private Whisper II: Kingdom of Darkness

[Lume WMj 228]

@@ActFast231

 

Lume just kept on holding Nexus, enjoying the moment. His wings were extremely cozy around her: strange, considering they were thin bat wings. She dove her head slightly farther on his shoulder, and sniffed once.

 

"...You stink." She laughed, still not letting go of him. Both of them had just been through a tough training session, so being sweaty and smelling weird should be obvious - the room in question wasn't very much airy either. But the earth mare felt comfortable making jokes like that. She was happy. More than ever. Besides, she thought it would be a good way of breaking the ice.

 

"So... What now?" Lume asked, intrigued in fact. "What will our next step be? I mean... regarding us."

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

Nexus was content just to be holding the object of his affection, shuddering slightly at the sensation of her inhalation into his shoulder.

 

 

 

"...You stink."

 

Nexus laughed along with her. All things considered, he could of been worse for wear. He made a mental note to shower later tonight.

 

"You ain't no spring daisy yourself." Nexus said with a chuckle. Of course the obvious question came up.

 

 

 

"So... What now?" Lume asked, intrigued in fact. "What will our next step be? I mean... regarding us."

 

"Well, I suppose we should deal with the Presence. Saving Equestria and all that. Definitely one of my more interesting contracts. After that...well, as you know I travel a lot. To all corners of Equestria, looking for contracts and expeditions to take part of." He pulled back enough to look Lume in the eye.

 

"But for you, I would settle somewhere. Give up the hunter life. Maybe join the Guard. They have been hurting for field medics." He thought a moment, maintaining eye contact.

 

"I don't think I could settle in Fillydelphia. I kind of made a bad impression last time I was their. A visit would be fine, but I think some pro changeling extremists might try to kill me, considering my line of work."

[Lume WMj 228]

@@ActFast231

 

"You ain't no spring daisy yourself." 

 

She giggled at his comeback. She couldn't deny it after all: even the perfume she had put on by the morning wasn't enough to disguise the stench gifted by a full day of working out. However, she would so something about that later.

 

"Well, I suppose we should deal with the Presence. Saving Equestria and all that. Definitely one of my more interesting contracts."

 

"And I will train and get stronger for that, as I've already promised you!" Lume said, confident. Even though she still wondered what kinds of monsters and dangers were awaiting for her and the others, she was progressively feeling safer and safer about their quest. The training was going well and her partners were showing to be quite reliable - and way more fit than herself. Besides, she was eager to start fighting alongside Nexus.

 

"After that...well, as you know I travel a lot. To all corners of Equestria, looking for contracts and expeditions to take part of." He pulled back enough to look Lume in the eye. "But for you, I would settle somewhere. Give up the hunter life. Maybe join the Guard. They have been hurting for field medics."

 

She pulled a surprised expression, which was a mixture of happiness and concern. She was flattered hearing that he would do such thing for her, but she didn't want to exert such pressure on his life to the point of making him quit his job. Though, deeply, the idea didn't sound so bad. Her expectations didn't last much longer, however.

 

"I don't think I could settle in Fillydelphia. I kind of made a bad impression last time I was their. A visit would be fine, but I think some pro changeling extremists might try to kill me, considering my line of work."

 

Lume frowned, her ears arching downwards as well. "I understand..." She looked back up at him. "But don't think I'll forget about that other promise I made you! I'll make sure to rent you for a couple of days and show you the best spots in Fillydelphia - my school's garden, especially. I highly doubt you've ever seen something as relaxing and beautiful as that place!" 

Edited July 19, 2013 by Lume~WMJ

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

Nexus smiled warmly, nuzzling her cheek.

 

"I don't doubt it. I was always told that the upper areas of Fillydelphia were quite beautiful. But I couldn't go, due to no work, and because the mayor wouldn't let me within a hundred feet of the gate. Said I was disturbing the piece, and that he would have to call the Guard on me if I didn't take my leave. By disturbance, he meant that my very presence made the noble ponies very upset. Between the claws, armor, scars, and bat wings, I honestly don't blame them. One look at me and the upper class assume I'm a demon straight from Tartarus."

[Lume WMj 228]

"I don't doubt it. I was always told that the upper areas of Fillydelphia were quite beautiful. But I couldn't go, due to no work, and because the mayor wouldn't let me within a hundred feet of the gate. Said I was disturbing the piece, and that he would have to call the Guard on me if I didn't take my leave. By disturbance, he meant that my very presence made the noble ponies very upset. Between the claws, armor, scars, and bat wings, I honestly don't blame them. One look at me and the upper class assume I'm a demon straight from Tartarus."

 

Lume returned the smile, and the nuzzling as well.

 

"Well, I'll tell you what, "Mr. Scary Pony". My father is the mayor, and I can assure you that, from now on, he will nevermore deny your entrance, because I simply won't accept a 'no' from him. Of course, there are some annoying prissy folks in there, and honestly, even I can't stand them. But all it takes is a word spoken by the mayor's daughter, and they will all meet huge trouble... I'm not trying to brag or anything. I'm just saying that my family runs that town, and my town is your town. Nopony will even dare to bother you."

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

"Well, that is one helluva stroke of luck. I can't wait for your tour of the upper class area of Fillydelphia...and the reaction to the 6 foot heavily armed bat pony strolling with the mayors daughter." He chuckled at the thought of mares in prissy dresses fainting at the sight of this warrior built pony coming through.

 

"As for a permanent residence...well I always thought that, when the time comes for me to retire, that I would find some ruins, in somewhat decent shape, add a few restorations and call that home. Or possibly seeking citizenship in another country, like the Griffon Kingdoms. A whole new land to explore, new places to see, and new creatures to fight. I heard that place has been mostly untouched by the incident, save for the Mist, but the many wars between tribes of the past leave plenty of abandoned cities to check out." He looked over to the earth pony, sighing.

 

"I'm just fantasizing at this point. I couldn't ask you to make that trek." 

 

(I am having too much fun with backstory and lore right now.)

[Lume WMj 228]

@@ActFast231

 

"No, no no no, I would love to travel with you! The Griffon Kingdom... It does seem like a wonderful place." Lume looked away, thoughtful. "I don't think I ever went that far from home... I lived in Filly my whole life. I got my own place as soon as my parents saw that I was responsible enough, but still, I didn't explore the world - at all... I went to Canterlot once. After the Royal Sisters' demise, the castle was open for visits, and I organized a field trip to it with my college... You see, I would be in Canterlot again right now, doing my thing, but oh hey, turns out I was chosen and now I gotta kill monsters instead of reading books!" She laughed, the smile suddenly turning into a small frown.

 

"...I miss my family."

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

"You don't know what your missing. Equestria is a place full of amazing sights and experiences, as is the Griffon Kingdoms. But it is also dangerous to those who are caught unaware. Changelings, timberwolves, and manticorns are the natural dangers, while slavers, mercenaries, and bandits are the pony element. But with the training your going to get, plus with my help, nothing can stop us."

 

 

 

"...I miss my family."

 

Nexus frowned at this. He squeezed a little harder with his wings to comfort her. Curiosity crept in, and the hunter had to answer.

 

"If you don't mind, what's your family like?"  

[Lume WMj 228]

@@ActFast231

 

"If you don't mind, what's your family like?"  

 

"My father is an earth pony. He isn't the mayor for nothing: he's the kindest pony Fillydelphia residents know of. You see, he was already the mayor of the town when I was born, and he still is nowadays, so you have an idea of how cherished he is by the folk. He's always helping the needy and doing the right choices and decision for the development of the town. Several institutions, such as schools, orphanages and retirement houses, have our family name - Greenpark - in them, thanks to my dad's acts of kindness."

 

"My mother... well, unfortunately, I didn't get my genes from her. She's a pegasus. A kind one as well - at least for me. She always helped me with my studies and all of that, as well as took care of me for my first years of life."

 

Lume turned back to Nexus, smiling. "What about yours?What is your family like, if you don't mind asking?"

Edited July 19, 2013 by Lume~WMJ

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

Nexus listened intently, happy that she has what appears to be nice parents and a close relationship with them.

 

"They sound like good ponies. The limited experience I have had with the mayor hasn't been pleasant, but again, all things considered, I don't blame him. They kind of remind me of my parents.

 

"My father was similar. He was a Night Guard, and a founder of the militia that formed when the shit hit the fan. He always treated others right, and they in turn treated him right. It made him quite popular. He was always there for me when I needed him, always making time from his duties to spend time with me. Same with my mother.

 

"She homeschooled me most of my childhood life. She always had a shoulder for me to cry on when I was young, and because she was a field medic, she always patched me up when I got a little carried away. It is because of her that I got into medicine. Last I saw them was when I was 15. That was when..." He looked over to Lume, unsure of what to say.

 

"Never mind. It isn't something that you need worry yourself with. Anyway, your folks seem nice."

 

Jeez man, you really need to learn when to shut up.

[Lume WMj 228]

@@ActFast231

 

"Yeah, I don't know... I've always been way closer to my mother than I am to my father. He's always busy with his duties and didn't have enough time to spend with his family. My mom and other ponies who worked at our house, like the maids, the cooks and the foalsitters, took care of me for the most part. And since I'm an only child, I was the center of attention... Not something I enjoyed very much, to be honest." Lume then disembarked from her own memories for a moment, and started listening to Nexus as he told about his family.

 

 

 

(...) "Last I saw them was when I was 15. That was when..." He looked over to Lume, unsure of what to say.

 

"Never mind. It isn't something that you need worry yourself with. Anyway, your folks seem nice."

 

 

She had an idea of how the rest of the phrase went, so she didn't want to ask him any further about it. Even though she was quite interested in his life story, a sorrowful past usually should better stay undiscussed. At least for the time being.

 

"Yeah, they're pretty nice, I guess..." She answered his last question. "I don't really have any memorable friendships though. In fact, most ponies looked at me like I was some kind of spoiled brat because of my dad's position. Then we have the flank-kissers; fake friends, only aiming for the benefits of befriending the mayor's child... Those were really annoying. That's why I usually hung out with the middle-class-and-under students: simpler folk."

 

Lume chuckled and shook her head. "Ugh, I've been talking way too much about me here!"

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

 

 

"Yeah, they're pretty nice, I guess..." She answered his last question. "I don't really have any memorable friendships though. In fact, most ponies looked at me like I was some kind of spoiled brat because of my dad's position. Then we have the flank-kissers; fake friends, only aiming for the benefits of befriending the mayor's child... Those were really annoying. That's why I usually hung out with the middle-class-and-under students: simpler folk."

 

 

"Yeah, I find that those less fortunate usually are a bit more humble than the upper class. Though there are exceptions to the rule..." He said, making his meaning as clear as he could. The wink definitely helped.

 

"As I already said, I've never had friends, even in the clan. I guess I just wasn't that popular." He said with a shrug.

 

 

 

Lume chuckled and shook her head. "Ugh, I've been talking way too much about me here!"

 

Nexus chuckled with her.

 

"I know, isn't it great. I get to learn more about the best mare in Equestria. And believe me, I've been all over the place, so I think I'm qualified to make that judgement." 

[Psych Ward 377]

Arianna had spent the time in the training working on her aim.  Her magic was a bit rusty since she hadn't been able to use it in six years.  She had worked with both blasts of magic and her small collection of daggers.  She was doing better with the daggers, having something to latch her magic onto.

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

Moon Crypt was pacing upstairs. The meaning of the message from both Canterlot and The Crystal Empire was clear. They needed help. And now. But the problem was how to respond...

 

He didn't have a choice in that matter. He told Solar Flare in passing, and then we went down to meet Midnight, Arriana, Scorpiok, and Klarix. "Alright guys... we just got a message from Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. Scorpiok, Klarix, and White, you guys are leaving tomorrow. Sorry for breaking the sudden news."

 

---

 

Solar Flare headed back down. He told the others, "Isn't it amazing on how fast time flies? Anyways, I'm teaching you survival skills now, Lume. Turns out you two are leaving tomorrow. Unfortunately."

[rolle 320]

@,

 

Scorpiok had been training at a dummy his assassin's skills and had a piece of chain mail armor on him to get a good fighting balance as moon crypy came in and said they were going immideatly ¨So we are in a hurry now? What happend to all the time we had? Did it fly above us so fast or?¨ he asked moon crypt but still being closed to everybody seeing this was just a once thing he would do.

[Lume WMj 228]

"As I already said, I've never had friends, even in the clan. I guess I just wasn't that popular." He said with a shrug.

 

"Well, let me tell you something. They have no idea what they missed for not being friends with you!" She shifted herself searching for a more comfortable position around his wings. "I gotta say, I'm one lucky pony for getting to know you..."

 

"I know, isn't it great. I get to learn more about the best mare in Equestria. And believe me, I've been all over the place, so I think I'm qualified to make that judgement." 

 

Lume raised her ears and looked at Nexus, giggling. "Heheh... The best mare would be nothing without her best colt~" She said, still looking in his eyes. A few seconds passed, and she started slowly approaching her muzzle to his, eyes closing in the process. However...

 

"Isn't it amazing on how fast time flies?"

 

The earth mare immediately jumped in scare, staggering on her hooves and nearly knocking down a mannequin holding an armor set.

 

"S-S-Solar Flare! Hey!! You're back!!" She said, staring at the Inquisitor in complete astonishment.

 

"Anyways, I'm teaching you survival skills now, Lume. Turns out you two are leaving tomorrow. Unfortunately."

 

Lume blinked. "Tomorrow?..." For a second she thought he was joking. But she soon noticed his serious expression, and realized they had, indeed, been cut two days of preparation for their quest. "Okay... Well, in this case, I must start training right away! I can't waste any more time!" 

[Prince Midnight 817]

midnight continued practiceing with his bow, he didnt hear his name so the message didnt concern him, Thwack, he enjoyed the use of bows and arrows, much more silent than a damn gun, even with a suppressior somepony could still hear the shot. but arrows only made a silent wooshing sound.

 

Thwack...he fired the last arrow then dropped on all fours again, "whew...." he walked towards the target which looked like a giant pin cushon with most of the pins in one circular area.

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

 

 

Lume raised her ears and looked at Nexus, giggling. "Heheh... The best mare would be nothing without her best colt~" She said, still looking in his eyes. A few seconds passed, and she started slowly approaching her muzzle to his, eyes closing in the process.

 

Holy crap she has wonderful eyes. The just seem to get bigger and bigger and...wait, is she getting closer? Is she...I think she is. But I've never even had a friend until today much less...this. I mean, I want to. Really badly. But what if I screw up? What if it turns her off of me? What if...

 

 

 

"Isn't it amazing on how fast time flies?

 

 

 

The earth mare immediately jumped in scare, staggering on her hooves and nearly knocking down a mannequin holding an armor set.   "S-S-Solar Flare! Hey!! You're back!!" She said, staring at the Inquisitor in complete astonishment.

 

Nexus was startled by both Solar Flare's sudden interuption and Lume's reaction. He got up quickly with a single powerful flap of his wings, flying up a foot before landing on his hooves with a dull THUD.

 

"Would you look at that? Five minutes already? Good talk."

 

 

 

Turns out you two are leaving tomorrow. Unfortunately."

 

"Tomorrow? Damn, that must mean the Presence is moving faster than we thought. Alright, I'm going to see what other things I can do with a claw/sword combo." Nexus returned his helmet to his head, and prepped his weapons.

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

Solar Flare looked at the reactions of Nexus and Lume and a small smile tilted his lips. "Maybe you two should be part of Cadence's branch of the Inquisition. Good thing the rest of us aren't so nosy when it comes to personal life." He sighed. "Well... it's not just the Presence that's moving faster, it seems that there is now a demon residing in the Crystal Castle, and its spawning mutant servants." He sighed. "Things got more complicated." He sighed. "Anyways... Nexus, of you don't mind, I'm going to work with Lume for a while. Yoou definitely seem to have gotten tactics down with this weapon. Use the dummies if you want to practice further." He turned to Lume. "Are you ready? I'm going to bee teaching you medical skills first, then how to use a large weapon, then survival tips. Survival is last because most of it is common sense. Are you ready?"

 

---

 

@@rolle, "Not only did the Presense more than triple in speed, a demon- a powerful one- has now inhabited the Crystal Castle." We need to get going. Everyone ready to train?"

Edited July 20, 2013 by Thunder Knight

[rolle 320]

 

 

      @rolle, "Not only did the Presense more than triple in speed, a demon- a powerful one- has now inhabited the Crystal Castle." We need to get going. Everyonerady?¨

 

 

¨so more people who want to kill us... Great just great¨ he said as he was being normal or how normal he can get considering he is from a clan whos strong in their strength but not agility and intelligence as he is ¨Better prepare now¨ scorpiok walked over and focused on one the dummies before he shot from his horn a little magic bolt ¨no problem with my magic right now...¨

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

 

 

"Maybe you two should be part of Cadence's branch of the Inquisition. Good thing the rest of us aren't so nosy when it comes to personal life."

 

Nexus turned a shade of red, causing an almost purple color when mixed with his coat.

 

"Yes, well...assuming that Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is still alive..." He trailed off on that statement.

 

 

 

"Well... it's not just the Presence that's moving faster, it seems that there is now a demon residing in the Crystal Castle, and its spawning mutant servants." He sighed. "Things got more complicated."

 

"That could prove to be problematic for the the team heading there. Let's hope they can handle that." Nexus thought, that if it was Garrison heading there, then chances are they would have the stone soon. He was still curious about what he wanted to show him, but decided to look into it after the current wave of missions were complete.

 

 

 

"Anyways... Nexus, of you don't mind, I'm going to work with Lume for a while. Yoou definitely seem to have gotten tactics down with this weapon. Use the dummies if you want to practice further."

 

Nexus began to remove his armor and equipment and placed them back on the counter to charge.

 

"I'm heading up to the barracks. Let me know if you need help in the medical training." After being stripped bare, the hunter made his way back to the room he shared with the others. 

[Senor Citizen 516]

@@ActFast231, Garrison whistled at Nexus, beckoning him to the corner of the room. "Listen close, I'm only going to say this once. The plan's changed, I need your decision before these missions start. If you say yes, you'll see some crazy stuff, I'll warn you. You'll get scared, you'll almost die a thousand times over, but you'll also have a hand in saving a lot of ponies, and other things too. Yes or no, friend."

[ActFast231 432]

@,

 

Nexus thought hard, looking over to the hall leading to the training room. He really wished he had his gear with him, but it was charging at the moment, plus he wouldn't be able to enter during training. Plus he was afraid that he would cause Lume tremendous pain should he perish or change. But...this is supposedly going to save a lot of lives. Whatever this was. Assuming that Garrison is telling the truth, this could be bigger than him or Lume. With a heavy sigh, he gives his answer.

 

"Alright. If this is going to save lives, then I'm in. But you better be straight with me. There is too much at stake for us to start losing numbers in our ranks."

[Lume WMj 228]

"Well... it's not just the Presence that's moving faster, it seems that there is now a demon residing in the Crystal Castle, and its spawning mutant servants." He sighed. "Things got more complicated."

 

"Curse..." Lume quietly murmured to herself. It seemed like the enemies were making their moves already. Indeed, there was no time to waste anymore. She was not expecting the Inquisitor's arrival at that moment since she didn't notice the time passing by, but with the embarrassing moment gone, and the sudden news given, it was time to resume her training.

 

"Are you ready? I'm going to bee teaching you medical skills first, then how to use a large weapon, then survival tips. Survival is last because most of it is common sense. Are you ready?"

 

"Yes sir!" Lume exclaimed. She assumed she would still be able to train alongside Nexus. Even though Garrison was not there anymore in order to make two pairs, perhaps he would also resume his practice with the new weapon utilizing the dummies. But that didn't go as expected.

 

"I'm heading up to the barracks. Let me know if you need help in the medical training." After being stripped bare, the hunter made his way back to the room he shared with the others. 

 

She watched, quite unhappy, as the bat pony headed back upstairs, leaving only Solar Flare and herself in the training room. She wished she would still be able to spend more time with her beloved one, but with the time they currently had available, it would most likely not happen. Besides, even though she wanted to be with him, she knew that he could become some sort of distraction for her. With that, Lume sighed, and turned back to Inquisitor Solar Flare.

 

"...I'm ready to start now."

[Senor Citizen 516]

@@ActFast231, "Okay. Through here." Garrison opened a door that definitely hadn't been there a minute ago and caught a glimpse of something and slamming it shut. "No, not there. HERE." He opened the door again and ushered Nexus into an office, the setting sun visible  from the window.

Edited July 20, 2013 by baman