private The Tyranny of Princess Cadence

[Ano170 162]

@@Pripyat Pony,@@Ano170,  

 

(Suppose i'd best reply, hadn't I? Lucy, who's controlling the prisoners?)

 

"I'll cut to the chase" Harmonic snarled "There's a reason I asked you to come here, one that's for your own good, you see? The mare you have been with recently and her sister, Myra, she's nothing of what she appears to be." He lifted his head and gazed off into the distance thoughtfully as he spoke. "Myra is as straight as you could hope for...but she's...interesting. Her loyalty lies not with the Crystal Empire or myself, but to her sister. The one you have been seen with on more than one occasion. Did you know she tore out her own tongue, when she found out her sister was born without one? You should be careful around them you know. Myra will kill you, given a chance and a reason, and she won't think twice about the consequences." Glancing down, he saw the mares he was talking about stalking the streets below, causing him to lower his head and turn to face Arrow with a solid stare, but one that held a reflective gaze as if he was thinking about something from his own past. "Enid is the one to watch however. She's manipulative and devious. Being born without a tongue has it's downsides, and not being able to talk coupled with her sister treating her like a child all the time, it's driven her to recede within her own mind. Even I know not what she's capable of..."

 

 

(OOC: Guys! I'm not dead! *cough* I just thought the RP was since I wasn't getting any email updates for some reason... *cough*).

 

Arrow took a step back, shaking his head and frowning at the commander. "Why are you telling me this?" he immediately wanted to ask. "Why are you so determined to create animosity between Enid and myself?"

 

But Arrow was getting better at holding his tongue the longer he stayed in the army - already he sensed he had antagonised Harmonic far enough, so instead he drew himself up, addressing the commander in a level tone. "Sir, while your...advice is of course appreciated, with all due respect I feel it is irrelevant; as I have already stated, this perception you have of the relationship between Soldier Enid and myself is a false one - I care for her wellbeing, but no more than I would any of my... fellow soldiers." The words felt strange on his tongue. "Truly there is nothing special between us." Arrow punctuated the statement with a slight hoof stomp - it was true after all, wasn't it?

 

I wonder, Arrow thought to himself. Could it be that you feel you need total control over your Onyx Guard, even their personal lives?

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170, 

 

(This'll probably be quite out of character, but i'll try) 

 

Harmonic glared for a while, not saying anything as Arrow spoke, and even after he stopped he simply stood there staring. 

Eventually he spoke up again, a sudden light in his eyes as if something had breathed new life into him. "How interesting" was all he said, as he stepped forward and looked over the balcony, seeing Cadence pacing around and watching his guard stalk the streets. 

"Do you think she sees it that way, soldier? She's an Onyx guard...they're a unit and they live and breathe as one. Never in my life have I seen military discipline and fear work in such an effective way. Confiding in you as she has been doing...do you really not see it as strange?" he shook his head, still not looking at Arrow as he spoke. "I'd take my warning and think about it. She will bite you."

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505, 

 

(OOC: So I decided to scrap the "Then Arrow whipped out HIS BASS CANNON" idea for something more in character...or, well I'm not sure how Arrow would react... ._. XD).

 

Arrow moved to stand next to Harmonic. Looking down from the balcony, his eyes fell on Enid and Myra, and a twinge of doubt slipped into his mind. Eventually he turned to Harmonic, confused.

 

"Why are you telling me this, Commander?" He asked. Why would you help me? And what reason, really, do you have to lie?

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170, 

 

(Higurashi would approve...)

 

Harmonic cocked his head to one side, angling his view to get a good look at Arrow without actually moving. "Because...just look at her. She's...empty. There's no room for feelings in that husk, all she'll do is use you and tear you apart." his eyes narrowed at the last words, emphasising them almost as much as the next word "literally." 

He turned around and began walking away, before squeezing his eyes shut and spinning in place, rearing up on his hind legs and forcefully slamming into the ground, his horn beginning to shine with magical energy. 

"You just don't get it do you? If she finds someone to confide in...she'll grow rebellious - she's like that. I had to break her to get her to serve, and i'm not about to see that undone! I can't risk her starting an uprising within my own soldiers...I will not allow that TO HAPPEN!"

Edited August 25, 2013 by Agent505

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505,

 

Arrow tensed, staring at the commander as he ranted, unflinching even as Harmonic roared at him. His eyes narrowed as the other stallion spoke of "breaking Enid", and a fury like Arrow had not felt in years started to burn in his gut. His legs trembled slightly.

 

 I swore not to get involved in such matters anymore - it only ever leads to more trouble. I tried to keep my head down. Arrow glared at the raging Harmonic, with his matted mane, near-permanent snarl and evident blood lust. But you have been pushing me since I got here... 

 

"You disgust me." 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pripyat Pony, 

 

Laying on the floor and panting heavily, recovering his breath and twitching slightly from the pain that was still there in his head, the guard coughed and choked a few more words out "Chrysalis...the Lieutenant's second...I saw him...outside...th-...nigh-..." he passed out, unable to finish his words as one of the palace guard flung him over his shoulders, and a second yanked the farmer to his feet. 

Still with tears dripping from his cheeks he managed to regain some of his composure and passed a glance to the unicorn mare "Th-thank you..." he stammered, before being forced down the path into the dungeon. 

_____

 

Cadence was outside, pacing up and down in the streets like a commoner nervously awaiting her audience with the princess. 

She was huffing and puffing breath out of her nose in a frustrated manner, occasionally flapping her wings and taking to the air briefly, before teleporting herself to the floor and continuing to pace around.

 

@@Agent505,

 

Cicada smiled with satisfaction, having finally gotten all the information she needed. She made a finding spell to locate Cadance first, then went off in order to tell her what she'd found out. On the way, she connected to the Hive Mind and relayed everything to her Queen.

 

@@Concord Discord,

@@Justin ZW,

 

Sanura crept around as she scouted out the immediate area. Something nearby caused her ears to prick up; listening, she deduced it was a strange pony. Drawing a hoof dagger, she walked boldly up to the strange pony. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" she asked.

 

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170,@@Pripyat Pony,

 

Cadence was still pacing around when she saw the familiar mare out the corner of her eye. "Cecy!" She called over. "What news from the betrayers?" she picked up a brisk pace as she trotted to meet her half way. 

_____

 

"Just as well" Harmonic growled, regaining his composure to stand up straight again as he calmed himself down. "Take my words how you will, but I will not allow you to interfere - I would leave now, if you value your existence."

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Agent505,

 

"Plenty," Cicada replied with a smile. "I got out of the prisoners that, not only was their commander plotting to kill my Queen, but he was also planning to kill you and take over the Crystal Kingdom! Harmonic ought to be knighted for killing the traitor, since he saved both your life and also Queen Chrysalis' life, too."

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505, 

 

"I was just going." Arrow responded with false coolness. He turned from the commander and took off, flying away from the balcony and out over the streets of the Empire. He flew over Enid and Myra, and briefly considered stopping to speak to them, but instead he kept going.

 

Harmonic's a monster, Arrow thought to himself as he alighted outside the barracks and stalked inside. But...perhaps I am getting too close to Enid.

 

With a sigh, he set to checking up on the soldiers in his squad, trying to force the commander and that one certain member of the Onyx Guard out of his mind. 

[Agent505 661]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

"I don't think Harmony had the thoughts of the empire in his mind...he'd have likely killed him for the sport of it." Cadence shook her head letting out a sigh. "But, thank you for the information, I trust your queen has been informed already yes? Tell me, is she eager to act on this development, or is she satisfied with the current state of affairs?" She flared her wings and looked off into the sky again, quickly thinking through the news "And Steeleye wanted to kill me, did he? Interesting... Could you be a dear and find Harmony for me? I think we need to reinstate who is in charge here."

_____

 

"Don't mind me" Harmonic grinned as he watched the stallion take flight, before he teleported himself down to the palace gates, collapsing on the floor momentarily from the strain of continually using his magic. "...Right...no more...seriously." he grunted as he fought to his feet.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Agent505,

 

"Indeed, I have already informed my Queen," Cicada replied. "As for Harmonic, I will fetch him at once and meet you back here as soon as is equinely possible."

 

Cicada then went to find Harmonic. Due to the spell that Chrysalis had placed on the commander, Cicada could easily find him and go straight to where he was.

[Agent505 661]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

"I would...could you come into my quarters later? I need to think about some things for now, if you don't mind. I'll station a guard outside, one of my own. Just tell him your name, and he'll let you pass." Cadence asked before Cecy walked away, before making her own way back.

 

Harmonic was still wobbling slightly when he saw Cecy approaching and picked up a trot to her. "Miss, one of the generals is interfering with my soldiers...you understand I cannot allow this...his influence will sway her actions, and things will get messy."

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505,

 

Seeing that his soldiers were ready and all too eager for the coming march, Arrow turned to another distraction: armour. His chainmail vest had been enough protection within the Empire itself, but Arrow sensed that he would need something more substantial in the upcoming battle - nothing that would subtract too much from his natural advantages of speed and flight as a pegasus, but at least a helmet and breast plate.

 

Leaving the barracks in search of the blacksmiths, Arrow was so absorbed in his thoughts now that he had finally expelled them of Harmonic and Enid that he almost didn't notice the latter and her sister coming down the street in the opposite direction before crashed into them.

 

"Enid!" Arrow froze, his wings snapping out in preparation to take off and leave the two mares in the dust, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. Instead he straightened, folding his wings back in and giving both Enid and her sister a courteous, albeit cold, nod. "Ahem...Afternoon."

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170, 

 

Enid smiled at him blankly, in her usual almost ever-present way. She returned his nod as her sister simply stared through the pegasus, glaring into his eyes with a hardened resolve, slightly turning her head to her sister but still retaining eye-contact. Enid turned back and pulled her head away in a disbelieving "What?" gesture.

 

Myra shook her head, taking one step closer to the pegasus and - squaring up to him - as it seemed. She was smaller than he was, by a noticeable amount, but that didn't seem to phase her. Her nose crinkled and her lips moved into a growling fashion, but no sound came out aside from a frustrated breath. 

Enid placed her hoof on Myra's shoulder and pulled her back, stepping up to Arrow herself and placing the side of her head softly on his neck, in the same way she did in the hospital - although calmer. 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Agent505,

 

Cicada replied, "Maybe we could station him so he doesn't have any contact with them at all. If that doesn't work, then perhaps we could take further action. Anyway, I need you to come with me to speak with Cadance at once. I have interrogated the prisoners and gathered some important intelligence. It seems that the commander that you killed was not only plotting to murder my Queen, but also to kill Cadance and take over the Empire. Cadance wishes to discuss this straight away."

[Agent505 661]

@@Pripyat Pony, 

 

As queen Chrysalis's spell reasserted itself in Harmonic's mind - having an instruction given to him by a changeling, he suddenly lost the urge to keep Arrow away from Enid, instead he nodded his head at Cecy's word. "That was fast" he chuckled. "Do you know where the princess currently resides? And...if I might ask, why does she require my assistance?"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Agent505,

 

"Cadance wishes to speak with you about Steeleye," Cicada replied. "I will be there with you, so you don't need to worry about anything. My Queen would not wish for anything to happen to such a faithful servant as yourself. I know where to find Cadance, so come with me now."

[Ano170 162]

@@Ano170, 

 

Enid smiled at him blankly, in her usual almost ever-present way. She returned his nod as her sister simply stared through the pegasus, glaring into his eyes with a hardened resolve, slightly turning her head to her sister but still retaining eye-contact. Enid turned back and pulled her head away in a disbelieving "What?" gesture.

 

Myra shook her head, taking one step closer to the pegasus and - squaring up to him - as it seemed. She was smaller than he was, by a noticeable amount, but that didn't seem to phase her. Her nose crinkled and her lips moved into a growling fashion, but no sound came out aside from a frustrated breath. 

Enid placed her hoof on Myra's shoulder and pulled her back, stepping up to Arrow herself and placing the side of her head softly on his neck, in the same way she did in the hospital - although calmer. 

 

Arrow's eyes furrowed at Myra's glare. He shrank back slightly when the mare squared up to him, despite the fact that he was taller - there was something deeply intimidating about her beyond the fact that she was a soldier.

 

Yet it was Enid's behaviour that concerned Arrow more, however. Feeling her nuzzling his neck, Arrow began to wonder...

 

This is silly - there's clearly nothing going on. Arrow could feel the warmth of Enid against him. But then, perhaps I should make things clear...

 

Arrow took a breath. "Ah, Enid? I was...hoping to speak with you." Swallowing, he gave Myra a nervous glance. "Alone perhaps."

[Agent505 661]

@@Pripyat Pony,@@Ano170,  

 

(Was waiting for you to take us there Lucy ) 

 

"Following your lead miss. Do you know where the princess resides currently?" Harmonic grumbled, looking out into the streets emptily. 

_____

 

Enid glanced up at Arrow with a smile - one that held a hint of nervousness. 

She turned and looked at Myra, who was still giving a stony death-glare to the stallion. She turned her head to face Enid, tilting it quizzically, but her eyes remained locked with Arrow's. After a few moments of the pair making various facial gestures, eye twitches and crinkled snouts etc, Myra finally stepped over to her sister and placed a hoof in front of her, scowling as she turned back to Arrow. 

Enid smiled evermore, sitting in place as her ears twitched around slightly, waiting for Arrow to begin speaking. 

[Justin ZW 396]

@@Avolon, @,

 

Swordpoint awoke as the sun was setting in the night sky. He stood calmly, stepping outside his tent. The army had not yet awoken, and he found himself looking into the night sky. It had only been approximately one week since the Appleloosan attack, and here they were, marching to war. He cursed beneath his breath and found Phylomon, Crimson, and Golden Age. Sanura still had not returned. He roused them all from their slumber. "We move once more. Awaken the troops."

[longgone 873]

@@Justin ZW,

 

Golden Age got up from his cot, and with several curses, he buttoned his coat, dawned his hat, and walked outside. As he walked down the company streets of tents to find the one that belonged to the drum major, he checked his pocket watch and sighed at the time. 

 

Too damn late in the day. 

 

He shook the musician up from his slumber. "Swordie wants us up an' at'em. Get a fifer and sound Three Camps, don't bother getting the rest of the corps, they'll awake soon enough..." Satisfied with seeing the drum major walk off to collect a fellow musician, he walked back up to Swordpoint. "Lads'll be up in a minute, sir." he said with a grin.

[Concord Discord 35]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"I-I'm Shadow, I guess." he shakily. For once, he found it hard to speak.

 

Wow, it HAS been a long time since it was me talking and not that Celestiadamned demon.

 

The grey pony suddenly noticed that the pony in front of him was holding a blade.

 

"You-you're not w-working for Cadence, are you?"

[AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 20]

Phylomon was always a quick riser, you had to be to be in the military. "Swordpoint permission to use the command horn to wake the troops, Sir!" Phylomon says hovering a few feet in the air trying to locate the horn"

 

(OOC: just in case you do not know what and command horn is it is a horn that signals a some sort of action from the commander to the troops)

[Ano170 162]

@@Pripyat Pony,@@Ano170,  

 

(Was waiting for you to take us there Lucy ) 

 

"Following your lead miss. Do you know where the princess resides currently?" Harmonic grumbled, looking out into the streets emptily. 

_____

 

Enid glanced up at Arrow with a smile - one that held a hint of nervousness. 

She turned and looked at Myra, who was still giving a stony death-glare to the stallion. She turned her head to face Enid, tilting it quizzically, but her eyes remained locked with Arrow's. After a few moments of the pair making various facial gestures, eye twitches and crinkled snouts etc, Myra finally stepped over to her sister and placed a hoof in front of her, scowling as she turned back to Arrow. 

Enid smiled evermore, sitting in place as her ears twitched around slightly, waiting for Arrow to begin speaking. 

 

Arrow sighed, rolling his eyes slightly as he consigned himself to the fact that if he told one sister, he would have to tell both of them. "Alright," Arrow groaned "fine." He glanced around, eyes darting nervously at  the various ponies passing by in the street.

 

"But not here," he said. Arrow thought of a private place - he was unsure if, in this period of time, it would still be uncouth to invite the two mares to his apartment, so instead Arrow took off in the direction of a rarely frequented back alley, not dissimilar to the one in which he and Enid had first hidden from Harmonic.

 

"This way," he told the two sisters.

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170,

 

Myra grinned and practically began foaming at the mouth as she nodded backwards to Enid, who promptly fell in behind her as the pair started walking and following Arrow. 

Myra glanced back as the pair walked, scowling and showing her teeth to Enid, who grinned back and closed her eyes, before looking behind them into the distance towards the balcony Harmonic normally would be on at this point. A brief look of sadness flashed across her face, before she turned back and stared blankly ahead.

Myra picked up a pace and quickly got to the side of Arrow, walking parallel to him as she gritted her teeth, breathing heavily and occasionally sparking magical energy from her horn.