private Sombra's Shadow

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

Together with Jay, Trivy watches as the two left the gate, her heart still aching in her chest from the sudden fear. When they disappeared far enough in the distance, Trivy was finally able to move again.

 

''So what do we do now? Can we walk out of here or is there some kind of shield protecting the city? You're the expert here Jay.'' She said as she walked around nervously.

Edited January 28, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@Count Paradox,@,  

 

Stardust witnessed the entire episode. Almost as if there were a screen between her and the others, like it was a comedy she was watching on the PBS (Pony Broadcasting Station) channel back home. Is this really happening right now? What is in the water around these parts? Everypony seems to be losing it. 

 

After Aria gave the gift of life back into Rainbow Dash she watched Psych help lift her up into her chair. The little ones were frantic, apologizing left and right, blaming each other and then apologizing even more. Just as all fillies do, that was the most normal part of the entire morning. 

 

Star was still leaning against the wall when Psych came to call. 

 

"Girls... I think the only young ones here might have scared of a shadow, one that might have been attacking Rainbow. It may be gone now, but it will more than likely come back to try and finish the job, no doubt with more shadows. I don't think it's safe here anymore if that's the case... I may be completely wrong, but I do think we should gather everypony and leave before they return... That is, if it was really one of Sombra's Shadows..." 

 

She could see the concern on his face, and the way that these ponies were acting, she wasn't surprised that he would come to that conclusion. 

 

"Before you give yourself a heart attach think logically for a second. If there was a shadow of Sombra's army here, don't you think that the other ponies in the house would have seen it? Or Rainbow for that matter? The others have only been gone for what... half a day and it is like everypony has just lost it. The fillies were playing chase the shadow. Don't you think that even with all of your protection and your constant want to keep them safe they might have caught a glimpse of a shadow guard once or twice? They have also heard the group discussing it many times. They have active imaginations, they are going to play whatever they know, and growing up in this nasty war, that is what they know." 

 

Stardust had been growing impatient for a few days now, and she didn't mean to sound so cold, but her frustration seemed to be getting the best of her. Not understanding why Harcourt left was a large part of it. He had been so determined and then it was like he gave up. Not now, stop thinking about that.

 

"I'm sorry Psych, I think I am just a bit tired, I didn't mean to sound so 'harsh', I just wanted to help you understand what most likely happened, and that we are safe for the time being."

 

She looked around the room, seeing the look on Aria's face it seemed that it was time for her to make her leave. "Aria, I will meet you outside...uhm... just come get me when you need me I guess, I'm going to be on a cloud."

Edited January 28, 2016 by Stardust*

[Pucksterv 4,508]

''He's not waking up. He's still breathing but he's unconscious.'' Winter said after a long moment of silence as she walked around nervously, not knowing what to do. ''I can't leave him. I'm not leaving him.''

 

''We can get him a medic once we're back at the camp.''

 

''Yeah but how do we get there genius?'' The griffon asked.

 

''Why don't you use the cart? There is certainly enough room in there next to.. what do you have in there anyway?'' Summer walked over to the cart and unraveled the lifeless body of generosity before Winter could stop him. ''DEAR CELESTIA!!'' he yelled as he fell backwards trying to get away as fast as possible.

 

''What? What's the matter little brother? OH MY MOON! Why do you have a dead body in your cart?!! Are you responsible for this? Is that Lady Rarity?'' The mare said as she helped up her brother from the ground.

 

''No no no no. We uh... this is hard to explain. w-''

 

''Are you one of Sombra's spies?'' Summer said while he looked away, still horrified by the sight.

 

''No, I'm her friend. We are... excuse me... were friends of Rarity's. This is how we found her. We wanted to give her a proper burial but things sort of... got out hoof or paw depending on how you look at it.''

 

''Explain. No, wait. We don't have time for this. Let's just get your old stallion friend in the cart and m-''

 

''No way in Tartarus am I putting him next to the lady's dead body. What if he wakes up?''

 

''Then we bury her first so we can put him in the cart.''

 

''No. Harcourt was one of her few friends. He's not missing this.''

 

''Well what do you suggest we do then? There's no other option left.''

 

''I-I could carry him until he wakes up. I know my magic isn't strong but I think can manage.''

 

''Are you sure?''

 

''Yes. yes I am sure.''

 

''Alright, you carry Harcourt. You, griffon, pull the cart. And I will be flying above you, scanning for any danger. Agreed?''

 

''Agreed.'' Winter nodded as she made her way to the cart.

Edited January 28, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

 

[HAVE THIS PLAYING THIS WHILE YOU READ.]

 

 

The entire WORLD was spinning.

 

Harcourt found himself whirling around and around on a very crazily-painted Merry-Go-Round; one he had seen at a Winter Wrap-Up celebration when he'd been a colt... but this felt... WRONG...  it felt sinister.

 

"Harcourt!"

 

He jumped as he heard a voice that was all too familiar behind him.  Spinning around, he came muzzle to muzzle with Luther Blackwater.  The elder stallion still had the spears jutting from his chest, but now he looked rotten and somewhat zombie-fied.  Harcourt's eyes widened in horror as he saw that there was a steel pole running from the roof of the carousel THROUGH Luther and into the floor beneath him.  

 

As the crazed tune played endlessly, Luther bobbed up and down while he spoke to his son.

 

"Low and slow, Harcourt!  Why do you have no patience?  I KNOW you were raised better than that!  Now, AGAIN!"

 

Harcourt slowly began to back away from the gruesome spectre of his father, when he ran into another pony.

 

"HEY!"

 

He jumped, and turned to face his brother Dax.  This pony had its limbs attached by strands of muscle, and they flopped around while the torso went up and down.  His head was sitting on the saddle that was seemingly painted onto his back.

 

"Why do you have to pick on me all the time?  Can't we just be friends?  You're my big brother, Harcourt... do you REALLY hate me so much?"

 

"I... I..."

 

As he backed off yet again, he looked around and it struck him full in the face:  EVERY PONY HERE WAS SOMEPONY HE'D KNOWN.  And, unfortunately for him, they all began to talk at once...

 

A waterlogged and dripping Trivy muttered through swollen lips, sea water running from every available exit, and splashing the stallion as she spoke.  "Harcourt, I don't have time for this.  Now please, focus on the road ahead."

 

A charred and blackened corpse left a noxious trail of smoke behind as it spoke in his mother's voice.  "Harcourt Blackwater!  You had best begin listening instead of assuming, or you'll be in DEEP TROUBLE MISTER!"

 

A gray pegasus with two heads, wings flapping rapidly, screamed at him in stereo.  "Why should I even stay here with you?! Ever since Aria and I decided to help you she has done nothing but go down hill!"

 

A colt's skeleton bobbed up and down on another, about the right size for his brother Oglevy.  "LOSER-FACE!  LOSER-FACE!  HA HA HA HA HA!  LOOOOOOOSERRRRRRR-FAAAAAACE!!!!!"

 

A pink mare, covered in bruises and cuts, laughed loudly at him.  "How long did it take before you replaced me with one of your so called friends? You broke my heart."

 

Harcourt gasped for air, his eyes streaming tears and every muscle in his body twitching with panic as he was berated from all sides by a cavalcade of failure, disappointment and hate.  He staggered towards the outer ring, trying to get away from the yelling, mocking voices all around... and then, he saw it.

 

The horrific carousel wasn't on the ground... it was sitting in the hoof of an ENORMOUS Rave Darkmane, who was smiling evilly at the poor stallion.  The giant laughed heartily and darkly, then turned his green-energied gaze directly at Harcourt, bringing the spinning nightmare right up to eye level.

 

"The Darkmanes send their regards..."  he said in a booming voice like an explosion at the Blackwater Quarry's mines, then continued laughing loudly and maniacally as he slowly tilted the merry-go-round sideways.  The poles from the other ponies all snapped, and they began to fall into the endless darkness below, all laughing and screaming curses at Harcourt as they vanished into the unknowable blackness.

 

Though he hung on for dear life, Rave simply tilted the whole contraption until, stallion and all, it fell from his hoof and plummeted into the foreboding darkness, chased by that sinister laughter...

 

Harcourt screamed like he had never screamed before.

 

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

 

Back in the real world, Harcourt's body began to twitch and shiver, and low, pained moans issued from his sleeping mouth.  His eyes stayed shut, but the rest of his face became a rictus of terror as he was carried along.

 

Though his whimpers weren't loud enough to reveal their location, they certainly told the others that he wasn't having a very fitful sleep.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

A few hours later

 

''Something wrong? I thought you said you could handle it?'' The mare snicker from above.

 

''No. It's just... the cart is heavier than I expected okay.'' Winter grunted. No wonder Harcourt went out like before. This cart is hell. She had been trying to hide the fact that she couldn't handle it, after having a long bragging conversation with the stallion next to her about how the griffon race was stronger than the pony race.

 

''Look we can take a break if you want. We need to set camp somewhere anyway.''

 

''No, I can handle it.'' Winter said stubborn.

 

''Well I could use a rest. My magic can't hold up this big fella forever. Especially with him twitching all the time.'' Summer said as he stopped in front of Winter while he dragged Harcourt with him. The mare landed next to him.

 

''Come on, we can all use a break. We can start walking again by morning.''

 

''What about the shadows? Wouldn't they be able to get to us during the day?'' Winter said as she dragged the cart to the side of the road and freed herself.

 

''Summer can protect us. Don't you worry.''

Edited January 30, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

... failure... defeat... solitude... isolation... sorrow... loss... useless...

 

Tumbling, end over end into nothingness.

 

... useless...

 

Just wanting to die, already.

 

... useless...

 

Let life go on without him.  Who'd miss him anyway?

 

... use... less...

 

The red eyes that opened in the darkness rushed directly at him, a single hissed word ringing in his metaphysical ears...

 

R E V E N G E . . .

 

Then, the horror set in as the face behind those eyes rushed up to meet him....

 

... AND IT WAS HIS OWN.

 

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

 

"... ah... aah..."

 

Harcourt's entire body suddenly jerked, and his eyes flew open.

 

"... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAHHH!!!!!"

 

He was a ball of flailing legs, sweaty mane and terrified eyes, screaming in only the kind of voice one has when one is frightened clear through to their soul.  He panicked and thrashed about, his unfocused eyes going in every direction at once, not recognizing that he was in no danger.

 

He was in a full panic, and if he hadn't been magically held, he might have tried to run all the way back to the Griffon Kingdom, including across the water.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAHHH!!!!!"

 

''Harcourt, Harcourt calm down.'' Winter said as she ran towards him. ''Summer, get him down now!''

 

''S-sorry m-mam.'' Summer said stammering. Completely in panic he dropped Harcourt to the ground.

 

''Careful!'' the griffon yelled before she sat down next to Harcourt and tried to calm him down. ''Harcourt. Look at me. Calm down, there is nothing to fear. We're safe. We are safe. It's okay.'' She said she grabbed him by his face and look straight into his eyes, filled with fear. ''Look at me. You're okay. The shadows are gone. You're safe with me.''

 

---

@@Count Paradox,

''Stardust is right Psych.'' Rainbow said who had finally come back fully to the real world with her head. ''I might be old but I'm not deaf. They were just playing a game. I didn't see anything. I just woke up with this pain. Besides, I'm okay now. There is nothing to worry about.'' She said as she stood up with the help of leaning against Psych and her stick. ''I'm going to take my medication, in case something like this happens again.''

Edited January 30, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Every muscle in his body shook, every nerve ending singing crazed choruses of that old sweet song, "Utter Fear in G Minor".  Ribbons of sweat stained his muzzle, neck and mane and his haunted eyes looked as though they had seen the very heart of evil.  He didn't seem to even recognize Winter at first...

 

He stopped screaming, and held his breath for a moment as he sized up where he was.  Then slowly, slowly he began to breathe, measuring each breath as he took it.  However, just as he was about to get it under control, his breath began to catch, and his shoulders hitched a few times.

 

"... Winter, I... I think I... Pie, oh dear Luna, no... how could I have..."

 

And just when he thought he had cried himself dry, tears began to brim in his eyes.

 

"... I think I... I killed her, Winter... I... no... please, please no..."

 

Winter had watched as her Auntie Dashie, over the years, had started getting a little frightened and panicky from time to time; signs that she had just been getting older, the griffon had originally thought... but maybe now there was more to wonder about, especially with the revelation that her dear Auntie, who had been like a mother to her, had been the Bearer of Loyalty in Equestria all those years ago.

 

In that context, she could perhaps see that (metaphorically speaking) Harcourt's cheese was beginning to slip off his cracker; he hadn't lost his mind yet... but he was starting to show signs of doing so.

 

To the other two ponies with Winter, he possibly looked like a pot-bellied, crazy old stallion who's almost over the hill.  It didn't help the situation any that he was also muttering something about murder...

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

The duo had now been walking for a few hours. 

 

"I have traversed these paths many times before. It is the shortest way to Manehattan. We should only be about an hour away... look, we can even see it from here" Rave pointed with his hoof forward. 

 

His statement rang with truth as in the distance, the great metropolitan skyscrapers, reached for the skies. However, most of them were in ruin. The city looked rather dark, yet not as dark as the Crystal Empire. But things had not turned so fortunate here. Many of the skyscrapers had either lost their tops, or had gaping holes in the middle of their sections and some had just lost a chunk of building material from their foundations. However, there was one skyscraper that seemed to be perfectly in tact. The Darkmane center. The pinpoint of Manehattan. Rave smiled as pride washed over him. 

 

Also, in the distance, the broken statue of Mare Liberty could be seen. Her head had been torn off and the torch had been replaced by what seemed like a giant stone whip, that ran down into the sea. The image had not been spared and had instead been turned into something else, that supported the Darkmanes cause. 

 

However, his gaze towards the Darkmane tower was broken as he saw something moving to the duo very fast. He readied himself, but was not too guarded, feeling little need to be so, considering that the Darkmanes ruled these lands with an iron hoof. 

 

Then, the shadow came up to him. It looked at him and he looked back. The two seemed to be communicating in a private way, Rave was nodding, despite there were no words that could be heard coming from the shade. Then, with a toothy and mischievous grin, he said "Now that is interesting. Hehehe" he chuckled darkly. 

 

"This information will surely aid me". 

 

The shadow then glided past Rave, to the archmage. 

 

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

@@Pripyat Pony

 

The shadow seemed to be communicating with Jinx in a psionic way. It just stared at her, but words seemed to flood from the shades mind, into Jinx's. 

 

"The master expects greatness from you. Soon, your test of strength and loyalty.... will be set in motion". 

 

With that, the shadow slipped away and raced in the direction where the Crystal Empire lay. 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"... I think I... I killed her, Winter... I... no... please, please no..."

 

''Harcourt focus on me. Focus and listen. You are not responsible for her death. Pie did that to herself. Don't blame yourself for something that you didn't do. She was the one who attacked you. All you did is survive. Nothing more.'' Winter wasn't sure these words were even effective but it was worth a shot. She was not going to lose another friend.

 

''You are stronger than this. I know that life has been hard for you and that you've lost a lot people you care about but it's still not a time to lose your hope. We can't let them win, we won't let them win. Rarity gave her element to you for a reason because she knew you would never give up. She knew you would fight for the people you lost.'' 

 

''Plus you have us now. We know how to defeat Sombra.'' The mare said proudly.

 

'''Wait...what? Are you serious?''

 

''Well why else would we have gone looking for you? Don't you know who we are?''

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

@@-Octavia-, @@Stardust*, @@Count Paradox

 

With almost perfect synchronicity, as Stardust departed, Lilith entered cautiously, having heard a large amount of commotion after her 'frolic' with her old friends. She was by herself, and would be for a while- she didn't bring anyone back with her.

 

Lilith looked around at the area, but her attention was immediately drawn to Rainbow Dash on the floor, dazed. She immediately strode over quickly. "Are you alright, Miss Rainbow? What happened?"

 

Short of breath, still showing signs of only-recently departed pain around her chest... this could be bad.

A death by sickness is not a glorious way to die- she had better recover.

And threatening her is going to make it so? Relax.

 

Completely disregarding the voices in her head at the moment, she glanced to Psych, then Aria, awaiting an explanation of some sort as she sat down next to Rainbow Dash quietly.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, "I'm not sure, but I think so," Jay replied, relaxing a little as she saw the two unicorns that she feared leave the scene. "Maybe I should put that spell on us again, the one where we're invisible and immune to magic. I can lift it after we're clear of the city, and I can lift the spell from you as well. Even if your magic is as unpredictable as mine, we still should both be able to use ours, in case of danger."

 

~~~

 

@@JonasDarkmane, Jinx's face showed none of the turmoil within. A shadow speaking to her with a voice; this had never happened before. And it had been speaking with Rave before, as well. Manehatten wasn't a place that Jinx had ever visited before, in either of her lives. She had lived in Canterlot before, and the Crystal Empire after she had cast the spell to return her to her body. Obviously, it would have been in much better shape back when she had lived the first time. She voiced the thought aloud.

 

"Looks as tho war broke out there," she said. "I must confess that I have never been to this city before in both my lives."

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"Yes, this was the first major city to fall under Sombra's rule. Us Darkmanes already had a rather strong influence within the city, before the war broke out". 

 

Rave started walking, expecting Jinx to be following him. 

 

"The reason why it was so easy to take over Manehattan, was because the ponies within this city were not known to be very.... thoughtful, of each other. Their divide was their doom. Not that we met a lot of resistance, considering most of the ponies within the city consisted of ordinary citizens. We already had some connections within the law enforcement of the city, so we were able to pinpoint the most important strategical locations of the city, as well as target any ponies who held any power or influence, removing them". 

 

He looked towards where the mockery of Mare Liberty was situated.

 

"After that, there was no stopping us. Our forces spread across Equestria, we gathered allies from many regions, while we strengthened our hold over Manehattan. We turned it into an unassailable fortress, where we faced many attacks from the Princesses forces. However, once the tides of war started to shift, the battles started to move elsewhere across Equestria. With Manehattan completely secured, we started fully settling in, rebuilding as much as we could and spreading our influence throughout the city. Manehattan is now the central hub of a 'normal' pony civilization... provided that the ponies are unicorns, of course" Rave gave Jinx a nasty smile. 

 

Ahead of the duo was a massive thick wall, that seemed to stretch around the city. The road ahead of them led to a large gate, guards patrolling the walls wearing dark looks on their faces. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The words Winter spoke seemed to have some effect; the stallion stopped shaking, closed his eyes and took a number of hitching, quavering breaths before sighing deeply.  Without opening his eyes, he spoke to the two who had rescued them.

 

"I... we do not believe we have recognized you, else at least one of us would have said so by now."

 

He still looked shaken, but Harcourt took to his hooves slowly.  A moment or two later, he was on his knees a quick jog away, painting the ground with a rainbow directly from his own stomach, so to speak... finishing this, he was quiet as he made his way back over.  The look on his face was one that begged, pleaded for a break, just an even break to justify whatever pain he had amassed during his life.

 

"Please, forgive me; I'm sorry for all that.  It's... been a long, long few days."  He looked to Winter.  "Are you all right?  I don't really... recall... what happened after..."

 

 

"The Darkmanes send their regards..."

 

 

"... a-after I passed out."

 

Harcourt turned a shade more pale and lapsed into silence.

 

Oh, Winter... what more do I have to give; my sanity?  My life?  My soul?

 

Here I am, the so-called Bearer of Generosity... and I feel as though I have nothing left in me to give.  Everything I have ever loved has been torn from my hooves - and now, this 'destiny' of mine wants my hooves too, it seems.

 

Do I get NOTHING for all my hard work?  The task gets more daunting every day, and there seems to be nothing that I can do to make any difference.  Does life intend to slap my face and deny me any iota of satisfaction... or at least closure?  I have fought and fought until my very spirit has bled; still, still... you ask me, Winter, for even more?  How can I give what has been ripped from inside of me?  Where is my family, and their justice?  Where is Trivy, and why was it not I?  WHERE CAN I GO TO GET A SINGLE, DECENT NIGHT'S SLEEP?

 

What was in his head was in his head; he waited to see what the two other ponies were getting at.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Please, forgive me; I'm sorry for all that.  It's... been a long, long few days."  He looked to Winter.  "Are you all right?  I don't really... recall... what happened after..." 

 

"... a-after I passed out."

 

''I told you that it wasn't a good idea to send out officer Hooves to spread the word.'' The mare said as she hit her brother in his side before she turned back her attention to Harcourt. ''Sorry. My name is Night Dream and this is little brother Mid Summer.''

 

''Little? We were only 7 minutes apart.'' Summer mumbled a bit angry, knowing his sister said it on purpose.

 

Disregarding his comment, Night went on. ''We're the Harmony's Light Explorers group, saving Equestria one element at a time. Our informants informed us about the element of generosity being inside Baltimare. Unfortunately, we got there when the city was already destroyed. We did manage to save you two. So I guess it wasn't a total waist after all.''

 

''We will continue this story tomorrow. Let's get a rest first. You two look very tired.'' Summer said, stopping his sister before her rambling took her over.

 

''You're right, sorry. Lets set up camp.''

Edited February 4, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"... H-h-harmony's... Light?"

 

He remembered saying those exact words not too long ago; had it been a prophetic dream?

 

"You say... you're seeking... the Elements of Harmony?"

 

He shuffled over as far as the cart, then looked in the back.  His face fell even further than it had already been, then he turned back to look at Winter.

 

"You waited for me before... thank you, Winter.  Pardon me, but while you two set up camp, might we go about finding a nice place to... to..."

 

To perform yet another funeral, for yet another friend.

 

"... well, I'm sure you know.  Winter, would you wish to lend me a hoof... er, a claw... with scouting out a good place for the Lady to lie?  It has to be good... and I trust your eyes."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"You say... you're seeking... the Elements of Harmony?"

 

''Well our leader is seeking them. Not that we're just bluntly following orders. We are aware of the amount of power the elements hold. If we manage to get them all, we might have a chance to defeat Sombra.'' Night said as she followed Harcourt with her eyes as he walked over to the cart.

 

"You waited for me before... thank you, Winter. Pardon me, but while you two set up camp, might we go about finding a nice place to... to..."

 

"... well, I'm sure you know. Winter, would you wish to lend me a hoof... er, a claw... with scouting out a good place for the Lady to lie? It has to be good... and I trust your eyes."

 

''Of course. Let us know when you have found a place. We were good friend with Rarity once. We would like to say goodbye if you want us to.'' She said as she threw off her saddle back and started unpacking. Meanwhile, Summer disappeared in the shadows of the forest, looking for any dry wood for a decent fire.

 

Winter nodded as she made her way over to Harcourt's side. She waited a few seconds for the twins to get busy before she could say anything further. ''Do you think we should trust them?'' She whispered to Harcourt. ''They seem like nice ponies but I don't know.''

Edited February 5, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt still looked endlessly tired, yet he nodded thoughtfully as he considered Winter's question.

 

"I say we see what happens from here; I would feel a bit safer if we didn't mention the Element until we know for certain that these two are on our side.  I don't know what to think anymore - I just know it's always good to keep some things to oneself."

 

He gave a serious look to the griffon.

 

"I seem to be a burden everywhere I go; I appreciate you putting up with me, Winter.  Hopefully, we can find a way to get you home to your Aunt soon - I'm sure you're worried about her... and I know of at least one psychic stallion who is undoubtedly worried about you.  I know you two don't need the opinion of an old nag like myself, but for what it's worth I believe the two of you would be good for each other.  You would each help make the other to become a better version of what you both already are, I feel."

 

He sighed, then began scanning the treeline.

 

"Let us tend to the Lady first, shall we?  Anything else can come later; it would be downright rude to make her wait any longer, would it not?"

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@Pucksterv, "I'm not sure, but I think so," Jay replied, relaxing a little as she saw the two unicorns that she feared leave the scene. "Maybe I should put that spell on us again, the one where we're invisible and immune to magic. I can lift it after we're clear of the city, and I can lift the spell from you as well. Even if your magic is as unpredictable as mine, we still should both be able to use ours, in case of danger."

 

''Alright, do it. I can't wait any longer. I want to get out of here and never return.'' Trivy said as she walked forward slowly. She had been here too long. She didn't no how long because being stuck in such a dark and horrible made it hard to count the days. All she knew that it was too long and that she had to get out of here. Fast. She needed to find Harcourt. She was nothing without him. She needed him probably just as much as he needed her. She couldn't bare to think about what he was going through. That's why they needed to get a move on. If Twilight said that their destinies are inside the smokey mountains, then Harcourt must be there too. 

 

''I'm ready. Let's do this thing.''

Lilith looked around at the area, but her attention was immediately drawn to Rainbow Dash on the floor, dazed. She immediately strode over quickly. "Are you alright, Miss Rainbow? What happened?"

 

''I am fine Miss Lilith thank you.'' Rainbow said as she moved herself slowly. ''Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to get my medication before I fall onto this forsaken ground again.'' she said with a small edge of anger to her voice. ''Don't worry. I'll be able to do it myself.'' She grabbed her stick and made her way out of the room pretty quick for someone who just had a heart attack. 

Edited February 8, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Pucksterv

 

Psych quickly followed her out of the room. "Rainbow... Er, Miss Dash... Uh, at least let me help you get to your medicine." He came up beside her and had her drape her hoof over his shoulder, an easy feat as he was a bit smaller than her, giving more stability than her cane. "So, lead the way. I'll be here to help, alright?" He gave her a small smile.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Count Paradox,

 

''I think you may have misunderstood my comment because I am fine, really.'' Rainbow said as she leaned a little on Psych's shoulder. ''Still, thank you dear Psych for your h...''

 

''What's that around your neck? D-did Winter give that to you?'' She asked confused before she trailed off again.

 

''What was I doing?... oh yes, my medication. It's in the kitchen somewhere.''

 

---

"Let us tend to the Lady first, shall we?  Anything else can come later; it would be downright rude to make her wait any longer, would it not?"

 

''You're right. Best not let her wait longer before she decides to come back and haunt us.'' Winter said giggling at the thought even though she knew that if it was even possible for somepony to come back as a ghost, Rarity would definitely haunt her in a way that's anything but funny.

 

''Maybe we can put her there near that bigger tree in the middle. It looks like a nice spot.'' The griffon said after a while of scouting through the tree filled area. ''I mean, at least it's better than Baltimare...'' she said before she fell silent, looking back at everything that happened in the last few hours.

Edited February 8, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The tired, yet eerily distant eyes settled on Winter; a tiny smile lit at the corners, showing perhaps a bit of strength left after all.

 

"Dearest Winter, please understand that I never meant to give commands to anypony... or griffon.  I simply try to organize and act - and though I don't always have a full plan, I try to give a bit of trust on my part; trust that you will each have the nerve and the fire to do what I know you are capable of doing.  With the group, they trusted me to never let them down, or leave them behind, or ever abuse their help."

 

"I apologize that you ever felt as if I were trying to give you orders; and I also apologize because... well, I suppose I DID sort of assume you would simply already know me well enough, and trust is something one has to earn.  We... well, we don't really talk much, do we?  I know a bit about you... but admittedly, it wouldn't hurt to know more.  I'm not even sure you know my full name, let alone anything else about me."

 

He moved over to the gravesite she chose, looking about and nodding.

 

"If I want your trust, and you want my respect, maybe we should talk tonight; I would at the very least enjoy the company of someone I've known longer than our 'new friends', eh?  And I DO know I can trust you at my back - there's no lying in you, Little Winter - it's part of the reason I think you would be a perfect partner for such a kind and special stallion like my friend, Psych."

 

He smirked a bit at this thought.

 

"Now, in a show of good faith and repentance, might I ask kindly for your assistance in preparing our Lady's bed properly?"

 

Somewhere inside Harcourt's very soul, there was a resonance of the magic that was Rarity - she and the stallion would be forever entwined.  Besides, the two had been similar enough, back when they were so very young.  Now, this little spark left of the Element of Generosity's essence pulsed through the stallion, and this realization brought a smile to his face.  

 

"This is a beautiful location, Winter; The White Lady herself would have chosen this self-same spot, I'm SURE of it.  Thank you."

 

Generosity means sharing your burdens... but it also means sharing a smile, once in a while.  And Harcourt felt like sharing EVERYTHING...

 

... but first, a Lady in waiting to attend to.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"If I want your trust, and you want my respect, maybe we should talk tonight; I would at the very least enjoy the company of someone I've known longer than our 'new friends', eh?  And I DO know I can trust you at my back - there's no lying in you, Little Winter - it's part of the reason I think you would be a perfect partner for such a kind and special stallion like my friend, Psych."

 

Winter nodded agreeably. ''Well I actually know a lot more about you than you think. Oh the stories this one told me.'' she laughed. ''Still, you're right. In times like these, it's good to have someone to trust.'' she said before she stretched out her paws and started digging near the tree.

 

"This is a beautiful location, Winter; The White Lady herself would have chosen this self-same spot, I'm SURE of it.  Thank you."

 

''It is indeed a beautiful location. It's unfortunate that she couldn't buried next to her sister outside of Ponyville though. That place is a war zone.'' She said sighing as she crawled out of the small grave hole, brushing the dirt off her coat.

Edited February 8, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Yes... she was buried with the other Crusaders, wasn't she?  A shame, that - but I do recall seeing them in happier days.  You know, they thought I was just a 'bad guy', and spent the day spying on me until Rarity herself told them different... in her own spectacular manner, of course.  I recall far too much sometimes..."

 

Harcourt scrambled up the side of the grave, looking a bit comical when his rear hooves pedaled in thin air for a moment before his balance kicked in.  He stood up, setting himself aright before moving towards the cart.

 

"Still, I suppose we should go ahead and send the Lady on her way... but first, shall I fetch our rescuers or would you like to?"

 

She saw him readjust his pot-belly a bit; the pouch she had found earlier was still EXQUISITELY hard to detect, but now that she knew it was there, she could make out the edges.  It had been impressive, that was certain.

 

[-Octavia- 1,176]

@

 

Torn between the desire to assist both Rainbow and Stardust, one physically, the other emotionally, Aria felt her personal atmosphere shift awkwardly. For several seconds she stood alone with Lilith in the room, before allowing her body to relieve itself of tension. There was really only one thing to do, one pony for whom to be there first and foremost, one promise that perhaps was not being fulfilled as quickly as the pegasus needed it to be. Psych was attending to Rainbow, and though Aria was not confident in his knowledge of the nature of things, his kindness would suffice at the moment.

 

Aria let her thoughts fill the room, speaking more to its walls than the Ranger, her features becoming slack from a distant expression as her gaze focused on the garden beyond the window. "We're leaving, Star and me. We came with a purpose, and right now, it isn't remotely being fulfilled. Not that we'll fare better out there, but...we kind of owe it to Equestria to die trying, I guess. But if it's with her by my side in the midst of adventure? Well, maybe a more intimate setting would be better, but I still think I'd die happy."

 

Turning her gaze to the Ranger with her now full attention. "Ms...- Lilith, I don't know what you're planning with the Rangers, or where those plans will take you. What I do know is that the two of us are off to find the next element, and we will find it. And, if what Stardust and Harcourt believe proves true, it could very well be yours. Of course, it would be helpful if you were there with us...I may enjoy adventure, but I'm not particularly fond of unnecessary exercise. I have no right to ask it of you, though, so I won't. You will do what you believe is best for Equestria. I only hope that aligns with our belief."

Edited February 8, 2016 by -Octavia-