private Sombra's Shadow

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Stardust* @-Octavia-

 

Psych had brought up the rear, and did indeed hear the conversation. "W-wait..." He had a worried look on his face. "You mean... You mean we're leaving? But what about waiting for the others? We can't just leave without at least leaving some sort of note or something..." He looked down, kicking against the ground nonchalantly. "I understand that you want to get the elements, but it might be best to have a bigger group, you know? More ponies to rely on for help."

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@Count Paradox, @@-Octavia-,

 

"Psych, as much as we know you would like to wait for the others to return, we don't have time." Star stood and drew closer to him.

 

"If we have the next element before the others get back then we are that much closer to finishing this. It is too risky to wait here any longer. Having this next element would give us three in our possession. We would only need two more to go before we can use them to try and locate the final element."

 

She walked back and say next to Aria once again.

"And you do realize that there are four of us. We are small but we have the skills to overcome what might be ahead. We all have strengths, we will just need to make sure that we use them when the time is right."

 

She looked at both of them with concern in her eyes.

"We need to get off this island as soon as we can. I have a bad feeling that there is something wrong with this kingdom."

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

@@Stardust*, @@Count Paradox, @@-Octavia-,
 
Six minutes, thirty-seven seconds.
 
This was her mental count of how much time she had left before her ten minutes were up. Lilith hadn't been so precise as of late, but she figured, hey, if she was going to start getting back into doing actual things, she better ensure her mental stopwatch was up to scratch.

As she shouldered her back and was about to jump down from the tree, she sensed a strange, lurching sensation in her gut. Lilith paused. Her sense of foreboding had never been wrong in the past. Something felt... wrong. There was something afoot that she wasn't aware of. Something that would impact them in the near future.
 
Five minutes, forty-eight seconds. Hey, I've got some time.
 
She started by wrapping around her tree, inspecting the immediate surroundings for danger. Not coming up with anything with her cursory search, she quickly went about ten yards into the forest, selected the highest tree that she could, and looked around. She carefully examined both the horizon and the forested area for proof. She turned her attention towards the direction of the village and examined the same thing- quickly, quietly, and correctly. While she didn't see anything wrong, she could feel something wrong. Some game was afoot. She rapidly dropped back to towards the forest floor, and then stopped, closing her eyes so she could put her full attention into listening for anything approaching, as well as anything else she can sense.
 
Her foreboding seemed to come from the direction of the village, and was close... but she couldn't determine what was wrong about it.
 
One minute, seventeen seconds.
 
Shaking her head slightly, she quickly trotted towards the other ponies, who were gathered close to Rainbow's house, with her two quivers of arrows, her bow, her supplies, and a small guitar. Thinking about her supplies, however... she missed her teddy bear. It was the last thought that she thought would enter her mind at this time, but it was true. She sighed before rounding the corner.
 
Twenty-four seconds to spare.

 

"Alright," Lilith commented. "I'm ready. I suggest we get going as soon as possible- something's wrong, and we need to get on track as soon as possible. Stardust, Aria, it seems you two have discussed this for a while- where is our plotted destination?"

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @@-Octavia-, @@Count Paradox,

 

"Alright," Lilith commented. "I'm ready. I suggest we get going as soon as possible- something's wrong, and we need to get on track as soon as possible. Stardust, Aria, it seems you two have discussed this for a while- where is our plotted destination?"

 

"My maps say that we need to be heading north west from here. We will need to travel in that direction for two nights. Once we are there, we should see a massive crater, the history states that there was a falling star, but we know better. The lore that I have collected says that it was the spot where Rainbow Dash fell. The element should be inside the crater, it will be encased in glass seeing as when Rainbow hit the ground she was going so fast it created a bolt of lightning, that and the sand and dirt in the ground combined together and encased the element in glass. Over the years weather patterns and shifting in the ground should have kept it hidden well beneath the surface of the earth."

 

Stardust brought out her maps and showed the group where they would be going. "The terrain for the first day seems fairly easy, the second day is going to be a bit tricky. There are valleys and a mountain that we need get past, we will have to make our way about half way up the mountain. From there, we will find a trail that will take us the rest of the way around the mountain. After that, we will follow this river into this wooded area. The river will lead us directly to the crater, it is where the river meets the ocean. The crater is partially in the grassy wooded area and partially on the beach."

 

She folded up her map and put it inside her saddle bag. "As long as we make our way into the forest at night we shouldn't run into any trouble, the locals have told stories for centuries about how the forest is extremely dangerous at night. They know to stay out once the sun goes down."

 

Stardust stood up and whipped her tail to flick off the dust and dirt and then looked at the group.

 

"I know it sounds rather simple, but this took years of research and study to get this far. As much as the six ponies wanted to keep these hidden, they knew how to leave clues for the right ponies to find them. The chosen ones. We are them, we can do this."

 

She placed a hoof inside their little circle, "Who is with me?!"

Edited February 22, 2016 by Stardust*

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, "I will keep your advice in mind," Jinx replied to Rave. "After all, you have known her much longer than I."

 

While walking thru the city, Jinx observed everything that went on and approved of it. She always had considered unicorns to be the superior race, given that they could do magic. Pegasi might be able to fly, but there was a spell for that. Jinx had, after much research into the subject, discovered that she could perform a spell to give herself temporary wings; this was as close as becoming an alicorn that she could get. She was disappointed by the discovery, but was still determined to try out the spell if it was ever needed.

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

The trio finally reached the center of the city, the Darkmane Tower. The guards posted in front of the tower saluted as they noticed Elya Darkmane. The large doors that were the entrance to the tower, were opened from the inside. Inside, the trio were greeted by a few unicorn servants, that were always ready for duty. 

 

Rave shook his head. "No thank you, you don't have to carry my luggage... I would prefer that my own belongings remain untouched". 

 

The servant unicorns looked over to Jinx, ready in case she wanted them to carry any weight. 

 

"Well well well, if it isn't the map loving little weakling, who has finally returned home". 

 

Rave's visuals grew dark. He knew who approached. 

 

"Greetings, brother". Rave turned his head, to see a huge bulky unicorn, with scars around his eyes. The unicorn was blue coated, the hair was black and the eyes were completely black themselves. Scar Darkmane, the unicorn was of unusual size, for a Darkmane to be. The last time a Darkmane had been of Scar's size, or actually bigger, had been during the foundation of the Darkmane family, by Blackforest Darkmane. Blackforest had been of unusual size for a normal pony. 

 

"Scar! Call me Scar, remember? My name is Scar". 

 

"It's not your birth name". 

 

It looked like as Scar was about to attack Rave. The big unicorn was shaking a bit, the teeth grinding together and his right eye was twitching a bit. 

 

 

Elya looked over to Jinx. 

"They constantly bicker. How about we go somewhere private, where we can speak in more detail and get to the point of things? Just the two of us.". 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

''Don't thank me yet. We still need to make it there.'' Trivy said with a happy grin. ''Can you undo the spell? I really need to do something.'' she said as she turned to Jay.

 

She waited for the fellow unicorn to lift the spell, before she lifted the unsuspecting mare of the ground, placing her lightly onto her back before she started running. ''WOOOH!!! FREEE!!! We're finally free!!! I'm coming Harcourt!! I'm coming for you!'' she said laughing, looking back at Jay, hoping she didn't startle her too much. ''Victory here we come!''

Edited February 24, 2016 by Pucksterv

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

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

 

Lilith paused and closed her eyes, memorizing the lay of the land from Stardust's description before reopening it and quickly examining Stardust's map and the markings on them, paying particular attention to the gradients and the features. She looked at it for about a minute before she took out a small stick. "I recommend we stop for rest around... this area, here. The natural canyons, as well as the thickets, will do well to make our position less easily located. There is a local river from where we can draw water from as well, and if we are caught out, it'll allow us to quickly lose our attackers in the winding ditches. It'll require going a little bit out of our way- no more than about half a mile- but it'll help us in case someone does follow us."

 

She glanced to her bag before quickly setting it on her back, ensuring it sat properly there before stretching out and straightening. "... I must admit, though, that these lands are rather different than the ones in Equestria. I can assist with basic navigation if you wish, but I don't know it like the back of my hoof."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

A small yawn escaped from the griffon laying on the ground as she rubbed her eyes.

 

''Come on, lets go. Sleepy time is over.'' Night said as she held out her hoof to help Winter up. She sighed in return yet accepted her offer. Summer was just finishing up packing up the tent and gear.

 

''How much longer until we reach your camp?'' Winter said yawning again as she grabbed her bag.

 

''It's not far from here. If we keep up our pace from yesterday, we will be there in 8 hours max.'' The Pegasus said as she made her way over to Harcourt. ''We're leaving. If you still want to come with us, you better get moving.'' she said, slight anger from yesterday still filling her voice. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt had been awake all night long, thinking about all had happened to him since he'd first agreed to the trek to Baltimare.  The events blended together after a while; there was far more pain than happiness, but it felt as if nothing more could be done about it.  He had come to the conclusion that, if indeed he had been 'destined' for the Element he held, then his lot was to give.

 

Give everything.

 

He resolved to do exactly that.  From now on, Harcourt Blackwater wouldn't concern himself with himself; he'd give all he had for everypony else... and hope that somepony might remember him, in turn.  It was all he felt he had left, and his hope was a very dim candle after everything he felt he'd put others through.  But dim light is still light... even in such a broken lantern as 'Cort was.

 

He had spent the last three hours checking over the cart and quietly fixing what he could; it turned out that, sturdy as she was, the damned thing had taken a number of knocks during their escape from the ruined city together.  He still hated it, make no mistake... however, it's usefulness couldn't be denied.  So, he'd made sure it would be in workable shape.  This is where he was, firmly tapping the last wooden peg back into place in the left front axle, when Night approached him.

 

''We're leaving. If you still want to come with us, you better get moving.''

 

Harcourt couldn't even look at her; he avoided eye contact completely, yet he nodded and began hooking the harness he had been wearing for the last two hours to the wooden cart, not a word spoken to the fuming mare as he went to his task.

 

Night Dream, as the Bearer of Generosity, I shall give you my silence... as you have asked for.

 

He spared a look over towards Winter, making certain she was up and well, before concerning himself with the cart once more.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Winter felt Harcourt looking at her but she was too afraid to actually look back.She was still worried so when she did look she saw him walking to the cart. He was in no shape to actually pull that thing but she wasn't going help him either. Instead she quickly followed Night and Summer who were already moving ahead.

 

''So where are we going actually?'' Winter asked carefully.

 

Night didn't answer, she was still angry so instead she was focusing on what was in front of her.

 

''Don't take it personally, she just gets like that sometimes. Best to leave her alone.'' Summer said who was walking next to the griffon now. ''We're going to smokey mountains by the way. If you're still curious''

 

''Thanks...'' Winter looked over her shoulder a bit, making sure that Harcourt was still somewhere with them before she turned back to the stallion next to her. ''why are we going there exactly?''

 

''Because that's where Harmony's light was created. And I don't just mean our group, I also mean the legend.''

 

''The legend?''

 

''A long time ago, before the war, before you were even born, Celestia and her sister went to seek the elements of harmony so they could defeat the lord of chaos, Discord. Afterward, Luna started having dreams about the light of Harmony. It is something that lives inside all of us. And because of this, the elements can be passed on through generations. Luna was suppose to be the one who would seek out this next generation but Celestia feared that Luna was unable to hold that power and the responsibility that came with it. So when Luna told her sister, Celestia tried to convince her they were just dreams as a way of protecting her.''

 

''Did Luna believe her?''

 

''Of course not. Luna was smarter than that. So every now and then, during the night, Luna would visit the smokey mountains with the elements without her sister knowledge because her dreams told her to go there. During these nights, Luna also started to notice how the ponies of Equestria would sleep instead admire the sky that she created. Soon her jealousy took the better of her and she started acting out her frustration onto the elements while trying to seek the light. It wasn't long before she rose against Celestia and she was banished to the moon. Celestia was filled with regret and guilt. For Luna's sake she continued her search for Harmony's light. That is how she found out about Twilight and her friends.''

 

''But I don't understand. Why didn't we use this light when the war started? Why are we only seeking it now?''

 

''Because Twilight started having the same dreams as Luna during the war but her friends didn't believe her. By the time some of them did, Sombra's forces had already captured the poor soul.''

Edited February 28, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, Jinx smiled at the other mare. "Sure," she replied. "Stallions do tend to bicker a lot, I've found. It used to annoy me; now tho, it just bores me. It'll be nice to speak alone with a like minded mare like yourself." She heeded Rave's warning about Elya and planned to follow his advice. She just figured it would be an illuminating discussion she could have with Elya, without the risk of somepony else listening in.

 

~~~

 

@@Pucksterv, At first, Jay was a little surprised and shocked by Trivy's reaction to the spell being lifted, and she just stood there open mouthed as she watched the spectacle. But then, a shy smile slid across her face as Jay realised fully that she too was free; free of oppression by Jinx and finally out of the Crystal Empire. As soon as she was placed back on the ground, Jay kicked her heels up and cantered after Trivy, whooping like the filly that she had never been.

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"Glad to hear we are on the same page when it comes to the stallions" she giggled. 

 

Elya led Jinx into another room, where she offered the archmage a seat onto some comfortable looking cushion. Elya herself sat on one and faced Jinx. 

 

"I believe it is best that we get to the point". Elya gave a rather pokerfaced smile. "I have heard a lot about your works and of your skills. It has come to my attention, that you are also quite capable in protective spells". 

 

Elya looked to her right, through a window. It was still bright outside. 

 

"We have built a perfect community here, a community for the divine race of Equestria, unicorns. This place is an utopia. However, even so, such places of beauty and greatness need protection. Not that we are in a weak stand, but that we can always make things safer. One can never be too safe". 

 

She looked back at Jinx, giving a warm smile. 

 

"I have been monitoring the events that are playing out both in the Crystal Empire and outside. I know that our dear beloved King Sombra, the rightful ruler of Equestria" she said with a voice that could imply that she had repeated those sentences many times before "is always working on trying to bring prosperity to our great society and to his great empire, but even so, one can never be too careful. Some might not want our dear king to succeed. That could be quite dangerous. Therefore, I simply want to be ready for any possibilities. There have been some stirrings along the borders with other kingdoms and communities. Unfortunately, most of our neighbors don't seem to agree with king's divine right to rule". 

 

Elya's horn flared and before the two appeared two glasses of carrot juice. 

 

"I hope you liked carrots" she chuckled. "So, can you help us with our little situation? You do know your way around magic quite well, do you not?". 

 

 

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

 

The brothers walked alongside each other. 

 

"You have been gone for far too long, little brother. Been burying yourself in useless maps again?". 

 

"If they were so useless as you are trying to suggest, we would not be standing here with a whole city under our rule". 

 

Scar grumbled. He was trying to get under his younger brother's hide. He knew he would have to come in stronger. 

 

"Fine, it seems you have improved a lot.... I guess that's because that pegasus is no longer here to lead you astray". 

 

Rave shot Scar a dangerous look. He stared at him for nearly a half a minute, his eyebrows narrowing down. 

 

"Be careful of what you say.... big brother. Sometimes, words can be the things that bring us down" he said, gritting his teeth. 

 

Scar looked at Rave blankly. Then he shook his head. 

 

"You say that, even though you are mostly all bark but no bite". 

 

"Calling me a hypocrite?". 

 

"Yes I am". 

 

Rave did not reply. He was not going to continue this conversation with his brother. He knew that Scar was right, even though he knew he could get around his brother's words, considering that his brother was the "act first, think later" type. But he saw no point in doing so and decided that he was going to drop the conversation. 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@~Octavia~

 

Psych listened, and understood. He didnt like it, but he understood. He had nothing really valuable to input so he simply stood there, listening to the others talk, the plan, and the route in which they were to take to find the next element. When the others put their hooves in as a team, he lifted his to do the same, but hesitated. "Girls, I... I dont see how much use you'll get from me on this journey. I may be psychic, but the fact of the matter is, I'm blind, weak, and my poers are still underdeveloped. I dont think it would be wise to have me along. I will go, for the sake of keeping this group together, but I don't know if I'll be of any use." He added his hoof to the circle.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

''Because Twilight started having the same dreams as Luna during the war but her friends didn't believe her. By the time some of them did, Sombra's forces had already captured the poor soul.''

 

''Our leader discovered the smokey mountains and the powerful story that laid within. She then decided it was her destiny to find the new elements of Harmony since Twilight was unable to do so. And that is why we are here. We are part of the explorer team. We were sent to Baltimare when we heard about the attack. The whole trip seemed to be a waste until we found you.'' Summer continued.

 

''I see. I guess we were really lucky you found us.'' Winter said with a thankful smile.

 

''No we are all lucky. Because this legend, it's not just a story anymore.''

 

---

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

After a few good minutes of running, Trivy had to catch her breath. She was exhausted but she was smiling. She never thought she would appreciate the smell of fresh air like this again. But being here with a friend was mostly that made her smile. She continued to walk next to Jay, starring at her. She pretended to look away when Jay turned her head of course. Whistling suspiciously, grinning as she looked up at the sky.

 

''Do you really think Twilight is right? About us finding our destiny?''

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, Jinx smiled at the other mare. "I should say that I do, given that I have studied magic for many years," she replied. "My talent is for dark magic, as no doubt you have guessed, but I am well versed in all kinds of spells."

 

She took a sip of the carrot juice, using her magic to lift the glass to her lips. Setting it down, Jinx continued. "Protection spells are extremely interesting," she said. "One of my best spells is the one that I set on King Sombra's castle. It ensures that nopony can enter the perimeter with the intention of attacking, as if they do, it triggers off the torture spells which I have linked to the protection spell and woven within the walls of the castle. Each of these torture spells have been rigorously tested on slaves and the results fully documented."

 

~~~

 

@@Pucksterv, Jay galloped besides Trivy for the sheer joy of it, slowing to a walk only when lack of breath forced her to. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so free. When Trivy spoke, Jay thought for a moment before answering.

 

"I believe in the Princess," she replied. "So I have to believe that she's right about our destinies being here. Mine is long overdue."

 

Jay looked sadly at her blank flank as she spoke.

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

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

 

"If there are no more words to be said," stated Lilith, breaking the silence, "Then let us be off." With those words and a gesture, the group left the house and traveled into the woods to begin their journey. Except for a few clipped lines between Stardust and Lilith concerning navigation, there was naught but silence the entire trip. Thankfully, the forest seemed to feel the same way, and with the exception of a few wild animals, there was no one neither stalking them nor was there anything eventful on their first day.

 

Or, so they hoped so far.

 

---

 

Just like it depicted on the map, commented Lilith to herself as she looked around the craggy reaches of the forested canyon. Enough room to camp in, not enough room for a party to chase us any considerable distance. Perfect for a small group like us. Without a word, she stopped and looked at the setting sun before taking her bag off and setting it near a boulder. "We'll stop here for the night. I'll keep watch- I usually stay awake in the evenings anyways." She surveyed the group, seeing the tiredness in everyone's eyes. They'd encountered a bit of a hassle with a bear earlier, and they had to move quickly to make it to their point. Lilith liked to think that she was a hard taskmaster when it came to these things, but it was from Stardust that the encouragement and insistence came from.

 

Sighing slightly, she leaped up into one of the smaller ledges and set up her equipment there, keeping an eye both on the forest around them and on the party, waiting for reactions and to see who would speak the first word in proper conversation since morning.

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @@Count Paradox, @@-Octavia-, 

 

Ruffling her feathers Stardust could finally take a breath. That afternoons events took a toll on them all and this rest was well deserved. She started to unpack her smaller pack, it contained the cooking supplies necessary to prepare a somewhat decent meal for them all. She flew a short distance away to gather some wood to build a fire that should last though the night. 

 

Once the fire was going she placed a pot just above, hanging from a makeshift roasting spit that she crafted. She walked to the stream and scooped up some water with her canteen. She then proceeded to add the water, some berries, herbs and roots that she had gathered. Stewing them together for a little while. Once everything was warm and combined she dished out the soup to the others in some tin bowls that she brought. 

 

She took a bowl to Lilith as she was perched on her ledge. "Here you go, it's not much, but it is full of nutrients and it will pack a punch. We will have it again in the morning with just a little secret ingredient to help us get moving. Make sure to wake either myself or Aria to keep watch next, Psych should get as much rest as possible especially with tomorrows journey." She turned and walked back to the fire. 

 

Once everypony was done she few up and gathered some particularly fluffy clouds, she managed to make a little bedding for each of her companions. To help them sleep just that much better on their trip. She then proceeded to create her own cloud bed and promptly fall asleep. She was nervous, but excited to be able to get this part of their journey over with. The sooner they found the element, the sooner they would defeat the so called king. 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Stardust* @-Octavia-

 

Psych was following closely behind the others, his sight constantly on to search for danger. As such, once they made it to the point on the map where they would camp, he looked exhausted, his head throbbing a bit from prolonged use of his abilities. Letting his abilities rest for a while, he made his way over to where Star was dishing out food. He gave her a "Thank you" and went off a bit to eat alone. Sure, he knew these ponies a little, but the ones he felt most comfortable with were either left behind or on another continent completely. He ate his meal, bringing back the bowl and taking the cloud bedding gently in his telekinesis, thanking Star yet again for it and laying it out, crawling onto it, attempting to fall asleep.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The rattling of the cart was relatively quiet for the condition of the road.

 

Each rock that the rickety wheels bumped over vibrated through the entire frame.  The scattered and assorted items in the back didn't shift as much; they had been properly secured before the first step had been taken that day.  The lengths of rope tied over the few bundles of clothing salvaged from Baltimare's ruins held fast... mostly because there weren't many of them.  They had been used as cushions for Rarity when they'd left the ashes of the once-proud town behind them, and now she was laid to rest; they were probably going to go to whomever they were headed to meet.

 

It would be fine; there would be little else use for them - and, of course, one had to think of generosity, didn't they?

 

The conversation ahead sounded as though it were full of hope... that was good; Winter needed as much hope as she could get.  Far too much had happened, and the griffon had to have something to lift her spirits - she did have a special somepony to get home to, didn't she?  It was a fair bet they ALL had somepony to get back to...

 

... well, ALMOST all of them, anyway.

 

The harness had been a bit tight, but it had been the only one that hadn't been torn or burnt; it was going to leave marks, perhaps even blisters - but it was FAR better than a hank of hemp rope, to be certain.  There wouldn't be any bloody patches, this time.  Hopefully, they would reach their destination before it got to that point... though if there was to be walking until the end of days, it would make no difference.

 

No matter how much he walked, Harcourt was going nowhere.

[-Octavia- 1,176]

@, @@Stardust*, @@Count Paradox,

 

Aria the earth pony looked dubiously at the cloud bedding Stellina had created. Her hoof silently probed the wispy material, the cloud dissipating around the places it wandered. It was nothing less than she had expected, but she could not help but feel disappointment gently tugging at her. What brief hope she had to be so easily carried to sleep had been snatched away by lethargy's mistress, a story of which she vowed to rewrite the ending, someday.

 

Another restless night.

 

With an idle mind, Aria looked about the campsite, not looking for anything in particular. Her guitar would not do to occupy her time, for she was sure the noise would be detrimental both to the two ponies trying to sleep and to the group's stealth overall. Likewise, Lilith needed to keep watch for those sleeping; idle chatter would simply be a distraction, though, with a smile, Aria recalled the two of them being as equally terrible at it any way. With a wistful sigh, she laid upon her back, hooves behind her head, gazing into the endless ocean of stars.

 

If sleep wouldn't come, then she might as well make the most of the view whilst she waited for a shift.

Edited April 3, 2016 by -Octavia-

[Pucksterv 4,508]

There was a silence between the four for a while. Harcourt was probably lost in his own thoughts by the looks of it. Summer was fooling around with his bag while Night was focusing on the road a head. Winter had gone completetly quiet now. She hadn't said anything to Summer anymore nor had she even looked over her shoulder to the old stallion. She was still shaken up from everything he had said yesterday night.

 

She let her head hang downwards, not knowing what to feel. Hope or sadness. Angry maybe. This whole trip had been playing with her mind. Maybe she should have gone alone in the first place.

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

Elya smiled towards Jinx, nodding to every word she spoke. "Ah, interesting". "Yes yes, of course". "Quite lovely". "That is quite remarkable, do tell me more!" she was replying. When Jinx took a sip of the carrot juice, Elya's smile widened. 

 

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

 

"Has the pitiful rebellion been crushed?" Scar questioned his brother. 

 

"Working on it" Rave replied. 

 

"I should have received your position. I would have crushed them already. No diplomacy, no promises. Just kill them all". 

 

"Which is exactly why you are no--" Rave was interrupted as an all to familiar tune started to play. It seemed to be coming from everywhere, as if they were at an orchestra, where thousands of ponies were all singing together proudly. 

 

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

 

Elya's ear twitched as she heard the tune. 

 

"Please excuse, our daily anthem is about to start". 

 

She was grinning as the anthem was played out. It could be heard throughout the city. On top of the tower, was a group of unicorns that were producing the magic that made sure that the music was heard by all within the city. They were locked in a blue sphere. 

 

 

 

The anthem played out, slowly but strongly. Each sentence was song at a little length, yet powerfully: 

 

For horn and hoof, we shall unite

In light of day, or dark of night

As loyal as the sun is bright

Manehattan stands as one.

 

For horn and hoof, we shall stand tall

In every home and hallowed hall

It's all for one and one for all

Manehattan stands as one

 

For horn and hoof, we shall be free

Our city stands with dignity

For magic and honor eternally

Manehattan stands as one

 

.............

Everything went quiet for a while, then after a few seconds as time seemed at stop, it started moving again. 

 

Elya looked proudly at Jinx. 

 

"We are quite proud here. What did you think of it?" she grinned. 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, "Very impressive," Jinx replied. "I have often wondered what it would be like to live in such a utopia, where unicorns are revered as they deserve. I grew up in Canterlot, but never really received the respect that I deserved. I thought many times that it would have been a lot better if unicorns were put in charge to create a really well ordered city, just like I see here. Of course, my dear mother contributed to that feeling."

 

Jinx spoke about her mother in a tone of hatred and contempt. Even now, the wounds still hadn't healed.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Jay galloped besides Trivy for the sheer joy of it, slowing to a walk only when lack of breath forced her to. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so free. When Trivy spoke, Jay thought for a moment before answering.

 

"I believe in the Princess," she replied. "So I have to believe that she's right about our destinies being here. Mine is long overdue."

 

Jay looked sadly at her blank flank as she spoke.

 

Trivy looked at Jay's sad expression, before she gave a smile and threw her hoof around the mare's shoulder. "Then I believe in the princess too. I am sure you will get your cutie mark, don't you worry.'' she said as she ruffled with the mare's mane before she continued walking again.

 

''Let's go! Don't wanna keep our destinies waiting now do we?''

Edited April 19, 2016 by Pucksterv