Wraithborn

(A/N: To my readers: I'm not all madness and mayhem you know. There is a method to my ways...most of the time)

Sadness and solemnety gripped me as I made my way through the schoolhouse. And when I 'made my way through the schoolhouse' I mean literally, through the walls.

Years. I've had years to practice this. Millennias to be precise. Walking through things isn't the only power a Son Of Wind has.

Among the ye olden days of Equestria, back then it was called Ekem. Before there were the 3 tribes of ponies: The Pegasi, the Unicorn, and The Earth Pony, there were....there were...others

There were the Beastborn. The multiple nomadic tribes with the blood of beasts running through their veins. It was a rag tag group of ponies, they were the outcasts, those who abandoned by their own tribes. They included dragon ponies, werewolf ponies, even some griffon and basilisk ponies. It is said, that some could even transform into the half-blood of the creature they were mixed with. Actually, I have seen them transform before, and all I can say is that I was glad they were on my side. They used to live on the outskirts of the world, in areas so devoid and inhospitable you'd have to be mad to travel there. But it was said that they were kind and that they had mysterious and wonderful artifacts. From personal time spent with them, I can guarantee that whoever said that, was correct. They mainly kept to themselves, sending out caravans that traded pelts, skins, coats, salts, meat for the caravans heading towards Griffon and Dragon lands, and those lands beyond. If I remember correctly, they also worshipped a goddess by the name of PALEM. In the olden tongue, that stood for "The Forsaken."

There are also the those that call themselves the Earthborn. These are ponies with special capabilities granted to us by the Mother Gaia. There was a tribe for each ability, I was part of such a tribe. We were called the Windfolk. We, the ones with the ability to walk quietly amongst the plains between the very winds of life and death. It was for this ability that we were forsaken from cities. We- I am no different from any other pony except for a few....attributes.

Along with the Windfolk, or Wraithborn, a title forged from fear and spite from others, there are others, the Lightning born, winged  ones who can control the weather, the Waterborn, or those who live in the streams. Nymphs and sprites are they with beautiful upper bodies, the most dashing of mares and stallions. They lure unweary travelers into their waterways where they drown them and eat the meat. They hunt in packs so anyone who sees one, might as well just run. For there will always be more waiting in the wings.

Then, there are the Stonefolk, or as they like to call themselves "True Earthborn". Their tribe is many, and they are what we know now as "settlers" back then we looked down upon such foolishness. Why would you sit around and wait when your food supply is getting away? But in time we were proven wrong as their numbers swelled. It was said that some of them used to have the power to contort the very earth itself, making fissures and mountains and casting stones and other assorted rocks at those who faced  them in combat. What truly make them unique however, is the fact that they worshipped no god, they still payed homage to Mother Gaia, but they did not worship her as openly as we would our own gods and goddesses. They cast her aside in the name of "science".

But the most disturbing aspect is, they hate others tribes, those bound to the elements. They hunt us at every opportunity, calling us "unworthy" of holding the name "Earthborn".

I......I used to believe that we could keep running forever, that we could avoid them and everything would be fine. That they would never catch us.

I was wrong. And even to this day, I still remember in clarity, the day it all came tumbling down around me.

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"And ah'm tellin' ya there's no such thing as Freedom Mountain!" Shouted Applebloom pointing to the Everfee Forest.

"Yeah sure, sure!" Mocked Scootaloo dismissively waving a hoof.

"Do ya see any mountain over there?" Again Applebloom pointed in the general direction of Everfree Forest, now hidden as the moon hung high over the sky.

"Well...maybe it was destroyed or something! I dunno!" Retorted Scootaloo jumping 180 degrees to face her friend, her back arched and her wings splayed in a defensive fashion.

"Well even if it was, I don't see it, so it can't be real!" Shouted Applebloom shoving her face into Scootaloo's.

"WELL MAYBE THER ARE THINGS YOU CAN'T SEE!" Shouted Scootaloo pushing back against Applebloom.

"Um...guys?" Sweetie Belle had been silent, watching her two friends up until now.

"WELL MAH GRANNY ALWAYS TOLD ME, IF YA CAN'T SEE IT, IT AIN'T REAL!" Applebloom screamed back, stretching her neck and thrusting her head forward.

"Guys! Calm down!"

"WEL MAYBE YOUR GRANNY'S WRONG!"

"Guys!"

"I CAIN'T BELIEVE YOUR SAYIN' THAT! NOT AFTER THAT ZAP APPLE INCIDENT!"

"GUYS!" Sweetie Belle finally shoved the two apart, holding each in a hoof as they desperately tried to fight again.

"FINE THEN! DON'T BELIEVE ME!" Scootaloo turned and stalked off with a harrumph.

"WELL FINE TO YOU TOO!" Retorted Applebloom spinning and walking in the opposite direction leaving a very scared and sad Sweetie Belle by her lonesome.

"......Guys?"

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I made my way home after my little lecture. My soul weary with more than a thousand years worth of memories....some good...other....not so. These were ghosts I had locked away in my mind..and heart. And as I trekked home to my little apartment, I couldn't help but lose myself in thought.

That often happened if I wasn't at the Time shop, affectionally named "The one stop Clockshop" by some of our regulars. The thrumming, the clicking of clocks...they helped soothe my soul. There was something about them. A clock never asked questions. All they did was beat, they ticked. They helped keep track of the time, but more importantly...they were a constant. They wouldn't betray you, they wouldn't try and backstab you, they wouldn't leave you abandoned in the cold with your intestines hanging out, barely clinging to life.

After a good half an hour of walking, I reached my little apartment. Nothing special. Hell, I've even forgotten which street it's on, I just use the landmarks to make my way around town. I'm a bit absent minded like that, but...then again..I try not to think too deeply. Not about anything...not anymore.

As soon as I headed up the two or so flights of stairs to my room, I simply went inside, closed the door, and sat in a recliner. I didn't turn on the T.V.

No, tonight was a thinking night. It was a night of...solace. Tonight was a time to think back on my long life. And the long road I've traveled.

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Rarity had just finished a bit of stitching on her latest project, a three piece Tuxedo with a red contraband around the midsection and a fedora with a single purple plume, also fit with a contraband, this time blue. It had been a commission from one of Canterlot's greatest Jazz musicians, and Rarity just couldn't refuse.

"Haaaah! All done!" She whipped her sweaty brow and stepped back to admire her hoofwork. The tuxedo was edgy and yet classy. The black material amazingly poignant under the light, the red mid-contraband served as a sharp contrast to the midnight black blazer and the blue band on the Fedora softened the sharp look of the Tux, the plume had been added as a sort of fashion statement.

C'est Magnifique she whispered, exhausted. Just then the chime rang it's sweet two-note message, announcing the arrival of yet another pony, who exactly however, was yet to be determined.

Curious, Rarity trotted over to the storefront where she expected either a late night customer or a friend in need, coming to her in their hour of need.

What she found however, was equally enthralling as it was curious. A sad Sweetie Belle.

"Hey Rarity." Said the dejected filly as she soddenly dragged her hooves in a sad fashion across the parlor towards her room. Rarity watched her with a raised eyebrow.

"Sweetie Belle? Something the matter dearie?" She inquired, Sweetie Belle didn't answer her, but instead continued walking until she was walking up the steps to her room.

"Sweetie Belle? Sweetie Belle! You even eaten dinner!" She shouted, cuffing a hoof to reach the youngster who was well out of site by now.

"I'm not hungry!" She called back. Now Rarity was worried, if something got Sweetie down, then it must have been serious.

"Hold on sister, I'm coming." She grumbled under her breath as she steeled herself before heading upstairs.

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The Apple family always believed in a wholesome family meal, no matter how long an individual member took to actually show up. Sometimes it would be Applejack who would run late, a long day of harvesting done. Sometimes Big Mac as he braved a harsh storm to plant seeds or till the earth. Or even Applebloom as she did an extracurricular activity or as she helped her older siblings around the farm. No matter how late anyone got home, they would always find the scent of warm homemade food guiding their tired bodies.

"Hey Applejack, hey Big Mac, hello Granny." Applebloom greeted her grandmother and siblings as she mopped/walked to her seat at the table where Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith were eyeing the youngster wearily. Applebloom wasn't one to get down so easily, so whatever happened, must have been big.

"Something the matter sis?" Asked Applejack never taking her eyes off the youngster as she dug into some Hasbrowns and Mashed Potato.

"Aww, nothing." Muttered Applebloom toying with her food, flipping the little square potato pieces over and over again.

"I'd say that ain't nothin'." Said Big Mac as he a piece of a Braeburn Apple off.

"Well...me n' Scootaloo were arguing. In class taday, Mr. Whooves said that there was something called Freedom Mountain back behind Everfee Forest, but I don't see it. Scootaloo said that it was there, so me n' her got into it." She muttered.

Applejack merely frowned. "Freedom Mountain? I don't see any mountain, 'specially past the Everfree. You sure about this Mr. Whooves character? Seems awfully shady." She remarked, putting down her dish and fixing Applebloom with a gaze.

"Yeah, I'm sure. He's a friend of Ms. Cheerilees! But! But! He did this thing with his body and he-"

Granny Smith smacked her silverware hard against the table, drawing attention to herself. The matriarch had been watching  the conversation silently.

"I agree with Applejack, first thing tomorrow, we go on over to yer school and watch this stallion for ourselves. No knowing what lies he's feeding you children." And with that, the Matriarch excused herself and headed into the kitchen to wash the dishes.

"I agree with Granny. First thing tomorrow, me n' Big Mac'll head down to the school and see this guy for ourselves. I just don't know about him." Applejack tapered off as she too excused herself, leaving Big Mac who was still eating and Applebloom who had her ears down and her head hung in shame.

"But he walked through the walls." She mumbled incoherently, more to herself then to anyone else. But little did she know, Big Mac had heard her. And his eyes flew open.

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Contrary to popular belief, Scootaloo could fly, she just chose to walk and use her makeshift scooter to travel. Now however, she used her wings like a hummingbird, and flew up to Rainbow Dash's cloud house, or rather, her sister's cloud house.

With a sigh of both melancholy and relief, she pushed open the door, made of cloud, and proceeded into the main living room. Also made of cloud.

"HEY SQUIRT!" She heard Rainbow yell from upstairs as Scootaloo flopped onto the couch, it sank under her weight, comfortably.

"HEY DASH!" Scootaloo yelled, from upstairs came the sounds of heavy metal. No doubt Dash rocking out as she usually did.

Suddenly, the muffled sounds of clashing brass and ripping Guitars increased as the door to Rainbow Dash's room flew open, and it's owner peeked her head from upstairs.

"Something wrong kiddo?" She asked, worry and intrigue painted all over her face.

"Ah nothing, me n' Applebloom got into a fight. That's all." Replied the filly as she crossed her legs and sighed once more.

"Really? What about?" Rainbow Dash's voice came from closer this time around as she no doubt moved closer.

"Well..we were at school. And Cheerliee's friend, some guy named Mr. Whooves said that there was something called Freedom Mountain past Everfee Forest, well, Applebloom said it wasn't true, but I know it is." The youngster turned to face her mother/sister.

Rainbow Dash however, was rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

"Dunno. Probably depends on how old he is. Tell you what, I'll go talk to Twilight and see what I can do. And maybe I'll drop by tomorrow to see this dude. He sounds suspicious."

Scootaloo lit up. "You'd do all that for me?" She asked, Rainbow Dash merely gave her a playful noogie with a wry grin. "Of course I would! What type of sister or friend would that make me if I didn't?" She asked rhetorically.

Scootaloo however, was long out of sight as she skipped happily to her bedroom, content with the knowledge that her sister was helping her.

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Rarity frowned sourly. "Sweetie Belle! Come out this instant! I know something's bothering you! I'm your sister for pete's sake!"

Still no response. Grumbling softly, she headed back into a nearby utility's closet and fetched a skeleton key. Always handy in these situations.

Forcing her way in, she was surprised to find a very still filly siting on her bed staring out her window, her gaze pointed in the direction of the Everfree Forest.

"Sweetie Belle! I know something's bothering you and I'll have you tell me this instant!" She proclaimed stomping a hoof for emphasis.

Instead of answering her question, Sweetie Belle turned to her sister. "Hey sis? Is there something called the Freedom Mountain?" She asked.

Rarity merely frowned further. "No. Not that I know of. Why, did somebody say anything about a mountain?" She asked moving to her sister.

"No, no. It's just that Scootaloo and Applebloom were arguing over it. And I kinda want to know myself." The little filly merely sighed remorsefully, her pink and purple curls bobbing a bit.

"Well.. I don't know darling. I'll have to ask Twilight. Who said that anyway?" Asked Rarity.

"Well...we had a guest today. It was Ms. Cheerliee's friend, Mr. Whooves. He said that there was something called The Freedom Mountain."

For some reason, Rarity felt a shiver in the back of her spine any time Sweetie Belle said that word. "Sweetie Belle. I don't know what they're teaching you in that awful class. But whatever it is. I know from the bottom of my heart that it isn't right. I'll come first thing tomorrow to see if everything's alright. I should most definitely ask Twilight to come as well, in case there's some funny business."

Sweetie Belle, who had been waiting patiently to get a word in edge-wise, simply sighed. Once Rarity was on the war path, there was no stopping her.

"Alright sis." She said solemnly jumping behind the covers of her sheet, intending for some goodnight's rest. Rarity pecked her on the forehead and walked out.

"Goodnight Sweetie Belle. Sleep tight." She chirped, closing the door quietly.

"Goodnight Rarity." Replied Sweetie as she drifted off.

(A/N: Yeah, turns out it was a little more than two hours work :L)