private Sombra's Shadow

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

Rave was running along with the explosive team, Sombra's heavy unit protecting them. Stones and fireballs flew over them towards the city, giving them cover. Suddenly a scroll appeared floating in front of Rave. Rave tried to ignore it as arrows started to rain down upon him. Then the scroll started to read by itself and he screamed in utter fury and burned the letter to get his focus back, receiving an arrow through his right hoof. 

 

The world went spinning for a moment and it took him a minute to realize that he had rolled down and was lying upside down. He was being helped up by one of Sombra's heavies and he started running again, the arrow jutting through his bleeding hoof. 

 

As they continued, a few of the heavies had taken a toll from the arrows, two were dead. One of the Darkmane bombers was dead. They kept pushing forwards. 

 

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

@@Pripyat Pony

 

Meanwhile, Crismon received Jinx's message. He contemplated over it, but then he gave consent, knowing full well that Ironhoof would need his warriors as well. 

 

"I will go with him myself. I do like dealing with things personally". 

 

He galloped over to where Ironhoof and Jinx were, with a squadron of unicorns. 

 

"I do hope you are ready for the battle General. I don't think this one will be any easier than the last ones". 

 

Ironhoof looked at him, his visuals hidden by the helmet. 

 

"I was born ready!!. 

 

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

Rave and the rest of the bombing squad had reached the walls. 

 

"NOW NOW NOW" he yelled to the rest and the team started to deploy their explosives by the walls, attaching them to the best spots they could see. Rave had selected a little crack in the wall to set his explosives. 

 

"There will be fireworks" he chuckled, ignoring the pain in his right hoof. 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, "I will create a shield to protect ourselves from any stray weapons," Jinx replied. She gave a fiendish grin. "Also, these."

 

Jinx had not been idle since she had sent out the white gold orbs to bespell any rebels or guards that they found; she had also sent out some pale blue ones with the same luring spell on them, but for a different purpose. The small group of civilians huddled by the wall had been drawn against their will to follow the orbs to where Jinx stood with Ironhoof. The Archmage had then put the magic/flight blocking shackles on them so that they couldn't escape, and had set soldiers to watch them.

 

"Since I wish to save my energy, the shield I make will protect myself and the General," Jinx continued. "These civilians will go in front of the army to act as their shield."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

exhaustion... cold wind... voices... rain... screaming... wait a second, screaming... voices?

 

Trivy opened her eyes slowly, getting a glimpse of her surroundings before the lack of energy took away her sight again.

 

I need to... where am I? I need to... I'm not dead... I'm not dead... that voice in my head was right... I need to... I need to.. I need to breath! Why am I not breathing?

 

Her eyes popped open, adrenaline kicking into her bloodstream when she realized she was unable to breath. Her face was planted into the sandy shore. She rolled to her side, puking out the salty water that filled her lungs and stomach. She rolled onto her back, worn out, trying to catch her breath. She closed her eyes again, the light in the sky was giving her a headache.

 

I need to... I need to... sleep... I need to... *YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!*

 

Trivy jolted, her eyes snapped open again. She got up on her hoofs, her first instinct was to run but her body was still trying to repair itself from her unfinished journey to the underworld. She moved slowly, more crawling than walking towards the.... ''Where am I going?''

 

*You need to get yourself out of the city, those damned Darkmane's have almost made their way through the wall. There is a sewer system on the south side, it well get you to the other side.*

 

''Thanks... wait, how do you know that?"

 

*Questions later, get your flank moving.*

 

"Yes sir... mam... whatever."

Edited October 20, 2015 by Pucksterv

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

Ironhoof was unsure about the archmage's strategy with the civilians due to the size of the army, however, he nodded in consent. He moved out, preparing the breach force. Crimson stood nearby, already ready with his own. 

 

Crimson looked towards the wall, waiting eagerly. The archmage was here. He was going to prove himself worthier.

 

Meanwhile, the ever dreadful and cold presence of Sombra's shadow, eagerly watched. 

 

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

 

Rave and the rest of the bombing squad, including Sombra's heavy unit started to retreat. Rave looked back, his horn lighting up and he sent off a fireball towards the explosives. 

 

The world seemed to rock as Rave and most of the ponies that had been a part of the operation were thrown on the ground. The sound was loud and painful and Rave was forced to hold his ears. He could feel the heat from his current position. The fire seemed to be engulfing the whole wall, then everything was engulfed in a thick smoke. Rave was amazed by the firepower and realized how effect explosives truly are. 

 

Stones went flying, some crashing nearby. 

 

Rave didn't notice the stone that had landed a few hooves away from him, crushing a Darkmane bomber. All his attention was on the beauty of the destruction wrought by the sheer firepower of the explosives. 

 

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

 

Crimson knew that it was time. 

 

"FOLLOW ME! LET'S TAKE THIS CITY!". 

 

Ironhoof seemed to barking out similar orders and the breach force started to move towards the blown up sections of the wall. The ponies ran, battle cries could be heard, their will to destroy and plunder being evident. 

 

The force surged forwards and was upon the ruins, Ironhoof being the first one to enter the city. 

 

 

 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych had no actual vision; as such, his world was interpreted in ways other than the ones most ponies would recognize.

 

There was a pause, during which the rush of ocean air caressed his face and the rolling surf brushed by his talented ears.  After a moment, more words:

 

"There's no time like the present to let yourself go, my friend; you've done your best, and that's all anypony can ever ask of another."

 

The strange sound of something coming in his direction, slowly... that tightening of echo as the object which is reflecting sound comes closer.  Psych braced, as he was certain it would be whatever he deserved.

 

The hoof that took hold of his shoulder was in no way unkind.  There was a careful gentleness in the action, as was the sensation of Harcourt's weight shifting as he leaned in.  Slowly, oh so slowly, he embraced the poor, blind psychic... 

 

... and began to cry.

 

He buried his face deep into Psych's mane, the almost rhythmic shuddering of his chest, the huffing of air, the tightening of his grip, every sign of a savage weeping fit - all but sound.  Nothing but the heft of his breathing made a single noise; without sight to see or sounds to hear, the blind pony experienced the old stallion's crying through only the sensation of intense grief shaking the body as it leaves in silent sobs.

 

Even though others may have seen what happened, only Psych would ever understand how it truly felt.

Completely stunned by what was happening, it took a moment to register in hie mind. Once it did, his face immediately scrunched, and he embraced Harcourt back, crying as well, albeit a bit louder than he was. "I-I'm sorryyy... I di-didn't mean to d-drop her... I'm j-just so weeeeak..." He sobbed into his shoulder, not caring if anyone saw or heard.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The two of them blubbered for a few good minutes; they almost seemed to be holding each other up, as it were.  Misery shared is misery halved, and they both needed some of their respective burdens shifted.  It was a heart-wrenching sight, but it was also the closest thing to therapy that either of them might ever know.

 

When the world became bearable again, Harcourt stepped back from the psychic pony and spoke softly.

 

"Dearest Psych, she chose her fate - not you.  Though your heart was in the right place, take solace from the fact that she made her own choice, thereby freeing YOU of responsibility."  

 

Hearing the echo of the previous time he'd spoken this in his head, he could still see her, teary-eyed over having to leave poor Mr. Orange behind them.  It may have been less than a week ago, yet the stretch of memory seemed to span ages.

 

"Life has become harsh, and we cannot always have the luxury of deciding how we go... but when we do, it means we will go out on OUR OWN terms."  

 

Harcourt stared into Psych's blind eyes, but it was his soul that was reaching out to communicate with his friend.

 

"You know as well as I do that she would have sacrificed herself for this group no matter what it cost her... and I'm certain she was doing exactly that, wasn't she?"

 

He didn't need confirmation; he knew Trivy too well for any other answer to make sense.

 

"My psychic friend, fate is capricious... and sometimes, no matter how hard one may fight to try to change the odds, there's not a thing a pony can do.  She knew the risks, yet spent her life to add precious time to other souls; I could not be more proud of her... nor of you."

 

He gently tapped Psych's chest on every other word.

 

"You did what you could do.  I cannot and will not hold you responsible for doing your best to help her - in fact, I thank you.  I had heard you were among those instrumental in saving the lives of many ponies... and there was no doubt in my mind that you would do anything but help."

 

Harcourt sighed deeply, yet gave the psychic a reassuring hoof on the shoulder.

 

"I cannot forgive you, for there is no fault to forgive; you have done no wrong."

[Count Paradox 3,548]

He sniffed. "But I feel so responsible... She slipped from my grip, I had her and..." But Harcourt's attitude towards him made him feel otherwise. "Thank... Thank you. I tried, even though I lost her..." He wiped the tears from his eyes. "And I'm sure that she wouldn't want us moping on like this, right? She probably would want us to continue on... I'll try, but... I'll still have that tiny, nagging feeling that I could have done more."

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust was woken by the faint sobs that were coming from the side of the ship. She was somewhat glad she woke up. The fog was starting to lift and she had to make sure that the ship was not seen at any cost.

 

She flew around the ship gathering low hanging clouds and pulling then almost like cotton candy so they would become fog. It only took a few moments to patch what had been left.

 

She returned to the ship, to only see Psych and Harcourt embrace trying to comfort each other. It was getting rather chilly in the deck, she figures she could at least get them a couple blankets so they don't freeze.

 

She entered the ships upper quarters where there were two beds, her own and one for Aria. A smile grew upon her face as she saw Aria fast asleep cuddling the stuffed hippo that once lay on Stardust's bed. To make sure she didn't wake Aria she fluttered to the closet that held the blankets.

 

She grabbed three, she placed two by the door and she fluttered back to Aria, she looked upon her and warmth filled her body. This pony had gone through so much to keep Stardust safe. She loved Aria so much and she hoped that she was making her proud by helping these ponies on their quest. She knew that once this was over, Aria and her could finally go on the adventures that they once had planned.

 

She laid the blanket over her body and nuzzled her, she could see just a small smile creep across Aria's muzzle.

 

Stardust made her way to the door and once outside gently closed it behind her. She folded her wings and made her way to the two stallions.

 

"I don't mean to interrupt, but it is getting rather chilly up here on deck, I thought you could use a couple blankets." She placed the blankets on the deck beside them.

 

"I know why you are so sad, I know the feeling that you are both going through. And I am truly sorry." Stardust looked up at the sky, she knew how she might help.

 

She flew straight through the fog making a big enough hole for them to see the night sky. She flew back down and began telling them a story about a very special unicorn.

 

"...This unicorn did something so special that there are few words to describe it. This was something that she knew would break the hearts of some, but it would save the lives of many. This unicorn now resides in the sky, watching over the ponies she had to leave behind. And you can see her, running through the night sky making sure that the path is clear for her family." Stardust pointed through the hole of fog she created.

 

"Look up there, you can see her, in the stars, clearing the way for you...us to make it through." She took Psych's hoof and tapped where each star would be creating a physical touch picture for him to feel.

 

"I know how heartbroken you are about Trivy, she should be here, but we have to move forward, but just know, that she is out there, watching over you. Keeping you safe, you are her family, all of you are, and she will be there guiding your way. Just look to the night sky, and feel it in your heart Psych, she is right there, always."

 

With that she turned and walked back to the upper quarters and she went inside to try and get a little more sleep before morning.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Stardust*

[Pucksterv 4,508]

The world seemed to rock as Rave and most of the ponies that had been a part of the operation were thrown on the ground. The sound was loud and painful and Rave was forced to hold his ears. He could feel the heat from his current position. The fire seemed to be engulfing the whole wall, then everything was engulfed in a thick smoke. Rave was amazed by the firepower and realized how effect explosives truly are.

 

Stones went flying, some crashing nearby.

 

Rave didn't notice the stone that had landed a few hooves away from him, crushing a Darkmane bomber. All his attention was on the beauty of the destruction wrought by the sheer firepower of the explosives.

Trivy ears popped up at the loud noise coming from behind her. "What in Equestria was that?" She turned around, running slowly towards the sound.

 

*Trivy! What are you doing, turn back. NOW!*

 

"I just need to see what caused that noise. And if anypony is hurt." Trivy whispered as got closer to the sound of distress. "Don't worry, I won't be long." She could hear a sigh inside her head.

 

*Stubborn thing*

 

Trivy rolled her eyes and kept moving. She was now very close. She noticed the dust, smoke and rocks coming from the wall. She popped her head around the corner, seeing the troops fill the city, taking ponies captives and if they were too much of a resistance...

 

"Those are Darkmane troops... Damn... the situation is worse than I thought." she whispered, looking at the armored guards from a distance.

 

*Exactly, so now that you've seen it, lets get out of here.*

 

"I'm going, I'm going..." Trivy turned around, wanting to run but instead bumped into one of the soldiers. "Uhm... hello... don't suppose you can give me a head start?"

 

The guard picked her up by her mane, dragging her towards the battle field.

 

It was worth a shot right?

 

*You're an idiot you know that?*

 

Well you could have warned me that there was a guard behind me. I thought you knew everything.

 

*That is not how this works.*

 

"I'm sorry to interrupt you sir. but I found a pony matching the description of one of the rebels sir!" The Darkmane soldier held up Trivy by her mane in front of Rave's face.

 

She gave an awkward smile. "Hello there Prince grumpy pants... Haven't seen you in ages. Last time was at the Ponyville camp when I stole your maps... oh wait, nope. I'm confused, that was one of your sleeping guards. Sorry, you all look so much a like. You all have the same pettish look you see." she said, chuckling nervously.

 

She felt the soldiers grip tighten as he raised her higher.

 

"What should I do with her? Sir."

Edited October 21, 2015 by Pucksterv

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pucksterv

 

Rave had been watching from a distance the advance of his troops. 

 

Ironhoof was barreling through anything that stood in his way while Crimson stood in the back and fired his spells. 

 

Everything was going well for his forces, it seemed. 

 

Then a Darkmane guard approached him dragging a pony alongside him. Rave's face seemed to go a bit red in anger and her revealed a couple of his sharp teeth. Then he calmed himself and addressed the guard. "She will be imprisoned and interrogated within the Crystal Empire. Rebel leaders are bound to hold the most vital of information. See to it that she be transported there". His gaze fell upon Trivy. 

 

"Although I dislike it when other ponies hoofle my belongings, especially my maps, it is not that much of a concern. Maps can be redrawn..... just like cities can be rebuilt from ashes" a malevolent smile spread across his face and he looked back to the burning city, as the Darkmane guard removed her from his presence. 

[-Octavia- 1,176]

A solitary mare stood upon the stage, preparing to play the part of puppeteer tugging at the heartstrings of the audience. She was but a shadow before them, nothing compared to the beguiling beauty of the piece in which they yearned to lose themselves, souls on the precipice of an emotional chasm in which Death resided. Its instrument began her hypnotic melody, an ethereal wanderlust settling upon the debt she was collecting. Such was the price paid for transcendence, for a touching transformation oft cast out the mind from the body and forevermore would they be haunted by the glimpse of that which could never be articulated.

 

The puppeteer, with exquisitely unerring execution, wrapped the audience in a blanket of false comforts in the guise of a refrain, carrying them along in unworried wonder towards the bridge. She began to cross with them in her embrace over the awaiting chasm, the only certainty being that another piece of her would perish here. The wind rose and fell as beckoning notes resounded in their ears, each a jewel strung about an elegant necklace promising to lift them from the troubles of life. Slipping about her neck, ever the perfect fit to her soul, the beautiful noose pulled her over the edge and into the welcoming abyss.

 

Falling...

 

Which is the illusion?

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Stardust was woken by the faint sobs that were coming from the side of the ship. She was somewhat glad she woke up. The fog was starting to lift and she had to make sure that the ship was not seen at any cost.

She flew around the ship gathering low hanging clouds and pulling then almost like cotton candy so they would become fog. It only took a few moments to patch what had been left.

She returned to the ship, to only see Psych and Harcourt embrace trying to comfort each other. It was getting rather chilly in the deck, she figures she could at least get them a couple blankets so they don't freeze.

She entered the ships upper quarters where there were two beds, her own and one for Aria. A smile grew upon her face as she saw Aria fast asleep cuddling the stuffed hippo that once lay on Stardust's bed. To make sure she didn't wake Aria she fluttered to the closet that held the blankets.

She grabbed three, she placed two by the door and she fluttered back to Aria, she looked upon her and warmth filled her body. This pony had gone through so much to keep Stardust safe. She loved Aria so much and she hoped that she was making her proud by helping these ponies on their quest. She knew that once this was over, Aria and her could finally go on the adventures that they once had planned.

She laid the blanket over her body and nuzzled her, she could see just a small smile creep across Aria's muzzle.

Stardust made her way to the door and once outside gently closed it behind her. She folded her wings and made her way to the two stallions.

"I don't mean to interrupt, but it is getting rather chilly up here on deck, I thought you could use a couple blankets." She placed the blankets on the deck beside them.

"I know why you are so sad, I know the feeling that you are both going through. And I am truly sorry." Stardust looked up at the sky, she knew how she might help.

She flew straight through the fog making a big enough hole for them to see the night sky. She flew back down and began telling them a story about a very special unicorn.

"...This unicorn did something so special that there are few words to describe it. This was something that she knew would break the hearts of some, but it would save the lives of many. This unicorn now resides in the sky, watching over the ponies she had to leave behind. And you can see her, running through the night sky making sure that the path is clear for her family." Stardust pointed through the hole of fog she created.

"Look up there, you can see her, in the stars, clearing the way for you...us to make it through." She took Psych's hoof and tapped where each star would be creating a physical touch picture for him to feel.

"I know how heartbroken you are about Trivy, she should be here, but we have to move forward, but just know, that she is out there, watching over you. Keeping you safe, you are her family, all of you are, and she will be there guiding your way. Just look to the night sky, and feel it in your heart Psych, she is right there, always."

With that she turned and walked back to the upper quarters and she went inside to try and get a little more sleep before morning.

With Star's touch-map, Psych could somewhat see the stars she was talking about. His face turned up to the sky, his eyes streaming with tears, but a smile on his face. "I know... Even though she's gone, she'll always be there with us." He turned to the others, embracing them. "Thank you both for easing my mind... I really do appreciate it." He turned to go back down below.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Trivy's face changed from nervous to scared now that she realized she was in actual trouble.

 

''Imprisoned and interrogated?'' Interrogated in what way? "Hold on a second... you can't do this... let me go." She moved her hoofs trough the air wildly, trying to free herself from the guard's grasp. When that didn't work she started lighting up her horn, trying to teleport her way out there. Come on.. Come on... why won't my stupid magic work? still not enough energy? COME ON!

 

*Let me help you with that*

 

Trivy's eyes turned into purple, as did her magic aura that now cloaked around her horn. '''Wh....wha... what's happening to me?''

 

*Hold on Trivy, I'm going to let you borrow my magic so you can get out of here. My magic is a lot stronger than yours... maybe even too strong, just hold on tight okay*

 

Tears started streaming down her cheeks, her eyes shut for a second, trying to hold down the pain before they flashed open, white and powerful. The guard freaked out and dropped Trivy down the floor. Her magic grew more, a small wind started to form around her.

 

---

 

"Thank you both for easing my mind... I really do appreciate it." He turned to go back down below.

 

Winter hopped out of her hammock after waking up from her usual nightmares. She popped her head around the corner when she saw Psych walking back down. "Just the pony I was looking for." She said happy as she approached him. "Good evening Psychy Boy. Don't know were you're going but reschedule your plans.. if you have any... I'm gonna need your help if you would come right this way please." Winter said cheerfully as she gestured to deck above.

Edited October 23, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Trivy's face changed from nervous to scared now that she realized she was in actual trouble.

 

''Imprisoned and interrogated?'' Interrogated in what way? "Hold on a second... you can't do this... let me go." She moved her hoofs trough the air wildly, trying to free herself from the guard's grasp. When that didn't work she started lighting up her horn, trying to teleport her way out there. Come on.. Come on... why won't my stupid magic work? still not enough energy? COME ON!

 

*Let me help you with that*

 

Trivy's eyes turned into purple, as did her magic aura that now cloaked around her horn. '''Wh....wha... what's happening to me?''

 

*Hold on Trivy, I'm going to let you borrow my magic so you can get out of here. My magic is a lot stronger than yours... maybe even too strong, just hold on tight okay*

 

Tears started streaming down her cheeks, her eyes shut for a second, trying to hold down the pain before they flashed open, white and powerful. The guard freaked out and dropped Trivy down the floor. Her magic grew more, a small wind started form around her.

 

---

 

 

 

Winter hopped out of her hammock after waking up from her usual nightmares. She popped her head around the corner when she saw Psych walking back down. "Just the pony I was looking for." She said happy as she approached him. "Good evening Psychy Boy. Don't know were you're going but reschedule your plans.. if you have any... I'm gonna need your help if you would come right this way please." Winter said cheerfully as she gestured to deck above.

He wasn't expecting Winter to be awake at this time of night, so her voice suddenly appearing out of nowhere made him jump. After a minute of his heart slowing down from its frantic pace, and him realizing who it was, he nodded, following her back out on deck. "So, what are we needing to do?" He asked, a bit curious as to why she was awake at this hour. He just surmised it to her being captain and wanting an early start or something similar.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"So, what are we needing to do?" He asked, a bit curious as to why she was awake at this hour. He just surmised it to her being captain and wanting an early start or something similar.

 

"Well you helped me with carrying the sail before so I figured you could help me the change the sail on the main mast. The sea is still pretty mild now so this is probably the best and last chance to do this.'' Winter said as she walked towards the heavy sail laying on the deck. "Why do we have to this you ask? Well, we need to change it because the Griffon Empire only accepts it's own ships. Why didn't I change it before? Because the griffon embassy back at Baltimare would have seen me change it. NOW! Lets get to work."

 

She flew her way up towards the crows nest so she could take down the sail currently attached to the mast.

Edited October 23, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych walked to the mast with her, waiting down below with the other sail, waiting for her to unhook the other. As she did, it fell down to him, draping over him like a sheet. "Well..." Came the muffled voice. "This is an interesting predicament." He began pulling it off from over him as he heard her wingbeats as she came back down.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"You know you could have avoided that all together." Winter said with a chuckle as she helped taking of the old sail from his head. She folded it neatly and pushed away so it won't be in their way. "Now... the difficult part." She said as she rolled out the sail. ''I will fly up there and attach it while you hold down the sail down there. It's important you keep it steady, I don't want the wind taking it or ripping it for that matter. Sound good?"

[Count Paradox 3,548]

"Yeah, but..." He said as his head was freed from the sail, "I thought I'd try and catch it. Guess I didn't really do that, heh..." He chuckled a little as well. When she then explained his job, he nodded and gripped the bottom of the sail with his hooves and his teeth, and added a bit of his powers to give a little extra grip. He nodded an affirmation to Winter that he was ready to go.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt watched the griffon and the psychic working on getting the new sail up.  He might have offered to help... but not only did Psych need something like this to help boost his spirits and prove he could accomplish things, but it seemed as if the griffon herself had an interest in Psych - and besides, he might be blind, but the psychic pony was far from being considered an invalid.

 

Instead, he made his way to the prow of the ship, as far up front as he could get.  The stars twinkled a hello... but Harcourt wasn't much in the mood for hellos; he was still getting over the goodbyes.

 

The saddest thing about being old is watching the young go before you into the ethereal beyond.  Knowing that you can only try to do your best by them, yet aching inside to see them follow your advice and then surpass it.  

 

Trivia, since the day we met I had always tried to steer you in the right direction.  I know I rambled on and on about some things, but you kept letting me speak, all the same.  I dealt with your stubbornness; you dealt with my curmudgeonly manner.  You brought me hope; I brought you responsibility.  You brought me out of my depression; I'd like to think I brought you out of your shell.  We did much for each other, didn't we?

 

And yet, now I have to continue on alone?  How can it be that I am allowed to live, yet you die?  Why did I get just the barest of injuries, while your flame has been extinguished?  I've lived a full life - in fact, I've lived far too long for the life I had.  You should be the one here, looking up at the stars while I lie in a watery grave... how is it fair?

 

But no.  You are gone.  I don't want you to be gone... but if wishes were bits, then beggars would be kings.  What's done is done, for better or for worse.  There's an empty hole in my heart; my family once resided there, but that turned to ash long ago.  When I got to know you, I tried my hardest not to let it happen, but you made your way into my heart and you filled the void there.

 

Now?  Again, I find myself having to pick up the pieces of my broken heart, and among the splinters and missing chunks, I have to try to reassemble what's left of it.  I wonder if there's even enough heart left to put back together..?

 

Tonight, this world lost one of the brightest stars in the sky.  Every pony... every being... has a fire in them that burns.  There are some whose flames burn long, sometimes far too much so.  And there are those whose flames flare and die far too soon... yet they always tend to burn the brightest, don't they Trivia?

 

I never even got to say goodbye...

 

Harcourt's tears were still running freely, but with this thought he gave a watery sigh, and leaned against the railing, lost in thought.  After a moment or two, his brows knit together and an ugly scowl crossed his face as his anger popped it's head in for a moment.

 

Rave Darkmane, if I have to travel this entire land, or swim all the seas, or climb every mountain in Equestria and beyond to find you, I will... and once I do, I will make it my personal quest to see you pay for everything you have EVER taken from me.  My family.  My home.  My hope.  My restful sleep.  And now, Trivia... the closest thing I have ever known to a daughter.  Mark my words, Rave: when I've lost everything, then I shall be free to do anything - and I promise you, you do NOT want to have to deal with me when I have nothing left to lose.

 

The fury settled back then.  It had been a very long past few days, and Harcourt knew he'd have to lie down soon if he didn't want to fall down later.  He didn't think he would sleep; with the nightmares he'd been having ever since he'd found the Blackwater family dead, he almost didn't want to.

 

Almost.

 

With a weariness that could never be measured on any scale forged by ponykind, Harcourt dragged himself down below to find a place to rest his old bones.

 

Good night, Trivia, wherever you may be.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Yeah, but..." He said as his head was freed from the sail, "I thought I'd try and catch it. Guess I didn't really do that, heh..." He chuckled a little as well. When she then explained his job, he nodded and gripped the bottom of the sail with his hooves and his teeth, and added a bit of his powers to give a little extra grip. He nodded an affirmation to Winter that he was ready to go.

 

Winter attached the sail above, humming a soft tune, she knotted the ropes together. She then whistled to Psych, letting him known he could let of the sail. She fluttered downwards, attached the sail at the end as well before she landed next to him. "Thanks bud! Now lets see if the sail is hanging straight." Winter walked a few steps back to view the sail. "That there, that Griffon is our Empress Golden Claw." She said proudly, pointing at the Griffon sewed onto the ocean blue sail. "Such a beautiful sight right?"

 

@@Pripyat Pony, 

 

One moment Trivy was laying on the ground and then when the dusty wind settle down, she was gone. She had teleported not far away from the wall, between the oncoming troops. She got up, noticing the soldiers around her and started to run.

 

Couldn't you have teleported me a little further away?

 

*Sorry, this is the first place you thought of so it was unavoidable*

 

Trivy looked over her shoulder, the guard that was holding her only a minute ago, was now on the ground begging for mercy. She looked away before she heard him scream in pain. She didn't stop running until she realized her body was giving up on her. The spell had taken the little energy she had left, the only thing that kept her running was the adrenaline pumping through her blood. And now, even that she was running short of. Her eyes went black, her hoofs went weak, she tripped and blacked out onto the dirt between rampaging soldiers and shadows.

 

Maybe a minute later, she came back to herself, eyes flying open in fear. She looked up, seeing a pony stand over her with a grin.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Pucksterv

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

Crimson was setting fire to almost every house he ran past. 

 

"This place does need a bit of a more 'reddish' decoration.... even though it is only temporary.... he he he he". 

 

Ironhoof barreled through a few group of guards. He then looked to his left, seeing a group of his soldiers being caught in an explosive spell from a Baltimare unicorn guard. He immediately changed targets and charged the unicorn. However, the unicorn was quicker and blasted at Ironhoof, wreaking his body in an explosion. Smoke rose from where Ironhoof had stood, the unicorn smiling in pleasure. However, that feeling was short lived as an iron hoof stepped out of the smoke. Ironhoof stood completely intact, his iron armor having strangely protected him. 

 

"A worthy effort, but futile". He bellowed and then rammed the spellcaster against a wall, crushing her body. 

 

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

 

Rave wanted to participate in the destruction of the city himself, however, Sombra had asked him to stay close. The guard's scream of pain had at least soothed him enough. 

 

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

 

A few Darkmane soldiers were locked in combat with a larger group of Baltimare guards. The soldiers were dropping down dead as the city's defenders used their sheer numbers to overpower their adversaries. 

 

Crimson stepped into the fray of battle, casting his fire spells, burning the city guards. 

 

"I must get to Ironhoof. We are losing more than what I would be comfortable with. We must reevaluate our strategy". 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Winter attached the sail above, humming a soft tune, she knotted the ropes together. She then whistled to Psych, letting him known he could let of the sail. She fluttered downwards, attached the sail at the end as well before she landed next to him. "Thanks bud! Now lets see if the sail is hanging straight." Winter walked a few steps back to view the sail. "That there, that Griffon is our Empress Golden Claw." She said proudly, pointing at the Griffon sewed onto the ocean blue sail. "Such a beautiful sight right?"

"Well, I, uhh... I can't really see stuff like that..." He said, looking embarrassed. "But if I could, I'm sure it would look incredible!" He added quickly. His head raised towards the sail, spreading his sight in a futile attempt to see what was on the sail. However, he did catch something else in his sight: Winter. She was rather pretty herself... He hadn't noticed it until now, but she really was. His face turned a bit red at that thought.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Well, I, uhh... I can't really see stuff like that..." He said, looking embarrassed. "But if I could, I'm sure it would look incredible!" He added quickly. His head raised towards the sail, spreading his sight in a futile attempt to see what was on the sail. However, he did catch something else in his sight: Winter. She was rather pretty herself... He hadn't noticed it until now, but she really was. His face turned a bit red at that thought.

''Oh sorry bud... didn't think of that." She said, also a bit embarrassed. She went silent for a moment, staring at the sail while looking at Psych from the corner of her eye, noticing his blush. She chuckled. "Come on Casanova! The sun is almost catching up with the moon in the sky. Time to prepare some food for when the sleepy heads wake up."

[Count Paradox 3,548]

''Oh sorry bud... didn't think of that." She said, also a bit embarrassed. She went silent for a moment, staring at the sail while looking at Psych from the corner of her eye, noticing his blush. She chuckled. "Come on Casanova! The sun is almost catching up with the moon in the sky. Time to prepare some food for when the sleepy heads wake up."

"Er, b-but I... Uh..." His face was even deeper red now that she saw him. But maybe he could just play it off, make it seem like it was nothing. "Ok then, uh, l-lead the way to the kitchen." He said, turning his head and trying to hide the blush covering his face. "I'm, uh, a pretty decent cook, if I do say so myself..." He began following her to the dining quarters.

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

Lilith came out from abovedecks and, despite herself, was immediately wow'd by the rather large sail that was up. It was quite a beautiful sail, the image enhanced by the sunrise coming from behind it. With a soft smile, she stalked along the railing of the ship, wiping the last of the tears from her eyes as she relaxed for the moment.

 

She jumped ever-so-slightly as the voices returned from their silence.

 

... This is boring. Let's go fight one of those griffins, I hear they're the best around.

Forgive me, I had thought erroneously once again that you could think of anything but fighting.

Yeah, but it'll help me stop being creeped out by that old stallion. A sunrise ain't gonna help that.

There are more important matters than fighting the ship's crew members and staring at colored light.

 

She scowled as El-shardin brought this up again. Yes, there are several issues to be thought about, and I thought about them most of the evening. Give me at least this, for at least a moment.

 

...

 

Lilith stared into the sunlight, wowed by their multiple colors... but then the reality of the situation hit her once again, despite her thoughts to throw it away. "Celestia dammit," she cursed as she realized that his plan worked after all. Fine, you killjoy, I'll think on it- waitaminute...

 

An idea had come into her head. She started pacing as she thought upon it, the beat of her hooves on the deck working to slowly wake up most of the ponies on the ship as she moved like this for several minutes. Quietly, she slowed down as stopped. "That might just work," she muttered to herself as she turned around with a small smile. She drew one of her arrows with a smile and examined it, twisting it until the flare it would create would be green before putting back.

 

Awesome. Now that that's out of the way, let's fight something. I wonder if that old stallion still knows how to use knives well.

... hmph.