open A Darker Fate: Beyond these Walls Chapter Two.

[Commander Tangent 861]

@,

 

"Witch Doctor?" Icarus couldn't help but be amused, "Why no I am not. I am an advanced practitioner of Medicine. Possibly even more advanced than some of the folk here in Canterlot" He explained.

 

"What would make you think I am a witch doctor?" Icarus asked the Red pony.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

 

Remember, this timeskip applies to everyone other that Orion's group: who are still at the same time of night - they will catch up shortly, when they all return to their own hotel.

 

 

Night had well and truly fallen: the city was still: at this hour, even the thugs were returning to rest - the chances of a wealthy target becoming far too slim, and the risk of being caught by what was left of the thinly spread Canterlot Guard too great, to merit the risk of lurking about the streets.

 

What remaining ponies there were awake were those that worked through the night - or at least, those who could work through the night: time seemed to be behaving oddly these days, any work was done whenever possible to compensate for the fact that quite often, the time to do it simply didn't seem to exist at all...

 

As morning dawned, the weather had turned grim - the perpetual frost increased, forming a thick, sparkling crust on the ground. The sky turned an angry dark grey that threatened impending storms and the air seemed thick and heavy - like breathing some invisible fog. It was nothing to be immediately concerned about - but the implications were there: if Canterlot was suffering like so, how badly made red were the northernmost parts of Equestria? The mountains and the Crystal Kingdom, which saw a great deal of snow, even under normal circumstances?

 

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

 

Kingfisher.

 

A loud banging on her door work Kingfisher. She grumbled for a moment before grunting an acknowledgement and climbing out of bed. She strapped the harness back into place: tied the red sailcloth rags where they would cover her left cutie mark as usual - her bags covering the right - and slid the mostly sharpened cutlass into place.

 

Bit had, as expected, done the bare minimum asked of him. She was awake, but he seemed to have not bothered rousing the others. Unsure which rooms were theirs, but confident that the inn saw very few other guests, she walked down the hallway, pounding a hoof into each door in turn until there was no doubt that, one way or the other, they must all be awake.

 

"C'mon my lil' ponies! We've got about half an hour - shake your flanks or you'll be left behind!" She declared loudly before glancing at the weather through the tiny window at the end if the hall. "... by the sisters, what the hay is goin' on with the weather?" She added under her breath.

 

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

 

Orion Starsinger.

 

@,

 

"I know, I know... Nothing's been the same since we left home. I'll... No, we'll fix it. Me, you, Scribbler, Mirror..." He hesitated mentally, though not enough to give anything away. "... and Zintiik. I know how to do it: we might have to travel a little further but I'll keep you safe - no more getting lost or separated: I won't rest until things are back to the way they should be. I promise."

 

And he meant every word: it would be a struggle - there weren't enough hours in a day to do everything that needed to be done - but from now on, nothing took priority over his sister: nothing at all.

 

"I know a friend who's told me where we can go to put everything right. Get rid of those wings, all traces of that book... where we can have everything but back just the way it was! Doesn't that sound great?"

Edited December 9, 2013 by Cinderscribe

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

Midnight Scribbler

@@SilverHeart,

 

Scribbler smiled at her response, and began to walk on down the street, in the same direction as they had been going before stopping. The street curved around, and lead them to a beautiful vertical garden, with a winding pathway leading down the wall to the lower levels of the city where their hotel was. Trees lined the walkway, and carnations were everywhere, though they seemed to be suffering from the cold, unseasonable weather. "This is one of my favorite places in the city, I came here once when I was very small, I always remembered it." He shivered slightly, as the air seemed to be getting a bit cooler by the minute. "I do know what I should pick up, but I can find that closer to the hotel. I could use a cloak for this weather.. It's only going to get colder as we travel northward.. What do you make of our situation, Mirror?" He gazed inquisitively at her.

 

Clockwork Green

@,

@,

 

Clockwork Green had made his way back home for the night, having set the time for departure on his watch, and an alarm on the second face for when he needed to wake up to get ready. He slept restlessly, something had been on his mind as the weather worsened. He knew something strange was at work here, and had fears, having heard the old stories of Sombra. Could it be possible someone had awoken that curse once again? He awoke with a start to his watch ringing loudly in his ear. He cringed with the feeling of a headache coming on, and forced himself up out of the bed. He clambered down the stairway to his workshop floor, and collected his battery and packs, which were already packed and ready. Clipping the battery in, he equipped himself for the long journey, and made his way to the station to wait for the others.

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

Pavisa normally wasn't much of a morning pony, but she was already awake and armoured when she heard the knock on her door for the wake up call.  She'd had a difficult time sleeping last night, and as such she'd already been awake for some time sitting in her bed.  Hearing that it was time to get going she stands up and looks at herself in the dirty mirror that was one of her rooms few commodities.

 

She draped her helmet over her flank - there was no point wearing it at the moment, and this way it helped offset the weight of her saddlebag.  She checks her mane in the mirror before making herself smile at her reflection.  She still felt like she looked like she was awake all night, but there wasn't a whole lot she could do about it.  C'mon Pavisa.  You're supposed to be strong.  Can't let the others start thinking otherwise over something as little as this.

 

@, 

 

Securing her halberd across her back, the ex-guard takes a deep breath before stepping out of her room and smiling at Kingfisher.  "Mornin'."  She walks up next to the other mare, tilting her head slightly.  "Train's taking us up to the Crystal Empire today, right?  I've never been that far north."

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare

@, @,

 

 

Aegis reluctantly crawled out of the bed and strapped on his saddlebags. He hesitated for a moment, staring at the wingblades, but decided not to put them on yet and stowed them in his bags.

 

He gave his mane a quick brush, and quickly preened his wings. But what he had mentioned the previous night was still bothering him. Wrapping his cloak around himself, he checked to make sure he’d left nothing behind. Satisfied, he walked out, running into Kingfisher and Pavisa.

 

“Morning. How’s everypony doing?”

[Frosty V 309]

@

 

Frost felt the sun light hit his face causing him to groan and flip over onto his stomach. He reached out to his bed side stand to pick up his pocket watch, he looked at the time and almost fell out of bed trying to get up. "The train!" He exclaimed in a frantic tone as he threw on his jacket, strapped on his saddle bags, and slung his bow and quiver over his back. He burst out of his room and shut the door behind him. Starting to run down the hall he stopped dead before he hit Kingfish. "Oh! H-hey....are..are you on the morning train as well?" He asked, not thinking he would see the mare again

[SilverHeart 741]

@@Midnight Scribbler, 

 

(OOC: I'm probably going to head to bed soon. So, I may not post again today/tonight. Although there's a pretty big chance I'll wake up after not too long.)

 

Mirror followed after Scribbler, she had been to this garden a few times when she was younger...there were always too many ponies around for her to have felt comfortable back then. It was noticeably cooler now then it had been a week ago. "I'm not really sure what our situation is. Orion seems to have lost all the strength he had gained from the Litany."

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@@Commander Tangent,

((OOC: Sorry, man. Gotta timeskip to the next morn.))

 

Blast and Eclipse

@@Midnight Scribbler,

 

Eclipse had already gone to the train station that morning. He was impatient to get going on this escapade. He had a feeling that this one would be just as life-threatening as last weeks, if not more so. He lifted his hood to see Clockwork.

"What took you so long?" Eclipse said, voice deep and cold. "You're actually comin', huh? I guess you could be a valuable member of the group, considering your talents."

 

@EVERYPONY WITH KINGFISHER, PAVISA, ETC.

Meanwhile, Blast was already up and around. He started the day off with a few laps through the Everfree Forest and back to Canterlot. His life went at the speed of a bullet, rarely stopping to take a break. Whenever he had the chance for adventure or jsut simply time to go running, he'd seize the chance and treat it as if it was his last. After his run, he returned to the hotel, where he met up with Kingfisher and the others.

"Hey, guys..." Blast said, out of breath. "How're you doing this fine morning?"

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Kingfisher.

 

@,

 

As the first if the ponies stirred, Kingfisher smirked, looking about and hoping that somehow, some trace of order of divine intervention might let them get organised in a decent timescale. Or at the very least, that they wouldn't miss the train.

 

"Hey Pav! Yeah, I've only ever seen the place from the coast - we never stopped there. Don't know why Bardic would be there either: he's from overseas and last I checked me 'n' Red were the only ones to make a run like that on such short notice..."

 

@@Windbreaker,

@@Frosty V,

 

"Aegis! Ready for sone more stories? And... Frost, wasn't it?" Chuckled the mare as she watched the stallion. "Managed not to hit me this time? Good stuff, take it you're on the same train as us, since most of 'em are cancelled so far as I know."

 

@,

 

"Vengeful Celestia!"

 

She added as Blast decided that now would be a good time to ended from... wherever he had been.

 

"Went from silence to chaos in thirty seconds are so... 'fine mornin'? Didn't you just come in from outside?"

 

She looked out of the tiny window towards the morning sunlight just managing to pierce the soon-to-be storm clouds with a twisted expression.

 

"...I'd really hate to see what you call a bad day Blast..." Snorted the adventurer. "Lets give the rest a chance to wake up... 'less you folks want to give me a hand gettin' them up?"

Edited December 9, 2013 by Cinderscribe

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare

@,

 

“Sure thing. Get me some pots and pans, and I’ll have the whole neighbourhood awake if you want.” Aegis joked. He had the feeling they’d need a good laugh by the time this was over.

 

If anypony could see Aegis’ mind, they’d lose all sense of direction in his jumbled up and sleep-deprived thoughts. All at once, he was thinking about Pavisa, wondering what exactly was going on between them, worried that if something went wrong he may not be able to save them like he did for Aphrodite, and then there was the matter of his old friend being their new enemy. And by the end of it, he had an upset stomach.

 

‘Being a writer is dangerous after all. If adventuring doesn’t kill me, my imagination will.’

[Ihei 712]

@, 

 

Willow Starsinger

 

"That sounds.. great..!"

 

Willow faked a smile. She looked her wings over for a moment. The truth was, she didn't want to forget this incredible adventure. And if everything went back to the way it was. Kricket will be gone. Her new friends will be gone. Zintiik will be gone.. but she was at least happy that she could spend more time with her brother. "Will we get to see mom? And dad..?" Willow asked. It's been so long since they've made contact with their parents.. the Litany's gotten in the way. Once they found it, she just hoped they'd return home. Happy. But what would her parents say when they see that she brings a changeling and an elemental Aspect home?

Edited December 10, 2013 by Shaymin

[Icy Void 19]

Midnight Sky

 

Even though he had spent most of the night preparing for the trip, Midnight had gotten a surprisingly good night's sleep that left him in a rather fine mood. Taking a few moments to levitate all of his armor on and to strap on his saddle bags, Midnight then went and woke up Sunshine. Once she was up the two of them left the cave-house to find that Canterlot was covered in a fresh layer of frost and fog, reminding Midnight a bit too much of his eldest brother Frozen Stars, and rather ruined his good mood. "Come on, let's go meet up with the others." Midnight Sky said to his sister irritably before taking off towards the inn at a brisk pace. Thankfully not many ponies were out this early and so the two of them arrived at the inn within a few minutes and found Kingfisher ad the others gathering inside. "Hope I didn't miss anything last night, but I decided to stay in my personal home here in Canterlot. I don't exactly trust places like this." Midnight announced to those who were already gathered. Though he wondered if anypony had even noticed his absence, Midnight Sky had gotten good at just slipping away without being noticed during his years of travelling from Neighland to Equestria, though now it was usually an annoyance.

 

 

Sunshine Rays

 

Sunshine was already beginning to worry about her brother, and they hadn't even left for the Crystal Empire yet. She knew full well that wintry weather usually made Midnight more irritable than normal, and on top of that the Crystal Empire was pretty close to the Crystal Mountains which was a place that neither Sunshine nor Midnight would have ever liked to return to due to past experience. It made her wonder if Midnight would be able to contain his irritation now that they would be travelling with friends, or if it would get the better of him and simply cause problems. But Sunshine decided to just wait it out, there was nothing she could do about it anyway. When they entered the inn where the others had stayed, the first thing Sunshine noticed was some new pony talking with Kingfisher, but since they would be leaving soon Sunshine decided to wait and see if this pony was going to travel with them before saying hi.

[RAGESTAR 479]

@

 

Crimson jumped and shouted and lashed outward as the banging on his door woke him up, causing him to knock over an unfinished mug of rum. Once the pirate realized that his panic was merely caused by a nightmare and a bang on the door, he soon settled down into his seat. He had stayed up late, drinking his guilt away at how he failed to stop Noble. Crimson didn't show it, but after he failed to defeat Noble and hinder his escape, he felt like the impending harm upon innocent ponies was his fault, this same thought caused nightmares every night for Crimson, and they haven't stopped since the team escaped the ruins.

 

Crimson glanced around the room solemnly, noting his gear stacked on the unused bed, in preparation for the coming adventure, causing him to sigh and put his hoof over his face. "This has to stop...I can't go on living like this, I won't go back to be a drunken old nobody who's too scared of his own damn demons to go out and deal with life! I won't rest until I stop Noble...one way, or another..." he whispered, before getting up and giving himself a half-assed grooming, ignoring the mirror that reminded him of his baggy eyes and growing red stubble.

 

Crimson planted his hat firmly on his head, grabbed his gear, put on a masking smile, and proceeded to trot out of his room to meet the others. "Jeez Kingfisher! Ya nearly gave me a heart attack! Next time, try and be less loud and more firm, ok?" he asked with a hollow chuckle.

 

((even Crimson has emotional issues...))

Edited December 10, 2013 by ragestar

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

Midnight Scribbler

@@SilverHeart,

 

Scribbler gazed out at the view as they walked, breathing in the sweet scent of the carnations in the cool air. The garden was deserted, aside from the two of them, as the hour grew late. "I see.. You're right there, Orion seems.. almost like a different pony without the Litany." He glanced around, making sure nopony was around, then looked to Mirror. "He and I spoke quite a lot during our last adventure.. I think I understand what the Litany does.. at least to a degree... Can I tell you something? Promise me you won't tell Orion.. He may not like my opinion on this subject." He hoped Mirror was trustworthy, for more than one reason. His heart wished for it above all else.

 

Clockwork Green

@,

@,

 

Clockwork, as he stepped out the front of his shop, stopped before stepping down, and turned back with a look of sudden realization, he'd been forgetting something. He scrambled over to his desk, and sifted through the top drawer, locating a 6 inch dagger, in a finely stitched scabbard. Tucking it into his vest, he trotted back out, grinning at himself in the reflection of a shiny brass pipe connected to his latest invention as he passed by it. He arrived at the station, seeing nopony there at first. He sighed, happy he'd come early, and took a seat on the bench. Eclipse was the first to show, walking up to him. "Heh, well of course, I wouldn't miss this opportunity. I am much obliged to demonstrate the power of my technology, many things in store, I promise you." He grinned, almost with a sinister tone.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Kingfisher.

 

@@Windbreaker,

 

"Heh, I don't know about that, but yelling tends to do the trick..." She grinned, thumping a hoof more forcefully against the nearest door. "Come on fillies, this aint summer camp - you can braid each others manes later!"

 

She turned to face yet more familliar faces who had just stepped through the doors: Bit was nowhere to be seen - seemingly having decided that all this hassle simply wasn't worth his time and left the doors unlocked for Midnight and... whatever his little sister was called again.

 

@@Icy Void,

 

"Morning! All set? It's a good few hours 'n' we can't really afford to miss this train: next isn't 'till tomorrow I don't think."

 

@,

 

"C'mon Grinn, loud is what works! Got you up didn't it?" Grinned the mare.

 

Really, it was as if she had been struck by a new lease of life. These was no spiritual enlightenment or internal resolution - Kingfisher had simply decided that at the end of the day, life wasn't worth regretting.

 

"Who're we missin'? Ugh, it was hard enough keepin' track of all of you without the others as well. Was that doctor guy stayin' here? Or whatshername... Icy?"

 

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

 

Orion Starsinger

 

@,

 

Orion's smile faltered for a moment. "Of course... It has been a while, hasn't it?" He agreed with a slow nod.

 

Things hadn't exactly been perfect back home, the last time they had seen their parents. Hence why the two had left - to look after each other. Still, family was family... and it had been a long time.

 

"I bet mom will love Kricket... so long as you manage to teach it not to try and eat the furniture."

Edited December 10, 2013 by Cinderscribe

[Frosty V 309]

@

 

Frost rubbed the back of his head and chuckled awkwardly. "I was scared the first time so I figured I wouldn't do it again." He replied with a half smile across his face. "Yes I am on your train...i guess ours as one of the only ones that didn't get canceled....although I'm not sure why." He said with a puzzled look on his face. He straightened his face once more before speaking. "You know if you ever need an extra hoof my offer still stands....The Litany seems like an interesting find." He said, hoping she wouldn't question his knowledge.

[Commander Tangent 861]

A shot in the night. Icarus laid on the floor beaten and battered a dark figure hovering over him.

 

"This is the end of the line" it said, before it removed a crossbow from it belt and to Icarus' horror, pointed at his head,  and fired.

 

Icarus woke with a start. Covered in sweat, Icarus removed himself from his bed, witch was now thrown all over the place. Someone had hit his door, and was now talking outside.

He quickly threw his mask and cloak on, and grabbed his saddle bags before opening the door. 

 

@Cinderscribe,

 

"That was an interesting way to arouse the whole building" Icarus said, sounding slightly annoyed, " I'll assume we are to head to the train station now?"

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@@Midnight Scribbler, @, 

Blast and Eclipse

Blast simply snickered at Kingfisher's sudden change in tone. It seemed like she was becoming impatient.

"Do you have to yell so loud, Kingfisher?" Blast asked her. "You know, you might be waking up the other residents. You might wanna keep it down before they lodge complaints."

 

Eclipse only made a small "hmph" to Clockwork's statement.

"I hope you can build your machinery from snow, because that's really all you're getting where we're going."

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

@,(And the rest)

 

Pavisa chuckles, slowly making her way towards the door.  "Don't think you need to worry about our help that much Fisher, you've got the entire block awake by now."  She nods politely at each of the others as the group steadily gets bigger, a small smile on her face, though she stays quiet for the most part.  

 

This is probably a good thing, actually.  Getting out of Canterlot for now will be the best...  I won't have to worry about running into anypony from the Guard that I know this way.  Or my brothers...  She sighs quietly before looking back at the growing party with the small smile back on her face.

 

"Are we missing anypony?  If not, we should make our way to the train station soon.  I'd hate for us to miss our ride and have to walk...  Because with our luck, I wouldn't doubt if that were the case.  I'd wager on it, but with my luck it'd be the one time I actually won a bet."

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

Clockwork Green

@,

 

Clockwork smirked, and glanced back at his pack a moment. He looked back to Eclipse. "Oh, I won't be needing to build anything, I doubt. Everything I need is already assembled. Although, modifications may or may not happen. It all depends upon the situations we find ourselves in. What talents have you brought with you? If I may ask." He gave a half smile to the unicorn.

[Ihei 712]

@, 

 

Willow Starsinger

 

"I don't think she'd approve at all. Things have changed since we've last seen mom and dad.. mom might be disappointed. I've been such a horrible sister. You.. you were just trying to protect me, and.."

 

Willow stopped for a moment. She trotted into their hotel room and sat on the couch. "All I did was constantly run off from you for trivial reasons." Willow looked at the ground solemnly. "I don't want to see them. I don't even remember how they look like; they're practically strangers now," Willow frowned, changing her mind. "You're not going to get the Litany, are you?" Willow had a hint of a frown at the corners of her face.

Edited December 10, 2013 by Shaymin

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare

 

“Once more into the breach?” Aegis asked, shunting aside the tangled mess of thoughts for now. He’d deal with it when they weren’t in a hurry. He stretched and walked towards the door, leaning against the post.

 

“This is like the premise to a really bleak novel. Equestria in chaos, the Princesses unable to stop it, and the heroes either died or turned evil. I hated that novel…” He said to himself, seemingly unaware that he was thinking out loud.

 

((OOC: Sorry it's a short post.))

[SilverHeart 741]

Midnight Scribbler

@@SilverHeart,

 

Scribbler gazed out at the view as they walked, breathing in the sweet scent of the carnations in the cool air. The garden was deserted, aside from the two of them, as the hour grew late. "I see.. You're right there, Orion seems.. almost like a different pony without the Litany." He glanced around, making sure nopony was around, then looked to Mirror. "He and I spoke quite a lot during our last adventure.. I think I understand what the Litany does.. at least to a degree... Can I tell you something? Promise me you won't tell Orion.. He may not like my opinion on this subject." He hoped Mirror was trustworthy, for more than one reason. His heart wished for it above all else.

 

(OOC: Posting from Phone.)

 

Mirror turned her head away from Scribbler, so that it would seem as if she were looking at the plants. She took this moment to roll her eyes. His question had struck a nerve. If any pony wasn't trustworthy it was him. After all she hadn't lied to him too much, at least no more than she had to any pony else. Letting out an I audible sigh she looked back at him, "I promise I won't tell him..."

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Kingfisher.

 

"Oh pipe own complainin'! I doubt this place has seen this many guests over the past year. Anyway, places like this? This is normal! I'm surprised none of us broke a leg or something last night..."

 

She winked, thundering down the hall like a mare possessed.

 

"Come on ponies, we've got a train to catch!"

 

@@Windbreaker,

 

Passing the writer, she took a moment to jab him lightly in the side. "Hey, I'm not dead yet, and only evil in a few folks eyes. Try 'n' look on the bright side!"

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare

@,

 

“I just said I was reminded of a novel I hate. And you’d hate it, too. Fortunately, I don’t remember the name of it. It was seriously bleak, it made MY books look soft and fluffy in comparison, and it sold better than my books. I get angry letters saying that I have no business writing books while the hackjob who wrote that other one gets praise for writing a masterpiece.” Aegis said. He wouldn’t blame the others for ignoring his rant on books, since they probably didn’t have a basket full of hate mail to sort through when they got home.

 

“Anyway, that’s something for another time. I’m trying to look on the bright side, but it’s hard to do what you love when ponies hate you for it.”