private Sombra's Shadow

[JonasDarkmane 19,788]

As the meeting had progressed a decision of sending out a small force of Sombra's army, including another force sent from the Darkmanes, had been made. The small army was now on it's way. Sombra's forces were moving faster, as the Darkmane force seemed to be moving some heavier equipment and supplies. The ones carrying Sombra's banner were wearing heavy black armor with streaks of dark blue in it, while the ones bearing the banner of the Darkmanes wore grey armor with streaks of red in it. 

 

While the army marched, Rave was starting to set up some crystals on the ground in a circle like manner. Sombra wanted to witness the battle, so a big black crystal was needed for him to see through. Rave started to channel energy into the small crystals, the energy turned black with flashes of green. Soon, a black crystal started to sprout from the ground, growing bigger and bigger, not stopping until it was the size of Rave himself. As the crystal formed, the land around it seemed to die, the crystal sucking the life out of it and turning it black. 

 

A voice seemed to be echoing in Rave's mind, hissing. However, it was not the dark voice... no... it was a darker one, and it seemed to be coming from the black crystal. Rave felt very cold, as if all the happiness had been drained out of him.... if it had ever existed within him. 

 

"Excellenttt. We will witness Baltimaressss downfallll". 

 

 

 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

The feelings that they had gone through to have their magic returned had been an ordeal, especially for him. So badly did the searing heat burn, and how badly the spell interfered with his psychic abilities. They felt as though they were going haywire, and the force exerted on them made his head pound, feeling like his skull might crack open at any moment. And finally, it was over. He felt tired, but, at the same time, stronger. He felt as if the tiny pieces of missing parts of him had finally been brought back, and he felt whole again. He noticed everypony heading out of the room, and quickly made to follow them. After setting Rarity to get rest, Harcourt informed them of what the plan was. He nodded, understanding that they would have to search the ends of Equestria for the elements. He was then ask if Star and Aria should accompany them, and, without hesitation, said, "Yes, they should. I think they have both shown that they have the strength and determination to pull through hard times, and the kindness to help those in need. I think they would be a great addition to the group." He then asked, "But what about the others in our group? I don't think it would be a good idea to bring them without magic, and Miss Rarity is too worn out from the transfer that she did for us. Would it be best to let them stay here?"

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"I suggest you get your group out of the city and to the griffon empire as fast you can. I fear the walls won't defend this city much longer." Rarity said with exhaustion. "Get to the harbour, there you should look for a griffon, she can get you onto the island without complications. This is most likely the last time you all will see me so this is goodbye. Go! Now, there isn't much time." Rarity explained in a hurry.

"It was an honor meeting you Lady Rarity and I hope we meet again even when the odds are against us all." Trivy responded out of respect and admiration for the snow white unicorn. "Come on everypony, lets get back to Wing and the others. Time to get out flanks moving to the Griffdom!"

[Randimaxis 8,654]

As the others made their way from the room, Harcourt told Trivy, "I'll be along; a moment at most."  Once alone, he went to Rarity and, bowing before her, pressed his lips to her hoof in a respectful kiss.

 

"Your generosity is unbound, madam... and because of it, Equestria has a chance; farewell, Lady Rarity.  Luna bless you."

 

With a final sweeping bow, he made his way out swiftly.  Catching up to the group, he spoke aloud.

 

"Trivy, I have a feeling that time is of the essence; would you take Stardust and Aria with you to get the others moving?  Psych, come with me - we're going to the docks to find this griffon that will get us out of here."

 

He turned and headed for the harbor at a gallop.

[-Octavia- 1,176]

The sense of urgency that had been creeping upon them seemed to steady Aria, now being in her element of decisive action.

 

"Stellina, fly ahead of them to the docks. You'll get there the fastest, and we need our boat ready pronto. I can see Trivy and the others through Baltimare."

 

With a sideways glance she addressed Trivy, "How fast can those hooves carry you?" Having been reunited with her magic, Aria felt an irresistible vigor just waiting to release itself upon the world, and she burned for the chance to let it loose on the streets of Baltimare.

[Stardust* 3,302]

With a quick nod to Aria and determination in her eyes she bolted off with a quick flap of her wings. She darted through the air, the wind in her mane, she was loving every second of it. 

 

She got to the docks a lot quicker than she anticipated, scanning the area she saw the griffon. She swooped in a bit closer to make sure it was truly a griffon and not somepony they should avoid. When she was satisfied with the knowledge she darted back to join Harcourt and Psych.

 

Flying beside them and passing on the message. "The griffon is there, she is waiting on the farthest dock. Remember to present yourself. I am going to fly ahead and get the ship ready. By the time I am done everypony must be ready."

 

With that she flew into the darkness out into the bay to her fog covered ship. This is not going to be easy, but it is our beginning. We will win!

 

Stardust started to work in the pale moonlight, pulling anchors and raising sails was much easier than it had been before. It will be a lot easier to get the ship to dock with this much wing power. It should only be a matter of 15 minutes, I do hope that Aria and Trivy can get to the others and get here in time. 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"How fast can those hooves carry you?"

 

"Well actually now that I've got my magic back I can just teleport to the hideout... or well, the entrance. I can't teleport to a place that's locked...not yet anyway. So... good idea? or do you just want me to run with you?" Trivy asked, ready to get her hooves moving.

[-Octavia- 1,176]

"If you think you can handle it without getting exhausted. Might need your energy for later. You're a Secret Keeper of the hideout now, at any rate. You should be able to get in just fine. Up to you if you want to teleport, though it would definitely save time."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Teleportation it is then." Trivy said with a nod confident even though she was a bit nervous. She wasn't showing it but she could definitely feel something nagging in her stomach. Last time she teleported, she ended up in a river, 15 miles from the place where she should have been. Plus her magic has been away for some time which could have effect in all sorts of way. Still, she was excited to try it, she was feeling that rush of adrenaline from minutes ago, it was hard to stop at this point.

 

Her horn started to spark again as it took some time for her magic to 'heat up'. Then suddenly she disappeared with a flash and then appeared at the front door of the hide out by simply falling mid air and crashing onto the ground. "Well.. that could have been worse." she grunted.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

As the others made their way from the room, Harcourt told Trivy, "I'll be along; a moment at most." Once alone, he went to Rarity and, bowing before her, pressed his lips to her hoof in a respectful kiss.

 

"Your generosity is unbound, madam... and because of it, Equestria has a chance; farewell, Lady Rarity. Luna bless you."

 

With a final sweeping bow, he made his way out swiftly. Catching up to the group, he spoke aloud.

 

"Trivy, I have a feeling that time is of the essence; would you take Stardust and Aria with you to get the others moving? Psych, come with me - we're going to the docks to find this griffon that will get us out of here."

 

He turned and headed for the harbor at a gallop.

Nodding, he took off right after him, trying to keep up with him as best he could. It was a lot simpler on this side of the city, not too many ponies to interfere with his sight, so he could find his way a bit better.

 

With a quick nod to Aria and determination in her eyes she bolted off with a quick flap of her wings. She darted through the air, the wind in her mane, she was loving every second of it.

 

She got to the docks a lot quicker than she anticipated, scanning the area she saw the griffon. She swooped in a bit closer to make sure it was truly a griffon and not somepony they should avoid. When she was satisfied with the knowledge she darted back to join Harcourt and Psych.

 

Flying beside them and passing on the message. "The griffon is there, she is waiting on the farthest dock. Remember to present yourself. I am going to fly ahead and get the ship ready. By the time I am done everypony must be ready."

 

With that she flew into the darkness out into the bay to her fog covered ship. This is not going to be easy, but it is our beginning. We will win!

 

Stardust started to work in the pale moonlight, pulling anchors and raising sails was much easier than it had been before. It will be a lot easier to get the ship to dock with this much wing power. It should only be a matter of 15 minutes, I do hope that Aria and Trivy can get to the others and get here in time.

Suddenly, he noticed that Star was flying next to them, saying the griffon was at the far end of the docks. He nodded and said, "We'll be there soon to help!" Edited October 10, 2015 by Count Paradox

[Randimaxis 8,654]

Harcourt galloped along, heading for the docks at a breakneck pace.  He kept up with the sound of Psych's hooves right behind him, making certain not to lose the blind pony.  Looking to the side, he watched Stardust zip past, then shortly return and toss a few words to them.

 

"The griffon is there, she is waiting on the farthest dock. Remember to present yourself. I am going to fly ahead and get the ship ready. By the time I am done everypony must be ready."

 

"Then we shall have to make haste!  Thank you for your speed - and your help; we shall be along shortly!"

 

He continued along, making his way to the gathering of wooden piers that filled the bay.  As he reached them, he continued to make certain he kept a distinct pace so that his hoofsteps could easily be overheard.  He could see the griffon in question as they approached, and he slid to a halt in front of her.

 

"Greetings, madam!  I believe the mayor spoke of you as the one to speak to about passage from this city?"

 

The griffon looked Harcourt and Psych over.  She brought up a claw and fiddled with her necklace of charms, then leaned in close and sniffed the two of them.  She seemed to consider them for a second or two, then nodded.

 

"Thank you!  We have been trying to-"

 

He paused, as something was nagging at him.  They had gotten their magic returned to them; they had reached the docks; Trivy was gathering the group together... what wasn't mentioned?

 

When the realization came that Lilith hadn't been with the group that had arrived at the mayor's, he turned to his companion.

 

"Psych, when the lot of you came to the mayor's, where did the Ranger go?  I would have supposed she would have been with you, but I haven't seen her since I departed from the group the other day.  Did she stay with the rest, or had she gone to find recruits?"

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Harcourt galloped along, heading for the docks at a breakneck pace.  He kept up with the sound of Psych's hooves right behind him, making certain not to lose the blind pony.  Looking to the side, he watched Stardust zip past, then shortly return and toss a few words to them.

 

"The griffon is there, she is waiting on the farthest dock. Remember to present yourself. I am going to fly ahead and get the ship ready. By the time I am done everypony must be ready."

 

"Then we shall have to make haste!  Thank you for your speed - and your help; we shall be along shortly!"

 

He continued along, making his way to the gathering of wooden piers that filled the bay.  As he reached them, he continued to make certain he kept a distinct pace so that his hoofsteps could easily be overheard.  He could see the griffon in question as they approached, and he slid to a halt in front of her.

 

"Greetings, madam!  I believe the mayor spoke of you as the one to speak to about passage from this city?"

 

The griffon looked Harcourt and Psych over.  She brought up a claw and fiddled with her necklace of charms, then leaned in close and sniffed the two of them.  She seemed to consider them for a second or two, then nodded.

 

"Thank you!  We have been trying to-"

 

He paused, as something was nagging at him.  They had gotten their magic returned to them; they had reached the docks; Trivy was gathering the group together... what wasn't mentioned?

 

When the realization came that Lilith hadn't been with the group that had arrived at the mayor's, he turned to his companion.

 

"Psych, when the lot of you came to the mayor's, where did the Ranger go?  I would have supposed she would have been with you, but I haven't seen her since I departed from the group the other day.  Did she stay with the rest, or had she gone to find recruits?"

"I-I don't know... She had been sitting outside the hideout before I left to search for you, but when I did leave, she was gone..." A worried expression crossed his face. "We can't leave without her, we need to find her! But we can't just leave the ship, we could be left behind ourselves!" He paced a little bit. He wanted to search for her, but had no clue where to begin. And during the time he left, the ship could leave him behind...

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Yo pony folk... Dont wanna interrupt ya little panic attack but I don't have all day. Ye gotta decide what you want, go search for your friend or go with me now." The griffon said impatient. "If ye don't come now, you'll have to wait at least a week until the next ship comes around... Ye get me?"

[Randimaxis 8,654]

He saw the panic settling in on Psych's face, and understood it almost instantly; they couldn't leave without Lilith.  She'd proven herself an ally, and Harcourt wasn't about to leave anypony behind.

 

"Damnation, why does it always have to be complicated!?  Psych, would you possibly stay here and help out the griffon while I go make at least a cursory search for her?  I'm fairly certain you're in good... uhm, claws... plus, you are hardly defenseless, I'd say.  Let the others know what I'm doing when they arrive, and I should be back shortly..."

 

He looked to the griffon and gave her a reassuring grin.  Turning back to Psych, he continued.

 

"If the need to leave becomes imperative, then go - I promise you we'll find our way to you all.  I have to do this, Psych; no more ponies left behind."

 

He slung a quick, concerned look towards the city... then turned back to face Psych, locking eyes as he spoke.

 

"Watch over Trivy, Wing and the others - and keep your head, Psych.  I have faith that you'll do as I've asked.  There's a good fellow..."

 

With that, Harcourt turned and bolted from the dock, heading back into town.  As he began to take the streets at a gallop, he began to think about how he could ever have a chance to find the erstwhile Ranger in such a burg as this.  

 

Being a Ranger, I'm fairly certain she'd be up to date on her animal sounds... so I'll just have to get my bird calls in order.  Now, what would attract the attention of a forest expert?  Ah!  I could always try...

 

He began crowing as he passed through the streets full of ponies, specifically (and almost accurately) mimicking the call of a blackbird.

 

As busy as this town is, there wouldn't be any crows for miles... except, of course, the one I'm looking for.  Perhaps I appear as a fool to everypony else - but my appearance to a bunch of strangers holds not a candle to the importance that we find Lilith and get her out of here before... well, before the ominous warning Rarity gave us comes to pass.  Damnation, Lilith - WHERE ARE YOU?

 

He continued to caw as he moved through the streets, eyes seeking each and every corner for their target.

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Randimaxis, 

 

Caw... caw...

 

Lilith jumped in her seat as the sounds of a crow appeared to have sounded in the streets. Renius seemed to have heard it too, and she raised a hoof. "I'll check it out, don't worry about it." Storing an unopened bottle inside of her cloak- she had left her bags behind- she made her way outside before peering out. She stepped into the street, ducked into an alley, and climbed a pile of boxes until she was on the roof of the establishment, keeping low. She looked around, trying to find the crow- or, pony trying to imitate a crow, as she soon realized.

 

But, as her eyes turned, she made out a small peak of... red? She abandoned her subtlety, stood on the highest point of the building, and squinted, trying to focus her vision in.

 

It's... dark energy. Oh, Celestia... how did they get here so quickly?!

 

Jumping down, she almost landed on top of a cawing Harcourt, who was apparently the pony that was cawing. She looked at him and, overcome with a sense of guilt upon having seen the Dark Army upon them, looked down. "My betrayal... is complete..." she muttered to herself, half wanting him to overhear it. At least her bags were still in the workshop- if she continued on, she could cut all ties to this, if she could survive the next hour. Then, at least it would become a private matter- something she could share with people that she felt she could trust them with.

 

Shaking her head, she looked at him, remaining silent.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

He saw the panic settling in on Psych's face, and understood it almost instantly; they couldn't leave without Lilith.  She'd proven herself an ally, and Harcourt wasn't about to leave anypony behind.

 

"Damnation, why does it always have to be complicated!?  Psych, would you possibly stay here and help out the griffon while I go make at least a cursory search for her?  I'm fairly certain you're in good... uhm, claws... plus, you are hardly defenseless, I'd say.  Let the others know what I'm doing when they arrive, and I should be back shortly..."

 

He looked to the griffon and gave her a reassuring grin.  Turning back to Psych, he continued.

 

"If the need to leave becomes imperative, then go - I promise you we'll find our way to you all.  I have to do this, Psych; no more ponies left behind."

 

He slung a quick, concerned look towards the city... then turned back to face Psych, locking eyes as he spoke.

 

"Watch over Trivy, Wing and the others - and keep your head, Psych.  I have faith that you'll do as I've asked.  There's a good fellow..."

 

With that, Harcourt turned and bolted from the dock, heading back into town.  As he began to take the streets at a gallop, he began to think about how he could ever have a chance to find the erstwhile Ranger in such a burg as this.  

 

Being a Ranger, I'm fairly certain she'd be up to date on her animal sounds... so I'll just have to get my bird calls in order.  Now, what would attract the attention of a forest expert?  Ah!  I could always try...

 

He began crowing as he passed through the streets full of ponies, specifically (and almost accurately) mimicking the call of a blackbird.

 

As busy as this town is, there wouldn't be any crows for miles... except, of course, the one I'm looking for.  Perhaps I appear as a fool to everypony else - but my appearance to a bunch of strangers holds not a candle to the importance that we find Lilith and get her out of here before... well, before the ominous warning Rarity gave us comes to pass.  Damnation, Lilith - WHERE ARE YOU?

 

He continued to caw as he moved through the streets, eyes seeking each and every corner for their target.

His face was still worried, but he felt as if Harcourt was staring him in the eyes, drilling into him the importance that he stay here. He nodded, still visibly upset, but turned to the griffin and Star. "What can I do to help get things up and running now?"

[Pucksterv 4,508]

The griffon watched Harcourt leave with a confused look, wondering if he even listened to what she had said. "Well I guess all we can do is wait for ya friend is back. I suppose I can stall my contacts insids the embassy a bit longer but I can't promise much. For now though, we wait." The griffon said, the last part she said with a slight bit of annoyance.

 

She seated herself on the docks, dangling her paws into the water. "Anyways... Come sit next to me uh..Psych was it? My name is Little Winter." She said with a kind smile.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

He did so, sitting next to her and putting his hooves in the water. "Yeah, my name is Psych. It's nice to meet you, Little Winter." He gave her a little smile, but then let it fall, and he stared down. "Thank you... Allowing us for more time to search, we really appreciate it..." He looked up towards the sky. "I doubt that we would have gotten far without the entire group."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"No need to thank me bud. It's my honor to serve the mayor. And this group... it sounds like it means a lot to you. It's my pleasure to serve you. I'm just wondering, how the hay did you survive out there?" Winter asked curiously.

 

---

 

Trivy stood waiting in the cold for Arai to turn up until she realise the hatch of the hideout wasn't even locked properly. She popped it open and went inside to wake the others. She returned with Lovely wing still sleeping, who she put on her back while the rest of the ponies followed her outside.

[Randimaxis 8,654]

"Always listen to the wind; y'never know what stories she's got ta tell."

 

Harcourt had heard those words everyday for years, falling from the lips of Gully Fluff as he paced back and forth over the floor of the filthy hovel he called home.  The point he had been trying to make to the young stallion was to remain ever alert for anything; any sound, any small noise, any muttered phrase.  Given time, Harcourt would grow to hate that sentence - then to gradually respect it.

 

Still, even with this being ground into his skull, he might not have heard it.  There were a ton of noises that were winding up in town, as well as the dull roar of the massive crowd of ponies that were ever omnipresent.  Most had to yell to be clearly understood; a single solitary mutter would pass as the breath of a spider among these circumstances.

 

If he had heard, he showed absolutely no notice; he turned and gave a sigh of relief as he laid eyes on the Ranger.

 

"THERE you are!  Blackbird, it is time to take wing and fly from Baltimare - and we have garnered passage to do exactly that.  Quickly!  There's no time to lose!"  He actively motioned in the direction of the docks.  

 

"With what you've done for me alone, I refuse to leave you behind in this place... especially seeing as one can taste the ominous sensation in the air.  So, as my hooves would never speak to me again for leaving you behind... LETS.  GET.  MOVING!"

 

Harcourt looked ready to shove Lilith there, if that's what it took.

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Randimaxis,

 

She looked at him and nodded, not even asking why, her cloak hiding a bright red blush- though whether it was from shame, from the wind, or from the alcohol, she knew not why, but her hooves immediately started moving- first at a walk, then at a trot, then, as she came to follow Harcourt, a full gallop. Her path often took her into the shadows to avoid other ponies, but when he looked behind himself, she was always there.

 

---

 

As they arrived at the docks, which was their destination, she felt a... pressure wave of some sort. She stumbled for a bit, then resumed running, worried though remaining immediately behind Harcourt until he would arrive onto the ship. The darkness had began to seep in through the walls, and, though the hole was quickly sealed and the evil energies obliterated, it allowed a sliver of the natural energies that had been blocked from entering from slipping through.

 

Which was enough for the voices in her head to awaken enough to realize they were no longer in the forest...

 

---

Where the hell is this? Don't tell me you've abandoned your duties.

Relax. It is not our place to question her actions, anyways.

It is full well within my rights to ask. Well, girl? Where are we?

...

Hehe... as quiet as our dear El-shardin. Isn't that right, old friend?

... a sadness... within her soul...

Tch. As full of mysticism as ever. Well, I'll find out soon enough, I guess.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

"No need to thank me bud. It's my honor to serve the mayor. And this group... it sounds like it means a lot to you. It's my pleasure to serve you. I'm just wondering, how the hay did you survive out there?" Winter asked curiously.

---

Trivy stood waiting in the cold for Arai to turn up until she realise the hatch of the hideout wasn't even locked properly. She popped it open and went inside to wake the others. She returned with Lovely wing still sleeping, who she put on her back while the rest of the ponies followed her outside.

"Myself personally, or the group as a whole when we met up?" He looked in the direction her voice was coming from, raising an eyebrow. "I can explain both a bit, if you'd like. I escaped from a slave mine under Sombra's control, and hid away in the forest nearby. I only survived by myself for a few days, living on some fruits and berries I was lucky enough to find. After a while, the others stumbled upon me. We journeyed for a while, escaping Sombra and finally arriving here."

[JonasDarkmane 19,788]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

King Sombra walked through his hallways within the Crystal Empire, a black crystal shard levitating in front of him. After having walked for 10 minutes, his horn flared and he teleported, materializing within Jinx's testing lab. 

 

"I require your services, archmage...". 

 

---------------------------

 

The armies were now getting close to Baltimare, close enough that at least Rave could see them. A grin formed on his face, while the shadow of Sombra seemed to be doing the same. 

 

"This will be a glorious battle". 

 

A few of Sombra's forward command had arrived and galloped to Rave. 

 

"Our troops are fresh and ready for battle. They eagerly await to dispatch these rebels. On your orders, my lord". 

 

"We will wait for the Darkmane forces to arrive as well". 

 

"A sound plan. They should be here within the hour". 

 

"Excellent..." 

 

 

 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, Jinx turned at the summons; she was currently working on a new torture spell, along with more protection spells for the castle. Woe betide the rebel who tried to gain entry; they would go thru more suffering than they ever had imagined. "I am at your service, your Majesty," she replied. "What is it you require of me?"

[JonasDarkmane 19,788]

@@Pripyat Pony

Sombra looked at Jinx with a neutral expression and walked around her. 

 

"As it is, Rave is now currently leading the assault on Baltimare. I am uncomfortable that such power be bestowed upon him, while he hasn't fully completed his mission. I want you to go to Baltimare and take charge of my own forces there. Do not let Rave convince you otherwise. I will be watching". 

 

Sombra turned into a shadow and floated around Jinx. 

 

"You will also be able to perform some of your tests on the battlefield". 

 

He started to fade. 

 

"Make sure that the assault is successful". 

 

With that, the smoke cleared up and the king was gone.