The-Master

@, @@EquestrianScholar, 

House Stormwing – The Road back North

Scootaloo shot her one last death glare before moving back to gather the last of the supplies. Now she would be forced to endure the company of an Earth Pony, a total stranger and a sleaze of a Pegasus all at once. Oh fortune must truly hate me. “Out of all the jobs I could be doing Rainbow send me south a wild goose chase. I trained for ten years in the academy and at her own hoof and now I’m doing the ruddy foal sitting.” She continued to grumble to herself for a while till the last of the gear was packed and ready to go. “Alright let’s get going. Keep an eye on this pony at all times, I don’t want her trying anything. Once we reach New Ponyville we’ll figure out what to do with her then.”

Heading back north was never Scootaloo’s intention. Sure she would lead Fixit back to New Ponyville and get rid of the extra, but once that was done she was free to pursue the target. This time Rainbow had to be proud of her accomplishment, this time she would do something great. If that meant apprehending one of the most wanted mares in Equestria then so be it. The there was Lightning, whom she considered to be the greatest liability. Then again he may prove useful soon enough.

Okay, will do. Might have been best for me to run it through before going ahead and posting anyway.

@@EquestrianScholar, @,

House Stormwing – The Road South

“Hold on a second.” Scootaloo quickly turned to face the still unknown pony, the young mare keeping a keen and suspicious eye on her. “I don’t know who you are or what your plan is, but I’m not letting you travel with us until we have some idea as to who you really are. We can’t just accept every rag tag wanderer in the wind.” She scanned the pony from head to hoof, looking for anything the slightest bit odd. “What are you playing at? You don’t look like a soldier, that I can tell for sure.”

Then the sun began to creep up over the horizon and off in the far distance. Morning was just arriving. The sky turned a dark blood red, staining the landscape a crimson gore. They had to leave swiftly if they wanted to reach Las Pegasus by nightfall. “Fine, you can come with us. We travel on hoof to New Ponyville then we fly the rest of the way. Try and keep up, we won’t be stopping. Fixit, grab the gear and let’s get moving. Lightning, scout the path ahead. Check for any sings of raids.”

House Everfree – The Road South

Lily found strength in her legs to stand, the whispers fading slowly from her mind. Still the cries of the dead haunted her, like echoes of an old dream. When she saw Jade approaching she realized that she must have fallen behind in her little moment. “Oh dear, I need to move fast.” She paced herself to a quick canter, even though it made her wound throb with pain. She rested her hooves once she had reached Jade, taking some time to re-catch her breath. “I…  I’m sorry about that. I promise not to do it again. I’m just a bit weak.”

You can add to it if you want, that was just my perspective. If you want me to get rid of it I'd have no complaints.

After what feels like years I’ve made what will be my final post. As my character went on this emotional journey I could tell that I was growing along with him. Now that we’ve come to the end I just wanted to thank you all for an amazing experience. It’s been a wonderful honour.

Thank you.

6 years later…

Early sun set across the far horizon, leaving a soft and warm glow across the land. Throughout Ponyville a sense of peace and calm settled across the usually bustling town. It was a pleasant change, even if it would only last till morning. Trotting through the street was a very familiar stallion, his coat a sandy white and his mane a faded blue, a worn brown scarf rapped around his neck in a rather crude fashion. A smile crept onto his face as the warm rays drifted down on his fur, a pleasant chill running up his spine. The day was drawing to its close and Star Keeper was enjoying the last of it.

He soon found himself by the Town Hall on the way home, not really following any route. What did manage to catch his eyes was the stallion locking up the doors behind him. The scruffy uniform and tan coat gave him away almost instantly, somepony Star couldn’t ignore.

“Hey Dogboots.” The gruff stallion turned his head, not sure whether to be slightly worried or relieved. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, I-  guess it has. Six years in fact.” He hadn’t changed much from when he last saw him, same unkempt appearance and weathered outfit. “How’ve you been?”

“Not bad I guess, life as normal. Well not really, but you get the idea.” Star tried to keep the conversation as neutral as he could, hoping not to bring up any less than fond memories. “But it doesn’t really matter. How’s life been treating you? Family life keeping you down?”

“Nah.” He couldn’t help but chuckle at the suggestion. “Well, I did have to find a more… family friendly home. Aside from that I’m happy as it is, maybe more well off.”

“Wish I could say the same. I’m in Ponyville under contract for now, just general maintenance of this old place for a while, then I’m off back to Canterlot till I find more work. Is Rockshire doing well since you guys left?”

Star was a bit reluctant to respond, but thought it would be rude to simply ignore his question. He had a right to know after all. “She’s…  been doing well. I’ve been doing my part so she can keep up with her art career. She did get a major feature in the Canterlot Museum recently, which she was ecstatic about. Wouldn’t stop talking about it. So yeah, I’d say she’s happy. How about you, have you found somepony?”

Dogboots smirked a bit, almost masking his reaction. “Nah, I’m not getting my hopes up over nothing just yet. I don’t have much of a chance right now”

“I’m sure there’s somepony waiting for you, you’ll see. I know that what happened back then was rather rough, but I think we all came out the better despite. We all came out a bit stronger.”

He didn’t seem totally convinced, but he appreciated the thought. “In a way I guess. But have you heard anything about the others? What happened to Draco and Ice Beam?”

Star Keeper seemed to pick up a bit at the mention of his old roommates name. “Ice Beam? Yeah I’ve seen him recently. Him and Lovely went on holiday to the coast recently, stopping off in Manehattan. I caught them at the train station.” It was hard not to chuckle at Ice’s good fortune. “As for Draco, I believe he got arrested a couple of times for general tomfoolery, last I knew he was in Manehattan. Other than that I don’t know.”

“Well, I’m guessing you heard about Eris?”

“Yeah, I did. I knew about that thing for a while, never really thought it would work. You got the guy disinherited for cry’s sake.” What started as a light chuckle soon turned into full scale laughter.

“I know, it was a dumb idea. But the guy had it coming in the end. I’m sure lovely and Cherished will be able to live without him for a while. Speaking of Cherished, you hear about the recent engagement?”

“No! Really? Her and…  Parso? Ha, didn’t’ see that in her. Well I’m glad for them, even if she did nearly kill me a couple of times.”

“Fond memories?”

“Wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

The weathered stallion looked to the watch strapped around his hoof, realizing the time it was. “Well, I have to get going now. You probably have a family to go and check up on, so don’t let me hold you up, okay.”

“Will do. I hope you have a good evening.” They shook hooves for what may be the last time in a while, kind of holding it there for a few seconds. “I hope you find everything you’re looking for. If any pony deserves it, it’s you.”

“I sure do hope so as well. Bye old friend.”

The term “old friend” felt so warm and comfortable as it continued to float around Star’s head. “I’ll be seeing you soon mate.”

They parted ways one last time, Dogboots heading back to his hotel room and Star to his home. Dogboots took one last look over his shoulder as Star trotted out of sight. He should feel envy, he should be jealous, but all he could really feel was happy for him. There was no way he could hold any past sin. Star had found his future a little bit sooner, but Dogboots’s still out there waiting for him.

Star Keeper slowly creaked open the door to his house, taking a quick peak before stepping inside. The warm fire was crackling away in the dining room, filing the room with a pleasant glow. Shutting the door behind him his presence was given away, a small filly bolting around the corner and launching herself at him.

“Dad!” She called in her cheery little voice.

“Hey their sprite.” He caught her and spun her around a bit in his forelegs. “How’s my girl doi*ng? Good day at school?”

“The best! Me, Lilly and Dinky went over to Saddle Lake with the rest of the class. We should go again sometime and my friends can come.”

“Well that certainly does sound like allot of un. I may just have take you up on that.”

“Awesome!” The filly hoofpunched the air in excitement, nearly hitting Star in the process. “Oh, we should start planning now. We can go tomorrow.”

“Comet, tomorrow you still have school to go to. We’ll see about it this weekend. Now where’s your mother darling?”

“She’s just in the bedroom right now doing stuff.” As if on cue the lovely brown mare made herself known, stepping out from the hallway into the light of the fireplace. Comet bounded over the room and gave her a quick hug, giggling as she ruffled her blue mane.  “Look, dad’s home now.”

“Thanks sweetie, I think I can take it from here.” She let the filly run off towards her room, off to play with some of her toys while her parent talked a bit. She always did find their conversations boring. “So how was your day? Hope it wasn’t too bad.”

“Actually it was rather enjoyable. I met up with our old friend Dogboots on the way here.” Rockshire’s mood instantly began to shift at the mention of the stallion’s name, not really giving off any sort of vibe.

“Really? In Ponyville?”

“Hey,” Star Keeper planted a light kiss on her check, trying to keep away any unpleasant thoughts. “It doesn’t matter. He seems to be doing well since we last saw him. Maybe we’ll see him again soon.”

“I guess so, maybe it would be best.”

“That’s more like it. So, anything interesting happen while I was out? Any news?”

Shire looked towards the study room across the hall, trotting off and collecting what looked like a small envelope.  “This came today. It was dressed to both of us.”

“Really? Who’s it from?”

“Obsidian. I wanted to open it when you got home”

Wow, that name brought back memories. If he was quite honest with himself he wouldn't have made it this far without some much needed help from her back in Canterlot. “I guess we should take a look then…  see what she has to say.”

They both sat down comfortably on their couch, Rockshire resting her head against Star’s shoulder as they broke the seal on the envelope. The letter inside was a simple, clean hoof written letter. Maybe she was just writing to check up on them or wish them luck with the filly. Star fought back the urge to read ahead, instead starting the top and reading along with the mare beside him.

Dear Rockshire and Star Keeper,

Originally when I sat down and began writing this letter I thought of all the things I could say after all this time. I would love to say that after all these years I did not regret what happened, or even that what happened was meant to be. In the end I guess we made our choice on what time had given us. Maybe things could have turned out better, maybe things could have gone back to normal. But I couldn't even dream of it.

Well, I also wanted to say that Nightfall’s been a big help these past few years, always willing to lend a hoof. Raising a foal is tough work, as I suspect you already have figured out. He’s just had his fifth birthday by the way, we took him to go see a show in town. Oh goodness did he love it. It must be coming up to Comet’s birthday as well? Wow, we really have to meet up sometime. Oh and Whirlwind…  I cannot thank that stallion enough. I love that guy to bits. He gets sick of it sometimes, but I love to tease him about it.

I guess we found a new life in all this, despite all the drama and the chaos, we found peace. Oh Celestia, I’m getting all sentimental now. I promised myself I wouldn't cry. Alright...    I just wanted to say that I love you guys. I wouldn't be the mare I am today if it weren't for all of you. I wish you all the best in the days that lay ahead.

May Celestia bless you both,

Obsidian Winter

House Stormwing – The Road South

Scootaloo was at her wits end with this Minotaur; even as she tried to calm herself down she was only reminded of what Everfree had done. Now they would know how it felt to lose everything, their homes, their land, their loved ones. It seems that the gods were fair indeed.  But the news that Everfree had been consuming the souls of the fallen sent her over the edge. All those who had died honourably in battle, all their souls defiled by the twisted spirits that dwelled in that accursed wood.

“Leave! And take your poisoned words with you! Fluttershy is a fool and a coward; she shall see justice very soon. You will fare no better if you don’t get out of here now. I said leave!” She turned and trotted back into the firelight, away from that blasted Minotaur. How dare he…

“Fixit, Lightning, pack your things. We head of at first light in an hour. We’ll head back north to Las Pegasus. Rainbow Dash needs to know what we’ve found. We’ll travel to New Ponyville on hoof but that is where we will say goodbye for the last time. Lightning and I will fly north by ourselves.” She gave a harsh glare in his direction. “So he better behave himself and keep his hooves where they belong.”

(OCC: Incredibly rushed post. Will update soon.)

And so we broke in and somehow plan to rescue her without us all getting killed in the process. Unfortunately the second part is proving more difficult than first expected. Top points for pre-planning.

@@AnonBrony, 

House Whitegold – The Arcane District – Room 6A

Long Stride tried desperately to think up a plan, a brilliant plan that would get them all out alive with no death and no hassle. But the more he though the more he realised he was running out of options. With all of these witnesses it would be impossible to make a clean escape. They couldn’t wait around till it was finished, they no idea what they would do to her. He wished he had time to think this through before rushing in to help.

Then the chill ran though him, chills running through every part of his body till the converged in his chest. A sense of terror and dread overcame his mind, dismissing all other thoughts. His hoof reached for his concealed blade as if in danger, but as the room stopped spinning hid head began to clear up again. He wasn’t only one affected. All around him the Arcanists seemed to titch and shift in discomfort. Something very wrong was happening. “Eternity…  any ideas?”

@, 

House Stormwing – The Road South

Scootaloo was at her wits end with these ponies, defiant till the end it seemed. “Leave Iron Will, and don’t come back any time soon! Your leaders will answer to Stormwing law as it has been written, no matter who it was you served! Now you will understand what it feels like to have your home taken away from you!” She spat on the ground in disgust. “Leave!”

And it hit her, an airy chill like a breath from tartarus.  Her limbs began to feel weak, her throat dry, a dark presence felt in the pit of her mind. The as quickly as it came it was gone, passing like a brief gust of wind. “What the hell was that? Fixit, Lightning, you guys alright?”

@, @,  

House Everfree – The Road South

“It’s after me, it’s after me…” Lily was cowering on the ground in a heap, shielding her head from the presence burrowing into her mind. She tried desperately to ward it away but it felt like running away from an overhead storm. Tears tracked down her eyes as it continues to whisper to her, torment her long after it had released the others. “Make it stop…  please…”

Soon the whispers began to fade like images of an old dream. They haunted her, but they were less painful than before. Still foremost in her mind were voices that had all called out to her at once, one cry of fear. They were the screams of the dead and the forgotten. She pulled her old born cloak over herself, shielding her face with the hood and shutting away the outside world for good. What she did not know was that the others did not notice her struggling. In a mere few seconds she was left alone in the wilderness.

House Earthborn – New Ponyville

Applejack still had her own part to play in the coming war, even if her talk with Rainbow was a brief one. The strength of Stormwing was all but spent, lost to the crushing waves that hammered the shore. Now she prepared the board for the first move, a force being assembled on the great plains south of New Ponyville. Row upon row of war tents were scattered across the landscape, organised and centred around their clans.

“Ten thousand troops, on the greatest forces ever to be mustered on this here field.” Braeburn approached her cousin from behind as they stood upon the hill, watching over the plane with a wary eye. “Ah’m sure you have a good idea ‘bout our next move cous’.”

“Don’t worry Braeburn, Ah have it all under control. We have a few days till we move out, till then we can sit back and wait for more to arrive. I think we all should-“ The same wave of unease and fear hit her like a hammer on anvil. The sudden weight caused her to grip her head as if it were raging and bashing around her skull. Braeburn was on much the same page. When it released them from its grip the both struggled to regain their sense. “Or we may be too late…”

@@AnonBrony, @@MagicalStarRain,  

House Whitegold - Arcane District - High profile building

That was definitely her, no mistaking it, but now they had other issues to deal with. They didn’t have time to play along with this, Star didn’t have time. It was now or never. Although every pony Long Stride killed lessoned their chances of escaping, they would be surrounded and caught before they had a chance. It was about now he was having a bit of internal conflict. Eternity didn’t need to see another death. Fine then, we’ll take the non-lethal approach. Damn this newfound conscience. “On our way there now.”

He followed Eternity until they were sure of where they were going, following the other robed ponies to the point where they all seemed to converge. “I shouldn’t have left that bird behind. Star will kill me after we save her and she finds out I lost her pet.” His small attempt to lighten the mood went rather unnoticed, but it was of little concern. They were nearing their destination. “Here we are then, room 6A. Keep your head low and try not to stand out among the other. We need to wait for the right moment.”

@@EquestrianScholar,

House Stormwing – The Road South

“You would dare!” Scootaloo flew up to the mare in a rage, her hooves impacting the ground hard. This pony dared to recount her life as if it were an open book, dared to question her loyalties? Who was she, how did she even know this? “I did not give up my friends, they left me! Rainbow was the only thing I had left after everypony else was gone! Now I don’t know who you are or why you’re following us, but unless you get your flank out of here soon I’ll do it by force! As for Everfree…   they can rot for all I care, but this is personal. I don’t believe a damn thing about this Everfree Liege they claimed to be under the control of, their actions are their own and they will be punished for them.”

(Star. Now is the time to do your thing. And by thing I have no idea what you are going to do. Also Sorry 'bout Athens. Master sort of like... pulled me away *glares at him* and yeah I don't know what Athens would of done.)

(OCC: I'm sorry!)

@,

House Stormwing - The Road South

That Minotaur was no threat, he was crippled and slow. Scootaloo found she could see just as well in the dark as any other time but also knew her companions weren't exactly on the same level. Maybe it would be safe to relight the fire for now. Striking a match against the stone wall, she tossed it into the kindling, giving light back to the small camp. Now she could have a good look at the two new comers that stood before her. "Iron Will. You expect me to believe anything you say? All I have to go on is your word, and right now I'm not feeling all that inclined. Your House sacked our city and sent the remains crashing to the ground, you kidnapped civilians and have subjected them to an unknown fate. And just to top it off, now we know exactly who we've been following this whole time."

Finally they would have revenge for the destruction of her city,for the destruction of their home. Now she would know just how she felt. "Go and tell your mistress...  that justice will come." She flicked Lightning's Discharger from his hooves, making sure he didn't do anything else stupid. "And as for you." She quickly turned to the pony that had seemed to arrive out of nowhere. "I don't know who the hell yo are,but you have business here. Be off with you!"

@@MagicalStarRain, @@AnonBrony,

House Whitegold – The Arcane District

“Wait a second.” Long Stride held out his hoof, halting their procession. “Rarity was after you, she sent that colt personally to hunt you down. She wouldn’t be so stupid as to dump you in the dungeons if she needed you. She’s cleverer than that; she will have put her somewhere far more guarded.” But then something even more peculiar presented itself to them. A trail running along the ground, like something or somepony had been dragged through here not long ago. “These are fresh, but they’re hard to read. Ponies have trod all over this place and made it far more difficult.” They seemed to go the exact opposite way they were heading, not towards the holding cells, but towards the towers further south. He tilted his head to look up towards the high towers above the Arcane District, up towards the far reaching windows. “She’s not in the holding cells.”

“We need to follow them, they’ll lead us to where she’s being held, or at least give us a good idea. They’ll stop at some point but we need to make the most of it.” His pace quickened to a canter as he eagerly followed the trail, Eternity keeping up behind him. “We’re getting closer.” Ling Stride came out from around a corner unexpectedly, moving right into the gaze of two Militia Guard, all without his hood on to conceal him. “Oh bugger.”

Within the second Long Stride let fly one of his concealed daggers, striking the left one in the chest and sending him sprawling. The other guard moved to close the distance, taking his halberd in a magical grip. Long Stride kicked it aside and slit his throat with a draw of his sabre. “I may have just screwed everything up. We need to move faster, we don’t have long till they notice this.” The moved at a gallop, following the last if the trail till they were sure they were on the right path. After some navigating through hallways and corridors, and lots of stupid stairs, they found what they believed to be the place she was being held. “There is some scuff marks across the ground here and around the door frame. She’s here, or was here at a point. She’s left us some clear signs to follow. The doors locked and I can’t just bash in. Have any magic that can solve this? We’re not in a hurry as you can see.”

House Everfree – The Road South

Lily was kind of just hanging around for protection if she was quite honest. She no longer felt safe in the world around her, almost constantly in a state of unease. Jade was helpful and really nice, but she could only do so much to ease her nerves. Manehattan just seemed like a really bad idea to her, a place where she was certain to be robbed or killed or worse.

She didn’t express her discomfort to the others, bottling up her fear till she could no longer take it. They were being followed already; ponies were hot on their tail. She was so far away from her bird friends in the forest, making her feel all the more alone. As the night closed in on them she began to sing sweetly and softly, letting the gentle breeze carry her voice.

“Lay down

Your sweet and weary head.

Night is falling

You’ve come now to the end.

Sleep now

And dream of the ones that came before.

They are calling

From across the distant shore.”

@, @@Vedana Purity,

House Stormwing – The Road South

After giving Lightning a quick wack for his comment, Scootaloo quickly set about using the dark as cover, keeping as quite as she could. “Don’t you dare use that thing Lightning. I don’t need you to go and make the situation worse. Fixit, we’ve got some time now so why don’t we decide whether or not to get out of here. That Minotaur was in no diplomatic mood and I don’t trust that other pony. They know we’ve been following them and we’ve been followed in return.”

@@AnonBrony, 

House Whitegold – Arcane District

Long Stride slipped on the robes, keeping hid head shielded with a hood and hoped that no pony would notice this blatant trickery. “We have our ticket in. Follow my lead, we’ll take the entrance through the monastery and work our way towards the holding cells. From there we shouldn’t have too hard a time picking up her trail.”

Together they moved around the district towards a different entrance, this one just as well guarded but easier access for those of the monastery. It was their best shot, and their robes helped to blend in with the others. Keeping heads down and gazes low they managed to slip through the guard point, entering the gates with relative ease. Once inside they diverted off from the others, down a small passageway and out of sight. Long Stride cast back his hood and quickly looked back around the corner. “Brilliant, we’re inside the hornets nest. Now we need to get Star and get out alive. Our best guess to go towards the heavily guarded areas on the lower levels. Once there we should have a good idea where to move.” 

Not really sure what exactly was going on, Star Keeper decided it might just be best to stay out of it rather and inquire. It really wasn't his place to interfere, even if he had good intentions. "Maybe we should just forget about it, bring it up some other time. We are on holiday after all, you should be enjoying yourself. Come on, let's go find something to eat and get on with our day. There has to be a few fun things to do in this city."

@@Vedana Purity, @,

House Stormwing – The Road South

Scootaloo did not wait for her opponents, drawing her sword and quickly facing the new arrival. “I don’t like the looks of this. The last thing we need is unwanted company.” But then it seemed that it wasn’t over just yet, a great Minotaur appearing in the fire light. “Well, that’ where those irregular tracks came from. Seems we’ve been following Everfree this whole time. But that begs the question; who would be so important to travel from the woods with the guard of a Minotaur?” Scootaloo took a step back and raised a foreleg above the campfire. “You might want to get ready to run.” With that she stomped out the flame, ridding the only light source for miles and rendering the field pitch black.

@@AnonBrony,

House Whitegold – The Arcane District

Well that was rather unexpected. These robe like outfits seemed to be in good nick, although it may be a bit hard to explain why two of them would be caught wandering outside the district. “The bird could have picked one in my size. Well this means we may be able to get in without a hitch. Gives us more time to think about how we plan on getting out alive.”

"I think we should go to the opera house. We could meet some new ponies there." Hop said as she began to slowly make her way in the direction of the opera house. The building looked really beautiful from afar. Then again so did the whole city itself. No doubt about that.

They'd been here long enough I suppose. Might be time to go out and eat, and sight see, but mainly eat. "If everypony's ready we can get going. I'm guessing we just go towards that big funny looking thing that looks like somepony attacked it with a knife." That was a poor and misplaced joke. "Since we're all in agreement let's going. You're walking with me though Moon." Star Keeper tugged the mare closer, placing his wing over her and giving a quick nuzzle. "What are you lot standing around for? We're burning daylight."

House Stormwing – The Road South

Scootaloo couldn’t help but smile at his force of habit, a light distraction from everything else. She was still convinced that he couldn’t give a damn about Stormwing, but for now she guessed it wasn’t too important. Honour and Loyalty were all that stood between them and their lesser foes. “For an Earth Pony you aren’t that bad Fixit. Keep it up and Applejack may just have to promote you.”

Which begged the next question she had in mind. “So, the commander has a thing for you, doesn’t she?” Scootaloo couldn’t help but snicker at his reaction. “He he, I’m just messing with you. You should have seen your face though. Priceless.”

House Whitegold – Arcane District – Outside the Prison Entrance

The magical wards would prove to be incredible difficult to crack, especially when it alerted them of their presence. Long Stride had no way of countering these, but he hid have one last idea. This was a really stupid idea, but they may have to set it off on purpose. “Listen eternity, you are allot smaller than me and a heck of allot more likely to get inside. I can get these guards away for a while but you need to act fast. Use your magic and I’ll funnel them down to me for as long as I can. After that your own your own.”

He did not wait for any protest or argument, drawing his sword and looking back out at the guards. He could take them on once they were inside the gates, drawing them into a narrow pass or corridor where he could limit their numbers. It would give Eternity the chance she needed. “Teleport us in and let me do the rest. As soon as we make it run and don’t stop till you’re out of sight. Look out for any sign of her. Tracks, records, it doesn’t matter. We have one shot at this.” He didn’t feel it was necessary to mention that he could only hold them as long as he survived, it wasn’t important just yet.

House Everfree – The Road South

Lily, after a bit of silent complaining, had managed to convince the others to stop and rest a bit earlier tonight. They would need to find shelter as soon as possible, unless they wished to be caught in the open. None knew of the possible dangers that would stalk the land at the dead of night.

But then a small humming bird flew onto Lily’s shoulder, swiftly chirping in her ear before flying off and doing the same to Lady Fluttershy. After no more than a few seconds it flew away with great speed for such a small creature. Lily didn’t seem to be quite too happy with the news her friend had brought, and it was noticeable that Fluttershy felt relatively similar about the situation.

“We’re being followed. A small company has been on our trail for a day now. They’re about three miles behind us. Oh no.”

@,

House Stormwing – The Road South

The young mare wasn’t impressed with the company, nor the chosen topic of conversation. If glares could kill then this would have certainly struck him dead. “That’s none of your business.” She came of stern and rather unyielding, rather like Dash herself. “This is not an alliance; this is repentance for your Houses actions. Don’t start getting delusions about everypony working together.” She knew she was getting herself worked up, but this Earth Pony had no right to ask these questions or make these claims, he was just an Earth Pony. “And why would my opinion interest you? It doesn’t matter what I think about it. Now are you going to keep talking or will you let me get some rest?”

By now she realized that her mood had taken a rather turn for the worst, and after a deep breath began to regain some of her thoughts. She missed Windslash, more than anypony. But he died in battle and was given an honourable death. But she had lost so much over the past few days and so had Rainbow. It was beginning to take its toll on the commanders sanity…  and Scootaloo’s judgment. “It’s just Scootaloo, no rank, no title. Stop calling me ma’am, it’s kinda creeping me out. Even Lightning isn’t all formal about it with me.” She wanted to apologize for what she had said before, but maybe it was best just to let it slide for now. “Look, I know you’re not a bad guy, but I don’t need the personal questions right now. Okay?”

@@AnonBrony, 

House Whitegold - The Arcane District – Outside the Prison

Once the Militia were satisfied she wasn’t smuggling in anypony, they allowed Arise entrance beyond the walls. The process was rather painless, but it took a while to get past the hundreds of other ponies seeking access to the inner city. By the time Long Stride and Eternity could come out of hiding his back was killing him. “Did that have to bloody take so long?” Aside from his random mutters and curses, the first stage had been a success. Once inside they pulled over into a small side street, the two passengers disembarking. Arise unhooked herself from the cart and shook both of their hooves.

“Good luck with whatever you’re up to. I hope we meet again someday.” They parted on good terms, even if Long Stride was still slightly annoyed at how he smelled after being that cart. “The Arcane District is just up ahead, tightly guarded at all entrances. Let’s get a good look at the main gate.”

They silently cantered through the street till they came to the prison entrance, quickly hiding behind a corner to avoid being spotted. The entire complex branched off from the mistress’s palace, dungeons reaching far up high and far beneath the earth. There was no chance of sneaking in, not under such close watch. “Okay, well about now is when I get a good idea.” Let’s see, no real way to trick them, no back up, no tools. This was looking rather grim.

Hop nodded her head, still just a little tired. "Things have been good.. *yawn*.. yesterday was eventful. Did any of you two know that Star brought a guitar? I didn't see one in her room last night. Or this morning. Then again I'm still getting over a hangover. It should be illegal to have wine that good."

Well, they certainly must have had one too many last night.  Oh, bad memories there. "Heh, I think most of us have been down that road once or twice. But I didn't know you were a musician Star. I'd love to hear you play sometime. I'm sure you'll be spectacular." He nuzzled Moonbeam in return, giving a slight chuckle as well. It was nice that she was so open about everything, even out here. "So where do we get started?"

@@AnonBrony, 

House Whitegold – The Undercity

Long Stride was stayed silent for much of the journey, keeping to his own thoughts while also a keen eye on his surroundings. When the opportunity arose he would have to be quick. When he spotted a small vendor packing up shop he knew this was what they needed. “There we go. Eternity, we may have our ticket inside.” The salespony’s coat was a dull beige, her mane a faded maroon. The mare was packing the last of her supplies into her cart before she moved shop.

“Excuse me.” Long Stride called out, grabbing the mare’s attention away from her work. The pair trotted up to her, trying to remain as polite as possible. “Sorry to disturb you, but we require some assistance.”

The salespony looked up and down these new arrivals with a rather suspicious eye. “It’s obvious you haven’t been here that long, so you’re probably not here to rob me. Fine, what is it you need? I don’t do hand outs if that’s what you’re asking for.”

“No, we aren’t asking for charity, only your help. We need to get within the walls of Manehattan, but they won’t allow us foreigners inside. We need you to get us inside.” Long Stride was trying his best to sound convincing, but this wasn’t really his area of expertise. “We are to pay.”

“How much?”

Just then he tossed forward a small purse bag, the one he had taken from the mare earlier. Inside was at least eighty or so bits, not too much but a reasonable sum. Speaking of which I must find out how he knew about what happened, but that can wait. “If you want more we can get it to you after.”

“Fine, you have yourselves a deal. I’m not saying that I believe you, but I’m willing to help none the less. Get in the back of the carriage and try to make yourselves hidden. It’s just full of wheat bags so it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. If you load the last of it in we can get moving faster.”

After a few minutes of hastily piling up wheat the young mare hooked herself to the front and set off towards the Arcane District. The carriage rattle and creaked, almost like it was about to fall apart at any second. “The name’s Arisen by the way.”

“Pleasure to meet you.”

@, @@Vedana Purity,

House Stormwing – The Road South

Scootaloo continued to look hard at the tracks, trying to take every possible variable into account, but it all just didn’t seem to add up. It was getting late and soon they would have no light. “We will worry about it tomorrow, for now let’s find a place to set up camp. Try and look for somewhere well sheltered.” But then she noticed a small rock formation on a hillside, not the most ideal of conditions but it would keep them out of the weather. “That will do, let’s go.”

By the time they arrived the sun had already set and the moon was at near full height. They let of their load, casting their baggage aside and taking the time just to rest their legs. Another full days trot awaited them in the morning unless they could figure out who it was they were following exactly. “Let’s get a fire going before anything else.  After we can eat and get some much deserved sleep.”

Don't forget I'm with you and i did reply to you in case you didn't notice. (Hopefully those two don't get into any trouble...)

Don't worry, I noticed. I assure you that you'll make it out alive...  probably. Anyway I'll get on that reply now.

Just in case i do not respond cause i dont really have anything to write 800 aboit sowwy/ So yeah

 Oh, okay then. I'll leave you and Lightning behind and get strait to busting out Star. Entertain yourself while I'm gone.

@,

Well I guess it was time to quickly catch up with the others, and it seemed they were slowly coming out onto the station as well. It didn't take long for him to Spot Star and Hop a little further down as they just exited the carriage.  He nudged Moonbeam and gestured over in their direction. “Well, there they are. Aren't they just adorable? Alright moving on, let’s be polite and say hi. I’m sure you guys have allot to discuss.”

Spell wouldnt go just yet, it would put Lightning in danger. she would however give you both a feather from Daawn for some odd reason. I do not feel like writing 800 symbols long "No"

Oh yes, it is basically a suicide mission and I wouldn't blame you if you straight up said "You're one crazy bastard", bu it's the only idea he's got, and the best one so far.