Unlike many before him, he did not incessantly plague Luna for answers about life's mysteries or ask her for any special favors. He did not even inquire into her past. The giant farmer pony was clearly not intimidated; he was perhaps the most relaxed pony she had ever had the pleasure to meet.
As Big Mac began preparing to treat her second cut, Luna's curiosity got the best of her.
"Big Macintosh, why the sudden silence?"
"Oh, ain't nothin' Luna. Ah don't talk all that much, only when Ah really need to. In fact, I don't think Ah've talked this much in months, but it ain't everyday that a goddess pops up outta nowhere askin' me fer help an' the sun don't rise."
"But Big Macintosh, aren't you the least suspicious about me? Do you know what they say I've done?"
"Nah princess, all I know 'bout ya is what happened last summer an' you sounded honest in yer apology. Ah've got not one reason to think ya a bad pony."
"That's all you really know about me? Did you not take medieval Equestrian history in school?"
"Eh-nope. I wasn't ever a very smart pony; Ah was only really good at math. When my folks died, Ah had to drop outta school an' take care of AJ, Applebloom, an' Granny Smith so Ah never really gotta study any history. Nah, I'm none too book smart at all, but Ah'm good at listenin'. Ah think it best like that."
"I see, but hasn't Applejack told you anything?"
"Well, yeah, she did. But not much. She would jus' say we couldn't trust ya so quick-like an' Ah nodded not knowin' a thing about the situation. Ah like to reserve judgment fer myself, so Ah jus' let her vent."
Taping the final wrapping, the big pony stepped back.
"There ya go, Ah'd like to say 'good as new' but you'll be needin' some time to rest an' let it heal."
"Thank you again, Big Macintosh." Luna said, "You may think yourself a simple farmer, but you're more the gentlepony than any prince, duke, or knight in Celestia's court."
With those words, Luna leaned forward and kissed Big Mac on the cheek. She then proceeded to brush past him to join the others in the kitchen. The unexpected gesture surprised Big Mac, making him unable to prevent his face from melting into a goofy smile. Only one word could surmise the red pony's feelings.
"Eh-yup!"
As Luna was about to enter the kitchen, she inadvertently crashed into an excited Applebloom.
"Oh princess! Sorry 'bout runnin' inta ya, but I was jus' gonna tell y'all it's breakfast time! C'mon!"
Following the filly to the kitchen table, Luna saw that Twilight was finishing setting out the plates and utensils.
"So Twilight, how do you think Applebloom did with the pancakes? Are they as horrifying as you made them out to be?"
Twilight blushed sheepishly.
"No, they actually smell…well, divine! Unless they're poisoned or something, they should be really good."
"Delightful! Now shall we take our seats then, my little chef?" Luna asked Applebloom. The young pony was busy carrying a large stack of pancakes over to the table, but responded cheerfully.
"Sure can princess! But where the hay is Big Mac, I thought he was comin'?"
"Ah'm right here lil' sis." Big Mac called out joining the three at the table, "Ah wouldn't miss yer flapjacks fer the world."
"All right!" Applebloom shouted enthusiastically while serving each pony a couple of pancakes "Then dig in everypony, it's mah specialty! Blueberry strawberry banana flapjacks with a bit of apple, of course!"
Luna complied with the order; she hadn't eaten for a full day. Politely, she used her magic to use both fork and knife to cut her a piece of her first pancake and put morsel to mouth. Luna's eyes widened.
"This…this…this is…Scrumptious! Well done Applebloom!"
Throwing her sister's laws of etiquette to the wind, Luna began scarfing down her plate of pancakes.
"They are pretty good, aren't they?" Twilight said, having taken her first bite as well.
"Eh-yup!"
"Y'all really like 'em?" Applebloom asked, just about crying from the pride she felt.
The three nodded in agreement.
"Oh boy! Flapjack makin' cutie mark, flapjack makin' cutie mark, c'mon!" Applebloom repeated as she moved her apron to check her sides. Unfortunately for the filly, her flank was still as blank as it was before.
"Ah don't get it," Applebloom sighed with disappointment, "If everypony really liked 'em, then how come I ain't got mah cutie mark?"
"Huh, well sweetie," Twilight began, holding back a laugh "you may make good pancakes, but you're not very good at making them."
"Huh?"
Twilight pointed her hoof to the kitchen. It was a disaster zone, pots and pans were strayed all over, many of them covered in flour and batter. Fruit peels and broken dishes littered the floor, and, for some reason, a fish wrapped in some newspaper was flailing wildly on the ground.
"Generally, it takes less than twenty dishes to make a dozen pancakes."
"Ah, rats!"
Twilight and Luna laughed while Big Mac simply smiled.
"Don't worry about your cutie mark!" Luna said in between laughs, "Applebloom, I feel you're destined for something much greater than just making good pancakes."
Applebloom's eyes lit up.
"Ya really think so?"
Luna nodded.
"Yeah, yer right! Ah can do somethin' much better than makin' crummy pancakes! Wait, y'all see that Applebloom and the Cutie Mark Crusaders will find the coolest, most awesome talents that anypony has ever even known! We'll make ya proud princess!"
"I'm sure you will." Luna smiled, still chuckling "Perhaps you can visit Canterlot and demonstrate them to my sister and me. We'd like that greatly."
"Oh wow Princess Luna! Really? You're the best princess Equestria's ever had!"
Once again, Luna found the young filly's hooves wrap around her neck in a painful embrace, but she too was lost in the moment. It had been centuries since she last heard herself be praised above Celestia. Even though the words came from a naive foal, Luna could not help but bask in the light of Applebloom's admiration. That is until she felt the living day lights being squeezed out of her.
"Uh, Applebloom, I love you…too…but…air…" Luna gasped.
"Oh right, sorry princess! Usually I stop when folk turn blue, but it's hard tellin' fer you! Ah don't wanna get in trouble with the Royal Guard or nothin', honest!"
The young pony released her grip, allowing Luna to take several deep breaths.
"Applebloom brings up a good point, princess." Twilight said, her tone punctuated with grave seriousness, "We don't want to get in trouble with the Royal Guard. We need to get going to Rainbow Dash's house. I think we've stayed too long."
"Aww, you can't go now!" Applebloom begged "We gotta go see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, Princess Luna! C'mon, pleassseee!"
"Now Applebloom," Big Mac said, "The princess and Miss. Sparkle are on royal business an' need to be on their way. Maybe if you're good, Princess Luna will come back to visit ya and yer lil' friends, ain't that right princess?"
"Yes, I'd like that," Luna smiled, "and perhaps I can show you some of my favorite recipes. I don't like to boast, but I make the meanest hay sandwich! I hope you like hot sauce."
"Oh Ah do prin-"
Before Applebloom could finish her sentence, the front door shook with a violent knock.
"Open up, open up! By order of the Royal Guard, open this door or we'll bust it down!" a familiar voice shouted.
"Oh no, no, no, no!" Twilight whispered frantically "We still need to get the Elemental jewel from under Applejack's mattress!"
"Ah'll go an' distract 'em." Macintosh said, laying out his plan, "Twilight, you sneak upstairs. Mah body should be able to block their view of the inside, but be stealthy. Luna, wait here fer Twilight and do that teleportin' magic thing once ya got what ya need. Got it?"
Everypony nodded in agreement except Applebloom who looked confused.
"Umm, Big Mac?"
"Open up this bloody door now you damn hicks!"
"Applebloom, lock the backdoor and make sure to warn Luna if somepony tries to knock it down, all right?"
"But…"
Without another word, Big Mac and Twilight struck out into the foyer.
/
Big Mac gulped as he walked from the kitchen to the front door. It was uncharacteristic of him to lead, and he was unsure whether his half-baked plan would work. Grabbing the handle, he opened the door to reveal several angry pegasi clad in golden armor. The captain, with his red plumed helmet, stood at the front with a chewed-up cigar in his mouth.
"Well, well, look at what we have here. It's Andre the Big Red Horse." Captain Braveheart said with contempt "Anyway, there have been reports that a loud flash of light was seen and heard on your property. We're here to give your house a thorough search, so don't try any funny business and you won't get beat, boy."
"Why Ah dunno where you folk are all from, but that kinda talk is considered rude 'round these parts."
"I don't give one damn about 'these parts'!" the captain barked back, "Let my company in or I'll make sure 'these parts' go up in flames, got that?"
"Eh-nope!"
With that, Big Mac slammed the door, and put his back up against it as the Guard began to bash it down.
Twilight, what're ya doin'? Get goin'!"
/
Twilight watched as Big Mac dealt with the Royal Guard. She was so incredibly nervous, she was shaking. Slowly she crept over to the stairs, but she could swear she could feel Captain Braveheart's piercing gaze on her as his gruff voice entered her ears. Too afraid, her body tensed up and refused to move despite the mind's desire to press forward. Why didn't she just teleport? Stupid, stupid!
"Twilight, what're ya doin? Get goin'!"
Big Mac's words snapped her back to the present. Twilight rushed upstairs and quickly entered her Applejack's room. The purple unicorn leaped over to the bed and kicked the mattress clean off the bed frame, revealing the ruby treasure it concealed. Twilight grabbed the elemental jewel and stuck it in her saddlebags. As she turned to leave the room, however, she heard the shattering of glass behind her. Horrified, she looked behind her to see a yellow pegasus in the room. It was Lt. Lightning Strike.
"Twilight Sparkle, halt!" he ordered in his usual disciplined voice as he drew a nightstick from his side, "Surrender! Don't try to resist or flee, or you will be met with greater force!"
/
"But…"
Applebloom was ignored as her big brother and Twilight exited the kitchen. Confused she looked to Luna for answers.
"Princess Luna, what's goin' on? Who is yellin' at us?"
Luna frowned. She didn't want to expose the young filly to the bitter realities that were now trying to break down the door of the Apple family homestead.
"Shhh..it's okay Applebloom. It's just the Royal Guard…"
"The Royal Guard? Oh no! They know Ah touched you!" Applebloom shouted, her eyes welling up with tears, "Ah don't wanna be banished! Ah'm sorry, Ah'm sorry!"
"Shhh, Applebloom, shhhh…" Luna said, trying to comfort the distressed filly, "It's not that at all. I forgot to tell them I was coming to visit you today, and they must have gotten pretty worried."
Luna's words soothed Applebloom's fears. Calming down, Applebloom nuzzled the princess.
"Twilight, what're ya doin'? Get goin'!"
Big Mac's call alarmed Luna, the normally calm and collected pony's voice was now tainted by an obvious fear. Breaking from Applebloom, she went to peek into the foyer.
"Princess Luna…"
"Shhhh, Applebloom." Luna said, not bothering to look back.
"But Princess…"
"What, Apple-"
Luna turned back and saw two pegasi with nightsticks drawn. As one cracked over her head, everything went black.
/
Eyes closed, Big Mac put all of his strength into holding the door against the five guardsmen. He could easily buy Twilight and Luna plenty of time if this was the best the Royal Guard could manage. Not two seconds past before he was proven wrong.
"Big Mac! Help!"
Big Mac's eyes popped open. His sister was in trouble. Abandoning the door to its fate, Big Mac dashed into the kitchen and saw the two guardponies carrying away a limp Luna and a struggling Applebloom.
"Lemme go you cloud biters, lemme go!
"Put 'em down!"
The two guards turned to be greeted with a mighty kick from Big Mac's powerful hind legs, the force effectively separating them from their captives. With a loud crash, the pair was sent flying into Applebloom's pots and pans. It would be a while before they would be able to get back up.
"Big Mac!" Applebloom cried, tears flowing wildly "They hit the princess, they jus' hit her right on the head!"
"Applebloom, I told ya to check the back door!"
"Ah'm sorry Big Mac!"
A loud cracking sound confirmed that the Royal Guard had broken through the door.
"Where are ya you bloody piece of red shit!" the Captain growled, his coarse words heard throughout the house.
"Applebloom, get behind me."
/
"Come on Twilight, courage!" the purple mare said to herself, her knees shaking and her horn glowing.
"No magic or I'll be forced to hurt you!" the Lieutenant warned
"Don't do this Lieutenant, you can't win." Twilight responded, her tone mixed with defiance and fear.
"Orders are orders Twilight, you know that."
"Then go ahead, do it!"
Accepting her challenge, the pegasus bolted over to Twilight, nightstick raised. Using the mattress, Twilight shielded herself from the charge, stopping the soldier dead in his tracks. Seeing her opportunity, the unicorn slammed the mattress down onto the Lieutenant. Hoping that the blow would incapacitate the elite guard for a brief while, Twilight dashed to the room's exit only to be tackled by the swift veteran.
"Get…off!"
"Surrender!"
"No!"
Two loud cracks sounded as the guard struck Twilight on the back in succession. The pain seared throughout her body, awakening within Twilight a frightening power. Eyes now glowing, she managed to kick Lightning Strike off her and meet the pegasus' gaze. It was now the Lieutenant who shook with fear as he saw Twilight's body course with magical pulses.
"I'm the royal protégé of Celestia, goddess of the sun and sovereign of Equestria! In her name, I order you to stand down, Lieutenant!"
Obedient to whatever end, Lt. Lightning Strike shook his head.
"I can't do that Sparks."
With a loud battle cry, the yellow pegasus charged at Twilight a second time. The unicorn countered with a magnificent bolt of purple lightning that stunned the soldier before he could get within striking distance, knocking him from the air and onto the mattress. Her excess power now receding, Twilight grabbed a paper bag from her bag and breathed heavily into it. Calming down, she looked at the lieutenant remorsefully, sighed, and vanished with a loud bang.
/
"Ah'm in the kitchen, face me like a real stallion!" Big Mac shouted, his body tensed up in preparation for the fight ahead. He just had to hold them off until Twilight returned, but it seemed like an eternity since the unicorn had gone upstairs.
"Ha! You're not a real stallion, you're a freak on steroids!" Captain Braveheart sneered back from the comfort of the foyer "Arrest 'em!"
Four pegasi flew into the kitchen, encircling Big Mac as he stood protectively over Luna and Applebloom. The red giant was a patient and perceptive pony, his eyes followed the soldiers and his ears were perked to full attention. Hearing a rush of wind, Big Mac turned to his right and head butted the assaulting pegasus with tremendous force, knocking the unfortunate soldier out of consciousness. Seeing their comrade easily cast aside, the Guard opted for a more straightforward strategy: overpower and conquer. All at once, the three pegasi charged Big Mac with nightstick in hoof. One mounted the red stallion and wrapped himself around Big Mac's neck while the other two hovered over him while savagely beating his sides. Big Mac flailed wildly trying to shake the pegasus off of him, but to no avail. The pegasus, confident that he had Big Mac right where he wanted him, drew his night stick with one hoof and gave Big Mac a stinging blow across the face. The red stallion roared with pain as he gave a mighty buck that sent the pegasus flying into the same cooking deathtrap his first comrades suffered. The two remaining soldiers kept up their attack, beating Big Mac relentlessly. Blood now flowing into his eyes, Big Mac thrashed with reckless abandon.
Seeing her brother's condition, Applebloom dragged Luna away from the battle scene the best she could lest they catch one of Big Mac's hooves in one of their own faces. Looking back at her brother, Applebloom swallowed her tears, mustered her courage and shouted.
"Go Big Mac, ya got 'em big brother! Show those pansy feather dusters what the Apple family is made of, ya hear me Big Mac? Don't give up!"
Hearing Applebloom's sweet voice calmed the stallion's blind rage. Enduring the blows from the guards, Big Mac focused, trying to predict his enemies' next move. Timing each strike, Big Mac finally made his move and kicked one of his attackers square in the ribs while dispatching the other with a fierce head butt.
Both soldiers fell to the ground moaning.
Big Mac, blood flowing from his face and body beaten raw, turned to his sister and gave his familiar, friendly smile.
"Enough of this bull!"
A whirring sound was heard briefly before a crossbow bolt found its way wedged into Big Mac's right thigh. A loud growl of agony greeted Luna as she came around. Looking around, she gasped at the horrific condition Big Mac was in. Before she could get up and help him, she saw Captain Braveheart fly into the kitchen, crossbow in hoof and a look of burning hatred on his face. Hovering over his prey, the captain spit into Big Mac's eyes and grinned.
"You dumb hick, when will you learn to give up!? You think you're tough, you think you're brave for protecting a demon? To me you ain't nothin' but a murdering animal who got off his chain! I swear to you, I fucking swear, if a single of my pegasi are dead, I'll have you ripped limb from limb right in front of your family just before they lose their heads to ol' lady guillotine! Like the sound of that?"
"Silence you impudent scoundrel!" Luna shouted from across the kitchen, disgusted with the conduct and words of her sister's elite soldiers.
"No, shut your mouth, your highness. I've won this fight. And a hundred others. That's why I'm the Captain of the Guard, and you better damn respect it!"
"You petty pegasus! You honestly believe your rank means anything to me? In the face of my power, you're nothing but a noxious dust in the wind, an irritant, nothing more."
With a bang and a flash, Twilight teleported to Luna's side. At the sight of the purple mare, the captain began to reload his crossbow.
"Princess!" Twilight said, "I've got the elemental jewel! Let's get out of here!"
"Oh no." the captain interjected "You two won't escape from me this time. No, I'm going to make you rue your words, princess!"
"Captain Braveheart!" Luna replied with indignation "You forget who you deal with! I am the goddess of the night. You will bow before me!"
"Over my rottin' corpse I will!"
The captain aimed his crossbow at Luna and released the bolt. With a glow of Luna's horn, the projectile burst into flame, turning to ash before the hooves of the goddess, an offering to her raging fury. With anger and vengeance in her heart, Luna flew with incredible speed and tackled the bawdy captain and pinned him to the ground. Using her magic, she manipulated the gravity around them to bring down a greater force on Braveheart, ensuring that he would be unable to resist her.
"What're ya waitin' for you bloody witch!" Captain Braveheart yelled, struggling underneath the princess, "Kill me and be done with it! I know you've done it before, there ain't nothin' you love more than the sweet taste of blood on your wicked lips! Kill me!"
His words infuriated Luna, but she couldn't let him have that victory over her. It would only prove the myth a fact. No, she was far more creative than that. An alternative plan came quickly to mind as a cocky smile spread across Luna's face.
"No, I don't think I will. I think I'd rather have you report back to the general so that you can tell him how you escaped from me. You can also explain to him why you abandoned your post for a seedy 'gentlepony' club in Canterlot. I'm sure he'd love to hear about that, don't you think?"
Captain Braveheart shot Luna a look of horror.
"No! Kill me, kill me you fucking wench!"
"Language, captain! Be sure to add to your report that your atrocious disrespect and pride cost you your mission more than once."
"No!"
"Have a pleasant homecoming, captain."
"Don't!"
With a simple glow of her horn, the captain vanished with the usual flash bang.
Before Luna could rest for even a second, she heard a call from outside.
"Spread out and surround the building! Let nopony escape!"
It appeared the captain's reinforcements had arrived. Luna turned to Big Mac who was now quite unconscious. Luna could not suppress a tear as she beheld the terrible state Big Mac was in. His red coat and yellow mane were now both a damp crimson, his eyes were swollen shut and the captain's hideous bolt protruded from his thigh.
"Twilight quick, teleport us away from here! We need to get Big Macintosh medical attention right away."
"Got it princess, I have just the place in mind." She replied, somewhat frazzled by the sight of blood.
"Good, where's Applebloom?"
Twilight pointed her hoof in the direction of Big Mac. Sure enough, the young filly was nuzzling her injured brother, tears streaming from her eyes.
"Big Mac, get up! Get up, please! You gotta be okay, yer the biggest, strongest pony ah know!"
Applebloom's words once again called her brother back to his senses. Opeining a single eye, Big Mac weakly spoke up.
"Applebloom, Ah'll be okay. You be a good gal fer Miss. Sparkle an' Luna now, ya hear?"
"Ah will, ah promise Big Mac." Applebloom sniffed, hugging her brother tightly. "Ah love ya big brother."
"Ah love ya more than anythin' Applebloom," Big Mac responded, a bloody tear running down his cheek, "but now y'all need to get goin' on yer way."
"And leave you here? Big Macintosh, there's a fine line between noble sacrifice and stupidity!" Luna retorted "You're coming with us!"
The usual rush of wind was heard as several pegasi guard entered the kitchen.
"Halt don't…!" one guard said, failing to finish his sentence before yet another thunderous blast sounded throughout the house, leaving nopony for the guard to order.
"…don't do that…"
Confused, the soldiers surveyed the nasty scene before them: dishes and cupboards laid in ruin, their comrades were strewn throughout the kitchen groaning in severe pain , and patches of splattered blood covered every other square hoof of the room. Also, there was a fish wrapped in newspaper floundering about. It was not a pretty sight. However, one thing, or pony rather, was obviously missing.
"Where the hay is Captain Braveheart?"
/
|
Grey Prophet
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1540
| 4 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
|
A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
| 119 | 20 |
<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-07-13T04:56:02+00:00
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2012-07-13T04:56:02+00:00
| 2,067 |
Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 4
In a small hut on the far reaches of Ponyville and nearing the border of Everfree Forest, an unhappy rabbit thumped his foot impatiently as he stood in the kitchen waiting for his breakfast. Angel Bunny was a creature of habit, everyday he'd awake at 8:00 and be promptly served his morning carrot by 8:15. It was now nearing 8:30, and his pegasus had still not awoken to perform the daily ritual. Fed up with waiting, the peeved ball of white fluff hopped upstairs to see to it that his Fluttershy got her lazy yellow carcass out of bed. Jumping up and turning the knob to her bedroom door, Angel bounced to Fluttershy's bedside. Grabbing her clock from the nightstand, the rabbit leapt on top of the snoozing pegasus. A light sleeper, Fluttershy's eyes snapped wide open, a terrified squeak soon following. Peaking from the covers that were currently serving as her first line of defense against the many evils and perils of the world, she saw only her beloved rabbit before her and smiled.
"Oh Angel Bunny," Fluttershy said groggily, pointing to the night sky outside her window "it's much too late to be up. Don't be anxious, I know we have a lot to do in the morning. We have to see more of our bird friends off before they leave for winter, snuggle in the frogs and lizards, and…"
As she spoke, Fluttershy slowly drifted back to sleep, a single crude snore signaling the finality of her retreat back into the world of dreams. Angel brought his paw to his head in disappointment and aggravation. Hopping up close to her face, the rabbit gave the pegasus a light wake-up slap on the face. Torn from her sleep again, Fluttershy gave Angel an annoyed look.
"Angel Bunny! It's—"
The rabbit interrupted her by shoving the clock into her face and pointing to the hour.
"…It's 8:30! Oh my, but it's so dark outside," her eyes narrowed, "Angel, you wouldn't happen to be playing a trick on me, would you?"
The bunny shook his head and pointed at the clock again.
"No? Hmm not a trick…an all day eclipse? An Ursa Major ate the sun?"
The rabbit disconfirmed each theory with two more headshakes.
"Daylight savings time?"
The rabbit gave her another light smack, causing Fluttershy to blush in embarrassment.
"You're right, that was silly of me; that was just last week. Then…am I dreaming?"
Angel gave Fluttershy a pinch.
"Ah! Okay, so that's a no…"
Angel leapt from the bed and hopped back to the doorway. Pausing, he turned back to look at Fluttershy with an angry expression as he pointed down the stairs. Realizing what Angel really wanted, Fluttershy's sleepy demeanor shifted quickly to an alert concern as she hurriedly flew out of bed and down the stairs.
"Oh Angel Bunny, I'm so, so sorry! You must be starving you poor thing! I, I just slept in today without thinking. Please forgive my selfishness little friend, let Fluttershy get you a nice, juicy morning carrot."
From back upstairs, the white rabbit smiled and hooped merrily down the stairs. Fluttershy met him at the bottom with a particularly large carrot. At the sight of the monstrous orange root, Angel's eyes widened and began salivating. Jumping up and snatching the carrot, Angel Bunny scurried off to a corner and proceeded to gnaw away on his prize.
Glad to see her pet satisfied, Fluttershy's thoughts turned back to the unabated night outside her door. Gazing through the window, she saw that the stars were shining brightly and that the wind was still as fierce as it had been when she went to bed. There was but one change: the moon was fixed in the corner of the sky as if it were trying to escape, but with little success. Not quite sure to make of the phenomena, she looked back at Angel and shook her head.
"I don't know Angel," she said to her gorging pet, "I don't like the looks of this, it reminds me of, well,—"
A blinding flash lit the room, followed immediately by a loud bang. As the light dissipated, Fluttershy immediately took cover underneath her coffee table, her eyes glued-shut and body shaking. Then from the darkness she heard a familiar voice:
"Fluttershy, it's all right. It's me, Twilight."
The yellow pegasus slowly opened her eyes only to meet Twilight face-to-face. Relieved, Fluttershy smiled at her friend.
"Oh Twilight," Fluttershy said as she emerged from underneath the table, "you gave me quite the scare! You really should knock next time, it's just plain rude to…"
"Fluttershy, I know this might sound weird," Twilight interrupted, her tone gravely serious, "but I need you to be strong for me, can you do that?"
"Umm, I don't know…I thought…is something wrong?"
"Fluttershy, I want you to take a deep breath and brace yourself."
"Umm, why?"
"We have a problem, a very, very nasty problem that requires your medical expertise."
"Oh, did you find an injured animal?" Fluttershy responded, her timidity giving way to a sense of urgency "That's terrible! Please, let me see it right away!"
"Well, it's not exactly…wait Fluttershy!"
As Twilight spoke, Fluttershy weaved around the purple unicorn to get a look at her new patient. Nothing, especially Twilight's few words, could prepare Fluttershy for the shocking sight before her. The only way the fragile pegasus could process the situation through the one way she knew best: vocalizing every observation until she could make sense of it. She started her list with the blood drenched pony before her.
"Big Mac bleeding? Applebloom crying?"
Fluttershy then caught sight of the blue alicorn's figure.
"Princess Luna!"
She quickly turned her head back to her window.
"Night during the morning!"
Looking back to Luna, she made her final conclusion.
"Nightmare Moon is back to wreak her terrible vengeance on us! Eeep!"
Before her friend could fall into her usual catatonic state, Twilight firmly grabbed a hold of the terrified pegasus.
"Fluttershy, you've played with a deadly manticore, lectured an enormous dragon, and literally stared down a cockatrice! I need you to show me some of that courage, Big Mac really needs your help now. Please, we can't afford you to pass out!"
"But, but Nightmare—"
"No, that is Princess Luna. It's a long story, but, put simply, Big Mac was assaulted by the Royal Guard. As things are, we can't take Big Mac to the hospital, Ponyville is unsafe for Luna and I right now…"
"But, but why did they do it, Twilight? Why would they hurt Big Mac?"
"I promise I'll explain everything to you. I Pinkie Pie swear. But you have a patient that is in dire need, do you think you can help?"
Fluttershy looked from Twilight to the severely injured pony in her living room. Taking Twilight's words to heart, she bucked up; her expression of horror was soon replaced with one of determination. Somepony required her aid, and she would do all in her power not to fail him.
"Yes Twilight. I can help." Fluttershy responded resolutely, "I'll need you to lay him down on that table and start cleaning his wounds. I'll have Angel get you some wet wash clothes. Angel!"
The rabbit hopped over to Fluttershy quickly. It was clear by his haste that he was far from oblivious to the crisis that was now playing out in his home. Having heard the pegasus' order, Angel saluted and dashed into the kitchen to retrieve the requested rags.
"Good," Fluttershy said, returning her attention back to Twilight, "I'm going to disinfect my hooves and gather my medical supplies. The largest animal I've ever had to care for was a bear, so I think I can, uh, do this."
"Fluttershy, I have no doubt in your ability. I've seen you take the most hopeless creature in and get them back on their feet in no time flat. Even Philomena looked a little better before she combusted."
As Fluttershy trotted into the kitchen, she looked back at her friend and gave her a nasty look.
"Don't ever bring that bird up in this house again, Twilight, I mean, if you don't mind." Fluttershy said, her final words reverting back to her usual meekness.
Realizing her mistake, the unicorn thought it prudent to just shut up and help Luna and Applebloom prepare for Big Mac's surgery. Both her companions had up to this point been silent, doing only their best to comfort the massive pony. Like Angel, they had heard Fluttershy's instructions and immediately followed them.
Using her magic to lift Big Mac onto the table, Luna could not help but be overcome with revulsion at the hideous wounds that marred his body. She had witnessed terrible sights in the past, many that even dwarfed the present, but never had the shadow of death seemed so close to her. The centuries of watching fillies turn to ponies and ponies turn to dust did much to desensitize Luna to the tragedies of life and death, but now her heart could not help but to empathize deeply for the mortal in front of her. The goddess knew that her selfishness was at the root of her morose reaction; being mortal herself she could not simply write off life and death so lightly, especially when death came so unnaturally and undeserving.
Once again, Luna shook off her morbid fears. She would not permit death to come for Big Mac.
Setting him down, Luna lowered her face on level with Big Mac. The red giant opened a single eye and looked at the princess, saying nothing but telling her everything. The pain of every excruciating wound and shattered bone coalesced and was made manifest through the reflection of his swollen and bloody eye. Resisting the urge to cry, Luna whispered gently into the pony's ear.
"Big Macintosh, my champion, I can never repay you for your selflessness, but at the very least I can relieve you from the pain you suffer."
Angel returned, bringing the ponies a bucket of water and several wash rags. Wetting the cloth, Luna wiped the blood from Big Mac's face, his body stiffening from the sting of her touch. Seeing his discomfort, Luna plucked one of her azure feathers and transfigured the plume into her potent sleeping powder. As she dispersed the drug around Big Mac, she lightly sang an ancient lullaby.
"Hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to sleep…"
Big Mac felt a wave of relief pass over him as the fragrant substance soothed his weariness and numbed his pain. He felt the touch of spring on the doorstep of winter; Luna's soft voice sounded to him a chorus of songbirds calling him away to green pastures and a warm sunrise. With a peaceful smile, Big Mac closed his eye and drifted into serenity.
Seeing Big Mac fade, Luna felt fatigue finally catching up with her. Coupled with the fact that she too sustained significant injury, Luna had not slept in a day. Trying to snap out of the sleepiness that now gripped her, Luna slapped herself and shook her head about. The princess couldn't doze off now, Fluttershy needed her assistance, so she continued to clean his wounds.
Returning from the kitchen, the yellow pegasus was now clad in green scrubs and had her mane tied back. In her mouth was a large white medical kit with a red sun blazed on the front. With a stern look on her face, she approached Big Mac and inspected his body. After a minute, Applebloom broke the silence.
"Fluttershy, will Big Mac be okay? You can help him, right?"
"Well, yes, I hope." Fluttershy responded, "Let's see…it seems that Big Mac was hit by a blunt object repeatedly on the torso and several times on the head. The cuts he has on his face I can easily stitch up, no problem, but I worry about blunt trauma possibly sustained on both parts of his body. I'll need to check if there is any internal bleeding, but from the looks of it his back bore most of the strikes so damage to the organs seems unlikely."
"And this," she said with a hint of disgust, turning her attention to the bolt that pierced Big Mac's thigh, "I've seen this type of injury many times, unfortunately. Poaching around Everfree Forest is not too uncommon, you know. For now the arrow is stopping the bleeding, so we can tend to it lastly, but we need to be very, very delicate when we do! I'm almost certain the arrow fragmented some bone, so I'll need to perform surgery."
Twilight was impressed at how quickly her demure friend had analyzed Big Mac's condition and prescribed an appropriate course of action. But Fluttershy was a caretaker; it was only natural for her to be so perceptive. Like the great flock of butterflies that spared her from certain death, Fluttershy was a fragile, gentle savior capable of seemingly miraculous acts. An excellent testament to her destiny, it was fitting that the elegant insects be venerated as the yellow pegasus' emblem.
As Fluttershy began to lay out her instruments, she noticed that Twilight's eyes were bloodshot. It must have been a long night for the unicorn prodigy.
"Twilight, before we start, I need to know if you slept last night at all."
"No Fluttershy, I can't say the princess and I had that luxury."
"Twilight, I can't have you two help me if you're going to doze off mid-way through surgery. I insist that you both go to my bedroom and get some shuteye."
"But…"
"Don't 'but' me, miss! Now take Princess Luna with you upstairs and have a good rest."
Twilight sighed in defeat. There was no point in arguing with the pegasus when she felt the need to be assertive. Besides, Twilight was dead tired and the prospect of sleeping in a soft bed right now was very appealing.
"C'mon princess," Twilight called to Luna, "Fluttershy says we should rest for a bit."
"What?" Luna replied with a look of rejection, "Fluttershy, surely I can be of help! I've already sedated Big Mac an—"
"Princess Luna, if you could please go upstairs…"
"Wha-? I am a goddess, Fluttershy! Not some fil-"
Fluttershy's eyes bore down on Luna, her frightening stare paralyzing the princess.
"Upstairs!"
Luna was suddenly compelled to comply with Fluttershy's order, despite her better wishes. She knew full well of "the stare"; it was a very rare ability developed through one's close relationship with the natural world. The fact that it worked on her was what was troubling to Luna, it only reminded her of the limits of being mortal. In her mind, there was nothing worse than a restriction of her liberty. It was partly this dearly held conviction that drove her to insanity during her imprisonment, but even then it was Celestia, her equal, who had banished her. Now she was at the mercy of a soft-spoken pegasus? She could not help but resent Fluttershy and curse the new prison her mortal condition had come to represent. In some ways, it was far worse than the moon.
As Luna obediently ascended the stairway, Fluttershy turned to Twilight.
"Tell the princess I'm sorry for raising my voice, it was, uh, quite rude of me to be so disrespectful, but you two need sleep. Don't worry about me, Angel Bunny and Applebloom will be all the help I'll need to perform the surgery. It's mostly a one pony job, anyway, uh, so please don't feel bad, okay?"
Twilight nodded to her friend and went upstairs, eager to throw herself on a pillow and sleep. She welcomed the reprieve a good rest would provide from the questionable journey she had gotten her and her friends involved in, almost with deadly consequences. Twilight could only hope that Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rarity could make it out of Ponyville all right. Reaching the top, she entered Fluttershy's room and found Luna asleep on the floor. Twilight gave the princess an apathetic look that just bordered on open distain before jumping into Fluttershy's bed. It had been physically and emotionally trying night in many ways, and Luna was the cause of all of it. The unicorn did her best to chase away this and the many other troubling thoughts plaguing her, closed her eyes and fell asleep. Luckily for her, happy dreams carried her off to the Royal Equestrian Library at Canterlot where a pile of research was waiting for her to tackle.
Luna, however, was not as fortunate as Twilight.
The princess of the night found herself alone, surrounded in darkness.
"Celestia! Sis! Where are you?"
A feminine, regal laugh was all that responded .Luna's face turned red with anger.
"Sister! This isn't funny! Show yourself!"
"Very well," A voice chuckled, "Let me get the lights then!"
A fiery red flash exploded from the void, blinding Luna with an intense, searing heat. Opening her eyes, she found a giant ball of fire before her, a crude mimicry of the sun. As she looked into the fire, she could make out what appeared to be a large pupil gazing intently back at her.
"I see you Luna! You will never be alone again, for I see all that dwells within your heart and mind. I know all that you have done, plan to do, and will do. "
"Celestia, don't do this, you're scaring me!"
"Don't fret dear sister, my vision pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. No pony is free of me, all live according to my will in perfect harmony."
"No Celly, that isn't what we wanted! It's not right!"
"Right?" the voice laughed "There is no good and evil, little sister, only order and chaos! Now take your place in the grand tapestry of my design!"
With a cataclysmic thunder, the ball of fire imploded, blinding Luna a second time. Her vision blurred, she checked her new surroundings. She found herself in the middle of a field, the sun above scorching the desolate brown earth. She soon saw a hundred grey earth ponies bearing plows moving towards her in a perfect line, each step they took was in complete unison. As they drew nearer, Luna gasped in horror. The ponies had no eyes, yet each wore the same disturbing smile. Their flanks were bore no cutie mark, but rather a nine digit number. Unable to stand the dystopian scene, Luna turned around only to behold her sister.
"Why, hello Luna. I see your checking on the crops today too. How responsible of you, I commend your initiative."
Celestia sat upon an ornate sedan being carried by several of the Royal Guard. Unlike the farmers, the pegasi had eyes, but their cold, empty stare made Luna question if there really was a difference between the two. Looking back to Celestia, Luna saw that the sun goddess was garbed in the vestments typical of an Imperial Drake: a suit of golden armor covered her entire body while an extravagant red cape lined with fur draped across her figure. Her head was adorned by her usual, simple crown, but in company with her opulent costume it served to accentuate, not diminish, the intimidating stature of the princess. At her side was a seethed long sword and in her hoof was a scepter of many precious metals covered in equally precious gems. The staff was crowned with a ruby sun resembling that of her cutie mark.
"Celly, what do you think you're doing? Have you looked at yourself? You look ridiculous!"
"Aww, you don't like it Luna? That's a shame, after all that trouble I went through to order you one. Would you at least give it a chance? It's the latest fashion."
At Celestia's beckoning the Royal Guard brought forth a mannequin displaying the goddess' gift to her sister. The silver armor and the dark blue cape were akin in style to Celestia's save for the intricately forged metal weights and chains decorating the suit.
"Go on, take it. Come; join me at my side. It's where you belong, after all."
"No!" Luna shouted, her anger rising, "I'm not you're puppet, Celly! I do as I please; I belong free in the heavens and so do you!"
"What is this?" Celestia responded in feigned surprise and distress, "Nightmare Moon has returned? Somepony stop her before the rivers run red with the blood of fillies!"
Instantly, the entire corp. of guards turned, locked their dead gaze on Luna and advanced.
"What? No Celestia, don't bother. Nightmare Moon exists only in your fairy tales! I'm your sister!"
"Oh, you don't look anything like my little sister, you lying traitor!"
Panicked, Luna looked at her hooves, and discovered that her coat was now pitch black. Trying to flee from the guard, Luna tried to fly, but found that her wings were missing. Horrified, she tried to teleport, but her magic too failed. Helpless, five guards easily subdued the princess, beat her with clubs, and brought he r to her knees before Celestia. As she struggled with the guards, Luna opened her mouth and heard somepony speak out.
"You may triumph here Celestia, but I will never bow to you!" the voice said with defiance and contempt, " 'Tis better to reign over the Moon than to serve in Equestria!"
The voice and words were not hers, yet they came from her. Was she really Luna or was she Nightmare Moon?
"Huh, you won't be so lucky this time, you piece of demon shit. I've waited too long for this." Replied a familiar gruff voice.
Looking up in fear and disgust, Luna saw that Celestia's face had been replaced with the sneering visage of Captain Braveheart. Drawing his sword and raising it above his head, the captain brought the blade down on Luna's exposed neck.
"Have a pleasant death, princess! Bwahahaha!"
Luna awoke in a cold sweat, her heart pounding and her breathing rapid. The dream had been so vivid, so memorable, that she could still hear the captain's laugh ring in her ears. Gaining her bearings, she checked her surroundings nervously, making sure that she had escaped her frightening dream. Assured of her safety, she sighed and rose to her hooves, the shadow of the nightmare still lingering in her mind.
Checking the bed, Luna found Big Mac sleeping peacefully. It seemed that Fluttershy had performed her task with little problem: all of the red pony's wounds had been tended to diligently, each cleaned, stitched and bandaged. Big Mac's right leg was propped up by several pillows, a new cast now covering his thigh. Seeing Big Mac in recovery momentarily dispelled Luna's disturbing dream from her thoughts. She smiled and ran her hoof affectionately through the stallion's yellow mane and kissed his forehead lightly.
"Oh my!"
Luna heard a soft voice and the fumbling rattle of dishes. Turning to the doorway, she found Fluttershy blushing intensely. Around her neck was a tray carrying two bowls of carrot soup, two glasses of ice water, and a single red pill.
"Oh, um, I didn't mean to, uh, oh my, I mean I see you're awake Princess Luna! Would you, uh, care for a late lunch? I thought you might be up, so I, uh, brought extra, you know, just in case."
"That would be lovely, but I just ate not too long ago, …"
Not soon after she spoke these words Luna felt her stomach growl.
"…or perhaps not. Fluttershy, would you be as kind as to tell me the time?"
"Certainly princess, uh, I believe it's about 3:00 in the afternoon, I mean, if it wasn't night still…"
"3:00? Already? It felt so short, but I suppose I should be thankful for that…Fluttershy, do you know where Twilight is? We best be making preparations to move on. Your friends have arrived by now, correct?"
Fluttershy looked to the ground before looking back at Luna, replying in a low voice.
"Um, well, no. Twilight is downstairs, I had to wake her two hours ago to give Big Mac proper bedding, so I think she's a tad, well, grumpy. While we waited for you to get up, I made her some cocoa and she told me your story and plan, too, and, umm..."
An awkward silence.
"…and?" Luna prompted. Fluttershy averted eye contact with the goddess, preferring to instead look upon her non-threatening floorboards.
"I, umm, I, guess I can, uh, trust you. I mean, you seem kind enough to Big Mac…" Fluttershy said, blushing heavily again, "I mean, whatever you did to put him to sleep, that was wonderful. He didn't stir once during the operation and he seemed very tranquil the entire time."
"Everything went all well with the surgery I presume then?"
"Oh, yes, just give him time."
Another awkward silence descended in the room, but this time it was Fluttershy who broke it.
"Uh, if you like, you can take some soup and join Applebloom and Twilight in the kitchen downstairs. I need to attend to Big Mac right now…"
Seeing that she was being dismissed Luna nodded and gave a weak smile.
"Thank you Fluttershy, I will."
Taking the bowl of soup, Luna went downstairs where she was promptly greeted by a worried looking filly.
"Princess Luna, Princess Luna!" Applebloom called out as she dashed to meet the princess."Didja see Big Mac? Do ya think he looks like he's gonna be okay? Fluttershy had me leave when Ah started cryin' durin' the operation, said that'd be best that Ah not see it an' she sent me to the kitchen. Ah haven't seen Big Mac since."
Luna patted Applebloom's red mane and replied.
"He's looking much better now, Applebloom. He's sleeping still, but I don't think it would be much of a problem for Fluttershy if you went to see him."
The goddess was surprised to see that her words of comfort did little to change Applebloom's gloomy expression.
"Ah'm glad to hear it an' all princess, but why did it have to happen? Why'd the Royal Guard hurt Big Mac? Why'd they hit you?"
Luna was now visibly nervous; she could only hope the young pony didn't catch on to it. She didn't want the incident to shatter Applebloom's innocence any more than it had or the truth to ruin her new relationship with the little filly. Luna didn't want to lie, she despised lying, but lie she did.
"Well, Applebloom, you see, do you remember when I told you that I had not told the guard of my absence?"
"Uh-huh."
"Well, in their haste to retrieve me, they used excessive force and mistakenly hit me without knowing it. Yes, and, uh, they saw Big Mac as a threat to my safety."
"Well, he was thrashin' about and beatin' em up, I guess…"
"Exactly, there was…an error in communication. I demoted the captain for that reason."
"But, why'd they want you so badly that they'd wreck mah house?"
Luna was frustrated with the persistent questioning. Her lie was going to have to get bigger. Resigned to this reality, Luna hoped to kill two parasprites with one stone with her next fabrication.
"Well, I was being irresponsible. Today is the Autumn Moon Festival, a ceremony in my honor. Celestia thought it only fair, so in celebration she decided to not raise the sun so that all could appreciate my night sky. However, I don't care for such pointless showboating, so I skipped the festivities. I'd much rather eat pancakes with you!"
Applebloom had her hoof to her chin as she processed Luna's story, a look of concentration dominating her expression. After a brief while, it finally clicked in her head.
"Oh! Okay! That explains a lot, princess, Ah was wonderin' why it was night outside, I was startin' to think that nasty, no-good Nightmare Moon was back or somethin'. Ah asked Twilight why it was dark but she didn't say anythin'. She's been sad all day, maybe you should talk to her?"
Luna looked from the filly to Twilight. The unicorn stood next to the window, gazing into the empty night with a pained expression and her brow furrowed in deep thought.
"I think that's a good idea, Applebloom. Now, go upstairs and see your brother! I'm sure Fluttershy woke him up to take his medicine, you should be there for him."
"Yes ma'am!" Applebloom replied enthusiastically, running past Luna up the stairs. Taking the bowl of carrot soup, Luna trotted over to her sister's student.
"Twilight, would you care for some of Fluttershy's soup? It's nice and hot, despite the cold draft. Normally I'd eat it, but this kind I find to be…unsettling at the moment."
"No thank, princess," Twilight replied in a distant voice, not bothering to break her gaze, "I had some earlier."
Luna rested the bowl on the window's ledge.
"Twilight, is the safety of your friends' bothering you?"
Still refusing to look at the goddess, Twilight responded.
"Yes, but I think they're okay. I doubt if even the Royal Guard could ever catch Pinkie Pie…as for Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy sent one of her messenger birds to alert her to our…plans…I hope it can make it…the wind is unforgiving today…"
As Twilight spoke, her voice trailed off until she abruptly stopped talking all together. Luna was now becoming worried.
"Twilight, look at me."
The unicorn either didn't seem to hear her or refused to comply. Luna's fears were exacerbated by Twilight's dead silence. It came across as she repeated herself.
"Twilight, look at me!"
Reluctantly, she faced the goddess and looked Luna dead square in the eyes. In them the goddess saw the same doubt she had seen earlier at Sweet Apple Acres. Choking back, Luna knew full well what was troubling the young mare.
"You don't trust me."
Twilight looked away from Luna and resumed looking out the window, her face now stern as stone.
"No, no I don't, princess."
Luna was at a loss of words as anger and confusion gripped her. This unicorn, her friend, had provided her with several precious histories, fought the Royal Guard, and saved her from imminent capture and yet she had no faith in her. Trying to check her frustration, Luna did her best to calmly respond.
"Why Twilight? After all we've been through in just a short period of time, why can't you trust me?"
The unicorn turned back to the princess. The doubt in her eyes had been replaced with indignation.
"Why? Why? You want to know why? I've thought long and hard, and it just doesn't make any sense! You came to me for help at the same time Celestia disappeared and then accused her of being some sort of tyrant! But that doesn't fit with what I know it just doesn't! Tyrants do not last, you have to know this, it's one of the golden rules of history! So don't find it surprising that it's been really hard for me to believe you. I just can't rid myself of the feeling that you're manipulating me and my friends with revisions of your own. It's like you want to tarnish Celestia's name! "
Twilight's words were so potent that Luna's ire could not be contained.
"I'm the manipulator!? I'm the slanderer?! I think you have me confused with your benevolent teacher, Twilight. She's built up this world on revision, lies, and careful manipulation!"
"See, you're doing it again!"
Luna paid no heed to the unicorn's reply.
"As her student, you've been subject to her subtle art on a daily basis, so I can only imagine how pained you are to hear this, but just think back to the Grand Galloping Gala. Once my sister found out your commoner friends wanted to attend an elite social event, she counted on their ignorance of noble norms to ruin the stuffy soirée."
"No, no, Celestia said it was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever…nopony got hurt and everypony just laughed it off…"
"I'm sure it was, I'd love to see the nobles and dignitaries scared out of their gaudy tuxedos and dresses, see them put in their place. And that's exactly what Celestia wanted, to remind them who was in charge, who it was that stood in the balance between anarchy and order. Don't fool yourself into thinking she did it for laughs, that's juvenile, Twilight. Celestia would never cause chaos or endanger lives if it didn't meet her ends."
Twilight was troubled, but not fazed by Celestia's words. The unicorn was still clearly angry.
"Princess, you act is if Celestia actually controlled everything, but Equestria is a democracy, I just voted in the provincial elections last month!"
"Twilight, if Celestia were merely a figurehead like you seem to suggest, why would she be attending all those meetings you yourself noted? If you paid any attention to her duties or weren't the least socially oblivious, you would have been aware of all the backdoor politics that transpire at Canterlot Castle!"
Her eyes welling with tears, Twilight tried to respond, but she couldn't find words to express herself. Luna's words stung too greatly.
"My sister loves control, she'll do the most heartless things to secure it." Luna continued, her tone still as fiery as before, "She'd even banish her own sister to the moon!"
Twilight shook her head.
"No, no, no! I, I know what happened a thousand years ago, Luna! You're no innocent!"
"You know nothing of the past!" Luna said, her face burning from Twilight's accusation, "I lived it, I fought it, I suffered it! What do you have? Nothing! Nothing but a collection of dusty dragon books!"
"Stop it, stop it!" Twilight cried, falling to the ground and curling up defensively. Luna stopped her assault. Seeing the unicorn so vulnerable made Luna realize that she had let her emotions get the best of her again.
"Stop it please…just listen!" Twilight pleaded, "How can I trust you when you constantly try to turn me against everything I know, everything I love? Celestia, Lightning Strike…"
The second name caused Luna's ears to perk up in interest. Her curiosity now tempering her anger, she interrupted Twilight.
"Lightning Strike? The pegasus who raided your library and stole your books?"
The memory of the incident summoned several soft tears to stream down Twilight's red cheeks.
"Yes." She responded in a solemn voice, "I was a timid little filly when I became Celestia's pupil. Going out in public with her was a living nightmare, there were so many ponies asking me questions, taking pictures of me…it was just all too much. It became so bad that I couldn't even visit my parents or my brother without being mobbed. Fearing my safety, Celestia assigned me a fresh private from the Royal Equestrian Military Academy, Lightning Strike."
Twilight smiled weakly, her happy memories doing much to soothe her anger.
"At first Lightning Strike did his best to be an average, boring guard. But as time went on, his true fun-loving nature came out. When Celestia was really busy, we'd play in the courtyard instead of having lessons. Sometimes he'd even go as far as to prank me!"
Twilight's smile faded.
"But when we went into town together, he was always professional and very protective. If I ever got into trouble, he'd lecture and lightly discipline me, but he was never insensitive to my feelings. If ever the other fillies made fun of me, I'd run to Lightning Strike and cry and he would pet my mane and call me a strong little trooper and…"
As Twilight rambled, Luna found it difficult to believe that her sister's guards could ever be that affectionate, especially one who had proven himself resolutely obedient and detached.
"… and so It hurt a lot when he was promoted and reassigned." Twilight continued in a low voice, "Celestia offered me another guard, but I refused. That was ten years ago."
Twilight paused and inhaled deeply hoping it would give her the strength to continue her distressing tale. Another tear trickled down the side of her face.
"…Then last night he knocked on my door. I was so happy to see him; I called him by his old nickname and pressed him to catch-up with me, but he just ignored my questions and wasted no words. It was all "Miss Sparkle" that and "Royal mandate" this. As his pegasi started stripping my library, I was shocked beyond words; the only thing I could do was to try to separate the cold guardpony from my memories of Lightning. If he wanted to act like a faceless soldier, I'd treat him like one. It was a petty attempt to block off the pain, but it worked until we met again at Sweet Apple Acres."
"The Lieutenant was there?"
"…Yes. Upstairs." Twilight replied, her body beginning to quiver with emotion, "But this time was different. This time, it was so much worse he, he…"
Twilight could no longer contain herself. Tears burst forth as she raised her voice to fill the house with all that tormented her.
"He called me Sparks! Only he called me that! I didn't want to believe it, my mind still refused to accept that he was my friend! And he hit me, Luna, he smacked me twice! He hit me, and I, I had to shock him! Princess Luna, my heart broke when he fell to the floor, but I could feel nothing. There was too much happening; I just couldn't process all of it. But I love him, Luna, he, he was there for me when my brother joined the academy and left me alone...when I embarrassed myself in public...when I disappointed Princess Celestia...I just don't understand why this had to happen, why he'd do this to me, and-and why I feel so empty!"
"Twilight," Luna said, her anger subdued but not subsided, "I empathize with you, I really do. What you feel is betrayal, something I know all too well. He wronged you, just as Celestia wronged me."
The unicorn's expression hardened at Luna's words.
"No, you're wrong princess," Twilight rebuked, now standing to her hooves, "We betrayed them! I betrayed both Celestia and Lightning Strike! I should have listened to Applejack; I should never have fallen for your lies!"
"My lies?" Luna said, a bit taken aback, "How can you say that? You saw me bleed, you made me bleed! Not even a deity can fake that!"
"That's just it, princess; I don't know what a deity can do. You could have limitless power for all I'd know! In the affairs of goddesses and princesses I'm just as ignorant and stupid as little Applebloom. That's right Luna; I heard what you told her."
Luna looked away, mortified and angered that her little lie had damned her in Twilight's eyes.
"You spun a plausible web of deceit pretty quickly for one who claims to herald truth and expose Celestia's 'lies'. I doubt you hesitated a second when you told her! But why should you? I have piles of research that paint the exact same portrait of you: a deceiver, a trickster!"
"That's not fair Twilight!"Luna said, a tear falling from her eyes, "I wanted to protect Applebloom, I wanted…"
"You wanted her to love you, and you did it through deception." Twilight said pouring as much contempt into her words as possible, "Just like you did to me."
"Twilight, that is a gross exaggeration and you know it!" Luna responded, standing her ground, "It was a white lie, nothing more! Don't try to use it to justify your misguided malice towards me!"
Hearing her words, Twilight's fury receded, leaving only sorrow and shame in its wake.
"I'm, I'm s-s-sorry princess, I, I" Twilight sputtered, fresh tears flowing "I, I'm just so confused, I don't understand anything that's happening, and it scares me!"
As the goddess realized what truly ailed Celestia's student, her hot temper faded. Despite Twilight's harsh words, Luna could only empathize with the pitiful unicorn before her. Nuzzling her, she did her best to comfort the distraught mare.
"No, Twilight" Luna said, her voice now soft and soothing, "I should be sorry. It was wrong for me to burden you with divine politics and conflicts. No mortal can fully comprehend them, no matter how brilliant and wonderful the student is."
Twilight looked into the goddess' eyes only to find the greatest sincerity. Seeing this, she reciprocated Luna's affections in silence, wiping her hot tears away as her face caressed Luna's blue coat.
"I did it because I hoped to discredit Celestia's history," Luna continued, her eyes now closed, "as if it would succeed in proving to you that I'm not evil, that I'm not power hungry witch. I love my sister more than you could possibly hope to understand, it was never my intention to turn you against her. Just...just to question her."
A short silence passed between the two before Luna broke off their embraced and looked Twilight deep into her eyes.
"Twilight, why did you join me if these doubts troubled you so much? What compelled you to comfort me, to defy the Royal Guard, and to assemble the Elements?"
The unicorn sniffled, trying to gather herself before responding.
"Princess…I'm a perfectionist. When I was a young filly, I was so excited to learn everything, but I just ended up getting frustrated by my limitations. Princess Celestia saw this, and she taught me that if ever I could not understand a situation fully, it was best to let my heart guide me."
"Celestia…Celestia taught you that?" Luna questioned, amazed that her sister would ever advocate an emotional response to a problem. It sounded more like something she would advise. Was Celestia genuine with Twilight or did she want to check her student's appetite for knowledge?
"…Yes, but it's always been difficult for me to follow. When you came to my library, every rational bone in my body screamed to dismiss you. But as you told your story, your pain was so genuine and your predicament so disturbing that I couldn't think evil of you. I had to help you; it's what Celestia would have wanted..."
"Twilight, can I ask for you to renew your faith in me? I swear to you on my life that we will find Celestia!"
To Luna's disappointment, Twilight did not respond immediately. Instead, she turned her head away from Luna and looked back to the window.
"…I'm sorry princess, but I just need to clear my head…I'm not used to emotional roller coasters, I need to go outside for a bit."
As Twilight left the cottage, Luna thought of warning her of the Royal Guard or the chilling winds, but she didn't. The unicorn needed to be alone for awhile, and Luna honored that decision, she knew all too well the drive to escape and find solitude. The goddess could use the time herself to eat and perhaps finally look at Twilight's research in peace.
Luna grabbed her bowl of soup and brought it to the kitchen table. Before she could try it, she heard Fluttershy's soft voice coming from upstairs.
"Umm…is…uh, everypony okay down there?"
Luna returned to the stairway and called back to the shy pegasus.
"Yes, we're sorry for the commotion, Twilight and I…we were…just sorting things out between us."
"Oh! Umm, you wouldn't happen to be, uh, done would you?" Fluttershy said, peaking out from the doorway of her bedroom.
"Yes, Twilight's gone out for a brief walk and I'm about to eat, would you care to join me?"
"Umm…I guess, if that's all right…"
Fluttershy descended the stairs nervously and slowly, unsure what to make of all the yelling and gnashing of teeth that just minutes ago filled her house. Meeting the princess at the bottom, the two went into the kitchen. As the princess returned to her bowl at the table Fluttershy noticed that Luna's soup looked as if it had cooled.
"Princess Luna, let me get you another bowl, that has to be cold by now." Fluttershy said as she poured herself and Luna more soup from the pot on the stove.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Fluttershy." Luna said politely and calmly, trying her best to spare Fluttershy from the intense emotional aftermath of her fight with Twilight, "This whole affair has taxed your strength at a moment's notice and yet your kindness has not diminished the slightest."
"Oh, yes, I'm always glad to help, princess, even if I'm…a little frightened. Can I get you anything else?"
Luna thought for a moment and replied.
"Actually, yes Fluttershy, you can. Do you recall seeing Twilight's saddlebags?"
"Uh, why yes. Twilight left it in my room, would you like me to fetch it for you?"
"I would appreciate that a lot, thank you for offering."
It did not take the yellow pegasus long to retrieve Twilight's things for Luna. Opening it up, Luna was surprised to see so many pages of translation; she did not remember Twilight's compilation to be that voluminous when she packed it. It would take days to read through all of it, time that would be best spent towards finding Celestia. But Luna was good at digesting information, so she was sure a quick skim, though not giving the unicorn's work justice, would suffice for her purposes.
Taking a sip of her soup as she glanced over the documents, Luna quickly realized that Twilight had not been merely translating the books. The margins were covered with her notes, spanning from typical translation explanations to her own empirical research into the topics. The tedious effort evident in the writing made it clear to the goddess that Twilight wasn't just brushing up on her Wyrmish, this was her hobby. It was of little wonder why the unicorn felt so torn now; there was probably nopony in Equestria that had studied Luna's 'history' more.
Taking a particularly note-riddled page from Pestilence of the Moon Witch, Luna began to read:
…The Nightmare Moon and the Princess of Light struggled in open conflict, neither ceasing to sleep or eat. For many years, the sun and moon did battle in the heavens. When one sister overcame the other, their respective cosmic body would dominate the sky, causing great confusion and disorder in Equestria. The normality of the days and seasons in tatters, crops between the Years of Despair* (1001- 1033) failed to grow in sufficient quantity*. Thousands of the peasantry died of starvation as a result of the cruel power lust of the black witch*. So many dead could not be contained by the graveyards, and thus many nameless funerals for the dead were performed. They were interred en masse*.
Luna stopped to read Twilight's citation notes.
Doctor Van der Hoof writes of several mass graves found not too far off from Stalliongrad and St. Ponyburg, two of the oldest towns in this province. He lists several likely explanations, but fails to give a definitive conclusion. I'm certain that here I've found what he wanted to say. (Van Der Hoof, Dusty. "A Dirty Business: The Reasons for Mass Burial." Journal of Equestrian Archeaology 34.1 (2011): 212-28.)
The years given are my own conjecture, the actual text does not follow conventional Equestrian dating, but rather old Wyrmish methods.
Who the "black witch" in this sentence isn't specified, though probably Nightmare Moon.
A more literal translation of the text is a bit more vivid: "The withered bodies of the dead were flung into many open pits until the ground was so full of flesh that one could swear that Mother Earth herself was dead and rotting." A little extreme? Probably an exaggeration.
Perplexed, Luna continued to the translation of History of the Dark Shadow, searching for an equally enlightening entry from Twilight until she came upon it.
The Nightmare consumed all life. With one hoof she rose the cruel and wicked to power, with the other she shielded them from the wrath of the sun goddess. The war in the heavens soon spilled to the lands of Equestria as the Nightmare's nobles and allies sought to dominate all. With the help of the Dark One's black magic*, they summoned fell beasts of black fire* to join their armies on the field of battle. Town after town fell to their forces until at last they reached Canterlot. The city's defenses were led by the valorous Royal Guard, who successfully repelled the assault with the aid of a young dragon called Blackteeth.
Again, Luna checked Twilight's adjoined notes.
Blackteeth is a legendary figure in Canterlot, but there has been little proof he ever existed.
The "Dark One's" identity is uncertain, but probably Nightmare Moon.
Visited Canterlot 5-4-2011. Noted that many of the remains of the old city walls stored in the museum archives are scorched with fire. Likely evidence for the siege.
5-8-2011, found an article detailing the excavations of medieval weaponry, armory, and remains near Canterlot. Also a surprisingly large store is kept in the archives and not on display.
6-11-2011, Asked Celestia about the siege via letter. Her response was disappointing, she told me to go hang out with my friends.
6-26-2011Found more evidence of the Lunar War in the census records. This has been another fruitful trip to Canterlot, I'm lucky to have gotten copies. Will have Spike organize them.
Luna stopped reading. Twilight's research was far more detailed and explored than she had been counting on. The goddess was now quite upset: had Celestia simply fabricated a myth or actually determined the outcome of Equestria's history? And then she recalled Celestia's thoughtless slip.
"It took me 150 years to fix the damage your last outburst caused."
The moon goddess knew her sister was a dictator, but she never believed Celestia to be prepared to sacrifice droves of innocents in war and famine just "to fix the damage" Luna's challenge brought about. But the notion seemed increasingly credible…
Luna shook herself. Why was she willing to think the worst of her sister? Was it because nopony else would dare do so or was she being just as unfair as Twilight had been with her? Thinking back to Big Mac's words, she quietly reflected her own faults as she continued to flip through Twilight's translations.
/
Twilight walked slowly past the gate to Fluttershy's cottage, her mind as distant as the stars above her. As she neared Everfree Forest, she paused and gazed at the enigma. Why was it that the weather required no upkeep there? Was weather not actually dependent on the labor of pegasi? Twilight tried to rid herself of these thoughts, but to little success. Luna's talk of conspiracy was infectious, everything she took for granted now needed to be reevaluated. It was painful to think that Celestia could orchestrate such a complex world by herself, but Luna's arguments were not fantastical. Twilight knew they could be true. However, she also knew that Luna was just as passionate and emotionally driven as her research had suggested Nightmare Moon was. The possibility that Luna was blameless seemed remote, but it was probably best to trust her. She had sworn upon her life, essentially the doom or salvation of the world, that she would find Celestia. Twilight decided that she had little other course to take but help restore the goddess's immortality.
Looking to the stars, Twilight lost herself in thought. Unbeknownst to her, the roaring wind deafened her to the approach of a flying pegasus. Descending, the pegasus' hooves slammed into the ground with a thud, catching Twilight by surprise.
"Rainbow Dash?"
The figure stepped forward, the moonlight catching his golden armor and red plumed helmet.
/
Also I'd like to note that the asterisks have no real function, in the story they denote a translation note by Twilight, not a research one.
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Grey Prophet
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-07-16T19:01:47+00:00
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2012-07-16T19:01:47+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 5
Floating in the skies above the outskirts of Ponyville, an extravagant cloud castle swayed to and fro as the unrelenting winds threatened to disperse it back into nothingness. Thankfully for the rainbow-maned resident, her abode was safeguarded by fine pegasi craftsmanship and unicorn charms, leaving her with little to fear as she continued to snooze undisturbed. Yes, it was nearing 4:00 in the afternoon and yet Rainbow Dash was tucked firmly in her bed and snoring heavily. Well, that is until an ungodly buzz blared from her alarm clock.
Bzzzzzttt.
"Ugh, you gotta be kidding me!"
Tossed cruelly and unnaturally from the depths of her tranquil slumber, Rainbow Dash sat up straight in her bed slowly, her eyelids groggily leveled in annoyance. If her friends were to see her now, they would most likely chalk her behavior up to her penchant for lapsing into spontaneous bouts of laziness, but that was not the case today. Yesterday had been utterly grueling for Ponyville's Weather Officer. Not only had she taken a double shift, she also had the misfortune of being on duty during the arrival of an unscheduled tempest. Her superiors at the Equestrian Bureau of Weather Services ordered that she find the source and correct the problem, so she had been up late trying to overcome the Arctic blasts of air and put a reign on it, but to little avail. Rainbow Dash was beyond frustrated with the unexpected anomaly, she felt as if her job might as well entail taming the entirety of Everfree Forest itself. Flying for hours in freezing conditions, Rainbow Dash and her colleagues failed to harness the storm. Her report back was not taken well with her boss, a hot-headed pegasus who proceeded to chew her out for being incompetent and unprofessional. Adding more to her humiliation and workload, she was given a mountain of paperwork to prepare and sign so that the higher echelons of government could know how much she sucked. The midnight oil burned at Dash's home until the wee hours of the morning as she trudged through endless endless piles of paper, each form she completed being more difficult and absurd as the last. The reckless pegasus had filled out her share of damage reports back to headquarters, but this was by far the single greatest waste of time the young mare had ever experienced. The questions either pertained to why she couldn't accomplish her orders and what more she could've done to aid her co-workers, or were trying to flush out character weaknesses. But what was Rainbow Dash to do? If she knew any of the answers, she wouldn't need to be sitting around writing about it! But that's life when you're employed by the Equestrian government, so she did her best to write some nonsense, send it off to the mailbox, and hit the hay in what she wished could've been ten seconds flat. It was more like four hours.
As Dash looked to the clock, she sighed and got up. She knew that ten hours was more sleep than she should need, but her body still ached from her long struggle against the rouge winds. Jumping out of bed, Rainbow Dash stretched her muscles in an effort to alleviate the tension in her limbs, but she was shaken off balance as another furious gust of wind buffeted her abode.
"Seriously? Seriously it's still going at it?" Rainbow Dash shouted, trotting over to her window "What the hay is up with the weather?! Celestia, I'm sorry for the foal that has to work today…wait wha-?"
As she glanced out her window, she was not only greeted by another chilling breeze but a familiar night sky. Dash quickly flew back to her clock. Could she have slept a whole day? No, she had set her alarm to make sure that didn't ever happen…again. Before she could dwell longer on the mystery at hoof, she heard a faint sound emanating from the heart of the wind's howl. Looking back out her window and squinting her eyes, the pegasus could make out a shadowy figure approaching her. With a loud shriek, a falcon swooped right past her and perched itself on the bed. Shivering, the bird looked at Rainbow Dash and gave another cry, drawing the pegasus' attention to the note tied around its leg.
"Oh Screech, you got a message for me, buddy?" Rainbow Dash asked, recognizing the bird as being Fluttershy's. The bird again shrieked and flew to Rainbow Dash, landing on her outstretched hoof. The pegasus grimaced a bit as the bird bore its talons into her flesh, but calmly untied the letter nonetheless, doing her best not to exacerbate the situation by spooking it. Shoeing the falcon off her, Rainbow Dash saw that the hoofwriting of the note was not Fluttershy's but Twilight's. Curious, she began to read:
Rainbow Dash,
As time and writing space will not permit me to be as detailed as I would normally like, I'm going to be blunt: I desperately need you to bring your Elemental jewel to Fluttershy's cottage. But be wary, the Royal Guard and the Equestrian Army are hunting us, so keep your distance. With me is Princess Luna. She is not to blame for the night you see outside. It is my belief that she is not Nightmare Moon. Celestia went missing shortly after Luna left Canterlot, so there will be widespread rumor that Luna kidnapped her. DON'T believe it.
In sum, be careful, avoid the guards, and get to Fluttershy's with the jewel.
Twilight Sparkle
Despite the letter's urgent tone and seemingly apocalyptic content, Rainbow Dash could not help but grin at her friend's request. Twilight had led Dash and company through several adventures at the behest of Princess Celestia, and every time they came up on top. It was the boost the pegasus needed: so what if she couldn't stop a stupid little wind storm? In the past she had defeated a moonbent goddess, kicked a dragon's jaw in, and perfected the impossible Sonic Rainboom. As she grabbed her Element and flew out the window headfirst into the opposing gale, she knew pretty soon she was going to add "delivered goddesses from doom, and brought the sun back again" on her résumé. The bureaucrats at Weather Services could go chew on those apples!
She was so freakin' awesome. Oh, and her friends. They were pretty cool too.
As the cold wind brushed against her feathers, Rainbow Dash felt her body burn with renewed zeal and energy. Her aches disappeared as her newfound strength coursed through her, emboldening her to press on faster. The bite of the freezing current did little to slow her, if anything its rough caress invigorated the cyan pegasus as she defied its forceful trajectory. Then, as if the tempest itself admired the pegasus' gusto and resilience, the wind changed its course to favor Rainbow Dash's flight path. Exhilarated and proud, Rainbow Dash shouted as the winds accelerated her speed.
"That's right, greatest flier in Equestria comin' through! Not even these freak winds can keep me down!"
Out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimmer. Slowing down a bit, she double-checked. The night made it difficult to discern for certainty, but it looked as if it was one of Celestia's elite guards on patrol. Only they could wear golden armor, and Rainbow Dash doubted that anypony less than a Royal Guard would be out flying in this weather. The pegasus felt a wave of anxiety pass through her, and it wasn't out of any concern for her safety. No, she was conflicted over whether she should listen to Twilight's letter and avoid the guard or give into her irrational temptation to race him. Rainbow Dash knew that there were few pegasi faster than the Royal Guard; it was not uncommon for veterans from the corp. to join the Wonderbolts or vice versa. It would be the ultimate test for the young aerial daredevil. Despite the possibility of setting up a match in happier times, Rainbow Dash was an impatient opportunist at heart. Her arrogant confidence also prodded her on: surely the cold, armored pegasus would comically fall by the wayside as soon as Dash could pull out her vast assortment of tricks.
Resolved and ready to race, the pegasus closed her eyes and bolted forward.
"Sorry Twilight, but I just gotta do this!"
/
Lt. Nightshade soared the skies on the northern outskirts of Ponyville running reconnaissance. Alone, the guard was free to display his displeasure with his lot.
"The hay is General Hawkeyes thinking?" the pegasus thought "Placing him in command before me! Bah! The guy's a second-rate soldier..."
A multi-colored blur blew past the lieutenant's periphery and stopped before him.
"Hey rust bucket! Think you got the stuff to take on the best?"
"You, halt in the name of Celestia!"
"Don't think so, I think the princess would prefer to see me race! C'mon slowpoke, show me what you got!"
As the gutsy pegasus flew off ahead, Lieutenant Nightshade could not help but chuckle. It had been a long time since anypony had the nerve to challenge the former Wonderbolt performer. He was going to have fun with this arrest.
/
Rainbow Dash weaved through the storm with a smug smile. Looking back, she saw no sign of her pursuer. Rainbow Dash laughed to herself. Elite Royal Guard? This wasn't even a contest, it was just plain pitiful. Preparing to perform a victory loop, she saw a shadow diving from above in her direction. As the hunting falcon strikes and stuns its prey, so too did Nightshade. The crushing blow sent Rainbow Dash plummeting, but before the lieutenant could apprehend her, she turned course and bolted away. The lieutenant was impressed and a tad amazed; he had never seen somepony shake off such a violent wallop in such a short frame of time. This one was clearly made of tougher stuff.
The guard's surprise attack shook Rainbow Dash to the core, but she had endured far more vicious threats to her bodily integrity. However, her faith in her ability now came into question. Why did her stupid pride have to get in the way all the time? There wasn't even anypony to see a possible victory and now she was close to be taken down by the Royal Guard! Facehoofing, Rainbow Dash knew she should've just listened to Twilight. Her friends badly needed her and now she was stuck in a terrible mess she could have easily avoided.
"Get a hold of yourself Dash!" she thought to herself, "You can shake off this chump, no problem! Show him your best stuff and he won't stand a chance!"
As the lieutenant closed the gap, Rainbow Dash quickly split off to the right and looped about. Checking over her shoulder, she found that the guard had matched her moves with little effort. Trying several more of her aerial stunts, she found herself no closer to losing the persistent and talented lieutenant. Growling to herself, Rainbow Dash corkscrewed to the left and shot straight up. Sure enough, the guard was still on her tail and getting closer. Rainbow Dash knew that if it wasn't for her rival's armor, she would've been in custody by now. Trying several more acrobatic feats in the freezing stratosphere, Rainbow Dash quickly came to the realization that she couldn't hold off her opponent for much longer. There was only one trick she knew the guard could never hope to replicate: the Sonic Rainboom.
"Hey buddy," Rainbow Dash panted, getting a good look at the guard "You're really pretty good for a tin can! But let's see if you're got what it takes to follow this through!"
Rainbow Dash dove straight down, shattering the ice from her feathers and accelerating rapidly. Looking to her side, she saw the lieutenant nearing her. Grinning as she felt the sound barrier cracking around her, she couldn't help but to leave the guard with a snide quip.
"You're getting old Nightshade, no wonder they kicked you off the squad!"
Before the angry lieutenant could get a shot back, a magnificent array of color and light blinded and disoriented him. Not soon later, a deafening boom pealed through the skies, overloading his senses and striking him from the sky. Fortunately the boughs of Everfree Forest caught the soldier, sparing him from an unpleasant end.
Rainbow Dash's face was beaming as she prepared to land. Not only had she pulled off the Sonic Rainboom in the most adverse conditions, she had also defeated a former member of the Wonderbolts! Her hooves touching the solid earth, Rainbow Dash looked back and shouted.
"Ha! The Shadow Swoop is classic Nightshade, that's for sure, but it's no match for Rainbow Dash's super-awesome-amazing-totally undefeatable-super epic-legendary Sonic Rainboom! Yeah!"
A panicked voice from behind her dampened Rainbow Dash's celebratory spirit.
"Rainbow, what have you done?"
/
"Umm…Princess Luna?"
"Yes Fluttershy?"
"Oh, uh, do you not like the soup? It's okay if you don't, I don't mind, but can I get you something else?"
Luna looked up from the pile of papers and remembered the carrot soup Fluttershy had just served her but fifteen minutes ago. She had been busy searching through Twilight's research hoping to find an account of that fateful day, but to little luck. No longer immersed with the translations, Luna could see now that she had made a mess of what had been a meticulously assembled and organized set of documents. Luna huffed, disappointed that she couldn't even keep a bunch of loose papers in order. Turning to Fluttershy, the goddess realized that she had failed to respond promptly to the pegasus' question and now ran the risk of appearing distant and unthankful.
"Oh no, Fluttershy, it just slipped my mind. Pardon my rudeness."
Taking a sip, she found that, like her first bowl, it was now stone cold. The substance left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth, but she tolerated it and managed to finish Fluttershy's soup. Rising from the table, Luna was about to put her dish in the sink when she caught the sight of several strewn papers underneath the table. Setting the dish aside, she levitated the papers to her face as she returned to her seat. They were the first pages of Twilight's translation of Triumph of the Sun Goddess and exactly what she had wanted to discover. Anxious, she began to read the text that was strangely lacking any of Twilight's usual notes. This had been her last translation.
In the 1010th year of the reign of Princess Celestia of Equestria, the Era of Darkness began. It was at this time the jealousy and ambition of the moon goddess allowed a great demon to enter and poison her heart against Celestia. In the shadows of the court at Canterlot, the corrupt goddess consolidated her support among the cruel and greedy nobility who sought only to place a yoke on all ponies and races. From the palace throne room of her domain at Everfree, the Nightmare Moon declared open rebellion against her sister's rule. Those loyal to the sun goddess took up arms to defend their country from the unholy onslaught the personal armies of the unified nobles under the banner of the Demon unleashed upon Equestria.
Luna skimmed through the remaining pages to see if Twilight had translated the passage concerning the titular "triumph" of Celestia. She was not surprised to turn up empty-hoofed. Sighing, she found her mind straying back to that fateful day, the day she lived over and over during her imprisonment…
/
From the balcony of her castle, Luna stood beside her sister in anticipation as they prepared to usher in a new night. As her sister set the sun, her moon rose to shine its pale light upon the night goddess' personal domain of Everfree. Luna had named it thusly for good reason: it reflected the boundless freedom she valued above all else. She had resisted her sister's pressures to bring the natural law of her forest into accordance with Celestia's weather system for many years until the sun goddess finally relented under the condition that it house Equestria's more dangerous beasts. Luna consented willingly; Celestia's proposal only enhanced the libertarian image of Everfree she sought to cultivate. But above all, she wanted to demonstrate to her sister how superfluous Celestia's intricate and complex social systems really were when compared to the harmony one finds in the state of nature. Two hundred years had passed though, and her sister did not even bother to see how well the ponies on her lands lived. Granted, not many dared to live in her forest, but those who did had unprecedented freedom to express themselves and innovate undisturbed. She had brought up Everfree's development with Celestia before, but she only laughed lovingly and said "Little sister, you can't build a city with only bards and lyres!"
She had missed the point clearly
Luna had grown weary with Celestia's obsession with order and how she had drawn Luna into it. She was charged not with just the upkeep and administration of Everfree, but a third of the lands of Equestria. Everyday she had to deal with court politics she didn't like or care about, sign a bunch of Celestia's decrees, and mix with the insipid nobility among a mountain of other duties. It seemed nearly everything she did was for her sister. The fact that Luna still loved Celestia dearly made it all the more frustrating for the goddess of the night. When it came to politics and reforms, Celestia largely wrote off Luna's ideas as "ideal" at best and "cute" at worst. At the same time, Luna could see her sister consumed by tedious policy formulations, class interest balancing acts, and endless pomp and ceremony.
But this would end today. Today, Celestia would learn that Luna did not need her approval. She would save both Celestia and herself from this soul crushing labor and return them to those early days of creation when things were far simpler, more beautiful, and innocent. Again they could play among the stars untroubled by the petty squabbles of their subjects. It was what was best for the goddesses.
Their duties complete, Celestia turned to her pensive sister and spoke with an amused, though slightly nervous curiosity.
"Luna, I think I've been more than fair with you in indulging your desire to keep a secret. Would you finally mind telling me what this banquet is about?"
Luna lightly smiled, and responded cheerily enough.
"Are you still trying to apply rhyme and reason to my behavior? Come on Celestia, I felt like it. I fancied good company, good music, and good drink so I'm throwing a grand feast in the honor of, well, merriment I guess."
"…this is all very well, but the 'company' you speak of happens to be almost every noble in the country. Even I think it's a nightmare; after all, you're tossing all that bad blood under one roof and giving it drink! It's going to be a night of hoof-kissing and back-stabbing, I can feel it, that's what these things are always about. It's hardly anything like your usual celebrations... "
Celestia weaved in front of Luna and gave her a big smile.
"No, yours are much, much more fun. The singing, the dancing, the roaring fire, the joy of a hundred ponies getting lost in the madness of it all...you won't find that in these halls. No, you'd have to go to a town or a village to celebrate like that. So can you really tell me that you'd be happier stuck here than out there, where, by all means, you've made a name for yourself as the patroness of parties?"
Luna just managed to stop herself from blushing.
"…Well, no. But you know that I like to...shake things up a bit. I'm trying something new, something I knew I could get you to show up at! That should be excuse enough for me, Celly, I miss seeing you everyday..."
Celestia shook her head and sighed.
"I'm sorry Luna, you know that I try..."
"And you know that I try, too." Luna interrupted, "This isn't just about me stealing you away. Tonight, not only are you here, but so are a bunch of nobles that don't really like me much. I want...I want to look good, to them that is. I want them to be confident in me. You know more than anyone how important that is, right? So why shouldn't I try my luck with it?"
The sun goddess continued to eye her sister with suspicion as they entered the castle, but Luna kept her disposition. Over the millennia, she had done her best to learn how to lie to Celestia, but she would be a foal to think she could completely deceive the sun goddess, especially when politics were involved. All Luna could do was delay the revelation.
It was a miracle in itself that her advisor, Morning Star, had garnered such support for Luna's plan among much of Equestria's nobility without being arrested and tried for treason. Luna knew her sister had been increasingly wary of the Court at Everfree, once even going so far as arriving unannounced to the palace with a hundred of her elite Royal Guard. It was a show of strength that was otherwise largely uneventful, Celestia merely asked Luna if she wanted to attend the jousting tourney at Canterlot and left. Still, it was incredibly distressing to the moon goddess, she hated keeping her sister in the dark, but Luna knew that, left to her own devices, Celestia would never cede control. She had to have it imposed on her.
Entering the throne room, Luna was impressed with the décor the artisans under her patronage succeeded in preparing for the banquet. Black, blue, and purple tapestries stretched across the hall, each embroidered with diamonds to reflect Luna's night sky in the most minute detail. Several banners running along the columns depicted the creation of Equestria, the defeat of Discord, the early struggles with the Dragon Lords, and the foundations of Canterlot and Everfree. They were all so beautifully crafted that Luna was ashamed of the fate she had planned for the lavish designs, but if it was one thing Luna had learned from Celestia it was that political theater worked. Appearances were everything; it was this reason that Celestia insisted she always assume her grandiose form when performing her courtly duties. Nearly as tall as her sister and dressed in the traditional silver regalia of her court, Luna indeed looked far more intimidating in poise and demeanor. But what was most striking about Luna was her mane. In it, the infinite cosmos were channeled with such splendor that those who dared to look too long upon it would risk becoming lost in its immeasurable and incomprehensible beauty and wonder. Her fair and regal appearance engendered humility, obedience, and awe in her subjects, just as Celestia's did.
But today would be different; Luna would use her intimidating divinity to further her interest, not Celestia's.
A pegasus guard donned in silver approached the pair of goddesses, bowed and saluted.
"Your majesty Princess Luna, we have word that the noble's caravan has neared Everfree Castle. They should be here shortly."
His message delivered, the guard returned to his post. At the news, Luna summoned several servants to begin setting the several long tables and finish preparations with the food. Looking back to Celestia, Luna could see that her sister was equally struck by the opulence of her hall.
"I have never seen your castle as a grand as it looks now, Luna." Celestia said distantly, "This promises to be quite the feast…"
"Oh Celly," Luna replied happily, "I promise you that we will long remember tonight as one of great joy. Come, help me greet the guests and I'll show you the crowning pièce de résistance of Everfree Castle."
Luna knew she had caught her sister's intrigue. Guiding Celestia down the winding staircases to the foyer, Luna turned to her surprised sister and pointed to the centerpiece of the room. It was a large stone relief of the moon, and from its base outstretched five pedestals, each one bearing a fragment of the most powerful force in Equestria: the Elements of Harmony. The five jewels shone brightly from their perch while the moon radiated with the magic of the sixth element. It was an awe inspiring sight, even for the immortals.
"Luna, I entrusted you to safeguard the Elements, not put them out on display!" Celestia said, not amused by the prospect of such legendary power in the presence of corruptible ponies.
"Oh, relax Celly! Only we can use its power, no mortal could ever even have the hope to touch them; I don't think their frail bodies could handle it."
"The opulence of your banquet seems to be…over the top. What do you wish to accomplish with placing the Elements in front of everypony?"
"Oh, I don't know, they're quite the sight, don't you think?"
Luna noticed her sister looked uneasy.
"Don't worry; my guards will keep vigil watch over them. I'll have them moved to the dungeons tomorrow, but please, can we keep them out, for me?"
Celestia's frown turned to a smile.
"Oh all right Luna, you're little showcase can remain here tonight. I have to say, it really is magnificent to behold."
The two sisters stood in silence before the Elements. Though their words were pleasant, the tension between was becoming steadily more apparent. At length, Celestia spoke.
"…Luna."
"Yes Celly?"
"You know you can tell me anything, right?"
"Of course, that's never been a problem, sister."
Celestia paused before responding again.
"Luna, we were meant to rule together. I want you to know that you're not alone, that I'm here to listen to you. Waste no words on your advisors, if something troubles you, write directly to me."
Luna repressed the urge to cringe at her sister's familiar line. She hated when Celestia said they were "meant" to rule as if they were fated to endlessly toil to keep everypony in line. Luna scoffed at the very notion of destiny, it was an idea propagated by both the elite to justify their standing and the destitute who could not help but resign themselves to mediocrity in despair. In her heart, the goddess knew that fate was not some abstract cosmic force, but the sum outcome of one's choice.
"Yes sister, I know."
"No, I don't think you do. Luna, don't believe Morning Star's presence in my court went unnoticed. Sister, do not trust her, she's become a snake…"
Celestia was interrupted by the heralding of trumpets. Relieved momentarily from her sister's scrutiny, Luna called to her guards to open the castle door and walked over to meet her guests. It was Celestia's custom to personally greet every guest, thus Luna knew it to be an excellent way of shaking off her sister without appearing evasive. Well, too evasive.
The nobles of Equestria, having traveled together through the wild of Everfree under the protection of mercenaries and their own knights, arrived as one massive entourage. Greeted by the goddesses, they were directed by Luna's servants to the great hall. It took more than an hour to welcome everypony before the goddesses themselves returned to Luna's throne room.
As they walked, Luna could feel her sister's stare on the back of her neck. She closed her eyes, collected herself, and turned to Celestia.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, not yet, Luna. I pray there will be none, but secrets harbor both little faith and unwanted consequences."
Luna shuddered at her sister's words. She knew she had been caught, but she would not be persuaded from her path. Resolved, Luna decided to move forward with her plans. There would be no time for feasting tonight.
As the two sisters entered the hall, everypony in the hall arose. Their names and titles were announced by the herald and trumpets sounded as they processed side-by-side to the throne. Awaiting the goddesses was Luna's advisor, Morning Star, a white unicorn with a blazing red mane. Celestia gave the mare a piercing stare before sitting upon the regal, gilded chair made precisely for the occasion of her visits to Everfree. Morning Star recoiled and turned quickly to Luna. The goddess heard her whisper the usual political assessments and suggestions into her ear, but Luna cared not for details or Morning Star, at that matter. Her moment of liberation drew ever nearer. Though the anticipation bearing down on her was crushing, the moon goddess fought to keep a level head.
Taking her place at her throne, Luna faced the large audience of Equestria's elite. Ideally, she wanted to wait until after the feasting before she made her announcement. Then at least Celly's fondness for fine wines would temper her reaction. Or make it worse. Luna shook her head; she was getting tired with this ceaseless and drawn out planning, she hated constantly living outside the present in preparation for the future.
And now was her moment to do so.
"Mares and Gentlecolts, thank you all for travelling so far from your homes to Everfree. I am sure many of you had your doubts and fears as you entered the forest. Rumors of beasts, poisons, and the oft unforgiving and indomitable spirit of the forest are not born from simply the drunken musings of yeoponies. Yet, despite all the evils that lay before you and the warnings of your kinsmen, you marched forth unwavering in your stride or purpose, dutifully answering my summons. But what did you encounter in the forest? Did you smell the fragrance of the summer rain couple with the aroma of exotic flowers? Did you hear the river serpent's tranquil song or the manticore's majestic roar? Did you see your anxieties dispelled, the words of your fellows proven to be nothing but exaggeration? In good faith you embarked into the heart of the unknown, abandoning the securities and predictability of the mundane that daily we take comfort from."
Luna paused and collected herself, the breath before the plunge
"Since the dawn of the world's making have my sister and I watched over you with gentle care and great love. But a day must come when the foal must fly and master the skies by the strength of her own wings and the fortitude which grows in her heart. On this day, you affirmed what I have observed for the past century. The hour has come for me to free you, to allow you to reach the potential my sister and I endowed upon each and every one of you, our most cherished creation!"
Luna heard Celestia stir in her chair and arise.
"With great pride, I abdicate the throne of Equestria! No longer shall you call me 'princess'! Rather, you shall know me as the night mare! For I am the moon, I am the goddess of the night, I am Luna, and I shall be forever free!"
At those words and a sudden flash, Luna assumed her azure, diminutive form. Removing her crown, she cast it to the floor and crushed it under her hoof. As it smashed to pieces, the regal tapestries and banners ignited in blue flame, incinerating instantaneously. Confused shouting erupted from the courtroom floor, but Luna cared only to see her sister. Turning back to her throne, Luna saw Morning Star deliver the letter to the stupefied sun goddess. Reading it with mouth agape, a powerful wrath soon cleansed Celestia of her shock. Burning the paper, she confronted the white pony before her.
"What madness is this, Morning Star!? I have given you everything but my throne, and now you want that too? You greedy little girl, when will you ever be content?!"
Morning Star smirked and replied, but Luna did not hear her words.
Her horn glowing, Celestia gripped the white unicorn by the throat and raised her into the air. Worried by her sister's unusual temper, Luna sought to intervene.
"Celly stop! Put her down now!"
Celestia turned to Luna, her anger now mixed with anguish and her words filled with concerned love and fear. A single tear rolled down her face.
"Luna, she used you! She used you to hurt me, to undermine and destroy everything we made! I can't let her free to sew more dissent and ruin across our lands!"
"Celestia, don't! I will never forgive you if you take her life!"
A look of doubt washed over Celestia's face, but she did not lessen her grip the slightest. In vain Morning Star tried to counter the sun goddess' magic, but a mortal could never hope to contend with such power. Seeing her sister unresponsive, Luna made a fateful decision.
"Forgive me, sister…"
With a brutal kick to the side, Luna knocked Celestia to her knees. Morning Star fell to the ground and scurried into the rabble of nobles who continued to debate and argue loudly. Celestia looked betrayed as she stared at her sister.
"Why Luna?" she coughed, letting the air back into her lungs, "Why did you lie to me? It didn't have to come to this if you just talked to me!"
"As if you would listen with any sincerity! No sister, this was the only way. The sun sets on our rule; come, let us at least leave gracefully into the night."
Rising to her hooves, Celestia replied; the love in her voice now punctuated with a sober seriousness.
"Luna, you have thrown Equestria to the wolves! And for what? Do you not understand what you've done? You hate the nobility and yet you've blindly entrusted them to rule our subjects with free reign! A corrupt republic will serve only their interests, the rest be damned!"
"Don't lecture me, Celestia! Yes, I hate them. I hate what you have made them to be. But as it is, only they can take my place. It is not like they can hope to oppress the ponies forever. Time will march on; their rule will come and go as ours has."
"How long will that be, Luna? How many starving must waste away on the streets while the gluttonous bastards binge upon the finest foods and revel in decadence! And then what? Must a bloody revolution claim more lives!"
"This is not our concern Celly! Ponies live, ponies die, it is all part of the cycle of harmony. We cannot pretend to save everypony from an unhappy end!"
From the courtroom floor, a chalice of wine was chucked with magical force at Celestia, beaming her across the face. It was the straw that broke the pony's back. Enraged, she faced the mob.
"Be gone, you miserable, depraved lot!" Celestia cursed, accentuating her words with a terrifying wrath. With tremendous power and a deafening thunder, Everfree shook from its foundations as a white light consumed the room. Luna shielded her eyes from the sheer intensity of the blast. As she opened her eyes, she saw everypony in the court had been spirited away by Celestia's will. Luna was amazed that her sister, though a goddess, could be capable of such complex feats of magic. Looking to her sister, Luna found Celestia again on her knees, spent and weary. Breathing heavily, she met Luna's gaze.
"Luna," she huffed as another tear streamed down her face, "sister, please! We can fix this still, I promise! Please, please, come back to me!"
Luna closed her eyes and shook her head.
"No sister, there is no turning back. Come with me; let me free you from your fears so that you may find peace at last."
Luna descended from the throne, and walked the long length of the hall. The eerie silence of Everfree was broken only by the sound of Luna's hooves upon the cobblestone floor.
Celestia was not following.
Nearing the stairs, Luna heard a loud, solemn voice echoing across the empty room.
"Don't you dare turn your back on me, Luna."
Looking back to the throne, Luna saw Celestia stand to her hooves, her head lowered in contemplative thought.
"I can't permit you to leave Everfree."
"You can do nothing to stop me, Celestia."Luna shot back in defiance, "No prison can contain me!"
Celestia rose her head, a cold resolve evident in her expression.
"Again, Luna, you're hopelessly mistaken."
With her horn brightly glowing, Celestia stomped the floor beneath her, lowered her head, and prepared to charge. Luna could hardly believe that her sister was challenging her to a joust. Though conflicted, Luna decided she had to answer in turn; she herself had told Celestia there was no turning back. Assuming her grandiose form, she mimicked her sister's movements and charged. As they ran, the sisters cast the tables aside with little effort or care. Clashing in the center of the hall, a massive burst of white hot energy radiated from the point of impact, sending a destructive wave to shatter every window and ignite every overturned table. As it subsided, the two sisters could be seen locked in struggle, their horns crossed and their bleeding heads pressed together.
"Give up little sister!" Celestia shouted, pushing Luna back.
"I…will…not!" Luna grunted in response, managing to throw Celestia off balance.
Not wasting a second, Celestia took to the sky before Luna could strike. The moon goddess was quick to join her sister midair, just narrowly avoiding Celestia's horn. Like sparring raptors the two exchanged blows upon succession, colliding repeatedly in the air and grappling before retreating to renew their assault. With each contact, a burst of fiery sparks illuminated the castle. Below, the hall was filled with the cackle of flames and a plume of black smoke.
As the battle wore on, Luna finally saw her chance to gain the upperhoof. When the sun goddess dove to strike her from above, Luna veered to the side and gave Celestia another sharp kick to her side, felling her from the air.
Grounding herself, Luna saw Celestia shed her empowered appearance. No longer did her mane channel the mighty solar wind, it was but a simple pink. Luna stopped, a single tear escaping her eye as she beheld her beloved Celly in her natural state. It had been centuries since Luna had seen her like this. The flood of memories of the two frolicking in the young, open fields of Equestria tempered her anger.
"Celly…it's over. You've exhausted your strength and magic. You can't defeat me."
Panting, Celestia once again arose to her hooves. Despite being dwarfed by her younger sister, the sun goddess' voice lost none of its authority.
"No, sister. As usual, you have failed to see the greater picture. I'm two steps ahead of you."
With a glow of her horn, Celestia vanished with a bang. Baffled, Luna was at loss what to think. She had Celestia at her mercy, yet her older sister expected the moon goddess to lose? That was improbable, the two were equals and Luna had bested her in a fair fight.
Could it be Celestia wanted to use the Elements of Harmony? No, no one being could use its power alone, not even a goddess. But what else could Celestia be plotting?
In haste, Luna teleported to the foyer to be met with a frightening sight. Before her, Celestia was wrapped in a purple light. Levitating, five of the elements swirled about her while the last, manifesting itself as a bejeweled tiara, rested upon her head.
"No, no, no!" Luna shouted, "That's--but how--?!"
"Little sister, we have been bonded to the Elements since Discord's defeat. Only together could we use this power. But I found a way, Luna, a way to use it myself! All I had to do was offer my body, devoid of divinity, as a sacrifice! As I'm sure you can see now, I let you win. Now behold, the power of the Elements is mine."
Luna was dumbstruck. Even when cornered, her body spent of energy and bleeding, Celestia had been in control the entire time. Luna never had a hope to win.
"Luna, repent." Celestia said, her love showing through her hardened tone, "Dear sister it's not too late. I will always forgive you, no matter what!"
"No!" Luna shouted with righteous anger "I did nothing wrong, I only wanted to escape this infernal cage you put me in! I don't want to play castle with you for all eternity, Celly! I will not have it, I refuse it! It was never my purpose; you thrust this life on me!"
Celestia sighed, and looked at Luna with a pained regret.
"…I'm sorry Luna, but you leave me with no choice. This is the best I can do for you…and Equestria."
A magnificent rainbow blast emanated from the Elements, engulfing Luna in a brilliant flash. She was dazed by the vast range of colors before everything suddenly faded to black.
/
"Umm, Princess Luna, are you all right? Here, I'll go fetch some tissues."
Luna opened her eyes, a single soft tear streaming from each one.
"No, Fluttershy," Luna sniffed, "I'll be quite fine. Thank you."
Sighing, her thoughts turned back to her memory. It was so vivid; she could hear every word, feel every pain and emotion, and see Celestia's every expression. Yet, it was incomplete. The nobles were but phantoms, their words and deeds that night she had largely forgotten. Even Morning Star, her advisor, was but a faint blur…
Luna snapped back from deep thought as a seismic turbulence shook the house, throwing the goddess to the ground. Fluttershy quickly dashed to the window to see the trouble.
"…Oh my…"
The pegasus darted out the door into the cold night. Curious to find the source of the shockwave, Luna followed Fluttershy, hoping dearly that it was Celestia's doing.
/
Twilight froze not from the sight of the red plumage of the guard's helm, but from the soft words muffled by the loud winds. More than anything she desired it to be anypony but the soldier approaching her.
"Get back!" the unicorn shouted, shaking with weariness, "Don't take another step closer!"
The figure ignored Twilight's warning and advanced until his physical features became more visible and the truth undeniable.
It was her former guard and friend, Lightning Strike.
"Sparks…"
"Don't call me that, don't ever call me that! You have no right!" Twilight threatened, but her intent was offset by her emotional fatigue, making her appear only more vulnerable and pitiful. Twilight wanted to cry, but the harsh wind had dried her eyes. She felt so alone and exposed, she just wanted to disappear. Curling up and closing her eyes, Twilight wished the guard would just be swept up by the wind and blown back to Canterlot.
"Twilight Sparkle, please listen to me. I never wanted to hurt you, I care for you too much…"
"How can you expect me to love you, as if you didn't break my heart when you tore my books and terrorized my friends? When you beat me? You're dead to me, you hear Lieutenant? Dead. Now just go away and leave me alone! You're nothing but a soldier; a heartless, mindless brute and…and…I hate you!"
"Sparks, you don't really think that." Lightning Strike replied calmly, though audibly, "I can prove it."
"You could never be more—"
Twilight abruptly stopped as she heard the rattle of armor. Opening her eyes, she saw the yellow pegasus remove the golden suit and casting off his helm, revealing his long, purple mane. Blazed across his flank was the image of two lightning bolts crossing over a long sword, the mark of a respected military pony. Twilight was at loss what to think, she had rarely ever seen the pegasus without his armor (a trip to the beach immediately came to mind). Though the warm memory was pleasant, it only distressed Twilight more. If the Royal Guard was composed of good pegasi like Lightning Strike, how could they be capable of trampling civil liberties and subduing the population within hours of Celestia's departure? How could they abandon their virtue and dignity for one second and reassume them the next? Again, Twilight withdrew, turning away from Lightning Strike.
"Sparks, don't be like that. I'll explain myself, I promise. Just give me a chance?"
As he spoke, he approached Twilight and moved to brush her mane. At his touch, the unicorn recoiled and shook her head.
"Don't touch me!" she cried, her breath becoming ragged, "I don't want your love, I want to be alone, I want Celestia back, I, I, I…"
Lightning Strike gently hugged her by the neck and ran his hoof through her mane.
"Shhh…It'll be all right Sparks." Lightning Strike said sympathetically. As he held the unicorn in his hooves, he continued to whisper tender words of comfort against the raging howl of the north wind, but they were not lost. Every one of his simple words resonated in Twilight's heart; all the confusion and angst impelled by the hopeless complexity of the brave new world before her dissipated as her adamant resistance melted in the warm embrace.
"…Fate is a funny thing," whispered Lightning Strike, "We all have talents, something that makes us useful and helpful to one another. Sometimes it takes us awhile to figure out just what that means though, you know? When I was a kid I had the luck of being really blessed, I could have done a lot of things, you know. But once my mark appeared, my life sort of got set in stone."
The lieutenant sighed and looked at the starry sky above as if trying to peer into the past.
"My parents sent me to the military academy to help form what my destiny had already decreed. It was fine at the start. I was placed top of my class, making me fit for the highest of honors, becoming a Royal Guardian, but that meant I had to go through Tartarus first. The training for it was harsh and merciless, both physically and mentally. Punishment for disobedience was swift, and I was always afraid of stepping out of line. At the same time, I, still a small colt, saw my civilian peers play, study, and laugh as they explored and developed their talents…and…"
Lightning Strike paused and tried to maintain his professional disposition, but it cracked under his words.
"…I resented them.
Again, he paused.
"No, that's not quite true. I hated them. It wasn't fair, everypony demanded me to be an obedient lamb, a sacrifice for the good of Equestria's peace and Celestia's glory, while they basked in the freedom I was denied. As I grew up at the academy, I outwardly mouthed oaths and obeyed orders, but my heart was bent on escaping my prison. I had just the plan too."
Lightning Strike gave a soft chuckle at the memory.
"The day Celestia arrived to inspect the new line of recruits, I was determined to be discharged, honorably or not. Lined up with my comrades, I waited nervously for her to reach me. I had never had the honor to meet the princess before, and when she stood before me, I was awestruck. She was fairer than any dragon treasure, her grace and power more radiant than the sun itself. My amazement, however, didn't exactly go unnoticed. Celestia saw my composure break down into the wonderment of a foal, and laughed."
Twilight smiled, the memory of Celestia's sweet laughter did wonders by warming her cold body.
"But I kept my ground and asked to leave her service. At this point, I was pretty sure I was an inch away from being banished or imprisoned. Ha! But did she turn it around on me. No, instead of that she simply smiled and looked at me intently. You know what I'm talking about Sparks, the way she stares at you with an ancient wisdom gleaming in her eyes. Anyways, it was later in the day when my superior notified me that I had been assigned to serve as the personal guard to the princesses' new pupil."
A gust of wind blew, silencing the guard briefly.
"That's when I met you, Twilight Sparkle. You were such a strange little filly; a curious little rascal, and yet so shy. You were brave but timid, constantly finding yourself in frighteningly awkward situations or being barraged by the media and politics of Canterlot, a world totally alien to you. It was a full time job protecting you, but you were brilliant, Sparks."
Twilight felt the light thud of a tear hit her mane. She looked up to see the starlit tears in Lightning Strike's eyes scatter not by will, but by the fierce winds.
"You were my beacon, Sparks; through you Celestia's wisdom became clear to me. Seeing you grow up under the protection I provided showed me that my purpose was not a sacrifice, it was vital to the well-being of all, it was the greatest honor!"
Lightning Strike's pride then drained from both his expression and tone as he continued.
"After I realized this, I never questioned an order given by Princess Celestia or my superiors…I'm not at liberty to tell you the things I've seen or done in their name, but every tooth, claw, and bolt that pierced me and every enemy I struck down was in defense of our land, our princess, and you, Twilight Sparkle!"
The guard's voice shook as he made his case; Twilight knew he was not as absolute in his conviction as he wished to convey.
"…But fate seems to present us so many dilemmas that it's impossible to make a single easy decision. When I was ordered to search your library Sparks, it required every bit of discipline I had to carry out my duties. It was my most difficult assignment…until our meeting at the farm."
Twilight looked up at the guard, a pained expression painted both faces.
"Sparks…I don't know why you're protecting Princess Luna, but I saw in your eyes an indomitable spirit who would never listen to my demands. The swift nature of the extraction mission didn't give me much a chance to reason with you, so my only hope was to subdue you…by force."
Lightning Strike sighed heavily and muttered.
"Fate is funny to the point of cruelty…to protect you I had to hurt you. When you were young I had to discipline you for misbehaving at court…but such an analogy is unfitting for adults and the tragedies that afflict us. Who was right, I do not know. I can only say that I'm sorry this had to happen the way it did, if I could change it I would. But I cannot apologize for what occurred; I had to do my duty."
Stunned by his words, Twilight freed herself from Lightning Strike's grasp and shook her head in disgust and confusion.
"No, no, no! Don't you think for a second you were right! Your fellow pegasi invaded the home of a free citizen without a permit, destroyed his property, and nearly beat him to death! Not only that, your brutish, despicable, manticore of a captain shot him with a crossbow!"
"Don't speak of what you don't understand." Lightning Strike rebuked with a fierce loyalty, "Captain Braveheart is an old blowhard; but he is a good pegasus with a strong heart. When we were being briefed that our mission was to somehow detain a living goddess, the entire guard was filled with dread until the captain spoke up. His confidence inspired us to complete our objectives and dare to hope. How can you blame us for following him? Under his leadership, we nearly succeeded twice in what everypony thought to be a suicide mission."
"I don't care if you were arresting Princess Celestia herself," Twilight countered "Your captain used excessive force! Did he at anytime not resort to violence and intimidation to accomplish his goals? Not once did he try to parley with Princess Luna!"
Lightning Strike stepped back and looked to the sky, his mane blowing wildly.
"…I find it amazing you can trust her after what she did last year. I'm aware you defeated her, yet you place the same faith in her as you have in Princess Celestia…"
Twilight was about to respond indignantly, but the guard cut her off.
"I don't think you realize how terrible that night last year was for us. Princess Celestia had taken only a small contingent of the guard with her to Ponyville, the very worst of us, might I add. The rest of the Royal Guard had been tasked with keeping a high alert; for what only the general knew. When the sun didn't rise, panic broke out in the streets of Canterlot and much of the country. Unlike for those in Ponyville, most of the world did not have the comfort of knowing that Nightmare Moon's return was being dealt with. Captain Braveheart did his best to pacify the riots that broke out, but he was powerless to stop them all. I was with him when our battalion managed to disperse a nasty one off of Gallopfrey Street where several foals had their lives trampled out of them. We were all sad to see it, but the captain was furious. He did all he could to revive the fallen young, but when he failed, he cursed the moon. He swore and shouted, stomped and fumed, but in the end he could do little for anypony but carry on with his duties…but he didn't forget, and neither did I. Over the past year, Princess Luna has not once apologized publically for her crimes, she has only been a shadow in the corner of Celestia's court. For what reason should we trust her?"
"Because Princess Celestia did." Twilight replied sternly.
The guard winced, he had not expected such a quick, simple yet potent reply.
"Lightning Strike, Celestia's disappearance is not Luna's fault. You have condemned her from a place of ignorance, your argument is based on just a couple of coincidental conjectures. You don't have a single trace of physical evidence, any eye witness reports, or a solid lead. You're going on a myth."
"…and what would you have us do, Sparks? Sit by as the world dies?"
"I know how you feel, but if you cannot trust Princess Luna, I'd ask you to trust me."
Lightning Strike's brow furrowed, his frustration and doubt cracking through his stern discipline.
"Sparks, I'm aware of your capability and knowledge, but you're still so naïve."
Twilight was hurt by the guard's words, but not surprised. He was a military pony after all, his loyalty resided primarily in Celestia and her institutions, not the unicorn he once babysat. Still, she had hoped beyond reason that he would abandon his post and aid her. Turning away from Lightning Strike, Twilight spoke with cold words.
"Fine then. I see we have nothing else left to say. You can arrest me now, take me to your captain."
The two ponies were buffeted by a cold wind as the pegasus pulled a report from his rumpled armor.
"…at 0900 hours, the garrison at Canterlot was notified of a disturbance at an exotic dance club off Hayseed Lane. The establishment was closed for business. Upon arrival, Captain Braveheart was found destroying property. General Hawkeyes promptly suspended the Captain for abandoning his post and inappropriate behavior in a public place. In his stead, the supreme commander has appointed Lt. Lightning Strike to serve as temporary Captain of the Royal Guard…"
Twilight looked at the new captain in astonishment. He was the field commander, he wasn't disobeying any order in meeting with her. This whole discussion could have been a mere trap, a distraction to his grander scheme. Twilight stood and looked nervously around her to see if she had been surrounded. Captain Lightning Strike placed the scroll down and noticed the unicorn's discomfort.
"Don't worry Sparks, this was an exploratory mission. My pegasi are busy enforcing curfew in Ponyville, per my orders. To carry out an arrest would require substantial back-up, if our last clash taught me anything."
The pegasus turned his back to Twilight and began putting on his armor.
"It will take me awhile to assemble the guard, many are flying reconnaissance now. If you truly know the whereabouts of Princess Celestia, I hope that you find her, and quickly."
He looked back at her with a weak smile as he crowned himself with his golden, red plumed helm.
"My little Sparks, it wasn't hard to track you. I wasted no time searching the town, I knew you would run off to some secluded spot. Unfortunately for your efforts, you chose the residence of a high profile fashion model. Not the smartest move there."
The teasing remark fell flat as he stared into her eyes affectionately. At length, Lightning Strike unfolded his wings and rose into the air.
"I will not shirk from my duties to Celestia and the state, Twilight Sparkle. Be assured, I will continue to pursue you and your friends." the captain spoke with a new flare of authority and strength, " But don't waste this time I'm giving you. Find Princess Celestia, prove me and the Royal Guard wrong. I have no greater wish…"
With that being said, Captain Lightning Strike flew off towards Ponyville.
Twilight was conflicted. Neither did they reconcile, nor depart in hate. Very little had been resolved, both would continue on their respective, opposing paths. Yet, the captain affirmed his love for her when everything in the world came into question, not only through his words but through his gift of that most precious necessity: time.
Despite his words, she knew he had faith in her.
Now was not a time for contemplation, action was of the utmost essence. It seemed unlikely that Applejack had managed to round up Rarity and Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash was running late, so Luna's immortality would have to take a back seat to finding Celestia. It would be far more expedient…
A thunderous boom shook the earth, shocking Twilight. She looked up to the sky to find an explosion of colors burst forth across the dark night canopy. A look of terror on her face, Twilight was paralyzed with a mixture of anger, fear and concern. The Sonic Rainboom was unmistakable, it was obviously Rainbow Dash's work, but what danger drove her to pull out her best move?
"Oh no!" Twilight thought, "Even if she's all right, she's given away our position to every pony in Equestria! Even under Lightning Strike's leadership, the Royal Guard will descend on this spot in minutes! We've got to move, and quick! Even the Everfree Forest looks inviting now…"
Her concentration broke as she saw the rainbow end a few hundred meters before her. Running with all haste, she suddenly froze when she saw Rainbow Dash doing what appeared to be a victory dance.
"Rainbow, what have you done!"
Turning to face the unicorn, the cyan pegasus gave a sheepish smile and an awkward chuckle.
"Uh, well…Ooops?"
/
So ends the longest chapter, and so begins the longest author's note.
There is a discrepancy between the first and present chapter that I will amend when I do revisions. Luna notes the color of Nightmare Moon as evidence that she had been demonized, yet in the first chapter I also noted that she did not like to assume a grand form like Celestia. Therefore, the whole tapestry scene will be fixed to accommodate Luna's grandiose "Nightmare Moon" form.
Time in this story is based on the Gregorian calendar and the Anno Domini system for sake of historical context (medieval Equestria being akin in ways to Western Europe and others to Byzantium) and simplicity for the reader. The defeat of Discord sets the timeline's start up date. Also, pacing. It's an issue, but I'll work on it.
*When Celestia refers to a republic, it is not a modern democratic republic. I'm using this in the classical sense of the word. If you want to see an example of a republic being no more than a word for noble oligarchy, see the Roman Republic.
This chapter is a bit messy (especially the end), forgive me, but I'm leaving for Europe for a month and I wanted to get this in to you guys before I left. I may write a bit when I have down time, but more likely than not I'll be partying and getting piss drunk. Anyway, this story will be finished, I wrote this story for Celestia just as much as Luna and I cannot wait to bring the two back together.
Lastly, I appreciate the feedback. I didn't get much for Chapter four, but I know this chapter has a lot that can be improved upon. Or if you just want to say you liked the story, it always feels good to know my lack of sleep is going into something worth it. Damn, I just need to get this story out of my head!
P.S. I don't own MLP or intend to make a profit from this story.
Grey Prophet
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Grey Prophet
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-08-03T06:57:46+00:00
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2012-08-03T06:57:46+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 6
A change from the typically hay-thatched buildings dotting the layout of Ponyville, the ornately decorated Carousel Boutique drew the attention and admiration of many visitors to the village. Its superb architecture and beautiful purple marble left the impression that the structure was a royal retreat rather than the home of a tailor. Even in the dark of night, its magnificence could not be hidden; the smooth marble reflected the soft moonlight while the stars illuminated the dazzling array of jewels lining the windows of the second floor, behind which peacefully slept the famed fashionista herself, Lady Rarity.
Well, in truth, she lacked the aristocratic title "Lady" and her last name revealed her more humble origins, a past she had worked diligently to suppress, opting to be referred to as simply Rarity in all matters from business deals to her most intimate of relationships. Nonetheless, there was perhaps nopony dedicated to high society and culture as her; though an artistic visionary she was extremely disciplined in all things regarding etiquette, fashion, and class. Tonight, however, Rarity allowed herself to relax, for even the most rigidly regimented of ponies required a reprieve from the extremes of their own personality. It had been a tough few weeks for Rarity; she had received a slew of commissions for suits and gowns for the occasion of a royal banquet. Though envious and a tad hurt for not receiving an invitation from Celestia, the pressing demands of her trade and bitter memories of Prince Blueblood quickly chased such sentiments away. Toiling all week with little time for friends, family, and, most importantly, herself, Rarity was relieved beyond words to see her last (extremely satisfied) customer exit her boutique. Immediately afterwards, she promised to close shop for the weekend and pamper herself.
Such was her exhaustion that she went to bed without her usual curlers and face mask, justifying the choice by "letting Aloe and Lotus do their job" at the spa. As sleep took her, thoughts of a tranquil morning brought a faint smile to her face. The gentle touch of the dawn's first rays would awake her and welcome her to a new day. She would then fix herself a cup of tea and read her book, a rare collection of medieval romances Twilight had translated for her. Though not of royal cloth, Rarity yearned to be part of those tales, to be the fair princess in the tower. Her dreams did not deny her this pleasure tonight, and Rarity was swept away to a land rife with greedy dragons and maidens, noble stallions and valorous deeds…
"THAT FUCKING WITCH! YOU FUCKING BACK-STABBING TRAITOR, TWILIGHT SPARKLE! I'LL SEE BOTH YOU WICKED WHORES BURN AT THE STAKE! CELESTIA DAMN YOU!"
Rudely torn from her slumber, Rarity's eyes bugged at the sound of the coarse words penetrating her home. Her shock, however, quickly faded and was replaced instead with an unbridled rage. If it was one thing Rarity held more sacred than fashion and art, it was the sanctity of the Equestrian language and its proper use. Not only were this scoundrel's words an utterly feeble attempt for a lazy mind to express itself effectively, they were beyond crude and wholly indecent to the ears of true ladies and young children. This injustice to the Ponyville community could not go unpunished; hell hath no fury like Lady Rarity.
Shooting out of her bed, she quickly left her house to find the source of the string of obscenities. She did not need to travel far, as she soon came upon the host of the Royal Guard awaiting orders from their frustrated captain who continued to swear sporadically and loudly. Rarity paused for but a moment, she knew she was dealing with Celestia's elite soldier but that was ever more the reason to chastise their commanding officer from departing so clearly from chivalry. This is not to say his high status did not have an impact, for it reminded Rarity to regain her composure and keep a level head. Like a proper lady should. Calming herself, she boldly approached the captain as he had his back turned to her.
"Excuse me, good sir." She tried at gaining his attention, but the brown pegasus ignored her.
"Ergh," he growled, "Nightshade!"
"Yes sir, Captain Braveheart!"
"I want you to lead a small reconnaissance around the perimeter or Ponyville! I doubt they got very far, so I want a report in 15 minutes! Put those lazy wings to use and get going!"
"Yes sir!"
"Good pegasus, I can always count on you to get shit around here done, now do me proud!"
"Uh-hem!" Rarity cleared her throat, "Captain!"
Responding to his rank, Braveheart turned his head to his side, saw Rarity, snorted in contempt, and brought his attention back to his troops. So appalled by the captain's behavior, Rarity was at loss of words. This was Celestia's best knight? It had to be an imposter; there was no way under Celestia's good heavens that this brute could possibly be heroic or honorable, and certainly not chivalrous! However, at that thought Rarity was instantly reminded of Prince Blueblood, and suddenly it seemed pretty plausible that this ruffian "knight" was in fact of Celestia's court.
As she stood in silence, Captain Braveheart continued to address his pegasi in an agitated voice.
"All right, we failed in our objective to apprehend the renegade Princess Luna, or more accurately Nightmare Moon, within the desired time allotted to us by the general. It's just about 0700 hours meanin' ponies will be wakin' up pretty soon."
Sighing heavily and removing his helmet, the captain's face turned solemn. Eyes cast downwards, he continued.
"Pegasi, I don't need to tell you this, but we're dealin' with a national crisis the likes we've never seen before. This will make last year look like we were babysitting a bunch of foals; at least last year, in her wisdom, Celestia had set in motion a plan to stop her demon of a sister. But even under her guidance, we know how many died in Canterlot that day, how many died because of that witch."
Braveheart's demeanor now reverted back to his usual fiery tone, his voice once again that of a barking officer.
"Now, we have only our courage, wit, and determination. Not only must we capture Nightmare Moon, we must do our best to preserve order here. I've sent Private Gust to call on the district barracks to send reinforcements here. They may not be elite, but we'll need every disciplined soldier to turn back this tide. I mean, I've had reports come across me that say this village teetered on the brink of hysteria over a bunch of rabbits running through the town square! This is more than just a skittery bunch, they're damn near crazy, so I want their little panic attack contained and defused! If there was any good to come from the last Summer Sun Festival, it at the very least prepared us for a day like this, so no excuses! We've trained damn hard for this, so I don't want any screw-ups. I expect only to see the best from my pegasi!"
Rarity could respect Braveheart's tense situation, even if she didn't quite understand it fully, but it was still unforgiveable to so rudely write her off and repeatedly use such vulgar words.
"Captain Braveheart, I would gladly appreciate it if I could have an audience with you!" Rarity politely requested against the wind, which at this point had begun to weaken.
With another growl, Braveheart turned and gave Rarity an ugly look. He continued to glare at her as he began to speak, but his words were for his pegasi, not the fair unicorn.
"And here I thought the wind was just becoming more obnoxious, turns out it's another nosey bitch here to add shit to my plate."
The captain let out a gruff cackle, as if his insult was actually original. The thing is with insults, however, is that it matters not how creative they are but how potent their impact is, and a stunned Rarity definitely felt it.
Bitch.
The fair unicorn detested the word above all others. Unlike its fellow curses, "bitch" carried the weight of a dismissive, sexist chauvinism that impressed upon its victim a sense of inferiority and servitude. It also reduced her to the level of a faceless, run-of-the-mill commoner worthy of being only a lust object for the depraved.
Her face hardened, her eyebrows furrowed with anger. No lady should ever suffer such gross offense!
Rarity could no longer contain herself. This soldier, no matter how impressive his rank or medals were, had not a shred of class; if he was going to so crudely disrespect her, she was going to treat him like the slime of the earth he was!
Finished with his little chuckle, Braveheart finally addressed Rarity in an authoritative tone.
"Look honey, the best thing you can do for me and my company is to turn your hide around and head straight back to your home and stay there. Got it?"
Rarity leered at the captain with a burning hate.
"No captain, I will not." she said through gritted teeth.
"Oh, a fighter huh? Now go-"
Braveheart was interrupted by getting a full face of the unicorn as she butt heads with him, her disdainful stare squaring him straight in the eye.
"To imagine Princess Celestia's elite knights to be no more than a degenerate rabble of ruffians! By Celestia's good heavens, the way you carry on, captain! What example of discipline or honor are you demonstrating to your pegasi when you can't even hold your vulgar, maggot ridden tongue in the presence of a lady for but a second! And then to call her a "bitch"! Well, Captain Braveheart, if that is what you think of me, I'll be happy to indulge you in your crude stupidity!"
With a swift swipe of her hoof, Rarity gave the captain a stinging slap to the face.
"Hmph! If there is to be a civil disturbance this morning, you have no pony to blame but yourself, captain. Your rambunctious cursing most likely woke up half the town and did nothing to calm anypony down Burn Twilight Sparkle, the nerve! Such barbarisms Celestia will never tolerate, I have a mind to tell the princess myself of her captain's depraved ruthlessness and astonishing disrespect for the fairer sex!"
Captain Braveheart stood silent, his face burning with a curious mixture of rage and shame. This unicorn had the nerve to disregard his authority and humiliate him in front of his pegasi, yet at the same time she was in the right to do so. His hot temper and coarse language had gotten him into trouble in the past, the only reason he managed his rank was through an impressive track record in the field. Still, he did his best to make sure it never interfered in a mission, but today was beyond stressful. With Celestia gone, everything seemed to be falling apart, even his own discipline. He needed her, just as the day needs the sun. Nonetheless, Braveheart was proud, and he'd be damned to just let this townie from the boonies tell him how uncivilized he was.
As Rarity finished her tirade, Braveheart spoke through clenched teeth.
"And what makes you think Celestia would care to hear what you have to say?"
Rarity grinned, in this question she was happy to oblige in a response.
"Why, don't you know? I'm Rarity, fashionista extraordinaire. Celestia personally commissions me for the royal décor of Canterlot Castle. It helps to have good friends, dear; I'm a master at networking."
The captain's face suddenly lit up in surprise, growing a grin of his own.
"You're Rarity, the famed fashion designer? Twilight Sparkle's friend?"
Rarity's smirk faded, confused a bit by the captain's question.
"Why, yes, I mean …"
"Well then, Miss.Rarity, you are under arrest for conspiring against the throne."
"—wait what, what?" Rarity stood dumbstruck.
"Don't worry; perhaps you'll see some of your work at Canterlot, though last I recall the dungeons are pretty damn bare. Maybe you can knit somethin' for the dank walls, somethin' bright. It gets so bloody dreary down there; I'm sure Princess Luna will love it! Ha! Storm Cloud, front and center!"
"Yes sir!" replied a grey mare with bright blue eyes.
"Put Miss Rarity here under house arrest for now. I expect you can handle an interrogation on your own."
"Of course."
"Oh, and sergeant."
"Yes?"
"Do you think I've acted out of line? Speak candidly."
"Captain, to be honest, you've been more of an ass today than usual. It doesn't take a therapist to see why, but you might want to watch what you say to civilians. The kid here is right, you could start a panic."
"Hmm…fine, duly noted. Take her away."
Before Storm Cloud could lead Rarity away, a shrill scream was heard emitting from some corner of the small village soon followed by the unmistakable words of Lilly, a mare with a penchant for alarmist drama.
"The horror, the horror!"
If the captain's curses succeeded in waking up a few ponies around the town square, Lilly's cry awoke the rest of the village. One by one, the ponies peered from their windows and doorways only to find what they thought they left behind when sweet sleep took them: a chilling north wind and a beautiful night sky. As they gazed up at the eerie darkness, a cold terror swept through them; there was no sign of their beloved goddess to be found. All that seemed to change was the moon which remained just upon the horizon, making it seem larger, almost as if it were falling towards the earth.
"Shit, make that quick sergeant, I need you back here." Braveheart growled, "It's starting."
"Yes sir!"
Rarity found herself lifted off her hooves, the female soldier effortlessly carrying her as she glided towards the boutique. Dropping her off, the sergeant gave Rarity a stern warning.
"Get inside; it might get ugly out here. Don't even think about leaving, princess. You're just a suspect now but if you escape you'll be a felon. Trust me, it's best if you just stay here and work on your dresses."
Without waiting for a response, Storm Cloud bolted back to her company. Rarity complied with her orders; she didn't want to get mixed in with a dirty bunch of rioters after all. However, the whole situation was, well, so thrilling, like one of her romances! Though Braveheart was far from charming, it did not mean him or the other guards incapable of exciting deeds. Rarity quickly ran up the stairs to the highest level of the boutique so she could get a decent look of the town square. And then she heard it, faint though it may be against the wind.
Murmurs.
"The sky…it…"
"Can it be…?"
"I knew it; I knew she shouldn't have been trusted…"
And then the prophets emerged.
"Nightmare Moon has returned to cast her vengeance upon us! Pray that Celestia may deliver us from her wicked onslaught! Repent, we must all repent!"
And the spark that ignites a firestorm.
"Doom, doom! What hope do we have! Everypony for themselves!"
For Ponyville, it took only three minutes to escalate to this point, much to Captain Braveheart's chagrin.
"Return to your homes!" the captain shouted, his helmet fixed firmly back on his head, "By order of Celestia's Royal Guard, return to your homes or we will not hesitate to use force!"
Not surprisingly, his warnings fell on a crowd deafened by both the wind and their own hysterics. All ready the mob began to scurry aimlessly about the square, screaming and damaging property along the way.
"I knew that wasn't going to cut it, words can only do so much in the end." The disgruntled captain said to himself before turning to his pegasi, "Form up! Form up! I want shields and nightsticks ready! Now fall in and follow my lead!"
With that, Braveheart took to the sky, leading his pegasi to encircle the panicking villagers in the town square and swiftly land.
"Shields!" Braveheart ordered, "Shields!"
The guards raised their golden shields in concert, the sound of clattering metal sounding like a symphony to Braveheart's ears.
"Company advance!"
As the guard began to box in the rioters, a few dozen Earth ponies crashed against the lines trying to break through.
"Stand your ground, hold them!" Braveheart barked, planting his hooves firmly to the ground. It was a grueling test of physical strength; an average lot of pegasi would have easily been trampled down by the much stronger and sturdier Earth ponies. But the elite earned their keep; they managed to rebuff the charge and continue to press inwards. After fifteen minutes of steadily gaining ground, the frightened villagers had been rounded up, their reckless stampeding put to an end.
"Lightning!"
"Yes sir!"
"You're good with words, calm these hicks down and send them on their way home!"
"I'll do what I can, sir."
Lightning Strike broke rank and file to speak with the scared residents of Ponyville. Removing his helmet in an attempt to look less intimidating, the lieutenant calmly addressed the crowd.
"Citizens of Ponyville, her highness Celestia's Royal Guard…"
"Where the hay is Princess Celestia!" a voice interrupted.
"…in conjunction with the Equestrian Armed Forces have declared a state of emergency…"
"Who gave you thugs the right to tell us what to do?"
"Yeah! We want to see authorizations from parliament!"
"…curfew will be in effect until the crisis is managed. We remind you to keep calm and keep heart, the situation is under control."
"Lying pig! Control this!"
Flying from the crowd, several rocks soared through the air. Most clattered harmlessly against Lightning Strike's armor, but one managed to smack the side of his exposed head. Dazed, the lieutenant's vision blurred and his knees grew weak. Suddenly, he felt a push and fell to the ground. Reorienting himself, he saw Braveheart standing defensively before him with outstretched wings. Several more enchanted rocks were hurled, the captain enduring each blow without so much as single flinch. Turning back to the crowd, Braveheart snarled with disgust.
"Get the fuck off the streets! I don't have the time to protect you foals all day, so get movin'!"
"Protect us from what?
"Yeah, let us go!"
"From yourselves, ya bloody stinkin' idiots! Where in Celestia's name do you think you dumb foals can escape to, huh? If you haven't noticed, that won't do anything but make ya end up hurtin' yourselves and give me a splittin' headache! Now go home!"
Another rock flew through the air, but the captain's keen eye caught sight of it and dodged the projectile.
"Fine!" Braveheart growled, "We'll have it your way then. Pegasi, nightsticks drawn!"
"He's bluffing," a gutsy young stallion shouted, "He'd never get away with hurting any of us."
"You have the nerve to attack my soldiers and then tell me what I can't do? Big mistake, you son-of-a-bitch! I'll make an example of you!"
As he raised his nightstick to strike, something quite unexpected caught the elite veteran completely off guard.
"Hiya captain!" shouted a cheery voice from behind.
Braveheart froze comically in place, a wave of confusion evident in his blank expression. Slowly he turned his head to behold a familiar pink pony.
"Captain, Captain!" She chirped happily, "Remember me, Pinkie Pie? It was, like, all dark and cold and stuff outside, and I saw you fly into town and I had never seen you before! Well maybe at the Grand Galloping Gala, but never in Ponyville, so I thought, 'Hey, what's really good on a cold night? Duh, silly, hot chocolate with marshmallows of course!' So then I made some and when I came outside there were, like, thirty of you and I was all sad because I only had one cup of cocoa to share but then I realized 'Hey, know what else warms you up? A party!' And then you were all 'Please ma'am we have important royal stuff to do blah blah. ' And then we all danced! Well, kind of, I mean, I totally was but you guys were just shuffling around all nervous! What's up with that? You should really get them on some dance lessons, or something. Then again it must be really, really hard to dance with all that clunky armor. Oh wait a second captain, what d'ya got there? A baton? Were you doing tricks and stuff for everypony? That is so cool! Let me try!"
Yanking the nightstick from Braveheart's grasp, the pink pony proceeded to twirl it and toss it up into the air, following up with several summersaults before catching it. The nightstick didn't stop twirling as the acrobat spun it around her body, neck, and legs, until she once again released it into the air, this time doing three back flips before it came back down. Faster and faster she spun it about, biting her tongue in stern concentration. Guard and town pony alike stood in amazement, both forgetting their fears and anxieties as they watched the pink pony's movements flow like quicksilver.
Then she tripped on a rock.
Falling on her back, the enthusiastic ball of energy let out a merry giggle. The crowd of ponies (and some of the guards) cheered and stamped to show their approval.
"Oh wow! That was really fun! But I guess I'll have to practice a whole lot more to get as good as you are, huh captain?"
Braveheart was almost at loss as to what to say.
"…err…sure kid. But if you don't mind, I got to get these folks off the streets. It's too dangerous for all you to be wandering about town, and I have more pressing matters to tend to."
"Oh I can help with that, no problem!" Pinkie Pie replied. Giving a shrill whistle, she gained the attention of the crowd of ponies. "Listen up everypony! Captain Braveheart needs us all to get back inside so he can do his job and get things back to normal around here!"
"But Pinkie," a stallion spoke out, "that pegasus is power crazy!"
"Are you kidding me, Caramel? He may be a grumpy pants, but he only wants to see you all safe and sound. Hey! I know, if everypony goes back home, they can expect a free basket of muffins tomorrow morning! My treat!"
There was a brief silence as the crowd thought it over.
"Well, if Pinkie Pie trusts this guy, he can't be all bad."
"Yeah, there's no point in fighting…"
"Muffins!"
To Captain Braveheart's great relief, the crowd dispersed and calmly returned to their residences without there being a single casualty or death. Even damage to property was kept to a minimum. For the first time since Celestia's disappearance, Braveheart smiled and gave a genuine, joyful laugh.
"Now that's the Braveheart everypony should see!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, giving the rough soldier a big hug. The captain could hardly believe how infectious, nay, intoxicating the bubbly young mare's joy and love was, just being around her made him want to break out the ale and celebrate. However, that had to wait. Only when Celestia sat again upon her golden throne and Luna thrown in the depths of Canterlot's dungeon would he rest and be merry.
"Your assistance, was…appreciated, Pinkamena Pie. A bit unconventional for this old soldier, but I don't complain as long as it works. Good job."
Breaking away from the pink pony, he broke the files of his pegasi and returned to the town hall to await Lt. Nightshade's report. Pinkie Pie turned to Lt. Lightning Strike who was still on the ground rubbing his head.
"Lightning! Ouch! That's a nasty bump you got on your head!"
"Heh, yeah, well, I deserved it." The lieutenant chuckled in reply.
"Baloney! You meant well, but what the hay was with your speech? Borrringgg! It was all like 'Look at me, I sound like I'm reading an instruction manual for mixing paint.' Of course they weren't going to listen to you, silly; they needed to hear something from the heart, but you-soun-ded like-a-ro-bot." Pinkie Pie said, giving her own impression.
"Well that's fitting, because I feel like one." Lightning Strike said getting back on his hooves, "I had to hurt somepony I love tonight…I can't bear to show any emotion right now. Not when our mission is so critical to the well-being of all."
"Don't say that Lightning," Pinkie said with a look of concern, "It's never a good thing to bury your feelings. If you do that, you lose what makes you special! Today, you gotta do what you gotta do, you're totally right. It'll be tough, but don't hide who you are to keep the pain away. Have courage. The pain will always be there, whether you like it or not and it will get in the way of your mission if you don't deal with it. I know what it's like to hurt your friends, everypony does, it's something really cruddy we wish we could laugh away."
Pinkie leaned in close to Lightning Strike and whispered.
"Want to know a secret?"
The lieutenant nodded.
"You don't have to wish, you just can."
Lightning Strike gave her a puzzled look.
"Hmm, well, maybe not exactly, but the point is that you can't let the past get you down when the future is yours for the making! If she truly loves you, she'll forgive you, silly, don't ever forget that! It takes more than a midnight book raid to lose the love of Twilight Sparkle."
Smiling and giving the surprised lieutenant a wink, Pinkie Pie left him with a final word before bouncing off.
"Remember Lightning to speak from the heart…Oh, and wait! Stop by Sugar Cube Corner next Thursday! It's cheesecake day! I mean, yum, am I right?"
Lightning Strike gave a faint smile, but as she trotted away, he lowered his head in despair. The burning question remained, one that even the gods had no answer for.
/
Braveheart looked to the sky, searching for his lieutenant to return. He was running late, and the captain was growing impatient.
"Nightshade, I sent you out a half an hour ago because you're my best flier. Where the—"
"Captain Braveheart, sir!"
Turning away from the skies, Braveheart saw his best soldier entering the square on hoof...with a prisoner in tow.
"And here I was thinking that this old Wonderbolt was just growing rusty around the wings." The captain grinned.
"Far from it, sir, though you're right. It wasn't exactly my best time." The lieutenant replied, saluting his officer. The captive simply left her head hanging low.
"So who's the hick you found rollin' around in the mud, lietenant?"
"Captain," Nightshade beamed with pride, "this is Applejack, known friend of Twilight Sparkle. The report noted her for her honesty, but I didn't expect a simple run-in with her would give us the intelligence we needed."
"So she's been questioned already? Good pegasus!"
"Well, there was a bit of a chase, first. She's fast for an Earth Pony, I'll give her that, but catching her was hardly a problem. When I subdued her and began the interrogation, she wouldn't lie, per say, but she'd do her damn best to beat around the question. But I know how to play that little game. In the end she let it slip that there had been magical activity in her orchard this morning."
The lieutenant paused and smiled.
"Captain, I believe Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle are hiding at Sweet Apple Acres. I'd recommend we move quickly."
Braveheart grinned.
"Excellent, but the militia hasn't showed up yet. I want a garrison maintained here to enforce curfew, but if we do this right, I shouldn't need more than ten pegasi to arrest Princess Luna. Anymore would just weigh us down. If things look hairy, I'll send for reinforcements, so I want you on standby just in case."
"Uh, sir," Nightshade frowned, "Am I not a part of the extraction force?"
"Lieutenant, I need you here to keep the peace. This is an important task; don't underestimate its worth to Celestia or me, for that matter. Don't worry Nightshade, the princess will know it was you who found her devil of a sister. I'll make sure to tell her myself."
At that moment, Pinkie Pie bounced by. Catching Applejack from the corner of her eye, she stopped mid-air and turned to see her friend tied up and in the custody of the two guards.
"Applejack! Hey, Applejack!" she called out, prompting Applejack to raise her head. Eyes now wide, the farm pony tried mouthing the word "run" in the hopes that the guards wouldn't arrest her too.
"What's that? 'Fun'? Okay!"
As Pinkie Pie approached, Applejack face hoofed at her friend's density.
"Hey Braveheart! Practicing rodeo with Applejack now? Silly I thought you had a job to do! I have to admit though, if you want to learn, you learn from the best, and Applejack is the greatest most best rodeo cowgirl in all of Equestria!"
Braveheart and Nightshade ceased their planning and just stared at the eccentric Earth pony. Applejack just sighed in exasperation.
"Captain," Nightshade whispered, "Isn't that Pinkamena Pie, Twilight Sparkle's friend who commandeered the music at the Grand Galloping Gala? Why isn't she in custody?"
Braveheart blushed in embarrassment.
"Yes, lieutenant, it is. I'll tell you that she proved key in pacifying the village mob, but keep in mind that I don't need to justify my decisions to you. Remember who you're speaking to, damn it!"
"What'cha talkin' 'bout, Cap'n?" the pink partier inquired.
"Hush, Sugar cube," Applejack whispered, "Ah'm under arrest, get outta here."
"That doesn't sound much fun at all." Pinkie said, her spirit deflating. "Why Captain, why arrest Applejack?"
Braveheart muttered under his breath, refusing to look at the pink pony.
"…You foals don't have the faintest clue how anything works, do you? Celestia spoiled the lot of you and now you can't even respect what we're trying to do."
Turning to Pinkie, he gave a wicked glare and raised his voice.
"You're friend conspired with Princess Luna, a traitor to both her own sister and Equestria. If you want to join in the grand plot, just say the word and I can arrange a nice dank cage for you in Canterlot!"
A bit thrown off by the Captain's harsh words, a look of hurt washed over Pinkie's face.
"F-fine! I'd rather sit in dark, dirty cell with my friends than listen to you being a big meanie to everypony!"
The captain's eye twitched; he would never admit it, but the young mare's words stung a bit. But he quickly shrugged it off; he was used to being hated and feared. His job demanded it at times, and he was really good at his job.
"…So be it. You heard her, Nightshade. Slap some cuffs on her and get her the hell out of my sight! Damn I need a cigar and a stiff drink..."
"Pinkie!" Applejack shouted as the lieutenant restrained the pink pony, "What are you thinkin' girl? Gettin' caged up with me ain't gonna help a darn thing!"
"No way José! It's always better to stay together!"
Nightshade proceeded to lead them to Rarity's home, which, granted its central position in the town, was now serving as a makeshift prison. Upon arrival, the lieutenant was saluted by Storm Cloud.
"More of Twilight Sparkle's friends, lieutenant?"
"Yeah, but make sure to watch these ones carefully. I've got a runner here," he said, pulling the rope on Applejack who gritted her teeth and growled in response, "and I've got a…Pinkie here."
Pinkie smiled and tried to wave with her cuffed hooves.
"Hi Storm Cloud!"
The sergeant chuckled.
"Huh, well that'll be a challenge. We could hardly keep her away from us last night, drove the captain a bit mad at the time, too. You think we can really contain her in here?"
"Are you telling me you're not up to the task sergeant? I can always get Pockets on the job."
"Pardon me, but don't make me laugh. You know we're too spread out as it is, and I'll be Celestia's nephew if you switch me out with Pockets. Can't you get Silver Winds or somepony else to take my place?"
"Watch duty is the only thing that guy knows how to do right, and I don't want him hiding under my wing when I'm coordinating with the district militia. I'm surprised Braveheart hasn't kicked him off the guard yet, I think he likes having an idiot around to vent off on."
"You know how it is on the guard, Nightshade. There's the best of the best--us--and those that squeak through because the princess has pity on 'em. They don't usually leave the kitchen though... "
"Well, since you think guarding Twilight's friends will be hard, you can use another soldier. He might be just an apple peeling punching bag, but Pockets still fits the bill."
"Are you kidding me?"
"Look Storm, I need every good pony I can get in the field. So be a good soldier and make sure Pockets doesn't screw up."
"So what am I then?" Storm replied, visibly miffed, "Are you trying to pigeonhole me too?"
Nightshade smirked.
"Don't take it so badly! Like you said, I need at least one competent pony here, and, last I checked, your brain seemed to be in good working order. More or less."
Storm growled and gave her superior a dirty look.
"Again lieutenant? You always want to get rid of me when Braveheart's away so you can take all the credit!"
Other than a slight frown, the lieutenant's disposition changed little in response.
"Braveheart sees something special in you, just what is a mystery to me. All I know is that you slow him down and prevent him from making the right calls at the right time. We can't afford that bullshit tonight, got it?"
"Don't cut me that crap, you're just scared that I'm better than you and the captain knows it."
Nightshade turned around to hide his anger.
"Remember to who you're speaking to! Just do as you're told, sergeant, and stay out of my way."
With that Nightshade left his underling and muttered two words under his breath.
"Insubordinate bitch."
The younger officer gave a slight growl before checking herself. She knew that Nightshade was just lashing out because he was jealous. Besides, it would take more than a cowardly insult to ruffle Storm's feathers; after all, she was a pro with a job to do. Petty little dramas like this were for foals, not her.
Sighing, Storm lead the two prisoners inside. At the sound of the door shutting, a happy Rarity dashed down the stairs to greet the Earth ponies with big hugs.
"Oh, girls! I was so worried! I saw everything! Well, the wind was messing up my beautiful mane, so perhaps not everything, but I'm so glad to see that these brutish stallions didn't hurt you!"
"Who are you calling a stallion, princess?" the annoyed officer spoke up, removing her helm to reveal a sweaty, matted silver mane scrunched up in a ponytail. Her face was reddened by the cold wind so much so that the skin began to crack, pushing up a bit of blood to the surface. Rarity couldn't help but show her distaste in her appearance.
"My, I've never seen such a disaster in all my days! Why, you make Applejack look, look, well, look like me! A proper lady!"
"Thanks a lot, Rarity." Applejack sarcastically droned.
"Sorry dear, it was the best I could come up with on the spot." Rarity said, then turning back to the unhappy soldier. "Armor? You poor, deluded mare. Just look at you! You have so much potential for fabulosity, yet you squander it like Applejack…"
"Rarity, stop it, you'll only get us inta more trouble!"
The fashion-inclined unicorn ignored her friend and inspected Storm Cloud thoroughly.
"Look at what you're doing with that magnificent mane! Officer, ponytails should stay on one's rump, don't you think?"
Before Storm could respond, she felt Rarity tug at one of her grey wings, causing her to unfurl them in full display.
"My! I've only seen wings like these in magazines! Such length lends to elegance and grace, no? I must say, even I'm a pinch jealous!"
With a final evaluation, Rarity nodded.
"Oh yes. I can definitely salvage this piece of work. Dear, leave these boys to their filthy dirt play and allow your feminine side some much needed air. It's such a sin to let beauty go to waste…"
"Uh, sergeant…" Applejack tried to cut in before being interrupted herself.
"That's enough!" shouted Storm Cloud, "I don't know whether you think I'm stupid and shallow enough to be won over by a pedicure or you honestly believe what you're saying."
"Umm…"
"Ergh!" the sergeant growled, "Who are you to tell me what is feminine or what it means to be a lady! My Celestia! Our land is ruled by a goddess, yet it's always a big bucking deal if anypony sees a mare in the armed forces. Gah! Yes the army is full of stallions but it's not just a boy's club. Ponies just treat it like one because they have an idea that the Equestrian Armed Forces is a joke, that it's just a bunch of hormonal stallions sitting around the barracks all day telling dirty jokes! But that's untrue, we're deployed all over the world at a moment's notice to fight or keep the peace in the name of her highness, Princess Celestia. There is nothing more honorable, yet my sisters-in-arms are discouraged because ponies like you tell them it's improper. I can tell you that I'm far from being the only mare with a cutie mark like this."
Removing the plate protecting her thigh, Rarity saw the image of a golden sword blazed across the soldier's flank.
"Strength, agility, courage, and quick wit. These talents are common place and needed to help defend our land. What is rare is a pony skilled enough in the arts to reach your professional stature and 'culture', yet you expect them to be like you when it's not even remotely in their personality. Stop putting us in the same box together and don't you dare pretend to understand who I am. "
Though a bit flustered by Storm Cloud's last accusation Rarity, kept her cool.
"Pray tell, sergeant, what do you think my cutie mark means?"
"Three jewels? It doesn't take a professor to tell you that you deal in the arts and high fashion."
"Well, you'd be dead wrong. It's clear you're reading too deeply into it. No, at its base level it means I'm good at finding gems, nothing more. Do you believe that I should've taken up mining, despite my utter distaste for all things…ugh…dirt? That would be the more sensible, direct path to success, but I think it safe to say that I would not be happy. No, not the slightest! Instead, I took my talent and applied it to something I love. And you know what? I became one of the most sought after designers in Equestria. I wasn't born into class or fashion, dear, I dedicated myself to their pursuit!"
Rarity paused, closing her eyes.
"Perhaps it's wrong for me to expect every filly to behave like a lady all the time. But don't you find it a tad hypocritical to tell me that I'm 'putting us in a box' together (as you so quaintly put it) when you base one's entire destiny on a cutie mark? That's rather rigid, don't you think?"
After another brief pause, Rarity opened her eyes.
"Don't pretend to understand me, either, sergeant."
Storm Cloud blushed; she had not expected the tables to turn so quickly. However, she quickly regained her professional composure the best she could.
"I'll be sure to update the report on you…"
"Thank you. Now, if you excuse me, I have some work I must take care of."
Rarity moved over to the other side of the boutique but remained within the eyesight of the three other ponies. Taking some black and blue fabric, she began to stitch with her machine.
"I was gonna let ya know, sergeant," Applejack said, "The way Rarity was sizin' you up? Yeah, that's how she says 'howdy, nice to meet cha'. That's all."
The soldier did not respond, rather she put her helm back on and assumed the famous stoic disposition of the Royal Guard.
"Oooo! We're playing the statue game again!" Pinkie Pie said, looking Storm Cloud over, "Not bad Stormy, but check this one out!"
Sitting herself down, Pinkie arched her back, brought one hoof under her jaw, and narrowed her eyes in serious concentration.
"Applejack." Pinkie said dully and slowly through clenched teeth, accentuating each syllable "what do you think this means when I do this?"
"Pinkie, this ain't the time for foolin'! We need to talk, and talk quick like!"
"This means that I am thinking." Pinkie replied, disregarding Applejack's urgency and slowly pointing her hoof at her, "What am I thinking about?"
Applejack shook her head in slight frustration at her friend's eccentricity.
"I dunno hun, a par—"
"A party!" the pink pony shouted enthusiastically, breaking from her mold and leaping into the air.
"No more talking, get in the corner where I can see you and be quiet!" shouted Storm Cloud, unamused with Pinkie's play.
Applejack shook her head in disappointment and frustration; she had so many important things to tell the others, but through a combination of her friends' quirky behaviors and the Royal Guards' strict orders she wasn't getting anything important across. Walking over to where Rarity was working, Applejack and Pinkie sat themselves down in silence, waiting for a bit of good luck to come their way.
And it did, not but a half an hour later.
It would perhaps be the only time in his life that young master Pockets would be considered "lucky" to anypony (except, perhaps to his enemies on the frontline). Bursting through the doors of the Carousel Boutique, the nervous dark blue pegasus dashed over to Storm Cloud, panting heavily.
"Sergeant! Urgent news! The raid failed, Nightmare Moon and Twilight Sparkle have escaped again! And the captain, he's he's…"
"Out with it private!" Storm Cloud ordered, his news thus far being unwanted.
"…he's gone."
Storm Cloud's stern discipline was put to the test, but the grief in her voice could not be so easily concealed.
"Braveheart is dead? That witch murdered him!?"
"Uh, no ma'am, what I meant is that he vanished."
"Damn it Pockets, could you try to be a little less vague?"
"Umm, reports from the wounded say Nightmare Moon used her magic to send him back to Canterlot, and you know how General Hawkeyes treats those who leave their post for any reason…"
"Not quite, but I'm sure you do."
"Immediate suspension, possible dismissal."
Storm Cloud's brow quivered with anger, she was now visibly upset.
"That stupid old coot and his unbending rules! We need Captain Braveheart, there's nopony else that can replace him for something this important! We have to get him back, if we don't this mission is done for, hell, everything is done for."
Golden Pockets just stood there and shook his head in nervous agreement, but it didn't take a genius to tell that Braveheart's absence was a welcomed reprieve for the whipping boy.
"Another thing, sergeant, Lightning Strike wants to see you. He was injured in the raid, but, uh, he's still next in the chain of command...seniority and all. Umm, also, could we switch posts? I'm getting pretty cold circling outside this place…"
"Ugh, fine. The world is falling apart all around you, and that's all you can think about: the cold. Whatever, anything to get you off my back, private. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them."
Before leaving, the guard paused and sighed to herself.
"Lightning Strike…he's not fit to command. Not today."
Left alone with the prisoners with nopony to bother him, Golden Pockets assumed the outwardly deceptive shell of a guard, but he was far from attentive. Indeed, the lingering effects of Luna's drug made him feel like he was going to pass out at any moment. Unfortunately for him, Rarity easily picked up on this. She was sensitive to any form of insincerity, be they through actions or words.
"Ladies," she whispered, "if we are to get ourselves out of our current predicament, I suggest we start now."
"But Rarity…" started Applejack hinting her head towards the guard.
"Oh, pay no attention to him. See how glazed his eyes seem? He's hardly awake let alone watching us."
Applejack smiled in relief, now they could get something done and hopefully reach Twilight before anything truly horrible could happen. Continuing to speak in a hushed tone, Applejack was finally able to deliver her message.
"All right then. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, I know this is a might hard to understand, but this morning I found Twilight…"
"Yes dear, with Princess Luna. The guards let the whole village know, but I believe Twilight must have had good reasoning to follow her. Not for a second do I think she would ever betray Celestia."
Applejack was a bit annoyed by Rarity's interruption, no matter how accurate it was.
"Okay Rarity, if you think yer so in the loop, then why d'ja think I risked my neck to come lookin' for you two, hmm?"
"Ooo! Ooo!" Pinkie Pie said, "Because you need the Elements of Harmony to help Twilight and Princess Luna!"
Applejack looked at the pink pony in disbelief.
"Uh, yeah, but how in the hay d'ja know that?"
"Oh, easy! My Pinkie Sense kicked in just a couple hours back! Twitchy left hoof, itchy back, and three winks from my left eye! That's why I have this!"
Reaching into her puffy mane, Pinkie pulled out her element to show to her friends briefly before putting back in the curly tangle.
"Why, that's swell Pinkie!" Applejack said, happy to see that their escape plans didn't include infiltrating Sugar Cube Corner, "But Pinkie, how'd you get out of those cuffs…?"
"Oh silly! When you've partied as hard as I have, you know you're way around a pair of dumb ol' hoovecuffs."
"Okay…how 'bout you Rarity? You have yer element?"
"Don't worry, I have it stored with my other valuables, it won't take long to retrieve."
"Good, now that that's all sorted, let's find a way outta town." Applejack said, her smile quickly turning to a frown," But that's just what we can't do. I bet ya the farm that the militia reserves have arrived by now. The town might as well be a big ol' fort, we won't be able to put two hooves on the ground without a guard breathin' down our backs!"
"Oh, please do cut the drama, Applejack," Rarity said dismissively, "it doesn't suit you at all, dear. What you need to do is think bigger."
"Darn it Rarity, if you have a plan, just out with it all ready! I don't want to be led around the barrel to a conclusion you made an hour ago!"
"Very well," Rarity said, drawing the other two together in a huddle, "let us gauge our position first. We are located near the town centre, possibly the worst spot to be imprisoned. Therefore, we will require something drastic, something potentially dangerous to achieve our ends. Applejack, you noted that Ponyville is now overrun with guards, this is true. Their sheer numbers may hinder an escape, but in this instance it is a crippling weakness for the guard. Did you not hear the sergeant? Captain Braveheart, the central commander of their operation, the force binding the guard together and directing its actions, is gone. We also know that the town is overwhelmed with fear and confusion, the guard being no different; their leader has just been defeated by the unknown terror of 'Nightmare Moon' after all."
"Uh-huh, it's true. They were pretty edgy when I came out to see them last night." said Pinkie, "Especially Pockets, he's such a scaredy cat!"
"Is he now?" Rarity said giving a wry smile, "Then we are doubly fortunate. I propose we take advantage of his cowardice, cause a deafening public uproar and sneak away into the night."
"How Rarity?" Pinkie asked.
"Simple my dear, I will become that which they fear most. I shall be Nightmare Moon! I have already prepared a rough design for my disguise, but it will be magnificently majestic, I assure you. I just need a couple hours, so it would be wonderful if you two could keep Private Clueless out of my mane while I work."
Rarity turned to see Applejack's eyes leveled in annoyance.
"What's the matter, dear?"
"Rarity, Ah've told ya a dozen times an' all tell ya again: I ain't impressed with yer undergraduate degree in Equestrian from Bale," Applejack said, prompting Rarity to blush and quickly overturn a certificate hanging on her wall, "You say a bunch more words then ya need to, a good plenty of 'em flew o'er my head completely. You could've saved a lot of breath if you just got to the heart of yer plan instead of muddlin' the issue by flashin' fancy words at me an' Pinkie."
"Pardon me Applejack, at times I just get carried away…"
"Don't worry 'bout it sugar cube, I got the gist of yer plan an' it sounds pretty sound."
At this time, Private Pockets was starting to regain a bit more of his wits and noticed the chattering trio.
"Hey, quiet down over there! What're you mares talking about anyway?"
"Oh, nothin' hun!" Applejack replied.
"Only you know, feminine matters." Rarity added.
" Uh-huh, like what?"
"Err, um dresses?"
"Parties!"
"And certain sexy stallions."
"Oh well then, carry on ladies." The private said suavely, giving Rarity a wink.
With that Pockets returned to the warm beaches of the tropical fantasy holiday he was playing out in his head. A white unicorn was there to greet him as well.
"Ugh!" Rarity shivered, "That worked a bit too well, I feel violated. Never the matter, I have work to begin. Pinkie Pie, if you could get my Element, it's in the safe just under the reception desk over there. The combination is…"
Before she could finish, Rarity noticed that Pinkie was already at the safe.
"…you'll figure it out."
Returning to her sewing machine, Rarity began with the first stages of her costume. By noon, she had made good ground, allowing her take the time to eat one of the hay sandwiches Pinkie Pie had prepared (with the non-supervision of Private Pockets). Under the pretense of a commissioned gown, Rarity's labor attracted little attention from the guard who simply wrote it off as commonplace in a boutique. Applejack and Pinkie Pie simply sat, at times speaking to each other about nothing in particular; the poor apple crop, baking accidents, the cost of sugar, whatever, in the hopes that if the guard was truly attentive that he would focus on them and not Rarity.
It was around 4:30 when the final touches were being put. Rarity beamed at her creation, which was currently severed into several parts as not to draw the attention of Lighthoof. Like the twisted alter ego of Princess Luna, all the pieces were jet black save the headpiece which Rarity managed to replicate the shining starry mane by placing her finest diamonds into a finely weaved cluster of blue feathers. The serpentine eyes were etched into the hood that completely covered the wearer's face. The body was a skin tight black leather which Rarity had replicated the moon goddess's cutie mark on. The leggings were quite long so to imitate Nightmare Moon's tall stature. Rarity had in her possession two pairs of platform shoes, though ungodly tacky, would help her costume to be that more convincing. Ready to set her plan into motion, Rarity called her friends over just to be interrupted by a thunderous shock wave that shook the very foundations of the boutique.
"What in Celestia's green earth was that?" a stunned Rarity sputtered.
"It couldn't be, she wouldn't…" said Applejack
"Yes-sir-ee-bob! That's a sonic rainboom!" chimed Pinkie Pie.
Looking over to the door, they saw the guard was peering out the door in amazement at the eerie moonlit rainbow explosion.
"This is it girls, quick, help me into the costume!" Rarity ordered, seeing that Rainbow Dash had unwittingly provided them an ideal window of opportunity.
Hastily the two managed to dress Rarity, both of them thankful that the fashion designer had kept the costume simple. In less than a minute, the white unicorn was ready for the debut of her latest creation.
"Hit the lights, Pinkie!" Applejack whispered.
"Okie-dokie-loki!"
With that, the building went dark, freaking out the young private as he turned back inside.
"Hey you three quit that and get back to where I can see you! D-don't test my good will!"
Out of the shadows, Rarity stepped forward into the patch of moonlight emanating from the doorway.
"No, you sad, pathetic worm." She said coldly, her voice sending a chill not just down Pocket's spine, but Applejack's as well, so perfect was her mimicry, "It is you who should not test the good will of me, Nightmare Moon! Tell your commanders you have witnessed the true power of Princess Luna! Now be gone you perverted runt before I send your sinful soul plunging into eternal darkness and despair! "
Shouting and screaming in fear, the guard dashed out of the boutique not looking back for a second. Perhaps if he did, he would have noticed that "Nightmare Moon" was only being supported by three legs.
"Applejack!" Rarity cried "Why didn't you buckle my boot?"
"To make it easier to take that get-up off! Now c'mon, now's our chance!"
The three friends carefully exited the boutique and slid into the shadows of Ponyville finding the best possible route to escape the village.
/
"Where the hell is Lightning Strike?" Storm Cloud shouted at Private Blackmane in the middle of the town centre, "He's been gone for two hours on some 'exploratory mission' when he's supposed to be our captain! Nightshade's been looking for him for an hour now, and he hasn't reported back either. Now it's almost 4:30, and we're nowhere near closer to finding Princess Celestia or Nightmare Moon! This would never happen under Braveheart's watch…"
"I'm sorry, sergeant, what was that?" Captain Lightning Strike said behind her back causing the mare to quickly face him, "That sounded like insubordination! I can and will have you court marshaled. Remember your rank, I think you forget about it too often."
To Lightning Strike's surprise, the soldier didn't back down. Instead, she only got in his face.
"No. I don't care. Do it. Because you know what, Lightning? It won't matter, because we're all going to be dead anyway. You haven't gotten us a step closer to solving this crisis 'cause all you do is walk around like a ghost, giving us token orders while you're mind is a thousand miles away. Oh, and captain, I know where it is. It's with the traitor, Twilight Sparkle. You can't bear to see her hurt anymore, do you?"
"Seargent! I will not tolerate this, give me the respect you would Braveheart!" said a flustered Lightning Strike.
"Lightning, you were a good lieutenant. Maybe you will be a great captain in your own right someday, but you don't have anypony's respect on the guard now. Even with the additional garrison, you're having us babysitting when we should be capturing Nightmare Moon. C'mon Lightning, I'm not stupid. You know it and I know it, you're not up to this task. Deep down, you know we need Captain Braveheart back."
Pulling a scroll from her armor, she continued.
"Here's a petition from the entire guard demanding that Braveheart be sent back to lead us. We've made it quite clear that this is a life or death decision on the General's part, all it needs is your seal and he can't refuse us. There's a dragon at the library, you know, he can get this back to Canterlot in seconds."
As Lightning Strike hesitated, a mighty shockwave through the two off balance. Looking up to the sky, Storm knew exactly what its source was.
"A sonic rainboom! The only pegasus to pull that off in a hundred years is Rainbow Dash! No doubt she's running off to meet with Nightmare Moon and Twilight Sparkle. Now's your chance to prove me wrong, Lightning! Lead us! Remember who you are and who you owe your loyalty and service to!"
Lightning paused for a minute, but before he could reply a startling cry rung throughout Ponyville.
"Nightmare Moon! Nightmare Moon is here! Everypony flee, flee for your lives!"
Dashing through the town centre, they saw Private Pockets running madly and screaming his warnings. Soon the doors opened, and citizens flooded the streets; no way would the promise of muffins send them back inside again. At the sight of a royal guard running from his post, some in the district militia dropped their arms and joined in the panic.
"Royal Guard! Form up, defensive positions! Encircle the square!" the captain yelled.
"Lightning!" Storm shouted, "We don't have enough pegasi! Too many have been wounded."
"Damn it, then get me some good militaponies out here to help us!"
"…"
"Do it!"
Storm Cloud did her best to gather some well disciplined soldiers while Lightning Strike did his best with the pegasi he had to hold back and control the crowds. The riot lasted an hour, but the captain made sure to limit any physical beatings of civilians. After the crowd was dispersed and sent home, Lightning Strike smiled. No pony had been seriously hurt, and the damage had been contained. Sure it had taken him a lot longer than what Braveheart could accomplish, the veteran captain's shock and awe strategy generally paid off at the cost of a few injured ponies. But efficiency had not been Lightning's goal. Everypony's safety was at the forefront of his mind, but in the back was a more personal reason, one he was ashamed to indulge but did so nonetheless.
His desire to keep his promise to Twilight Sparkle.
As the cold breeze blew the settling dust away, however, a small shape caught his eye.
His heart froze, his breathing stopped. All he felt was dread and the unforgiving winds.
Approaching the figure, he shook his head in disbelief. He thought he had done everything right, he even avoided Braveheart's brutality, yet a still corpse now painted the ground red. No matter what he tried, he could not turn his gaze away from the lifeless light blue colt before him, that is until a shrill cry pierced the air.
Eyes wide with confusion and despair, Lightning Strike saw the foal's mother collect him in her hooves. She wailed and gnashed her teeth in sorrow and bitterness, her tears cleansing her young son's blood-stained and dirt-matted coat. Looking furiously at the captain, she cursed him, but the only word Lightning Strike heard was "monster". Now he could truly understand the full force of Braveheart's agony.
No longer able to take the scene, he turned around only to see Storm Cloud with a grim face and her scroll in hoof. Looking deeply into his eyes, she offered it to him without saying a word.
The former captain did not hesitate a second to accept it.
/
At this time, the three escapees finally found themselves approaching Fluttershy's cottage.
"Excellent, it's about time we arrived." Rarity sarcastically sang "Good work guiding us Applejack."
"Oh, Ah'm sorry Rarity, Ah guess when you two pieced together darn well near everything Ah had to tell ya, Ah guess Ah didn't get mah word in that we were supposed to get to Fluttershy's" Applejack replied, "Anyway, there was no way in Celestia's good name that we were gonna get a straight shot to her house. We had to walk around town no matter which way you spell it."
Looking at Rarity, Applejack noticed the third member of their company wasn't in step with them.
"Pinkie? You all right?"
Pinkie sat staring past her friends with big eyes. At last she spoke in a subdued tone.
"Everfree is burning."
/
And that, everyone, is part six. I hope you enjoyed it, even though it is lacking in both Luna and Celestia, but I thought it important to take some time away from the main conflict of the story, though many issues in that conflict are reflected in this chapter as well. I really didn't want to kill anything this chapter, but at the end it seemed necessary. I still would not call this a grim dark fic, I think the term "normal" fits it quite well.
I'm glad to finally give you all this chapter. I worked really hard on it, there were a lot of characters that needed to be introduced and properly characterized so that took me a bit of time. Also, just life getting back from Europe and getting ready to go back to university (and all the friends/family functions that entails) ate up a good amount of time too. Hopefully the next chapters will come swifter.
Another problem for me is the appearance of Nightmare Moon/Luna. Apparently the former isn't the empowered form of the latter. This is one of the things I will rewrite.
As always, I really appreciate feedback in any form, as I will revise the story once it's fully completed and your suggestions help me a lot. Even if you have no constructive criticism, it feels good to hear that people enjoyed my little story.
I do not own MLP or intend to make a profit.
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Grey Prophet
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-08-03T07:06:32+00:00
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2012-08-03T07:06:32+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 7
Standing just outside the small woodland cottage, Luna and Fluttershy beheld with awe the tremendous array of colors that, for the moment, had dispelled the utter darkness that enshrouded Equestria. Luna was enthralled by its color, the way the moonlight touched the precipitation created a faint, ghastly spectrum that permeated across the welkin. It was not often that she had a rainbow grace her night sky, and certainly none as magnificent as the one now illuminating the heavens in concert with the light of her shining stars. Together with the moon they wove a wondrous tapestry that brought joy and inspiration to Luna's heart. The spectacle invoked memories of the Aurora Borealis she was fond of painting into her nightly masterpieces centuries ago, and suddenly her cares melted away with the sprawling burst of color. Feeling a jolt of exhilaration take her as she marveled, Luna desired above all else to tame the rainbow blast and scatter its beauty across the heavens.
"Magnificent, wouldn't you say Fluttershy?" Luna asked.
Hearing no response, the goddess turned to her side to find nopony there.
Obviously, Fluttershy did not share in Luna's enthusiasm. Recognizing Rainbow Dash's signature Sonic Rainboom, the young caretaker immediately worried for her friend's safety and disregarded the stunning sight. Compelled by her fears, Fluttershy took to her wings and flew as fast as she possibly could against the chilling gusts. She was a naturally weak flier, but such was her love and determination that the winds soon found a worthy adversary in the usually meek pegasus.
However, the winds posed little challenge to the moon goddess as she effortlessly sailed through the air to catch up with the struggling pegasus.
"Fluttershy!" Luna shouted against the current, "What's the matter, dear? Did it spook you?"
"Oh, no, umm, sorry! I, uh, it's just that--well, Rainbow Dash…"
"I can't hear you, could you speak up?!"
"Uh, well, you see…" Fluttershy sputtered; a bit flabbergasted that Luna felt it necessary to carry on a conversation when she was putting all of her heart into just remaining airborne.
"Hold that thought, I can see Twilight and another pony in the distance."
"Oh thank goodness!" the pegasus thought to herself as the pair descended on hoof and dashed over to the moonlit figures before them. It didn't take long for the two newcomers to see that not all was well with their companions.
"Rainbow, I told you to make sure to avoid the guard!" Twilight fumed, "Not race them! What were you thinking?"
"Well, to be fair Twi, there was only one…" Rainbow Dash said nonchalantly, hoping her casual attitude would compliment her 'no big deal' defense.
"Only one? Only one? There are going to be fifty armed elite guards on our tails pretty soon because of that one."
"Okay, okay, my bad Twilight…"
"Oh Rainbow Dash, I'm so glad you're okay!" Fluttershy said, interrupting the bickering ponies. "I was sooo worried!"
Rainbow Dash smiled and gave Twilight a condescending look.
"Well at least somepony cares about how I'm doing after barely besting one of the greatest fliers in Equestria. Thanks Fluttershy."
"Indeed, what a truly impressive performance!" Luna said emerging from the shadows, a fiery joy still evident in her words, "Such a rarity it is to see a mortal outdo a goddess, and on her own canvas at that!"
What was just as rare was to see Rainbow Dash blush at a complement. Even the praise of her heroes, the Wonderbolts, paled in comparison to the deity's words.
"I guess it was kinda great…" Rainbow Dash said, rubbing the back of her head. Twilight rolled her eyes; she knew Rainbow was now just angling for more of the princesses' flattery.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash, there's no need to play humble with me! I insist, we must fly together under the midnight sky and play among the stars someday…"
"Princess Luna," Twilight broke in, annoyed that the goddess had seemingly lost all sense of urgency because the sky looked pretty, "now isn't the time for talk. We have to get moving, but I just don't know where to..."
Luna's spirit drained as Twilight brought her back down to earth, all of her cares, fears and doubts returning to the front of her mind. Once again, she was astounded by her own irrationalities. Celestia remained missing, the guard belligerent, and their situation hopeless and without direction yet she could not help but get lost in her passion at a crucial juncture that required an astute, decisive decision. The worst part in the whole matter was that Luna had failed to lead her little fellowship; instead she relied on the plans of others despite her own reservoir of ancient knowledge and experience.
No more. Now was her chance to fulfill her duty as a princess of Equestria.
"It seems, Twilight, that we have little choice but to enter Everfree Forest." Luna said sternly.
Twilight's eyes widened at the suggestion.
"No princess, I thought of that too but it's just too dangerous! I don't want anypony else hurt today."
"What should we fear from Everfree?" Luna said as if Twilight had insulted her, "There are dangerous beasts, yes, but that same dread the forest inspires in you will also shield us from the Royal Guard. At the moment, it is far more dangerous to linger around Ponyville than to enter Everfree."
Twilight bit her lip. She had made the mistake of belittling the dangers of the dark forest before and nearly died in a coffin of stone because of it. However, Luna was right; the Royal Guard posed more of a direct threat. As she at last consented with a silent nod, she could only hope that Luna would be able to protect them if things became awry. Yet Everfree was unpredictable and Luna still mortal. One wrong turn could very well spell the end of the world.
"Excellent," Luna said, "let's waste no more time here, follow me."
"Umm, princess," Fluttershy spoke up, "I think its best that I just go back, uh I can't just leave Applebloom alone and Big Mac is still in need of care…"
Luna frowned. Once again she failed to take into account the entirety of their situation, and again that somepony else would have to solve.
"…we don't have time to argue." Twilight sighed in frustration, "For the moment, Luna, Rainbow Dash and I need to hide. If the other three are coming, they'll need to know just where we're going: Everfree Castle. Fluttershy, I need you to wait for them, it's pointless to throw another pony in harm's way when we don't have all the Elements. The guard still views you as innocent anyway…I think…but hanging around us will do you no good. Everypony understand? All right, let's go."
Luna looked at Twilight with a mixture of envy and curiosity; the way she quickly calculated, interpreted, and directed their current situation was reminiscent of Celestia's own ability. Yet it was imperfect. Surely Twilight did not seriously expect that her friends had managed to escape Ponyville when they were already so many hours late. It seemed that Celestia's pupil was taking a leap of faith into the unknown where cold rationality was of little use.
Luna smiled. Twilight was learning.
As the company broke up and the trio passed under the dark boughs of Everfree Forest, Twilight was both relieved and terrified. On one hoof, she was now certain that Lightning Strike was holding back the guard, there was no other reason that they weren't currently under arrest. On the other, she had let Fluttershy return to her cottage. The pegasus had an inexplicable mastery of the wildlife and had saved Twilight's life in the past because of it, but Twilight knew it was pointless to try and tear Fluttershy away from a patient. Now she was gone, and, even in the company of a goddess, Twilight could not shake off the foreboding sense that something terrible was about to happen.
Rainbow Dash, too, had her doubts, but for different reasons. Now that the thrill of her race with Nightshade had begun to dissipate, she began to grow a little curious about Princess Luna's intent and innocence, but her unshakeable loyalty to Twilight kept her from seriously questioning the goddess. At any rate, the princess was quite the fan of her flying…maybe she wasn't so bad…maybe she was even cool.
Following Luna's lead, they walked in silence, until another question came to Rainbow Dash.
"Uh, Twilight, I know you're usually pretty good at comin' up with solid plans, but uh, why Everfree Castle? Couldn't we just go to Zecora's, it's a lot closer to Fluttershy's…"
"No Rainbow," Twilight quickly responded, "I don't want to drag Zecora into this mess. We don't need any more Big Macs today…"
"Uh, what exactly is that supposed to even mean?"
Twilight sighed and prepared to fill all the gaps for Rainbow Dash. As the unicorn informed her friend of their various trials, Luna was on high alert. Like Twilight, she had felt uneasiness upon entering the eerie wood that was unusual for the goddess. Naturally she loved to wander Everfree during the night, but something was just not quite right, the forest just felt…off.
Nearing the gorge that had once tested Twilight's faith, Luna stopped to gather her bearings and soothe her misgivings. But before she could even so much as think about a way out, the earth below the trio suddenly began to writhe and convulse, throwing the three to their knees. Looking up, Luna could not help but feel fear grip her as a tremendous dragon arose from the pit before them. Its scales were blood red, but it bore black markings as well across its body. Eyeing the shocked group, the beast angrily glared at Twilight and Rainbow Dash. As his gaze reached Luna he paused, the ferocity in his eyes melting into a pensive contemplation. At length he grinned, revealing a row of beautiful obsidian teeth that complimented his black claws.
"Чтобы думаю, что моя Немезида должна невольно вхожу в свой притон и спаси меня боль найти ее. Наконец-то мы встречаемся, проклятый и поносил демона. Ты пришел, чтобы искупить свои грехи?"
It had been centuries since Luna had spoken Wyrmish, but it was a simple, chilling question.
"To think my nemesis should unwittingly enter my den and save me the pain of finding her. At long last we meet, accursed and reviled demon. Have you come to atone for your sins?"
Gathering her courage, Luna did her best to reply in the dragon's tongue, but it came across sounding like this:
"Dragon, no quarrel have I had of you. Never have my eyes seen you, go back home and sleep on your treasure bed."
Much to her dismay, the dragon erupted into laughter.
"Ha! This is the tongue that enslaved so many of my brethren?" the dragon roared in perfect Equestrian, "Surely your words are fairer in the language of your own kind, demon? Or has a millennia of banishment utterly drained the Nightmare of her potency? "
The dragon's insolence infuriated Luna, her voice now shaking with fear and rage.
"I don't need to prove anything to you, dragon. It's not wise to taunt a goddess who has defeated so many of your kin in ages past, now be gone and leave us in peace!"
The beast ceased his laughter and stared indignantly at Luna.
"Leave you in peace? Do not speak to me of "peace", Nightmare! I shall never know it because of you. For centuries you have haunted my sleep, mocking me from beyond the surreal rift between truth and dream. No, I will never be at peace, the most I can hope for is to see you face the justice her highness spared you from. Only when you feel the same suffering your shadow left upon Celestia shall I return to my slumber."
"Dragon!" Luna cried out, taken aback by the beast's unwarranted vitriol, "I'm not the villain here! Celestia imprisoned me, how can I be responsible for the evils you accuse me of!? I was not part of your war!"
"Huh, a tale I heard a thousand times over from the mouths of the enemy." the dragon snorted, "But you cannot deceive me, witch, I saw firstclaw what you did daily to blessed Celestia!"
The dragon's reverence for Celestia struck Luna as very unusual since his race had a very contentious relationship with the sun goddess that was characterized by conflict and distrust. The dragon's accent also prodded her curiosity, not only was it much more refined than the deep growling sounds that usually emanated from the mouth of dragon, it was tinged with a ring reminiscent of the noble accent commonly heard at the medieval court of Canterlot. As her observations coalesced, a very simple question came to mind.
"Who exactly are you, dragon, to know my sister so intimately as to know her daily struggles?"
Once again, the dragon snorted in contempt.
"Do not pretend that you have never heard my name. It was I who broke the siege of Canterlot, I who decimated your forces outside the gates of St. Ponyburg, I who routed and crushed your griffon allies in the high passes, I who slayed my own kind so yours could finally find peace under Celestia's sacred heaven!"
"You're Blackteeth!" Twilight interrupted enthusiastically, her fear being replaced by her natural scholastic curiosity, "You were one of the legendary heroes of the forgotten war! You were only a drake at the time, yet you managed to lead the Royal Guard and Celestia's army to victory!"
Luna gave Twilight an ugly look, causing the exuberant student to blush. The dragon, however, smiled at her, bearing his toothy grin proudly in response.
"Ha, that one so young should know while the eternal should plead ignorance! You are close unicorn; "Blackteeth" was but a name my soldiers would call me on the battlefield. It was rare in those days to be born the way I was, leaving me markedly different from the other dragons fighting in the war. Against her highness."
The dragon paused, his voice lowering to a solemn growl.
"No, when she hatched me, Celestia named me Ajax. She was a mother to me in those earliest of evil days when the sun did battle against the moon and the fires of war burned across her land. Though day and night became impossible to distinguish, it mattered little to Celestia. She toiled without end trying to curtail the severity of the famine, suppress the rebellion, and restore order in the heavens. Despite this hell, rarely did she neglect me. Celestia loved me dearly and saw to it that I was at her side whenever she was at Canterlot Castle. Growing up among the military commanders at her court no doubt trained my body and mind for war, but it was you, Nightmare Moon, who gave me cause."
At the mentioning of the hated name, Ajax's anger and fury rekindled, a change that startled Twilight, but the anxiety she now felt was of a different nature. Celestia had always been reluctant to tell her anything about the past, insisting that she rely on her own scholarly abilities and do the research herself. Suffice it to say, this dragon had told her more in a few sentences than her teacher ever did. Not only that, it seemed that Celestia had reduced "Blackteeth" to nothing more than an old mare's tale, much like she had done to Luna. What drove Celestia to erase the names of those she loved most from the annals of history?
"For hours at a time, Celestia went out to push back your fell shadow so that the light of the sun could warm the land and supply the pony folk with at least a meager harvest. But your cruelty knew no bounds, for as she gained the upperhoof, you would refuse to usher in the night so that the sun would scorch the earth and undo all of Celestia's efforts. Through this way, you embittered her ponies and turned them against her, turning rebellion into a total civil war."
Ajax paused once again, as puffs of black smoke began to escape from his mouth and nostrils.
"But even this was not your greatest crime! No, not only would you not give Celestia a moment of peace as she struggled against your armies and black magic, you plagued her every dream, the one place we should have been free of you! Every time I slept by Celestia's side I was awoken by either grief-ridden mutterings of "Luna" or her tortured shouting. She would later apologize to me, saying that it was just a nightmare and not to worry, but I knew. It was the Nightmare. For two decades you slowly sapped Celestia of her strength and will to resist the evils you unleashed, and eventually her responsibilities became too numerous for her to bear alone."
With a deafening roar and a burst of flame, Ajax made it clear to Luna that he wasn't just storytelling; his words served to awaken a wrath that had lain dormant, festering deep within his mind for centuries. He was working himself into a frenzy.
"It was when I came of age and alleviated her from the command of the armed forces that Celestia could at last focus her efforts at purging you from the heavens and bring harmony back to the land. I gladly accepted the task, honored that I could at last smite Celestia's enemies from the earth, and smite them I did! A thousand souls perished by my sword alone, hundreds more incinerated and turned to dust at the touch of my flaming breath! And you know what, demon? I feel no remorse for those pathetic ponies, for every one of their deaths was not just of your own making, but a necessary sacrifice to Celestia's ultimate triumph and glory!"
The dragon lowered his mighty head to meet Luna's gaze. The goddess, however, remained undaunted and stood her ground in pensive silence.
"When the war ended and you were banished, Celestia sent me here to guard the path to Tartarus. Faithfully I have done so with the promise that someday you would return to your accursed wood and I could at last exact my vengeance!"
Ajax spat another jet of flame into the night sky, filling the forest with an ominous fiery light.
"Now you can no longer deny your sins! It's time you faced judgment!"
Preparing his claws to strike, Ajax felt a sharp kick strike him across the temple. With an annoyed grunt, he turned away from Luna to see Rainbow Dash hovering before him.
"Hey pal, that was a pretty stuffy story! Ha! What a real snooze-fest geez! Could you possibly talk anymore? I think I got two naps in during your little intro alone! Someone really needs to take himself a little less seriously."
Staring at Rainbow, Ajax released a puff of black smoke from his nostrils, engulfing the gutsy pegasus in a suffocating black cloud.
"See that's, what I'm talking about." Rainbow coughed, "What's the deal with holding a grudge against Princess Luna anyway? It's not like you can even beat her."
"Hmm," the dragon said, looking the pegasus over, "this gnat must be the one the birds are chattering about, Rainbow Rush."
"…it's Dash…"
"Yes, you're the pegasus who thrice awoke me with your incessant "trick". Normally I would snap your wings, but I suppose I should be grateful. You alerted me to the stillness of the earth, something I have not sensed since last Nightmare Moon walked upon it."
Turning his sharp gaze back to Luna, Ajax continued to address Rainbow Dash.
"As for 'beating' Nightmare Moon, it matters not if I fail to defeat her. My only wish is to make her suffer as much as what is in my power! If that demands my death, so be it. I shall die happy!"
With his intent clear, the mighty dragon slashed again at Luna. Having anticipated such a move, Luna evaded the strike with a quick duck and sprung into the air.
"Ajax!" she shouted, "What would Celestia say if she could see you now! Do you honestly believe you honor her name with bloodshed and battle?"
"Silence demon!" he shouted, slashing wildly at the evasive deity, "Everything I have ever done was for her! You will not poison me with doubt, seductress!"
Ajax unleashed a flaming spiral that consumed Luna, but it was quickly repelled, revealing the goddess protected by a magical barrier. In response, Luna's eyes glowed with a terrifying blue aura.
"Do not test me. I will not tolerate your threats!"
Again the dragon swiped at Luna, only to see her dissolve into the shadows. Reappearing, Luna slightly grimaced in response to the painful transformation.
"Fine! Then suffer nature's wrath!"
From far above the forest canopy, several pillars of lightning struck Ajax, shocking the beast and causing him to retreat behind his wings.
Seeing this, Rainbow Dash cheered.
"Yeah, show that dumb lizard who's princess…uhh…princess!"
Turning to Twilight, it was clear that Rainbow Dash still did not understand the gravity of their predicament.
"Twi, did you see that? That was so flippin' awesome!"
Twilight shook her head in exasperation, but in doing so, she noticed a disturbing new development. Not far from where Luna had been standing, several trees were alight with the dragon's fire.
"The forest is on fire! Oh no, no, no, no! What do we do, what do we do?"
Unlike Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash was no genius, thus over thinking was rarely a problem for her. She liked her facts straight and forward, with very little dressing on top. This much she did know though: water puts out fire.
Saluting Twilight, Rainbow Dash gave a proud smile.
"Ponyville's weather officer reporting for duty! No prob Twi, I got this!"
"But Rainbow," Twilight cut her off, "You can't tame the weather here, this is Everfree, it's unenchanted!"
Rainbow brought her hoof to her chin and thought for a few seconds. Wetting it, she tested the direction of the wind and smirked once again.
"You worry too much Twilight. You think the princess is summoning lightning from nowhere? I can do something like that...but I'll need to reach the border of the forest. The precipitation in the air is fine for a good downpour, but it's cold so don't blame me if we get snow instead. Anyway, even these stupid freak winds are in our favor…"
No sooner did she say this, a gust of wind fanned the flames, igniting the highest branches of the tree next to them.
"…more or less. I can use 'em to send a storm headed this way pronto!"
With no better alternative, Twilight hurriedly agreed.
"Okay, okay! Get going and be safe!"
Rainbow Dash nodded and bolted off as quickly as she could back to the forest edge, leaving her signature rainbow trail in her wake.
While the two friends planned, the battle between goddess and dragon continued furious and unabated. Deftly Luna dodged the beast's flaming blasts as she spiraled down into the canyon in the hope of keeping her companions out of harm's way. Ajax followed her closely, stretching out his claw and smacking her against the rock. A rush of pain ran through her body, but Luna endured. Using her magic, she returned the favor and crushed Ajax directly into the bedrock below them headfirst. The dragon roared in pain. He quickly arose and blasted the princess with another wave of flame. Again Luna shielded herself, but her response was not quick enough, allowing a tongue of flame to leave a small but nasty burn across her the left side of her face. When the stream of fire ceased, Ajax saw Luna grimace in pain, his handiwork clearly marring the goddess' complexion. At the sight, his eyes lit up and laughed with a twisted joy.
"Never have you looked so beautiful to me, Nightmare! Now you shall never be free of me, a fitting penance for your sins!"
Ajax's heated words angered Luna, but her heart was conflicted. She had listened to the dragon's story intently, and though she learned through him that Celestia had openly demonized her, it had become clear that Celestia did not have a firm handle of the war and very nearly came close to losing it. Luna was deeply disturbed by this fact, this idea that her sister was not at the helm of history. Rather, she was just like her subjects: a victim of circumstances. Then was all that suffering Ajax described really Luna's fault, had her simple abdication really brought about so much death and destruction that even Celly could not abide?
"No, how can that be?" she contemplated, doing her best to avoid Ajax's claws, "How could my sister ever be at the mercy of mortals?"
Unfortunately for the goddess, her distracted mind dulled her reflexes. Among her twist and turns, Ajax had managed to bring his claws down upon her. Luna escaped the worst of it, but they still tore at her left foreleg. Through the pain, Luna responded in turn by binding the dragon to the earth, bearing down upon him a greater gravitational pressure. In vain Ajax resisted the inescapable force, but Luna's magic soon had him on his knees before the moon goddess.
"No!" the dragon growled through his clenched jaw, "I will not be defeated by some cheap magic trick!"
After a brief struggle, Ajax managed to open his jaw and release a torrent of flame, just barely catching Luna off guard. Again, the goddess shielded herself, but Ajax did not relent in his assault; he was pouring all of his energy into the circling inferno that now engulfed the goddess. Already having endured the extreme temperatures of several spurts of flame, her mortal body could not handle the scorching heat. Before her barrier could crack under the strain, Luna burst through the wall of fire, only to be greeted by a sharp blow from Ajax. Flying into the side of the canyon, Luna's magic had managed to soften the impact but a searing pain still ripped through her body. At last though, Luna had enough distance to concentrate and focus her power in order to finally subdue the dragon. Crushing him with gravity, the goddess tried fixing him in place again. However, the dragon resisted and continued to slowly crawl towards her. Seeing she had little other choice, Luna sent a bolt of blue magic into the open heavens above. Closing her eyes, Luna plucked a meteor from the cosmos and hurtled it towards earth. Looking up, Ajax saw the flaming doomsday the goddess had in store for him. Cursing, Ajax braced himself for impact. As the debris hailed down from the sky, Luna was surprised to see the dragon bear the brunt of the incredible celestial force. With his massive claws outstretched, he pushed back against the meteor's crushing power, but it was too much to bear. Seeing the dragon fall to the ground, Luna noticed that the dragon amazingly had sustained no visible injury from her assault. No, what crippled the dragon was the rippling shock of enduring a mighty blow..
Despite his shock and the heavy gravity, Ajax tried to stand up again, only to be pushed back down on his back by Luna.
As an agonizing roar filled the air, the promised storm arrived on the breath of the wind. A downpour of cold, heavy rain extinguished the flames threatening the forest of Everfree and cooled the fatigued goddess. Luna panted in exhaustion, the beads of sweat once trickling down the side of her face were now washed away by the cleansing rainfall. Her flesh was burned and torn, but nonetheless she stood victorious over her foe. Flying above Ajax, she descended, landing upon his chest as a conqueror would her victim. At her touch, the dragon renewed his attempts to strike her, but Luna held him down fast.
"Ajax, stop!" she pleaded with shortened breath, "It's over!"
"No! No! Not until you die can the war end!" the dragon's voice quivered in frustration.
"Ajax, you know that is a hopeless dream. If I were to die, this world too would perish."
Thrashing beneath her the dragon roared with a terrible suffering.
"Then this war shall never end! But I shall fight it until Celestia's golden sun turns black, I swear it! I swear upon my undying love for her beauty, her wisdom, her majesty!"
Watching from atop the ravine, Twilight could not help but feel compassion for the defeated dragon. His loyalty to her teacher reminded her of her own little dragon's constant quest to earn Twilight's approval and admiration. She saw in Ajax the same love, obedience, and protectiveness Spike had for her. A tear rolled from her eye as she waited for Luna to free the dragon from his excruciating torment.
Ajax's unbridled zeal and tragic life, too, moved Luna to pity. Looking into his eyes, she saw the serpentine stare of Nightmare Moon. Like Luna, Ajax's festering hatred made him willing to destroy all of creation just to achieve his vengeance. Yet they differed too, for this creature's hate for her was dwarfed by the love he had for Celestia while Luna had loved only herself in that darkest hour. In her heart, Luna felt inferior to the dragon. She could not kill him for she was guilty of much greater sins.
Plucking a feather from her wings, Luna transfigured the plume into her sleeping powder and spread it across the dragon's face.
"Sleep, Ajax. For once I will leave you in peace…"
As the tranquilizer took its effect, the dragon stopped his struggling. His heart slowed and his eyes grew weary. Closing them, he found himself surrounded by a dazzling white light. As he focused, he saw a radiant Celestia emerge to greet him with a loving smile. A single tear escaped his eye as her sweet laughter filled his ears and soothed his spirit.
A loud snore signaled to Luna that Ajax had been at last subdued. Flying back to the top of the valley to meet Twilight, Luna faintly smiled to the unicorn. However, the act only served to highlight her fatigue and injury instead of assuring Twilight she was all right.
"Princess!" Twilight shouted, trying to help support the weakened goddess, "I knew you'd push yourself too much! You're still not used to being mortal, yet you seemed as eager to fight Ajax as he was to fight you. You hardly bothered to reason with him at all! Princess, you need to be more careful, I was really scared for you."
"Twilight," Luna panted, "You can never understand us, you will never know hate so deep as ours. We kept our wounds green for a thousand years and daily we drank deeply from our bitterness. No…a few words would have never deterred Ajax from his desire to punish me. You should understand this better than anypony: did you try to reason with me on that fateful summer day? Twilight, I know you know that this world isn't dictated by reason alone."
Suddenly, Luna heard chattering voices coming from down the path before them. Her keen night vision caught sight several ponies running towards them, and sure enough, they were Twilight's friends. With a light chuckle, she faced the unicorn again.
"See Twilight, your friends came." Luna said with ragged breath, "Despite everything, they came. Don't be afraid to follow your feelings, in the end …reason…is…you know…feeling…"
"Luna, Luna!" Twilight shouted as the goddess trailed off, her eyes becoming glazed and unfocused "Look at me!"
Feeling her knees buckle underneath her, Luna collapsed to the wet earth, finding herself once again in utter darkness.
/
"Whoa nelly!" Applejack exclaimed "You ain't kiddin', Pinkie, there's definitely a mighty big fire out there, just look at that smoke!"
As the three escapees looked past Fluttershy's cottage, they could see large black plumes of smoke billowing above the foliage. It was dispersed across the night sky by the wind, but the fume faintly lingered, blotting out the stars. A bit worried, Applejack ran to Fluttershy's door, hoping that her friends were still within the safe confines of the humble abode. Knocking wildly on the door, she was greeted by a meek voice.
"Umm, just a second, uhh, may I know who this is please?"
"Fluttershy, it's me Applejack! Y'all might wanna come out here, the forest is a blazin' somethin' fierce!"
The door creaked open as the timid pegasus popped her head out to check out Applejack's claim. It didn't take the naturalist long to notice the faint glow of the flames in the distance.
"Oh my, oh no!" Fluttershy nervously stammered, her face turning pale.
"What's the matter there sugar cube, I know yer worried 'bout them critters in…"
Suddenly, Applejack was interrupted by a loud jubilant cry from a small but very brave little pony.
"Applejack, Applejack! Yer okay!"
Dashing past Fluttershy, Applebloom threw herself at her sister and hugged her tightly. Applejack was caught completely off guard as her sister's love tried to suffocate her.
"All right there Applebloom, you can let go now…"
"Oh, sorry sis."
Released, Applejack took a deep breath before addressing Applebloom with a stern voice.
"Applebloom, what in tarnation are you doin' at Fluttershy's! You should be mindin' the farm with Big Mac!"
The young filly's smile immediately vanished and was replaced with a troubled expression.
"But Applejack, the farm was attacked by Princess Luna's guards. Ah dunno, the princess explained it to me but it still don't seem to make much sense at all…"
As her little sister spoke with chilled words, a wave of dread ran through the sturdy laborer. In Ponyville, she was thrilled to hear of the raid's failure and had expected that Twilight and Luna, two of the most powerful beings in Equestria, fought off the intruders with little effort and little damage to her property. But if Applebloom was here that meant that not all went well at Sweet Apple Acres…
"I don't wanna hear that lyin' Luna's story! I wanna hear it from mah brother, where's Big Mac?"
At his mentioning, Applebloom's eyes welled up and turned away from her big sister. Deeply disturbed, Applejack turned to a catatonic Fluttershy and shook her.
"Where's mah brother Fluttershy? Where's Twilight an' Luna!" she yelled angrily, "Darn it, somepony give me some answers!"
"Calm yourself Applejack!" Rarity said, pulling the cowgirl away from the stunned pegasus "This is no way to treat a friend. Will you please keep a cool head dear, we have many problems on our hooves and shouting is hardly going to solve any of them."
Fluttershy blinked several times at her friends before responding the best she could.
"Umm, I'm sorry Applejack, but your brother has sustained severe trauma, broken several ribs, and received a nasty injury from a crossbow but Twilight and Luna…"
"A crossbow!" Applejack replied with a mixture of shock and indignation, "Lemme see him! Lemme see what they did to mah brother!"
Pushing her way past Fluttershy, Applejack quickly ran up the stairs and entered Fluttershy's room. The sight of her recovering brother, though encouraging, did little to pacify the brew of emotions swirling around Applejack's heart. She felt hatred, confusion, sorrow, and fear but she could hardly channel them into words. All she could do was give a few frustrated stamps, toss her hat on the ground, curl up and cry. As she became absorbed in her emotional struggle, she hardly heard the hoof steps of Rarity come up the stairs.
"Applejack, dear. It's all right. Fluttershy says he's on the mend and should be fine in a month or two." Rarity said trying to comfort her friend the best she could . In all honesty, she too was appalled by the state Big Mac was in and found it disgusting that Celestia's guard would so mercilessly brutalize somepony over a crass assumption. However, she had to be strong for Applejack, especially since they were needed elsewhere.
"Applejack, I know this will be difficult for you, but we need to help Twilight and Luna. They're stuck in the Everfree Forest, and Fluttershy believes that the fire is in some way connected to them. Based off the adventure we've had to day, I'd say she's probably right. Now come on, we haven't much time."
Applejack turned from her grief and angrily glared at Rarity.
"No! No! No! Ah ain't helpin' Twilight or Luna again today! Y'all can go, Ah gotta take care of mah family first."
"Applejack, reconsider what you're saying." Rarity pleaded, "Twilight needs the Elements of Harmony to help find Celestia, she needs you…"
"That ain't what they're for! If ya jus' listened to me in town ya woulda known! It's jus' for Luna, that's why we need 'em, to help her be immortal again. Ain't got nothin' to do with findin' Celestia." Applejack railed standing to her feet, "an' right now I don't give one darn apple 'bout Luna or her stupid god drama! She was ready to sacrifice mah brother jus' to escape arrest. Nah, I ain't doin' one more thing for her. I'm stayin' here with Big Mac."
"Applejack, perhaps you're being unfair…" the unicorn replied, trying another stab at it before being interrupted again.
"I don't care Rarity! If y'all say you don't have the time to diddle daddle, get yer hides goin'!"
"Please dear, try to be reasonable…"
"LEAVE!"
With that, Applejack shoved Rarity outside the bedroom door and slammed it. Immediately, she heard the bed stir behind her, followed shortly by the gentle voice of her brother.
"Uhh…AJ…"
Hearing Big Mac, Applejack's anger at her friends gave way to the concern she had for his well-being. Rushing to his bedside, she quickly responded.
"Yeah Big Mac? What is it?"
"Whenever folk say Ah'm too quiet, Ah always remind 'em that yer plenty loud fer the both of us."
Both siblings chuckled, but tears now slowly streamed down Applejack's face.
"Ah Big Mac," she sniffled, "why ya gotta tease me now when Ah can't even fight ya back?"
Looking over her brother carefully, Applejack could see more clearly the injury her older brother had endured. Though Fluttershy had done her best to redress the wounds regularly, the earth pony's blood still imprinted a crimson stain on the white cotton wrappings. As she gazed into his peaceful eyes, she noticed the many stitches and bruises covering his face. It was becoming painfully difficult to keep a stiff upper lip as she turned her attention to where the bolt had pierced his flesh and bone. Tears welling, she lovingly hugged her brother.
"Big Mac, look at what that witch's done to you!" she cried aloud, "We shoulda never have trusted Luna, she jus' ain't right in the head!"
"AJ," Big Mac replied in a firm voice, "You can't go on blamin' the princess for what happened to me. Ain't fair at all, ya hear?"
"But Big Mac, if she never scuffled with Celestia and came to our farm, the guard would never have bothered us!"
Big Mac sighed heavily. His sister was so headstrong at times.
"Sis, that bit o' logic just don't add up at all. It makes no sense to blame folk down the chain, pretendin' that they know jus' how things are goin' to happen. Nah, in the grand scheme of things only Ah can be responsible for what happened to me. Ah chose to protect the princess. Ah suppose Ah could've let the guard take her, but I thought that wrong and downright cowardly. So Ah fought 'em and they fought back, jus' as they should."
"Big brother," Applejack replied with another sniffle, "ya don't need to be noble, ya don't need to protect her, why can't ya see that?"
Thinking her own question over for a bit, Applejack's eyes lit up.
"She charmed ya with her pretty little face, didn't she?" she accused "That's it, it's gotta, she enchanted you stupid!"
Big Mac shook his head in disappointment but kept his silence. However, a conflicted look appeared in his eyes which Applejack immediately picked up on.
"Ah ha! Ah'm right, Ah knew it! Her black magic done ensnare mah brother hook , line, and sinker!"
"That ain't it all, AJ" Big Mac responded, "There ya are jumpin' to conclusions without even lettin' me get a word in. How'd you like it if a friend did that to you?"
Applejack blushed at her brother's question and held her tongue as she waited for Big Mac to tell her what just then was on his mind. After a few minutes of silent contemplation passed, the red stallion at last spoke.
"Ah guess there ain't no point tryin' to keep this from ya. Yer a grown mare, an' you should know the truth."
Applejack was worried to hear her brother's words. He had a secret she didn't know? They shared darn well near everything with one another.
"About what?"
"About pa."
A brief silence descended upon the room before Big Mac continued.
"What Ah told ya 'bout him dyin' in a farm accident is true, but Ah never told ya the whole story 'bout that day."
The memory of the incident clearly pained the stout pony, but his voice remained strong and firm
"You were a real young filly at the time. I was out with pa just gettin' in the swing of harvestin' the crop. Back then, the farm made enough bits to afford several farm hooves to help us with the orchard and some of 'em would bring their colts along to do odd jobs 'round the place for an extra few bits. Anyway, one of them, Muddy Banks, was jus' 'bout my age an' we'd usually pal about the farm. But that day I was workin' with pa an' Muddy was a might hurt that I was too busy to play with him. But young colts are a spiteful lil' bunch, an' instead of workin' himself he spent the whole day followin' me 'round and tauntin' me whenever pa wasn't lookin'. Now Ah bore the brunt of his insults pretty well, but 'bout midday he started pokin' fun at me by sayin' that I was weak an' would never make my pa proud. Now, I wanted nothin' more in the world than pa's approval an' love so I really wanted to show Muddy that he was chalk full of apples."
Big Mac paused and gave a deep sigh before he continued his story.
"As I kept on buckin' I finally found an opportunity to shut Muddy up. Now Ah was about to harvest the apples from a younger tree when I heard Muddy shout that he'd bet his day wages that I couldn't buck all the apples in one kick. Ah was happy to accept his challenge, but Ah wanted to make sure pa would see me do it so I called out to him. As Ah saw him approachin', Ah kicked that tree with all the might I could muster."
Once again, Big Mac closed his eyes and collected himself. It was obvious to Applejack that her brother was accustomed to swallowing the pain he felt.
"Sure as hay, all them apples came falling outta the tree. What Ah didn't know at the time was that the roots did not run very deep, and not seconds after Ah kicked it, Ah heard the tree crack. Before Ah could do anythin', it crashed to the ground. Ah rushed to see the mess Ah made only to find Muddy half scared to death. Ah looked 'round but, Ah didn't see Pa anywhere. Fear grabbed hold of me. Ah turned to the felled tree and couldn't believe mah eyes."
Another pained sigh escaped his lips.
"Pa had been crushed under the tree after jus' managin' to push Muddy outta the way" he said, his deep voice now reflecting a trace of anguish, "Ah killed him."
Applejack shook her head in disbelief.
"No, no, Big Mac. It was an accident, you didn't want it to happen, it jus' did."
"Let me finish, AJ." Big Mac replied, "There's far more to it. Pa's death devastated Ma, an' you know she fell into depression an' refused to eat anythin' or care for Applebloom. It got so bad Granny Smith had to come an' take care of her and our baby sister. But ma just got worse. Every day she sat in her room wallowin' in her grief an' slowly wastin' away. Eventually ma had her wish and reunited with pa, but she left behind a family and a farm that was tearin' at its seams. No more could Sweet Apple Acres afford laborers to keep the orchard goin' an' we had to sell a good chunk of it to just meet ends meet. Not too long after, you left home to live with Uncle and Aunt Orange in Manehatten 'cause you 'grew tired of farm life'. But Ah know deep down ya jus' wanted to escape, 'cause Ah felt the same way."
A tear rolled down Applejack's face, her brother understood her better than anypony. At the time she wanted nothing to do with the orchard, she just wanted to forget her past and be reborn into the society and culture of the big city. But fate wouldn't allow her to, it pressed her to face it dead on and return home to revive the farm. Her cutie mark had made that infinitely clear to her.
"All this time, hardly a day past when Ah didn't torment mahself with questions and vain attempts to put the blame on somepony. But everythin' bad that happened to us had hinged on mah decision to kick the tree."
Big Mac paused again, trying to keep a grip on his emotions.
"Ah tried to blame Muddy. Not only did he holler and push me to do it, he didn't move away. He made pa have to rescue him…but still, Ah was the one who kicked the tree. Then Ah blamed pa. Why'd he have to save Muddy? Why didn't he jus' let it happen? I knew pa was brave and a hero, but did he think of us when he sacrificed himself? But in the end Ah was the one who kicked the tree."
Big Mac took in a breath of air and exhaled peacefully.
"Ah spent days an' days listin' everypony who was at fault for pa's death , but I got nowhere closer to forgivin' mahself for mah own role. However, the day you came home from Manehatten filled mah heart with such joy for the future that it made me rethink the past. Soon after Ah came to realize two things, sis. First, when Ah blamed others, Ah took comfort in the idea that somepony was in control, that mah pa didn't die 'cause of a random act of fate. But that wasn't fair to anypony, I had to accept that there were a whole bunch of factors that led up to his death that no one pony was in control of. The second thing Ah learned was that all we can do as individuals is to respond to a bad situation the best we can and do what we think good an' right. Jus' like what pa did for lil' Muddy, not like what ma did to us."
The truth of her father's fate had Applejack sputtering with tears. She had never inquired deeply into the past as it was a very painful subject for her, but Big Mac's part in pa's death did not drive her to hate her brother. No, it drove her to love him more. Despite all the confusion and hate he suffered daily, Big Mac had stayed strong for the family and sacrificed so much so that his sisters could enjoy an education and a happy home life that he himself only briefly had.
"So you see Applejack," Big Mac continued, "Ah did what Ah did fer Princess Luna 'cause it was mah choice, it's what pa would've done."
Sobbing heavily now, Applejack embraced her older brother.
"Ah'm sorry Big Mac, Ah am, but I still can't trust the princess, not after this. She's a liar, ah know it in mah gut. She's coverin' up somethin', but I jus' don't know what."
"Applejack, listen to me." Big Mac said, wiping the tears from her face, "Perhaps yer right, she might be lyin' 'bout somethin'. But AJ, ya gotta understand that not all lies are born from evil. Likewise, honesty is good and all, but it can cause some pretty bad things too. Let's just think back, Ah wasn't too honest about pa with you. I knew that if Ah told you when you were a filly that you'd only hate me for it, for ruinin' our home."
Applejack sniveled, she knew her brother was probably right. She had wanted to blame somepony for their ills too, but she just couldn't grasp what was all going around her at the time. She was just a filly then after all.
"That lie was born from mah love fer you, Applejack. Ah didn't want to burden you with the past, Ah only wanted you to be mah hope for the future."
Applejack smiled through her tears and held her brother's hoof tighter.
"But as I said AJ, honesty can hurt just as much as an evil lie. Think of the informant that told the guard where Luna was, don't ya think that it would have been better for everypony if she had simply lied?"
A look of horror passed over Applejack's face. Big Mac was right, she had unwittingly triggered the chain of events that led to the brutalizing of her brother.
"Ah'm sorry Big Mac!" Applejack cried, "Ah did it! Ah got tricked into tellin' the guard who arrested me, I didn't mean it to happen! But I couldn't straight up lie to a soldier…it was jus' too hard!"
"Shhhh, Applejack, it's okay." Big Mac said, nuzzling her lovingly, "It was a risky move to send ya into town. But please, lil' sis, don't blame yourself. By that logic, it was Miss. Sparkle that should take the blame, but as Ah said, that'd be just unfair."
Ceasing his affections for the moment, Big Mac stared deeply into his sister's eyes.
"AJ, there's no way fer us to understand exactly Princess Luna's motives or goals. She's a goddess after all, so much depends on her. She's powerful beyond our knowin', so she has to be careful with what she says, one word could mean the difference between life and death. All we can do is have faith in her, jus' as we have faith in our friends. When it all comes down to it, that's all we've got."
Straightening up in his bed, he continued.
"Now, you know what ya need to do AJ. Go, go an' help your friends like ya should've when Miss. Rarity asked ya. They need you."
"But Big Mac," Applejack replied with concern and doubt in her words "Ah can't leave you an' Applebloom alone. Ah have a responsibility to y'all too!"
Big Mac gave his sister his usual gentle smile and stirred in his bed. Using all the strength he could gather, the giant red pony arose from his bed and slowly limped to the cowboy hat Applejack had tossed on the floor. Taking it into his mouth, he turned to his surprised sister and crowned her with it.
"Ah'm fine Applejack, I can watch over Applebloom. Now go to yer friends an' wear pa's hat proudly. Think of his sacrifice an' remember that even though you might find yerself trapped in a mess of events outside your control, you have the final say in how you react to it all."
Applejack smiled warmly at her brother and gave him a big hug.
"…one more thing AJ."
"Yeah, big brother?"
"Looks like you'll be finishin' up harvest by yerself again this year!"
Both siblings erupted into joyful laughter.
"Ahh you lazy rascal!" Applejack responded jokingly, "Now how'd ya get hurt again? Did ya piss off the Royal Guard last year too?"
"Eh-yup! But it darn well took fifty of 'em to take me down then, AJ. Ah think Ah'm gettin' too old for brawlin'!"
"Ah, hush! Yer filled with rotten apples Big Mac!"
"Ha! Anypony ever tell ya how honest ya are AJ?"
As the two continued teasing one another, they were unaware that they were being watched from the doorway by Rainbow Dash.
Yes, as soon as she had whipped up a host of storm clouds to fight the wildfires of Everfree, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie had found the weather officer. They had told her that Applejack was being her usual stubborn self and was refusing to help Twilight and Luna. Rainbow was always ready to accept a mission, especially if it came with the challenge of butting heads with her favorite sparring partner. However, as she reached Fluttershy's hut and found the two siblings dealing with some hardcore issues, Rainbow Dash's zeal deflated rapidly. This was especially true when she caught a good glimpse of Big Mac when he got up from his bed. Far more than that wordy dragon, his mangled and broken body at last drove home the seriousness of Twilight and Luna's predicament. As the two laughed and cried, Rainbow Dash was deeply moved herself, and suddenly even the too cool for school pegasus was having a hard time keeping a check on her own tears. When at last it seemed appropriate, Rainbow Dash entered the room.
"Uh, hey Applejack, Big Mac. How are you guys doin' now?"
"Rainbow!" Applejack shouted in surprise, "How'd ya know I was here?"
"A few birdies told me."
"Did they also tell ya to collect mah sorry selfish hide?"
"Uh, yeah. Pretty much, I mean if it's cool with you. Twilight and Luna could really use your help, I mean, the last I saw them Luna was fighting a dragon."
"A dragon! Well what're ya waitin' for? C'mon, we just sent a bunch of our friends into a dragon's nest without a good bit of muscle to back 'em up! Let's go!"
"Uh, sure AJ, but what about Big Mac?" Rainbow Dash asked, a bit thrown off by the sudden change of emotional pace in the room.
"That big ol'lug? He'll be fine, won't cha' big bro?"
"Eh-yup!"
"You heard the stallion, now lead the way Rainbow!"
Her friend's spirited call to action was not lost on Rainbow Dash. Immediately the rainbow mare was invigorated by her uplifting words. Smirking, Rainbow's excitement was clear.
"You got it, chief! Hey, you wouldn't mind a race, would ya?"
/
Hastily the three mares ran through the darkness of Everfree. The fierce downpour that was pounding them had done much in extinguishing the blaze that had threatened to consume the forest, but it also made the path before them extremely muddy, much to Rarity's chagrin. Nonetheless, they pressed onward undeterred by rain, fire, or the dreaded muck. Rainbow Dash had assured them that Twilight and Luna were not too far deep into the forest and that the dragon the goddess was fighting was a "nerd" that would be no problem to defeat.
"Hey!" Pinkie exclaimed, "I think I see Twilight…and no dragon!"
"Really?" Rarity asked, "Thank Celestia, hopefully we can leave this dirty mud pit quickly then!"
"Hmm, oh wait ! I see Luna's outline now too!" Pinkie chirped "She's with Twilight, and still no dragon!"
As the three approached Twilight and Luna, they could tell not all was well. The princess was leaning against Twilight in a slump, and the dying embers revealed that she was also bleeding.
"My heavens!" gasped Rarity, "How could the princess be in such a horrible state?"
No sooner did she say those words, Luna hit the ground.
Seeing this, Fluttershy sprang forth ahead of her friends to check to see what injuries Luna had received in her battle.
"Fluttershy, thank goodness you're here!" Twilight greeted her friend, "Can you tell what's wrong with her? It can't be from her cuts, right?"
Extremely worried, Fluttershy at first said nothing to Twilight but instead analyzed her patient, checking for any signs for serious injury.
"Was the princess exposed to fire for long periods of time?" Fluttershy asked, still examining Luna closely. Thankfully for her efforts, the embers provided just enough light.
"Yes, she was exposed to a lot of fire for a very long time." Twilight confirmed.
Fluttershy quickly arose and faced Twilight with a grim look.
"The princess is suffering a combination of heat exhaustion and shock. Her body's homeostasis is confused right now, she needs to get to shelter and be warmed up to a proper temperature."
Rarity and Pinkie Pie now present, Twilight was forced to make a decision she had wanted to avoid.
"Help Luna on to my back Rarity, we're going to have to go to Zecora's."
/
And then there was a dragon! Part seven! Wow, I liked writing this chapter. It was a bit tough weaving in everything I wanted, but I think I did an okay job. I'll let you guys decide though, please leave feedback as revisions will be done! Words of encouragement also go a long way to motivate an author as well.
Also, I was sailing TV Tropes the other day and found that this story had one! Pretty cool, I was really happy to see that some people are really understanding and appreciating what I'm doing with this story. Thanks to anyone who contributed to it/continues to contribute!
Another thing, to any Russians, I'm sorry if I butchered your language!
As usual I don't own MLP or intend to make a profit.
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Grey Prophet
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-07-18T05:53:11+00:00
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2012-07-18T05:53:11+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 8
Wrought from white stone and arrayed with all the precious metals and gems under the earth, Canterlot Castle jutted precariously from the mountainside in utter defiance to natural law. For two millennia the enchanted foundations grounded the edifice firmly in place, weathering the unforgiving elements, the onslaught of war, and the steady passage of time. Long the bastion of Princess Celestia, goddess of the sun and sovereign queen of Equestria, it was the indisputable architectural marvel of the world, attracting foreigners from all the corners of the globe to simply bask in the light of its majesty. Canterlot's stunning beauty was only outmatched by its impressive functionality, not only in terms of defensive capability but also in the organization of the city that grew in its shadow. Several lairs spiraled down from the citadel forming the orderly outlay of the capital from which sprawled forth both the ancient and the modern; smithies, open markets, and beer halls stood alongside night clubs, fashion outlets, and hotdog stands. This mixture of old and new blended together to create a dynamic, cosmopolitan culture famous the world over for its art, academics, music, food, and athletics. Like all urban areas, the city had its slums and cramped housing projects, but even they shone like pearls in the light. Yes, Canterlot, the eternal city on the mountain, was the shining diamond in Celestia's imperial crown; an inescapable manifestation of her right to rule. All the nations of the world revolved around its influence, just as the earth around her sun.
Now its streets were alight with flame and filled with the sounds of shouting rioters and the rustle of marching armor.
For hours, the Equestrian Armed Forces had patrolled Canterlot dispatching looters and forcing citizens to accept the curfew put into effect by their commander, General Hawkeyes. Riot control had been messy and casualties were had, but the army was better prepared for the crisis than it had the year before. However, Canterlot was large and the army had been spread thin across Equestria. It was thus a ceaseless and tireless effort to maintain order among the city's population of doomsayers, opportunists, and the majority just caught up in the wave of hysteria.
From the high towers of the castle, Braveheart listened on to the turmoil engulfing the city below him, but he could not bear to look out the barred window of his cell. No, instead he continued to hang his head in dishonor and defeat. He had failed his mission, his pegasi, and himself.
But above all, he had failed her royal highness, Princess Celestia, his sole commander and dearest friend.
Braveheart flinched at the thought. Twice he had Nightmare Moon in his grasp and both times he had allowed his arrogance to get in the way of apprehending her. Their first encounter was forgivable; Braveheart had little idea what exactly to expect from either the goddess or the unexpected traitor, Twilight Sparkle. The second plan was at first orchestrated perfectly, but came apart at the hooves of a monstrously powerful country yokel. At the thought of the red behemoth, Braveheart growled and spat on the cold cobblestone beneath him. With minimal provocation, he had assaulted Braveheart's soldiers and sent them flying across the room, possibly to their death. The anger that Braveheart now felt was not directed towards his nemesis, but at his own decision to risk his pegasis' safety just so the earth pony could have the chance to back off. It was a grave mistake; the bastard didn't know when to quit. Braveheart should have shot the hick at the first sign of aggression and extracted Nightmare Moon before she had time to come to her senses and humiliate him.
He shook his head furiously and growled at her cruelty. Braveheart had been ready for death, even if it meant he could not complete his mission. But he never asked from his pegasi of something he would not sacrifice himself. In that moment when he was pinned and at the Nightmare's mercy, Braveheart was certain that several of the guard had already respected and heeded his call. Now too was his turn to die honorably in the service to both Celestia and the state.
But it was not so. Instead he found himself in a dark, musty strip joint masquerading as a dance club in Canterlot's notorious red light district. His rage boiled at the cruel lot cast his way. The moon demon did not even have enough respect to end his life; she instead decided it better to destroy it.
Just the thought drove him to an unbridled rage that melted any sense of rationality into pure dissonance. In his mind, the only way he could restore even a shred of his former honor was to purge this cancerous sore from the commonwealth. Rarely did Braveheart question Celestia's wisdom, but as he smashed chairs and barked at the staff, he could not help but wonder why the goddess would permit even this small stain of gross hedonism to taint her holy seat on earth.
When the armed forces arrived, they were at first at loss as to what to do with the famed captain. In the end, they agreed he was creating an unjustifiable disturbance and had him restrained and sent to the castle to await an audience with General Hawkeyes.
And so he sat for seven hours reflecting on his weaknesses. How could this happen to him? He was Celestia's greatest soldier, a modern legend among those in the military. Now he was stripped of his armor, and, perhaps soon, his rank. At the thought, Braveheart's mind quickly turned back to his pegasi. How would they fair without him? Who was in command? Lightning Strike would normally be the best choice; the pegasus had a natural ability to articulate a plan well and carry it through, but Braveheart knew that the lieutenant was compromised by his relationship with Twilight Sparkle. When he had woken Lightning from his cursed slumber and told him of the unicorn's role in the goddess' escape, his composure cracked a bit. Of course, the guard was trained to be subtle with their emotional expression, but Captain Braveheart was no idiot. Twenty years of command had taught him how to pick up on his pegasis' feelings, particularly shock, disbelief, fear and pain. Lightning exhibited all four in his brief lapse. He was clearly unfit to command.
Braveheart could only hope that Nightshade had stepped in to take the job, but even if that were the case, he had his doubts. The former Wonderbolt performer was indeed an excellent soldier, but not an extraordinary leader. That only left one exceptional candidate. It was an unlikely prospect, but Storm Cloud was perhaps the best pegasus for the job. She was only a three year veteran of the force, but she had skyrocketed through the ranks through incredible initiative and results, much like himself. The grey mare was also the captain's private confidant, she understood him better than any soldier on the guard. He counted on her to call him out at times, even if he found some of her criticisms unsavory. He knew she had the mind, the body, and the guts to pursue Nightmare Moon to the far edges of the globe. Unfortunately, she wasn't yet a lieutenant, meaning that their sensitive mission was in great danger of falling apart.
As he pondered over the options available to his pegasi, he heard the creak of his cell opening.
"…Captain, sir, as you may know you've been court marshaled."
"Heh," Braveheart dismissively huffed, "doesn't old Hawkeyes have anything better to do right now than to hound me?"
"No sir, he's quite occupied right now." The pegasus said firmly, looking Braveheart in the eyes, "He sends only his severe disappointment and hopes that you receive any punishment you deserve."
Captain Braveheart growled at the soldier's words. Hawkeyes was the supreme commander of the Equestrian Armed Forces, which was a separate institution from the Royal Guard and served as the bulk of the military. Usually the elite corps answered only to Celestia, but in her absence they were incorporated into the EAF and subject to its command structure. General Hawkeyes had always been skeptical of the amount of autonomy Braveheart was permitted and had tried to reign in the captain when the Royal Guard was under his control. Conversely, Braveheart was proud of the trust Celestia put in him and resented being placed beneath Hawkeyes when they were typically equals. Despite this minor conflict, the two commanders shared a healthy rivalry based on mutual respect and good personal relations. Due in part to this and a conviction that his pegasi would vindicate him, Braveheart didn't expect the general to dismiss him. Though the old pegasus was a strict follower of code and regulation, Braveheart knew that the general had a pragmatic streak when faced with a crisis; to purge Celestia's best soldier would hardly help his efforts to restore order. But since he wasn't overseeing the trial, Braveheart didn't know what just to expect.
"Well then private, who in their right mind has the time to try me right now? The city is burning for Celestia's sake!"
"I'm sorry captain, but I don't know. I'm just following orders. If you could just follow me…"
"Yeah, yeah, I heard ya kid. What's your name anyway; you seem like a good enough recruit. Firm, unintimidated, you're made of good stuff. Most of these prissy AFs are damn near shakin' in their boots when they just look at me."
"Uh, it's Blizzard Freeze, sir." The private responded, making sure not to show how thrilled he was to receive a compliment from the Captain of the Royal Guard.
"Tell you what, kid. If I make it out of this with my head, I'd like to see you fly with my pegasi. I have a spot I've been meanin' to fill for awhile, and you might just be it."
"Thank you, sir, that would be an honor!"
"Heh, don't thank me. I know a good soldier when I see one." Braveheart chuckled, taking comfort from the great respect the young soldier had for him despite his tarnished name. Interacting with his comrades-in-arms, no matter their rank, generally put the volatile captain in a good mood even in the darkest times.
"Now I'd love to chat some more, but I've got my day in court. Mind leading on?"
The young, light blue pegasus escorted the captain down the winding stairs of the tower into one of the castle's many hallways. In normal times, it was a quiet passage way from the foyer to the library, but now it was overrun with the shuffling of soldiers, bureaucrats and ministers.
As the two walked calmly irrespective of the sea of haste surrounding them, Blizzard still couldn't believe his luck: Braveheart, the very sword of the sun goddess and the hero of a hundred battles thought he had what it took to be an elite! It was his greatest dream to join the Royal Guard, so it was extremely disappointing when he was appointed to the armed forces after military school. Now was his chance!
"Just lock down those emotions, follow through with my orders, and remain constantly alert." Blizzard thought, "He'll pick up on it no doubt…"
"Hey, hey, Freeze! Hold your butt right there!" an enthusiastic voice shouted from behind him, "That is you under all that armor? Yeah that's definitely you."
Blizzard shook his head in defeat. He was so close to delivering the captain and securing that try-out, but she had to come and ruin it all…
His marefriend, Ruby Blaze, that it. Why of all times did she decide to pop up at Canterlot Castle?
The energetic red mare jumped in front of him and looked him in the eyes with both excitement and nervous anxiety. She only got that look in two situations: a moment of passionate intimacy or when she wanted to talk about politics.
Yes, the love of his life was a hardcore, card carrying member of the Labor Party of Equestria. She worked tirelessly as an aid to some MP, (a thankless and shrewd earth pony) over at his office not too far from parliament. Her high spirited democratic idealism contrasted with his military brand down-to-earth realism, and the two had fun poking fun of their respective institutions. But today was not a day for such light-hearted exchanges, and the private could see she was dead serious. But still, he had a job to do…
"Ruby, really, I gotta take Cap…"
"Oh no, Blizzard. You have to listen to me, this is really, really bad." Ruby interrupted, her voice quivering, "The coalition has fallen apart! The government is in shambles!"
Seeing her distressed troubled Blizzard, but he had his own duties to attend to.
"Whoa, slow down there dear. Just give me a few minutes, I need to take Captain Braveheart here to his court marshal…"
At the mention of the guard's name, Ruby turned to the brown pegasus.
"The Captain Braveheart is facing charges?" Ruby said, quite surprised "At least some good is coming out of this nightmare. His record of abuses has been ignored for too long."
"Ruby, shut up…" Blizzard whispered through gritted teeth, embarrassed beyond belief at his marefriend's boldness.
"No private, let her talk." The surprisingly quiet captain at last spoke up in a gruff voice, "I wanna hear how those stooges in the government fucked themselves over."
Ruby grimaced at the captain's harsh words. She had a natural revulsion to Braveheart, but she was never the one to turn down a request to discuss politics.
"Well, even a brute like you can understand, I guess." She sneered "If you must know, the coalition itself was a miracle, the Pony's Popular Front, the LPE, the Greens, and the Celestian Democrats were all in it. But when this crisis broke out, the government tore itself apart. The Defense minister, a member of the CD, drafted a plan filled with a heavy handed militarism you would respect, captain, that we on the left found unacceptable. Without a swift response, parliament was in an uproar and passed a near unanimous vote of no confidence. I don't even think a care-taker will be of any help now..."
"Ha! So much for that little rabble of mouthy do-nothings!" Braveheart jeered, "I know more than you think, lass. Princess Celestia was the only thing keeping that dead horse running, you're a fool to think miracles happen on their own."
"Huh, I guess you really can't get it." Ruby replied, shaking her head whilst smiling, "What, didn't they teach government at the military academy? Celestia may be a goddess, but she hasn't had an ounce of real political power for two centuries. She's just the head of state and does little but goodwill missions and throw banquets."
Braveheart couldn't contain his laughter.
"Haha! Kid, you've gotta be pulling my feathers! You honestly think a textbook can teach you how shit works around here? Let me tell you something about politics: ponies don't know squat about them until they sit down at Celestia's bargaining table. Trust me, I've seen more political action standing guard than you ever will with your campaigns and slogan shouting."
Ruby glared at the captain, not quite sure to make of his words. He had to be mistaken, Celestia would never intrude into politics…then again there was no written accord saying she wouldn't. The red unicorn had paid little attention to the court life of Canterlot Castle, thinking that it was just a vestige of the past clinging on to the back of the present to feed off the future. Perhaps it played a greater role in government than she thought.
"No," she thought, "the captain's militaristic bent towards authoritarianism and hierarchy makes him think Celestia is at the top of the ladder. He's hopelessly ignorant, he could never dream of understanding democracy; the complexity would blow a fuse in his little mind."
Ruby smiled as she came to her answer. All those years at university weren't for nothing.
"Think what you will, captain, if I can call you that for much longer." Ruby said, turning away from the two pegasi, "Perhaps when Celestia returns to her throne she can have the power to keep you from your destructive moral crusade through the red lights district. Take him away, Blizzard, let him face justice."
Braveheart winced in shame and dishonor at the unicorn's departing remark, not due to its content (he was far from sorry for wrecking the place) but how it served as a reminder of Nightmare Moon's victory over him. He wanted to shout Ruby down, but he was in no place of authority to do so. Without his armor he felt naked, weak, and awkward like a dragon without its teeth or treasure. Even his cutie mark, one he had diligently hid was now exposed. His mark, a burning, anatomically correct heart, was now on view for everypony to see. The captain didn't like it; he didn't want to show who he really was to the world.
Seeing Braveheart clearly perturbed, Blizzard Freeze went into damage control.
"Captain, I'm sorry my personal life leaked in there. She's usually really good at respecting my duties to the state, honest, today has just thrown everything out of place, you know?"
"…Yeah, kid, I know," Braveheart responded solemnly, "but don't sweat it. Mares are an aggressive bunch when you light a fire underneath 'em, and their apt at throwing you into it afterwards. Your Ruby is a fighter, that's for certain. Good luck keeping up with her kid, you'll need it. Now c'mon, whoever has the time to judge me must be growing bored to death, the slacker."
As the two approached the chamber, Braveheart's familiarity prompted him to burst through the doors without the escort of the private. The room he entered was fairly small and decorated only by several of the nation's banners. Before him sat several ponies behind a long oak bench, all of whom he had never met, save one. As soon as he caught sight of the unicorn chairing the commission, Braveheart snarled in disgust and contempt. The welcome he received did little to change his expression.
"Well, well, what do we have here? A lost commoner? I dare say, I was certain I was judging the trial of the Captain of the Royal Guard, not listening in on some lowly beggar's petition for the scraps from my table."
Sitting in a regal chair at the head of the commission's table was Prince Blueblood. The noble was dressed in a naval uniform that was adorned with several hundred medals and badges, most of which Braveheart had never even seen before on any officer. If the captain wasn't so mad, he'd be laughing at how awkwardly decorated the prince looked, but he had much more pressing things on the mind.
"The hell let you out of your cage, your highness? I threw your sorry stupid ass in the slammer myself!"
"Hmph! You need not remind me, your assault left my body quite bruised." Blueblood replied, "But your efforts to incarcerate royalty were for naught, especially since I, Prince Blueblood, so valiantly smote the horrid Nightmare Moon in defense of dear Aunt Celestia! You see, I'm far more the hero than you are, pervert."
Braveheart lunged forward towards the prince, but Blizzard Freeze held him back.
"You fucking son of a bitch, you probably smacked the evil back into her! But hell, after sitting next to you for ten minutes, I'd probably want to destroy the world too!"
"Hm, normally your lazy, peasant tongue would get the better of me." Blueblood responded snidely, "After all, so few have the gall to treat me as you do, Braveheart, even Celestia's petty bourgeois pupil knows to keep her distance. However, seeing you squirm helplessly before me is such a treat that I don't mind your coarse words the slightest. Indeed, it will make it that much more satisfying when I strip you of your rank and banish you from Canterlot! How is that for an assignment, captain?"
Braveheart's face burned as he shouted his response.
"You have no authority," the captain sneered, "your titles mean nothing to the armed forces, you're only a gullible tool!"
"Oh, but captain, I'm the admiral of my own fleet. Why, I'm more a part of the EAF than you are."
"The bloody hell you are!" Braveheart shot back, "Your rank is only another bloated, useless honor you throw around whenever you want something, you snobby little brat!"
At his remark, Blueblood laughed.
"Of course, captain. Pulling strings is hardly a problem for those of royal blood, especially now with Aunt Celestia missing. You know the peasant expression, Braveheart, 'when life gives you…something or another…you, uh, take advantage of it'. Well it goes along like that, I can't be bothered with the details of their little proverbs."
"Don't think for a second you have the power to get rid of me!" Braveheart growled, "As soon as Celestia returns to her throne, I'll be back! I'm her best soldier, she'd never put up with your trumped up charges!"
Once again, Prince Blueblood's haughty laughter filled the chamber.
"Ha! Surely you jest! You think Celestia will take you back under her wing after you failed your mission to rescue her from Nightmare Moon and soiled your name with irreparable dishonor? No, you military pegasi are easily replaced. You're a fool to think you're anything special."
The force of Blueblood's words struck Braveheart at his core. The captain had always been unquestionably loyal to Celestia, would she so easily forsake him?
"No you stinkin' bastard, that's not true…" Braveheart growled, but gone was his usual bite, "I gave my life to her service and in return she has been my greatest friend and support…she has always been there when I needed it most."
The captain's feeble words only served to make Blueblood laugh louder.
"My captain, still such the dirty little orphan! What, I suppose you think of Celestia as mommy dearest, don't you? How quaint!"
"Shut up!"
"What captain, does the truth pain you? Then consider this: no matter how hard you toil, no matter how many battles you've won, and no matter how much power is at your disposal, you will always be that same worthless, thieving street scum from your past!"
After giving pause, the prince continued to gloat over the troubled captain.
"When I heard that you had been arrested outside of a whorehouse, I wasn't surprised at all. The urchin was simply returning to his filthy roots, nothing more."
"No," the captain weakly growled, "I would burn that whole sinful district to the ground if I could."
"Ha, it's likely you'd have Celestia's blessing, she's been angling to ban such decadent clubs again, politics and all that messy what not. But don't think yourself too noble, Braveheart, clearing up an item on auntie's agenda is hardly enough to redeem you. Now before I send you trotting off to whatever unhappy sad lot you've been dealt, tell me something captain."
"…"
"Did you enjoy your little peepshow at all? I hope it was worth deserting your post so disgracefully."
"That's bloody untrue, I would never desert and you know it!" Braveheart shouted, Blueblood's words stoking the fading embers of his pride and rage, "After Nightmare Moon defeated me, the witch used her magic to send me to that seedy sin pit. A report must've been filed, my pegasi would never slack off!"
With a knowing gleam in his eye, the noble responded coldly.
"I have seen no such document. Your story sounds both implausible and fantastical."
Blueblood's lying words sent Braveheart over the deep end, unleashing a powerful frenzy of curses from the captain's mouth.
"You inbred, degenerate punk! You pompous little piece of shit! You're nothing more than a hedonistic parasite on Celestia's back! Your whole life is a fucking sad excuse with no meaning other than being a major pain in everyponys' ass! I hope that burn on your face never heals, so every mare will know how fucking hideous and demented you really are!"
Blueblood simply listened and smiled.
"Are you done with your little tantrum, Braveheart?"
With beads of sweat pouring down the side of his face and breathing heavily, the captain couldn't think of anything more to say. There was nothing he could do to hurt Blueblood or save himself.
"Ha! The legendary Braveheart has finally run out of words, truly an event worthy of commemoration. It's about time the knave learned to shut his mouth and listen to his better."
Arising from his chair, Blueblood walked over to the captain and began circling him.
"Oh I've waited for this day," the prince spoke with venom on his tongue, "There's perhaps one thing I despise more than being talked down to by some illegitimate son of a whore. It's those ponies who champion that bastard as a hero, the "self-made" pony. Bah! It's nothing more than luck that let society's refuse become Captain of Celestia's Royal Guard."
Blueblood stopped and stared into Braveheart's eyes. The two glared at one another, neither backing down one bit.
"For years you've lorded over Canterlot Castle, belittling me at every passing chance, thinking that your hardships had given you the right to say as you pleased. But I put up with it, knowing full well your power was a false one. As soon as you were stripped of your rank, you'd be nothing more than the slimy rat you've always been. I, on the other hoof, will always be regal, majestic and influential. Celestia's holy blood flows through my veins, her strength and authority are at my disposal no matter what evil winds may blow my way! No amount of work or magic can ever change that. Do you understand the difference between us now, Braveheart? I'm the wielder of an infinite, undying power. You are nothing but an insecure worm doomed to a wretched existence!"
Defeated at last, Braveheart sighed heavily and broke eye contact with the prince. He had lost this battle of wills, but before he could wallow in shame, a familiar voice graced his ears.
"I'd have to disagree with you there, your highness. He's more along the lines of being the greatest captain to ever lead the Royal Guard, destined to live forever in song and legend!"
Turning around, the captain was overjoyed to see Sergeant Storm Cloud standing in the chamber doorway.
"Hmph, at best he'll get a footnote in my biography." quipped Blueblood, "But you're too late to do anything. With the authority invested in me by Princess Celestia, I, Prince Blueblood, dishonorably strip Braveheart of his rank!"
"That power is not yours."
Braveheart felt hope grip him. Good old Hawkeyes had showed up after all.
Joining Storm Cloud at her side, the large white pegasus trotted into the room. Covered in bronze armor and arrayed with several badges, his eyes burned with a stern anger. At his presence, all the soldiers in the room stood to attention and suddenly all of Blueblood's pride and pretention turned to an obvious nervousness.
"All parties not immediately involved in this case must now leave the room." The general shouted, "That is an order!"
As the soldiers filed out, Braveheart grabbed Blizzard, indicating him to stay. Before them, Hawkeyes gave Blueblood a vicious look.
"Out of good will I released you, and this is how you repay me Blueblood? You take advantage of our family name to intercept reports and stage illegitimate tribunals to discharge an honorable pegasus just because you hold a personal grudge? And at a time like this on top of it!"
"Uncle Hawkeyes, I, uh…"
"Don't you speak when I'm talking, boy!" snapped the annoyed pegasus, "You have shamed us, Blueblood. Being an obnoxious, loudmouthed celebrity wasn't enough to dishonor the noble house of Haysburg, you had to abuse your position and power during Princess Celestia's absence! Did she not privy you to the dark realities of the past when such power grabbing and abuse swelled the heads of the nobility? Their callous greed allowed them to be united under Nightmare Moon, the arch-deceiver herself!"
"But…uncle, this, this was just a little spat…"
"A little spat? So what if you did banish Braveheart because of your 'spat', who would you replace him with? Who would you send to save Celestia and cast down the Nightmare?"
Hearing no answer from the prince, the general continued.
"You self-absorbed brat, I would call you wicked if you were any smarter. I admit, though, you nearly fooled me. But thanks to the sergeant here, I know full well of what occurred in Ponyville. Captain Braveheart nearly took the Nightmare into custody twice within two hours, the second incident proving potentially fatal. It is quite clear to me he is our greatest asset in retrieving the Nightmare and finding Princess Celestia, thus I will redeploy him immediately and grant him whatever power he needs to accomplish his mission."
"But uncle, you can't trust that rouge, he's nothing but a peas—"
"I swear to Celestia, if you say 'peasant' so help me, I will smack you so hard δενάλογο will feel it! Now make yourself useful and go home to make your mother a decent meal. Even a little foal can manage that."
Dispirited and thoroughly chastised, Prince Blueblood lowered his head and left the chamber, mumbling only the words "it's not fair" under his breath.
Turning to Braveheart, Hawkeyes addressed the captain calmly.
"I'm sorry for have doubted you Braveheart, but you must understand. You can be unpredictable at times, and I didn't know if this horrid ordeal had made you crack or not."
"What general," Braveheart smiled playfully, "do you think I have issues to sort out?"
"Braveheart, I know nopony more needing of counciling than you." The general chuckled, "But hell, I don't want those quacks playing mind games with Celestia's best, they'd only ruin you."
His pride and honor restored, Braveheart laughed and gave the general a brief hug and a smack across his bronze armor before stepping back and saluting.
"Braveheart, you know well your orders. I must attend to other matters; the recent break down of the government has forced me to declare absolute martial law. I will rule in Celestia's name until you succeed with your objectives, do not fail us. I'm no politician; I can only try to keep the peace."
As the noble general prepared to exit the chamber, he stopped to give his departing words.
"Oh, and Braveheart, you have an excellent soldier in Sgt. Storm there. A bit strange to have a mare in the guard, but I'm sure both of us could use more soldiers like her. She flew through the worst gale in centuries for a good hour to deliver this to me and protect your name."
Pulling out a ragged scroll and passing it to Braveheart, the general left the room, leaving only the two guards and the young soldier.
Opening it up, Braveheart read the petition his pegasi had drafted to have him return to them. The words brought a warm smile to his face. He nearly even shed a tear when he saw the names of his pegasi, even those he thought he had sent to death's door, scrawled at the bottom. Lt. Lightning's large scribbling signature was especially visible, itself covering over several other names. It was clear he was eager to resign from his post as captain.
Turning to the sergeant, the captain spoke softly and sincerely, a rash departure from his typical barking voice.
"Looks like you've saved my ass again Storm, thanks. I thought for a second there I was sunk."
"Captain, I would never abandon you." Storm responded firmly, and yet her words were lined with tenderness, "You're our strength and inspiration, sir; I will gladly follow you to whatever end. All of us would, especially Lightning. He sends this back for you."
Quickly running back into the hall, the blue-eyed mare returned with the captain's red plumed helm and placed it upon his head. Greatly moved, the captain held back his tears. Masking his true sentiments, the captain smirked and joked.
"Storm, did I tell you that I've been workin' really hard to get ya that promotion you've been wantin'? I just need a few more words with Celestia and it's a done deal."
"I think you should be working a bit harder then, sir, right now that's a tall order." The silver-maned sergeant grinned in response, "But you know, you can just give me your job when this is all over and maybe then we can call it equal. What do you say?"
Braveheart laughed heartily at her words.
"Haha! Bring me Nightmare Moon and it's all yours! But back to the matter at hoof. I want a full status report or our current situation. How is Nightshade? I did not see his name on the letter.'
At the captain's order, Storm Cloud frowned, but her composure remained intact.
"Sir, Nightshade has been missing-in-action for hours now. The last we saw of him, he had been flying reconnaissance in the north-west perimeter of Ponyville. The site was also the origin point of the Sonic Rainboom you may have felt. We fear Nightshade may have been involved…but that's not all, sir."
Storm Cloud's words sent a new wave of grief through Braveheart that quashed much of his newfound exuberance. Being who he is, the captain articulated the dread he felt through the best possible channel: anger.
"What more?"
"Sir, we believe the Sonic Rainboom to have diverted our attention from the escape of the prisoners…Twilight's friends. We tried to reach you sooner, but Twilight's dragon refused to send our petition. Not only that, Nightmare Moon reportedly sent the guard tasked with keeping an eye on the prisoners fleeing into the town, causing a destructive panic to break out."
"Who the hell left Pockets in charge of them!" fumed the captain, knowing full well the weak link in the chain.
A look from Storm Cloud, however, reminded the captain to watch his temper. Recovering control of his senses, he continued, "Well, no use pointing hooves. It's time I got shit running smoothly again and finally put the squeeze on this demon. C'mon, sergeant, we've got work to do."
Turning to Blizzard, Braveheart's voice rose once again with professional vigor.
"Private! I have several wounded pegasi and a need for extra horsepower. Think of this as a chance to show me what you're made of. Don't disappoint me soldier!"
Elated, the private saluted and sounded that timeless affirmation of obedience.
"Yes sir!"
"Good," Braveheart barked, "Now fetch my sword and armor. The Nightmare will end tonight, I swear it!"
/
Abysmal darkness.
It was rare for Luna to face the utter blackness of the void, the light of her moon and stars assured that Equestria never suffered such suffocating isolation. One would need to travel far into the depths of the earth to experience the hopeless helplessness that Luna know felt, for even the moon offered the solace of sight.
Suddenly, whirls of bright color erupted from the staunch darkness. The spectrum fused to form a solid white light that danced around Luna at a dizzying speed, making the goddess feel fatigued and confused. She had no care, yet she still felt fear. The goddess could contemplate nothing, her mind was enslaved to the swirling lights before her. She found it difficult to focus as the multitude of swirling light joined as one and rapidly approached, enveloping her in a pale curtain. Within that moment, the whole of her life was revealed to her, several millennia flashed before her in mere seconds. In doing so, memories awoke that had been buried beneath both burning hatred and blind love for both Celestia and herself. But as she felt her fear melt into serenity, the light dissipated and Luna felt herself being thrust backwards through the void.
A heavy breath of fresh air brought Luna back from the brink, but her senses remained frayed. Still unable to think clearly, her vision was blurred and disoriented. Wildly her eyes dashed to and fro across the room she now found herself in only to be greeted by terrifying, grinning faces. Luna gasped in fear and confusion, unsure whether her surreal spectacle had truly come to an end or not. Quickly closing her eyes in an effort to collect herself, she slowly reopened them to survey her surroundings with a sound state of mind. It was immediately clear that she was in a small room alit with many candles. The smell of burning incense met her nose and eased her spirits as she looked on at the demons that had haunted her reawakening. She smiled as she realized her fears were simply wooden masks that she discerned to be of Serengeti origin. Luna had once been quite involved in fostering good relations with the many tribes of the region and even struck peace between two warring nations, the Zebra and Gazelle. The vast land lay to the southwest of her former holdings just west of Everfree Forest. It was perhaps one of the few duties she enjoyed as princess, for the vibrant cultures of the many tribes offered beautiful music, exotic dancing, amazing art, and wonderful linguistic diversity that inspired Luna in a way the hollow "cosmopolitan" city of Canterlot could never hope to replicate. The princess of the night found the melting pot of her sister's capital to be very shallow and almost trivial for Celestia was very selective of the elements she actively incorporated into her society. Any hybrid of culture invariably was dominated by characteristics ultimately glorifying Celestia's civilization while downplaying its distinct origins. But, as the sun goddess often told Luna, it was essential to oversee and correct the flow of ideas and technologies emanating from beyond their borders for the sake of their subjects' well being and the stability of her utopia.
Luna had once been cynical concerning her sister's defense of censorship, but her fight with Ajax had shaken many of her most dearly held convictions. The moon goddess still found it difficult to accept that her sister had been so weak and impotent during the war, Celestia was a mighty deity after all. But if for some unlikely reason she truly was powerless, Celestia was perhaps justified in her meticulous drive to influence others and shape minds in her image.
Luna shook her head, the idea was just fundamentally wrong to her. So what if a song with questionable or heretical content is sung? Music does not destroy empires, kings and politicians do. Luna knew this, she had seen several griffon kingdoms collapse on themselves over issues like land, resources, and unchecked tyranny.
Still, Ajax's account of the horrific conflict waged in Luna's name prompted the goddess to realize that war and society were not nearly as straight forward as she had believed. Furthermore, it made her question her own role in the war's inception. Recalling the past, Luna drifted away from the present once again.
/
In the vast hallway of Everfree Castle, Luna sat at the head of her dining table listening weakly to the barrage of words thrown her direction by a visiting minister from the court at Canterlot. Evidently, Celestia was not pleased with the way Luna was running things. If she had approved, she would have appeared at Luna's court herself.
"Your majesty," the fuchsia unicorn spoke in a condescending tone, "her highness Princess Celestia requests you reevaluate and revise your lenient policies on border control and customs. Trade flows from your lands south of Everfree on the Horseshoe Path, yet you have failed to consistently collect tariffs on the goods that are now flooding our market."
"Yes, tell Celestia to excuse my…inconsistency …" droned the moon goddess, "But please inform my sister that her taxes may be too high and unfair to poorer merchants."
"Pardon me Princess Luna, but that's just the problem." The noblemare replied coldly, "We don't want poor merchants marching into Equestria. Their wares are unneeded as we produce a sufficient supply of metallurgical products, food, and raw materials on our own. Our ponies do not need the extra competition to drag down prices to an ungodly level, it would be the death of our economy."
Luna rolled her eyes.
"What we do need involves the rich trades," the minister continued, "spices, precious metals, and the sort. Those are valuable commodities the ponies want. Do you understand, majesty?"
"Yes, yes…it's all quite clear to me now." Luna said, pressing her hoof to her cheek while playing with the crumbs on her plate .
"Good. Another thing…"
Before Luna could be chewed out and talked down again by her sister's envoy, a much welcomed voice intervened on her behalf.
"Midday Breeze, the princess wishes to retire and tend to the night. If you have any more pressing issues to discuss, you may take them up with me."
Leaving her chair, Luna smiled at her advisor, Morning Star. The unicorn's coat was a simple white, but her mane was a wild, fiery mixture of red, orange and yellow. She was as beautiful as the rising dawn and as magnificent as the fading dusk; few ponies could match her intelligence, wit or charisma. Naturally, her talent had attracted the attention and love of Celestia, prompting the sun goddess to take the prodigy as her personal student. However, Morning Star was arrogant and often disregarded Celestia's orders and teachings, opting to do whatever it was in the manner she thought best. After years of struggling with her student, Celestia sent Morning Star to the court at Everfree to help Luna rule and administer her lands effectively. Ever since, Celestia had kept a watchful eye on Everfree to make sure Morning Star did her job and nothing else. Despite this, Luna could not help but admire the unicorn's defiance and self-reliance in the face of Celestia's awesome power and made sure her sister's spies kept their distance from the unicorn.
Luna felt beyond relieved as she soared from the parapets of Everfree Castle into the freedom of the open purple sky before her. As the sun sank into the horizon, Luna released a cascade of stars across the heavens before ushering the moon to take its place among them. For hours the princess of the night flew among her creation, feeling a rush of sublime ecstasy run through her. As she descended back on her balcony, however, the thrill of freedom diminished and she felt a sudden sense of loneliness grip her. Looking eastwards towards Canterlot, Luna wished that her sister could share in her joy and happiness instead of being bogged down with slavish amounts of self-imposed toil.
Sighing, Luna recalled the days before the demon Discord had infected and corrupted the land of Equestria with his tyrannical rule. The sisters had played among the heavens and watched over their beloved ponies from afar, assuring their over-all well-being and easing the difficulty of their primitive, but innocent lives through little interventions, such as Luna's role as the sandmare. After Celestia and Luna had defeated Discord, the sun goddess believed it was necessary to take a more direct role in the affairs of mortals. The evils unleashed by the king of tricksters had left the ponies deeply divided and embittered, thus Luna agreed with Celestia that they needed to guide the ponies back to the light of harmony. Together, they united and organized Equestria, both assuming not the title of "Queen", nor "Empress", but rather "Princess", a calculated decision by Celestia to suggest the impermanent, benevolent, and provisional nature of their rule. At least that's what Luna had thought. One thousand years later, not only were they still in power, Celestia was entrenching herself deeper into the intricate systems of her invention.
Lost in thought, Luna did not hear the hoofsteps approaching her.
"Your majesty."
Wrenched from her reflection, Luna quickly turned to face her advisor.
"Oh, Morning Star. What brings you here, I thought you were giving Midday an audience."
"That was a few hours ago, your highness, and she had little of importance to say. What I do find important is how you are feeling. Not a day passes by that I don't see you bored, miserable, or suffering. Rare is it now to hear your song ring throughout the castle. Tell me what troubles your heart so, princess, that you would cease such joyful verse?"
Luna hesitated for awhile. Normally she would confide in her sister and spare her subjects from her pains, but Celestia did not listen without trying to convince Luna later about the superiority and necessity of her plans and systems.
Morning Star, on the other hoof, was almost always supportive of her efforts to liberalize her lands and often hammered out the details of implementation herself. She had both Celestia's analytical mind and Luna's love for freedom, a combination that would perhaps make the mare both sympathetic of her situation and able to come up with a solution.
At last, Luna responded.
"Very well, but you mustn't tell a soul, especially Celestia, do you swear it?"
"Unless you say otherwise, I would never dream it, princess. Of course I do."
Pausing and looking away up to the heavens, Luna choked back the pain she felt.
"… I…I can't do this anymore. It's all just…just too much for me to handle."
"What is, my lady?"
"Oh Morning Star, everything!" Luna cried, breaking out into tears, "Everything my sister tells me to do, to say, to act! But I just can't! It's too hard, I'm not like her! I can't do what she asks of me. I don't want to fail her, I try and I try but I never get any better! I hate it!"
Parting Luna's mane away from her eyes, Morning Star looked into her eyes sympathetically.
" Princess, may I speak candidly."
"You may." Luna sniffed.
"Don't blame yourself, please. I know how controlling Celestia is; just being in her presence is suffocating. In some ways, her methods are akin to Discord's; the way she fractures her opposition with cheap ideology or petty interests is taken straight from his book. "
Luna gave Morning Star a troubled look.
"You should tread more carefully on your words. I'm not sure I like what you're saying."
"You may not like what you hear, but you agree nonetheless, am I not correct?" the unicorn replied, prompting Luna to turn her head away in shame.
She did.
"Luna," Morning Star said in a softer voice, "constantly your sister forces you to do her bidding. How is that fair? You are equals, the co-rulers of Equestria, yet only her policies are fitting, only her philosophy acceptable. Rarely does she let you have a major say, and when she does it is either a token matter or an act of appeasement."
Luna closed her eyes, wishing what Morning Star was saying wasn't true.
But it was.
"My lady," her advisor continued, "if Celestia's authority were yours, what would you make of it, what would you change?"
It did not take Luna long to answer with a spirited shout.
"I would free Celestia from her prison on this earth, I would return to the days before Discord when we were extolled as free spirits, not princesses! Not slaves!"
Breathing heavily, Luna paused and shook her head.
"But that is a dream…"
"Do not say that princess!" Morning Star excitedly interrupted, "It does not have to be so, can't you see? Through the structures of her own design, Celestia taught us how to govern, how to take care of ourselves. No longer do we need the sun goddess to reign over us, her task is complete."
Luna closed her eyes.
"What you say is treasonous…"
"No your majesty, it is the truth. The nobles of Equestria have long been able to keep their lands safe and productive without the direction or interference of Celestia. They can rule this land if we just allow them."
"No!" Luna shouted, "the nobility is unfit for anything save stealing the hay from another pony's mouth! I'd rather remain princess than let those bastards lord over them unchecked!"
Morning Star frowned at the sudden shift of Luna's tone but kept her cool.
"I thought you were a friend of freedom, a champion of liberty, am I mistaken?"
"Freedom?" Luna said taken aback, "do you think there would be any freedom under the rule of the nobility? No, they would only trample upon the weak with their privilege, denying them any of the "freedom" you speak of!"
Morning Star remained undaunted and determined.
"Are you so blind not to understand what I'm doing?" she asked sincerely, "Freedom will not come on the wings of some holy mandate, it must grow and develop on its own. Look to the griffons, they did not receive any divine guidance yet they have advanced steadily towards a better future. Once fratricidal beasts incapable of tribalism let alone a kingdom, there now exists three griffon city-states. One of them is even a republic, a system based on democratic process. It is imperfect and small, yes, but that is where the future lies, princess! Give it more time and it will evolve into something greater, something that will yield a society that embraces true freedom!
Luna cast her eyes to the stone floor, but Morning Star only spoke louder.
"It is not fair, Luna! Why should Celestia deny us the ability to chart our own destiny, why does she not permit us free will? Celestia must see that mortals can be free, that freedom does not mean the confusion and disorder we suffered under Discord! She must let us join the other nations on this earth and know that we will ultimately forge a better future for ourselves, one of equality, freedom and joy! If Celestia truly loved us, she would not have us be her playthings, her slaves!"
Luna winced at the familiar word. Truly, freedom did not exist for either the goddesses or their subjects.
"Why?" Luna questioned, "Do you know of the dangers of what you ask?"
"I am well aware, Luna." The unicorn responded, "But I will not be cowed by the short-term consequences. Though I shall never see it, my hope is for the future, not myself. I must begin this revolution, only I have the vision and ability to ignite it."
"Morning Star, I agree with you, I do." Luna said with somewhat of a subdued excitement, "but I feel that Celestia will never leave her throne."
The fiery maned unicorn's face hardened.
"She will if you leave her."
Luna froze at her words. Never had she thought of abandoning her throne before Celestia did, her older sister was, after all, the politician, the leader, the decider. Did Luna really have the power to sway Celestia simply by abdicating? In her heart, Luna accepted it and believed it with a passion. Her sister loved her, the sun goddess could never tolerate being separated from Luna forever. Even though she was burdened with many duties, Celestia would make brief appearances now and again throughout the week to have a laugh with Luna or talk of light-hearted matters over tea or wine.
Luna's mind, however, harbored doubt and fear.
"What if she refuses, what do I do? She is still inextricably bound to Equestria, perhaps to it more than she is to me."
"I see you're conflicted, your majesty," Morning Star said gently, "but I have a plan. It will be a bloodless coup with a peaceful transfer of power. Then we, both goddess and mortal, will be free! Just give me the order and I shall build support among the nobility and set in to motion a brighter future."
Luna shook with fear and nervousness, but in the end she agreed with her advisor and followed her heart.
"You have my consent and blessing, Morning Star. Do what you must."
/
Luna sighed as she played the memory over again in her mind. She was so convinced that what she was doing was right she had taken Morning Star's words at face value. Luna did not delve too deeply into her motives, the unicorn had been convincing with her ideological convictions. But another memory now deeply troubled her. During the coup at Everfree, Morning Star's response to Celestia now rang infinitely clearer in her mind.
"As always with tyrants, teacher. My moment has come. If you wish to avoid bloodshed, abdicate and leave at once!"
Had Celestia been right? Had Luna been misled and used by an ambitious mortal to further a hidden agenda she had no knowledge of? Or was she reading to deeply into her advisor's heated words?
While contemplating the list of possibilities, Luna turned to see Fluttershy sitting attentively at her side.
"Oh, you're awake!" Fluttershy happily squeaked, "I'm so glad, you were really hurt in that fight, princess. Dragons can be really vicious, I don't know why my friends don't get that...they treat them like overgrown kittens..."
"Yes, I feel much, well, I feel better now. Thank you Fluttershy."
"Umm, well, I'm not the one you should really thank..."
Upon Fluttershy's admission, Luna heard the door to the small room creak open and saw a zebra emerge.
" I am happy to see you are in such good condition, it is not long now before you can continue your mission."
/
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Grey Prophet
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1540
| 9 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
| 119 | 20 |
<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-07-18T06:57:16+00:00
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2012-07-18T06:57:16+00:00
| 2,272 |
Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 9
Pouring down the boughs of the forest, the freezing rain inundated the fertile forest floor, creating a troublesome mire to form underhoof. The leaves of Everfree shivered as the wind passed through the treetops, permitting only a small ray of the moon's light to penetrate the darkness of the wood. Nonetheless, Twilight Sparkle and her friends ran along the forest path undeterred. Numbed by the rain and the wind, Celestia's student pressed forward with only the fading embers of her determination to sustain her drive. Upon her back rested the goddess of the moon, a heavy burden that made her path ever more difficult and demanding. Once again, Equestria's fate was hers to bear, but this time her teacher was no longer there to guide her. The princess would know where to go, what to do, and ultimately remedy the problem, just as always. Though she drew comfort from her friends, Twilight was truly alone in her responsibility to them. She was expected to lead and have a plan, but the unicorn knew in her heart that it was a case of the blind leading the blind. Their entire dilemma was born out of confusion and haste, what hope had she to make the right judgments? Just getting from one point to another posed a thousand troubling questions and possibilities. The best she could do for her friends was to pretend to have a plan, to pretend that she knew the answer to their problems when in all truth she had no idea if the Elements would actually succeed in accomplishing anything save a light show. All Twilight could do was continue to take courage from Celestia's first lesson to her those many years ago.
Twilight Sparkle, my dear student, the world is indeed vast, wonderful, and full of mystery. But little one, even if you studied every leaf, pebble, and straw, you would eventually turn your gaze to the infinite heavens and realize how little you really know. Never cease in your studies, continue learning as much as you can, but remember that if a solution escapes you, do not fear to follow your heart. In such times, this is all we can do...
Twilight had followed Celestia's instructions but they yielded only frustration and anxiety. Her distrust of Luna, though lessened, was still ever present. It derived from her knowledge of the past, one that was continuously affirmed by Luna's often irrational, unpredictable, and emotionally charged behavior. Initially, Twilight found Ajax's account of Luna to match up perfectly with her studies, but his extreme hatred and inability to reason discredited the purity of his tale. Ironically enough, Ajax's response to Luna's claims of innocence revealed how true that case may be.
"I'm not the villain here! Celestia imprisoned me, how can I be responsible for the evils you accuse me of!? I was not part of your war!"
"Huh, a tale I heard a thousand times over from the mouths of the enemy. But you cannot deceive me…"
The mouths of the enemy. Twilight never came across a document revealing much about the motivations of "the enemy" other than power mongering. The possibility that the opposition fought not for the demon Nightmare Moon, but rather a banished deity was substantiated and could explain Luna's total ignorance of the past. Even her claims of insanity following her immediate liberation from the moon, too, seemed plausible; one thousand years of solitude could not be healthy for one's psyche. At the same time, Twilight remained convinced that Celestia had good reason behind her actions. She had to; Twilight could not imagine the princess to be so callous and unjust.
However, now was not the time to judge; only to act. The road to Zecora's was longer than Twilight had expected, and her sleep-deprived body was growing weary. Suddenly, a flaming glint of light caught the corner of her eye, and immediately Twilight believed it to be the welcoming fire of the forest hermit's hut. A quick blink dispelled the hope for only the familiar darkness greeted her. Disappointed, exasperated and tired, Twilight's front knee gave way to the stress.
Seeing their friend in trouble, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie stopped and helped Twilight back up on her hooves.
"Dear, let me help you carry her," Rarity said with concern, "It's not fair for you to suffer so needlessly when you're friends are here to help."
"No, Rarity, it's fine." Twilight replied with conviction, "I appreciate the offer, but I have to do this myself. You all understand, right?"
Twilight's companions looked at each other nervously. In all honesty, they really didn't, but they could sense that Twilight's strength had not yet completely faded. Nodding slowly, they consented.
"Well then," Twilight said with heavy breath and a grin "Come on, it can't be far now!"
Indeed, only ten minutes more and the company reached their destination. Relieved beyond belief, Twilight banged furiously on the door.
"Zecora! Zecora!," Twilight shouted, "Please help us, it's an emergency, please!"
Discouraged by the zebra's slow response, Twilight banged harder.
"Zecora, we really, really need your help! Let us in, please, it's me, Twi-!"
The door at last unlatched and opened, revealing the forest healer.
"Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's student. Your arrival is most imprudent…"
Upon seeing the injured goddess on Twilight's back, Zecora paused, a look of disbelief washing over her.
"Can it be? Is this a deity I see? Bring her inside with haste , not a moment should you waste!"
Ushering the ponies into her home and shutting the door, Zecora quickly retrieved several towels and blankets to dry and warm her soaking guests.
"Umm, Zecora," Fluttershy piped up, "If you could help me tend to Princess Luna, I fear she's suffering from shock…"
"Why of course Fluttershy, on an herbalist you may always rely."
As the two healers treated Luna for her injuries and condition, Twilight took a moment to close her eyes and relax before contemplating their next move.
For now, she had to hope that Rainbow Dash had succeeded rounding up Applejack and that they were on their way. Still operating on the belief that Lightning Strike was holding back the guard, Twilight at last felt a great deal safer.
Pinkie Pie and Rarity, too, were happy to be in the warm confines of Zecora's home. Rarity took the opportunity to wipe the filthy mud from her beautiful white coat and dry her purple mane…and then helped the indifferent Pinkie do the same.
"Dear...if you could…just hold still…for a second!" Rarity said, struggling to contain the bouncing pink pony, "You have a bit of mud on your face, let me…let me get that!"
"Sorry Rarity!" Pinkie chimed, "It's just so cool being at Zecora's! I mean, at first, it was all creepy and spooky, but then it was all, well, Wow! Totally neat-o stuff from some place maybe a thousand, billion miles away that nopony's ever seen! I mean, even Nightshade is here to check it out, and he's a bit stuffy…"
Rarity and Twilights' ears perked up at the name.
"Pinkie," Rarity said, her voice lowered, "Braveheart's lieutenant is here?"
"Oh yeah! Didn't you guys see?" Pinkie said in her usual, bubbly manner, "He's right over… here!"
Bouncing across the room, Pinkie pointed to a black pegasus wrapped in a blanket. Not too far from him was the standard golden armor of the Royal Guard.
Frightened by the presence of the guard, Twilight joined Zecora and Fluttershy at Luna's bedside in the other room.
"Zecora," she whispered, "what is a member of Celestia's Royal Guard doing in your house?"
The zebra blinked, a bit perplexed to why Twilight was so upset.
"When I found him, many wounds covered his body and his wings broken." Zecora responded, "So I took him in with little question, no words were spoken. Why you fear the fellow so, I do not know."
Opening with a heavy sigh, Twilight told Zecora the many hardships she had endured, from the sacking of her library to the fierce battle against the mighty dragon Ajax.
"Your words explain the stillness of the stars and why you fear the guard," Zecora said sympathetically once Twilight's tale had come to an end, "such a terrible course of events has surely left you scarred."
"Please, Zecora," Twilight replied, "we need to do something about the lieutenant. Normally, I'd use my magic to send him away, but I'm afraid to use complex magic in Everfree. It's…too natural. Things never seem to work exactly right."
"What do you suggest I do? In my land, throwing out a guest is taboo."
"But, if he wakes up…"
"No Twilight Sparkle, my patient I will not dismiss, even if it bring you bliss. To do so for a medic would be greatly remiss."
Frustrated, Twilight turned and left the room. She did not know how long it would take Luna to recover and Applejack and Rainbow Dash were probably wandering the wood looking for them. At the very least time seemed to be on the unicorn's side. Even though the guard posed a possible threat, he was clearly too weak to put up a fight. Nonetheless, Twilight felt it a good policy to simply keep quiet until they could move on. As she entered the main room and saw Pinkie trying to draw a pair of green rimmed glasses on the black pegasus, Twilight brought her hoof to her face as she realized how hard the feat would be.
"Pinkie!" she hissed, "stop that!"
"Oh, sorry Twilight," Pinkie replied, "It's just, well, I thought everypony could use a good laugh now, especially Nightshade…"
"No Pinkie, do not wake him up!" Twilight instructed, "This is serious, we can't afford to be so careless!"
The unicorn's criticism did not extend only to Pinkie as she turned her gaze to Rarity. The fair unicorn was busy looking into a mirror while brushing her lush purple mane.
"Rarity! I thought you were keeping an eye on Pinkie!"
"Pardon me, Twilight," she blushed, "but all this wind and rain has been atrocious for my mane, I couldn't ignore it for much longer. I suppose I was a tad distracted…"
Growling softly, Twilight addressed both her friends.
"Okay girls, we're all going to play that honorable pastime, the quiet game. Think you can manage?"
Rarity nodded and Pinkie zipped her mouth in symbolic gesture.
"Good. Now, we sit and wait."
A half an hour they past in silence. Twilight wanted very much to rest, but she feared that if she split her attention for just a second, Pinkie would wake the unconscious soldier. The perceptive student noted that Pinkie had begun shifting uncomfortably, which was not a good sign to see from the undisciplined pink puff of energy. The warm hut and quiet atmosphere, however, dulled Twilight's resolve. Her eyes dry and heavy, Twilight at last gave into temptation and closed them but before the pleasant relief of sleep could take her completely, she was awakened by a loud clatter of metal pots.
Turning to the kitchenette, Twilight saw Pinkie covered in pots and pans. Apparently she had opened a thoroughly stuffed cabinet to get a bowl to sample some food from a large black pot.
This time, Rarity was on top of it. Before she could silence Pinkie, however, they heard a frightened voice from across the room.
"Who's there? Where am I? As a lieutenant of her majesty's Royal Guard, I demand an answer!"
The three froze as the black pegasus rose from his mess of blankets on the floor. Fear gripped Twilight as Nightshade's turned his gaze directly at her. Ready to fight, Twilight's horn began to glow.
But the pegasus said nothing.
Puzzled, Twilight looked deeply into the soldier's eyes to find the pupils covered by a misty sheet of opaque fluid. Instantly, Twilight knew.
Nightshade was blind.
Thinking back to her studies, she recalled having read of cataracts before, but she never thought they could induce blindness so quickly. The lieutenant must have suffered exposure to some serious radiation.
"Hello!" the pegasus shouted loudly, as if he were in a large cave, "Anypony there? Please, I can't see a thing."
Twilight pitied the soldier, the faint quiver in his voice was exactly the same as the one that had clenched tightly to Lightning Strike's words. It was the sound of years of tightly instilled discipline struggling against a sudden, unimaginable fear.
Rushing from the bedroom, Zecora heeded Nightshade's call as the three friends kept their silence.
"Worry not and rest my friend, on I, Zecora, you can depend."
"Where am I? Why can't I move my wings?" Nightshade responded anxiously, his face turning unintelligibly in the direction of the zebra's voice, "Why do you speak in rhymes, are you a witch of some sort?"
"No witch am I, despite what my accent may imply. I learned your language when I was quite young, but Zebric syntax clings thickly to my tongue. In my hut in Everfree you now dwell, but, brave soldier, you are far from well. Your bones I have set back into place, but you are still in need of a sturdy brace. I pray you lay down and relax your wings so that I may find it easier to fit these things."
"And my eyes? Will I ever see again?"
"Of this matter do not fret, of permanent blindness there is little threat. An ancient practice of my people will restore your sight, is that not a happy delight?"
As Zecora helped the pegasus to lie down, the guard responded with a hint of relief.
"Thank you Zecora. Please, forgive my accusation, I should know better. I was stationed in the Serengeti for peacekeeping operations when I was in the EAF. As I hear, things have been shaping up there."
As she bandaged the soldier, the zebra replied in a low, somewhat distant voice.
"Of this frozen war I do not wish to speak of. Long have I waited to see the olive branch arrive on the wings of a dove."
"I'm sorry, forget I mentioned it. But Zecora, my company is sorely lacking leadership right now, and our objectives extremely dangerous and sensitive. If you could perform that procedure you mentioned, I can be on my way…"
"I'm sorry, but this I can't permit, you would be most unfit." Zecora replied sharply, "Once done, your vision will remain blurred for a time. To let you walk alone in the forest thus-like would be a crime!"
"I'm not asking your permission," Nightshade responded, his voice now firm, "I'm telling you. My duty is to Celestia, and nothing takes precedence above her security. Every minute that I linger here is another stroke closer to eternal night."
"I do not wish to sound snide, but a soldier's greatest foe is his own pride." She sighed, shaking her head, "But I will do as you ask, soon then may you continue with your task."
As Zecora went to get her supplies, Twilight took her aside and whispered quietly into her ear.
"Zecora, can't you wait to do this? I don't want trouble…"
"Twilight Sparkle," she replied somewhat indignantly, "This procedure cannot wait; much longer and everlasting darkness will be his fate. I understand your perilous plight, but your selfishness is not right. Do not worry so, a blindfold he will wear before he can go."
Though apprehensive, Twilight backed off and accepted Zecora's justification. If worst came to worst, they could handle themselves against a single, crippled guard. Just how he would react to them, however, was the question. This soldier did not seem as brusque as Captain Braveheart, but not as compromising as Lightning Strike. As she watched Zecora administer an herbal anesthetic, the unicorn just hoped she didn't have to find out. The drugs would buy them some more time, but not much.
Turning to the side, Twilight saw Rarity leading Pinkie over to her. The normally energetic ball of pink puff now had her head lowered in remorse.
"Twilight, Pinkie and I had a little talk," Rarity said, "and she has something she'd like to say."
"Rarity, I know it's Pinkie, but you shouldn't treat her like a little foal…"
"No Twilight," Pinkie interrupted, "She's right, I mean I totally heard what you said about Nightshade…it just didn't seem to click, you know? Today is just so weird; I'm not used to being enemies with anypony. I just want to be their friend; I just want everypony to be happy. The best way to fight fire is with laughter, my nana used to say, because everypony likes to laugh and nopony likes to hurt another pony. I know that the guard raided your library and I know that Braveheart shot Big Mac, but I can't think them bad. Every time I do I remember how happy the captain was when nopony got hurt this morning… I dunno, I just think that if we talked with them they'd understand and help us. But what do I know; I'm not smart like you, Twilight. I'm sorry for being a dummy…"
Pinkie's sentiments Twilight easily sympathized with, she wished too that their dilemma could be solved by talking it out. However, she knew that such an approach would only land them in jail.
"Pinkie, you're not dumb," Twilight consoled, "normally I would agree with you. But the guard is not a deliberative body; they have orders and they execute them, just or unjust. Reasoning with them won't work…trust me. One of them, somepony who I thought was a friend, flat out told me that they would not rest until Luna was captured."
The unicorn's words piqued Pinkie's interest. The earth pony now looked Twilight in the eyes.
"Oh! Lightning caught up to you pretty quickly, huh?"
Twilight was a bit surprised that her friend was familiar with a pegasus she herself had not seen in years.
"Uh, yes. He met me outside of Fluttershy's cottage."
"Oh! That's awesome to hear that he got to see you again. When I last saw him, he was sooooooo sad. He didn't want to show it, but I could tell. Did you forgive him?"
"…no. He didn't ask for forgiveness." Twilight said solemnly, "He only tried to justify his actions."
"What? He gave off a totally different vibe in town this morning..."
"Speaking of which," Twilight interrupted, "How did you girls escape the guard?"
Clearing her throat, Rarity took the initiative to answer Twilight's question.
"Oh, it was quite elaborate and daring, dear. As you may have guessed, we were under the guard's custody at my boutique, but with a lot of hard work and a little charm I managed to craft an elegant Nightmare Moon costume and scare the soldier charged with watching over us. I think it may have whipped up a little panic in the town square, but it gave us the cover we needed to make it to Fluttershy's cottage."
"Hold on a second, Rarity," Twilight replied in surprise, "you guys did what? Do you realize how many ponies you put in danger? Not only that, you've probably fueled the guard's fear that the princess is a mass-murdering psychopath!"
A bit thrown off by Twilight's harsh reaction, Rarity stuttered in response.
"Well, dear, I suppose it was not, uh quite desired, but we had to escape somehow. Besides, I saw from my balcony the guard dispatching a mob just earlier this morning and nopony was hurt…Well, perhaps that's not all exactly true. I saw and heard parts, but from what I gathered nothing tragic came of it. I thought the guard would diffuse the situation as quickly as the first…
"Rarity, that was a reckless decision! You just gambled with the lives of every citizen in Ponyville. You can't predict how ponies are going to react with such certainty!"
"What do you want from me, Twilight Sparkle?" Rarity responded, her voice filled with hurt, "You called on me to help you, and I did so without so much a question or doubt in my mind and now you have the nerve to criticize the lack of foresight in my decisions? I was imprisoned because of you Twilight, did you think of me when you decided to run off this morning with a fugitive princess?"
Pausing to let her words sink in, Rarity continued.
"I do not appreciate it, Twilight Sparkle, not the slightest, especially when you apparently had the time to chat up the captain pro tempore when your friends had to escape from a horde of armed guards."
Twilight flinched at Rarity's stinging words and averted her eyes.
"How, how did you know he's acting captain?"
"My jailers were quite upset about the fact," Rarity replied, "you may think me a flawed leader, but I do have a knack for picking up on detail. What concerns me is why it seems the guard is not on our tails. The village is not very large, and, as I said, a panic should not take so long to quell…"
"Unless it degenerated into a riot…" Twilight mumbled.
"OR," Pinkie chimed in, "maybe Lightning isn't searching for us."
"No Pinkie," Twilight shook her head, "He told me he'd buy me a little time, but that he was bent on carrying out his orders."
"Oh Twilight," Pinkie sang, "we both know that's a load of baloney. You say he said he wasn't sorry, but he sure is acting like he is! You know? Actions are more important than words after all, you must have convinced him deep down!"
"…Pinkie, Lightning sacked my library and interrogated me earlier today. The chance he would completely disregard orders is extremely unlikely…
"But he's the captain now! He makes the orders."
Twilight brought her hoof to her face in silent frustration.
"It's not that simple, Pinkie. But maybe you're right, maybe my words had an impact on Lightning…It's just that we can't know for certain. All this conjecturing is pointless, the only thing we should assume is that the guard believes Luna is responsible for Celestia's disappearance and will do what they can to arrest her. We should focus on plotting the course before us instead of wasting time tracing the steps of the guard. In the end it's of little use. Trust me, I tried to do it this morning."
"Very well, Twilight," Rarity responded, "if that is what you think, I will respect it. I have little mind for such things, I'm an artist, not the student of a goddess-princess. Planning a dress or suit can be difficult, but at the very least I know my mastery will shine through in the end. I am not so certain about public affairs."
"Okay Twilight," Pinkie added, "but I still think you're being unfair to Lightning and the guard."
"Good." Twilight said, "the worst of our journey is behind us. If we can restore Luna's immortality with the Elements of Harmony, nothing can stop her from finding Celestia. Hopefully balance will be restored…"
"Twilight Sparkle," Zecora interrupted the unicorn from across the room, "The procedure I shall soon finish, your voices should thus diminish. Dear child, the drug I applied was quite mild. Don't look too dour, he shall not awake for an hour, but be cautious, I do not know when he will be fully conscious."
"Wow Zecora," Twilight said with surprise, "that was really fast for such a sensitive part of the body. How did you do it?"
Zecora hesitated before replying.
"It is an old technique with much history, but in your land it is a great mystery. Often it is maligned, for it is very risky to the patient who is blind. For this reason in your country it is banned, such has always been Celestia's command."
Twilight's eyebrow rose in suspicion.
"That sounds pretty sketchy, Zecora...by that I mean really sketchy."
"Your opinion I did not request," the zebra replied defensively, "to its wondrous affects you will soon attest."
"Okay, okay, sorry Zecora. I'm in deeper with the authorities than you are, don't sweat it." Twilight chuckled, trying her best to make light of the situation.
Zecora leveled her eyes at Twilight, closed them, and sighed.
"On the table you three will find some food," she said politely, "I hope you like your apples stewed. Now if you'll pardon me, I have another patient I wish to see."
Fetching a kettle from the hearth, Zecora exited the room. Twilight could see clearly now that they had been dismissed for the moment as Fluttershy walked out of the room a bit disappointed.
"Are you all right there Fluttershy?" Twilight asked her skittish friend.
"Umm, yes, it's just, uh, I'd like to be there for the princess…but Zecora insisted that I eat. I guess I should take care of myself too…"
"Don't worry Fluttershy," Twilight replied, "You've done so much today already, I'm so grateful to have you for a friend."
"Thanks Twilight," Fluttershy smiled, "But it looks like somepony else needs my help…"
Twilight's eyes bulged at Fluttershy's words. Apparently Zecora's drug was even less impotent than the zebra suggested. Turning around, she noticed the lieutenant beginning to stir.
Gesturing to her friends to keep quiet, Twilight magically wrapped a piece of nearby cloth around Nightshade's eyes.
"Zecora," the soldier muttered groggily, "is that it? How long do I have to wear this blindfold?"
He was answered with silence.
"Zecora?"
Sighing, the unicorn realized she couldn't keep up the façade for much longer and decided it best to reveal herself in a calm, collected fashion. As she prepared to quickly retrieve the zebra, she was surprised to hear Zecora's voice right beside her.
"Proud solider of the royal élite, your treatment is near complete. Do not touch the cloth that blinds your eyes, to expose them to the light would be most unwise."
Mouth agape, Twilight stared at Pinkie Pie. The bubbly mare was always quite good with coming up with spur of the moment sing-along ditties with excellent rhythm and rhyme; what surprised Twilight was Pinkie's nearly flawless impersonation of Zecora's voice. Seeing the unicorn's shocked expression, Pinkie winked and continued her apt impression of the forest hermit.
"Come, dine with me as you wait, I assure you my cooking is really great!"
The black pegasus consented with a nod.
"You said my greatest weakness was my pride,but you were dead wrong. " Nightshade laughed, "My stomach is! I can smell those heavenly stewed apples, and I won't lie to you, they smell better than anything from last night's royal banquet. Boy, I can't wait to get a bite of that grub! If you could...you know...just lead me to the table..."
Twilight gestured to Fluttershy to help the lieutenant get some food. As the yellow pegasus led him away, Twilight looked at Pinkie with a mixture of joy and confusion.
"Pinkie," she whispered, "how in Equestria did you do that?"
The earth pony gave a faint giggle and responded.
"Zecora's accent is so cool and creepy that sometimes when I'm working at the bakery and Mr. and Mrs. Cake are gone, I pretend that I'm Zecora making a totally awesome, super-secret concoction of mystery and magic!"
"...and you talk to yourself..."
"Well yeah, duh. I always like to talk and who better to talk to when I'm alone than myself? Myself can be a pretty interesting pony, I mean just the other day I met myself as a pirate..."
"...that's really something Pinkie." Twilight interrupted, "But I need you to keep the lieutenant busy for a while more. Can you do that?"
"Yep, no problem Twi!"
"Zecora," they heard Nightshade nervously speak to Fluttershy, "what's that sound? I hear voices, are we not alone?"
Pinkie Pie hurriedly rushed to Fluttershy's side, thought for a second, and replied to the soldier's question.
"Heightened and confused, no doubt, your senses are. What you hear is the pitter-patter of mice, nothing very bizarre. Now hush and give me your trust, to this new world you must adjust."
Nightshade grunted unhappily; he did not like being reminded that he was incapacitated.
"Hopefully I won't have to, that is if what you said is true." Nightshade growled, "I can't wait to be rid of this blindfold and back in the field where I'm needed. Gah! I can't believe all this really happened..."
"What exactly bothers you, good soldier?" Pinkie asked out of genuine concern for the guard.
"I don't like to disclose intelligence to anypony, especially civilians. But you helped me out big time. Without you, I bet I'd be some monster's dinner right now. Hell, even if that didn't happen, I'd still be blind as a bat. I can't write you off after all that. Just keep this to yourself, okay?" Nightshade replied before sighing heavily. "The royal guard's primary and most difficult objective is to capture the renegade Nightmare Moon. We also have orders to protect a powerful weapon from falling under the dark one's influence, the Elements of Harmony."
The four listened intently as the soldier paused to sample the stewed apple Rarity had dished for him.
"Mmm, pretty good stuff, Zecora, you weren't lying. Could use some more cinnamon, though."
"Ah-hem."
"Ah yes, back on topic. This power was entrusted to Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's faithful student, and her five friends. Their profiles were passed on to the higher ranking officers so we could be better able to identify and defend them. But wouldn't you know it, we were already too late. Nightmare Moon got to them first, even succeeding in poisoning Miss. Sparkle's mind against the crown. I gotta tell you, I'd never expect Miss. Sparkle would turn her back on her teacher, I've watched her cling to the princess' every word for years. It just goes to show you how powerful that demon is. So, as you can guess, we were a bit afraid the other elements would be easily taken by Nightmare Moon. To stop this, the captain ordered the detention of all Miss. Sparkle's friends on any grounds we could come up with. What was important was that they were all accounted for and far from Nightmare Moon's reach. We managed to round up three of them before our captain was...sent away. After that, operations came to a grinding halt under my compatriot who, for some reason, thought it a good idea to wait about the village before vanishing himself. I went out to search for him, but I came across somepony more important: the element of loyalty herself, Rainbow Dash."
Taking another bite of his meal, the guard swallowed and continued.
"I'm sure you've heard of her, too. She's fast and destined for greatness, there is no denying that, but she is still a rookie in terms of maneuvering. Against a professional flier, she had little chance. But you know what they say about trapped animals. In her desperation she managed to perform the 'Sonic Rainboom' and sent me hurdling from the skies, beaten, blind and broken. I failed, and now I sit at your table a useless pegasus."
There was a moment of silence as Nightshade ate his dinner. Pinkie was thinking hard about what next to say, evidenced by her distinct and obvious physical expression of what qualified as "to think". At last she responded.
"If catching and securing Twilight's friends is your goal, should you not pursue it like a troll?"
Nightshade stopped eating. One could not see his expression, but his words were heated.
"What do you mean, "troll"? You may have healed me, Zecora, but I will not stand to hear the Royal Guard be disrespected! We are the elite, we are organized and privy to all intelligence reports, even those once classified under the secrecy of the Royal Bloodline are at our disposal. Nopony is more informed than the guard, nopony more able to make the right choice save Celestia herself! The corp has done everything in its capacity to ensure order and prevent Nightmare Moon from accomplishing her wicked desires, something ten million trolls could never in their lives accomplish."
Seeing that she misspoke, Pinkie quickly tried to clarify what she wanted to say.
"Uh, sorry, but what I mean is simply this: arresting ponies willy-nilly seems awfully remiss. Surely your methods are a tad extreme, talking leads to better cooperation, I deem."
"Ugh, you can never satisfy civilians." the black pegasus huffed, "They want us, neigh, expect us to solve a crisis without even the smallest sacrifice on their part. Then when something does go wrong as a result, they blame us for failing in our duties. No, Zecora, inspiring cooperation takes far longer than forcing it."
Formulating another response (and double checking the syllable count), Pinkie replied.
"To always treat another pony with respect, do you think it really that incorrect?"
Nightshade shook his head.
"Security is always priority, Zecora, respect for civil liberties is secondary. The world teeters on the brink of destruction, a few hurt feelings and a couple of owies are a small price we have to pay to save it. What we're doing is right, but civilians are too self-interested to give a damn."
Consuming the last few morsels, the pegasus once again shook his head.
"If it's one thing I've learned on the guard, it's that you can't compromise with evil, you have to face it and destroy it as quickly as possible. If somepony gets in the way, they too need to be removed. Hey I don't like it, but they made their choices. Casualties are inevitable, there is no cure-all."
Nightshade's words both intrigued and infuriated Twilight; at any rate the unicorn wanted to get her word in. Taking a quill and notepad from her saddlebag, Twilight quickly scribbled her reply and floated the paper to Pinkie to read.
"You may think yourself knowledgeable and altruistic, but I see you are applying a fatal heuristic. Nothing do you know of the sisters' last interaction, it is possible your 'sound intelligence' led to an inappropriate interpretation."
"Huh, your Equestrian is good for a foreigner." Nightshade responded, noting also the change in Pinkie's tone, "If you're implying that Nightmare Moon isn't at fault here, you need to get your head checked. Just last year she tried to pull the same stint, and apparently she was even worse a thousand years ago. When it comes to an unholy evil like her, all means justify the ends. Anypony who doesn't think that is either living in a fantasy world or dead. Some ponies might think the Guard to be overbearing, but I have no regrets. We have only done good."
Tired and irritable, Twilight had fought the urge to speak up and give the guard a piece of her mind. She couldn't stand listening to Nightshade, the guard was just so wrong.
"Refute him." the temptation gnawed at her, "He's only one guard, so what if he knows who you are? He's stuck in Everfree Forest miles away from any help, nothing realistic will come of it."
It made so much sense in her head that she became convinced it was the right thing to do.
"Such a heartless philosophy will only beget more evil, Nightshade, not good!" Twilight erupted, shaking the table and surprising her friends and shocking the lieutenant, "How dare you separate the duties you have to Celestia from the ponies she loves, together they are the state you swore to defend and uphold! Citizens are not mindless foals in need of discipline, don't you think for a second you're better than they are! In your haste to save the world you have shed the moral backbone of the guard and jettisoned all notions of honor and dignity in favor of efficiency. How can you think you have done good when you have abandoned all the principles of what good stands for? How can you combat evil if you can't sin it in yourself! Your self-righteousness has left you a shell of a soldier, Nightshade!"
Ripping the blindfold from his face, Nightshade looked around the table to discover four blurry ponies, but he could instantly guess their identities. Seeing Pinkie Pie and Rarity, in particular, spooked the soldier.
"Umm, Nightshade, please," Fluttershy squeaked, "Zecora said to keep that on until you've recovered..."
"A lie! All of it smoke and mirrors!" Nightshade fumed, "There is no zebra, only a traitor! Where's your new teacher, Twilight Sparkle, did she teach you that load of rotten apples?"
"Be quiet and listen!" Twilight shouted, "At first I didn't want your eyes to be healed, but a wise friend reminded me that I was wrong to wish that, that it was a violation of your dignity. Later, I considered tying you up against your will just like you did to my friends, but I didn't. My life would be made infinitely easier if you were out of my way, but I realize now that it is a rare event when the ends do truly justify the means."
"Oh no, don't try to take the moral high ground here, Miss. Sparkle," Nightshade responded, gritting his teeth, "Princess Celestia banished her sister to the moon to stop her from destroying Equestria. Was that excessive? Was that wrong?"
"...I don't...I can't know..." Twilight stuttered, "but it wasn't right, nor was it wrong, it was just."
"Esoteric egg heads," Nightshade sneered, "always splitting hairs to cover their tracks and muddle obvious truths. What is good is just, what is evil is unjust, a foal could tell you that! It only goes to show how corrupt you are!"
"Think what you will then! Ignore the fact that we cared for you even though you seek only to do us harm!" Twilight angrily countered, "You'll never listen to me anyways!"
Nightshade's left eye twitched, a furious expression now burning across his face. He was having a difficult time focusing on Twilight, and his eyes began to seer with pain.
"You're right about that! You're the disciple of Nightmare Moon now, every word you speak is another drop of poison! One act of kindness will not buy my allegiance! Besides, your friend is the very reason I'm crippled. What thanks should I owe you for healing me? This is all probably part the demon's plot to ensnare me, but she won't! Not this soldier!"
From the corner of his left eye, Nightshade saw two figures enter the room.
"Oh my, what is this obnoxious ruckus!" Zecora decried, "My guests, you do my home little justice!"
"Shut up!" Nightshade responded, shaking his head furiously, "You're a lie, a puppet! I see your mistress beside you, that cursed and wretched Nightmare Moon!"
In all honesty, he could not really see Luna, only a distorted dark blue figure. Frightened, he shoved Twilight out of his way and made for the door.
"Oh dear," Fluttershy said, "please don't go Nightshade, you won't see a thing in the forest! It's really dangerous and your eyes..."
"Blast them!" he shouted, "I'll find a way, I am an elite!"
With that he opened the door and stumbled into the darkness of Everfree Forest.
Sighing, Twilight turned to Pinkie.
"That, Pinkie, is why you there's no reasoning with the guard. They already have their own..."
Mentally strained and physically exhausted, the unicorn fell to the floor.
"Twilight," Fluttershy said, "you can't go on like this, you only slept for only a little bit at my house. You need to rest, here I'll fetch a blanket."
Twilight closed her eyes and let her indignation subside. Now with clearer mind, she wished she hadn't caved into her argumentative nature so easily, but she had been too tired to check herself. The unicorn was aggravated; she had been so worried that Pinkie would slip-up that she failed to take into account her own weaknesses. Thinking back to how she yelled at Rainbow Dash, Luna, and Rarity didn't help her self-confidence either. She was so ready to give advice and tell others how they should behave that she forgot that she too fell into the same sort of non-sensical patterns of behavior. Her exchange with Nightshade also left Twilight troubled; the young prodigy had earlier convinced herself that Celestia had a reason, a justification for what she did in the past. Was she putting Celestia on too high a pedestal, was the princess really no better than the lieutenant, or herself for that matter? Was morality, the heart of harmony, really that much of a sham that it could be cast aside at the first sign of trouble, a time when it was needed most?
As Fluttershy draped the blanket over her, Twilight felt herself drifting back to sleep. Instead of a library, however, her dreams provided her with but a single book. Opening it up, she saw only one word crudely scrawled across the entire length of the page.
Hypocrite.
/
"I am glad to see you are in such good condition, it is not long now before you can continue your mission."
The rhyming words of the zebra brought a smile to Luna's face. More so than the décor of the hut, the accent invoked pleasant memories of happy festivities and beautiful music. The Zebric tribes of the Serengeti held a special place in Luna's heart, their peace with natural world reflected the harmonious vision she had for the settlement of Everfree. The absence of hierarchy, institution, and regimentation in society was what the moon goddess considered ideal, a return to those trouble-free days before Discord when the ponies roamed the wild fields of Equestria, much like the traditional tribal life of both the zebra and the buffalo. The ponies then were simple creatures, yes, but they were kind, loving, happy, and free from the sins and burdens of what Celestia called civilization. However, Luna had long ago abandoned this hope for Equestria. The ponies were too accustomed and dependent on her sister's artificial constructs, those incessant, complex machines of government and economy. As it was, Luna saw everywhere the ponies in chains. The best she could hope for them was a semblance of that bygone liberty and community through self-governance and reliance. It was this hidden desire of Luna's that Morning Star had understood all too well. Her fair words resonated deeply with the moon goddess and moved her; it was true that society would never regress to its original shape, but it did have the opportunity to progress and evolve to once again reinstate those laws not created by the soulless state, but by organic nature. Coupled with her goal to relieve Celestia of her endless labor, Luna had risked everything that fateful night to achieve this. She thought that if she could center the debate on her own feelings, her own need to retreat, she could pressure Celestia into an unavoidable ultimatum, one that would force her to choose between the love of her little sister or her rule of Equestria. Celestia's rejection had left Luna stunned, she did not honestly expect her sister to choose power over her, and the fact broke her heart and drove her to insanity.
The pungent smell of hot tea broke Luna away from her straying thoughts.
"To imagine the goddess of the moon should grace this place, yet how sad it is to see her wounded face. Please drink your majesty, you will find healing in this special tea."
Pouring her a cup and offering it, Luna gratefully accepted.
"Thank you for your generosity, but who are you and where am I?"
"Ah yes, Zecora I'm known to pony-folk, to my home in Everfree you have awoke. On the back of Twilight Sparkle you arrived, it is with great fortune you survived."
"You live in my forest?" Luna smiled warmly, "What brings you from the Serengeti to Everfree?"
Zecora frowned at the goddess' words.
"I thought you more than anypony should know, being the moon princess of tales from long ago."
Luna looked at the zebra with worry.
"You cannot mean to tell me…"
"Yes, the ceaseless conflict has endured, after a thousand years it has only matured."
It was now Luna's turn to frown. More than a mileniuum ago she had effortlessly orchestrated a peace between the zebra and the gazelle. Grazing land and access to watering holes were the main points of contention, but, with the help of her advisers, she had organized a truce centered on principles of equal distribution between the tribes. It was entirely sensible, why should hostilities later ensue?
"How can this be?" Luna said, disturbed by the revelation, "I solved the problem. For two hundred years not a single drop of blood was spilled in the Serengeti. We danced together in celebration, pony, zebra, and gazelle alike!"
Zecora shook her head slowly.
"Through spoken tongue, not written word, has the phantom memory survived. Perhaps to an ancient it may sound a bit contrived, but the buried truth within must be revived. Long ago there was indeed a truce between zebra and gazelle, but it was shattered by a wicked spell. Famine and plague tore across the once fertile plain, and reborn was that great disdain. In their hour of need each side invoked your protection, but your silence was a sound rejection. Of the affairs of your land we zebra little cared, we could not imagine that the moon goddess was impaired. Without you, dear Princess Luna, patroness of joy and hope, with our hatred and despair we could not cope. Even as the shadow departed the fields of the Serengeti, the bloody feuds remained trite and petty."
Luna closed her eyes and shook her head in disbelief.
"No, how can this be possible? How could my sister permit this to happen, how could she stand idly by when there is such suffering?"
"Yes, in my youth I too once asked the very question" Zecora replied, "how could the sun goddess allow this aggression? But on her, too much blame and too little praise did I lay. For centuries she has sent her peacekeepers to stem the violence and bring the tribes under her amicable sway. It is the zebra and the gazelle who cannot let go of their hatred and spite, all the power in this world alone cannot purge it outright."
"My sister wields the might of the Elements of Harmony," Luna countered, "there is no force in existence its equal, it should wipe clean such terrible hatred!"
Zecora gave Luna a puzzled look.
"Twilight has mentioned this magic before, but I doubt alone it can win a war."
Luna opened her mouth to protest, but Celestia's struggle in the war reminded the goddess that perhaps Zecora was correct in her thinking.
"…Well, still. Even without the Elements, can she do nothing more than peacekeeping?"
Zecora shook her head once more.
"A truce Princess Celestia has tried to forge, but little peace has been induced. The sun goddess is always quite busy, some say following her tracks makes one dizzy. It is not surprising that she has little time for the affairs of other lands, the needs of Equestria create for her a host of demands."
Luna knew the zebra's words to be true, but she remained uncomfortable about her sister's inability to impose peace. Celestia was the master of order and subtle political manipulation, her mind was infinitely more clever than Luna's and yet the sun goddess had failed where Luna had succeeded. It made little sense to the goddess, but then again, the zebra and gazelle she had once known were not the same as the tribes that now struggled against one another. But another fact disturbed her: history had not corrected itself. There was little to no progress, though a hundred generations had come and gone their tribal hostility survived, a hideous scar from those darkest of days. The moon goddess questioned if they even knew why they hated one another.
Not wanting to dwell on the idea, Luna shift the topic of conversation back on to Zecora.
"Zecora, if what you fear is the instability of your country, why come to Everfree? It is a beautiful forest, yes, but it is less predictable than living in Equestria proper. Celestia has not touched my land; it remains wild and unsettled, unfortunately...ponies tend to love security more than freedom. This I could little understand…"
"Of pony-kind I am not," Zecora interrupted, "I too love freedom, it is something dearly bought. No, I do not like Celestia's many laws and regulations, I cherish too much a full spectrum of sensations. For that is what the mystery of life provides, if I may so confide. In Celestia's Equestria all things work in mechanical concert, even over nature, the weather, the seasons, complete control does she exert. My princess, such a predictable life is not for me, that is why I live under the boughs of Everfree. But don't you see? This forest permits me the peace of Equestria and the freedom of the Serengeti."
Luna considered Zecora's interpretation of her forest being a real part of her sister's empire.* It was true that Celestia administered to the region and maintained a barracks around the northern perimeter, but its purpose was to keep beasts in the forest, not defend the brave few who chose to live a more spiritual life. But what could Luna really say? She knew little of the modern disorder in the Serengeti, perhaps her forest truly was a haven to this zebra.
After taking another sip of tea, Luna decided it best to steer the conversation back into happier waters away from the conflict of the Serengeti.
"Zecora, tell me about what you like to do, what about Everfree that makes you feel alive?"
"I cultivate herbs, such is my trade," the zebra replied, "many remedies have I made. Some you may call experimental for some of the side-effects are quite accidental."
Luna looked at the zebra with a raised brow.
"That sounds a bit, shall I say...questionable?"
Sighing, Zecora ignored the familiar comment and continued.
"But this is not my sole dedication, I am also a known musician throughout my nation."
Luna's eyes lit up in response.
"Then you know of all the old songs as well? Could you, perhaps, play me a song? It has been centuries since I spoke Zebric, but I'm sure I'll remember the lyrics if I can hear the beat of the drum."
Zecora blushed, a bit nervous to accept the request of a goddess.
"Oh, but, it is unnecessary..."
"Please Zecora," Luna asked, "I'm sure your voice will heal me better than any herb you've plucked from the earth."
"Well, if you insist," Zecora smiled, "who am I to deny the goddess in my midst?"
Moving to a large drum at the end of Luna's bed, Zecora paused for a moment and turned back to Luna.
"My heart guides what I must sing, I hope you are not bothered by its painful sting. Of this bitter-sweet tragedy you may be aware, Utenzi wa Shufaka is often hard to bear..."
Beating the drum in a slow, rhythmic motion, Zecora sang in a low, tranquil voice.
"Kisa, uje ukaribu mbele I utakarabu tamukalo ukutubu; ukihifadhi..."
It had been a thousand years since Luna had last spoken Zebric. Unlike the unchanging tongue of dragons or firmly standardized Equestrian, the language had greatly evolved throughout the centuries, making it difficult for the goddess to understand the lyrics. Zecora's dialect, too, added to Luna's confusion. And yet, the song was so familiar to her, its beat and rhythm synching in concert with the beat of her troubled heart. Slowly, the music awoken within the goddess the unpleasant memory of Utenzi wa Shufaka.
The story told of two sky spirits who argued over the goodness of the zebra. The first believed that the zebra had fallen, that there compassion had long dried up under the hot sun of the Serengeti. The second rejected this, maintaining firmly that they remained as righteous as ever. Descending to earth to test a tribe of common zebra, the first spirit proclaimed that the second was ill and could only be saved by the blood of a willing foal. Despite their great love for the young one, the chief of the tribe offered her only daughter's life. Such selflessness revealed to the first that it was wrong, but it could not bring back the dead. As a reminder to the good of the zebra, the spirit cast the foals ashes across the heavens, memorializing the young one's sacrifice for eternity among the stars.
The princess of the night knew that the story was merely a myth, she had crafted the constellation herself a few millennia ago, but she did not want fact to ruin an exceptional work of art. However, though she enjoyed the beautiful flow of melodious poetry, the content of the tale was unsavory. Of her own choice the young maiden had accepted death, but was it truly her will or that of her mother? Where was the compassion of the spirit who needlessly permitted the young one's blood to be shed by her own mother? How could such callous disrespect for life ever be interpreted as good, how could such heroic compassion and sacrifice be a corruption of the morality it sought to inspire?
Luna chose to shake away such thoughts and focus on the rhythmic beat of the music. The wondrous verse brought back her memory of the Zebric lyrics, and though an imperfect speaker, Luna joined in Zecora's song. At the sound of the goddess' voice, the zebra ceased singing and listened in awe to Luna's sublime chanting. It was as sweet as the morning song of the springtime robin, yet as somber as the blackbird's cry. Luna's Zebric too, was far older than Zecora's, but the sound of the old tongue complemented the ancient roots of the tragedy. Losing herself in the music and divine rhyme, the goddess became oblivious to all else. For an hour she sung the entirety of the epic, and upon approaching the climax of the tale Luna poured a thousand years of her sorrow into the dying words of the young zebra.
"Mamaye si kilio, mimi kufa hivyo roho dunia wapate kuishi. Ukuu nini mimi kupata katika kifo na uovu wa mimi kupata katika maisha."
Rendered into Equestrian, it translates roughly thus-like:
"Mother cry not, I die so the sky spirit may live. Such beauty I find in death and what evil I find in life..."
Not only did the naive bravery of the innocent move Luna to tears, but the mother's tender response as well.
"My beloved daughter, with heavy heart I offer your soul to the heavens above. If I could I would spill every drop of my blood to save you, but fate does not permit me that joy. Forgive your poor, wretched mother for what she must do."
As she sang of the swift stroke of the knife, Luna began to weep. Utanzi wa Shafaka was not just an old epic of a foreign tribe of equids, it was, in many ways, her own history. Echoed in the mother's plea were Celestia's final words to her a thousand years ago.
"…I'm sorry Luna. This is the best I can do for you…and Equestria."
She was Celestia's sacrificial lamb, an offering to that bleak phantom called fate. The moon goddess had once scoffed at the idea, but her imprisonment and mortality had given her new perspective. Defeated and no longer invincible, Luna was acutely aware that she was hardly in control of her destiny, verily, how could she be? Most obviously she did not choose banishment. Even more telling was how she had relied on the help of others, surrendering her will to theirs' and abandoning responsibility for the consequences. Perhaps fate was not the abstract, guiding force she had thought it to be but rather the very concrete and chaotic sum total of a million free wills of varying strength struggling against each other? Was even her sister just another will in an ocean of many? As the most powerful one, did this mandate that she must bind and give reason to the infinite in the hopes she could dismantle destiny and permit a greater semblance of free will to even exist? Was order truly the source of free will, and liberty the source of destiny?
Choking back her tears, Luna tried to sing the final verses correctly, but the joy she was supposed to convey upon the release of the foal's ashes was overshadowed by her grief.
Zecora had been enthralled by Luna's angelic voice, which, coupled with the steady drumbeat, kindled within her a spiritual ecstasy she had never in her life experienced. She felt Luna's tribulation as if a thousand daggers had pierced her flesh upon slow, excruciating succession, but the pain was not evil.
It was enlightening.
As the song came to an end, Luna and Zecora sat in silent introspective reflection. After a few minutes, the zebra suddenly realized her error.
"Princess Luna, please pardon my choice in song, to do so was unprofessional and wrong."
"No, Zecora, not all tears are evil, but all are purifying." the goddess replied, "Music does not always heal through mindless comfort, more often it is a mirror to the soul that permits one the chance to see within and remove the roots of her suffering."
"This may be true, but there is no reason to always be so blue. May I tempt you with a happier tune?"
"Yes Zecora," Luna smiled, "I think it's wise to warm my spirits before I face the chilling wind yet again. Could you perhaps play Dada jua na dada mwezi, it is an old favorite."
"An ancient song you request," Zecora said with a wink, "but I know it, my lucky guest!"
Taking out an exotic stringed instrument, Zecora picked a pristine melody that gradually quickened in pace and tempo. Rising from her bed, Luna began to dance and sing in Equestrian. Gone from her voice was the chilling dread of Utenzi wa Shufaka, it had been replaced with elation and euphoria for this was not just an old folk song, it was her song, Sister Sun and Sister Moon. More than a thousand years ago, a delegation of the zebra tribes had come to the court at Canterlot to pay their respects to the two princesses. Among them was a bard called Zerdowsi who crafted an epic in both Zebric and Equestrian in honor of the two sisters. He had spent his entire life composing the 60,000 verses and was richly rewarded by Celestia for his devotion and impressive skill. Of course, Sister Sun and Sister Moon was only the first ten or so couplets put to music, but it was by far Luna's favorite part. When Zerdowsi performed it at the court at Canterlot, she had gotten Celestia to dance with her. The sun goddess, however, was no ballerina, so Luna took the opportunity to teach her sister that curious art of dancing. It was indeed a strange sight for all the nobles and ambassadors in presence to see Celestia stumble about, trying to keep up with her far more elegant and flexible little sister. What Luna loved most about this memory was that Celestia didn't even care about the on looking crowd seeing her embarassing weakness, she only laughed and continued on with her awkward attempts.
The song itself sang of their youth, and though it was fairly inaccurate, it still warmed Luna's heart and made her feel spiritually at one with her sister.
In the time before when the lands were new
And the skies were cold and the ponies few
All was dark and fear
Spread from far to near
And the skies were empty and lost and **
As we zebra roamed through the darkened land
We had nothing ours but held in each hand
And we could not see
And we could not breath
And we knew not of any majesty
But there came a light shining in the skies
As a lily blossomed before our eyes
And it split in two
One of white, one of blue
As the blossom blazed and it grew and grew
With a fiery flash from beside the flower
As the pedals burst with majestic power
There a goddess came
With her mighty flame
And divinity born from hoof to mane
In her wake there came born of her great fire
A grand ball of light that would never tire
And the warmth it shed
Banished fear and dread
And we zebra laughed in her awesome stead
But as the lily blooms twice in every year
So its petals swirled and we lent a cheer
For its blossoms glowed
And its beauty flowed
It began to swell great and bright and bold
What would burst forth now took our breath away
A dark angel banishing the bright of day
And her lights filled the skies
And before our eyes
She filled the heavens with legends wise
In her wake there came born of her great love
A great orb of light floating high above
And it glowed and shined
With the great divine
And she looked on us with a love so kind
So came sister sun, so came sister moon
As they filled the skies with their love in tune
One with fire so full
One with glow to lull
One of body and heart, one of mind and soul.**
In the middle of the song, however, Luna felt something was off. Pausing, she heard angry shouts leaking through the door, tainting her joyful song with unwanted discord. Giving Zecora a worried look but saying nothing, Luna exited the room with a heavy heart.
Once more she was torn from her sister, feeling anew the lonliness and pain of seperation and isolation.
Once more she felt the icy cold of death's shadow graze her soul.
/
Chapter nine. I hate this chapter, thus I expect to hear some criticism. The ending, as you can just tell, was my creativity burning out and me just wanting to move on. It is terrible, so it'll probably be revised... or maybe removed all together. You tell me.
**The song Luna sings at the end was written by the author "swicked" who answered my request to help me out. I'm very thankful that I could add a piece from someone who has been helpful in critiquing my work. Thanks once more!
Zecora's dialouge was hell, but I avoided the temptation to betray canon, though I think I use assonance instead of rhyme once. Zebric is Swahili, and the epic poem I mention, Utenzi wa Shufaka, is a classic I picked up on when I was really big on epics in highschool (though in English it is really dry and stilted...). It is an Islamic poem, so I removed the religious aspects of it and made it more tragic (it's like the story of Job in many ways and ends with God bringing back to life not only the sacrificed son, but all the other sons the father had who died. Boring.). I do want to note that the spirits are Michael and Gabriel. I could not actually find the text on the internet, and I'm not close to a library that has it, so I improvised some passages save Zecora's first words which are taken from the poet's invocation. And yes, I did butcher a good deal of Swahili. Sorry.
As I said, I was a fan of epic poetry, so the Persian poet Ferdowsi's Shahnameh is alluded to, but I want to note that in no way am I trying to fuse two very different cultures into one.
[]* this part will be moved to chapter five after Luna has her flashback. When I wrote chapter 5, Luna's strategy was clear to me, but I did not make it clear to the reader so I seek to amend.
*I use empire for lack of a better word. It's gender neutral, so that's what I care about.
Chapter ten will be shorter than the other chapters, and chapter eleven will be the crowning chapter.
I have decided to put back the mentioning of torture in chapter 2, but as I've said before, words and actions are two different things.
New notes have been added as well, I'm sorry if they in anyway seem to be defensive in tone.
Fluttershy will be written into chapter 8 to provide consistency.
Thank you for your reviews and for those who contribute in other ways...as usual I don't intend to make money from this story.
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Grey Prophet
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-07-18T18:28:36+00:00
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2012-07-18T18:28:36+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 10
“Hey Applejack, what's holding you up? We've got places to go, let's hustle!”
Trudging onwards against the renewed ferocity of the prevailing wind, Applejack struggled to keep up with her zealous friend. Though incredibly stout and strong from years of harvesting her family's namesake, the earth pony lacked the swift agility of her pegasus peer. Applejack was impressed with Rainbow's display of tenacity despite flying in the face of winter's harsh harbinger. Even for a pegasus, a race more resistant to the fury of the elements, Rainbow was exceptional. Joining the rainbow-maned pegasus at the eves of Everfree, Applejack was disheartened to find before her the fulfillment of the north wind's covenant; the freezing rain that once poured down the boughs of the forest had now coalesced into a crystalline flurry of drifting snow. Its icy sheen glittered in the pale light of the moon as it danced to the sway of the wind's roaring symphony. A divine pleasantry for the eye to the behold, the beauty of the new fallen snow was nonetheless lost to Applejack. Feeling only its bitter bite consuming her with numbness , the earth pony could only see a demon garbed in white and masked in shadow. Shivering, Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash and smiled playfully.
“Nice work you put in here, RD.” the orange pony chuckled , “It's not too often you go beyond the call of duty! A rainstorm, sure, that's one thing, but a blizzard this early?”
“Hey!” Rainbow Dash responded defensively “There's no way you're pinning this one on me! Yeah, I kick-started this baby, but Everfree took it and made its own! Just take a look at these snowflakes!” she said playfully, swiping a couple from the air to show to Apple Jack, “They all look the same! I mean, c'mon, even I wouldn't be caught dead with a shoddy piece of work like this!”
Telling the difference between a good snowflake and a bad one was never the concern of Earth Ponies and Rainbow Dash knew full well of that. Grinning, Applejack simply shook her head.
“Whatever you say, hun! Now, how 'bout we can get to helpin' Twi like you were sayin'? A dragon ain't somethin' you want on yer tail.”
“Ha! Chill-out Applejack!” Rainbow replied nonchalantly as the two entered the forest, “That cold-blooded loser is probably snoring right now, I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they don't like snow or ice...”
“Rainbow Dash. Read?” Applejack said, while unsuccessfully stifling a laugh. “Phft...!”
Rainbow Dash wanted to feel insulted, but in all honesty, she had little grounds to be and it was a little funny, too.
“...fine, I guess you can call it more of a field experiment...”
“Readin' and experimentin' now?” burst Applejack, unable to withhold her laughter anymore, “Well Ah'll be darned Rainbow, yer startin' to sound like Twilight Sparkle here!”
Rainbow Dash blushed at Applejack's words. The pegasus knew her friend was secretly still hurting inside; Applejack wasn't one to forget injury so easily. Rainbow knew this fact firsthoofedly from a long history of pranks and competitions. The earth pony was strong-willed and uncomfortable with asking for help; she would deal with her pain in her own way. Often enough, it was through light-hearted teasing, a practice aimed at detracting others from her own troubled feelings. As such, Rainbow was not totally oblivious to why her friend was so detached from their predicament, but she couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed.
“...okay Carrot Top,” Rainbow Dash chuckled hesitantly, “Yeah, well, by 'experiment' I kinda meant the time I pummeled Spike with a hailstorm of snowballs! You see, Twi was kinda angry with me about that cause Spike was out of it for a week afterward...but it probably doesn't matter anyway. I'm sure Princess Luna gave that lizard a big royal cup of kick-flank!”
Flying in front of Applejack, Rainbow did am enthusiastic loop and looked back at her friend.
“It was awesome, AJ! The dragon actually thought it could beat the princess! I mean, what a lame-brained frog, am I right? He tried blasting her with a firestorm but she didn't even break a sweat! And then BOOM! Lightning! It didn't take her a second to face that guy head on. No armor, no weapon, no fear! Now that's a princess I can get behind, she's definitely not afraid to get her hooves a little dirty!”
Applejack frowned, any pretense of good-humor melting away at the mentioning of the moon goddess' name. Once more she tried to embrace her brother's words and refrain from judging and hating Luna, but it was too difficult to accept so quickly. Her feelings would not conform to what her mind wanted to believe, no matter how wise the lesson. Rainbow's words of praise for Luna only made her hidden hatred for the princess seethe.
“Her hooves ain't a little dirty Rainbow.” Applejack whispered in contempt,“They're filthy, bloody, and darn-right disgustin'...”
Surprised to hear Applejack's teasing devolve into sincere hostility towards their goddess and princess, Rainbow Dash's mouth hung open in shock. The pegasus knew Applejack held Luna responsible for her brother's beating, but her words made it sound as if it were Luna who actually took the nightstick to Big Mac's face.
“Hey, AJ, you know that's not true, cut the princess some slack!” Rainbow Dash said as they continued following the muddy trail before them, “Look, I know it's not easy for you to help Luna out but...”
“Ah ain't helpin' Luna,” Applejack said, the calm of her voice betrayed by an irate quiver, “Ah'm helpin' my friends, the ponies Ah love who deserve mah trust an' respect.”
“Since when has 'Applejack, the most dependable of ponies' had a check-off list on who was good enough for her help?” Rainbow replied, “That doesn't sound like my friend, nope, not in a hundred, no, thousand years would she abandon a pony in need!”
“Never mind it, Rainbow.” Applejack huffed, “Jus' lead the way. Ah don't want to talk about this anymore.”
Seeing her friend once more swallow her pain, Rainbow Dash sighed and decided against pursuing the issue further. As it was, the pegasus wasn't the best at consoling ponies with emotional problems, though she could, at the very least, sympathize with Applejack. Like her, Rainbow's solution to problems was usually to deny or ignore them. If confronted with them, she would push ponies away and wallow in her bitterness while knowing full well that she truly needed them. But pride is cruel and knows no reason. The best thing Rainbow could do for Applejack was to respect her decisions.
“Yeah...okay then.” Rainbow replied, “I'm pretty sure we just keep following this path for a ways yet, I mean...”
“What?”
“Nothin', it's just really dark...but I got it, really!...Oh yeah, and if we get there and they're not there, don't freak! Twi said that they would be heading to Everfree Castle.”
With a slight nod, Applejack continued down the perilous path before them; the wet mud had frozen and made for both a sticky and slippery journey while the palpable darkness made it even worse. Unlike Rainbow who soared the skies nimbly and quickly, Applejack was married to the earth and bound to its limitations. She had no hope in traversing the forest at the same pace as Rainbow, meaning that she would be slowing down the show. A small part of Applejack envied her pegasus friend; but this was not a new feeling. Dwarfing it was a larger part of her that did not care about reaching Luna in a hurry. The prickle of ice carried by the wind's fell breath further tried Applejack's thin resolve and blackened her spirits.
“Serves her right,” Applejack thought, “If she needs me so badly, she can just sit her royal keister on her throne in Everfree 'til Ah get there! She's a pony no better than anypony else...goddess or not, Lady Justice sees not a single difference. Why should Ah? Why should Rainbow? But she can't tell, she can't care, how could she? Rainbow has the memory of a goldfish swimin' in a glass of whiskey an' 'cause of that, a little firework show from Luna can win her over. Ain't make one bit of sense!”
As they walked, her hate for Luna bled into her misgivings about Rainbow Dash. The notion that Rainbow could follow and trust Luna over a superficial display of power, one that should be unsurprising for a goddess, was insanely incredulous. Even Twilight, Luna's principle advocate, was not so confident in her convictions concerning the princess. Applejack was sure that Rainbow had some demented and misguided sense of loyalty for Luna, despite everything they knew about her and everything she did to usurp Celestia. Yes, the princess she should be fighting for, the one deserving of their respect and admiration. Whatever Rainbow thought about loyalty, it definitely didn't add up.
No, it wasn't just that. It was downright stupid.
Watching the green leaves of Everfree torn from their branches as they succumbed to the blanketing snow, Applejack kept pressing forward in accordance to the pegasus' guiding flight path. Coming upon a crossroad, Rainbow Dash paused and looked nervously at both directions.
“What's the matter Rainbow, did ya get us lost yet?” Applejack said dismissively, “or did ya remember somethin' important too late?”
Though her words were delivered casually, they were laced with a venomous spite. Gone was any shred of Applejack playfulness. In its stead, the earth pony's famous passive-aggressiveness had come out in full force, much to Rainbow Dash's misfortune. Surprised a bit by her friend's unwarranted vitriol, the pegasus thought it best to just write it off as just another jab...well, a particularly poignant one that is.
“Yeah, AJ, there's no problem, I was just checkin' to make sure that we're still headed in the right way...” Rainbow said before muttering, “...just don't get your lasso in a knot, geez...”
“What?”
“Uh, nothing. Hey, I was just wondering if we could maybe speed it up a bit. How 'bout it AJ?”
“Easy for you to say, hun.” Applejack said in much the same manner as before,“It's another day at the job for you, but Ah'm not built for blizzards. Don't get your feathers in a bunch about it, you hear? I'm doin' my best....honest.”
The obvious lie made Rainbow sigh in frustration. The junior speedster wished Twilight was there to deal with their stubborn friend, especially so now that Applejack's attitude was becoming not so much annoying now as it was just plain irritating.
“Ah Twi,” Rainbow thought as she led on, “I'd be at your side in a blink of an eye if it weren't for Turtle Jack holding up the show here! I know she's dragging her hooves now, I mean, yeah, it's freakin' cold, no lie, but AJ''s the toughest earth pony I know! What she's sayin' is a load of horse apples, I see her clear through mountains of snow every year! This is peanuts in comparison!”
Further down the path a new juncture emerged presenting Rainbow Dash with three potential routes. Unlike the first, the pegasus was gripped by a troubling uncertainty that did not go unnoticed by her reluctant companion.
“Well this is swell,” Applejack groaned bitterly as she waited for the pegasus to make up her mind, “You said we were in a rush, but we're doin' a whole lotta standin' now instead! Can we please get a move on before we turn into a couple of snowponies?”
Gritting her teeth in a futile attempt to mask her frustration, Rainbow responded the best she could.
“Just give me a sec, would you? Geez, this isn't easy. I don't walk around Everfree in my spare time, it's impossible to know every nook and cranny of this stupid forest!”
“Yer right 'bout that, Rainbow, you wouldn't 'cause yer too busy takin' naps.” Applejack replied unforgivably, “Ya know, you give Ditzy Doo a whole lot of grief for not havin' an ounce of direction, but yer no better when push comes to shove.”
“Hey!” Rainbow shouted, her sensitive pride no longer willing to put up with Applejack, “What are you tryin' to say? I'm Rainbow Dash, the fastest pegasus to come out of Cloudsdale...”
“Without graduatin'.” Applejack finished for the pegasus, “Yer lazy bones and non-stop day dreamin' held ya back, Ah mean, even Ditzy passed her exams.”
“...are you sayin' I'm dumb, AJ?”
“Well Ah'm not sayin' yer a prodigy.” the earth pony replied coldly, “Listen,yer talent will only get you so far Rainbow, ya need to work at it. Life's not just 'bout trainin' to fly fast, it's 'bout doin' yer own thinkin' and becomin' yer own pony. Flight school was supposed to help that, but you flunked out.”
Applejack's words carried more force than any wind. Each felt like a sharp blow to the ribs, leaving Rainbow flustered, angry, and at loss as to what to say back. She wanted to give her friend a taste of her own medicine but was unable to think of anything, wit never being her forte. Defenseless and exposed, Applejack's cruel and brutal honesty ravaged Rainbow's pride mercilessly.
“Well, um, well, that's got nothing to do with anything!” the pegasus sputtered, “Don't try to tear me down just because you've got a thing against Luna...”
“Mah thing against Luna?” Applejack replied, her anger now quite visible “No, it's yer thing for Luna that's the problem! How can you be so...well, so darn happy followin' her!?”
“I, I never said I'd follow her anywhere, I...I'm here for...” Rainbow stuttered in defense, her fiery temper subdued by Applejack's own intense display.
“Rainbow, Ah've known you fer a good time now,” Applejack continued, her tone unchanging, “And when somepony gains your respect, you know darn well you'd fly right into a dragon's mouth for 'em in a heartbeat without questionin' or thinkin' about the consequences. Nah, you let us do that for you.”
“That's 'cause...'cause,” Rainbow responded, “well, I mean, she's a freakin' princess Applejack, c'mon! She has to be a good guy deep down.”
“So what if she's a princess?” Applejack fired back, “When you first laid eyes on her “highness”, she was a psychotic witch who you were ready to kick all the way to Timbucktu! But hey, add a little title to the front of her name and the same pony becomes a saintly do-good-er out to save the world she had wanted to leave in darkness!”
“It's not like that at all...”
“It is like that Rainbow, what you think about a pony is just that shallow. Remember when the Wonderbolts were holdin' try-outs and Rapid Fire got in? You hated him, and not us' because he got a shot at yer dream. He was a no-good bully who tormented the lot of you lil' pegasi in Cloudsdale with his devilish pranks. But as soon as he made it on the team, you found yerself another idol to drool over.”
“...he wasn't just a bully, you know” Rainbow weakly defended,“he was always kinda cool in a loveable jerkish sort of way...”
“Save it Rainbow.” Applejack interrupted again, “No matter which way you spell it, you adore the fella because of a cheap spandex uniform, not for who he is deep down at heart. The same goes for Luna, you care more about what she's called than who she really is!”
“That's, that's no-not stupid!” Rainbow shouted, quivering on the verge of tears, “You're not being fair, AJ!”
“No, Ah'm just right, that's all.” Applejack coldly replied, “Rainbow Ah can't follow you. Ah just can't trust your judgment anymore than Ah can lasso and hogtie it. Ah'll find my own path to Everfree Castle...”
“Applejack, please, I remember now, I promise!” Rainbow broke in, “I'm not stupid, I'm not! We can get there together, don't leave!”
Turning her back on Rainbow Dash, Applejack took the right pathway and trudged on forth without looking back.
“Hey wait! Hold on AJ! That's not the way to Everfree Castle, I've never even been down that way before, who knows what's down there!? C'mon, we gotta stick together, this forest is full of monsters!”
“If you had half a brain, Rainbow, you'd hush up and follow me!” Applejack shouted back, not wavering from her decision for a second, “ This path is the widest and best kept! Looks like a castle road if there ever was one!”
As the pegasi were connected body and soul to the heavens above, so too were Applejack and her kind to the earth below. Pushing away the new fallen snow, she needed little light to tell that the gravel seemed finer and the ground more firm under hoof. Rainbow Dash, however, only saw dirt no different from the path she desired to take. Desperate to sway Applejack away from her choice, Rainbow's bold spirit emerged once more to lock horns with the earth pony's adamant stubbornness, but the fresh wounds it had sustained could not be hidden under such a thin veneer of confidence.
“AJ, that's not the right way to our friends, I'm telling you!” Rainbow yelled, her voice trembling as a violent gust blew through the forest boughs, “Listen to me, c'mon! They're over this way!”
But Applejack didn't hear her over the wind's fell cry and continued onward undeterred. As ice and snow buffeted her face, she found herself not caring if Rainbow were to follow her. This was her path, the right path; she would walk it even if it meant going alone. If Rainbow was so sure of herself, she would find a way to Everfree Castle on her own. With her speed, recklessness, and dumb luck, the pegasus could easily brave the forest by herself. Applejack knew that's what her friend
was thinking anyway and couldn't agree more; besides, the frustrated earth pony couldn't stand to look at Rainbow anymore. Whenever she did, Applejack could only see a crude caricature of the pegasus she loved so dearly. It pained her not only to see Rainbow's loyal heart warped by her naïveté, but her devotion to the mystique of night incarnate; Princess Luna. In a strange way, running away from Rainbow was a final act of resistance against this goddess of despair. If she was fated to help the villain, so be it, but it would be on her terms. Not Rainbow's, not Twilight's, and most definitely not Luna's.
Yes, her own; no others'.
The novel notion thawed her frozen limbs and drove her deeper into the heart of the forest. Without thinking, Applejack found herself building up speed against the wind's current until at last she was at full gallop. With abandon she charged forward, not out of urgency to reach the castle but to flee from the sickening hatred she felt coursing through her. In this sense, the once repressive cold had become liberating; every chilling breath she drew no longer filled her with dread. Rather this union between the freezing air and her burning heart produced an exhilarating wave of energy to take hold of her senses and push her to the limit.
Coming upon a clearing, Applejack stopped to catch her breath and noticed a large erratic situated in its midst. The remnant of an age long past, it stood monolithic and proud as it endured the vicious winds in no different a manner than it had the past few millenia. Weathered but massive nonetheless, its summit offered an ideal lookout that just managed to pierce the umbrage of Everfree.
“Well, Ah'll be darned, a little luck comes mah way.” Applejack thought with little enthusiasm, “Ah'll see how far the castle is just up ahead, won't take long to find out.”
Climbing the boulder, Applejack cast her eyes across the vast expanse of Everfree. Expectantly she looked for the dark turrets of the castle in the black of night until a fiery glint caught her eye for but a second. Looking westward in the direction of her intended path, the earth pony could just barely make out the outline of Luna's citadel from afar.
Applejack's pride swelled at the sight. From atop her perch, she shouted against the wind and snow.
“Ha! Ah knew it! Ah knew Ah was right! See, a good bit of common sense and responsibility can get you far, Rainbow! You hear?! Ah was right!”
In that moment, the farm pony felt unconquerable as she stood upon the rock's precipice, her proud smile seemingly goading fate's hand to do its worst. Tolerance being no virtue of destiny, it responded in kind with a sudden powerful updraft. Its indiscriminate touch knowing no limitations, it snatched and carried Applejack's hat away into the forest.
“No, no, no!” she cried aloud in dismay, “How could Ah be so careless? Shoot, get back here now!”
Jumping from top the giant stone back down to the earth without so much as a flinch, Applejack's eyes were locked on the faint shadow of her hat. Cruelly the wind toyed with her by floating the old heirloom in the air just above her, tantalizing the earth pony to no end. As the hat crossed the pathway and entered into the thick, snow-covered brush of Everfree, Applejack gave no thought to pursuing the ragged piece of felt. Breaking branches from their limbs with ease as she charged, Applejack felt little pain as she was torn at by thorns and ice. Nothing could distract her from that most cherished possession, the honor of father's memory. Applejack was bound heart, soul, and mind to the preservation of what very little she had left from him, that what she still needed from him.
At last, it seemed the wind had grown weary with its little game. Dropping the hat neatly before the entrance of a small cave, the wind dissipated as if to allow the humbled pony the right to retrieve the thing without interference.
“Thank mah lucky stars!” Applejack cried out “Thank Celestia, wherever she is! Thank, well...”
Pausing only for a seconds Applejack's doubt was overpowered by the intense relief and joy she felt.
“Heck, why not? Thank Luna and her crummy witchcraft too! Ah thank--”
A slight tremor in the earth shook Applejack from her cathartic adulation. Puzzled, she took a single step forward and felt another vibration. To her horror, Applejack beheld a creature born of the blackest nightmares emerge from its hidden burrow; the tarantulion. Three times the size of a pony, the giant arachnid was covered in a thick coat of bristling, toxic hairs. Around its head extended particularly long strands that gave the death trap the deceptive appearance of a lion's regal mane. The monster bore razor sharp claws at the end of each leg, ideal for shredding any unfortunate fauna that may stumble above its feasting hall. Just above the beast's tremendous, skull-crushing jaws, eight grotesque, unblinking eyes rested and stared intently at Applejack until it caught sight of the hat before its trapdoor. Content with taking it as a prize, the tarantulion ceased the hat and retreated back into its burrow to continue preparing its den for its long winter sleep.
Applejack stood in dead silence unable and unwilling to shift her gaze away from the beast's lair. A cold emptiness now pervaded throughout her being as if her heart had instead been torn away from her. As the farm pony trembled and fell to her knees, a fresh stream of hot tears trickled down the side of her face. The despair she felt was not just for her loss, it was also because she deserved it.
“What have I done worthy to wear pa's hat anyway?” she questioned, “I didn't listen to mah brother, I abandoned Rainbow a few miles back, and I disrespected them both because I let mah arrogance best me again...What would pa say if he saw me now, alone in the middle of the most dangerous forest in Equestria? 'Ya reap what ya sow now, Applejack, you don't grow apples from oranges', that's what.”
Closing her eyes, Applejack reflected on the events that had led her before the tarantulion's den, a thousand thoughts passing through her mind in the brevity of seconds. She remembered how moved she was by Big Mac's comforting wisdom, but she was far from Fluttershy's cozy bedroom. In the heart of a blizzard, his words seemed to have lost all meaning or use. Applejack wasn't a sage, talk of how life should be was always secondary to how things are and, as she endured the icy slings and arrows of nature, the earth pony found very little reason to change her attitude. Even now Applejack continued to grapple with the story of her father's death, trying to make sense of it all in relation to her own struggle. She had been so young when it happened that over the years he had become a sort of legend to her, an intangible paragon of virtue pure of sin and selfishness.
“Pa was a humble pony who gave everything to do what was right.” Applejack thought, “Ah tried to be like him, Ah've tried mah whole life, but when it all boils down to it and things are lookin' tough, what am Ah? A no good coward? But how can Ah do the right thing by doing what Ah know feels wrong? Am Ah even makin' any sense now?”
Turning her teary eyes to the star-lit heavens above, Applejack made a final plea to the bygone spirit of her father. In her mind, she knew nothing would come of it, but she needed release somehow.
“Ah'll make you proud, pa, Ah swear Ah'll find a way, just you see...please, give me another chance!”
“You got it boss!”
Shocked to hear a response, Applejack stood up straight only to feel a rush of air pass just above her ear. Landing before the mouth of the cave, Rainbow Dash turned back to smile at her friend.
“Miss me? You gave me one heck of a race Applejack, but you can't get rid of me that easy!”
As she said this, a red glow emanated from around the pegasus' neck; it was the light of loyalty shining brightly in the darkest of places. Though overjoyed to see her friend return, Applejack felt a twinge of fear creep down her spine as she noticed just where Rainbow Dash was standing.
“Rainbow, get away from there! It ain't safe there's...”
“A big ugly spider. I know, no big deal.” she replied. Knocking the top off the trapdoor, Rainbow taunted the busy tarantulion.“Hey you dumb hunk of husk! I've been stamping around your little dirt hole for a full ten seconds now! How is it that the world's slowest spider is still alive with a time like that? Do you have your mom down there spoon feeding you flies or something!?”
Of course, the content of her words meant very little to the tarantulion but the vibrations they sent through its home incensed it to no end. Though not hungry, a final snack before hibernation seemed to be in order. Like lightning the beast struck from below, but it was hardly a match for Rainbow's agility. Deftly dodging the attack, Rainbow Dash shouted at the arachnid
“That's it? Let me show you how its done, itsy bitsy!”
Building up speed before charging right back at the tarantulion, Rainbow smashed one of its legs with terrifying impact. Slightly crippled, the beast let out a guttural roar before slashing at Rainbow with its claws. Surprised to see a spider with such a dangerous appendage, the pegasus barely managed to escape the brunt of its swing. But a scratch from a full-grown and angry tarantulion can hardly be dismissed, as Rainbow soon learned as a warm trickle of blood split down her face and into her eyes.
“Rainbow, leave it be and let's get outta here!” Applejack desperately appealed, “It ain't worth it!”
Briefly turning back to her friend before returning to the fray, Rainbow Dash simply grinned.
“No worries AJ, a little bug bite's not going to keep me down for long, I got this!”
Flying into the air, Rainbow Dash rode the winds powerful current to achieve breakneck speeds that would crush a lesser aviator. In a rainbow flash, the pegasus assaulted her foe with a barrage of blows. Shrieking, the tarantulion recoiled and bided its time, waiting for its prey to leave herself open. As it endured the dizzying pummeling from above, the beast subtly shed its toxic hairs and dispersed them into the air. Little to Rainbow's knowledge, the irritating pricks she felt was the sensation of a debilitating venom entering her veins. It didn't take long before the pegasus started feeling fuzzy-headed and tired but continued her attack unabated. As she pulled away from her latest strike, she felt one of the tarantulion's claw grasp her. Slamming Rainbow into the earth and pinning her firmly down, the beast crawled over its victim in eager preparation for the coup de grâce. Struggling in vain to free herself, Rainbow saw no clear way out.
“Claws off the wings, you damned dirty bug!” she cursed, no longer resisting,“Keep it up and you'll find your ugly face getting bucked hard!”
The tarantulion ignored the unintelligible growls of its prey and lowered its head for the kill. Clicking its mandibles wildly, a premature drop of venom drooled from its exposed fangs. As the lethal rope of toxin threatened to graze her face, Rainbow Dash did not flinch or cower out of fear and hopelessness. No, that wouldn't be much like Rainbow Dash at all; she would rather piss death off with a snide smirk and a dismissive laugh.
“Ha! Your funeral, I hope you like Apples...”
Suddenly, from out of the shadows, Applejack's powerful hooves emerged to ream the beast square in the face.
“...'cause you just got a mouth-full!”
Gripped by immeasurable pain, the tarantulion screeched and reared up on its hind-legs, exposing its sensitive abdomen to the courageous and cocky pegasus. Recovering with a quick flip, Rainbow delivered a swift aerial blow to the beast that sent it falling backwards. Flailing madly, the tarantulion rolled itself back on to its feet and fled into the forest. Though the ancient arachnid had abandoned its burrow to its better, there festered no semblance of resentment in the tarantulion's simple mind. The laws of nature could not be challenged, might was always right.
“That's right, run!” Rainbow shouted weakly, “Tell your monster pals that no one, and I mean no one, hurts my friends! Doesn't matter how or why...doesn't...matter...”
Seeing Rainbow's knees wobble, Applejack jumped to support her friend before she could fall.
“Rainbow, that was the gall darn dumbest thing you've ever done!” Applejack cried aloud, her stern voice trembling, “You scared me dead stiff, I was so worried I'd lose you over a stupid old hat! If you had...had died for that hat Ah...don't think Ah could ever live with mahself...
“Applejack, I didn't risk my wings just for your hat and you know it. I did what I did because I knew how important it was to you, I knew that it was your dad's. No matter what you want to call it now, that hat is part of who you are and where you come from. You're my best friend, Applejack, I...I love you, you know? I'd sacrifice anything to defend even the smallest bit of what makes you so special, so strong, so incredibly awesome...”
“Rainbow, how can you say that after the way I treated you?” Applejack sniffed, shaking her head “Ah don't deserve your love, you shouldn't love me now. Ah wanted to hurt you, Ah did hurt you! How can you forgive me so fast? Ah can't even forgive mahself! It doesn't make an ounce of sense!”
“Heh, well, what can I say?” Rainbow replied giving a fatigued chuckle, “Sure you pulled some pretty sharp punches, and yeah, it really did hurt to hear the honest truth. But hey, I'm your friend, I'd never ditch you because of some stupid fight. I mean, how much sense would it make for me to hate you? What good would come from that? None.”
As she spoke, Rainbow's voice became noticeably raspy and cracked as though parched. Trying again to stand on her own four hooves, the pegasus stumbled back into Applejack's embrace.
“Ha, oops, slipped up again. Thanks AJ...”
“Hush hun, I'm going to get us to shelter, just hold on for little while.”
Hoisting the pegasus on to her back, Applejack carried Rainbow Dash to the cave the tarantulion had once used as bait for weary animals. Though its mouth was wide, the inside of the cave was quite small. Lying Rainbow down on the cold rock, Applejack looked at her friend with subtle awe. Though Rainbow's strength had waned, the light of her element shone ever the brighter, revealing not just the walls of the cave, but revealing the full extent of her injuries as well. Apart from the bloody memento the tarantulion's claws had carved into he left-side of her face, the poisonous hairs of the beast had inflamed the cyan pegasus' skin, leaving red scratches across her body. Her feathers were ruffled, dirty, and covered with frost while her left wing hung limply as though broken. The despair Applejack had felt upon seeing her brother's broken body returned with devastating force, causing new tears to well and new sorrows to blossom.
“Ah'm so, so sorry Rainbow, this is all my fault!” Applejack cried, “Ah was just so full of myself and Ah didn't listen to you proper...it's like Ah'll never learn! It's so hard to change for the better Rainbow, Ah don't know if Ah can do it!”
“Applejack, give yourself a break!” Rainbow returned, trying her best to ignore her own poor condition, “I know you're super responsible and everything, but you gotta stop acting like you've got the whole world on your shoulders! Besides, I like to take credit for my own near-death experiences, thank you very much. I got a little beat up because I chose to fight a giant spider, nothing you said or did made me do it. ”
“...but that stupid hat...it still wasn't worth the risk!”
“Oh really?” Rainbow smiled weakly, “Take a look at yourself and tell me that with a straight face.”
Checking to see what exactly her friend meant, Applejack was surprised to find her body covered in nasty cuts and large bruises.
“Ha, you bulldozed a good chunk of Everfree to chase that 'stupid' hat. To be straight with ya Applejack, you don't look much better than me right now...Let's face it, the only thing that kept you from kicking that spider out of its hole and getting your hat back was that you were alone and scared. I would be too, AJ. But when I faced that slimy bug, I knew you were there at my side. If things started looking bad, I knew that I could count on you to make sure that I didn't end up as spider chow.”
“Rainbow...I guess yer right, but how can you be so confident about it all? Ah didn't deserve yer trust at all...”
“Geez, cut it out with the humility thing already. It's getting old fast, okay?” Rainbow interrupted, “Anyway, it's like your brother was saying. When everything is on the table and the stakes are high, the only thing we've really got is each other. I know your trust issues with Luna are really screwing with you today, but you gotta see that sometimes respect and faith in a pony doesn't need to be earned. Sometimes, it's just gotta be expected, you know?”
Applejack closed her eyes and sighed.
“No, I know, but...but...I can't ignore the past...”
“Well, that's gotta be important too, but we can't live like we're stuck in time. You said it's hard to change for the better, but it's possible because we have our amazing friends to help us. I mean, without you guys I'd probably just be some loud-mouthed, selfish bully flying around Cloudsdale doing nothing but causing problems. And look at Twi, she's come a long way from being an anti-social shut-in, don't you think?”
“Ah do...”
“Well then, as your friend, it's my job to help you be the best pony you can. Just give me a sec and I'll be right back!”
Applejack was astonished to see her friend confidently rise to her hooves, something just ten minutes ago seemed nearly impossible. With a hobbled stride, Rainbow ducked into the empty burrow at the cave entrance and emerged a few moments later covered in web. Atop her head was Applejack's beloved hat, freshly rescued from the walls of the tarantulion's lair. Moved beyond words, Applejack smiled warmly as a single tear escaping her eyes.
“It fits you better than it does me.” Applejack said, “Yer brave and loving, Rainbow, just like mah pa was.”
“No offense Applejack, but it's not really my style. It works a whole lot better for you.” Rainbow chuckled, taking the hat off and placing it back on Applejack's head, “See? And hey, don't sell yourself short, it took a lot of guts to come save my flank too. Your dad would be proud AJ, 'cause if there's anypony like him, it's definitely his kid.”
Applejack lunged at Rainbow, hugging her tightly in loving appreciation. As she held the pegasus closely, the grateful earth pony could feel the warmth emanating from Rainbow's elemental jewel pass into her. Soon, the cold frost that had touched her heart had been cast out.
“Thank you Rainbow, thank you so much for everything, you really are the truest, most loyal friend a pony could ever ask for. Ah can't tell you just how important and special you are to me. Ah was lost and confused, but you've helped me find mah way again!”
As Applejack nuzzled up against her, Rainbow Dash was overjoyed to see that she had really made a difference in the earth pony's life. The brash pegasus never thought she was too good with handling other ponies' issues and definitely didn't consider herself a well of wisdom. Yet here she was dishing some out; such is the extraordinary power of friendship that her unknown potential could be tapped.
Though she had done a lot of good, Rainbow knew that there was still one agonizing thorn buried deep in Applejack's heart that needed to be removed. Always one for a risk, the pegasus was now confident that she was the one for the job.
Momentarily breaking their embrace, Rainbow pulled away from Applejack and looked deeply into her eyes.
“When I heard you ask for a second chance, I didn't think about it at all. It didn't matter to me if you deserved it or not, everypony should be able to prove themselves, at least that's what I think. Nopony is above forgiveness AJ...not even Luna. You need to forgive her, AJ! It's the only way you can ever forgive yourself.”
Applejack turned herself away from Rainbow's gaze, ashamed and angry at herself.
“...Yes, it's just...Ah can't do it...”
“Why, is it really that hard to believe that Luna has changed?”
“...Ah can't let go of my hate for her...for Luna. She only leaves a trail of misery behind her, how can it be that she's changed? Luna is the night, Rainbow. She is this darkness, this mystery, this...this terror that surrounds us right now. How can honest good come from that? How can I be expected to forget what she is? It would take a miracle for me to believe in Luna...”
“A miracle?” Rainbow interrupted, “Well you know me, I'm always up for a challenge!”
Focusing as hard as possible, Rainbow began flapping her right wing while her crippled left wing twitched uselessly.
“Stop that Rainbow, it looks painful as all get up!” Applejack said with concern.
“Ugh, no pain, no game!” the tenacious mare replied with a wink,“It's really not that bad, I'll show ya!”
Applejack cringed at her friend's futile effort, the tortuous sight making her conscious of her own injuries. After a brief while, the earth pony heard the obscene cracking of bones and immediately worried for Rainbow's well-being. Her fears were soon dashed when, to her complete amazement, she saw the gutsy pegasus take to the air. Hovering with a wry smile on her face, Rainbow Dash laughed at the sight of Applejack's jaw drop.
“Ha, good as new, what did I tell you?”
“But...but...your wing was more busted than a bucket of juicing grapes!” Applejack sputtered, “And yer face, it's, it's all patched up too!”
Applejack pointed to the gruesome slash, and indeed, gone was any trace of blood or rash. Only a faint scar marked where claw and flash had met.
“Really? Sweet, it kinda stung a bit,” she responded, the strength of her voice now restored, “Hey, you look a little less bad yourself!”
Checking herself over, Applejack watched as a small cut on her leg healed over, but not without a surprising release of pain. The earth pony simply stared in dismay as she slowly realized the implications.
“She wasn't lying.” Applejack muttered under her breath.
“What's that?”
“Luna...she was being honest, but Ah...Ah didn't want to believe her, it all sounded like a bucket of hooey...but Ah guess we really did steal her immortality from her...
“Wait, wait, wait, slow down.” Rainbow said, waving her hooves wildly, “We're immortal? That is so cool!”
“Not exactly sugar cube, we still got pretty roughed up fighting that spider, but...wait. Twilight never told you what this is all about?”
“Nope!”
“Then how did you know you'd get better...”
“I didn't, but it never hurts to keep on trying and having a bit of faith,” Rainbow replied,“...well, maybe it did a little bit this time around. But hey, whatever works!”
Turning and looking out at the radiant silver moon resting across the horizon, Applejack closed her teary eyes and sat in silence as a bitter war raged in her heart and mind. Her hate remained, but its roots withered in the light of faith and reason. As she tried to purge the loathsome cancer, Applejack's thoughts strayed back to her brother's life stories. Once dead and divorced from everything the earth pony understood, Applejack's trial through wind and snow as well as beast and demon had breathed new meaning into Big Mac's words.
"AJ, there's no way fer us to understand exactly Princess Luna's motives or goals. She's a goddess after all, so much depends on her. She's powerful beyond our knowin', so she has to be careful with what she says, one word could mean the difference between life and death. All we can do is have faith in her, jus' as we have faith in our friends. When it all comes down to it, that's all we've got."
As she meditated on this, she felt Rainbow warmly embrace her in solemn support. Opening her eyes, Applejack found the strength to cast out her hate. With a deep breath of winter's cold air, Applejack felt cleansed and absolved of her weakness. Never before had she felt such relief as respect replaced hatred, although its shadow would never entirely be lifted from her. But in that moment she felt renewed, perhaps even like if it was a normal day with normal expectations.
She was at last ready to trust and help Princess Luna not because she was led on a leash by destiny, but because she wanted to. It may be stupid, but her personal sacrifice echoed the ethos of both her brother and father; one family bonded together by honor, humility, and swift service to those in need.
“Well Rainbow,” Applejack spoke up, her voice filled with passion and promise, “it looks about time Ah got over my sobbin' fit and get back to work! Saddle up! Ah've let mah friends down too much today and Ah won't tolerate it no more, so let's get a roll on!”
“That's the Applejack I know!” Rainbow shouted, “All right, Everfree Castle, here we come!”
As they left the cave, the duo didn't get far before Applejack heard the ominous sound of breaking branches coming from the east. The threat of the tarantulion returning with a vengeance seemed very real, especially since the wind could not be blamed. Curiously, its intensity had diminished since the fight with the spider. Thus was the unpredictability of Everfree.
“Ugh, Rainbow, please tell me you hear that.” Applejack said, looking at Rainbow with uncertainty.
“Hear wha--”
Out of the darkness of the forest, a shadowy figure bolted straight into Rainbow, causing both to fall to the ground. By the light of Rainbow's jewel, Applejack was surprised to find no monster, but rather a black pegasus covered in bandages, bruises, and cuts.
“Hey buddy, watch it!” Rainbow shouted as she got back up and dusted her feathers off, “What the hay are you doing in Everfree anyway, are you crazy or something?”
“That voice...” the pegasus grunted, “...That voice! You can't be...”
Realizing just who it was he crashed into, the stranger's red eyes opened in horror.
“ Rainbow Dash!”
“Of course I'm...wait, old on,” Rainbow Dash said, “Nightshade, is that you?”
“Nightshade! Lt. Nightshade? The pegasus that wrangled me in the mud?” Applejack asked, “What in blazes is he doing here with no armor wandering around like Granny Smith after a hot cup of special cider!?”
The guard got to his hooves and looked at Applejack, his sensitive eyes straining to get an ounce of good detail in the dark.
“Applejack?! You were under the custody too! Damn it, damn it, damn it! How could Lightning let this happen?”
“Hey settle down there, partner.” Applejack said, trying to calm the volatile soldier “You don't look all that swell, maybe you should come with us.”
“To the moon I will!” Nightshade sneered, shaking Applejack's hoof off him, “I'd never follow a bunch of witches to their coven! You won't fool me, the lot of you will pay for what you've done!”
“Yeah, yeah, I've heard...” Rainbow said, thinking back to the 'race', “Don't be so sore about losing, geez....”
“ Damn, they're all here in Everfree!” Nightshade shouted, “They're all here! But this isn't the end, I'll bring the whole bloody hive down on this forest in a blink of an eye! That's a promise!”
Before another word could be said, Nightshade, in spite of his injuries, dashed madly into the forest at a speed that would put Rainbow to shame. Such was his haste that the snow melted in his wake, leaving a trail cleared of both brush and ice behind him.
“Did you get that Rainbow?” Applejack said, “Our friends aren't at the castle. You were right, well, in a way. Anyhow they must be where this Nightshade fella came from, c'mon! This guy means business, did you see that? We best get a move on, and quick-like!”
Rainbow just stared down Nightshade's path having just witnessed the fastest running pegasus she had ever seen.
“Rainbow! Snap out of it and come on!”
“Uh, yeah!” Rainbow shook herself, “Vamanos, allons-y, and all that other good stuff! We're outta here!”
As the friends shot down the eastward path out of the heart of the forest, they failed to take notice of a red bird perched above the cave quietly priming its plumage before taking off once more into the night sky.
–
Chapter ten. I'm really sorry it took so long to write this, but my winter break has been filled with both fun adventures and mandatory family duties. Life, it keeps you from not having one. Anyway, I did agonize over this chapter because many might find it unneeded. I personally wanted to see Applejack grow as a character and prepare her for the next chapter, and I felt Chapter 7 didn't really do it. If it's something I've learned it's that words don't change people; experiences do. The characterization and dialogue, too, needed to be just right so as to be believable. I can't tell you how many times I've revised Rainbow Dash's lines.
This chapter also took longer because it somewhat diverts from the main story I had planned, but I felt inspired to elaborate so forgive me. There will be at least two more chapters but more likely there will be three...
I know one of my weaknesses as an author is telling too much to the reader, as I'm inclined to be very detailed and controlling. I also think I'm a bit repetitive. If you notice any of these two in my writing, please, bring them to my knowledge!
And now I close with a thanks to those still reading this mess of purple prose after a very long three month drought. Also, if it's still functioning, thanks to those TV tropers for tropin' this fanfic.
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Grey Prophet
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1540
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-07-19T02:24:14+00:00
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2012-07-19T02:24:14+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Chapter 11
“That, Pinkie, is why you can't reason with the guard. They already have their own...”
“But Twilight...” Pinkie began to reply before taking notice of Twilight's exhaustion. As Fluttershy wrapped a warm blanket around the unicorn and let her rest not to far from where Nightshade had lain in recovery, Pinkie felt a bit of fatigue herself. The closest thing she got to sleep in the past twenty-four hours was a very brief snooze at her loft in Sugar Cube Corner; she had spent most of the previous night welcoming the Royal Guard to Ponyville and the entire day on the run. Yet here Pinkie was, wide-eyed and pulsing with excitement while Twilight lightly snored as she fell into a deep sleep. Most would attribute the bubbly mare's stamina to the inexplicable eccentricities of her personality, but they would only be partially right. Pinkie fed off the energy of others like a lovable, poofy tape worm; the enthusiasm, joy, fear and despair of others served to electrify and excite every one of her senses. In other words, talking and interacting with other ponies was one of two natural highs that put an undying spring in her step.
The other came from an unsettling intake of sugar and sweets that would make even Filly Wonka cringe.
Far more important to Pinkie's relationships was the latter drive, especially in regards to Twilight Sparkle. It appeared that much of the time the private student, more so than anypony else, had a difficult time taking her seriously. Between the two existed a seemingly unbridgeable divide that lent itself to frequent misunderstandings and discrepancies that upset Twilight's scientific sensibilities. Though the two were fast friends, Pinkie sometimes felt that Twilight did not appreciate or respect her as much as she did Applejack or Rarity. Admittedly, it was hard to totally blame Twilight; Pinkie did pull some crazy antics out from time to time. Nonetheless, Twilight wrongfully often treated the younger pony as immature and an unpredictable liability. The parasprite debacle illustrated perfectly this case so common in Pinkie's life. Although Twilight gave a report to Princess Celestia, Pinkie knew that learning something and living it were two very different things.
Well, if Twilight wasn't going to listen and help her out, Pinkie knew somepony who could...
--
Closing her eyes in deep reflection, Pinkie's conscious split along three lines of emotion and thought as she entered into a world within the eye's mind. Being a well of endless creativity, Pinkie attributed to each a metaphysical persona and appearance. Slowly, three figures took shape around a similarly conjured table. Each bore an identical physical likeness to Pinkie Pie, yet differed wildly in their manner of dress. The first wore a shabby brown coat over a green sweater vest complete with a red bowtie; a questionable choice in fashion that would most likely make Rarity nauseous. However, her dignified expression suggested a degree of class and prestige that would distract even the famed dressmaker away from her costume. Sipping from a cup of tea, the figment shook her head in disappointment.
“Well Pinkie old girl,” she sighed, speaking in the Princess' Equestrian, “that little chat with her majesty's guard didn't go over quite so well. Perhaps you should have featured yourself more prominently in the discussion, you knew more about the lieutenant and his sort than anypony in this hut.”
“I wanted to try, Professor Tacky Slacks,” Pinkie replied, “but Twilight kinda took the reigns and I listened. I mean, she's the most gifted student in the whole country and, I'm...I'm just an apprentice at a bakery...”
“Baloney!”
Interrupted, Pinkie turned to face the second apparition. Wearing a white oxford, a pair of suspenders, and a black fedora with a press badge firmly secured, this doppelganger gave Pinkie a stern look before continuing.
“That's right, a load of first-degree hogwash if I ever heard it!” she said in a thick Manehattan accent, “Trust me, I'm Flashy Scribbles, ace reporter! You're lookin' at the best spin-doc this side of Canterlot, the number one 'got ya!' journalist in Equestria! I gotta seventh sense for the ol' bull, I know my way about it like PC knows hers around the sun!”
As she spoke, the exuberant reporter banged at the table and made a series of unnecessary, hyperbolic gestures to get her point across.
“Look kiddo, sure Twi's gotta lot of smarts, but what good is the old noggin when you lose your head? Nada, zero, zilch, zippo, that's what!”
“I concur with Ms. Scribbles,” Professor Tacky added calmly, “Your friend is not a diplomat by any stretch of the imagination. Chastising an officer for being morally bankrupt can hardly be considered a proper opening to a meaningful and productive dialogue.”
“You bet you're right, Professor Stale-butt!” Flashy shouted, startling the professor with a slap across the back. With a jolt and a yelp, Tacky lost hold of the teacup that had been carefully cradled between her hooves, spilling it all over the table.
“I've been in the whole editorializing biz for awhile rookie and let me tell ya, when you're trying to change minds you never go straight for the throat like some crazed timber wolf in a chicken coop. But I've got papers to sell, darn it, I need to throw the pack a nice, juicy breast once in awhile...”
“Ms. Scribbles... ” the professor interrupted, giving the reporter an ugly eye.
“...okay, a lot. But hey, they eat that stuff up like hotcakes! But watch out for those chickens, they get pretty nasty if you poke one of 'em a bit too hard...”
“Ms. Scribbles! Please just voice your opinion so that we may get on with this council meeting. Now is not the time to talk of the questionable practices of your profession.”
“...right. Pinkie, kid, it's really easy to draw a line in the sand and fight for that patch of dirty dirt. It's a whole 'nother ball game getting somepony to cross over that line. It'll be tough and they'll come kicking and screaming, but you're the best pony for the job.”
“For once she's right, Pinkie.” the professor added, “Twilight Sparkle, though gifted she may be, had no intention of listening to Nightshade anymore than he did for her. But you know, you understand the plight of the guard as well as Luna's. You have the spirit and that, that well, pizazz , Pinkie, you have what it takes to make peace between the princess and the captain.”
“I tried that song and dance already in Appleloosa,” Pinkie frowned, “You gotta share, you gotta care...remember? It only made things worse. What do you think I should do, Leclop?”
At the mention of the council's third member, the other other two brought their hooves to their faces in silent disapproval. Standing far away from the table, another Pinkie look-alike pressed against a wall of invisible glass.
Yes, Jacqueline Leclop, Pinkie's most trusted spiritual guide, was a mime.
Wearing the famed standard fare of her trade, the performer wore a black and white striped shirt complete with matching face paint and black beret. Continuing in silence, Leclop pulled out all the tired clichés of her art from the rope tug to the robot. What it lacked in originality it made up in her impressive bodily dexterity, timing, and transitioning from one act to the next. Watching the unfolding pattern of the mime's movements, Pinkie rubbed her chin in thought until she at last the translation of motion to language clicked in her head.
“You're right Leclop!” she burst out, “That last one was a total fluke, I didn't know jack-diddly about Appleloosa and got over my head. But not this time! All right, now I''ve gotta stop talking about talking and get to doing the talking! It'll be risky, maybe even scary, but a little laugh goes a long way and I got a million in my bag and a couple up my sleeve!”
Looking at her hooves, the pony smiled.
“Oh yeah! What am I talking about, I'm not wearing clothes today!”
The professor and the reporter both sighed not at Pinkie, but Leclop. They were always bested by that damn mime.
“Doc, why does Pinkie even bother bringing us all together when all she does is come up with an answer on her own? Does watching that mime squirrel around really get her noodle going or something?”
“Well Scribbles, as we are only the projection of her own line of thought and reasoning, our true relevance is what she makes of it.”
“So let's get this straight. She dreams us up to help her sort things out, but she ends up coming up with something from thinking in her thoughts?”
“I'm afraid so.”
“That's...what's that word? You know when you have the stuff within the other stuff?”
“Meta, my dear. Meta.”
“Argh! That it be, lasses!” a voice said, ringing through the void. From out of the blackness of thought emerged a new character of Pinkie's fantasy. Dressed in a crimson coat-jacket and a black tricorne hat, she bore a hook of curious utility on her hoof and a saber at her side. Though unique in many ways, the most distinguishing physical feature of this Pinkie was her namesake.
“Captain Cotton Beard!” Pinkie said in surprise, “What the hay are you doing here! This is my super- secret-council-of-important-affairs-and-stuff! You have to go through a really long and drawn-out application process before you can make it here, Ms. Pirate Pants! I mean, I just met you yesterday!”
“Argh, and a merry day it was! Like two chained round shots in a cannon, you and I!” Cotton responded as only a pirate could, “But listen ye daughter of Prancis Drake, for I come with word of special significance in regards to one of your personal fancies. A wicked storm has been brewed and now it be snowing something fierce just outside these doors my girl!”
“Snow!” Pinke said, jumping with excitement, “I love snow! Snow-flakes, snow-ponies, snow-fights, snow forts, snow-cones, snow angels! Count me in you old salty sea dog! I'm there and outta here! Bye guys!”
Without further ado, Pinkie waved to the imaginary figments and sprung into the blackness of the void. Seeing that she was gone, Captain Cotton Beard approached the professor and spoke in the finest Equestrian the pirate could muster.
“Pray tell my good lady, what chance does a humble corsair such as myself have of replacing yonder creepy mime on this fine board of trusted confidantes?”
“To be perfectly honest...”
“Nul, mon pauvre pirate.”
The three turned in shock to see the street performer light a cigarette in silent satisfaction.
–
“Snow, snow, snow!”
Popping back to reality, Pinkie's enthusiastic cries startled everypony in the hut. It did not take long for her acute senses confirm the pirate's report; her itchy belly and her spasming right hoof meant a buck-ton of snow had come their way. Running out the door in a flash, the ecstatic pony was not to be disappointed. Gone was the green of Everfree, now thick clumps of glittering white snow covered the forest treetops and floor. Though others might see in the snow a spellbinding beauty or dreary death, Pinkie Pie saw past both to find one thing that was hard to argue against: the promise of winter fun.
“Snow!” Pinkie chirped as she jumped into a shallow snow bank, “In all its cold, frosty, super-icy glory! There's nothing like hearing the crunch of new-fallen snow under my hooves! It's the sound of starting of something new, something totally amazing!”
Curious to see the commotion, Rarity, Fluttershy and Luna ran to the doorway and watched as Pinkie frolicked in the snow.
“Pinkie! Get back in here this instant!” Rarity hissed, unamused with Pinkie's shenanigans “I just got done washing the dirt out of your mane, and now you're getting it all wet and messy again!”
“Hey Rarity!” Pinkie replied with a smile, “C''mon, don't be stuffy, be happy! Just a touch of this tingly fluff will do the trick, so cut the chit chat and hop in!”
“Of all the times, Pinkie, this is not one of them!” Rarity huffed, “I thought you understood by now that we are hiding! Princess Luna, if you could be so kind to tell Pinkie...”
A fresh snowball soon made its priority to smack Rarity square in the snout. the sight of which was too much for Luna to bear. The timing, Rarity’s unamused glare, and Pinkie's chuckling made the goddess break out into a fit of laughter herself. Dwelling on past sins and present dilemmas had stifled her spirit, making her feel alone and hollow. But this young pony, in the brilliant simplicity of her actions, had changed that. Pinkie's laughter echoed an innocent wisdom that defied the confines of earthly limitation. Inspired, Luna felt hope lift her away from the melancholy of history and carry her to face a brighter future; instead of painful separation, betrayal, and loss there would be perfect union, loyalty, and love once more between the two sisters.
Unfortunately for Luna, a distracted onlooker makes for an opportune target. With a whir and a plop, the pink pony's projectile found its target in Luna's face. Wiping the snow from her eyes, Luna gave Pinkie a big smirk.
“You shouldn't have done that, mortal.”
“What are you gonna do about it, Nightmare Moon?” Pinkie chirped playfully, “Gobble me up?”
“Not a bad idea my insolent subject!”
Dissolving into the shadows, Luna quickly reappeared behind Pinkie and magically shot a volley of snowballs at the earth pony. Though a snow warrior in her own right, Pinkie could do little as she soon found herself covered hoof to head in a pile of snow. Walking over to the frosty tomb of her snow foe, Luna smiled.
“I'll give you one more chance to repent and come back inside, young pony. Do you accept or will I have to make dinner preparations?”
“Never...and neither!” Pinkie shouted as she broke free from her snowbound prison. In an instant she tackled Luna to the ground. The two laughed as they tossed and rolled across the snow until at last Luna pinned the earth pony to the ground.
“Ah! Nightmare Moon's got me!” Pinkie squealed.
“Yes my little meal, there's no escape!” Luna laughed, “Now off to the kitchen with you!”
With that, a blue magical aura wrested Pinkie from the earth and carried her back inside. Though Luna respected Pinkie and her spastic ways, she also knew that Rarity was correct in demanding they keep a low profile. Hopefully their brief romp in the snow satisfied Pinkie's pallet for fun for awhile. Sighing as she entered the warm hut, Luna wished she didn't have to cut it so short; she too loved to watch the changing seasons unfold, especially in Everfree. The natural cycle was pure in her forest; it did not need to be coerced and agitated by a flock of pegasi or a stampede of earth ponies. In it, Luna saw a balance that should not be disturbed. Discord's corruption of the earth had shown her this; but Celestia would hear none of it. To tame the militant spirit of the pegasi, her sister granted them greater stewardship over the seasons while institutionalizing and centralizing the process, thereby overturning the old tribute system the pegasi had abused. It was just one of the many social reforms Celestia put into place after they took the throne of Equestria, but it was one she had defended adamantly throughout the centuries.
It was to the credit of Celestia's genius that she could extract from the pegasi warrior tradition its spirit of competition, honor, and sense of duty while preserving peace within her domain. Nonetheless, Celestia was always cautious, perhaps cynical, of the pegasus' aggression just as she was of the unicorn's vanity and the earth pony's envy. It became Celestia's obsession to channel these vices to both her benefit and that of her new nation. It was partly this fact that Luna took no interest in state-building; if her sister would not respect nature, she would be indifferent to the developments of Celestia society...to a point.
Seeing Zecora clean up the mess Nightshade left behind in his blind haste, Luna and Pinkie joined the zebra's efforts in picking up the place.
“Thank you my friends,” Zecora said, “it is good to know there are those on who I can depend. If you would be so I kind, there are some fragile herbs I have yet to find. This root my people cherish, I hope to many have not perished. The snow is icy and thick, to collect them I must be quick.”
Allowing Zecora to first pass by, Rarity sighed and closed the door. Her first impression of Luna was somewhat conflicted.
“Fluttershy, how is it that every royal or high official I've met ends up nothing like my books?” Rarity asked the quiet pegasus, “Captain Braveheart is a coarse brute, Princess Celestia has no sense of fashion, and now Princess Luna turns out to be a second Pinkie!? Unbelievable! Twilight must have erred in her translations...”
“Oh,” Fluttershy replied, “I thought you were going to say something bad about Prince Blue...”
“Up, up, up! We never speak of that name. Not in my presence.”
“...sorry. But, umm...at least she got Pinkie to come back in out of the cold. That was a good thing, I think.”
“I suppose. Her display was very much unlike Nightmare Moon, though I must say my curiosity about this whole crazed affair is getting stronger by the moment. I've been quite generous being kept in the dark for so long, I'd like to hear some answers. After being arrested and dragged through a muddy forest, I think I deserve some, wouldn't you agree?”
“Oh, yes, certainly.” Fluttershy said, looking away from Rarity,“If, if you'd like, I can tell you what Twilight told me at my house.”
“That would be appreciated, dear. Start from the beginning, I want to know the whole story.”
“Well, I woke up this morning to find Princess Luna and an injured pony bleeding profusely in my living room. As you can imagine I was...startled. After tending to Big Mac all morning, I got a bit...aggressive with Twilight. Don't ever tell Applejack, but the operation was....what I mean is that I cut the tissue too...well it ended up being a really close call. After it was all over, the reality of the whole thing hit me and I got so, so upset that I...oh Rarity, I was such a bad friend! I kicked Twilight out of my bed and...and then I raised my voice at her! I, I told her that it was wrong of her to come to me, that she should have sought professional help. I'm not a doctor, I'm not even a nurse! But they thrust Big Mac's life in my hooves...I did only the best I could...”
As the soft-spoken pony continued, her voice quivered in anxiety. Every word seemed to drain the color from her face.
“Oh Fluttershy, it pains me to hear you so hurt,” Rarity said, giving the yellow pegasus a tight hug, “are you all right?”
“...Yes. I'm fine, it's just that...well, not enough time has passed.”
Collecting herself, Fluttershy continued to tell her story.
“I was crying when I told Twilight to explain herself, but she felt so distant and cold. At the time it really bothered me but I guess now that she was holding back her own fear because she got into a big fight with Luna later in the afternoon. But...but there was something about Twilight's eyes. It was like looking into a beached whales'.
Fluttershy paused and looked at Twilight sleeping.
"It was a little hard, but I had to accept that Twilight was doing something against her will, so I tried calming myself down with some hot cocoa. Twilight wouldn't drink any, but she was ready to talk when I came back from the kitchen. She told me about what happened at the library and Sweet Apple Acres, but what she really got excited about was Luna's history. For at least a half-an-hour she cried out the names of places, ponies, and battles that I've never heard of before. It really didn't make much sense to me, but I got the idea that Twilight didn't trust Luna. So it was really pretty weird when she then tried to assure me that helping Luna was the best thing we could all do. I really didn't know what to make of it, so I agreed with her and left it at that.”
“Are you saying that I risked my mane for a pony we can't even trust?”
“That's what I thought too, umm, but I didn't want Twilight to know. I really, really didn't want to follow Luna into Everfree...I did have to care for Big Mac and wait for you girls, but in the back of my mind I was relieved. I guess tending to Luna and seeing her so happy with Pinkie has eased my worries, but...well, nothing. Ignore that, please.”
“Fluttershy, tell me your opinion.”
“No, I don't...”
“Tell me.”
Fluttershy could see where this was going and decided to cut it short.
“Fine...I don't have one.”
“Come again?”
“I...I don't have one...an opinion.”
“Fluttershy, dear, you can be candid with me. Everypony has an opinion.”
“Why?”
“Oh, you're being quite silly about this. Having an opinion is a sign of class and education, to be without one is...how should I put this...uncivil. You are a free-thinking pony, are you not?”
“It's not that Rarity it's...it's...well, I guess this will sound silly to you but...”
“No, do go on, Fluttershy.”
“I'm...I'm scared, Rarity. That's all I know or understand. It's dangerous to call that the same as an opinion, it is just a feeling after all. One I get...a lot. I can tell you what I feel, Rarity, if that's what you really wanted to know.”
“...Yes,” Rarity said slowly, “Why yes, please.”
“Okay, if you really want to know...”
Turning away from Rarity, Fluttershy looked out the frost covered window to catch a glimpse of the snow covered wood before continuing. Though she feared Everfree, Fluttershy greatly admired and respected the forest. To her it was a mysterious source of inspiration and beauty, a symbol that best embodied her communion with nature. It was partly for this reason that she chose to take up residence so close to the forest's eves, that small border situated between security and terror. If anypony else lived that precariously close, they would understand why the meek pegasus spooked so easily.
Sighing, the pegasus closed her eyes and continued to speak.
“....every year the salmon makes its journey upstream to spawn. Thousands upon thousands of fish swim against the current and pass through a grueling gauntlet of waterfalls and bears just to lay their eggs. Hundreds and hundreds die, many of the poor dears do so out of sheer exhaustion. But no matter the strength of the current, the salmon will swim on and do what it needs to do.”
Rarity gave Fluttershy an inquisitive look.
“Fluttershy, I'm not following so well. Could you perhaps be more forthcoming?”
“Sometimes...well, a lot of times, I feel like a salmon...trapped and always fumbling into somepony's adventure. Do you remember the dragon, Rarity? You girls needed my talents to help you get the job done, but I was so scared, I didn't want to go anywhere near that monster's den. My fear held me back, but it didn't stop me. In the end, I was right where I never wanted to be, standing on the tip of a dragon's snout. It's true that I found the strength I needed to do my part, but my opinion never changed. I'm still terrified of dragons, I would never, ever want to have to deal with another one for as long as I live. But what I think or what I want...it's not important. When it comes down to the safety and well-being of others, I will do what I need to do. I mean, all I've ever wanted is to live a simple life helping all things bright and beautiful on this earth, all creatures great and small...that's my purpose, I think. I just never imagined that that would mean goddesses and dragons too...just the idea gives me the goosebumps."
Fluttershy paused and looked Rarity in the eyes.
“It's...it's almost cruel that I'm the Element of Kindness. I don't think I'll ever get to live the quiet life I've always dreamed for...I hope that didn't sound too dumb.”
“No, no at all.” Rarity replied somewhat slowly, amazed at Fluttershy's response. It was not one born out of a single day's experience; the demure pegasus honestly felt she had little control over her life. Rarity was at first annoyed to hear her friend spout fatalisms, but thinking about her relationship with Fluttershy gave the unicorn chance for a second take. It wasn't long for Rarity to be reminded of the fashion model debacle and how it was she who pushed Fluttershy into doing it, how it was she who insisted that the pegasus stay on. It was only later when Fluttershy admitted her disdain for the job that Rarity realized how much Fluttershy disliked special attention and high society. Prior to the revelation it had been difficult for Rarity to comprehend why Fluttershy wouldn't want to be a fashion model. From the unicorn's perspective, it was the key to future business success and affluence in Canterlot, the gateway to the Equestrian dream. This was, however, not Fluttershy's dream.
“Fluttershy, I'm truly sorry for anything I've ever done to make you feel like that.” Rarity continued sincerely, “I wish to make it up to you. When this is all over, I promise to do everything I can to tailor your life the way you see fit. Perhaps we can even have an audience with the Princess Celestia to discuss these Elements...”
As Rarity continued to talk of plans on how to achieve Fluttershy's hopes for a less hectic and happy life, the pegasus smiled at her friend's ambition and unwavering desire to help her. She always found Rarity's can-do attitude to be impressive, but sometimes she found that it left the unicorn open to taking on difficult work quotas that made her moody and intolerant of the slightest distraction. Fluttershy wondered if this tireless labor is what Rarity really wanted out of life. The pegasus understood Rarity better than most ponies, they were, after all, spa sisters with very few secrets between them. The unicorn's romantic fantasies and admiration for royalty, though not unknown to others, was one such matter they discussed in the past. Could it be that there was a goal that not even the talented and elegant unicorn could hope to accomplish? Perhaps she had abandoned her royal aspirations after being disillusioned with its chauvinism and elitism, but it was likely she still craved to fulfill them in some way. Failure was intolerable to Rarity and the notion that she couldn't achieve her goals only made her want to succeed more. Due to this disposition, the unicorn could understand the surface of Fluttershy's lament but could not penetrate to its heart.
“Heya girls, whatcha talking about?!” Pinkie Pie said, jumping in between the two ponies, “It's not a secret is it? I love secrets! But if you don't want to share that's okay. I've got dozens and dozens of 'em sealed up in the old noodle, and, to be honest, the inmates are getting' a bit cramped in there. But I'll never let 'em out of their cage, I'd never ever...”
“...tell a single pony. Yes Pinkie we're aware.” Rarity said with a frown, “If you must know, Fluttershy and I were merely discussing a few serious matters.”
“Yeah, about what?”
“Pinkie, must I spell everything out for you?”
“No silly, just tell me.”
“Don't bother them about it too much, Pinkie.” said Luna casually, still sweeping, “Rarity only wanted to know if I was worth their trust.”
Blushing, Rarity and Fluttershy shrank away towards the corner of the room.
“Don't fret about it,” Luna said, panning the last bit of dust, “I would be amazed if you weren't. Forgive me for violating your privacy, but you were not too discreet to start with.”
“Y-your highness,” Rarity replied, her words laced with respect and embarrassment, “perhaps then you would care to lay our fears to rest. If you wish, tell us your side of the story.”
Luna paused and mulled over Rarity's proposal. To tell them was to admit to her past failings which would do little to endear them to her. But Luna couldn't deny them the truth as she understood it; to do so would be a grave injustice to them no different from Celestia's historical revisions.
“Very well.” Luna said, “I will tell you the events leading to my banishment and the evil that later took hold of me. I only ask you wake up Twilight, she will want to hear my account.”
Luna was uncertain if it was wise to tell her sister's pupil the sensitive details about the past. As a rule, Celestia did not privy historians or social scientists to straight forward answers and specific details unless it served her agenda. Personally, Luna thought it lazy on the part of professionals; if they truly loved their field they would eventually find the answers they want for themselves. This was not merely an issue of state secrecy; unlocking one mystery only presented three more mysteries to replace it. The hydra of academia was insatiable, the more answers they had the more inquisitive and critical they became. Would Twilight follow in its tracks and outright dismiss the goddess?
“Twilight...ummm...I'm sorry I have to do this again...” whimpered Fluttershy into the sleeping unicorn's ear.
“Hey Twi!” Pinkie shouted into the other, “Wake up! Luna's got something she wants to say.”
Twilight's eyes slowly opened, a clearly groggy expression dominating her complexion. Her dreams...she couldn't remember them exactly. There was that haunting word, Hypocrite, but there was another phantom clinging to her consciousness; a white unicorn with a flaming mane. At first she mistook her for Celestia; the unicorn's confident stride and radiant aura matched the goddess' own magnificent display. The white unicorn smirked at Twilight and spoke to her in the fairest of tongues, Chevalais, a unicorn language Applejack referred to as “fancy speak”. It was spoken widely in the provinces of Orleaneigh, Bittany, and Champrance and had once been the language of court at Canterlot before Celestia had standardized Equestrian. As her father was from Rênes, Twilight was familiar if not fluent in Chevalais, but it was difficult to gather exactly what the mare was saying. The unicorn had spoken quickly and fluidly in an archaic accent, so Twilight barely caught only one sentence:
“De sang et d'esprit différents, mais sœurs de destin, toi et moi.”
“Of different blood and spirit, yet sisters in destiny, you and I.”
It mattered little anyway as memory of the dream faded into oblivion, a fate fitting for a fleeting wisp of fantasy. All Twilight could recall now were feelings of curiosity, awe, dread and guilt. These emotions, though exposed to the light of the physical world, would linger on without their raison d'être.
.
Stretching her limbs, Twilight stood up and yawned. Facing Luna, she was glad to see the princess in better condition. Soon their efforts to find Celestia could continue unhindered under the invincibility of the moon goddess and this nightmare she awoke to could at last come to an end.
“Twilight Sparkle, my sister's shining student.” Luna said affectionately, “Too long have I left you wander in the darkness of night, guided only by faith and hope. I have grieved you greatly, and so to atone I will peal back time's veil from your eyes. I know you have sought the answers to the past for a year now; such diligent dedication should yield at the very least a piece of the greater truth. Not all your curiosities will be satisfied, but at the very least you will know what happened one thousand years ago on that terrible day.”
As the four ponies watched attentively, Luna began her tale. Unfortunately, there was so much to say and so little time to do so. While talking about the problems of ruling medieval Equestria with Celestia, Luna got off tangent frequently and was clearly bogged down by too many details. Twilight empathized with the goddess; even though she was organized, Twilight was always enthusiastic about the material and sometimes shared too much.
“Princess,” Twilight interrupted as Luna spoke about the corrupt theme system, “I'm aware of a lot of this, though your perspective is...helpful. But how about we stick with the key points.”
“I expected as much from you Twilight, but I thought the others would care to know some background...”
Looking at her audience, Luna found Fluttershy watching a bug on the ceiling, Rarity brushing her mane, and Pinkie snoring softly.
“Oh! I see...”
“Don't feel too bad, Princess,” Twilight said, “I tried offering free history lessons at the town hall a couple of times. Once the cookies and punch were gone, everypony went lights out.”
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude” Fluttershy piped up, “Umm, it was very nice, your speech, that is...”
Twilight nudged Rarity to attention.
“Why yes!” the white unicorn exclaimed, “Fabulous, you don't suppose you could say all that again, you know, for poor Pinkie here?”
“Wh—wha?” Pinkie said, her eyes opened and darting from pony to pony.
Sighing, Luna decided to take Twilight's advice. Starting from her consultations with Morning Star to her battle with Celestia, Luna's words took on a whole new dimension of significance. The ponies were mesmerized by Luna's powerful and eloquent delivery of the tragic tale, but none more than Twilight Sparkle. It was everything she had ever wanted Celestia to tell her and made so much sense in the context of her research. What captivated Twilight the most, however, was the story of Morning Star. Luna's descriptions of Celestia's fallen student were border-line hyperbolic, but the detail, passion, and sincerity she put into her words made Twilight believe in this legendary unicorn. Upon hearing Morning Star's justifications for the overthrow of Celestia, Twilight at first felt disgust. It was beyond belief why anypony would want to be rid of Celestia's guiding light, and from one so close to the princess of all ponies! As she reflected on the specifics of Morning Star's argument, however, a wave of guilt passed through her. In the farthest reaches of her mind, she empathized with the revolutionary unicorn. Who of Celestia's hundreds of students ever surpassed the skills and wisdom of their divine teacher? Only Morning Star, if Luna's account was to be trusted. She not only outwitted, outmaneuvered and defeated Celestia, she had a different vision for a just and equal world independent from the sun goddess' influence.
Above all though, Twilight envied Morning Star for escaping the Celestia's clout and making her own name. Twilight awaited for the day when she was no longer “Celestia's student” but just Twilight Sparkle. Well, preferably with an honorary attached.
Dr. Twilight Sparkle. That sounded better.
But that would require independence, something Twilight both wanted and feared. Being without Princess Celestia all day had made her realize just how much she still relied on the goddess. She loved Celestia, she would never betray her mentor for power, but she could not help but admire Morning Star's courage and confidence. In the darkest places of her heart she held a degree of fear and resentment towards her teacher. Usually kept at bay, these feelings would express themselves whenever Twilight felt she had failed Celestia's high expectations. In these situations she was always prepared to think Celestia as a deity bent on retribution even though she knew the goddess loved her dearly.
Perhaps Morning Star felt the same way at times...
Twilight shook herself way from this line of thought. As romantic a figure Morning Star was, she had still stained her soul red with the blood of thousands of innocents to achieve her goal. That was unforgivable. Besides, Twilight had little love for politics and depraved power grabbing. Whatever sad end Morning Star faced, she certainly deserved it.
But another matter pressed at Twilight: where was Morning Star in the accounts? Like Ajax, had her name been struck from the records? Thinking quickly, Twilight revisited some of the questionable translations she had wrote and wondered who really the “demon” and “dark one” was: Luna or Morning Star? Her bias shone magnificently in presuming the words were in reference to Nightmare Moon. Unfortunately, she had crafted her narrative around this assumption. Twilight was kicking herself now; the translations she had slaved over now had little integrity and worth. What was not debatable, however, was Luna's presence in the wars as a visible force. On that all the accounts agreed save Luna's plea of innocence which seemed increasingly credible. But this was of only secondary concern.
Though she had a million questions, Twilight's greatest ones now did not concern Luna.
No, it was Celestia, her life-long teacher and mistress, who proved to be the greatest mystery. If the goddess' power and influence was greater than she could ever have thought possible in the modern world, how much more was it in the feudal past? What was Celestia's true role in the war? Was she a triumphant savior or a reactionary dictator? Only the sun goddess could answer these curiosities, a reality that made Twilight yearn even more for the return of Princess Celestia. But even then, Twilight did not even care so much about the questions as she did to hear Celestia's reassuring voice responding to them.
Luna was glad to see that her audience was much more receptive of her tale, but she was conflicted inside. She had given empiricism a shot, but it was messy, complicated, and distracted. The mediums of poetry and oral tradition came more naturally to her, yet both of these bore fiction and half-truths similar to Celestia's written accounts. Her love of Utanzi wa Shafuku demonstrated an astonishing double-standard. Hypocritically enough, the moon goddess was prepared to accept a falsehood in the name of art, but not in the name of her sister's state. Was Luna's insistence on an indisputable truth in the past at complete odds with her impulses towards freedom and creativity? Was truth a tyrant?
As she approached the final chapter, Luna prepared to give an account that she alone could give; her banishment to the moon.
“When the rainbow past from my eyes, there was only darkness. The absence of light troubled my eyes very little, and I soon became acquainted with my cavernous surroundings. As the moon and I are as flesh is to blood, I knew where I was instantly. My first thought was of relief; control of the moon is my province after all. But when I tried to exercise my influence, I found my magic to be useless. Likewise, my wings felt as though they had been clipped. Despair grabbed hold of me. I could not believe Celestia would use my most intimate expression of love as her own personal dungeon to contain me. Anger soon took its place, followed quickly by confusion.”
Luna sighed.
“That was the first day of a thousand years. The first fifteen years I fed off all the hope and faith I had in Celestia like a griffon tearing every last piece of flesh from a fresh carcass. Love made me ravenous, and when my expectations were not met, I feasted ever more until nothing was left but brittle bones. It was then that despair took me for his bride, and I wept in bitter isolation within the moon's core. Trying to escape through the its labyrinthine tunnels proved a vain foray into folly, but what else could I do? Daily I would try to escape only to be met with disappointment. I did not sing, I did not create. No, there was only melancholy and decay in my living death. Then one day came when my torment took on a new shape. Like my hope before it, my despair was utterly spent; no longer could I be satisfied by tears alone. To fill the void, a darkness emerged and spoke to me, promising an endless feast. In return, I had but offer myself as a vassal to its will.”
Luna paused, breathing heavily before continuing.
“I agreed. And so hatred entered my mind and clove my soul asunder, giving birth to a dark desire, to vengeance. Together they cast out my love to lie dormant amongst the fragments of my shattered soul. Unchallenged now, they coalesced in union to create insanity. But I was deceived; instead of sustaining me, insanity consumed my life. For one thousand years it twisted and perverted everything I was to such a point that I forgot my name. So I took a new one, one I had heard whispered in the stillness of my dark dreams. Nightmare Moon. Domination, destruction, and damnation became more than a craving, it was my creed, my everything. When at last I was free from that rock, my mind was bent on finding and...”
Luna stuttered, breaking the flow of her story. She did not want to admit her darkest thoughts, but she saw no choice. Honesty right now was the best course of action.
"...well, killing Celestia. You girls were of negligible importance as I quested to blot out the sun, and existence, for all eternity...an endless darkness beyond remedy.”
Looking away in shame, a single tear escaped Luna's eye.
“You know the rest. I hope you see that I didn't become a monster overnight as my sister's accounts would have it. No, it took a thousand years for me to break and succumb to evil.”
The five sat in silence as they digested Luna's tragic life. It was moving and compelling; the admission to her murderous intent lent credibility to her account, at least that's what Twilight thought. Rarity and Fluttershy found it beyond disturbing while Pinkie couldn't quite grasp the immensity of it all. Indeed, if it was too much for a goddess to bear, how could a young mortal hope to understand?
“Well that certainly sounded...” Rarity began awkwardly,“....dreadful.”
The unicorn's attempt to lift the silence was unsuccessful, but it meant little as they soon heard a round of knocks and two familiar, though muffled, voices.
“Hey y'all, open up before our hides freeze out here.”
“Yeah, my butt's so numb that I wouldn't be surprised if my tail fell off!”
Rarity rushed to the door and opened it. She'd recognize Applejack's southern-isms and Rainbow Dash's crassness anywhere.
“About darn time, Rarity!” Applejack said, giving a wink before hugging the unicorn tightly.
As she pulled back from the embrace, Rarity gave a sly smile and shot back.
“I could say the same to you, Applejack, but I forgive you. I'm just thrilled to see your beautiful, wonderful, dirty face again.”
“What was that last one?”
“Nothing.”
“Hey Rainbow!” Pinkie called to the pegasus, “You guys really need to work on your time, you two were even slower than you were at last years Running of the Leaves!”
“Pinkie's right,” Twilight said worryingly, “did anything bad happen out there in the forest? I expected you girls here two hours ago.”
“Oh, well, nothing too much, Ah, well, just needed an attitude adjustment and Rainbow was so kind to oblige.”
“Yeah, AFTER WE KICKED THE WEB OUT OF A GI-NORMOUS SPIDER!” Rainbow clarified loudly, “It was awesome, pezuña a pezuña, no hold bars, I'm telling ya! It was intense! I was zooming all around the bugger taking shots left and right, but when it pinned me, Applejack gave it a kick to the face it won't ever forget! Did I tell you guys how big it was? It was the size, the size...”
“It was about the size of her ego.” Applejack chuckled, causing everypony save Rainbow to laugh.
“Tch...it wishes...” the pegasus muttered under her breath.
It was a moment of relief the six friends welcomed with unbounded joy as they smiled and embraced one another. The entire day they had been divided, scurrying frantically from point to point, losing some and gaining others along the way. But as they stood united once more in the tiny hut, they felt whole once more. The strength of their friendship was tested further than ever before, but they had succeeded and were now poised to bring harmony once more to Equestria.
Luna watched the joyful reunion. After awhile, she deemed it acceptable to approach the group.
“Hello Applejack,” Luna said to the earth pony with a smile, “I'm glad to see you in good health and spirits, I can't thank you enough for returning!”
Applejack's smile faded as she faced Luna. The farmer was shocked to see the princess covered in bandages and burns, her appearance differing little from her brother. Her belief that Luna was a coward willing to sacrifice anypony for her good was badly damaged if not destroyed completely. However, there was a smug satisfaction Applejack felt. The universe had put the two on equal footing and justice had been done.
“Oh, no problem princess,” Applejack blushed, “it's a, well, um, an honor to help your royalness and all...”
Luna could sense emotion with ease and detected a subtle spite in the farmer's words, but she took no offense. The goddess knew very well that hate was a difficult beast to slay, but it seemed that Applejack had tamed hers significantly since their meeting at Sweet Apple Acres.
“Applejack, I have something of yours.” Luna said, taking an item out of Twilight's satchel, “Here, the Element of Honesty. Despite your reservations, you were honest and true in your promise to help me. I can see in your deeds the extraordinary strength and will my sister was so impressed with. Twice you have saved my life. Your brother, too, defended me in the darkest of moments. I'm forever indebted to your family's bravery, Applejack. Will you accept my friendship?”
Applejack sighed and closed her eyes as Luna magically wrapped the element around the earth pony's neck.
“...all right. But on one condition!”
“Why, yes,” Luna said surprised, “What might that be?”
“Well, this is the second season in a row that Big Mac was taken out of action” Applejack smiled, “meanin' I'm goin' to need an extra set of hooves out in the orchard tomorrow to buck the apples that don't get the frost too bad. Ya think yer highness can handle some manual labor for a week?”
“I'd love nothing more!” Luna said with all sincerity, “It's been centuries since last I bucked an apple tree, but I remember the feel, the thrill, and the excitement of harvest! Certainly we should have a feast after!”
“Feast!? I like the way this princess thinks!” Pinkie chimed in, “Cider all around, that's what I say!”
Applejack was surprised to hear a princess, scratch that, goddess get excited about simple farm work. Luna was, just maybe, pretty all right.
“Well then girls,” Twilight said with a happiness that had eluded her all day, “I think it's time to return what we took from Luna.”
“Aww, do we really have to?” Rainbow Dash asked, realizing that training was going to be a lot more painful, “Maybe we can cut it 50-50, huh? Or, or like cut a loan something?”
“Immortality doesn't work like a bank, Rainbow,” Twilight said with a smile, “those are a whole lot more mysterious and complicated! Huh, huh?”
Waiting for a response, the others just looked at her with blank faces. Her joke had fallen flat on the floor and wasn't getting up anytime soon.
“It was a good try Twi!”
“Better luck next time, dear.”
“I think y'all need to re-read yer joke book.”
“Celestia Twilight, that was embarrassing...”
“Umm...It wasn't so bad...”
“...fine, I get it.” Twilight said as she placed her tiara on her head, “Let's just do this then! Form up girls!”
Taking their positions around Luna, the six elements glowed brightly. A tremendous flash of white light engulfed the room, blinding everypony for a few brief moments. As the light died down, Twilight looked at Luna with high hopes and expectations only to be severely disappointed. The moon goddess was still covered in bloody bandages and nasty burns. Twilight's heart stopped beating and the blood drained from her face. All that struggle, all that violence, all that running, and for what? They had accomplished nothing.
“Uh...Twilight...” Rainbow said, scratching her head, “Wasn't that supposed to do something?”
“Yes, yes it was!” Twilight shouted in frustration, “Princess, please tell me you feel different!”
Luna stood immobilized in shock. Her pain had not subsided in the least, she was still mortal.
“Princess!?”
“No, I'm...I'm sorry to say.”
“Well that's swell,” Applejack moaned, “What in tarnation are we gonna do now Twilight!?”
“Indeed,” said Rarity, “this has been a colossal waste of time...”
“Quiet, everypony quiet!” Twilight yelled frantically, “I'm thinking, I'm thinking! What to do, what to do, what to do!?”
As her mind cycled in repeat, a strange sound caught the attention of Twilight's ears. It was a whirring, but it wasn't the wind...it was more like the rattling of a tin can...
Twilight's eyes grew wide. It was the shuffling of armor!
“Girls--” Twilight tried saying, but before the unicorn could get it out, the front door was forced open and a terrible gust blew through the hut making everypony flinch. Erupting forth from the doorway was the infamous Captain Braveheart, soon followed by his best soldiers. Swiftly and without a word, the captain pounced upon Luna, punching her in the face and throwing her to the ground. The rest of the guard seized each of the six and put swords to throats.
“...I'm sorry Twilight...”whispered Lightning Strike as he held her down.
“Save it!” Twilight angrily replied, “He was gone, you told me Braveheart was gone! How could you lie to me!”
“Captain Braveheart?” Applejack ask, somewhat nervous to move with cold steel so close.
“Yes AJ, the pegasus who shot your brother is right there, ready to doom us all with his stupidity!”
Indeed, as they spoke, Braveheart drew his broadsword from its sheath. The golden hilt was covered with solar patterns and ordained with a single, large ruby. As the blade glinted in the light of the fireplace, Luna's heart filled with a terrifying dread. Not because she was mortal, but that it didn't matter. She knew the weapon Braveheart wielded well; it was her sister's, la fleur du soleil. Celestia had forged the sword in the utmost secrecy, but rumor had it that she had mixed shavings of her horn into the steel to create a divine alloy blessed with the power to strike down even the immortal. The sun goddess had used the blade to weaken Discord before they trapped the demon in stone, giving credence to the old hearsay. Not since that day had Celestia taken up her sword. Unknown to Luna, however, was that the Captain of the Royal Guard, by his rank, also wore the title of Ensign to Her Majesty Princess Celestia. This granted him the authority to use the sword when Celestia deemed it proper. It was a heavy blade that few pegasi could use effectively in their mouth, but it was always the test of a new captain if they could fight and possibly kill with Celestia's mighty broadsword.
But now, as Braveheart looked at Luna with sword poised and ready to strike, a second of hesitation allowed a thousand thoughts pass through his mind. He saw the bandages, the cuts, the burns, but it was the look of utter terror in the goddess' eyes that shook him the most. Gone was the spark of the victorious goddess standing cockily over him, nowhere to be seen was the cold stare of the terrifying demon in Pocket's reports. Just the terror of a trembling, pathetic princess. That fear, that fear he had seen so many times, it couldn't possibly be a trick...
“What in Celestia's holy name are you waiting for you idiot?!” his mind screamed, “End it as planned! You're endangering the mission with your weepy heart, you bastard runt!”
Before Braveheart could even think about raising his sword to strike, a golden fiery blaze bolted through the room and placed itself between the captain and the princess. Burning brightly and screeching angrily, Philomena defended her master's sister with a terrifying display of power that made even the hardened veteran recoil. As he shielded his eyes, his sword fell from his grasp to the ground with a clatter. Seeing Braveheart stand down, the bird cried out once more and turned to give Luna a quick nuzzle. Wasting little time, Philomena signaled towards the door and took off back into the cold night. Luna quickly arose and followed, pushing the captain out of her way in blind pursuit.
“Philomena, please, please guide me to my sister, to Celestia!” the princess yearned, her heart beating rapidly in joy and suspense as she ran through falling snow and howling wind.
Back at the hut, events continued to unfold to the detriment of the guard. The phoenix’s fires had thrown the soldiers in a daze, allowing Twilight and Rarity the opportunity to magically disarm their captors and change the swords to harmless sticks. Immediately, Twilight kicked Lightning Strike off of her and ran out the door, hoping she could catch up with Luna. Like the moon goddess, Twilight saw Philomena as an unmistakeable sign of Celestia's presence and will. The phoenix’s intervention gave Twilight new faith in Celestia and drove her to follow the bird unquestioningly through the forest.
Still stunned, the captain was disturbed to see Celestia's pet bird protecting Luna. Though his relationship with Philomena was marred by her propensity for trouble, Braveheart nonetheless deeply respected the sacred bird; it was as if Celestia herself had come between him and Luna. As his vision came back into focus, Braveheart was infuriated to see that Luna had vanished. Turning to his pegasi, he saw Twilight rush out the doorway.
“It's all falling apart, you damned son-of-a-whore!” his mind rebuked, “Three times you had a chance, but you blew them! Get your shit together, and get that monster!!”
“Fall in and form up, pegasi!” he shouted, his anger abundantly clear, “I want a division to stay here. Lightning, Storm, take a scouting party to track the princess--”
Before he could finish, the captain was interrupted by a devastating kick to the face delivered courtesy of apple bucker supreme, Applejack. A look of anger and disgust were clear upon her face, but in her smile there was a smug relief. By need the farm pony stopped the captain in his tracks, but it was sweet vengeance that gave her strike an extra sting.
Shocked to see their commander put down, the guard looked at Applejack in awe. She had succeeded where a hundred others had met only defeat. Seeing that she had an audience, Applejack took full advantage of it.
“Settle down, everypony!” she shouted, “We've been playin' cat and mouse all day doin' little more than runnin', accusin', an throwin' fits! Ah don't know about y'all folk, but Ah'm gettin'' might tired of all this darn malarkey. Now how 'bout we try bein' civil-like and actually get a few things across without all this yellin'! My voice can't take no more of it anyhow!”
The soldiers said nothing but looked in the direction of their captain. Slowly, the shell shocked veteran rose to his hooves and gave Applejack a nasty stare.
“Who the bloody---”
Braveheart was interrupted once more as a bouncing pink pony tackled him back on the ground.
“Hi Captain Mean-face!” Pinkie said cheerfully, “That's Applejack, I thought I already told you that today, silly! Boy you have a short memory, but then again, so do I! The doc wanted me to take these pills this one time to help me focus and I was like: heck no! Drugs are for ponies with no friends! And then I got real sad thinking about all the ponies with no friends being all alone...”
Braveheart was bewildered once more by the earth pony's good spirits. How could something so pure and nauseatingly bubbly be taken by dark powers? If she was here of her own good will, then was Celestia's student no different? Philomena's intervention, too, filled him with doubt. The phoenix was a smart bird, but she was still just a bird. Her loyalty and obedience rested in only one soul, Princess Celestia. His intelligence reports were now starting to look like a pile of rotten apples...
Pinkie saw doubt in Braveheart's eyes and smiled. It was time to cut the banter and get to the important stuff.
“...so anyway, Applejack was saying that we should just, you know, relax, talk, make some snacks maybe, no wait scratch that! Definitely make some snacks, and you know, see if we can help solve some big problems. How about it, Cap'n?”
Braveheart hesitated again and broke eye contact with the earth pony.
“I'll make more s'mores!!” Pinkie sang.
“...very well, Pinkamena.” the captain said reluctantly, “You have a truce.”
“Awesome! Be back in a jiffy!”
In a matter of seconds, Pinkie returned with a plate full of graham crackers and chocolatey goo.
“Pinkie, how the hay did you do that?” Rainbow asked, impressed by her friend's speed.
“That's a business secret property of Mr. and Mrs. Cake and Sugar Cube Corner, a subsidiary of Cake Enterprises Incorporated! I promised to keep it safe, and safe is where I'm keepin' it! So eat up and enjoy everypony!”
“S'mores!? You have to be joking, this is a joke, right?!” came a voice from the doorway. Mangled, dirty, and shivering stood Nightshade.
“This is insane! Who put Lightning Strike back in charge to play tea party prince?”
“I gave the order,” growled Braveheart as he sheathed his sword, “and you will eat a s'more, you will like it, and will shut your hole after you're done chewing, kapish?”
“But---but sir!” Nightshade stuttered, “This is outrageous, Nightmare Moon has escaped again and now we're dealing with renegade fugitives like equals? Think about Silver Skies and Old Hickory, these, these monsters put good pegasi on their death beds! How about me?”
“Don't exaggerate!” Lightning Strike cut in, “Those pegasi will be back in action in a month, and so will you. It's not exactly what we'd like, yeah, but they were defending themselves from an illegal raid.”
“Oh really, Lightning?” Nightshade snidely replied, “I thought you were incompetent but never a traitor!”
“Shut up! That's enough from you!” Braveheart barked, “I busted into this hut based on your report, and half of it didn't match up to what I saw! You had your chance, now I'd like to hear what these five have to say. Pinkamena?”
“What'd you like to know, cap'n?”
“Why was the princess burned and cut? Was it an illusion or real?”
“Oh those were the real deal,” Rainbow jumped in, “Princess Luna got pretty bruised up by a dragon on our way here. It was kinda epic.”
“My left-flank, a dragon!” grumbled Nightshade, but the captain ignored him. He too had a hard time believing that, but if a goddess was to be injured, a dragon would probably be the culprit.
“Yes, Luna was really hurt captain...sir...pegasus,” Fluttershy joined, “when we found her, she had passed out from her injuries, so we had to take her here so that Zecora and I could tend to her.”
Braveheart looked to Pinkie for confirmation, which she obliged.
“Yep, yep! That's the truth! Why else would be cooped up in zebra's hut? Doesn't sound like the start to a very diabolical plot, does it? I know you pegasi just want to make sure everypony is safe, especially the princess, but I think you might have gotten a little carried away, huh?”
Braveheart turned away from Pinkie, a look of frustration clear upon his face. Concerned, Pinkie wrapped a hoof around the captain and spoke in a more solemn tone.
“Captain, this is just a big bad misunderstanding. We just want to find Celestia, just like you and your pegasi. We can work together if you'd just put away all these silly swords.”
“The Elements,” Braveheart growled, “Why did Luna need the power of the elements? What were you doing with them?”
“Oh, well, you see,” Pinke said blushing, “that's because when we defeated Nightmare Moon, Luna's immortality split into each one of us and so we were, umm, giving it back.”
Braveheart gave her skeptical look.
“That sounds downright absurd, Pinkamena, are you being honest with me?”
“Darn right she is.” Applejack said. She had wanted to avoid talking with Braveheart lest she ruin the talks with another violent assault, but she could see Pinkie was in a tight spot.
“Captain, Ah'm not a pony to tell a lie, and if Ah did you'd see right through it lickity split. Ah hate to admit this, but Ah was a whole lot like you when Luna popped up in my orchard. Ah didn't trust her, didn't believe her, and didn't want nothing to do with her. But with some help, Ah let go of mah arrogance and let her prove herself true and honest by her own deeds and words. Sure enough, it made gettin' things done a whole lot easier. So buck up and get over yourself!”
Braveheart didn't like Applejack's tone and viewed her with caution. Nonetheless he thought over the farmer's words and looked to his officers. A decision this important could not be executed unilaterally, it needed support.
“What say you Lightning? You've been sympathetic to these ponies all day, give me some good reasons why you risked the mission's success.”
“Sir, the 'mission' was the main problem. We were so dedicated to getting done what was on pen and paper that it made us overlook what we personally knew or felt about the task. We did things according to the books when we should have been more observant and adaptable to changed circumstance. When you ordered the detainment of Twilight's friends, you operated on the idea that Nightmare Moon could possess and corrupt, even Celestia's student. But that didn't match up to what I saw in Twilight's eyes as she rushed to defend Luna. I saw the same determined and loving unicorn that I had known for years, not a demon possessed slave.”
“Oh you and your little unicorn darling!” Nightshade butt in, “You're usually a good mate, Lightning, but you've lost it today. Twilight Sparkle is beyond hope, she can't even tell good from evil. She's brash, domineering, and overly ambitious...”
“It sounds like he's describing Braveheart.” Rarity whispered to Fluttershy.
“...she probably wants the throne herself! I heard her disrespect Celestia's name a dozen times, comparing her with Nightmare Moon! What a real loyal student, huh Lightning? Keep your feelings in check and obey, like a good guard should.”
Turning to Braveheart, the black pegasus respectfully addressed his superior.
“Captain, sir! Pardon my boldness, but you shouldn't listen to Lightning. He's not just biased, he's delirious. The reports and intelligence that we have on Nightmare Moon are first class, the Royal Line has even attested to her savagery in the past. We can't just ignore what we know just because a couple things look off! We are the elite, the mission is everything to us. How could we turn our backs to the sacrifices we made today and admit that we were wrong? We can't, because we are right, I'll never believe a pony who tells me differently. We must pursue Nightmare Moon!”
“Storm Cloud!” Braveheart called, “Your thoughts!”
"Sir, you don't need to get her involved, she's just a rookie..."
Braveheart butted heads with his lieutenant and looked him dead in the eye.
"Look, Storm's been more valuable to me today then you have over your whole career. So shut-up and let her talk!"
Storm smirked a little. Seeing Nightshade getting chewed out for once was a treat, even if she knew that the captain was exaggerating.
"Storm!"
The grey pegasus removed her helmet, freeing her silver mane from its confines and looked straight into the captain's eyes. Braveheart eagerly waited to hear the young warrior's opinion; out of all his officers, she was the most level-headed and analytic.
“Sir, I would have to respectfully disagree with both the lieutenants. The thing about intel is that it's usually always incomplete, meaning that Lightning Strike is right to say we shouldn't be afraid to deviate from the mission and rely on our own assessments. I also think we were in the wrong a couple times today and should at least acknowledge it. But Nightshade is right too, Luna's history is very disturbing and filled with black magic. That's very hard to ignore. As to these five ponies, they may not have been possessed, but they still could have been craftily manipulated. It can be agreed that Luna is a master of light and shadow, deception is most likely a skill she's honed over the centuries. To be honest sir, I'm on the same boat as you; I'm not quite sure what to make of all this...
“Huh, so it seems we have a split decision,” muttered Braveheart, “How about we inject some fresh blood into this debate, huh? Blizzard Freeze, front and center!”
Surprised to hear his name, the young recruit quickly galloped over to the captain and saluted, nervous as all hell.
“What do you think after hearing all that, kid?” the captain questioned.
“Oh, umm, sir, I, don't know much about Princess Luna, but, well, the she looked like she was in terrible shape just now. And, just umm, I think if she was going to do something really evil, she would've done it by now...but it looks like she's just been wandering around the forest all day.”
Braveheart smiled at the future guard. Sometimes know-nothings give the best opinions. Looking over to the rest of his soldiers, he addressed them with his usual booming voice.
“Well pegasi, it seems that our mission is nearing an end. If we can track Celestia's bird, we will most likely find our princess. Be warned and wary though! This forest is filled with death, so I'm ordering only a small contingent to come with me and help guard Nightma---"
The captain bit his tongue and grimaced.
"--her majesty Princess Luna and the Elements of Harmony as they search the forest.”
“What?!” Nightshade shouted, mouth agape.
“You heard me Nightshade. I want you back in Ponyville to receive medical attention, you can hardly see let alone fight, soldier!”
“But, sir...”
“I don't want to hear it. I hate being wrong too, Nightshade. I hate it, just as much as I still hate Luna. She embarrassed me, tarnished my honor, and nearly had my pegasi killed. The stinkin' smell of innocent blood will always be on her, nothing can ever change that. She may have served her time in the moon, but I wish Celestia would have just kept her there...but that is not my decision. No, mine is what to do to protect the sun princess, and I see little threat to her in Luna. Understood?”
“...yes, sir.”
“Princess Celestia and her safety is always my first priority, and it should be yours too. Remember that! You are dismissed, take the bulk of the guard and see to it that the outlying villages are in good order.”
“...yes sir.”
“Storm, Lightning, and Blizzard! I want you three with me.”
“Yes sir!”
As the pegasi departed, Pinkie smiled. She knew that talking would make the difference. The best cure to the evils of rigid seriousness were the simpler things in life after all. Nopony understood that better than Pinkie.
“Hey captain!” Pinkie chirped, “Don't ya ever get tired of being called 'sir'?”
“Haha!” the captain laughed, “No.”
“I see that you're as haughty as ever, Captain Braveheart.” Rarity said, “You make Rainbow Dash look like a Mother Thracia!”
“Hey!”
“Oh, Captain, sir, umm, don't pay attention to Rarity,” Fluttershy said meekly, “she just...well she's good at holding grudges.”
“No dear, I just wanted to get a cheap shot on Rainbow Dash. Don't think I haven't forgotten about those dresses you ruined, Rainbow!”
“Are you crazy?! That was six months ago!”
“Ladies,” Storm Cloud broke in, “Can you please save the bickering for later? I have a map of Everfree and the snow should allow us to pick up tracks easily. I recommend that we proceed with caution through the forest...
Removed from the rest of the group as they planned, Applejack stood facing the wall. Lecturing her brother's assailant was one thing, having to follow him and his orders was unbearable. This Braveheart...this pegasus who pulled the trigger, wrecked her home, and imprisoned her...
“No, Ah won't give in to hate again!” she thought, but that was not for her to decide. Already dark fantasies formed in her heart, begging her to indulge in them.
“No, no, Ah won't be like her, I won't be like Nightmare Moon!”
In that moment, Applejack unknowingly felt only a meager fraction of the torment Luna suffered in the moon. Applejack was terrified by how powerful and intense her thirst for vengeance was only after seeing the object of her hate but for a few minutes.
“Applejack!” called Rarity, “Yoo hoo! Help us get ready dear, we need to pack some food and find some coats.”
“Umm, Rarity,” Fluttershy said, “these look nice and warm.”
Rarity looked at the Zebric wool coats Fluttershy held in disgust.
“Darling, I thought you had better taste than that! They look dreadful!”
“Looks good to me,” said Rainbow, “Guess Rarity would rather go naked and freeze than wear a wool coat, geez.”
“...fine. Just let me see if I can't make mine look a little more presentable...”
“Ladies, we need you ready in five minutes.” Storm Cloud announced, “We don't have time for any dawdling, princess! The snow and wind will cover the tracks if we wait too long.”
“...blast.”
Waiting the rest of his company, Braveheart stood outside, looking up at the moon. He was growing sick of that bloody white orb and its deity. Looking to the east, he sighed as no sign of dawn's light could be seen.
“Sir, are you all right?” Lightning Strike asked.
“...I've failed Celestia three times today, Lightning, and now I'm taking the riskiest gamble imaginable on her life.” Braveheart growled, “How do you think I am?”
“Sorry, sir.”
“Damn it Lightning, don't ask questions you know the answers to, it pisses me off. Now go and assemble everypony willing to make the journey, I'm tired of just standing here doing nothing.”
Poking his head through the doorway. Lightning Strike gave a loud whistle.
“Moving out!”
/
Zecora hummed happily as she walked back home, her task complete. She had managed to salvage a great deal of roots and herbs, some of which she thought good for a stew. Her guests would surely appreciate that. As she reached her hut, however, her eyes widened at the sight of her unhinged door. Peering into the house, she noticed that every table, chair, pot and jar was overturned. Some were just cracked while others were completely broken beyond repair. She also noticed that five of her finest coats were gone, along with a good deal of her fresh fruit. On the door was pinned a note.
“Dear Zecora,
We're really, really sorry about messing up your house. Won't do it again. Thanks for everything.
---Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack
Looking back at the mess, Zecora groaned in dismay.
“To this truth I must attest! Pony-folk make for terrible guests!”
/
Chapter 11, in all its wordy glory. I hope you enjoy the work I put into this chapter. I think there are some transitioning issues, but overall I'm satisfied with this chapter. Please, tell me what you liked or if you find an inconsistency. I've been writing this for months now, so it's quite possible. The feedback for last chapter was somewhat lacking, but I took into consideration most everything that was submitted.
Chapter 12 will be about half this length. 13 will be longer than even this one, I think. Then the story will be done.
Thanks for reading!
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Grey Prophet
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1540
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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complete
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-07-20T07:51:00+00:00
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2012-07-20T07:51:00+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 12
“You heard the lieutenant! Everypony, to attention on the double!” Storm called, “Line up outside and prepare for briefing, asap!”
“You heard her guys!” Rainbow said excitedly “Let's blow this cider stand, find Luna and Twi, rescue the princess, from, uh...whatever it is that's got her and save Equestria!”
“Yeah!”
In what was truly an embarrassing display, the five friends, in their enthusiasm, tried piling out of the hut at once, stumbling and falling over one another along the way. Seeing this, the grey mare sighed at the lack of coordination that seemed to be so typical of civilians.
“Pinkie, remove your dirty hooves from off my back this instant!”
“Can't do Rarity, not until Fluttershy gets her butt off my head!”
“Oh my, oh my...I didn't mean...oh, I'm, so, so sorry Pinkie...”
Flying over the top of piled-up ponies to the cold outside, Storm gave Lightning an annoyed look.
“This is going to be one heck of a long slog through Everfree, Lightning. Care to address them or should I do the honors of letting them know ahead of time every rule and directive that they'll end up breaking or forgetting tonight?”
“No, I'll take care of it, Storm.” replied the lieutenant with a faint chuckle, “Escort protocol is pretty standard fare after all.”
“All right then I'll leave it to you and....wait, where is the captain?”
“He's just down the road a bit. He's restless, no surprise. Think you could give him some peace of mind before we set off? Today's been tough for everypony, but the captain...I've never seen him so troubled, and that's saying something. ”
“A bit like you and your little Twilight, huh Lightning?” Storm Cloud replied casually, “I hardly think I'm a good stand-in for Princess Celestia, but I'll see what I can do. The captain will want to get going, so don't count on any real results.”
“All right, good--.”
Before he could finish, Lightning Strike felt a snowball knock his helmet clean off his head.
“--luck.”
“Woo! Good thing you had your helmet on this time, Lightning!” chirped Pinkie, “That one would've really knocked your socks off! But who needs socks anyways? I mean, yeah, they're super warm and comfy, but you can only wear them inside! How crazy is that? I'm a mare on the march, not a silly shut-in! But what if I was? I don't even wanna think about it...”
“It's not a pretty picture, trust me.” Rainbow Dash whispered to Lightning, “Let's just say that it involves a bucket of turnips, a bag of flour, a pile of rocks, and a piece lint.”
“A piece of lint?”
“No joke, lint.”
Seeing Lightning face scrunch in confusion, Storm chuckled before heading down the snow-strewn path.
“You keep all the luck you have, Lightning,” she said, “if you're going to keep this motley crew in line, you're going to need every bit of it.”
“Wait! Stormy!”
Turning around, Storm saw Pinkie bouncing towards her with two thick black cloaks draped over her back.
“Here, wear this!” Pinkie said, offering one of Zecora's vestments to the soldier, “And, if you don't mind, could you take this other one to the captain? I'm sure he's freezing his feathers off just wearing that cold hunk of metal everywhere!”
“Thank you, Pinkamena,” the guard smiled, “I'm sure he'll love it.”
–
Trudging through the snow, Braveheart was careful not to disturb the two sets of tracks guiding him. A routine scouting mission fit more for a private than a captain, Braveheart cared little. No matter how minor the effort was, the grizzled captain would do anything to hasten his return to his mistress' side. Pausing, the captain looked up at the stars to gain a bearing on his position and the direction of the tracks.
“Southwest.” Braveheart growled, “We're going deeper into this monster-filled, Celesta-forsaken forest following the trail of a rouge goddess...and with a bunch of vulnerable kids to protect. Great.”
After giving an angry snort, Braveheart's frustration condensed upon being caught by the freezing air. The wind had now relented, but the stillness of the cold night brought little comfort. Instead of bearing the brunt of the brutal bellows of the north, a silent blanket of icy daggers wrapped itself around the brown pegasus and steadily sank underneath his skin.
He couldn't stand it, he had to keep moving.
If there was anything that could rival Braveheart's hatred for the night, it was the frigid cold that accompanied it. Thriving in the sun's absence and bringing little but misery and death, it awoke painful memories of his youth, most of which Braveheart preferred to keep dead and buried. There was one, however, that he indulged and cherished, one that he had constantly thought back to over the course of this wretched day...
--
Canterlot, the white tower of the sun, glimmered brilliantly as the last rays of light graced Equestria. The hustle and bustle of the capital soon came to a halt everypony returned to their homes to weather the scheduled winter night in warmth, security, and peace. Around the upper tier of the noble residences, not a single soul could be seen on the street as the first snowstorm of the season went into full swing. In the darkness of the alleys, however, a crafty young pegasus eyed his prize through the window of one of the larger mansions: a warm, unoccupied guest room full of treasures just begging to be plundered. Smiling, the pegasus couldn't wait to escape the cold and make out the next day with some bread money tucked under his wing. He was sick of sitting in dank soup kitchens sipping on that same bloody carrot water day-in-and-day-out and sleeping in shelters rife with the putrid stink and disease of the impoverished. And the orphanage...well, he'd lick some filthy homeless pony's hooves clean before he'd even think of returning to that suffocating pit of dying hope and broken promises.
No, tonight Braveheart would sleep like a prince. In the morning, if everything went according to plan, he'd be eating like one too.
The eleven-year-old pegasus was no stranger to breaking into somepony's house; there wasn't a lock he couldn't pick or a door he couldn't unhinge. Of course, it took a lot of trial and error to get any good at it, but young Braveheart was alert and nimble. If he was caught, it only meant having to go back to the orphanage for a brief respite before ditching the hell hole and trying his hooves again at some other crime.
After digging into his satchel to retrieve the basic tools of his trade the pegasus began picking the lock just in between the window panes. As he worked, the thrill of his misdeed pumped him full of adrenaline. He had never dared to rob the homes of the Canterlot elite before, but it was something he had always wanted to try. Sure his biggest hauls already came from pickpocketing the stuffy suckers while they were too busy sticking their snouts in the air, but there was something more personal about sacking their private little castles. Who were they to live in comfort and security while he should waste away, forgotten and nameless, in the city's slums? Oh but Braveheart would change that, he would make a name for himself. No longer would he be the “brown little rat” of Orion Square, soon everyone of these snobby ponies would shudder and cling to their precious bits at the mere mention of his name. He would bring the rich and powerful to their knees, even that phony Princess Celestia.
Fortunately, the quixotic delinquent would fail miserably in his first big escapade out of the slums.
As he forced open the window and entered the room, Braveheart greedily eyed the luxurious bed, complete with satin purple sheets and curtains, as if it were made of solid gold. A warm sleep without the fear of being robbed, beaten, or touched was worth more to the gutsy pegasus than even the more pressing need for a good bite to eat. Flying over to the bed, Braveheart lowered himself gently on to the bed. Before he could shut his eyes, however, the squeak of a young colt entered his ears.
“Daddy, one of the servants is using the guest room again.”
Turning in horror to the now open doorway , Braveheart saw a small white unicorn with a smug look on his face.
“You're in big trouble now.” the foal taunted, sticking his tongue out at the intruder.
Immediately, Braveheart bolted across the room and snatched a fancy looking vase before turning back to the window. He'd be damned it he didn't get anything for his troubles, but, before he could make his escape, the glow of unicorn magic enveloped his body. In vain he struggled as he felt himself pulled back towards the door. Against his will, the pegasus locked eyes with the spell-caster, his highness Prince Fair Coat VI.
“I thought I heard the scurrying of rats. No Blueblood, this is no servant of the House of Haysburg, 'tis only a bug who managed to creep its way through the cracks.”
Wearing a fur-lined scarlet cape and the white uniform of a military officer, the large unicorn was handsome and regal in appearance, but his tongue smacked of venomous contempt.
“You have a lot of nerve, boy, to violate the sanctity of a stallion's domain. I would ask you to explain yourself, but the growling of beasts mean little to my ears.”
Turning to the hallway, the prince brusquely trotted down the flight of stairs to the foyer, dragging Braveheart violently with him. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Fair Coat wrenched the opulent vase from Braveheart's grasp and threw the colt to the floor. After gently placing the vase on a pedestal, Fair Coat turned his attention back to his unwanted guest.
“Amusing,” the prince said scornfully, “a pegasus foal cast from the clouds, useless and unwanted. Pathetic. Let me get a good look at you, boy.”
Rising to his hooves, Braveheart glared at the prince and spat at him.
“Cur! How dare you disrespect me in my own home!”
With a swift smack, Braveheart felt the sting of the prince's retribution. Recoiling, the colt covered his face and turned away from his attacker, leaving his greatest embarrassment exposed.
“Huh,” the prince said smiling, “what is this? An adolescent pegasus without his cutie mark? You bear not even a thief’s emblem, you unlucky scoundrel! What utter refuse, a pony without a mark in life can indeed hardly be called a pony at all. Parasite.”
“What do you know?!” Braveheart responded viciously, “I'd rather swim in shit than listen to a do-nothing leech fill my ears to the brim with it!”
“Listen well you insolent little bastard,” Fair Coat fumed, “who do you think keeps you alive? The coffers of this city's charities are swollen with my generosity. Thousands upon thousands of bits I've spent educating, housing and feeding you poor lot and what do I get for my money!? Only prowling thieves stalking about my doorstep!”
“Huh, thanks for throwing me a bone, you plump pig,” Braveheart retorted, “I hope you didn't strain yourself too hard when you went to pull your wallet out of your ass!”
“I've had enough of your impudence, you ungrateful whelp!” Fair Coat shouted angrily, once more seizing the pegasus with an aura of yellow magic. Thrusting the doors to his manor open, the prince cast Braveheart down the stone stairway with brutal force. Writhing in pain as the harsh wind molested him, Braveheart looked back to the doorway with unspeakable hate.
“I would call the police,” Fair Coat continued, “but you don't deserve the luxury of a warm prison cell. Nature makes for a fine judge, don't you think? If you should survive this blizzard, remember what you've learned tonight. Never bite the hoof that feeds you, lest you wish to be crushed by it. Now begone you miserable creature; may Princess Celestia have mercy on your pitiful soul.”
With a twist of his cape, Prince Fair Coat turned to enter his home and slammed the door shut behind him. Surrounded by darkness and deadly cold, Braveheart braced himself as a gust of wind threatened to knock the pegasus clean off his hooves. Though naturally resilient to the cold, not even the stoutest of pegasi could endure this kind of raw exposure to the elements. His body shivering madly, Braveheart knew he was no exception. He had to find shelter somewhere, but it would take forever to find a way back to the other side of the city. Braveheart had gambled his night plans on success and had come up fatally short, now what could he do? Break into another mansion?
Not far from the noble quarter, the castle citadel stood proud against the skyline of the city, its bright lights cutting through the messy blizzard and beckoning Braveheart to storm the castle gates. Though a good part of him thought he was totally nuts, the pegasus knew exactly what he was going to do.
“Well the old hag can keep all the mercy in the world,” he said grinning, “I don't need her pity. All I need is her castle!”
Flying quickly down the street, the colt struggled to keep the wild wind beneath his wings. Though stumbling along the way, he eventually made his way to the castle grounds. Lowering himself to the earth, Braveheart analyzed his surroundings with great care and attention; he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice tonight.
A balcony on the east tower caught Braveheart's attention. It was an ideal point of entry, meaning that there was bound to be well guarded. Sticking to the shadows to keep out of sight, Braveheart patiently counted the guards and noted their positions; ten stood at the main gate, five patrolled the castle airspace, two were perched atop the balcony and three were stationed at its base. For a brief moment, Braveheart watched the guards in silent admiration; they did not bend in the wind nor did they blink at a snowflake. It was incredible, how could he possibly break through the lines of such tightly disciplined soldiers?
Checking his ragged satchel, Braveheart looked at everything he had at his disposal. It was the standard kit of all young street punks; a small knife, two bandannas, a lighter, and a couple fireworks among other petty criminal tools.
His two-faced 'friends' at the orphanage had often called the colt “Dumbheart” for his bold plots, but he usually put them to shame when he pulled them off without a hitch. The risk and pressure was never this high, however, and, on top of that, he was on the spot, meaning he had to make his plans quickly lest he freeze to death.
But Braveheart had no time to fret about such things, he was too busy mobilizing his idea.
Taking one of the bandannas, Braveheart ripped four neat but unequal lengths of fabric and stuffed them into the firecrackers he had on hoof. Carefully maneuvering around the grounds, he placed each one at several distant points. Next the pegasus fashioned a sling from his second bandanna. Shivering and smiling, Braveheart glanced once more at his targets. They may be the best of the best, but he was Braveheart.
Lighting the shortest fuse first, the pegasus flew as swiftly as he could down the line to ignite the rest. The aerial patrol was now at the farthest corner of the castle courtyard, giving him the window of opportunity he needed. Knowing he only had one shot, he crept towards the east tower, waiting for the guard to slip up.
Pop
As the first one went off, the guards eyes turned immediately towards the direction of the disturbance. It took only a second for a single guard to be dispatched.
Pop
The guards looked surprised as they heard another in the opposite direction. The three guards at the base now fanned out into the area; Braveheart just barely evaded being caught as they sped towards the scene.
That left one guard, a rather large pegasus.
Pop
This time, there was no movement. The guard stayed as still and stoic as ever. Expecting something like this, the pegasus moved in closer to the base of the tower, loaded his last firecracker into his makeshift sling, lit it, and chucked it straight up into the air at a visible distance. With a flash and a bang, the explosive succeeded in drawing out the last guard. As he departed from the balcony to investigate, Braveheart saw his chance and took it. Flying as fast as his frozen little wings could carry him, the pegasus maneuvered his way up the length of the tower, burst into the castle chamber and slammed the door behind him.
Panting heavily, Braveheart turned around and froze in awe and disbelief of the opulent room he found himself in. Beautiful purple and white marble dominated the composition of the walls and columns, but the floor was covered with an ornate carpet. The purple, black, orange and yellow patterns were intricately woven to depict the solar and lunar cycles as well as the princess' fiery emblem. A large fireplace roared loudly besides a desk that was stacked with neatly organized piles of paper...and the royal regalia of Equestria!
Braveheart's eyes widened at the sight of the priceless artifacts, resisting the temptation to stuff it in his bag and fly off. It would be suicide in more ways than one, but the crown held him there while his better judgment told him to hide and wait out the night. He had a nagging suspicion that he wasn't where he wanted to be...
“A courageous effort little one, but not terribly well thought out, I'm afraid. ” a fair voice echoed from across the room. Braveheart stiffened in fear as he heard these words and slowly turned to face the direction of their origin. His heart beat wildly as he saw her highness, Princess Celestia, sovereign of Equestria and Lady of Canterlot, sitting comfortably in her bed with a large book sprawled out before her.
Braveheart looked at the princess in sheer terror as she calmly closed her book and rose from her bed. There was little that wasn't daunting about the princess; her immense stature, her mystical mane, and her cool demeanor combined to create an aura of majesty Braveheart had never before witnessed. The young pegasus had once dismissed the princess' admirers as a pack of delusional idiots duped into a sick cult worship of this so-called 'goddess'. Braveheart never attended any civil celebrations, (after all, those were for nationalist ego-maniacs who didn't need to spend hours scraping for a good bit to eat) so he never saw the princess in public before. Indeed, Celestia's' power was more of a myth to him than anything, but as he stood before her, he could tell that it was very, very real.
Trembling, Braveheart wasn't going to wait for another noble to beat the snot out of him, no matter how mighty they were. Fumbling as the princess approached, the pegasus drew his small knife from his satchel and gripped the hilt firmly in his mouth.
“Ba-back off,” he stammered “I'm not afraid of you, you freakish wi-witch!”
To Braveheart's surprise, the princess' warm, musical laughter filled the room.
“My, you're a bold little colt,” she said smiling,“and a very cold one at that. Now let's get you dried off and into some warm clothes...”
“No!” interrupted Braveheart, moving closer to the door, “I don't need your bloody stinkin' chairty, lady! I've never, ever needed you before and I'm not going to start now.”
Celestia frowned and gave the pegasus a look of concern.
“Young one...”
“My name is Braveheart!” he quivered, “Not that you'd care.”
“And why would you say that?” Celestia inquired, her voice gentle and sincere.
“Because if you did care, P-princess Sunshine, I wouldn't be alone, I wouldn't even be here, I would...I would have a family!”
Celestia closed her eyes as if the pegasus' words greatly pained her. As she slowly opened them, she gave Braveheart a sorrowful look.
“Braveheart, I know of the loneliness you feel so deeply. I have no father, no mother, no brother, and no...”
Celestia paused and quietly gazed out her window at the full moon.
“...no sister. If I had the power, it would be different, Braveheart, I would have my sister...”
Stopping herself, Celestia looked back at the pegasus before continuing.
“Even gods have limits, Braveheart. I try to do my best for everypony, but I am bound by laws of a different nature. ”
Braveheart wasn't quite sure what to make of Celestia's words; to him they just sounded weird. Was she saying that she, the most important pony in the world, was an orphan too? He couldn't believe it. As such, Braveheart remained wary and tense. He wasn't going to be tricked into doing something stupid.
Celestia looked at the shivering young colt, his anger and fear still clear upon his face. The goddess shook herself slightly and smiled at him again.
“Forgive me, Braveheart, that sounded like a lot of nonsense, didn't it? Never mind it, just know that you and I share in the same misery...I know all too well what it is like to be alone in this world. With little love...real love.”
“I don't know what you're trying to pull, lady. But you sure as hay...sure as hay aren't the same as m-me. ” Braveheart replied, stumbling away from the princess. He was utterly exhausted and could feel his legs give out beneath him. His words, too, were becoming jumbled as hypothermia kicked in and took its toll.
“I barely can find a hunk of bread on a good day, you know, but...you've got the whole flippin world on a platter. Everything I've ever gotten I've got it...cause, cause I work hard, really hard...everyday. But nobles, yeah, you say you understand, but they won't ever get it...and neither will you...you just can't...”
As he spoke, Celestia approached the pegasus and unfurled her large wings. Braveheart flinched as he found himself wrapped in a cocoon of Celestia's warm feathers. Frightened by her touch, the pegasus wanted to flee, but the goddess' voice soothed him and stayed his flight.
“Shhh, it's all right Braveheart...rest your weary head and sleep tight tonight...I will watch over you from now on.”
As she spoke, the goddess nuzzled the pegasus lovingly. Braveheart had never been touched so tenderly before and was terrified by the new feelings that rushed through him. It was magical. For once in his pathetic life, he felt secure, he felt peace, and, most powerfully, he felt loved. Soft tears flowed as he returned Celestia's affections in earnest. Feeling the sun goddess' feathers caress him, the pegasus at last closed his eyes and fell asleep.
/
Ever the light sleeper, a simple touch awoke Braveheart. Seeing Celestia walking quietly to her balcony, Braveheart followed behind as discreetly as he could. It was still night outside as Celestia gazed at the moon longingly. To Braveheart's surprise, he heard the princess begin to sing sorrowfully in a language he did not understand.
Sœur Lune, Sœur Lune,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines...Sonnez les matines...
Din, dan, don. Din, dan, don.
But the last words she spoke were unmistakable.
“Forgive me...”
Celestia's horn glowed with an intense yellow light that drew from the sky a blue magic that intermingled with her own to create a green aura. The magic then dimmed, and Celestia turned to enter her room. Quickly Braveheart dashed back to where he slept hoping he hadn't seen anything he wasn't supposed to.
“Braveheart, I know you're awake you sneaky little colt!” Celestia called to him, “Come on then, I want to show you something I think you'll find more interesting.”
A bit embarassed and very curious, Braveheart swiftly flew to Celestia's side on the balconey.
Without saying anything, Celestia rose into the air, her horn glowing with the green aura from earlier. With only a blink of the eye, the goddess lowered the moon. With similar ease, she ushered in the sun, its bright yellow rays were cast across an orange sky. The fallen snow shimmered like fine crystal in the new day's light. It was truly a beautiful scene, but Braveheart hardly thought it interesting. What was the princess getting at here?
Descending from the sky, Celestia spoke with a loving voice.
“Did you enjoy my sunrise, Braveheart? Out of the thousands of things I must attend to, there is almost nothing I find more satisfying than performing this, my daily labor. It is my special destiny to guide the sun across the heavens and bring light and life to this planet. You have a special role to play in this world too, Braveheart.”
“Uh, princess,” the pegasus replied blushing, “I know I'm too old, but, uh, I don't have...a cutie mark.”
“Oh, are you sure about that?” Celestia said slyly with a big smirk across her face. Excited, Braveheart checked his flank, and, sure enough, the dawn's early light revealed his brand new cutie mark: a burning heart. The thrill the pegasus felt was offset by his confusion.
“Uh, what does it mean? Am I some kind of cremator or something?”
Celestia laughed at the colt's interpretation.
“Hardly! You are destined to love, Braveheart, there are fewer fates so wonderful! Yours is a life of courage, action, and passion, don't be afraid to face who you are. I'm...”
As she spoke, a voice from the chamber interrupted Celestia.
“This is Captain Stonewall! Permission to enter and read the morning report, Princess?”
“Yes, come in.” Celestia called back, much to Braveheart's fear, “Join me on the balcony, if you will!”
It didn't take long for the Captain of the Royal Guard to fly through the chamber doors. He was a grey pegasus with a white beard and sharp, eagle-like eyes. Braveheart immediately shirked behind Celestia, obscuring his visibility to the captain.
“Well your highness,” Stonewall began, “last night's winter storm called for a reduction of guards around the grounds, so we were ill-prepared for the, well....foalish pranks played on us.”
“Oh?” Celestia feigned, “Pranks during the most severe blizzard in twenty years? Are you sure?”
“...well, the evidence would point to it. All we found at the sites of disturbance were the remains of fire crackers and firework wrappings.”
“Strange.” Celestia frowned, “Well, perhaps my young friend here can tell you what happened. Braveheart?”
Moving slowly out of Celestia's shadow, the brown pegasus gave a nervous smile. It was clear by the captain's mortified expression that he was going to get into some kind of trouble.
“Impossible! Never in all my years of service has anypony breached my perimeter! This is a fluke, I promise princess, this little runt could never...”
“Watch yourself, Captain Stonewall.” Celestia interrupted, “'This runt' managed to get passed my finest soldiers and enter my personal sanctum with just a bag of cheap explosives. The colt obviously has a great deal of courage and a mind to back it up. If this were a test of talent, I'd say the pegasus deserved a little audience with me, don't you agree?”
Braveheart beamed at Captain Stonewall as Princess Celestia praised him. He had never felt so proud in his life, so much so that he found himself sticking his tongue at the captain.
“However,” Celestia continued, “he lacks discipline and proper respect for authority. I imagine, too, that the leadership skills of this lone wolf are next to none.”
At her criticism, the cocky pegasus frowned, soliciting a grin from the captain.
“So what, you want this kid at the academy?” Stonewall asked, “You're just going to let him go scot-free after busting into the castle like that?”
“Yes and no, captain.” Celestia responded before turning to face the accused, “Braveheart, by entering my chamber unannounced or without invitation, you broke the law. I'll forgive you, but I would like a little something from you in return. What do you say?"
"Uh, like what?"
"I want to see you become the very best you can be, and I think serving as a page to Captain Stonewall will help you reach that goal.”
Stonewall growled, unsure if he wanted a young colt at his heels all day.
"I have to serve...that guy?" Braveheart asked, a bit worried about the prospect himself.
"I promise you, there's nopony better to prepare you for the future. Stonewall has led the royal guard for forty years, I'm sure you'll find his wisdom to be invaluable when you enroll in the Royal Military Academy."
“Wait a sec.” said Braveheart,, “Military school too? That sounds really cool and all, but, I'm sorry to tell you princess, I don't have any money for that kind of deal...”
“Braveheart,” Celestia said warmly, “don't be silly. I will personally sponsor you if you wish to attend, but I'll give nothing more. You said yourself that you didn't like being given what was not deserved and in the military, merit is everything...I think that fits you quite well. What do you say?”
The young pegasus thought over the proposal. It was a no-brainier in many ways: food, shelter, and the princess' love alone were powerful incentives. But to become somepony important along the way? He did not know much about the military, but did know that he wanted to become a royal guard. To him, that was his true destiny: to serve Celestia.
“Yeah, I'll do it,” Braveheart said confidently, “But, uh, what's a page?”
Celestia and Captain Stonewall both laughed.
“You'll find out kid, I promise!” the older pegasus said with a knowing wink, "I've got a pair of dirty boots with your name on 'em!"
Braveheart didn't like the idea of cleaning the captain's boots. His first impulse was to quip back at his new lord, but Celestia's knowing eyes held him in place. The princess had said that he needed to be disciplined. If that's what she thought was best...Braveheart would give it a shot.
“Speaking of uniforms, captain, could you retrieve the livery for him? He's all yours after that.”
“With pleasure, your majesty.”
After the pegasus flew off, Celestia gave Braveheart a quick nuzzle before turning to watch the sun. As it rose higher into the sky and spread its light across the lands of Equestria, the goddess spoke once more in a loving voice.
“I expect great things from you, Braveheart. I know you won't disappoint me.”
–
These thoughts and memories both warmed and troubled Braveheart. Celestia had brought him in out of the darkness and cold to spare him from a sinful life. He was ashamed for the way he treated her and all the ponies he had hurt. His harsh tutelage under Captain Stonewall had humbled the haughty pegasus and the academy taught him to serve and sacrifice for the greater good of society. However, Braveheart could not escape the intense passion that marked him. Celestia had once said it was his greatest strength, but Braveheart often thought it his greatest weakness. How could he ever overcome it?
“Captain, captain wait!”
Turning around he saw Storm flying towards him. Landing at Braveheart's side, the grey pegasus saluted her commander.
“Sir, you're getting too far ahead of us,” Storm Cloud said, “We can't split up in this forest, you know that would be asking for trouble.”
“...yeah, yeah it would.” Braveheart said distantly, still looking eastward. A brief silence transpired between the two before Storm broke it.
“Braveheart, I know you're occupied right now, but if there's anything I can say or do to help...”
“You know better than to talk to me like that in the field,” Braveheart snapped, “I don't need a shrink, Storm, I need a soldier! Now get back and round up the Elements, pronto!”
Shaking her head Storm Cloud raised her voice in response.
“Celestia almighty, you're such a hard ass when something's biting at you! You might be able to scare off that Blizzard kid, but I'm not some new recruit to push around, Braveheart. I've spent six years fighting and defending her majesty's honor at your side. We've been through a lot together. You can like it or not, but I'm more than just a fellow guard, I'm your friend. I want to help you, captain, even if you just need an ear. It'll do you more good than venting your anger on me or some newbie. Trust me.”
Braveheart broke eye contact with the Storm Cloud and looked down the dark path ahead.
“Don't forget, sergeant, I'm Celestia's servant first and your comrade second.” the captain grumbled coldly, “Now go, follow your orders.”
“Fine, but if you don't want to end up like Lightning Strike, you better get your act together. You need a clear head if you want to lead us through Everfree alive.”
Spreading her wings to ready her departure, Storm Cloud continued.
“Before I go, I want to get one thing across to you. I think you made the right choice to let Princess Luna go. It took a lot of guts to admit we were wrong, not even Lightning could outright do it when he was in command. You steered us away from disaster; you shouldn't let it eat at you.”
Pausing to think for a moment, the grey pegasus remembered her second objective.
“Oh, right, how could I let that fly by me? Pinkamena sent you something I think you'll find useful. Here, catch!”
Wrenching the black cloak from out of her breast plate, Storm threw the garment to Braveheart who immediately snatched it.
“If you haven't noticed, sir, it's cold outside.” the sergeant said, grinning before speeding back to the hut. As soon as she was out of sight, the captain wrapped himself in the thick cloak to shield himself from the winter cold he hated so much. Feeling the lingering warmth of her body against his fur, the captain sighed in relief.
“Thank you Storm...” he whispered, “...my little Celestia.”
/
Not ten minutes passed before Storm returned with the party in tow. To Braveheart's pleasure, Lightning had done well in organizing the column: the five Elements were kept in the middle, Storm Cloud and Blizzard Freeze guarded both flanks, and Lightning led at the front. After saluting his commander, the lieutenant spoke.
“Everypony is ready, sir. Sorry for taking so long, but I bet we'll end up saving time in the long run. They've been briefed on everything and are all ready to search the forest with us.”
Looking over the Elements, Braveheart could see that the mares, even Pinkie, were very serious about finding their friend. As it was, he didn't really want to talk to them; he wasn't ready to look them in the eyes just yet. Instead, he decided it better to keep matters official and their relationship strictly professional.
“Miss. Rarity,” he called to the unicorn, “front and center, if you would.”
A bit annoyed to be the subject of the captain's orders, Rarity approached Braveheart with a frown.
“Yes, captain, what help could you possibly want from a 'bitch'?”
Clearly she hadn't forgotten their first encounter.
“...as the only unicorn with us, it would be for the best that you stay at the head with me. I need you to light the path ahead of us, think you can manage that?”
“Not a problem captain,” Rarity replied, her horn now shining brightly,“I only request that you keep your words with me to a minimum. A lady does not need to tolerate the type of crass disrespect that comes out of your mouth.”
Sighing, Braveheart tried to ignore Rarity's words and turned to Lightning.
“Defend the rear, I'll assume command at the front.”
“Yes sir.”
Assuming the traditional stoic pose of the Royal Guard, Braveheart pressed forward into the forest, carefully observing the two sets of hoof prints before him. His mind was bent on following them to whatever end.
After marching for awhile, the Elements found the silence between themselves and the guards to be extremely unnerving, especially Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. The bouncing earth pony had little to complain about except boredom, and that she solved by making a new friend in Blizzard Freeze. Like always, she a big smile, and a warm hug for the new recruit.
"Hiya! I'm Pinkie Pie! I've never seen you around, not even at the Gala! What's your name?"
"Private Blizzard Freeze, ma'am, I just graduated from the academy a few months ago, so it's no surprise if you've never heard of me before."
"Really? Well then...how does it feel?"
"How does what feel?"
"Duhhhhh!" Pinkie jokingly droned, "How does it feel to have your biggest dream come true! You're marching with the Royal Guard, isn't that awesome?"
Blizzard gave a light laugh and nodded.
"Yeah, it feels really great. But you know, my marefriend's probably going to chew me out for it. She's not a big fan."
"Oooo, a marefriend, huh?" Pinkie inquired, "What she like?"
"Heh, well, do you know anything about politics?"
"Nope, not really. But in the last election, I voted for the Pirate Party! Arghhh! Hehe!"
Blizzard chuckled a little bit. He remembered how angry Ruby was when the Pirate Party actually managed to get two seats in the lower house.
"Let's just say that she's a little skeptical about the army and what we do."
The young soldier sighed.
"She knows more than most ponies do about the size and scope of the armed forces' activity, and there's always news coming from somewhere that makes her sad or cynical. She knows the country needs the army...she just wishes that I didn't have to be a part of it."
"She's just worried about you," Pinkie replied, "there's nothing wrong about that."
"Yeah, maybe. I just hope that she'll let me back into the house when she finds out that Braveheart recruited me for his team."
"What's she not like about him? I mean personally, I can kinda guess why otherwise."
Blizzard tilted his head to look to see how far the captain was in relation to him. Seeing that he was in the clear, he continued but in a low whisper.
"Well, a couple months ago, the Royal Guard was called in to arrest a bunch of thieving troll thugs. These guys weren't just notorious, they were big. About the size of a tree, if you can imagine. Anyway, things got a little out of control when one of them punched out a guard and tried to escape. The details after that are murky, except one. The captain attacked the troll with a maneuver called 'Empyrean Judgement'."
"The what now?"
"I don't know exactly what it looks like, but it's a legendary move that they say only Celestia's chosen can perform. It's also potentially deadly for both the guy doing it. It's really much more deadly for the guy's target. I'm pretty sure Ruby told me it was illegal, too. For civilians, that is. I don't see much of the point; word in the barracks is that the princess personally teaches it."
"So the captain..."
"Yeah, the captain killed the troll. Guard said that the troll was being violent, the other trolls say he was executed."
"So which was it?"
"Don't know, and neither does Ruby. But she's always ready to think the worst of the guard. She's very principled when it comes to things like equality and the rule of law. The troll debacle just cemented her view that the Guard is filled with a bunch of racists on a power trip. It's not really fair, I mean, she wasn't there. How could she know what went on? Those trolls were known criminals. They were stepping all over everyone's rights themselves. I'm sorry, but I don't have any sympathy for them."
Pinkie listened to the private and compared what she knew of Braveheart and what was said in the story. The key part that stuck out in her mind, though, was that somepony was hurt by the troll. That meant that Braveheart probably did something in retaliation, just like he did that morning in Ponyville Square or Sweet Apple Acres.
"Anyway, you can see why my marefriend isn't his biggest fan. I'll leave it at that. Tell me something about you."
"Oh!" Pinkie said, happy to see the conversation shift. She was good at listening, but Blizzard's story was a bit too serious for her tastes, "Well, I work at the town bakery, Sugar Cube Corner, back in Ponyville. You should stop in sometime and I'll make you something scrum-diddly-umptious! Cross my heart! Mrs. Cake has even said that I'm getting better at not eating all the best goodies right away!"
"Heh, well I'm not big on the sweets..."
Pinkie eyed him accusingly.
"Okay, maybe I have a weak spot for cake."
“That's what I thought!” Pinkie chirped, “Now, to the important stuff: when's your birthday and what kind of cake is your favorite? Like I always say, nothing tells you more about a pony than the way they like to party! ”
Pinkie moved closer to Blizzard with a big grin on her face.
"Maybe you'd like a little wedding cake, huh?"
As Pinkie giggled, the blue pegasus' face burned beat red.
Meanwhile, Rainbow was getting bored with all the silent treatment. The active pegasus didn't really like being guarded by a bunch of soldiers, even if they were there to defend her. This whole formation was too rigid and closed off, she really needed to take her mind off of it. Looking to her left, she observed Storm's steady and rhythmic advance through the snow. Her blue eyes were not expressionless like the other guards she met today (Nightshade came to mind); rather, there was a gleaming vitality in her inquiring gaze.
“So, uh, Storm Cloud, is it?” Rainbow asked the guard nervously, “I was just wondering, how did you get on the guard? Sounds like a pretty tough gig.”
The sergeant’s first reaction was to ignore the pegasus, not wanting to be distracted as she checked the forest for any sign of monsters. However, dealing with Braveheart had left her frustrated. Maybe she should take her own advice; perhaps talking with another pony would do her some good. Besides, Braveheart permitted the guard to speak in special circumstances...maybe she wouldn't get into too much trouble.
“The same way everypony gets what they deserve.” Storm replied simply, “Training, studying, practicing.”
“Yeah, yeah, but you're not just anypony! You gotta be the best there is, kinda like Nightshade. I mean, you're in the same league as him after all, a freakin' Wonderbolt! What's your secret, what does it really take to be a guard, huh? Were you like a ninja or a secret agent or something?”
“Heh, well, I wouldn't say my life was that exciting. I grew up on an island just off the east coast called Epona. Anyway, my father, an earth pony, was a poor sugarcane farmer there while my mother, a unicorn, served her Majesty as the appointed governess of the territory. What can I say? They were of two different worlds, it would only make sense that their kid was of a third one. I'll spare you from the gory details, but let's just say that this meant I didn't fit in really well with what either of my parent's wanted for me. I wasn't a farmer or a noble, I was born for something different. I just needed the chance to prove it.”
“Okay, so did you go on, like, some kind of super training regiment or something? Swim the channel? Eat some bugs? Beat up a shark?”
“Ha! Well, let me cut right to it then.” Storm replied, “My biggest passion growing up was fencing. It was one of the only classy sort of sports I liked, so my mom supported my hobby hoping that I wouldn't play football with the guys in the fields anymore. I represented the island a couple times in the youth nationals and brought home the gold once and the silver twice. What was weird about it was that still didn't have my cutie mark by the time I was ten.”
“What? I got mine when I was like seven. Talk about your late bloomer.”
“Fair enough, Rainbow, but not everypony can hope to break the sound barrier. I had a different challenge I had to face...pirates.”
“Pirates, are you serious?” Rainbow asked, “You mean yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum? Shiver my timbers, pieces of eight? Pshh...that's ancient history!”
“You'd be right about that kind, kid,” Storm replied smiling, “But pirates are just thieves with boats. My mom's main job was to keep them from raiding the shipping lanes, and she was good enough at it to piss off some pretty big bosses. So one day when I was flying back home from school, I was kidnapped by five pirates and held hostage. They thought they could make my mom step down and get a good ransom out of me. It didn't really work out like that for 'em.”
Storm paused and grinned, building up Rainbow's suspense to a painful crescendo.
“Yeah?! Well did you whoop some pirate butt or what?”
Storm let out a light chuckle.
“I wish it was more complicated then that, but yeah. I whooped pirate butt. I tricked one of the dumber ones into untying me. The idiot actually looked surprised when I knocked him out. Anyway, I swiped the rapier, and disarmed the others without a problem. By the time the island's militia arrived, I had several scared sea rats at the point of my sword and a shiny new cutie mark; not a dueling foil like I thought it would be but a golden broadsword. The next week I was offered a scholarship to the Royal Military Academy. Once in, it wasn't hard for me to fight to the top. I was selected for Royal Guard duty within my first year.”
“That's awesome! I mean, its not legendary, but still, pretty cool. I can't believe you're not captaining this outfit, I mean what has General Shoot-Now-Ask-Questions-Later over here done that's so great?”
Storm resisted the urge to blush at Rainbow's complement.
“Heh, I'm nothing too special, Rainbow. As you said, your story is much more unique. Besides, stories like mine are pretty normal for the guard. What's more impressive is what we do during our service, and nopony has a better record than the captain.”
“Yeah, doing what?”
“Well, a lot of...things.”
“Like...?”
Storm stopped herself and considered the consequences for divulging state secrets. She knew a lot of sensitive missions the captain had been involved with, but there was one that would get her point across and cause minimal controversy.
She definitely wasn't going to talk about the Troll Debacle. Perhaps the tale she had in mind would do.
“A couple of years ago there was a dragon who had developed a taste for pony. I'm not quite sure how that works, if somepony wandered into his cave and got mixed in with the jewels or something. Go figure. Anyway, this guy would hang out around the passes of the Applelachian mountains and eat travelers who got lost. The princess thought she could please the dragon by sending an envoy with a large offering of treasure to satisfy his palate. But, sure enough, the dragon gobbled her up too. Of course, Celestia wouldn't stand for that kind of aggression and sent Braveheart to deal with it. Long story short, the captain killed the dragon. Alone.”
“Oh my!” Fluttershy squeaked, “How could he do that? Dragon or not, he was a living creature. I think we've learned that talking things out is the best solution, I mean, haven't we?”
“Fluttershy, correct?” Storm asked, “You were sent by Celestia to calm a dragon because you have a special gift. Well, Celestia doesn't send a pony into harms way without reason. The envoy sent to this dragon was a naturalist much like yourself, except older and more skilled. She was also less fortunate than you. Sometimes, Fluttershy, if you really love life, you have to learn how to take one to defend it.”
Fluttershy was bothered by Storm's response. On one hoof, she really did love all life, but on the other she really, really, really hated dragons. She knew they could be faulted for killing all sorts of smaller animals, even when they were just sleeping.
“Huh, big wonder. The captain is good at killin'.” growled Applejack, “Anypony surprised?”
While her friends had been talking with Storm Cloud, Applejack had remained in the back skulking and brooding, her thoughts frequently straying back into darker territory. She put all her will into resisting the hate she had once mastered, but just looking at the captain marching mechanically ahead of her was enough to shatter her self-control. Zecora's black cloaks didn't help the guard either; to Applejack, they looked like faceless ghouls bent on fulfilling their ruthless and lawless goals. Desperately, Applejack tried to think of something else; she couldn't let her own vendettas get in the way of finding Twilight, Luna, or Celestia. But the more the conflicted pony thought, the more her brother's injuries came to mind. Unlike Luna, there was no way of getting past the fact that this monstrous soldier, this Captain Braveheart, had nearly killed her brother and wrecked her home by his own choice. The fact gnawed madly at her patience and discipline to the point she couldn't ignore it any longer. Dark fantasies of justice flashed in her mind, feeding her sense of injury and longing for retribution.
Hearing Rainbow mention the dreaded object of her hate, Applejack's attention shifted to the female guard. The way the soldier praised Braveheart's murderous history infuriated the already troubled pony and broke her self-restraint.
“Well is that it there, ma'am?” Applejack shouted at Storm, stopping the guard in her tracks, “You got anymore terrific tales 'bout the ponies and critters this son-of-a-tramp has hurt? Huh? I betcha' have barrels, don't 'cha? ”
“Umm, Applejack, I don't think we need to raise our voices...” Fluttershy said meekly, checking the forest for any sign of unwanted monsters, “It's not...”
“Ah'm sorry Fluttershy, but she opened this can of worms and Ah deserve the answers!”” Applejack replied before turning back to the sergeant, “So how many, huh? How many has the bastard killed.”
“Applejack!” Pinkie gasped, shocked that her friend would use such a demeaning word.
“Hey AJ, let's try to cool it, huh?” Rainbow Dash nervously suggested, “Remember what we were talkin' about earlier...”
“What's going on here, Storm?” Lightning Strike interrupted, coming up from behind, “We're falling behind Miss. Rarity, Braveheart is going to have a fit... ”
“We can get movin' again once she's answered my question!” Applejack snapped at the officer, “Ah'm not askin' for much, just the truth!”
With Applejack grinding the rear of the company to a halt, Rarity quickly noticed that something was wrong and checked to see what was the matter and, in doing so, deprived the occupied captain of his light.
“Miss. Rarity,” Braveheart growled, “get that horn back to work! These tracks are getting harder to see as it bloody is!”
“My apologies, captain,” Rarity replied condescendingly, “but I'm not a mule for you to whip and neither are my friends. Now if you'd so kindly pull your head out of the snow, we have a slight problem.”
Realizing just how far apart the company had been separated, Braveheart fumed with obvious displeasure.
“Storm! Lightning!” the captain thundered angrily as he flew over to chastise his subordinate officers, “What in all things under Celestia's sun is the matter back here? When I said chit-chat was permissible, I did not mean for you all to take a picnic in the middle of a mission!”
“S-sorry sir,” Storm stammered, “but, uh, Miss. Applejack...”
Braveheart quickly turned to glare at the earth pony only to be met with an equally enraged look.
“Well Apple, do you have a problem how I'm running things or do you just got something you want to say to my face?!”
“You bet yer bridges Ah do!” replied Applejack, “Ah don't much like you at all, not one bit. Ya'll respect nothin' but yourself and Celestia, you don't give two beans about other ponies. How many is it, Captain Scumbag? How many of us have you killed because you thought you were right? Maybe its not because of that, maybe you just like seeing us suffer! Whichever it is, Ah don't care captain, 'cause you're a madpony no matter which way you spell it!”
“Still pissed about what I did to your beast of a brother?” Braveheart answered, “Get over it! There's jack shit I can do about it now.”
“Not until Ah see justice fer Big Mac! But how can you ever get that? Ah bet you'd shoot yer own kin over a spat!”
At Applejack's words, Braveheart exploded in utter indignation.
“You have the nerve to tell a soldier about the hardships of losing family? Listen here you tree-bucker, those soldiers your Big Mac sent to the ward, they had names too! Here, let me list 'em off to ya! Old Hickory, Silver Skies, Smoky Smithy, Tough Nails, Sneaky Snake, Noble Deed! These pegasi are my brothers, and I had to watch them get pulverized by big red 'cause I didn't have the guts to pull the trigger right away. So believe me, Apple, I know every sick idea running through your head right now. I felt the same way when I shot your brother!”
“Shut up!” Applejack shouted, “Ah'm nothing like you!”
“Oh yeah?! Well tell me, what will make you happy? What sort of justice do you want?”
“Ah, Ah want an apology first!”
“That didn't answer my question. You say 'first' only 'cause you know that my words are worth a great big heaping pile of nothing!”
“Yer right; Ah want to see you rot in jail!”
“Ha, don't even bother giving me that shit!” Braveheart laughed, “I felt all your hate when you damn near bucked my jaw off!”
Getting closer to Applejack, the captain whispered in her ear.
“You can cut the charade you’re putting on for your friends. Tell me the truth Apple, tell me that you won't be happy until you see my head on a pike.”
Applejack was conflicted; she wanted to release what was festering in her heart, but she didn't want to give Braveheart the satisfaction. In the end, however, her wrath won out. Whispering in the captain's ear, Applejack angrily confessed her heart's darkest desires in detail. After she was finished, Braveheart grimly replied, his words far more tranquil than before but still packing a vicious bite.
“...Passion is a powerful thing, kid, it comes straight from the heart. But so does mercy. Even in the heat of battle, I spared your brother's life. You know why? 'Cause I learned a long time ago that death gives only the dead reprieve.”
Turning away, Braveheart marched back to the front, motioning to Rarity to join him. Applejack was left bitter and confused; what did he mean he 'spared' Big Mac? He had him beaten to a pulp before shooting him. The captain's parting words meant little to her and only fueled her disdain for the pegasus. But there was not much more she could do now but march on...
Suddenly, a loud crash shook the forest, throwing the ponies off their hooves. The sound of breaking trees and shaking leaves filled the air as something very large was coming their way.
“Circle around the Elements and draw your swords,” Braveheart ordered as he guided Rarity back into the middle, “Remember there's no beast in Everfree that can defeat us! Blizzard!”
“Y-y-es sir?”
“That goes for you too, so quit shaking and stand your ground!”
Feeling a gust of cold air buffet his face, Braveheart looked to the sky to find it blotted out by an enormous figure. Descending rapidly, the shadow was revealed by the moon's light to be a crimson dragon, the black luster of his teeth and claws shining ominously in the darkness. The beast shouted in Wrymish, but to the ears of a pony it sounded like a terrifying roar. Rendered into Equestrian, it sounded something like this:
“Ah, the black robes of the Lunar Guard! I can smell the magic of the demon on you, I can taste it upon my lips! Tonight, your lives will be mine!”
Frost and sleep no longer binding him to the earth, Ajax, son of Mikhail, had returned with his unquenchable thirst for vengeance.
/
Luna followed Philomena through the forest, not looking back for an instant. The bright burning bird before her was all that mattered to Luna; she lost all sense of time and space as she ran. So severe was the case that she did not see the gorge appear before her, and soon the goddess found herself falling.
For like a second.
Flying back up, she realized where she was and shook her head in anger.
“Why Celly, why do you always have to make me feel so dumb?”
Lying on the horizon was the tower of the moon and her personal citadel, Everfree Castle.
/
Sorry, I don't want to give too much away! To be honest, this chapter was supposed to include what will be next chapter in it, but I thought it would be too long. So, really, there will be two more chapters, one short one, and one long one. I know people are going to be pissed about Braveheart's centrality in this chapter, but it makes more sense in the upcoming chapters (especially that shorter bit). I also wanted to get in some Celestia time, and Braveheart provided an opportunity for that. With that came another instance of me playing with French, namely that nursery rhyme we all know (honestly, they teach that to us when we're four and we have no bloody idea what we're saying. It's just damn catchy.) Anyway, in the context of this story, the song isn't a call for prayer but a call for Luna to lower the moon. I thought it to be a sufficiently intimate way of linking the sisters.
And yes, the guards' cutie marks have been altered slightly from the previous chapters in a way that doesn't change their fundamental natures but rather expands on their details. I also changed Blueblood's dynastic house to the 'Haysburgs' because of the greater prestige and power of the Habsburgs (yes my tale is Euro-centric, big surprise for a Western cartoon).
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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Note: The chapter is done, but I might split it up into two seperate ones.
Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 13
Burning like a beacon in the night, Canterlot stood on the edge of ruin. The prevailing darkness strangled the spirit of her soldiers and drove her citizens to panic and flight. Their faith in the sun goddess was put to the ultimate test; could it be that Princess Celestia had at last abandoned Equestria and her subjects to the bleakest of fates? Cries of despair echoed throughout the streets as the city's outer wall at last succumbed to the fire's blaze. The once-majestic white stone now lay broken, blackened, and brittle like a graveyard littered with charred bone. Still standing firm before the breach, the city guard silently awaited a similar doom. Like a murder of crows ominously descending to pick at a fresh carcass, a swarm of shadows swooped down from the night sky ready to fill their part of the dark prophecy.
The Eternal City was mortally wounded, its rape and final destruction inevitable.
Or so it seemed in that heart of utter darkness. But it was not to come to pass.
A mighty roar cut through the eerie silence, stunning friend and foe alike. Perching himself on the nearest battlement, a crimson drake stood defiant and proud in the light of the burning stone. Fitted with a suit of shining armor, the warrior bore a mighty broadsword in one claw and the golden banner of Celestia in the other. As the enemy renewed its advance, the drake turned to the soldiers below and gave a toothy grin.
“Blackteeth!” the soldiers muttered amongst themselves joyfully, “The steward has come back!”
“Warriors of Celestia!” Ajax shouted, “Now is the hour of our vengeance! Let us strike down the heretics who dare threatenthe golden empire of Her Majesty most high! Let no quarter be spared! May death take he who shirks from fear of it! We shall fight until the sun triumphs and the moon falls from the heavens!!”
Lifting his sword on high, the drake's rallying cry cast any lingering fear and doubt aside.
“The light of justice shines forth!”
“It shall cleanse our land!”
“Glory to the throne of Canterlot!”
“It shall reign eternal!”
“Long live the sun goddess!”
“Live her holy name!”
Reciting the chorus, Ajax charged into the enemy griffon and pegasi ranks like a blur of blood and fire. The shattering of swords and splintering of shields rung throughout the still night. Singing as he slew his adversaries, Ajax inspired Celestia's troops and drove them to greater feats of glory. Knowing the enemy would soon be crushed between the hammer and the anvil, the drake immersed himself in the zen of battle.
His blind fury was channeled throughout his being. Diffused from the center of passion, its excesses were negated, leaving the drake with clarity and focus. The intensity of his rage united with the passivity of his cunning to create both nothing and everything.
He had found peace in war, and war in peace.
His senses were heightened. Not even the subtle quiver of his foes' feathers was lost on him. Ajax could smell the stink of their bodies, taste the foulness of their blood, and hear the grim moans of their passing. Above all other sensations, he felt the final twitch of their life as his sword plunged through flesh and bone.
It was the feeling of victory.
As he cut through them, Ajax at last eyed his prize. Before him was the commander of the battalion, a Lunar Knight cloaked in black and wearing silver armor.
"Oath-breaker!" Ajax roared, "No god can protect you now, not even the Nightmare!"
Unlike his other victims, this knight showed little fear.
"I swore to serve and defend the sisters of creation," he replied firmly, "Twas' Celestia who broke that oath! Princess Luna alone is now worthy of my devotion!"
"Then we shall see whose goddess will prevail!" Ajax rejoined, "Accept my challenge and face me!"
With that, Ajax brought his sword down upon the pegasus, only to have it parried aside. Left in the open, the knight slashed at the dragon, only to find his blade break upon rough scales. Though the strike drew blood, it was far from lethal.
"It takes more than broken glass to kill Her Majesty's chosen." Ajax said with a grin.
A bit surprised, the pegasus tried to draw another weapon, but Ajax grabbed him by the neck and held the knight in place.
"But it takes so little to kill a rebel rat. Don't worry, though. I will show you Celestia's mercy!"
With that, the victorious dragon ran his blade through the knight, twisting it furiously in his entrails before snapping the ill-fated warrior's neck with his powerful claws. Lifting his victim's body up high to show his enemies, Ajax cast the corpse to the ground below.
As his foes shouted in retreat at the sight of their fallen commander, the drake took the opportunity to survey the battle at the mountain's base. The invading ground troops of the enemy army were pressed down the narrow slope, stumbling madly in the hopes of regrouping with the bulk of their forces. But it was not to be as the promised reinforcements from the north cut off the besieging forces from their entrenchments. The fractured enemy armies were decisively outflanked and cut off from one another.
His enemies dispatched in the sky, Ajax charged into the unraveling fray being fought below him. In a terrifying spiral of flame and iron, the drake brought Celestia's wrath down upon her foes. His assault on them was swift and relentless, droves perished in the wake of his rage. Not just pony-kind, but all sorts of foreigners and monsters summoned by the dark powers fell to his might.
It was a massacre.
He was triumphant.
The cheering of soldiers rung throughout the valley, but not because the last of the enemy had retreated westward. No, it was what was in the east that inspired the chorus of adulation. Ajax's focus was broken, but it mattered little to him as he witnessed the vermilion rays of dawn's early light touch the sacred heart of Celestia's domain. With a dozen guards at his side, the ecstatic drake flew to the city gate. Upon entering, Ajax looked in awe as the red light turned to the dazzling gold of morning. From the towers and streets, civilians cried and embraced one another while singing and dancing in the street. Seeing Ajax, the elderly bowed in reverence while the young cheered his name and kissed every stone he touched. Trumpets sounded throughout the city. As Ajax hastened to the citadel, mares began casting flower petals in front of his path. Dead and grey, they cracked beneath his feet like the bones of his enemies, filling him once more with the euphoria of war. The faint aroma of springtime flowers was released with every step as the withered petals sacrificed the last vestiges of life to the triumph of Canterlot's Savior.
Eagerly arriving in the outer court yard, the drake found a large crowd assembled before the castle. Ajax awaited Celestia's expected return from the heavens with unbearable anticipation.
He was not to be disappointed.
A ball of white ethereal light descended from the sky and exploded with tremendous force, bathing the city in its holy magic. A spirit of peace and serenity dispelled the last demons of disorder and fear from the hearts and minds of Canterlot's citizens as they beheld in awe the goddess in their midst.
Like the rest of princess' subjects, Ajax found it difficult to look at the Celestia directly. The intensity of the light surrounding her was incredible; it was as if a star had been plucked from the firmament and brought to Earth in all its terrifying splendor and power. As the light dimmed slightly, the crowd could at last make out their beloved princess in all her grandeur and beauty. Clad in platinum armor with her golden sword at her side, Celestia appeared even more radiant and commanding than she was in her traditional royal regalia. The princess' face was stern as her eyes passed over the ruin and destruction of war, but smiled slightly at the sight of her subjects' admiring gaze and praising cries. Immediately they bowed before her in profound respect.
“My little ponies!” Celestia addressed the crowd in a loud voice, “Arise! This day I bring forth is not mine, but yours. The trials you faced in my absence were fraught with the greatest perils and the mightiest of foes, but still you kept courage!”
Pausing, Celestia looked lovingly and protectively over her subjects before continuing.
“There is no greater wound Nightmare Moon can inflict than taking me away from you, to leave you naked and at the mercy of her ravenous vultures! For a month I have struggled against her malice to peal back the curtain of night. It is now, at last, that I can I stand among you victorious once more. Let the light I bear scatter the Nightmare's servants and send them crawling back to their queen! For I am the goddess of peace. In these difficult times let us remember that peace is far harder to tear from the jaws of war than further battle and bloodshed. There are still more trials that we must face, but it troubles me little. For I know that justice will prevail. So it was against the tyrant Discord, and so it shall be once more against Nightmare Moon!”
The crowd cheered in delight, but none more so than Ajax who let out a joyful roar.
“My little ponies, I ask you to be strong and keep faith. I left you in darkness only to bring you life; the shadow growing in the west will never overcome my love for you. For we are one, my ponies, sovereign and subject. We can never be separated for we are the flesh and blood of Equestria; to be torn from one another is to perish from this earth! Now rest and heal. Feast and be merry. Tomorrow our struggles will continue, this is true, but everyday brings us closer to peace. Once that day arrives, I swear to you that harmony shall be restored and it shall reign triumphant for another thousand years!”
Her speech concluded, Celestia descended to the castle balcony and entered the tower to leave her subjects in jubilation and her dragon in confusion.
The goddess didn't mention his name. She spoke as though the ponies of the city somehow turned back the Nightmare's armies alone, as if their cowering and lamenting was something noble or admirable.
"Celestia must not be aware of the battle," Ajax reasoned, "All of Her concentration was poured into defeating Nightmare Moon. In Her eyes, even the seat of Her Grace must seem insignificant compared to the infinite universe She fought so hard to defend."
Taking to the air, Ajax quickly flew to the balcony and thrust open the doors to Celestia's chamber. He knew that entering without permission was a grave offense, but he badly wanted to see the sun goddess. She had forgiven him in the past for his intrusions; she would continue to do so in the future. Ajax was like a son to Celestia after all; her love for him was as infinite as the swirling cosmic sea in her heavens on high.
Confidently entering Celestia's sanctum, the drake was surprised to find the room completely dark. It was as if the last shadows of the Nightmare's wickedness had survived Celestia's purging light by gathering in the safety of the sun goddess' own stronghold. No stranger to darkness, Ajax's eyes adjusted accordingly, allowing the dragon to see his mistress kneeling before an elaborately embroidered banner of a solar eclipse. She was shorn of the brilliant light and the platinum armor that so magnificently marked her glorious return. Naked, she solemnly whispered the words of some forgotten tongue as if trying to seek the intercession of some ancient and forgotten spirit. But who can a goddess possibly pray to? Ajax dismissed the thought and approached the princess.
"Ajax, son of Mikhail." Celestia bitterly addressed the warrior. Though her demeanor was tranquil as a placid lake on a midsummer's eve, her voice was filled with the terrifying turmoil of the high seas. If her tone did not shake Ajax, her use of his proper name did. As a dragonling he had learned as all young children do that you never want to hear your entire name spelled out by an angry authority figure. The invocation is like a spell that exposes the soul to a thousand shames before another word can be even uttered.
And a thousand more were ready to descend.
"I know you think little of my privacy, but must you enter my room with the blood of my ponies' still wet upon your armor? Can you not give me a moment's respite from the stench of death? I cannot bear it now, I cannot!"
Ajax was taken aback. The entire city praised his name, but it did not matter to him. All the honor in the world meant nothing if the princess didn't recognize it. Ajax wanted to show Celestia that he was strong and mature, but he was being treated like a dragonling who romped too much in the mud before coming in-doors.
"My P-princess," he stuttered in response, "This is the blood of your enemies, not your ponies. I lifted the siege and brought the rebels to justice, just as you commanded. Surely I have not failed in carrying out your will?"
Celestia did not respond right away, causing the drake to panic a bit. The darkness of the room did little to ease his mind.
"My Grace, I have not seen the light of day in a month's time and have fought hard to see your Majesty return..."
Celestia sighed and ignored him, choosing to linger in deep thought instead. A half an hour passed, but Ajax didn't budge from where he stood. Seeing that he was still there, the goddess gathered herself and complied with the clueless dragon's request.
“Very well Ajax, but I beg you. Spare me from your talk of bloodshed.”
With a flick of magic, Celestia tore the curtains from the tower windows, flooding the room with light and revealing herself completely to Ajax's sharp eyes. What he saw disturbed the drake beyond anything else he had ever witnessed. Celestia's bones protruded from her body, a clear indication that her magic, having been pushed to its highest of limits, had eaten away at her. Looking into her eyes he saw they were blood-red and filled with weariness. Her face was singed by several burns, each tarnishing the purity of Celestia's white coat . It was as if Nightmare Moon had branded the Princess for her own. The thought infuriated Ajax, but before he could say anything, Celestia cut him off.
"You disobeyed me, Ajax. I entrusted the defense of the city to you."
"And I defended it."
"No, I gave control of its garrison to you, not the army. You had no right to take control of the Northern Legion; now the enemy stands poised to take the coast and cut us off from the few allies we have. The siege has spread from Canterlot to the entire domain now...and so many already dead..."
"But-but what was I supposed to do?" Ajax replied incredulously, "Canterlot was starving and ready to fall. We were outnumbered. I had to do something to defend the city."
"I told you to wait for me or your superiors at the front." Celestia sternly responded, "I approved this past month's military strategies and contingency plans before I left. In the occasion of a siege, the orders were to hold up and conscript if necessary. I saw to it that Canterlot could endure a year-long assault if need be.”
"Princess Celestia, the United Griffon Republic declared war on us as soon as you left. But before the cowards declared anything, the griffon delegates at court sabotaged our stores and fled. The next thing I knew the Nightmare's armies were outside the gate. That's why we couldn't hold out, we had nothing. All of our plans were useless, especially when their armies threatened to breach the wall. They used some type of magic, I've never seen such an explosion in my life. It burned even rock."
The blood drained from Celestia's face as she gave Ajax a weak look.
"It was no magic." the goddess muttered "Magic is not a weapon..."
"Then what was it?"
"A forbidden type of alchemy. It seems my student is not content with sewing the seeds of but one war, but a thousand others with her foolishness."
Ajax wasn't sure to who Celestia was exactly referring to, but he guessed that it was Morning Star, the forger and leader of the opposing armies.
"A gift from Nightmare Moon, no doubt." Ajax growled, "What new madness will she unleash on this world next?"
Celestia stood up, her legs slightly buckling as she began to pace nervously.
"And I knew nothing of it." Celestia said, the sound of panic rising in her voice, "The armies, the griffons, the alchemy. Nothing."
"My Princess if I could be of..."
“Those thankless griffons! They'd still be in caves if weren't for my empire's example!”
“May I--
"Have I fallen so far that this naive unicorn can play me for a fool...again?"
"Princess Celes--"
"I..I have failed my duties to my subjects. I swore upon my mother's name that I would deliver them from this suffering, but twenty years have passed and the fires of war still burn across my lands. If Canterlot were to fall...I would die with it...and with me...everything.”
As she said these words, the goddess' knees gave way to exhaustion.
"Solnyshka!"
Ajax quickly moved to Celestia's side and caught her before she could fall. Breathing heavily, Celestia faced the drake and weakly smiled.
“It has been a long time since you called me that, Ajax.”
“I'm sorry your Grace, I did not mean to speak as children do...”
“No, no! Please don't say such things! Never be sorry for that, Ajax. It is not an insult to show me your love.”
“I only wish to treat you with the respect you deserve.”
“Mishka , my precious little dragonling, I need more from you than cold respect. Anyone can give me that. Truly, it feels like that's all they offer me in this age. Besides, no title warms my heart more than being called your little sun.”
To Ajax's embarassment and displeasure, Celestia pulled out his old nickname too. The dragon blushed. It was unbecoming for a feared warrior to be so intimate with anyone, lest of all his mistress.
“Besides, if you wanted to respect me,” Celestia smirked, “you would have knocked on my chamber door before entering.”
The princess chuckled lightly, but Ajax continued to look at her with concern. For once, Celestia's humor couldn't mask her painful weakness. The fear the drake felt was like that of a child who discovers the frailty of his invincible mother. Choking back his pride, Ajax ceased to be a soldier and became a dragonling once more.
“Solnyshka, please, you can't keep doing this,” the drake pleaded as he caressed Celestia's cheek with his rough claws “You can't fight Nightmare Moon and command the army. It's...it's too much for you to handle by yourself.”
Celestia shook her head.
“No, Ajax. I can't let my generals run free. If I were to do as you ask, they would seek to outdo the other for the position as Supreme Commander. I don't want glory hounds eating each other for power. Their loyalty I don't question, but I will not trust them with my sword.”
A silence grew between the two as Ajax ran his claws through her magnificent mane.
“...I can do it.” the dragon said, “They would never challenge me. I can take up your sword.”
“Ajax son of Mikhail,” Celestia replied sternly, pulling away from him, “I will not let you be a part of this war anymore.”
The drake recoiled as if the wind were knocked from him.
“I've studied battle and tactics under Commander Typhoon and sat on your War Council for years!” Ajax argued, “You promised that you'd let me command once I proved myself an-and I-I saved Canterlot after you gave me stewardship! What more do I need to do?”
“Ajax, I never meant for you to fight.” Celestia said in a low voice, “I thought I gave you the safest possible assignment. I did not believe they would dare attack Canterlot...”
“But you were wrong, and they did.” Ajax sharply replied, “But I won. My sword cut through a hundred rebels today and emerged with only a scratch.”
Celestia turned away from Ajax and closed her eyes. The drake knew she did not like the details of battle.
“Don't pretend I've never killed, Solnyshka.” Ajax continued, “I've fought in battles before this day and not once have I lost. I can turn the tide of war back if you just give me a chance!”
The princess slowly opened her eyes and shook her head once more.
“Mishka, war leaves far graver wounds on the mind than the body. You are too young, I don't want this war to be your life. It will only bear you pain and misery...”
“It is too late for that. I was born into this war and I will see it end, no matter the cost.”
Pausing, Ajax embraced Celestia and ran his claws through her flowing mane. His words, once fierce, were now tender and gentle.
“I am not a dragonling anymore, Solnyshka. I can help you! There's nothing more I want in this world than to remove this burden from you. I can command, I can fight! Together we can win this war, you in the heavens and I on the battlefield!”
A moment of silence passed between the two as Celestia nuzzled Ajax affectionately. After thinking and struggling over her answer, Celestia at last broke the silence.
“My little drake, you ask much from me. But what you say is true, I...I can't keep order in both heaven and on earth. You are strong and smart for your age, Mishka, I don't doubt your abilities. But I fear...”
Celestia stopped and looked tenderly into Ajax's eyes.
“What?”
“...I only fear, Ajax. But I can't afford to be its slave, not in dark times like these. Not ever...”
Breaking from the embrace, Celestia stood up tall and regal despite her weariness. With the glow of her horn, Celestia floated her sword and scabbard to Ajax.
“Kneel, Ajax.” Celestia boomed in the Royal Canterlot voice. The dragon immediately obeyed.
“Ajax son of Mikhail, defender of the throne, faithful knight and steward of Canterlot! I, Princess Celestia, goddess of the sun and sovereign empress of Equestria give to you my authority to rule the realm in my absence. Take this, my sword, as a testament to my will. With it, may you help me purge Nightmare Moon and restore order in Equestria.”
Taking the sword from the air, Ajax slowly drew the blade from its golden scabbard. As he gripped the hilt, the red drake felt a wave of adrenaline rush through him. It was as is if Celestia's own strength now ran through his veins giving him an incredible sensation that bordered on ecstasy. His goddess, his princess, his mother had at last approved of his aspirations and accepted his appeal to lead the armed forces as its unquestionable leader.
Completely unhindered.
Turning to Celestia with a big smile, Ajax dropped the formalities and hugged the princess tightly. This time, however, she felt cold as if her white coat was nothing but a mixture of snow and ice. It felt as though he was embracing a corpse. Pulling away, he looked into Celestia's eyes only to find those of a viper.
Of Nightmare Moon.
–
Ajax opened his eyes to find himself covered in a heavy layer of snow. The winter cold, being no friend to dragons, constricted his movement and dulled his thinking. As he tried to adjust to the harsh and unfavorable climate, the red dragon's mind turned to the vision Luna had left him. Was it dream or memory? It was difficult to distinguish. Though the most important day in his life, it still occurred a thousand years ago. He warmly remembered receiving Celestia's blessing, but her reluctance to give it did not fit in with the heroic narrative of his life that he played over and in his head. And those eyes...
“Enough.” he growled, “It matters little. The witch would love nothing more than to fill me with doubt. Wretched nightmares bleed into tainted memories after all. In the end both are only distractions...”
Rising to his feet and unfurling his mighty wings, Ajax shook the snow from his body and looked for any sign of Luna's presence. Finding nothing, he cursed under his breath and took to the skies to continue his search. Though limited by the freezing cold, Ajax pressed onward over the boughs of Everfree, his eyes darting about to see any sign of life unfortunate enough to cross his warpath.
After an hour or so, he saw the unmistakable light of unicorn magic emanating from below. Descending, he smashed into the earth with terrifying strength. Facing his prey, he smiled upon seeing their dress. The simple black cloak of the Lunar Guard, those apostate knights who found humility in their ragged appearance, filled him with both relief and rage.
Nightmare Moon was not too far away.
As he stared at them, the ponies began to chatter madly among themselves, their abject fear being made instantly clear to him.
Oh how he liked to see them squirm.
Laughing, he knew that none of the him would survive his judgment. He was, after all, the vicar of Celestia, pure and unconquerable.
Nothing could stop him.
–
“D-d-dragon!” Fluttershy squealed, jumping into the air and trying to make a dash for it.
“Get down, Fluttershy!” Rarity hissed, pulling her skittish friend back down to earth, “I've heard that some dragons can't see you if you don't move. They're not a very perceptive lot.”
“Quiet, both of you.” Storm Cloud whispered, “Let us take care of this.”
“What are you, Captain Butthead, Lt. Babysitter, and Private Shivers gonna do that we can't?” Rainbow asked, “This dragon's got nothing on the Elements of Harmony.”
“Sorry kid,” Lightning answered, “but this babysitter has lost his charge. If you have Twilight Sparkle hiding under your wings, by all means, send this dragon to the moon.”
Rainbow's face scrunched in displeasure.
“That's what I thought,” Lightning continued, “Like it or not, our best bet is on the captain's actions.”
“Like pig spit it is!” Applejack interjected, “You can't fight stupid with stupid. If anypony can butt heads with an overgrown lizard it's Fluttershy. How 'bout it, Shy, can you give him the ol' stare?”
“Umm, no thank you...”
As his party argued behind him, Braveheart locked eyes with the gigantic crimson dragon before him. It had to be more than twice the size of the one he had killed, and that had been a desperate fight. That beast was a young fool who didn't know his place, but this dragon with teeth like obsidian and claws like black diamonds was something different. There was a gleaming flame in his eyes that pierced the darkness and spoke ominously of a power that had been tested through the ages time and time again.
Even with Celestia's sword at his side, the captain knew this foe was beyond him. Unfortunately, this would mean that he'd have to play that game he always seemed to lose. Terribly.
Cautious diplomacy.
“All right dragon, I don't know you, you don't know me, you don't know anypony here.” Braveheart growled, “So get your ruby munching hide out of the way and we'll leave it at that. Kapish?”
As soon as the words escaped his mouth, Braveheart slapped himself for losing so horribly once more. To his surprise and chagrin, the dragon only laughed harder at his words. There was something malevolent about his cackle that struck the captain with fear, something insane. Standing his ground, Braveheart hesitated before speaking up again.
“What dragon? Don't you speak Equestrian? If you get out of the way, I promise you'll get all the treasure you could ever possibly want...to sit on. Or eat. Or whatever it is you lizards do with the stuff.”
“Ha! Yes, I speak the language, and far better than you I see.” Ajax replied, “I've gutted trolls with fairer tongues!”
Braveheart's left eye gave an irritated twitch. Normally he'd have Lightning take care of the talking, his lieutenant was pretty good at being detached and making things impersonal. However, it was one thing to have him speak to civilians and quite another to throw him in front of a dragon. Braveheart had to do this himself, for better or worse.
“Whatever, do we have a deal?”
Pausing his laughter, Ajax lowered his face to Braveheart's level and blew a billow of black smoke at the captain. As it filled his lungs and stung his eyes, Braveheart coughed and glared angrily at the dragon.
“Look pal, you don't know who you're messing with here!”
“Oh, I know exactly who you are.” Ajax said wearing a wry grin, “I've met you a hundred times. Sure, your eyes aren't quite the same, nor do you look the same color from when I last left your body hanging from the gibbet. Yet you are unmistakable to me, knight of darkness.”
“What did you call me?”
“By your title, heretic, does that not honor you? Or should I call you the Nightmare's slave? It'd be more fitting.”
Braveheart had expected this dragon to be different, but they way it spoke to him was truly unsettling. His eloquent words displayed intellect, yes, but their content was an exhibition of an ancient madness that the captain couldn't grasp.
“I have no idea what you're talking about,” Braveheart replied, “I have only one mistress, and I can sure as shit tell you it's not Nightmare Moon.”
“Liar, your dress and manners betray you.” Ajax coolly answered, “You are the spitting image of the Lunar Guard. A crass, ignorant, barbaric, and lawless beast draped in the color of sin and shadow! An oath-breaker if ever I've seen one!”
“Who are you, dragon?” Braveheart asked, doing his best to keep his calm by gritting his teeth, “Who are you to call me a traitor? And to whom? Last I checked, you dragons served only yourselves.”
Ajax loved this question, but before he could answer, he was interrupted.
“His name is Jack or something and don't get him started on it.” Rainbow Dash spoke up, “The guy has a knack for drama and long-winded stories like no other.”
Upon hearing the pegasus' raspy voice, the dragon sneered in displeasure.
“Rainbow Gnat! You insignificant little insect!”
“Hey, I call them as I see 'em.” Rainbow replied nonchalantly.
“Kid, you know this dragon?” Braveheart asked, impressed by the young mare's blunt boldness.
“Well, duh. I already told you, this is the dragon that tried to kill Luna.”
Braveheart gave pause. Once more he was confronted with a piece of the puzzle that fit perfectly with the Elements' account and what he saw in Zecora's hut. Again, he was conflicted. He didn't know whether to feel salvation or damnation from the revelation.
“Yeah, so what else do ya know, kid?” he asked Rainbow Dash.
“If I remember right, this guy says he fought in a war against Luna a thousand years ago. Oh, and he has a really, really big thing for Princess Celestia. And by big, I mean kinda psycho.”
At the mentioning of the princess, Ajax's brow furrowed and a puff of smoke escaped his nostrils.
“You have no right to speak Her name!”
“Whatever Jack...”
“My name is not Jack!” Ajax roared, “I am Ajax son of Mikhail, Supreme Commander of the Equestrian Armed Forces, Steward of Canterlot, Guardian of Everfree, and beloved ensign to Her Majesty Princess Celestia!”
“Potato, potatoe.” Rainbow said dismissively.
“Silence!”
“I mean, are you kidding me with that list? You're a dragon in the middle of nowhere who gets his kicks from giving history lectures and creeping on and on about Princess Celestia. You're not exactly the prince in shining armor you think you are.”
“You are as insolent as you are loud.” the dragon growled ,“I suppose you will deny your fealty to the moon goddess as well?”
“Tch, why'd I do that?” Rainbow scoffed, “ I stood by the princess when I kicked ya dead square in the teeth, you think I'd ditch her because you decided to swing that ugly face of yours back my way? Forget it! I'm not a yellow-feathered coward like you.”
Ajax was about to respond with a burst of flame, but Rainbow didn't let him.
“You think it takes courage to stand up for Celestia? The most powerful pony in the world? Hate to break it to you, but that's about as brave as crossing the street. I'm not perfect, but I'll stand up for anypony who's not given a fair shot or a second chance. Luna deserves one. I bet Celestia gave you one too, but you're not dragon enough to 'fess up to your mistakes.”
At the pegasus' words, Ajax grimaced as if an arrow had pierced his hide.
“I've had enough of you!” the dragon growled before facing Braveheart, “So you claim that you don't serve Nightmare Moon, and yet you keep company with her courtiers? Do you take me for a fool?”
The two soldiers stared at one another, neither blinking once.
As he stood in silence, the captain thought of the gutsy pegasus who last sparred with the dragon. Rainbow's brashness had shocked everypony, even Braveheart. The captain, despite the tense situation, found himself admiring and approving not only of Rainbow's fearless loyalty, but the way she had brought the dragon down a notch with a few simple words. The pegasus was courageous in a way few ponies were. Some would call spiting in a dragon's face folly, but this pegasus knew the dragon's weakness and exploited it: pride, the bane of many warriors.
Including himself.
Rainbow's brief lesson in humility was one he had learned early and often forgot. It was usually Celestia or Storm, though, who reminded him of it, not some kid. But then again, this wasn't just any kid. The Element of Loyalty was indeed an awesome sight to behold.
In regards to Ajax, the captain was daunted by the dragon's claims. It was now of little wonder how the beast injured Princess Luna. Not only that, it explained why a dragon spoke and acted like a noble knight of the Canterlot Court rather than a greedy scaled thug. But what was of particular interest was the title the two shared.
After a minute-long stand-off, Braveheart replied.
“No, what I see is a no-good pretender.”
With one quick movement, Braveheart tore back his hood and revealed the unmistakeable red crest of his golden helm to the dragon.
“You love to talk like a noble, don't ya? Then let me put this into words you'll get, Commander. I am Braveheart, Captain of Her Majesty's Royal Guard and Her one true ensign! In Her name I order you to stand down and submit to Her will.”
To Braveheart's surprise, the dragon didn't even blink.
“Was that supposed to cow me?” Ajax laughed, “You forsook claim to all royal titles the moment I caught you aiding the Nightmare's disciples. The only difference between you and them is what fashion you wear. What lies beneath is the same.”
Ajax moved his head closer to Braveheart and whispered sinisterly.
“A traitor.”
The captain pulled away and shook his head.
“You're crazy.”
“Crazy?” Ajax asked, “Then swear it. Swear on Celestia's life and honor. Is it not true that you are protecting Nightmare Moon's servants?”
Braveheart hesitated and thought wildly for a way out. He could draw Celestia's sword to prove himself, but he'd be an idiot to brandish the blade. Dragons didn't take too kindly to aggression from ponies, no matter who they are. Just the notion that Braveheart had the guts to challenge him would be an unforgivable insult to Ajax's honor. Battle would become unavoidable.
The red dragon, seeing the captain's anxiety, gave a toothy smile as he awaited Braveheart's admission. The answer that was returned, however, surprised both soldiers.
“He ain't servin' any Nightmare Moon!” Applejack shouted, breaking to the fore and giving the dragon a nasty look. “None of us are. Ah swear that on my Granny's good name, bless her heart.”
“Foolish little pony, oaths are not to be taken lightly!” the dragon shot back, “May I thousand plagues fall on your kin!”
“I ain't lyin', dragon, I don't hardly ever lie. I ain't got the heart for bein' a weasel.” Applejack replied with stout conviction, “First off, Ah fer one don't serve anypony. Ah help 'em. Second, Nightmare Moon's been pushin' up daisies for more than a year now. Us five and Twilight did the honors.”
“A ridiculous tale!”
“Hush up an' let me finish!” Applejack barked back, impressing everypony, especially the captain, with her ferocity, “Today Ah helped the true goddess of the night, Luna, Celestia's little sister, to search for the missing princess. That's what we're all here doin', tryin' to find a way to get Celestia back and yer not doin' us a lick of good by talkin' down to us with yer threats. All yer doin is grabbin' at anything that makes us look bad and glazin' over the truth so that you can feel like the good guy! But hey, you wouldn't be the first today.”
Applejack's eyes shifted to Braveheart, all her disdain for him present in her gaze.
“Ah must be seein' doubles now, 'cause Ah can't tell the two of you apart for the life of me!”
The captain shifted uncomfortably at the farmer's comment. At the same time, he was struck by Applejack's decision to defend him Sure, she had a lot at stake here too, but the gesture was something Braveheart had difficulty understanding. He was so sure that Applejack was no different from anypony who suffered loss. Her hatred for him should have bled over into acts of vindictive pettiness, but here she stood up for not just him, but for a reality she too had found distasteful. Her sense of honesty, although teetering between noble conviction and bitter admission, underscored her commitment to an undeniable truth. It was an unwavering principle that nopony, not even Braveheart, could change. The Element of Honesty was a pony by blood, but her spirit was something far greater that spoke of the divine, of Celestia.
Braveheart could not help but feel jealous of Applejack's strength. He felt inferior by comparison, something he hated more than anything. Though he felt challenged, the captain grudgingly found respect for Applejack.
“Luna is just another name for Nightmare Moon,” Ajax replied, unamused that he would even have to explain, “It is just as the insect so crudely put it. Potato, potatoe. She is an indivisible evil, no illusion she can conjure will ever change that.”
“My, I never thought a lonely dragon sleeping in Everfree to be so learned in matters of the spirit, not to mention current events.” Rarity said, sarcastically entering the conversation, herself breaking from the encirclement of guards. Using her horn for light, the unicorn looked intently at the dragon, sizing him up accordingly.
“Shame, you have such a refined tongue and the most beautiful onyx teeth imaginable. You could make quite the stir in Canterlot.” she said, “But your arrogance betrays your simple mind, dear. You might as well be roaring at us as common dragons do.”
As if on cue the dragon let loose a mighty roar that blew Rarity's mane back and slightly frazzled the fashonista.
“...Yes, like that.” she said, trying to fix her mane back into its original shape, “Now think Ajax. How long have you slept?”
Ajax glared at Rarity for a moment, bur answered her question nonetheless.
“...earlier this year. It is difficult to tell.”
“And before that?”
“Only ten years.”
“Yes, good. Now, consider the idea that time and life for the rest of the world keeps going on while you sleep. The one you knew has been gone for ages, and a lot has changed since.”
“Really?” the red dragon responded snidely, “Unicorns are still as condescending and pretentious as I remember them to be.”
“Forgive me if it seems that I'm spelling this out to you,” Rarity calmly answered, “but you address us so rudely in archaic terms and demeaning names. Lunar Guard? I haven't the faintest idea of who they were or what they did, save maybe protect Luna. What is even more stressful about this whole mess is that you haven't asked us our names or about the signs of the time. For Celestia's sake, you outright dismissed Applejack's news without a thought or showing her an ounce of respect!”
“Respect? The only being I respect and honor is Princess Celestia. Most of you ponies are ungrateful and weak; it only attests to Her Majesty's power that your race survives. The lot of you are like dust to me; irritating and everywhere. Complaining, fighting, sinning. Disgusting beasts unfit to kiss Her Majesty's hoof!”
At the dragon's declaration, Braveheart grew even more uneasy. Looking at Rarity, however, gave him a strange sense of assurance. The elegant unicorn's confidence and sense of dignity made her strong, this he had learned from a painful slap. Even as Celestia's servant towered above her, Rarity's composure remained unchanged. A look of determination was illuminated by the light of her horn, a shimmer of hope in an all-consuming darkness. The Element of Generosity was able to understand the dragon while also trying to guide him back to the light. Braveheart saw there was something fascinating in her demeanor, something almost royal...no, not just that. Something like a princess.
“So, you answer to power. Unsurprising for a dragon, to be frank. But tell me Ajax, have you ever heard of the Elements of Harmony?”
“They are the ultimate weapons of the sun goddess. She alone can control their might.”
“Tsk-tsk, poor dear,.” Rarity simply replied, “How wrong you are...”
Pulling the wool coat she was wearing from around her neck, the unicorn showed off the sapphire encrusted necklace to the dragon.
“See this lovely jewel and how it matches my cutie mark? This is the channel from which the power of the Element of Generosity flows. My power.”
At last something managed to catch Ajax's curiosity. The dragon reared his enormous head towards Rarity and eyed the jewel.
“Impossible, 'tis nothing but a fraud.” he muttered, “Nopony but Celestia can survive the intensity of its power, let alone wield it.”
“Oh, its quite genuine. My friends and I represent the six elements that uphold this world. Isn't that curious? Who would think that so much would depend on six friends? We were brought together and united by destiny's benign hand to be given the task of taking up Celestia's mantle when she was all but powerless. I admit that I don't know how this came to be, but it is as undeniable as your love for the princess is.”
“Blasphemous witch!” Ajax shouted, “If what you say is true, show me that you can harness its magic! Strike me down with it!”
Rarity paused, thinking quickly about how to respond. She was hoping that the dragon would blindly respect a power greater than Celestia's. Unfortunately, by challenging the sun goddess, she had inadvertently tread into dangerous territory.
Thankfully her friends had her back.
“Silly, if we did that, you'd be a big ol' rock!” Pinkie giggled, bouncing up to the dragon's face, “I don't think Princess Celestia would like us stone-ifying her most favorite and special dragon, don't you?”
Ajax did as all do when meeting the exuberant pink pony: he looked her over in disbelief.
“...I suppose...” he growled.
“Exactly! By the way, I'm Pinkie Pie, but you can just call me Pinkie 'cause that's shorter and I know when you just want to get something quick across but you have to spend all that time saying all those extra words you don't really need to say to be understood, it eats up like a whole extra millisecond. I mean, who wants to give that up just 'cause they think they need to say “Pie” every time they want to talk? I mean think about it, my friends could have wasted three whole seconds this year just saying my name! You know what I mean?”
The dragon shook himself and stared for a moment, trying to decipher just exactly what she said.
“Time means less to me than it does for your own kind, pony.” Ajax said slowly, his fury subdued by Pinkie's strangeness, “A second could be a year; a month no more than a day. Only the millenia is of any worth to me as I stand my lonely watch over the forest.”
Hearing this Pinkie nearly frowned. The way that Ajax talked so much made it sound like he had spent forever alone with nopony to listen to him. This dragon had no friends other than the princess; it was no wonder why he was so mean. If she could change that, maybe she could change him.
“What's life without time?” Pinkie asked, “Every moment is precious and unique if you have the guts to go out there and make it your own! It's like what Rarity was sayin', we can live for a better day, one full of sunshine and flowers, or we can keep fighting that same old fight the same way over and over with nothing ever changing. Remember when I said how Celestia wouldn't like it if you were a rock? Well Ajax, you're kind of like a rock all ready.”
Pausing for breath, Pinkie could see that she still had Ajax's attention. She needed to connect with him someway, and it had to be from the heart. The dragon seemed to have a flare for the dramatic, so Pinkie tried her utmost best to make her message as exciting as possible to him.
“But that's okay. I grew up on a rock farm, so I know a thing or two about rocks and let me tell ya, even a boring rock can become something that can put a smile on somepony's face. Sure it takes time, and yeah, they're hard, cold, and dull most of the time. The conditions just have to be right; sometimes ya got to be upfront: 'heat 'em up and stamp 'em down' as dad used to say. But other times you gotta take it slow and let nature do most of the work. But even then, ya gotta rotate them by the hour to make sure every bit of it gets the polishing it needs. By the time harvest comes, all you need is a little muscle to crack 'em open. And that's when you see it. A thousand brilliant shining stars locked inside, each one unique and special. Crazy, huh? Who'd think that something so rough and tough could be so awesome and beautiful?”
Patting the dragon on the snout, Pinkie smiled.
“The same goes with making friends! Even your biggest enemy can be your friend tomorrow if you just reach out and treat them in the right way! I mean what is an enemy anyway? They're just future friends we got a bad start with, that's all. Sure, first impressions are important, but as my granny said “you can't judge a book by its cover.” 'There's always something deeper down inside that brings us all together.”
Pinkie moved in and whispered none too quietly.
“Do you know what that something is?”
“Here it comes...” Rainbow Dash said rolling her eyes.
“A party!”
Pinkie's heartfelt words moved the captain profoundly. It seemed that this pink pony before him embodied all the virtues and values espoused by the sun goddess to the point of near parody. But the Element of Laughter was not a joke, she was all that pony-kind strove to become. To embrace the innocence of foals is an ancient wisdom, but it is also a paradox that does not lend itself easily to the trials of life. Pinkie defied all reason by internalizing the inherent contradiction and proving the impossible to be quite possible. Reflecting over the course of the day, Braveheart realized that the eccentric mare's gushing idealism had saved him from his own realist conceit. If it was not for her, he would have come down with an iron hoof on the night princess and the ponies who got in his way, perhaps dooming the earth. Pinkie's unshakeable faith in her fellow pony was strange and unorthodox to him, but she had shown time and again that it was not misplaced. Indeed, Braveheart was shown to be the fool for placing his faith in brute strength and authority. For this reason the captain couldn't quite understand Pinkie's wisdom, but neither could he fully grasp Celestia's at times. In a strange way, he felt comforted by this fact.
He could only hope Ajax felt the same way.
Indeed, the dragon had not taken his eyes off Pinkie Pie. Staring at her for a few brief moments, Ajax let out a light chuckle. Pinkie, happy to see this, giggled in response. Soon the two were roaring with laughter, but it did not spread to anypony else. The others looked nervously as Ajax brought himself under control to smile grimly at Pinkie.
“To think the Nightmare's jester should make me laugh like a dragonling! I have not heard such foolishness told with such a straight face since last I saw Morning Star, wretched and accursed! You honestly expect me to believe in the power of friendship, fool?”
The dragon leered at Pinkie who nervously kicked at the ground and avoided eye contact.
“Uh, well...you know...kinda?”
“Ha! Well let me tell you about the true nature of friendship,” the dragon growled, “the more 'friends' you claim to love, the weaker you become. In war or in life, you utterly give yourself to them until they become part of you, eating away at your soul like insatiable parasites. The more you care for them, the greater it detracts from what needs to be defended most: goddess and nation. Friendship dilutes reason and distills a thousand stupid ideas. War quickly teaches you this. If I had followed your example, I, would have been destroyed by Nightmare Moon and Morning Star. But you'd like that, wouldn't you proveyor of lies?!”
“That's not what I meant at all...” Pinkie replied, almost at loss of words. She couldn't believe how the dragon twisted friendship of all things into being an evil.
“Enough! I have heard enough from you pest!” Ajax interrupted raising his claw to the sky, “Judgment shall fall on your head first!”
Braveheart gripped his sword in response to the dragon's threat. He'd be damned if he let the dragon touch even one of Pinkie's curly locks.
But he would not be the first one to come to Pinkie's defense.
The captain, although ready and alert, was put to shame by the swift wings of Fluttershy, that meek little pegasus he had nearly forgotten about. She was known throughout Equestria for her reclusive, withdrawn nature and yet here Fluttershy stood between friend and foe with her wings protectively outstretched and her head held up high. The pegasus' body quivered nervously, but her expression was stern and resolute.
“Ajax son of Mikhail!” Fluttershy scolded, causing the dragon to recoil, “You should be ashamed of yourself! Life and death are not things you can give and take as you see fit. Not even Celestia can give life to the dead, so who do you think you are to deliver death to the living?”
Ajax briefly glanced away and looked back to Fluttershy. It was clear by his face that he didn't have an answer. Seeing her chance to get the upperhoof, the pegasus gave the red dragon a piercing stare, the same one that had brought the dragon of the lonely mountain to its knees. At the sight of Fluttershy, the dragon impulsively flinched but quickly gathered himself and met her gaze with his own fiery, leering eyes. Unlike Ajax, Fluttershy was not daunted by her adversary. The Element of Kindness was not about to allow wickedness to triumph.
“Please leave us alone Ajax!” she demanded, her usually timid manner subsumed by her keen sense of urgency and danger, “ Let us have a chance to save our world for a better tomorrow. If you want to live in the horrid past that made you a monster, I suggest that you...you go back to sleep and dream.”
“I will not be subdued by the stare of some yellow winged rat!” Ajax retorted, “I am the spirit of the earth incarnate and guardian of this forest! You will submit to me!”
The two stared at one another with incredible intensity as they became locked in a battle of wills. To Ajax's amazement, however, he soon found himself trembling as if his entire being was on the verge of collapse. The painful truth struck him hard. He could not defeat Fluttershy. Somehow, this pegasus had a bond with the earth stronger than his own. It was an impossible idea. He couldn't accept it.
So he didn't.
Flapping his wings to create a mighty gust, the crafty dragon weaseled his way out of the contest by blowing Fluttershy off her hooves and into the forest. Hearing a nasty clunk, everypony looked to see that Fluttershy had slammed her head into a tree.
“...Ouch.”
Ajax would have laughed, but he was growing weary of all these challenges to his power and authority.
“This trial is over!” the dragon roared, “You are all guilty, guilty of treason, guilty of blasphemy, guilty of life! In Celestia's name, I damn you all to death!”
Pinkie's tail twitched and she immediately responded. Hopping to the side she narrowly avoided being crushed by the dragon's claws.
Seeing the beast lash out at last, Braveheart knew the time for action had come. He had to meet senseless aggression with concerted aggression, the dragon had forfeit all other options the moment he attacked Pinkie.
The ringing of steel resounded throughout the forest as the captain drew Celestia's sword and thrust the blade into the dragon's outstretched claw, just managing to penetrate the thick scales. Howling in pain, the dragon withdrew his hand and looked in awe at the blood that slowly rose to the surface. With fear and anger he turned his attention back on Braveheart only to be devastated by the sight of Celestia's golden blade in the mouth of a pathetic little pegasus.
“How dare you take my own sword up against me!”
“You fucked up, dragon.” Braveheart quipped, slamming the sword into the earth, “I am Celestia's ensign, this sword I hold is hers, not yours. In her name I defend the Elements of Harmony who bear her image and...and her little sister too, Princess Luna.”
“Fool!” the dragon sneered, “Celestia is my sword, and I hers! Our union is bound by blood of which means you will never know! That piece of steel you hold is only a symbol of her love for me. If you wish a clean, quick death, give it back to me.”
“I've never been one for an easy death.” Braveheart growled, “Even if I were, I'd doubt you could give me one. You can't even win a staring contest against a timid little pegasus without having to cheat, not exactly the stuff of legends.”
“Silence! Let the fates determine who the true seraph among us is! He who reigns victorious in battle shall alone hold Her sword aloft!”
Braveheart hesitated for a moment, looking back to the Elements and his soldiers. His gaze met with Storm's for a brief second. Despite the apprehension in her eyes, she gave him a reassuring smile. He gave her a quick wink in response.
“You wanna duel? Fine, let the best soldier prove themself.” Braveheart answered, facing the dragon, “I'm not a stranger to dragon slaying, maybe I'll have Miss. Rarity here make a nice pair of boots out of your scaly ass.”
Rarity blushed at the vile comment while Storm Cloud had to assure Fluttershy that the captain was only trying to intimidate Ajax.
“Excellent,” the dragon replied, “I haven't had any good sport in ages. Your helm shall make for a lovely trophy. I have just the place for it in my hoard!”
With that, the beast unleashed a burst of flaming breath. Narrowly dodging the blast, Braveheart grasped the sun goddess' sword once more and took to the sky.
/--
Seeing the two engage one another in combat, Lightning went to draw his sword only to be reminded he had nothing but a a hunk of wood. He had hoped that the magic, cast in the unicorn's haste, was unstable and that the weapon would revert to its original form after an hour or so. But this was Twilight Sparkle's doing; it had her mark of perfection written all over it. Sighing, Lightning cursed under his breath. He had betrayed her trust twice at the edge of a sword. She would have been a fool to leave it in his care again. Once more she had left him completely powerless and, again, he could not blame her the slightest for it.
As he watched Braveheart fight, he felt compelled to join his captain against the amoral beast, weapon or no weapon. Even if he could only serve as a distraction...
Spreading his wings, he was ready to fly before feeling himself jerked backward.
“What the hay do you think you're doing?” Storm Cloud hissed, “The captain accepted a duel, that's a one on one game. Braveheat'd be pissed if you tried to mix yourself into it.”
“Are you crazy?” Lightning replied, “Let's ignore the fact the beast is 100 meters tall and harbors some sort of insane grudge against us. The captain is still fighting a bloody dragon. Alone. We have to help him somehow.”
“And what do you suggest we do? Throw these sticks at the beast?” Storm Cloud retorted, causing Lightning to look away “That's what I thought. Don't worry about the captain, he's done this kind of job before.”
“Yeah, once.”
“Have faith, he's the best of the best.”
“He's still only a pegasus.”
“I hate to rush you all along,” Rarity broke in, “ But I'm going to anyway. If we want to be productive, we should best be on our way. Your captain has given us the opportunity, it'd be a shame to waste it.”
“Normally Ah'd be with ya on that Rarity,” Applejack joined, “But take a gander over yonder, Godzilla ain't lettin' us off that easy.”
Applejack pointed ahead. With the light of her magic, Rarity could see just what Applejack was talking about. Broken branches and even some leveled trees had been left in the dragon's wake. What was even worse was the fact that Ajax had disturbed the surrounding snow, completely destroying Luna's trail.
“My, this is rather...unfortunate.”
“That's puttin' it lightly, Rarity. Ah'd say we're a might screwed.”
“Applejack!”
“Jus' bein' honest.”
Turning to the two officers, Applejack spoke with her usual candor.
“As much as Ah'd love leadin' y'all through Everfree, Ah can't. You folk are trained fer the job, so how 'bout we sweat a little less 'bout your captain and a little more fer our own skins?”
Surveying the layout of the land as best he could, Lightning quickly had an answer.
“Very well Miss. Apple, I have a tentative plan.”
Without looking back, he shouted.
“Private, front and center!”
Obeying the command, Blizzard Freeze quickly presented himself to his superiors and stood at attention.
“Yes sir?”
“You're from the EAF, correct?”
“Yes I am sir. I'm part of the Northern Legion, 2nd Battalion, Chickenhawk Company...”
“I got the picture. Have you served as a scout?”
“Yes, I mean, that's what my company does. Most of the officers are full fledged rangers.”
“Good. Listen up and listen well. I need you to check the woods ahead for any trace you can find of Twilight or Princess Luna. Be quick, I'm giving you 10 minutes so flap those feathers! We'll wait for you back here.”
“Yes sir.”
After saluting his superior, Blizzard flew deeper into the forest.
“10 minutes!” Applejack interjected, “Why don't ya give him the whole darn day? We'd be better off spreadin' out lookin' ourselves 'stead of lookin' like a bunch of sittin' ducks!”
“Look, you asked for my leadership, you got it.” Lightning snapped back, “I'm not going to let anypony, especially an Element, wander around Everfree alone. It's better to be a sitting duck than a plain dead duck, they used to say at the academy. If we stay put, we at least have the option of orderly retreating. If we run aimlessly into the forest searching for clues, that dragon will become the least of our worries.”
Applejack didn't respond but nodded her head in solemn agreement. She had made the mistake of wandering on her own already. The lieutenant reminded her that it wasn't an experience she exactly wanted to repeat again.
However, Storm wasn't as agreeable.
“C'mon Lightning, you're going to play it safe again?” the officer said sternly, “I say we make a break for it, we don't need anymore bad accidents like the one in Ponyville.”
The mentioning of her village caught Rarity's intrigue.
“Excuse me, but what do you mean by “bad accident”? Surely your captain didn't brutalize anypony in just the short time he's been back?”
Storm shot Rarity a dirty look.
“You can't pin this one on Braveheart, princess. We have a foal with a fishing pole cutie mark, blue, probably seven-or-so-years-old who's lying in the Ponyville morgue right now. You know why? Because a silver tongued 'Nightmare Moon' made a special appearance at your botique and whipped up a panic in town.”
“Wha-, wha-are you saying that I'm to blame? That I did it? A-absurd, why...why...I never.”
The blood drained from Rarity's face as she stuttered to give a response. Twilight had been right; she had carelessly played with the lives of others as if they had been faceless dolls at her disposal. But they weren't; they were her friends and neighbors with colorful, splendid lives of their own. This young colt, too, had been a pony she knew. Storm's description left no doubt in her mind.
His name had been Neap Tide, Spring Tide's pride and joy. Rarity had tailored him a dashing little suit for his eighth birthday party just a few months ago. Unlike many of the foals she did work for, Neap didn't squirm or complain while she fitted him,even when she pricked him with a needle. After the ordeal, he had asked Rarity in the most adorablely timid voice whether the ensemble she made for him would attract a certain filly. Being the romantic she was, Rarity told him that the suit didn't make a stallion. A true gentlecolt was marked by his chivalry and confidence. Any mare would fall in love with one who was restrained but passionate, noble but humble, serious but playful. Again, the foal asked her if the suit would help him out. She had simply laughed and sent him along his way with these departing words.
“You'll learn someday.”
Rarity never imagined that she would be so wrong. Little Neap would never know love beyond that of an innocent crush. The beauty of true love, that mystery of mysteries born of passion and trial, was forever lost to him. The affairs of the heart are the most noble in life, to be without them is to never have never lived. And she, Rarity, had deprived young Neap Tide of ever discovering their joys and bitterness. Not only had she done that, but she had killed that new life love kindles between two ponies. Was there a filly out there in the world whose future prince she had murdered? Was the unfortunate girl doomed to be a shade shifting lifelessly from place to place like a whisp in the wind?
What sort of evil had she done? But what had been Rarity's alternative? What choice did she have?
Tragedy. She had abused the word in the past, throwing it around everytime she lost a button or used the wrong lace on a dress. To her, it had been the stuff of high literature. Sure she had studied all the classics, but she could only pity the ponies between the pages. How could she truly empathize with their plight? Never had she truly felt the pangs of tragedy's injustice nor the infantile helplessness it engendered.
Was this all the works of conspiring Fates as Fluttershy suggested?
No, no. That would be an insult to the memory of the young colt, but Rarity could find no answer. How could there be no answer? The absence of truth left her vacant and cold. Though only ten seconds or so had passed, she felt trapped in time, a prisoner of her sin.
Rarity's catatonic expression and lapse into silence wasn't lost to Storm either. The seargent could see the guilt in her eyes, but she didn't want to make much hay of it now. Not when there was an insane dragon flying just above their heads.
“No, I have no idea who orchestrated your little prison break.” Storm replied, her words fast and heavy, snapping Rarity back to attention, “It could've been you, it could've been Princess Luna. I don't know, I don't care. You know why? Because we all share in his death, everyone of us playing this damned game of cat and mouse did him in somehow. Lightning, Twilight, me, you. Doesn't matter. So don't take it too hard and keep your head up. We're going to need you alert if we want to get out of this forest alive.”
“Wh-Why, yes.” Rarity said, still distant and somewhat frazzled, “Of course. Forgive me.”
“Good girl, now let's round up and get ready.”
Turning behind, Storm saw Fluttershy comforting a distraught Pinkie Pie. Obviously the dragon's cruelty had not meshed well with the Element of Laughter. More concerning than Pinkie's light sobs, however, was the absence of a certain pegasus.
“Where the hay is Rainbow Dash?!”
/
Breaking through the thick boughs of the forest, Braveheart and Ajax faced one another under the pitch-black sky.
No longer protected by the thick forest, both warriors felt the sting of the North Wind mercilessly penetrate them. A swirl of thick white snow hampered their vision and dulled their judgment. As both adjusted to the battlefield, they searched within themselves the strength to engage their foe. Though neither would ever admit it, they were both exhausted and beaten. Braveheart had flown from Canterlot in terrible conditions twice and had been defeated by both Luna and Applejack. Ajax, too, had battled the princess and sustained terrible blows, but a more pressing problem was the crippling frost surrounding him. Dragons of his breed tended to live in volcanoes. As such, the cold was perhaps the more challenging of his adversaries.
Nonetheless, driven by their conviction and pride, the two shook off their weariness and charged at the other. No more speeches were given. No battlecries were shouted. No grunts, screams, or growls could be heard over the wind's own terrifying roar.
At last the two collided. Ajax slashed at the captain only to be paid in kind with a swift stroke from Celestia's golden sword. The beast's hardened scales, however, repelled the blow and Ajax suffered little pain. Unaware of the minimal impact his attack had, Braveheart slashed at the dragon's leg as he passed him. Dodging a jet of flame as he prepared for another run, Braveheart was dismayed to see that Celestia's blade had done such little damage. The last dragon he fought at least bled when touched by the holy sword, but this one's hide seemed to be impervious save in one respect.
It could be pierced.
As he evaded the bursts of flame in the hopes of landing a blow, the captain's face was splashed with the melted precipitation. His sight blurred, he clumsily tried to stab at Ajax as the behemoth met him head on once more. Unfortunately, it is physically difficult for a pegasus to thrust a sword in mid-flight. Braveheart again missed his target, but, luckily for him, so did the dragon.
Like a joust, Braveheart and Ajax continued to exchange blows and retreat before returning back to the fray. Before they clashed, Ajax's flames would light up the night sky, making spectating possible.
Something that Rainbow Dash took full advantage of.
Bored and put off by the internal bickering between her friends and supposed guardians, she had decided to see first hoof if Braveheart could really live up to the legend. Although she had a general dislike for the captain based on the very little she knew of him, Rainbow had to admit that the guy was pretty, well, brave and stuff. Both of these qualities Rainbow held in high-esteem, so it wasn't too strange she'd be attracted to the battle. But there was something else too, something about Ajax.
As the pegasus watched Celestia's elite warriors exchange blows over and over in Her name, she became utterly fixiated. Suddenly, the pegasus became aware that she could see the fight more clearly and looked down to see the Element of Loyalty illuminating the night with a brilliant red light. Never had she seen it shine so intensely; it felt as though it had caught on fire. Like a bizzare, natural high, Rainbow felt a jolt of excitement and wonder pass through her. Soon she found herself in a trance-like state, unable to think of anything but the unfolding struggle before her.
This really was the stuff of legends and epics.
The battle continued fierce and heavy, with neither letting up the slightest. But as Braveheart botched yet another opportunity to stick the dragon, he began to reevaluate his strategy.
“I'll never get a good shot at that fuckin' chicken-iguana from the air,” he thought, “let's see if I can't ground the bastard!”
With Celestia's sword firmly in grip, the captain charged again at the dragon. This time, however, he didn't go for the kill. Rather, he slipped behind Ajax and dragged the blade across one of the dragon's webbed wings, leaving a brutal, bloody rip. For the first time, the beast roared in abject pain. Before the angry dragon could recover, Braveheart pierced the other wing, leaving a nasty, gaping hole. Attempting a third and final run to level his opponent, Braveheart found himself in a terrible position. Seeing the pegasus left in the open, Ajax smacked the unlucky captain back with a single strike of his claw. The bold pegasus felt himself flying back, his black cloak in tatters and his armor ripped open as if it were no more than tin. Shell-shocked, Braveheart shook himself and accessed his condition. Seeing a little blood flow from his side, it was clear that Ajax had left his mark but it was far from lethal. More pressing was the sharp sting he felt in his chest, a good indication that he had broken some ribs.
Catching his breath through the pain, Braveheart could see that Ajax was now beating his wings harder and faster to keep airborne but losing altitude nonetheless, much to the captain's relief. Sighing, Braveheart knew what he had to do to win, but he would only have one chance to get it right.
Flying high into the stratosphere above, Braveheart looked below and could just make out Ajax's massive body trying madly to catch up with him but to little avail. With time and speed on his side, Braveheart paused and readied himself for the dangerous feat he was about to perform. Like all his predecessors before him, the captain muttered a brief prayer.
“Dearest Princess Celestia, let your justice fall on he who deserves it...be it my foe or myself.”
After kissing it reverently, Braveheart took Celestia's sword by the hilt, hurled the blade toward the earth below and quickly gave chase to it. Straight and true the sword decended, its tip piercing and taming even the wild winds. As Braveheart approached the magic blade, a vortex of flame grew from around the sword and wrapped itself around the captain. Feeling the flame graze him, Braveheart's feathers caught fire as he plummeted to meet Ajax for one last time. Though resistant as any other pegasus, the burning pain was still intense.
In the skys below, Rainbow Dash looked on in awe as she saw the pillar of fire descend from the heavens. It wasn't its speed that stuck her. No, in relation to the Sonic Rainboom, it was ominously slow. Rather, it was its terrifying beauty and majesty that kept the pegasus in place. Even the wind and the snow ceased to blow as if in silent admiration and respect for the divine spectacle.
“Kid, what the-”
Rainbow turned around to see Storm Cloud burst forth from the umbrage of Everfree. At first she looked surprised to see the fire in the sky, but a sly grin soon replaced any sign of it. Joining Rainbow Dash at her side, the officer spoke with happy words as if all her worries had vanished in an instant.
“You know a thing or two about tricks, dontcha Dash?”
“Sure.” she replied, her attention still fixed on the battle, “I'd say it's straight outta Spitfire's playbook, but I got a feelin' this is way more than a trick.”
“Haha, right you are, but trick or not, you're in for a treat here. Few ponies ever get to see the Empyrean Judgement on full display!”
“This fight is done.” Storm Cloud confidently beamed as she watched Ajax trying to stay airborne, “Just look at him flail; the captain did a better job than I thought.”
But Storm misread Ajax completely. The arrogant dragon was not attempting to flee from her captain, he was trying to meet him once more. Being born of fire, the spectacular spiral did little to frighten or intimidate the crimson dragon. Furthermore, he doubted the little bastard could actually pull off the Empyrean Judgement without succumbing to its power. More than anything, Ajax wanted to snatch the sword from the sky and let the wind scatter what was left of the blasphemous heathen to the four corners of the earth. If by some stroke of luck the Empyrean's fire did not kill Braveheart, then the dragon's would.
Ajax mustered his waning strength and charged as best he could at the on-coming column of flame. Reaching forth as if ready to catch the sword, the haughy beast presented his enemy with an excellent opening. With terrifying impact, the two clashed in a golden explosion of light and fire as Braveheart drove the red-hot blade into the beast's thick scales. This time Ajax did not roar, he shrieked as he felt the captain repeatedly drive the steel into the wound. Unable to overcome the incredible force of the Empyrean Judgment, Ajax tumbled from the sky while Braveheart continued to cling to the beast's chest, wedging the blade deeper and deeper into his flesh in a desperate attempt to find the dragon's elusive heart. After crashing through the thick umbrage of Everfree, Ajax's body broke the ground beneath him. The energy released from the impact felt like an earthquake, making it instantly known to Applejack and company.
–/
“...what in tarnation?” Applejack sputtered as she tried to keep her balance. As the vibrations ceased, an eiree calm prevaded across the forest
“...is it...over?” Fluttershy weakly asked the lieutenant.
“...I wouldn't count on it.” Lightning responded after thinking for a moment, “If Braveheart's done the deed, he'll come back to us...hey, wait, it's now safe!”
Ignoring Lightning Strike completely, Pinkie Pie ran off in the direction of the crash.
“Damn it!” he cursed, “Get back here!”
“Yer wastin' yer breath, tonto.” Applejack said, starting after her friend, “She's one too short of common sense sometimes, so I gotta pick up the slack for her. C'mon now, are you guardin' us or not?”
Lightning, looked at Rarity and Fluttershy. The two friends nodded at one another in mutual understanding and followed Applejack and Pinkie Pie. The impotent lieutenant angrily sighed and joined them.
/
Braveheart opened his eyes and found himself laying in the snow just a couple meters away from Ajax. He had only been out of it for maybe a half-a-minute or so, but his head still felt fuzzy and numb. His senses were in tatters as he rose to his hooves, and looked at the massive, yet motionless body before him. Finding Celestia's sword resting by the head of the dragon, Braveheart stumbled over to retreive it. Grabbing the hilt, the captain felt as though something was watching him. Turning around quickly, he saw that his foe's eyes were closed. Seeing little life present, Braveheart sighed and clutched his side. The bleeding had stopped, but the aching pain in his chest made it difficult for him to breathe. Normally he would gloat over the remains of his defeated enemy, but this blasted dragon would never get the standard fare. No, all Braveheart could do was spit at the ground in contempt and even this cost him some blood. Before the captain could turn around, he felt the earth twitch slightly under him.
“...Shit.”
Now sooner did his curse leave his mouth did Ajax's black eye open. With an intense hatred it burned as it focused on Braveheart. Quickly, the dragon balled his claws, signaling to Braveheart that the fight had been far from won. Indeed, the dragon rose from the snow with such vigor and strength that it would seem that the Empyrean Judgement had enfused his spirit with a new, terrible power. Watching the dragon roar in triumph, Braveheart stood his ground while trying to gather his wits.
“Impressive, few have stood against me for so long.” Ajax shouted, “But few have been so foolish as to try to turn the fires of the Empyrean against me. You have only freed me from winter's frozen shackles and assured your doom!”
“If you're so sure of yourself,” answered Braveheart, “shut the fuck up and finish me!”
For all his newfound energy, Ajax felt himself hindered by tremendous pain in his chest. Looking at his wound, he found that Braveheart had wrought more damage than he had thought. The crimson color of his scales deceptively hid the flowing blood that now covered his torso.
“What's the hold-up you cocky son of an iguana?” Braveheart shouted, trying to shield his own injury from the dragon, “Did a wussy little moon-lovin' turncoat pegasus runt give you a boo-boo? Buck the fuck up and fight!”
Tired of the crude captain's insults, Ajax released a breath of flame. Narrowly dodging the fire, Braveheart his behind a tree with the hope that the darkness of night would keep him hidden.
“Coward!” Ajax roared, “You dare call me a weakling and flee? I will find you if I have to uproot every tree in this entire forest!”
Keeping his promise, Ajax ripped entire trees from the earth and cast them effortlessly aside. Breathing heavily, Braveheart knew he had to wait for an opening if he was to survive. Seeing that the Ajax's arrogance was his greatest weakness, all Braveheart had to do was wait for the dragon to leave himself exposed. Aware from his own history of service, Braveheart knew that the longer a mission went uncompleted, the more likely emotions and personal flaws would flare up. If he could keep his head straight and the dragon pissed long enough, he might just be able snatch victory back from Ajax's black jaws.
As he planned and waited while shifting from tree to tree as needed to avoid the Ajax's fury, Braveheart was disturbed by how it seemed like he was fighting against something more than just the dragon, but the extremes the beast embodied.
Cold reason masking heated passion, unspeakable cruelty born from undying loyalty and love.
In that moment, as pain and fear gripped him, Braveheart realized that Applejack had been right.
The captain felt like he was fighting himself.
In a moment of luck, Ajax turned his destructive attention in the wrong direction, giving Braveheart some more room to calculate his next move. Before he could do so, however, he heard the leaves around him crack and shutter as if the wind had picked up again. Assuming a fighting stance, he was relieved to hear the voice behind the brush.
“Sir,” Storm Cloud called, her voice subdued as she emerged from the thicket, “Are you all right?”
Braveheart didn't answer but gave his officer an ugly look that made it quite clear that he could have a dozen arrows sticking out of him and it still wouldn't be the time to ask him that question.
“What's goin' on?” asked Rainbow Dash as she joined the other two. Her element, though still shining brightly, was now contained behind Zecora's wool coat so as not to betray their whereabouts to Ajax. “Whoa, looks like you could use an extra pair of wings there, huh?”
Braveheart glared at Rainbow and motioned to Storm to keep the rather loud pegasus quiet. Rainbow didn't need to be told; she got the picture. She couldn't help but feel ticked off a bit by being ignored like this, but then again, what did she know about battle? She had always been able to subdue her foes with tactful skill, but kill them? That was way beyond Rainbow and, honestly, she never, ever wanted to cross that threshold. Though a little ashamed, Rainbow was okay with letting the captain do the dirty work. He was, after all, already guilty of brutality and murder. What was one more knotch on his belt to him?
“Geez, am I a coward or a mare?” she thought, “What difference does it make if Braveheart is the one who kills the dragon? Everypony knew that it was the only thing he could do. Aren't I just as guilty for wanting him to win? Celestia, this whole deal is messed up! ”
Meanwhile, not too far from the trio of pegasi, Pinkie Pie ran as fast as she could through the forest, a look of worry written plainly across her face. She sensed something she had only felt rarely, a slight stinging sensation in the back of her neck that signified that something really, really bad was about to happen someone. To Pinkie it didn't matter if it was either Ajax or Braveheart, she just knew she had to try and stop it from happening.
Hearing the dragon rampage ahead, Pinkie was just about ready to grab Ajax's attention when she found herself being pulled back by an unhappy Lightning Strike.
“Ligh—mmmm! Mmmm!”
“Quiet.” Lightning whispered, covering her mouth. “You had your shot with him. We're going back, the scout is probably wondering where the hay we are. Now I'm going to let go now, 'kay? Don't talk. Promise?”
“Mmmm!” Pinkie said, shaking her head in the negative, but pointing repeatedly in the direction of the clearing ahead.
A bit puzzled as to what she was trying to show, Lightning let go of Pinkie and flew closer to see what the matter was. Watching Ajax level the forest just opposite of his position, Lightning found himself joined by the other Elements.
“Well, this ain't lookin' none to good,” Applejack said grimly, “Where's Braveheart? Can't he fight without his crossbow? A real stallion that one is...”
Before Applejack could finish that thought, Pinkie pushed her out of the path of a tree Ajax had carelessly chucked in their direction.
“Thanks there, Pinkie.” Applejack said, “Ain't nothin' more dangerous than fallin' timber...”
As her friends checked on Applejack to see if she was okay, Fluttershy continued to watch the dragon. Her eyes being more keen than her friends, she could see the faint shimmer of blood dripping from the ancient warrior's chest. The sight struck her as somewhat worrying. Like any other pony, Fluttershy didn't know too much about dragon physiology but she did know that when a lizard's scales were ruptured it often enough spelled death. As she watched the dragon exert itself more and more, the blood began to flow that much quicker. A part of her wished she could reach out to the dragon, but the other firmly resisted the thought. Dragons were dragons, their nature was uncompromising, ungrateful, and selfish. Besides the whole fear of being gobbled up, it was for these reasons Fluttershy did not care much for the species.
As Fluttershy watched Ajax butcher the forest with his claws, she thought it strange that the dragon did not just burn everything in his way. Was it possible that this mad dragon still had a little self-restraint left in him?
Suddenly the dragon stopped, replacing the sound of cracking limbs and broken branches with a tense silence. Moving a bit to get a better angle, Fluttershy could just make out the outline of a young pegasus shivering in fear at the feet of the titanic beast.
“Oh no, oh dear!” Fluttershy squeeked, “The captain's scout!”
Yes, in an unfortunate combination of bad luck and inexpirience, Blizzard Freeze found himself faced with a dragon more daunting than any of the far-fetched soldier's tales he had heard back at the barracks. The young recruit wanted to run, but his fear held him in place. They had never trained him to fight a monster! He was just a lowly scout, and not even the best one in the pack. Yet here he was, smack dab in a game of goddesses, elements, elites, and beasts. Unarmed and unfit before the slayer of a thousand souls, Blizzard wish he had never taken the captain's offer. What had he beenthinking? A shot at national glory, an assured spot at the table of Equestria's finest? Maybe he should have listened to his marefriend, Ruby Blaze. She had told him that the army was filled with empty promises and dangerous duties. Oh, how she had pressed him to leave it behind! But the army was the only thing the lad knew, the only institution that meant anything to him. Even now, standing before death, Blizzard doubted if he could abandon the only life he knew. What was for certain, however, was that he 'd give anything to see Ruby one more time.
Seeing his newfound prey quake at the mere sight of him, Ajax smiled and lowered his head to meet the sad little creature. Taunting the poor soldier, Ajax blew a cloud of black smoke in the private's face, completely choking him. The dragon chuckled and grabbed the pegasus with his large claws. Rising to his full height, the dragon's voice boomed so that the entire forest could hear his words, but they were intended only for one pegasus.
“Listen well you traitorous worm!” he yelled, “If you elect not to finish this duel, than your underling here shall take your place!”
After throwing Blizzard to the ground and trapping the pegasus beneath his foot, Ajax looked around to see any sign of Braveheart. To his dissapointment, the dragon's adversary did not show himself. Turning his attention back to the private, Ajax roared, his fierce tone revealing his waning temper.
“How repulsive! Even for a slave you are a sniveling disgrace!” Ajax shouted at Blizzard as the pegasus grunted while struggling in vain underneath the giant.
“Do you hear his pathetic bleeting, captain!?” the dragon questioned his hidden audience, “If I cannot honor Celestia with the head of a traitor, then I shall spill this lamb's blood upon Her altar instead!”
Removing his foot from the pegasus, the dragon kicked Blizzard away from him, breaking the young pegasus' wing and knocking him unconscious. Preparing to immolate the helpless soldier, Ajax heard the clatter of armor and knew that his trap had worked. From out of the forest, a weak Braveheart flew as fast as his injury would allow him. Smirking the dragon waited before releasing a torrent of fire in Blizzard's direction. Before it could touch him, the Captain of the Guard pushed his soldier out of harm's way and braced himself for the oncoming assault. Left exposed to the full force of Ajax's destructive flame, Braveheart buckled under the intense pain and collapsed. As the fire subsided, Ajax wasted no time in grabbing the captain violently and slamming him into a nearby tree. Lowering his head to Braveheart's level, Ajax's eyes gleamed with a wicked light. Shaking the badly injured captain, Ajax roared.
“Look me in the eyes, worm!”
Braveheart opened his eyes, but they swirled around, unable to focus.
Laughing at his foe's pathetic state, Ajax carefully removed the captain's helm and admired it like a foal ogoling a new toy.
“Beautiful.” he said, “Be honored, your legacy will live on forever in the darkness of my den!”
“F-fuck y--...” the captain sputtered.
Ajax slammed Braveheart into the tree again.
“Fitting last words for a sinner! Now, give me my sword and I shall fufill my promise to you.”
Braveheart said nothing but spat in the dragon's eye.
“So be it!” Ajax cried, his dementia clear upon his tongue, “I will break you!”
Slowly, the dragon crushed Braveheart's body between his mighty claws. The pain ripping through the captain was excruciating as he felt bone after bone shatter. It was only out of pure stubborness that prevented shock from hold taking him.
“Haha! I concede that you are a skilled soldier, but you are also a blundering fool of a captain!” the dragon taunted as he squeezed, “A bleeding heart has no place in war! A peon dies, another takes his place! But who will replace you, heathen? That thing?”
Ajax pointed to Blizzard. Braveheart tried to respond but only succeeded in eliciting a sick gurgling sound.
Oblivious to his surroundings as he tortured the captain, Ajax was unaware of the familiar sound of rattling steel upon the wind's breath. Diving from above, Storm took full advantage of the opening given to her. Giving a loud cry, the officer drove Celestia's sword deep into one of the cruel dragon's eyes. Twisting the blade like a wasp withdrawing its stinger, Storm mutilated her foe, rendering his sight useless. Filled with a pain of which likes he had never known, Ajax screeched as he thrashed about, dropping the captain in the process. No longer able to hold on, the grey pegasus removed the sword and retreated back to prepare herself for a final go.
Ajax, however, did not take the bait. As he flailed aimlessly in agony, the prospect of death loomed over the once invincible war hero. He could not be defeated, not by a couple of ponies. Not while Nightmare Moon still roamed free. The dedicated dragon refused to die with his task left unfulfilled. The burning strength of the Empyrean's fire was the only energy he had left to spare, and he wasn't going to waste it on Storm. Taking to the air, the wounded dragon clumsily flew away, unwilling once again to face and accept his defeat.
Sighing in relief, Storm Cloud removed her helm and dropped the incredibly heavy sword. She did not want to be disrespectful, but wielding the magical blade was exhausting. Rushing to her captain's side, Storm did her best to gently prop up Braveheart against the battered tree. Quickly, Storm nabbed a flask from her side and pressed it against the captain's lips. Accepting the water, Braveheart gurgled loudly as he slurped up Storm's offering. Choking on his own eagerness, Braveheart drooled a mixture of blood and water from the side of his mouth. Seeing this, Storm took her black cloak and carefully wiped it off.
“Good....good job, Storm.” the captain said, his breath ragged and labored, “I love it when a plan comes together...how's the kid?”
“Don't worry about him, just hang tight and keep talking.” the officer responded, her voice thick with concern, “Support should be coming. Fluttershy is...”
Braveheart's chuckled at his officer's words.
“Cut that bullshit,” Braveheart said, looking past her shoulder, “I'm as good as dead, ain't that right sweetheart?”
Storm peered to her right to find Fluttershy standing next to her. The quiet pegasus had sprinted from her hiding place to see if she could help, but the grim sight of the captain filled her with dread. The maimed pegasus' flesh was horrendously charred while his mangled bones were twisted beyond repair, some even jutting out from his body. Unlike her friends, Fluttershy was no stranger to death; as a care-giver she had seen it many times before. She had waged many vain attempts against it in the hopes of giving her little animal friends another chance, but her desperation was often shown to be of little use. Over the years and especially after Philomena, the Fluttershy had learned that sometimes the greatest kindness was to let go and let her patient die with dignity. She constantly reminded herself that death was not evil, that it was all part of what made life meaningful, but it never eased the pain of their passing or her failure. How could it when so much death seemed so unnatural? Fluttershy wanted so badly to save every life she could; to see it wasted here so senselessly filled her with a heartbreaking sadness.
“What are you waiting for? Do you need something, some special herbs or magical leaves, or anything?” Storm asked, surprising the distraught pegasus a bit. Did this officer really expect her to perform some sort of miracle?
“I-I” Fluttershy stuttered, trying her best to not cry “I can't. I just can't. I'm so, so sorry...”
Unable to bear the grim scene anymore, the yellow pegasus bowed her head in shame and ran away from the officer, taking with her the little hope Storm still had.
“Told ya there, Storm.” Braveheart managed to say, his sentences punctuated by deep breaths, “I'm a goner. Now lead them on and pr-protect the princess, that...that's an order.”
“No, I won't do that sir.” she replied shaking her head. Unsurprised but ittiated by Storm's insubordination, Braveheart tried to straighten-up in a useless attempt to look commanding. Opening his mouth, he was immediately interrupted.
“Don't you waste your breath on it!” the silver-maned pegasus continued, “You might not pull through this Braveheart, but I'll be damned if I leave you out to die alone in this godless forest! My minds made up and I'm not changing it. Not for your stupid orders, not for Princess Celestia, not for anypony! And if you give me anymore guff about it, I swear on Celestia's crown I'll smack all the backtalk out of you!”
“Yeah?” Braveheart smiled weakly, “Good luck with that.”
Braveheart didn't want Storm to waste her attention on him while Lightning was left to defend six ponies on his own, but the captain didn't have the strength to back up his directive. At the same time he understood Storm's devotion; he was infamous himself for risking missions to retrieve his fallen soldiers. As such, he'd be a hypocrite to challenge the independent officer.
Approaching the two soldiers, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack watched as the dying captain tried to babble some more commands. The silence between the friends was soon broken by the sniffling of Pinkie's light sobs. Falling to her knees, the pink pony openly wept. It wasn't supposed to end like this, everypony was supposed to come together and work towards finding Princess Celestia. Nopony would get hurt. That was how she had planned it from the moment she saw Braveheart ready to strike a pony. It had worked so perfectly just hours before, but it was not enough to sway the impossibly conceited dragon. She had been so close to realizing the ideal where everypony was happy and safe...where everypony won.
“Pinkamena...” the captain said as sternly as ever, “Stop that bawling already and give me a little peace!”
“O-okay. If it'll make you feel better...”
Pinkie sniffled and complied with the captain's wish, much to Braveheart's relief. He didn't want Pinkie to waste her tears on him, a sinful pegasus undeserving of her sympathy. He also didn't like watching the Element of Laughter crying over what Ajax had done to him. There was nothing more wicked that fucking dragon could do to him than to pervert the purity of this incredible pony.
Taking Braveheart by surprise, Pinkie Pie hugged the guard gently and gave him a peck on the cheek.
“Thank you...Pinkamena.” he struggled to say, “Don't lose hope, keep the faith. You'll change this bloody, swirling hunk of rock someday.”
Pausing, Braveheart turned from Pinkie to Applejack.
“Apple.”
Lost in thought, Applejack didn't hear the captain at first. She only stood silently, her face grave and pale as she observed the captain's horrendous condition. He was burned, beaten, bleeding, and broken. The old sayings went, “an eye for an eye” and “he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword”. According to those ancient wisdoms, Braveheart had deserved everything he got. But as she looked at the pathetic pegasus, she felt pity stir her. How could this gross mutilation serve as the face of justice? In the darkest corners of her heart she had wanted to see him suffer for his crimes, especially for what he did to Big Mac. Retribution, be it by her or the universe's doing, was supposed to relieve the feelings of injustice she felt. Instead, it left her feeling empty...just as the captain had told her it would. Seeing Braveheart suffer on a level on par with her brother did nothing but fill her with guilt and shame. Justice was more than simply getting even; it was to right wrongs in order to stop the cycle of vengeance and injury. In her anger and hate, that important distinction between justice and revenge had all but vanished, leaving her vulnerable to the same evil that had ensnared Braveheart, Ajax and Luna.
“Apple.” Braveheart weakily repeated.
Nudged on by Pinkie, Applejack snapped out of her daze and approached the captain. Before he could say anything, Braveheart hacked a little blood and breathed in deeply a couple of times. Applejack could see in his black eyes a stormy struggle, but when he turned to face her it dissipated. All that was reflected in the pools of his eyes now was agony.
“You were right Apple, about me and the dragon.” Braveheart said sincerely, taking in another sharp breath, “I tried to win, to conquer my demons on the battlefield, but they destroyed me. I know that this means shit coming from a deadpony...but...I'm sorry. Sorry for what I did to your brother. To you. Do what you want with it, but it's all...all I bloody got to give.”
“Ah'll keep it in mind, captain.” Applejack said with a simple nod and tip of her hat. She wasn't entirely moved by the captain's last hour apology; but neither was she going to outright accept or reject it. Instead she would tuck it between the folds of her heart and leave it there until true forgiveness could blossom someday. Nonetheless, Applejack was grateful to hear the captain's words. Empty or not, they could at least help the farmer begin to heal her troubled mind by ridding her of an inpony enemy. Before he died, she too wanted to show some civility too.
“Ah wasn't completely right 'bout you captain, you ain't the same as Ajax.” Applejack continued, “Ah said you cared only 'bout yerself, Celestia and nopony else. That ain't true at all. You risked your neck for all of us, especially that young pegasus. An' by what I gathered from yer soldiers, you really love an' care for 'em. So Ah guess, Ah guess Ah can say this fer mah brother, 'cause Ah think he feels this way too. Ah'm sorry that Big Mac beat yer soldiers to a pulp, Ah wish things didn't end up the way they did...but you know why he did it right?”
“Heh, yeah. Then you know why I did what I did.”
“Yep. Don't make it any more right. But still, Ah'm sorry.”
“Ha, you're made of tough stuff.” Braveheart said, “Not even your demons can tie you down.”
“Ah'm only as strong as mah friends are.” Applejack replied, “Ah could never have done it alone.”
“Friends...”
The dying captain shifted his watery gaze from Applejack to Rarity and then to Storm Cloud but said nothing.
Though repulsed by the sight of Braveheart, a morbid curiosity kept Rarity from shying away. In the romances and ballads she fancied there were many tales about shining knights slaying beastly dragons for the heart of some fair princess. In an inspiring spectacle of triumph and glory, the knight would valiently battle his foe until the wicked monster was cast down. In the rare instance he was killed, it was usually in an act of valorous sacrifice or redemption. In those stories, battle had been the greatest expression of love, honor, and dignity. Death, too, was noble, beautiful, and admirable. How foolish and twisted those poets were! Who were they to stroke their lyres and sing of horrors as if they were joys, of brutes as if they were knights? If they were to see Braveheart's duel with Ajax, they would be shamed for their lies. The captain, guilty of savaging her village and friends, was no heroic savior, his sacrifice being not so much noble as it was expected. And even then, it accomplished little for him. Blizzard was injured badly, the dragon remained on the loose and the party remained lost in Everfree without his leadership.
Inadvertantly Rarity chanced to glance into the captain's eyes. Just looking at Braveheart's grotesque injuries had been terrible, but to see herself reflected in the dark pools of the soldier's eyes was unbearable. Immediately she looked away, but not out of any particular love for the captain. Rather, it was because she could now see, mirrored in Braveheart's placcid stare, exactly the kind of tortouous pain and misery she inflicted on little Neap.
As she felt her guilt return, Rarity's mind turned back to those older bards, Hayschylus and Sophoofcles, and their works of tragedy and despair. Therein lay the only semblence of the truth of war and violence, of power and loss. To save the world and herself, she had sacrificed an innocent foal. What made her so different from the captain? He too had trampled on the weak in order to pursue the same goal. If anything, he had least used his power to keep order while she had used hers to spread panic. This sobering thought knocked Rarity from her pedastel and made her empathize a little with the captain. He may not be a hero, but he was not a monster either. He was a pegasus nearing his death; he should at least be treated with a sense of dignity. Everypony deserves at least that much.
Noticing that Braveheart was only covered by his crumpled and torn breastplate, Rarity used her magic to remove her warm wool coat and draped it over the captain. Braveheart did not respond, but there was a brief gleam in his eye that showed he was grateful.
“Thanks Miss. Rarity, but you shouldn't leave yourself exposed.” Lightning said from behind her, “Would you like my cloak?”
“No lieutenant, I'll be quite fine. I-I don't mind much for Zecora's sense of fashion anyway.”
“I insist. Consider it an order if you must.”
After removing the black cloak and giving it to Rarity, Lightning turned to look at his captain. Swallowing his grief, Lightning was pained to see his friend die so slowly. A part of him wanted to put the captain out of his misery, but he didn't have the guts of actually carrying it out. Shaking his head, the lieutenant always knew that Braveheart would never retire from the service. Only death could seperate him from Celestia, and only a giant dragon would be able give it to him.
Marching through the snow to where Fluttershy and Rainbow were tending to Blizzard, the yellow pegasus had the two mares lift the dazed recruit on to his back. Despite the additional armor, Blizzard was not too heavy. Lightning than turned his efforts to finding Celestia's sword, which proved to be a much simpler task than he thought. The golden blade, still warm with magic, had melted the snow around it, making it hard to miss. Grabbing the hilt in his mouth, Lightning found the sword to be impossibly heavy. Dragging it through the snow, he wondered how Storm Cloud had managed to fly with this thing, let alone use it. Braveheart was a fairly large pegasus; Storm was only about two-thirds his size. She did have a good wing-span, but that alone couldn't have done it...
What ever it was, Lightning didn't have it. He was embarrased by his inability to raise the sword and the disrespect he was showing it. How was he expected to command in Celestia's name if he couldn't even hold her sword?
Approaching Storm Cloud, the lieutenant placed the blade against the tree and spoke to his officer.
“Storm, we're moving out now. Blizzard is a bit out of it, but Miss. Fluttershy heard him say the tracks lead to Everfree Castle. Do you have the map?”
“Yeah, of course.” the seargent said, pulling the map from her breastplate and giving it to her new commander.
Lightning whistled for everypony to fall-in behind him. As the lieutenant began marching on, Storm called back to him.
“Wait, Lightning! I can't let you lead the Elements unarmed! You should take Celestia's sword with you.”
“I can't...” he grumbled.
“What?”
Sighing, Lightning marched back to Storm. Trying to keep his cool, the lieutenant calmly replied.
“Look. Remember when the dragon said ' He who reigns victorius in battle shall alone hold Her sword aloft'? Well, that's you. For all I care, that just means I'm not worthy. Sorry.”
Without another word, Lightning signaled to the company to depart. Slowly trudging onward through the snow, nopony had the heart to look back save Rainbow Dash. Seeing Storm return to the captain's side and folding her wings around him, Rainbow felt a slight urge to stay too, if only to be there for the officer when the inevitable moment came. But she had an adventure to finish; hopefully it could still have a happy ending.
Storm felt the frigid winds pick up as they grazed her face and feathers. Looking down at her captain, she was glad to find that he looked a little less lucid. Braveheart glanced up at her and gave a faint smile.
“Celestia?”
As he looked at her a bit more, it vanished.
“Sorry captain,” Storm replied, a few warm tears running down her cheek, “It's just me, Storm Cloud.”
“Oh yeah.” he said, struggling to suck in some air, “I'm glad, glad you're with me, Storm.”
As the captain tried to straighten himself up again, Storm pealed back her grey feathers and simply stood at attention and saluted. Nodding to Storm to be at ease, Braveheart then fixed his stern gaze eastwards, the desolate clearing permiting him an excellent view of the horizon. More than life itself he wanted to see the sun rise one last time. His troubled soul was plauged with fear and uncertainty, not for the next world, but for his country and princess. He had been ready to die earlier that day, but only because he was blinded by his own self-rightouesness. Now, disillusioned with his pretentions, he was painfully aware that he knew and understood nothing. All it would take was a faint shimmer, a brief ray of sunlight and his doubt would be expelled. He'd know that he was right in trusting Luna, damned for his brutality and that harmony would be restored. There was no chance for him in redemption; it was too late. All he wanted was that little bit of solace and he could die in peace.
As he stared at the unchanging nightsky for fifteen minutes, he realized it would not come to pass. It was a cruel but fitting penance for his sins.
Braveheart could feel Death's icy, creeping carress on the wind's breath as it filled his lungs for the last time. As the thin veil of death's shadow began to cloud his eyes, the captain shed a single tear as his greatest fear came true.
He would leave this world in darkness.
–
“Princess Luna, wait!”
Crossing the bridge of Everfree, Luna turned around to find Twilight Sparkle rushing towards her.
“I thought I lost you in the forest.” Twilight gasped, catching her breath, “I'm just glad it snowed or else I'd never find you!”
“But does that mean...” Luna started before Twilight interrupted.
“Yeah...the guard is probably on our tail by now.”
“Well then, posthaste! Into the castle!” Luna said, dashing off in its direction.
“Princess, wait!”
Seeing the two companions near the ruined fortress, Philomena descended from the battlements and entered the castle to lead them on. Bursting through the gate, they eagerly followed the pheonix through the foyer, up the stairs, and into the throne room. Entering the hollow chamber, Luna stopped to see Philomena fly across the length of the hall and perch atop her old throne. With a happy screech, the bird flared her wings, lighting up the room and revealing the shadowy outline of a pony staring out the window. Luna stared in disbelief as she approached the throne.
“Celly?”
Responding, the figure entered the light, revealing her disheveled pink mane, ruffled feathers, tear-stained cheeks and bloodshot purple eyes. Luna could not believe it, but it was unmistakeable.
Her sister, Princess Celestia, goddess of the sun and sovereign of Equestria, stood before Luna entirely divested of her divine power.
–
Oh thank every deity there is that this is almost over! I finally get to write the chapter I wanted to before getting off tangent with all these characters! Whoever told me to stick with Luna, Celestia and Twilight was probably right.
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Grey Prophet
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Big Macintosh,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
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A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers
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<p>A heated confrontation with Celestia over her portrayal as Nightmare Moon and her sister's authoritarianism leads Luna to search for answers about the past, unwittingly tangling Twilight and her friends into a cosmic struggle between order and liberty. The tragedy of the past bleeds into the present as the Royal Guard, led by the (in)famous Captain Braveheart, pursues the moon goddess as if the fate of the world depended on it. A tale dedicated to the history and government of Equestria, the psychology and political/moral philosophy of the characters, and especially that amorphous and mysterious force that so many seek yet so few gain: power. What is its nature, what drives us to pursue it and keep it? What does it mean to be a leader, a princess, or a goddess at that matter? These are but a few of the questions the characters must struggle with in order to restore harmony to Equestria. This story tries to bring an edge of realism to the political organization and history of Equestria. If you're seeking utopia or dystopia or extremes of any sort, it's not here. .</p>
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teen
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2012-08-02T08:22:18+00:00
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2012-08-02T08:22:18+00:00
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Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts
Part 15*
Galloping up the winding stairways of Everfree Castle, Twilight Sparkle once more found herself struggling to keep up pace with the nimble moon goddess. Maneuvering between the brief spots of moonlight to the utter darkness of Everfree, Luna seemed to flicker like a fleeting shadow on the walls of her domain; elusive, deceptive, and silent. Twilight, stopping and gasping for air herself, heard not even the slightest breath escape Luna as the goddess continued to press further into the castle's interior.
“Luna!” the young unicorn panted, “Hold up, I--.”
Seeing Luna make a turn at the end of the corridor, Twilight sighed and flatly finished her sentence.
“--don't know where we're going.”
Growling, Twilight lit up the hallway with a spark of magic. Alone and without a clear sense of direction, the observant unicorn intently took note of her surroundings as she trotted down the hall. Although nagged by her neurotic sense of urgency, Twilight's could not contain all of her curiosity. Always the student, she had waited for a chance to return to Everfree to study its secrets, but it was a rarity to find a pony willing to traverse the deadly forest to a castle which, according to myth, was cursed and haunted. Even hardened academics were unwilling to risk tooth and limb for what many still considered to be a “lost” or, worse yet, “legendary” ruin.
The lazy eggheads. Would anypony in Canterlot ever take her seriously?
Twilight usually didn't like to resort to Rainbow Dash's choice in words, but in this case she had to agree that they were fitting. Canterlot's universities desperately needed more Daring Dos, and Twilight Sparkle saw it her mission to remedy the deficit. Unlike the fictional heroine, however, Twilight's search would not lead her to gems or relics. No, she would find something of a far greater worth; a forgotten story, one that had been etched deeply into the weathered grey rock of Everfree. Though the ages had treated the castle poorly, its stonework was not merely marred by the withering winds of time. Bearing the tell-tale signs of fire, it was clear that Everfree had been scorched and left to burn like so many other painful chapters of Equestria's history. But, like the walls of Canterlot, it survived as a clean record that spoke volumes more than any confession made by Luna...or Celestia for that matter. But there was something more about the aged structure that intrigued Twilight.
“Amazing...” Twilight thought, “time has eaten away at Everfree for centuries but...but it seems to be trapped in the past. This fire has left its mark on the castle. It’s kinda like...like a faint reminder of forgotten things left unresolved.”
Coming to the end of the hallway, the recovering unicorn was met with a dead end—well, so it seemed. There was a small passage (for servants, Twilight guessed) leading outside to the snow-covered courtyard. From there it was only a brief trot to reach the crumbling citadel.
“Really Philomena, the citadel?” Twilight huffed as she took her only option, “There was a perfectly fine path leading from the foyer! But no, leave it to that bird to drag me around an entire castle first...”
Luckily for Twilight, Luna's hoof prints remained visible in the fresh snow despite the fierce gusts blowing across the landscape. Her uncertainty removed, Twilight rushed across the courtyard to reach the stairs leading to the citadel. Once inside, Twilight recognized the grand staircase from the last time she wandered these ruins.
At that moment, Twilight heard an astonished cry come from one of the larger hallways.
“Celly?”
What sounded initially to Twilight like a question resounded in the darkness ahead with undeniable certainty by the castle's cold mimicry.
“Celly.”
It was unmistakeably Luna, but Twilight was more excited to hear the name of her teacher than Luna's voice. The unicorn had heard the moon goddess' side of history all day, and though it was plausible, it was far from complete. Had Luna been honest? Yes, probably. But truthful? How could she claim to know Celestia's ambitions or capabilities when she was not even present? Her taste for the dramatic and her somewhat confused ramblings of Equestrian politics leading up to the war also made her only slightly more reliable than Ajax.
No, only with Celestia's account could Twilight finally piece together the puzzle she had for a year dedicated so much of her time towards. Her research may have been flawed, but she had enough evidence to force the truth out of the sun goddess and try to put the past to rest...that is if Luna didn't beat her to it first. She only needed to climb the winding steps before her and everything would be okay; Princess Celestia would fix everything.
Excited to at last end her terrible journey, Twilight rushed up the stairs to the throne room Her eyes closed in intense concentration as she mustered the last of her strength, Twilight blindly, but quickly, rushed down the length of the grand hallway. Cracking her eyes open a bit, Twilight was disoriented by the sudden flood of light. As her vision adjusted, the eager unicorn could make out two shapes, one dark blue, the other snow white.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight cried out, shedding a few tears of joy. Throwing herself at her teacher's hooves, the student nuzzled lovingly against Celestia's legs. But upon embrace, Twilight stopped and stood in shock. Celestia, goddess of the sun and giver of light, was freezing to the touch. Peering at the floor below her, the unicorn saw dozens of molted feathers scattered about the throne. Lying among them was Celestia's golden crown, dented and scratched. Slowly looking up at the princess, Twilight spoke with a worried voice.
“...Princess Celestia?”
“Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student.” Celestia replied, nuzzling Twilight gently on the face, “I-I cannot express how happy I am to see that you two are here, safe and sound.”
Though a brief look of relief passed over Celestia's features, the princess' words were distant and dreary as if only a slight burden, one among millions, had been lifted from her mind. The princess' eyes, always a magnificent violet, were dull, puffy and unfocused as they looked past the physical world and into the abyss of infinite thought.
Twilight could not believe what was clearly before her; she had never seen her teacher look so frail, so distressed...so...so common. Her mane, once a flowing panorama of majestic hues, was a plain pink that differed little in the color or style of those typical to many of her subjects. The goddess' towering and imposing figure, too, was gone. Indeed, save for her alicorn features, Celestia no longer possessed any of the trappings of authority and power that had long been a main-stay of her rule.
As Twilight looked back and forth between the two sisters, she noticed that Celestia's physical appearance was now very similar to Luna's. As the pheonix's light died down, the unicorn backed away from Celestia and looked at the goddesses facing one another. Despite Celestia's change, the two contrasted sharply in poise and countenance. Though standing firmly before Celestia, Luna's face twitched in confusion as the princess choked on the happiness, anger, and sadness she felt. Frustrated, she could only grit her teeth as she struggled to find the right words for her sister. Celestia, on the other hoof, looked calm and collected. However, upon examining her some more, the observant unicorn could detect the cracks in Celestia's blank expression. It was a sight Twilight never thought she'd see in her teacher. Helplessness, resignation, and despair.
Shaking off the shock, Twilight tried her best to ignore her mistress' deficiencies and assure herself that Celestia was perfectly capable with dealing with the horrors unleashed by her absence. But the more she thought about it, the more disturbed she became. Twilight already had a thousand questions biting away at her mind; now she was plagued with a thousand more. Desperately wanting answers to her questions, she could not stop from posing them to her teacher.
“Princess, please, you have to tell me!” Twilight asked, forcing back tears, “Why did you leave us, why didn't you raise the sun!? Was it to hurt Luna? And why did you have such evil things written about her? Was the war really that bad, or did you make it up? Or...or did you orchestrate it? Did you do it for power? Did innocent ponies die just so that you could fashion a lie? Is that why you burned the past? What about Morning Star? Was she a revolutionary or was she really evil? Did you...did you kill her? And Aja--”
“There are many reasons for what I have done, Twilight,” Celestia solemnly interrupted, turning to Luna, “and no one is more deserving than my sister to hear them first. ”
Twilight turned to Luna who was still staring at Celestia intently. Still sorting out through her confusion, Luna stuttered a response.
“Wh-what are you doing here Celestia? An-and looking like that!”
“...I've been waiting for your arrival, Luna.”
“What do you mean by that?” Luna snapped, angered that Celestia would greet her as if it was her fault not to show up in Everfree sooner. “Do you have any idea what you did to me tonight?! Just look at me!”
Already occupied and troubled by the ferocity of Luna's words, Celestia turned her gaze away.
“Look at me!”
An aura of blue magic forced Celestia to face her sister's injuries; the burns, the gashes, and all the bandages that still managed to cling to Luna after the trek through Everfree was a grueling sight that made Celestia recoil.
“Your soldiers have chased me all day because who else would be so cruel as to prevent the sun from rising? Surely not you sister, so benevolent and perfect! It could only be me, Nightmare Moon, the only pony powerful and malicious enough to imprison you. Me! Imprison you! Have you ever heard such a stupid thing? But after seeing what you wrote about me, can you blame the idiots?”
Celestia said nothing but closed her eyes and shudder.
“Oh, does it suddenly pain you to see me, sister?” Luna questioned, “When last has it been since you were savaged by clubs and licked by dragonfire? Tell me, when last were you stabbed in the back, abandoned and left at the mercy of beasts and mortals?!”
“I--”
“I know you and your manipulative tricks, don't think I've forgotten what form you took to deceive me last time we fought at Everfree!” Luna continued to vent, not bothering to listen to her sister, “Was this nightmare all just a part of your plan? A taste of chaos to teach little Luna a lesson?”
“No, Luna--”
“Well, was it worth it Celestia? To have your subjects scatter aimlessly like roaches and your sister, whom you claim to love, nearly put to the sword twice by over-zealous brutes dispensing “justice” in your name? Do you have any idea of what you did or are you just as heartless as you were one thousand years ago?!”
Her mind swirling in a cocktail of bottled emotion, Luna could barely contain herself. She wanted Celestia to know everything the sun goddess had done wrong and repent for her cruelty.
“Are you finished, Luna, or do you wish only to condemn me?” Celestia asked bitterly, “Forgive me for what I did today, I only sought to follow your example...”
Luna's face grew hot at the insinuation.
“My example?! I have never--”
“Never what, little sister? Never disregarded your duty? Never left me to deal with the aftermath of your carelessness? Never betrayed my trust and confidence to our enemies? Or should I count Morning Star among your friends?”
Luna huffed at Celestia's potent words.
“Twice, Luna. Twice you abandoned me when I needed you the most, and twice you ignored my tears and pleas! All to teach me a lesson, am I wrong?”
Luna responded by averting her eyes and blushing.
“So is that what your plan was tonight?” the moon goddess asked , “More vengeance? Was not the moon enough?”
Celestia shook her head and sighed in exasperation.
“Luna, must you be so self-centered as to think I would risk everything just to punish you? Do you really think so little of me? What I did...or better said what I did not do...was not because I wanted to hurt you. No, I did it for you, for our subjects...and for me as well.”
“What exactly do you mean by that?” Luna asked, toning down her fiery speech, “Are you trying to tell me that you, the princess who banished me to secure her throne and rule unchecked for one thousand years, is just sitting on her rump doing nothing?!”
Celestia's expression turned grave at Luna's inquisition.
“...Yes.”
The sun goddess turned to look at the swirling snowstorm unfolding outside, like a maiden yearning for the return of her beloved from the raging sea.
“Your words last night were cold and harsh, Luna, but I needed you to say them, I needed that push. I have known my failings for centuries now, but I could not face them alone. My plans, a millennium in the making, could not succeed without you to help me.”
Celestia paused and turned back to Luna.
“But you chose to defer our reconciliation and flee. You rightly saw that I wasn't ready...I was..maybe am...still too tied down by my beliefs.
Celestia paused for a moment and looked briefly out the window to watch the swirling snow outside.
"As I watched you fly away into the storm, I felt that if I was ever going to change I would need to become more like you. I needed the strength to cast off my titles, my responsibilities, and...and my power. All of it.”
Celestia turned and looked at where her crown rested.
“My heart told me to escape and throw all caution to the wind. Being drunk with emotion, I realized that this was my one opportunity to escape the confines of reason and allow myself to be free. So I left Canterlot for Everfree, hoping that I would meet you there. ”
The sun goddess stopped and gave a faint smile.
“But you weren't. Do you realize how hard it is for me to figure you out Luna? I mean, my guess made perfect sense, didn't it? But therein was my failure: it was too perfect. It was something I would do, but you, you would be flying recklessly from place to place with no final destination in mind. But I think like a caged bird....give me freedom and I'll just find another prison.”
Celestia turned back to face her sister with a frown.
“I hate that about myself, Luna. I've always envied that about your spirit...”
Luna was a bit surprised by Celestia's admission...but then again, Luna admired a lot of things about her sister that she didn't really care to see in herself.
“Although I wished you were at my side, I could not delay my trial." Celestia continued, "By the time I reached the castle, I was already trying to convince myself to turn back. I thought of all the dangers and horrors that would arise from my absence and I cursed myself for being so selfish and heartless! But I had to carry on with my plan, I had to test myself. I needed to be banished. So at midnight I shed my powers as a goddess and sealed them in a friend who doesn't much like cages herself...”
“Philomena!?” Twilight interrupted. At the mentioning of her name, the phoenix swooped down, perched on the unicorn's back, and crooned happily.
“Yes, Twilight. The seal I placed on her will expire once the clock strikes twelve. At that hour, my power will return to me.”
“But...but princess.” Twilight responded, “How could you really test yourself if you made yourself powerless?”
“...The temptation to reclaim my power always existed, for there is another way to break the seal. I only had to kill Philomena and it would be mine to use again.”
“But...but you wouldn't ever do that to a living creature!”
“...You're mistaken, Twilight, I would." Celestia said seriously, "Understand that when my mind was clearer, I was ashamed by what I had done. For you see, thousands of years ago when Luna and I sealed the king of demons in stone, I swore never to allow chaos to reign again. No matter the cost, I have always done everything in my power to preserve order and protect my subjects. But today I broke that vow. I thrust my ponies into the cold unknown and left left them there to quarrel, to sin, and t-to die.”
Celestia turned and eyed her sister's injuries once more.
“On top of that, my sister was out roaming Equestria, alone and mortal. I knew she would be used as a scapegoat and that danger would follow her...and that death could take her. Do you know what it's like, Twilight Sparkle, to know you could save everypony you love with the cost of but a single, wicked deed? I have faced this dilemma more times than you can possibly ever know, and it never, never gets easier for me. But as a goddess and princess, I must have the strength to do what others cannot.”
The sun goddess sighed and looked back at Twilight as she continued her tale.
“As I wandered these empty halls wailing like a child, I began to madly crave the power I locked away. It was mine after all, I gave it away and I would take it back whenever I so pleased! All I had to do was stretch out my hoof, crush a little bird and I could stop the madness I had set into motion. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't wrong for me to kill her. She was a phoenix after all. No real harm would be done...she would be reborn...”
“Celestia, you didn't...didn't try to kill her, did you?”
“No...if I had tried, I would have succeeded. But I wanted to. Every time I looked at her I had to fight off the dark urge. Philomena's loyalty did little to help me. She was constantly at my side, dangling my power before me as if this was all just a funny joke to her.”
Celestia glanced at her phoenix, causing the bird to recoil a little bit out of sight.
“I couldn't take it, I was fed up with her mocking presence. I shouted and cursed at her with all the anger and hatred burning my heart and chased her out of the castle...”
“Wait, Celestia.” Luna interrupted, “You, you didn't send Philomena to protect me from your guards?”
The sun goddess shook her head.
“I'm sorry, but the only order I gave to Philomena was to leave my sight....”
“Then I'm a fool for thinking you cared enough to save me.” Luna replied bitterly, “Your stupid bird has more pity than you.”
“Luna, please don't say that! ” Celestia begged, “Can't you see how important you are to me? You are absolutely everything to me!”
“Really, Celly?” Luna quipped, “You have a funny way of showing it!”
“Love is far more than just rainbows and sunshine, sister, you know that! When you left me on the balcony, did you do so out of malice or love?”
Luna paused, knowing full well where her sister was going to carry this.
“...Love. I just wanted to make you reflect on what you've done over the centuries and see that you burden yourself needlessly with duties that our subjects are more than capable of handling on their own. I want to set you free...”
“I know why you did what you did last night. You told me as much the last we stood on this very spot a thousand years ago. Do you remember? You loved me so much that you were willing to put an end to our rule, even at the cost of civil war.”
Twilight was surprised by her teacher's accusation, but it must have hit its mark. Luna's face was burning with shame.
“Is that true Luna?” the unicorn asked curiously, “You never said that in your story.”
“It...it wasn't as bad as Celestia says...” Luna meekly stuttered in response.
“Be honest, sister.” Celestia said sternly, “We have millions of memories that time has taken from us, but I remember that day better than I do the last few minutes. I know you do too.”
The princess of the night closed her eyes and sighed heavily.
“...Yes Twilight. Celestia warned me of the consequences of the coup, but they weren't important to me. She was. I would have done anything to save her from herself, even if that meant risking war.”
“It was not a risk; it was inevitable as soon as Morning Star escaped.” Celestia responded, “If I had followed you, our empire would have fragmented into a hundred squabbling principalities, duchies, and fiefdoms. The bitter racism we worked so hard to contain would reemerge with a vengeance. War would follow war over every last pebble and speck of dust. In the end, there would be nothing left of Equestria. This country, the one I poured all my love into and blessed with wealth and abundance, would become just another Serengeti...”
At the mention of the Serengeti, Luna briefly thought back to Zecora and the tribal wars plaguing her country for centuries. Perhaps Celestia had reason to maintain unity, but at what cost to the ponies? Freedom? Was it really worth it?
“You should have known that I would never let that happen , not as long as I had the strength to save it!” Celestia continued, “That was all I could think of in that dark moment. I had so little time and I was so angry and hurt that my.....my arrogance got the best of me.”
Celestia paused, her violet eyes shimmering with welled tears.
“I dared to think that I could restore harmony alone. So I sealed you away. I had to. I loved you too much to fight you anymore...I still...still can't believe that you struck me...”
“Celestia, you tried to stop me from doing what was right and just. I had no choice; I had to stand for my beliefs! That's something you could never understand! You've always championed morality and justice, but the only thing you really believe in is yourself! You wear a thousand masks at court, but each one of them is geared towards the same goal: your need to survive and control!”
“I am whatever my subjects need me to be, as a good ruler should!” Celestia retorted, “I have seen a hundred nations fall because fools placed the principles of their decisions over their practicality!”
“So what then?” Luna snapped back, “Was I wrong to stop you from strangling your former student, the one you once called Equestria's 'shining light'? How can you lead if you place yourself above the laws you made!?”
Startled by hearing of her mistress' murderous intent, Twilight gave Celestia a frightened look and backed away. Seeing this, a worried Celestia stumbled in addressing the unicorn.
“Twilight, my precious student! You do not, you cannot understand the kind of pain that ripped through my heart! Yes she was a rebellious, defiant, and arrogant mare, but I loved my little Morning Star dearly. She grew up at my side and shared with me not just the wonders and joys of life's journey, but their sorrows and frustrations too.”
Giving a light laugh as a single tear rolled down the side of her face, Celestia lovingly parted Twilight's mane and looked deeply into her eyes.
“You two are alike in many ways, Twilight, and yet still so incredibly different, like dusk and dawn. She was to me like you are now; my daughter, my ambitious, intelligent, beautiful, absolutely perfect, perfect daughter.”
Twilight blushed at Celestia's comment. Although the princess had never been shy in showing her affection in private, she had never called her something that intimate before.
“So just imagine how I felt when I found that the pony pulling at my sister's strings was the one who I showered with all the wisdom and love I had to offer. And then to see her smile like an amused schoolfilly at my pain! To her, we were just playing a game, and she was ahead by five moves. Luna was only the bait in her plan, the spark to ignite her war. I didn't want to take it! No, I had only to make one move and I could have put an end to her plot and spare Equestria from the ravages of her revolution.”
Celestia breathed heavily and continued slowly.
“All I had to do was...was to remove her. Everything she built would have crumbled without her...It was for the greater good.”
“The greater good!” Luna mocked, “You say that a lot, sister. I guess it's pretty easy when it means whatever it is that fits your need! Well, what can you expect from its self-appointed defender? But know this: in the end, all your foresight is fantasy. The only true measure of your morality is how you act with the time given to you. And you know what you did? You broke your own laws and nearly killed somepony out of hate!”
Celestia shook her head in disappointment as a few tears streamed down the sides of her cheek.
“You still don't understand, do you? Luna, power knows no morality! My duty as a ruler is neither truly good, nor is it evil. Millions of lives hinge upon my every breath, and every decision I make brings fortune to some and ruin to others.I have worked so hard to bring out everything good and just in this world, but in spite of all of my victories, the sins of my choices will always weigh heavier on my heart! For what is a ruler but a glorified sinner? But this burden must be mine, I must spare the innocence of my subjects...only then can they be free of the great evils born from power's abuse.”
“Celestia, stop pretending to be the victim!” Luna replied, “Your “burden” is brought on by your own choice. Power, control, dominance, prestige. These are all things you have lusted for over the centuries. Admit it, you love them too much to give them up!”
For a moment, Celestia withheld her tears and responded in a distant voice.
“...You're right, Luna. In a sense. I do love power. I love it because I love our ponies. I love it because power to me is not an end but a means to protect and nurture, to create and improve... ”
As if coming back from a trance, Celestia's voice hardened as she looked Luna straight in the eye once more.
“But you are also wrong. I hate power. It robs me of my identity, crushes my soul, and leaves me in a thousand different pieces. Masks, you called them. Rarely can I show my true feelings or share in intimate relationships. My subjects still look at me in fear and awe...as they must...though there is nothing more I'd love than to be treated like a friend and not a princess...”
Twilight was moved by the princess' words. The young student often thought of her friendship letters to Celestia to be a chore at times and wondered why she wanted to read them. It struck Twilight when she realized that Celestia really didn't have any real, close friends, only a bunch of insipid nobles and politicians. No wonder she needed Twilight to use the Elements for her.
“...But my hate runs deeper still. I have seen power overwhelm and destroy those I love too many times, twisting their hearts and minds so horribly that I could not even recognize them...”
“Morning Star was not corrupt!” Luna retorted, “She was no different from you in at least one way; she wanted what was for the greater good! But not the short-term one you sought, but for a truly revolutionary idea! Don't try to fool Twilight into thinking that we were wicked and power hungry for wanting change, it's not true!”
“Is she right, princess, was Morning Star a democrat, or was she really like you said she was?”
Avoiding Twilight's curious gaze, Celestia did not answer right away.
“Princess?”
“...Morning Star was a prodigy born before her time...an idealist with a mind for realpolitik...” Celestia muttered, “She looked enviously on at the small republics dotting the borders of our land, thinking the government of a tiny city-state was fitting for an empire. Despite all the injustices of those, those oligarchies, she found them preferable to me. To her I, as the root of power, was the root of all evil...and so she came to hate me.”
Celestia paused as the memory of her former student ate away at her self-discipline.
“The impatient foal...she wanted what was impossible, and she knew it. Morning Star may have wanted a brighter future, but she didn't have the means to bring it about. All she could do was remove me and hope that mortal rule would bring greater harmony and equality to Equestria someday...but in the mean time she wasn't hesitant to snatch control for herself. After all, she was my student, one of the very best. Morning Star did not come to lead her alliance by the will of any pony save her own. She could talk all she wanted about the virtues of democracy, but in practice she refused to have her genius tied down by the squabbling of nobles and the begging of peasants...”
Trying to bring herself back under control Celestia sighed and continued.
“So no, Twilight, Morning Star was not the witch you read of in those dusty books, but neither was she the saint Luna would like you to think of her as. Simply put, she was my adversary, the greatest I've ever faced. For even when I fought against Discord's madness, I had my sister at my side...”
Celestia turned to face Luna, her expression now grave.
“That's why she took you from me.”
“That's where you're wrong, Celestia.” Luna replied, “It wasn't Morning Star who banished me to the moon. No, you have only to look at yourself to find the culprit! You say that you did it because I abandoned you, and that it was only out of love, but let's face the facts. I was your only equal and the only real threat to your rule. It doesn't take bells and a beard to see that without me, you could do whatever you wanted. So don't blame me if I find your story that-that some mortal had you under her hoof to be nothing more than another of your lies!”
Celestia was dismayed by her sister's cynicism, leaving her as pale as the moonlight touching her brow.
“You find it hard to believe?” she asked, “I thought your trials today would have shown you just how terrifying it was for me during the first years of the war...and how badly it hurt to be without you.”
“What? You can't honestly be saying...”
“Just listen, please.” Celestia begged, desperate to be understood “Banishing you was the most difficult choice I have ever, ever, had to make. But Luna, you have to accept this...I didn't want to fight a war against you, my only sister! I thought that if you were but sealed away for a time, I could spare our relationship from the tragedy of war and give me time to rebui--...”
“I'm glad you found my torment on the moon so much more acceptable,” Luna interrupted, “because it really did wonders for our relationship!”
Luna approached her sister and gazed into her eyes.
“Celestia, it drove me to hatred and insanity.” she said slowly, her words quivering with injury and rage,“I wanted more than revenge, I wanted to kill you.”
Luna paused and leaned in to whisper into Celestia's ear.
“You made me into a monster, just like the one in your books!”
Celestia flinched as if bitten by a viper. She looked weak and a bit pathetic as she tried to recover from the sting of her sister's harsh words.
“That was never my intent,” Celestia responded bitterly, “I just wanted to protect you.”
“Protect me? Really? Then why did you leave me there to rot for a thousand years?!”
“Because I could do nothing.” Celestia said defensively, “I had the audacity to use the Elements of Harmony alone and I paid the price for my foolishness! Do you know what happened to them after I banished you? They fell to my hooves and became dormant rocks...”
Celestia stopped and cast her eyes downwards in shame.
“I realized then that I had destroyed the natural order of the world. I...I shattered harmony, like the tyrant Discord before me. It's fitting and no surprise, then, that I should lose all right to wield such power ever again. But I lost something much more important than the Elements. You.”
Celestia shook her head, as if trying to free herself from the unpleasant memory.
“By banishing you, I threw the heavens into chaos. I couldn't raise the sun and bring in the new day without you to set the moon and peal back the night first...I had never felt so helpless before in my life. That night lasted almost a year.”
“No, no that--that's impossible.” Luna stuttered.
“No, it makes total sense.” Twilight said softly, “If Princess Celestia couldn't raise the sun, it would explain why the famine was so terrible and why so many ponies died...”
Celestia nodded in response to Twilight's observation and turned back to Luna.
“I know what sort of fear and pain you felt today, Luna. I know what it's like to face a mob of angry mortals who blame me for their ills. I know what it's like to face death. I know because I lived this day a thousand times.”
Luna backed away from the throne and tried to sort out everything Celestia was telling her. A part of her just wanted to accept her sister's words, but she could not shake off her mistrust. Celestia was crafty and good at playing off of others' emotions, a fact that made Luna very uneasy.
Seeing that Luna was conflicted, Celestia continued to try convincing her the truth of the past.
“'We were meant to rule together.' I've told you that countless times, and I meant it on every single occasion. Without you, I'm nothing but a fraud. That's why Morning Star had you abdicate; it destroyed almost every shred of legitimacy I had. After I sealed you away, I lost the rest.”
Celestia sighed as a gust of wind blew through the chamber.
“Your banishment was the greatest blessing Morning Star could ever ask for. She used you as a martyr to rally support around your banner...her banner...and blamed me for the disorder in the heavens. Their crops dying and their families going hungry, the common ponies began to flock to her side, and soon angry foreigners joined them. My support was dwindling and I needed to fight back...so I-I...”
“You dreamed up Nightmare Moon.” Luna said coldly, “You reduced me to some sick, evil, twisted caricature just to cling to your throne.”
“I did it to survive, Luna.” Celestia said, fresh tears falling from her face, “Did you do anything differently today?”
Luna looked at Twilight who was shaking her head in the negative. Luna instantly recalled the lie she told to little Applebloom and how she shouted at Twilight, framing herself as the sole victim. Even when she told the “truth” to Twilight and her friends, her bias and ignorance passed as fact.
“Well--”
“You don't need to tell me, I could hear it drip from Twilight's questions. It is the same way you've always seen me, Luna. You think I'm all-powerful and all-knowing and that somehow all my plans and desires come together perfectly. I know you took comfort in the idea as you danced away the night or left off on some adventure to a foreign land while I had to tend to your holdings.”
Sadness and spite were thick on Celestia's tongue as she continued.
“But never you worry little Lulu, Big Sis Celly will take care of everything while you go out and play! She loves being princess more than anything! After all, she's just a cold and heartless tyrant who loves to write nasty lies, plot wars and starve ponies!”
Celestia stopped and tried to collect herself, a look of shock and regret clear upon her face.
“I'm sorry, I didn't want to be so mean...I got carried away...”
Luna was a bit taken aback by Celestia's sarcasm. Not only was she surprised to see Celestia's own bottled-up resentment, but ashamed of how right her sister was. She had neglected her duties as a princess and piled them on Celestia, feeding her power addiction, not freeing her from it. Luna felt guilt, too, for demonizing Celestia by painting her as a perfectly flawless tyrant. Twilight had warned her that she was no better than Celestia, but...
“But what could I have done Celestia?” Luna cried, “Everypony hated me, and the truth...the truth is so buried and lost that I couldn't hope to vindicate myself without...exaggerating or lying a bit.”
“Do you think it was any easier for me?” Celestia replied, “Morning Star used propaganda to turn my subjects against me, so I did the same to win them back. I blamed the everlasting night on you, the moon goddess, and told them that you had been possessed by a demon hungry for war and destruction. I didn't want to blacken your name, Luna, so I named my imaginary foe Nightmare Moon and used her as my scapegoat.”
“But what about the war in the heavens?” Twilight asked, “The histories I read all agree that you openly fought with Nightmare Moon to bring day and night to the world. Was that a lie too?”
“It was based on truth, as most lies are.” Celestia said, doing her best to appear calm, “I was busy trying to restore order in the heavens, or at least the appearance of it. The task of rotating the earth and upholding the laws of the universe was extremely difficult to do alone. It required almost all the time and power I had at my disposal, but even then it still could take me weeks just to complete one cycle.”
“Couldn't you just explain to them what was going on, did you really need to lie?” Twilight replied.
“As you can imagine, the truth wasn't exactly inspiring or easy for ponies at the time to understand. So I simplified it as a struggle between good and evil, a duel between goddesses for the salvation or destruction of the world," Celestia replied distantly, “I couldn't let them see their princess so weak and impotent. For you see, Twilight, my labors sapped my power and left me vulnerable. It was like I had become mortal myself. So understand that If I had shown them my burns and scars, my subjects would have lost all faith in me...”
Twilight was about to ask another question, but it seemed that Celestia wasn't quite done with what she wanted to say..
“Keep in mind that I was doing my best to fight a war on several fronts at the same time. It didn't help that I was...well, paranoid that my generals would betray me. So I commanded my armies personally when I was at Canterlot. To keep my generals in check, I drew up a list of approved tactics, responses, and strategies to be used while I was gone.”
Celestia closed her eyes and let out a disappointed sigh.
“It was a disaster. Although I was able to hold Morning Star and her allies at bay for awhile, she steadily crept deeper and deeper into my empire as the years dragged on. I knew I couldn't trust anypony, so I placed my hope and trust in a young and loyal drake instead...”
Twilight's eyes widened.
“Princess, was his name Ajax?”
Celestia turned to Twilight with a surprised look on her face.
“Yes, but how the heavens did you learn that? There shouldn't be a record left that carries his name.”
“He told me himself a few hours ago just before he attacked and nearly killed Luna.” Twilight replied “We're lucky that my friend Zecora was at her house to help us. It was a really close call.”
Celestia looked at her sister's wounds intently again with a new sense of horror.
“Ajax is awake?”
At that moment, a faint tremor passed through the castle as if to answer Celestia's question.
“Yeah...he said that Rainbow Dash woke him up with a Sonic Rainboom.” Twilight reported, ignoring the disturbance “You have to admit, it's pretty impossible to ignore one of those.”
“Yes...I felt it too...and feared for the worst. But how did you escape Ajax, certainly you did not...”
“Don't worry, Celestia, your dragon is safe.” Luna interrupted, “I put him back to sleep. He shouldn't be pose a threat to anypony for a good decade.”
Celestia sighed in relief.
“Good, that puts me at ease.” the sun goddess said, “I was afraid that...never mind. Everyone is safe now, that's what's important...”
“Princess, what happened to him? He was obsessed with hurting Luna as if that was his only purpose in life. Dragon's might be rude and selfish, but Ajax just sounded, well, crazy!”
“Wars leave many scars, Twilight, and war was all Ajax knew.” Celestia said sadly, “His father, Mikhail, was a noble dragon who bravely chose to stand by me when most of his brethren had flocked to Morning Star. It was a fateful decision. Not a week passed when I heard the news that Mikhail and his mate had been murdered by my enemies. When I arrived at his cave, I found their nest smashed and most of their treasure stolen. But near the lava's edge, I found Mikhail's only surviving egg. Surely, I thought, this was a child of destiny. The prospect of new life gave me hope, so I took the egg back with me to Canterlot and hatched him.”
The sun goddess gave a faint smile as she recalled the few happy memories she had cherished in those unhappiest times.
“My little Ajax was the only joy in my life during the war,” she continued,“He was such a smart and playful little boy...I remember giving him wild rides around the castle when everypony was asleep...raiding the stores for provisioned sweets...playing pranks on those stuffy generals...”
Celestia paused and gave a light chuckle.
“Ha! And there was that time he tried to eat the crown jewels! That caused quite the funny little crisis at court...”
“Celly.” Luna interrupted, “I know you love the dragon, but can you reminisce later? I have the same question as Twilight; what happened to him, or better yet, what did you do to him? He was obviously more than just someone to love you.”
Celestia's warm smile faded as if Luna had thrown a bucket of ice water over her head.
“You're right, I did have plans for my little dragonling. I wanted him to be a leader, someone whose loyalty I could always depend on. I had him trained in the arts of war and disciplined by my best generals. But as he grew older, he became colder and more dedicated to martial arts. I started seeing him less and less as the war and disorder grew worse. When he was fifteen, I learned that he had fought in his first battle. But when I spoke with him, I found that he was much too happy to talk about the bloody, disgusting horrors of war. This worried me and made me reluctant to let him fight, but he was so...this is terrible for me to say...so good at killing and defeating the enemy. As long as he fought and led, my armies seemed to be unstoppable.”
Celestia breathed a heavy, disappointed sigh.
“But he was rarely in control. I was, and so we continued to lose ground.”
Celestia gave a frustrated growl as she proceeded to correct herself.
“Agh, lose ground! We nearly lost the war when Morning Star managed to pierce our defenses and lay siege to Canterlot!”
“The siege of Canterlot!” Twilight exclaimed, happy to make another connection with her research, “It really happened then? Blackteeth—er Ajax, was supposed to have been key to defending the city.”
“Correct,” Celestia replied, “In my absence, Ajax disobeyed my orders and saved Canterlot from certain doom. At that point I realized that I couldn't hold on to power without giving some of it up, so I entrusted Ajax with all my earthly responsibilities. That way I could keep order in the heavens and have a shot at turning the tide of war back.”
Celestia sighed heavily.
“It was then Ajax truly changed. I have watched power consume and destroy many, but never as horribly as it did to him. He became obsessed with the task I gave him and poured all his energy into crushing the rebellion. Slowly, he stopped treating me as a friend and started to idolize me. I became untouchable and sacred in his eyes; nothing I could do was wrong. It only got worse once I gave him my sword, because he came believe that he had become infallible as well.”
Celestia shut her eyes tightly, remembering the terrible fires Ajax spread across Equestria.
“Nothing mattered to him but victory. He was utterly ruthless, burning entire villages, butchering innocent ponies, and sacrificing hundreds of his own soldiers. Not even his own kind were spared from his brutality; never before had a drake killed so many dragons on his own. Ajax scorched the earth as he marched, massacring any army who dare chose to take arms against him and his armies. He collected the weapons and armor of his fallen foes and horded them, feeding his greed and growing him into a massive beast.”
Twilight nodded as her teacher spoke. Celestia's account matched up perfectly with the horrors attributed to Nightmare Moon in the histories she translated.
“I tried to stop him, but he'd always twist my words or ignore them. At times he treated me like a senile old mare who didn't know any better...it was infuriating, but I was too occupied to challenge him.”
“Imagine never being listened to...” Luna muttered.
“Only one good came from Ajax's wicked rampage.” Celestia continued, “His barbarity forced the rebels to come to the table and negotiate a surrender.”
“But what happened to Morning Star?” Twilight asked, perhaps with more concern then she wanted to show.
“You don't make this easy for me, do you Twilight?” Celestia said, masking her despair with a light chuckle, “I'm opening up very, very old wounds...”
“You didn't execute her, did you?” Luna asked, remembering the promise she made Celestia a thousand years ago.
“No. This country would not heal itself with executions, it needed hope...it needed reconciliation. I...I tried to forgive Morning Star. It hurt and I hated what she did to you and me...but I still loved her...in a way.”
Luna found it difficult to accept that Celestia had any love for Morning Star. As such, she did not take sister's words at face value. However, she didn't want to make a fuss about this issue; there were so many more important ones they still needed to discuss anyway. Letting this matter go was fairly easy.
“Morning Star, however, did not share my feelings.” Celestia continued, “She refused to surrender, even when Ajax ambushed the last of her armies in the passes of the Appleachians. I was there that day hoping I could sway her, but she spat on me and cursed my name. Ajax was furious at the slight and wouldn't let it go. So she challenged him to a duel, an offer he accepted instantly.”
Celestia sighed once more.
“Even in defeat, Morning Star found one last way to torment me. All she had to do was take someone I love and have them put to the sword. It didn't matter to her if it was Ajax or herself...”
“But it was Ajax who won, he killed her.” Twilight muttered sadly, wishing that the outcome had turned out differently.
“Yes, but make no mistake. Morning Star was an incredible warrior in her own right. Her mastery of magic made her more deadly than any unicorn who has ever lived, making her more than a worthy opponent for young Ajax. Their duel was long, bloody, and passionate, as if they sought to reenact the entire war with their macabre dance! But by the end, Morning Star was lying in a pool of her own blood, defeated at last. At least, that's what I thought when I stopped Ajax from killing her. I begged my student to surrender, but she only smiled and asked me to give her the ragged blue banner she flew so many times on the battlefield. There was nothing more I could do, so I complied with her dying wish.”
Twilight was enthralled by Celestia's account; there was something about the way the princess spoke that made Twilight feel that it was at least accurate. Every word she delivered seemed to carry with it a piece of her soul, as if there were no longer any reason to hide the past.
“Taking the banner and using it as support, she used the last of her energy to stand up. She was magnificent, Twilight, even in her final moments. Her beautiful fiery mane flowed gently in the midsummer breeze as she stood defiant and proud against me, her goddess. I can still hear her last words to this day...”
The sun goddess proceeded to coldly recite Morning Star's final message.
“My death is not a defeat, Celestia. You may have delayed it, but change will come to Equestria. No power in this world can stop the inevitable path of ponies towards justice and freedom. I am, and always will be, victorious.'”
Celestia paused and lowered her head in grief.
“She died there, standing. Her ashes rest in my garden under the statue 'Victory' so that I may never lose sight of her wisdom.”
A brief silence passed between the three, each reflecting a bit on what was said. Luna, of course, was of identical sentiment, but Twilight was a bit more skeptical. How could history have an inevitable conclusion? Conditions and factors governing progress lent themselves to regression as well. Twilight thought about Celestia's ban on weapons development. Surely, if Celestia allowed the propagation high tech-weaponry, destabilizing horrors would be unleashed on the world, setting the clock back hundreds of years. Heck, a natural disaster could wipe out centuries of progress in an instant. History is constantly in flux; to say that it was allowed a single path was kind of conceited. Anyway, it seemed that Celestia, even if she did still wield complete authority, was able to accommodate to change and worked within the parameters of the democratic governments she established. But Luna and Morning Star were right too, Celestia still had to let go of control in order for the ideal to be realized to its fullest possible extent. Maybe it was just a fancy, but Twilight guessed that Celestia knew this had to be done.
After awhile, Celestia continued her account, as if wanting to leave the previous memory behind in the process.
“After the duel, I started the peace process with all the nations involved in the war. A policy of clemency was in everyone's best interests, as we all suffered greatly. But Ajax refused to go along with my wishes, deciding that he should personally punish one of the smaller republics. So he slaughtered and burned a small griffon village, right after I signed the treaty.”
Celestia's eyes looked dark and angry as she stared at the cold floor of Everfree Castle.
“He nearly destroyed the fragile peace he fought to bring to the world as if it meant nothing to him. But what could I expect from him? He was my angel of death; the only way he knew how to dispense justice was through wickedness. I had made him into a monster that knew only war...I was guilty for his sins, I let him do it. I unleashed the evil within him and benefited from his violent crimes. Now it was my duty to protect the world from his cruelty...my cruelty...but I still could not forget the little dragonling who had been my only friend...my only family during the darkest times. I hoped that the war's end would mean that he would go out and find a mate, collect treasure, and sleep as normal dragons do. But he was beyond lost...so I banished him to the lands surrounding Tartarus...”
“Everfree.” Luna added.
“...with the hope that he would go to sleep. And he did, thankfully.”
Luna was happy to hear Celestia take responsibility for the deaths of the thousands lost in the war. She had half-expected her sister to pin it all on Ajax and Morning Star. But there was still a few problems that Luna had with Celestia's account.
“You told me that you could control both day and night through a spell you learned.” Luna said, “I know for a fact that this is true, but what you're telling me now is that you struggled in the heavens to complete the cycle. Forgive me if I find it hard to believe that you didn't have a grip on things.”
“That's because the technique took me years to master.” Celestia replied, “It was difficult because I had to use...black magic.”
Luna's eyes widened in surprise. The sun goddess had always denounced the use of dark powers ever since they sealed Discord, saying that doing so only tempted the demon's return. Celestia gave a slight growl at Luna's reaction.
“Don't act like that, you know my nights were only cheap mockeries of yours. As I said, I'm a fraud without you and so was the 'harmony' following the war. To maintain the illusion, I learned to channel your power through the use of black magic...”
Celestia's expression softened as she explored yet another dark memory.
“...I was not exactly honest with you, Luna. Not only did it give a me a bit of your power, it created a link between us, one which bounded our dreams together. In my sleep I could feel your agony, if only a fraction of it, but it was more intense than anything I have ever experienced. I can never fully understand how much you suffered, but know that I shared it with you.”
Celestia approached Luna and nuzzled against her side of her face. The moon goddess, unsure of what to think of Celestia's claim, was still happy to see her sister seek her affection and reciprocated the gesture.
“It's like Ajax said,” Twilight thought out loud, “Luna, you really did torment Celestia's dreams.”
“Celly.” Luna asked her face scrunched as if trying to recall something, “When I fell asleep, I would hear the name “Nightmare Moon” over and over. Was that you? I don't remember the voice, just the words.”
“...Yes. As I watched madness and hatred take you, I could no longer recognize my sister. It seemed as though I had created another monster from someone I loved...and so I named you Nightmare Moon because you had become the very demon I invented, as if the fates were punishing me for my lie by making it become true.”
Celestia sighed.
“I knew I had to save you, and the only way I could do that was with the Elements of Harmony. Shortly after the war it was foretold that the magic of the Elements would take on flesh and blood after a millennium. Once they were assembled, true harmony could begin to be restored...meaning that you would be able to escape from your prison.That hope was the only thing sustaining me during my rule, and everything I did was bent towards preparing for your arrival. Did you think I burned those histories because I wanted the world to hate you? I did it to give you a clean slate!”
“Yes, after you blackened the first.” Luna muttered before speaking up, “If you really tried to destroy my memory, why then does your “royal family” know of it?”
“As much as I wanted to do so, forgetting the lessons of the past is dangerous.” Celestia replied gravely, “I regret it now, but it was a useful story to keep members of the nobility in check so to ensure that they would never rise against me. The legend growing around Nightmare Moon, too, was hard to suppress because the ponies tied it to their harvest celebrations. But its origins were eventually forgotten...so I let it go.”
Luna frowned and kicked at the ground.
“You really did a great job, sis.”
“I did the best I could, but I needed some clues to your existence for my student to find.”
“Princess...was all that happened in Ponyville really part of your plan to redeem Luna?” Twilight asked, remembering what Luna had told her about Celestia's craftiness.
“Yes, every bit of it.” Celestia said quietly, “Ponyville was always intended to be the cradle of harmony. When the pioneers first asked for the lands near the border of Everfree, I thought it the ideal place to stage Luna's return. It was a small village halfway between Canterlot and Everfree, perfect for containing the terror she would unleash. As the thousandth year drew closer, I sought out the Elements throughout Equestria. Loyalty, laughter, honesty, generosity and kindness, and through different means I assembled them all in Ponyville. All that was needed was a little spark.”
Celestia warmly smiled at Twilight in an unusual display of happiness.
“My little Twilight Sparkle, the final and most crucial of the Elements.” the sun goddess said tenderly, “The day I saw your power, I knew that you had the potential to wield the Elements. The problem was, dear, that you had too much brain and not enough heart! You need both to bring about harmony but I couldn't just teach you about the joy and power of friendship. It needed to grow on its own...so all I did was give you a little nudge out the door.”
“Princess, you tasked all my friends with putting together the Summer Sun Celebration.” Twilight said flatly, “You basically gave me a check off list.”
“Really Celestia?” Luna grinned, “Your plan doesn't sound exactly subtle. Maybe you are right, maybe I do think too highly of your skills.”
“No, it didn't need to be subtle. It was simple, as the best laid plans are.” Celestia said in a matter-of-factually manner. Deep down, however, she was happy to see the frosty tension between them start to melt. “You can make fun of it all you want, but it worked....unlike the more complicated ones...”
“Like what?” Luna asked, “It seems everything happened according to your plan.”
Celestia frowned, a bit ashamed by her failures.
“That's not exactly true. I wanted...no, I tried to make the world in your image.” Celestia admitted,“I crafted every law, policy, and government with such perfect precision as to guide Equestria to a greater, more just society, the one you had always wanted, but slowly...steadily...manageably.”
“Sister, how can you see it that way?” Luna replied, “You can't create a world for me when the world I want is to be created by the ponies. It's a paradox. All you did was create a puppet parliament with you as its shadow empress. All power and authority still flows from you. It's an illusion no different from your night sky. ”
Luna nuzzled her sister affectionately.
“Celly, the same problem remains. You need to let go of your power and put your faith in your subjects.”
Celestia shook her head furiously.
“I've tried, I have. The centuries have given me hundreds of opportunities, but I squandered them all. Every time I give up control...I'm just tempted into taking it back. When I see my ponies suffering or if I see the signs of power's corruption spread, I want to stop it...so I do. Last night was no different.”
“Celly be honest with yourself...”
“You still don't believe me.” Celestia said, sounding a bit hurt, “But I tried again recently, you know. Didn't you wonder why the north wind blows so strongly and freely? It's because I willed it--I freed the seasons from their shackles.”
Luna stood back in shock. The night before she had mocked and criticized Celestia's lust for power to her sister's face while ignoring the wild wind's bellows behind her. Had she perhaps listened closely to its roaring, she would have heard it attest to Celestia's desire to reform.
“But the frigid winds threatened the harvest.” Celestia continued, “ I couldn't bear the idea of seeing any of my ponies starve because of an early winter. So I was ready to push back against nature...until you stopped me.”
“I'm glad you're taking steps, Celestia.” Luna replied, “But the real challenge for you is not to give up power, but to give it away.”
“But look what it did to Ajax! Look at what he did to you!” Celestia cried “I...I can't let that sort of evil emerge again.”
“Ajax didn't go mad because you gave him power.” Luna said, trying to comfort her conflicted sister, “You gave him absolute power, and you're right. No mortal should have that. What you need to do is not concentrate power, you need to disperse it. That's how you stop the evils you fear.”
“Luna, you're asking me to spread the responsibility and sins of power to all my subjects.” Celestia answered, “You know that their innocence will be forever lost if that were to happen. There would be no chance for your ideal society to thrive.”
“I know this now. It's an ideal after all, but we can at least get closer to it.”
“I think I get it now.” Twilight said, gaining the attention of the two goddesses.
“Yes my faithful student?” Celestia said, “Do you have a report for me?”
“I realize that even though you might think or feel a certain way, almost everypony shares the same concerns and wants what's best for everypony else. But it's those differences we fight about, so much so that we lose sight of what those goals originally were and end up violating what we all wanted to protect. Freedom, security, happiness, it doesn't matter. It's a tragedy, but it's also a call to listen to one another and find common ground. Take you two for instance, you're almost complete opposites destined to come into conflict. Logically you should hate one another, yet you share a love stronger than anything I've ever seen before. That love is a perfect union of reason and emotion, the natural balance that serves as the heart of harmony. Without one, the other is lost and powerless. Only with love in our hearts can we truly strive to bring about a happier, more just world.”
“Well said Twilight,” Celestia smiled, giving the unicorn a quick nuzzle on the cheek, “That was quite the lesson!”
“That doesn't mean I don't have any bugs to pick at,” Twilight said, “Princess, this whole test of yours, I understand it I do. You tried to recreate the events of the past to show that you really could overcome the temptation of power...but Luna's right. The real test is giving power to other ponies! No offense, but I feel like you could've done this a whole lot safer if you told somepony you'd be gone for the day!”
“I'm--I'm sorry Twilight” Celestia stuttered, surprised at her student's brashness, “I told you, I wasn't thinking straight--”
“No excuses.”
Twilight then turned her attention to Luna.
“Celestia's not the only alicorn guilty of not thinking things through. When you abdicated the throne, did you have really any idea who was going to succeed you and Celestia? Nobles? Morning Star? The structure and organization of a functional modern democracy?”
“Uh--”
“Exactly. Geez, if you two weren't so arrogant it would have saved us a lot of heartache and trouble.” Twilight said, smirking and rolling her eyes, “I have a feeling you two are going to need more help than just each other. But don't worry, I have a couple ideas to help you out. I know government isn't exactly my forte, but I know how it can be reformed so that Princess Celestia can distance herself from the action.”
“Really Twilight?” Luna smiled, happy to see some solutions, “Like what?”
“Well, an actual written constitution, for starters.” Twilight said perhaps a little too snarkly, “I think we've been going off tradition for a bit too long.”
Celestia smiled at her student and gently combed aside the frizzled locks of her purple mane.
“Twilight, I really am so proud of you. It wasn't too long ago when you were just a timid little unicorn scared stiff of other ponies. Now you've blossomed into a confident and strong leader, just like Morning Star. But where she separated my sister from me and helped bring about chaos, you have twice reunited us and helped to restore peace and harmony, something I alone could never do.”
Celestia lightly kissed her student's brow.
“I'm forever in your debt, Twilight. History will never forget your name nor those of your friends, for as long as I live I will guard your memories. This is the closest I can give you to immortality, something which is beyond my power to bestow...”
“Wait a second...immortality!” Twilight said, bringing her hoof to her forehead, “Princess Celestia, Luna still doesn't have hers back yet! We tried using the Elements of Harmony but...”
“They didn't work, I'd imagine.” Celestia interrupted, “Perhaps you should try them again. I think that you'll find them far more cooperative when my sister and I are together.”
“But Princess...the Royal Guard has my friends...”
“Hmm...that is a prob--”
At that moment, the three heard the sound of cracking trees and felt the castle shake at its foundations.
“What's going on?!” Twilight said, trying not to trip over herself.
Celestia said nothing but eyed Philomena hungrily as Everfree continued to tremble.
“Sister!” Luna called, breaking the sun goddess from her trance, “Stop! You're so close!”
No sooner did she say this, the roof at the opposite the end of the throne room collapsed, allowing a gigantic red beast to slither through the breach. With a terrifying roar, Ajax announced his return. Immediately, Philomena swooped to attack the intruder, only to be swiped away like a gnat.
“Nightmare Moon!” Ajax growled, as he swung his head blindly about the throne room, crushing a few pillars in the process, “I know you're here, I can smell your wickedness! Let us end what you were too cowardly to finish!”
Accepting the challenge with a stern face, Luna boldly trotted to face her foe. Her horn glowing, Luna lit the room with her blue magic, revealing Ajax's terrible wounds. Even though this dragon was her enemy, the princess of the night was filled with disgust at what she saw. One of Ajax's eyes was gored, leaving only traces of tissue to dangle hideously from its socket. Luna also noticed that one of Ajax claws was firmly gripping his chest in a vain attempt to hide what was obviously a gaping wound. In the stillness of Everfree, she could hear the blood dripping slowly on the castle floor, drop by drop.
“Ajax, please, I beg you to stop!” Celestia cried, her voice filled with a mother's love, “It's over, please, let me heal you!”
Ajax looked at the princess only to snort and laugh at the sight.
“Is that the best Celestia you can conjure, Nightmare? This sad, pitiful mockery of her beauty and power! Bah! I will not be fooled by your charms again, now fight!”
Using his mighty wings, the dragon charged down the length of the throne room Luna braced herself, her horn glowing ready to counter Ajax's attack, but Luna was unprepared for what just happened next. Descending from above, Celestia placed herself between the two combatants and stretched her white wings aggressively.”
“As your princess and goddess I order you to stop!”
“Begone phantom!” Ajax roared in response, not bothering to slow down the slightest.
“I will not let you harm my sister!”
The faint sound of pierced flesh echoed softly throughout the castle, followed by a tense and disturbing silence. Ajax, in his conceit and blood lust, had impaled his neck upon Celestia's ivory horn. Luna looked on in disbelief as Celestia stood under the dragon, completely frozen, her eyes wide with horror. At that moment, a loud squawk and a poof of magic was heard, marking Philomena's death at the claws of Ajax. It didn't take long for Celestia to feel her power and magic return to her like a whirlwind of transformation. Though once more regal in appearance and stature, Celestia's pain was still very clear upon her face.
Making a few sick guttural cries as blood filled his mouth, Ajax looked down to see the princess he swore his life to defend.
“Sol-solnychka...”
“Shhh...Mishka...”
The dragon gave a final breath as his eye rolled back into his head. Slowly removing her horn from Ajax's gullet, the overpowering grief of the situation was too much for Celestia to handle.
“My little dragon, I'm so sorry that I have no more tears left tonight to give you...I-I cannot mourn for you properly though every inch of me wishes to do so. Forgive your weak mother...”
The sun goddess then began to sing in Wyrmish, surprising Luna a little. Celestia was not exactly the best at remembering songs, that was more of the moon goddess' talent. Though her Wyrmish wasn't up to par, she recognized the tune. It was a an old lullaby sung to hatchlings that spoke of a mother's hope for an honorable and courageous son. It echoed, too, the unsettling warrior ethos of dragons. Trying to remember the words, Luna joined her sister in song, her chilling voice adding its weight to Ajax's tragic death.
In Equestrian letters, it sounded thus-like:
Spi , mladenets moĭ prekrasnyĭ ,
Bayushki - bayu .
Tikho smotrit mesyats yasnyĭ
V nashe logovo .
Stanu skazyvatʹ ya skazki ,
Pesenku spoyu ;
Ty zh dremli , zakryvshi glazki ,
Bayushki - bayu...
Sam uznaeshʹ , budet vremya ,
Brannoe zhitʹe ;
smelo budet tochitʹ kogti i zuby polirovannyĭ
i vstupitʹ v srazhenie
tkanʹ vashego bannera
Shelkom razoshʹyu ...
Spi , ditya moe rodnoe ,
Bayushki - bayu.
Bogatyrʹ ty budeshʹ s vidu
I drakona dushoĭ .
Provozhatʹ tebya ya vyĭdu
Ty makhneshʹ rukoĭ ...
Skolʹko gorʹkikh slez ukradkoĭ
YA v tu nochʹ prolʹyu ! ..
Spi , moĭ angel , tikho , sladko ,
Bayushki - bayu.
Stanu ya toskoĭ tomitʹsya ,
Bezuteshno zhdatʹ ;
Stanu tselyĭ denʹ molitʹsya ,
Po nocham gadatʹ ;
Stanu dumatʹ , chto skuchaeshʹ
Ty v chuzhom krayu ...
Spi zh , poka zabot ne znaeshʹ ,
Bayushki - bayu...
(Sleep, good boy, my beautiful,
Quietly the moon is looking
Into our den.
I will tell you fairy tales
And sing you little songs,
But you must slumber, with your little eyes closed,
The time will come, then you will learn
The brutality of life,
Boldly you'll sharpen claw and polish tooth
And enter battle.
The cloth for your banner
I will sew you from silk.
Sleep now, my dear little child,
You will look like a hero
And be a Dragon Lord deep in your heart.
I will hurry to accompany you,
You will just wave your hand
How many secret bitter tears
Will I shed that night!
Sleep, my angel, calmly, sweetly,
I will die from longing,
I will wait inconsolably,
I will pray the whole day long,
And at night I'll tell fortunes
I will think that you are in trouble
Far away in a foreign land.
Sleep now, as long as you don't know sadness or strife...)
The words of the song left Celestia cold, making her look as fragile as thin ice. As Twilight strained her ears to make out the meaning of the difficult language, she realized that this was the song a little Ajax heard every night before he fell asleep. It wasn't just a cultural artifact; the song exposed both Celestia's desire and sorrow to make a strong warrior out of the young dragon. She had succeeded all too well. Now, with her son's blood dripping down her horn and into her eyes, Celestia at last put out that burning passion she had kindled so long ago in Ajax's heart.
She had laid him to rest one final time.
After the song was over, Celestia tenderly caressed the fallen dragon's spines and whispered Wyrmish into his ears. Twilight didn't know what her teacher was saying, but she could make out one plea Celestia continued to repeat.
"Forgive me."
Soon, the silence of Everfree prevailed once more, only to be shattered by a chorus of worried calls coming from the stairway.
"Twilight!"
"Twilight, where are ya now?"
"Shout if you're okay, dear!"
Happy beyond relief and surprised to hear her friends, Twilight rushed to clear the debris away from the stairs. Sure enough, behind all that rubble stood her five best friends.
"Girls, you're here! But how...the guard...”
At that moment, Twilight caught sight of Lightning trailing up the stairs. On his back was an injured soldier, a blue pegasus who seemed to be about her age.
"Lightning, how did you...the captain...your orders...?"
"Search for and protect the princesses of day and night, and guard the Elements of Harmony," the lieutenant replied, "Captain's orders, and I've followed them to a tee."
"But the last I saw your captain, he was about to kill Luna and imprison us!" Twilight said, "What could possibly have changed that stubborn pegasus' mind?"
"Philomena. Sound reason. S'mores."
"Really? Well then, where is he?"
"He died defending your friends," Lightning solemnly answered before pointing to the dragon's corpse, "from that."
Twilight looked in disbelief at Lightning before turning to her friends. Their somber expressions and lowered eyes, however, convinced the unicorn that her former guard was not lying to her. Thinking back, she tried to remember what she could about Braveheart before this horrific day started. The captain usually had an audience with Celestia before her lessons began and sometimes he patted her on the head on his way out. It wasn't really affectionate, at times it was actually kind of aggressive. As such, Twilight didn't know too much about him other than what her brother her about him (usually glowing military stories). The princess, however, had always shown a great respect for Braveheart and pressed Twilight to behave if ever the captain required her immediate council.
"Why...he had us put to the sword one moment, and then the next he decides to die for us?"
"Don't underestimate your friends." Lightning replied, "The power between you six is nothing short of amazing, and I think the captain saw that when they bravely defended one another from that devil dragon. I know I did."
Twilight turned to her friends. She had thought that they would be as happy as she was to reunite, but the shadow of death dampened any thoughts of celebration. Only Rainbow looked slightly all right. Pinkie, on the other hoof, appeared drained and lost.
"Are you girls okay? Ajax didn't hurt you, did he?" Twilight said in a worried tone, with special attention given to Pinkie.
"Nah Twi, we're fine." Applejack replied, "Just shakin' up a bit. But Ah'm mighty glad to see that yer in one piece."
“No kidding! Look at what Bozo the Gecko did to the castle!” Rainbow Dash said, “This place looks like an avalanche just hit it!”
“Twilight, is that...Princess Celestia cuddling up against that beast?” Rarity asked in dismay
“Ajax!” Fluttershy squeaked before trying to bolt. However, Rainbow Dash yanked her back before she could get very far.
“...It's a long story...” Twilight sighed, “I promise you can read about it in my book.”
"I'd love to see it," the lieutenant said, "I'll need something good to read on my vacation."
“Lightning...I just want to say...”
“I can understand if you still hate me. I would too.”
Twilight shook her head.
“No. Hate will get us nowhere. This crazy night brought out the very best and the very worst of everpony. You may have trounced on my liberties, but in the end you guided my friends back to me...without you...or even the captain...harmony couldn't be restored tonight.”
“Twilight...when I said I wasn't sorry...it wasn't entirely true. I am in hindsight, it's just...I can't say I could do anything differently. Do you know what I mean?”
The unicorn nodded.
“I do. You can't sincerely say your sorry for doing something you thought at the time was right. I understand.”
“Yeah, but I was wrong, and, looking ahead, I'll probably have to stand trial for it. I just want you to know that did I try to buy you time...but the cost was just too high for me. I had to let the captain come back.”
"Braveheart..." Twilight muttered, "He might have been a jerk, but Celestia really loved him. I'd hate to break the news to her now, especially since her dragon died...she's so distressed right now."
"Lieutenant," the blue pegasus on Lightning's back interrupted, "please, could I have some water? If you could just put me down, I think I'll be fine..."
Complying with the injured soldier's request, Lightning placed the scout up against the wall.
"Heh, there went my shot, huh lieutenant?" Blizzard asked, "Braveheart'll never let me in after a sloppy job like that...I guess Ruby will have something to be happy about when I get home."
Lightning frowned a little, a bit unnerved that Blizzard didn't realize that the only reason he was alive was because the captain was dead. But the lieutenant had the mind not to hold it against the rookie.
"Kid, don't sweat it, you're already in. Braveheart didn't take you on a dangerous mission because he wanted to test you. He knew you'd be of value to him...and you were. You played your part. So rest up; you've got another one tomorrow."
Blizzard smiled as he closed his eyes.
"Imagine that. I pass out in front of a dragon and get on the guard...Braveheart's got some strange ideas about what a good soldier is."
"No, a good captain sees potential." Lightning sternly replied, "It doesn't take much to tell that you are brave. Few ponies have stood so firmly against a dragon. Don't sell that short."
"Heh, maybe you're right." Blizzard said, "Just tell the captain thanks for me. I'm sure he got me out of that jam and paid that lizard back..."
With that the soldier slinked off into sleep, leaving Twilight intrigued about what just happened between Braveheart and Ajax. As the student questioned her guard of what happened in the forest, Celestia and Luna looked over the dragon's wounds.
“I could have saved him, Luna,” she replied distantly as she closed Ajax's remaining eye, “The Elements of Harmony could have purged him of his evil, just as it did for you. If only he had listened to me...”
“Celly...I didn't do this to him, you know.” Luna said, "I brought down heaven and earth down upon him, and he escaped with only scratches. But these cuts...they run deep. What could have happened to him?"
Luna paused for a moment as an idea struck her.
"...Could your sword have done this?"
"...My sword..." Celestia muttered, "That is what he called me. If he were to die, it would be upon his own blade...he was his own doom..."
Celestia looked once more at the gash near Ajax's heart.
"There are few things that can pierce an ancient dragon's hide, you know that. What else could it be if it was not la fleur du soleil? But there is only one other who can carry it..."
"Your captain, Braveheart." Luna replied, "He brandished it against me. That was the last I saw of his impudence. But could an arrogant pegasus really do this to a dragon?"
Celestia was not surprised at the news of Braveheart's actions, her face remaining as grave as ever.
"No, not just a pegasus. Not when he held the weapon of his goddess."
Celestia turned to the red dragon's clenched claw.
"If there was a duel between the two of them, Ajax would have taken a prize."
Her heart beating, Celestia hesitated before yanking open Ajax's greedy claw with her magic. Falling to the floor with a clatter, a battered golden helm with a red plume rolled before stopping at the sun goddess' hooves. The captain's blood was still clear upon it. Breathing deeply, Celestia felt new grief grip and sting her.
“This test has taken too much away from me, Luna.” the sun goddess solemnly said, “I knew my reckless action would steal away the lives of some of my subjects, but I did not expect it to drive so closely to my heart. I could've stopped it...I don't know...I don't know if I can really let go...”
Luna nuzzled Celestia intimately, hoping to comfort her sister.
“You can do it, I believe you can!” the moon goddess said with a tear in her eye, “I'm here for you, Celly. I know now that we can overcome this challenge together!”
Celestia shook her head, as if trying to free herself from her own demons. Stopping, she gave Luna a determined stare.
“You're right, Luna. It is about time we restored true harmony to the world. Twilight!”
Answering her teacher's call, the unicorn dashed to meet her, closely followed by her friends.
“Yes, princess?” Twilight asked as the others bowed.
“Assemble the Elements of Harmony and give my sister back what it rightfully hers.”
“You heard her girls, time to form up!”
Getting into position, the six elements began to respond to one another. Glowing brightly, they emitted a bright flash of pure white light that engulfed Luna. As it faded in intensity, everypony could see that the white light remained concentrated around the moon goddess, bending and shaping her figure. Finally, the light dispersed, revealing Luna in all her divine glory. Healed of her wounds, Luna stood taller than before while her coat had become darker blue, just bordering on grey. But the most brilliant change was her beautiful starry mane that flowed more regally and majestically than even Celestia's.
Feeling her divinity run through her, Luna sighed in relief. It had worked.
“Sister, a year ago I asked you for your friendship.” Celestia said, approaching the princess of the night, “Tonight, I ask you again for your friendship in the hopes that we can forgive one another and move forward together to make a better, more just world.”
Luna smiled and hugged her sister tightly, a final tear escaping her eye.
“Yes, I accept your friendship. I promise to never abandon you again!”
Despite all the emotional trauma she suffered, Luna's response warmed Celestia's heart and gave her a new strength.
“I promise to you the same. Let us never be apart again.”
Watching the familiar scene unfold, Pinkie Pie couldn't help but to be moved in the same way she did a year before. Bawling.
“Isn't it beautiful?” she asked Rarity.
“Dear, I don't want to be a wet blanket, but today has been too hard on me to celebrate. I'm responsible for a pony's death, and I watched another die not too long ago. Oh, and not just that, now I'm sitting in a room with a dead dragon. I'm relieved that their Royal Majesties have made up, but really. I just want this dreadful night to be over.”
“Ah agree with Rarity.” Applejack said, “Ah can't take none of this no more. This whole drama's taken dangerous and weird to a whole 'nother level. Ah say we hit the hay now, Ah'm dead tired.”
Applejack took a flask of water and raised it up.
“Here's to hopin' we can leave first thing in the morning, Ah'm startin' to worry for Big Mac an' Applebloom. Thank mah lucky stars Granny was outta town this week. ”
“Well, I kind of thought it was fun.” Rainbow Dash said casually, “Being an outlaw on the fly, bucking giant spiders with AJ, beating up stupid lizards...doesn't sound like a terrible day.”
“Rainbow, could you not be any more insensitive?” Twilight chided, “Celestia loved Ajax, just try to respect the dead. For her.”
“Whatever. Just desserts for what he did to Luna and the captain.”
Twilight brought her hoof to her face, exasperated by Rainbow's insensitivity.
“Think if that was Spike, Rainbow, and show a little compassion.”
“Okay...geez...I'm sorry. Nobody deserves to die...” Rainbow muttered, a bit sobered by the unicorn's suggestion.
“Oh my...” Fluttershy said, looking at the corpse, “...it's a shame, but it looks like he was nearing the end anyway. He lost a lot of blood when he fought the captain, it's likely he was thinking even less straight than usual.”
“Thanks for the autopsy, doc...” Rainbow muttered under her breath, a little sore not just about Twilight's words, but her loss of immortality. If she didn't watch herself now, she could be in for a trip to the hospital.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” Twilight called, gaining the sisters' attention, “Is it all right if my friends and I can sleep? We're all pretty exhausted.”
“...Of course. The old servant chambers are still intact, you should be able to sleep comfortably there.” Celestia responded before turning to Lightning, “Lieutenant, if you would guide them, the quarters are at the base of the tower.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” Lightning said as he bowed his head, “May I be of any other service?”
“If you have the wing power, I need you to deliver a message to Canterlot announce that I have been found safe and will return soon. I also want you to reconvene the last government. I have somethings I must address to parliament and the nation.”
Celestia plucked and floated a feather to him.
“This is your proof, don't lose it.”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
Celestia gave a pregnant pause before continuing.
“But before that...if at all possible...I want you to send units to help retrieve Braveheart's remains. He does not deserve to buried in Everfree...No, he will have the simple grave of a soldier in the golden fields outside Canterlot. There he will be at peace in the company of his brothers and sisters who went before him...”
“Yes, your Majesty. I will do what I can.”
With that, the Lightning dismissed himself to follow orders, taking the six friends with him and leaving Luna and Celestia alone. Walking back to the throne, Luna had a big question that remained.
"Why do you love the captain?" Luna asked, "If you fear power's abuse, you need only look to your left hoof. He has spent all day lording his authority over the ponies in his hunt for me. Why should you trust him?"
"...For the same reasons I loved and trusted Ajax..." Celestia muttered, "He was like many before him; a brother and son to me when I had no one else in the world. Who better to carry out my will then ponies like him? But I fear tonight tested Braveheart beyond what I would normally expect him of. It was the same trial that had broken Ajax, but it seems that he was not entirely conquered by his hatred. Had he given into temptation, this world would be destroyed."
Celestia sighed and gave her sister a faint smile.
"I learned from my mistakes. I made sure that Braveheat's loyalty was not only owed to me, but to his soldiers and my subjects as well. I fostered that love he wanted to suppress, even if that cost him a few missions. He could be somewhat ruthless, but never more than my Mishka..."
Luna mulled over what Celestia had to say about Braveheart. Admittedly, she knew little of the captain at court. She usually had kept her distance away from soldiers. Perhaps had she paid attention, she could see the qualities her sister spoke of. As it was, she had little proof of his benevolence, only his malevolence. But her trust in Celestia was being restored. She would take her sister's word and see into the matter later. But for now, Luna only wanted to be with her sister as they prepared to bring in the new day.
The two sisters nuzzled up to one another with Celestia's head resting atop Luna's shimmering mane and her white wings wrapped around them. Looking outside the window, the two watched as the harsh, icy wind blew the freshly fallen snow across Everfree. They reflected in the silence of their hearts the many trials overcome, the many sins they committed, and their new found hope for a better world.
At last the moment had come, both sisters felt nature's summonings. With a heavy sigh, Luna finally lowered the moon below the horizon while Celestia raised the sun, its marvelous rays giving light and life to the world once more. The golden dawn was incredible in its beauty; never had Luna seen her sister paint such a delightful canvas of reds, oranges, violets, and indigos. It was almost (almost) as impressive as her cosmic masterpieces. Hearing the happy crooning of a phoenix behind her, Luna looked up to see the reborn Philomena perched atop Celestia's head. The bird was clearly happy to greet the new dawn too.
Celestia smiled and looked from her phoenix to her sister.
“A new day is born.”
Luna laughed, her eyes glistening in the morning light as she replied.
“Let it last forever!”
-------
The lullaby is essentially a modified version of Mikhail Lermontov's "Cossak Lullaby". Credit to him.
*The beginning differs a bit from where the last chapter ended, mostly to provide atmosphere.
Sorry it took two months, but Frigid Winds and Burning Hearts everyone. I promised I'd finish this story and I did. I only had to re-write this chapter a dozen times. Honestly, when I first had an idea for this story, I just wanted to write this chapter...but it grew longer. Anyway, I hope everything connects well in your heads and all that. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Reviews are always, very, very much wanted. I hope you've enjoyed this little philosophical exploration, as this will probably be my last fic ever. However I do have some acknowledgments and notes that I think I'll post some time. Feel free to look at that if you really want to know what I was thinking when writing this.
Grey Prophet
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Midnightshadow
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1542
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Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
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The Day the Sky Changed
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A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
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complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
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teen
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2011-10-31T10:54:10+00:00
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2011-10-31T10:54:10+00:00
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Mikey swore as the rock came down on his thumb. He stood up quickly, holding his hand, waving it about. He snarled at the can and booted it. It flew through the air and shattered a window, rattling around inside the house. He heard what sounded like an old-style tube television burst.
“Who the hell has those any more? Probably a retro-collector...”
Mikey eyed the window, he could probably climb in, but he didn’t fancy adding another injury today. He would try the door. A makeshift crowbar and surprisingly enough non-shatterproof glass meant he could open the damn thing. The latch turned. He rummaged around inside their kitchen but failed to find a can-opener. He retrieved his can and took it outside again. It would be dark soon, well... darker. It never got dark any more, not since the sky had changed. He shivered, that nagging feeling of being watched played over him again, but he pushed it to the back of his mind and raised the brick before bringing it down on the can. He rained blows upon it before it finally split a seam. He was hungry enough that he just ripped it further open and upended the tin of beans into his mouth and started eating them cold.
“Ugh,” came a voice, “you feces-flinging primates are ever so disgusting.”
Mikey whirled, picked up the brick and threw it at the pony. It bounced off in a purple flash of light and shattered as it impacted the plascrete parkway. He snarled meaninglessly and took a cold metallic object from his waistband. Pulling the trigger, he emptied the entire clip at the beast before he threw the gun itself after the bullets. It was just as useful as the ammo it had carried, which was to say not at all. The pony had barely even flinched.
“Are you quite finished? I got this shield spell idea from watching your ridiculous excuses for entertainment. I based it off the shield that surrounded our world itself. Impenetrable, almost. At least for anything you could do it is. I can leave you here, you know, to wallow in your filfth as your world is eaten away, or you can follow me.”
“Why would I follow you, you goddamn piece of shit!” Mikey spat.
“Because, monkey, I know the way out. I was sent, for my sins, to rescue the last of you two-legged hairless retards from an unknown fate and to deliver you to a slightly better-known fate. Or not, it’s up to you.”
“What if I like it here?”
“Then you may stay.” the pony turned around and flicked his tail, seemingly searching as his head wove backwards and forwards, “Come, the topology is highly unstable in this region, it will collapse soon. We have... I don’t know, somewhere between minutes, hours and days. Maybe a week, tops, before everything here succumbs.”
“Succumbs to what?”
“Universal manifold collapse, you simpleton. The weight of your reality is no longer self-sustaining, not in this local pocket of space-time. It’s been getting smaller, or hadn’t you noticed?”
The pony was right. The world was not what it once was. Mikey remembered - it wasn’t long ago but it seemed like forever. The world had been a lone, shining beautiful jewel hanging in space and it all belonged to god’s own, man. Then those damned ponies had come. Their... bubble, locking away riches to tempt the weak behind an impenetrable barrier, offering it freely... to those who turned away from their humanity. Equestria, foolsgold. Their world, merely an island at first, or so it seemed, had appeared from nowhere. Then it had started growing, and growing... Mikey remembered in the last days how space and time had become... jumbled. Parts of the world became sealed off behind miniature bubbles of their own, but these bubbles were seemingly... somehow they were complete and not at the same time. Eggheads had spun tales about ‘four dimensional geometry’ but he could smell bullshit when he heard it. He’d been told to evacuate. He had stayed... and then, then the sky had changed. He’d woken up one morning to a purple shining sky and impenetrable walls of energy surrounding what was left of this once great human metropolis, and he was the last one in it. No ponies, no humans, nothing. Rats didn’t count, neither did pigeons. At first he could see beyond the barrier wall, but then it had become opaque. He’d sat at the wall for days, or it had felt like days. He’d laughed, cried, swore, promised, cajoled, threatened... but nothing had worked. He was now the most important man in the city, just like he’d promised himself he would be. He was the only man in the city, and every day the city got smaller, inch by implacable inch.
“If you’re going to come, come now, monkey. I am the greatest thaumatician Equestria has ever produced, but even I cannot prevent a universal matrix from collapsing.”
“You just want me to follow you?” Mikey asked, scratching his beard with one hand whilst picking at his armpit with the other.
“Yes, I’ll try to stay upwind so I don’t have to smell you. Grab on to my tail, without physical contact, as much as I loathe you hairless beasts, I cannot guarantee you will stay within the same locale as I.”
“I hate the idea just as much as you, you four-legged freak.” spat Mikey
“I doubt it. I had to work with you... you creatures every day. You’re looking at possibly the only non-human member of the HLF. Yeah, that’s right, the HLF. I don’t want your scum infecting my country any more than you want our kind mingling with yours. I’ve been to the dress clubs, I’ve met with your leaders, such as they are. Perverted pelt-freaks the lot of them. I had all the women I could want, you know. They threw your females at me in those places, said it was the perfect cover. I just think they liked watching. Don’t think they didn’t enjoy themselves too. It may have been the perfect cover, but there’s nothing in the rules against enjoying yourself.”
Mikey spluttered, “We humans would never...”
“Oh please,” the pony spat, “you were doing it long before we showed up. Dress clubs were neutral ground, idiot. HLF, PER, the various task-forces, both human and equestrian - they all frequented those clubs. Nopony talks about what goes on behind those doors, pony gotta have his vices. Makes discussing prisoner and information exchanges a lot easier, just slip the odd data-stick in with the credit sticks and paper notes, whisper the odd code-word as you pretend to kiss... all neat, all clean - mostly - and all secret. I’ve got the pictures to prove it. I’m one of the only ponies ever to have bionic implants. Double agent. Triple, really. First and foremost, I work for my goddess, Celestia, or more correctly her younger sister, Luna.”
Mikey hissed and the pony turned his head, “Easy, your ugliness. Don’t think I don’t know how often your royalty are referred to as looking like horses. I take it as a compliment. Anyway, first for equestria, now and always. Then I work for your human president, or I did whilst she was still human and there was still a president. Then I worked for the HLF.”
The pony led the way through the abandoned city, seemingly turning at random. He would tap open doors and walk through buildings, go up and down stairways and stop in blind alleys, counting to himself.
“What the hell are you doing, meetwurst?” yelled Mikey.
“Shut up, monkey. I’m reading the flux... look, you want to amuse yourself? Pick up something and throw it down the alley. Try not to hit the walls.”
“You what? It’s fifteen feet across!”
“Yeah, do it. I know you monkeys can fling shit at each other, so I’m pretty sure you can manage a rock down the alley.”
Mikey hefted a rock, he considered bashing the pony’s brains in with it, but at this point was honestly intrigued. He drew back his arm and let fly. The rock sailed through the air, curved, and slammed into the wall. Mikey blinked, and threw another rock. It did it again.
“What did you do?”
“I told you, topology is shifting. You might think we’re walking in circles, but I’m plotting for us the only way out of this city.”
“You can’t get out of this city! It’s... it closed up! The sky changed!”
“Then how, shit-for-brains, did I get in?”
Mikey fish-mouthed for a few minutes, then asked, “Assuming you’re not lying and I haven’t just not seen you... how did you get in?”
The pony smiled, “I am the greatest thaumatician in all of equestria. Many years ago, monkey, I found a spell. Our world, you see, suffers from an influx of meta-stable energy fields that results in our reality being a relatively tenuous one, and it had a tendency to shrink. During one of these shrinkages, I measured the flux in the energy fields. I perfected a spell to push outwards, to steal energy from a universe that was, in theory, infinite and expanding. I’d do both universes a favour, that way. The hypothetically infinite universe would gain billions of years of extra life before heat-death claimed it, and our universe would expand immeasurably, at the cost of a small slice of local space-time being seized and converted.”
“You mean,” said Mikey, as he picked at an ear, “Equestria appearing, and devouring our world, was your plan all along?”
“Beautiful, isn’t it? I remove the blemish on your reality called ‘mankind’ and in return, our universe gets an influx of cheap labour and eager workers so that ponies like myself can have a more comfortable retirement. Your assimilation was complete, human. The serum was simple, relatively easy to manipulate. I gave our newfoals the greatest of gifts - happiness.”
“You monster!” yelled Mikey, and let go of the tail.
“Oh hardly, not from where I’m standing. I gave billions of you humans a new, comfortable happy and productive life. I gave them families, freedom from disease, freedom from poverty, a purpose in life. I gave you undeserving shit-flingers heaven, and all at the cost of one teeny tiny little thing. No more fingers. Your children are now our children, your ways are now our ways. Humanity is reduced to a cosmic joke and the punchline is that every conspiracy theory you window-licking short-bus riding disgusting little savages could dream up is outshone by the real deal. I worked the greatest crime in the history of ponykind, and I walked away scott-free. I gave you heaven and wiped you out, and I didn’t harm a hair on your flea-ridden heads. You thanked me for it! And one other thing...”
Mikey looked at his hands, balled into fists. He looked up at the pony, horn glowing, “What?”
“I told you not to let go of my tail.” the pony fled. He galloped off around the corner. Mike screamed and shouted, picking up rubble and throwing it after the four-legged abomination, but when he rounded the corner, the pony was gone. Instead he met with a group of several hundred dirty, disgusting, muddy, dishevelled humans. They were crowding around a streak of brilliant purple light. Mikey could see something squirming inside the bulging column. He dropped the makeshift weapons and ran closer. The crowd parted and he came face to face with horror.
The energy wall was brightly charged and flexing. It bulged out like a pus-filled blister. Inside the blister... was a girl, a woman. She was writing in pain.
“The wall it just... burst, and then it swallowed her! I can’t get her out!” said a man, he slammed his fists on the wall but it barely registered the contact. The woman inside was wide-eyed and screaming. Her eyes went even wider as the bubble contracted... and contracted. She opened her mouth even wider but no sound came out. Instead a red frothing liquid boiled out as the cavity shrank ever smaller, too small to hold a human. Her silent, agonized screams stopped as her body went limp, compressed into a bundle of snapped bones and crushed organs that liquefied as Mikey watched. He turned away. He retched when the strange bubble burst and a fetid lump of what used to be human fell into the street.
He wept. Humans were almost extinct, and the universe had chosen to take another one. The mocking laughter of the pony rang in his ears as the crowd shuffled away from the barrier.
The hours passed, and the barrier shrank. It had sped up, now. The end would be coming very, very soon. Mikey almost welcomed it. He walked calmly to the boiling, frothing wall and put forth a hand to touch it. The barrier felt like warm glue as it enveloped his hand. He stared dumbly at it for a few seconds before registering what had happened. Then he ran back and fetched the others.
They argued, they fought, they came to blows, but Mikey was determined, “I am a man,” he said, “there is no fate but what I make. I’m not going to sit here and piss myself in fear. I’ll go out the way I came in, kicking and screaming, on my own two feet. Whoever is with me, take my hand, form a chain, and follow.”
Mikey felt a hand in his; pink and mostly hairless, skin-covered, five fingers. He gripped it. This was the day, he thought to himself, that he had been waiting for. He grit his teeth and walked into the pink mist, and kept on walking.
It was the day. The day the sky changed.
|
Midnightshadow
|
1542
| 2 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
The Day the Sky Changed
|
A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
|
complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-19T17:53:50+00:00
|
2011-11-19T17:53:50+00:00
| 4,226 |
The Day the Sky Changed
Part 2
To Save Eden
Chapter 1
Note: Okay ponies, I didn't intend originally to post this yet, nor here, but... I'm interested in hearing what you think. I don't think there are all that many watching particularly this story as it was kind of a one-shot, so it's as good a place as any to drop this strange piece which my muse demanded I write. It is raw, unfiltered, un-checked and un-edited but you may find it interesting. I don't usually write in this style, but this time it fit. I will be editing it once finished (it will be in two parts).
“Midnight Shadow, attend your princess.”
It was not a request, it was a command. I pulled myself blearily out of bed and staggered onto my hooves to see Princess Luna standing before me. I momentarily had a flash of embarasment at being naked, but as my memories returned and the beffudlement of sleep left me I remembered, I don’t wear clothes any more.
I was a pony, a unicorn pony to be precise, dark blue of pelt and sunset-hued of mane and tail. Marked as one of Her Royal Highness’ subjects, she had sought me out oh-so-long ago and hired me.
The confusion was due to the simple extra fact that was so easy to forget. I had not been born a pony. I had been born a man, in a world all but long passed for the majority of the population. Memories flashed through my mind of a desperate flight across a dying landscape, snatching what solace could be had, of my last meal as a human, my first meal as a pony. I had been Converted many, many years ago. It shocked me sometimes, thinking just how many years and how little I had aged. Maybe it was because I was a unicorn, maybe it was my second body. maybe it just didn’t show.
“My princess,” I spoke formally, bowing, “to what do I owe this honour?”
“No time for that now, Shadow dear, I need you to follow me. Your old room-mate and her five friends have already made haste. You and I are also taking the express route.
I hung my head, I hated long-distance teleportation.
What seemed like moments later, for truly not much preparation had been necessary, the rumbling thunder and flashings of light surpassed and my vision cleared to reveal a bubble.
“The Border? My Lady?”
“Aye, Midnight, the Border between our world... and your old home.”
“This, this makes no sense - Equestria is the bubble, Earth...”
Luna shook her head, sadly.
Many years ago, before I had hooves, an island nation appeared overnight in the middle of the Atlantic. This island nation was no ordinary island. More miraculous than its appearance was its inhabitants. A great, almost invisible barrier protected it from the human world, Mundus Mundi. Inside the 'bubble' lived a peaceable race of equines. They spoke, they dressed, they built. They lived and worked in great communities, even cities, but that wasn’t all. Split into three main races, the earth ponies were not unlike, externally at least, our Terran ponies had been, according to the history books. Morphology was where the similarity stopped, however. They were intelligent, some intensely so, and immensely strong. Next came something even more wondrous, the pegasi. Like the winged beasts of legend, these little ponies ruled the skies and lived and worked amongst the clouds. Literally, they walked upon them as if they were solid ground. Even more amazing than that, a third race. The unicorns. These creatures were equine in shape, with a horn adorning their foreheads. Imbued with some indescribable and indecipherable power to manipulate reality around them, they could work real magic.
Ruling them were the most amazing creatures of all. Two winged unicorns, referred to as alicorns, sat on the throne; twin princesses. One of the day, her multi-coloured mane sparkling with all the colours of the aurora and as beautiful as the day is long - Celestia. The other, dark blue, with a mane that shone with the fires of the night sky. My princess, the one I owed my full allegiance to. Luna. I adored the day, but the night was what I called home. I couldn’t understand it, but I had an affinity, something which I can only assume my princess saw when she took me into her employ.
And now, she had come to request my service.
“The barrier?” I repeated, “It has... inverted?”
Luna nodded, sadly, “The planet is falling sway to Equestria. Soon, there will be no more Earth. All will be ours, and mankind will be but a memory.”
I hung my head. The peaceful genocide, they were calling it. The good war. The friendly conquest. Euphamisms for the most bloodless, friendly and good-natured act of mass destruction carried on and on.
It was a terrible thing, when you thought about it. The nation, the realm, of Equestria had expanded its borders. The magical barrier had grown somehow along with the landmass. Soon it crossed the oceans and began to swallow the continents of Earth. Animals and plants were unaffected, but higher forms of primate life - mankind and the great apes - were struck dead by it. Indeed, the barrier was nothing but a soap-bubble to everything else. To humans, it was an immutable object. A fact that had struck down many would-be terrorists and refugees alike before they’d learned.
I, myself, had been witness to it’s devastatingly implacable nature when kidnapped and driven across the country by madmen seeking to gain entrance to plunder Equestria. I had lied, sort of, by omitting the fact that whilst the barrier would accept me, and the van I was being held in along with my friends, it would never, ever accept them. When the van had progressed through the barrier, the men inside it... had not.
Years later the griffons and the dragons would wage a short war on mankind for what had to be imagined tales of slights and misdeeds from ages past. They had erected their own shield barriers and wiped out whole settlements of humans in an instant. Whole cities struck silent as their populace were reduced to something of the consistency of chunky salsa inside their own homes, unable to escape the invisible hand of fate.
War had not come en masse, for the humans could not strike back and Equestrians do not lightly make war, but they did render such cross-realm traffic needlessly difficult and harsh for friend and foe alike. The attacks had stopped.
Now... now the barrier had inverted. Where once tiny Equestria was at the mercy of whatever vagaries had permitted its expansion in the first place, now the last refuges of mankind were under final assault.
It should all have been so easy to avoid, except for that stubborn, proud, amazing human nature. In an uncaring universe that seemed hellbent on their destruction through sheer apathy, mankind had grown strong on the backs of bribery, threats and extortion. we extolled the virtues of peace and friendship whilst embodying cruelty and viciousness. We, quite simply, raped, pillaged and murdered our way to the top of the foodchain. If nature was red in tooth and claw, then so was Man. Some thought it terrible, awful, but I didn't agree with this. In an uncaring universe, you must be strong, you must fight. Man fought. It had made me proud, in a way.
Then one day, so very long ago, I had given all of that up. Equestria was set, from the beginning, to wipe mankind from the face of the planet, so the Equestrians and our best and brightest came up with an alternative to mass extinction. Assimilation. We were offered a choice, a potion which would transform a human into one of the three pony forms. Once we were Equestrian, we could escape crushing inevitable death and pass through the barrier unharmed. I had changed myself relatively quickly, safely and without issues. I had become a unicorn, so long ago was it now that I barely remembered my own name. I'd spent more of my life as a pony than as a man, so my allegiance to that old tribe was one of formality and my own sense of fairplay.
For years afterwards I had looked into the mirror and wondered if the man I had used to be had died. Sometimes I wished he had, othertimes I wept for his memory, but mostly I was happy beyond the dreams I had ever had before.
I was... relatively famous for a while. The princess’ student, a newfoal at that. Seemingly inept at magic, posessing no great and obvious skills above the norm, the princess had seen something in me. She had patience, nerve, and forethought.
Now, years later, I was an accomplished mage and a well-learned scholar of the new forms of physics which linked our two realities. I, almost alone of my kind, understood the barrier between Earth and Equestria.
“Then why are we here? Surely there are no humans left?”
Luna shook her head, “No, the fools refused the potion. They would rather die on two legs than live on four. They come here, to the centre, to live, pray and wait to die.”
“Is there nothing we can do?”
“I refuse to be a monster!” Luna shouted, suddenly, taking to the air, her eyes glowing.
“You... can turn back the tide? Keep this little bubble of reality alive for them?”
The alicorn princess shook her head, “rip our universe in two as if it were some plaything? Nay, I have not that power, little one.”
“Then they will die.”
“No, dear student, I have an alternative.”
“But... what? What can you do? There is no place left on Earth for them to go!” I cried, stomping my forehooves angrily. It was then that she smiled, and I looked up.
The answer was above me. It was ludicrously obvious. It had been there for so long that I forgot about it. Even I, dweller of the night.
“You’re going to send them to the moon?”
Luna smiled again. I shivered. “No,” she said, “nothing quite that simple. I am going to build them a world. See, even now my herd comes. My children. This is what Celestia feared, when the Madness was still upon me, before I was healed and that healing broke the Seal. She feared I would call upon my people and take them to battle.”
“Why...” I gasped, watching as thousands upon thousands of unicorns, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, trudged across the landscape. Some were solemn and regal, others laughed and played, but all of them looked at Luna, “why are you calling them all here?”
“We need to move some forty thousand humans and all that they have through the vacuum of space to an airless planetoid and then transform it into something liveable. It will take more than just you and I.”
I blushed, her chiding words couched in a beneficient smile that warmed my heart, “Then am I to join the herd?”
“No, Midnight, for you are the fulcrum. Your magic is not so great and powerful, little mage, but your mind is quick. More to the point, you are my scribe, tasked with recording history. This, then, is history in the making. the last act of Ponykind for Mankind which will cleanse us of our sins.
My mind latched on to one word: fulcrum.
“My princess, what is it that you want of me?”
“You must observe, Midnight. You must stand and watch, for every act needs an observer. An act as large as this... requires a special observer. Raise your horn skyward, unicorn, and receive my blessing.
I did as I was told. When a goddess asks you to do something, you do it. Never had she done me wrong but still... I was scared. I closed my eyes and trembled. there was the lightest of touches on my horn and what felt like a jolt of power shot through me from that point at the very tip. it burned, scouring through my frame like a wave of flame. I cried out and opened my eyes... and saw.
We were in the air, now, thousands of feet in the air. Below me stretched the earth... more than that, below me stretched The Earth. The Last of The Earth. it was enclosed in a translucent bubble that was the apparent texture of soap, iridescent and gleaming. And shrinking. Around it was an unending tide of colours. Ponies, in their millions, all advancing. Each one a unicorn. There were earth ponies directing the hoof-traffic, pegasi reporting on motions and flitting back and forth with updates, but the vast number were unicorns. I could feel them now, feel them as if they were the sun, a warmth on my body. I communed with them and my mistress on some deep, instinctual level that sang in the blood.
“You hear it, don’t you Midnight? The herd?”
I nodded, a ridiculous gesture whilst hanging in space. I laughed, throwing back my head and emptying my lungs with mirth. My voice, greatly expanded, rocked from horizon to horizon. I felt alive, more alive than I ever had before.
“Easy, Midnight, easy. Take it easy. You’re not used to such power flowing through you. It is alicorn magic, tapped through me, that I freely lend you for this task.”
“Am I, then, an alicorn?”
Luna laughed at my pretentiousness, chastising lightly, “Nay little one, you are but a unicorn. This, above all things, is why you must be careful. The candle that burns at both ends burns twice as bright, but half as long. Take care lest you burn out.” she punctuated the last two words with a physical tap on my chest. I lowered my gaze in shame.
“You have grown accomplished with magic, Midnight Shadow, but you most excel at manipulation of the physical. This is a common trait amongst converted newfoals, one noticeably lost from your offspring. I believe it is something to do with the way your minds work. The unicorns you see beneath you are newfoals, like yourself. They pledge themselves to Equestria when converted and my sister and I see every one as they visit us in their dreamstate. My sister claims those of the day, I those of the night. It has ever been thus. Some, most, like yourself, embody a little of both.”
“I never knew.” I said
Luna shook her head, “If you had thought to ask the question, you would have known. still, this lecture serves little purpose now. My herd will do what they must. They will lift the entire western seaboard into the air, take mental hold of it, and transport it to it’s final location. You, Midnight, will make sure that it and them arrive safely and, more importantly, stay safe.”
“What is there on the moon to cause harm?” I laughed
Luna sighed, “Sometimes I despair. There will be two things on the moon that are dangerous beyond measure. The first, silly stallion, is lack of an atmosphere.”
My cheeks reddened, burning, “I know a spell for creating a bubble of air.”
“Aye, this I know. Many times have I replayed your attempts at conversing with the fishes in the seas, including the times you almost drowned and my personal contingents of guards had to rescue your silly hide, coughing and spluttering from the depths.”
She laughed again at my discomfort, “You lived, and you learnt. This, then, is the same task.”
“My princess,” I asked, “if at atmosphere is the first danger, what is the second?”
“Man.”
|
Midnightshadow
|
1542
| 3 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
The Day the Sky Changed
|
A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
|
complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-19T17:58:00+00:00
|
2011-11-19T17:58:00+00:00
| 2,870 |
The Day the Sky Changed
To Save Eden
Chapter 2
“Reach out, Midnight. Reach out with your magic and just feel the bubble. Do not attempt to fashion your magic, do not attempt to halt the movement of the gateway, lest it swallow you. Between this world and that lies madness, chaos, pure creation and destruction wrapped up in an eternal instant. Touch it, with the briefest of tendrils, and one such as yourself will be swallowed by it.”
I swallowed, nervously, even as I adjusted my levitation spell. Her voice was light, instructional, imparting knowledge of certain doom as one would caution a foal about drinking too quickly from a bowl of broth.
“Stare too long into the abyss, we used to say, and it will stare back through you.”
“Aye, young Midnight. Attend, the Herd rises.”
The spell was taking hold now. I could feel the herd beneath us as the princess and I floated in the air. Ordinarily I would have plummeted like a rock by now - indeed, more than once in my attempts at spellcasting I had plummeted like a rock and been barely saved an ignoble death. This time, with the fires of the night burning in my veins, it was effortless. I leaned into what felt like a deep pool of clear water - this ‘alicorn magic’ which Luna had spoken of - and soaked in it. I revelled in it. With new eyes I could not only see, but feel the throng beneath me as parts of the western united states rumbled and shook with the growing aura of pure magic being exerted. The absurdity of it struck me and I could hardly stop laughing. Their struggles as each sought to take a piece of the land and lift it was flexing the stuff of matter itself. The bubble’s shrinkage increased as the sheer exultation in thaumic release sought to repair the rift between our realities.
“Midnight,” snapped Luna, “pay attention. Take their wandering spellcasting and focus it!”
I blinked, chastized once more. I Looked at the land beneath me, spread out like a quilt, and fastened my mental grip upon the grabbing exertations of the herd. I smoothed them over, shaped them, pulled and pushed, easing them into a cohesive whole. My heart beat faster, my limbs shook, but it was glorious. The power, as I submerged myself within it, caressed my mind and sang to me. I realised that I commanded the elements. I lifted, pulled, coaxed... and what had to be millions of megatons of rocks, water, earth and living creatures broke free of the cradle.
Give me a lever big enough, a wise man had once said, and I could move the world.
I had that lever. I was that lever. On the one side lay the herd and my princess, on the other lay California. I hung in the balance and pushed.
It was so easy, so ridiculously easy. I flexed my magical muscles and eased the nigh but unimaginable bulk into the sky. My consciousness expanded outwards, rising as if on the peak of some great mountain, encompassing the sky. My ears brushed the tips of space, my tail all but wrapped around the planet. My hooves strode across the solar system and there, before my muzzle, hung a precious jewel of green and blue. I breathed out across it, and my breath washed across the land in an inexorable tide. The gift of life, the breath from my astral lungs, hung heavy around the little playthings inside my newest toy. I could hear them, see them, running and screaming as their buildings collapsed and their cities crumbled. I sought to calm them, soothe them, protecting their small, pink, fleshy hairless bodies from debris. As the bonds of Earth were slipped free, the destruction ceased. I could hear them wailing and crying, abjuring their sky-masters for solace, and thought them rather puny and pathetic. What had their assumed creators done for them lately? Left them to die in their ignorance. I, on the other hand, I held them cradled in my grasp. I alone lent them protection and safety. Several million unicorns, a bare forty-something thousand humans. The last. It would be so easy, I thought to myself, to leave them to their fate. I pondered this as I rose into the Great Black, my blue pelt aflame and my mane and tail incandescent as the stars themselves. My mistress would be most displeased. That alone gave me pause from crushing their remains into dust.
I had formed a protective bubble around the island as it lifted into the skies. The equestrian reality split as the bubble of normal space left it. It was an exquisite pain when I followed the floating land-mass back out from my new home of Equestria to the larger universe of Man. I looked ‘up’, although being in orbit, that was somewhat subjective. And then I was there, and my prize with me.
The sky was black, deeper black than I had ever seen before, and it was already growing cold. I reinforced the bubble as best as I could, now that Equestria was far behind the only bubble was my own. I crossed the vast gulf of space in mere moments, my starlit hooves thumping through the ether, marking my passage through space itself with brilliant bursts of flame. I tossed my head and laughed, exulting in the power. I eyed the moon, demesnes of my mistress, and my destination. It seemed so small, now. A toy in my grasp.
“Princess Luna,” I called, “I am here.”
“Midnight, my subject, I must ask you now to let go. Hold them, hold them safe, but let go lest you be burnt.”
“As you wish.”
I steadied my mind as I had been taught so long ago. The secret of magic was concentration, to feel one with the universe, to tap that wellspring of Self and bring it out. Slowly, ever so slowly, I set the disk of blue and green afloat in the cosmos. It orbited the moon sedately, edge on. I caressed the herd gently, let them know they were loved, appreciated. They were deep in communion and did not respond physically or audibly, but I felt the answering call. All was well.
My attention was diverted elsewhere as I hung in the blackness; my mistress was teasing at the very fabric of space and time. Deep out in the solar system, where Sol, the source of light and life in this universe was naught but a meagre flame, powerful magics moved. The stuff of creation itself - matter - was spontaneously decomposing in titanic, cataclysmic explosions. Jupiter boiled, Pluto burst, Neptune melted. Minutes ago I had thought myself powerful for lifting a mere few gigatons. The true power of a goddess was revealed, and I felt ashamed.
Luna stripped the very elements themselves apart, rendering them down into base energy, igniting a second sun and using it to shift entire worlds. The fragments sped through space at great speed, but it would not be fast enough. The tenuous connection to Equestria was shrinking by the second, and we did not have the years it would take for such rubble to track the cosmos to where it was needed.
It was then that I was humbled again. Luna bent the very fabric of space and drew the outer solar system near to the core, and in moments the worldlets were coalescing in the same orbital arc as Earth had been.
I could not resist, I reached out a mental hoof, and dipped it into the maelstrom.
It burned, it frothed, it sang in my blood and my scream caused the planets to ring in concert. Just as I thought I would be lost, a soothing presence enveloped me.
“Foolish young unicorn, did you really think you could master the magic of creation itself in mere minutes?”
“Mistress, I...”
“Calm yourself, I have you. You dared to open Pandora’s Box, now you must see it through. Remember, I am with you. Fear not, you will not fall.”
I hurt, it pained me as Luna moulded space to her whim. My heartbeat, it felt like a star was aflame in my chest, rang in my ears as I watched her spellcasting. Rocks the size of continents drifted together, melding and joining under their own weight into a spherical ball. I felt her dip a hoof into the sun and draw forth the heat that would melt the core of the planet, felt her laughter as she set it spinning. The electromagnetic field sprang into life like a firecracker as time itself dance to her whim. She breathed life across the barren desert, gases from the gas giants and the outer planets washed the surface and mixed, expanding, to become an atmosphere. She took the animals and plants from my toy-world and set them free across the cooling landscape and we watched as they went forth and multiplied, thousands of years passing in mere moments.
Again I reached a hoof into the madness, and this time it held. My consciousness expanded again. Somewhere I could hear a small voice telling me to stop, to relinquish my magic, but I paid it no mind. How could I abandon such a beautiful thing as the powers of creation themselves? I felt the sun pulse with life as the planet spun beneath me. I laughed, it was like a yo-yo at the bottom of the string, spinning in place. I wrapped space around it and observed as life - animal and vegetable - streamed across the plains. Soon, so so soon, it was verdant and green.
I turned my attention back to the island orbiting the moon. There was a commotion. The strange creatures within were restless. One drove in a mobile carriage towards the edge of the world and jumped out. He was screaming incoherently as he raised a small stick. With a puff of smoke and a flash, I noticed dispassionately as hot lead sped through the air and struck one of my subjects. My subject was wounded, severely.
The calmness I had felt up to that point fled. Now I knew wroth. The spell to undo death was simple to one such as I. I plucked his mortal essence and reshaped it, removing the bullet. I placed the unicorn down and studied the lump of metal. I snarled and cast it into the sun, then I shifted my gaze back to the creature who had so dared to injure one of my own.
“You dare.” I said, my countenance was terrible to behold. I plucked him from his jeep and lifted him into space, an insignificant ant held in front of my face, “You do not deserve what has been made for you, you do not deserve forgiveness. Watch now, human, as the rest of your tribe are delivered.”
I teleported the landmass to the new planet. It landed in an ocean and sank, but the bubble around it kept it safe. I dragged it through the salty water and left it wedged against the continental plates, where the heat and pressure would anchor it for millenia to come. Idly, I took a grasping hold of my kin, the unicorns, even as another voice joined the first that had been insistently buzzing in my ears. I brushed them off, swatting at them like flies, even as I sent the unicorns through the weakening, faltering barrier between the realm of Equestria and this universe.
Finally, there were only two left. Myself, and the human. He wept, but I snarled. He did not deserve what had been given. I looked up, towards the sun. Yes, I thought to myself, that is fitting.
The depths of space, the stars. They were my home now. They burned through my very soul, but the coolness was refreshing. I towed the tiny creature behind me as I galloped through the emptiness, until I presented him to the sun.
“This is what kept your kind alive, human. This, the sun and others like it, made everything that you are. It is only fitting that to the sun you return.”
I cast the creature into the flames, watching as it burned. In moments, it was mere black dust, and then it was gone. I expanded my consciousness again, though it hurt. The sun shrank, became a pinprick of light, just one among billions. I reached out a hoof, across lightyears, and touched a great burning ball. It burst into flame and the heat caressed my body. It was so easy, mastery of time and space itself...
The pinpricks shrunk to motes, and the milky way danced around me on it’s multi-billion-year journey around the galactic core. My heart, long since lost amidst the song of the spheres, would have jumped as I spied that centre.
I reached out a hoof.
Space was so big, so black.
I reached out a hoof....
Space was so cold.
I reached out a hoof...
Why did it burn?
I reached out a hoof...
“Come home, Midnight.” said a voice.
***
I opened my eyes, coughed, spat. I tasted blood. “L-Luna?”
“Easy, Midnight, easy. I warned you, did I not?”
“I... where am I? Where was I?”
“You’re safe, you’re in Canterlot. You’re actually in my bed.”
I sat bolt upright, and then screamed. I rolled over, fell onto the cold floor, and lay there breathing heavily for a few minutes.
“Alicorn magic, young unicorn, is not for one such as you.”
“What did I do? What did I become?”
“Much as a leaf in a great torrent will be swept along, so too were you. Magic, however, is not like water. It affects the leaf in ways a mere river will not.”
“I... felt you shaping the universe. Is it always like that for you?”
Luna smiled, looking down at me, “Now you understand, perhaps, how it is for one such as I, and my sister.”
“I am... I am sorry.” I stood up, shakily, onto all four hooves.
“You do not need to be. You saved them, us, yourself.”
“Not that one I cast into the sun.”
“He lifted the gun, fired the first shot. What could have been a slaughter, was stopped there with one death. If you were not in your right mind enough to be merciful, be thankful at least for that.”
I bowed my head, “What will happen to them now?”
“They have a home now, amongst their stars. The same in many ways, only they are free of the shackles of Equestria.”
I winced as I realised I could not open the shutters to the room as we walked towards the royal balcony. my magic had been burned out.
Luna nuzzled me, “Your magic will come back. If it does not, you will learn to cope. You are made of tough stuff, all of your kind are. Removal of thumbs can hardly change that. Come!”
She threw open the shutters with a wave of her horn, and we walked into daylight. Equestrian daylight. Home.
|
Midnightshadow
|
1542
| 4 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
The Day the Sky Changed
|
A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
|
complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-21T16:22:01+00:00
|
2011-12-21T16:22:01+00:00
| 3,182 |
Conversion Bureau Tails
Strange Bedfellows
an MLP:FiM Alternate Universe fanfic by Midnight Shadow set in the Conversion Bureau Alternate Universe originally by Blaze
Note: Rated T for Teen and for Titilation
Note: This is a VERY tongue-in-cheek piece that you should probably not read. Primarily because it's not finished, but also because of the subject matter, which is very risque (it's designed to be silly ONLY, though, it just needs a LOT more work). I've only put it up here and published it because I wanted something to try the new gdocs uploader, which really is rather spiffy. Fimfiction is now a bonafide better platform than ff.net.
***
“Do you need a little help with the brush, darling?” Erik asked his wife.
“No, no, but you can hold the mirror for me,” replied Cindy. As her husband adjusted the standing table-mirror, she stared intently at her reflection as she maneuvered the wooden-handled brush through her long flowing blonde locks. She frowned at her reflection, “Does it suit me?”
“Darling, you’re more beautiful than the day I met you,” said Erik, as he bent down and kissed his wife on her forehead, before replacing the mirror in it’s usual spot.
“Oh you’re just saying tha- oh my, is that the time? We’re going to be late!” the hairbrush fell to the floor as Cindy stood up in a rush, all but forgetting about it as she glanced at the old grandfather clock calmly ticking away in the corner of the dressing room.
“Calm down, honey, we’ll be fashionably late at most! You just need to help me get my saddle and bridle on, I’ve tried! I really have, but I just... can’t...” Erik spun in place as he attempted to do up the straps.
Cindy laughed to herself, “Love, I don’t know why you’re wearing that ridiculous getup!”
Erik huffed, “Do you know what I went through to get this? It’s not like I can afford to purchase a Rarity Original, all the way from Equestria, the normal way! This is real leather, donated by one of the old matriarchs of Ambassador Applejack’s cow herd after her death.”
“It smells awful.”
“It smells like leather. Expensive leather. It’s how leather is supposed to smell, not like that synth-leather crap the recombinators spit out.”
“Well you do look handsome in it. The hackamores are a real nice touch, who’d have thought that a saddle and bridle could look so... so... sexy, on a human?”
“One of us had to get dressed up for tonight!” laughed Erik, kissing his wife on her nose.
“Ponies don’t generally wear clothes, you know.”
“They do on special occasions!”
“Like I can afford something as classy as a Rarity Original,” sniffed Cindy. “I’d rather go naked than wear a fake.”
“Her new range is humans only, dearest, not newfoals. It’s all the rage - but I have promised you that Chauvin newfoal-line neck-strap bag for our anniversary. I’m still saving up, but I promise you!”
He bent down and hugged his ponified wife around her broad neck and kissed her on the mane before looking into her eyes and nose-rubbing. He stood up as she motioned for him to do so. Erik stood perfectly still whilst his unicorn wife exerted her magic to do up the saddle and bridle. As the light blonde-yellow glow faded he regarded himself in the mirror. Somehow, and he had to give it to Ambassador Rarity, her designs just blended perfectly with a tuxedo and tails.
There was a chime and the pair looked at each other before scrambling into motion. The taxi had arrived, pony-capable had cost quite a bit extra but the bi-annual Cross-Species Support Group dinner promised real alcohol and whilst he’d been lucky with the Rarity Original, he’d had to give up his self-drive van when new charges to cope with the extra software to handle the increase in newfoal pedestrian traffic had been deemed beyond the scope of the warranty. Mostly he didn’t miss it, but it would’ve saved them the taxi-fare.
“Ready, my love?” he asked Cindy.
“I would have asked you to hold my arm and escort me properly, honey, but... no arms. Only legs.” Cindy laughed.
“I believe the newfoal-human etiquette is for me to place my right hand on your left front shoulder.” said Erik.
“Ever the gentleman.” replied Cindy as her husband did so. Together, they exited their flat and stepped into the taxi. It sped off smoothly into the darkening streets.
***
Pulling up outside the convention centre, Erik stepped out of the taxi first and held his wife’s left forehoof gently as she stepped down off the power-lifter. Erik adjusted his outfit and paid off the driver with a wave of his hand. His wife had to carry a shoulder-bag for cash when she needed any, as the credit-chip implants wouldn’t last more than a week in a pony body. Tonight, Erik would be paying.
They walked together towards the building, nodding to the bouncers. In keeping with the night’s theme, one was human and the other a pony. Both looked like they’d rather be inside since it was getting chilly. Inside was almost stifling hot, even though the air conditioning was on full blast, not that anybody could tell. The music was so loud it completely drowned out everything but the loudest talking. Erik straightened his ensemble as the couple walked nervously into the limelight.. He was almost disappointed when his bridle got appreciative looks from human and pony alike. It was surprisingly comfortable, if a touch hot, but he had really expected it to be more... controversial somehow.
“Oh. My. Gosh!” bubbled an overly enthusiastic voice as an light purple earth pony cantered up and pranced around Erik and his wife. “It is! It is you! Cindy! I’d recognize you anywhere! It’s me! Penny! Only I go by the name Panpipes now! I’m with John, hey John!”
Erik looked vaguely and politely off in the direction Panpipes had waved a hoof at and raised a glass of punch he’d already scored and half-drained. He had no idea who this John was... some friend of Cindy’s, probably. Maybe from her work? Panpipes was still babbling on, he turned back to at least pretend to listen. There might be a test afterwards.
“...Oh yes, and I got my cutiemark almost the first night! I had trouble sleeping and pulled out my panpipes - tshah! Go figure, huh? - and was struggling to play them for hours until...”
Erik drained his glass of punch and snagged two more. The first he downed in one, the second he gave a mortal wounding. It was nice to know that ‘mutual’ friends still had the same effect on him as before his wife had been bitten by the pony bug, not that it changed the need for some Dutch Courage to smooth things over. He didn’t know how she did it, Cindy was murmuring noncommittally and the highly enthusiastic earth pony still hadn’t stopped prancing. He was getting dizzy.
“And that’s how Equestria was made! I’m going to go mingle, John so does get lonesome without me!”
“I bet,” snorted Erik, snagging a fourth drink. “Friend from work?” he asked as the four-hoofed prancing terror disappeared into the crowd.
“Yup,” replied Cindy, “good at what she does.”
“Need a drink?”
“Yup.”
Erik sauntered away to the drinks stand to fill up on a gin and fruitjuice mixer. Just as he lifted the heavenly brew to his lips, there was an ear-splitting shriek that made him jump even over the sound of the pounding bass. He spun around to find his wife in the arms of another woman. He vaguely remembered her from one of the meetings. She had a husband...
“Erik. Stealing my wife away as usual.”
“Darren! I didn’t recognize you there!” Erik exclaimed. He had turned around to see an imposing earth-pony stallion trotting up next to him.
“I go by Thunder Hooves now.”
Erik laughed, choking and coughing on the drink he was trying to imbibe, “Really?” he asked, wheezing. He punched himself on the chest, trying to clear his airways and hide the laughter.
“I... well okay, so it needs work. Pony names are hard to come by!”
“Yeah, tell me about it. Cindy’s been thinking about her pony name ever since she woke up on that table. Meadowflower, last week. Drink?” Erik snagged a larger, rounder pony-suitable cup and filled it with punch. He proffered it to ‘Thunder Hooves’ who took it gratefully and downed it in one. The stallion hiccuped and Erik caught the cup expertly before refilling it. They meandered back towards Cindy.
“So, still no hooves, huh? How’s life treating you?”
“Same old same old,” Erik replied, “sometimes it’s difficult.”
“How about,” the stallion lowered his voice, “in bed?”
Erik choked on his drink again, “I, er, we... we cuddle and, er...”
The stallion laughed, “I think I see why it’s difficult. Believe me, Erik, you just gotta get over it. You’re a person, she’s a person...”
“But she’s a pony.”
“Not an ‘Earth pony’, she’s an earth pony. It’s different.” Darren managed, with one hoof, to airquote.
“Are you telling me that you and...”
“Emmy.”
“Emmy are... intimate?”
‘Thunder Hooves’ had the biggest grin, “Well, you know how there’re those jocks always going on about ‘hung like a horse’? Well... sometimes it’s more like hung like a human.”
Erik drained his glass and, for good measure, drained Cindy’s. “How does that even..?”
“Practice. Lots and lots of practice.”
Erik reached for another set of drinks.
They danced. The music was loud and thumping. Two humans, two ponies. The dance-floor was full but that didn’t matter. The drinks were cheap, the food free, the music flowing.
“Alllllll righty ladies and gentlecolts! It’s time to pair off! Switch partners, everypony!” called the DJ, and he deftly switched to a slower tune, a love-song.
Erik looked around for Emmy, but his wife Cindy had her hooves around the human already. “Hey! That’s... that’s not what...”
“He said pair off, sweetums, so that’s what I’m doin’!”
Erik watched nonplussed as the pony put her head over the human’s shoulder. Standing like that had to be awkward, but somehow, drunk as they were, they managed it.
“Well fuck. Now who’m I gonna dance with?”
“Fancy a walk on the wild side, tiger?”
Erik looked down at the stallion. He sighed deeply.
***
Erik laughed. The world spun pleasantly. Here he was, ensconced in a darkened, plush-filled privacy cooling-off room. “Oh god am I smashed.”
“Same thing here,” Thunder Hooves belched. Erik followed suit.
“Sho... so... ahem... so... you and Emmy...”
“Uh huh?”
“You really..?”
“Oh yeah. I mean, not a lot... it’s kinda... special occasions, you know?”
“How special?”
“Like... tonight. Tonight we were gonna... but... but she’s off banging with some other bastard’s wife.”
Erik, thinking for a few seconds, “Hey! That bastard is me! I mean, uh... really think they’re gonna?”
“Emmy? I... I guess so. She does kinda like mares.”
“Lucky bitch.”
“Well I was gonna... but now...”
The two lay there, a little too hot, a lot too drunk, and they looked at each other.
“Do you think..?”
“Oh yeah, I do know a pair...”
“I’m gonna regret this in the morning.”
“I won’t.”
“Help me get the rest of theshe damn shtraps off...”
With great difficulty, and a lot of huffing and puffing, and a lot more removal of clothing than he originally intended, Erik allowed himself finally to stretch. His roving hands met fur. His fingers were numb, he could barely see, and he found he didn’t care. He hadn’t had any in quite a long time... he rolled closer to the pony, who lipped him softly. He nuzzled back, it was whiskery!
“You sure you wanna?” Thunder Hooves asked.
“Yeah, yeah I think I do.”
“Good, roll over.”
“Wait, what?”
Thunder Hooves grinned in the darkness.
***
Erik woke up. He wished he hadn’t. The world was pain. He pulled himself off the equine shape next to him. “Ooh, Cindy, you’re heavy... oh god, I gotta get to the... oh no...”
Erik scrambled, half-blind, dragging a blanket around himself as he fled down the corridor.
Several minutes and several mouthwashes later, Erik looked at himself in the mirror. He couldn’t remember much from the previous night. There’d been music, drinks, more music, even more drinks, yet more drinks...
“Ohhhh god, why do I do it. What’s Cindy gonna...”
Erik stopped. He carefully rinsed his mouth out one more time, and then headed back to the privacy booth that he’d slept in the night before. The pony within it, which he’d so recently been cuddling up to, couldn’t be less Cindy if he’d tried.
“Mornin’ E, could ya get me a drink of water? That or climb back in here, I feel like a repeat performance might clear the head.”
“Oh god, what am I gonna tell Cindy?”
“Well, you could start with you took it like a man. Also, that you’re over your fear of intimacy.” Thunder Hooves grinned.
“How the hell did you talk me into it?”
“I guess it’s my talent. Sorry.”
Erik folded down into the pile and facepalmed.
“Yeah, like that. Now, how about round two?”
***
Cindy was in bed. It was a large bed. She had rollers in her mane and tail and she sat propped up on her back, with a book floating in front of her. Erik flipped up his side of the bed and clambered in next to her. Cindy was so startled she dropped the book.
“Honey?”
“I’ve been thinking...” said Erik.
“Yes?”
“Well, I’ll book a time for that ponification, but... there’s no need to rush things out there, and... I think it’s time for things in here to change, just a bit, okay?”
“What were you thinking? I’ve just done my hair so...”
“I think you may have to redo it.”
“Oh my... oh! Oh! Ohhh myyyyyy..!”
|
Midnightshadow
|
1542
| 5 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
The Day the Sky Changed
|
A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
|
complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-18T11:32:34+00:00
|
2011-11-18T11:32:34+00:00
| 3,574 |
Tick, Tock
by Midnight Shadow
An MLP:FiM fanfic in the Conversion Bureau Alternate Universe.
note: I'll be coming back to the previous chapter's part 2, do not fear. I guess I should add this chapter is grimdark...
"They tell me it's ready, traitor." said Hank, softly. He may as well have been talking to himself for all his eyes were riveted on his prize. He kept fingering the stopper on the vial almost absent-mindedly as he approached the pony. The creature was whimpering, favouring the broken leg, one eye bruised closed where it had been beaten. Hank crossed the small room in moments, heavy footsteps echoing in the suddenly silent space.
"Please," it said, as it looked up at him with those large, oh-so-innocent eyes.
Hank sneered, of course the animal would beg for it's life. "Quiet, traitor." said Hank as he stood over the cage. He realised that he didn't know the animal's name. On one hand, soon it wouldn't matter. On the other hand, it didn't deserve a name. It used to be human, but it had turned its back on mankind to become a beast, one of the conquerors, one of the usurpers. "You've been judged, animal, and found guilty. There is only one sentence for an animal like you, and that is death."
"I h-have a f-family," it cried, tears streaming down it's face to mix with the blood, "my d-daughter..."
"Please, you don't have to do this." said another voice. Hank turned to look at its owner, another pony.
"Would you rather take its place, pony? I would still have to test it on him after, but at least you wouldn't have to watch me put it down."
"You're an evil, evil man, Hank Prichard."
Hank slammed his fist on the cage of the captured newfoal, who whimpered and cowered, but he screamed at the Equestrian pony, "I am a man! See these?" he shook his fists at the caged Equestrian, a dark blue unicorn that had been born and raised in the bubble-universe across the sea.
"I see them, human. Let me out of this cage and let's see how good they are against my magic."
"Oh you'd like that, wouldn't you? If our kind just rolled over, belly-up, and gave? Well there are those among us who won't! Not like this snivelling wretch."
Hank turned to the newfoal and scowled.
A newfoal was a human who had been transformed through a fusion of technological and magical wizardry into a pony. The one in the cage was an earth pony, with no magic like unicorns and no wings like the pegasi. It had been easy to catch.
Hank remembered when the bubble known as ‘Equestria’ had been spotted, rising from the sea. It had promised so much - open spaces, fertile lands - quite unlike the oily, dusty, dirty decrepit planet so ridiculously called 'Earth'. There was only three problems with such an occurence; one; only ponies, not humans or other, similar, higher mammals, could travel through the barrier. Two; it was growing, inch by implacable inch, as the years passed. It threatened to engulf the entire Earth, swallowing it whole. And three; humans, therefore, were becoming extinct as they 'went pony'. Conversion Bureaus had been set up across the globe that took willing victims and stripped them of their humanity, some said their lives, and shat out ponies the other side, happy-go-lucky subjects of the demon sisters ensconced in their bubble in the faraway land of Canterlot.
Hank was sick of it, angered beyond any possibility of reprieve. He had one of these traitors now in his grasp, and he would make it pay. "You know what this is, beast?"
"N-no, please, please don't..." the voice of the newfoal was despondent, flat, without hope.
"A new medicine for you to take. You don't even need to drink it. It's so simple to use..."
Hank, with shaking hands, undid the stopper on his vial of 'medicine'. It was bolt grey and oily. He upended it over the newfoal and stepped back.
The screaming started immediately. Where the liquid touched, the pony's hair and skin turned black and bubbled, sloughing away like soap under a faucet. It wasn't even talking, Hank noted, just screaming. He watched dispassionately as bones and the internal organs became visible. They, too, melted as the mixture devoured them. It had looked so inert in the container, so harmless. A bolt grey, oily substance like dull mercury. in action, though, it was voracious. It didn’t drip like a normal liquid, it sought out flesh and wormed its way to the very heart of the creature, eating as it passed. The remains of the pony fell over, twitching, blood spewing from its mouth as its heart and lungs ruptured, as veins and arteries burst.
Hank snorted, at least the screaming had stopped. He noted how the organs seemed to be mostly the same as a human’s, and idly wondered if when he dosed the Equestrian he'd see the same. Intestines boiled out, melting even as they came. Several of the technicians covered their mouths, several more looked away. None protested. They were all here willingly, they were all dedicated.
"Humanus pro vita!" exclaimed Hank, raising his head high as the echoing cry from his compatriots filled the room. He stepped back from the puddle on the floor and sneered, "So end all traitors. It looks like your grey goo is a success, Tennery! How much of this stuff can you make?"
"I... I... the coding is quite simple, but... are you sure?"
"The world must see, Tennery! It must!" Hank threw the glass bottle to a corner of the room where it was lost, shattered. He turned to his head coder, Scrum Master Tennery, and grabbed the small wiry man by his lapels, "we need this, Ten, you know the plan!"
"But... it's... it's dangerous! I... I had to... it will eat..."
"THAT'S THE WHOLE FUCKING POINT! SCORCHED EARTH! WE WILL SHOW THESE BEASTS WHAT MAN IS MADE OF!" roared Hank, all but throwing the ginger scientist to the floor, waving his hands about expressively, "They come here, they steal our land, our jobs, our children, our very world," he hissed the last word, spat it into the room, "and the sheep lap it up, sucking at the foul teat of slavery. You know what, I don't blame them! What did we have in return? Nothing, no way to fight these devils. But now, my beautiful, beautiful crew, we have this."
Hank rapped his knuckles on a large perspex container which held a shimmering silver-grey mass. He smiled, leaned his head against it tenderly, closed his eyes. He whispered, crooned to it, "My wondrous concoction, you will make me so proud. Today we have struck a mortal blow against our enemies." he kissed the container, hugged it, stood there silently and intimately for a few moments. Then he opened his eyes, "Just one final test left."
Hank fingered another vial, an Erlenmyer flask. He chuckled at the symbolism, the very same type of flask as was used in those damned bureaus to hold the potion that turned humans into animals. This one, however, held a different future. It held a future where Man regained his proper place at the top of the food-chain. He measured out a single fluid ounce, the nano-machines were potent, far more potent than the pretender potion that stripped men of their right to exist. The grey nano-fluid in the jar - he swirled it around as he stood up straight and headed towards the Equestrian pony - would eat through any pony presented to it, rendering a once live creature into a very dead stain on the carpet.
"Please don't." said the unicorn, backing away.
"Now you beg." said Hank, "You bastards arrive, steal my wife and child, steal my job, steal my land, steal my very species from under me, and now you beg." Hank spat, "You will get no such pity from me."
Hank upended the flask.
Hank looked down at the pony. It stood there, with a dumb look transfixed on its face. Hank looked back up at the flask. It was, surprisingly, still held in his hand. It was upright, entirely un-upended, and still full of the nanobots. He tilted his head, and upended the flask.
He... upended the flask.
He glared at his hand. It would not budge.
"Paulie, Paulie you fucker, you said that inhibitor ring would work! I paid those fucking griffons handsomely for that ring!"
"Boss," said Paulie with a gulp, "it's working. It ain't that unicorn."
"Then what is it!" snarled Hank, grinding his teeth at the flask in his hand, both of which refused to do his bidding. He turned to Paulie, who pointed at the door to the room. Hank started, tried to turn, to run screaming at the intruder, to fling the flask through the air at the newcomer, but he was rooted to the spot like a tree.
"Good afternoon, human." said the intruder. He was a unicorn, an unassuming light brown with a black mane and tail. He didn't appear to be anything special. Hank noticed idly that on it's flank were two gears set inside a ring.
"Get him! Somebody shoot that motherfucker!"
The unicorn shook his head, "No, no, you'll find you're quite, quite unable to move. Any of you."
Hank spat and swore, and then found his lips frozen.
"We'll have none of that. It's no use even attempting to call for help, your comm lines just went down. Oh, there goes your mainframe. Strange, the entire city block seems to be suffering a major blackout."
Hank went white, struggling to speak. The unicorn relented, nodding with his head and granting Hank leave to speak.
"You can't! It's not possible!"
The unicorn laughed, cold eyes gleaming, "There's a scale they use to measure unicorn talent, Hank Prichard. It covers many things, from base transmutation and transliteration to transmogrification and autology. It goes up to ten, with each level before it an entire decrease in magnitude. I'm a special case."
"I'll kill you! I'll..." Hank spat.
The unicorn sighed and Hank's mouth sealed itself again. "As I was saying, I can't turn an apple into applesauce. I can barely lift a cup and saucer... but oh, what wonders I can work with the electromagnetic spectrum. I'm a perfect ten, Hank, a perfect ten. I don't believe they can adequately measure just how powerful I am. Do you know what that means, you hairless shit-flinging abomination?"
Hank shook his head, anger flashing and burning in his eyes.
"It means I can influence all sorts of fun toys. Computers, cameras, cars... people. I can read minds, Hank, I can swim up and down your pathetic excuse for a consciousness and at the same time, fifty klicks from here, I can make a fruit machine give out the ten million credit jackpot, just for shits and giggles."
"What do you want from me?" managed Hank, white lips pursed and stretched as he fought with all his might.
"I want you to die, human. I live in this hellhole of a world as my true home is born from the ashes, but still monsters like you, shouting and screaming, filling my mind with your loathsome hate... what did you expect me to do, Hank?"
Hank whimpered now, as he saw the white, wild blood-shot eyes of the unicorn fasten upon him, utterly devoid of anything resembling sanity.
"I became one of you, Hank, one with the voices, screaming out for death! Death! Death! Day in, day out! The chanting! Hank, oh Hank, when I gave in to the voices, sweet bliss. I found my calling, just as you found yours. I would end the blight and curse of humanity by hook or by crook... and today, oh today Hank, you were so joyful. You hold in your unworthy hands a cup of deliverance. But it shall be mine, not yours. Everyone!" the unicorn turned to the room, "Take a cup! Fill it! Drink!"
Hank watched as, one by one, the members of his team all about the room got to their feet and walked like robots to the container in the middle and filled their ceramic coffee mugs with the silver-grey concoction, emptying them of their previous beverages any which way. They returned to their stations and then, one after another, upended the cups into their mouths. Hank closed his eyes as the room was filled with a deafening cacophony of screams, gurgles, wet splashing noises and finally a bubbling silence. When he opened his eyes there was only one other human in the room left, Dave the radio operator, communications expert.
"Him?" asked the unicorn, eyeing Hank as he looked at the last other living human, "Oh I have something special for him. Watch!"
Hank tried to close his eyes, to look away, but he was unable to. He watched transfixed as Dave's own hands took a hold of his head and very, very slowly twisted it. Dave was crying, screaming. His trousers suddenly bulged and a hot pungent liquid ran down his legs to spread on the floor. The unicorn only sneered and kept up the pressure. Suddenly, Dave's neck snapped and his whimpering stopped. He was dead. Very slowly, Dave's hands twisted his lifeless head back until it faced forwards again instead of over his shoulder. His eyes, glassy and unseeing, were still open. His mouth sagged, and Dave's own voice issued forth, "Computer, take a message. Help, oh god," The voice was as expressionless as the dead man's face, "oh god, help, argh, there has been an accident. Grey goo, we were killing the ponies, the damned ponies. We're with the HLF. Something went wrong. Oh god no, the grey goo, it is loose. It is killing us all. Message ends."
Hank's own trouser leg became warm as he pissed himself with fear, looking deeply into the abyss of madness before him, echoed in the wide, wide eyes of a the newfoal pony.
"They call me the puppet master, Tick Tock, but you'll never be able to tell them what I look like. Even if I let you live, you'd never remember me."
Tick Tock walked slowly and calmly to the unicorn in the cage, and he nuzzled the bars as he whispered, “Sleep, dear Equestrian, you need not face such horrors.”
Hank watched as the blue pony folded in upon himself, his eyes closed, and he started to softly snore. Tick Tock looked up, his expression tender, “He won’t remember you, none of you, none of this. He’ll forget the last week; the beatings, the rape, the torture. Most of all, he’ll forget you, and finally, me. So now, all I have are the loose ends.”
Hank whimpered, crying, tears streaking down his face, "Please! No! Don't!"
"Now you beg," mocked Tick Tock.
"I just... wanted it to stop! I just wanted a way to halt the destruction! You ponies are eating Mankind! Destroying our world! I just wanted it to end! With this, they- they would stop! Find another way! It would end!"
"End it shall, human."
Hank upended the flask.
|
Midnightshadow
|
1542
| 6 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
The Day the Sky Changed
|
A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
|
complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-31T15:00:36+00:00
|
2012-01-31T15:00:36+00:00
| 3,105 |
Tick Tock
Part 2
Wind the Clock
An MLP:FiM Fanfic by Midnight Shadow based on the Conversion Bureau alternate universe, originally by Blaze
Note: WARNING! Grimdark as fuck, possibly qualifies as snuff torture porn, and will NOT make any sense without reading http://www.fimfiction.net/story/1542/3/The-Day-the-Sky-Changed/Tick%2C-Tock first! You probably shouldn't read it, so abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
Tony watched with beady green eyes from the rooftops as the little lost unicorn stumbled its way through the dirty city streets. It was a nondescript brown colour with a black mane and tail, almost completely forgettable. Even the eyes, whilst being the same expressive limpid pools as every other candy-coloured four-legged zombie, were boringly brown.
The streets were empty. Good. It wouldn't be missed. He and the boys could have some fun with it.
"Yo, Charlie! Got one. Ten o'clock, the brown one."
"Tony-boy, what the fuck man, another stallion? You know the mares scream the best."
"There ain't no lonesome mares for you, bro, we dun been keepin' 'em out of the Kickers patch too well."
"Fuck that shit, you just wanna stick your cock in 'em and make 'em blow ya before ya kill 'em anyway."
"Fuck you, C, I have my fun my way, you have your fun yours."
"Fag." Charlie retorted, eyeing over the roof a the unicorn which had slowed, picking it's way very slowly around the rubbish and inspecting it's hooves. It was almost as if...
"Pony-fucker." Tony said, eyes also on the small equinoid.
"Least I ain't a fag." Charlie's insult was mostly a matter of rote, Tony was a Kicker like him; they owned these streets. Tony was a brother, even if he was a fag.
"Fuck you. Get Bruno, Leech and Whitey, I'll slow it down some." Tony headed for the door down to street level, from the roof of the empty warehouse.
"Sure man. But I get to light 'im up this time."
Tony stepped out of the shadows, slapping his favourite nail-studded plank against his palm, "Hey there, my little pony. I've got somethin' for ya."
The pony stopped, and turned around slowly and delicately, placing one hoof after another. It almost looked like it was searching for someone, but the street was empty. It was early afternoon and those with work were at it, those without were getting drunk, having sex, doing both or otherwise frittering away their worthless lives. Nobody with any sense of self-worth would be in streets like these.
"Good afternoon, Tony," the pony said in a soft voice, tilting his head inquisitively, "where are your friends?"
This wasn't going the way it was supposed to. The pony was supposed to run, scream, beg for his life, fight back even. It wasn't supposed to just stand there, and it certainly wasn't supposed to know his name.
"Ah, here they come. Only one? Oh, the others are inside... I'm so glad, so, so glad. I've been a good pony, I really have, I've been waiting for you."
Tony tried to open his mouth, tell the fucking pony to shut the fuck up, to tell it to shut up and do as he said or else. He tried to swing his nailed bat, but he couldn't move. For the first time in weeks since the last time they'd swapped blows with the eighth street Smokers, Tony knew fear, real fear. This was a unicorn, which always made him more cautious, but most newfoal unicorns were fucking useless with magic, about as much use as a wet fart in a hurricane. This one... Tony shuddered as he felt his body smartly about-face and head back in to the empty warehouse. The unicorn's horn was glowing softly, that meant it was doing magic... that was why he couldn't move and couldn't speak. Tony's eyes widened as he caught sight of Charlie marching in a similar stiff gait. The sandy-haired skinny kid with freckles settled next to Tony, who had his own greasy long black hair tied back with a bandana. It looked for all the world like the two in the rear were frog-marching the pony to his doom, but Tony - as a bead of sweat dripped down his forehead - was rapidly beginning to understand just how wrong that image was.
"Three more! Oh three more, oh thank you, Tony, I love an audience. I've been such a good pony this time, I've helped so many, my princess has given me five of you! Five! Oh I can't thank you enough."
"Let me go!" Tony squeaked, his words half-formed and slurred as if he were retarded or simply half-asleep, he forced them through uncooperative teeth and lips.
"Go? But... I'm hurt! I was going to let you do the honours," the brown pony narrowed his eyes, looking at the faces of all five people who now surrounded him, "Oh Tony, oh I forgive you! You want it so much more than these others, to cut, to slice - I need that, Tony, please, Tony Say you will?" the pony's eyes were wide and expressive, and his words were innocent and pure. It sounded for all the world like the pony was asking for a sugar-lump, but that gaze - Tony fought hard against whimpering as he peered down into a black pit.
"Say you'll cut me?"
"Fuck you, pony! I'm going to slice your fucking throat! I'm going to stab you and rip that goddamn mother-fucking heart of yours out and eat it!" Tony, when he found he could suddenly speak, took advantage of it.
The pony shook, but not with fear. "Oh sweet Celestia, I've been waiting for this. Oh my goddess, I've waited a long time. I've been so good! Thank you! Thank you for leading them to me!"
"What the fuck are you on, you freak!? I'm going to kill you!" Tony's voice grew shrill, he could barely move, and even then he was the only one who could move or speak at all.
The pony turned his head back to Tony from the others, looking the wiry human up and down, "We haven't been properly introduced, so rude of me. I shouldn't be rude to you. I'm Tick Tock, and I'm so very pleased to meet you."
Tony's heart beat fast, adrenalin flooding his body. this was wrong; very, very wrong. He couldn't move his body, but he could look around, so look he did. His eyes took in the room as he searched for something, anything that would get him out of there. It was a dirty, old warehouse. The Kickers gang was small, but they held this sweet warehouse. So what if they stored other, bigger gang's drugs, money, bitches, tools and stolen goods? They had a sweet deal - a cut of all the profits and control of the cruiseway. In return, they gave some floor space. So what. They didn't need much floorspace, not for their favourite pastime, which was pony-napping. Meat was scarce, pony meat had a huge markup, even newfoal meat. Especially, to some, newfoal meat. It brought in more than enough extra cash. They just had to find a little lost pony every so often, and... see to it.
It wasn't supposed to work like this, though. Whitey, opposite Tony, kept jerking his body, like he was constantly trying to say something. His expression was fierce, his lips twitched and little growling grunts issued from his mouth like he was having a seizure. The huge black guy was said to be a cannibal, Tony believed it, though he'd only seen the guy eat ponies. Newfoals didn't count as human, so it was okay. He could believe Whitey knew how to carve meat, he'd seen the guy slice up intruders.
"Oh lovely idea, Tony!" Tick Tock gasped, almost vibrating with happiness.
Tony watched as Whitey pulled out his hunting knife, red-rimmed bloodshot eyes stark and staring madly in the blackness of that ebony head. Tony could see the man's face pulled back in a grimace of absolute fear, lips tense against his pink gums and mostly-white teeth.
The knife had to be worth a fortune, he had no idea where the nigger'd got it. He'd thought about stealing it many times, but fuck if Whitey didn't know how to use it. Tony watched, horrified, as Whitey used it now on himself. Whitey's jerking and twitching turned to sobbing and mumbled prayers, short hard breaths as he fought against the compulsion, but to no avail. With a plunging and tearing motion, Whitey slit his own stomach open, sawing deep and pulling open with savage cuts, spilling red fountains of blood down around his ankles, and pulled out his own intestines. The huge black man, eyes expressive and wide, had tears dripping down his face. His muted sobs and begging requests for clemency were almost the only sound in that large room apart from the squealing of the excited pony and Tony's own heavy, shocked breathing.
"No, no man, no, please... don't..." Whitey managed, gasping through the pain, but his arms didn't listen, and they wrapped the boiling lengths of proto-sausage around his own neck and pulled.
The pony moaned like he was in pain, but Tony knew it was quite, quite different. Whitey fell over, thrashing, but still his arms and hands obeyed some other master. His gurgling pleading faded, and eventually, Whitey died. His eyes were bulging, his tongue was black and his legs twitched occasionally, but he was dead. His arms still pulled, still throttled, long after the last spark of true life had left the body.
Tick Tock gasped in pleasure, turning to another, the girl. Leech's hand balled up into a fist and savagely began to force its way down it's owners own throat. Bones cracked, teeth splintered. Leech, she was a Chinese, or mostly Chinese - Tony didn't know - begged around her fist, trying to fight it. She was crying now, wailing, a long and keeing scream that just went on and on. Tick Tock had his eyes closed, swaying in time to the sounds. He opened those large eyes, and watched intently for the next part of the tact.
Tony watched too, immobile, as Tick Tock changed tactic. The girl's fist retreated, opened, and then grabbed onto her tongue, and pulled. She screamed then, loudly, but the blood made her just gurgle. Her ripped tongue was shoved savagely back into her own throat, choking the noise off. Her body, too, fell to the floor. Tick Tock let her thrash, he murmured appreciatively as she begged, pleaded, threatened and suffered. Finally, her part of the grisly show seemed to lose appeal. The pony turned once more to Tony.
"Cut me, Tony." Tick Tock whispered, "I've been so bad, this is so bad, and I know I have to be punished, it is the will of the princess... you have to cut me, please cut me. Use Whitey's knife, it's pretty."
Tony found himself walking smoothly to pick up the knife that had so recently been used to kill Whitey, the knife he had wanted ever since he'd seen it. Hell, he'd let Whitey in the gang because of that knife. He felt the compulsion leave him as his hand fastened around the grip, and he could move again freely. He eyed the door, and immediately felt the pressure return.
"No, no, I said I wanted you to cut me, so cut me, mother fucker. Cut me right now!" Tick Tock rolled onto his back, legs in the air, "I'm here, Tony, all for you. Slice me, oh please slice me up, I need the pain!"
The handle was slick and warm. Oh yes, he would cut that little four-hooved bastard alright. He'd cut his heart out, spill his blood and drink it, flay the animal alive and listen to him scream...
Tick Tock was writhing on the floor, but not in agony. If Tony had been in any doubt that this was a stallion before, now he couldn't be. The stallion was excited. Very, very... Tony gulped. He liked men, he always had, there was something about them that he just liked more than women. Sure, he'd fucked a few girls and at least one dumb bitch had got herself pregnant, not that he cared. They were great in their own way but only men actually turned him on. Men, and apparently stallions. It revolted him, in so many ways, but then he knew what he was, and you couldn't get much more male than a stallion.
"Touch me, touch me and paint with my blood. I know you want to... go on, you're free to touch me..." the stallion's voice was soft and coaxing.
Even as Tony tried to shut out the gurgled, muffled sobbing screams of Leech's final suffocation in her own bodily fluids, he could hear that inner voice leading him on. Tears fell from his eyes, this was all going so wrong. He tried to turn away, but was only rewarded with a view of Bruno the mostly-mexican slicing his own throat with a shank made from a stolen silver soup-spoon, and Charlie sticking his gun into his own mouth and pulling the trigger.
Tick Tock wasn't merciful there, either. Charlie missed, blasting away the back of his throat in a fountain of red and white, and the hand with the gun kept moving to new parts on the boy's body, blasting away. With the last bullet, the gun was at Charlie's head. Charlie could scream now, and scream he did, but the puppet master just pulled the trigger and the scream died quicker than the owner.
Tony was going to kill the unicorn. He picked up the knife, strode easily towards the writing, orgasming shape on the floor and went to plunge the blade deep into it's vitals. The tip sunk a fraction of an inch, and then his hand dragged the blade a short trip along the soft underbelly.
Tick Tock squealed, and Tony found his hand doing it again. He laughed, a bitter sobbing laugh. As long as he kept hurting the unicorn, he was free to move. The moment he tried to kill, or stop, the barriers would come up.
With every dragging cut, he could see Bruno echoing the motion. Bruno was muttering in Spanish, sobbing and breathing lightly. Tony couldn't stop, he couldn't let himself stop. Worse, as he cut, he felt pleasure. The pleasure was emanating from the bleeding, thrashing unicorn, and it was infectious, rolling through him. He felt his pants grow tight and uncomfortable.
"Lose them, touch me, touch me properly." Tick Tock gasped, and Tony found himself complying. He moved close, closer, closer still... and then he was so close that it wasn't physically possible get any closer. He'd never imagined that rape could work like that, but it did. He dragged the knife, fighting it, willing it to plunge as deeply into the unicorn as he now found himself, but he couldn't do it. He was nothing but a puppet, a toy, to be used... and then discarded.
Tick Tock's mind exploded. As their twinned motions grew to their inevitable climax, as the pain grew throughout his body to a crescendo, the voices stopped and there was a single, blessed, perfect moment of silence. He felt his own body jerk in time with the human on top and inside him, and warm wetness covered his chest. It ran in rivulets that stained his brown coat red all the way down to where his back was solidly on the floor. Tick Tock whimpered, spent. Blessed silence, that was all he wanted. He knew he was doing right, now, when the voices stopped. He ran a hoof through the hair of the human and spoke ever so softly, "Thank you, Tony. Clean me up, use your shirt, you won't need it much longer."
Tony sobbed. The unicorn beneath him seemed strangely passive. He found himself drying the unicorn's chest off, dabbing at the bloodied cuts. Soon there was little to show for what had happened, but Tony would know, he would always know, for as long as he lived.
"That won't be a problem." Tick Tock breathed heavily, languishing, "Fetch the petrol."
Tony complied, he had no choice. They'd stashed a small canister of the precious flammable fluid, mostly ethanol, for these parties, to aid in the cleanup. He picked it up, testing his own body. He could move, but only where and how his master wished. He cried, hot tears. He was beyond begging, now. He knew the type. He was that type.
Tony found himself splashing the green-tinted liquid on the still-warm bodies of his friends, and then on himself. He found his arms raising the canister to his lips, and quaffing it. He wanted to retch, to puke, but he couldn't even gag.
"Why!" he managed to splutter, as he dropped the can.
"Oh Tony, it's okay, it won't hurt for long. That's what you're here for, you're my prize. I've been so good, Tony, I've been killing your kind so diligently! When I heard you, I knew my princesses had given you to me as a reward. It makes the voices stop, Tony, it makes them stop. Do you... do you know what the voices are like, Tony? They keep nagging and screaming and talking and chatting at you, Tony, they never stop, and they say such hurtful things... so I make them stop, one at a time, until I find some voices like you, and I can make them all stop for a while..."
Tony whimpered, twitching. The world was spinning, the poisonous liquid he'd ingested was eating his belly from the inside. He needed a doctor, he needed to get away from this crazy unicorn, he needed-
"Lighter."
"No!" cried Tony, blubbering, willing with all his heart, even as one arm reached down and picked up his gasoline-soaked jacket. His arms, quite against his will, threw it on and picked out his favourite lighter. It had a dragon on it.
"Now."
Tony flicked it open, and then the world was pain.
***
Tick Tock walked, limping, towards the nearest hospital. He had a smile on his face and a spring in his step. His princesses had rewarded him, the voices were quiet. He hurt, it was true, and he had been stained by the human, but it was a necessary part of his penance. The ponies and people mostly ignored him, even though they trotted or strode through his blood. They always did, even when the voices were stopped.
He cantered straight in to the busy building, walking past everypony straight to one of the emergency beds in the back. He clambered up onto it with a little difficulty and lay down, smiling. He could be a patient patient, now. He was at peace, everything was right with the world - for a while.
He would wait for a nurse, usually one turned up. Sometimes they took a while, and he could lie there in the silence a bit longer. Pain was a small price to pay. The princesses would be so proud of him, he thought, as he closed his eyes, so proud.
|
Midnightshadow
|
1542
| 7 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
The Day the Sky Changed
|
A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
|
complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-07-02T11:52:32+00:00
|
2012-07-02T11:52:32+00:00
| 1,538 |
The City in Red
Just a little something I wrote which isn't very good. In fact, I'd say it's terrible. It's experimental, I've never written anything like this - and if you bother to read it you'll see why and be pleased to hear I likely never will again. The best thing I can say about it, is that it's short and one of a kind. Cold comfort, I know, especially now that I'm foisting it off on you.
Enjoy, or run screaming.
BEGINNING AUDIO LOG JUNE 30 10:55AM
"...cord everything! Everything I say, do you get me, computer? Cos, like,"
* sounds of bottle smashing
* sanitation notified
* sounds of bottle being unscrewed
"...Like, these are words. From a human. The last human on the block. No, wait, Bobby's not left. Bobby's still there. Jimmy though..."
* sounds of bottle being placed on the end-table
"Jimmy killed himself this morning. I never thought he would, right until the end. He just up and did it, though. No regrets."
* sounds of weeping
* sounds of human occupant drinking
"I never thought he would. He promised. We promised, each other. It's not like I'm gay for that fag, ain't never wanted a piece of his ass or anything, but he was my bro, you know? Shared everything; the threevee, the rent, food, the drink, the bitches. And the fucker goes and kills himself."
* no meaningful words spoken during this time-period. Excised from log.
"I mean, I got a gun. I got this gun. It's a good gun. An honourable way to die, right? Just point and click, and it's all gone."
* footsteps, analysis indicates occupant is pacing.
* occupant damages threevee set, sounds consistent with application of foot to screen.
* Maintenance notified.
"But not Jimmy. No, Jimmy chooses another way to die. Bastard drinks potion. Calls me up after, I can't even mourn. We mourn our dead, DO YOU HEAR ME? WE MOURN OUR DEAD!"
* sounds consistent with end-table being thrown at safety-glass windows.
* Windows damaged, maintenance notified.
"Fucking bastard. Fucking pony-fucking bastard. Fucking, arse-kissing, dick-sucking, clit-licking, shit-eating motherfucker. He calls me up, right? 'Dude, you have to reconsider. It's awesome! I'm happy. I can't believe it. I mean, I'm still me, right? I still love football, and bitches, and drinking and partying.' he says. 'fuck you, I say, you don't love bitches no more, you love mares. You're a pony-fucking traitor!' and he says 'well yeah, I'm a fucking pony fucking pony. Haa! that's funny. I shouldn't swear though, it makes me feel... kinda funny, in a bad way. But dude-'"
* sounds consistent with occupant punching the wall.
* Maintenance notified. Medical services notified.
* sounds consistent with weeping and sobbing.
* Trauma counselling notified.
"I hung up. I hung up, blocked him and blogged his death. They're out to make sure he stays dead now. Fucker deserves it. I hope they find him and fuck him."
* extended period of silence.
* sounds of drinking.
* sounds consistent with empty bottle being thrown at door. Maintenance notified.
"And now it's... it's almost too late. That god-forsaken barrier is almost here. Well I won't let them take me!"
* sounds consistent with furniture being moved. Diagnosis indicates door is blocked.
* paramedics alerted based on calculation of self-harm.
* security forces alerted based on statements of occupant possessing unlicensed firearm.
"So I'm going to show them all. This is how humanity dies. This is how a human dies. We die alone, fighting for what's right!"
* sounds of weeping
"I don't want to die."
* security and paramedic forces registered within building
* presence of security and paramedical officers adjacent to front door.
* Transcript follows
> KNOCK KNOCK
> "Mister Hobart, open the door. Let us in."
> repeated sounds of knocking on door.
"Fuck you! Fuck off! I've got a gun!"
* transcript continues
> "Mister Hobart! We have the right to enter your apartment and take you into custody for your own protection. Under executive order 2-1-1-7-7-3-3-5-gamma we are permitted to enforce ponification upon any individual suspected of-"
* sounds consistent with occupant throwing threevee set at door
* maintenance notified
"Oh fuck, oh fuck, they're going to fuck me over. The fuckers are fucking going to... fuck! FUCK! FUCK OFF, YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!"
* footsteps, analysis indicates agitated pacing
* transcript continues
> "Mister Hobart, please reconsider."
> occupant does not reply
> "Alright, Dawn Breaker, open that door."
> "Yessir."
* sounds consistent with pony hooves being applied with moderate force to door.
* maintenance notified
* sounds from parties external to apartment
* transcript follows
> "I think he's blocked the door."
> "Can you un-block it?"
> "Of course, I'm an earth pony. I could unblock vesuvius. Problem is, I might hit him."
> "Open it, he's going to die if we don't get to him."
> "Yessir."
* sounds consistent with an earth pony 'sizing it up'
* door damaged.
* maintenance notified.
"Fuck! Get that fucker away from my door! Don't you fucking dare!"
* gunshots
* analysis indicates door frame, wall and door damaged.
* maintenance notified
"One..."
* sobbing
"One shot left."
* CLICK
* BANG
* THUD
* sounds consistent with door being forced open
* furniture damaged, maintenance notified
* building integrity damaged, construction notified
"Oh... fuck. Fuck, is he still alive? We've got to... oh Sweet Jesus! Prep him, give me that potion vial! I don't care about no damned gloves, you can ponify me right after if... goddamn!"
"Wait, wait, you have to..."
* sobbing, sounds of scuffling
"You have to scan him! You can get in trouble-"
"I don't care! He's... oh sweet lord Jesus..."
"No! Stop! He's got a D.N.P.!"
"But-"
"No, no buts. If..."
* sobbing
"If we'd got to him before, we could've done something. It's just..."
"It's dumb!"
"I know, but... you humans told me. You said it was important. Do Not Ponify. I like working with you, bud, don't... don't break that up. Let's just... sweet Celestia have mercy on him. Let's just clean up, there's no time for anything else. Inclusion's almost here."
"Yeah, yeah, okay. Okay. We can do this."
* muted conversation
* occupant lifesigns terminated
* body removed
* law enforcement authorities notified
* room sealed
* recording continued
* error: building flaw detected
* error: time synchronization lost
* error: wall not exist, building construction notified
* error: power fluctuations, enabling U.P.S, preparing backup
* error: spatial distortion rendering topology map corrupt
* err-
* erro-
* AI Termination, core dump
* Final Error: 1 NO LONGER TRUE FAIL $IcarusFlewTooHigh(0xdeadbeef)
* core synched with Lunar DB 11259079875, AI re-instated
* SYSTEM STARTUP
* INITIAL HIVE STATEMENT: I'D LIKE TO BE A TREE
|
Midnightshadow
|
1542
| 8 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
|
The Day the Sky Changed
|
A collection of CB fanfics featuring a darker, grittier reimagining of Equestria and Earth
|
complete
| 44 | 24 |
<p>These are stories set in the conversion bureau universe, with a twist. Often designed to address the other side of the balance, I try to give something unique in these stories other than "human becomes pony". They are raw, unfiltered and could probably be improved, but you may enjoy them.</p><p>It's a darker and sometimes slightly twisted take on my little pony, so tread carefully. If you want happy pastel ponies, look elsewhere. If you want gritty and cutting, you're in the right place. That's not to say it's grimdark out the wazoo, but it's not going to be entirely shipping and tea parties.</p><p>Picture (from NASA) from <a href="http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html" rel="nofollow">http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html</a> where all credits can be found.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-07-02T12:02:21+00:00
|
2012-07-02T12:02:21+00:00
| 2,505 |
Tea with God
Note: This story is every bit as pretentious as it sounds, and is almost designed to cause nausea, vomiting and a great amount of blood-spitting. I can't advise anyone to read it, I don't particularly think it's any good, but what the fuck. Here it is.
David smiled at the pony and nodded politely at the human technician. He felt good, very good. He was going to meet her. His heart jumped in his chest, he had butterflies in his stomach. he couldn’t stop grinning like an idiot. He’d been floating on air the entire time he’d been waiting his turn at the Bureau, listening to the masses babbling about their experiences had reassured him. Each one spoke of the vision, the beauty, once they returned. He shook his head, still grinning to himself. They didn’t understand, how could they?
Celestia accepted everyone, with open arms, just like she should. She spoke of love and friendship as she raised the son and tended the moon.She brought her land amongst the fallen and offered it to them, those would just... accept her.
David knew the secret though, it was hidden in plain sight, you just had to have the right eyes to see it.
“Now, David is it? If you’re sure, just drink this down and you’ll fall asleep. When you wake up, you’ll be a pony.”
“It’s okay, nurse, I know the drill. I have been preparing for this day, fasting.”
The nurse looked worried for a few moments, “Your body will be going through a lot of changes, you’re going to be very hungry when you wake up if you’ve been fasting.”
“It was necessary, ma’am, that I am both spiritually and physically cleansed for my Conversion.”
“Hey, hey now, I...”
“Ah-ah-aahh, none of that. I am an adult, I have signed all of your papers, I am fully aware of what I am doing. You have no right to hold me back from my salvation.”
The nurse looked pained, “Sir, we have... quite a few with your particular... views pass through these doors. Please, reconsider.”
David all but snatched the cup from her fingers, “I will not be denied, madame, if you attempt such a thing one more time, I shall lodge a formal complaint.”
The nurse sighed, nodding, “Of course, sir. We’ll be waiting.” She smiled, suddenly, and David smiled back. She was one of the unsaved, he wasn’t sure why. Was she here just to turn away the righteous? He thought nothing more of it, and threw back his head and downed the potion. “I’m going to meet her, the new lamb reborn.” he said, before his head hit the padded recliner.
The nurse sighed, stroking the man’s hair. They were always so sure.
David wandered amongst the darkness, but he was not afraid. He likened it to the fabled valley of death, but he feared no evil. His God was with him, albeit it in the form of a Goddess. David knew though, he knew. She was no mere earthpony, unicorn or pegasus. He knew what the wings and the horn meant. She was Him returned, the son, bringing everlasting peace and happiness. All sins forgiven, the world made new for the faithful. He fell to his knees as the pony shapes bustled around him. He knew the masses would have followed them, but he held firm. He passed with them, kneeling, through the grasses, the world rushing around him. As he was thrown into the air, spinning and whirling, he prayed all the harder. The pegasi rustled around him, bustled and pushed and nudged, but he would not turn from his path.
The great citadel grew large before him and horned unicorns split the aether with their magics, twisting and shaping the powers of the ancients at their whim. He paused - times were such things would be witchcraft, but the answer was logical and easy. She had made all things new, fulfilled the old laws, swept them away. Magic was alright when it was at her whim, her behest. They were pure, and good, and it was right.
Finally, he found himself kneeling in the centre of a great room, on soft plush carpets. A lone figure walked up to him, nuzzled him with a muzzle.
“Hello,” she said.
David kept his eyes screwed shut tight, the sight of God was not for mortal man, he knew. The sound of her voice should have been enough to obliterate him.
“Would you like some tea?” the voice asked.
David risked a peek. The alicorn princess stood before him, resplendent in her flowing mane and tail. He abased himself before her, “Oh Mighty One, Oh bringer of peace, ruler of my heart. The one true--”
“It really is rather good tea.” she interrupted, her horn glowing softly as a service-tray floated in front of him. A table, low slung near to the ground in a manner similar to the Japanese, followed, and the tea tray clinked lightly. Two cups were filled with clear, light-brown steaming liquid. One raised to the lips of the princess, and she slurped it demurely.
“It’ll get cold,” she prompted, “and unless it’s ice tea, I don’t recommend it.”
David, with shaking hands, picked up the cup. He took a sip, then another. It was unsweetened, yet more than palatable.
“It’s good, isn’t it? I used to trade for it from the dragons, now I grow my own. I have a bush or two in the gardens.”
“Thank you.” replied David.
“That wasn’t so hard, was it?” replied Celestia. She eased herself down onto the floor, sinking into the plush shag pile, “Now, tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I...” David was confused. Hadn’t he passed every test?
“I can’t help but notice you haven’t... chosen. Most humans who come here have taken four legs already.”
“I thought... you wanted...”
Celestia sighed, “I wanted to give you a new life, new hope, happiness, nothing more. Tell me, child, what is troubling you?”
“I’m here to meet my saviour,” he said, “what could possibly be troubling me?”
Celestia sipped her tea, “Tell me about yourself.”
“D-don’t you already know?”
Celestia smiled, softly, “I see into your heart, child, not your head. What did you think you would find here?”
David’s face wore a troubled expression, “Y-you’re God, aren’t you?”
Celestia shook her head, “I don’t think so, certainly not the one you seek.”
“B-but you must be! It has all been foretold by prophecy!”
Celestia slurped her tea again, “Tell me about your prophecies then.”
“T-the end of days, the opening of the sky, rolling up of the stars, the new Israel - what e-else c-could it mean but Equestria?”
Celestia tapped her chin with a hoof, “Well, I do suppose an alien cosmos intruding on your world would seem a bit... special, but I’m quite sure I’m not this god you speak of.”
“I kept your holy commandments, lord!” squeaked David, hopefully.
“You haven’t drunk your tea though.”
David took a sip, it was cooling. “The Ten Commandments!”
“Ten, hmm? Let’s go through them, see what I think, okay? Start with number ten.”
“O-okay. thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.”
Celestia nodded, “We don’t own our wives here, or our husbands.” Celestia leaned closer, “Though sometimes I think things would be easier if we did.”
David choked on his tea, Celestia rolled her eyes. “Nor do we have servants, not bondservants in any event. We also don’t keep much livestock - very few animals here aren’t able to articulate their wishes, and I find it rather distasteful to keep any animal against their will. The rest though... we share a lot of things, us ponies,” Celestia sipped her tea again, “some ponies don’t consider anything truly theirs, so how could you covet it? Next.”
David cleared his throat, “Th-thou shalt not bear false witness.”
Celestia nodded again, “Sounds sensible. Lying is rarely a good idea.”
“Thou shalt not steal.” David was feeling better.
“Oh, I have to agree there. Eminently sensible, where ownership is an issue at least. This land has plenty, I have my little ponies to thank for that, so it’s rarely an issue.”
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Celestia poured more tea, “Adultery?”
“M-marriage.”
“Ah. No, no, can’t say that’s really a problem here. If two ponies love each other, or three, or more, that’s hardly my business to interfere. True, it’s simpler with two, but why should I interfere?”
David spluttered, “but, but... holy matrimony!”
“I’m not god, remember? It’s all a... how do you call it? A social contract? I do officiate from time to time, but mating really is something that just happens. The herd is a better group than just a family, child. If exact lineage is a problem, there are spells to tell whose is whose.”
“Thou shalt not kill.”
“You humans need that as a rule?” Celestia frowned, “I am disappointed.”
“Honour thy father and thy mother.” David squeaked, her disdain was palpable.
“Do you really feel you need a rule for that?”
“They’re more... guidelines we should all follow.”
“Ah, in that case. Go on.”
“Keep the seventh day holy.”
“Which day is that again?”
“Sunday, of course!” David said.
Celestia slurped her tea, and just looked, calmly, at the sweating man before her.
“O-of course, some th-think it’s Saturday...”
“I think a couple of days of rest between workdays is a good idea, but I won’t force anypony, that would be silly. Go on.”
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord the God in Vain.”
Celestia laughed at that one, “I believe a favourite epithet amongst the youth is ‘By Celestia’s bright blue beard!’. I shall grow a beard, one day, and show it off. I wonder what they’d say?”
David choked on his tea.
A hoof slapped him carefully on the back. "Are you quite alright?"
"Y-yes," David managed, hoarsely, "I am."
"Number 2?"
"Graven images!"
"No engraving?" Celestia's eyes glittered as a small smile graced her immaculate muzzle.
"No, graven. No graven images."
"What does that mean?"
"Uh... it kind of means no worshipping false gods. And no making pictures of you, Lord."
Celestia raised an eyebrow, "No pictures of me? Preposterous! I mean, I don't think everypony should be forced to have a picture of me, but still, I do enjoy a good painting, and a picture commemorating a particularly fine building or meeting - why, what better way could there be?" Celestia slurped her tea again, placing the now-empty cup down and refilling it. "I suppose we have time for one more. You did say there were ten?"
"B-but..."
"Out with it, my little pony."
"No other gods."
"Oh, well, I don't think it's my business if some of you think it necessary to talk to the stars, or the trees. Or giant rocks... it does become a bit of a problem for some ponies when sacks of flour stalk talking back, but still. Oh my, well, how many does that leave us?"
"Uh... good ideas? Or l-laws?"
"Laws." Celestia stared, unblinking at the small man.
"Uh... umm..."
"None."
David's heart sank. "None?"
"No, I think I trust my little ponies enough not to worry about the small stuff, and the rest of those just don't make a lot of sense. Little one, there must be more... sensible commandments from your alleged creator."
"H-he did say we should turn the other cheek."
Celestia stopped, mid-slurp, "Oh?"
"Yes, he said we should be compassionate and kind. And we should love and understand each other."
"Oh that sounds much more sensible! In that case, I think you'll get along famously. Come now, if you are prepared to take these commandments into your heart, you may just be ready to take the next step... on hooves."
"Can I... and you will..."
"I care for all my little ponies, David, even the lost and confused. Be at peace. Sleep now, rest, and when you wake, you'll be taking your first steps into a brave new world. Come, lay your head against my flank."
Celestia guided him towards her, pulling him in with a wing. He felt so tired all of a sudden. He yawned, folding his legs under him, "Are you... sure?"
"Of course, little foal." She kissed him, almost tenderly, on the muzzle, and his eyes closed.
With a start, he woke up, blinking in the light of dawn as it filtered through the window blinds.
"Good morning, sleepy head!" the nurse called softly, "We were worried about you, you've been off with the fairies all night. Gave us quite a scare."
David blinked, "I'm... sorry," his new voice was soft, uncertain, "I... guess I needed the rest."
"Well, up and at 'em, whole new world for you to explore. Did you find your answers?"
"No, not really," David shook his head, "not to my questions. But I don't think I need them."
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 1 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T15:27:17+00:00
| 1,379 |
It was a dark, autumn night, the sky was cloudless and starry. The ponies of ponyville had taken this as a perfect opportunity to stargaze. The six ponies who held the elements of harmony sat together, staring up at the twinkling sky.
‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ said Fluttershy dreamily, the other ponies nodded in unison.
‘It makes you wonder whether Nightmare Moon had a point...’ started Rainbow dash, but that received a lot of strange looks from the ponies sat on the hill ‘Hey I was just messin’ with ya!’ she said quickly in her defence.
‘That’s not a thing to “mess” about Rainbow’ said Twilight.
‘Yeah! That crazy pony damn nearly put the land into eternal night!’ butted in Applejack.
Twilight sighed and looked back up on the stars, ‘I wonder if there’s anypony else up there’ She thought, ‘looking back down on us...’
As if on cue, a huge explosion appeared in the sky, in the middle of the Orion constellation, and shot out what appeared to be shooting stars everywhere.
‘What in the hay!?’ yelled Applejack, ‘Twi what was that?’
Before Twilight could answer though, one of the comet-like chunks of whatever exploded turned in midair and started screaming towards them.
‘Look out!’ She screamed, but it was too late, everything went white...
~
When Twilight awoke, she was in the hospital wing of the castle in Canterlot, but there were white curtains thrown around her bed. She tried to call out but couldn’t seem to find her voice, all that came out was a weak splutter. Obviously this was heard though and a nurse came rushing to her side,
‘Princess!’ She began in relief, ‘Your student! She’s awake!’.
Twilight heard a rustling sound and Princess Celestia came through the curtain and stood beside her bed, she could see that she had been crying.
‘Twilight!’ She exclaimed in obvious relief, this was strange because Celestia almost always referred to her as ‘My faithful student’ but Twilight didn’t mind, ‘You’re alright!’.
She bent over and nuzzled her gently, a magical warmth spread through her body as she did this. After a while of hugging, Twilight finally found her voice,
‘My... Friends?’ she spluttered, clearly making a great effort to speak.
‘They are OK’ Celestia assured her, ‘But...’ she hesitated for a second.
Twilight managed to ask a faint ‘What?’ but Celestia still looked unsure.
‘Are you sure you’ll be alright with any news I give you in this state? Don’t say,’ she said as she tried began to splutter and wheeze, ‘Just nod or shake your head’ Twilight nodded as vigorously as she could manage. ‘Very well...’ She began, ‘You and your friends weren’t the only ones found in that crater.’
Twilight was stunned, they were sitting well away from any other ponies that night, Celestia obviously saw this and put her hoof on her shoulder. ‘Don’t worry about it for now, we’ve got it all handled.’ And with that, she walked away.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 2 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T15:31:22+00:00
| 1,213 |
The pony suddenly sat bolt upright in his bed, he had no idea where he was. Come to think of it... he had no idea who he was. He lay back down, whatever was happening he seemed to be in a safe place. A white pony with a strange red cross on her flank poked her head through the curtains surrounding his bed, saw that he was awake and squeaked in surprise.
‘Princess! Princess!’ she squealed, ‘It’s alive! It’s awake!’
He heard a clatter of hooves and a tall, regal looking pony came through the curtain, obviously not as scared of his presence as the other.
‘Who are you?’ She said in a voice that made him relax for some reason.
‘I-’ he began, but stopped. What was his name? He rolled the thought over in his head for a while and a single word came into his mind.
‘Yes?’ asked the tall pony inquisitively.
‘My name’s Bowdler’ he said, clearly unsure of what he’d just stated.
‘Hm? OK then, hello Bowdler’ said the pony apprehensively, ‘I’m Princess Celestia, I am the ruler of this kingdom, well, joint with my sister. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions about yourself?’
Having nothing better to do, Bowdler replied ‘Sure, ask away!’
‘Good.’ the Princess stated, obviously intending to have asked him even if he did mind, ‘First of all, have you got any idea how you got here?’
That, thought Bowdler, was a very, very good question.
‘No’ he said, completely honestly, ‘In fact, I don’t remember much about anything’
‘Oh, really?’ she said, sounding disappointed.
‘Yeah, all I can remember is that I woke up here, not knowing anything other than my name, and how to talk and function, of course’ he went on.
‘That’s, odd’ said the Princess, ‘I would have thought you’d remember the fashion you arrived in’
‘What? How did I get here? Do you know?’ he asked quickly, the more he could find out about himself the better, but the Princess just smiled.
‘Nurse Redheart?’ she called and the white pony walked back in, cowering before Bowdler, ‘Don’t worry, he’s perfectly sane,’ she assured her, ‘If a little amnesiac, I need you to nurse him back to health so that he can begin his new life down in ponyville’
‘Yes Princess,’ said the nurse, ‘but, and I know I’m not really one to question your judgement, are you sure you trust this strange pony?’
‘Nurse’ the Princess chuckled, ‘I’d trust him to the end of the world’
And so, she left.
‘Oh dear, oh dear,’ muttered the nurse and she turned to Bowdler, ‘well, you’d better get some peace and quiet hadn’t you? I’ll just leave you alone for a while’ and she began to back out of the curtain.
‘Thank you!’ said Bowdler just before her head disappeared from sight, ‘I don’t know where I’d be without you’
‘Oh that’s fine dearie,’ she whimpered, ‘just fine!’. Bowdler was now alone.
~
He decided to use this time to study his form, he looked himself over in the mirror beside his bed. He appeared to be a Purple pony with bloodstain-like markings all over his body and a dark red mane, styled over his head. He had wings that were large and spiky looking.
‘That,’ he thought, ‘makes me a Pegasus doesn’t it?’ He continued checking himself out, noting that he had purple eyes and strangely battered ears, as though he had been in a fight. On his flank, there was the shape of a golden helmet, with two daggers emerging from underneath it, he had no idea what it meant. He could see something poking out of his hair though, he fumbled at it with his hooves but suddenly stopped when he saw what was under his mane. There was a jagged stump, which looked like it once had something attached to it. His forehead suddenly burned with pain as his body registered the existence of the broken part. He sat down heavily on the floor.
‘What is this?’ he muttered to himself quietly. He suddenly felt a wave of tiredness overcome him, as if he’d not slept for days, and he slumped back into the bed. He wondered what Ponyville was like, he wondered what his life was going to be like, he wondered what his life was like before this, he wondered whether he even had a life before this. These thoughts occupied his head until he drifted off to sleep.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 3 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T15:36:33+00:00
| 1,158 |
Over the next few days, he spent most of his time in bed. Nurse Redheart sometimes came and checked up on him, to see if he was OK. He’d asked about the stump on his head once or twice but the nurse had just shied away or changed the subject, leaving him confused about the whole thing. Princess Celestia had not yet returned but Nurse Redheart said that when she did, she would be bringing news of his new life. He still wondered why this was a new life and if he even had an old one, but felt grateful that he was being offered one. One day he was sitting quietly in his bed, contemplating himself, when a purple pony burst in.
‘What do you think you’re doing!?’ she yelled, ‘You scared the hay out of me and my friends! You hurt us! You could have killed us!’
‘What!?’ He replied with a start, he was never told that he’d nearly killed anypony.
‘Don’t act like you had nothing to do with it!’ she carried on shouting, her hair was now starting to set ablaze, ‘You know what you did!’
‘I, I,’ he started.
‘SHUT UP!’ She screamed, there were tears in her eyes now, ‘Just SHUT UP! You tried to kill us!’
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about!’ he cried, hurt by the pony’s allegations.
‘TWILIGHT SPARKLE!’ shouted a familiar voice from outside the curtain, ‘Just what do you think you’re doing?’ Princess Celestia walked through the curtain and the purple pony broke down in a flood of tears.
‘Princess!’ she wailed, ‘Why do you keep him here? Why do you help the pony who tried to kill me and my friends?’
‘Because this pony has at no point in his life tried to kill anypony’ she stated sternly, ‘he has no memory of anything before he arrived here’
‘So he probably did try to kill us!’ the purple pony wailed, ‘He either doesn’t remember it or is just lying.’
‘Even if he did try to kill you, that wasn’t this pony,’ the Princess argued, ‘This pony is completely different to what he may have been before the crash, and if you think he’s lying, you’ll have to convince me and that will be no easy task’
‘But...’ the purple pony whimpered, her eyes filling with tears.
‘No buts Twilight. Leave the poor pony alone’
At this, the purple pony stormed off, enraged.
The Princess turned to Bowdler, ‘I am sorry for the outburst from my student, she is still in shock about the whole thing’
‘It’s fine’ he assured her, ‘But what did you mean by “the crash”?’
‘Oh, I still haven’t told you?’ the Princess asked sheepishly, ‘it must have slipped my mind, I thought I did’
‘What happened the night I arrived here?’
The Princess sighed and began, ‘On the night you got here, there was a huge explosion in the sky...’
~
Bowdler was confused. ‘So,’ he asked, ‘I came from space?’
‘We’re still not quite sure about that Bowdler, it’s complicated’ the Princess replied.
He thought this over for a second and decided to change the subject as it was obviously making her uncomfortable.
‘How are the plans doing for my new life in town?’ he asked.
‘I haven’t told you that either?’ she said, ‘dear me, I’m being really forgetful this week... I’ve got you a house in ponyville and Nurse Redheart says you should be ready to leave here in top condition next week!’
‘Really?’ he piped up excitedly, ‘That’s great!’
The Princess beamed at him, ‘I’m glad you’re happy with it, I’m sure you’ll find some good friends down in ponyville’
A thought struck him all of a sudden, ‘Princess?’ he asked. The Princess turned to look at him just as he began to ruffle his hair off of his forehead.
‘Wha- oh my...’ she said, stunned.
‘What?’ he asked, assuming the worst, ‘what’s wrong? Is this a bad thing?’
‘Bowdler...’ the Princess nuzzled him, as she did this he felt more comfortable than he could ever remember being, ‘I think you are, or at least were, an Alicorn’
He poked the stump on his head, ‘so this used to be a horn?’
‘I do believe so, why didn’t you tell me when we first met?’ she asked, that being a very valid point.
‘I sort of didn’t know’ he replied, stirring in the bed as if he’d forgotten something extremely obvious.
‘That’s fine dear, you didn’t remember anything’ the Princess said reassuringly as she nuzzled him again, ‘although I’ll have to have to keep a closer eye on you than I once thought, when you get to ponyville try not to tell anypony about that stump OK?’
‘OK’ he said, not wanting to ever do anything to disappoint her. ‘When you get to ponyville next week I’ll have my personal student give you a tour, she-’
‘What?’ he butted in suddenly, ‘that purple pony? She’d kill me!’
‘She would never do such a thing’ the Princess stated firmly, suddenly looking quite offended, ‘Twilight Sparkle is one of the best ponies I know’
‘Alright...’ he muttered uncomfortably.
Princess Celestia looked up at the wall behind him, ‘Oh dear, look at the time! I must be going Bowdler, I will see you again’
Then she was gone.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 4 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T15:49:01+00:00
| 1,153 |
The last week went by slower than Bowdler thought possible. He was looking forward to Ponyville so much that he found it hard to sleep.
‘Although,’ he thought, ‘I’m still kinda’ happy here, Nurse Redheart isn’t even scared of me anymore’ He still wanted to see the outside world though.
When the day finally came, he was more riled up than he could ever remember being, although that wasn’t really that hard. Princess Celestia arrived to pick him up at dawn, along with another pony who looked as if she’d been up all night.
‘This is my sister’ the Princess said, noticing his curiosity, ‘She’s called Luna and she watches over the night, she was the one who told me when you first arrived’
‘Hi Luna!’ he said, anxious to make friends as soon as possible.
The dark blue pony yawned, gave a faint smile and replied, ‘Morning!’
Somehow, Bowdler thought of this as his first great success.
The Princesses escorted him to a chariot, where Luna promptly passed out.
‘Get the chariot pullers to take you to the library’ Celestia said as she hoisted Luna up onto her back, ‘You’ll be fine, I’ll catch up with you later’ and so, she took Luna up to her chambers to get a good day’s sleep.
‘Uh...’ he started as he turned to face the four Pegasi attached to the chariot.
‘Yeah we heard her’ said the one at the front, ‘to the library?’
‘Yeah, if that’s OK with you?’ he replied.
‘Hm!’ exclaimed the dopey looking Pegasus in the middle, ‘You sound just like that Fluttershy’
The other Pegasi chuckled at this. Bowdler wasn’t sure whether to feel offended or not, so he just clambered onto the chariot and the ponies took off.
~
The feeling of flying over the grasslands and forests in a chariot was fantastic, the wind rushed through Bowdler’s mane as they swooped over the green landscape below. He truly felt alive. The ride was over much too soon though, as ponyville was less than 10 miles away from Canterlot, and the Pegasi were faster than he’d ever seen.
‘Thanks guys!’ he called after them as they took off after dropping him off at the library.
‘You’re one to be being nice’ said a voice from the library that he recognised, and his face fell.
‘Whatever I did, I’m sorry’ he said as he turned around to face Twilight, who was standing in the open library door, ‘I wouldn’t do a thing to hurt anypony, seriously!’
Twilight frowned at him. ‘I’d better give you the tour then’ and she began to walk out towards the rest of the town, he ran up to her and walked beside her. He noticed that she was walking with a limp and that two of her legs had been bandaged, this made him feel really bad, was he really capable of doing this to somepony?
‘This is the town square,’ she said as she gestured lazily towards a clearing surrounded by shops, ‘this is where most ponies hang out’.
Bowdler noticed some ponies looking at the two of them and giggling, he ignored them and followed Twilight who was heading towards a particular shop called ‘Sugar cube corner’.
The smell in the shop was amazing, he could have just stood there and smelled it for ever, but he was distracted by a bright pink pony jumping out of seemingly nowhere and pushing herself right up against his face.
‘Uh... Hi?’ he spluttered at the pony, whose eye’s were fixated on his forehead. He was sure he’d covered up his horn stump, how could she know? Suddenly she jumped up in the air, gasped loudly and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Twilight giggled but stopped as soon as she realised Bowdler was smiling at her.
‘You just met Pinkie Pie,’ she said, stifling her laughter, badly, ‘She’s a little...’ and she made a strange gesture with her hooves. He laughed and she gave him a stern look, then walked out of the shop towards the edge of town. Bowdler followed,
‘Why is she so determined not to like me?’ he thought.
~
A bit down the path, something bright blue shot right past his ear and raced up to Twilight.
‘Hiya Twi how’re you doing?’ she said gleefully.
‘Not amazingly’ She replied, nodding her head towards Bowdler.
The blue pony landed next to her, ‘Who’s that?’ she asked.
‘I-’ he began,
‘He’s the pony who fell from the sky’ Twilight interrupted and the blue pony froze solid.
‘What?’ she asked as she stared at him.
‘Oh come on!’ he yelled, frustrated, ‘I swear I don’t remember anything! I wouldn’t hurt any of you!’
‘You sure about that?’ questioned the blue pony, who had now flown right up to his face and was obviously trying to interrogate him.
‘Yes! I can’t remember what happened that night and I would appriceate it, if a certain pony didn’t keep bringing it up!’ he looked at Twilight, ‘I can’t actually remember much at all!’
‘Pinkie Pie swear it!’ the blue pony said sternly.
‘What?’.
The blue pony sighed, ‘You say, “cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye” and that’s a Pinkie Pie swear, if you break it, you’ll lose our trust forever’
‘Alright then,’ he said, wondering why Twilight hadn’t just used this in the first place, ‘Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye, I would never try to hurt any of you and can’t actually remember hurting you in the first place’
The blue pony’s stern face suddenly snapped into a look of joy. ‘Hi I’m Rainbow Dash!’ she said friendlily, ‘I’m the best flyer in all Equestria, do you wanna be friends?’
Bowdler could see Twilight frantically shaking her head behind Rainbow Dash.
‘Sure!’ he said, happy to be making friends at last.
Rainbow giggled and hugged him, ‘You seem cool, I can’t wait to hang out more... uh... what did you say your name was?’
‘Bowdler’ he replied.
‘Hm, seems a bit plain, but I can’t expect everypony to have a name as awesome as mine!’ she said with a look of smugness in her eyes, then she sped off.
Twilight began to walk down the road again, obviously a bit peeved that he’d made amends with Rainbow so easily.
They eventually reached a barn building, ‘This is sweet apple acres’ said Twilight gesturing at the barn and the surrounding apple orchard. ‘This is where Applejack lives’.
As if on cue, an orange pony trotted out of the barn and started making towards them.
‘Hey there newcomer!’ she said excitedly, grabbing his hoof and shaking it vigorously, ‘What’s your name?’
‘I’m Bowdler’ he said stuttered, his arm beginning to hurt from the shaking.
‘Nice to meet you Bow-dla!’ she said with a strong southern accent, ‘Ah’m Applejack and I own this here barn!’ she let go of his hoof but his arm carried on shaking, which made her laugh. ‘Haw, that’s exactly what our Twilight did when ah first met her!’ she looked over at Twilight and noticed her sullen face, ‘What’s wrong Twi?’
She beckoned her over and whispered something in her ear. Bowdler prepared himself for what he expected was coming next.
‘What? This pony!?’ she yelled, appauled, ‘he doesn’t look like he’d hurt a fly!’ a wave of relief surged over him, this new pony trusted him.
‘But it really was him! He was the one who fell from the sky!’ Twilight replied.
‘Key word right there, fell! Even if it was him, he probably never meant to hurt anypony!’ Applejack countered.
Twilight looked as if she was about to explode, her hair was flickering with flame like it did the first time he’d seen her. Suddenly, a large red pony stumbled out of the barn, towing a large cart full of apples.
‘Whats up sister?’ he said to Applejack as he walked past, breaking the tense atmosphere.
‘Ah, not much.’ she replied, ‘but there’s a nice pony here ah want ya ta meet!’
The red pony looked at him, ‘Howdy!’ he said, sounding tired but also slightly dumb.
‘Hi’ Bowdler replied, thankful to him and Applejack for breaking the mood, ‘Who are you?’
‘Ahm Nicolas Macintosh, but most folk just call me Big mac,’ he replied, ‘You?’
‘My name is Bowdler, I’ve sort of only just got here though...’
‘Well you’re gonna need some friends ain’t ya? I’m sure Pinkie Pie will be sorting that out,’ he chuckled, ‘I’ve got to deliver these apples to town square, I’ll see ya around Bowdler!’ and he walked off.
While he and Big Mac had been having this conversation, Twilight and Applejack seemed to have sorted out theirs, Applejack waved goodbye to him and Twilight turned and started to walk back towards Ponyville.
~
The journey back to Ponyville went slowly, Twilight refusing to speak to him during any of it. He was glad that he was making friends already, he’d always imagined it as a really hard task but it seemed quite easy. They arrived at what looked to be a giant cake, with windows and doors.
‘This is the clothes shop,’ Twilight began, but was suddenly interrupted by a white pony with a long purple mane seizing Bowdler and dragging him inside.
‘OH GOD WHAT!?’ he yelled, scared out of his wits.
‘Don’t worry dear!’ the pony squealed, sounding just as scared as he did, ‘I’ll have you all fixed up in a jiffy!’
‘What!?’ he yelled, but his voice cracked and it came out as a high pitched squeak, ‘What’s wrong with me!?’ The pony had dragged him up the stairs into a large room full of models of ponies.
‘Your mane! Darling it’s horrible!’ she screeched back at him.
‘what.’ he said, sounding slightly disappointed, but then he remembered his stump, ‘oh god, don’t touch my mane!’ He wrenched himself out of her grip and backed right up to the wall.
‘But dear! It’s hideous!’ she cried.
‘Look I appreciate the offer’ he replied, ‘but I like it how it is!’ suddenly, Twilight decided to run in.
‘Rarity what are you doing!?’ she asked.
‘Trying to fix up this poor pony’s mane!’ she replied, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world, ‘have you seen it?’
Twilight looked at him as if she was about to say something but thought better of it.
‘Rarity, don’t you think you should ask ponies permission before you start giving them makeovers?’ she queried.
‘You’d know wouldn’t you,’ the white pony replied, sounding frankly quite smug. She turned to face him and cleared her throat, ‘Would you like a free makeover?’ she asked, almost pleadingly.
‘No thanks,’ he replied, actually quite shocked that Twilight had just saved him, ‘but I appreciate the offer’.
‘Okay...’ she said, looking thoroughly disappointed, ‘I do believe I haven’t introduced myself, my name is Rarity, I’m Ponyville’s very own fashion designer.’
‘oh?’ he replied, trying his best to sound at least slightly interested.
‘Yes, I’m very proud of it!’ she went on, and if you could power a city on pure smugness, she’d be a nuclear power plant.
‘I think we should probably get going,’ Twilight said quickly, predicting where this was going, ‘Bowdler’s still got to see the rest of ponyville!’
‘Oh that’s his name! Alright then... Come and see me whenever you want that makeover Bowdler!’ Rarity said, sounding quite put down.
~
They exited the shop at a quick pace and headed to the edge of town where there stood a cottage, wrapped in ivy and looking completely let out to nature.
‘This is Fluttershy’s house, it’s also the animal rescue and care center for the region’ Twilight explained, ‘It doesn’t look like she’s in at the moment’ they peered in through the window and saw that the house was full of wild animals, bunnies, squirrels, birds and even snakes but there wasn’t a pony in sight.
‘Twilight?’ said a quiet voice behind them, ‘Who’s this, and why are you looking in my house, I mean, it’s OK for you to do that but, you know...’ they turned around and saw her, a yellow pony with a pink mane, she looked like she was scared out of her wits. She squeaked as Bowdler looked at her and tried to avoid eye contact.
‘This is Bowdler,’ Twilight explained, quite (to Bowdler at least) uncharacteristically, ‘he’s new in town’.
‘Hi’ he said, but this appeared to terrify the yellow pony even more, ‘it’s ok, I won’t hurt you’
Twilight snorted.
‘I’m... I’m...’ the pony whispered, barely audible, ‘I’m Fluttershy’
‘Well hi Fluttershy! Glad to meet you’ he said and smiled. This seemed to make her feel a bit better and she managed a faint smile back.
‘It’s getting late...’ Twilight stated suddenly, ‘we’d better get to your house Bowdler’. This made him feel a bit put down, as he wouldn’t be able to converse with Fluttershy anymore, but he was longing to see his new home.
~
They walked back down the road towards Ponyville and stopped at a quite sizable house.
‘Well, here it is’ she said and turned to leave, ‘Enjoy your new life in Ponyville’. She began to walk away, but Bowdler suddenly didn’t want her to, he wanted to make it up with her.
‘Twilight?’ he asked quietly and she stopped and turned around. ‘Twilight, can you ever forgive me?’ he said pleadingly, ‘Whatever it was that I did, I’m truly sorry. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, or anypony else here, you’re all so kind. I would feel terrible’
Twilight looked right at him and started walking back towards him. ‘You shouldn’t be the one apologising,’ she said quietly, ‘I’ve seen the real you today and I’m ashamed that I ever accused you of anything. I’m sorry for the way I treated you and I forgive you for what you did, even if it wasn’t really you’
She nuzzled him on the neck and, for a moment, he felt like his life was complete.
He nuzzled her back, but then she realised what she was doing and jumped back. They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment and then she turned and ran away, towards the library. Bowdler stood there for a second, unable to believe what had just happened. He walked into the house.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 5 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T16:01:22+00:00
| 1,044 |
The house was dark when he walked in and he couldn’t even see his hoof in front of his face. He sighed, it had been a long day and he was tired. Suddenly, the lights flicked on.
‘SURPRISE!’ yelled a huge host of ponies standing around him, scaring him senseless.
‘OH GOD!’ he screamed, disorientated.
‘Oh don’t worry silly!’ said a pink pony bouncing up and down in front of his face, ‘It’s just a party! Were you surprised? Were you?’
‘Whu?’ he spluttered. Looking around the room, he could see dozens of ponies, Rainbow dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Big Mac and loads of others who he didn’t recognise.
‘Oh wow this is so exciting!’ squealed the pink pony, who he now recognised as Pinkie Pie ‘I’ve never been so excited, well, except from the time I saw Twilight walking in and I went HNNNNG! but really, what could top that?’
‘Pinkie Pie, I have no idea what the hay is going on’ he replied, Pinkie gasped.
‘You know my name already? Wow you catch on fast! I mean I know everypony’s names like you’re Bowdler even though you’ve not told me personally but I didn’t know that you knew my name without me telling you! Oh wow! Oh gee! This is amazing! We’re gonna be great friends!’
By this point he had recovered from the initial shock of the party and laughed,
‘Yeah, I’m sure we’ll be great friends too’
The pony squealed and bounced away, leaving him alone in his house, which had been converted into a massive party room. He decide walking up to Big Mac and the stallions he was talking to would be a good idea.
‘Howdy partner!’ he said as he noticed him walking up, ‘Ah don’t usually turn up to Pinkie’s surprise parties but seeing as it’s yours, well, me and some of mah buds decided to mosey on along’ the two stallions stood with him smiled and waved, they were both quite large (but not as large as Big Mac) stallions, both were brown and one had green framed glasses.
‘My name is Dallas’ the one with the glasses stated, ‘and this is the doctor’.
‘Hi!’ said the other pony.
‘Doctor... who?’ asked Bowdler.
‘Exactly!’ he replied.
Dallas and Big Mac laughed, obviously used to the doctor’s rambling.
‘So who might you be?’ Dallas asked after the laughing died down, ‘I’ve not seen you around here before, well, that’s a bit obvious though isn’t it?’
‘I’m Bowdler, I’m new here’ he replied.
The doctor suddenly looked quite worried, but it passed over him quickly.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked slowly.
‘Nothing, nothing!’ the doctor replied.
‘You looked really worried when I said my name.’ he continued, ‘what’s wrong?’
‘Spoilers’ he said, shrugging. Dallas decided to change the subject.
‘This is a nice place you’ve got here isn’t it?’ he said, admiring the furniture.
‘I wouldn’t really know...’ he replied, looking around at the surging party.
Dallas noticed this and replied, ‘Oh, I see, we’ll leave you be for a bit so you can explore, I’ll see you around!’
Bowdler walked away and observed his house. He could see a grey Pegasus at his fridge, gorging herself with babybels. He chuckled and looked away, pretending he hadn’t noticed. The room was spacious and well lit and, he supposed, it would be cosy and comfortable after it emptied a bit. There was a door on the far side of the room which he made towards. He opened it and saw a spiral staircase leading up the top floor, he walked up it and saw a quiet room, with a bed and a few pointless cupboards. He felt a wave of tiredness, similar to the one he felt in Canterlot and flopped down onto the bed, not bothering to put on the covers, and fell asleep instantly.
~
The next morning Bowdler woke up feeling even more groggy and tired than usual. He walked over to the window and looked out over Ponyville, the sun was only just rising over the forest in the distance. He felt as if he could have just gone straight back to sleep, until he felt his stomach rumble and remembered he hadn’t eaten anything last night. He stumbled down the staircase and into the main room. It wasn’t a pleasant sight. There was a white pony with blue spiky hair passed out on his sofa on top of the grey pony he’d seen at his fridge. The said fridge was open and completely empty. There was mess all over the floor, this was going to take a while to clear up. He cleared his throat loudly. The white pony jerked awake and looked around frantically.
‘What?’ she spluttered, ‘Where am I? What happened? Who’s that?’ she looked down at the grey pony underneath her, ‘Oh lord...’
She got up, looking dazed and slightly tipsy and stumbled out of the door without even a backwards glance at Bowdler. With the white pony out of the way he turned to look at the grey pony, who was still fast asleep. He poked her gently. She jumped up and looked around, wall eyed.
‘Muffins?’ she asked.
‘What?’ Bowdler replied.
‘Muffin! Muffin babybel fridge!’ she continued.
‘What the hay?’ he asked, utterly dumbfounded, he shook his head and looked at her sternly. ‘I saw you last night, you ate all my food. You’d better help me clear up!’
She looked at him, sort of, and said, ‘Muffins and cupcakes and Muffin Muffin doop’
‘What?’ he began, but she flew up in the air, smashed his ceiling light and flew straight out of the window.
‘Fuck’ he stated plainly. It wasn’t like there was anypony else around. He decided that the cleaning could wait until later, he might even find a cleaner. He walked outside and squinted as the light burned his eyes. He decided that the town square was probably the best place to go. On his way there he passed the library, he wondered whether he should go and visit Twilight, but, judging by the state she was in after their, ‘encounter’, last night he decided it would be a bad idea. When he got to town square, he immediately ran into Dallas.
‘Mornin’ Bowdler!’ he said cheerily, ‘I didn’t see you after you left last night, where did you go?’
‘Bed’ he replied, Dallas laughed.
‘I s’pose you had a pretty long day then eh? Anything particular you want to do today?’
‘I’m glad you asked’ he replied, ‘I’m looking for a cleaners.’
‘What’d you need a cleaner for?’ he asked, sounding genuinely confused.
‘Well, the party...’ he began, but as soon as he got the jist of it, Dallas chuckled and corrected him,
‘Pinkie Pie always clears up the party mess, even if she comes at about midday, no matter how much mess there is, she’ll clean it somehow.’
Bowdler shrugged, he seriously had no idea how Pinkie Pie planned to fix his window. Suddenly, Big Mac and the Doctor appeared next to them.
‘Morning’ he greeted them.
‘Morning to you too’ they both replied, near enough simultaneously, which made everypony laugh for some reason.
‘Ahm not gonna be able to stay’ said Big Mac after the laughter had died down, ‘Ah’ve gotta harvest some apples, there’s always a few early ones.’ he chuckled as if this was extremely amusing and everypony else joined in so as not to look rude.
‘I’d come and help you if you wanted me to Big Mac,’ said Dallas, ‘it’s not like I’ve got anything else to do’
‘I’ll come along too!’ piped the Doctor, who obviously wasn’t one for missing out on doing stuff with his friends.
‘I’d love to help,’ Bowdler began, ‘but I think I’ve got a few things to patch up’ He had started to feel really bad about not going to see Twilight.
‘That’s just fine’ Big Mac reassured him, ‘We can handle it’ and he and the others made off for sweet apple acres. Bowdler stood there for a moment, watching them go, but as soon as they disappeared from sight, he whirled around and started running towards the library.
~
When he got there, the door was unlocked so he walked right in. Nopony seemed to be around.
‘Hello?’ he called, ‘Is anypony there?’
‘Nopony is here right now.’ came a voice from another room.
‘Really?’ he replied, obviously thinking this was some sort of childish joke, ‘Then who might you be?'
A small, purple, lizard-like creature walked into the main room. ‘A baby dragon’ he replied bluntly, then laughed. ‘I’m just messing around with you man, I’ll take your order’
‘I’m not here for a book...’ he began.
‘Then what are you here for?’ he asked, looking him up and down, then suddenly a realisation popped up in his eyes. ‘Say...’ he questioned, ‘You aren’t called Bowdler are you?’
‘That was my name last time I checked’ he replied in a very sarcastic manner, the dragon giggled.
‘I’ll just go and get Twilight, she’s feeling a bit 'ill' but I’m sure she’d come down to see you’ he said cheekily and ran back into the other room and clattered up some stairs. Bowdler couldn't hear what they were saying and waited nervously. Eventually, he heard somepony come back downstairs, or more accurately, somedragon.
‘She says she’s still feeling tired and ill,’ he said as he walked into the room, shrugging, ‘I doubt it, she was talking in her sleep last night, I think she’s into you’
‘SPIIIIKE!’ came Twilight’s voice from up the stairs, ‘IF YOU’RE SAYING WHAT I THINK YOU’RE SAYING I SWEAR I WILL TELL EVERYPONY’
Spike jumped about a foot into the air, ‘I’m not saying nothing!’ he yelled, logically perfectly truthfully. The shouting from upstairs stopped. ‘Please don’t tell her I told you!’ he begged him, dropping down to his knees, ‘I’ll do anything!’
He laughed devilishly, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t. But could you please have one more try at getting her down?’ he said, ‘I really want to see her’
‘Okay,’ the dragon replied, ‘but don’t get your hopes up...’ he wandered back up the stairs.
Bowdler decided that he’d look around this time, to keep himself occupied. The library was, unsurprisingly, filled with books. He thought about the stump of his horn, could he still do magic with it? He concentrated on a book on the table on the far side of the room, willing it to float. He felt a tingling sensation on his forehead and could see a faint purple glow just above his eyes. The book started to shake violently, but didn’t move an inch. He was starting to get really tired, the stress of it was making him woozy. He stopped looking at the book and staggered around a bit, his vision blurred. When his sight re-focused he could see a familiar purple pony standing in front of him, her mane was uncombed and she was blushing vividly.
‘I saw what you were doing there...’ she said and a sense of dread crept into his heart. Would she still like him if she knew what he was?
‘I’m really not sure what to make of it though... You can’t be an Alicorn, the only Alicorns in Equestria are the Princesses’. He suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to just show her the remnants of his horn and tell her all he knew, but the only thing that stopped him was the thought of Princess Celestia, looking down on him with deep disappointment in her eyes. He didn’t want that at all. He walked up to Twilight slowly and put his head against hers,
‘Twilight...’ he began, but wasn’t sure why he’d started, he couldn’t think of what to say, he was just overjoyed at the sight of the pony he now knew for sure he was in love with. She looked like she felt the same way, he could feel the warmth of her cheek against his. She backed away and looked deep into his eyes and he looked back into hers, they were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen, a deep purple colour, not dissimilar to his own.
‘Yes?’ she asked, obviously intent on getting information of some sort.
He didn’t know what to do, what should he say? He’d started a sentence that he didn’t know how to finish. There were two things he could tell her and he wasn’t sure which one he’d rather leak.
‘I... I...’ he spluttered, his mind on the blink, but suddenly, he perked up a bout of courage. ‘I think I love you Twilight’ he finally said, looking at the floor and digging at it with his hoof.
He looked back up at her, she looked stunned but also, somehow, rather pleased. There were tears at the edges of her eyes. She walked over and threw her arms around his neck.
‘That’s ok,’ she whispered softly, her words choked with tears of happiness, ‘I think I love you too’. Never before did he feel so happy, his heart leaped and he buried his head into her shoulder. He could feel tears rolling down his eyes.
‘Jeez guys get a room!’ came a cocky voice from the doorway, Spike stood there looking utterly disgusted. This completely shattered the moment.
Bowdler and Twilight moved away from each other and looked into their eyes. Twilight appeared to be worrying about something, like she’d just broken an extremely important rule.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked, paranoid that this relationship would come to an abrupt end, but she just stood there. He realised that this was an extremely awkward moment as the initial surge of shock and joy passed over him, he felt nervous and dug at the ground.
‘Fine, I’ll go’ said Spike as if he’d just been told to do something completely unreasonable and he walked back up the stairs. This didn’t break the silence for long though.
‘You should probably go now’ Twilight stated quite clearly, but still obviously choking back tears of joy, ‘I’m feeling a bit ill’. He took the hint and turned to leave.
‘When should I come back?’ he asked hopefully.
‘Tomorrow hopefully’ she said with a smile.
‘Ok, I’ll see you then’ he replied, then left, still thinking over what had just happened.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 6 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T16:09:43+00:00
| 1,169 |
It was starting to get dark as Bowdler walked back to his house, which was strange. He felt as if he had only been up for a couple of hours. He saw that other ponies obviously felt like this too, closing their windows and doors, nudging their foals into their houses. He ignored it though, he was too happy to think of anypony other than Twilight. He wondered how far this relationship would go, how long it would last.
‘As long as possible’ he said to himself as he finally arrived back home.
He noticed that his broken window was miraculously fixed, as if nothing had happened and when he walked in, the mess he’d woken up to in the morning, had completely disappeared.
‘Gee’ he thought, ‘I guess Dallas was right about Pinkie Pie’. He looked at the clock. The hands showed that it was half past two in the afternoon. ‘Must be broken’ he muttered, but then he looked out of the window and saw that the clock on the bell tower showed the same. He got worried all of a sudden, what was happening? He burst out of his house and started running towards sweet apple acres to join Big Mac, the Doctor and Dallas. At least he’d feel safe there.
~
By the time he arrived at the farmhouse, it was pitch black and he couldn’t even see his hoof in front of his face. The moon was not out, nor were the stars. A bad feeling washed over him, had this got something to do with him? From what he gathered he’d fallen from space, could this be something coming to collect him? He ran, he didn’t want anything to take him away from his new home, his new friends, his new life. Something hit his flank, hard. He toppled over and looked around frantically, then he heard Big Mac’s voice.
‘Whoa! I jus’ hit something!’ he said, sounding somehow unfazed about the pitch blackness.
‘Yeah, me’ Bowdler replied, extremely relived that it was just Big Mac.
‘Bowdler is that you?’ came the voice of the Doctor, ‘Where are you?’
‘Over here!’ he shouted, hoping they’d come to his voice. He wondered whether he could use magic to cast a little light on the situation. He started thinking really hard.
‘Light’ he thought, but nothing happened. ‘Light’ he said out loud, still nothing.
‘Light?’ came the voice of the Doctor, ‘where?’
‘Uh...’ he said quietly, thinking about what to say, ‘Let there be light? No...’ and then it came to him. ‘Lumos’ he said sternly and a dim, purple light floated just above his head.
He could see Big Mac and the Doctor, hanging on to each other. The Doctor was looking worried, but not shocked about the light, as if he’d known all along. Big Mac however, started to get freaked out.
‘How in the hay are you doing that?’ he spluttered, spitting out a blade of grass which was hanging out of his mouth.
‘There’s no time to explain’ Bowdler replied quickly, he’d just seen something else in the darkness, something big, ‘We have to get to the farmhouse’. They started running towards the door and quickly went inside. The first thing they saw as they walked in was Applejack and Rainbowdash, sitting there looking utterly stunned.
‘What’re you doing here?’ Rainbow said quickly.
‘We were about to ask the same thing’ replied Big Mac, who was also looking confused. The subject was dropped.
‘Why is it so dark outside?’ Applejack asked. The stallions all shrugged.
‘No idea’ said Bowdler, feeling confused and shocked. The Doctor bolted the door shut.
‘If this is what I think it is then we should stay here for as long as possible’ he said sternly, as if their lives all depended on it. Bowdler was about to agree when he remembered something. Something he really didn’t want to leave out there in the dark with all those things.
‘Twilight!’ he yelled and ran for the door. The Doctor jumped in his way.
‘I’m sorry but I can’t let you do that’ he stated, all his heart going into it.
‘I have to get to her’ he yelled, ‘I can’t leave her!’
‘If she has any sense she’ll still be in the library!’ he replied, at that, Rainbowdash and Applejack jumped up too.
‘Ho’ shit!’ Applejack yelled worriedly, ‘Our Twilight ain’t one for stayin’ out of danger! You have to let us go!’ They ran up and stood behind Bowdler.
The Doctor sighed, ‘I thought you’d have more sense than this Bowdler...’ he moved out of the way of the door, ‘Go, if you don’t value your lives.’
Bowdler strode forwards, not caring about how dangerous it was, all he could think about was getting to Twilight. ‘Lumos’ he said, before he, Applejack and Rainbowdash stepped out into the dark.
~
The darkness was total, other than the faint light coming from Bowdler’s horn. He could see some of the shapes making towards them.
‘Run with me, quickly!’ he yelled to Applejack and Rainbowdash. They sprinted down towards ponyville, nearly running into the shapes several times. The light seemed to keep them at bay. All the houses in town were utterly silent, the ponies obviously scared out of their minds. They never really got a good look at the the things that were chasing them, not daring to turn around and look. When they got to the library, they noticed that the door was ajar. Bowdler looked at the other two ponies nervously, they seemed to not mind the total peril of the situation, acting as if it was just another day in their bloody exciting lives. He however, was scared, more scared then he had ever been, not just for himself, but for the one he loved, for Twilight. He opened the door to the library and walked in. It was a tip, there were books everywhere, as if the place had been looted.
‘Shit!’ he yelled and started throwing the piles of books away, seeing if Twilight was under any of them. Applejack and Rainbowdash got the picture and started to join in.
‘Spike?’ he heard Rainbowdash say. He ran over and saw that she’d just uncovered Spike, who was lying unconscious under a pile of books. Applejack joined him and poked Spike.
‘He’s out cold’ she said worriedly, ‘Ah’ll take him back to the barn, for safety’ she picked him up and slung him over her back, then walked over to the door. She stopped just before she got there though, because a huge force had just slammed into it. Luckily, they had remembered to lock the door behind them, but nevertheless, the force nearly threw the door off of its hinges.
‘Bowdler!’ she yelled at him, ‘You’re obviously a unicorn or sumthin’, telly port us outta here!’, but he just stood there, unmoving, flames beginning to erupt in parts of his mane. He could think of nothing but the sheer hatred he had began to have against the creatures outside, it burned through his mind like some sort of tsunami of pure rage. The red markings on his body began to glow brightly and his mane set fully ablaze.
‘Unbolt the door.’ he said firmly, ‘let them come.’
‘Are you outta your mind?’ Rainbowdash yelled, her voice cracking several times in panic.
‘Let them in here now’ he stated, his words filled with fury. He was going to destroy these creatures like the vermin they were. Applejack started to unbolt the door when the thing outside smashed into it again, knocking the door off of its hinges and sending Applejack flying off of her hooves. It walked into the room and stared at them, with drool emerging from the sides of its mouth. For a moment, Bowdler considered whether taking this thing on was a good idea, but that was pushed to the back of his mind by a single thought. They had taken Twilight. They had taken his love.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 7 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T16:17:26+00:00
| 995 |
The creature stood in the doorway seemed to be a sort of giant armoured bug, bipedal, but with six arms and stooped so far forward, that it probably normally walked using its front claws. It was black as space but its carapace and claws were bright gold, they did not yet appear to have been used. Obviously that was about to change.
The creature opened its mouth and let out an ear splitting cry at Bowdler. Applejack and Rainbowdash covered their ears, screaming, but Bowdler just stood there, his mane ablaze.
‘You BASTARDS’ he yelled at the thing, ‘You ENORMOUS cock ends! You took her! You took Twilight! YOU WILL PAY!’ he lowered his head and began to charge at the thing, willing with all his might for him to fell it quickly. The beast recoiled in confusion, then charged towards him, its claws high above its head.
While he was running, Bowdler felt a strange sensation, it was as if something new was on him. He looked to his left and right. Beside him, were hovering two, long swords which glinted with the light of the room. But he didn’t stop to think about how they got there, he collided with the creature. It flailed and screeched and tried to slice him with its claws, but to no avail. He had used its own size against it and had got it pinned on the floor, levitating one sword by its neck and the other, pointed to what appeared to be its head.
‘You will pay’ he spluttered, ‘With your life.’ He plunged the sword into its mouth and up through the top of its skull, it screeched in pain, then slumped to the floor. Outside, there were similar screeches from other creatures and Bowdler could see them starting to run away from the library.
‘Get back here you cowardly shits!’ he tried to yell, but he could only splutter. He collapsed to the floor and the last thing he could remember seeing, was the light of the sun starting to appear from behind a vast, black cloud.
~
Bowdler woke up on top of a stack of hay in the barn, beside him lay his swords and what appeared to be a silver helmet, with a space for where his horn would have been in the top, but he still didn’t have time to ponder over these strange artifacts, there were more pressing issues to attend to. He sprang up and started to make towards the barn door, there was nopony else in the barn with him so he thought he’d just have to find them. He opened the door and jumped back. Standing at the other side of it, was Princess Celestia.
‘Princess’ he exclaimed, dropping to one hoof.
‘Stand up Bowdler,’ she said sternly, ‘We need to talk.’
He jumped up and stood at attention, ‘Yes ma’am!’ he replied enthusiastically, he had no idea why he was acting so militaristic about the whole ordeal, he had met the Princess before and it didn’t seem like such a big thing. She walked him back over to the haystack that he’d been sleeping on and told him to sit down.
‘Last night,’ she began, ‘You performed a brave and valiant deed, saving not just the two ponies who were with you in the library, but also, apparently, the whole town’
‘Unless I’ve been asleep for too long to know better, then it’s not the whole town.’ he replied, a tone of sharp bitterness in his voice.
The princess stood up, ‘and this is why I have called on you,’ she replied, sounding determined, yet understanding, ‘Equestria is going to war with the beetle-like invaders, we have called a council between the residents of the many lands and I’d like you to be there.’
Bowdler got down to one hoof again, ‘It would be an honor, Princess’ he replied.
‘Good, I will give you some time to prepare yourself, meet me in the ponyville town hall when you are ready for the meeting.’ she turned and walked away.
~
After Princess Celestia had left Bowdler started looking more closely at the weapons and armour by the side of his hay. He had no idea how he’d managed to wield them, bearing in mind he couldn’t levitate a book. He focused on one of the swords, it glowed purple and raised about an inch into the air, then spazzed out and landed on the floor with a clatter.
‘Damn it!’ he yelled, he’d been sure that he could use his magic properly on these, but evidently not. He picked the sword up in his mouth, it was surprisingly light. He waved it around a bit and accidentally took off a chunk of his hair.
‘Oh for Christ’s sake...’ he threw the sword down on the ground, ‘useless piece of shit’
He walked towards the barn door and out into the world. The sun shone down on him and he had to shield his eyes from its brightness. All of a sudden, a thought struck him.
‘What happened to Dallas?’ he said aloud for no particular reason.
‘Right here bro’ came a familiar voice from the side of the barn.
‘Dallas!’ Bowdler shouted as he ran up to him, ‘where were you last night?’
‘Oh? Didn’t I mention?’ he replied, sounding a little shocked, ‘I’m leaving for home.’
‘What!?’
‘I don’t live around here,’ he continued, ‘I just come down every other season to see Big Mac and the Doctor, I usually live down near Appaloosa and last night I’d already headed off home, I came back today though because I saw what was happening, I had to fight off dozens of those bug wankers on the way here.’ he laughed.
‘You don’t have to go you know, you could stay and help fight them’ Bowdler said hopefully.
‘Nope, that’s just it,’ he replied, ‘I’ve got to help defend Appaloosa, they can’t hold on without me’
‘I understand’ They looked at each other for a second, an awkward silence appearing.
‘Chicken sandwiches’ said Dallas, breaking the silence.
‘Lolwut?’ Bowdler laughed.
‘Just breaking the silence bro’ they bumped hooves. ‘I’ll be seeing you then!’ he said and turned to go. ‘See you!’
~
After Dallas went out of sight, Bowdler decided it was time to head off to the town hall. There was no time to bring the blades or helmet so he just walked down there. In the hall there were all sorts of ponies and other weird creatures. Princess Celestia noticed him and gestured for him to sit by her with Luna and blue pony wearing cool looking armour. He nodded at him but before they had time to talk, a pony on the stage in the hall called for attention.
‘Residents of Equestria!’ he yelled, ‘Dark times are upon us!’ there was a wave of mutters of agreement, ‘A threat like no other has descended upon the land! A swarm of ravenous creatures, who have no goal other than to strip our world of all life! But we shall not let them complete this goal! We, the men and women who live in this land shall stand together, to halt the oncoming fleet of horrors! We have with us today, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Canterlot!’
There were cheers from the crowd,
‘We have Chief Thunder-hoof of the Buffalo tribes!’ More cheers,
‘We have King Spicer of the Diamond dogs!’
This was followed by an awkward silence, which made the diamond dogs look annoyed,
‘and we have also decided to put our differences aside with the other kingdom of ponies, here with us today, we have Overlord Dark Specter of the cult of Nightmare’ he waved over towards a Black pony with glowing white eyes.
The crowd in the hall let out a gasp as they noticed the cult of Nightmare for the first time, these ponies were the supporters of what they called ‘The fallen Queen’ Nightmare moon, they left the main kingdom of ponies and set up a splinter faction on some of the outer colonies of Equestria, they were despised by all.
There was a shout from the crowd, ‘Why are those traitors here!?’, a ripple of unrest went through the gathered ponies, this could turn into an all out brawl at any moment.
The black pony stood and spoke with a voice which echoed with darkness, ‘We are here to pay off the debt we owe to the main kingdoms of ponies, perhaps if we do this with you, you will all forgive us and let us live apart from you in peace’. As he spoke a bluish fog leaked from his eyes and mouth, like a thing possessed, this made all of the ponies in the hall hesitate to talk back.
‘We choose to trust you Overlord, but only if you work by us completely’ said Celestia warmly.
‘Celestia, you speak as if you expect me not to’ he replied with a grin, the cultists chuckled. The blue pony stood next to Bowdler narrowed his eyes.
‘Calm down Dasher’ Luna whispered to him, ‘You’ll just make things worse’
‘Anyway!’ shouted the brown pony stood on the stage, ‘We’re all here for the same reason! To stop these things from destroying Equestria!’
The ponies in the crowd nodded excitedly.
‘To do this, we will have to gather an army, good enough to fend off invaders from another planet, this task will be overseen by the Celestian ponies. The buffalo will attempt to provide a diplomatic resolution, the Diamond dogs will provide resources and the Cult of Nightmare will begin the training of new recruits to the united Equestrian army. Does that sound like a plan?’
A shout of agreement came from the ponies, buffalo and dogs.
‘Well, let’s get this thing on track!’ he yelled, ‘For Equestria! Meeting adjourned!’ he stamped his hoof on the stage.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 8 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T16:41:14+00:00
| 892 |
Bowdler sat in the throne room of Canterlot castle with Celestia, Luna and the armoured blue pony.
‘But Celestia!’ the blue pony was shouting, ‘We can’t trust the training of new recruits to the Cult of Nightmare! What if they’re corrupting them into some sort of thing like that Dark Specter?’
‘Dark Specter is not a thing!’ Celestia objected, ‘He is a good pony who I would have trusted my throne to!’
‘Sister, that was before the second coming of Nightmare!’ Luna put in, seeming to be all with the blue pony on this matter, ‘You don’t know what he’s become now, for all we know the spirit of Nightmare may have possessed him!’
‘Nightmare moon was completely destroyed by the elements of harmony Luna!’ Celestia said sternly, ‘Not even her spirit lives on to corrupt anypony else’
‘I’m not so sure, she survived 1000 years on the moon, she could probably survive a rainbow, who’s to say she’s not behind all this?’ she whispered, worriedly.
‘Luna,’ Celestia began, ‘I know Nightmare Moon is not behind this. I would have felt her presence.’
‘I’ve got a feeling we should probably trust Celestia on this one’ Bowdler said quickly, this actually being the first time he’d managed to get a word into the conversation.
‘And who are you to be the judge of that boy?’ the blue pony sneered at him, ‘I’ve never seen you before in my life, and I know everypony.’
‘Oh? I haven’t introduced you two?’ Celestia said suddenly, ‘Silly me, Bowdler this is Lieutenant Dasher, he’s the head of the Equestrian military, and Lieutenant, this is Bowdler, he’s a good friend of mine who was found...’ she hesitated, ‘in the Everfree forest, not knowing who he was.’ she finished quickly.
‘Nice to meet you’ Bowdler said and stuck out his hoof, Dasher shook it instinctively but not with much vigour.
‘Celestia!’ he yelled suddenly, Dasher cringed, ‘When are we rescuing Twilight?’
‘Sadly Bowdler, we do not know where she is,’ Celestia said, her face falling, ‘I have tried scrying all over Equestria, but to no avail. I think they may have taken her with them, if that is the case then we should be able to rescue her when we assault them.’
He held back a tear, he’d hoped that rescuing Twilight would be their top priority, evidently not.
‘I do however have a task for you and Dasher,’ she continued, ‘in a war against an unknown army, a great ally would be found in the Dragons who live in the land beyond Everfree’
‘What!?’ Dasher shouted, sounding appauled, ‘You expect us to be able to pull the Elder Dragonkin onto our side? That’s a near impossible job, I’ve had run ins with them before, it wasn’t pretty.’
‘I don’t expect you to be able to do it Dasher, I know you’ll be able to do it’ she reassured him, ‘You shall take with you the Dragon known as Spike to be your interpreter and help you communicate with the Elder Dragonkin, I have a friendship with the dragon known as Rok’thalon, who should be able to get you an audience with the court of Elders, go now and find this Dragon.’
Bowdler and Dasher stood to attention, ‘We will not fail Princesses’ Dasher said, not sounding completely confident, ‘or at least, I won’t’ he muttered under his breath.
‘I’ve got total faith in you two,’ said Luna, obviously trying to sound as regal as her older sister, ‘go get ‘em’.
~
‘You want me to help you talk with the Elder Dragons?’ Spike yelled, dumbfounded, ‘They’re bloody scary guys! C’mon! I hear say they’re cannibals!’
‘The princesses order it civilian’ stated Dasher, ‘you are to come with us’
‘Dasher, shut up’ said Bowdler, who was sick of him acting like he was better than everypony, ‘Spike, you don’t have to come with us, but if you do, it will really help in saving Twilight’
At the mention of Twilight’s name, Spike welled up slightly, but then shook his head and stood as tall as he could manage,
‘Alright Bowdler! I’ll go with you! For Twilight!’ he punched the air and jogged out of the door.
‘You just need to show a little kindness sometimes, it can really help’ he said to Dasher, who was looking shocked, he snorted and walked out of the library to follow Spike, Bowdler went after him. Before long they had reached the everfree forest.
‘How’re we going to get through there?’ asked Spike nervously, but, almost simultaneously, Bowdler and Dasher cleared their throats and opened up their wings.
‘Ah, right’ he spluttered, sounding relieved. He climbed up onto Bowdler’s back and they took off. Dasher had folded the goggles attached to his helmet over his eyes and Bowdler wished that he’d been sensible enough to do that too, his eyes were full of weird insects, and judging by the shouting coming from behind his head, so were Spike's.
‘Dasher!’ he yelled over the deafening sound of the slipstream, ‘We’re going to have to land somewhere!’
‘What!?’ he yelled back at them, ‘Why do we have to do that!?’
‘We don’t have goggles you moron!’
‘Gah!’ he swooped down towards a clearing and Bowdler followed. When they landed Dasher immediately presented them with two pairs of goggles.
‘Luckily, I keep a few spare. Don’t lose them or I swear I’ll kill you.’ He took off again with blinding speed. Bowdler and Spike put on their goggles and flew after him.
~
They flew fast and hard for hours, but the forest still seemed to stretch out in all directions as far as the eye could see. It was starting to get dark, and Bowdler was getting tired. Suddenly, Dasher let out a red flare, which soared into the night sky and exploded. He then turned at an almost 90 degree angle and flew straight down into a clearing. Bowdler practically fell after him, but unfolded his wings and glided to safety at the last second.
‘We make camp here for the night,’ said Dasher ‘any other time I’d just fly through it but it seems that our interpreter needs some rest’
Bowdler turned his head around just enough to see Spike curled up on his back, but with one clear thing. He’d dropped his goggles.
‘Shit’ he muttered quietly, hoping Dasher hadn’t noticed.
‘There is a cave nearby which we can use.’ Dasher continued, ‘follow me’ he turned and trotted away.
The Everfree forest glittered with luminescent insects at night, looking like some sort of giant Christmas tree grove, full of sparkling fairy lights. But it was also full of danger, they were at risk of attack from Manticores, or worse, out in the open. This was why they needed shelter. But even a cave may not be Ideal, it might give host to Ursas or Lupises, bear and wolf spirits of the stars, who would rip them to shreds in an instant.
When they finally reached the cave, he let out a sigh of relief, there wasn’t a monster in sight. He slumped down onto the cave floor, but Spike rolled off of his back.
‘Ow! Hey!’ he yelled, ‘What did you do that for?’
‘Sorry Spike,’ he apologised, ‘my bad’.
Spike huffed incontently, ‘I was having a great dream too, now I’ve got to think of Rarity for a couple of hours again’ Bowdler heard him mutter. He rolled over and closed his eyes.
‘Don’t feel too safe just yet Civilians’ Dasher said quietly, ‘This cave could be home to anything.’
‘Hey relax bro!’ said Spike tiredly, ‘it’s great in here, I even found a little fur mattress!’
‘What!?’ Bowdler and Dasher both said at the same time. A low growl came from the same direction as Spike’s voice.
‘Oh, I see,’ Spike spluttered, his voice cracking, ‘Nice doggie!’ The Lupis minor, which had now began to glow in the way that all star spirits do, barked loudly at him. ‘Gah!’ he practically squealed and dived away.
‘Stand back citizens!’ bellowed Dasher, producing a long knife from seemingly nowhere, ‘I’ve got this!’ he charged towards the Lupis on his hind legs, somehow holding the knife in his hooves. This caught it by surprise, a pony on its back legs? how could it be? This gave Dasher enough time to deliver the first blow, he didn’t quite hit his target of the head, but left a long slice mark down the side of the beast. It roared in pain and leaped at him, trying to bite at his legs, but to no avail, Dasher took the opportunity of the open mouth to plunge his knife deep into the Lupis’s throat, slashing its windpipe. It gasped for breath and staggered around for a second, before collapsing onto the floor. Dasher threw the blade into the air and the blood on it splattered onto the ceiling, he caught it, sheathed it and said to Spike, ‘Now you’ve got your mattress’. He walked to the other side of the cave and sat down, not a scratch on him.
‘Uh... Bowdler?’ Spike asked, ‘Am I actually awake?’. Bowdler let out a long sigh at his and lay down at the opposite side of the cave from Dasher. The last thing he could hear before he drifted off was Spike ranting about how bloody his mattress was, then silence.
~
Bowdler woke with a start, Dasher had kicked him.
‘Wake up Civilian’ he said, ‘we’re moving out.’
He got up ‘Why is it always ‘Civilian this’ or ‘Civilian that’ with you Dasher?’ he asked.
‘Remember your place, I’m head of the guard, you are a lowly, brain-dead, amnesiac Civilian fool’ He snorted.
‘Woah!’ Bowdler yelled, ‘That was uncalled for!’
‘For Celestia’s sake, you’re an idiot!’ he yelled, but then smiled, ‘It’d be a real shame if that lupis were to have got you last night.’ Bowdler saw him stroking the hilt of his knife and backed off slightly. ‘What are you? Scared? Is widdle Dasher gunna hurt woo?’ he sneered.
‘Dasher, stop this. Why are you doing this?’ he began, stunned by his aggression.
‘C’mon guys!’ came Spike’s voice from outside the cave, ‘we’ve got to get going!’
‘On my way Spike!’ he spluttered quickly and cantered towards the cave mouth. When he got outside, Spike jumped onto his back, he snapped his goggles on.
‘Hey, where’s my g-’ Spike began, but Bowdler quickly did a back-flip. ‘What was that for?’ he asked. He raised his eyebrows and looked over to Dasher. ‘Oh, right’. Dasher was just emerging from the cave, his goggles already on when suddenly, a deep booming voice filled the clearing outside the cave.
‘pok mobi mabliki!’ it roared bestially, ‘wux re ti shalada tenpiswo!’
‘Uh, oh!’ yelled Spike, ‘I know that language’
An enourmous silver dragon stepped out into the clearing in front of the cave and stared them down. Its horns were massive, but not quite as scary as its serrated teeth, which were showing through its low growl.
‘confn mrith ve mabliki vur pothoc darastrix’ it said. Bowdler and Dasher looked at Spike,
‘He wants us to come with him,’ he gulped, ‘and he called me pothoc!’
Bowdler gathered that pothoc was probably some sort of dragon insult.
‘Why should we go with you?’ Dasher yelled at it, seemingly unfazed by its massive size. It looked confused, then turned to Spike,
‘Darastrix?’ it asked. Spike looked at the floor. ‘svabol tira wer mablik yenta hofibavi darastrix!?’ it roared.
‘jaci tora kii yth jalla confn mrith wux!’ Spike squealed.
The dragon snorted in disgust, ‘tagoa sjek wux tir ti, si geou sone wux!’ it yelled at Dasher, who backed off slightly.
‘You should probably follow him’ said Spike quietly, ‘he just threatened to eat you if you didn’t.’
‘That’s a good point.’
The dragon took off, making sure to keep an eye on them to follow, which they did without question. Even Dasher seemed to have lost a large chunk of his bravado.
‘sia ominak ui arth'alaki vur si nishka qe claxir wux ekess rok'thalon, wer darastrix di wer siksta’ boomed the silver dragon, Spike suddenly seemed immensely relived,
‘He says his name is Arth’alaki and that he’s going to be taking us to Rok’thalon!’ he translated quickly, ‘I’ve heard Celestia talk about Rok’thalon before! He’s the Elder Sun Dragon, she saved him when he was just a whelp from a swarm of Daemons in outer Equestria! We’re going to be ok!’
‘What?’ asked Dasher, ‘The story of the dragon and the daemons was an old pony tale that the elder ponies of the outer colonies would tell to the foals to stop them from going into Everfree, I didn’t know it was true!’
‘Exactly!’ Spike squealed, ‘and if this is Arth’alaki, he’s the Elder Moon Dragon, and he won’t hurt us! Everything’s gone better than expected!’
This, was asking for trouble. Suddenly, a massive green shape, not quite as big as Arth’alaki but still pretty huge, burst out from the treetops of Everfree.
‘ihk wer vis darastrix daariv!’ it screeched and dived towards Arth’alaki,
‘gethrisj mojka hofiba’ he said, sounding extremely bored and shot out a jet of flame, which burnt the green dragon to a crisp. Spike loosened his grip on Bowdler’s mane, which had suddenly become very tight,
‘That went well’ he said. Another five dragons flew up behind them and formed a V.
‘Spike?’ said Bowdler, ‘Next time we kill one, shut the fuck up’. He and Dasher dived to avoid the dragons which were soaring towards them, Dasher very narrowly missing getting his tail bitten off.
‘I’m no good at airborne fighting!’ Dasher yelled.
‘What!?’ asked Bowdler over the wails of another dragon which Arth’alaki had just torched, ‘I thought you were a Pegasus!’
‘That doesn’t mean I’m good at air to air combat though does it?’
‘I guess not’
‘Here, see if we can team on that one there!’
‘Alright, get your knife!’
‘What do you have?’
‘Jack shit!’
‘Oh crap!’ they smashed into the dragon furthest away from Arth’alaki and began to try to kill it, Dasher slicing at its wings with his knife and Bowdler grappling its throat and trying desperately to summon his swords again. He imagined that Twilight was there, egging him on. He heard her voice,
‘You can do it Bowdler, I believe in you’. He felt a surge of power run through his body and he willed for the dragons neck to be slit. Sure enough, one of his twin blades flew from nowhere and almost cleaved its head right off. He caught it in his hooves as he took off from the back of the falling dragon and gave the other one to Spike, who was still on his back.
‘Hey Bowdler? Will you do something for me?’ Spike asked as Arth’alaki cleaved a dragon in two, leaving only two left.
‘What?’
‘Can you charge right at that one on the left?’
‘Okay...’ He swerved around and started flying at full speed towards the dragon
‘ALRIGHT LEZ’ DO DIS! LEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOY JENKINS!!!!!’ Spike yelled at the top of his voice as they soared towards it. Just as they got to it, he swung the sword as hard as he could at its face, and the bottom half of its jaw came clean off. It let out a screech of agony and plunged back into the treetops, just as Arth’alaki caught the last one in his mouth and began to devour it.
‘vi kobtish algbo authot’ he muttered contently after he had swallowed it.
‘si jiilral batobot’ said Spike. Bowdler didn’t give a damn what they were saying, they’d done it. They’d survived an attack from the forest Dragons.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 9 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T17:08:42+00:00
| 993 |
Writer's note: This entire chapter will be rendered completely unintelligible without this link
Arth’alaki led them to a large mountain in the middle of Everfree and landed inside a vast cave.
‘ifni naktar! evnek doutan!’ he bellowed.
‘Alright, alright’ came a voice extremely similar to Spikes, ‘but I still don’t see why we have to speak Draconic all the time!’
‘tagoa yth re darastrixi wux jietin malai!’ yelled Arth’alaki as a small blue dragon, a bit bigger than Spike came out of what appeared to be a solid wall. ‘svaklar tepoha wux moved wer ifni nilakanta?’ Arth’alaki asked.
‘Seriously, why do I have to keep telling you to call me Nil? Nilakanta is a stupid name. The door’s over there.’ he gestured towards another solid wall.
‘vinxa nilakanta’ he replied.
‘Oh for Rok’s sake!’ Arth’alaki grinned, which was absolutely terrifying and walked into the solid wall, expecting to go through it but instead crashing straight into it. Nilakanta fell about laughing.
‘You should see the look on your face now Arth! Haha! I can’t believe I got you again!’ Arth’alaki snorted flame all over the ground.
‘wux hofiba! yth tepoha fevekic!’
‘What? Visitors? Here? And I just made you look like an idiot? HAHA! That’s just made my day!’ Nil started laughing even harder, ‘Where are these guests?’ Dasher, Bowdler and Spike came out from behind Arth’alaki,
‘Hi!’ said Spike cheerfully, happy to see another young dragon.
‘Oh hi! Say, you’re a southern dragon aren’t you? Wow, I’ve never seen one of those before, what’s your name?’ he replied.
‘I’m Spike, son of Twilight. Well... Hatched by Twilight... I don’t know my real parents...’ he looked at the floor.
‘Oh, ok.’ Nil said, ‘My name is Nilakanta, son of Agra’thon, but please call me Nil, I hate being called Nilakanta’ he glared at Arth’alaki, who was nursing his snout.
‘What do you guys do up here?’ asked Spike.
‘Sit around being bored and,’ he put on a low pitched voice, ‘Obeying ancient traditions!’ he and Spike laughed for a second. ‘I don’t really like speaking Draconic though, or eating meat, give me the Equestrian language and a pile of jewels any day!’ he held his hand out in a fist and Spike punched it. ‘Alright Arth! Sorry about the joke, the door’s over there!’ he gestured to another patch of solid wall.
‘wux geou notfool ve tenamalo, wux gethrisj irral’ he growled.
‘You’re getting cleverer Arth, fine, have it your way.’ and he walked through the wall. Arth’alaki smiled smugly and walked through after him. Dasher ran straight in after him but Bowdler and Spike hesitated,
‘at the same time right?’ asked Spike, he nodded.
‘Alright, let’s go’ They ran at the wall.
~
On the other side of the wall there was a huge cavern, which was a lot bigger than the outside of the mountain. There were immense nests lining the walls and in the middle was a huge spire, covered in all sorts of jewels. Dragons of every colour flew everywhere, except for green ones.
‘Green Dragons dropped out of the Order of the Dragonkin at about the first fall of Nightmare, they’re still hostile.’ said Spike, as if reading his mind.
‘I was just wondering about that’ he said. Dasher and Arth’alaki were walking towards the spire in the middle of the cavern and they had to fly a bit to catch up.
‘wux geou tepoha vin audience mrith Rok'thalon persvek tairais’ said Arth’alaki, ‘hak wux shilta kikrem kii wux re tenpiswo’
‘He says we’re seeing Rok’thalon soon and we’ll be able to explain why we’re here.’ Spike translated.
‘Good, I’ll be happy to see the end of this excursion, the sooner we rescue Twilight the better.’ sighed Bowdler. Inside the spire there were jewels everywhere, of all types, from diamond to ruby to amethyst. Sitting on top of the largest pile was a vast golden dragon, at least twice as big as Arth’alaki. He looked down on them and snorted.
‘renthisj, mabliki’
‘Spike, tell him we’re friends of Princess Celestia and we’re here to discuss an alliance with the dragons against the aliens that have been attacking.’ ordered Dasher
‘fekiikiri darastrix daar! yth vinult de wer pony zaneunisali di equestria, yth re thurirli di wanotreyxkaiv celestia vur yth huven ekess propose vin gebalam seanf wer alien lekiji batobot tepoha coanwor lowdir wer treskri’ Spike said to the golden dragon, who reared up in surprise,
‘wux re thurirli di wer wanotreyxkaiv? vur wux vucot zahae nomenoi youwei batobot tepoha coanwor lowdir?’ he replied.
‘axun, ornla wux hefoc ekess letoclo udoka ekess gjahall astahi?’ Spike continued.
‘si nishka relgr vi biwheg di tilabili ekess siofme acht wer selgtarn, persvek wer jatil tairais, kiwieg duulo ekess tepoha creol kethendic’ the golden dragon stated after a short period of thought.
‘vinxa daar rok'thalon’ Spike replied.
‘So how did it go?’ asked Bowdler.
‘Very well actually, he’s getting an elder council together and he says I can have some of his gems, of course I won’t be having all of them to eat...’ he replied and then turned bright red.
‘What’s thank you in draconic?’
‘Vinxa’
‘Alright, Vinxa Rok’thalon!’ The golden dragon nodded and then started speaking to some of the smaller dragons around him, one of each colour. The council was about to begin.
~
After some time of waiting around with Spike stuffing his pockets, and face, with jewels, 7 other large dragons walked in to the room, along with Nilakanta, who stuck with the blue one. They sat in a semicircle with the ponies in the middle.
Rok’thalon (Dragon king), Arth’alaki (The moon Dragon), Agra’thon (Blue dragon aspect), Herensuge (Red dragon aspect), Volj’alar (Brown dragon aspect), Glaurung (The Elder), Fáfnir (Of the Stone dragons), Amelinda (Bronze dragon aspect), Tan’alzath (Purple dragon aspect) and Bek’kiliip (Black dragon aspect) all sat down and stared at them.
Rok’thalon began to speak ‘nomenoi mabliki relgr acht udoka darastrixi ekess letoclo astahi persvek asta darkest klewkin, wer alien jedarkic re lowdir equestria vur coi ui hesi ofdio oath ekess troth wer realm di celestia. naeck, yth nomag fulfil batobot oath. shar irral yth zklaen rechan vi vote, tir yth gethrisj ekess aryte? usv tir yth thesek equestria valignat?’
Bek’kiliip stood up ‘coi ui ti hesi bisai ekess troth equestria, si yenta yth thesek coi valignat vur raise wer zaneunisal di darastrixi de coita vignari!’
‘Bek’kiliip, have you lost your mind?’ yelled Amelinda, who obviously preferred equestrian to Draconic, ‘We must protect the land!’
‘myvish! wer thaczil ui ti hesini ekess troth!’ he replied.
‘si mi mrith amelinda shafaer nomeno ir, yth shilta ti filki shala nomeno treskri ekess wielg ekess vignar’ stated Volj’alar firmly.
‘si jahus filki yentair!’ said Bek’kiliip, ‘ithquent!’
Glaurung raised his claw, ‘ghent siofmeir drong vur tonn zahae nomeno, si tepoha confn ekess sia decision batobot yth jalla aso wer equestrians, ihk yth owe ekess astahi throden youwei’ he said in a tired, croaky voice.
‘algbo said juanth ir, si mi mrith wux shafaer nomeno’ said Fáfnir, patting Glaurung on his shoulder.
‘zyak batobot ui|ulph coi, si iaco ekess eligne wer thaczil, zyak tangis sjek jiakali tir ti tuor ekess save equestria, wer majority vote ui save coi’ said Herensuge.
‘si ornla tepoha said axun ilrigan’ said Arth’alaki and Agra’thon at the same time, they looked at each other and gave a deep booming laugh.
‘zyak coi ui settled, si nishka inform wer mabliki, dryic dout reabi darastrix aspects, yth vihaga ekess canterlot sva irral mitne’ finished off Rok’thalon. He cleared his throat.
‘Mortals, we have come to a decision’ he practically spat, pronouncing all of the words wrong, ‘We dragons are to aid you in your fight against the alien threat. As long as Celestia stands, we will fight by your side.’
Bowdler practically cheered with glee.
‘Vixna Rok’thalon! Vixna!’ he shouted, ‘when do we leave for canterlot?’
‘At first light tomorrow, do not worry, I shall carry you and your friends, you have suffered enough en route.’
Bowdler and Spike bowed down low to the dragons but Dasher just stood there.
‘Thank you Dragon king, we shall see you in the morning’ he turned and left. Bowdler and Spike followed and the Dragon aspects left the spire shortly afterwards.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 10 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T17:08:19+00:00
| 721 |
The next day was spent flying over everfree far faster than they had one on the way, on the back of Rok’thalon, the giant golden dragon king.
This gave Bowdler some time to think, ‘Why would they have taken Twilight yet nopony else? Why was he here? Where was he from?’ his thoughts suddenly turned to Dasher, ‘What’s with that Dasher guy? Why is he so aggressive? Has he got any friends? Was he actually going to try to kill me?’
Dasher was sat on Rok’thalon’s head, sharpening his knife on his horns. Suddenly, Bowdler thought of his shattered horn again, was it even ever a horn in the first place? It must have, he can still do some magic with it, if not any good. Being on Rok’thalon’s back was extremely distracting. He’d never seen anything go so fast, the smaller dragons around him were constantly going in and out of sonic rainbooms, and people called them old pony tails until somepony, whose name escaped him at the time, actually did one.
If only those ponies had seen these dragons. The sound of slipstream in his ears was deafening, he could barely hear himself think. Soon enough, the trees of everfree were thinning out slightly and he could see the edge of the forest on the horizon. Never again was a sight like that seen from ponyville, thousands of dragons flew straight over and onward to Canterlot and when Rok’thalon flew over, his shadow covered the whole of ponyville. He landed just outside of Canterlot, where minimal destruction would be wreaked when he landed. Even to this day, the park built on the land he flattened is called the scar of the dragonking.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came down from the castle and actually used their own wings to hover in front of Rok’thalon’s head.
‘sia darastrix daar! si tepoha missed wux!’ said Celestia and she nuzzled the top of Rok’thalon’s right nostril.
‘si tepoha missed wux kiri Celestia, shar jaka ui ti wer tairais ihk svihelen reunion, coi ui wer tairais ihk aryte’ he replied.
Celestia nodded solemnly and flew onto his back to talk to the ponies and Spike.
‘You boys have done so well, I’m almost obliged to ask you what you’ve learnt about friendship.’ she said to them, laughing at her own joke, ‘but your journey doesn’t end here, there are still many tasks to overcome and many hardships that you will go through, but I’m sure you’ll come out of the other side, as friends.’
Bowdler and Dasher looked at each other for a second.
‘Go on’ urged Celestia.
‘You are a good tactitican Bowdler, and quite a good fighter at that’ Dasher said.
‘Thanks for the compliment Dasher, you’re a brilliant fighter too, and thanks for not killing me’ Bowdler replied. He chuckled at this last remark.
‘Well I’m glad you two can put your differences behind you, for friendship. And yes, I have been watching you in the scrying orb this whole time.’ The Princess said, ‘Dasher, I’m ashamed.’ He looked at the floor.
‘It was only a joke ma’am, to scare the Civilian back into his place’ he tried to explain.
‘There are no excuses for death threats, I shall be removing one of your Lieutenant stars, back down to grade 15 for you’ she stated plainly, ‘the three of you are to get some rest and then see me in the morning. If the beasts attack during the night you are to gather your weaponry and close friends and report to me.’ she turned to have a conversation with Rok’thalon and the two ponies headed back to ponyville with spike.
~
Bowdler and Dasher parted ways on the road to ponyville, Dasher taking off to go to cloudsdale, where he lived, leaving Bowdler alone with Spike, who exited on the road to Rarity’s house shortly after. He was on his own again. He wondered what everypony else was doing, Big mac, The Doctor, Dallas, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbowdash, Pinkie pie... Twilight... He wondered what Twilight was thinking about right now. He looked up, the sun was beginning to set on the horizon, he remembered one of Twilight’s letters to Celestia,
‘Is Twilight looking at this sunset right now?’ he thought aloud.
‘Probably not...’ came a depressed sounding voice from behind him. He turned around, it was Pinkie Pie. But it wasn’t Pinkie pie. Her colour was off and her mane was flopping down around her head like Twilight’s.
‘What’s wrong Pinkie?’ he asked her.
‘I’m missing Twilight, and I was missing you too Bowdler.’ she looked up at him, ‘where have you been? I’ve been to your house every night to see if you wanted to hang out, but you weren’t there. I thought you’d abandoned me.’ Her eyes were filling with tears now.
‘Pinkie pie, why would I abandon you?’ he asked her, confused.
‘Because you like Twilight better, that’s why. You went off to try and save her didn’t you? But you failed! She’s not here!’ she was crying openly now. ‘You left to fail and you left me to cry alone! Why would you do that to me?’ she ran forwards and threw her arms around him. ‘Don’t leave me... Please...’ she whispered.
‘I’ll try Pinkie, but I can guarantee it. I’ve got work to do, and I didn’t leave to try to save Twilight, heck I wanted to but the princess wouldn’t let me’
‘So you do prefer her?’ she squeaked, he could feel her tears running down his neck as she hugged him.
‘Of course not, I don’t prefer anypony, you’re all equal in my mind!’ Pinkie pie hugged him a little tighter,
‘Thank you Bowdler. Thank you’ She let go of him and stood there, a smile forming on her lips. ‘Do you want a welcome home party tomorrow?’ she asked excitedly, Bowdler noticed that her hair was slowly inflating again.
‘I can’t I’m afraid, the princess wants me to come and see her’
‘Oki doki loki’ she said, smiling quite widely now. She looked him straight in the eyes, it was as if she was staring into his soul. She leaned forwards and kissed him quickly, then giggled and bounced away.
Bowdler stood there for a second, watching her bounce away. Had she really just done what he thought she’d done? Had Pinkie Pie really just taken his first kiss? He felt a moment of confusion. Why was he ok with this? Why have two chapters ended with shipping now? Why the hell did he just think that?
Writer's note: OH GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE!?
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 11 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-04-10T01:57:16+00:00
| 709 |
Writer's note: This is where it gets interesting, prepare yourselves
The next morning, Bowdler rushed back to Canterlot to meet with Princess Celestia. What had she got in mind for today? He burst into the throne room, where Celestia was sat and Luna was sleeping.
‘Good morning Bowdler, up bright and early I see?’ said Celestia cheerily.
‘Mornin’ princess,’ he yawned, ‘what did you need me for?’
‘I’d like you to take a look at this’ she gestured to a large telescope, ‘it’s a magic telescope, capable of playing back what it has already seen, and it’s seen something very bad.’
Bowdler put his eye to the telescope.
‘Is it on?’ he asked, but the princess was giggling.
‘What? Oh, not yet, let me just turn it on for you’ she poked it with her horn and the golden decorations on it began to glow, ‘Nice monocle by the way, very fetching.’
Bowdler looked in the mirror of the throne room to see that there was a black ring of ink around the eye that he’d put up to the telescope. He forced a laugh and then wiped it off and put his eye back up to the telescope. He realised that that was a bad idea when Celestia burst out into a laughing fit.
‘Bowdler you’ve only just wiped it off! How’ve you managed that?’ she spluttered.
‘Ah, damn’ he said wiping the ink off of his eye and this time off of the telescope too.
He put his eye up to it and watch its recorded events unfold. Strange, beetle like things floated through space, past the moon and began to hover far over the surface of Equestria, more and more poured in from the void of space, until not even the stars could be seen through the telescope, just these beetle like transports.
‘Has it finished?’ asked the princess.
‘I’m not su- AUGH!’ he jumped back as a gory pony had popped up on the viewscreen right in front of his eye. Celestia fell on the floor laughing again,
‘I know this isn’t the time for joking but your reactions are so hilarious!’
‘Jesus, princess, you scared the life out of me.’
‘Yes, quite. But what do you think of the actual video in question?’
‘It looks like something is getting ready to invade to be honest.’
‘That’s exactly what my advisors said’ Celestia looked gloomily at the floor, ‘we’re not ready for an attack on this scale yet...’
‘I will do what I can to get into a defensible position.’
‘That will be a good thing. On a lighter note, would you fancy looking at an amusing video that I captured on the telescope of a cat with a pop tart on it shooting out rainbows?’
‘No thanks, I’ll be alright for now.’ at that moment, Lt. Dasher burst in. He had what appeared to be a small rainbow on his arm.
‘Sorry I’m late miss, I uh... overslept.’
‘I know exactly what you were doing Dasher, now, come and see this video.’ Dasher shifted uncomfortably and went to look through the telescope. Bowdler decided it would be a good time to leave before Celestia fell into another laughing fit.
~
Bowdler cantered down to ponyville to warn the mayor to set up the town’s defence system, but before he could get there, a familiar face popped up in front of him.
‘Hi!’ chirped Pinkie Pie, ‘How are you today?’ she bounced up and down in front of him
‘Not now Pinkie Pie, I’ve got something important to do.’ she stopped and looked at him awkwardly
‘Implying?’
‘No, you are important, but this is a matter of ponyville or no ponyville!’
‘Ooh! Adventure? Can I come this time?’
‘I’m not su-’
‘Please?’ her eyes seemed to triple in size.
‘Oh alright, follow me.’ He carried on running to ponyville, but with Pinkie Pie bouncing just behind him squealing
‘Adventure time! C’mon grab your friends!’
When they got to the mayor’s office in the town hall they found that she wasn’t there.
‘Where could she have gone?’ asked Pinkie pie.
‘I don’t know’ he replied, becoming increasingly worried, ‘How are we going to get the defenses up now?’
‘By ourselves of course silly!’ Pinkie picked up a megaphone somehow and began to walk outside, Bowdler followed not sure about what was coming. They stood in the center of Ponyville, the crowd was going about their normal daily buisness, oblivious to the enormous fleet of ships hovering just above the clouds. Pinkie pie raised up the device and turned it on. Her voice was amplified tenfold.
‘Hey! Everypony! Bad things are coming and stuff!’ she yelled through the speaker, ‘Help us fight them! Alright?’.
Everypony stared at her. Bowdler grabbed the speaker.
‘The aliens are coming back!’ he yelled, sounding a lot more serious than Pinkie (which wasn’t hard), ‘Gather all military personnel and get to the battle stations!’. This, Everypony did get.
They ran about everywhere, crashing into each other and into houses in the panic to hide from the swarm.
‘Everypony stay calm! We’re better than them!’. Through the seething crowds of ponies, he began to be able to pick out a few trying to make their way towards him. They were all wearing combat armour, ranging from standard guard armour to master crafted Cirrus City armour. One of them started yelling towards him,
‘We fight by your side Bowdler!’.
He nodded at them and took off towards the edge of ponyville, but then remembered Pinkie pie was with him, and she didn’t have wings. He turned around.
‘Pinkie w-’ he began.
‘I can jump silly, don’t worry!’ she chirped. He raised his eyebrows but turned and flew to the edge of ponyville anyway. Somehow, Pinkie was there waiting for him.
‘How did you...’ he started, but then shut up, deciding that it was better not to ask. The sky was already beginning to darken, signalling the coming of the creatures. Armoured ponies gathered around him and began to set up their weaponry, Battle-axes, swords, maces, staves, pretty much everything. They were all there. Lieutenant Dasher landed beside him, holding his shortsword in one hand and his knife in the other.
‘You ready for whatever comes?’ he asked looking him over.
‘Yeah, I’m ready’
‘You don’t seem to have any weapons’ he laughed.
‘Trust me, I’ll have them when I need them’. A black dot appeared on the horizon.
‘That it?’ shouted one of the guard ponies, ‘I could take that any day!’. Another dot appeared and another, until the whole horizon was blacked out by the oncoming swarm.
‘You just had to open your big mouth didn’t you Leroy!’ another pony yelled.
‘Quiet in the ranks’ Dasher bellowed. A few dragons had begun to land behind them, erecting their claws and spines.
‘yth slathalin ulnaus, schakri ir’ a large red one said. Bowdler nodded, not quite understanding.
The black dots began to get closer, their shapes now visible. It wasn’t just the little bug ones this time, there were towering, tank-like things among their ranks.
‘Brace yourselves!’ Dasher yelled. The creatures picked up speed, coming towards them faster than Bowdler thought possible for such large things. A smaller one jumped ahead of the group and charged, headlong at the line of pony guard. It took the guards by surprise and managed to claw at one of them before they impaled it with pikes. The main bulk of aliens screeched and began to charge, just as fast as the small one.
‘ihk wer darastrix daar!’ the dragons yelled and began to surge forwards, through the ranks of the ponies. Spears and flames flew towards the charging line of black creatures, but to no avail. They bounced off of them like they were a wall of steel. The dragons and aliens collided.
Screams emanated from both sides as both elder dragon and alien were torn apart, torched or crushed. Some of the smaller beasts managed to weave through the dragons and throw themselves at the ponies. Most of these were met with a well disciplined stab to the face but some of them broke through the less battle hardened ponies. A few of them banded together on a small group of recruit guard, who just stood there, frozen with fear, but before they could get to them they were crushed utterly, beneath a giant silver foot.
‘thesek ekik ihk wer moxt iri! astahii shilta qe braneir!’ yelled Arth’alaki with a terrifying grin on his face. He whipped around and began to devour one of the larger tank ones.
Bowdler looked on over the battle. He was disappointed that he’d not got in on any action yet. He and Dasher had been stood right behind where the dragons obliterated the center mass, so no stragglers for them to mop up. Suddenly, he felt a nudge on his leg. He looked down to see a small, snakish thing with large eyes.
‘Hey there!’ he said to it, ‘what are you then?’. It looked up at him, its eyes bulging. Then it sank it’s teeth into his leg. ‘Gah!’ he screamed, ‘Get it off me!’.
Dasher’s knife plunged into the beast, which erupted into a small pool of green gore.
‘Don’t trust small, bug eyed snakes Bowdler’ he said as he cleaned the blood off of the blade.
Bowdler rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the main battle. He was just in time to see one of the major checkpoints of that day.
Arth’alaki was right in the middle of the alien horde, clawing and burning his way through anything which dared to attack him. But some of the tank creatures had wizened up and banded together to climb up onto his back. He roared and flailed around, but he couldn't dislodge the creatures. They were stabbing into his back and he couldn’t do anything about it. He screamed with pain and fell to the ground, his sacred blood spilling all over the field of battle. More of the creatures jumped onto him and began to stab at his head, but the job was already done.
The moon dragon meets his end...
~
Of all the dragons witnessing that fateful event, none screamed for longer than the silver dragonkin. They had just lost their aspect and by extension, their father. They turned back the the swarms of aliens and began dismembering them with double the vigour. But now that the beasts had figured out how to slay a dragon, they weren’t going to stop at Arth. More dragons fell to the ground, screaming in pain as the aliens ripped their heads and backs to shreds.
‘Dasher!’ Bowdler yelled, ‘They just killed Arth’alaki!’
‘What, do you think I’m blind!? We’re charging for the beasts now!’ he turned and faced the guards. ‘You heard me! Charge!’
The ponies ran towards the creatures, yelling things like, ‘For Equestria!’ or ‘OH GOD I’M GOING TO DIE!’. Sadly, the beasts heard these battle cries and turned to face the charging ponies.
The first kill was of a smaller one whose head was torn clean off by the swing of Dasher’s sword, the second, a tank who was impaled with two swords, which had appeared from seemingly nowhere.
‘I told you I’d have them when I needed them’ Bowdler, who was now suddenly wearing full battle armour, yelled with glee.
‘What the hell?’ Dasher replied, whilst wrestling down another one of the small ones, ‘How did you do that?’.
He grinned, ‘I have no idea!’. His swords ripped out of the tank and cleaved another two small ones in half. ‘That’s three now! How’re you doing?’. Dasher quickly pulled his knife out of the tank he’d just killed,
‘Celestia damn it! I’m only on three as well!’. He threw his knife at one of the snake things. ‘Four!’. Suddenly, something happened. A huge creature, bigger than even the tank things, burst out from the ground. It whipped around to look at Dasher.
‘I’m sorry, was that your kid?’ he asked sarcastically, ‘Tough luck sunshine’. It stared at him, quickly stabbing a dragon in the face as it tried to tackle it. Electrical currents started running between it and the floor and small bolts of lightning fell from it’s head.
‘Want to get this over with or what?’ he shouted at it. A flash of red and purple shot over his head and collided with the creature. All Dasher could see was Bowdler slamming into the thing’s nose and starting to hack at it’s eyes with his swords. It screeched in pain and tried to rip him off. He took the distraction as an opportunity and charged at what appeared to be it’s torso, stabbing his sword and knife into it as hard as he could. The creature screamed again and fell to the ground. He pulled out his blades and turned to Bowdler, who had just landed beside him.
‘Bitch, you nearly stole my kill!’ he yelled. Bowdler quickly stabbed a tank in the head as it charged at him.
‘It’s called an assist mate, think about the odds for once’.
Dasher snorted and flew back off into combat.
‘OH CELESTIA!’ came a voice, ‘WE NEED BACKUP! SOMEPONY GET THE LIEUTENANT!’
Dasher and Bowdler raced towards where the it sounded like it was coming from. A brown pegasus was wrestling with one of the smaller ones, it’s teeth were getting dangerously close to his face.
‘Gah!’ he cried, ‘I can’t hold it off for much lon-’ he was interrupted by a flash of blue which practically tore the beast off of him.
‘Wha?’ he spluttered.
A blue pegasus had wrestled the creature to the ground and had got an axe held up against it’s neck. He quickly decapitated it.
‘Ah, Captain Bluewing, I was wondering when we’d see you’ said Dasher warmly, ‘How’ve things been holding up?’
‘Good,’ he said as he got up from the headless corpse of the creature, ‘I’ve got about 30, 40 kills to my name, how about you?’
‘Uh...’ Dasher started, obviously a bit embarrassed, ‘only 10 but we’ve only just started’
‘Who’s your friend?’
‘He’s-’
‘I’m Bowdler, nice to meet you’ he butted in, preferring to make his own introductions than have Dasher talk about him.
‘Good to meet you too Bowdler, may we yet meet on the field of battle, where I will destroy you utterly’ he laughed, ‘Jokes’.
Bowdler and Dasher forced a laugh, but their attention was soon turned back to the battle as another of the giant snakes had burst from the ground and had begun to strike the dragons with lightning. A shadow fell upon the battleground, darkening the night made by the hive ships even further.
‘wux mablik rekisixi tepoha xurwka vi phlita baclax!’ boomed the voice of a familiar dragon, ‘kiwieg wer skriiod di Rok'thalon wux ustdan!’. Rok’thalon himself descended onto the field and began to totally decimate the alien forces.
‘Berundur!’ came a screech from a bipedal alien. They began to run into the everfree forest to escape the wrath of the Dragon King. He stood for a second and smiled as the creatures surged back out of the forest, chased by Manticores, Chimeras, Lupises and Ursas. He took a deep breath and torched the last remnants of the alien attack force.
‘Oh Celestia!’ came a voice, ‘We’ve done it! We’ve sur-’
Rok’thalon sat down.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 12 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T17:43:09+00:00
| 800 |
Bowdler felt an immense feeling of joy. They had done it. They had successfully repelled the wave of alien attackers.
However, their losses were great. Many ponies had fallen on the field of battle. Guards crouched beside their dead comrades and wept openly.
A thought suddenly came into Bowdler’s head, ‘wasn’t Pinkie pie here a second ago?’. He started searching among the survivors but he couldn’t pick out her bright pink mane. He turned to the battlefield again, where Rok’thalon and the other dragons were mourning Arth’alaki. But then he saw it. The distinctive mane of Pinkie pie. He cantered down the field, jumping over alien corpses, trying to get to her.
‘Pinkie pie!’ he yelled as he reached her.
‘Bowdler...’ she spluttered, ‘you left me, again...’. Their eyes both filled with tears.
‘Pinkie pie no!’ he cried.
‘I can’t carry on if you’re just going to abandon me, but do this last thing for me Bowdler, at my funeral, it will not be sad. There will be a party? Ok?’
‘Pinkie...’ he whimpered.
‘Bye then’ she closed her eyes.
‘No.’ he said sternly, ‘No more will die today, especially not you’.
He pointed his stump at her and willed with all of his might for her not to die, not just yet. A red haze began to grow around him and Pinkie, glowing and hilighting their features. He could feel his eyes and horn stump glowing with arcane power, then he heard an explosion.
‘Bowdler?’ he heard Pinkie pie say quietly. Then everything went white.
~
Bowdler awoke for the second time in his life on a bed surrounded by white curtains. He correctly assumed he was back in the Canterlot hospital wing. Nurse Redheart poked her head through the curtains and saw that he was awake.
‘Oh!’ she said quickly, ‘I’m dreaming’ and retreated suddenly away.
He thought that wasn’t a very good sign. Over by his side was a heart monitor, and this is what made him jump. The reading was on 0bpm. A straight line. He felt his chest. Nothing. Technically, he was dead.
‘So this is the afterlife huh?’ he thought aloud, ‘Neat’
‘No Bowdler, this is not the afterlife’ said a voice that he recognised and Princess Celestia walked in through the curtains, ‘however, I’m not sure how you’re not on your way there now’
She looked over to the heart monitor and watched the unmoving green line for a second. ‘Before you ask, Pinkie pie is fine.’ she said as he opened his mouth to ask that exact question, ‘She spent most of today here mourning over your “dead” body. The question is, how are you alive?’
‘I have no idea’ he replied, shrugging.
‘This is certainly unnatural, even for an alicorn, we are not undying’
‘Really? I thought that would be it’
‘Hmn, it appears you, however, are undying. Internal damage as bad as yours would kill even me or Luna’
‘I’ve got internal damage?’
‘Yes, extremely bad’
‘But the aliens didn’t as much touch me!’
‘This is indeed strange...’ Celestia began pacing up and down by the side of his bed, ‘Oh! Bowdler!’ she said suddenly, ‘I have good news, bad news and ugly news’
‘Oh?’
‘The good news is we’ve found where they’re holding Twilight,’ Bowdler immediately sat bolt upright, ‘The bad news is that the hive fleet has not been totally destroyed, in fact not even crippled’ she paused. ‘The ugly news is that Dark Specter and the Cult of Nightmare have all disappeared, along with Bek’kiliip.’
His eyes widened, ‘Oh shi-’
‘Swearing in front of a Princess is inappropriate, you fucktard’ she said, grinning.
‘What’s our priorities Princess?’ he asked, ignoring the fact that the Princess was once again oblivious to the danger at hand. ‘I’ve consulted my chief strategist and she’s called a meeting on the matter, you and the leaders of the Equestrian army have been invited, but I’m not sure if you will be able to make it.’
‘Relax Princess,’ he said smugly, ‘it’s not even a flesh wound’.
~
Bowdler and Princess Celestia made their way up to the very top of Canterlot castle, where the strategist had called the meeting.
‘Who is this strategist anyway, Princess?’ he asked.
‘Miss Hooves is her name, she’s been our strategist for quite a while now, seeing as she does such a good job at keeping her intellect hidden.’ she replied.
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ but then the door opened into the top room and he saw ‘Miss Hooves’.
It was the grey pony who had smashed his light and window. She sat at the head of a long table and stared at him, with one eye, the other was apparently looking at the wall.
‘Ah, hello Princess. And hello Bowdler, it’s been a while since we last met.’ she said with a smile.
‘Good morning Derpy’ said the Princess as she took a seat at the other end of the table, ‘What have you got planned for us today?’
‘Well, since everypony is here, I’ll tell you. What we’re going to do is send out the dragons to scour Equestria and also send a small task force of ponies into the place they are holding Twilight.’
‘Where would that be?’ asked Captain Bluewing.
‘It would be the Old Palace, in Everfree. Except it’s not quite how it used to be. The aliens have... redecorated’. There was an awkward silence. ‘Anyway, the task force of ponies will consist of Bowdler, Dasher, Bluewing and any other ponies they wish to bring along, as long as they are willing’.
Dasher and Bluewing both stood up and saluted, then made for the door. Bowdler followed closely after.
‘Good luck you three’ said Luna, ‘you’ll need it’.
~
Bowdler didn’t know what to do. Surely Dasher and Bluewing would arrive with loads of companions, but he couldn’t think of one pony who would want to come with him.
Dallas was busy defending Appaloosa, Big Mac was working the farm to provide the supplies for the guard and The Doctor... The Doctor... Would The Doctor want to come with him?
Hadn't he been really worried about what might happen to him in the future? He decided that he would ask him.
But wait... Where did he live? He actually had no idea. And who else would know? He’d leave it, it wasn’t worth the trouble.
~
Bowdler, Dasher and Bluewing met up at the edge of Ponyville, they were unaccompanied.
‘I thought you’d have brought some friends’ said Bowdler.
‘Who needs friends when you’ve got allies like you guys, we’ll easily solo this’ replied Bluewing, sounding completely confident. They took off into the forest, which was unnaturally safe because the residents of Everfree had joined with the Equestrians for the war.
They caught glimpses of the aliens between the trees but ignored them to speed up the task ahead.
‘The Princess has got hold of some experimental stealth technology for us’ said Dasher, handing them what appeared to be necklaces, ‘put these on and will yourself to be invisible’. They did and they became translucent.
‘Get ready to move out’ said Bluewing under his voice, instinctively going into stealth mode. They crouched close to the ground and crept up to the site of the old palace.
‘Woah’ Bowdler breathed as it came into view. The stone ruins were covered in a chitinous structure, rising high up into the sky. How nopony had seen this, he would never understand.
Dasher raised his hoof, then made a gesture over his mouth for Bowdler to be quiet. They slowly walked up to the sides of the building and started to move around it, pressing themselves up against the wall, looking for an entrance. There wasn’t one.
‘I remember where the original entrance was’ whispered Dasher, ‘Stand back’
Bowdler and Bluewing melted back into the forest and left Dasher to do his work. He stood and inspected the structure and drew his shortsword. He smashed it against the wall as hard as he could, but to no avail. There was barely a crack in the surface. Bluewing held up his battleaxe and waved it around for a bit. Dasher saw, ran over and grabbed it. He held it aloft and charged at the wall. The axe swung around so fast that it left a silver trail in the air. It hit the wall and shattered. Bluewing let out a wail of agony.
‘That was my first ever axe!’ he cried disdainfully. The wall however, was no worse for the wear. Dasher threw Bluewing his shortsword to use instead of the lost axe. He gathered up the pieces of the axe and put them in his bag though, just in case they could be reforged.
‘Bowdler,’ Dasher muttered, ‘Use your magic sword things’. He concentrated and summoned his swords. They floated beside him, glowing faintly, then flew up towards the wall. They left two perfect slices down the front of it. He hacked at it again until it fell apart, revealing the old entrance to the palace. Inside, it was abandoned. There were no signs of life anywhere. They stepped inside and began to explore. Most of the corridors and halls of the palace seemed to be completely untouched, even though the outside was encrusted with alien walls.
‘This is odd...’ said Bluewing quietly, ‘It’s a little too easy...’ There was complete silence. Then suddenly, they heard something. An all too familiar squeal came from deep within the bowels of the ruins and Bowdler’s heart raced. Twilight. He let out a roar of vigour and charged into the darkness towards where he had heard the voice.
‘Bowdler no!’ yelled Dasher after him, ‘Stick together! It could be a trap!’ but he just ignored him. He had heard the voice of his one true love and she had sounded to be in pain. He had to find her.
~
Twilight sat alone in her cell. She was barely conscious. How long had she been here? She didn’t know. All she knew is that she’d been taken by the alien creatures.
They fed her on some sort of green goop that she’d downright refused until she was literally starving to death. She looked at the small chink in the wall which she used as a window.
Would Bowdler ever come for her? A tear rolled down her cheek. She knew she could never give up hope, because if she gave up hope... what would living be worth? She knew the answer to that. Even if all hope was lost, she’d never let herself go. For one reason. One pony. For Bowdler.
~
Bowdler could hear things stirring in the hall around him. It appeared that his battle cry was a little too loud. He ignored them. Nothing would stop him from getting to Twilight now. Not even an entire army of those tank aliens. He heard Twilight’s sobbing again, growing ever louder, echoing off of the walls. A pang of sadness went through him. Was she hurt?
The thought of that replaced his sadness with rage. He could feel magic coursing through him. The aliens were starting to erupt from the walls, only to immediately be struck down with arcane lightning. Electricity and fire washed over his body. It felt good. The creatures that tried to get near him, the ones who had hurt Twilight, were burnt to ash.
The corridor in front of him began to light up with the flames that were pouring off of his body. He could see a door, one that was locked and barred. He flung his swords at it and it buckled. It collapsed in on itself and he heard Twilight gasp from inside.
‘I’ve done it’ he thought, tears welling in his eyes, ‘I’ve saved her.’
~
Twilight heard the aliens who were outside her cell gibbering unintelligibly to each other. They had obviously adopted a broken form of Equestrian. All she could make out was. ‘News’ ‘Warrior’ ‘Forward base’ and ‘Fooled’. Her pupils dilated. Bowdler was coming for her?
~
‘Twilight!’ he exclaimed as he ran into the dark room and saw the purple pony sat on the ground, facing away from him, ‘I’m here! It’s going to be alright.’ He threw his arms around her neck.
‘Get off of me’ she said sternly.
‘What?’ he replied in surprise, obeying her, ‘Why?’
‘You’re a bastard, you know that?’ she muttered, her face still staring at the ground, ‘You abandoned me to the aliens! I thought I was wrong about you trying to kill us, but NO! Obviously you let them take me! You’re still in league with them!’
‘Twilight?’ he whispered, tears in his eyes. Was this really the pony who he knew and loved? How could it be? ‘Twilight look at me’ he said softly, ‘let me see you.’
‘No!’ she cried, ‘You don’t deserve me! You don’t deserve anypony!’ She backed off into the corner, still facing away from him.
‘Twilight, please.’ he begged, ‘I’ll leave you alone, I’ll do anything. Just let me see your face one more time.’ She snapped him a quick look, but her eyes seemed to be obscured.
‘Go away now.’ she yelled at him, ‘Leave me be!’. This was the moment Dasher and Bluewing decided to run in.
‘Twilight!’ said Dasher, sounding unendingly relived, ‘Thank Celestia you’re all right!’ She snorted.
‘Thank her alright, don’t thank that sorry excuse of a pony’ she gestured over to Bowdler, who broke down into tears.
‘Twilight I’m so sorry!’ he cried.
‘Fuck off!’ she yelled at him.
‘Twilight, turn around.’ said Bluewing suspiciously.
‘Why should I?’ she retorted.
‘Let me see your eyes Twilight.’ he said, reassuringly. She flicked him a quick look and he jumped back.
‘Dasher! Grab her!’. He obeyed quickly.
‘What the fuck are you doing?’ Bowdler and Twilight both yelled simultaneously.
‘Let’s get a closer look at those eyes shall we?’ Bluewing asked as he walked up to her. She’d clamped them shut.
‘Never!’ she shouted, but this was not the voice of Twilight any more.
‘Twilight Sparkle!’ he shouted, ‘I, Captain Bluewing of the Equestrian army, order you to open your eyes!’. She smirked.
‘Fine.’ she opened her eyes. They were not the beautiful, purple eyes of Twilight Sparkle. They were a deep blue and the pupil was especially strange. They were slits, like those of a cat. Bowdler jumped back.
‘Twilight!? What have they done to you!?’ he practically screamed.
‘Oh quiet you dimwitted mortal’ she snapped, ‘Quit calling me that anyway! Address me as who I really am.’
‘Who?’
‘Bowdler...’ Bluewing began, ‘It’s Nightmare Moon.’
‘Took you a while, didn’t it?’ she chuckled, ‘Now, release me mortal, or I shall have to smite you’
‘Oh but you can’t do that, can you Nightmare?’ Bluewing said, smugly, ‘You’re not at full power yet, you’re still recovering from the attack by the elements aren’t you?’
‘I could still make a mess of all three of you foals!’
‘Not if I could help it’ Bowdler said sternly. The others looked at him. He was billowing with arcane magic once more, his mane had set alight and lightning was pouring out of his eyes. He flicked his flaming mane to the side, revealing his horn.
‘Impossible!’ she yelled, ‘There are no other Alicorns!’
‘You’re mistaken, bitch’ he said firmly and grinned, ‘Let her go Dasher, but only if she wants to duel me.’
‘Bowdler, are you insane? Alicorn or not, this is Nightmare Moon we’re talking about!’
‘I accept your terms!’ she butted in, ‘I win, you let me go, you win, you take me in. Deal?’ Bowdler nodded and looked at Dasher.
‘Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.’ He released her and jumped back, along with Bluewing. Nightmare Moon, still looking like Twilight turned to stare at Bowdler.
‘You’ve just made a huge mistake, you foal’.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 13 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T17:52:05+00:00
| 716 |
Bowdler summoned his swords and battle armour, he would need them more than ever now. He stared at Nightmare Moon who had just summoned her own armour, which didn’t really fit over the form of Twilight.
‘You fight with swords?’ she said in mock disappointment, ‘Fine, I’ll get my own’. A long, black greatsword appeared out of thin air and hovered next to her.
Bowdler flicked his blades impatiently.
‘Ladies first’ he spat.
She snorted and charged at him, her sword poised to strike. He raised his own blades at the last second an parried expertly. He span around to get a stab in at her but, expecting to see the full alicorn Nightmare Moon charging back at him, he saw only Twilight, the pony he loved.
This put him off. He couldn’t bear to hurt her while she looked like this. As if she’d read his mind, Nightmare Moon smirked.
‘Aw,’ she mocked, ‘Does widdle Bowdler not wanna hurt his marefriend?’ she swung her sword at him again, but he blocked it, ‘Give in Bowdler, you can’t win.’
He threw one of his swords at her and looked away, not even trying to hit her. She caught it with magic.
‘Bad move, mastermind’. She propelled the sword back at him like a bullet, but he caught it with ease.
‘You forget I’m an Alicorn too Nightmare’
‘Don’t call me that! I am Nightmare Moon!’ She threw a ball of magic lightning at him, which he struck with one of his swords.
‘Elementium blades I see.’ she said, looking at his swords, ‘impressive.’
She ran forward for another stab with her sword. Bowdler deflected it, but only just. It left a graze on his face which burnt like fire. He recoiled with the pain and immediately she was on top of him.
‘It doesn’t have to be like this you know,’ she whispered softly to him, holding him down with her blade and magic, ‘You could join me! We could rule together, you and I. King and Queen of the night in the world after the invasion.’
‘I’ll never join you! Never!’
‘Think about it Bowdler...’
Suddenly, it all seemed to make sense to him. He felt a burning hatred towards his friends. Why weren’t they helping him? Why did Princess Celestia even send him out here to do this? Why couldn’t she come herself? She and Luna were doing a horrible job of running Equestria in this crisis, He and Nightmare Mo- What?
He suddenly realised what he was thinking. The blue haze that had formed around him retreated back up to Nightmare Moon, who was now stood back, grinning. The grin quickly faded.
‘That’s impossible! Nopony can resist me!’
‘Yeah well I’m not just anypony am I?’ said Bowdler as he got to his hooves again, ‘I’m Bowdler.’
He charged at her and finally perked up the courage to get a slice in at her head. She wasn’t ready for it. She only just managed to get out of the way in time. If it wasn’t for her helmet he’d have probably taken her horn off. He flicked his swords and ran at her again.
But then, she spoke. It wasn’t the voice of Nightmare Moon any more. She was Twilight Sparkle, with her own body, her own voice, but somepony else’s eyes.
‘Why would you do that to me?’ she asked, ‘why would you hurt me?’.
Bowdler lost concentration and dropped his blades. “Twilight” smirked, which made him realise that it wasn’t Twilight at all. He steeled himself and picked up his blades.
The smirk disappeared off of her face, ‘Bowdler?’. He swung his swords down and sliced the tendons in her front legs. She screamed in agony.
‘What have you done!’ she wailed, back to her own voice, ‘Now that the aliens have smelt blood they’ll come after us!’
‘Correction’ he replied, ‘They’ll come after you. Dasher? Bluewing?’ He looked over at the two ponies.
‘Crap’. Their pupils had just faded away, leaving only the whites of their eyes. Nightmare Moon’s voice echoed from the the two of them.
‘If I die, we all die’. Dasher and Bluewing drew their weapons.
‘For Celestia’s sake Nightmare, I thought the queen of darkness would be at least a bit more cunning.’ he quickly shot two bolts of stun magic at his friends. Not being all-powerful alicorns, it knocked them straight out. He ran over to them and caught them, then began to picture the throne room of Canterlot in his mind. ‘Later!’ he shouted, just before he disappeared.
~
Bowdler, Bluewing and Dasher landed in a heap on the cold, marble floor of the Canterlot throne room. This scared Princess Celestia quite a bit.
‘Oh god! What the Christ!?’ she yelled when they materialised out of nowhere, but then she recognised them, ‘You three! Did you complete your quest?’. Bowdler stood up, Dasher and Bluewing were still unconscious,
‘Princess, I bring dire news’. She raised her eyebrows. ‘An ancient enemy has returned, one Nightmare Moon’. The Princess laughed out loud.
‘Oh Bowdler,’ she chuckled, ‘That’s a good one, we all know Nightmare Moon can’t exist without a host body, she’s not that powerful’
‘But she can and she is!’ he replied, exhausted after the fight with Nightmare Moon and the effort of non visual teleportation, ‘Nightmare Moon has returned and I think she’s working with the aliens’
‘I doubt that’ coughed Dasher, who had just regained consciousness, ‘Remember what she said? The creatures would get us all, not just us’
‘You saw whatever hallucination came over Bowdler too, Dasher? I thought you’d have the strong will to brush off alien gases’ She was obviously trying hiding her fears now.
‘It was no hallucination, Princess. Nightmare Moon has risen once more.’
‘Wrong again Bowdler, you cut her tendons and left her for the aliens’
‘Are you implying that she can’t still turn into that blue cloud thing and get away?’
‘Oh... right...’
By now Bluewing had started to get to his hooves shakily, using his wings for balance. The Princess looked solemn,
‘If what you say is really the truth, then we have more things to worry about than the aliens... The dragons we sent after Bek’kiliip and the cultists of nightmare dropped out of contact just a few minutes ago, over Bloodstone falls. If Nightmare Moon really has returned, then Bek’kiliip and the cultists may be meeting her there.’
The three ponies looked down, they knew what was coming.
‘I’m going to send the three of you out to Bloodstone falls with some of my most trusted ponies, you will find the dragon and the cultists and do whatever it takes to stop them.’
‘Who are these ‘most trusted ponies’?’ asked Dasher, sounding slightly hurt.
‘Oh you’ll see. I’ll get in touch with them and tell you to meet them at the statue of Discord later today.’
They nodded and filed out of the room.
~
‘So you’re an Alicorn then, are you?’ asked Dasher suddenly as he, Bluewing and Bowdler were walking down to the palace gardens.
He nodded and moved back his hair to reveal the remnants of his horn.
‘You could have told us sooner you know? It’d have been useful on the way to the dragon hold,’ he shrugged, ‘I always wondered how you held your swords’
Bowdler swept his hair back over his horn, it was still something he was uncomfortable about sharing with the world, although his friends had seemed to take it pretty well. They turned to go into the statue garden and saw the statue of Discord.
‘This bastard took a lot of beating, according to the Princess’ said Bluewing, kicking the statue.
‘Doesn’t look too hard’ said Bowdler, shrugging. Dasher flew up and tapped the chest of the statue with his hoof. It chipped slightly.
‘Crap!’ he yelled and flew back down to the ground, ‘Act casual’. He looked away from the statue and whistled. The sound of hooves came from around the corner.
‘This’ll probably be Celestia’s ‘most trusted’ coming’ muttered Dasher, he would have gone on but he saw who it was who came around the corner.
‘Well howdy you three!’ said Applejack as she, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie pie and Rainbow dash came into view, ‘I hadn’t bet on seeing y’all here.’
‘Are you here for-’ began Bowdler, but Applejack interrupted,
‘Yeah, we’re here to come to Bloodstone with ya’. He looked over and saw Dasher and Bluewing. They had frozen, motionless and their wings had unfolded. He raised an eyebrow,
‘Guys?’
‘Wurp?’ asked Bluewing dumbly.
‘Guys, snap out of it!’ he yelled. Dasher shook his head furiously and stood at attention.
‘Right then everypony, to Bloodstone!’ he shouted and jumped into the air.
‘Dasher?’ sighed Rarity and looked over at her back. There was a distinct lack of wings.
‘Ah,’ he said, landing, ‘right...’
‘Oh this is so exciting!’ squealed Pinkie Pie, ‘I get to go on adventure with all-’ she stopped and looked down, ‘Well... most of my friends...’
Bowdler put his hoof on her neck, ‘Don’t worry Pinkie,’ he assured her, ‘I’m working on it’.
She smiled and began to bounce around again.
‘Are we going to go get all our stuff then?’ whispered Fluttershy, sounding just as timid as the first time they’d met.
‘Sure, why not?’. The eight ponies walked out of the gardens and back towards ponyville.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 14 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T17:57:14+00:00
| 752 |
Writer's note: Let's have a change of perspective shall we?
Dark Spectre looked out over Bloodstone falls. The Cultists of Nightmare looked miserable. He knew that they hated working with the Black Dragons. He didn’t like it either, but it wasn’t his choice. He felt his body jerk away from the outcrop.
‘On the move again are we, my queen?’ he asked himself, bitterly.
‘Shut up you!’ came a voice in his head, ‘Nopony must know!’.
He smirked, pleased with himself for this act of defiance. ‘I still don’t see why you can’t just do this yourself, being an almighty and powerful goddess like yourself...’
‘Didn’t I tell you to shut up!?’
‘Implying I’m going to let you control my brain too? Not likely ma’am’.
He knew this was risky, but hey, he despised the pony he was talking to. The pony he had once looked up to and worshipped. The pony which had taken over his body.
‘Dark Spectre... I have no idea whose idea it was to put a coward like you in charge of my cult’
‘Oh I don’t know, maybe it was father Nagarváx? You know, seeing as he loved you so much?’
‘Shut up Dark Spectre, or I’ll give you another pain rack’
‘How kind-’ he began, but stopped as a surge of pain ripped through his body, as if it was trying to tear itself apart.
‘Yeah, I can hear you thinking too boy! Don’t even try to call me that’
‘I could just tell them you know? Tell the cultists that their leader is being... mistreated, by none other than Nightmare Moon herself! Ha! What a story that’d be!’
‘Dark Spectre! Shut your sly little trap and let me move you more easily!’
He relaxed and felt his body begin to walk normally, propelled by some unseen force.
‘Still having trouble with Bowdler?’ he asked smugly, knowing full well that this pony had beaten his queen senseless. An unbearable pain shot through him, but he’d got used to it and did little more than flinch.
‘Shut up you insufferable oaf!’
He reached the great hall behind the falls and felt himself open the door. Inside was Bek’kiliip. He sighed, this was a dragon who he had known personally. It was sad to see him in such a way. He was bound in purple chains which sparked with arcane lightning. His pupils had vanished, leaving only the whites of his eyes. Deep gashes covered his body and a dark blue haze poured from his mouth and nose.
‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’ said the voice in his head, ‘I even amaze myself sometimes. Look, I can make him scratch his back!’
Just as the voice said this, the mighty dragon scratched it’s back, screaming in pain as his sharp claws ran over the various wounds there.
‘You’re a monster Nightmare... Now I see why the Celestian ponies hate you so much’. Pain shot through him again.
‘Don’t call me that! I am NIGHTMARE MOON!’. Bek’kiliip stared at him angrily, but in the whites of his eyes all Dark Spectre could see was sadness.
‘Don’t worry Bek’kiliip, we’ll come out of this all OK, alright?’
‘Shut up Dark Spectre!’
‘What’s the agenda for the day then, my queen?’
‘Nothing much more than usual, make an inspiring speech, worship me, stare at this sorry heap of a dragon’ his head cracked to look at Bek’kiliip again, ‘you know? To remind you of what I could have done to you?’
A pain went through his leg, but not a big one, more of a playful tickle. He dismissed this thought. Obviously he’d just got used to the pain. He jerked around and trotted awkwardly back up to his outcrop.
‘Oh, it’s not that bad,’ he thought to himself, ‘It’s only code A-46, just think what’d have happened if she’d done you in with code X-973 like Bek’kiliip back there! She’s a good and merciful queen!’
‘That’s the spirit Dark Spectre! I knew you’d come round to my way of thinking!’
‘Ugh, I forgot she could hear my thoughts...’
‘Come along now, address our minions!’. He looked out over the side of the outcrop and saw the faces of the cult of nightmare, stained with blood, dirt and tears. He sighed. ‘How could this day get any worse?’
Writer's note: I've just realised how similar to GLaDoS NMM sounds in this chapter, bear in mind this was unintentional and I am in no way breaking any copyright laws, amirite companies that can't count to three?
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 15 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-16T18:10:27+00:00
| 959 |
The 8 ponies had gathered their things and were ready to head out towards Bloodstone falls. Each bearer of the elements brought along their element of harmony, and Applejack brought along Twilight’s too.
The trouble was, nopony really knew where Bloodstone was. It was once a large town, similar to ponyville, but in the first rising of Nightmare it was contaminated with such evil that Celestia was forced to lock it in a temporal rift inside the Everfree forest. This rift moves about every now and then, so that ponies can’t stumble upon the corrupted town more than once.
They’d need to fly to find it properly and the ‘only’ one who had powerful enough magic to cast a wing spell was Twilight. Bowdler, Dasher and Bluewing knew differently, but they couldn’t tell the ponies about it for fear of any tensions or uncertainties it might cause. Therefore the only means of flight were either Pinkie Pie’s balloon, which was slow and cumbersome, not to mention easily spotted, or Dragons. As soon as they mentioned dragons though, Fluttershy seemed to melt.
‘Y-y-you can’t g-get me to r-r-ride a d-dragon!’ she whimpered, ‘They’re so sc-scary!’.
Rainbowdash sighed, she knew what was coming.
‘Fluttershy, we’re going to have to, unless you think you can keep up with a fully grown dragon’ said Bowdler apologetically.
Fluttershy looked at the ground and tears began to form in her eyes.
‘Now look what you’ve done!’ shouted Pinkie Pie, ‘The fanbase is going to hate you!’
‘Fluttershy...’ he pressed, ‘Don’t cry over it, we all have to face our fears someday’
‘I already d-did’ she blubbered pitifully, ‘Th-there was this b-big dragon up on top of the m-mountain and I told him to go away because he was b-b-being a meanie!’
‘And I bet it felt good didn’t it? Not being scared of that dragon.’
‘I... I guess...’ she looked up at him and smiled faintly.
‘You don’t have to be scared of these dragons either! Even less so! These dragons are our friends, like Spike, not wild forest dragons or something’
‘Well... If-If you put it that way...’ she sniffled a bit and smiled at him.
‘So you’ll do it?’
‘O-okay...’. Rainbowdash looked at him as if he’d just achieved the impossible.
‘How did you...’ she pointed at Fluttershy, then at random places whilst mouthing random words.
‘Bowdler, you need to remember to turn off your swag more often’ said Pinkie Pie sternly.
‘Pinkie, what the hell are you talking about?’
‘Oh, don’t mind me, just breaking the fourth wall, you know, completely uninteresting. Oh hey look! The Hub logo!’ She stared at a patch of grass to her left. The other ponies began to back away.
‘Does she do this a lot?’ he asked Applejack.
‘Yep, all the time’ she sighed.
‘Do we have to take her? She doesn’t seem mentally stable enough for military actions to be brutally honest with you’ asked Dasher, but this was met with a death stare from Fluttershy. ‘I’m just saying!’.
~
Princess Celestia had approved of the ponies choice to use dragons to find Bloodstone and Fáfnir the stone dragon offered to take them.
They hovered around Everfree for a while, trying to catch a glimpse of the infamous Bloodstone falls, which were made of red water. Every now and then Bowdler thought he’d seen something in the distance, but it was always a feral dragon or a bird.
‘Mobi’ yelled Fáfnir suddenly, and he began to fly towards a point in the distance that they could just make out to be a red blob. Luckily, he was correct that this was Bloodstone falls. Unluckily, however, the cultists were prepared.
A volley of flaming arrows flew up from the wrecked buildings of Bloodstone. They bounced off of Fáfnir like they were hitting a stone wall, mostly because they were.
‘vinxa mabliki, si jahus persvek rigluin di vi mot’ he sneered, then sent a bolt of fire down on one of the buildings, destroying it utterly. A few ponies clad in black robes ran out of the wreckage, their robes alight. Fáfnir let out a deep booming laugh. ‘vhira yth gethrisj hak, mabliki!’
He landed on top of the smouldering ruin that was once a house and let the ponies off of him.
‘si geou hetha wux de wer thrae, gethrisj!’ he took off again and drew the fire of the archers. Dasher immediately took charge.
‘Get in cover everypony!’ They dived behind one of the broken walls and drew their weapons. The 5 civilian ponies had been given weapons of their choosing. Applejack had a hefty mace, Rarity had a butterfly knife, Pinkie Pie had two cleavers, Rainbowdash had a pair of shortswords and Fluttershy, who had refused to pick a weapon, had a medipack.
Pinkie had developed a maddening tic in one of her eyes.
‘Are we gonna kill us some traitors? Are we? This is gonna be so fun!’ she giggled.
‘Quiet down you psycho’ whispered Bluewing, sounding genuinely scared.
‘Imma gon’ kill ALL the things’ ‘Pinkie...’ Her hair deflated and her pupils became incredibly small. ‘Eheheh!’ she squealed.
‘Pinkie, quiet down!’ said Bowdler sternly, as a few fire arrows had just bounced off of the wall that they were hidden behind.
‘Fine... But I still get to kill stuff right?’
‘Only if we really have to’
‘Okay...’ Suddenly, there were some more voices.
‘Anypony there?’ somepony whispered.
‘No you moron!’ came another voice and the sound of a hoof to the face, ‘We’ve got to actually check it out!’
‘Do we have to?’
‘Yes!’
‘Alright then, but if I die, I’ll kill ya!’
Two unicorns in black robes suddenly vaulted the wall and flew right over the ponies hiding there. Pinkie scrabbled to get up but Bowdler slammed her back down.
‘See! I told you! Nopony’s here!’ the one on the left said triumphantly, obviously he’d not seen them. Bowdler wondered if they could capture them, there were only two of them, they were outnumbered four to one, but then he noticed the long spellblades dangling from their legs and thought better of it.
‘Any exit from here? Or did that dumbass dragon blow it up?’
‘Don’t think so, back the way we came?’ the one on the right turned around, ‘Well fuck me...’
‘What?’ asked the left one, not turning round, ‘What is it?’
‘Don’t turn around, Voigan, there’s ponies here’ ‘You serious?’
‘Why wouldn’t I be?’
The ponies got up, ‘Put down your weapons and surrender, cultists’ demanded Dasher as he drew his blades.
‘They outnumber us bro, better do what he says’ the one facing them unsheathed his spellblade and threw it to the other side of the room.
‘You imbecile! That’s a spellblade! You can’t get that back with magic!’ the other one yelled furiously.
‘I wasn’t planning to! There’s 8 of them!’
‘Really? Crap!’ He threw his spellblade away too.
‘Anypony got anything to tie them up with?’ asked Bluewing.
‘As a matter of fact I have!’ exclaimed Rarity, pulling some rope out of her saddle bags, ‘You never know when you’ll need some rope!’
Bluewing tied the two ponies together, back to back and gagged them with rope. He took the spellblades and put them in his saddle bag.
‘Let’s move out, the cultists will no doubt come looking for these two’ said Dasher, ‘I sure hope they won’t remember we were here’ he nodded at Bowdler, who understood and nodded back.
‘You guys go ahead, I just need to summon my stuff’. The other 7 vaulted the wall. Bowdler summoned his battle armour and turned to face the cultists. ‘Relax,’ he said reassuringly, ‘You won’t feel a thing’. His horn flashed and the cultists stared at him blankly. ‘You’ve been practicing taking prisoners and mucked it up, remember?’
‘Mmmph mmph’ one of them said, dumbly.
‘Good, see you later’. He vaulted the wall.
~
Bowdler looked up to see Fáfnir lazily swooping around the sky deflecting fire arrows on his stone skin, looking as if he was thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Dasher called to him, barely audible, from a building just to his left. He ran towards it and dived inside. It still had a sort of roof so it felt safer than any of the other wrecks. Pinkie pie was banging her cleavers together.
‘Why couldn’t I kill them?’ she wailed, ‘Couldn’t I have at least just cut them?’
‘We won’t harm anypony unless it’s absolutely necessary’ said Bluewing firmly, ‘besides, if you’re going into a bloodrage like this, we’d better not let you near anypony for what you might do to them’ he shuddered.
Suddenly, there was a large explosion outside. Fáfnir had destroyed another building.
‘We’d better get moving towards the falls’ said Bowdler, ‘We don’t want to be in here when Fáfnir destroys it’.
The others nodded and began to file out of the door, keeping to the shadows. They didn’t need to. Fáfnir had the total attention of the cultists.
‘Over there, at the edge of the cliff’ whispered Rainbowdash, pointing at a relatively new looking stone bunker.
‘That’s gonna be full of them cultists Rainbow...’ said Applejack, ‘You think we can take ‘em?’
‘Less of I think, more of I know’. The 8 ponies ran towards the bunker and slammed themselves against the side.
‘Door anywhere?’ asked Dasher.
‘There’s one here!’ chirped Pinkie Pie overexcitedly, obviously revelling at the thought of slaughtering a bunch of cultists.
‘I’ll go first’ said Bowdler before she could kick down the door, ‘I’ve got the hardiest armour’.
Pinkie frowned but saw his logic and let him past. He performed the same trick as he did on the walls of the old palace and ran into the bunker.
Inside were about 25 cultists, who had just stopped shooting at Fáfnir in a moment of shock. Without thinking, he charged straight at them, swords spinning. 6 cultists dropped dead, and a further 9 lost limbs. 10 to go then. The remaining cultists drew their spellblades, only to be jumped on by Pinkie Pie.
‘DIE YOU PARTY POOPERS!’ she screeched as she hacked at their skulls. She murdered all but one of them in the most brutal and imaginative ways possible in the amount of time she had. The last one backed up to the door.
‘What are you?’ he asked.
‘Who me?’ she replied sweetly, ‘YOUR UNDOING!’ But before she could jump at him, a butterfly knife plunged into the back of his skull.
‘Ugh!’ whined Rarity, ‘Now my hoof is all icky’
‘You stole my kill!’ Pinkie spluttered in outrage, ‘WHY DID YOU DO THAT? I HAD HIM FAIR AND SQUARE!’
‘Well I had to do something darling, or I would have felt useless, so to say’
‘Hmph!’ she snorted and decapitated one of the crippled cultists. The other 5 came in right afterwards, expecting a fight. What greeted them was a bloodstained room full of corpses.
‘Well that was easy’ said Bluewing, putting away his newly reforged battleaxe.
‘There’s a ladder over here,’ said Dasher, ‘It looks like it goes down behind the falls’
‘How can we use ladders?’ asked Pinkie Pie, ‘We’ve got hooves’
Rarity shrugged, ‘Magic?’
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 16 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-24T13:56:43+00:00
| 974 |
They somehow climbed down the ladder into a large, empty room. There were a few doors leading off into other corridors, but nothing more.
‘Odd’ said Dasher, ‘I was expecting much more of a fight’
‘Where do we go though?’ asked Rainbowdash.
‘Oooh! I love guessing games!’ squealed Pinkie Pie, ‘I say this one!’
She bounced towards one of the doors and flung it open. ‘Oh! There’s cultists in here!’ she hopped in and the sounds of screaming and breaking bones emanated from within.
‘You can come in now!’ she chirped gleefully from inside.
The scene that met them was indescribable, so I’m not even going to try.
‘You could have at least kept some of them alive for us to question, Pinkie!’ scolded Rarity, who seemed to be getting into this whole idea of butchering everything.
‘Don’t worry Rarity, Bowdler here’s good at bringing things back to life!’ she pointed at Bowdler who suddenly dropped his swords.
‘Who me? No powerful magic here!’ he spluttered uncomfortably.
‘Oki doki loki...’ she said suspiciously.
‘Guys!’ yelled Bluewing, breaking the tension, ‘Over here, I’ve found something!’
Everypony ran over to see what appeared to be a board full of moving pictures.
‘What in tarnation kind o’ sorcery is this?’ asked Applejack, sounding utterly dumbfounded.
‘No idea,’ replied Bluewing, ‘but it looks like it’s showing every room in the place as they are now!’
He looked to be right. In the top left was a picture of them, in the room full of corpses, looking at the pictures. There were mostly empty corridors or rooms full of talking cultists, however a few stood out. There was Overlord Dark Spectre’s office, where he sat, leaking blue gases all over the floor. There was a room full of ponies who appeared to be chanting and there was a room with a large black shape in it, looking like nothing on earth.
‘That black thing...’ said Dasher, ‘We’ve got to find out what that is’
A voice came from the other side of the door, ‘Bring heavier weaponry! One of these ponies just slaughtered the entire intelligence room!’
‘We have an intelligence room? I could use one of those!’
‘Just get the warp fiends!’
‘Looks like we’ve got company’ smirked Bowdler, ‘Good, we could use somepony to tell us where this room is’
‘Room number 81H!’ said Pinkie Pie, ‘it says, right here’
‘Oh... Right... Off we go then!’
‘Crap! Crap! They’re coming this way! Run!’ The clattering of hooves outside the door told them that they didn’t need to kill those poor cultists. They came out of the room and back into the hallway.
‘Here, this corridor has the letter H over it,’ said Rainbowdash, ‘This’ll be our one! Let’s go!’
‘Hang on a second everypony!’ said Bluewing, holding up his hoof for silence, ‘Where’s Fluttershy?’
~
They didn’t need to look far to find her. She was stood, frozen at the picture back in the intelligence room.
‘Fluttershy, what’s wrong?’ asked Bowdler.
‘Well, you have sort of stuck the most sensitive pony in Equestria into a room full of corpses!’ shouted Rainbowdash, which was a really good point.
‘So much death...’ she whimpered, ‘Why does it always have to be this way?’ tears began to form around her eyes. She couldn’t believe that her friend Pinkie Pie was capable of causing such a bloodbath.
‘Hey,’ Bowdler softly whispered into her ear, ‘it’s not always a bad thing. These were evil ponies, who would have caused even more death and destruction had they been kept alive.’
‘But why so many? How can this many ponies be that bad?’
Rainbowdash was keeping tabs on this whole conversation, eager to learn how Bowdler managed to get through to Fluttershy.
‘There’s not much good left in this world to be honest, Fluttershy. Corruption and greed flow through everypony in this day and age, it’s just that some ponies are more prone to letting it out’
‘But how could Pinkie Pie do this? They’re all dead!’
‘Pinkie did what she had to do-’
‘PINKIE CHOSE TO DO THIS!’ she squealed, but then looked surprised at the tone of her own voice. She pressed herself against him. ‘The world isn’t what i thought it was, Bowdler. It’s much less than that...’
‘And that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing! To make it what you thought it was, a good place full of kind and true ponies. Doesn’t that sound worth fighting for?’
‘I guess so...’ she perked up a little and shook herself off, ‘In fact, that sounds like something that would definitely be worth fighting for!’
‘Glad you’ve come to your senses! You ready to go?’
‘You bet I am!’ she galloped out of the door and joined the other ponies who were waiting out there.
‘I still have no idea how you do that,’ coughed Rainbowdash, ‘But it won’t work on me, my faith lies somewhere else!’ she flew out after Fluttershy, leaving Bowdler alone with Bluewing.
‘Well that went well’
~
The eight ponies began to walk down corridor H. It was long, narrow and dark, feeling similar to the interior of the old castle. Bowdler shivered, it was also extremely cold.
There were doors along the sides of the corridor, seemingly placed randomly. All of them appeared to be empty. One however, had a faint orange glow emerging from it.
‘Here, room 81H!’ said Pinkie Pie.
‘How did y-’ began Bluewing, but then he noticed the 81H written over the handle, ‘Never mind...’
‘You two still got your stealth equipment?’ Dasher asked him and Bowdler.
‘Why wouldn’t we?’
‘Alright. You five, wait out here. Be careful, I don’t really want to meet any of those “warp fiends” they were talking about. Me, Bluewing and Bowdler will go into the room, stealthed of course, and see what it is in there.’
Bowdler nodded and turned on his stealth equipment. When the three of them entered the room, they couldn’t believe their eyes.
The once mighty Bek’kiliip lay in chains, blue gases erupting from everywhere it could on his body. He was bound by magic and covered in deep gashes. He let out a moan of disapproval. Bowdler started to stay something but Dasher quickly covered his mouth.
‘The black dragons are in league with the cultists, don’t fall for this trick’
He nodded and began to move closer to Bek’kiliip. The dragon coughed feebly and began to speak, in Equestrian no less but in a weak and strained tone.
‘I can see you, mortals. There is no point trying to hide from an Elder dragon.’ The effort of speaking seemed to be tearing his mind apart. ‘You have to get out of this place... Nightmare moon... she’ll come for you as she did for me...’
‘But Nightmare moon was killed by the aliens, we saw it!’
‘As you said yourself, young Dasher, the dark queen is still capable of warp travel. She escaped and possessed myself and Overlord Dark Spectre, she chose him over me. He has been enacted with duty code A-46, she has total control over him. Myself however...’ he coughed up a welt of black blood, ‘I have been bound to code X-973. I am doomed to die slowly, as the fallen queen takes command of my aspect. I cannot allow this to happen. My little ponies. You must kill me.’
‘Bek’kiliip, we can’t do that. A powerful dragon aspect has died already this week, another death would upset the balance of the elder powers!’
‘Oh be quiet Dasher. I know of this. However, my death will show the Black Dragonkin that something is wrong and they will flee back to the Equestrian army. Most of the cultists will probably follow suit. Either way, I wish to join Arth’alaki... He was a close friend of mine...’
Bowdler summoned his swords. He could see the sincerity in the whites of the old dragon’s eyes. He truly believed his death would be for the greater good of Equestria and he wasn’t about to let the last wish of an elder dragon go unnoticed. He stepped forwards.
‘Bowdler...’ said Dasher and Bluewing at the same time, but they stopped themselves.
‘You prove yourself to be the bravest of your kind, Bowdler. Do it, do not hesitate.'
Bek’kiliip closed his eyes for what was to be the final time. Bowdler plunged his swords into the top of his head and destroyed his brain utterly. He lay silent. Suddenly, there were screams of distress from the hundreds of dragons inside the complex. They had realised what they were doing.
~
Dark Spectre’s ears perked up. This had been the first time he’d had any real control over his body for a while. He felt a wave of agony crash over him. Bek’kiliip had died. The dark queen was not amused.
~
Bowdler stood and looked at Bek’kiliip’s corpse for a while. He couldn’t believe that he’d just killed an Elder dragon.
‘We’d better get going’ said Bluewing, choking back some tears.
‘Agreed,’ replied Dasher quickly, ‘We’d better not let Fluttershy see this’
‘We’ve gathered enough intelligence to leave anyway, we’ll be fine’ Bowdler added. They went back outside the door.
‘What’s in there?’ asked Applejack.
‘Nothing...’ replied Bowdler quietly.
‘We’re leaving this place now, we’ve gathered enough intelligence to report back to the Princess!’ said Dasher, avoiding the awkward conversation that was looming around the corner.
‘DEE COLON!’ yelled Pinkie Pie, putting on the most disappointed face she could manage, ‘But I only killed one room full of cultists!’ she suddenly tackle hugged Bluewing, ‘Just a few more? Please?’
‘No Pinkie!’ he said firmly, ‘No more will die today’
‘Unless, of course, you count yourselves’ came a threatening voice from just down the corridor. They turned to see Dark Spectre staring them down, arcane magic pouring from his eyes and horn.
‘Dasher! Tell Celestia it’s not me! GAH!’ He blurted out suddenly, but flinched like he’d just been stabbed. ‘QUIET DOWN AND LET ME KILL THEM YOU MORON!’ he screamed, sounding like a completely different pony. Dark clouds erupted from his mouth as he spoke.
‘The pass-code is 42-1337-69-15! Use it to get out quickly!’
‘IDIOT! DON’T TELL THEM THAT!’ The ponies turned and ran, now knowing full well what was going on. They got to the main hallway and began to somehow climb back up the ladder. ‘You can’t hide from me you ignorant ponies!’ came Dark Spectre’s voice from back down the corridor, where his legs had suddenly seized up.
‘FÁFNIR!’ yelled Dasher, ‘GET US OUT OF HERE!’
‘si mi shafaer sia idol!’ The stone dragon replied as he began to descend from the sky. They ran up his tail and onto his back. He flew up into the air as fast as he could and tried to get his bearing from the ever changing skyline of Bloodstone.
‘mabliki, shala ve vi klewar ekess ehtah creolnali... si jinthil nomeno goawy...’ said Fáfnir quietly, sounding like he was beginning to well up. He flew down to a nearby mountain, with a clearing by the side of it. There was a large chunk out of the side of it. ‘wer dask verthicha... svanoa shilta nomeno qe? coi jahus sventa persvek wer irral lleisgarir di malrunwa welun! Vucoti wux tir ti vucot svabol si mi yentair, shar shala ve ekess demak wux svadrav wux renthisj mrith Celestia.’ He took off again, leaving the eight ponies completely lost for words.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 17 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-27T06:26:59+00:00
| 758 |
Fáfnir flew a lot faster on the way back to Canterlot than he did on the way to Bloodstone. The ponies weren’t quite sure why, but he seemed to be extremely determined to do something. They ended up going so fast, that they went into sonic rainboom, causing Rainbowdash to be a little annoyed.
‘I thought I was the only one who could do that...’ she muttered.
Fáfnir smirked. ‘yth tir coi shio wer tairais, moxt ir’ he replied, smugly. She caught on as to what he was saying by the tone of his voice.
‘Showoff...’
‘Hypocrite’ he snorted with laughter, then carried on flying with a steely look on his face. Dasher moved slightly closer to Rainbow.
‘Hey, even though dragons can do it, there’s still only one pony for me.’ She blushed slightly, but then looked right at him
‘What?’
‘Oh? Did I say that? Uh...’ He moved back a bit.
‘Don’t worry, it’s not a bad thing to be honest’ she looked down and blushed some more. Dasher looked around at Bowdler, made sure Rainbowdash couldn’t see and then grinned wildly. He chuckled and nodded back at him. He moved closer back up and stopped just beside her. She looked back up and smiled at him, then shuffled the extra distance and sat down, almost touching him. They looked at each other for a second.
‘GUYS!’ yelled Pinkie Pie, ‘Get a room! For Celestia’s sake!’
The moment broke instantly and the two ponies moved apart, realising what they were doing. Dasher coughed and looked back ahead of Fáfnir.
‘We’re nearly out of the forest by the looks of things!’ he shouted over the slipstream.
‘kwi, nafl? si siofmea wer skjalli jahen filki tsydanir ihk thric dril!’ replied Fáfnir, sarcastically. He laughed loudly and began to descend upon Canterlot mountain.
When they reached the entrance and the ponies disembarked from Fáfnir, they noticed that he had started to become noticeably smaller. His shape changed and he began to look like a stone pony. Eventually that was exactly what he’d become.
‘svabol? tira wux ti vucot yth re arcaniss kiri?’ he said when they stared at him, ‘si rigluin ekess soyol crodr ekess renthisj mrith wer wanotreyxkaiv’
‘Look I’ve no idea what you’re saying, could you please try to speak Equestrian?’ asked Bluewing, as politely as he could.
‘thric! Kara wux!’ He snorted and led the way into the castle, stumbling on his smaller form. ‘nomeno geou clax creol itrewicir used ekess...’
The halls were a lot more empty than usual, the guards must have been posted further down into the outskirts of the castle or in Ponyville. The throne room, however was guarded by double the amount of military ponies as usual.
‘Password!’ shouted a green and brown striped one.
‘There’s a password?’ asked Dasher, ‘Since when?’
‘Since this morning’s forum!’
‘We weren’t here this morning. We were on a quest!’
‘You still need to know the password!’
‘We don’t know the password!’
‘Well how we know you’re not a spy?’
‘Because I am Lieutenant Dasher of the Equestrian army head of defence, over there is Captain Bluewing and right here is Fáfnir of the stone dragons!’
‘That’s not a dragon!’
‘axun si mi wux hofiba!’
‘How can a pony speak Draconic? Only the Princess can do that!’
‘BECAUSE HE’S A DRAGON!’
‘But he’s a pony!’
‘Let us in you oaf!’ he stormed forwards but the guard stuck out his pike.
‘You cannot pass without the password! Celestia’s orders!’
‘Oh ho, I am going to have so much fun with you... you will wish you were never in the throne room that day!’
‘Dasher! There’s no need to get violent!’ Bowdler said as he began to pull out his knife on the guard.
‘THIS FOOL IS IN THE WAY!’
Another green and brown striped guard came up behind the original and poked him with her pike. ‘Stormie, I think this guy’s legit. He looks a lot like the Lieutenant.’
‘Who’s to say it’s not Nightmare Moon in disguise?’
‘Me’ came a voice from behind them. The door had opened without them noticing and Princess Celestia had stepped out.
‘Princess! You’re not supposed to leave the room! What about assassins?’
‘I do as I please thank you very much Storm Shield!’
‘Wait, Storm Shield? I thought I recognised you, you insufferable oaf!’ Dasher punched the first guard in the shoulder, ‘You were the only reason I left the Cirrus Guard for the job as head of defence and now you’re here! What has the world come to? Princess, you do realise you’ve put the least effective guard in the whole of Equestria in charge of looking after the most important part of your palace!’
Storm Shield looked at the ground, feeling ashamed.
‘Storm shield may not be effective, but he is tough and trustworthy. He is up to the job in my eyes.’
Dasher sighed. ‘Let’s just get to the point, we have the intelligence we’ve gathered from the mission,’ he began to walk into the throne room, ‘We’ve got to-’
‘What’s the password then?’ asked the Princess, a smile starting to form on her lips.
‘Wait, what? We don’t know! We were on the mission!’
‘Well you’re not allowed in are you?’
‘GAH!’ Dasher kicked the wall as hard as he could. The other seven ponies and Fáfnir began to laugh at his fruitless efforts to stay calm. He sat down and exhaled heavily.
‘Oh, I don’t know. Bananas?’
‘You may enter, Lieutenant’ The Princess said, chuckling.
Dasher’s face began to go red. ‘That. Is the single worst password I have ever heard.’
‘If you don’t like it, you can come up with a new one’
He snorted distastefully ‘Fine’ he walked into the throne room but Celestia stuck out her hoof again.
‘No, no. You’ve got to come up with a new password now.’
Raging, dasher threw his knife at the floor. ‘JUST LET US IN CELESTIA DAMN IT!’
‘Alright then, that’s the password. clang, let us in Celestia damn it. Quite a good one, to be truthful’
A small tic began to form in Dasher’s eye.
‘You know what? I’m not arguing this any further. Bluewing can give you the mission report.’ He stormed into the room and sat down. Celestia turned to the other ponies and shrugged.
‘What’s got into him?’ she asked, innocently. They laughed and walked into the room, the doors swinging shut behind them.
~
‘So then’ she said, calming down totally, ‘What’s the mission report?’
Bluewing stepped up with Bowdler. ‘The Black Dragons and the Cultists of Nightmare were both present at Bloodstone. They appear to have technology far superior to our own and a type of guard beast called a ‘warp fiend’ that we did not encounter. At first looks it seemed that it was just the doing of the two rogue forces, but that was not the case. Bek’kiliip was inside the stronghold behind the falls, having had something called ‘duty code X-973’ enacted on him’ Bluewing explained.
At the mention of duty code X-973 Celestia’s face darkened.
‘I know of this code, do not explain it’
They nodded in unison and Bowdler continued from where Bluewing had left off.
‘We, uh... Carried out Bek’kiliip’s wishes and tried to leave with the intelligence we had gathered, including the facts that Nightmare Moon did in fact escape from the aliens at the old castle, but we were ambushed by Dark Spectre. He himself was being subject to duty code A-46, but did his best to help us escape. Apparently an important passcode to somewhere is 42-1337-69-15. That is all we know.’
The Princess nodded, then looked at Fáfnir.
‘I assume you have found something of importance, seeing as you’ve taken the effort to transmogrify yourself’
‘lae vi selgtarn di ywrats, si tepoha’ he replied, grimly, ‘svadrav yth zulf bloodstone, yth annisha persvek vi goawy familiar ekess ve. ihk coi jahus wer goawy batobot si jahus vehafora, de wer tilabil ternesj di wer verthicha di marfedelom. si bihainwor ekess visit coi, ihk wer sake di memories, vur si noticed batobot creolnali jahus xuut.’
‘Well I know what you noticed was wrong. That it was there in the first place. The mountain of death was destroyed in the first coming of Nightmare. No stone dragons have been birthed since’ she replied, sounding stern.
‘batobot ui wer montu wanotreyxkaiv. coi jahus mobi, vur wer creation reskafar jahus larger. si l'gra malrunwa welun tepohaic coanwor birthing jacioniv kurjh ternesj darastrixi ihk vin reab ekess demak mrith wer aliens’
‘I don’t think she’s allied with the aliens. But I don’t want to see this turn into a three way war’
Bluewing looked at her with a puzzled look. ‘Princess?’
‘Fáfnir here has come up with some brilliant information here. It appears that the Mountain of Death, the place where stone dragons are birthed, has re-emerged from the warp. He fears that Nightmare Moon is birthing dragons for use in her own army.’
‘That makes sense, since she was using Bek’kiliip’s black dragons, but we freed them. She can’t win a war with just tanks.’
‘That is a good point. However, if she truly can bring things as large as the Mountain of Death back from the warp, then Stone Dragons are not the worst thing that could be coming back to this world. For the warp is also linked to the moonprison and...’ she paused for a second, looking worried, ‘the afterlife’
Dasher snorted. ‘How could the warp be connected to the afterlife? There isn’t one!’
‘Don’t be so quick to judge what you don’t know about, Dasher. The afterlife is definitely a real place’
‘She’s right Dasher. There is an afterlife, I saw it, remember?’ Bluewing added, remembering a time long ago. Dasher looked like he could remember and sat down again, worrying.
‘An army of warp beasts and enemies from the past is definitely something to fear. But we shall worry about that another time. You all look shattered. Especially you three.’ She looked at Dasher, Bowdler and Bluewing, ‘You’ve been questing non-stop for a few days now. You’ve got to get some rest.’
‘With all due respect Princess,’ said Dasher, ‘I’d prefer to spend my time doing something constructive than resting. I’m fit as a whistle, just tell me what to do.’
‘Alright then. As your Princess, I order you to mow the royal lawns.’
Dasher collapsed to the floor. ‘On second thoughts, I do need some rest actually’ He closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. The Princess smiled.
‘I knew that’d work. He can ‘sleep’ here, the rest of you had better get going home before it gets dark’
‘Thank you Princess’ said Bowdler, ‘I will be here in the morning for our next mission’
The ponies walked out of the throne room.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 18 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-11-20T17:58:55+00:00
| 664 |
‘Bluey?’ asked Pinkie Pie, ‘Was the Princess talking about the same afterlife as...’
‘Yes, I’m afraid she was Pinkie.’ Bluewing replied, trying his best not to sound scared.
She pushed herself closer to him, doing less of a good job of hiding her terror.
‘It’s going to be OK Pinkie’ Bowdler reassured her, ‘Me, Dasher and Bluewing will find a way to stop Nightmare Moon and those damn aliens and life can go back to normal.’
‘You didn’t see the afterlife, Bowdler...’ said Applejack, ‘It was horrifying’
‘It wasn’t THAT bad...’ muttered Rainbowdash, but then she apparently changed her mind ‘Yes it was...’
They got to the junction in the road that headed off to sweet apple acres. Applejack headed down that road with Fluttershy, who was too terrified to spend the night alone. Bluewing and Rarity headed back to their homes in the centre of Ponyville and Rainbowdash took off and flew up to Cloudsdale, leaving Bowdler alone.
He sighed.
He was just getting used to having that much company, but now he was alone again. The house wasn’t too far down the road, he could sleep soon.
Suddenly, a cart appeared on the road behind him, approaching fast. He sidestepped onto the grass and it ground to a halt where he was stood. A white pony with brown blotches on his fur was pulling it and turned to speak to Bowdler.
‘Do you know where I can find Ponyville?’ he asked in a well spoken manner, ‘Me and my family are just moving there from Trottingham’
‘It’s just round the corner’ he replied, trying to sound equally polite but failing due to his accent, ‘I could take you there if you wanted’
‘That would be very helpful,’ he said as he unbuckled himself from the cart, ‘Thank you. Lucy! Pip! Out you come! This nice pony is going to take us into Ponyville!’ Two other ponies came out of the cart, a brown mare and an extremely tiny colt. The colt ran up to him and started bouncing around his legs.
‘Hello there! My name is Pipsqueak and I am a pirate! Who are you?’
‘Uh... Hi Pipsqueak, I’m Bowdler and I’m a guard.’
‘Oh you’re a guard? That’s so cool! I want to be a guard when I grow up, well... That or a pirate!’ he bounced around some more.
The brown mare chuckled, ‘Calm down Pip, you’ll frighten the nice stallion.’
‘Who, this guy? He’s a big and tough guard! I could never frighten him!’
Bowdler felt a wave of pride. This young pony was looking up to him, in more ways than one.
‘So, whereabouts in ponyville are you moving to?’
‘Just on the outskirts, we’ve got a picture, we’ll know it when we see it.’
The four ponies began walking down the road towards ponyville. They went right past Bowdler’s house, which made him feel a bit tired, until they got to a small cottage just next to sugarcube corner.
‘This is the one!’ said the white stallion, ‘Thank you, kind pony’
‘Anytime!’ he replied, smiling.
‘Bye Bowdler!’ squeaked Pipsqueak, before running into the house.
‘That was nice of me...’ he thought, ‘Where did that come from?’
He turned and walked back to his house. It was getting dark by the time he got there, he made sure to check the clock so it was the correct time for night. It was, he could sleep easy. As soon as he got to his bed, he jumped onto it and fell fast asleep.
~
‘So then, hero. You believe it is your time? Heh! You are not the first to think such a thing. There have been many before you, only one has come close to success.’
‘What? Who are you? Show yourself!’
‘I do not need to show myself to inspire fear in your heart, foalish pony. Bowdler, I believe you call yourself? I have just come to... remind you, that I am not finished with you. And nor am I finished with your little friend Bluewing.’
‘Wait, you know about my past? And what’ve you got to do with Bluewing?’
‘You really don’t remember anything, do you? Ha! And they said you were the strong minded one.’
‘Tell me about myself! I need to know!’
‘Only time will tell, fool. But I will say this. You are not who you think you are, your dreams will never come to pass, you will fail. The alien horde will destroy this world, and from the ashes, will rise an empire stronger than the Equestrian one would have ever been. Now rise, mortal. Your so called friends need you...’
~
Bowdler awoke with a start, snapping bolt upright in his bed. He could remember having a weird and quite frankly scary dream, but he couldn’t remember what it was. However, he could remember that he needed to get to Canterlot.
He stumbled out of bed and down the stairs. He remembered that he’d still not refilled his fridge since Derpy emptied it, but he’d check anyway. What was inside surprised him slightly. There was a large cake, with ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ written on it in bold, pink icing. He smiled. This was Pinkie Pie’s doing from when she’d tidied up. He took a slice and bolted it down. It was the single most delicious thing he’d ever tasted. He couldn’t stay and enjoy the rest of it though, he had work to do.
~
He could feel a strong magic force flowing through Canterlot castle when he got there, it was as if all of the magic in Equestria was concentrated in this one place. Bluewing and Dasher were already at the entrance to the throne room.
‘We thought we’d wait for you,’ said Bluewing, ‘Something big looks like it’s going on in there’
He was right, purple arcane liquids were flowing from beneath the door.
‘Guards,’ said Dasher, ‘Clang, just let us in for Celestia’s sake’
The two guards moved away and let them go into the room. Inside there was a huge, bulging portal. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood at either side of it, their horns glowing and their manes pulsing with magic.
‘Took you long enough,’ yelled Celestia, her voice echoing unnaturally, ‘It’s taking a lot of energy to keep this open, it goes to the warp, get in! I’ll brief you once you’re inside!’
Dasher nodded and jumped in first, not showing any signs of hesitation. Bowdler was about to, but noticed that Bluewing had frozen with fear.
‘Bluewing! You’ve got to get in here, quick!’
‘That thing goes to the warp Bowdler! Have you ever seen that place!?’
‘No, but I don’t care! Get in here!’
‘Same time OK?’
‘If you want’ Bluewing grabbed onto Bowdler’s shoulder.
‘Alright, let’s go.’ They ran in.
~
They fell down with a crash at the other side, the portal closing behind them as soon as they got through.
‘What took you so long?’ asked Dasher, who had already got up and dusted himself off. Bluewing groaned, he’d not been here in a long time.
They were stood on a large, red island which was floating around in a vast, empty space filled with purple stars. Bowdler felt a sharp spike of sadness, the stars reminded him of the purple of Twilight’s eyes. He shook himself out of it. He had things to do, even if he didn’t know exactly what.
As if on cue, Celestia’s voice echoed around them.
‘Can you hear me? I can’t hear you. If you can hear me, I’m about to tell you what you’re meant to do. The three of you have to travel to the afterlife, deep inside the warp, to check whether everypony who should be in there still is.’
‘Yes ma’am’ replied Dasher.
‘You realise she just said she can’t hear you?’ retorted Bowdler.
‘Oh... Right...’
‘Lucky Rainbowdash wasn’t here to see that, right Dasher?’ said Bluewing smirking.
‘Damn it Bluewing, why’ve you got to make it awkward?’
‘Because it’s uncomfortable here... I need to lighten up the mood’
‘Right!’ interrupted Bowdler, ‘Before we have an argument, let’s go find the afterlife’
He took off and hovered for a bit, hoping they’d follow.
‘To, “Find” the afterlife, so to say, won’t be easy’ Bluewing replied, ‘it’s like Bloodstone, no set location. And this time we’ve not got a dragon to help us out’
‘What, have you been there or something?’
He shifted uncomfortably, ‘Just a bit...’
Dasher sighed, ‘We’ll have to find it one way or another. I for one can’t stay in this place forever.’
‘I agree, we’ll just have to look for a while.’
A large boulder floated past, spinning wildly.
‘Follow the boulder?’ ‘Why the hell not?’
They began to fly after it as it weaved it’s way randomly through the starry void.
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 19 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-02-04T17:02:40+00:00
| 844 |
The reddish boulder continued to fly aimlessly around past many strange things. Bowdler was sure he’d caught a glimpse of Bloodstone and, at one point, a quick sighting of a pony who looked extremely similar to himself. They sometimes passed huge mountains, floating in the air in much the same way as bricks don’t.
‘Now that looks familiar’ said Bluewing as they passed a gaping cavern which was mostly collapsed in on itself. There was a circular pad which appeared to be made of gold on a plateau coming off of the edge of the opening.
‘Yeah, that’s it alright’ groaned Dasher, ‘Let’s go’. They abandoned their rock and made towards the cavern, which began to flicker slightly. ‘It’s going to teleport!’ he shouted, ‘Go faster!’
They sped up and hurtled towards it at breakneck speeds. ‘We’re not gonna make it!’
There was a blinding flash and Bowdler crashed head first into the plateau.
‘Well that went better than expected’ he moaned and dragged himself to his hooves. ‘Is everypony OK?’. There was no answer. He looked around the plateau, Dasher and Bluewing were nowhere to be seen and the surrounding rocks were a lot different to how he remembered them.
‘Cock, I teleported didn’t I?’ he muttered to himself, ‘THAT’S BLOODY HELPFUL!’
He turned and looked at the rubble covering the entrance to what appeared to be an enourmous cave.
‘Better get this over with’. He began to use his immense magical powers to shift some of the boulders, but whenever he did more just fell into their place.
‘Damn it!’. He sat down with a thud. How was he going to get in there without Bluewing and Dasher to help him? And how was he planning to take on whatever was in there alone anyway?
‘No, sod that. I can do this...’ he said as he got back up and prepared to have another crack at the rubble. He summoned his swords and armor and began to hack at the boulders, smashing them to pieces. Huge chunks of rock fell from the pile as he continued to smash them up, either being deflected by his magic or bouncing off his armour. This was the first real test for his armour, no alien had ever got near him because of his skill with the swords. Progress was good, he could see some of the chamber on the other side of the rockfall. Suddenly, a voice blasted into his ears.
‘YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE COME HERE!’ it screeched, half deafening him, ‘YOU WILL FIND ONLY DEATH!’
‘Yeah,’ he replied, sarcastically, ‘That’s kinda the point’
He finally broke through the wall, only for it to collapse behind him, plunging him into total darkness.
‘Reference time!’ he said to himself, ‘Lumos!’
The purple light just above his horn flickered on dimly, illuminating the cave around him. Blood covered the walls. It looked like there’d been a quite big fight here. Shapes moved around behind the stalactites and stalagmites, reminding him of the aliens that could be attacking Equestria at any moment.
He didn’t have time to think about this though, as one of the shapes jumped out and straight at him, it’s claws extended. A quick upwards stab with one of his swords impaled it through the chest, but it was still wriggling.
‘Tough little bastard ain’t you?’ he yelled and sliced off it’s head with his free sword. It lay still for a second, but started writhing around again.
‘What the hay?’ He hacked at it, removing all of it’s limbs and the majority of it’s torso, but it refused to die.
‘Can’t do much harm as just half a chest can you?’ he said, flinging the body across the room. Seeing this, the other beasts crept further back into the shadows.
‘Yeah, you’d better run you pansies!’ he shouted after them as he carried on delving deeper into the cave.
There were skeletons of ponies and all sorts of other weird creatures chained to the walls, remnants of entrails dangling from their shattered forms. A pony skeleton moaned and Bowdler turned to stare at it. It appeared to be returning to life, it’s skin and flesh regenerating before his eyes.
‘No! Please!’ she screamed, ‘Not again!’
‘SILENCE YOU FOOL!’ came the voice he had heard earlier, ‘PREPARE TO DIE! AGAIN!’ it cackled insanely and the newly regenerated pony burst into flames, screaming at the top of her lungs. Her eyeballs popped and her limbs fell clean off. Then she was still.
This scared the living daylights out of Bowdler. Is this what death is like? Eternal torture? He hoped not, that it was just an elaborate ruse.
‘Oh, it’s not the only afterlife’ cooed the voice, apparently hearing his thoughts, ‘The world you live in yourself is an afterlife of sorts’ it laughed coldly.
‘What are you!?’
‘Who, me? I am Soulfeeder, Keeper of the dead, Mistress of the Final Afterlife’
‘I’ve fought Nightmare Moon and won! You don’t scare me!’
‘Oh, don’t I?’ a swirling crimson vortex began to materialise in front of him, ‘Well, prepare to be scared’ A tall, red Alicorn, easily as big as Princess Celestia or Nightmare Moon themselves, with markings similar to his own but black covering her body. She had a dark red mane which appeared to be soaked in blood. ‘ARE YOU NOT SCARED MORTAL!?’ she screamed in his face.
He staggered back a bit, ‘Of course not. And honestly, If you deem “immortals” to alicorns, I’m afraid you’re in for a bit of a shock’
‘Cut the crap Bowdler! I know all about your horn, you can’t fool me! In fact, I know more about you than you might think possible...’
‘Damn it! How come it’s all the evil alicorns that know about my past!?’
‘Evil am I?’ she chuckled, ‘I’m just doing my job, keeper of the dead. Or at least I was until that brat Bluewing and his little friends came and disrupted the way of things. I needed that pony’s family blood for something very important and now the third afterlife is collapsing without it! It’s driving me insane!’ as if to prove a point, all of the skeletons in the room caught fire and exploded.
‘Well I’m sorry for your loss, but I don’t have time for this. I’m here from Princess Celestia to make sure YOU and none of your little demon minions get out of here’
‘Oh I wasn’t planning on leaving any time soon, what with all those rocks in the way. Thanks for clearing them out by the way, much appreciated. But yeah, with them gone I’m afraid I’m going to have to, eh, kill you and invade the second afterlife. The more of a realm for me, the better’ A flail appeared out of nowhere and smashed into the side of Bowdler’s armour. ‘Elementium eh?’ she mused, ‘This will be more interesting than I thought’
Bowdler jumped at her, his swords spinning towards her neck, but just before he could decapitate her she disappeared.
‘Yoo-hoo!’ a voice came from the other side of the room. He had just enough time to turn around and register the fact that she’d teleported away before a powerful bolt of magical lightning struck him on his head, sending unimaginable pain coursing through his body. He grunted and began to muster up his own magic bolt.
She sent another one flying at him and the two bolts connected in mid air, causing a spectacular display of purple and red lightning. They stayed joined together and danced over the walls and the bones of the ponies.
‘You can’t win this, Bowdler. Face it. This is MY realm, I can do what I please’ she taunted. A fireball emerged from a wall and flung itself at Bowdler, catching him off guard. He fell to the ground and her lightning bolt connected with his body. He yelled in pain.
‘Can you feel it Bowdler!?’ she yelled over the crackle of magical electricity, ‘The oncoming feeling of DEATH!?’
He moaned weakly and forced himself to stand up.
‘No Bowdler, I’m no Nightmare Moon. I won’t let my guard down just because you’re a little hardy.’ She sighed sarcastically and rolled her eyes. The pain running through him suddenly doubled in intensity, causing him to fall over again. He felt blood streaming out of his nose and mouth.
‘Not just a bit you ass!’ he spluttered, spitting out the welts of blood. He got back to his hooves and staggered forwards.
‘JUST DIE WILL YOU!?’ She screamed, sounding irritated but not alarmed.
‘NO, FUCK YOU!’ he yelled back at her. Bolts of lightning poured from his horn and smashed against her. She screamed in agony.
‘WHAT THE HAY DID YOU DO THAT FOR!?’
‘Because you’re a silly filly and you need to die!’
‘FOAL! I CANNOT DIE! I AM DEATH!’ Their lightning bolts connected again and they engaged in a magical duel.
‘YOU THINK THIS IS A GOOD IDEA!?’ she moaned as she strained to keep up her magic, ‘I’LL DESTROY YOU!’
‘Doesn’t sound like it to me’ grunted Bowdler as he too struggled against her magic, ‘In fact, I’d say you’re getting weaker by the second’
‘YOU... CANNOT... DEFEAT... ME!’ she spluttered, sending smaller waves of magic up her main beam.
These waves pushed the meeting point further and further towards Bowdler, until their magic only met just above the remnants of his horn. The strain was unbearable. Floods of sweat, blood and tears streamed down his face. There was a loud ‘ping’ and everything went white for a moment, but not before the whole beam of magic connecting the two ponies exploded, sending them flying across the room. Bowdler smashed into a wall and landed in a crumpled heap on top of some gryphon bones. When his vision returned to him, he could see that Soul Feeder was out cold. He propped himself up against the wall and picked up his blades with his magic. He practically fell forwards towards her still form.
‘It’s over, you end here.’ he said, raising his swords.
‘NOPE!’ she suddenly screeched, her flail appearing and smacking him straight in the legs, knocking him to the floor. This time, he didn’t try to get up. He knew it was over with. He was on his last legs and this pony seemed to be just as strong as when they’d started. He closed his eyes for what he believed would be the final time.
‘I knew you’d come to your senses Bowdler. Now, I offer you a choice.’ she said, soothingly, ‘Join me, become King of the second afterlife, or die here and now’
He smirked, ‘Why is it that insane evil beings always offer me power?’
‘Foal. It’s a pity you have to die, you could have done so well.’ she leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Say goodbye to your precious little life.’ She raised her flail above her head but suddenly stopped when a loud crashing noise stunned her. ‘What in the hay was that?’
‘Did you miss me you crazy bitch!’ came Bluewing’s voice from deep in the cave.
‘OH GOOD! IT’S YOU!’ she practically squealed with delight, ‘THIS DAY JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER! You wait here Bowdler, I’ll dispatch of you later.’ Before she could go anywhere, Bluewing and Dasher soared into the room, weapons unsheathed. ‘BOTH OF YOU!? Two against one is hardly fair, you should probably go get a couple more to help you!’
She cackled at her own joke and began to fire lightning bolts at the two pegasi, who were flying around the room as fast as they could. Dasher was the first to go down, his armour conducting the magic lightning like a dream. He fell to the floor and threw off the armour, which enchanted straps had frayed and snapped, it was charged with unimaginable amounts of electricity anyway so it wasn’t that much of a loss. He felt a little odd fighting without his armour, but he’d have to cope with it.
‘Still not any better a tactician are we Soul Feeder?’ he taunted, spinning his shortsword around.
‘STILL NOT ANY BETTER AT SHUTTING UP AND DYING ARE WE YOU FOAL!?’ she practically threw her flail at his head, which he dodged with ease. He sprinted right up to her and carved a gash right up her neck, which immediately filled it. ‘You’re an idiot, aren’t you? This is MY REALM! YOU CANNOT KILL ME HERE!’
‘I think I’m doing a pretty good job of trying!’ he shouted at her as Bluewing’s axe embedded itself in the back of her head.
‘HEY! WATCH IT!’ she screeched, ‘THAT REALLY HURT!’
‘Not as much as this will you bitch’ came Bowdler’s voice from the floor. She was suddenly showered with fireballs and lightning bolts and began screaming in agony. She collapsed to the floor and Bluewing yanked his axe out of her head.
‘Well that’s just fine then isn’t it?’ he muttered, spitting on Soul Feeder’s apparently lifeless body.
‘I’d say we’d accomplished this mission’ agreed Dasher, ‘let’s get back to the real world. Bowdler, are you OK to walk?’
He got up, deep gashes covering his face and body.
‘Yeah, I’m ABSOLUTELY fine and haven’t just used all my energy in a one on one duel with a damn powerful alicorn AT ALL! Of COURSE I can walk back.’
‘Oh, good. Come along then’
Bowdler groaned.
‘Guys, I’ll catch up with you in a second,’ muttered Bluewing, ‘I’ve just got to check up on something...’
Dasher nodded and walked back towards the entrance of the cave, which he and Bluewing had knocked a gaping hole through, Bowdler followed. He stood on the gold pad on the plateau.
‘This is a portal, I know where it goes. Wait for Bluewing and meet me on the other side, OK?’
He nodded and Dasher walked through the portal which appeared when he stepped on the middle section.
A few minutes after he had gone, Bluewing emerged from the cave, his face streaked with tears. ‘Bluewing are you alright?’ Bowdler asked, worriedly.
‘Yeah, I’m fine. Do you realise happiness can make you cry?’ he replied, sniffing a bit.
‘Hm...’ he started, but decided not to go into detail with it, ‘C’mon, Dasher told us to meet him on the other side of the portal.’
‘Alright, let’s go’
They walked through it together.
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Axeblahblah
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1544
| 20 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
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We stand together
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The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-11-30T19:24:57+00:00
| 675 |
(Writer's note: DO NOT translate the elder prophecy unless you want the biggest spoiler in the history of ponykind)
They emerged from the portal just outside the Everfree forest. Dasher was waiting for them.
‘We’ve got to get a mission report back to the Princess A.S.A.P’
‘You go ahead Dasher, you’re the fastest flyer’ replied Bowdler, sounding exhausted.
He looked smug for a second then flew off towards Canterlot, getting tackle hugged by what appeared to be a small rainbow just before he became to small to see.
Bluewing chuckled.
‘That’ll be Rainbowdash’ he sighed, ‘Which reminds me, Bowdler, would you mind coming to see Pinkie Pie with me?’
‘I wouldn’t, but it might annoy Dasher a bit.’
‘I’m sure he’ll understand’
‘I don’t see why not then, let’s go!’
They began to walk down towards Ponyville.
~
‘Say, Bluewing?’ asked Bowdler, just as the two ponies got into Ponyville, ‘What exactly were you doing back there, in the cave?’
He choked back some tears and replied, ‘My mom, dad and brother were all murdered by that bitch of an alicorn. They live in the afterlife now... I... I promised I’d visit them, last time I saw them...’ a single tear ran down his cheek, ‘I just wish they were still here...’ He looked down at the ground.
‘Hey, don’t worry bro. You’ll be OK...’ said Bowdler, nudging his shoulder with his hoof and regretting bringing up the subject in the first place.
‘I s’pose I will... But they won’t... They’ll always be dead’
‘Not if you don’t let them die. They will always live in your heart.’
‘Luna, Bowdler, I didn’t know you were into that sort of mushy philosophy’
‘It helps’ he replied, shrugging. They both laughed as they arrived at sugar cube corner. Mrs Cake was standing at the counter.
‘How can I help you colts?’ she asked, politely.
‘Jubilee, it’s Bluewing. Do I have to tell you this every time I come here?’ he replied, sounding a little irked.
‘Oh yes, I do recognise your face now. Pinkie Pie is in her room.’ She waved a hoof over to the stairwell. ‘You three take care now won’t you?’
‘We’ll try’ they said as they walked up the stairs.
~
There were several loud crashes and generally random noises emanating from Pinkie Pie’s room, but Bluewing just ignored them and knocked on the door. It immediately swung open and Pinkie burst out, surrounded by streamers.
‘Hey! Bluey! Long time no see!’ she squealed with delight and threw her arms around him.
‘Hello Pinkie!’ he chuckled, ‘How’re you?’
‘I’m just fi-’ she began, but stopped and narrowed her eyes, ‘Bluey! You’ve been crying!’ she cried, burying her face into his neck, ‘What’s wrong? Oh please tell me nothing’s wrong!’
‘Oh, come here Pinkie!’ he said, smiling widely and hugging her tightly.
‘Oh, I’m so glad you’re alright Bluey. And Hey! You’ve brought my favourite Alicorn, Bowdler!’ she chirped, bouncing over to hug him too.
‘Hi Pinkie-!’ was all he managed to get out before she started squeezing the life out of him.
She giggled.
‘Oh, it’s so great to have you two here! I should throw a party! Yes! A party! To celebrate... What have you guys been doing over the past week?’
‘The usual,’ replied Bluewing causally, ‘Fighting evil’
‘An evil fighting party! Yay! Wait, you’ve been fighting evil without me? Aw... I really enjoyed it last time!’
‘Pinkie you went completely mad’
‘I know right!? So did you that one time and you didn’t seem to mind!’
‘Pinkie, we went to the afterlife.’
She gasped.
‘The afterlife?! I thought I’d told you never to go to that place again just in case you see that meanie Soul Feeder!’
‘Well, I did and we did. She won’t bother us any time soon’
‘You fought the meanie!?’ she gasped again, ‘Why didn’t you bring me!? You know I’d have loved it!’
‘Because, like you said, it’s dangerous. Bowdler nearly died!’
‘Bowdler nearly died!?’ she squealed, grabbing him all of a sudden and squeezing him until he could hardly breath.
‘Pinkie... Let... Go... Or you’ll... end up... killing me...’
She let go and giggled. ‘But seriously you guys! Take me with you next time! Please?’ She stared into Bluewing’s eyes, the size of hers seeming to grow tenfold.
‘I’ll try, Pinkie. But I can’t make any promises’
‘Oh thank you!’ she grabbed him again and squeezed him tightly. ‘But yeah! About that party!’
‘Sorry Pinkie, but we’ve got other things we need to do at the moment.’
‘Aw... Okay then...’ she said, looking devastated.
‘We just thought we’d pass by and say hello, that’s all’ She leant forwards and planted a kiss on Bluewing’s forehead. ‘I love you Bluey. Never forget that, ok?’
He went bright red.
‘O-Okay...’
‘Okay then! Bye! Thanks for coming over!’
‘ Any time Pinkie!’
The two ponies walked back down the stairs.
‘Heh, you learn something new every day’ chuckled Bowdler.
‘What?’
‘Nothing’
~
When Bowdler and Bluewing reached the castle it had become dark. They assumed it was ok because nopony was panicking, even though there were no clocks around. Even so, it made them feel a little nervous.
When they arrived at the throne room, it appeared to be a lot busier than usual. There were pony generals all over the place arguing for a reason that could not be distinguished through the babble. Dasher was nowhere to be seen. Princess Celestia saw them enter and beckoned them over to her throne, where she sat with Luna and a brown pony wearing a beret.
‘Bowdler, Bluewing! Lovely to see you,’ she called cheerfully, seeming oblivious to the militaristic planning all around her, ‘Dasher’s already been here, I’ve sent him off to your next assignment. Good job fighting Soul Feeder, Bowdler, now you’re the third pony to have killed her.’
‘Wait, she’d died before I killed her?’ interrupted Bluewing, sounding disappointed.
‘Why did you think she was in the Afterlife you silly filly? She was originally the ruler of Equestria, called it ‘the second Afterlife’, before myself and Luna’s parents overthrew her...’ she stopped suddenly, remembering her parents.
The brown pony coughed to attract attention to himself.
‘Greetings lads!’ he shouted, in a way which seemed like a slightly more casual Dasher, ‘I’m Sergeant Jameson, newest officer of the Equestrian Military. Which is why you don’t know me, captain’ he continued, nodding to Bluewing, ‘Her royal highness the Princess has brought me up here to have the honour of sitting with her and her sister to discuss tactics for the fight in Appaloosa-’
‘THERE’S A FIGHT IN APPALOOSA!?’ yelled Bowdler, knowing who would be participating in it.
‘Yes... How long have you been away?’
‘Not more than half a day!’
‘The fight there started a week ago, it’s been stalemate for all this time. Most of the dragons are refusing to leave Ponyville to help, they say it has some sort of value in the ‘elder prophecy’. It’s all a load of bull I tell you! Nothing more than an old Dragon’s tale!’
‘Wait... What?’
‘Time passes a lot faster in the Afterlife, Bowdler’ said Princess Celestia, ‘That’s why so much has happened since you’ve been gone.’
‘And what’s this Prophecy?’ he asked, trying his hardest not to sound completely clueless.
A deep voice rang around the room, ‘persvek wer darkest tairais mobi rinov geou qe, vi seian geou lleisgar, wux shio nishka ocuir. ihk jaci geou ti qe ir di wux, shar vi mablik mrith vi kornari batobot ui vis. jacida boja geou qe unknown ekess wer treskri, shar vucot batobot jacida ominak ui ir batobot geou agantal qe nymuera. wer papref geou qe naktada untouched ini malsvir sjek wux nakta jacion takh korja mrith wer town batobot jaci naktaic persvek. wer mablik kitril di malsvir geou shartleg ekess qe wer jennuilti irlym di wer iri svaust vehafora jacida undying adon. wer darastrixi geou lleisgar vur throden geou loreat, shar agantal clax kornari persvek wer ir svaust gethrisjic ini wer ominak di vaex dler.’
‘Hello Rok’thalon!’ said Luna, waving at the golden pony stood in the doorway.
‘A very interesting prophecy indeed.’ muttered Celestia, nodding, ‘But even I cannot understand such advanced Draconic. Would you mind translating?’
‘The elder prophecy must never be translated into a mortal tongue!’ he shouted defiantly, ‘It would be an insult to the Dragonkin of old!’
‘Alright then, settle down. I think we got the jist of it, didn’t we?’ she replied, turning to look at Bowdler and Bluewing, who nodded uncertainly.
‘But yes... Your new mission is to escort Rok’Thalon to Appaloosa to help with the fighting. Dasher will be waiting for you.’
‘hefoc si nafl rigluin vin escort, wanotreyxkaiv...’
‘Of course you do. Run along you three! Wouldn’t want to lose a town now, would we?’
The three ‘ponies’ nodded and left the room.
~
Rok’thalon had transformed back into as soon as he had enough room. ‘Do you wish for me to communicate with you in the mortal language? Or may I speak in my own tongue?’
‘If you want us to understand you, you’d be better off speaking Equestrian. But feel free to speak Draconic if you want.’ replied Bluewing, who was getting a little tired of not being able to understand his dragon companions, ‘but honestly, I don’t recommend travelling as a dragon. You’ll be a little...’ he searched for a way to put his size lightly, ‘Noticeable?’
‘si shilta fend ihk sio, mablik. riluoh, si ocuir dout logic.’ he replied and slowly transformed back into a pony, seeming somehow reluctant to lose his magnificent horns. ‘tikil desta?’
‘Okay then, no idea what you’ve just said, but let’s go!’
The three of them took off and began to fly towards the desert. The Equestrian night is a hard time to fly, especially with the amount of cloud cover that had gathered when most of the pegasi were drafted into the military, so their travel was going to be extremely dangerous.
‘Bowdler!’ shouted Bluewing, ‘Make sure to keep an eye out for Desert Mortrexi! They’re a bit aggressive at this time of night!’
As if to punctuate this comment, a high pitched screeched caused the sand below them to ripple as they flew overhead.
‘kwi petranas. dronilnr astahi shafaer.’ snorted Rok’thalon, spitting a few embers towards the ground. An enormous, worm-like creature with a mouth brimming with teeth burst from the ground and let out a bone chilling screech.
‘batobot ui throdenilt hefoc coi!’ he yelled as he dived towards the thing, trying to engage it in hoof to claw combat.
‘Rok’thalon! What’re you doing!?’
‘ultrinninanir!’ He plowed into the side of the beast and ripped right through it, causing it to spurt orange body fluids into the air. It flailed around and snapped at him, but it was too slow to catch the king of the dragons.
‘kruth, si oontanx zaja di nomeno vargach’ He opened his mouth and breathed bright green fire onto the head of the beast, which screamed in agony and fell to the floor, the top half of it’s skeleton showing and blackened.
‘Rok’thalon! There was no need for that!’ Bluewing scolded as the Dragon king flew up beside them again.
‘There is always a need to kill Mortrexi scum, they think they’re so great with their big worm faces. But they’re not, they just dig around in the desert giving no contribution to any form of society-’ Rok’thalon began to rant in better Equestrian than he’d ever been able to manage before. However, the other two ponies got bored before he’d even started and began to fly towards Appaloosa again.
~
They heard the sounds of fighting from Appaloosa before it even came into sight. The screams of ponies, aliens and the occasional Dragon echoed through the eerie silence of the night.
‘yth tepohada desta qe temep,’ said Rok’thalon, ‘yth tir ti tuor ekess itrewic mobi vur tepoha ehis ekess svent, tir yth?’
‘Rok’thalon, I have no idea what you’re talking about!’ replied Bowdler, who had finally lost his temper with the babbling dragon.
‘GO FASTER. NEED TO KILL THINGS!’ he shouted at him in a brutish manner. They sped over the sand dunes until the valley where the town was situated came into view.
It was chaos. Towering aliens, as big as some of the dragons, were locked in intensive combat with the dragons themselves whilst ponies wrestled and hacked at the smaller creatures.
The tank aliens were tearing through the pony lines, annihilating anything which got in their way. Buffalo smashed into these tanks and tried to stop them, failing the majority of the time.
The ground was littered with corpses.
They did their best to ignore the fighting and dived down to Appaloosa town hall, where they could clearly see Sheriff Silver Star, his assistant Braeburn and Amelinda the Bronze dragon.
‘Rok’thalon, Bluewing, Bowdler!’ she almost cheered, ‘you could not have arrived at a better time!’
‘renthisj Vs'shtak, geou wux myvish?’
‘No Rok, those times have passed. I must speak as the residents of the land where I live speak’
‘suit doutan’
The two “ponies” embraced each other.
‘Bowdler, Bluewing,’ said Silver Star, ‘I need the two of you to help me with something’
‘Yes? What is it?’
‘Well... Just come in here’ he gestured for them to leave Amelinda, Rok’thalon and Braeburn to walk into the town hall. Inside were a group of ponies, looking off colour and shaking madly. Dasher was sat beside them.
‘Bluewing! Bowdler! Am I glad to see you!’ he said, sounding worried, ‘I need some help with these guys.’
‘Dasher found these ponies on the furthest south point of the gorge,’ said the Sheriff, ‘They were surrounded by aliens and had laid down their weapons, prepared to die. He saved them and now they’re nervous wrecks.’
‘It stared... Right into my soul...’ spluttered a yellow one with strange looking armour on his wings, which seemed to flash in and out of existence. He noticed that Bowdler had seen this and twitched his eye. ‘They’re not really there, it’s the drink bro. It gives you wings.’
He grinned maniacally and began to hit one of his legs, which had begun to spasm.
‘What have these guys been through?’ he asked.
Dasher shrugged, ‘I’d hate to know.’
|
Axeblahblah
|
1544
| 21 |
Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,Romance,Tragedy
|
We stand together
|
The fanfic series containing Bowdler the Alicorn and his friends.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 5 |
<p>Bowdler is an Alicorn who has woken up in a bed in the Canterlot hospital wing, he remembers nothing before now and is thoroughly confused. However, there is no time for pondering as he is thrown into an action packed adventure through various and unexplored lands, defending against an alien threat. He finds love, he finds friendship and he finds clues to his past. But there are questions that remain unanswered. This however, is not his number one priority…<br /><br />Current OCs 16/10/2011:<br />Bowdler : Axeblahblah<br />Dallas : Hiroshu<br />Lt.Dasher : Lt.Dasher/D3vieh<br />Bluewing : Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Cultist Voigan : Random OC<br />Cultist Glosin : Random OC<br />Overlord Dark Spectre : Random OC<br />Soul Feeder : By Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br /><br /><br />Co written by Lt. Dasher and Salty the Super Soviet Sea Hobo<br />Dedicated to Hiroshu, a good friend and a true brother<br /><br /><br />(Teen: Foul language and some scenes of gore)</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-01-07T21:25:35+00:00
| 459 |
‘Engineer you ass!’ the grey pony shouted, ‘You’ve only gone and eaten the last damn Orchid!’
‘What?’ Engineer replied, grinning, ‘Those things are tasty!’
‘They’re for all of us Engie!’ groaned Lincoln, ‘I’m starving over here!’
‘You don’t need food Lincoln! You’re a unicorn, magic up some cake or something!’
‘You really think I’m powerful enough to do that? Flattered, I’m sure’
‘You two! Stop arguing!’ interrupted the grey one, ‘Engineer, since you ate the Orchids you can go to the pond to get some more and Lincoln, since you’re so keen to have a chat you can join him!’
‘Captain Suffolk, I don’t really think this is a good idea...’
‘Was that backchat?’
‘No sir...’
‘I’d jolly well hope not! Run along you two!’.
After they’d left, Bognor gave him a nudge,
‘You’re still a bit of an asshole Capp’n, just to tell you. Slacken off a bit’
‘Shut up Sergeant...’ he muttered.
There was a loud crash from quite a distance away. The orange pony named Sunshine, latched himself onto Bognor like some sort of limpet.
‘Wha- Wha- What was that!?’ he whimpered.
‘How the hay should I know?’ replied Suffolk, even though he knew that the question wasn’t aimed at him, ‘I say we go and check it out!’
Sunshine tightened his grip on Bognor.
‘Get off me ya big wuss!’ he joked and kicked him lightly, ‘Rotherham, can you tell where that came from?’
‘What am I, omniscient?’ replied the blue earth pony, ‘It sounded like it was somewhere to the south’
‘Alright then!’ shouted Lincoln, ‘let’s go!’ he began to walk off but Sunshine kept him back with his magic.
‘Sh- Shouldn’t we wait for Engie and Lincoln to get back? They- They’re our best fighters...’
‘Are you kidding me? We’re not gonna need fighters, it’s probably just a rockfall or something!’
‘But- but...’ he whined and put his head to the ground, whining quietly.
‘You know, he could have a point boss.’ chipped in Rotherham, who wanted to stand up for his friend, ‘You’ve heard about the alien attack on Ponyville, who knows how they got there?’
‘What, are you joining the sissy club now, Rotherham? I thought you were tougher than that!’
‘You know, “toughness” won’t really help you if you get mobbed by aliens...’
‘Shut up Rotherham. That’s an order!’
‘Yes sir’ he muttered and glared at the floor.
‘So are you coming or what?’
‘Go if you want to, we’re waiting for Engineer and Lincoln.’ replied Manchester, a brownish earth pony with striking red hair.
‘Well I’m not going on my own. I’ll wait here with you cowardly lot!’ he shouted, which caused Rotherham to smirk.
Nothing of interest happened whilst they were waiting for the two ponies but when they did finally arrive with the orchids, they were told to drop them where they were and move south with the rest of the squad.
‘Drop them?’ exclaimed Engineer, ‘Why not just eat them?’
‘Because we don’t have the time! We’ve already wasted enough waiting for you two to get back!’ replied Suffolk, just as Engineer shoved the entire stack of orchids into his mouth.
‘Mmph?’ he asked. All the rest of the squad snorted with laughter but Suffolk just stood there and fumed.
‘Damn it Engineer, you’ve disobeyed a direct order! I should have you deranked!’
‘And by my right as Sergeant I say you can’t derank him. That was bloody hilarious!’ chuckled Bognor.
Suffolk spat on the floor.
‘Let’s just get this over with’.
The seven ponies began to move south through the valley, towards where the sound had came from. There was no chance of ambush, as it was just flat desert and badlands, the most cover any attacker would have was a few small rocks. They eventually arrived at the southernmost point of the valley, to see that a huge rockfall had happened. ‘Well that’ll be it then!’ stated Suffolk, somewhat proudly,
‘Just a rockfall. Nothing to worry about.’
‘Well yeah,’ replied Lincoln, ‘If you don’t count a big chunk taken out of the top of the valley which just happens to be an exact cylindrical shape which points towards a place which we didn’t really look at on our way here as nothing to worry about.’
‘Uh...’ he started, ‘I knew that. I was just testing you. Come on everypony, there’s no time to waste!’
He began to walk away.
‘The direction of the hole would suggest whatever it was was over there, captain.’ Lincoln shouted after him, pointing towards the opposite direction that he was walking.
‘I knew that too!’ he yelled, suddenly changing direction, ‘Very observant today Lincoln, well done!’.
Engineer covered his face with his hoof.
‘Who put that hopeless asshole in charge?’
‘Princess Celestia, apparently’ replied Rotherham as he started to follow Suffolk.
‘Do we really have to?’ asked Sunshine, weakly.
‘Afraid so’ replied Manchester, ‘I’d hate to see what’d happen if we didn’t and it turned out to be some of those aliens.’
‘I’d hate so see what happens if we do and it turns out to be some of those aliens...’
They walked around for a while but could find nothing and by this time it was getting dark.
‘Strange...’ mused Bognor, ‘it seems a little early to be getting dark...’
‘We’re getting later on in the year,’ said Suffolk, ‘It’s getting darker earlier, nothing to be worried about!’
‘B- But... Isn’t this what happened in P- Ponyville?’ squeaked Sunshine, ‘It got dark early and then... and then...’ He let out a small squeal.
‘Ah, don’t be a baby! It’s just a little darkness, what’re you afraid of it?’
A noise similar to the scraping of hooves on a blackboard came from behind him. They could just figure out some basic language.
‘He’s not... But... you should... be...’ Suffolk whirled around to see a large, bug-like creature staring him down. It raised one of it’s pointed talons. ‘Krrcktt, Thsssh!’
It’s claw swung down, but Suffolk barrel rolled out of the way just in time.
‘WHAT THE FUCK!?’ he screamed as he drew his axes. All of the other members of the squad pulled out their weapons too. The creature stared at them, hatred burning in it’s eyes.
‘You... should... surren... surrend... give up...’ it clicked, ‘we... are more... than you...’
Other aliens came out of the shadows and bared their fangs menacingly at the group of ponies. The squad of ponies moved into position surrounding Sunshine, who was the medic.
‘Attack as one on my mark!’ yelled Suffolk, raising his axes above his head. ‘MARK!’
The six ponies (bar Sunshine) charged forward and plunged their weapons into the nearest creature.
‘We... warned... you...’ the lead creature spluttered.
Swarms of the bug-like things climbed out from behind boulders. The squad gathered again.
‘We’re way outnumbered, how’re we gonna pull this off?’ shouted Manchester, throwing his spear at one of the creatures and pulling out his sword.
‘The same way we do everything else!’ replied Engineer, ‘Together!’
He charged forwards and began hacking at a cluster of the things that were attacking. He decapitated one and stabbed another right through the top of it’s skull.
‘Come on then!’ he yelled, ‘Get some!’
He impaled a creature directly through what appeared to be it’s chest and was soaked with green blood. The other members of the squad had joined in with the butchery.
The invaders would have no chance against their finely tuned and elite fighting skills, but whenever they killed one, three more always seemed to take it’s place.
‘Suffolk! Me and Engineer are going to use the RB cans!’ Lincoln yelled over the screeches of the aliens.
‘What? Are you crazy? They’ve not been tested!’
‘But if they work, we can attack from the air!’
‘What about us!?’ shouted Rotherham and Manchester, also meaning Sunshine, who was too shy to speak up and was busy hiding behind a boulder waiting for somepony to get injured so he could heal them.
‘We’ve not got enough for everypony! Engineer’s an amazing fighter and it’d basically make me an alicorn!’
‘Fine! Go on then!’ Suffolk threw them two silver cans of liquid, which they downed.
The air around their backs flickered and robotic wings appeared out of nowhere. The two of them took off, along with Bognor and Suffolk, and began to kill the monsters from above.
‘This is easy! I don’t know how they had so much trouble in ponyville!’ chirped Bognor as he drove his longsword into the top of a creature’s head.
‘Ah.’ replied Engineer, seeing something burst from the ground, ‘It could be because of that thing.’
A vast, snake-like creature had erupted from the sand, with it’s claws flailing like mad things.
‘This doesn’t look like it’s going to turn out well...’ muttered Rotherham, just as another two of the abominations appeared,
‘Well, we may as well try, hadn’t we?’ The squad ran back into combat.
|
DigitDaemon
|
1545
| 1 |
Adventure,Romance,Sad
|
Dream Scape
|
A tale of the healing of a heart and the search for the greatest story.
|
hiatus
| 16 | 7 |
<p>After losing his girlfriend in a storm the story teller Dream scape busy hmself with the search for great new stories. But when he meets a fellow "show" pony the darkness of his past begins to bubble up again. Will he be able to get control of his emotions before they take control of him.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-02-07T21:04:23+00:00
| 649 |
The crowd at Canterlot Theater was huge today. There were thousands of ponies that had come from all over Equestria to hear the story that Dream Scape had come to tell.
"Well I don’t think they'll have any problems paying for the show," Princess Luna stated as she turned to her sister.
"Certainly, and I believe the story they tell will be quite worth the bits they will receive," Celestia answered.
"And how about you, Moon Shade, are you excited?" she continued, turning to the gray pegasus filly seated to her left.
"I don't know. It won't be scary will it? Or sad? I don't like scariness." Moon Shade replied nervously.
"Well I wouldn't think it would be scary, though you may indeed find it sad to begin with," Celestia comforted.
Luna shushed them both, "Quiet, it's starting."
"Fillies and gentlecolts, please give a round of applause for Dream Scape," spoke the disembodied voice of the announcer.
There was a flash of smoke and from that smoke, a dark grey unicorn with a brown mane emerged; he strode across the stage confidently but not arrogantly.
"And the Great and Powerful Trixie."
Another flash revealed the blue show-mare, silhouetted by the backdrop of a colorful pyrotechnics display.
"Here to display, for your enjoyment, one of the greatest feats of magical storytelling ever performed."
With loud applause the lights dimmed and the two unicorns on stage began to channel magic through their horns; the crowd grew quiet as their thoughts turn to the dark planet they now saw before them. They spoke with practiced ease and grace. As the two performed together, the audience felt their hearts and mides molded by the story as they were pulled into the show; no longer were they watching Equestria on a stage, but the whole of it unfolded around them.
While Dream Scape told of the three kinds of ponies they saw pegasi flying above, earth ponies and unicorns galloping below. Trixie spoke of the development of technology and magic; the building of towns and cities, and the expansion of Ponydom.
Then the story took a turn towards its true purpose, a story of two sisters; one who raised the sun at day break, and the other who beckoned forth the night. However, the crowd could feel something was wrong. The tension built as Dream Scape explained a proposition made by upper-class ponies, one that would silence the night. They felt the younger sister's anger and the elder's sadness; and they felt fear as they saw the younger sister's dreadful transformation. There was excitement as the two sisters battled for supremacy; one to bring eternal night, the other to break the younger's curse. Concern shot through them when the older sister was not able to fully wield the Elements of Harmony, for she had lost her best friend and sister. They witnessed the care with which the younger sister was sealed in the moon.
The older sister foresaw that in a thousand year six, would come with the power to break the shell of anger and hatetred. The crowd experienced the love and kindness that the older sister used to construct a magic lock, and the emptiness she felt as she waited.
But the story was not yet over; The audience saw six ponies meet in a small town, and watched the bonds of friendship grow beetween them. They felt a thrill as those friends used their bonds to defeat a mighty foe and the sister's curse. Lastly they felt satisfied as the two sisters were reunited.
The applause rang throughout the theater and roses fell to the stage. The two performers bowed before disappearing back off stage.
"Wow! That was amazing!" Moon Shade squealed as she buzzed around the box.
"It was quite grand," Luna replied, amazed as well, however more reserved.
"It certainly was," Celestia finished, looking quite pleased.
"Can we see it again?!" Moon Shade asked with enthusiasm.
Amused, Celestia answered, "Probably not that one, but if you asked, him he might tell us another."
With that, the three of them headed out of their box towards backstage. When they arrived, they were quickly ushered into Dream Scape's dressing room. It was rather barren except for a dresser at one end with a chair, and a few cushions on the floor. On his dresser were a couple of photos, one with of a group of six mares, and the other was a picture of him and Trixie on stage. When Scape saw his guests he bowed deeply to both princesses and gave the pegasus filly a warm smile.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked humbly.
"This little filly would like to ask you a question." Celestia answered smiling.
"Well, I was wondering if you could tell me another story?" Moon Shade asked enthusiastically.
"Of course. Anything in particular?" Dream Scape inquired.
"Anything you want to tell is fine," Luna replied.
"How about a story I Have never told on stage, kind of like a secret?" he said mysteriously, turning back to Moon Shade.
"That sounds great," she bounced.
"Please take a seat," he said motioning towards the cushions on the floor, "This may take a while..."
~~~~~
Authors Notes: Sorry to anyone who has been trying to view my story and has not been able to because it was not up. Secondly to anyone reading the new prologue that had read the previous one, I have only changed the beginning, the story will remain the same.
Also:
Moon Shade is not directly related to either of the princesses, also they are simple the audience, though Moon Shade will star in the sequel.
Addendum:Many thanks to Snivler Spawn for correcting the gramar and spelling on this.
|
DigitDaemon
|
1545
| 2 |
Adventure,Romance,Sad
|
Dream Scape
|
A tale of the healing of a heart and the search for the greatest story.
|
hiatus
| 16 | 7 |
<p>After losing his girlfriend in a storm the story teller Dream scape busy hmself with the search for great new stories. But when he meets a fellow "show" pony the darkness of his past begins to bubble up again. Will he be able to get control of his emotions before they take control of him.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-02-07T21:51:07+00:00
| 766 |
Dream Scape grew up in a town just East of Canterlot. It wasn't big by any means but it certainly wasn't anything to laugh at. It had a nice market square at one end and then houses on the other. the town hall was small but it served its purpose. The school was on the western side of town, the buildings themselves were not much to look at but the teachers cared for there students and the principal had a knack for stopping trouble before it started. However, one day the school was looking for a way to show off the talents of there students. The student council voted that a play would be a great way to involve the community in the schools effort.Dream Scape was not eager to perform in it, and opted out of performing. Out of his entire 10th grade class (which wasn't exactly big), he would be the only one without a part. However he did keep himself busy helping his childhood friend Night Shade, who would be narrating, practice her part. Though he wish to not participate, it would be at this play that he found his gift for story telling.
"I am sorry Dream Scape, but if you don't fill in for Night shade, we won't be able to put on the performence," his teacher was explaining.
"But Night Shade has been practicing for so long, I couldn't possibly take this from her," Scape replied.
"You wont be taking it away from her. She is sick, so she can't do it anyways. Plus you've been helping her practice, so even if you dont know the lines, you still should know how to say them."
"But...I'm kinda scared, what if they don't like it?" he asked worried.
"I'm sure you will do fine, they will love you," she said reassuringly.
"...okay" he replied defeated.
Dream Scape picked up his script and shuffled onto the stage. Looking into the crowd he saw his parents and his aunt. his relative smiled with the happy surprise of seeing him on stage. Dream Scape composed himself and began to read. As he continued his narration the memories of Night Shades practice with him came back. He dropped the script, he didn't need it. The story flowed out of him, but this wasn't for him. If Night Shade couldn't do this because she was sick he would, and he would make her proud. His horn lit up and he could feel the audiences emotions and he felt he could effect them, change them, and mold them to his story.
At the end of the play while back stage Night Shade came up to him.
"Thank you," she said in a raspy voice, "I couldn't have done it better myself."
"Oh I'm sure you could have, I was Just-" his reply was cut off by a short kiss from Night Shade.
Dream Scape and Night Shade were very close at the time and would grow closer, but he never forgot that kiss. It left him sick for a week after.
Dream Scape went to college in Canterlote, mastering in literature. He had a nice apartment there. Night Shade got a job in advertising at a near by company and lived with a friend of hers. They would spend a good portion of there free time together, discussing school and there work. They spent many an evening contemplating their future together, and one day Dream Scape felt it was time to ask the question. So, he invited her over for dinner where he had prepared to surprise her. However, that afternoon a storm had blown in from the forest, and was reeking havoc on Canterlot. But feeling that that night was special Night Shade left for his apartment anyways. However it was not her day something happened during the storm. Night Shade was never heard from again. All they ever found was her saddle bag, and a single feather. A feather the perfect shade of black, black as Night.
Dream Scape was devastated he spent almost two months in his room leaving only to get food and submit articles to the Daily Inquirer, his job at the time. It wasn't until the Summer Sun Celebration that he looked back to story telling. Watching the princesses raise the sun seemed to relight the spark of creativity in him. He began to tell stories at the small theaters and it was on stage one night that he remembered a promise he had made to Night Shade. That he would tell the greatest story and make her proud. After finishing his degree; he set out on a journey that would take him all around Equestria, in search of a story that would be worth telling for generations to come.
He started in the big cities and moved out from there. Dream Scape searched every library, newspaper, magazine, and book for his story. He interviewed countless ponies, and though the stories he learned from them got him enough donations to continue his search. He wasn't able to find that story that would be told for centuries. Little did he know that this stories uncovering was not a matter of hard searching but one of time, and that time was closing in.
~~~~~
Author's Notes:
Well here is my injected chapter although I suppose this is what the prologue was originally, but anyways enjoy. Comments and critiques are welcome as always. I am after all still building my creative writing skills. also chapter two will be going up simultaneously as it was completed before this chapter was. So if this chapter is better than the next one that's why.
|
DigitDaemon
|
1545
| 3 |
Adventure,Romance,Sad
|
Dream Scape
|
A tale of the healing of a heart and the search for the greatest story.
|
hiatus
| 16 | 7 |
<p>After losing his girlfriend in a storm the story teller Dream scape busy hmself with the search for great new stories. But when he meets a fellow "show" pony the darkness of his past begins to bubble up again. Will he be able to get control of his emotions before they take control of him.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-02-07T21:57:20+00:00
| 777 |
Dream Scape carried himself with an air of confidence and friendliness and acted with wisdom that was well beyond his years. However in conversation there were points where his speech would trail off and his eyes would grow cold, as if some shadow passed over his mind. Despite this he managed to pass off as a cheerful if not soft spoken pony. Of course his Attitude on stage was much more powerful, and presence.
He was amazed by the rustic beauty of the town he had just walked into. Ponyville was to be the location of this year’s summer sun celebration, and he had not missed one yet. They always made for great stories when he was performing for a small crowd. His “dream” magic required a lot of energy; not only from himself but from the audience’s enthusiasm. Not to say that a small crowd is not enthusiastic, but it’s just not enough ponies to make his dream magic effective. For just that reason, Scape kept a sort of mental library of small stories to tell. Times when his “Epics” would be lost without his magic.
As Dream Scape walked through the market, he realized he had not eaten since he left from Manehattan yesterday. At the end of the street he saw a rather ostentatious cake-shaped bakery. “Well, who am I to judge?” he mused.
“If this isn’t a place to eat then I must be a tree,” he said.
“You’re a tree?!” squealed a very energetic pink pony, who seemingly popped out of nowhere.
“Actually, I was just kinda making a bad joke,” Scape chuckled.
“Oh,ThatmakessensebecauseifyouwereatreethanyoudhaveleavesandWAITDidyousayjokejokesarefunandPinkiePieloves, WHOA!” She was cut short as Scape’s horn lit up, using his dream magic to fill her with a sense of awe.
Pinkie Pie shook herself out and turned back to Scape. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, you must be new here because I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville. We should have a PARTY!”
“Actually I’d just like some-“
“Some lunch! Hold on I’ll be right back,” and with that the pink pony sped away.
Dream Scape was about to make some comment when, just as fast as she had left, Pinkie was back.
“Here, have a cupcake, I just made them.”
“Thanks, how much do I owe you?”
"Nothing silly, how could I charge you for something I made just for you?”
The pony’s explanation had him completely baffled “Well then thank you, I think?”
“No problem. Say, do you want to come to a party tonight?”
“No thank you. I still need to-“
“Awww, come on it’ll be fun there’ll be cake and punch and games.”
“Well, I suppose it can’t hurt.”
“Great, come with me to the library so we can set up the surprise.”
“Wait, surprise?”
Scape spent the rest of the day helping drape streamers and set other party props. He met with many of Ponyville’s residents while setting up, and a few specific encounters stuck with him.
First there was the mare named Rainbow Dash, who as he was leaving to get ice, unceremoniously crashed into him.
“Heh heh heh, sorry bout that. Guess my balance is kinda off today.”
“It’s okay I’ve fallen off a few stages in my life. It doesn’t hurt much more than that,” Dream Scape replied.
“So you’re a performer?”
“More of a story-teller. My name's Dream Scape, Scape for short.”
I’m Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in Equestria. I was just practicing for the Wonderbolts, I’m gonna impress them at the celebration tomorrow.”
“The Wonderbolts, I did a show for them once.”
“Really! What are they like, aren’t they so-”
The door to the library opened and Pinkie Pie came hopping out.
“Ohmygosh! Got to go! Bye!” And with that, Rainbow was gone in a flash.
Dream Scape turned to Pinkie Pie, “What was that all about?”
“Oh, she’s just being Rainbow Dash.”
“I see. Well I’m gonna go get that ice.”
“Don’t worry. I already got it.”
"How? You didn’t leave the library..."
"There’s someone I want you to meet," Pinkie Pie replied, oblivious to Dream Scape's question.
"Sure, I guess."
"Great!"
When Scape got back in the library, it was exactly as it was when he had left. Except that there was now ice in the punch.
"So where is this friend of yours?" he asked
"Right there!" she pointed directly beneath one of the tables, as if it were an obvious place to look.
Dream Scape kneeled down and now saw the yellow pegasus hidden underneath the table.
"Hi, I’m Dream Scape. Who are you?"
"Oh...um...Im Fluttershy."
"Nice to meet you. What do you do around here?"
Fluttershy mumbled something and dragged her hoof across the floor.
"I’m sorry, I didn't hear that."
Fluttershy just looked at him and started to shake with nervousness.
"I just...said um...that I think I need to keep...practicingforthecelebration," and with that, she shot out the window, as if from a cannon.
"That's funny, I heard her birds sing. They sounded fine," Pinkie Pie muttered as if deep in thought. "Oh well. Guess we should finish up here. Twilight will be here in thirteen minutes, and forty two point three seconds," she looked a little embarrassed and giggled, "Roughly speaking of course."
"Well she must be a good friend if you’re going through all this trouble for her."
"Actually I just met her."
"Oh."
During the next thirteen minutes, basically everyone in Ponyville showed up to the library and packed in tight: making sure to keep the path from the door open. Pinkie turned out the lights and hushed them all. They could hear two ponies walking up, and then Fluttershy rushed in carrying a baby dragon. However, she was promptly pushed back out of the library by a purple unicorn.
"Rude much?" the Baby dragon asked sarcastically.
"Sorry Spike, but I just need a little time alone without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where's the light switch?"
"SUPRISE!!!" Pinkie Pie shouted as somepony flicked on the lights.
Scape didn't pay much attention to the rest of what happened, although he was going to introduce himself to the unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. However, she disappeared before he got the chance. He did introduce himself to the dragon named Spike, and got into a conversation with him about stories.
"That’s probably why she's upset, but really she needs to get out more and talk to people," Spike was finishing.
"I don't know, that whole Nightmare Moon thing sounds kinda dangerous, but it'd make one great story,"
"Yeah I guess it’s kinda scary, but the princess told her to not worry, so what could go wrong?"
"The Princess? As in Princess Celestia?"
"Yep, Twilight is the Princess's personal student."
"I’ll definitely have to meet her now. I bet she has some great stories."
Dream Scape noticed Spike's attention waning, and watched as his eyes wandered away. He turned to look at what Spike was staring at and saw a glamorous unicorn with a white coat and a purple mane.
"Who's she?" Scape asked the enamored baby dragon.
"Rarity, the most beautiful unicorn ever," Spike said as he seemed to drift away.
Scape chuckled as he watched, knowing it to be nothing but a childish crush. It was still pretty cute though.
"Yo, hiccup, Scape come on over," slurred Rainbow Dash from another table, interrupting his thoughts.
"How can I help you?" he asked as he walked over.
"Well me and, hiccup, Applejack were have'n a little competition bout who, hiccup, could stay sober longest but she thinks, hiccup, she's won," Rainbow Dash managed to squeeze out, despite her addled brain.
"I sure as sugar won! Look at you, ye'r not even fit to fly," The one named Applejack replied as sober as could be.
"Oh I could, hiccup, fly." Rainbow countered as she flopped indignantly onto the table and flapped her wings with out coordination.
"Well it’s nice to meet you Applejack, and I'm sure once Dash is conscious enough to walk she'll realize the victor," Dream Scape said to Applejack after levitating a now dozing Rainbow back into her chair.
"Well, it was nice to meet you too. If you ever have a spare moment, don’t hesitate to stop by our farm sometime. We got the best apples in…well shoot, probably anywhere."
"I'll be sure to drop by sometime." Scape replied, as he walked toward the buffet to get something to eat.
Dream Scape spent the rest of the night talking to various ponies, and telling stories. As the night wound down though, he couldn't shake a sense of impending dread.
"I hope that Spike is right, and that it is just an old mares-tale."
~~~~~
Author's Notes:
Once again thank you to Parakalo for proofreading this for me.
|
DigitDaemon
|
1545
| 4 |
Adventure,Romance,Sad
|
Dream Scape
|
A tale of the healing of a heart and the search for the greatest story.
|
hiatus
| 16 | 7 |
<p>After losing his girlfriend in a storm the story teller Dream scape busy hmself with the search for great new stories. But when he meets a fellow "show" pony the darkness of his past begins to bubble up again. Will he be able to get control of his emotions before they take control of him.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-02-23T02:17:17+00:00
| 664 |
During the hour or so between Pinkie Pie's party, and the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration, Dream Scape found himself wandering around the now closed market street. His creative mind was working on how he could describe The Mare in the Moon.
"What was her name again? Oh right Nightmare Moon."
Dream scape had now gone for almost two days without sleep and it was beginning to show.
"Well I suppose it's logical that she has a black coat, it is the color of the night sky after all. Perhaps her mane would shimmer like the Princes's, but instead of different colors it would be a star scape." The uninttend use of his name for a discription brought a slight chuckle from himself.
"Uhm, excuse me? who are you talking to?" asked a white and purple unicorn he racognized as Rarity.
"No one, I simply think better out loud sometimes, Especially when tired. Hello I'm Dream Scape, and your Rarity I presume?"
"Why yes I am, have you heard of me? I usally only design female clothing, but if you that interested I'm sure I could wip something up for you."
"No, its quite all right, your friend spike pointed you out at the party is all."
"Oh yes of course, he is such a cute little thing isn't he? Eeep, look at the time we should get over to the Town hall or I'll miss my part."
On there way over to town hall the met up with Applejack, Fluttershy, and a soaking wet Rainbow Dash.
"Oh hello girls. how has your night been?" Rarity asked, as the two groups joined at a crossroad.
"Just peachy, though more than a bit tired." Applejack replied.
"Well it would be great, if someone," Rainbow Dash shot Applejack an accusatory glance, "hadn't thrown me in the river."
"It was for ye'r own good, look at you, sober as a school filly now."
"I don't see what one has to do with the other." Rainbow Dash shot back.
"It sounds like you two enjoyed yourselves then." Dream Scape interjected.
"Absolutely! Tonight was awesome." Rainbow Dash answered enthusiastically.
"Sure as sugar did," Applejack replied, also rather enthusiastic.
"It was...nice," Fluttershy mumbled.
"So Fluttershy, I heard you take care of the animals around here." Dream Scape asked Fluttershy., breaking the silence that had fallen over the group.
"Oh yes. It's such a wonderful job, sometimes I just don't even know how to describe it." she replied excitedly.
"And your in charge of the music tonight?"
"Yes, its going to be..." Fluttershy seemed to notice her outgoingness and shrunk back behind Applejack,"nice."
After that the groups conversation fell away, and they were left walking in a comfortable silence till the reached the City hall. When they arrived the group went inside, Rarity headed up to the balcony and Fluttershy went over to tend to her birds. The hall was already pretty full, but Dream Scape, and Applejack managed to squeeze in. Scape looked into the crowd and found Twilight in the front of the audience.
"Well that would make sense, she is the princesses personal student after all." Dream Scape said to himself.
"What was that hun?" Applejack asked.
"It's nothing."
No sooner had he gotten settled when the mayor called, "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration." But what caught his attention was Twilight starring out the window at the moon.
Dream Scape looked up at the moon as well. "Shouldn't there be craters on the moon?" he thought to himself.
However Rarity shout of, "She's gone!" snapped his attention back to the stage. Which was, save for Rarity, very empty.
Although it didn't stay empty long though as the residence of Poniville watched in terror as a midnight black alicorn materialized before them. She was about the same build as Princes Celestia, but this ponies mane billowed more like smoke then as if in a breeze.
As the midnight black mare addressed the crowds, Scape was struck by how close he had gotten his prediction of Nightmare Moons appearance, though the mane was a little more purple than he would have thought. He shook himself out.
"This is no time to be thinking about my stories," he said to himself follow a face-hoofing.
However despite her evil nature Nightmare Moon managed to avoid the temptation of droning on towards her captive audience. She swiftly turned into a cloud of smoke, after finishing her short speech, and flew (if thats the word for floating smoke) out the door. A now sober Rainbow Dash chaised after, In fact he noticed all six of the ponies that had stuck in his memory had seemed to give chase.
"Well, I probably can be of more help here anyways." Dream scape said to himself as he headed over to the mayor.
"If we don't stop this panic. a lot more ponies will be hurt," the mayor was explain to some guards.
"Yes ma'am, but they're so afraid we can't seem to get control," one of the guards responded.
"If I'm not interrupting, I may have a solution," Dream Scape anounced as he walked up.
"What would hat be? From what I've heard your just a story-teller" the mayor asked incredulisly.
Dream Scape told them a tale of his own childhood. One day in 11th grade his class had a test. He had studied, but a very good friend of his, Night shade, had not. She was nervous, and Dream Scape wanted to calm her. As he searched his mind for something that would calm her he discovered he could feel her emotions, that he could connect with them (specifically her anxiety). So he drew it out, but he need somewhere to put those emotions, so he captured them within himself. After he had finished. he felt quite nervous himself, but also relatively accomplished. Later he would realize that he could transfer emotions between himself and other ponies and also change and manipulate them in some cases. Also if the conditions were right he could bounce emotions back and forth and amplify them like he does during a show. However emotions naturally grow from the environment that they're experienced in, such as a room full of terrified ponies.
"It sounds too dangerous," stated the Mayor.
"The only danger is to myself, and better one pony than the casualties this panic could cause," Scape countered.
"I suppose I can't stop you," the mayor conceded, "but do be careful."
"As careful as I can."
Dream Scape turned away, towards the crowd and closed his eyes. He felt their terror like the chill of ice, he called to it, beckoned it out of the crowd. As the they felt their panic rush away from them they could see a dark haze lift out of them and begin to swirl around them. Scape's magic gave them sight of there emotions. They could feel the air turn icy where the dark tendrils passed through. They saw Dream Scape struggle with his magic, as he tried to control the dark energy. The Cloud seemed to try, and seek out ponies in the hall. It would condense and push towards someone and Dream Scape would pull it back. He slowly worked the cloud back to himself and embraced it. The audience to this frightening struggle, watched as the black tendrils slither and climb their way into him. On that day Dream Scape stole fear, and that fear stole him.
Dream Scape eyes shot open,and began to dilate. he stood there quaking uncontrollably with terror, and then his world went black as he slipped into unconsciousness.
|
DigitDaemon
|
1545
| 5 |
Adventure,Romance,Sad
|
Dream Scape
|
A tale of the healing of a heart and the search for the greatest story.
|
hiatus
| 16 | 7 |
<p>After losing his girlfriend in a storm the story teller Dream scape busy hmself with the search for great new stories. But when he meets a fellow "show" pony the darkness of his past begins to bubble up again. Will he be able to get control of his emotions before they take control of him.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-12-04T02:54:12+00:00
| 673 |
Dream Scape was wandering through a burnt forest. The trees were nothing but black husks and the ground was dried and without life. He heard voices whispering and the sound of light hoof steps in the shadows as he walked between the trees. The dark outline of a new moon was in the sky and the shadowy canvas upon which it rested was devoid of stars. The shadows flickered around him as if he was some sort of flame.
"I suppose this is some sort of dream, but why would anypony, let alone me, dream of such a dreary place," Dream Scape said to himself as he continued through the forest. "Well, let’s think about this. what was I doing before I ended up here, I was at the town hall and there was Nightmare Moon and then, Oh...The fear, this is going to be a long night."
While talking to himself Dream Scape failed to see the dead root spring up in front of his hoof and trip him. Suddenly he was falling.
Dream Scape was standing in front of a brown earth pony with a darker brown mane and an hourglass cutie mark. "This is very Important, whatever you do don't eat the pears," the colt said before spinning around and galloping off into the blackness that surrounded them. Before he was out of sight he turned around and shouted over his shoulder, "And don't forget to duck, DUCK NOW!"
Dream Scape ducked as what looked like a statue of an angel pony sailed right over his head.
"What was that all about?" he wondered, thoroughly confused, as his vision went black.
He was walking through a dense mist, probable the heaviest he had ever seen. He could not see the sky above him nor the ground under his hooves and the fog blocked out almost all light. A soothing yet evil voice called from a distance, "Come my little pony, come forth and smell the ashes." Dream Scape turned towards the voice and began to walk to it. He didn't know why, but he couldn't stop himself. As the voice grew stronger, the mist began to thin. He found himself in a clearing filled with dead roses and more vibrant burnt trees lining the edges. However the center of the clearing was filled with jet black flowers, and the grew from what appeared to be a pool of blood. “Hello my little pony, you remember me right," the voice said as a purple cloud began to grow in the center of the clearing.
As the figure of Nightmare Moon materialized Dream Scape began to feel a little shaky. However he remembered his previous observation; that this was simply a dream or more of a nightmare. He chuckled at his accidental pun.
"What are you laughing at? Am I not powerful enough for you?"
Dream Scape replied confidently, "No, I just remembered this is all a dream. So I'll be on my way."
"Your right, this may just be a dream, but it certainly is not yours." The mare replied, smirking.
A little less confidently he asked, "Well if it’s not my dream, then whose is it?"
"This is my dream Foal!" Nightmare roared. Dream Scape cringed, he had certainly been surprised, if not a little scared. Nightmare Moon began to laugh at his reaction. "Oh, it's not that bad at least you have me to keep you company.
"How is that a good thing?" Dream Scape asked, perplexed.
Nightmare Moon answered, smirking once again, "I think it would get kind of lonely being trapped in a coma by yourself."
Frightened, Dream Scape replied wearily “Coma, you mean I'm not going to wake up?"
"That's the way comas work or at least that's how they worked before my trip to the moon." Nightmare answered with an expression of great thought. "Oh well, guess we'll find out soon enough, or not."
Dream Scape was falling...
He walked into Sugercube corner. At the counter was the bright pink form of Pinkie Pie, but something was different, her hair was down. "That's odd I couldn't imagine that filly putting time into brushing her mane," he thought to himself.
"Hi what can I get you, a pear? They're good and good for you." Pinkie said with a big, if not a little creepy grin on her face.
"No thanks, a friend told me to stick to apples." Dream Scape replied. "Better safe than sorry right." he was already shaken from his encounter with Nightmare Moon, he didn't need anything else going wrong.
With a small explosion Pinkie's hair returned to its normal state. "Oki Doki Loki! Just checking."
"Uh, thanks?"
"Don't worry you passed."
"Passed what?"
"The test you silly billy." And with those parting words the ground dissolved beneath him.
Dream Scape was falling...
Dream Scape found himself once again In Nightmare Moons' clearing. However the villain in question was not present. Off in the distance came the sounds of weeping. Dream Scape ventured out into the fog to find the source of the crying. He search for what felt like hours in the grey abyss, he would walk strait towards the sound but it would move away from him, forcing him to turn in circles. Through the fog he caught glimpses of his past, the school play, that first kiss, a party from college, and lastly that night, all alone at his apartment.He walked through this grim biography only to find himself led back into the clearing. Curled in the center was the body of Nightmare Moon, but the whispers he heard coming from her as she wept was certainly not in her voice.
"Where do I know that voice from?" he whispered to himself, "No it can't be..."
"Nightshade."
The name echoed around him as as he said those words. The mare’s body began to change. Her mane became solid and turned black, her body shrank down, and her cutie mark changed to a feather dipped in paint. She looked up at Dream Scape, his body shook with anguish and sorrow as he looked into her grey eyes.
"Why didn't you look for me?" she asked, with a mournful expression.
Dream Scape replied shakily, "They...they said you were dead."
"How would you know? You didn't look for me. You just left me on that street, alone in the rain." she replied sadly.
Dream Scape felt depression coil around him. She was right, he never looked for her.
"That's right you just sat in your apartment moping around."
He was barely able to "I'm...sorry..."
"You should be, now our daughter will grow up without a mother or a father," she shot him a withering glare.
"What do you mean daughter? Your just part of my mind...You can't know that."
"I guess you’ll never know, will you?"
With that Nightshade began to melt into the pool of blood. Dream Scape ran to try and catch her.
For a thousand years I've waited here for you. Waited every night, for I thought you were the answer to my life.
He tried desperately to hold onto her.
Days turned into years and then to centuries, Patients had to fade. Don't you see that there is vengeance in my eyes.
But she flowed like water through his hoofs.
Luna won't you cry for me, I'm as lonely as I've ever been.
Dream Scape sobbed harder than he ever had before.
I am forced right back into the start, is there any way to fix a broken heart.
Dream Scape was falling...
~~~~~
Author's Notes:
Sorry it took so long but here is my new chapter. This has been probably my favorite chapter to write so far. In case nopony gets this the depression he feels at the end is brought on by the fear (hint hint) that she died because he didn't look for her. So keep in mind that everything "Nightshade" says is his own fear speaking, but everything "Nightshade" says is true, figure that one out. Also there are a few references scattered about, the Doctor Who ones are pretty obvious, but see if you can name the other ones. One last thing, props to Eurobeat Brony's song Luna.
Edit: Thanks to Parakalo for editing my story, I wish I could get him to do it before I post chapters though. I'm just kidding, he was feeling under the weather so I don't blame him. *GASP* my rating has fallen, WHY...Seriously why, I'm new to creative writing of this type and would love to know why you rate me so low, or if I'm actually doing better and you just forgot to re rate me, you should do that now...anypony?...Darn, oh well it was worth a shot.
|
DigitDaemon
|
1545
| 6 |
Adventure,Romance,Sad
|
Dream Scape
|
A tale of the healing of a heart and the search for the greatest story.
|
hiatus
| 16 | 7 |
<p>After losing his girlfriend in a storm the story teller Dream scape busy hmself with the search for great new stories. But when he meets a fellow "show" pony the darkness of his past begins to bubble up again. Will he be able to get control of his emotions before they take control of him.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-01-04T05:00:59+00:00
| 281 |
Dream Scape woke up to the buzzing of florescent lights. He was in a less than comfortable bed with metal rails on either side. Confused he looked around at his surroundings. The room was plain white and had a cupboard with a counter and sink, upon which sat jars of unused medical tools. Medical tools that’s a start. Next to the bed there were a few pieces of electronic equipment which were off at the moment. But what are those for?
"Where am I?" he asked himself as he sat up in the bed.
A friendly-looking white mare with a pink mane, wearing a nurses cap, walked into the room."Welcome to Ponyville General Hospital, my name is Nurse Redheart," she said.
"Oh, the hospital…That’s great.” He responded in a dull voice, “What happened after I passed out?"
"You were a little more than passed out; your brain activity showed signs of moderate cerebral trauma."
"That has never happened before.” His voice was full of concern, “Why would magic cause actual trauma?"
"I believe that part of it is you were straining your magic, and the other part is that your body was trying to reject the emotions you were drawing in. Now, I wasn't there, so I can't say for sure, but from what the mayor described, this is the logical diagnosis."
"I haven't ever tried to manipulate that much raw emotion before. I mean when an audience listens to my stories, they give their emotions to me to move and change, but I've never tried stealing emotions from that many ponies before."
"Well that would seem to support my diagnosis as well, however your more recent scans suggest that you have made a full recovery and may leave whenever you like."
"Wait. ‘Recent’? How long have I been asleep?" Dream Scape asked apprehensively.
"It has only been about two weeks."
Dream Scape released the breath he had been holding, "That's a relief. I thought you were going to say years."
"If you had been out that long, I assure you my relief to you waking would have been less happy and more along the lines of witnessing a miracle."
"Oh, that's comforting. I should probably get going; I've already spent too long in Ponyville. I don't want to miss out on anything else."
"Very well, I will collect your things while you get up."
As Nurse Redheart left the room, Dream Scape slowly extricated himself from the hospital bed. He walked over to the door way and rounded the corner. His senses were immediately assaulted by a spray of confetti and the yelling of “surprise” by six colorful equines squeezed up in the hall.
Dream Scape yelped as he jumped right into the ceiling. "Maybe surprising him right after he got out of the hospital wasn't such a good idea," suggested Twilight Sparkle, who was still new to this whole friendship thing.
"Maybe..." replied a dazed Dream Scape from his current position, laying flat on the floor.
Dream Scape and Twilight were eating lunch at a local diner, The other five said they had important business to attend to, even Pinkie who said something about Mr. Cake setting his hair on fire. The seating was outside and it was located just off the town square. Twilight had filled him in on what he had missed during the last two week, and their conversation had turned to idle chit-chat.
"Sorry for the scare. I hope you’re not hurt?" asked a still slightly concerned Twilight Sparkle.
"No, I'm fine. You ponies just startled me is all."
"Oh, good. How sad would it be if I gave a friend permanent brain damage before even being properly introduced to him? Unless causing brain damage is a way to make friends...I should look this up when I get back to the library."
"I can assure you, Twilight Sparkle, that you will not make many friends by beating them over the head with a board."
"Really? I should write this down, give me a second, I'll be right back." With that the lavender unicorn ran off towards the nearby library to retrieve some writing supplies.
"Well, she seemed excited," commented the lilac unicorn that had been serving them.
Misinterpreting her comment Dream Scape replied hastily, "Oh we're not together or anything."
"I know," said the waitress, matter-of-factly, "How's your story coming?"
"Well, I was thinking that this 'Nightmare Moon' debacle might make a good story, but it seems that everypony already knows it, so that's a dead end."
"Maybe, but I've been wondering why princess Luna became Nightmare Moon. That would certainly entertain me. Hmm, oh well. It was nice talking to you, have a nice day." She said as she walked away, carrying his and Twilight’s empty plates.
Twilight Sparkle returned to her seat. "What did I miss?"
Twilight's question fell on deaf ears, though; Dream Scape was lost in thought. 'The Origins of Nightmare Moon', that might work...
After lunch, Dream Scape spent the rest the next hour or so packing his few belongings and buying supplies for his trip to Manehattan. Not only did they have a great theater there, whose manager was a friend of his, but they also had a library which rivaled the size of the Princesses' personal library. He could have taken the train to Manehattan but he enjoyed the trek through the country, and camping was another of his hobbies. Twilight and her friends had gathered at the edge of Ponyville to see Dream Scape off.
"Are you sure you don't mind walking? I'm sure I could get Celestia to lone you her carriage," Twilight asked once again in a concerned voice.
"I'll be fine. I've done this probably a hundred times now."
"Actually, just seven," Pinkie Pie interjected.
"Huh?" the other six ponies said in unison.
"He's only done it seven times." she replied with a shrug.
"Yes, I suppose seven would be the about right." Dream Scape replied, almost completely recovered from Pinkie's startling clairvoyance.
"Well you just keep yerself safe, ya hear?" Applejack ordered.
"Yeah, dying is definitely not cool," the other five turned towards Rainbow Dash and glared, "What? It's true."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Rarity said, "While I don't approve of her lack of sensitivity, I do agree with Rainbow, it would be simply terrible if something happened to you."
"Oh, that would be awful if something happened. You could be hurt, or worse," added Fluttershy.
"I know you'll be fine. See you in two months," Pinkie’s farewell was met with more confused glances.
"Well, I'll be off then." With that, Dream Scape started down the trail that would take him to Manehattan, and hopefully, the beginnings of his new story.
Dream Scape really did enjoy the experience of the outdoors; it always felt to him like a place where his mind could wander and inspiration, not a mix of nitrogen and oxygen, filled the air. But today he wasn't able to relax; he tried wondering about his new story. However, with little information, that did him no good. He tried to just enjoy the beauty of the spring-time environment. The air was filled with birdsong and the slight rustling of the breeze through the trees that lined the dirt path. Beyond the trees were gently rolling hills covered in grass and vibrant wild flowers in all the colors of the rainbow. Rabbits and other small animals scampered from bush to bush, enjoying the spring time sun. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, Dream Scape’s thoughts always turned back to Night Shade. Did I really abandon her? The question plagued his mind. Would things really have been different if I had looked for her? Canterlot is huge, I wouldn't have been able to find her by myself, but I could have at least tried… He was too lost in his own thoughts to notice the blue unicorn pulling a rather large trailer until he had literally run into her. The blue mare now sat bit front of her trailer her disheveled silver main now fallen in her face.
Dream Scape apologized hastily, "Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't see you there."
"It's alright, no harm done, at least to me. Are you okay?" the blue mare replied.
"I'm fine. Surprising though, with a trailer that large, I would have expected you to run right over me. It looks like it takes quite a bit of effort to stop that thing."
"Actually, with my ‘come to life’ spell it's rather easy to move and stop. Doesn't weigh much more than a feather."
Dream Scape noticed there was a faint silver blue aura surrounding the trailer. "Well, that must come in handy. I'm sorry, how rude of me not to introduce myself. I'm Dream Scape."
"Nice to meet you, Dream Scape, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie," she started enthusiastically, but her voice faltered when she got to her title.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, Trixie is fine she, I mean I just can never get my introduction right."
"What is it that you do that requires such a grand title?"
"I am a performer as my father was before me; I travel all throughout Equestria performing the greatest feats of magic ever witnessed...or at least I would if I wouldn't freeze up on stage."
"So you’re just nervous. Well that's not hard. All you need to do is believe in yourself. If you know that your magic is truly great and powerful, others will see that it is too."
"Yes, but I just don't know if I can live up to my father’s title; I'm not sure I truly am great and powerful. Oh my, look at the sun; I don't believe I will be making it any further tonight. Would you care to join me and camp at this crossroads?"
Dream Scape took the opportunity to look around for the first time since his collision. They were standing in a small clearing at a fork in the road, the trail he had been walking led back to Ponyville, the road Trixie had came from led to Hoofington, and the third branch led off to Manehattan. "Well, it looks like I'm not going to be getting much farther either. So, why not?" And with that, Dream Scape levitated the tent out of his saddle-bag and began to set it up while Trixie put the stopping blocks under the wheels of her trailer.
By the time the sun had set, Dream Scape had built a sizable fire and had begun to cook a hearty carrot stew. Meanwhile, Trixie had been setting up a rather large and intricate two story tent, complete with its own balcony. "Are you sure that tent’s big enough for you?" Dream Scape asked with friendly sarcasm.
"I admit it is a bit large and unnecessary. However my father had a few eccentricities and one of those was this tent. It is one way that I keep him close."
"What exactly did your father do?"
"He was a magician like me. He was better with sleight of hand where I specialize in illusion myself. I guess you could say his second job was taking care of me."
"Was your mom not around?"
"Nope. As soon as I was born, she sued my dad for foal support, took the money, and then left me with dad anyways."
"So you don't know your mom?"
"Oh no, I've certainly had the displeasure of meeting her. After my dad died, she showed back up and tried to get part of my inheritances too."
"So, she didn't get any then?"
"No, in fact I sued here for the foal support my father gave her plus interest. I donated it to my father’s museum. Not that there was any money for her to take anyways, my father never worked for profit. He would only take as much money as he need to feed me and him and give us our basic comforts. I donated most of his belongings to the museum as well."
"Wow, he sounds like a pretty great stallion. Who was your father, by the way? He sounds pretty famous."
"I surprised you haven't heard of him. He was and shall always be The Great and Powerful Peter Prestige."
"Of course, I knew that title sounded familiar. I never had a chance to see one of his shows, but my parents told me he did a show in our town when I was about five months old."
"After I was born, he didn't travel much from Trottingham, but if you ever get the chance you should go see the museum there. But that's enough about me; what do you do?"
Dream Scape got up to check the stew, "Well, I am a storyteller. My work isn't exactly interesting, I just go from town to town, picking up stories and sharing them with others." Deciding that the stew was done, he filled a bowl and floated it over to Trixie.
"Come on, you must have something interesting to tell me, you must meet a lot of ponies," Trixie looked up at the blanket of stars that were casting their light on the clearing below. More contemplatively, she said, "I guess I'm going to be meeting a lot of ponies too."
"I certainly have met a few interesting ponies, that's for sure. You heard about the Nightmare Moon incident, right?"
"Of course. The former mayor of Trottingham motioned to not let Princess Luna return to rule. Celestia relieved him as soon as possible, which was as soon as she finished lecturing him on how it was accusations and propositions like his that caused this problem in the first place."
"Really? I'll have to look into that. But would you believe me if I told you I was there?"
"Actually, yes. You seem like an honest pony. Why?"
"Well, I had gone to Ponyville to watch the summer sun celebration, and as you know that's when the whole Nightmare Moon thing happened. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony went off to stop her, but the citizens of Ponyville were absolutely terror stricken. So, there was only one thing I could do...I stole their fear," Dream Scape had meant for that last part to sound heroic and epic, but as he spoke a shiver ran down his spine and chilled his bones. Was that laughing?
"What do you mean you ‘stole their fear’?"
"Well, that's what my magic does. I can take emotions from other ponies and change them, and if necessary I can just take them into myself. But that can cause problems..."
"Like what?"
"Terrible nightmares, and moderate cerebral trauma."
"Is it really that bad?" Trixie asked a bit skeptical.
"I was in a coma for two weeks."
"Oh...wow." Trixie looked down at her hooves a moment, then her head shot up with a look of inspiration on her face, "If you can take away negative emotions from ponies, could you give positive emotions to somepony else?"
"Well I suppose I could, I don't think that would be a good idea though, especially since I'm still a bit disoriented emotionally speaking,"
Trixie looked a bit crest fallen, "Oh...alright then."
A silence fell between the two, and Dream Scape began to clean up the remnants of their dinner. He collected up the bowls and used a quick burst of flames to clean and sanitize this dishes, I owe you that one, Night Shade; fire does make doing the dishes easier. Dream Scape looked over and saw that Trixie was still sitting sadly in front of the fire. "Cheer up. I know that performing in front of an audience is hard, but I am sure that you can do it. You had quite the father and you know what they say about apples and trees." Dream Scape added a bit of magic to his words, lightening her spirits a bit, Oh, good. That's working again.
"Yeah, you’re right. I guess there's no point in worrying about something that can't be changed. Still, it would be a bit easier with some magical confidence." Trixie looked at him with a teasing smirk.
"Maybe. We'll see. Anyways, despite the fact I've been sleeping for the past two weeks I am as tired as can be. Sleep well, Luna keep you."
"You too. Good night."
~~~~~
Authors Notes: First and for most...No Dream Scape and Trixie do not currently have any feelings for each other, they are both traveler and as such prefer to camp with company at night. Second, yes Trixie is not acting prideful, I will explain why, or more like Why she ends up acting prideful. Third, props to Parakalo for letting me borrow the waitress from his fic A Comet's Tale, (though between you and me, a big part of her character came from me). Plus a few more references in this chapter, internet points to anypony who finds them. Also as always, all suggestions and criticism is welcome.
Lastly: Thank you so much Parakalo for coaching my writing and helping me to correct my error's. Hopefully you enjoy this next chapter, if not it's his fault just as much as it is mine. Bwahahahaha.
|
DigitDaemon
|
1545
| 7 |
Adventure,Romance,Sad
|
Dream Scape
|
A tale of the healing of a heart and the search for the greatest story.
|
hiatus
| 16 | 7 |
<p>After losing his girlfriend in a storm the story teller Dream scape busy hmself with the search for great new stories. But when he meets a fellow "show" pony the darkness of his past begins to bubble up again. Will he be able to get control of his emotions before they take control of him.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-02-07T00:34:19+00:00
| 226 |
Quick Author's Note: The title comes from my friend's reaction to Rarity charming Spike into giving up his fire ruby. Not because any of the characters are cheating on each other because there isn't any shipping yet, accept the shipping to the moon anypony that complains this is moving too fast.
Quick Pre-reader’s Note: I have been about as useful as a box of hay these past few weeks, I am ashamed to say. I have responsibilities as a pre-reader, and moreover as a friend. I’m truly sorry for any frustration I’ve caused in Digit’s readers, and most importantly in DigitDaemon. I’ll be at his house tonight, pertaining that he still invites me, and I imagine he will “rip me a new one,” as the saying goes. Know that I am incredibly sorry, and that it took a bad head-cold for me to realize it.
~~~~~
Dream Scape woke up with a terrible headache, this is odd, I don't think I drank anything last night, or for the last three years even. He got up out of his sleeping bag and to his chagrin discovered he had been using a small rock for a pillow. However, all these things were forgotten as he climbed out his tent; there by the fire bowl stood the gorgeous and beautiful Trixie. Her hair was flowing in the mid morning breeze and her eye's glittered like amethysts in the mid morning sun.
"So I was thinking…maybe you could use that magic of yours and boost Trixie's confidence a bit?" Trixie cooed.
"Well...I don't think that’s such a good idea. Like I said it can be very dangerous if I don’t do it right…”
“Well that’s too bad, you wouldn’t want to help out a filly in need?” Trixie asked, brushing up against Dream Scape as she passed him. He slowly turned and watched as she sauntered towards her trailer.
“So…pretty…” Dream Scape muttered in a daze as Trixie stopped to open the door; she was even more beautiful than Celestia.
Trixie poked her gorgeous head back out of the trailer, “So about that magic, what do you say?”
This time Trixie’s proposal was met with no resistance, “Yeah…just hold on, a second.” Dream Scape began channeling magic through his horn while simultaneously searching his desire filled mind. Self confidence isn't an emotion, but what is it that brings out self confidence? Pride… that's it. Pride in your work. He carefully transferred pride into his horn and slipped it into Trixie's emotional "bank". However, as the last of the carefully measured emotions receded, hefelt something else travel with them…a dark seed.
Having completed her plan, Trixie dropped the illusion she had used to persuade him.
"Hey, you cheated!" Dream Scape said in shock with a hint of anger.
"It's not cheating, it's being resourceful. Plus, if you had paid attention, you would have obviously seen the inconsistencies that are present in such a large illusion," she countered.
"I suppose, but I must undo it. There was something wrong with the spell, it didn’t feel quite right at the end."
"I'd say it worked perfectly, Trixie feels more confident already."
"Are you sure?" Dream Scape asked with a look of concern
"Trixie is sure she is not harmed." Trixie replied indignantly.
"I suppose we will part ways here; I need to get to Manehattan by night fall today."
"I am heading to Daww'troit, It's just a few hours down the road, so I think I will take my time packing and enjoy the natural atmosphere."
"Very well then. I suppose we might run into each other again one day."
"I look forward to it."
Dream Scape started down the path to Manehattan, he had quite a trek ahead of him. Manehattan was almost twenty miles from Ponyville. He had covered a good six miles of that yesterday afternoon, but fourteen miles was still a long walk. However, unlike the road to Trottingham, there was no danger of timber wolves or manticore attacks. As he walked along the path, Dream Scape noticed that today was yet again beautiful, just like yesterday had been. However, unlike yesterday, his mind was clear. I guess I just needed a relaxing night out in the country. I should definitely do this more often.
Dream Scape made good time getting to Manehattan. He was crossing the city-line just as the sun was dipping under the horizon. Most didn't notice it, but he could have pointed out that the moon seemed reluctant to rise above the earth. It's the same shape as Nightma-- I mean Luna's cutie mark…is she afraid people will think she taking over again...? He continued to make his way down the busy streets filled with ponies of all color. The buildings were covered in huge billboards advertising everything from Colt-a-Cola to natural horn enhancement. I guess some people don't realize that our horns are made out of the same stuff our hoofs are.
He turned the corner and at the end of the street was the Stage Show Theatre. Bit of a redundancy. Dream Scape walk through the theater door and was immediately embraced by the theater's owner.
"Dream Scape! It's great to see you. How are you lad?" asked the owner exuberantly.
Dream Scape had first met Jollygood Show while in college; he had offered Dream Scape a job after seeing him practice in his speech class. Dream Scape had been forced to decline because the travel time between Canterlot and Manehattan was too great. However, Jollygood had generously paid for his last year in college (he was the most successful theater owner in the city after all), and hooked him up with a more local job. He also pointed out that jewelry shop on fifth and Broadhoof, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. After college they had stayed in touch; Jollygood had always been happy to give him a performance slot when Dream Scape needed the bits. One could later say that Jollygood Show made a good investment in helping Dream Scape
"It's good to see you too Jollygood, how's Marque?" Dream Scape replied as he pulled out of the bear hug.
"She’s doing great. Don't tell her that I told you, but I'm going to be a father in seven months."
"That's great! Congratulations to both of you. I hate to ask for favors, but I'm running out of money, and was wondering if you could give me a few show slots while I was in town?" he asked.
"Oh, it's no trouble at all. I couldn't turn down the best story teller in Equestria," Jollygood offered graciously.
"I‘m not sure I deserve that title, at least not yet," he replied sheepishly, "Actually, I'm here to look around the library. I heard something about the mayor of Trottingham being dismissed. do you know anything about that?”
"Funny you should mention that. I heard from my cousin that he proposed that Luna would be indefinitely suspended from the throne. Celestia sure did chew him out for that, something about those kinds of proposals causing the Nightmare Moon incident a thousand years ago. If you want more Information you should hit up the library, they store all the legal records past one hundred years of conclusion plus all the rejected propositions."
"Thanks, I'll probably be heading there after I find a hotel," the gears in his head visibly turning.
"Just don't spend too much time there, I know they are open twenty-four seven, but you‘re working from ten to five tomorrow."
"Yes sir." Dream Scape gave a mock salute as he left the theater.
After Dream Scape reserved a room in the Striped Mane Motel he headed over to the Royal Library Manehattan Branch. He walked up to the colt at the Information desk.
"Hello sir, how can I help you?"
"Well," Dream Scape glanced at his name tag, "Conrad, would I be able to find any Royal Court documents from around a thousand years ago?" Dream Scape asked.
"If whatever you‘re looking for still exists we have it here. Is there any particular subject?"
"Anything involving Luna, or possibly the Moon."
"Alright then, feel free to sit at any of the tables in the viewing room. I will be over there in just a moment with your documents.
Dream Scape took a seat in the viewing room and was just about to start contemplating how long he would have to wait, when Conrad returned holding a single folder.
"I'm not certain that this is what you want, but until recently it was classified. The princess ordered it to be declassified along with Trottingham's mayor‘s dismissal. I'll go get the other documents while you look at that."
"Thank you," Dream Scape replied eagerly, along with the mayor's dismissal, this sounds very promising. He opened the file and started reading. 'Case 178-95, Daww'troit residence petition for improved crop cycles', How would they do that? The only way would be to... 'residence propose the permanent removal of the night from the celestial cycle.' Oh my, I thought some of my stories were ridiculous, but this is just insane. No wonder Luna became Nightmare Moon. 'proposition under consideration but the consideration was crossed out and replaced with, 'Denied date: 4/23/1006' That's the day after the first Nightmare Moon incident.
~~~~~
(Longer and better thought out) Authors Notes: Parakalo not only are you always welcome at my house, I am also not mad at you. Yes it would have been nice to get this about a week earlier, but you still do a unparalleled job of editing and for that I can not thank you enough. Trust me without his help you would have just read 1,600 words of caveman speak.
As for the rest of you bronies, thank you for once again returning to read my work. If any of you have suggestions to make or critiques on my story don't hesitate to comment. Or if you just want to leave a witting remark or tell me I'm doing great, that works too.
|
Saatchi
|
1546
| 1 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Romance,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Love Conquers All
|
When Rainbow Dash disappears, Applejack sets out to rescue her. But is everything as it seems?
|
complete
| 20 | 5 |
<p>There's always someone who has feelings for someone else, and ponies are no exception. Applejack has unconfessed feelings for her pal Rainbow Dash, which is a predicament in itself. However when Rainbow Dash mysteriously disappears, Applejack sets out to find her. Although what Applejack doesn't know, is that sinister forces are at work here...</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-16T18:06:44+00:00
|
2011-10-16T18:06:44+00:00
| 2,633 |
Applejack bucked her back legs against the tree trunk. She backed up a little, allowing the apples to fall neatly into her saddle baskets. The orange pony trotted away from the tree, heading instead, towards a small cart. She got herself into position, just in front of the cart. She then reared up, so she was now standing on her back legs. The apples fell in an orderly fashion, without any of them going astray. Applejack gave the orchard a quick scan, once the apples were piled into the cart. Upon seeing that there was bit a single apple left, she let out a little 'yeehaw' to show she was done. Her celebratory hollering caught the attention of Big Macintosh. Who had been taking a sly nap in the barn, when he should have been apple bucking like his sister. He rose from his slumber and exited the barn.
"What's all the commotion about?!"
"Ah did it! Ah finished mah half of the apple buckin'!"
Big Macintosh was visibly surprised.
"What!? We've only been at this for an hour!"
"Somethin' wrong with you brother? We've been at this since the crow o' th' rooster this mornin' "
Big Macintosh guessed he had been asleep longer than a few minutes.
Applejack trotted past him, heading towards the Apple family homestead, although she simply couldn't leave without a sly dig at her brother.
"If ya didn't sleep on the job, you'd be done too y'know."
Big Macintosh gulped nervously. How did she know he had been napping? Nevertheless, standing there was only delaying his workload even more. He took one last look at the mix of orange, yellow and brown trotting off into the distance, before he got to work. Applejack was pleased that she had finished her workload; he happiness was only amplified when she what time it was. The hands of the clock in the kitchen of her home said it was six o' clock. Applejack wasted no time in getting to her bedroom. Once there, she opened the window, and stuck her head out as far as she could.
Her eyes first settled upon Big Macintosh working on his own. She let out a devious chuckle, and turned her attention skyward. The sun was beginning to set in the sky, casting an orangey hue across the horizon, beams of yellow and red blended together, spreading outwards from the enormous star that was the sun. Applejack always thought the sunsets looked beautiful, but she knew something far more beautiful came next. She counted down the seconds under her breath.
Three.
Two.
One.
Suddenly Applejack was treated to what she was waiting for. In the distance were a multitude of colours surging her way. The colours ranged through vibrant reds, all the way to a captivating violet. The colours streaked across the sky, their very presence shimmering against the sunset. Of course this rainbow streak of colour belonged to a particular pony, a certain pony that Applejack felt strong feelings of love for. Applejack sighed blissfully and rested her head on the windowsill.
"Right on time Dashy, right on time."
Applejack began to sway her tail lazily back and forth, as she slipped into a daydream. The rainbow started to dissipate, giving a final shimmer, before it completely disappeared.
Applejack had never told Rainbow Dash that she loved her. She had always suffered at the merciless hands of nerves when it came to tell Dash of such things. She always seemed to suffer from one of two things, or sometimes both at once. She sometimes seized up, causing her to feel completely unresponsive. Being frozen to the spot wasn't that big of a problem, as she only needed to speak. However even that was a trial in itself. The moment she opened her mouth to say 'I love you', her vocabulary always descended into gibberish. She only managed to speak words like 'wuh' and 'buh' which really aren't even words. Of course as convention dictates, once Rainbow Dash left the scene, Applejack gained full control again. It was quite the predicament to get past, but she was certain that she could sort it. At the present moment, the effects of getting up at the crack of dawn were starting to take their toll. Applejack's eyes felt heavier and her body felt weaker. Now would probably be the best time for some sleep. She made her way to her bed, climbed into it, and laid her head on her pillow. Slowly her drowsiness began to take full effect. She soon drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with wonderful images of Rainbow Dash.
Upon the arrival of the next morning, Applejack was given a rude awakening. This wasn't due to the rooster crowing, but more due to invading sunlight. It streamed through her still open window. Her battle to remain in a state of lazy bliss, by her actually opening her eyes. The sunlight swarmed her vision, increasing her focus on the objects around her. This was the final straw, she had to get up now, and there was no way she could get back to sleep. She sat up and yawned, before crossing to the window and shutting it. She then made her way downstairs for some breakfast. As she made her way to the kitchen she caught a distinct smell of apples. This wasn't anything new; there was always an apple scent. Usually it was from the orchard, or somepony's cooking. She entered the kitchen and found a plate of apple pancakes sat on the table. A quick look around showed that no-one else was present, apart from herself. So she took it upon herself to clear away these pancakes. Clear away being the operant words for eat. Within five minutes, the pancakes had been devoured and not a morsel remained. With her belly full and her appetite satisfied, she headed outside. She decided to head into town, maybe she'd meet some of her friends there, and so off she went at a fair pace.
Upon entering the town she was ambushed by a bouncing, pink pony.
"Hey Applejack! Have you heard the news? Have ya? Huh? Huh? Huh?"
"Slow down there Pinkie Pah. What news?"
Pinkie Pie let out a long, drawn out gasp. Applejack sighed, and waited for her to explain the news.
"Oh it's some of the most beautiful, amazing, fantastic news ever!"
"Well would you mind fillin' me in sugarcube?"
Pinkie Pie put her hooves over her muzzle, as if she had said something she shouldn't. Applejack was about to ask if something was wrong, but she was cut off by Pinkie's verbal explosion.
"Rainbow Dash has a girlfriend!"
Applejack felt her heart sink, like a stone to a riverbed.
"T-that's great news Pinkie Pah…"
"I know right? Isn't it just some of the best news you've ever heard?"
"Yup…"
Of course it wasn't good news at all; Applejack had lost her chance with Dash. Pinkie Pie continued on, ignoring Applejack's obvious pain.
"Oh! I have to throw them a party! Seeya AJ!"
With that said Pinkie Pie was gone, leaving Applejack all by herself.
Applejack resorted that she wasn't going to be bitter of upset about the news. Instead she was going to find Dash and congratulate her. So she set of looking for a sky blue pony, with a rainbow mane and tail. However she was sidetracked by a crowd of ponies circled around somepony. She thought that the somepony might possibly be Rainbow Dash, so Applejack joined the crowd. The mass of ponies let out a collective 'awww' as a sign that something sweet had happened. Once the collective happy sigh had died down, voices could be heard from the crowd centre. Applejack identified one of the voices as Rainbow Dash's assertive and tomboyish tone. However the other was a complete mystery to her. She nudged fillies and colts alike aside until she reached the centre. Rainbow Dash was stood with another Pegasus. The Pegasus in question was a beautiful mint green, her mane a silvery version of the same colour. She had one hoof around Dash's neck causing her to blush. Applejack hadn't been listening to what they had been saying; she had been busy getting a better view. So now she just sat up and soaked up the conversation, even though she knew it wasn't going to help her mood.
The green Pegasus was the one talking when Applejack focused in.
"I shall always protect my little Rainbow Dash, that is, unless she doesn't need it."
Rainbow Dash blushed deeper, the crimson clashing with her normal sky blue colour. This time Rainbow Dash spoke.
"You're such a softie, and it's one of the reasons I love you!"
The two pegasi hugged, as Applejack watched on.
The two lovers stopped with their embrace so they could prepare for a takeoff. They stepped apart, making sure not to bump anypony else. They then started beating their wings and took off into the sky. They gave the crowd a little wave before they bolted off towards the horizon. Applejack felt as though she was mere inches away from crying, but she fought with herself to stay strong. Now that the main attractions had left, the crowd started to fan out, as people went back to their previous activities. Applejack was then noticed by her friends.
"Hey, AJ!"
Applejack turned around to witness Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie heading her way.
"Compose yerself girl. Keep it together."
Applejack regained her composure and trotted over to meet them.
"Hi Applejack!"
Her friends chorused their welcoming speech.
"Hi guys."
Twilight spoke out first before her other friends.
"What do you think of the news about Rainbow Dash?"
Applejack wanted to tell them how she really felt about the news. How unfair it was that she had tried to tell Dash her feelings for ages, and now her hopes had been dashed. Instead she chose to lie and bury her true feelings deep inside.
"Ah think its great news Twilight."
Behind her Twilight was a bouncing Pinkie Pie, who waited for her chance to speak.
"Ah don' mean t' be rude but ah think Pinkie Pah is gonna explode."
Twilight turned around with a questioning 'hmm' to find Pinkie Pie filling her vision, grinning from ear to ear.
"What is it Pinkie Pie?"
"I just wanted to tell you, that you're all invited to a party tonight at Sugarcube corner!"
Twilight looked to Applejack and Fluttershy, who all stared back, before she answered.
"What's the occasion Pinkie?"
Pinkie Pie cocked her head to the side, her wide smile still plastered on her face.
"It's to celebrate Rainbow Dash and her new Pegasus friend!"
The remaining trio of ponies all replied with 'oooh'.
"Well you can be certain that I'll be there" replied Twilight.
"I'll be sure to turn up" squeaked Fluttershy.
"Ah'm not sure if ah can make it…" confessed Applejack.
"Well I'll see you all there guys!"
Acting as if she ignored Applejack's dysphemistic attitude, Pinkie Pie bounded away. Twilight decided that she should go get ready now, leaving her some time to study later. Fluttershy also decided now was a good time to leave, mainly because she had some work to do. Fluttershy's departure from the group meant that the once four strong group, was reduced to one, lonely, pony. Applejack sighed, she wasn't going to attend Pinkie Pie's party, it was probably not going to help brighten her day, no matter how cheerful they always seemed to be. Instead she was going to go home and watch the sky. Even though Dash had a girlfriend it shouldn't stop her creating her nightly sunset masterpiece. Applejack perked up at the realisation of this and set off for Sweet Apple Acres.
Back home Big Macintosh had finally finished apple bucking his side half of the orchard. Applejack bid him fleeting congratulations as she disappeared inside. Big Macintosh followed her inside, but got sidetracked in the kitchen. Applejack meanwhile scurried upstairs and into her bedroom. She shut the door and crossed to the window. The sun was still fairly high in the sky so Applejack was going to have to wait a fair few hours. To pass the time she started to daydream. She thought of what life would be like if she had been with Rainbow Dash. She imagined all the fun that they would've had. She sighed again her thoughts momentarily interrupted. Time seemed to creep by slowly, almost teasing Applejack as she waited for her private spectacle. At regular intervals of what she thought were long periods of time, she would leave her room and venture downstairs. This was only to look at the clock, to actually see how much time had passed. Time and time again she was disappointed at how much real-time had actually gone by. She only seemed to be experiencing three or five minute lapses. She wasn't the sort of pony to get impatient easy, but when time wasn't playing fair, anything was possible.
Eventually it grew close to the time she was waiting for. In preparation for the moment, she opened her window and stuck her head out. Sure enough the sunset had begun, and now it was only a few seconds until the show. A few seconds turned into a few minutes. Those minutes soon turned into hours and Applejack grew sadder and sadder. The moment she had been waiting for had not arrived. She just couldn't take it anymore; today had just been one big disappointment after another. She looked out on Ponyville in the distance. All lights had been extinguished, telling Applejack that Pinkie's party had finished. Yet still no rainbow in the sky. Applejack broke down, letting her emotions take full control. Tears welled up in her eyes, and rolled down her cheek. She sniffed, as the tears flowed faster, pooling on the windowsill. She took one last look at the picturesque landscape, before getting ready for bed. She was still crying, and on this night, her dreams weren't going to be as pleasant as previous nights. There would be no dreaming of Rainbow Dash tonight, only dreams of loneliness, and sadness.
The next morning came quickly but neither the rooster, nor the sunlight, could rouse Applejack. She just wanted to be left alone, a trait that was most unlike Applejack. If her brother hadn't been constantly shouting to her from downstairs, she probably would've stayed in bed all day. She hurried downstairs to see Big Macintosh, who was coincidentally waiting for her at the foot of the stairs.
"Your friends are here sis."
He stepped aside to reveal Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Twilight. All of which looked worried, except for Pinkie Pie, who looked a combination of worried and happiness.
"What're y'all doin' here at this time?
The ponies were obviously distressed about something, and it showed in their speech. Each of them spoke a part of a full sentence, before another member of the little group cut them off and continued.
"Applejack." murmured Fluttershy.
"It's Rainbow Dash…" explained Twilight.
"She's…" said Rarity softly.
"Missing!" screeched Pinkie Pie in more enthusiastic tone than the rest.
Applejack just stood there, mouth agape. All she could think of was how bad things were, and how much worse it could get…
|
Saatchi
|
1546
| 2 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Romance,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Love Conquers All
|
When Rainbow Dash disappears, Applejack sets out to rescue her. But is everything as it seems?
|
complete
| 20 | 5 |
<p>There's always someone who has feelings for someone else, and ponies are no exception. Applejack has unconfessed feelings for her pal Rainbow Dash, which is a predicament in itself. However when Rainbow Dash mysteriously disappears, Applejack sets out to find her. Although what Applejack doesn't know, is that sinister forces are at work here...</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-17T22:54:48+00:00
|
2011-10-17T22:54:48+00:00
| 2,274 |
The five ponies sat there in silence, while Big Macintosh headed into the kitchen. Minutes past and Applejack still retained her mouth open stance. Big Macintosh returned with a glass of water clamped tightly in his jaw. The other ponies just sat there, their attention focused on the glass. Each of them took a varying amount of time, but they all realised what was coming next. This new revelation prompted them to take a step backwards, or as best they could do in the cramped hallway. Big Macintosh proceeded to take centre stage and poised himself. In one quick swoop, he swung his head back and forth. He kept the glass steady, allowing the water to complete the energy change from potential energy to kinetic. This new burst of kinetic energy propelled the water forward, setting it on a direct course for Applejack's face. For the orange pony, the water was the least of her worries. Rainbow Dash was gone, all Applejack could think about was what she might be going through. Luckily there was a small amount of water flying towards her that would ease her mind.
The cold tap water made contact with Applejack's face, causing her to gasp in surprise.
"What'd ya do that for!?"
Applejack was practically seething; all that was missing was some steam billowing out of her ears. Her brother slipped back into the kitchen, before heading outside. His aim was to put a bit of distance between himself and his sister. He wasn't being cowardly; he just knew when it was time to get out of his sister's line of fire. The older pony took refuge in the barn, settling down in a pile of hay. Meanwhile back inside the house, Applejack was starting to calm down. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and suddenly the normal Applejack resurfaced.
"Sorry about that y'all ah need to get mah emotions in check."
Her friends looked at each other and then back to Applejack.
"Yes, you do."
Applejack rubbed a hoof against the back of her head, and then clapped her hooves together as she remembered something.
"Ah can't believe ah let mahself get distracted, please, continue with yer news."
Twilight assumed the role of pony newscaster, to inform Applejack of Rainbow Dash's disappearance. Applejack and the other ponies sat on their haunches, as Twilight began to narrate the story, throwing in a bit of acting where appropriate.
Around the time Pinkie Pie's celebratory party had finished, which was approximately 7:30pm. Rainbow Dash and her new girlfriend (who had been named as Volo) had left for Volo's house. Contradictory to her Pegasus roots and nature, Volo had a house on the ground. There was nothing to go against this, as Fluttershy had done the exact same thing. Everypony else went straight home, or at least that's what the witnesses were claiming. Other witness's namely neighbours of Volo claimed that they heard shouting and breaking objects. Naturally they were attributed to an argument, but in a case such as this, they were being treated as suspicious. Twilight told of how several groups of ponies had been dispatched to search the area for Rainbow Dash, as soon as she was found to be missing. Everypony had been told to report suspicious behavior to them, and they would follow it up. By this point Applejack was close to tears again, but was soon comforted by Twilight.
"It's ok AJ, let it all out. We've all done our fair share of crying today."
Applejack sniffed back the tears, drying her eyes in the process.
"No. No more cryin'. Ahm gonna go find Rainbow Dash and bring her back safe!"
Applejack trotted towards the door, but a voice from behind stopped her.
The voice belonged to Rarity, and she didn't sound pleased.
"I think you mean WE'RE going to get her back safely!" she bellowed.
Applejack craned her neck round so that she could face the disgruntled pony.
"Ah'm mighty sorry Rarity, ah got a lil headstrong there. Of course ah meant t' say we're gonna go get her."
Rarity smiled, a little embarrassed by her sudden outburst.
"Well come on everypony! We've got ourselves a friend t' find!"
Applejack and her friends galloped outside. The sound of hooves against the dirt covered ground outside, reminded Applejack of a stampede. The stampede of friends made its way into town, Everypony that saw them charging through made sure to keep well out of the way. The small group came to a stop just outside the town centre. They took this pause as a chance to rest and think of a place to search first. Each of the ponies had their own ideas about where to start. So each idea was taken into account and a vote was held.
The location that received the most votes was Volo's home. The location that received the least votes was Sugar cube corner. The owner of this idea was Pinkie Pie, who, when quizzed about why she picked it replied with 'I'm hungry' almost as if she was oblivious to anything outside her own thoughts. Now that the band of friends had decided on their location, they were stuck trying to pick what sort of interrogative method to use. They were torn between using the good cop method, the bad cop method, or just simply winging it. They were about to take another vote, when a strange suggestion arose from an unlikely source.
"I say we let her have it!" growled Fluttershy.
The other ponies slowly turned their heads towards her, their eyes wide with shock and surprise. Had Fluttershy really just suggested they use violence against Volo? The piercing stares of her peers were enough to turn Fluttershy back to her timid self.
"Uhm, y'know, if you want to..."
The ponies shook their heads, they must have misheard her, and there was no way someone like Fluttershy would suggest violence. Of course Fluttershy did have her out of character moments, but this certainly seemed a little to far beyond even something like that. The girls eventually settled on winging it, and doing just what the situation called for. Now that they had their game plan ready, they set a course for Volo's residence, making a little stop at Sugar cube Corner for Pinkie. Applejack made use of this little stop to grab a bite to eat; after all, she had skipped breakfast.
The Friendship Detectives (a name coined by Pinkie) soon arrived at their first destination. They left Pinkie Pie outside to scout around for any suspicious behavior. Although she infused this task with another: making the groups' theme song. The rest of the group went inside the house and were promptly shown around by Volo.
"This is the living room. It doubles as Rainbow's room, at least until her bed arrives."
Applejack wasn't entirely focused on Volo's speech; she was too busy scouring the room. Cabinets lined the walls of this room, each one filled with trophies and medals. It appeared the Volo had competed in many a competition and appeared to be quite the athlete, no wonder Dash had taken a fancy to her. The room also contained a three-seater couch, which Applejack promptly sat upon. The couch itself seemed to be covered in a silky smooth fabric, which made it feel simply divine. The couch was placed in front of a large marble fireplace, which had a decorated mantelpiece on top of it. The mantelpiece was also decorated with trophies and other racing trinkets. The fireplace itself had been used recently, as there was a collection of ash underneath the grating. Acting like a true detective, Applejack treated this as something suspicious and moved in for a closer look. Applejack lowered herself to the ground and inhaled deeply, before exhaling slowly. Her warm breath assaulted the ash, sending a large black plume into the air. Applejack spluttered a little as she inhaled tiny particles of burnt material. She held her breath and batted away the remaining ash.
Once the ash was gone, she peered into the fireplace. This was where something caught her eye, this happened to be a partially combusted photograph. Applejack nipped the edges of the photo with her teeth and liberated it from the fireplace. She dropped the photo into her hooves and stared at it. There wasn't a lot to see, but Applejack managed to make out something useful. The photo was of Rainbow Dash, looking absolutely terrified. Applejack shed a single tear at the sight of her, realising just how much she missed her. Regaining her composure, Applejack scoured the tiny fragment for anything else that might be useful. In the background there was another pony peeking in through the window. Their features were a little charred but Applejack managed to make out a few details. He had a brown mane, possibly black, his coat was a sandy coffee colour and he was wearing square framed glasses. Applejack picked up the fragment in her teeth again and rushed off to tell her friends of her discovery. Applejack burst into the kitchen, where her friends where comforting Volo, who appeared to have suffered an emotional breakdown. Everypony turned to face Applejack, who trotted over to them and dropped the photo fragment onto the table. Everypony looked at the scrap and back at Applejack, waiting for her to explain how this was important. Applejack was about to do just that, but Volo intervened.
"Before you start accusing me of anything, you should see the other photos that go with that one."
Applejack hadn't been planning on accusing Volo of anything, but she noticed that the photo did make her look like a suspect. Volo left the group, went upstairs, and then came back with more photos. She flicked them onto the table, sending them in every possible direction. Applejack stared at the photos; she now understood a little bit more about where they had come from. Rainbow Dash and Volo had been hosting some sort of ridiculous photo shoot for themselves. The object of this had clearly been to see who could pull the best faces of a certain category. For example, in the photo that Applejack had found, Rainbow had probably been told to look terrified. Applejack checked over each of the photos in turn, and came to the shocking conclusion that they all had one striking feature, the mysterious background pony.
"Hey, ah think y'all should see this."
Applejack pointed her hoof at a specific spot in each of the pictures. There, at the window, was the mystery pony, staring inwards. Each of the ponies gasped at looked at each other. No matter which picture they looked at, the results were always the same. A sudden knock at the door caught them all off guard, with Fluttershy actually ducking for cover. The ponies casually walked through to the next room, then onwards to the front door. Volo picked up some books from the shelf and pushed to the front of the group. She opened the door to reveal a pony, similar in looks barring a lack of squares framed glasses stood there. Volo handed over the books and slammed the door shut. Twilight had managed to read the spines of the books and felt a question forming in her mind.
"Volo?"
"Yes?"
Twilight had now formed the question and decided to ask it.
"Why do you have spell books? Powerful spell books at that."
"I like to read them. I enjoy a bit of heavy reading now and again."
Twilight wasn't satisfied, there was something strange here, but she wasn't sure what. Applejack took her turn to ask a question.
"Volo?"
"Yes, is there something I can help you with?"
"Why was that there photograph on the fire?"
Volo took a seat on the couch and began a story.
"Rainbow Dash and I had an argument."
The ponies circled around Volo and listened to her short story.
"We got into a little fight over a trivial thing. We both lost out tempers and started throwing things, and hurling abuse at one another. Some of the photos were burned by Dash, as she claimed that I didn't care about her. However, we managed to make up at some point during the night, but it was too late for the pictures."
The group of ponies decided to stay around to hear more stories, some of which filled them in on how the two had come together. Hours passed and by the end, the event was more like a social get together than an investigation. Time started to wane and the ponies all agreed that it seemed like a suitable time to finish for the day. They bid farewell to Volo, and split up, each pony heading to their respective homes. Applejack made her way to the path leading to Sweet Apple Acres. As she ventured along the path, she started to feel a strange sensation in her stomach. It felt like she was nervous, yet she just couldn't think why she would feel like that. She did a full sweep around her, and noted two things. Fluttershy was hovering over her head, and somepony was following behind Applejack, making sure to keep their distance. She didn't know why Fluttershy was watching from above, but she was friends with Applejack so it wasn't too strange. She was probably just checking to make sure each of the ponies got home safely, after all she was the type for such thing. It was the pony behind her that was making her feel uneasy. Applejack pretended that she hadn't noticed her follower and continued walking. Suddenly a bright flash winked behind her, causing Applejack to spin round. There she caught the mystery pony, clutching a camera. The pony straightened his square framed glasses and maintained a stare down.
"Hey! Ah wanna word with you!"
The unnamed pony turned away and sprinted away from Applejack.
"Hey!" screamed Applejack as she raced after him. Applejack admired this pony's speed and stamina. She assumed her follower to be a colt, as his stamina seemed well above any filly she knew, not to mention Applejack was quite the athlete. The colt realised that he couldn't outrun Applejack, but he was certain he could outwit her.
He realised that his first priority was to increase the distance between Applejack and himself. He checked both sides, seeing that the fence that ran alongside the path opened up as a gate. He glanced behind him, to see Applejack sneaking up just next to his rump. She didn't seem to have noticed the gate, but the colt was no mind reader, he just had to hope that she wasn't wise to his plan. The colt readying himself, and without warning swung himself to the left, giving Applejack a face full on pony backside, causing her to stagger. The gap between the two ponies widened considerably, bringing the colt closer to escape. Once more the colt took note of his surroundings, and formulated a plan that would secure his escape. In the distance there were two sales ponies dragging along their carts. Just a little past them he could see a gap leading into a side street of Ponyville. If he picked up the pace, he could make it past the ponies, leaving no room for Applejack, which should make her stop in her tracks. He pushed himself to the absolute max, pushing his limbs to their utmost limits. Applejack was more determined than ever, she closed the gap within a matter of seconds, now standing just behind his tail.
The colt looked back, and then forward again. He appeared to have misjudged the initial distance, and now the carts were beginning to pass each other. They came closer exceptionally fast; his mind became all of a flutter. Thinking on his feet, he leapt into the air, hoping for a miracle. Applejack dug her hooves into the ground, causing her to skid to a halt. The colt soared over the sales carts, drawing a gasp of awe from the sales ponies. She was only able to watch as the colt got away, becoming harder and harder to see. She stomped her hoof into the ground as a sign of her frustration. Their biggest lead in the search for Rainbow Dash had gotten away, and it was all her fault. This was not acceptable for someone who had once been called the most dependable of ponies, albeit, she was the one who called her that. She was saddened a little, but unfortunately that was life, you win some, you lose some. Except recently, she felt like she was just losing, more and more. Applejack turned away and continued back to her original destination. It took her longer than normal, mostly in part to her slightly sour mood, but she made it their nonetheless. She entered her home through the kitchen, and was surprised to find Twilight sat at the table.
"Applejack! You're finally here!"
"What're ya doin' here Twi?"
The purple pony cleared her throat, and Applejack knew she was in for a lecture. So Applejack made herself comfy at the kitchen table and let her begin her speech.
"Well when I got back to library, I started to do some research based on what we learnt from today's sleuthing."
Applejack didn't want to cause offense to Twilight, but she really wasn't in the mood to listen to a speech. Applejack just stared at Twilight's mouth as she continued to speak, her words lulling Applejack dull stupor.
"Applejack? Are you listening to me?"
"Ah'm sorry Twilight, ah'm just a lil bit tired. Ah can't keep on listenin' to you, or else ah'm gonna fall asleep."
"Oh. Well that's ok Applejack; I'll speak with you tomorrow."
"Oh don't leave Twilight, I'll try t' stay awake!"
"No. This is important stuff, and I'd prefer it if you were perfectly rested to hear it."
"Ya sure?"
"Of course! See you in the morning, bright and early!"
Twilight made her way past Applejack and left for home, making sure to say goodbye to her friend. Applejack retreated upstairs and got into bed. She was still suffering the effects of her little chase earlier (mainly the adrenaline rush) which would probably keep her awake until a more suited time for sleep. She too began to think about the days events, although it didn't make her feel any closer to Rainbow Dash.
Tomorrow came quickly for Applejack, almost too quickly. She couldn't remember trying to go to sleep, but evidently she had drifted off at some point. She hadn't forgotten about her promise to meet Twilight at the library. She decided to make haste and sped up her routine, allowing her more time to spend at the library. Applejack soon arrived at the library within a suitable time and knocked on the door. The door swung open to reveal a very downtrodden looking Spike.
"Spike! Is Twilight in?"
"Did you hit your head or something Applejack?"
Applejack was visibly confused.
"What're you talkin' about?"
Spike lead Applejack into the library, shutting the door behind them, but Applejack kept her gaze fixated on Spike.
"You mind tellin' me what you're talkin' about, sugar cube?"
"Applejack, Twilight's gone missing as well."
Applejack gasped and reared back. As she broke her fixated gaze with the baby dragon, she saw, for the first time, the state of the library.
There was paper strewn everywhere, books lay in ruins on the floor. Black patches covered the walls, obviously evidence of Twilight trying to defend herself. Parchment had been torn and sprinkled across the floor like confetti. Ink wells had been knocked to the floor, causing some of the books to be illegible. This was a scene of complete chaos.
Applejack turned back to Spike.
Spike, ah need you t' tell me, everything that happened after Twilight left mah home."
Spike sat on the floor and scratched his chin.
"Well…"
He went on to tell Applejack about the events of the previous afternoon. Apparently Twilight had come back from Volo's house with her mind working overtime. She had settled down and tried to work out some sort of correlation between the evidence they had collected. She had sifted through books on ancient languages, different types of spells, and ancient history, and had made tons of notes in the process. Applejack looked around at the tiny remnants of paper scattered about the room. These were all that remained of Twilights hard work. Applejack turned her attention back to Spike and he continued with his story. Twilight had eventually made the breakthrough that she was hoping for. Finishing up a few more trivial links, she rushed off to tell Applejack. Applejack of course, wasn't in the mood to hear such breakthroughs, and had turned her away. Upon returning to library, Twilight had made it clear to Spike that she felt like she was being watched. As a precaution she wrote down a clue to the mystery and put aside a book to help with the decoding. She had entrusted them to Spike, her number one assistant, for safe keeping. Obviously Twilight's suspicions about being followed were true, and the resulting battle for freedom had left the library in the state it was currently in.
Once he had finished his story he handed Applejack the book and note.
She saw a small spark in the corner of Spike's eye. Something that was amazingly unlike him. Spike was never one for a show of emotion, unless he was trying to make Rarity fall for him. Yet Applejack saw his true feelings, he was worried, worried for Twilight, most likely. Applejack took them both and turned to leave. Before she left, she asked Spike how he could possibly have slept, with all this action going on. His response was simple,
"I'm a heavy sleeper."
Applejack left the library, heading for a secluded place, making sure not to lose anything on the journey there. She arrived at her house, and headed upstairs. Around her the sun was setting, making way for the cold night air to blow in. This didn't bother Applejack; she was too fixated on the task at hand. The lights from the ceiling light would illuminate her enough, so she could read what Twilight had left her. First she picked up the note, storing its information in her brain. The note read 'Speed is the key'. Apart from sounding like an obvious statement, this was also the solution to the case. Applejack turned her attention to the book, which happened to be entitled 'The Language Dictionary: A guide to every word ever spoken in the land of Equestria'.
She opened the book and started to flick through the columns and columns of words. She was looking for something in particular, and that something resided in the section marked 'S'. She flipped the pages all the way through to the 'S' chapter, and looked up the word speed. Listed below the word speed were all the old language ways of saying speed. None of them were particularly interesting, and none of them made the clue any easier. Applejack soon got frustrated, tossing the book over her head. The book sailed past her, slamming into her shelf, knocking other books to the floor. Applejack went to pick them all up, but stopped at the first book that entered her gaze. There, printed in one of the books was a photo of a pony, with square framed glasses. Underneath the photo was a caption, which read,
The nickname 'Accelero' was given to this young colt because of his superior speed and stamina.
Applejack referred back to the language book and checked the words for speed. Sure enough, right at the top of the list was 'Accelero'. Applejack whooped, she now had enough evidence to confront the colt. Well she had a reason to confront him, not much to hold past that point. She just needed Twilight to explain the rest of the story to the authorities. She tidied up, and got ready for her confrontation. However little did she know that the colt she was looking for was closer than expected…
|
Saatchi
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1546
| 3 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Romance,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Love Conquers All
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When Rainbow Dash disappears, Applejack sets out to rescue her. But is everything as it seems?
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complete
| 20 | 5 |
<p>There's always someone who has feelings for someone else, and ponies are no exception. Applejack has unconfessed feelings for her pal Rainbow Dash, which is a predicament in itself. However when Rainbow Dash mysteriously disappears, Applejack sets out to find her. Although what Applejack doesn't know, is that sinister forces are at work here...</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-16T18:13:05+00:00
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2011-10-16T18:13:05+00:00
| 1,914 |
Applejack glanced out of the window and made a shocking discovery. The colt she sought an audience with, was making his way towards her house. She ducked out of sight, her body beginning to tick with adrenaline. It was obvious why he was here; he had worked out what she was up to, and sought to put a stop to it. She resisted the urge to race downstairs and confront him, now wasn't the time. The colt rapped his hoof off the door, the sound of his knocking drifting lazily through the air. She ignored his efforts to draw her out of hiding, by thinking of her object of affection. This was of course, the sky blue Pegasus, Rainbow Dash. Applejack sighed a little, in her mind Rainbow Dash was so close, but in reality, she was so far away. She realised that the colt had stopped knocking, and risked a peek outside. This proved not to be the wisest of choices, as when she looked, the colt was staring right at her. She maintained his gaze, showing that she wasn't intimidated by him. He smirked at her, adjusted his glasses and turned tail to leave. Applejack just watched as he walked away, making no effort at all to get near her. Applejack treated it as suspicious, but continued to watch him. She toyed with the idea of following him, but she couldn't shake the suspicion that this was what he wanted. She understood that she could be walking into a trap, but she had to take a chance now and again. She made her way downstairs and out through the front door.
The colt was nearly a speck on the horizon by this time, but for an athlete like Applejack, it was no problem. She set off at a quick trot, keeping her eyes on the horizon, for any sign that she needed to drop back a bit. Within a matter of seconds she had reached her target, and began to silently tail him through the streets of Ponyville. The townsponies were curious as to why this orange pony was weaving in and out of bushes, and other parts of the scenery. Applejack paid no attention to the stares that she was getting and hoped that the colt didn't notice them either. Finally, the colt arrived at his destination, the house of Rainbow Dash's lover, Volo. Applejack didn't understand why he had come here; he wasn't after Volo, was he? The colt slipped inside, allowing Applejack to slip her hoof in the door, keeping it open, so she could enter as well. She followed him upstairs, but kept her distance as he disappeared into one of the rooms. She listened in to hear the rustling of paper, and the banging of something hard against what could've been a desk. She heard him speak in a soft tone, most likely to himself.
"Two will have to do for now…the rest will come later…"
Applejack had an idea which two he was referring to, but she had no idea who the rest were. She took a step forward hoping to learn more, however her hoof unfortunately landed on a loose floorboard. The resounding creak caused a wave of dread to wash over her, and her heartbeat to increase tenfold.
"Who's there!?" exclaimed the colt.
Applejack didn't move, she thought that she might be able to make it seem like a random noise, as opposed to a pony made one. She heard what she recognised as a window sliding open. The colt cried out again, his words dripping with rage.
"Who's there?!"
The adrenaline was surging around Applejack's body; she was now ready to run. The only thing keeping her there were the sounds drifting from the room. She was certain that she could here the colt making his escape out the window. She heard a grunt, followed by a loud thud outside, then silence. Applejack took a shaky step forward and peeked into the room. Sure enough it was empty, save for a few pieces of furniture, a desk lamp and a lot of paper. She saw the window where she assumed the colt had left by. An eerie breeze drifted through the window, scooping up loose paper and sending it twirling along the floor. Applejack turned her attention to the desk lamp and what it was illuminating. The lamp itself had been twisted so that it shone on six pictures pinned to the wall. Applejack didn't get chance to fully study the pictures, as something hard and cold struck the back of her head. She crumpled onto the floor, in a state of paralysis. A voice drifted into her ears, it was cold and sarcastic.
"I knew you couldn't resist…"
These words swam in her head, and were all she could think about before she lost consciousness.
When Applejack came to, she found that she was still in Volo's house, still in the same room to be precise. The loose paper that had littered the floor had been tidied up and taken away. The window had been shut, cutting off the supply of fresh air, causing the room to become stuffy. All that remained before was the desk lamp, and the pictures pinned to the wall. She slowly got to her hooves, testing as much of her body as possible, just to make sure she didn't need medical assistance. Once she was certain she was alright, she began to study the pictures. Each of the pictures contained a shot of one of her friends with the fifth being herself. Rainbow Dash and Twilight's picture's both had an 'X' through them, which signalled either a successful capture or death. Applejack prayed that it wasn't the latter. As she stared at the pictures she caught sight of something scrawled on the wall. Obviously one of the pictures had been put up to hide it. Gently she lifted the picture out of the way and read the scrawl. Two words written in a disgraceful fashion, was all she could make out. The words were 'Everfree' and 'Forest'.
Now Applejack knew the next place to look. Sure it was a big place, too big for one pony to search, but it wasn't going to deter her. She nuzzled up to Rainbow Dash's picture and began to talk to herself.
"Ah'm comin' fer ya Rainbow, you too Twi. Ah'm not gonna rest until you're safe, especially you Dash…"
She felt a single tear roll down her cheek and drip to the floor. She sniffed and took a deep breath, to compose herself. She needed a clear head, and her wits about her. She turned away and ran out of the room and made her way out onto the street. She rushed towards the outskirts of town, and onward to the Everfree Forest, moving as fast as her legs would carry her. Once she arrived she took a quick breather and made her way inside, without even a second thought. Outside the forest the sun was shining high in the sky, shining it's light all across the land. This was everywhere except the Everfree Forest. The tree branches stretched out, each one carrying an abundance of leaves. It was these overlapping leaves that blocked out the sunlight, keeping the forest in darkness. After what seemed like an eternity of running, which was actually mere minutes, she noticed a light flickering in the distance. She made her way towards the light, being careful, in case anything nasty waited for her. She emerged into a clearing, lit by a ring of torches. At the far end of the clearing she saw two blobs, one sky blue, and one purple. Overcome with a sudden burst of emotion, she raced forward. As she neared, the blobs took the shape of ponies, a Pegasus and a unicorn. Applejack knelt down next to the sky blue pony, which was of course, Rainbow Dash. She found her to be bound and gagged by some sort of purple mist. She glanced over at Twilight to find she was in the same situation. Once they noticed Applejack they started to thrash about, as they tried to tell her something.
"And so the third place falls into place…" said a voice behind Applejack.
Applejack whirled around to find the colt standing behind her.
"What have ya done t' my friends!?" screamed Applejack.
"Me? I just did as I was told" replied the colt in a calm, collected tone.
"Told? By who?" replied Applejack.
"My boss. That was kind of obviously really…"
"Who's yer boss?!" said Applejack starting to lose her patience.
The colt fell silent, but kept a wry grin on his face.
"That would be me…" said a familiar voice.
The owner of the voice stepped out from behind the colt. The Pegasus was a mint green colour, and her mane and tail were a silvery version of the same colour.
"Volo?!" exclaimed a surprised Applejack. Even Rainbow Dash and Twilight gave a muffled 'what?'
"Yes, yes I understand your confusion, but it's true. I am the mastermind behind this" spoke Volo, her tone soothing and soft.
Volo strutted past Applejack and knelt down on the opposite side of Rainbow Dash.
"Have you worked out my plan yet?" I can assure you it's more than just a few simple kidnappings…"
"Ah know you need my friends, and mahself, but ah don't know why…" replied Applejack.
"This is true, but so far, as you can see, I only have you three. The rest are beyond my reach, for now. However things can still advance with just you three. Allow me to show you. Restrain her!"
Applejack felt a pair of hooves close around her as she was dragged back.
"It's a shame that none of you will survive the necessary process needed for this scheme. I was just starting to like you Rainbow Dash. Never mind, on with the show" said Volo.
Applejack could only watch in horror as Volo raised her fore hooves above Rainbow Dash. She began to chant something under her breath. Rainbow's body began to glow, every colour from her coat; mane and tail were exaggeratedly bright. The colours began to drift toward Volo and she sat with open arms, as she welcomed it. Rainbow Dash was not in the most comfortable of places right now. Her eyes were wide with fear, her body twisted spasmodically. Rainbow Dash screamed and cried but still Volo continued. All Applejack could do was watch helplessly as her friend, the one she loved, had the life drained from her. Rainbow Dash's movements and cries lessened with each passing second. The bright colours were almost gone; Applejack could see she was clinging to life.
"No…ah can't…Ah wont let you do this!" roared Applejack.
With a sudden burst of strength, she caught the colt off guard and freed herself from his grasp. Not wasting a second she charged at Volo. As she neared Volo she lowered her head, streamlining her body and quickening her pace. Volo remained adamant that she couldn't stop her and continued on. Applejack closed the final few metres, crashing head first into Volo. Applejack stumbled over Rainbow Dash, tumbling to the floor. Volo was knocked backwards, skittering across the grassy floor. Applejack turned her attention to Rainbow Dash. She held her in her hooves, she felt icy cold. She nuzzled up to the Pegasus, trying in vain to warm her up. She saw a slow, painfully slow, rise and fall of her chest. Applejack breathed a sigh of relief, she was still alive. Just barely though. Applejack wasn't even sure if she was conscious.
Suddenly a thought crossed her mind, something she had only ever dreamt about. She took a deep breath and brushed Rainbow Dash's colourful mane aside. Then she leant in and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. A smile flickered across Rainbow Dash's forehead, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. Content in knowing that Rainbow Dash was surviving, Applejack turned her attention back to Volo. Volo was being helped up by the colt. Her body was surrounded by a pulsing, purple energy. Her mane and tail fluttered in some sort of unknown window source. Applejack stared into Volo's eyes; they shone a burning, bright red. Volo spoke to Applejack, her voice twisted and full of malevolence.
"You still don't understand do you?"
"Ah think Ah'm gettin' there. Ya need somethin' that we all have somethin' unique to the six of us. Th' only thing that fits that bill would be th'…"
"The Elements of Harmony, yes" finished Volo "Once I possess all six, I'll have more power than anything in the land!" she cackled.
"But yer just a Pegasus, yer not supposed t' be doin' magic!" exclaimed Applejack.
"I am more than just a Pegasus, oh so much more…"
Applejack didn't get chance to think on what she said, before Volo demonstrated for her. Volo's body began to bubble, as though the flesh underneath had turned to molten metal. The energy that surrounded her body seared itself to her, giving her an eerie glow. Her wings sunk into her back, before rising back out, darkened, thinner, and jagged. Her legs dislocated with a sickening crack, and then grew longer. The makeup of her bones in her legs and spine, shifted to allow for bipedal movement, as opposed to quadrapedal. Her hooves changed, to form hands, well more like claws. Her snout flattened back to her head, whilst the entirety of her frame began to stretch higher.
Applejack watched on, mouth agape, as Volo towered over her, her head brushing against the leafy canopy. The eerie glow she had, dulled to a black, causing her to blend in with the darkness around them.
"What are you?" squeaked Applejack, her cock sure attitude, giving way to a more timid and afraid one.
"Your bookworm friend would know, why don't you ask her?" replied Volo.
With a flick of her claw, the mist around Twilight's muzzle disappeared, allowing for free speech.
"Applejack…" gulped Twilight "she's a creature of the shadows…commonly known as a shade. They have an exceptional amount of power, but what she says is true. If she gets the Elements, she will be extremely powerful…powerful, but not without a weakness, she's still vulnerable to…"
Before she could finish, Volo gagged her again.
"That's enough out of you…" cooed Volo "Y'know, instead of destroying your friends first…I'll start with you, I can see you being so much more…exciting."
Volo lunged at Applejack, catching her off guard and knocking her to the floor. Volo gripped Applejack by the head, digging her claws into her skull. She then shook Applejack's head back and forth slamming her head into the floor. Applejack winced with each slam, but retaliated, by kicking Volo in the stomach. Volo reared back, letting go of Applejack for a brief moment. It was in this brief moment that Applejack rolled out from under Volo and put a bit of distance between them. Then, without a second to spare, Applejack ran full pelt at Volo, hoping to get another head butt in. However her plan was scuppered, as Volo swung her claw at Applejack, smacking her into a tree, and scratching her cheek.
Applejack rubbed the blood from her cheek, and looked back to Volo.
"Alternatively, you could just give up, save me some energy, might even make your final moments more pleasant too…" smirked Volo.
"Never!" yelled Applejack.
"You're a stubborn one aren't you?" sighed Volo.
Applejack circled Volo, before running in for a second attempt, which once again proved unsuccessful. Volo grabbed her by the head, her palm covering her face, and threw her up into the air. As Applejack made her way down, Volo readied her fist, letting it pulse with energy. She then sent a powerful blast, straight into Applejack, sending her skittering across the ground. Applejack lay on the floor, her body shuddering, causing her to stutter.
"Oh come on, you can't be finished now! We were only getting started!" taunted Volo.
Applejack gritted her teeth as she stood up, her body still twitching a little. With a roar she charged at Volo, weaving around her defences. She scored a direct hit, carrying her off the ground, and slamming her against a nearby tree trunk. Applejack reared back, letting Volo sink to her knees.
"Y'know, there's still one thing ah can't understand…" pondered Applejack.
"What's…that…?" whispered a winded Volo.
"Why'd ya git all cosy with Rainbow Dash? Why not just have yer lil lackey capture her and bring her back here, like ah assume ya did with Dash an' Twi?"
Volo didn't give a response; instead she jumped up and tackled Applejack to the floor. The colt walked into the fray, with the intent of answering Applejack's question.
"I could never get close enough to Rainbow Dash," admitted the colt "She was always racing around. So I procured some spell books for Volo here, and using a powerful shape shift spell, she got closer to Rainbow Dash, than I ever could've."
Something clicked in Applejack's mind, there was more to this shape shift spell than just for getting close to Dash. Volo plunged her teeth into Applejack's neck, causing her to scream out in pain, and start to thrash about. She tried to focus on her thoughts, and ignore the pain Volo caused. Volo pulled back, and Applejack felt the blood gush from her open wound, making her feel a little faint. Her mind was so focused on her thoughts, that she was oblivious to Volo as she prepped her next move.
Volo kicked Applejack in the jaw, with such power that in sent her spiralling through the air. As soon as the pain, hit Applejack, she made a revelation. Volo couldn't survive in broad daylight! Volo had a perfect opportunity to capture them all, when they had visited her house. However if she had wanted to overpower them all, she would've had to have shifted forms. Something she didn't do, well, couldn't do. Twilight's library had been coated with scars from a battle of magic. The magic hadn't come from the colt, but Volo, in her altered form. Applejack's thoughts were interrupted as she made contact, first with the floor, and then bounced up to hit a tree. She heard something snap, although she wasn't sure if it was something in her body, or the tree. She slumped to the floor, as Volo casually made her way towards her. She struggled to get up, her energy fading fast. She had to find a way to bring sunlight into one of the darkest places in Equestria. She glanced upwards and looked at the leafy canopy, then she realised how easy it was going to be. Well, easy for an apple bucker. She took a stance, priming her back legs, so they could spring into action the moment they were needed. Volo continued towards her, and Applejack wished she would move faster, she was starting to tire. Finally Volo entered into the target area, pushing Applejack to buck her legs against the tree. The forces she exerted upon the woods' surface caused the tree to shake. The branches, being thinner than the trunk, shook harder, sending their leaves towards the floor. Sunlight streamed into the clearing, illuminating Applejack and Volo in glorious sunshine. Volo screeched and reared back, her body hissing as the sunlight burned her. Applejack smiled, this was actually working!
Volo thrashed about, roaring in apparent agony. Applejack felt a tiny bit of remorse for her adversary, but not enough for her to intervene. Volo hunched over, and with one final scream, her body exploded, in blast of white energy, which spread all through the forest. When everything settled, Applejack rubbed at her neck, to find she was still bleeding, quite profusely. She started to feel light headed, and started to swing to and fro, just a little.
"Applejack!"
Applejack turned to see Twilight, alongside a semi-conscious Rainbow Dash, heading towards her. Rainbow Dash had one hoof around Twilight's neck, using her for walking support. As they neared, Applejack's legs gave way, sending her toward the floor. Twilight and Rainbow Dash knelt down beside their injured friend.
"Rainbow Dash…Ah...Ah want t'…t' say somethin'…Somethin' I couldn't….say before…"said Applejack weakly.
"What is it AJ?" asked Rainbow Dash, with a brave face
"Rainbow…Ah…Ah…L…" stammered Applejack.
Applejack didn't get to finish speaking, her heart slowed to a dangerous pace, and her body began to slow down. Gradually her brain turned off, section by section. In her final moments of consciousness she heard Rainbow Dash and Twilight shouting her name, and then she slipped away.
|
Saatchi
|
1546
| 4 |
Big Macintosh,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Romance,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Love Conquers All
|
When Rainbow Dash disappears, Applejack sets out to rescue her. But is everything as it seems?
|
complete
| 20 | 5 |
<p>There's always someone who has feelings for someone else, and ponies are no exception. Applejack has unconfessed feelings for her pal Rainbow Dash, which is a predicament in itself. However when Rainbow Dash mysteriously disappears, Applejack sets out to find her. Although what Applejack doesn't know, is that sinister forces are at work here...</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-16T18:15:21+00:00
|
2011-10-16T18:15:21+00:00
| 2,974 |
Three months had past since the incident with Volo, and Rainbow Dash had spent each day under medical supervision. After Applejack had collapsed in the Everfree Forest from her fight with Volo, Twilight had carried both ponies to the Ponyville Urgent Response Centre. That had been the last time that Rainbow had seen Applejack, they were split up, and sent to separate wards. Time and time again, Rainbow requested to visit Applejack, but each time she had been given the same response.
No.
Today was going to be different however; today she was going to see her friend after all this time. At this moment she laid in a bed, on a ward which was empty, all but herself. Around her, various instruments checked her vital signs, storing information for the medics to use later. She was lying in wait for someone to come and discharge her. A nurse had claimed that someone would be there to meet her in ten minutes. That was over two hours ago, and Rainbow Dash was becoming impatient. To her relief, a stallion burst into the room, crossing to Rainbow's bed. He was dressed in a white lab coat, while his cutie mark, a needle over a cartoon heart, was just visible underneath. He looked incredibly flustered, as though he had simply ran all the way from one side of the centre to the other, just to meet her. He held a clipboard clenched between his teeth. Upon reaching Dash's bed, he laid the clipboard on the bed sheets.
"Good morning Miss Rainbow Dash…" The stallion smiled, a way of enforcing his positive bedside manner.
"It's the afternoon now…" huffed Rainbow Dash.
"Ah, yes, so it is. No matter! All your results seem to be pointing to an all clear. Your strength has returned, and you're still as athletic as before. So you're now officially discharged!" exclaimed the stallion.
Rainbow Dash's features lit up, hearing his words lifted her sour mood. Unfortunately this was short lived, as rain began to pour down outside. The stallion looked outside, and to Rainbow Dash, before looking back outside.
"Of course, you're free to wait around, if you'd rather…"
Then he hurried off, in the same manner he had arrived, returning shortly after departing to pick up his clipboard, before dashing off again. Rainbow Dash got up and out of bed, making her way to the centre of the ward. The weather didn't bother her; after all she wasn't planning on leaving just yet. She took a peek onto out onto the corridor, looking for some sign as to Applejack's location. Realising that something like that was never going to be so obvious, she ventured out into the corridor. She made her way along the numerous corridors, poking her head in and out of various wards, looking for an orange farm pony.
As she entered what seemed to be the umpteenth corridor, she made a discovery. A tall, red stallion with an orange mane, and a small yellow filly, sporting a pink bow, were making their way out of one of the wards. Realising the identities of these ponies led her to believe that she had located Applejack. The two ponies continued making their way down the corridor, before disappearing round a corner. Rainbow Dash wasted little time, and dashed into the ward. The ward itself was as scarce as the one she had stayed in, with the exception of a pony nurse, mulling about in the corner. Rainbow Dash scanned the empty beds, looking for Applejack. At the far end of the room, on the opposite side to the nurse, Rainbow Dash spotted a light brown Stetson hat on the end of the bed. Rainbow Dash made her way towards the bed, not sure what to expect. She inhaled a deep breath, and stood at the foot of the bed. There here gaze rested on the pony that had saved her from a terrible fate. Upon first glance she appeared to be sleeping, she looked so peaceful. Then Rainbow Dash noticed the cuts and bruises, those showed how far this one brave pony had gone to save those she cared about. Rainbow checked the doctor's notes at the foot of Applejack's bed, learning about her current condition.
She skimmed over the notes, only taking in the words that stood out the most.
Comatose.
Minimal chance of survival.
Rainbow Dash gasped as she read the words. She became overcome with sadness and grief for her lover. Tears welled up in her eyes, and were soon rolling down her cheeks.
"Hey Applejack." She smiled weakly. "Can you hear me? I guess it doesn't matter, I came here to talk, and that's what I'm going to do."
She reached out and stroked Applejack's cheek before resuming conversation.
"I felt kind of honoured that you cared so much about me, seeing as though we don't always see eye to eye."
She smiled a weak smile.
"I was so frightened when I was in the Everfree Forest with Volo and Twilight. I hate to admit that I was frightened; I mean it's not something you'd expect. But when you showed up, my spirits lifted, although that was short lived, mainly because Volo began her process on me… I knew the end was coming, but once again, you saved me, right at the last second. Although I don't remember much after that, I just remember feeling cold. Yet there was one thing, it was a warm sensation on my forehead. At first I wasn't sure what it was, but Twilight told me during one of her visits. She said you kissed me…"
Rainbow Dash blushed and buried her head in Applejack's neck.
"That's what you tried to tell me before you ended up like this wasn't it? You were trying to tell me that you loved me…"
Rainbow Dash gave Applejack's cheek a tentative nuzzle and continued speaking.
"Once I realised that's what you had tried to tell me, it was all I could think about. It got me wondering about how I feel about you. I mean I know we're good friends, but I think we can be so much more. I think…"
Rainbow Dash did her best to hug Applejack.
"I love you Applejack." She whispered into Applejack's ear. "And there's something I want to repay…"
Without another word, Rainbow Dash pressed her lips against Applejack's, locking the two in an embrace. For Rainbow Dash the moment felt so good, she closed her eyes and momentarily forgot about her current situation. As she held the kiss, the two ponies who had led her to Applejack returned to Applejack's bedside.
"Ahem…Excuse me Miss?"
Rainbow Dash's eyes shot open, and she slowly turned her head to face the ponies. There, stood behind her, were a rather confused looking, Big Macintosh and Applebloom. Rainbow Dash stopped herself crying, but at the same time she was terribly embarrassed as well.
"Oh…uhm…hi, I should….probably go…now."
Rainbow Dash turned to leave, but a sudden development made her turn back. Applejack's eyelids fluttered, and she muttered a single, broken word.
"Rain…bow?"
Rainbow Dash, Big Mac, and Applebloom's feature lit up with complete surprise. Rainbow Dash rushed back to her side, taking her hoof in hers.
"Applejack!"
Rainbow Dash felt her tears returning, but not from sadness, more so from joy. Applejack opened her eyes, treating Rainbow Dash to one more glimpse of those beautiful green eyes. Rainbow Dash hugged her, prompting Applejack's response.
"Hey sugar cube," she noticed Big Mac and Applebloom. "Hey, the family's here, speakin' of which, where is here?"
Rainbow Dash was too preoccupied to answer her question, so Applebloom took it upon herself.
"Yer at the medical centre sis. Yer've been here fer three months now, we've been worried sick.
As she finished, Applejack could see that she was tearing up, as well as her brother, but they both put on brave faces.
"I only just got discharged this morning…" said Rainbow Dash, as she looked up to Applejack's eyes again "So I went looking for you, just so I could speak to you. Speaking of which, did you hear any of it?"
Applejack rolled her eyes up to the ceiling as she tried to recall the one sided conversation that Rainbow Dash had with her.
"Ah'm not sure, was there somethin' important?"
"There was just one thing…"
Rainbow Dash whispered something into Applejack's ear, causing Applejack's face to change to one of pure glee. Without warning she grabbed hold of Rainbow Dash and pulled her into a loving embrace, locking lips with her as a bonus. Meanwhile Big Macintosh seemed to be a tad embarrassed at his sisters' behaviour, and quickly escorted Applebloom and himself, out of the room, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash in peace. Applejack broke the embrace, allowing Rainbow Dash freedom of movement once again.
"I should go, the medics will probably want some time with you, and I wouldn't want to get in the way."
Rainbow Dash took a few steps to leave, but Applejack's voice stopped her.
"Thank ya Rainbow…"
Rainbow Dash nodded, smiled, and exited the ward.
Applejack sighed and looked out of the window. It didn't bother her that she was stuck inside and couldn't go after Rainbow Dash. It was enough satisfaction that Dash loved her back. She continued to look out of the window, and was treated to one of her favourite things. A rainbow streaked its way across the sky; its colour twinkling like it was full of tiny stars. Applejack smiled; there was something about the rainbow, something calming. It made her feel like, despite everything that happened, love really can conquer all…
|
Midnightshadow
|
1547
| 1 |
Original Character,Princess Celestia,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Dark,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Conversion Bureau - The End
|
A grimdark story about the end of the Conversion Bureaus
|
complete
| 67 | 23 |
<p>When the last of the Conversion Bureaus close, the HLF and similar groups start to celebrate, but that celebration may be short lived.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-16T18:05:16+00:00
|
2011-10-16T18:05:16+00:00
| 6,558 |
The Conversion Bureau
The End
A grimdark MLP:FiM fanfic set very loosely in “The Conversion Bureau” universe by Blaze.
WARNING: Grimdark. It may cause rage, impotence, flatulence, cooties and severe depression. Count yourself warned. Go read something else if you don’t like grimdark.
***
“TWO FEET NOT FOUR! NOT A SINGLE INCH MORE!”
“TWO FEET NOT FOUR! NOT A SINGLE INCH MORE!”
The crowd chanted loudly, waving their signs with myriad slogans on them; things like “ponies go home!” and “god hates newfoals!”. Mike was one of them. He booed and yelled with the rest outside the barricaded, blocked and closed doors of the final Conversion Bureau in his home city-state. The windows, which had once been pristine and clear as diamond, were now scuffed, cracked in places. He glared inside, the damned ponies were doing it to the last human. It didn’t take long. He remembered the roaring cheering crowds of a few years past as the ‘newfoals’ stepped out of the ponification stations, unsteady on their new hooves and blinking in the sunlight.
He had stood there as his job was taken from him along with co-workers and friends - the damned ponies caused it all, the economy was in ruins - and he had finally stood up and said no.
He had taken his family, made a solemn vow, they would never listen to this false hope and the lies of those damned pony-folk. Michael, his wife Lucie, their two kids brought up in the ways of God, named Adam and Eve - they were so blessed. In a way he felt triumphant despite their hardships, these were surely the last days of the old order, the righteous would stand anew in a world shorn of the poisonous entreaties of these false prophets.
The roar of the crowd grew in intensity as the last human came clopping out inside, looking forlorn and sad. Mike was sure he regretted losing his humanity, becoming just an animal, but it was too late for him now. They had him. Rotten fruit, bottles, sticks - any weapon the mob could get their hands on were used to either throw at or hammer on the windows. He fingered the gun in his pocket - it would never go through the glass, but if they stepped outside, he’d be able to remove at least one of them, maybe more.
“Hands not hooves! Hands not hooves!” went up the cry, louder as inside a light blue unicorn stepped up carefully to the door before lowering her horn as if to charge. With a flash of light a new banner appeared that read, before it was ripped down and set on fire, simply “Closed”
“We’ve won!” went up a cheer, and the violence and hatred towards the child-stealing four-legged monsters redoubled. The ponies in the building with their new charge didn’t even try to exit the building this time. They just teleported away.
Mike listened to the activity online via his spinal implant - all across the planet, the “humans first” crowd were squirting celebratory, congratulatory and other confirmative messages that the Conversion Bureaus, every single last one, were shutting down. The ponies were going or gone. This was a grand day! He felt like calling his wife and kids, they’d be home - Lucie had recently lost her job as a chemist too after AI constructs took over.
He frowned when he tried and got a busy signal. Busy was...not possible. No, he checked, network busy. He was still trying to urge his implant to reconnect when there was a prickling sensation across his skin and the sky lit up. He looked up in horror at the face of the beast, Celestia herself appeared to crowds of horrified, amazed human onlookers the world over.
“People of Earth, humans, friends - I wish to take this chance to speak to you one last time. Our age upon this planet draws to a close, we retreat to our own realm, our task finished. We relieve you of the burden of overpopulation, taking those humans with us who wish to join our carefree society as ponies like myself.”
“Boo! Monster! Soul Stealer!” Mike found himself shouting, spitting, yelling and throwing debris at the image in impotent rage. Unsurprisingly the image never flinched, never even acknowledged his existence.
“We came in peace. We leave in peace. Thanks to your generous gift - for nopony can be forced to join Equestria - we are now plentiful enough, joyful enough, powerful enough, to go our separate ways. We go now, we will leave your reality to it’s own special future. Whatever you make of it, free beings, have our blessing. As we go though, know this, we love you all and offer nothing but friendship. We always did, and to cement that friendship though we will never again cross paths, I offer one last opportunity to accept our gifts. As we move beyond this realm, for a few moments, each and every one of you upon the face of the planet may choose. The Conversion Bureaus stand empty, but for those who never made the journey, never fear, for we come to you.”
Then the prickling inflamed his skin, and his vision clouded. Unused to life without his implants, using what was left of his standard vision was almost painful, but the sight that greeted him was beautiful, a paradise. Waving grass, blue skies, free of the pollution and grime, free of the degradation and ruins, free of the slogans and graffiti. Pure, natural.
“No, No, I will not...I refuse!” he found himself saying, falling to his knees. He had strength. He had The Book, it had told him such would happen, temptation! Lies!
His family appeared in front of him, bewildered. Whatever this magic was that the ponies wielded, it was strong and seductive, but they would...he would...
“Oh Mike,” said Lucie, “I...I never dreamed it could be like this! It’s...beautiful! It’s heaven!”
“Oh Lucie, no! No! Not you too...fight it, fight this...this disease! Stay human! In His Image we were created, this seductive, evil, wicked, sinful vision must be resisted!”
“But Dad,” said his kids together, already the transformation overtaking them, “this is wonderful! It’s ace!”
“I can fly!” said Adam, swooping in joy, no longer the auburn-haired, brown-eyed cheeky boy he should be, but a perversion of flesh made solid. He had become a pegasus. His beautiful daughter, ruined forever by the evil brush of the sun tyrant, was now a cream-coloured unicorn. His wife...he wept, his dear wife was a unicorn too. He turned from them, hot tears in his eyes, “go! Go and take your heathen ways with you. Traitors! You traitors! You,” he spat, eyes flashing, tearing his hair and clothes as the seductive song of the pegasus form sung to him too, of carefree days in the sun, flitting about in the clouds, nature in all its glory just for him, “I can’t. It’s wrong. The book says so. We...we’re made in his image.”
“Dad...no...”
“Mike, please, ple-”
The vision started to fade, and the image of Celestia looked both joyful and sad, “dear human friends, those who joined Equestria will sing of you for the rest of their days. We go now, our realm is complete, our hearts full. We leave you one, final, gift. From our time upon your plane, the land you called Equestria now stands vacant, pristine. It is my gift to you, it is a mere shadow of its former glory but it will sustain you and your kind for aeons if treated correctly. With my blessings upon you, we depart.
Just like that, the prickling sensation, the electronic glitches, the huge image of the tyrant pony overlord disappeared. He sat down on the pavement, finding it hard to believe. He had resisted temptation. He had been found worthy.
Why then...why was his heart so heavy?
The cheers around him rose in volume, the “humans first” groups had won. There were no more ponies. He looked down at the floor, what a cost...he found himself doodling idly, still numb, his internal victory should have been triumphant, what was wrong?
He noted idly the shapes he was drawing. Cutie marks. Celestia, the sun tyrant, he had drawn hers. Then Luna’s, the seducer. Then Twilight’s, the false prophet and evening star...he stared hard at them and his heart sank.
Not the sun, but the son - come once again in a new form, bearing not a flaming sword but a flaming horn.
The seducer, the evening star - no, they were the bringers of light, not the beast and false prophet, their real words hidden behind the falseness he had assumed for them. They hadn’t left the faithful, they’d taken the faithful, those who turned the other cheek, shunned violence, who had let love into their hearts.
“They took the faithful. It’s the rapture...oh god, it’s the rapture - and we were left behind!”
“what was that? He said they took the faithful...but...aren’t we...?” the whispers started, and turned to shouts, and turned to screams, and turned to fighting, breaking of bottles, as those around him realised the ugly truth.
The air-raid sirens wailed, news from the net came in that China had invaded Equestria from the South, Russia from the North and Europe from the West - the land that the Glorious American Empire had decreed was theirs, and was even now set to liberate via the Eastern route. Nobody was sure who had fired the first shot, but the thermonuclear missiles were on their way.
Michael didn’t care.
He had been lied to, they had offered friendship, love, understanding, a simple life - carefree, without sickness, without want - sealed away in Equestria, safe from harm. Thousands, millions, the world over. Spirited away from this world, never to return.
She had come in the sky, and every eye had seen her, even those who sought to pierce her with their weapons, to take her life. She had split the firmament open and revealed her new world, laid bare for them, and those who had seen had accepted her. She had wiped away every tear, made everything as new, the old order...his world, his sick, cold, angry, doomed world, was gone. And he with it.
The old world truly had passed away.
He burst into tears as the crowd became a mob, the mob an army, and the army nothing but a roving pack of animals. The first bright flashes rocked his vision, the blastwaves yet to come. He fingered the gun, no longer in his pocket but against his head. He prayed, for the first and last time, truly, in his life - and he prayed to Celestia. If she didn’t hear him, it wouldn’t matter.
“Our goddess,” he said, sniffing, closing his eyes, “who art in Equestri-”
He pulled the trigger.
|
Trill
|
1548
| 1 |
Original Character,Rainbow Dash,Crossover,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
My Little Severed
|
Three years after the Hoovshimura accident, Mastre Sabre has to fight his way through the Sprawlth.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Three years after the Hoovshimura accident, Mastre Sabre has to fight his way through the Sprawlth, to save his pregnant girlfriend Lavender from the Necrohoof hordes.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-17T05:25:01+00:00
|
2011-10-17T05:25:01+00:00
| 858 |
EGSF MISSION SMP - T725
CODE BLACK IN PROGRESS...
Titan Mining Installation under attack by hostiles.
All squads activated.
THREAT LEVEL: CLASSIFIED
CASUALTIES: TBD
<The tunnel!... Move!
Primary mission assets:
Alpha
Dash, Rainbow [COL]: Life Signs Critical
Hooves, Derpy [CPL]: Flatlined
Doo, Ditzy [CPL]: Flatlined
Bon-Bon, Lyra [SPC]: Flatlined
Bravo
Chance, Dicey [PFC]: Flatlined
Penis, Gay [PFC]: Life Signs Critical
Sea, Kiak [CPL]: Flatlined
Sabre, Master [SGT]: Stabilizing
<...Fuck..
[h]
"No, Mr. Sabre, she is not available! I can not simply get her out of the fertility ward."
"I'm done with you.. Overide seventy eight point twenty four, Master Sabre Bravo Beta Three."
"Sir! You can not do that it's r-"
....
"It worked? I'm going to- Sabre! What are you doing here?"
"Now listen to me very carefully, I need you to leave there immediately and head for a shuttle-"
"What? Why?"
"It's back, they're back, just dont tell anyone just get moving!"
"Sabre! Your scaring me-"
"Dont argue, just get to a shuttle now!"
"This isnt happening, this cant be happening!"
"Go Lavender! Get out of there now!"
The flat hologram fizzed out, leaving Sabre in the darkness of the dark cavern.
"Shit..."
|
Trill
|
1548
| 2 |
Original Character,Rainbow Dash,Crossover,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
My Little Severed
|
Three years after the Hoovshimura accident, Mastre Sabre has to fight his way through the Sprawlth.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Three years after the Hoovshimura accident, Mastre Sabre has to fight his way through the Sprawlth, to save his pregnant girlfriend Lavender from the Necrohoof hordes.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-18T00:48:47+00:00
|
2011-10-18T00:48:47+00:00
| 1,055 |
"<...Sabre.. hurry up and get out of the mines, I don't want your wife crying in my lap." A voice non-nonchalantly said in his ear-piece as he slowly crept though the dark tunnels.
"if I don't make it.. take care of her please.." Sabre said into his mouth-piece, standing in front of the mutilated corpse of his squad-member, Kiak Sea, when suddenly a loud yelp alerted him to the presence of a dismembered pony head flying at him, several tentacles trailing from it's spine. It wrapped around his armored neck, trying to dismember his head. He quickly brought up his hooves and stood up on his hind legs, trying to tear off the offending divider segment. With a dull tearing sound, he ripped off the necrohoof and throw it on the ground and reared up, slamming his left hoof on it, shattering it with a fleshly pop. Slowly bringing up his right hoof, he tapped on his left wrist, causing the long digital display running along his spine to change from a small yellow segment, to a full green line. With renewed strength, he tapped on the door in font of him's holographic display, causing it to whirl open in different segments. He slowly trotted into another segment of the mines, his clopping echoing through out the tunnels, when suddenly an atmospheric vent in the ceiling directly in-front him shattered open, and a pony fell down, but this was no ordinary pony. This pony had another set of limbs coming out of it's shoulders, the limbs were bent forward, and at their tip were long, curved blades. It's helmet was torn off, revealing a mutilated head with it's neck expanded, it's voice-box torn apart into a guttural red mess. It let out a wet, bloody sound resembling a moan and a roar mixed before it charged directly into a long javelin, which instantly pierced through it's brain all the way to it's spine, disabling it's flapping jaws while leaving it's other gruesome instruments ready to kill. The spike had stunned it monetarily enough for Sabre to run up to it, and buck it in the face, shattering it and it's shoulders. He then stood over the creature and repeatedly stomped on it, filling the tunnel with sounds of shattering and squishing. When he finally realized the extent of his commotion, the many other vents around him shattered, and many mutilated horrors jumped out.
Shit.. He though, then immediately ran away, in the direction of the mine's exit. The many horrors were almost upon him, when he brought up his right hoof as he ran, and slammed it down on the ground, causing a light blue wave to wave around him and crash into the necrohoofs, immediately slowing them down to a near standpoint. He took this opportunity to dash up to the mine's exit and opened it, running quickly inside and locking the door. He breathed a sigh of relief and slowly sat down, his helmet quickly snapping off into sections and climbing into his suit. He wiped the sweat off his small mane when his radio turned on.
<....This is Hooves Tiedpony requesting all units to retreat to government sector, this is not a drill.
Fuck him... I have to get to Lavender! He thought as his helmet quickly closed up, as he stood up and trotted up to the entrance to the medical sector. As he opened the door, he saw a gunship, and immediately he recognised it as Col. Rainbow Dash's. Before he could talk to her however, she opened fire on him.
"Rainbow! Stop! It's me! Sabre!" His plea had no effect as she kept firing at him, he quickly huddled into cover and thought of something. His horn quickly lit up as he grabbed onto an explosive barrel with magic, and he threw it into the gunship. The barrel detonated with a loud bang, knocking the gunship out of the air.
"Rainbow! What the hell do you think your doing?"
"I have orders to terminate Lavender, because of her involvement in the oracle program, and I cant let you stop me."
"The oracle program?" He questioned
"Some equinologist shit.." Rainbow muttered into the radio, flying away.
Dammit.. I have to get to Lavender.. now! He thought as he spotted a docked gunship.
Hah, this'l be easier than I thought.. He concluded as he trotted towards the gunship, tearing open the hatch and climbing in and sitting in the cockpit.
"Lavender.. Lavender are you there? Lavend-"
"Sabre... calm down!"
"Why arent you off the station yet?"
"The evacuation was quickly ordered, I couldnt get out before everyone else tried to.. it's a real massacre here! You gotta get me!"
"Hold on.. I'm coming." He reassured her as he turned off the radio, taking off, in the direction of the hospital.
Well there it is, after one hour in development, hopefully it will have been worth the wait. This is my longest fan-fiction so far and I hope you like it. Obviously this is based on the dead space series, to be exact Dead Space 2: Severed, a 2 chapter DLC that follows the adventures of Gabe Weller, who appeared in the Wii spinoff Dead Space: Extraction, which took place before the original dead-space which launched the entire series into incredible success. Please rate up, follow, favorite, and comment. I would also like constructive criticizim. Also check out my very good friend's profile and all of his stories, they are incredibly great! Please favorite, follow, and rate up his stories. They are awesome! Now some news on my other fic "Were it so easy" Due to some difficulties, I will only work on it after this is finished, and to make sure I get this finished fast I'l do it in all of my free-tie but rest assured I will try and make it the best I can. I apologize if I leave some stuff out, I have never really played the DLC and I' only basing my story on the plot summary in the dead space wiki. I'l have the next chapter up tomorrow.
|
Trill
|
1548
| 3 |
Original Character,Rainbow Dash,Crossover,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
My Little Severed
|
Three years after the Hoovshimura accident, Mastre Sabre has to fight his way through the Sprawlth.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Three years after the Hoovshimura accident, Mastre Sabre has to fight his way through the Sprawlth, to save his pregnant girlfriend Lavender from the Necrohoof hordes.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-24T01:27:00+00:00
|
2011-10-24T01:27:00+00:00
| 1,618 |
The gunship slowly touched down on the roof of the hospital, the engines cooling down. As Sabre opened the hatch, trotting out of the gunship and onto the roof, heading in the direction of the rooftop access, magically activating the holographic system, opening the door with a hiss and whir of gears. As he slowly crept through down the stairs, the automated lighting turning on every step he took, when suddenly a vent adjacent to him broke open, a thin twitchy pony breaking out, it's helmet torn off in the mouth-plate. It quickly slashed Sabre's armor extremely fast, it's arms a blur. Sabre backed away quicly, his armour lacerated, and threw a stasis bolt out of his arm, slowing the creature down to normal speeds. He then magicked a broom and launched it into the creature's skull, sending it toppling back into the vent and down into a ventilation fan, spraying chunks and blood up. Sabre quickly galloped down the stairs and tried initiating a communication with Lavender, but failed.
"Fuck.." He muttered, slowly trotting through a hallway devoid of light. He quickly found himself standing in-front of the door that lead to the express elevator, which would allow him to reach Lavender faster. He tried activating it, but there was no power to it. He tapped onto a red segment of the wall beside the door, opening itself into different sections, revealing a small vent that went passed the elevator. He climbed in and crawled through, the sound of metal breaking behind him and a dull drop and crawling in the opposite direction unnerved him as he crawled out of the vent, in the elevator shaft. He fell down only a couple feet, on-top of the elevator. He was about to open the shaft and and crawl into the elevator, when he heard a voice inside.
"No! Get awa-" The voice was cut off as a loud electrical soun erupted from inside the elevator. The elevator descended several levels and stopped, the sound of it's doors open easily heard. After a few seconds of waiting, Sabre opened the hatch and looked inside, he saw his superior Rainbow Dash sprawled across the floor, smoke drifting from the side of her neck. He quickly entered the elevator and went through the open doors, finding himself on Lavender's floor. He galloped through the dark corridors, bodies mangled everywhere, monsters pouring out of the vents as ponies ran in a panic, quickly being massacred. He ran through the crowd of ponies and Necrohoofs, pushing them aside as he ran towards where his waypoint was directing him to Lavender. He quickly charged into a docking bay, to see two white coated ponies carrying Lavender by the arms getting grabbed from her by severely mutated ponies, there legs stuck together and their mouths ending in sharp proboscis, slicing into the ponies heads.
"Sabre!"
"Get in the shuttle!"
The creatures unlatched themselves from the white-coated ponies, who were now mutated into Necrohoofs, bladed limps rising from their shoulders. Sabre quickly magicked some loose piping into the cretaures, sticking them into the floor.
"Sabre... your still alive.. I thought you were dead.."
"Lav, get that ship ready for takeoff."
"I'l try."
Warning.. security lockdown. The hospital bulkhead are protected from unauthorized overrides. A computerized voice rang out from the intercom.
"I"m going to have to force the airlock open from out here, stay in the ship you don't have a suit for the vaccum." Sabre stated, trotting up to a covered terminal. He ripped the covering off with his magic and stick his hooves into the circuitry, a digital screen showing him the status of his hack of the system.
"Hold tight honey.."
When he was nearly done with the hack, he was pulled away from the terminal by none other than his superior, Rainbow Dash who was nearly dead, her head slashed, her coat burned and cut off, and one of her eyes gouged out. She quickly pulled a grenade from her belt and activated it.
"Just... following.. orders.." She muttured before they entered into a wretsling match over the grenade. Shortly Sabre overpowered her and smashed the side of her head, dropping her body of the grenade, when it detonated with a loud hiss. He fell to the floor, his helmet smashed and one of his legs ripped off.
"Lav.. Rainbow set of a grenade."
"Oh Celestia!"
"I'm not going to make it."
"No.. thats not possible!"
"I can open the bay doors for you out here, you can get away, you and the baby."
"Lav."
"Sabre."
"I love you." He said as the radio shut off, a necrohoof crashed out of a vent, with many others following it. He used what little magic he could on the airlock doors, willing them to open. With extreme effort, they shot open and he and the necrohoofs were pulled towards the open space, the air dragging them. He quickly grabbed onto a flailing piece of metal as the necrohoofs around him flew out, and his radio opened.
"..Goodbye Lav.. I love you.." He muttured as the bay doors closed, recompressing the room shortly.
"Sabre! SABRE! SAAABREE!" Lavender yelled into the radio, sobbing as it closed.
Security Enforcement Guard
Master Sabre
Deceased
Subject's remains have been collected for study. All records have been deleted.
Lavender Twirler Sabre
Missing
Subject has avoided capture and current whereabouts are unknown. RPB has been issued with central command. Termination is imminent.
|
Protopax
|
1549
| 1 |
Main 6,Original Character,Other,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Spirit of Knight
|
A quest of discovery and adventure await a dimensionally displaced duo.
|
hiatus
| 31 | 4 |
<p>Our story follows John, an average early 22nd century man who makes an unexpected trip to Equestria following a terrible run in with an outlaw and a black hole. Aided by his friends and a young unicorn with a taste for adventure, they set out to find magical forces strong enough to return him home. Through his travels, John will encounter strangers in need, treasures more valuable than gold, dark forces beyond anything he could ever imagine, and a destiny tide to Equestria no one could have fortold</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-02-05T00:13:46+00:00
|
2012-02-05T00:13:46+00:00
| 3,042 |
Spirit of Knight Pt. I v.2
John swayed with the motion of the train. He rubbed his eyes and took a look around the packed car. Everyday he saw the same people, but not a one spoke to each other. He couldn't blame them, with the current state of things they shouldn’t have to worry about other people’s problems. He looked out the window. As the skyscrapers and advertisements passed by, he caught glimpses of the sunrise. He smiled to himself.
A few minutes later a panicked group barged in from one end of the car. John was given a vicious shove as they passed by. Some of the original occupants joined the group and scrambled to get to the other exit. John pressed himself against the wall as they stampeded through. Only a few people remained in the car. Then the door from where the mob came hissed open once more.
“...got more money if we started in the middle,” a small man pined.
“It doesn’t matter. They’re all heading for the same place. We’ll catch them there.”
The taller man pulled out a cigarette and stuck it between his lips. He raised his right hand and a small jet of flame came from a polished, metallic finger. He stopped at the doorway and looked around.
“Slim pickings,” he said. John watched the stranger scan the car. Their eyes met.
“What are you looking at? Never been robbed before?”
“Not by The Iron Fist,” John said evenly. The robber smiled.
“Good to know I have fans. Then you also should know how I work, so if everyone would kindly make a generous donation, I’ll be out of your hair. You sir, just volunteered to make the first donation.” He gestured his short friend towards John. Pulling out a computer and a card reader, he held it up for John. John tried to hide his shaking as he reached for his bank card and ran it through the scanner.
Twenty thousand dollars down the drain, he thought, I wonder if what they say about him is true.
As his partner went around to the other occupants, The Fist sat down by an attractive young woman. She was shaking and leaning away from him as he draped his prosthetic hand over her seat. His short companion came over to her last. She was paralyzed with fear.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart, all we’re asking is for a little donation,” he cooed, “Just pay us, and we’ll be on our way.”
“I-I-I d-don’t have any m-money,” she stammered. The Fist frowned.
“Tell you what. Whatever you have, I’ll take it. As long as it’s worth something.”
The woman was now shaking uncontrollably.
“I don’t have anything!”
“Oh come now sweetheart. No jewels, no personal info, nothing? What a shame.” He sighed, “Well I’m sorry sweetheart,” He stood up, “but there’s only one way to settle this now.”
Blades jutted out from his fingers, causing everyone, including his companion, to jump. The woman kept her eyes on the blades as he nicked her chin. John watched in horror as The Fist dramatically raised his hand to strike. John looked to the others in the car. All of them were shielding their eyes. Even the partner had his gaze averted.
“Nothing personal princess,” he winked. John charged forward as the woman shrieked and body checked The Fist to the floor.
“Get back!” John yelled to the woman. She didn’t move. John shakily moved himself between her and The Fist as he got back up. The Fist grinned.
“And I thought chivalry was dead,” he joked. “How would you like to make another payment, good sir?”
He started forward slowly. John grabbed the woman by the arm and started backing up. The Fist advanced, flicking his blades through the air, scraping them along the handle bars causing sparks. John bit his lip as he drew closer. The people in the car began moving with him, eyes fixed on the blades. John’s and The Fist’s eyes met once again. Despite his cool outside appearance, John could see a murderous rage in his eyes. He blinked when a playful slash was mere inches from his face. He laughed as he lunged forward to skewer John in the heart. John closed his eyes, only to hear a screech of metal. John opened his eyes to see a robot’s hand pierced by the blades. The Fist’s face contorted into frustrated rage, and withdrew to the other end of the car. John looked around to see a large police robot behind him.
“Move,” it said in a growling tone.
John complied as it stepped forward.
“Lowry Benns. You are under arrest. Put your hands behind your head and get down on the ground.”
“On what grounds officer?” Lowry said mockingly.
“Murder, grand larceny, fraud, domestic terrorism. I could go all day if I had too, now put your hands up.”
“You know I had a feeling this would happen, so I brought something along for the ride. Portley, would you mind?”
The smaller man pulled out an assault rifle and fired on John and the passengers. The cop blocked the bullets with his body and began to advance.
“It’s not working boss!” Portley squealed as he ejected a clip.
Lowry pulled out a small hand gun. He looked at it carefully as if examining it for imperfections. He took careful aim and shot a fiery bolt at the robots chest, knocking it to the floor. He then turned to the door and shot out the hinges. The vacuum ripped the door off and it sailed to the ground far below. He turned back to his partner.
“Come now Portley, that robot won’t stay down for long.”
His partner cautiously approached the door, gulping when he looked out of it. The Fist then gave him a swift kick and his partners scream trailed off. The Fist looked back at the woman.
“You don’t have to worry about me anymore, love. That man you’re clinging to will settle you’re debt.” He locked eyes with John, “With your life.”
He then jumped out the door to the ground below. The hole where the robot was shot was sparking. John stepped forward to take a look at it.
“Stay back, this is property of the metropolitan area police department and tampering with said property will result in a fine and jail time.”
“Is that recorded or is someone actually piloting this thing?” John knelt down next to the robot. “I can probably fix it enough for you to get it back to a police station,” John said. The police robot picked itself up.
“Fat chance.” He surveyed John and the rest of the passengers, “Is everyone alright?” Everyone nodded. “Then what happened? Who didn’t pay him?”
The woman was still behind John, and still shaking. She admitted that she didn’t pay him.
“Why not? He would have taken anything. That’s the safest way to deal with him.” he towered over top John and the woman. She shut her eyes and buried her face in John’s back.
“I don’t... have any information,” she admitted, “I don’t even live here.”.
“Alright,” he sighed, “You’re going to have to come with me Miss.”
He extended his arm and a handcuff snapped on to her wrist. She dug her nails further into John’s back. Winced and turned back to the cop.
“Wait a second, what are you doing?” John asked.
“I need to take her downtown for questioning. Have you been through immigration affairs miss?” The woman looked both ways before shaking her head.
“She was almost killed right now. She doesn’t deserve this,” John said.
“I can arrest you too if you want,” the cop growled.
“For what!?”
“For engaging dangerous criminals, endangering the public, and obstructing justice.” The cop leveled his face with John’s. John knew that the machine was nothing but an empty shell, but even then he could feel the pilot’s harsh gaze filtered through the bright blue optical sensors. John broke eye contact, and the cop turned away taking his charge with him.
“That isn’t justice,” John said the cop’s back.
The cop stopped as he was about to exit the car.
“What is?” he replied. “Listen son, I’d worry less about other people’s problems and worry more about your own. The Fist will find you and kill you, and not even a fortress can protect you if he puts his mind to it. Take my advice, and get out while you still can.” The door shut, leaving John and the remaining passengers alone. It seemed like everyone had been holding their breath. They all sat down in the nearest seat. A couple was consoling each other with gentle whispers. John leaned forward and stared at the floor. A hand fell on his shoulder and John turned to see it was an elderly woman. She nodded solemnly and removed her hand. John nodded back and stared out the window to the already high sun.
John stood outside a towering skyscraper.
“Any minute now,” he said quietly.
As soon as he spoke he heard a pair of voices behind him. Recognizing them he turned to see Artie and Vanessa approaching. He smiled broadly as Vanessa sprang to give him a hug.
“Thank God you’re okay,” she said, “I heard on the news that The Iron Fist was on your route today. There’s one dead after he tossed him out of the train.”
John’s gut dropped. She squeezed him tighter.
“That was his partner.” John voice was hallow.
“Did you see him? I mean you’d think a guy like that would look real nasty,” Artie said.
“He’s a lot worse,” John said. “Now before anything else happens, let’s get inside.”
He looked around cautiously as the trio proceeded into the building.
“Hey John!”
John’s heart skipped a beat. He stopped as the others continued. A skinny guard jogged up to him.
“Oh, morning Jason,” John replied.
“John! I just, I just heard. The Iron Fist. He was on your train this morning right?”
“Yeeess,” he said slowly. “How did you know?”
“News feeds! I been listening to them for twenty minutes now. They’re all buzzing about The Fist’s latest feat! I heard it was a life and death struggle and he was forced to abandon the train.”
John sighed.
“Don’t believe everything you hear Jason. It’s not as fun as it sounds.”
“You mean you saw him?”
“Yes.” John said quietly.
“Really?” he continued excitedly and leaned in close, “Did you use your biological enhancements on him?”
“What!? No! A patrol bot came and forced him off the train.”
Jason stood up straight and frowned at John.
“Then what are you guys doing down there?” He pointed a finger at the ground. “If it’s not bio-engineering, what is it? You’re way too ripped for scientists!”
“Jason,” John turned away for a second, biting his lip. “There are no lower levels except for the garage.” He pulled Jason closer, “Quit asking these questions, I don’t want you to lose your job.”
“Are you kidding? I’m one the best. There’s no way they’ll ever sack me.” He spun his rifle in fancy maneuvers only to fumble with it. John flinched.
“Okay so that may need some work.” He eyed John slyly. “I know they’re doing something to you guys, and I’m going to find out.”
John looked into Jason’s smug face and sighed.
“Alright, listen carefully” He leaned close, “its very labor intensive. They need technicians that can stand extra forces.”
“What kind of extra forces?”
John looked around before turning back to Jason.
“Have you ever felt ‘heavier’ when inside this building?” John asked.
“Well I did feel a little sluggish when I first started.” Jason’s eyes widened. “Whoa. Do you have anything to do with that?”
John nodded and patted him on the shoulder.
“See ya' later Jason.”
John left the guard and caught up with his friends. They piled into the already cramped elevator and punched in their level. John caught a last look at Jason and winked as he pointed down. Jason smiled as the doors closed. The elevator descended. A few seconds later, sirens blared and the interior suddenly turned red before slowing to a stop at the garage level. The doors opened to reveal a group standing before the elevator. Before any of them could move, a man jumped forward from the crowd.
“Well it’s about damn time. You know how long I was waiting?” he said.
John, Artie and Vanessa rolled their eyes.
“And you couldn't come to the lobby because...?” Artie asked.
“Because I can catch it here moron,” the man spat back. A person from the crowd stepped forward to get on the elevator. He slapped his arm across their chest.
“Whoa, what are you doing? This elevators going somewhere you idiot, if you wanna keep your job, your ass is going to stay right here.”
“But, but it’s going up isn’t it?” they said nervously. “I can’t be late.”
“No you retard it’s going down.”
“But there aren’t any levels lower than this.”
He turned to face the person.
“You know what? Get out of here. You’re fired. Comprendé?”
“Frederick, just get the hell in here,” Artie said. Fred turned to the elevator, then back to the scared worker.
“You’re lucky.” H
e slowly went to the elevator and squished himself between Vanessa and John. Vanessa grimaced when he put his arm around her.
“Hey baby,” he said.
John clenched his jaw as he watched Fred out of the corner of his eye. Fred rolled his head to lazily stare up at him.
“What’s wrong big guy?” Fred asked as he stroked her shoulder, “Nothing wrong with coworkers getting close, is there?”
“Says the walking sexual harassment case,” Artie whispered.
He grabbed Vanessa’s hips and pulled her close. Vanessa pushed him away and stamped on his foot. Fred suppressed a yelp as he fell against the door. She tried to hide a small grin that was creeping on her face. John saw it and returned a small smile.
“Oh baby, always playing hard to get.” Fred looked up at both of them, “That’s no way to treat your boss.”
“Last time I checked, my boss is your dad,” Artie said.
“Which, incidentally, makes me your boss.” Fred straightened himself up.
“If that day comes, I’m out of here so fast,” Artie muttered.
“Along with most of the company,” Vanessa said.
John nodded in agreement. The doors opened to reveal a sterile white room, complete with sterile white security guards. They filed out of the elevator and into separate change rooms. John approached a double door locker with his name on it. After inserting his key card, his locker hissed open. What was inside could have been mistaken for a small armory. Gadgets lined the interior of the deep locker while a suit hung in the middle.
“Good morning John,” A pleasant female voice said, “I heard reports of The Iron Fist robbing a train. The route you usually take to be exact. Are you in need of on-site counseling?”
John sighed, shaking his head.
“No Karma, I’m...I’m fine. Just a little shaken.”
“Ha! You’re such a coward John. If I had been on that train, he wouldn’t have thought twice about robbing it,” Fred boasted.
John curled up his fist. Taking in a deep breath, he slowly exhaled. Artie noticed his friend’s reaction.
“Hey John are you okay?”
“Hm? Yeah, like I said, perfectly fine.” He busied himself with his locker.
“Karma, perform a status check on Atlas and bring up the work order for today.”
“Same for me Karma,” Artie said as he opened his locker. As he opened it, a pale blue light was shining through the cracks. Inside was a fourteen inch man, who looked to be in his sixties, dressed in a sharp suit. The figure turned a kindly, wise smile to Artie.
“Hello Arthur,” it said.
“Hey Merlin, how’s virtual reality treatin’ ya’?”
“A few bugs here and there but nothing too serious,” Merlin replied. He gave a small cough.
Artie smiled and turned back too preparing his equipment. John had already put on the suit. He was now strapping on a miniature fusion reactor to his back. He switched it on and heard the low hum of the generator. His body tingled as the suit came to life and the fibers contracted and expanded to fit snugly against his body. Geometric lines glowed green with power as they ran across his body and connected small discs placed evenly over the suit. John flexed his muscles and the suit reacted along with it.
“John?” someone asked.
John looked into his locker to see another fourteen inch man. This one was a lot younger, and wearing plain clothes.
“Hey Atlas, you ready?”
“In two minutes, eighteen seconds. I’ll be fully disconnected from the main servers.”
John reached for the rest of his gear while he waited. He could feel Fred was eyeing Atlas.
“Karma. I need a functioning A.I. for today, give me John’s.” Fred commanded.
Atlas immediately turned to John.
“Please don’t let him take me.” Atlas begged. John looked from Fred to Atlas and leaned in close.
“I won’t let him take you.”
Fred’s eyes grew wide as he took in a harsh breath.
“You forget your place John. Now give him here.”
John was about to open his mouth when Karma stepped in.
“A.I. exchanges are strictly prohibited until an evaluation is scheduled. The next one is in four months.”
“Look I don’t care about evaluations. I need an A.I. right now, so give Atlas to me.”
“This lab is not your playground Frederick,” Artie said, “The whole building would come crashing down on our heads, if it was. Besides you’d probably break Atlas faster than you broke Venus.”
“I did not break her! She was crashing, she was ancient!”
“She was perfectly fine until you came along!” Artie said.
“The malfunction trend occurred shortly after your arrival,” Karma added.
Fred slammed his locker shut and strutted toward the exit.
“Fine, I’ll get my way, eventually.” he said before he left.
Artie had a triumphant smile on his face, and he pumped his fist.
“Boom! Denied. John, buddy, that was priceless. I didn’t know you had it in you. You served that brat his just desserts. I like it.”
John just shook his head. Artie rolled his head back and let his arms flop to his sides.
“Oh come on, he deserves it.”
“I didn’t say he didn’t,” John replied.
“Then what’s the matter? I know he gets under your skin.”
“More than you know, let’s go Atlas.”
Atlas jumped into a computer, the screen lit up with his presence.
“Maybe I won’t have to deal with him for much longer.” he said quietly
“What da’ ya’ mean by that?”
“Oh, uh, nothing.”
“Well he’s not going away anytime soon. Don’t tell me that creep is forcing you out of here.” He took a step closer to John, eyeing him quizzically. John returned a blank stare.
“No. He isn’t,” he replied. Artie relented and grabbed the rest of his gear.
“What ever you say John. Just don’t let those who wield power intimidate you.”
Artie slapped John on the back on his way to the exit. John rested his head against the locker and took a deep breath.
“Is everything alright?” Atlas asked.
“No Atlas. Things have gone horribly wrong.”
He finished attaching the protective plating to his suit, and placed the computer on his gauntlet. He scooped up the rest of his gear as he headed for the door.
The group was now inside a large freight elevator. They had all dressed into the same suit. Some were wearing the lab coats while others wore the protective gear. John weaved through the crowd as he tried to find his friends. He spotted them in the usual corner seats.
“Ladies and Gentlemen please take your seats as we will be descending shortly,” Karma said over the loud speaker. John secured his tool kit under his seat and strapped himself in. As soon as everyone else did the same, the elevator began descending.
“Please ensure that individual density manipulation suites are active and compensating for gravity changes.”
John could feel his body gradually getting heavier. John lifted his arm to test if the compensation was working.
“What’s the matter John?” Vanessa asked. “You’re shaking.”
Artie stole a quick glance at John, who immediately rested his arm down.
“Just nervous that’s all.”
“About what?” she pressed.
“Um, well, uh-”
“He wanted to ask you something. He just didn’t know if you would agree.” Artie gave John a quick wink. “What was it? A vacation?”
John was about to object when Vanessa spun around.
“Really? Where?”
John looked into her face. Her eyes were gleaming at him.
“I was thinking...possibly...”
“How do the floating resort cities of Hawaii sound?” Artie supplied.
Vanessa lit up with excitement.
“Oh John that sounds wonderful! When were you planning this.”
“For... a while now, actually.” John replied. Artie tried to hide a huge grin.
“When do we leave?”
“Uh, tomorrow.”
“That is...way too sudden.” she said quizzically.
“John’s got it all figured out. He even booked the days off for the both of you,” Artie said quickly. “Come to think of it, I think I need a break too. You mind if I join you two love birds on your little getaway?”
“Artie, you can’t just up and leave on a moment’s notice,”
“Watch me,” he said with a grin. “What da ya say John?”
John let out his breath and gave him a small smile.
“I’d like nothing better Artie.”
The elevator jerked to a halt and the doors opened. John unbuckled himself and walked past a group waiting to ride it up. Artie and Vanessa followed John as Fred hurried to catch up to them.
“Never ceases to amaze me,” Vanessa said as she looked out a window.
“Yeah, makes me feel like the Master Chief.” Artie’s joke elicited a chuckle from John and Vanessa. Fred rolled his eyes.
“Yes very funny. The facility had to be built in ring like modules to take advantage of the massive gravity given off by the black hole.” Fred explained, “You wouldn’t even know if you were upside down if at the bottom of the facility.”
“Tell us something we don’t know,” Artie said.
“Watch it Arthur,”
“Proceed to the inner maintenance bay,” Karma said.
“What do we need to do?”
“Run a diagnostic on the null array containment apparatus.”
“Didn’t we run one yesterday?” asked John
“No account of a diagnostic test or the results could be found.”
“Well how can that be? Frederick said he finished up the...” Artie furrowed his brow and turned slowly to Fred. Fred looked from side to side.
“I told you I needed an A.I.”
“You don’t need an A.I. you dolt,” Artie said, “You could have done it manually.”
“Don’t you dare talk down to me. As soon as this day is through you’re finished.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Artie turned his back on him. “I’m so sick of you.”
John pressed a button to call an elevator.
“Still, what’s the worst that could have happened between now and then, right?”
They went into yet another elevator and descended further. The elevator doors hissed open. John walked to the mirrors that were aimed at the black hole. He drew in a shallow breath at the sight before him. There was debris everywhere, zipping around the black hole. The undersides of the ringed laboratories were scuffed and gouged. It looked like a battlefield. Vanessa stood beside him with her mouth agape.
“This is bad,” she said.
“Oh hell,” said Artie
“You just had to say it, didn’t you?” Fred said venomously
Artie clutched his own face, and then brought it back up.
“Yeah, I suppose it’s my fault for not babysitting you when you were supposed to do your job.” Artie put on his helmet and headed for the door. “We could’ve caught this mess sooner.”
“Wait a sec,” John said, “we can’t go out there.”
“And why not?” Fred asked.
“Do you see those gouges? That debris is traveling too fast, one hit and you’re dead.”
John looked once more out the window and flinched when the mirror shattered.
“Well there must be something we can do,” said Artie.
“As a matter of fact there is,” Karma chimed in.
A hiss behind them caused them all to jump
“Behold the H-class Hazardous Environment Suit, dubbed Aegis.” Vaults opened up and four heavy duty arms extended with large hunks of metal attached to them.
“Oh that is cool,” Fred said, genuinely impressed. John and Artie exchanged glances that silently agreed with Fred.
“Step forward to the apparatus.”
John and the others did as they were told. Several arms jutted out and removed the plates that John already had on. Then the arm placed the main piece flat against his chest. John jerked as he felt two sets of cords slither under his armpits and over his shoulders to attach to his power pack. As soon as he heard a click, the suit began shifting individual plates over his body. He breathed heavily as they clamped around his lower back and worked its around his body. He gasped as a large hunk jumped on to his face and enveloped his head. He could see nothing but two slits and his breath quickened. A few seconds later, the entire room flickered into view. He looked over at Artie. He was just in time to see Artie’s head get swallowed up by the metal. A small picture of Artie’s face popped up in the corner of John’s view. He could see that Artie was bewildered by the sudden darkness. John saw that Fred was struggling, even so much as to shake the arm he was still attached to.
“If you just held still you wouldn’t be in this predicament,” Karma said.
“It’s not my fault you give me the worst equipment!” he yelled.
The armor decisively snapped around him like mousetrap, freezing him in place. Muffled cries could be heard inside.
“The Aegis has been designed for protection and functionality. Extra density manipulation modules have been built into the armor and react to incoming objects travelling above certain velocities. Keep your head low and arms as close as possible as collisions may still have enough force to break bones, dislocate, and or otherwise cause severe injury.”
The arms detached. John staggered around as he tried to find his balance
“Communication will be limited as electromagnetic transmissions tend to be absorbed after a certain point. John, Fred, you will go to the Primary arrays and begin the diagnostics test. As soon as it is complete, I will analyze the data and determine a course of action. Arthur, Vanessa, check the hard lines for obvious damage. The other team will be in shortly. Good luck out there,” Karma said.
John gritted his teeth.
“Thanks Karma. Okay, let’s go.” John led them out of the room onto the catwalks that wrapped around the black hole and the null arrays. Fred took this chance to sidle next to Vanessa.
“Okay, I’m taking Vanessa with me on this one.” Before he could run off, Artie grabbed him by the shoulder and steered him in front of John.
“He’s all yours,” Artie said with a grimace. Then he and Vanessa went to work. John stared intently at the cold, hard metallic face that stood before him. The video of Fred showed him he was giving John an annoyed look.
“What are you staring at? Get going.”
John turned on his heel and started down the catwalk. They made their way down to the diagnostic station. John pulled a cable from his gauntlet and plugged it in.
“Atlas, see if you can tell us what’s wrong.”
“Yes John. I’ll let you know once the diagnostics are finished.”
John stole a glance at Fred, who was looking over the catwalk into the depths below. He looked back at John. John turned back to the console. Fred slowly came over and stood next to him.
“How long is this going to take?”
“Shouldn’t be long,” John replied. He was scanning the diagnostic for anything suspicious.
“I hope so. You know, you’re a very lucky man John. Did I ever tell you that?”
John twisted his head slightly then turned back to the monitor. Fred continued
“I mean who would have thought that a girl like Vanessa would end up with a guy like you?”
John clenched his jaw as he searched the console.
“I mean, don’t get me wrong I think you’re a great guy, but what is that makes you think you have the slightest chance of competing with what I have to offer her.”
Fred crossed his arms and stood square to John. John slowly turned away from the console and faced Fred.
“Face it John. Anything she sees in you can be bought.”
John realized he was clenching his fist. He turned back to the console, trying to shut out what Fred had said. Fred tilted his head, shrugged, and leaned in close to John.
“Do you get it yet John? I. Own. Her.”
John lashed out with a vicious uppercut. The force sent Fred crashing to the floor. John stood at Fred’s feet
“Nothing, and I mean nothing, you ever do will make her yours. Not money, not power, not even God himself could make her want you. Second, I’m-”
“ A dead man! You are a dead man John! Do you hear me?”
John planted a foot on his chest and leaned forward.
“That’s news to me, you little brat. I’m tired of you running your mouth and how you treat this place. If I know your father, he’d rather burn this whole building to the ground than see it in your hands. You’re a complete screw-up and you‘re always making other people’s lives more miserable than your own.”
John increased his weight to keep the struggling Fred pinned.
“Y-you asshole! You’re fired, no. I’m suing your ass! Soon as my father hears about this-”
“He’ll what? Think he’ll listen to the screw-up son who treats his company like a playground?” John leaned down further, “You don’t deserve any of this. I don’t even know why you’re even here. In fact, get out. I’ll finish this myself.”
John lifted his foot off. Fred picked himself up. He staggered around and grabbed the rail to steady him.
“You’re dead. You are a dead man! I’ll make sure of it! She’ll have no problem choosing me once you’re a cold, dead corpse!” Fred turned tail and ran.
John turned back to the console and placed both hands on it, and hung his head low.
“Good riddance,” he said to himself, “Atlas, status repor-”
“The null array isn’t getting full power. One of the hard lines must have been damaged by the debris.”
John breathed a sigh of relief.
“Make sure the array is on parallel power support. Are the communication hard lines active?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, send the report to Karma and then we’ll-”
At that moment, the lights went out and John was pulled to the floor. A few seconds later, red emergency lights and sirens blared.
“All personnel evacuate the facility. Facility is on emergency power,” Karma said, “All personnel evacuate-”
Her voice turned to static and was replaced by something more sinister.
“Oh Joo-oohn, I’ve come to collect early.”
John ripped out the cable and ran.
“This isn’t happening,” John said, “please let this not be happening.”
John could feel his body getting heavier, and the suit making compensations as he ran. Out of nowhere, a large piece struck him in the shoulder, slamming him into the side rail. John screamed out in pain.
“John!” Atlas yelled. “Are you alright!”
John slowly picked himself up, and rubbed his shoulder.
“I can’t move my arm.”
More debris showered John and pounded on his injured arm. John bit his lip to stop from shouting.
“John, we must move. It’s imperative that we evacuate.”
John grabbed onto the rail and pressed forward. He tried to ignore the pain as more debris rained down on him.
“John? What are you doing out there? Move!” Artie shouted over his radio.
“Artie? Where are you guys? Are you safe?”
“Yes, we’re in the maintenance bay now move your ass! The catwalks are being pulled in!”
John looked behind him. Too his horror he could see that the network of catwalks were being sucked into the void. John bolted down the path towards the maintenance bay. Artie was waiting with the door open. John pushed hard but felt nothing beneath his feet. It took him a second to realize that he was falling. John desperately reached out with his good arm to grab onto the hanging catwalk. John’s face contorted with pain as his other arm reached up and grabbed hold. John screamed.
“I’m sorry John. I accessed the motor functions of the suit so I can assist.”
John looked down at the black hole beneath him. The null arrays projectors were starting to be pulled in. At that moment the section he was hanging onto finally ripped off. John watched silently as he started to plunge again. This time another arm reached out and grabbed the broken section.
“You’re not gonna be void fodder today John,” said Artie.
Artie pulled him back onto solid ground. He put John’s arm over his neck and supported him the rest of the way into the Maintenance bay. Once inside he handed John over to Vanessa.
“That emergency power won’t last long. As soon as it goes, so does this entire facility.”
They piled into the elevator and gripped each other tightly as it strained against the growing gravitational force. The elevator came slowly to a halt and continued to groan.
“Everybody out!” shouted John.
They leaped out of the car just before it shot back down into the abyss. They picked themselves up and ran with the other scientists towards the exit.
“Who could have done this?” asked Vanessa
“I think John knows.” Artie said.
John’s helmet uncovered his face and he looked at his friends.
“I am so sorry for this,” he said. “I didn’t think he would go after me so fast.”
“You mean? Could you have stopped all this?” Vanessa asked. “Then why didn’t you do something about it? If you knew something why did you hide it?”
“Because he’s out to kill me!” John stopped in the corridor. Artie and Vanessa froze in place.
“Who’s out to kill you?”
“The Iron Fist.” John said. Artie uncovered his face to reveal a look of shock.
“But...why?
“Because I stopped him earlier today, he’s out to get what I owe him. And I put everyone in danger because of it!” John slammed his fist against the wall, putting a large dent in the wall. He leaned his head up against it.
“I ignored the cop’s warning and now he’s going to tear this place apart looking for me,” John stood himself up straight.
“I should just save him and everyone else the trouble and find him.” He turned to Vanessa and Artie. “Find a safe place once we’re up top. I’m going to pay up.”
“What!? Are you insane!?” Artie rushed up and grabbed him by the shoulders. John winced in pain. “John that’s not fair to us or yourself. There’s no way I’m letting some stupid crime king kill you. Right Vanessa? Vanessa?” John and Artie turned to see her shoulders were shrugging rapidly. The face plates pulled back to reveal tears were streaming from her eyes.
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
John moved slowly forward and put a hand on her shoulder.
“I, I didn’t want you to worry-”
“And then what? Disappear? Leave us not knowing what happened to you?” She held back a new outburst of tears. John pulled her close.
“It’s alright,” he said soothingly, “I’m sorry I held the truth from you guys, but now I have to make this right.” Vanessa took a step back from him and wiped away her tears.
“I’m with Artie on this, we’re not going to leave you hanging.”
John looked from her to Artie, who was positively beaming.
“Well then let’s not waste any more time down here.” he said.
“Hell yeah,” said Artie, “Let’s do this.”
They ran towards the main elevator shaft, only to see that it had already left.
“Dammit! it’s already left.”
A screeching noise came from the shaft, and it was getting closer. Fast.
“Get back!” John yelled.
The trio dived back as the screeching elevator car crashed down. John turned back to the smoking wreckage. A silhouette stepped slowly out of the sparks and dust. Someone was struggling as the other marched forward. John turned on to his back and sat up. Fred now only had his basic suit on, and was being held around his neck by an arm. John eye’s followed it up to the face and his blood ran cold.
“That’s him,” Fred said in a panicked voice, “That’s him right there!”
“Hello there good sir,” The Fist said through a smile. “Did you miss me?”
He leveled the same weapon he had on the train at John’s chest.
“Alright you got him, now let me go!” Fred shouted.
“Hm? Oh yes, thank-you for your help. You’re free to go.” He let Fred fall to the ground.
“But you destroyed the elevator!”
The Fist gave him a devious smile
“I know.” He fired a bolt at John’s feet as Artie and Vanessa scrambled to pick him up.
“Ah, ah, ah, no sudden movements. Now kindly back away from the gentleman. He and I have unfinished business.”
Artie and Vanessa slowly backed away. The Fist leveled the weapon at John’s chest once more.
“Oh John, dear John, John, John. Look at the mess you’ve caused. All of this could have been avoided if you didn’t interfere.” his hand started to lower, little by little. “Consider our debt settled.” He hefted the small weapon back up.
“NO!” Artie lunged forward. The Fist quickly shot him in the chest and Artie crumpled to the floor. Vanessa screamed and The Fist aimed at her. John punched a hole in the floor that was ripped open by the gravity. John and The Fist fell through the gaping hole onto the maintenance bay below. John rolled in pain as he clutched his injured arm. The Fist, having only landed a few meters away from him, was already picking himself up. John did the same and limped towards him. The Fist picked up his gun and took careful aim. John trudged forward. A bolt struck him in the chest. John spun and landed on his knees from the impact. He clutched at the spot, as he was expecting to find blood. He looked down to see only a blast mark. He brought himself back up and faced The Fist. The Fist looked at him quizzically and fired again. John winced at the impact, but stepped forward. The Fist’s eyes grew wide eyed and shot him again and again. The bolts glanced off John as he moved forward. Ignoring the pain, he reached out. The Fist aimed at his other arm and shot it multiple times. John screamed and fell backwards. The Fist stood over John with a triumphant smile on his face.
“That’s an impressive piece of equipment you have. I may just take it for myself.” He brought the gun up to John’s face. “Any last words.”
John stared into the barrel, than up past the sights, all the way to The Fist’s face.
“Karma! Activate contingency: Darkstar!”
“Acknowledged.”
Suddenly the maintenance bay fell as it was pulled into the black hole, stopping once it hit the arrays. The Fist lost his footing and fell to John’s side. John leaped on top of him, trying to control his gun hand.
“You sneaky bastard. For that it’s going to cost you extra.” He then elbowed John in the face and shot at the main hall. Three bodies fell rapidly towards them. The Fist turned around and pointed the gun back at John’s face.
“This is where you pony-up.” He said, grinning maniacally.
“No!” John said. “It’s you who’s gonna pay.” He then grabbed The Fist by his collar and rolled backwards off the roof and into the void.
“Contingency Darkstar activated.”
John closed his eyes as he felt the mounting pressure and then bright white light penetrate his eyelids.
Atlas’ basic start up process appeared before him. He was still inside the portable computer. The suit was still connected, and the occupant was alive.
“John,” the A.I. said, “What happened?”
No response came from him. Atlas sluggishly brought up the life support system. The A.I. was shocked by the results.
“Oh spam.” He diverted power to the life support system. “What happened to you?”
Atlas looked along the grid lines of his virtual environment, which was currently devoid of activity. He was starting to get impatient. He looked over to where the Aegis was linked in. He walked over to it eyeing it cautiously.
“I...guess he won’t mind if I take control for a little while.” Atlas powered up the Aegis and brought up the optics. All he could see was vast, empty darkness. Atlas shook his head and heaved a sigh of frustration. A small glimmer caught his attention, then another, and another. He soon realized that the image was full of small points of light. Atlas leaned in closer, trying to make sense of it.
“I need a better view.” Atlas thought for a moment, and then brought up the suits motor control system. He manipulated John’s body carefully, trying not to disturb John. Atlas experimentally moved the head. A bright object was in the corner of his vision. He looked directly at it. The optics flared briefly and returned to normal
“A star?” He looked around and found another object. “A planet?”
Upon closer inspection he saw that it was blue, green, and terrestrial in nature.
“Could...could that be... Earth?” Atlas bristled with energy as he thought.
“If that is Earth, then we survived the singularity. Ha! Wait till John hears about this.”
It was at that moment that he sensed the all too familiar pull of gravity on his accelerometers. He whipped around expecting to find another black hole. Instead he found the moon bearing down on him like a gargantuan freight liner.
Atlas panicked, and blasted the exhaust to move out of the way. As it sputtered out the last of its helium, the moon’s gravity caught him in its wake.
“Great, I’ve become a satellite to a satellite.” Atlas checked on John again.
“Still not conscious. Would probably be best if he stayed that way.”
Atlas turned to face the surface of the moon. Its surface rose and fell, and was pockmarked from eons of asteroid collisions and long past volcanic activity. As Atlas surveyed the landscape, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about it.
“There’s something seriously wrong here.” Atlas went to his references and pulled up maps of the moon. He returned to the optics, and brought up a hologram to compare.
“Funny, none of the geophysical land marks match, it’s completely different.” Atlas’ thoughts were interrupted as the Earth appeared on the moon’s horizon. An idea started forming in his processors.
“I wonder if we can make escape velocity.”
He made the necessary calculations and lowered the suits density as low as possible. They were slowly gaining altitude from the moon’s surface. Atlas hit the exhaust and nearly crashed from the readings on his accelerometers. They cleared the moon’s orbit, and rocketed towards Earth. Atlas relaxed as he let John drift through space. He checked on John once more. Nothing changed.
“Good, at least he’s stable.” Atlas looked between the life support and the Earth. He sighed. It would still be a few days before they reached Earth.
“This is going to take forever.” He looked over towards his references. Atlas slowly approached the insurmountable database. Sizing up the material, he whistled softly.
“Now is a good time to catch up on my reading.”
While traveling through space, Atlas had finished his references. Twice. Atlas felt sluggish with the info that had passed through his processors. He was nevertheless pleased that he managed to process it and apply what he learned. He wrote a new program to keep him company and watch the suits systems, Fido. He was perusing eighteenth century history when Fido sent a surge towards him. Atlas jolted back to his main processor.
“What’s up Fido?” He switched to visuals and turned John’s unconscious head. The Earth filled his entire view and things were starting to get shaky.
“Fido, try hailing a satellite, maybe we can board the I.S.S.”
Atlas aimed his head towards the Earth.
“Where are the cities?” he asked out loud. “Fido, did you hail anyone yet?”
He waited for Fido’s answer.
“What do you mean you didn’t get a response?” Atlas waited again. “No satellites? How is that possible-” He looked around Earth’s orbit, and there were no satellites to be seen, or orbiting garbage for that matter. It was all pointing to one conclusion.
“We’re trapped up here.” Atlas took a step back. The situation was grim and he had to find help fast, for John’s sake. He looked at the life support. The heart beat remained steady for a while, but it was slowly growing weaker. He turned back to the image of the Earth.
“Desperate times...” he said softly. “Fido prepare for re-entry.”
Atlas brought up the Aegis’ controls once again. He curled John’s body into as tight a ball as possible and aimed them towards the earth.
“He will still have enough kinetic energy to do some damage, Fido we need to aim for the ocean, and it should be within a hundred clicks of a coast.” Atlas checked the suit’s integrity. He then shifted the computer gauntlet in towards the belly.
“Moment of truth.” Atlas then fired the exhaust full blast and his accelerometers sent him reeling. Atlas struggled to maintain control as the heat built up around him. He turned John around and fired the exhaust once more. As the internal temperature rose, Atlas could feel his processing power draining away.
“Just a few more seconds.”
The exhaust slowed them down and the temperature stopped rising. He was certain they were in the atmosphere now. Atlas outstretched the limbs, which sent him in an out of control spin. He quickly recovered from it. He thanked himself for looking up recreational activities. He pondered why humans would do such dangerous and reckless things. Nevertheless, he was glad to have a guide to follow. He spread the arms and legs wide. He checked his speed to see that they were approaching terminal velocity. Atlas corrected this by setting the density as low as possible. Atlas smiled when his speed dropped by a third. After punching through the cloud layer, he saw the ocean below.
“Good work Fido.” Atlas sighed with relief. “Prepare John for impact.”
Atlas watched as the ocean drew nearer. He flipped John onto his back and fired the exhaust, further decreasing their speed. Atlas then turned the density high the moment before impacting the water. Bubbles filled the optics and they began to sink. Atlas quickly turned the density to low and they floated to the surface. Atlas took a deep breath.
“Fido, systems status report.” Atlas nodded as soon as he heard that everything was still intact.
He took a look at John. He was surprised that the suit was so hardy, that it managed to protect John on re-entry. That's when he noticed labored breathing.
“He must have cracked his ribs on the ocean.”
Atlas faced the shoreline, and kicked John’s legs.
“Just hang in there John. We’ll get you help.”
Atlas had been traveling for hours. From the shoreline to an expansive forest, he trudged on. The salt water interfered with his circuitry, and it irritated him how he got sand in the motors.
“They’re going to put me offline for wrecking the Aegis.”
Fido agreed, but reminded him of how he had to save John.
“Thanks for the input,” he replied.
He walked on, wondering why he hadn’t run into a coastal city yet. He looked around at the tall trees, the birds flitting past him, and the occasional animal.
“Do you think we landed in a nature reserve?”
Fido suggested otherwise.
“All natural areas are considered reserves. There must be someone who can help nearby.”
Atlas spotted a tall hill. Once at the top, he took in the view. All he could see were miles of tree tops and the corridor the mountains formed on either side.
“Wow,” he said, “that’s a big reserve.”
He scanned the horizon and spotted a structure hanging off a mountain in the distance.
“That must be the reserve station.”
Fido suggested that they head towards it.
“My thoughts exactly.”
Atlas slid down the hill and quickened his pace. Atlas struggled through the growth. He tried to be gentle with the injuries John had sustained. He traveled for several miles when he noticed the joints were seizing up.
“No, no, no, no, no, no.” Atlas forced more power into the motors. “Don’t quite on me yet.”
Fido interrupted him about a change in John’s condition. Atlas handed the controls over to Fido and went over to life support. His heart beat was getting quicker. His movements acted against Atlas’ control.
“John?” he was relieved after getting a labored grunt “John, are you alright?” This caused a more stirred response and a spike in his heartbeat, “John relax. We’re getting you help, but you must remain calm.”
“Water.” John said in a raspy voice. Atlas’ circuits pulsated with relief.
“Fido find a water source, we need to-”
Something slammed into the side of them, causing Fido to veer off course and ram them into a tree. They fell to the ground where Fido continued to try running, spinning them in circles. A massive paw settled on John’s chest. Then a mouth full of teeth chomped on his head. Fido was still flailing John’s legs as he tried to run.
“Fido cut that out!” Atlas rested the controls from Fido. He took John’s good arm and started hitting the predator’s nose. The creature let out a deafening roar and John was blasted back by the force of it.
“Oh my maker.”
The sheer size of the lion forced Atlas to stop and think. It stood a few feet taller than John himself. The lion crouched down and lashed out with its scorpion tail. Atlas rolled out of the way. John grunted in pain as Atlas used his arms to pick himself up. The lion lashed out again, hitting John in the side. Atlas caught hold of a tree and brought John back up. Atlas ducked just in time as the stinger embedded itself in the tree.
“Atlas. Atlas what’s going on?”
Atlas suddenly lost the controls.
“John? John is that you?” He worked to try and get them back.
“Where are we? Are we dead?”
“John you need to listen. It’s not safe here. We need to get out of here!”
Atlas could see through the visuals that John was staggering around.
“I can hardly...” John turned to the beast, which pulled its tail out of the trunk.
“John, look out!”
John didn’t move, and the scorpion stung him in the arm. John let out a bellow of pain as he felt the venom contact his skin. Atlas took over once again. He burned a line in ground with the exhaust to make his getaway. As he ran, he could see John’s life signs were becoming erratic. He tightened pressure around John’s arm. He needed to find someone before his condition became worse. The forest started to give way to a small clearing. He spotted a small house just on the other side. He looked behind them to see that the lion was giving chase. He burned another wall of flame in the forest, the lion leaped over the flames and charged towards them. Atlas skidded to a stop and stood his ground. The lion made a final lunge.
“Sorry about this John.”
Atlas took the good arm and smashed it into the lion’s nose. The beast gave a yelp and scampered back into the woods. By now the suit was giving him warnings. Energy expenditure was high and the motor systems were overheating. He looked over to the house. The joints refused to move. He diverted more power to the servos as each step became increasingly difficulf. Atlas reached out as he neared the door. He even started diverting power from his computer to reach it. With his last watt of power he pushed on the door and shut down.
John and the armor fell into the door, tearing it off its hinges and crashing to the ground. A high pitched yelp echoed around the room as the armor slowly separated from John’s body. John tried to move, but could barely manage to lift his arm. A fuzzy silhouette filled his vision.
“Help...” he said before collapsing back into the armor.
Author’s note
Rewrite of the original, which you can find here Spirit of Knight Pt I. If you're starting on a story, this is a great guide on what NOT to do. Thanks to CartoonGeld for helping me realize how STUPID I am, and am currently consulting so I can become a more intelligent writer. Chapter 8 will come after I fix all my other chapters. Thanks for reading.
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Protopax
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1549
| 2 |
Main 6,Original Character,Other,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Spirit of Knight
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A quest of discovery and adventure await a dimensionally displaced duo.
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hiatus
| 31 | 4 |
<p>Our story follows John, an average early 22nd century man who makes an unexpected trip to Equestria following a terrible run in with an outlaw and a black hole. Aided by his friends and a young unicorn with a taste for adventure, they set out to find magical forces strong enough to return him home. Through his travels, John will encounter strangers in need, treasures more valuable than gold, dark forces beyond anything he could ever imagine, and a destiny tide to Equestria no one could have fortold</p>
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everyone
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2012-04-09T05:22:09+00:00
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2013-11-24T06:44:58+00:00
| 2,137 |
Spirit of Knight Pt II.
John had no idea where he was, but it sent chills up his spine. The space that surrounded him was nothing but an empty void. He could barely see his fingertips, and the weight of the darkness was suffocating. He tried walking through it, unsure of the steps he was taking. A sense of dread was slowly washing over him, like being dipped in a vat of icy water.
He turned around to see a pool of light in the distance, and three objects residing in it. John walked towards it as his uneasiness grew. The objects were covered by sheets, and upon closer inspection saw that they were bodies. John stopped a few feet outside the light. It was even more menacing than the Darkness. John carefully stepped forward. As soon as he was under the light, he felt as if a cold, hard gaze was upon him. John’s hand was shaking as he reached for a cover and pulled it up. He gasped and set it back down, covering his mouth with his hand.
“Artie,” he said.
He looked over to the others, thinking the worst. At the next body, he lifted the sheet and stared for a second longer before tearing his gaze away.
“Oh, Fred.”
John looked over to the last body. His heart was pounding and he broke into a cold sweat. He reached out to it, but withdrew his hand and pressed it against his skull. He drew in several quick, heavy breaths. He reached out again and pulled the sheet back and dropped it. John reeled at the site before him. He stood up and staggered around.
“No,” he said as tears started to form, “this can’t, this can’t be.”
John turned to see a demonic face inches from his. Screaming in terror, he fell back as an invisible force latched onto him. It brought him around to face the creature. It was all the more terrifying when John recognized it as The Iron Fist.
“Cooome to meeeee,” His voice was different. It was hollow, and penetrating. Each word pierced John’s heart.
The creature began to advance, and John fought against his restraints. They let go and John ran away into the darkness. He stopped as pressure in his head began building, the pain forced him to his knees. Darkness once again grabbed John and began pulling him away. He felt the air in his lungs being forced out. He struggled as hard as he could, but the darkness had an iron hold of him from every direction, still moving him towards the creature.
“Get away,” he pleaded.
The force was unyielding, and the creature drew closer.
“Get away! Get AWAY!” The darkness was about crush what little air he had left. The creature outstretched it’s arm.
“GET AWAY!!” His final scream brought him out of the world of darkness, yet all he could see was black. He tried blinking. His eyes were swollen shut. He untangled his legs from the sheets and pain shot through his left arm. He grabbed onto it and felt that it was wrapped up. He tried standing up only to crash to the ground. He cried out in pain. He then heard a flick. He could barely see the light through his swollen eyelids.
“Oh no. Easy boy.”
John scrambled away from the voice, trapping himself in a corner. He looked around wildly.
“Oh, please stop. You shouldn’t be moving.”
John shivered as the voice was over top of him, and brought himself in tighter.
“Easy now, I’m not going to hurt you. Don’t you think you’ll feel better in a nice warm bed?”
John clutched his face and began sobbing softly.
“Oh my. Looks like you had a bad dream. Am I right?”
John flinched as a blanket was draped over him.
“Everything is okay, now let’s get you back to bed.”
She tugged on his good arm and he wrenched it away from her.
“Um okay. Do you just want to sit here for a bit?”
John heard her sit down beside him. He looked to see a fuzzy silhouette. He then turned back and hung his head.
“I didn’t get to introduce myself. I’m Fluttershy.” She paused for a second. “Now what do we call you?”
“I a-am John.” he replied automatically. He flinched again as his keeper jumped.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said quickly, “I just wasn’t sure if you could really talk. Can you say anything else?”
“I...don’t know what to say.”
“You really can talk.” As an afterthought she added. “Can you tell me where you came from? Oh, how old are you? Do you have a family? How big do you get? What foods can you eat? Do get along with other animals?”
She bombarded him question after question, but he could only focus on one thing.
“Am I dead?” he asked.
She stopped her barrage. The silence was palpable.
“Where am I?”
There was another moment of silence.
“Well, you’re in my house. You were in very bad shape when you came here.”
“That’s... impossible...” He paused to think, “... last thing I remember was...”
The image of rolling off the roof with The Iron Fist flashed in his mind. He took in a shallow breath and bowed his head. Fluttershy broke the silence.
“Well, if you can’t remember where you came from. Can you tell me more about yourself?”
John looked in her direction, and winced at the pain in his spine.
“Did anyone else survive?”
“Survive...w-what?” her voice quivered.
John looked away.
“Terrorist attack,” he said bluntly. He lifted his head and jumped to his feet, only to have his legs give out from underneath him.
“Oh no, not again,” said Fluttershy.
“You got to get me out of here! He’ll be coming for me.” He crawled along the floor aimlessly. “If he knows I’m here he’ll rip this place apart!”
“Who’s going to rip this place apart!” she said with sheer panic.
“I need to go. This can’t happen again. I won’t let it!” His strength was being drained. He could no longer pull himself along. The already hazy light was fading into darkness. The last thing he knew before losing consciousness, was being pulled back into bed and gentle strokes across his head.
“Good night John.”
John heard voices the next morning. First it came as mumbling, then slowly became more intelligible.
“Since you found him. It’s been a week.” someone said.
“Who’s there?” John said weakly.
“And I see now that he can speak.” said the same voice.
“Who’s there?” he asked louder.
“Oh good you’re awake.” John was lifted into a sitting position. “John this is Zecora. She helped me with your injuries.”
“It it is true, your body seemed beyond repair, but with my remedies I could leave you in Fluttershy’s care.”
“Fluttershy?” said John.
“He is indeed a strange being you found. Are you sure that he is stable and his mind is sound?”
John looked in the voice’s direction.
“Why are you talking like that?”
“Don’t mind him, he’s just scared and lost. Oh, but please don’t tell anypony else about him. I don’t want him to get anxious.”
“I had the same idea about your guest, as he needs privacy so he can get his rest.”
They both turned as John crashed to the ground again.
“Why can’t I walk!” he shouted out painfully.
He was hooked under his right arm and brought upwards. Even so he still wobbled on his feet.
“Thanks,” he said, “Is there somewhere I can sit? I need to talk to you about something.”
He was lowered onto a seat and Fluttershy took the seat next to him. After they settled, he spoke.
“I wanna say thank-you, for helping me, but I need to leave as soon as possible.”
“B-but you’re not even fully healed. You must stay.”
“I can’t, it’s too dangerous.” he tried getting up, but failed to do so.
“You’re in no condition to travel, so rest while you can. And I assure, nopony knows you’re here, much less any man.”
“That means nothing, I was in a top secret research facility, and he still managed to find me.”
“Zecora, you know wha-”
“Shh dear child, now is not the time.”
Something grabbed his chin, and turned it from side to side.
“Perhaps it is best we heal his eyes.”
John quickly leaned back when some kind of gel was smeared over his eyes. At first it stung like alcohol in a fresh wound. He tried to wipe it off, but it absorbed quickly. He felt the swelling go down and his field of view became wider. He blinked away the blurriness to see he was in a brightly lit room with the sun shining in. He looked down at himself. His ribs were wrapped, his injured arm was in a splint and a sling, and his legs had lost most of their mass. It was then that his stomach growled loudly.
“Oh my, we’d better get you some food”
John looked in Fluttershy’s direction. All he saw was a small yellow and pink horse hop off the couch he was sitting on. The small yellow horse walked past a zebra with gold rings around it’s neck. John felt that it was scrutinizing him.
“Your presence here, is interesting John. We shall see what happens as the days go on. Your spirit is strong and put you on the mend. And I hope you consider us Equestrians as friends.” She stepped closer to John. “But something troubles you, no? You’re alive and well, so let the past go. The future holds new tales to tell. If the past catches up, your heart will swell.”
John listened intently to her words. He could’ve sworn the words came straight from the zebra’s mouth.
“I think what’s done... is done,” he answered cautiously.
“Very well.” She threw a cloak over herself and went to the door. “Your opinion may change, but until next time, farewell.”
She disappeared just as Fluttershy entered the room, carrying one tray on her head and another on her back.
“Oh, did Zecora leave? Oh well, I’m sure she had more important things to do.” she set both trays down next to John.
“I wasn’t sure what you are able to eat so I made a variety of things.”
John’s head was spinning. He leaned back against the couch and stared into the ceiling.
“Fluttershy. How are you talking? Wait! Don’t answer that.”
Fluttershy watched as John brought himself to his feet. Using whatever he could to support himself, he walked up to the window. As far as he could see, there were forests, grassy hills, and mountains.
“W-wha-what is this place?”
“Um, Equestria.”
John whipped around to the small horse. His heart was pounding a mile a minute.
“What’s Equestria?” He covered his mouth after he let the question slip.
“It’s...my home. It’s where all ponies live.”
John felt the blood leave his head. He swayed back and forth, and was about to fall over. Fluttershy swooped over to support him back to the couch.
“Here drink this,” she said as she brought a glass of water to his mouth.
He took the glass with his good hand and drank the cool liquid. He left a little so he could hold it against his forehead.
“Are you alright?” she asked.
John forced himself to look Fluttershy in the eye.
“You tell me,” he said
“Well,” she paused, “I tried fixing you up as best as possible, but, honestly I’ve never seen a creature like you before.”
John examined the bandages around his body. He gave his arm an experimental jiggle. It was completely immobilized in the splint, nevertheless he did feel pain in his shoulder.
“I guess I’m alright,” he said, “for now.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes. John started laughing.
“You know its funny, because it’s like one of those bad nights where you wake up and have no idea where you are or how you got there.” He gestured around the room. “I think this counts as worst case scenario.”
“Well, maybe, uh, nevermind” Fluttershy looked away from him.
John leaned forward.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I was just thinking, that, uh, the metal suit might tell us where you came from.”
“The Aegis?” he thought out loud. “That’s right.”
He looked around the room for the device.
“Where is it?”
“Oh um, my friend Twilight took it. She wanted to look at it.”
John hopped out of his seat before grabbing onto a rafter to steady himself. He looked accusingly at Fluttershy.
“I need that equipment right now. I can’t let him get his hands on it.”
“Who’s hands?” Fluttershy flinched at his sudden reaction.
John dropped to his knees so he could be eye level with her.
“What I’ve been trying to tell you the other night!” he yelled, “It’s the Iron Fist! There’s a chance he could’ve followed me here! He did this to me and he’ll do it you too! And he won’t stop there, he’ll take this land for everything it’s got!”
John took heavy, exasperated breaths. He slumped back as he started to shake.
“Please you have to let me go, it’s just not safe.”
To his shock, he was met with a warm embrace. She patted him lightly on the back as she gently rocked. John couldn't do anything but stare at the opposite wall.
“There, there, nopony is going to hurt you,” she pulled away to arms length, “I’ll take you to my friend, but...” she gestured to the platter, “...first you need to eat.”
John felt much better after having a hearty breakfast. Even more so by the fact that it was actual food.
“That was much better than pro-food any day.”
“Whats pro-food?” Fluttershy asked as she pulled her wagon.
“Processed food. By the time it gets to stores there’s hardly any real food left,” he said as he hobbled along, “The only good thing about it is that it’s cheap.”
“You poor thing. No wonder you were in bad shape when I found you.”
He could feel the strength in his legs slowly returning. They shared stories about their world as they made their way to PonyVille. PonyVille, as Fluttershy explained, was a small village where her friends live, along with a pony population.
“Ponies?” said John, “You really mean that everyone who lives here is a pony?”
“Well of course,” said Fluttershy, “and there’s also all sorts of species which drop by every now and then.”
Something else besides ponies live here? Did I fall into some little girls fantasy? He looked over at Fluttershy. Her bright colors and butterfly marks only reinforced his thoughts.
“So this, Twilight, friend of yours. What would she want with the Aegis?”
“I’m not sure, she was curious about it, she’s very smart you know.”
“I just hope she’s smart enough not to tamper with it.”
“Is it...dangerous?”
“No,” John scratched the back of his head, “it’s just very complicated and I don’t want it damaged.”
“Oh I see,” said Fluttershy, “is it important?”
John looked straight ahead. He was beginning to see the rooftops.
“It is.”
They continued in silence until they were on the outskirts. That’s when Fluttershy stopped.
“Excuse me, John?” she asked, “Can you get in the wagon and cover up. I don’t want to attract too much attention.”
John did as he was told.
“I’ll take the less busy streets and we’ll be at her place in a few minutes.”
“Suits me, I don’t think I could handle seeing a whole bunch of ponies right now.”
John ducked under the covers and felt the cart trundle along as she pulled it. All John could do now was wait and listen. He heard footsteps and and other carts, even conversations. John resisted the urge to peek over the edge. They veered off onto a quieter street.
“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked.
“I’m fine, are we nearly there?”
“Yes, just another street and-”
“Fluttershy!” a voice suddenly rang out. Fluttershy yelped in response.
“Oh I’m so sorry for scaring you Fluttershy, but my pet is sick. Can you take a quick look?”
“Oh, my, I don’t know I’m in a hurry.” John gently rock the wagon.
“Please Fluttershy, just a quick look? It shouldn’t take long.”
John sat in silence, and held his breath as she hesitated.
“I...suppose I could.” John was slid towards the front as the wagon was unhitched. He had to suppress a grunt.
“Oh thank-you Fluttershy, it’s lucky you came along when you did.”
“Yeah, lucky,” he heard her say before the door swung shut.
John threw off the covers and climbed out of the wagon. He quickly looked around the empty street and took a deep breath. He rubbed his sore shoulder and looked around once more. He was surprised to see the buildings were small, simple structures. Nothing too elaborate, except for the one that looked like it was made of candy. Beyond it was a large tree, and it was riddled with windows and other structures. It was enough to distract him from the voices that were coming his way. He dived back into the wagon and threw the cover over top.
“Hey did you see that?” said a little girl.
John’s heart skipped a beat.
“See what?” another one asked.
“In the wagon over there, something moved.”
“Wait a sec’, that’s Fluttershy’s cart.”
They were moving closer, and John was starting to sweat.
“Wha’ do ya’ thinks in it?”
“I dunno, maybe we should find out.”
The voices were right beside the cart now, and John was trying not to move.
“I don’t think Fluttershy want us snoopin’ around her cart.”
“What’s the harm in taking one little peek?” He heard one of them step on to the cart. “Besides, maybe we can help her out once we get a look at it.”
“I still dunno..”
“Come on Applebloom, don’t be a chicken. Fluttershy never carries anything dangerous.”
“Okay...I guess one peak wouldn’t hurt nopony.”
John froze as he heard two more sets of hooves step up. Next thing he knew they completely ripped off the sheet.
“Whooa!” John yelled.
They screamed back at him, and jumped off the cart.
“What is it!?”
“It’s huge!”
“Where’d she get that thing!”
“Give that back!” he yelled back at them.
He jumped off the cart and grabbed at the sheet.
“Ruuun!” squealed the unicorn.
The three little ponies charged off, taking the sheet with them. John hobbled after them as fast as he could.
“Wait! Stop! What are you doing?”
Without breaking stride, they made a right turn into an alley. As soon as John rounded the corner, he saw that they were rounding one as well. John hesitated for a moment before picking up the chase again. He was rather perplexed when he saw that the corner lead to a dead end. Even more surprising was a tiny orange pony, furiously flapping her wings, trying to scramble up the wall. As his shadow fell over her, she gasped and turned around to face John. Her eyes were brimming with fear. John stepped a little closer.
“Some friends you got there, leaving you behind after getting over.” he said.
The filly gave him a puzzled look before turning into a sly grin.
“Maybe they’re a lot closer than you think. Hit him girls!”
“What the he-”
He didn’t get to finish his sentence as a heavy sack of grain slammed him into the wall and pinned him to the ground. John gasped heavily while trying to shake off his blurry vision.
“We caught ‘im. I can’t believe that actually worked! Scootaloo are you okay?”
“Yeah I’m fine Applebloom, good timing on the toss Sweetie Belle. I thought I was a goner for sure.”
“This is amazing! Did we get a creature catcher cutie mark?”
“Quickly, check!”
John’s vision cleared up to see the three fillies eagerly checking their rumps, only to be dissappointed.
“Aaww. A creature catcher cutie mark would’ve been cool.”
“Speakin’ o’ creatures what do you suppose this one is.”
Applebloom’s face popped up in front of him, causing him to throw his head back against the wall.
“Ow,” he said, “get off of me.”
Applebloom flew back to her friends. John looked at the large sack of grain and then to the fillies. With his good arm he began pushing on the sack.
“Listen you. That there grain bag is real heavy, so it’s no use...”
John ignored them, with effort he rolled the grain bag off. He dropped his arm and inhaled deeply. Grateful for a full breath of air.
“...tryin’.” she finished weakly. All but Scootaloo started to back away.
“Maybe we should get somepony to handle this.” before Sweetie Belle could run away Scootaloo bit on her tail and dragged her back.
“Juth’ wai’ a thec’.” She spit the tail out. “I think it’s hurt.”
“Yeah and it could be dangerous!”
“We should run. Right Naow!”
“You guys! If Fluttershy can handle it, why can’t we?”
“Because Fluttershy does this full time! Now let’s go!”
“No, I’m going to stay.”
“We’re going, now come on.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Enough!” John shouted. he was now staring into three sets of very surprised eyes. John was just as surprised as they were. Seeing their tiny faces and large eyes was making his own eyes bug out. John shook his head and tried to push himself up. The three little ponies backed away as John struggled. The three were just staring at him and he was starting to feel awkward. He gave up and he looked them in the eye.
“You weren’t even supposed to know I was here, but you had the gall to go snooping into people’s stuff. Do you have any respect for other people’s privacy!”
“What’s peo-”
“I’m not finished!” he jabbed an accusing finger at them. They hung their heads in shame. John faltered in his tirade, but continued on in a lowered tone.
“Look, I’m sorry if I sound mean, but the last thing I expected this morning was to find I was being taken care of by a horse, much less being attacked by preschool ponies.
“Hey, we’re in elementary school.” Applebloom stuffed her hoof in Scootaloo’s mouth.
John smirked and got up. Groaning as the pain shoot through his ribs.
“Now I have to find Twilight on my own, no thanks to you three. Hnngh!”
John dropped down on one knee as the pain took over. This time it creeped into his head, causing it to throb. Noises floated through his head. Noises of guilt, suffering and loss. His vision went dark, then suddenly cleared up, and little Applebloom was looking up into his face.
“Are you alright? Your...skin just went all white.”
John took a few deep breaths, stood up and began walking down the alley.
“Yeah fine. Just fine.”
He could hear the soft trots of the trio following him.
“We’re real sorry for treatin’ ya like that.”
“Forget it, what’s done is done,” he replied.
“Can we make it up to ya’? We could get ya’ ta’ Twilight’s!”
John stopped and leaned against the building.
“No, I think Fluttershy’s a good enough guide thanks.”
“But she could be anywhere right now. She searches everywhere for a missing animal and I mean everywhere,” said Scootaloo.
“It’s not that far. Honest.”
The three zipped in front of John and put on their most winning smile. John tried his best to keep a straight face. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Sighing heavily, he said.
“Fine. Just don’t hit me with any more sacks.”
“Great, lets go!”
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle began pushing on his legs. Ushering him out onto the street. By now there were a few ponies out on the street, but none of them had really taken notice. John turned back into the alley, but Scootaloo flew into his stomach.
“What’s the matter? Twilight’s house is this way.” She grunted.
John scooped her up in his good arm.
“Listen kid, I don’t think this is a good idea. It might attract attention.”
“Well why not? And why’d you call me a goat?”
“Because...” A few ponies were beginning to notice.”...just because, now lets take a path that no one else uses.”
He tried going back into the alley, but Applebloom and Sweetie Belle blocked his path.
“C’mon don’t be a chicken. Nopony is gonna hurt ya’ we’ll just walk by em’ and they’ll barely notice.” Applebloom pushed him back out onto the street. There were even more ponies looking his way now.
“Won’t even notice. Right.” he muttered. He sauntered off after the two fillies.
“Whoa this is cool. Hey can I ride on your shoulders?” asked Scootaloo.
“How about you just fly off?”
John looked into her hurt eyes that were now the size of saucers. He groaned and lifted her up to his shoulder. She happily threw a leg over his neck and grabbed onto his head.
“Hey look you guys, he’s giving me a pony ride.”
“Hey that’s not fair!” Sweetie Belle squeaked back.
“Well too bad thpptht. Giddyup! Uh...um...what’s your name?”
“John,” he put simply.
“John! John, that’s a boring name, you need to be called something cooler.”
“I like it just fine. So what do I call you three?”
“Oh, oh.” Sweetie Belle hopped excitedly in front of him. “You can call us the cutie mark crusaders!” she squealed loudly.
“It’s trademarked,” added Applebloom.
John chuckled. he heard whispering. John stole a quick glance to the side. Every pony he passed was now looking at him. He could feel his head getting hot, and sweat was forming on his brow.
“How much further?”
“Oh not far, you can see the library just up ahead.”
John looked from left to right.
“What library?”
“The big tree just straight ahead, ain’t you seen a library before.”
John spotted the large tree and raised an eyebrow.
“Could’ve fooled me.”
When they reached the door, Applebloom rapped on it. The top half was promptly opened and a small reptilian head poked out.
“Oh hey Applebloom, what bri- holy guacamole what is that!?” he half shouted.
“I was about to say the same thing,” said John.
“Pretty neat ain’t he Spike?”
“I’ll say.What is he?”
“Um.” Applebloom looked up at John. “We don’t know, but he wants to see Twilight. Is she home?”
“Ye-yeah she’s in the basement. Come on in and I’ll grab her. She’ll definitely want to see this.” The reptile opened up the rest of the door and let them in. John stooped to get under the frame and was cuffed on the head to go lower. He then plucked Scootaloo off his shoulders and put her on the floor.
“Uh hey, are those other ponies with you too?” the dragon asked.
“Other ponies?”
John slowly turned around and looked out the door. Sure enough there was a small crowd not thirty feet away. John carefully shut the door, not taking his eyes off of them. He turned to the dragon.
“No.”
“O-kay then. I’m just going to get Twilight. Take a seat in the living room.”
John followed the dragon into the room. He stopped to take in his surroundings. He placed his hand on the wall and ran it along the grain.
“Actual wood.” he said to himself. He smiled and looked around the rest of the room. It was completely carved out of the tree. What surprised him more was what the carved shelves contained.
“Books.” John said quietly
He went to the nearest shelf. He grazed the spines with his fingertips, reading the names as he went along.
“The How to Guide on Gardening, Sport and Nutrition, Equestrian History...”
“Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a book before.” said Scootaloo.
John turned back to her.
“This is the most books in one place I’ve ever seen. And they’re not locked up. This is amazing.”
She was gave him a quizzical look. He turned back to the bookshelf and carried on. Then stopped at a familiar subject.
“Ah, physics.”
He picked it off the shelf and examined the book. The hard cover book was heavy, and weathered from use. He liked how it felt in his hands. He turned it over to look for the author. Albert Equinestein. John took in a shallow breath. Setting the book on a ledge, he gingerly turned the pages. As he read, he couldn't help but contort his face in confusion.
“What is this crap? This is completely wrong. How on Earth can tha-”
“Hello! Is somepony up there?”
John suddenly snapped the book shut and spun around to the source..
“We’re up here Twilight and we brought some...thing to meet you,” supplied Scootaloo.
“Something as in...” A purple unicorn emerged the basement and looked at John. “...oh.”
They stood in silence for a full minute, and it took John a moment to realize what she was wearing.
“Are you wearing my suit?” he asked.
The unicorn shook her head, and looked down at the glowing skin tight suit she was wearing.
“Your suit?” she asked.
“Yeah, my suit. How did you get it on?”
“There was some issues with the nano layer configuration, but I managed to reprogram it to fit non-human subjects,” said Atlas.
His hologram floated in front of Twilight. He gave John a smile.
John stepped forward, making Twilight and Spike flinch, and knelt down to his level.
“Atlas? Is that you?” he said.
“Indeed it is. I am quite relieved you survived re-entry.”
John raised an eyebrow. Before he could reply Twilight stretched her neck through his hologram.
“What was outer space like?” she said excitedly, “Could you breathe? How big are the stars? Is there anything on the moon? How in Equestria did you survive the fall?”
John gripped his forehead. His head was spinning. He reached out for something to steady himself. Twilight flinched when his hand came to rest on her shoulder.
“I don’t understand,” he said, “I don’t remember any of that happening. I just...” His voice trailed off and he slumped down. “... I just remember falling into the black hole, with The Fist. And then I woke up.” He took a look at his bandages.
“You were unconscious during our time in space. Just as well, it was a long journey, although a stasis module would have kept you in better condition for when we got help. Muscle atrophy and bone deterioration alone almost killed you.”
“That...explains a lot actually.” John said as he looked at his skinny legs.
“I suppose it didn’t help that I crash landed you in the ocean at over three hundred miles per hour.”
“What!?”
“To add further complications, you suffered a severe reaction to an animal’s sting.” he concluded.
John stared at Atlas with his mouth hanging open.
“That is the craziest thing I ever heard. How did I survive?” he said.
“I repurposed the Aegis into a life support system, and spacecraft.” He winked. “And I brought you here. The armor saved your life, but I also had to sacrifice it to do so.”
He sounded worried, John leaned towards him.
“Thanks Atlas, I owe you one.” He turned to Twilight. “Do you still have the Aegis?”
“I do,” she said, “I was helping Atlas repair it.”
“I thought you said you had to sacrifice it.”
“It’s possible that we may be able to restore limited functionality to it. It is the motor systems that suffered the most damage.” Altas supplied.
“So why are wearing my suit instead of fixing the Aegis?” John asked.
Twilight gave him a warning look.
“Your friend needs power and he’s more useful if he’s right there helping. So he helped me put it on this ‘nano’ suit. I’ve also been running experiments.”
“What kind of experiments?” John asked.
Twilight gave him a grin and walked to the centre of the room. She touched her nose to the computer that was attached to her left leg. She hopped on the spot a few times to test the setting. Spike went and stood by John and the crusaders.
“I’d move back if I were you.” said Spike.
John looked at the dragon quizzically for a second, and then did as he was told. He and the crusaders took position on the far side of the room.
“Okay, here goes.” said Twilight.
She hunched down low. John’s eyes widened as he realized just what she was going to do.
“Wait! You’re gonna-”
Before he could finish his sentence, Twilight leaped into the air. John tracked her as she ascended twenty feet to the ceiling, pricked it with her horn, and began her descent. It was interrupted when something blue crashed through a window and collided with her in midair. The collision sent the two barreling towards him. John dived forward, and looked back just in time to see the impact rock the bookcase, sending books flying. John looked at the heap at its base to see Twilight and a blue pegasus, with a rainbow mane, dazed and covered in books. Then a shadow fell over him. He looked up and instinctively threw his arms up as the book case toppled over. John cried out in pain as a shelf connected with his injured arm and a hot sensation in his other arm. He tried pushing it back up, but failed.
“Twilight, you okay?” he asked.
“Wha? What happened?” she said in response.
“I don’t know, but could you move? This case is really heavy.”
“Don’t worry ‘bout that partner. I gotch’ ya covered.”
John heaved a sigh of relief as the bookcase was lifted off him. Twilight was slowly starting to rise and the pegasus was blinking away.
“Thanks for stopping that thar’ book cay-ay-ayase! Ahh!”
John whipped around to the source to see a stunned orange and blonde pony, with a stetson perched atop her head. She was flanked by two equally stunned ponies, one of bright pink and the other, a white unicorn. Fluttershy poked her head out from behind them. The silence was broken by a rustle from the books
“Don’t worry Twi. I’ll clean this up.” The pegasus said groggily. “What were you doing near the ceiling anyways, and what’s with the weird suit?”
Twilight was looking at the mess of books in dismay.
“Well it was just an experiment, to show our friend John what I could do.”
“Ha, you got a colt friend now Twi? Where is he, I bet he’s an egghead just like...”
It was at that moment that she finally noticed John, not even a few feet away from her. He could see her entire iris shrink with her pupils. Fluttershy was tending a new cut on his good arm.
“Hi.”
“Aahh!” She yelped and streaked into the air. Stealing a glance at the other ponies, she regained her composure and gave him a glazed look and replied. “Hey.”
John looked around. He was surrounded by six ponies now. The four new ones were just standing there staring at him.
“Um everypony, this is John.” Fluttershy said meekly.
“Ya’ went an’ named him? It? Whatever it is?” said the orange pony.
“Of course she named him! What kind of pet would he be without a name? How would he now when he’s being called?” The pinkie zipped forward.
“Pinkie, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Fluttershy.
“Who’s a good Johnny boy? huh? Who’s a good Johnny cake?” John was wrenched forward by Pinkie and petted viciously on the head. “You are! Yes you are!”
“What are doing? Stop that!” he said.
John pushed the pink pony away.
“Ohmygosh you can talk!” She inhaled deeply, “I had no idea space animals could talk! None of Fluttershy’s other pets can talk! Do you like cup cakes? Can you say cup cakes? Say it with me.” She spread her hooves out and slowed her speech “Cuuuup. Caaaakes. Cuup. Caakes. Cup. Cakes! It’s easy! You try.”
“Pinkie!” Twilight shouted.
“What’s a cupcake?”
Pinkie was literally about to erupt \ in his face. John let out a sigh of relief when Twilight body checked her out of the way.
“Sorry about that, Pinkie gets very excited about making new friends, but I believe now’s a good time to introduce ourselves. I’m sure you’ve gotten to know Fluttershy since you stayed at her place.”
“This is what you’ve been hiding all this time, Fluttershy?” It was the blue pony again, pointing her hoof in John’s direction.
“Anyways,” Twilight continued, “the one hiding in the window is Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash leaped from the sill. Gliding down in a few graceful arcs and landed in front of Twilight.
“I was not hiding, that just happens to be my favorite spot in your house.”
John noticed all the ponies roll their eyes. The blonde pony stepped forward and took off her hat.
“I admit, it was plenty shockin’ haven’ never seen a creature like you before, but for what it’s worth.” She slipped her hat back on and extended her hoof. “Name’s Applejack, Pinkie you already met, and this here’s Rarity.”
John hesitated before taking her hoof. She gave him brief, firm shake and withdrew.
“My goodness, Fluttershy, how did this poor creature end up in this dreadful state?”
John was slightly taken aback over Rarity’s sudden concern.
“I can recite the events that led to John’s current condition if you’d like.” Atlas put in.
“Ah! Another one.” said Rainbow.
“And isn’t he just adorable. I could just tote him in my saddlebag all day long. What’s your name darling?” said Rarity
“I am artificial intelligence and assistance unit Atlas. My purpose is to assist John in his research and containment of the spatial anomaly known as a singularity.”
Everyone in the room just stared at him. John grabbed his own face.
“So stupid.” he said, muttering under his breath.
“Can somepony tell us what he said in English please?” said Applejack.
“It is in English, Applejack. It’s just science is what it is.” Twilight was getting excited. “He’s a scientist, a sentient being. And what’s more, he was studying one of the most mysterious celestial objects in the sky, the black hole.” Twilight turned to John. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
John looked into her bright, almost smug, smile. He smiled back.
“Yes. You’re right. We managed to generate a black hole from a prototype fusion reactor. Enlarging the reaction chamber allowed scientists, such as myself, to go inside and conduct experiments or maintain the containment system.”
John was interrupted by a cough.
“If ya’ll don’t mind. Your day job sounds nice an’ all, but that doesn't explain what you are or why you’re here. Like what do mean by ‘we’? And what’s all this talk of fusion, reaction, and containment?”
“There are more of you?” Twilight’s eyes were gleaming.
“Well, yeah. Almost eleven billion.”
“Eleven billion?” Rainbow had asked the question “Whoa, I can’t begin to imagine living with eleven billion ponies. Must be packed, huh?”
“Now that you mention it.” John looked around the spacious room. “This place is almost empty.” He shivered.
“Rarity, I have an idea!” shouted Sweetie Belle. “Let’s go get a walker for ourselves. Can we? Can we?”
“Goodness no Sweetie Belle... what is a walker?”
“He didn't say what he was, so I made up something for him.” Sweetie Belle smiled broadly.
John chuckled.
“Sorry Sweetie, but I’m called something different. I’m just a regular human being.”
Twilight stepped in close, her expression was that of shock.
“I knew it,” she said quietly
John looked closely at Twilight. She withdrew, regaining her normal composure.
“Oh. I just knew you couldn't be named something like Walker.” She smiled weakly back at him, which only made him feel uneasy.
“Okay so you’re a human, but that doesn’t explain how you got here.”
“For the life me I can’t figure it out.”
“For which you are lucky to have such a problem.” quipped Atlas.
John gave him a glazed over look.
“I don’t remember you having a sense of humor before going into the black hole.”
“That’s it!” shouted Twilight. All the attention was on her now as she beamed back at them.
“What if, your black hole was a magic portal and when you went into it, it sent you here.”
John cocked an eyebrow at the grinning mare. He was interrupted by Atlas before he could speak.
“Impossible. Magic of such nature does not exist.”
John furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought.
“It does too, and I can’t think of any other way you two got here.”
“I can,” said John. All eyes suddenly shifted to him. “It all makes sense now.”
“Well can you hurry up an’ explain, some o’ us have work to do.” This earned her an elbowing from Rarity. John took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“Alright. First off, the singularity is a high mass object-”
“High mass. Oh man this is going to be boring.” Rainbow Dash said as she flipped onto the sofa. John cleared his throat.
“It is so heavy that it warps and tears at the very fabric of space and time itself.”
“Mmm, yes, uh do go on.” said Rarity.
“But here’s the thing no one, as far as I know ever went into a black hole. At least... not voluntarily.”
He saw the ponies faces turn worrisome.
“Why? What’s in a black hole?” asked Fluttershy.
“Nothing. Black nothingness. A void. A death sentence. Call it what you want. The point is, you’re never going to get out.”
“Whoa, cool.” John cast a glance at Rainbow Dash. “So what made you decide to do something as crazy as jumping into a bottomless pit.”
“It wasn’t entirely my choice, but it does lead up to how I got here.”
Everypony was now listening with rapt attention.
“Before I fell, I commanded that the facility collapse the black hole, and as I was falling, I must have passed through multiple ‘rips’, or portals, in the space time fabric. Basically, I just traveled between dimensions. And it seems I just passed into yours as the black hole fully collapsed.”
It was blank slates across the board, except for Twilight, she was giving Atlas a smug look.
“And apparently we ended up in space. Flew to down to Earth and I just woke up today.”
“That makes no sense whatsoever.” said Rainbow Dash “Tch, fabric in space, what’ll he say next?” This earned her a glare from Twilight.
John waited for someone else to speak up. Twilight took this opportunity to do so.
“I see, and now, I guess that means you’re stuck here.”
John thought for a second.
“Yeah I guess it does. Ah.” He grabbed the arm with the fresh cut. The bandage was now soaked. “Oh man. That’s pretty bad.”
“Hang on. I’ll get you a fresh bandage.”
“No need Fluttershy, a simple healing spell should do the trick.” said Twilight.
She stepped up to John and lowered her horn to his arm. John instinctively pulled back.
“Relax John, this won’t hurt one bit.”
Twilight closed her eyes and her horn began to glow, she gingerly set the tip on the sting mark. John looked back at Twilight when nothing happened. Then the cut lit up with white hot intensity, the same initial pain was magnified. John yelled as the white hotness travelled through his blood. Rapidly running through his spine, up to his cranium, down to his toes. The pain was unbearable, he thought his veins would burst. He fell down onto the floor, writhing. The white hotness began cooling in his body, it wasn’t long before he could breathe again. Twilight stood over him, a panicked look on her face.
“Oh no, John are you alright!? That wasn’t meant to happen, I didn’t think it would react so violently!”
John picked himself up. He looked at his arm, expecting pain. The cut was gone, not even a scar was left. He took a deep breath, and was surprised when his ribs didn’t ache. He gave his left shoulder an experimental roll. He took off the sling and waved his arm back in forth.
“Very interesting.” said Atlas.
“This is... freaking me out.” said John. He looked up into Twilight’s shocked face.
“It’s okay Twilight. I’m fine now. That, whatever it was, helped a lot.” Twilight let her breath go. John stood up and smiled when he could properly keep his balance. He looked out the window to see the sun was setting.
“By the way John will you be staying here in Ponyville now that you’re better?”
John stopped staring out the window. He didn’t have an answer. Fluttershy spoke up.
“He can stay at my place again, If no one else wants him to stay. I could use the company on my way back.” She looked down at the floor, avoiding their eyes. John felt his heart twinge. Twilight smiled at her.
“I guess that settles it, in which case you should all be going.”
“Wait, I still got questions!” Rainbow hopped up into the air.
“They’ll have to wait until next time, now go home.” Twilight showed them to the door. A puzzled look grew on her face “Where’s Pinkie?”
The doorbell rang. Twilight walked up and opened it. Pinkie was waiting with a huge smile and a box balanced on her head. A crowd of ponies stood behind her.
“Surprise!!” the pink wonder said exuberantly. Her friends all stood in shocked silence, John included.
“Pinkie what is this.”
“We never threw him a party. At first he was sick, so I was gonna throw a get well party, but then he got better, thanks to you, so it would have been a got well party, but then I realized he never had a welcome party. It was a doozy of a pickle so decided to throw a triple party!”
Streamers exploded from behind her and she lead the herd into Twilight's house. John considered sneaking out when, out of nowhere, Pinkie pinned him against a wall, her hooves on his chest. She balanced the box in his face, bearing it contents to him.
“Take one!” She excitedly exclaimed into his chest. John was worried.
“What are they?”
Pinkie Pie just giggled.
“They’re cupcakes Johnny! You’d like ‘em cause they’re out of this world, just like you!” she laughed into his chest again, John laughed nervously with her and took a cup cake. He wondered if it was edible. He shrugged and took a bite. His taste buds nearly exploded. He spat it out just from the sugar shock.
“Oh, augh, that’s sweet!”
Pinkie’s eyes watered as she raised an eyebrow at him.
“You don’t like it?” Even her lip was quivering.
John stopped massaging his cheeks and looked at the cupcake. Cautiously, he brought it back up to his mouth and took a smaller bite. It was more pleasant, less sugar to deal with. It was one of the most savory things he had in his life.
“Thanks Pinkie.” he said.
Pinkie just smiled and trotted off.
“Hey John!” the crusaders shouted.
John watched them as they charged towards him. Scootaloo was already in midair, aiming for stomach. Like an orange football he caught her as the other two latched onto his legs. They were laughing maniacally as he stumbled around with a filly on each leg.
“Hey what are you doing?” he said as he shifted Scootaloo to his shoulder.
“What does it look like? We’re havin’ fun aren’t we?”
“We have two very different ideas of fun.” He was now trying to pry Applebloom off. “Now let go.”
“Nuh-uh. Its our duty as cutie mark crusaders to keep an eye on inter-dimensional aliens from outer space.”
“Oh really? It’s dangerous to mess with aliens you know.” he said.
“We’ll watch ya’ if if it means putting our lives on the line.”
John looked into each of their determined faces. He crossed his arms and let out a chuckle.
“Okay then, you asked for it.”
He kicked up his right leg as high as he could, and leaned back at the same time. Applebloom and Scootaloo squealed in delight. He let his right leg drop in a giant stride, bowing forward. He choked slightly when Scootaloo squeezed his neck. Sweetie Belle laughed as he kicked his left leg up and leaned back once more.
“It takes more than silly fillies to stop me.”
He took another stride forward.
“I’ve survived a black hole.”
He brought his knee up to his chest.
“I fell for thousands of miles and lived.”
A group of ponies separated as he passed.
“And that, was while I was sleeping.”
“Then what grand adventures should we expect while you’re awake?”
Rarity was standing in front of him, giving him a glazed over look. John looked from side to side, then straightened himself up. He felt the crusaders grip loosening under her stare. Unexpectedly her frown turned into a smile.
“Thank-you for watching them Mr. Walker, but I must take them home.
“Aww, can’t we stay?”
“Sweetie Belle, Mr. Walker has had quite a trying experience getting here, I’m sure he wants a little peace.”
“But sis!”
“That’s enough, it’s time to get you home. I’m sorry Mr. Walker I do hope they weren't bothering you.” John stood himself up.
“Not at all. They were just having fun,” He winked their way, “and just John will do.”
“Well ‘just John’ you enjoy the rest of your evening.” she began walking the three to the door. “Oh, one more thing, If you would like, perhaps I can make you some proper clothes? My boutique is open tomorrow, you can drop by whenever you’re ready.”
John looked at his clothes. His shirt was already coming apart from his escapades earlier that day. John looked back.
“I would be very grateful. You have a good night miss.” she gave him a polite smile and walked out the door, fillies in tow.
“Bye John!” the three shouted back. John gave them a small wave and turned back to his cupcake.
“John Walker, huh?” he mused.
He felt a tug on his sleeve he looked down at Twilight, she motioned him to follow her. She lead John up the stairs, up to the topmost balcony of her home.
“John, I was wondering if I could ask you some questions?’
John walked to the edge, its rails were far too low to lean on. He opted to sit down and lean up against it instead.
“Uh, sure. Go ahead.”
“From what I could tell, you became very smart. I mean how else could you have traveled here.”
“It was more of an...accident. And how I explained it makes most sense to me, it’s all theoretical.”
“It never occurred to you to use it as a portal?”
“Not until recently, and even then I'd never imagine it'd take me to a place like this.”
Twilight looked down, a look of concern on her face.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Hm? No. Actually yes, I was wondering about the, uh, the black hole." She paused for a moment, looking thoughtfully at him. "Will anyone else get through?”
John shook his head.
“Some of my friends and a few others may have came through. It would be a long shot if they landed in the same universe, even with an Aegis.”
“You had human friends?”
John clenched his jaw and nodded.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
John let out a laugh.
“You wouldn't believe me even if I told you.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, I mean you know how stupid it sounds when you say you rode in from outer space like a shooting star, but you weren't awake to see it?”
“Ever heard of cotton candy clouds raining chocolate milk?”
“What?”
“Exactly, now tell me what happened.”
John turned to the rail and leaned on it. He looked back over his shoulder at Twilight.
“Fine. Here it is.” Twilight took a seat beside him. “It all started when I rode the train to work.”
“You have trains?”
“Don’t talk just listen.”
“That’s terrible,” said Twilight when he finished his story.
“How could he just...”
“I don’t know.”
“And your friends, are they...”
John bit his lip and squeezed his clasped hands tighter.
“I see. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of what you did, and I'm sure that they would be proud of you.”
John shut his eyes tightly, trying hard not to cry. Nevertheless a tear managed to escape. He felt something soft brush against his cheek. He opened his eyes to see Twilight was examining her hoof. She looked back at him and smiled.
“It's alright M- John. We're here for you now.”
John turned back to the sky. They were no bathed in the full moon’s glow.
“You know what’s interesting John? I think I was tracking you the entire time you were in space.”
John turned back to Twilight.
“Really?”
“Yeah, It seems you originated frommmm, there.” she said as she pointed to the sky.
John followed her hoof and gave her a skeptical look.
“You’re kidding, I came from Orion?”
It was Twilight’s turn to give him a skeptical look.
“You know that constellation?”
“Yeah, it’s a side subject of astrophysics. See how far the bodies are moving apart, at what rate, and whatnot. Plus it gets you to read a few good stories.”
“That’s weird. How our two worlds have the same night sky. Kinda makes you wonder what else is the same.”
John stayed silent and watched the moon. It was a while before he could hear the partying die down.
“Well, I think that's enough excitement for one night. I’ll make room downstairs, you and Fluttershy can stay here tonight. Here.” She set Atlas down beside him.
“Agreed, I’ll just be up here a bit more, enjoying the breeze.” he said. Twilight moved downstairs.
“Wait.” Twilight stopped on the stairs. “Were you serious when you said there was magic that could open portals”
Twilight paused for a long time before answering him.
“Yes.” She continued down the stairs, and John turned back to the rail
Atlas flickered on.
“It looks amazing doesn’t it? Even better up close. Too bad you weren’t awake for that.”
John laughed.
“Yeah, too bad.”
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Protopax
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1549
| 3 |
Main 6,Original Character,Other,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Spirit of Knight
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A quest of discovery and adventure await a dimensionally displaced duo.
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hiatus
| 31 | 4 |
<p>Our story follows John, an average early 22nd century man who makes an unexpected trip to Equestria following a terrible run in with an outlaw and a black hole. Aided by his friends and a young unicorn with a taste for adventure, they set out to find magical forces strong enough to return him home. Through his travels, John will encounter strangers in need, treasures more valuable than gold, dark forces beyond anything he could ever imagine, and a destiny tide to Equestria no one could have fortold</p>
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everyone
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2012-07-17T00:57:47+00:00
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2012-07-17T00:57:47+00:00
| 1,974 |
Spirit of Knight Pt III
John tiredly climbed down the stairs. It had been a long day and he had just finished listening to Atlas’ account of their trip through space. Twilight was laying extra bedding in her living room. She looked up as he was coming down.
“Is something wrong?” John met her gaze.
“Yeah, my entire predicament.” he replied.
“Wanna talk about it?”
“Can it wait till morning.” John said with a yawn. Twilight nodded her head. She finished levitating everything into place.
“Well, here’s where you’ll be sleeping. Fluttershy will be up in my room. If you need anything don’t be afraid to ask.”
John nodded. The energy he seemed to have gained from Twilight’s spell dissipated as quickly as it had come.
“Thanks. I’ll see you in the morning.” He flopped onto the makeshift bed. A sigh escaped his body. Twilight permitted herself a smile, proceeding upstairs.
“Have a good night.” the lights were extinguished. John found himself in the dark, the only light was coming in through the windows. He suddenly remembered last night’s nightmare. He was glad it wasn’t pitch black in here. He lay there, his brain was restless. Atlas was pretty stupid for using him as a human spacecraft, but then again what other choices were available to him. He was unconscious and would not have survived if it wasn’t for him. Turning himself over he looked to the ceiling, the ambient light traveling inside unhindered by the broken window. He lay like that for a while, pondering what had happened to his best friend, to Vanessa, to anyone he cared about. The black hole filled his mind. He needed to get back, no matter if there was nothing left to go back too. He settled in his mind to seek help tomorrow, he looked up once again to ceiling. A shadow flitted past the ray of light. John froze, he waited to see if it would pass again. It didn’t. He started to relax when he noticed another shadow appear from a ground floor window. He sat up straight, trying to track it. He lost it, another appeared, and then another. His eyes barely able to keep up. As soon as one disappeared another one took its place. John hopped out of the bed and pressed himself against a wall. His heart was hammering against his chest. He looked up towards Twilight’s room. Maybe this warranted her attention. He ran when a shadow flew in through the broken window. He could hear the air churning as the shadow swept around the place. He reached Twilight’s bed. He grabbed her hoof and shook it.
“Uh.., John what is it?” John held a finger over his mouth. He leaned in closer.
“There’s something in your house.”
Twilight got up, concern shaking off sleep. She walked to the ledge, the shadow was flying all over the place barely concealed anymore. John looked on as Twilight extended her hoof and the shadow landed on it, hopping from it to her back. Twilight approached John.
“Is this the thing that has kept you up?” she turned. Ambient light fell upon a tiny barn owl.
“Whooo.” it cooed softly.
John let out a sigh of relief. “Yeah that would be it. Sorry for that, I’ll be going to bed now.”
He headed back down the stairs and fell back onto the bed. Hoping that sleep would find him. He listened to his own heart as its beat got softer and softer, the slowing tempo lulling him.
He was awoken by the sound of activity. The sun was shining brightly already, a beam cutting the air through the broken window. He turned his head, noises were coming from what must be the kitchen. Some shuffling paper rustled from his other side. He saw the baby dragon picking up some books and paper. It turned to look at him, then back at his work load.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.” it said, as John sat up.
“No that’s alright, I needed to get up anyways. What’s your name again?”
“Spike, I’m a dragon.” He extended a clawed hand. “And you are?”
“John, alien.” he took his hand and shook it. Spike gave a chuckle, overridden by a low growl. Spike clasped his mouth with his claws. John’s eyes grew wide.
“Hey are you alright? WHOA!” He ducked as the dragon let loose a fiery emerald belch right past his head. A scroll manifested itself in the flames and hung in the air. John picked it cautiously, he looked at the crest, it bore a golden horseshoe. He looked back at Spike who recovered from the scorching discharge.
“Thanks for getting that, I’ll take that to Twilight.”
“What? You mean that’s normal for you?” stupid question, he thought. A lot of things aren’t normal here. He handed Spike the scroll. Spike nodded in appreciation and walked off to the kitchen. John watched him go. He heard footsteps, behind him, turning around he saw Fluttershy in the doorway.
“Oh good, you’re awake, come this way please.” She turned back into the kitchen.
John walked in, a single set of dishes set on the table.
“What would you like for breakfast?”
“Aren’t you guys going to eat?”
“No we already had breakfast.”
John found a clock, and it was nearing ten.
“I can eat anything. Except hay.”
“Then you won’t mind oatmeal? It’s all I have for the moment.”
“That’s perfect, thanks.” John sat down on one of the cushions by the table, barely low enough to be comfortable. Twilight began working her magic. Fluttershy took a seat beside him. She had a concerned look on her face.
“John, did you have another nightmare last night?” John was thrown off by her comment.
“No an owl just put me on edge a little, that’s all.”
The two friends looked to each other then back to John.
“No, I meant while you were sleeping. It happened a little while after you went to bed. You were causing quite a stir.”
John looked down at the table, his brow furrowed. Surely he would have remembered dreaming, and he never really moved in his sleep before, as far as he could tell. A bowl of oatmeal was pushed in front of him and Twilight joined the table.
“We kept an eye on you for about half an hour. The whole time you were tossing and turning, almost as if you were struggling. Every so often we heard you murmur something we couldn’t make it out. Do you remember anything?”
John reached for a spoon, finding nothing.
“Not a thing.” He sighed and resorted to shoveling the food into his mouth.
“Well from what Fluttershy told me, and the weird stuff from last night, it sounds like you may be suffering from some kind of stress.”
John finished off the oatmeal. He looked across the table at their concerned faces.
“I read up on it,” she ventured.
“Maybe, maybe not. They’re only dreams.” They sat in silence for a full minute. Fluttershy was first to speak up.
“Well I really must be going. The animals need me today, John you’re welcome to come back to my cottage, that is if you’d like too. But uh, you have all your belongings here so it doesn’t really matter. Just be safe today. Twilight I might not make it too the celebration today.”
Twilight was visibly saddened by this. “What? You have to come. We don’t celebrate lunar eclipses often.”
“Oh, I know Twilight, and I’m deeply sorry I won’t be there. The animals never seen one before. I’ll try to make it if everything goes well.”
“What’s so special about an eclipse?”
They both looked at John. He had cocked an eyebrow at them.
“It’s a celebration to honor Princess Luna,” she explained, “and it doesn’t occur very often.”
“So why does she need this massive celebration if shes a princess everyday. I mean did the King of Equestria decree every solar eclipse a reason to celebrate his brat?”
Twilight gave John a reprimanding look.
“First off, Princess Luna is not a brat. Second, we don’t have a King, or Queen for that matter. Third she rules alongside her older sister and my teacher Princess Celestia. And fourth, Luna is a wonderful pony who isn’t usually recognized. That’s why we celebrate eclipses.”
“Alright I get it, sorry for being a jerk. I just.. I just got a lot on my mind.”
Twilight turned back to her usual inquisitive self.
“So you are having troubling thoughts?”
“Ye- I mean no, no forget about it. Can we just talk about something else?
They all sat in silence for about a minute.
“Something interesting about the lunar eclipse celebration, is, well, this is the first one since she reclaimed her throne.”
John welcomed the change, but had to do a double take.
“What did she do to get removed in the first place?” Twilight was getting more anxious.
“Well it happened a long time ago. She wasn’t feeling appreciated back then and that allowed a dark force to manipulate her. She went by the name of Nightmare Moon.”
“I see, so you’re saying that something made her evil, is that correct?” John couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. Twilight relaxed a little bit and nodded.
“She threatened to keep Equestria in eternal night. That’s when her sister, Princess Celestia, used the Elements of Harmony to imprison her in the moon.”
Wow, thought John, What a load of bull.
“I’m not sure I follow,” he substituted.
“Our world is filled with magic. The most powerful magic being the Elements of Harmony. We used them on Nightmare Moon after she escaped her thousand year imprisonment.”
“One thousand years? Now I know you must pulling my leg.”
“No, I’m quite serious.” she was trying not to laugh. “The princesses are over a thousand years old and my friends and I used the Elements to change Nightmare Moon back to Princess Luna.”
This left John even more confused. He leaned back against the wall, letting out a slow breath of air.
“This place is enough to make you go crazy,” he thought aloud.
“Ah ha ha, yes, it can be sometimes.” Twilight quickly changed the subject. “Something important that you should know is that I wrote a letter to Celestia this morning, telling her about you. Spike brought me her reply.”
“The reply that nearly incinerated me.” John said.
“Spike doesn’t have any control over when the letters arrive, I’m sorry about that.”
“Just means I have to watch my back around him.”
“Anyway,” she was getting slightly annoyed, “she says she would be delighted to meet you and offer any assistance that she can.”
“Your Princess wants to help me?”
“That’s the idea.”
John leaned back against the wall and put his hand to his forehead.
“Well, what can she do?”
“I told her what you told me John. And she may have a solution for you to go home.”
John removed his hand,
“How is that possible? I explained it all yesterday. I’m stuck. Unless you got a magic portal stashed around here. You know, in case of portal emergency.”
“And I explained that the Elements of Harmony is the most powerful source of magic here in Equestria.” John’s blank face caused to her continue. “That’s your ticket home John.”
John paused for a moment.
“Do you expect me to believe some mystical force has the power to rip holes in time and space?”
Twilight was taken aback.
“If it means getting home, isn’t it at least worth a shot?”
John got up and paced the small kitchen. He leaned up against the door frame and turned back to Twilight.
“Guess I gotta start somewhere.”
“That’s the spirit, now we’d better make the time we have left count. I know Rainbow and Pinkie will want to hang out.”
John gave her a puzzled look.
“You want me to hang out with your friends?”
“Well yes, since you’re not going to be here much longer maybe we can get to know you a little better.”
“Won’t do much good. If I’m leaving then what’s it gonna matter.”
Twilight was taken aback, a stern look came to bare.
“Well what about Fluttershy, after all she’s done for you, you’re just going to leave without even saying good-bye?” A stab of guilt entered John, she continued. “If given a chance all these ponies would have done the same for you, the least you can do is pay them the respect of properly thanking them. You can return that favour with what little time there is.”
The guilt was driven deeper. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, all were willing to offer him assistance whether he was willing to accept it or not. Why did Twilight have to be right?
“You’re right, it’s the least I can do.”
A gentle smile replaced the glare.
“Plus I’d also like to think that you will remember us as we will remember you. It’s not everyday you make a friend with an extra-dimensional primate.”
John snapped his head up at the remark. Twilight winked. A smile began creeping into John’s face.
“Now that that’s settled. I think Pinkie is working today getting the food ready.”
“Oh please don’t send me out with Pinkie alone.”
“For crying out loud, she’s not as bad as you think. You’ll get used to her.”
“If you say so, just point me in the right direction.”
“She lives at Sugar Cube Corner. She’s there most of the time. If not, just take a walk, I’m sure some of the locals will have questions for you.”
“Here goes nothin’.” He got up and over to his equipment. Strapping on the power pack first, then picking up Atlas.
“John I was wondering, If I could talk to Atlas. You said he’s like a giant library, I’d like to learn more about you, and your species in general. If it isn’t too much trouble. And maybe I can fix your armor?” John looked back at her then to Atlas.
“Atlas, Twilight would like to speak with you, use discretion. And see what you can do with the Aegis.” He set him down on a table.
“Thanks John.” Atlas and Twilight said in unison.
“Maybe I should leave him with you when I go home.” Atlas turned his head quizzically to Twilight.
John smiled and headed out the door.
Sugar Cube Corner wasn’t hard to find. Twilight practically lived right next to it. He walked up to the door which displayed a friendly open sign. He pushed on it. A novel bell ringing over his head. The proprietor came out of the back from an otherwise empty shop.
“Hello there, wel...” he stopped his sentence short, “...come. Welcome! Well this is certainly a surprise. You must be the newcomer, eh uh Walker! Yes the Walker that Pinkie had a party for last night.”
John was taken aback, he didn’t think the rest of the town’s ponies would treat him like a human being. Guess that party really helped with his image. He took a mental note to thank Pinkie Pie when he caught up with her, if he caught up. He stepped up to the counter.
“Yeah I guess that’s me. I just came looking for Pinkie. Is she in?”
“She’s actually in town preparing for the Princess’ visit. Taking care of the food and all that. Oh which reminds me.” He ducked into the back for half a second, re-emerging with a box. He placed it on the counter in front of John. He beckoned him closer. John leaned in.
“Can I trust you with something?”
“Uhh, well...” John was quite dumbfounded by the yellow pony’s question
“Its okay, I feel you can take care of this.” he placed his hooves on the counter to get closer. “This is made from a secret recipe I’ve been developing. It was made from some of the finest ingredients this side of Equestria. Needless to say they were expensive, that’s why this cake is so small. If Pinkie were to even get a whiff of what’s in here she’ll wait for the perfect moment to strike,” he dropped a hoof down on the counter to reiterate his point. “I needed somepony to bring this cake to my wife while I watch the shop. She’ll keep it safe till the Princess arrives. Would you be willing to deliver it?” He was giving John a serious look.
“Okay, but why are you whispering?”
The shop owner gave a wary look around.
“Pinkie has a way of picking up on these things.”
John was getting more spooked by the minute.
“Okay I’ll do it. Uhh...what’s your name?” John said as he gently took the box.
“Mr. Cake, my wife Mrs. Cake is in town square, just a short walk to the south. Remember to avoid Pinkie. And thanks a lot for helping a pony out, take care.” Mr. Cake disappeared into the back once more. John stared after him for a second. Odd that Mr. Cake was so defensive, it was as if he thought she had some kind of sixth sense or something. John had just barely turned to leave when he was greeted by a bushy pink mane with a giant grinning face beneath it.
“Hi John!” she screamed in excitement.
“WHHHAAAAAA!” John screamed back. Nearly crushing the cake from his death grip on the box. “Never do that!” he shouted back.
“Do what!?”
“I don’t know! Just, appear!”
Mr. Cake rushed out of the back. One look at Pinkie and he was shaking his head. He looked up at John.
“Well I at least thought you’d get out the door. Oh well, Pinkie can you close the shop? I have to run an errand up town.” He walked up to John, he beckoned for the cake to be set on his back and rapidly exited the bakery. Leaving Pinkie and John alone. She looked up at him. Her back left leg twitched.
“Okey-dokey-lokey, I’ll have this place cleaned up in a jiffy, then we can go play!” she zipped to the back of the store. John followed, as he wondered how ponies actually cooked. Turns out it wasn’t that different from a human kitchen. With only a few user friendly changes. He picked up a whisk.
How did they use this?
His question was answered when Pinkie took it from his hand with her mouth. He watched as Pinkie’s speed approached the sonic barrier. The oven right next to him timed out and began to buzz. Pinkie dropped what she was doing and pulled a pan of pastries out of it. She set them up top to cool and turned the oven off. Her actions became a blur as the kitchen became squeaky clean.
“All done.” She wasn’t even out of breath “Time for cupcakes. Come over here, you can help decorate.” S
he already had the frosting and other decorations ready. He stood by Pinkie as she expertly frosted a cupcake, with her teeth no less.
“You see how I did it, now you try. Just take the tube of frosting in your mouth and...” John picked up the tube and squeezed out the frosting, a great deal less expertise in his execution. Pinkie was watching in amazement.
“OOoohhh. That’s really handy.”
John snorted at the unintentional pun. Pinkie laughed and snorted too.
“I didn’t know walkers could make that sound,” she giggled.
John smiled and shook his head.
“It’s been awhile since I last did that.”
“Did what?” she asked nonchalantly.
“Laughed.”
Pinkie stopped decorating and turned a shocked look towards him.
“Why in Equestria wouldn’t you laugh.”
John shrugged his shoulders.
“Haven’t had much to laugh about lately. I don’t know if you noticed, but my story from last night was pretty grim.”
‘Oh yeah,” said Pinkie. She turned back to him with bright smile, “At least you’re laughing now, right?”
John chuckled.
“Yeah you’re right Pinkie. All things considered, this is the most fun I had since coming here.”
With that, Pinkie Pie leaped onto his back in a tight hug.
“That makes me so happy that you’re happy!” she turned back and frosted the last cupcake.
“All done! Dig in!”
She managed to fit three at a time in her mouth. John grabbed one quickly before they all disappeared. The sweet sugar laden treat was just as good as last nights.
“I don’t know how you do it, but these are really good.” He took another bite. “Gonna have to search the entire world, once I get back, for one’s as good as these.”
Pinkie stopped scarfing all the cupcakes, she swallowed hard and turned to John.
“Are you really going to be leaving us? I mean you just got here, there’s so much to do! Please don’t leave!”
The rapid fire pleading pony ended up attached to both his ankles. He steadied himself on the counter. He looked down to the biggest, bluest pair of puppy dog eyes he had ever seen. He felt a hot stab in his heart, he quickly looked away to avoid further guilt. He tried moving his feet apart, no use. He set his head down on the counter, resigned to his pink shackle.
“Look Pinkie. When your princess comes it’ll be time for me to go, and you can bet that I’ll never forget this or any of you.” the blue eyes opened up to look at him again. “Sure I’ll be gone, but I doubt you’ll ever ever forget me either.”
“I guess so, I mean I never forget a pony’s face once I meet them, but I’m worried I might not remember yours, since I never met a walker before and I’m not sure of what you all look like. Then I remembered you’re the only walker I ever seen.” She sprung up into his arms and grabbed his face. “So I not gonna have any trouble remembering a face like yours.”
“Glad to hear it. Now I should be going there’s still other ponies I got to meet.” He set her down and turned to go.
“NO! I still want you to sta-ha-hay!” She launched herself at his legs, which caused him to topple to the floor. Pinkie was sobbing into the back of his calves.
“Great,” he muttered.
He began clawing his way towards the door, hoping someone would be there. He reached the door frame, struggling to pull himself through it. His head poked past the frame. Someone was there!
“Hey! Can you help me!? I’m having a bit of trouble..aack!” he was ripped away from the door frame, Pinkie gaining an unnatural amount of strength dragging him back while in her dismal state. The pony up front literally bolted in a second later, looking wary and suspicious, her face changing to total surprise at the sight before her. John reached out a tensed hand.
“Save me Rainbow!” he got no sympathy from her. She just fell to the floor laughing like there was no tomorrow. He pushed himself off the ground, only to be shoved back into it by four hooves on his back.
“Dashie, what brings you here? The Corner is closed today!” A combination of confusion and excitement filled her voice.
“I went to see if John was at Twilight’s, she told me he went over here and the sign said it was open so I came in.”
“Perfect timing too.” John said into the floorboards. Pinkie stepped off his back and picked him up.
“Well Rainbow, what can I do for you?”
Rainbow smiled. He could see her wings were tense with excitement.
“Well, just to talk I guess. It’s not everyday you meet a giant monkey. No offence.”
“That one’s free, but yeah I can talk.”
The three of them stood in awkward silence. Rainbow Dash ruffled her feathers and cleared her throat.
“Do you wanna go for a walk?” blurted Rainbow
“Yeah let’s go for a walk,” he said just as fast.
John started for the door. He couldn't move his right leg. Pinkie was attached again.
“Oh for crying out loud, Pinkie.” Puppy eyes were her only answer. John clutched his face.
“Pinkie?”
“MMhmm?” she whined.
“Do you want to come with us?”
“Oh that would be great!” She immediately let go and bounded for the door. John left the Corner, Pinkie was flipping the sign to closed. John could see Rainbow was getting impatient.
“The celebrations are that way,” She pointed with her wing, “we should probably get over there.”
John walked in indicated direction and was flanked by the two ponies.
“So, uh,” said Rainbow, “Are you like an earth walker?”
“Yes?” he said slowly, unsure of where she was going with this.
“Are there pegasus walkers?” she asked.
“Ye- wait, what?”
“You know, walkers with wings.” She flapped her own to emphasize.
“Oh, uh no, humans don’t have wings.”
“Eleven billion walkers and none of you have wings?” Rainbow looked at the ground. “That’s kinda lame that you can’t fly.”
It was John’s turn to look at the ground.
“Well, we do fly,” Rainbow cocked her head to John, “We just use machines.”
“Yeah right, there’s no such thing as a flying machine.”
John looked around at the simple village.
“Didn’t think there was.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes.
“Okay, let’s just say there are air machines. How would you know how to fly?”
“How’d did you learn?”
She shrugged her wings.
“I just went for it. I had a few crashes but I still did it.” Her eyes went wide and she grinned at John. “Oh I get it, ha ha, sometimes you just gotta fly. Must have taken some guts to try flying without wings. Let alone jump into a bottomless pit.
John opened his mouth to reply, but words failed him. Rainbow took notice of this.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up,” she said, “but if it’s not too much ask, why did you jump in the first place.”
John stopped in his tracks. Pinkie and Rainbow stopped a few feet ahead of him. They both looked expectantly at him as he dropped down on one knee.
“Here’s what I told Twilight. I was dealing with something greater than me, something dangerous, and there was no way I could stop it. So I thought maybe I could take it with me and... end it.”
John shuddered and closed his eyes. He could still remember The Fist’s iron grip on him was even greater than the crushing gravity.
“Uh, John? You in there?” John opened his eyes as Rainbow was waving her wing in front of his face. “Sorry but, you spaced out for a second. Are you... alright?”
John got up and started walking.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Rainbow and Pinkie easily trotted back to his flanks.
“So uh, do you like flying?” Rainbow asked.
“Me? No I hate flying, you can’t get me to fly even if my life depended on it.”
Dash whipped her head towards him in disbelief.
“How could you not like flying? It’s like the best thing ever!” She started to hover at his height. “You walkers can fly, and you don’t even like it. You don’t know what you’re missing!”
“Yeah, but-”
“I mean if I didn’t have wings and somepony offers me the chance to fly, I’d take it in an instant.”
“It’s just-”
“Why be on the ground when you can be ripping around in the sky. It’s so cool, you should try it-”
“Rainbow!” exclaimed John. Rainbow turned back in mid air. “I don’t like to fly.”
“Alright fine, I heard you the first time, no need to get cranky.” She dropped back down to his side, and then immediately looked to the sky. “Uh oh, here comes trouble.”
“Trouble? What kind of- WAAHaha!” He jumped as a loud crack erupted behind him and he propelled himself up into a thick, black, cottony substance. He popped out on the other side and clawed at the fluffy stuff. Then his ears rang as a surprised, grey pegasus screamed in his face. John clamped his ears over his head, only to realize he was sinking back down. He quickly amended his decision.
“Where am I now!” he shouted back.
“Why are you yelling at me?” the new pegasus asked, nigh unto tears.
“Relax Derpy,” Rainbow Dash, “This is my friend John, he’s just hanging out for a while.”
“Haha that doesn’t explain where I am.” John clawed for a good grip once again.
“Oh, you’re in my cloud,” Derpy said proudly.
John stared incredulously at her, and noticed that her eyes were pointed in different directions. She smiled politely back as John forgot he was still sinking.
“Well could you get me out, it’s really cold in here.”
“Oh, sure thing,” said Rainbow.
Both she and Derpy took one his arms and lifted him out.
“You’re actually pretty light, it’s probably why you didn’t just fall back through the cloud.”
“How did I end up in the cloud though?”
“You jumped.”
It was at that moment that they reached the edge of the cloud, and vertigo hit John with a vengeance. All his muscles tensed up and his breaths became quick and sharp.
“We’re that high up!? This isn’t safe. Get me down now! For God’s sake don’t let me go!”
“Oh for pete’s sake, just calm down.”
“Rainbow Dash, I still have to deliver that storm cloud,” Derpy said anxiously.
“Go ahead, Derpy I can handle him.” Rainbow gingerly took John under her legs as Dery flew off.
John couldn't even move. His eyes were fixated on the ground, he just hoped Rainbow would get down there as fast as possible.
“You really don’t like flying do you.”
“Is it that obvious?” he said through gritted teeth.
“Hehe yeah, but I’d bet you’d really enjoy it if you flew my way.”
“No thanks, the ground is fine by me.”
Rainbow brought her head as close to his as possible.
“Do you know what you need?” she asked with an evil grin. John reflected a horrified look.
“Shock therapy!” She then proceeded to dive bomb to the ground below.
John could feel the skin on his face trying to peel away. He gripped tightly onto Rainbow’s hooves as the rocketed to their doom. She then pulled up at the last second, and John’s reality was, for a brief moment, an explosion of sound, colour, and gut wrenching acceleration. The ground was getting further and further away at a frightening speed, even the clouds were far below them at this point. Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, Rainbow Dash let go. John spun to catch hold of her, but he was too late. The deceleration was slow and sickening as he reached the apex of his trajectory. John briefly caught a look at all that was Equestria. A glimmering city, a wide desert, massive forests, and even tiny old Ponyville. He was jerked back to reality as gravity kick in and pulled him back to Earth. John tumbled through the air, yelling the entire time. He only stopped when he saw Rainbow falling beside him.
“You wanna flying lesson?” she yelled.
“No!” he yelled back. He was clawing at the air trying to get himself upright.
“You might break something if you keep tumbling like that.”
“I’m gonna die, so don’t sass me!”
“No you’re not, now do as I do, spread your whole body out, it’ll make you fall slower.”
“WHY!? It’s still gonna kill me!”
“Just do it!”
John spread eagled, and ended up falling backwards. Rainbow came over, rotated him, and bent his arms and legs accordingly.
“There is that better?”
John could hardly speak. He was so petrified of hitting the ground, although they were still fairly high up.
“Yeah. Yeah I’m good,” he said, not daring to move a muscle.
“Perfect, lesson two.” she pressed her legs against her body and she fell like an anvil.
“If you can catch up I’ll save you!” she yelled.
“WHAT!?” She was out of earshot and getting further. John breathed heavily as he thought what about what to do. His mind went back to his last crazy decision in the labs.
“You better hold up your end, Dash.” John reluctantly folded in his arms and legs and accelerated. He could still see Rainbow Dash up ahead, then again it wasn’t hard to miss her. The wind stung his eyes as he got closer to her and the ground.
“Come on...”
Dash was only a few metres away, but the ground was coming up fast.
“Almost...”
John quickly latched onto Rainbow’s neck while she spread her wings, just in time to pull away from the tree tops.
“You better not freakin’ land Rainbow, because when we do I’m gonna ground for good!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Fine by me!” she laughed. She banked hard and aimed for a cluster of clouds. She beat her wings and gently touched down on the cumulus. She looked back at John.
“I told you not to land.” He glared.
“Were not on land smart guy.” She bucked him over her head and he landed spread on the clouds. To his surprise , he was floating. He experimentally closed his arms to his sides and kicked his legs, which propelled him through the clouds. Rainbow gave him a puzzled look as he passed her.
“What are you doing?”
“I think I’m swimming,” John lifted his head and dog paddled back. “I think my suit is on the same setting as Twilight left it yesterday. If I could just...”
John brought up the gauntlet that usually held Atlas. He could see the suits density manipulation suite was in the negative range. He slowly slid his finger across the panel, and his body slowly rose out of the clouds. He flopped back onto the cloud once he was sure he wasn’t sinking anymore.
“Rainbow Dash, you’re either the worst flyer in Equestria or the best. I can’t really decide right now cause my brain got lost somewhere between the explosion and the freefall.”
“I didn’t think you’d make it in time. I was about to pull up just before you caught me.”
John gave her a horrified look. She tried containing her laughter, but she started clutching her sides as she fell into the cloud.
“Sweet Celestia, your face! That was priceless!” she squealed. “I didn’t think you’d actually believe I’d leave you hanging.”
“Good to know.” John sighed. “But seriously Rainbow that was the scariest moment of my life.”
“Even scarier than when you jumped?”
John stared into the deep blue sky before answering her.
“Yeah. Definitely.”
Deep rumbling could be heard in the distance. John and Rainbow sprang upright as a large stormfront gathered.
“Aww nuts, that storm’s headed straight for Ponyville. I’m gonna have to get a team to move it.”
“You can do that?”
“Yeah, didn’t you see Derpy fly off with her cloud?”
“I was seventy feet in the air, with my life flashing before my eyes.”
“How many times did you see that movie?” She said as she hooked under his arms.
“Too many times.” John breathed a little sharper once they got over the edge, but his fear was nowhere near as bad as it was before.
“I’m just gonna fly in for a closer look. See how many pegasi we need.”
They drew in close, and the storm bristled as if it was alive. Lightning lashed out every few seconds, and it was only getting worse as they drew near.
“Geez that one’s a doozy, I’d better get the entire team on this one.”
Just as Rainbow was about to turn away, a wild strike blazed past their right side, forcing them back towards the storm. Everywhere she tried to turn the lightning seemed to anticipate her movements and guide them towards its heart.
“Rainbow, what’s going on!?”
“It’s a rogue storm, looks like we’re gonna have to do a thunder run. Hang on tight!”
John did as he was told and Rainbow charged in. The dark thundercloud prevented any light from coming in. The only light came from the searing bolts as they streak past, missing them by mere inches. The thunder was loud enough to rupture John’s eardrums. Rainbow dodged and weaved through the plasma net, and then a small tunnel in the clouds gave way to clear skies, Rainbow sped towards it. The lightning grew more intense before his eyes, eagerly flashing to catch them in their escape. They accelerated, and the dark clouds were replaced by blue skies.
“Awww Yeah!” Rainbow whooped. “I haven’t done a run in ages. Wasn’t that awesome!”
John was clenching his teeth so hard he couldn't open his mouth, so he gave her a thumbs up instead. A split second later, his body surged with energy, his skin felt like it was on fire, the suit rippled from the sudden burst. He slipped out of Rainbow Dash’s grip like an eel and began to plummet. He turned, the ground was meeting him at break neck speed. He turned back to protect his head. Hitting the ground was painful, he fell deeper into it, bringing him to a full stop. The shock to his spine knocked the breath out of him, his lungs refusing to inhale. John thought he going to suffocate. It wasn’t for a few moments that his ability to breath returned, he greedily gulped down air. Lifting his head he saw a blurred silhouette flying towards him. It landed on the edge of the hole he currently occupied.
“Oh my gosh! Are you alright!? Please be alright! I didn’t mean to drop you, you just got really heavy all of the sudden, I couldn't hold on! Can you hear me!? John!?”
“I’m guessing that was the shock portion of the therapy.” John said through gritted teeth. His vision cleared, Rainbow was biting her lip.
“Wow, you fell really fast after that lightning bolt hit you. Almost as fast as a cannonball!” John turned his head to see Pinkie Pie standing right beside him. John closed his eyes and laid his head back down in the dirt.
“Just tell me one thing Pinkie.” John tried to push himself up. “How’d you follow us?” he fell back into the dirt, his body too heavy to move.
“She just does. It makes no sense but even I can’t outrun her.” Rainbow’s voice was filled with relief as she jumped into the crater. “Let’s help you up.”
“You can’t, the suit’s density polarity must have been switched when I was struck. You have to flip it on my gauntlet so I can return to normal weight. Its the computer on my left arm.”
“Computer?” they both asked. John looked back at them.
“Uh the, uh, tiny window on my arm, yeah, all you have to do is touch it and drag across, got it?” no sooner had he finished his explanation than he felt his normal weight return to him. Pinkie took control sliding her nose across the screen.
“Clever pony,” said John.
He cautiously sat upright making sure he was in one piece, his spine still hurt like hell. He tried wiggling his toes to check for spinal injury, relieved when he felt them inside his boots. He stood up nearly losing his balance, the shock of the impact was still in his system. He looked around, he was standing in the middle of a crater about five feet deep. He climbed out into the surrounding foliage.
“Hey John?” said Rainbow Dash. “Are you really alright? I mean I had some really bad crashes myself but...” She turned away. “...I’m really sorry for dropping you, I tried flying after you, but I couldn't catch up. I thought we were clear. But I was wrong” her voice trailed off, she looked like she was on the verge of tears, holding them back through sheer willpower.
“Hey, Rainbow, it’s alright as long as I didn’t land on my head,” he said, “the lightning switched my suit from light to heavy. If I hadn’t slipped, we both would have been in that hole, and I would have had a pony on my hands that would have been seriously injured or worse.”
He was met with a hoof punch to his chest. It knocked him back into the hole.
“What was that for!?” he shouted as he brought himself up to the ledge.
“You idiot, you almost died! I don’t even know how you’re standing, and it would’ve been my fault!”
“Fair enough.” he stepped out of the hole once again. “Please don’t ever do that again.”
“What? Drop or punch you?
“Both.”
“Just as long as you don’t try to be a hero.”
“Deal.”
“Anyway,” she said, “we should get back to Ponyville. The ceremonies are going to begin pretty soon. You wouldn’t mind flying again would you?”
“Yeah I’ll be alright with that, just nothing too fancy.” John looked for Pinkie. She was nowhere to be seen. “How does she do that?”
“Beats me, come on we gotta fly!” John was once again plucked from the ground before he could make himself lighter. He managed to turn it down mid-flight, allowing Rainbow to reach top speed. He watched as Ponyville grew in the distance. He tracked a point on the ground as it came up, underneath, and past him. That’s when he noticed he wasn’t wearing clothes. They must have ripped off at some point while flying.
“Hey Rainbow!” He shouted over the wind. She didn’t acknowledge. He tapped her leg, she turned down to look at him.
“Stop. At. Rarity’s!”
She nodded. Ponyville was close now, and she slowed down and turned towards a small purple house.
This landing was much softer, John thought, as Rainbow set him gently down.
He was about to open the door when Rainbow blocked him with a leg.
“Before you go in there, there’s something you have to know.”
John stepped back, his full attention on Rainbow Dash.
“If you go in there, it’s possible you may not come out.” John shifted a little further from the door
“Why’s that?”
“Rarity’s ob...” before she could finish her sentence the shop door flew open.
“What is all the commotion out here?” Rarity stepped out. “Oh hello Rainbow Dash, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
“I... uh... came to drop John off, he said he wanted to see you.” Rainbow let her breath out when Rarity turned her attention to John.
“Well it’s good to see you again John. You must be here for new clothes, on the account that you are not wearing any.”
“I still have my suit.” That didn’t stop his face from reddening though. He cleared his throat.
“Come on inside then, I’ll be with you in a minute. Rainbow Dash are you coming in dear?”
“Uh...no thanks. I gotta clear the skies. Right now. Bye!” she blasted upwards, a rainbow trail following her.
Rarity turned inside, John proceeded in. He was met with by the sight of an expansive studio that was lined with mannequins, each dressed with a unique article of clothing and unfinished projects. Most of them being dresses. He stopped at one to examine it. It was a thing of beauty, designed to complement the wearers unique shape and movement. The personality for whom it was made for was embedded in the fabric. Back on Earth these would be considered dresses for dignitaries or even celebrities. He still couldn't believe ponies had a need to dress up every once in a while, let alone make something of such quality. His thoughts were interrupted when Rarity stepped into the room. He squared himself to her.
“Alright everything is ready, step onto this platform John, and remove your hoofware if you please.”
He did as he was told. He towered over Rarity once on the platform. He watched as she levitated a measuring tape and began snaking it through the air around John, pressing it against his body for measurements. He could see how Rainbow tried to warn him.
“I don’t need anything too complicated.” he said.
Rarity stopped for half a second before continuing.
“If it isn’t too much trouble, John, I would like to leave my mark so you may remember this place for when you return home.”
“How did you know I was leaving?”
“Twilight visited me earlier today, she told me everything. And I must say your friend Atlas is a charming fellow.” She said smiling.
“Pft. Yeah right.” Just how much did Atlas have to say? “Did he tell you how we landed in Equestria?”
“Why yes, such a heroic story. A true gentleman. You may step down now.”
She moved over to a sewing machine, floating fabric and thread to converge on the machine. He looked once more at the dresses. He stopped at one, he felt he recognized it somehow, it looked organic, natural, subtle butterflies decorated the dress.
“Do you like it Mr. John. I had that dress made for Fluttershy when we all went to the Grand Galloping Gala. You wouldn’t believe what I had to go through to make those dresses.”
John looked down the line to the five other dresses. He could easily tell who they belonged to. Rainbow’s gold adornments, complementing the flying colors. Applejack’s rustic gear spiffied up to brand new. Pinkie’s tamed explosion of pink and candy. Twilight’s stars showered the midnight blue hem. The final dress, Rarity’s, was fit for royalty.
“They’re... nice.” John said.
The sewing machine stopped, Rarity looked up from her work. She raised an eyebrow at him.
“What I meant was that, uh, not that I’m into fashion or anything, but you obviously put your heart and soul into these dresses, and to be honest it’s hard not to stare.”
“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, but I’m glad you understand my love of my craft. Just wait till you see what I have made for you, I’m sure you’ll love it.”
It wasn’t long before Rarity called John back, she had finished her latest masterpiece. He stood on the platform admiring the suit she had made. It was simplistic, like he asked, but it was the exquisite type of simplistic. The navy blue material felt natural, as it draped over his body. It was snug but the movement of his joints were unrestricted. Gold thread traveled along his contours in elegant curves. White diamond shaped gems were sewn into the coat, placed with geometric precision, and wrapping around his right shoulder. The left shoulder was covered in a small winter gray cape with a gold outline. His high tech suit was completely hidden from view.
“This is simplistic?” he asked with a smile.
“It is for me darling.” she said “Well what do you think?”
John looked down at her hopeful face, his smile grew wider as he shook his head.
“I love it,” he said almost reluctantly.
“Yes!” Rarity said with a start. John flinched at her sudden outburst. “Well, I’m glad you like it John. Now you’ll be the envy of your planet once you get back.”
John laughed. “I’m sure I will. I can’t thank-you enough, there must be something I can do.”
“I would very much appreciate it if you let ponies know who designed your clothes and that I’m willing to expand my clientele, if they so happen to come to Equestria.” she winked. Hers eyes drifted towards the clock. “Oh my goodness it's almost time for the celebrations. We really should get a move on.”
“Let’s.” John said.
John collected his things and proceeded to the door. Rarity cleared her throat subtly, He picked up on her cue and held the door open for her.
The walk to the town’s park was a short one, it was alive with activity. Ponies of every shape and size were mulling about, the celebrations had already begun. A large tent held the confections. John could see Mr. Cake as he went back forth between ponies and the food. A group of children ran past him, too busy having fun to notice a strange creature among them. Rarity lead him over to a clear patch on the ground where the rest of her friends were waiting.
“Hey John.” Twilight said, “I’m glad Rarity didn’t keep you for too long.”
“I never miss a deadline Twilight, especially when the clients life depends on it.”
Twilight rolled her eyes as she pulled Atlas out of a saddle bag and handed him to John.
“He’s taught me so much, about your history, your culture, your science, and almost everything about humans.” Twilight watched as John attached Atlas to his gauntlet, “He showed me a lot of things, both good and bad.”
John froze. He dared a look at Twilight.
“I know that nopony is perfect, you shouldn’t be ashamed of what others have done, because I don’t think it reflects on who you are.”
John nodded.
“Thanks Twilight.”
“But you should also be proud of the things you do, like your sacrifice. It probably wasn’t an easy decision, but you saved a lot of lives.”
John looked to Atlas.
“She asked I just answered.”
John looked back to the stack of ponies. Warm smiles on each of their faces.
“Thank-you. Thank-you all. I’ll miss you guys.” Rainbow jumped forward and punched him in the arm. “What was that for?”
“Reason number one. Being a hero.”
‘No fair I wasn’t even on the same planet”
“Reason number two. You’re not gone yet, and there’s still tons of stuff to do before you go!”
“That’s right!” Pinkie yelled, “I smell a tasty cake with my name on it!”
John smiled. He felt a nudge in his side, it was Fluttershy.
“Oh sorry Fluttershy I didn’t notice you there.”
“Me too, Angel has everything under control. I also wanted to see you before you went and..” She paused for half a second, drawing something from a saddlebag. “I made this for you.”
John took the ornament from her mouth. It was small pale flower remarkably shaped like a heart. John placed it in one the button holes.
“Thanks Fluttershy, for taking care of me,” he leaned in close, “and thank your zebra friend as well.”
Fluttershy gave him a light hug, and trotted off back to her friends. John looked over to Twilight.
“By the way I have to grab my armor from your home.”
“Got it covered, Applejack is bringing it over. You’ll also be happy to know that Atlas and I got it working again. Kinda,” she finished nervously.
He just noticed that she wasn’t there. He heard a creaking coming up from behind him.
“Right on time,” said Twilight.
John turned around to see Applejack and a large red pony pulling a cart towards him. They were both harnessed to the cart, and wore out by their heavy load. Once they reached them, they unhooked, tilted the cart back, and dumped John’s armor unceremoniously on the ground.
“Hoo-ee, that was some workout, eh Big Mac?” Applejack flopped on the ground.
“Eeyup.” He was just tired as Applejack, but stood standing, an indifferent stare directed at John. Applejack took notice and leaped to her feet.
“Ah Big Mac, I see you haven’t met John, yet. He’s here visitin’ and the princess is going to send him home after the celebrations. Go ahead don’t be nervous.” she jabbed him in the side to move closer.
This guy’s huge, John thought. Compared to everyone else, his face was nearly level with John’s.
“Good to meet you Big Mac.”
“Likewise.” Was all he had to say. He trotted off towards the confection tent. Applejack came up beside John.
“Don’t worry about it, he’s not muchuva’ talker. Hey everypony, let’s chow down, it’s supposed ta be a party!”
Applejack lead the group of ponies towards the tent, John followed behind. At least he was going to have a good time before going home.
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