open A Darker Fate: Beyond these Walls Chapter Two.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

 

(Minor timeskip to get to the cabin - it's about an hour of walking)

 

(Also, I'm going to assume that Commander Tangents post is timed somewhere between the timeskip and the rest of the group arriving - so that he hasn't been sat around for an hour or so )

 

 

Kingfisher.

 

As the doors drew closer, Kingfisher probably would have questioned its safety - had her mind been its usual sharp self. As things were however, she disregarded all sense of self preservation and threw open the door with a joyous groan of relief.

 

It was... warm? Not just 'not cold' but genuinely warm and inviting, which meant...

 

"Sweet Sisters of mercy it's glorious!"

 

...

 

From the entrance, a large-ish room opened up to their left - a series of large tables surrounded with chairs and two doors on the far side of them suggested that it was most likely a finding room - wich a kitchen just beyond. Ahead of them was a desk: the papers that were still there were intact - courtesy if the cold no doubt - but illegible. A twisting staircase lay just behind this.

 

To their right was a lounge of some sorts - with great, frosted windows and large, plush straying of various sorts surrounding the centrepiece of the room - a grand, stone fireplace that stood almost the hight of a pony and twice as wide.

 

It was lit.

 

There was no roaring fire - this hadn't been done recently - but smouldering embers and a tiny flame about to die as if it had been left unattended for far too long. It's warmth had filled the building but the respite didn't change the unnerving fact that someone had been here. In the middle of a frozen wasteland. In the past few hours.

 

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

 

Orion Starsinger.

 

Orion nodded at the changeling - reluctant to agree with the leech but much more reluctant to stay where he was.

 

"Zintiik is right: every moment we spend here is a moment that Noble has to... whatever it is that he's planning."

 

He motioned towards the exit: it was a fine enough day - they should make good progress when they finally got moving.

 

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

 

Solar Harvest.

 

Was it quieter today?

 

Certainly there were still the piercing screams that echoed from somewhere else on the outskirts of the city every once in a while: they were but ten workhorses - they could barely keep things civil in their own quarter...

 

"Wonder how the farms doing?" He asked himself quietly, looking up towards the ominous tear in the sky. "Huh, wonder how the sun's doing..."

 

Thankfully, they had gotten lucky - the worst of the crime seemed content to stay in the sections of the city that they didn't venture into: petty thugs and deranged townsfolk were the worst that they had to deal with regularly - though there were exceptions. An armed presence - however poor - seemed to be enough to deter the worst of what ponies had to offer.

 

The rifts were a different natter entirely: they felt wrong, couldn't be controlled... the only good thing about them was that they didn't seem to be outright dangerous: at least not so far. Ponies tended to just avoid them when they appeared but that didn't stop the way they unnerved Sol.

 

He didn't like them.

Edited January 17, 2014 by Cinderscribe

[Commander Tangent 861]

@, @@Midnight Scribbler,

 

"Tell me how amusing this situation is later. Try living in weather like this without fire magic, with half of the town laying in the streets dying of some celestia forsaken disease. Anyways, I highly recommend that you stop drinking that alcohol in the current situation. thought and judgement impairment can be very dangerous in a situation such as ours " Icarus said, his tone as sharp as a blade as he moved around the  cabin. 

[SilverHeart 741]

Noble Persona & Gwyn

@@SilverHeart, @@Tricksters Pride,

 

Noble smirked and a crystal necklace materialized in a flash of violet flames, which he levitated to Autumn. "When she wakes up, give that to her. The meaning behind my spell will come clear in time. For now, simply accept the fact that I just saved her from a second death. Now for your end of the bargain. I need a medical officer for procedures and training. I'm putting together a rebellion against the corrupt nobility the plagues our fair city."

 

'That was cruel, Noble.' Gwyn thought, projecting through their link again.

 

'I know, but it was necessary. It hurts me too, Gwyn. Believe me, it does...' Noble projected in return.

Autumn Breeze

 

Without intending to Autumn reached out and grabbed the necklace. She forced herself to ignore "why" she had grabbed it. There was a bigger issue at hoof for now. "A rebellion? Why? Why now? Canterlot can't handle a rebellion....the city's already in chaos as it is." She said as she spared a glance back at her daughter.

 

 

Midnight Scribbler

@@SilverHeart,

@,

@,

@@Nomadic,

 

Scribbler smiled at Mirror, a slight worry still lingered in his eyes. Partly for her, and partly for himself. He wasn't certain how he'd offended Orion, nor why he was in such a bad mood. He felt out of place suddenly, as if he'd been shunned, though weather or not he had, was left to be seen. He glanced down at his hooves, then to Orion, and his sister, then back to Mirror. "I'll be fine.." He hadn't even considered his injuries in the past while, the headache dulled by the confusion and stress. Suddenly it hit him like a knife, and caused him to wince slightly. "I just have to remember to cast my healing aura from time to time." With that, he attempted to cast it, grimacing with the strain of using magic in his condition. The aura was weak still, but it dulled the pain as he cast, and allowed him to focus further. The spell became slightly stronger, still nowhere near full, but he was getting

 

 

Mirror Image

 

Mirror shrugged, if Orion wanted to continue then it was either that or be left behind. "Alright....do you know where we are going? Or at least where we are?"

 

Looking back to Scribbler, Mirror slowed down until Scribbler was directly next to her. She kept the distance close between the two of them. She didn't doubt that it would still be cold outside the cave. At least standing close to another pony would make it more bearable.

Edited January 17, 2014 by SilverHeart

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@@Windbreaker,

 

Blasted Nova

 

Blast smiled at the author, but kindly turned down his offer.

"Nah, I think I can handle the rest of the way by myself. It can't be that far off, right?" Blast said, with a small laugh at the end. Though, the throbbing pain inside of his skull was no laughing matter. He needed to rest soon, or his injuries could become more serious.

[RAGESTAR 479]

@, @@Midnight Scribbler,

 

"Tell me how amusing this situation is later. Try living in weather like this without fire magic, with half of the town laying in the streets dying of some celestia forsaken disease. Anyways, I highly recommend that you stop drinking that alcohol in the current situation. thought and judgement impairment can be very dangerous in a situation such as ours " Icarus said, his tone as sharp as a blade as he moved around the  cabin. 

 

Crimson glanced at the stallion with a serious look. "I understand the situation just fine...however, I'm not in the least bit drunk...do you know just how much rum it would take to get somepony drunk who can set on fire? A lot...besides, alcohol keeps me in a good mood, and trust me, you sure as hell don't want to see me in a bad mood..." said, before igniting the massive fireplace with a wave of his hoof, then continuing to drink.

[EcstaticWind 572]

Noble Persona & Gwyn

@@SilverHeart, @@Tricksters Pride,

 

 

"You will see in time. For now, your daughter needs you. You'll know where to find me when you're ready. Gwyn, Strings...let's go. We're not needed here anymore." Noble said, turning to leave. As he had his back to Autumn, his smirk faded to a sad look. Something that did not go unnoticed by Gwyn.

 

"Are you ok, Noble?" She asked.

 

"No, I'm not. But I've always felt like this." Noble said, trying to shrug off the fact that he felt horrible about what he'd just done.

 

 

Aegis Dare

@,

 

"Suit yourself, buddy. But the offer's open when you need it." Aegis said, staying near Blast regardless. Though, he was getting increasingly worried about Crimson. 'He's really shaken up over losing to Noble. Tell me, old friend, have you really become that powerful? I want to believe in you, Noble. I really do...'

[Commander Tangent 861]

@,

 

"Just don't poison yourself. And trust me, I am a very bad person to anger" Icarus said, a few thoughts of way he could kill this pony crossing his mind. He shoved them out and decided to check the groups health to make sure no on needed his Medical attention. 

[RAGESTAR 479]

@@Commander Tangent

 

Crimson scoffed. "I've killed more than a few assassins in my time, and the same goes for warriors on the battlefield. So that kid is nothing I couldn't handle..." he thought, also thinking of a few ways he could take out the other stallion, if need be, while continuing to drink out of his flask.

[Commander Tangent 861]

@,

 

If this stallion wanted to take hostile action he would never get to fight. He would simply go to sleep and never wake up. Icarus was a very sly killer. Many people had died to him, never knowing what had happened. And the creator would share that fate. Brute force meant nothing to a preemptive plan . Icarus Chuckled and walked over to Blast, ready to help him.

[RAGESTAR 479]

@@Commander Tangent

 

Crimson heard Icarus's chuckle and could guess what he was thinking about. "Heh...this guy is probably thinking what I'm thinking...but judging by his build, he doesn't look like a warrior...so he must be one of those sneaky and cunning types...and seeing as he's dressed like a plague doctor, he must use some pretty nasty tricks...I wonder...would he be able to survive a 12,000° fireball, the size of a golf ball, shooting into his head at faster than bullet speeds?" he thought with a bemused smile.

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Strings

@@SilverHeart, @@Windbreaker, 

 

As Strings left Autumn's residence he passed by Autumn with a smirk and a few amused words. "Your right it is in chaos... Some of it at any rate." Before continuing on to follow Noble and gesturing towards the opposite direction of his residence. "If you would follow me and a few associates of mine then we can go see about starting a proper guard for the city. Everything has already been arranged so that we can assist them district but i imagine that you may want to speak to the ponies yourself, it would be best if their leader had a face... Though you may want to change your appearance....... It is definitely a good thing that you do feel bad about what you've just done but remember that it was for the best. That mare would have been horrified to remember her own death and Autumn could have betrayed you if you hadn't taken preventative measures... Though you may want to phrase any orders that you have for her as questions, wouldn't want to make her feel like a slave would you?"

[Frosty V 309]

@, @Everypony else

 

(God finally my phone works now!)

 

Frost walked inside the house. The wave of warmth hit him like arrow to his chest, except in a good way, almost knocking him back on his rump. Oh thank Celestia above! Warmth and shelter, more important than one million pounds of bits right now he thought, chuckling through his mouth as he, collapsed to the floor. "Oh that feels nice...." he trailed of as his eyes shut and he went into a very light sleep, sprawled out on the floor

[Commander Tangent 861]

@,@@Windbreaker,

 

Icarus checked his pouch, and was sure that his poison was there. No one would survive it and a crossbow such as his was unavoidable at close range. This pony was totally unaware of the many ways he could fight, the many tricks he had.

 

He walked over ti Aegis.

 

"Hey Aegis, are you ok, need any Medical help?" He asked him. 

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare

@@Commander Tangent, 

 

"Hey, Icarus. I feel fine, just hungry and tired. Say, does the stove work? 'Cause all I can think of right now is frying up some bell peppers." Aegis said, his stomach rumbling at the mention of food, but his body relaxed in the warmth. "I may not look it, but I'm a pretty good cook."

 

 

Noble Persona

@@Tricksters Pride, 

 

'Did Strings just...? No, he couldn't have. There's only one pony aside from Gwyn who can predict what I think. But he's a Pegasus...' An amused smile formed on Noble's face. "I see. You've made an accurate guess at what I was thinking. Very well, Strings, you have my attention. Tell me about this plan of yours."

[RAGESTAR 479]

@@Commander Tangent

 

"I wonder if that guy knows that I'm not a normal stallion? Whatever...it doesn't matter...I could either turn that guy into ash, or crush him into a pancake if I wanted to, without laying a hoof on him...so he could try to kill me if he wanted to, but everyone here who knows what I'm capable of, knows that he wouldn't last ten seconds in a fight with me..." he thought, before continuing to drink, slumped against a wall.

 

((Crimson is open for conversation.))

[Commander Tangent 861]

@@Windbreaker,

 

"Hm I think it is.... And some good food would do better than these" Icarus pulled out one of his rations, a large cube, packed with everything needed for a busy day.

 

"Lets check out the stove" He said motioning to the stove as he walked towards it, hoping that Aegis could cook something with it. 

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Strings

@@Windbreaker, 

 

Strings smirks and continues in his usual amused tone. "When one wears their thoughts so plainly its not hard to fill in the blanks, the rest was merely logic that you seem to agree with. Anyway lets return to business." Strings then waves at a small foal nearby and whispers something to him after he approaches, the foal quickly takes off afterwards. "You may be aware that the militias all over the city are distinctly under-supplied, poorly trained, and are currently operating without support or order. This is only adding to the confusion and is making this city unsafe, and while i can rally Criminals into a more refined and orderly bunch their not suited as proper guardsponies. I can train my current forces into hitponies and soldiers but they lack a will to truly protect this city and its inhabitants. The scattered militias however, do not have that problem. While hey require a structure, proper equipment, training, and capable leadership they do have the will and the proper mindset to guard our city... And i already have a plan for the first one and the other two have been acquired from the appropriate sources."

[EcstaticWind 572]

Noble Persona & Gwyn

@@Tricksters Pride, 

 

"I see. That leaves leadership, which is where I come in. Heh, sounds perfect. All tasks at hand have been cleared with surprising ease. Freshly hired, and you've already proven yourself valuable, Strings. You've done well, and this takes a great burden from my mind." Noble said. 'And now, I can look to reigning in this power... I need to set limits before it breaks me again. Then I can use it instead of being afraid to cast anything.'

 

Gwyn remembered what Noble had told her the previous night. "Wait a minute. Noble, is this the same Strings you were talking about last night?"

 

"Yes. Which reminds me. Gwyn, this is Strings. He's going to assist me with running the rebellion. Strings, this is my sister, Gwyn." Noble said, finally getting around to introductions.

 

"Nice to meet you. So, you're going to help my brother stay sane, right?" Gwyn asked, her tone faintly hopeful.

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Strings

@@Windbreaker, 

 

Strings grins at Noble before responding as if he was pleased to have helped. "Ever so happy to help Mr. Persona." He then turns to Gwyn and bows respectfully. "A pleasure to meet you face to face Lady Gwyn, and yes i do intend to keep your brother sane... It would be rather uninteresting to work for a madpony wouldn't it?" He then gets a mischievous grin and his tone is quite bemused. "Though i must admit its quite amusing to meet you... The poor stallion who spotted you two yesterday was rather enamored of you, and i didn't even have to ask the poor fool to report that you had left the building as soon the everypony knew about your charm."

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@@Windbreaker, 

 

Blasted Nova

Blast could feel himself getting weaker. His vision was becoming about as blurry as a fruit bat's. His wounds were starting to heal, he could easily tell, but it didn't stop him from staggering every once in a while. He wasn't even close to quitting yet, though. He had to stay strong, both for himself and everypony in the group.

 

One pony he had become accustomed to speaking to was the author, Aegis. He seemed to be a very helpful and cheerful dude, just like himself. He enjoyed talking to him. He felt as if this would be a time where nopony should ever be happy, but he was just glad he was trying to set a higher mood.

 

"Hey, Aegis...?" Blast began speaking. "You're an author, right? I don't read much, but... what exactly sparks your interest to write?"

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare

@, 

 

Aegis looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "Sparks my interest? Adventure, romance, and positive emotions. I'm all for writing a dark story, but if you make it too dark, nopony is going to care what happens." He laughed while scouring the kitchen for a frying pan.

 

"What about you, Blast? What do you enjoy doing?"

 

 

Noble Persona & Gwyn

@@Tricksters Pride, 

 

Gwyn smiled, no longer apprehensive about Strings. "Oh, that's sweet of him. And it's nice of you to care about Noble. He's got more than a few enemies."

 

'Maybe I have too many. Orion and Grinn most of all.' Noble thought. "I see. Perhaps we can continue these pleasantries on the way. I'm feeling a little uneasy standing still in the open so long."

[Commander Tangent 861]

@@Windbreaker,

 

Icarus couldn't help but be interested.

 

"Sorry to come in like this, but thoes are some really good metal triggers for higher than par writing. I still wish to read some of you literature if possible" Icarus said, hoping he wasn't being annoying, or that he would be ignored.

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@@Windbreaker, 

 

 

Blasted Nova

"Well, I typically like running. Though, I can't enjoy it right now, considering my little... handicaps." Blast sighed, sitting down in the nearest chair. It felt nice to finally be out of the cold snow. Maybe he could actually get some rest after he ate. "I love the thrill of a good race, too. Being one of the fastest ponies in Equestria comes with it's fun factor." He said with a small chuckle at the end. "One thing I've always wanted to do, though, was to race the Wonderbolts. I've always felt that they've been way too high on their thrones. I've been wanting to knock them down a few pegs for awhile now."

Edited January 17, 2014 by StevenEarthPony

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

Clockwork Green

@,

@@Commander Tangent,

@@Windbreaker,

@,

 

As they entered the cabin, Clockwork glanced to Eclipse. He grunted in response to the notion of fighting something so powerful. "A foolish thing to attempt.. Noble a cause as it may have been. It would seem you are mistaken though" He chuckled. "It is plenty warm in here.. Strange though, somepony must have been here recently." He glanced over the inside of the cabin, the embers smouldering in the fireplace suddenly igniting brighter into a full on fire as Crimson waved his hoof to it. Clockwork could see the quarrel in their eyes, Icarus and Crimson. the venomous glances, the remarks. His work had already begun, even without trying, the dissonance had sparked just as Crimson had ignited the fire within the cabin. He smiled coldly at Crimson, knowing what he was capable of, but knowing he wouldn't provoke the stallion to attack, he knew he was safe as long as he played his cards right. Tricks were always his specialty, neither they, nor anypony else had any idea what Clockwork was capable of. His strength lay not within physical ability, nor in the sly tactic of an assassin. No, his work was within the realms of something far more complex and confusing, something feared and loathed by most. Something that lived within his mind, and followed him wherever he went. And it was already taking hold of them. "Worry yourself not with what he will do.. I'm certain you and the others will prevail over any.. hardships. We must look out for one another after all.. you wouldn't want to anger the only doctor we have, would you?" He remarked in an almost mocking tone, knowing this would hit a nerve, possibly a hot point on his temperament. With that he trotted over toward where Aegis and the others were. Food was on his mind, he had little to eat in the past days, and now his stomach was cramping from the lack of nourishment. "I do hate to be a bother, and I apologize for interrupting, but I must ask. Would I be able to borrow a meal off you, Aegis? Whenever you finish with what you are making here. I will repay you in whatever way I can. Perhaps when we manage to make it to the Crystal Kingdom." He tried to put on the warmest persona he could muster. He was sincere, being as hungry as he was, there was little other option for him.

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

 

Midnight Scribbler

@,

@@SilverHeart,

@,

@,

@@Nomadic,

 

Scribbler attempted his spell again, this time his power was stronger, and didn't require a high amount of strain. The potency was improving and the wound was beginning to slowly heal up. As he walked, Mirror slowed down, and began walking by his side, he smiled at her. Feeling as though he had at least a place by somepony's side for now. Orion had left him out in the cold, in more than one way now. Was he truly worth following? The thought crossed Scribbler's mind, causing his heart to sink. Was befriending this stallion a mistake after all? He sighed, and shoved the thought down. What mattered now was that he had no other choice but to follow Orion's lead. Hopefully things would look up from here. He glanced to mirror. "Well.. Looks like that blanket you gave me is going to come in handy once more.." He mused, then looked thoughtful. "You have been most kind to me, Mirror. I am in your debt."

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@@Midnight Scribbler,@,@@Commander Tangent,

 

White Eclipse

Eclipse slightly grunted at the mad inventor. "What was I suppose to do, Clockwork? Let Blast get himself even more hurt by that... thing? He may be a bit annoying sometimes, but he's still much younger than I. He won't die yet, not in his current state." Eclipse sat down at the nearest table and sat down. He took a deep breath and began pouring a few shots of vodka. It was so great to be inside someplace with a furnace and everything.

 

It was strange how such a well-kept place was out in the middle of this wasteland. It seemed a bit weird to him. But, he was at the very least grateful. They were safe, and now, it was time to drink.

 

"Do any of you want a shot or two?" Eclipse asked, putting the bottle down.