private Sombra's Shadow

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"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..."

 

''I thought the other crusaders where never found after the attack on Ponyville. They just assumed when they found their capes next to Sweetie Belle. At least, that's what Rarity told me.'' Winter said as she sat down next to the old stallion.

 

"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?"

 

''No need mister Blackwater.'' The Pegasus said as she fluttered down next to him while her brother calmly walked after her.

 

''We were quick with setting up camp but we did not want to interrupt your conversation.'' Summer said, sitting down next to his sister.

 

''Shall we begin then?''

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

@@-Octavia-,

 

Lilith remained silent as Rainbow walked off in a huff, assisted by Psych. She remained on the ground where she was, her silent countenance, when combined with Aria's, created the feel of awkwardness. They had never really talked before- except for that odd moment on the ship, where she seemed to allude to being knowledgeable of the things inside of her. She talked first, and as she started, Lilith stood up and looked at Aria as she did so.

 

She remained silent for the duration as her thoughts- and other things- raged inside of her.

 

Desertion! Treason!

I fail to see how this is treason- in fact, it is the opposite. As long as Psych is willing to stay behind, I say go for it.

 

She shook her head and sighed before responding. "You may have no right to ask- which I am unsure why you wouldn't- but, in truth... I am glad you mentioned it to me. My... arrangements- 'plans' you said- have been nothing short of catching up with the few friends that remain. What few plans I might have potentially had vanished as soon as the others went on high alert with the recent release of energy- short of the few moments with my friends, I cannot do much. Talking is nice, but lingering gets..." She stopped. "Um... you probably don't want a heartfelt speech. I'm not really good at those..."

 

She paused a moment, considering her next words, before internally shrugging and just being blunt. "Well... speaking of lingering, I must ask you to do so for about five minutes, if you would, to allow me to gather my few supplies; that is, if you are leaving immediately." If Aria stated her confirmation, she would depart almost immediately to gather her bow, arrows, and a few supplies such as medicine from the small abode she had made for herself in the trees outside.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

At Winter's mention of the other Crusaders, a puzzled look crossed his muzzle.

 

"Truly?  I had always heard they were buried together near where Sugarcube Corner stood; I'd never heard anything more from them, so I suppose I naturally assumed that..."

 

He went quiet for a moment, reflecting on the past.  When he spoke again, asking about whether to fetch the other two or not, they showed.  Harcourt nodded to them both, then went to the cart.  Foregoing the harness, he pushed the cart over to the grave, then spent the next few minutes making certain, with the others' help, that the Lady was handled with the utmost of care and dignity.

 

It only took a few minutes, and soon all four were standing by the open pit, with a very elegantly arranged mare lying at the bottom, flowers from a nearby bush pulling a stand-in for the bouquet she truly deserved.  Harcourt didn't think she'd mind; the flowers, though common, were quite pretty.

 

Being the one who carried her from the remains of Baltimare, he felt inclined to speak on her behalf.

 

"True beauty has nothing to do with the outer shell; it is something that one has in their very soul... and my dear Lady Rarity?  The beauty of your soul would have put Celestia herself to shame.  You were always giving, always searching for the inspiration you needed to make so many beautiful ripples upon the pool of Equestria's existence.  Though that water may be murky now... it changes nothing.  The lesson of Generosity that you lived your life teaching shall never be forgotten."

 

Harcourt walked over to the side of the pit, and with a heavy sigh, he blew a kiss down at the beautiful, reposing Rarity.

 

"Ciao, Darling."

 

He looked to the rest, and though he was obviously hurting at having to bid yet another farewell to a friend, he was maintaining his composure.

 

"Winter, would you like to say anything to her?  Perhaps the two of you?"

[-Octavia- 1,176]

@, @@Count Paradox, @@Stardust*

 

"Um... you probably don't want a heartfelt speech. I'm not really good at those..."

 

Aria had to smile at that, sparing a brief thought for their potential friendship, and how wonderfully awkward it might be.

 

"Almost immediately," Aria responded to Lilith's request of her. Her gaze drifted back to the window, where, in the distance, a small, graying cloud now drifted bleakly above the garden. "There are a few more conversations I need to have, first. Or more like news to deliver, I suppose. Let's make it ten minutes, instead."

 

With her confirmation, she watched Lilith depart with a mechanical grace, leaving Aria with her thoughts. Yet for once, there was no thinking to be done. Thinking oft lead to inaction, and, walking paradox that she was, she desired action that sparked her dominant trait of thinking. Sparing another glance out of the window towards her star, she resigned herself to the numb walk to retrieve their belongings. The confines of the house had provided some of the longest days in recent memory, and whilst she was glad to soon be rid of the sight of it, the finality still weighed upon her.

 

From the kitchen, with saddlebags strapped to her sides and guitar upon her back—a feeling both reassuring and frightening—she set out on a mission through the house to retrieve Psych, whom she found supporting a rather annoyed Rainbow Dash. For mare of her age, she was quite sprightly, and the sight of her trying to bat Psych away with her cane was rather endearing. She allowed a small smile to play about her lips for a moment before briefly interrupting the blind one from his task of being a living cane.

 

"When you have a moment, Psych, I need you in the garden. I'm sure Ms. Dash here can survive your absence."

 

With her small request made, she gave a small bow to Rainbow Dash before heading for her final destination. Each step brought her closer to both freedom and imprisonment, as a gnawing guilt threatened to bind her. Sprightly, yes, but the pegasus just suffered a heart attack, and here they were, abandoning her. Her only consolation was that there were 16 other ponies now living with her, and whether that was a bane or a boon for her sanity, at least she would have others to care for her...though how long they were willing to stay was something she didn't wish to think about. She could only hope Psych wouldn't either.

 

Her final step brought her into the shade of the cloud matching the coat of the pegasus resting on it. She hesitated in calling out to her, for in what state would she find Stardust in light of...whatever it was? Not an outburst, per say. It was more controlled, well thought, as though shaped by some possessive thoughts that had been consuming her for some time. She sifted through several greetings, each as unfitting as the one before it, before sighing and settling on the simplest one of all.

 

"Hey."

Edited February 9, 2016 by -Octavia-

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Pucksterv

 

Psych gave Dash a small smile and chuckle. But when she was suddenly shocked by the necklace he was wearing, his smile fell away like he had got caught doing something bad. "Uh, y-yes, she did, she-" He began explaining, but her mind quickly went back to her medicine. "Oh, um... Ok." He led her to the kitchen, leading her to the cabinet with her medication.

 

@-Octavia-

 

When Aria had arrived, he had removed himself from Rainbow's grasp, hoping she would be fine enough on her own now. "Oh, uh, hi... Sure, I'll follow you." He turned back to Dash. "Ill be back eventually, I just have a conversation with Aria, I guess." With that, he followed her out to the garden.

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@-Octavia-, @@Count Paradox, @,

 

Stardust was basking in the warm sun atop her cloud. She was out of sorts and there was so many thoughts flying through her head. Irritation, annoyance, heart ache, confusion, lost. she knew that her feelings would transfer to the cloud so she tried to keep things together for the sake of the others. But she knew that some would still seep through. She wondered how much longer things would take with Rainbow. Star knew she was old, but from the stories that she heard, she was a mean old mare. 

 

She looked to the heavens. Quietly to herself she whispered a little prayer. "Daddy, I know you are out there, I know you are still fighting. But what are you fighting for? What are any of us fighting for? Daddy, I miss you so much. I am so lost, and the compass that you gave me only seems to be reliable when I am looking for everything but you. How can I convince these ponies that we need to keep moving, that we need to keep fighting. I have my hope, my hope of finding you one day. Daddy, keep fighting for me, keep that fire in your heart and I will do the same. You are my hope now, you are what I am fighting for, to be a family once more." 

 

I know what I am fighting for. I welcome that fire back into my belly. I will give these ponies a reason, I have my reason, they must have theirs. I will help them realize it and then maybe we can be reunited as one again. Find the elements and destroy Sombra. I just have to help them figure it out, help them harness their reason, their hope. 

 

"Hey."

 

Stardust had been lost in her thoughts she was a bit startled by Aria's call. She peaked over her cloud and with the sight of Aria her ears perked up and that big goofy grin that had been missing from her grey muzzle was front and center once again. Star used the cloud as a trampoline and when she was in the air she did a quick twirl and then dove to the ground, busting that silly little grey cloud and nearly tackling Aria as she hit the ground. 

 

"Hey!" She gave Aria a hug so tight it felt as if her arms might fall off. "I've missed you." She pulled back just a bit only to witness the look of Aria's face and it only made her smile larger and even chuckle a little.

 

She watched as Psych trailed behind and coming out of the house with what looked like a pained expression on his face. 

 

"What are we doing, how is Rainbow?" Stardust noticed that Aria was holding both of their saddle bags, she tilted her head and then picked them up. "Does this mean that we are leaving to locate the other element? Does that mean Lilith is going to be joining us as well? And Psych?"

[-Octavia- 1,176]

@@Stardust*,  @, @@Count Paradox

 

Aria briefly followed Star's gaze as she looked over her shoulder. To her mild annoyance, she saw that Psych had decided to join her immediately, rather than after he had finished attending to Rainbow. Inwardly cursing herself for her poor choice of words, and for asking in the first place before coming to talk with Stardust. The more intimate conversation would have to wait for another time.

 

A barrage of questions suddenly begged her attention, which she delightfully returned to the inexplicably chipper pegasus. With too many to answer without stumbling, she decided to latch on to one that she could answer comfortably...and flippantly. Though she had intended to tell Psych in a more serious manner, Star's infectious disposition made that impossible.

 

“Yes, we are indeed leaving to search for the element, aaaaannnd we can't really do that without a navigator. Soooo I was wondering if maybe you'd want to tag along, if you weren't too busy. I mean, it's no house cleaning, so I'd understand if you have better things to do.”

 

Aria held a lopsided smirk whilst she awaited her answer...though with the amount of smiling they had been subjected to recently, her cheeks were getting a bit sore.

Edited February 10, 2016 by -Octavia-

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Winter, would you like to say anything to her? Perhaps the two of you?"

Winter took a deep breath and a step forward, looking at her friend, stuck in a hole, wrapped into a blanket. It was a sight she had seen in her dreams too many times only she didn't expect it to come so soon. ''I am going to miss you. Mentor, friend and parent in a way. I would not have made it so far if it wasn't for you and your generosity. And I'll leave it at that before I start to break down in tears.'' she said before she sat back down, sniffing softly as the tears still came flowing, despite her not wanting to.

''Dearest Lady Rarity.'' Night started. ''We may not have known you on such a level as our friends here but we did know what you stood for and how much energy you put into saving a friend. Our leader couldn't be here as she's busy fighting for the same thing. But she loved you, she looks up to you. May your generosity live on through the rest of us.'' she said calmly.

Summer let his horn glow, out of respect shedding a purple light above the grave for the last time.

Edited February 14, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, "I wouldn't expect anything else," Jinx replied. "Unicorns are naturally superior... as long, of course, that they are on the right side. Magic is might, after all."

 

Jinx walked with Rave to the perimeter wall, where the guards patrolled. She was curious as to why exactly Rave had brought her here, especially in the middle of her experiments.

 

"Was there a reason for coming all this way?" she asked. "Something which can only be found here, and not in the Crystal Empire?"

 

~~~

 

@@Pucksterv, Jay's horn glowed as she concentrated hard on the spell that she had performed on the two of them before, putting everything else out of her mind to focus on correctly performing the spell. Once she was finished, she breathed a sigh of relief that it had worked. "It's done," she said. "Let's go. I've spent far too long in this place and before that, as a pawn for an evil mage. I need to find my destiny."

 

She turned her face resolutely towards the direction that she and Trivy had to go, altho Jay couldn't help but give a little shiver at the thought of leaving all that was familiar behind, even tho it wasn't doing her any good.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

There was a moment of silence that spoke volumes between the five of them, soon to be four.

 

With nothing further to say, Harcourt began the arduous task of covering Rarity's grave; if the others helped, he gave them a slight smile as he worked.  It didn't take too long, and when it was complete, Harcourt returned to the cart and brought back a chunk of wood.

 

Working with one of his silver throwing daggers, he carved three words carefully into it.  Then he laid it down on top of the mound of dirt that was the final resting place of the former Element of Generosity; with this done, he sighed wearily and meandered over towards the campsite the other two had been putting together.

 

The sign on the grave was simple, yet said everything about Rarity that needed to be said.

 

It said:

 

 

[ SHE GAVE EVERYTHING. ]

 

 

Harcourt sat down next to the fire, the look in his eyes as haunted as Nightmare Night once was.

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

Before Rave was able to reply, the massive gate ahead of them started to open, making heavy creaking sounds. As the gate swung open with a bang, there stood only one figure in front of them. 

 

"Welcome home..... son" the mare smiled, revealing a row of sharp fangs, her eyes were dark yellow, her hair was orange, long and loose, and her coat was minty green. Her cutie mark was a burning book. 

 

Elya Darkmane. Although she was not Rave's birthmother, she had taken him in after his expulsion from Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. 

 

"Greetings... mother". Rave bowed. He turned his head over to Jinx and gave her a sharp look, indicating her to bow as well. 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony, 

 

''Agreed.'' Trivy said determined with a smile, something she hadn't done in a long time. She was ready to start running, through the gate and never stop but halfway realized that this was the crystal empire and she wasn't going to get away that easily. There would be guards posted outside most definitely, best not to make any sound. She was invisible but they could still hear her after all.

 

She looked backwards, seeing the poor Jay trembling behind her. She grabbed her hoof, holding it tight. ''It will be okay, we will get there. Together.'' She said before they finally made their way out of the cursed and darkened empire.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@-Octavia-,

 

 “Yes, we are indeed leaving to search for the element, aaaaannnd we can't really do that without a navigator. Soooo I was wondering if maybe you'd want to tag along, if you weren't too busy. I mean, it's no house cleaning, so I'd understand if you have better things to do.”

 

Stardust knew she struck a cord with Aria, all this tension had been eating her up inside and Star only wanted to see her Aria smile. As much as she always tried to hide it, Stardust could get her to smile, even if it was when she left the room, she would peak back in and see that smile that just melted her heart. 

 

Nopony else was going to be chipper during this time with Winter and Harcourt gone and Psych nearly going into a mental break along with the mini heart attacks that the little fillies give him about every five minutes. Stardust knew that she was the one who would be keeping this groups hopes up and to keep them fighting. Sometimes her timing was a bit off, clearly... but she knew that sooner was better than ... possibly never again? 

 

"Let's go!" Stardust tossed her saddle bag in the air and flew up to meet it, having it land perfectly on her back. She was always showing off her 'slick moves'. She tightened it and was ready to go. 

 

She landed next to Aria and placed a hoof around her shoulders. "To be honest, I kind of wish it was just me and you going. With so many days of all this hub bub and having to worry about so many others, I just want it to be us again. So we can talk, and laugh like we did before we got into all of this.... saving the world as we know it sorta stuff." Star nuzzled her and then sat proper, she wanted to be professional for Psych's sake, she knew he was missing Winter. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Is Rarity's fate going to be mine too?

 

All I seem to do now is either suffer, or annoy others.  Though I never mean to sound as though I'm giving orders, I'm not... at least, I don't try to.  I just want to help.  I've always just wanted to help.

 

Now, here I sit.

 

At a fire lit by strangers, accompanying a griffon who apparently finds me to be bossy, my closest companion drowned, my family long ripped from my heart, my home stolen from me, and the group I worked so hard to keep alive is now flourishing under someone else's leadership, no doubt.

 

Where did I go wrong?

 

Was it when I met with the Rangers?  It seems that Star certainly thought so - I never thought she would be capable of a tirade like that... seems as though I bring out the worst in her.  A shame, that; she seemed so nice... but it's quite apparent that, in the short time I had known her, she built up quite a lot of anger towards me.  I suppose I deserved it, though I wish I understood why...

 

Perhaps I should have had Lilith admit her guilt to the rest of them; as it stands, should they discover her mistake on their own, I fear they will not have the same capacity for forgiveness that I do.  But she just looked so vulnerable... she needed someone to trust her... so, I did.  Since we left the ship, however, Lilith almost seems to be trying to avoid everyone except the Rangers.  What's worse?  Lilith reminds me a LOT of myself, during my drunkard years... and I understand the want for revenge so badly, so VERY badly, that one would be willing to give their soul for a chance to make things right... and, if I thought I had a chance, she and I... we might have... NO, Harcourt.  Nopony wants you - maybe never will.

 

Maybe it was coming to Baltimare in the first place?  It was the first time Trivy had actually taken the lead, and I so VERY much wanted to build her confidence.  She was so excited with the prospect of getting our little gathering to safety... and she never even made it to see them happy.  Oh, Trivia... if ANYONE deserved to see this group though, it was you.  You had so much life ahead of you, so many adventures to have... I should have drowned back there, not you.

 

Of course, there's always the idea that I should have simply never bothered to crawl out of the cider jug.  It seems that all I've got to show for all my suffering is a few more wrinkles and more grit in the tracks of my tears... and nothing more.  Rave Darkmane slaughtered my entire family... yet how can I even begin to hold even a candle to the blinding, searing light of his vile soul?  I can't.  

 

I simply have to give up and realize that, no matter what I do, I will never be happy again.  There IS no hope for Equestria.  There IS no hope for the future.

 

There IS no happy ending for me.

 

And now, I'm the Bearer of Generosity?  To have spent almost half of my life giving... and giving... and giving... and now, am I expected to give my life as well?  For what?  MORE nothing?

 

Admit it, Harcourt-rutting-Blackwater... the only thing you have to look forward to, other than more suffering, is your death.

 

Your silent, miserable, and lonely death. 

 

Outwardly, Harcourt shuffled a bit to get comfortable, then simply sat there, eyes cast to the dirt, silent as the grave.  

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Outwardly, Harcourt shuffled a bit to get comfortable, then simply sat there, eyes cast to the dirt, silent as the grave.  

 

Winter noticed Harcourt being absent, wrapped up in his own mind probably. She sat down next to him, not wanting to startle him, she gently tapped him on his shoulder. ''You doing okay? You seem a little... I don't know. I don't want to bother you or anything. Just making sure you're not going to faint again.'' she said as she held her paws close to the fire, shivering from the cold wind blowing behind her softly.

 

The twins sat down opposite of them, opening a can of red saus and beans, fighting about who would get the most while Winter watched the, hearing hear her stomach rumble loudly over the sound of the crisping fire. ''I worry about you, you know.'' she continued, looking back at the stallion. ''Despite my usual attitude towards you, I do care. You seem so lost in your own world, in your head. And I can see it's not doing you any good.'' she said, sighing as she dropped her head in her paws. ''How are we ever going to survive the rest of this? ... this... this war.''

Edited February 13, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

He sighed, then replied while still staring at the ground.

 

"This isn't a war; it's a slaughter, and we are merely sheep among the timberwolves."

 

His eyes tracked up into the fire, seeming to both look for hope... and despair from the lack of it.

 

"Am I okay?  No.  No, I am not.  And I never shall be.  There is nothing left of the Equestria I once loved - Sombra has taken it all, and what HE hasn't taken, Rave Darkmane has stomped flat.  Just look at Baltimare... or what's left of it."

 

He hung his head, though his heart was lower still.

 

"You?  You may have a chance, Winter - you have youth and strength and determination... as does Psych, and Lilith, and Star, and even Aria, I suppose.  All of you have them... but those things have finally been drained dry from me, and I have no further will to want them back anymore... when all they cause me is misery."

 

"I would tell you of exactly how much loss I have had in my life... but it would do no good; you've had loss, and to each, their own loss is the hardest; I have no desire to be told to 'suck it up' yet again, as I feel that the only one who ever truly helped me when I stumbled is now lying bloated and dead at the bottom of the bay."

 

He stood up slowly, still giving no eye contact.

 

"Perhaps I have been selfish with my pain... but honestly, who would have cared if I had?  I seem to get in the way more often than not, and nopony needs me anymore.  You have your Auntie, and you have Psych.  Star has Aria, obviously.  Lilith has the Rangers."

 

He walked slowly to the edge of the light from the fire, and simply stood there, facing away from all three and looking to the cold, cruel stars.

 

"And not a one of them - yourself included - needs me, Winter."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

The two ponies across fell silent when Harcourt stood up, listening to what he was saying, making them look down at the ground out of embarrassment. They had just been fighting over food even though they had enough back home. When these two, pony and griffon, had probably nothing. Except misery and sorrow for breakfast and then some extra depression at a nice dinner with candlelight. 

 

"Perhaps I have been selfish with my pain... but honestly, who would have cared if I had?  I seem to get in the way more often than not, and nopony needs me anymore.  You have your Auntie, and you have Psych.  Star has Aria, obviously.  Lilith has the Rangers."

 

"And not a one of them - yourself included - needs me, Winter."

 

''That's not true Harcourt. I might have Psych back home but that doesn't mean I don't need you. Right now, this moment is when I need you the most.'' she said, standing up and walking towards him. The twin were staring into the fire, pretending not to listen.

 

''I am not as strong as you are. You already lost two ponies you deeply care about and yet you are still here. I would have thrown myself off a cliff by now because of Rarity if it wasn't for you being there beside me. I would not have managed that on my own. Don't you understand? I need you to too. I may not be Trivy or Rarity or family for that matter, but I do care. I don't want to make it sound like it's an obligation but I do need you.'' she said before returning to her seat.

 

''I'm not telling you to suck it up, of course you have a right to feel this way. The only thing I ask is for you to see it as I see it. Just try, you don't have to succeed but just try.'' she said, almost pleading.

Edited February 13, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt was quiet for a moment.

 

"... try, you say?  Try.  Just... try."

 

Harcourt turned around, and a look of cold fire shone in his eyes.

 

"I HAVE tried, Winter!  I have been trying since the day I finally left the quarry to find my way in the world!"

 

Though his anger was apparent, Winter got the distinct feeling he wasn't angry at HER... he was just ANGRY.

 

"I tried to impress my Father with my accomplishments - AND CAME HOME IN TIME TO BURY MY ENTIRE RUTTING FAMILY.  I tried to give Trivy some chance at leadership - AND SHE SANK LIKE A RUTTING STONE.  I tried to help Stardust out with being in charge - AND SHE SCREAMED HER RUTTING HEAD OFF AT ME."

 

He marched back to the fire, staring at the flames like Rave Darkmane himself was staring back from them.

 

"AND NOW I HAVE BEEN MADE THE BEARER OF THE ELEMENT OF GENEROSITY, AND I HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO GIVE!  HOW IN TARTARUS DO YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE EXPECT TO SQUEEZE BLOOD FROM A STONE WHO HAS BEEN DRY SINCE LUNA KNOWS WHEN!?"

 

He plopped down in front of the fire, tears once more taking their far-too-familiar path down his muzzle yet again.

 

"Please... please... can't I just give up yet?  Can't I just let Rave win?  I can't beat him - nopony can..."

 

He covered his face with his hooves.

 

"... why can't I just DIE already?"

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"... why can't I just DIE already?"

 

''I...I..uh..'' Winter started stammering, still shocked from his sudden outburst. ''I don't know.... I really don't know what to do. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't know what I'm talking about. I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry.'' She said as she sank to her knees next to crying stallion, joining him with the extra water work. 

 

Meanwhile, the eyes of both Midsummer and Night Dream grew large. While the two on the ground mourned, somehow, for the Pegasus and unicorn it seemed fitting to cheer. Not just any cheer but extremely loud as if they had just one the sun celebration lottery. ''I can't believe it!!'' Summer yelled in pure euphoria.

 

''Neither can I. Is this even real? Is this really happening?'' Night as she pinched herself.

 

''But this is great news!! That old sour apple was right after all! The legends are true! The elements do pass on! Harmony's light is real!''

 

The two quickly ran to Harcourt's side, bowing before him.

 

''Our leader will be so happy when she hears this.''

 

''ELEMENT!"

 

''OF!''

 

''GENEROSITY!!'' they both said in unison, geeking out completely.

 

''Why did you not tell us before Harcourt? This changes everything! This means we will actually win!''

 

''Do you know where the other elements are? Do you know the element of honesty?'' 

 

''OH! OH! Did you meet... uhmm.. what's her name...? Doesn't matter! Wow this is so amazing.''

 

Winter looked at the twins who danced around each other. Complete confusion, really questioning if their happiness was fitting in this moment.

Edited February 13, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt watched the twins dancing around like they had lobsters crawling out of their ears.  Then after a moment, he spoke, slowly and carefully, to them both.

 

"... let me guess... you want me... and Winter, I presume... to follow you back... to wherever it is you came from?"

 

That's when his face fell.

 

"Oh, yes - WON-derful!  More suffering to bear, I take it?  'Oh, PLEASE suffer for us too, Mister Blackwater!', isn't that what you're ready to SPEW out at me?  Oh YES!"

 

He turned to Winter, the look in his eye telling the story of a stallion dancing the line between sanity and insanity... and losing his balance.

 

"LOOK, WINTER DEAR!  MORE PAIN FOR THE PILE!  ISN'T IT RUTTING-DAMNED-WONDERFUL!?"

 

He wheeled on the twins, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head.

 

"By ALL MEANS, you RAVING JACKANINNIES!  TAKE ME TO MY DEATH!  I WELCOME THE PAIN, AND I KISS IT ON TOP OF IT'S SOMBRA-DAMNED HEAD!  Take me away to be BURIED IN AN UNMARKED GRAVE - hopefully sometime SOON!"

 

He stood there a moment, angry and hard as steel... then all the fight seemed to simply rush out of him, and he gave a long, ragged sigh.

 

"... fine.  All for Equestria.  Why not?  There's nothing left for me to live for... might as well be useful in death."

 

He looked up at them once more, looking seven steps away from either utter insanity, utter collapse, or utter defeat.

 

"Whatever you want.  I do not care anymore.  I'll go wherever.  I'll see whoever.  I'll do whatever."

 

He shut his eyes.

 

"ANYTHING to make the Grim Reaper sprint faster to meet me."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

The two stopped their dancing as Harcourt continued to plunder down his manic rage around him. Winter crawled backwards as the stallion's attitude actually started to fear her. The twins however, were not impressed. ''Listen mister. You might have gone through to big pile of horse manure but that doesn't mean you can say or yell whatever you want. I have had it with this aggressiveness of yours. All everyone does is try to sooth and be nice. But in reality you are nothing but a egotistic insecure loud mouth. And I don't care if I am hurting your feelings. Because you are doing the same thing. Look at Winter, look at your friend and tell me what you see. She is scared. Do you realize that? She is scared of you!'' Night said pointing at the shaking griffon.

 

''NOW I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING MORE OF YOU! I am going to get some rest. Let me know if you're coming with us or not in the morning.''

 

''Night calm down...'' summer said softly.

 

''NO! We actually have a chance of winning this war now and all he does is yell! WELL NOW IT'S MY TURN.'' she said before she got into her tent angry, summer following her quietly.

 

Winter had turned around as well and was laying on the ground. Tired of everything that had happened in the last few hours. She sighed, trying to conceal her tears as she closed her eyes, hoping this would all be over soon.

Edited February 14, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

...

 

Harcourt simply stood there a moment, then just turned and walked back to the fire.

 

...

 

He sat there, wanting to think, but unable to do so.

 

...

 

He looked over at Winter, seeing her miserable... and decided that, perhaps, he had a single drop of generosity left in him to give.  He stood up and walked close, but not close enough to frighten her any further.

 

"I am sorry, Winter.  You honestly deserve better than I for a friend; I apologize for my words, and I apologize for worrying you.  Good night."

 

This said, he made his way back across the camp, finally settling on a place far enough from the fire's warmth to be out of reach - if suffering was what was meant for him, then he would learn to accept it.

 

...

 

There was NO way in Tartarus he was going to sleep tonight.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

*IGNORE THIS POST, it was a mistake*

 

 

 

Dash waited for the blind pony to get out sight before brushing of her coat a little and walking to the upstairs attic, throwing aside her stick along the way. She hurried herself, locking the door behind her. She moved a few boxes in dust filled room and finally revealing a dark ghostly globe which she than put in the center of the room as she sat down. ''Speak to me master. I have information you require.'' she chanted. Inside the globe, a small turmoil of purple and dark blue light started to form. A voice replied. ''You may proceed in stating your information.''

 

''Thank you sir. I wasn't able to hold them for as long as you asked especially since those two little rascals were getting too close to the truth. But I did manage to distract them for some time.'' she sighed. ''I think the group is preparing to leave now and search for the element. If necessary, I could send someone after them.''

 

''That won't be necessary. We already send officer 324.80.82 to their location. You are thanked for your service.''

 

''Understood.'' she said while a small evil grin grew on her face before she quickly pushed the globe back into a corner and covered it with one of the boxes.

 

 

Edited February 24, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, Jinx politely bowed, reclining her head. She wondered as to why, but said nothing, thinking that Rave would surely explain and give introductions.

 

"Greetings, ma'am," Jinx said, giving what was the most respectful term of address back in her days as a young filly. She inwardly flinched as she remembered how her mother had always insisted on others addressing her that way, tho not her own daughter, who she would hardly speak to.

 

~~~

 

@@Pucksterv, Jay acknowledged the comforting hoof hold without a word, giving a watery smile to Trivy. She kept silent as the two of them made their way as quickly as possible out of the Crystal Empire. It was only after they were safely out of earshot of the guards at the gate, that Jay dared to speak, using her normal tone of voice which was barely more than a whisper.

 

"Thank you for everything you've done for me," she said. "I only hope that one day I can repay you for your kindness."

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"Ehm, Jinx thi---"

Rave was about to make the introductions, but was interrupted by Elya. 

 

"Ah, you must be archmage Jinx, if I am not mistaken?" Elya said, referring to Jinx. Rave's face reddened a bit, due to having been interrupted. 

 

"It is an honor to meet you" she returned the bow, although, she did not bend as far down. "I am Elya Darkmane, governess of this city and the regent to House Darkmane while Rave is absent. Please please, follow me. We have much to discuss. Your arrival is not a surprise to us, we have been expecting you". 

 

Elya started to walk, expecting the two to follow them. 

 

Rave started to walk after her, but was talking to Jinx in hushed tones. 

 

"Just be sure to not talk too much with her. She has a habit of getting everypony to tell her anything she wants to hear, whether those ponies would have liked to share that information with her or not". 

 

As they walked throughout the city, many unicorns could be seen walking about. The most visible ones, seemed to either be smiling or to be wearing the typical go-to-work facial expressions. Others, however, that seemed to be hiding in some darkened corners, seemed to be wearing expressions of less enthusiasm. One of those ponies was crossing a street, where the trio were walking. The unicorn mare that had walked in their way, seemed to be filled with terror, as she noticed who she had walked in front of, and immediately bowed, hurrying herself away. Rave chuckled lightly. 

 

Other unicorns, that were sitting around a table by a Caffé restaurant, were ones that were wearing clothes with the Darkmane insignia on them. They seemed to be pure followers of the Darkmane belief and their rule. They saw the trio passing by and cheered. 

 

It was apparent that the citizens of Manehattan had mixed feelings about the lives they lived. 

 

Some unicorn guards were walking about, many other unicorns making way for them, the one at the head seemed to be wearing some kind of suit. He had eyeglasses, his hair was short and black, and his coat was deep cyan. His eyes were bright green. They stopped by a house and knocked on the door there. A unicorn stallion opened the door. The suited unicorn seemed to be showing the stallion some kind of paperwork. He stepped aside and the guards stepped forward and took a hold of the stallion and started to drag him with them. The stallion did not resist and looked back, to see a mare standing beside her filly. They both looked really sad, but did not show any further emotional signs as to not provoke the law enforcers. 

 

Some of the nearby civilian unicorns who witnessed the event, seemed to wear looks of fright, while others stood, looking at the situation with pride, believing that another 'traitor' had been deterred. 

 

This was how life usually went about in Manehattan.