open Beyond these Walls: An adventure through Equestria. (Applications open!)

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

@, 

 

Pavisa turned to look at Crimson, forcing herself to smile.  Once again she was thankful for her helmet, because she knew the gesture didn't go past her muzzle.  "I...  I'll try, Crimson.  Thanks for the concern."  

 

How she was supposed to try and relax considering their current situation, she had absolutely no idea.  She was still too busy mentally berating herself over what had happened.  But she didn't want the others worrying about her, so if that meant pretending to be alright than that's what she would do.

[SilverHeart 741]

@, 

 

Mirror Image

 

The Northern Forests of Equestria could be described as a lonely and curious land. It is not all too uncommon for a traveler to become lost among the trees and underbrush when they stray from the beaten paths to seek shelter at night. Nor is it rare to hear rumors of spirits, monsters, and other eldritch creatures wandering the woods at night. Or at least these were the tales Mirror Image had heard from the quaint town of Hollow Shades. Initially, she hadn't put much faith into those tales but hours of wandering the dark woods were beginning to get to her. As a mare that specialized in the use of illusions and sleight of hoof, the mare knew that even entertaining the notion that such horrors could exist was the first step of giving into fear and paranoia...however, the ethereal alicorn standing in front of her was a bit much to dismiss as a simple hallucination or trick of the mind. Not knowing whether to run or to stand still she simply stared at the spectre, watching for any sign of hostility.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Orion Starsinger.

 

As his breathing returned to normal and his vision eased back to its usual, murky state (compared to that of the Litany), Orion stalled suddenly. Dread filled him, starting with an icy feeling in his chest and creeping outwards, chilling his limbs. It was no magic, no trick of the Litany but cold realisation.

 

Willow wasn't there.

 

She had been there: he had seen her, heard her! But she wasn't there any more, where had she gone? What had happened? She would have called for him if she had been taken again...

 

"Willow?" He asked the dead, stone forest uneasily. Surely she hadn't... "Can you hear me?"

 

There was only one solution in Orion's mind: she had fled. From him.

 

He was torn: he had to find the Litany, had to ensure the killers and warmongers couldn't use it to solidify their nation of hatred and oppression! But... he couldn't leave his sister out here... alone and hating him.

 

'If we may assist...' The voice interrupted his thoughts.

 

"Find the mare, protect her and bring her to us if possible. Above all, keep her from harm. Go!" The voice which was not Orion's used his mouth to say. No sooner had the words been spoken than the ghostly dragon flourished in the air and darted back into the woods behind him.

 

"... th... thank you." The pseudo alicorn stammered to the disembodied voice as he started to move slowly onwards towards the Litany again - unaware of the eyes watching him.

 

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

 

Kingfisher.

 

As the discussions went on among the feuding group, they eventually made their way out of the forest and onto the open land beyond: before them lay the Splinterhoof Hills.

 

Somewhat deceptively named, the hills were actually a very minor concern - gently rising and falling, always offering an excellent view of the surrounding land to anyone lucky enough to stand on solid ground.

 

The real danger, was the rocks.

 

This path was rarely travelled - least of all in the dark - due to the razor edged rocks and crags that littered the landscape: the trail itself had been abandoned long ago: it was no safer than moving cross country. To top this off, the entire landscape was riddled with tunnels undermining it where brittle layers of moss and foliage had grown over pits and chasms: each with sharp, rending edges hidden within.

 

"Listen up everypony." Kingfisher called out as they broke the line of the forest; turning to face the group.

"There's still a couple of hours left until real daylight: until then, stick together and tread carefully - if you slip or make a wrong step around here you'll regret it. Any of you with wings might want to stay in the air as much as possible."

 

She paused to ensure she still had the groups attention.

 

"Splinterhoof Hills are the last run of our journey: if we make good time we should be at the falls by mid day. Don't rush, don't flinch if you cut yourself and don't get cocky when the sun comes up - the light can be deceptive around here and I'm not dragging you along in pieces."

Edited October 30, 2013 by Cinderscribe

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@,@,

Blast smirked at Kingfisher's request.

"I can't promise the cocky part, but I'll try my hardest." He joked, but had a bit of seriousness in his voice. Blast then turned to Aphrodite.

"Aphrodite, can I ask you something?" He began. "Why are you always so... y'know, down in the dumps?"

 

@,

 Eclipse nearly chocked on the word "Protect"

"That was his sister? And he thought that he was protecting her? With that kind of power at his disposal, he's going to eventually do the exact opposite of protecting." He said to Pasiva. "This alicorn also seemed to have a personal grudge against everypony in this group. What could've you done that set him off so badly?"

[SilverHeart 741]

@,

 

It was fairly obvious to Mirror that whatever this entity is, be it an alicorn, ghost, or even demon, it was powerful. Possibly the most powerful creature she had ever had the grace to witness. The illusionist took a deep breath and stepped out from her hiding spot. Without even realizing it, the mare cast a spell on herself, hiding the hideous burns on her body, She took a few steps toward the alicorn, still keeping her distance before speaking, "Excuse me, a few moments ago it sounded like you were calling for somepony. Is everything alright?" 

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

@,

 

"Other than being competition for the Litany, a few of the geniuses tried to attack him when we first encountered him...  So, he's convinced we're all murderers."  Pavisa was focused more on the road than the conversation now, taking Kingfisher's advice to heart.  She wasn't about to slip and twist an ankle just by walking.  As such, she was surprised when a familiar pegasus spoke up from a short distance ahead.

 

 

Tactic Wind

 

@, @(technically everyone in the group)

 

Tactic cleared his throat as the group came into view of where he was waiting.  It's now or never.  Say what you've rehearsed and be done with it.  As he spoke he directed his speech towards Kingfisher, though he spoke loud enough that the entire party could hear him.

 

"So, you still plan to continue this foolhardy quest?  You must realize by now that the odds aren't against you; they're impossible.  If you continue down this path, you're all going to end up as your beloved captain did...  It's a simple matter of probability."

 

The pegasus flares his wings out, as though getting ready to take the the sky.  "I plan to survive.  As such, I will not be accompanying you further.  And unless you plan to hide the Litany under a mound of corpses, I recommend that the rest of you return to your homes as well...  If you were to return to Canterlot and request the assistance of the Princesses, it is possible that it would not be too late to save Redwave.  I believe that Discord was in a similar predicament, so it must not be impossible to reverse...  But you would lose your chance at the Litany in order to do so."

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@,

Blast spoke up to the pegasus.

"This is all the more reason for us to try." Blast said. "The odds might be against us, but we can still do the impossible. If Red wanted us to get this Litany, then I think we should continue on and get it. If we don't Orion could retrieve it and his uncontrollable power could wipe out Equestria as we know it."

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@,

Scribbler witnessed this strange alicorn, speaking.. Seemingly to himself, but with different voices. He had seen many things, but never anything as strange as this. He could see the pain in his eyes, the realization that he'd done something he hadn't intended. That mare, he knew her, the one Scribbler had avoided bumping into mere minutes ago. Now he wished he had.

Scribbler swallowed all his fear, took a deep breath, and stepped out into view.

"E-excuse me.. Sir. I don't mean to intrude, b-but. I overheard, you were looking for a mare, Willow? I noticed her wander off in that direction."

Scribbler pointed to where he'd seen her go.

"I can see you aren't one to me toyed with, seeing as those other ponies, powerful as they were, ran off. I don't have any intention of crossing you, I know you have far greater power than I have ever seen. Though I do have so many questions, I'd like to ask, I don't want to anger you in any way." Scribbler paused, hoping for the best, yet fearing the worst. He braced himself for a quick departure.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Orion Starsinger.

 

@@SilverHeart,

@@Midnight Scribbler,

 

Orion looked at the soft spoken ponies - in two minds about whether to attack or simply flee after his ordeal: certainly these didn't seem hostile but...

 

'Both of them are maintaining magic of some kind.'

 

He scowled.

 

"Who are you? What do you want with me? I'm... just... " He started to say before hearing news of his sister: almost ready to vanish into the undergrowth after himself when the voice echoed in his head again.

 

'The aspect will look after her for now. We need to find the Litany so that you can look to the future.'

 

Pausing with his hoof inches from the ground, Orion looked at the two again. Eyes full of mistrust, anger and confusion.

 

"Don't try anything. The last ones who did... they regretted it." He said as forcefully as he could, given the circumstances. "I'll ask again, who are you? Why are you here?"

 

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

 

Kingfisher.

 

@,

 

"Impossible? That never stopped him, and its not going to stop me!" The new captain retorted.

 

Looking to her side in slight suprise that Blast of all ponies was the first to voice his support, she stepped forward and half turned.

 

"I won't stop any of you leaving. The coward is right after all: this is going to be dangerous - a suicide mission perhaps but one that I intend to see it through to the bitter, bloody end. If any of you fear death then now is the time to leave. Once we reach the falls it will be too late!"

 

She locked eyes with the Pegasus, drew her cutlass and with a deft swing, carved a line into the fragile ground between him and the path ahead.

 

"For anypony who crosses this boundary, there is no turning back." She said coldly, eyes still locked on those of the Pegasus. "All of you, stand with me or go back to your lives: just don't waste my time!"

[00Pony 286]

@, 

 

Splinterhoof Hills. Saronyx had seen these particular hills before, but never traversed them himself. And to think, he had been so close to a potential location of such a powerful artifact... Had he known, he may have been able to at least try and keep this all from happening. But alas, what was done was done. No use looking back and wishing things to have gone different. He allowed himself to be amused by the irony in such a thought coming from him.

 

One of the Pegasi from before was there, waiting for them. He advised them to turn back, that this would be a suicide mission. Blast was the first to speak up in support of Captain Kingfisher, something that obviously surprised the mare. She gave a small speech, before carving a line in the earth, stating that if any were to pass it, they were not to return. Saronyx merely passed over to her side, making the comment, "I've seen many things, and have gone through hell and high water in my time. I have no reason to fear death, personally. I will stand with you until this ends. It's the least that I owe this world, and Redwave, for as little as I really knew him."

 

 

(homework.. you make me miss a lot, and I do not appreciate it)

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@,

Midnight, now shaking, knowing he was in true danger here replied.

"My name is Midnight Scribbler. I mean you no quarrel, I simply wish to know, what has happened here? Perhaps I can be of some assistance. I assure you, I won't be throwing anything at you like that last bunch. As I said, I have no intention of making you mad."

[SilverHeart 741]

@, @@Midnight Scribbler,  

 

Mirror Image watched Midnight Scribbler as he introduced himself. His body language made it quite clear that his fear was genuine. Perhaps I shouldn't have stepped out so soon. Focusing her attention back on the alicorn, Mirror curtsied before speaking, "My name is Mirror Image, When I can be I'm a wandering Illusionist. When my hoof is forced, I resort to my...other talents of mine to get by." Taking a cue from the weaker stallion the Mare hastily added "I promise you I mean you no harm. If I may ask, who is Willow?"

Edited October 30, 2013 by SilverHeart

[Mephisto 56]

Blake reluctantly stepped across the line to Kingfisher. He looked at the mare and said, "I have questions that need answering. Plus, I like breaking the impossible." He said with a cocky smirk standing fast next to her. "I'm probably gonna regret this, but my life would be boring as shit if I didn't regret anything."

[Icy Void 19]

Midnight Sky didn't know how long he'd been running, but he was definitely not on the road anymore. Midnight found himself at the edge of the forest looking out over a rather flat plain filled with rocks and covered in crevices. "Must be Splinterhoof Hills, at least now it will be easier to regroup with the others. But first, I think I have regained enough magical energy to make a dirt cast for your broken bones Blizzard." Midnight said to his pegasus friend as he levitated a large clump of dirt up onto his broken limbs and compressed it until the dirt formed a dense shell around the areas where Blizzard Blitz had broken bones. "So, you really want to come along? Because I think you should go back to Ponyville to recover, it's not like you'll be of much use in your condition since you can barely fly without hurting." Midnight said to Blizzard, hoping the loyal pegasus got the hint.

 

"Oh fine. But if those other ponies turn on you and I hear about it, then I will personally hunt them down. Does that sound fair, after all, your sister would probably go after them too." Blizzard replied reluctantly. Midnight nodded in submission and Blizzard Blitz flew off without another word. Somehow Midnight Sky had a feeling that Blizzard would be back as soon as he was recovered. Looking around, Midnight managed to spot a group of ponies off in the distance that he assumed had to be the others. Midnight ran towards them as fast as he could without being reckless, thankful for his armor as it protected him from getting any irritating cuts. "So, what did I miss?" Midnight asked the others as he arrived, breathing heavily from the long and hard run. It took him another moment to notice the line Kingfisher had drawn.

[EcstaticWind 572]

@,

Aegis stared ahead with a grin on his face. Despite his common sense screaming at him to turn back, he stood firm. After all, part of his Cutie Mark was a Phoenix, and like a phoenix, he’d keep going until he expired. ‘If I could revive myself like a Phoenix, that would be handy…’ He thought to himself.

 

He stepped over the line. “You'll need all the help you can get. I’m not going back until this story has reached its end. And I’m just too stubborn to give up now,” he said, probably sounding somewhat like Blasted Nova in the process.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Orion Starsinger.

@@SilverHeart,
@@Midnight Scribbler,

Orion shook his head slowly.
 
"My sister. She's... she can't be far from here. The..." 'It's called an Aspect, or an Elemental..' "... Aspect will bring her back. It's not safe here. There's a whole group of thugs out trying to... I don't know, doing exactly as the violent type always do."
 
He approached the two, getting as close as he could while still keeping them both in his line of sight: illuminating the gray, petrified foliage with the aqua glow of his wings to better see the two of them.
 
"You shouldn't stay here alone. I've been attacked three times already, all because I wanted them to leave her alone."

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

Kingfisher.

Kingfisher nodded her appreciation at the Crystal pony that Redwave had seemed to have been on good terms with: as well as the two newcomers who had stepped over the line. So far, only one of their initial group had done so. She didn't blame them: most probably never expected anything like what they had faced. Clearly most thought of themselves as invincible - The Alicorn might have proven a stark reminder of their mortality.
 
@,
@@Kulstor,
@,
 
"Pavisa? Grinn? Or what about you, Dragon? Will you follow?"
 
@,
@@Icy Void,
 
"Will you leave or stay Aphrodite? Or you Midnight?" She paused, mentally noting the absence of the Pegasus. Of course, he had been injured, as had...
 
@@SilverHeart,

@,
 
"Silver Heart, If you are wounded then this is your last chance to leave. It's your decision. How about you Eclipse? Will you fight for stakes greater than your own?"

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@,

Blast whispered into Eclipse's ear a few sentences. Eclipse nodded and began to speak.

"Kingfisher, I'll be honest with you; the only reason I joined with this group in the first place is because I was trying to find my past. But, now I know that there's more at stake here; the lives of innocent ponies." Eclipse began, speaking boldly and proudly. "If this alicorn finishes reading that Litany, it could mean disaster for Equestria and the innocent mares and stallions that reside in it. I won't allow that to happen, and neither will Blast. But, it can't be done alone. We must stand together and fight for each other and the rest of our home. Alone, we are great. But together... we're unbeatable."

Edited October 31, 2013 by StevenEarthPony

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

@, 

 

Pavisa's hesitation came only from it taking a moment for her to register what was happening.  Is he...  Is he really trying to split the group?  When Kingfisher called her name it snapped the guard out of her small stupor, and she quickly stepped to the other mare's side.

 

"I'm in this until the end, Kingfisher...  I'll follow wherever you lead me."  She smiles at the other mare, meaning every word of it, before turning to glare daggers at the pegasus causing the trouble.

 

 

Tactic Wind

 

The tactician simply laughed, starting to flap his wings slowly to hover off the ground.  He looks at Kingfisher and smirks.  "I give you credit, you seem to be more charismatic than I gave you credit for...  That, or the others are just as stupid as I expected."  Rude, but he didn't care anymore.  He would be leaving soon.

[Icy Void 19]

Midnight wasn't surprised by what was happening, a final chance to leave seemed rather appropriate right now. "Well, while I would love to go home and return to my quiet life, things wouldn't stay that way for long. Besides, how could I refuse a chance to see the last Litany of Magic before it's destroyed, because no matter how valuable it is that book is simply too dangerous to continue to exist. So yes, I'm still in." Midnight said with a grin as he stepped over Kingfisher's line. Midnight couldn't remember the last time he'd done something as important or urgent as this, but frankly it felt nice to be doing something for the good of other ponies.

[Ihei 713]

@,

 

Aphrodite

 

"I'm not down in the dumps! I'm just.. I'm.." Aphrodite took a second to hesitate. Nopony's ever dared to ask her that question. "It's personal," Aphrodite muttered, sighing. The truth was that Aphrodite never really made friends--just enemies. She's long since given up making friends..

 

Willow Starsinger

 

Willow began to regret her choice: she should've stayed with her brother. The trees whistled through the light breeze that was forming, and the magic she used to light a path was quickly fading. "Somepony!" she called out weakly. "Anypony!" She trotted through the forest, quickly losing hope.

[Mephisto 56]

@,

 

Aphrodite

 

"I'm not down in the dumps! I'm just.. I'm.." Aphrodite took a second to hesitate. Nopony's ever dared to ask her that question. "It's personal," Aphrodite muttered, sighing. The truth was that Aphrodite never really made friends--just enemies. She's long since given up making friends..

 

Willow Starsinger

 

Willow began to regret her choice: she should've stayed with her brother. The trees whistled through the light breeze that was forming, and the magic she used to light a path was quickly fading. "Somepony!" she called out weakly. "Anypony!" She trotted through the forest, quickly losing hope.

Blake's ears twitched, as the wind sounded to be lower pitched than before. He noticed this and turned to the direction where it first came from. He stepped back, and quietly left the group. He trotted through the seemingly colorless void, but he saw a faint light. He looked closer, toward the forests. He hopped down a small ledge, the gravel and rocks dragged him nearer to the light. "Hey! Are you alright?" He yelled, still unble to see the source of the light.

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@,

 Blast frowned at Aphrodite's little remark. She always seemed down to him. For some reason, it just bothered the heck out of him. He walked up to Aphrodite and put a hoof on her shoulder. 
"Just know that if you need somepony to talk to, talk to me. I'm all ears." He said with a smile.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

???

 

 
@,

@,

The drake honed in quickly on the sound of the voice.
 
'Find the mare, protect her, and bring her back if possible.' 
 
It's orders were simple. There was no how, when or why... it had been a long time since if had such freedom to complete its orders in its own way.
 
Emitting a faint blue glow as it spiraled through the trees, it wondered whether it's master was generous or simply too incompetent to impose further rules on its orders. 
 
This was the limit to its wondering - it had only a simple, one-track mind that was mostly filled with completing its instruction.
 
It's target came into sight: at least she matched the mental image that it's master had shown it. There was another with her.
 
'Find the mare, protect her, and bring her back if possible'
 
It's orders didn't mention another. It had found the mare. Slipping happily out of the trees, it circled the second pony's head before curling up at the hooves of its target.

[RAGESTAR 479]

Crimson listened to everything Tactic had to say before giving him a grin that seemed to border insanity. "Is that so? Well...let me tell you this you gutless, sniviling, pompous dolt of a filly! When I start an adventure, I don't quit or run away, no matter what, until its over! Especially if the fate of all of Equestria depends on it! I'm not leaving any of my friends behind! If continuing this quest means forfeihting my life to save my friends and home...then I here by accept my death with open hooves...he's been after my ass for years anyway...so go, run away like a little bitch and abbandon your allies in they're time of need..." said the cursed pirate before stepping past Kingfisher, he then gave Tactic a devious grin. "If you have to be insane to continue...then I must be utterly certafiable!" He said with a laugh.

[Ihei 713]

@,

 

Aphrodite

 

"Uh.." Aphrodite hesitated yet again. "I don't think you'd care. Listening to a mare's feelings?" Aphrodite wondered aloud, playing with her mane.

 

@,@,  

 

Willow Starsinger

 

 "Gah!" Willow almost backed into a bush-- she didn't think anypony would actually find her. "I'm fine, thank you!" Willow said, dismissively. "Just a little lost is all!" She couldn't identify the voice: she hasn't met this pony yet if they were in the group.. 

 

She soon spotted a little drake zooming around through the trees, and just thought that it was another lost one looking for its parents.