A Land so Barrenby Foxes33ChaptersThe Few Places LeftDeadly TiesHow it all EndedBack to WorkCasting ShadowsRescue MissionUnfortunateThe Few Places Left The Few Places Left There were few places safe in this world, no harmony and no friendship, there were places where people were allowed to come in and get a drink or something. An old pub made from the rubble from old buildings stood in what looked to be Appleloosa. However it was hard to tell, Equestria had changed so much, the land was grey and food, scarce. There were few plants, but brambles, thorn bushes and many other ugly plants. A young stallion walked, he had a short navy mane and dull blue. There was a scar on his right shoulder, it was pinkish and ugly, his eyes ice blue, and they looked soulless. He was a unicorn, his horn seeming to stick out far from his short mane. He paused as he heard the flapping and a young mare pegasus lands beside him. "Your late Juniper." He grumbled, looking at the grey stallion with a dull orange mane. The yellow eyed mare looked at him, almost glaring, "What do expect, I have fake alliances you know? Don't have to be rude Ice, you know I have my own business." Ice sighed and entered the pub and looked at the crimson and maroon stallion stood behind the counter, he looked up from cleaning his the glasses. He could see both Ice and Juniper, two who came once a week. "Greetings Storm." Juniper greeted well Ice stayed silent. Storm just watched Ice for a second, the one who always wore a dark brown cloak, as though to hide himself from the past. Storm embraced his, it made him tough and made others leave him alone. "Well guys, what's the word?" Storm asked, turning back to Juniper who often had news by using other ponies, Storm didn't always trust her, for she was in many alliances. "The West alliance is getting restless, I honestly think they might attack you two, be on the look out. The Hazel Mares gang may attack Blood Lust. That is all I have heard, but I think people might be not trusting me, heard a bunch of lies, trying to sort them from lies and truth." Juniper answered, with a sigh on the end. "I have seen nothing." Ice said, grumbling his answer. Storm just nodded, already knowing they wanted the usual, he put some carrot juice up and apple cider. Juniper quickly taking her apple cider and drinking it fast. "Thanks Storm." She said gleefully. Then the door slammed open and the three allies looked to see a mare unicorn, she was white and her mane was slight dull and blue. She was huffing and she looked up to see them. "I-I, I am being chase, please help me." She cried, grabbing Ice's hoof. He pulled away and she looked at him shocked. "Help yourself! The world has changed, no one just goes and help someone. Don't you get it." He snapped at her. "Ice! You could be a little considerate, but anyways, he is right lady, the world has changes and we can't just help anyone, we risk getting rep that could make people wanna kill us. Just lay low, I am sure you will be fine." Juniper told her. The mare cried, as though she was already dying, and that startled Ice a little, but he sat, sipping his carrot juice. Then there were steps outside, Ice turned his head towards the noises. "Come on little lady, come out!" A gang of stallions called. The white mare gasped, backing up. Juniper sighed, as though she already knew what would now have to happen. "Guys you should handle this, there on our territory, besides, we have already beaten these guys and this mare needs comfort." Juniper huffed, leading the white mare to the corner of the bar. However the white mare watched as the Storm grabbed and knife and the one they referred to as Ice just waited, looking out the small window to see three large stallions. "Nothing we can't handle Storm, I could even do it myself." Ice said in a somewhat cocky way. Storm smiled, putting down the knife. "You want to bet? Then get out there, call if you need help." Ice laughed and opened the door, the gang of stallions just looked at the blue unicorn and laughed. "Your little gang running out of-" Before the dull red stallion could finish his comment a barrel hit him that was lifted by Ice's magic. "Stop pretending you can win and fight." Ice said smiling. He was tempted to use the knives in small crate that Storm had set up, but decided against it and used a rock, firing with his magic that he depended a lot on. In a matter of seconds they whimpered and ran off, deciding not to have round two. "Oh come on, is that all you got!" Ice called, then whispered, "Losers." Ice turned and came back in to see the white mare dead, Ice cocked his head confused. "What happened?" "She was a spy from West, those stallions, actors, they would have killed Storm and I if I didn't see the knife in her saddle beg. Ice looked at the pool of blood on the cold wood floor and sighed. "Too bad, we are small, but I guess she was just stupid." Ice said smirking. Juniper smiled back and nodded, she liked Ice's comment that was certainly true. "Anyways, I defeated those three, even though they were actors, I think I deserve a refill." Ice said smiling, coming back up to the counter. "No way, besides, you two got some business to do. As you know ponies only know that I have an alliance with Ice, not you Juniper. You two need to assassinate someone threatening to kill Bones, he is maybe no ally, but we might be able to use him. You are to kill River, she has become too reckless and a threat. Got it?" Storm explained there next mission. "Got it. Lets go Juniper." Ice said, opening the door. The twosome left, going to do the mission they had been given; Deadly Ties Deadly Ties The cold Fall air nipped at Ice and Juniper, for they were out on a mission. They walked through the ruins of what believed to be Appleloosa, they just looked at the fallen over buildings. The mission was to kill an unicorn named Rain, who had become out of hand. They walked in silence, they knew where Rain was, but it was a long walk. "Hey Ice, do you ever think about everyone we kill? It has just gotten... easy." Juniper asked, looking at her ice eyed ally. "Well obvious, even if those three guys were actors, I kicked there ass. All I do know is that everyone here now are probably going to hell." Ice answered, actually feeling anxious to do this and get back to the pub and get some carrot juice. "Too bad Storm can't come, but every gang needs to make money somehow and too bad for Rain, she has to die today." Juniper sighed. Ice just nodded for they drew closer to the building that Rain called home. He knew they had to start by acting cool, but then he heard footsteps from behind him and Juniper. Before he could turn Ice was grabbed and he couldn't tell was was going on. They were thrown out onto the cold wooden floor of the building. Ice found the cold gave his stomach a little frost bite, he winced at the stinging when he raised, but continued anyways. He looked over to see Juniper already up and by his side, she had the same questioning look on her face as he did. "Rain? What's going on?" Ice called, taking a step forward, and a board creaked. "Oh I see Ice and Juniper. Do you think I am stupid, I staged this, why would I kill Bone? I still need him, I just wanted to see my two friends." Rain said, winking and in seconds a guard grabbed Juniper. Ice whipped around, about to use his magic, but he could see a knife being held up to Juniper's throat. He growled and turned back to face rain, the forest green unicorn was looking quite pleased. "Rain! What is the meaning of this?" Ice demanded to know, his eyes glaring. "Ice, I know you are not stupid either, stop acting like that. I put this little charade on to battle you. Your the son of Princess Twilight Sparkle, who was corrupted by hate and that magic was used, and was believed to be more powerful. Now I want to face you." She said, with a smirk across her lips. "What does my past have to do with this? Hatred is believed to be more powerful, I thought you knew I am stronger." Ice replied in a cocky tone. Juniper just watched in horror as her ally was trying to pick a fight. There was something about Rain that was different, and Juniper had a feeling she was using a different magic, but she knew she couldn't just blurt it out. They would slit her neck and it would be over, and in this life a pony partly had to watch them self. "Oh really now Ice, your better. Then lets fight, right now." She answered, she jumped down and in a matter of second a barrel was hurled at Ice at an unbelievably fast rate. He turned to his right to dodge, but was hit by the barrel and slammed down on the ground. He soon began to work, using his own magic to hurl stones, but she used a force field and teleported behind him, using her back hooves to slam his flank. He grunted, feeling a slight pain, but not much and he knew he had to start using more spells. He used the teleportation spell to escape her clutches and was on the second floor with the roof. He shook the cracked stone roof and soon rocks fell loose. Ice dodged them, but before he could teleport again, he was hit by two front hooves, but soon teleported to another building, Rain following. "Don't you see Ice, hatred is always stronger." She growled. Then shards of sharp black crystal came from the earth. Ice bolted fast away from where they were coming dodging, but he noticed Rain get tired. Well he had the chance he unleashed a rain down of rocks that pounded Rain, until she recovered. They soon were running, Rain on one part of two walls, him on the other. At first he thought she would do nothing, but then a barrel slammed into him and he was thrown from the collusion of the large barrel. He hit the dirt, his cloak flying off he even bounced a few times. In a long time his cutie mark was hidden, not many had seen it before, but now it was revealed. It was a sparkle with three skulls. He slowly got to his feet huffing, his whole body was in pain, but he needed to win. Juniper wasn't allowed to interfere and he could see her flying, just trying to get a good view. He was happy to see she had escaped, but he hadn't doubt it, she had self-taught herself to fly at amazing speed and agility. Soon Rain came into view and Ice only had one more trick up his sleeve. He teleported and got to a location, Rain followed. Rain laughed, "So this is all you got Ice? You are a disgrace." "No, I am just needed a cover." He said and a lot of broken glass from Rain's broken home shot at her. Before she could realize, the pieces shot through her body and a lot of blood fell. It was everywhere. There was few flesh from the pony remaining, it all looked like blood. Ice smiled and Juniper landed beside him. He was breathing heavily from exhaustion and from the weakness of his injuries. "See it wasn't-" Before Ice finished his sentence, he fell, slipping into unconsciousness. All he heard before his senses went was, "Ice!" When morning came, the world came back into view for Ice. "Hey Juniper, I think he is waking up." Storm called to Juniper. Juniper walked over and they both looked at Ice as he stirred and his eyes began to open. He could see he was in the pub, Storm's bedroom. Storm was a little older then them, but it didn't matter. He was unsure of what happened to him, all he knew was that Rain was dead. "What happened to me?" Ice asked, sitting up even though it was very painful. "You slipped into unconsciousness, I had to carry you and man, your heavy." Juniper complained a little. "I guess we have to take a brake from work with you injured Ice." Storm said, sighing. "N-no." Ice stuttered, he didn't want to hold them back. "Ice don't be so stubborn, You have to rest, you got beaten up, just lay down and relax, at least for today. Okay?" Ice looked down, now in a bad mood. "Fine, but what about the work, I don't wanna be useless?" "Don't worry, Juniper and I can handle it for a day. Ice you need to rest, besides, you have certainly done enough. You injured." Storm said. "Wait! Rain, she used, hatred, not magic, hatred." Ice said, his voice drifting off. Storm and Juniper looked shocked, the magic of hatred was forbidden, it was believed to corrupt the user. However they nodded, already knowing that Ice had to deal with it, in the past. "We will all talk next week, we still need a look out." Storm answered, looking toward Juniper who was already packing her saddle bag. How it all Ended How it all Ended They had left Ice in the back room, with nothing to do, just a big fat load of nothing. The floor was cold, yet Ice laid on it, staring at the wood of the walls and roof. He wished that Storm would have let him come out and even just clean tables. However he was still wounded from the battle against River and her using the magic of hatred, and Storm hated letting anyone see there gang was weak, it could mean an unfortunate attack. He laid under his blanket, he could feel his body ache as he moved. He groaned as he flipped onto his stomach, and stared at the door that led to the pub area of Storm's home. He knew he had cuts from him being used to break barrels and being banged against walls. He wished that Juniper didn't go back to work so he had someone to talk to. He tapped the floor with his hoof, trying to get something to do. The dull blue stallion moved around in his bed, although he was weary, he felt like he was made out of jello. He almost wanted to shriek it was boring, so Storm would come and give him something to do, but even Ice knew that would be crossing the line. There were times he wished the world hadn't changed, yet he found he liked it this way. This world although had many flaws was a challenge, better then the questions his mother gave him, however he forgot the answers now and he was glad he did. Ice thought they would have stuck in his brain, constantly making him wonder new things. Ice was nothing like his mother Twilight Sparkle, he didn't like being smart, he had wanted to be a warrior like his father who had passed because of it. After that, his mom kept him locked up and just entertained him with learning. No matter how much he asked to go play sports with the other colts, she said no, as though they all had disease. However it seemed to him now, she didn't know a true disease like creatures. Shadows, they were disease like, they entered the brain and try to get the pony to listen to them. These creatures only wanted to be at the top, but now they weren't trying as hard, but somehow he knew a Shadow had taken River's mind, for all he knew she could have been fighting it for a while. However there was one thing he could remember about Storm and his past with Shadows. The dangerous creatures made this would, being summoned by the fact that friendship and harmony was shattering. He soon decided to replay the story in his head, the boredom getting to him and making this room all the much more worst. The grass was dark and it was the final standing. Celestia's army was ready to deliver the final blow, and head back, yet there was mistrust in all the troops, no trusted each other. Soon enough everything went dark in the skies and no one saw the Shadows coming, no one knew they were coming. They were attracted by the pleasantness of blood, making it more enjoyable for them. They took over the minds of every soldier and when all were taken, everypony turned on everypony. It was a slaughter, blood spilled and out of the many there, Storm was the one on they were all killed by him. When he it all stopped, there was a voice inside of his head, it was telling him to take over. However Storm quivered and he fought it, using his will power, he was able to break free, however his mind was damaged slightly, his mind had headaches afterwards. Yet he fought. Ice somewhat wanted to be like that, he just wanted to have a strong mind, but not filled to the brim with facts. He didn't want to be what was close to 'perfect' like his mother. Everyone said she was a perfect princess, but not Ice, He knew that no one could be perfect. Whenever a pony said he must be perfect also, but he picked fights when he could get free from his mother's grasp when he was a teenager. Ice never regretted fighting, it is what carried him hear, he even remembered the pony who gave him the scar on his right shoulder. The ugly pinkish scar, but he knew that appearance wasn't something to worry about. Appearance was for the shallow ponies to worry about over and over. If someone called him ugly, he would just shrug it off. Soon the door finally opened and Storm walked though it, smiling down at Ice, he had always seen him as his son. "I see your still awake. You were quite beaten Ice, so I surprised you even made it to flipping over on your belly." Storm chuckled. "I was too bored to even sleep." Ice replied, resting his head on his hooves. Storm just laughed again and came closer to Ice, gesturing for him to get up. Slowly Ice rose, it hurt severely for him to get too his hooves. He wasn't even aware he was this badly injured, now that he was standing and the blanket had fallen he could see the bandages that covered his body. Mostly on his sides, there were clusters of white bandages that weaved there way around his body like snakes. "How bad was I hurt?" Ice asked as he began to have trouble standing. Storm came to his side to help him stay on his feet. "Pretty badly, she didn't want to stop by my guess, she hit you with a lot. Like said you were unconscious for five hours, not including how long it took Juniper to get you here which was a hour and a half. She was trying not to make your injuries worst." Storm explained to him. Ice just nodded have no longer any further questions. Storm seemed to feel his pain of being locked in this room, even just for one day. "Don't worry, your works start again for you tomorrow, I just want you to rest for the rest of this day. Let some of the swelling go down and let yourself get stronger." Storm said, trying to make Ice smile. Ice smiled indeed and sat down. "Hey Storm, I am glad to here you say that." Back to Work Back to Work It was a cold Fall morning and Ice had awaken early, for it was finally time for work. After just one day of nothing, it had nearly killed him. He dragged himself out of his blankets and slowly made his way to the door. He still felt sore, but he already knew he wasn't staying here any longer then he had to. He opened the door, and looked to the counter to see Storm was doing dishes, his head lifting when Ice came out of the back room. Ice walked to the counter, it was just to say good-bye before he left, even though he wanted to go out into the cold now and do some scouting. "Well Storm, I have to go, bye." Ice said as he turned. "Wait," Storm spoke up and put something on the counter, "You will need this." Ice turned to see a new cloak on the counter and walked over, putting the new dark brown cloak on. It hid his cutie mark and his eyes. He felt gleeful for the fact that he finally free and he was hidden from the eyes of others. It was time to go into the shadows and find out something this time. However it all seemed different for him, Juniper was a sly mare while he was well known if his face was revealed perhaps, but it was still different. Ponies knew he had alliances, and some wanted to be in alliance with him. The world seemed more complex now a days, ponies lied and some used the power of deception to get what they want and sometimes hate. He opened the door and felt the cold nip of Fall hit his face. The fresh air felt great to breathe, even after one day he now felt free. He walked down the dirt road, looking at the few buildings that were remade from the rubble of others. The design looked like a three-year-old had glued a bunch of dark colors together. Ice kept himself standing, trying to look tall and as though his wounds did not exist, it was the only way to live. Gangs wanted to get on top of others and some, had been completely whipped out from the fighting, sometimes even from cross-hairs. Ice could see the steam of his breathe swirl up and fade into the dawn. The light was still quite dim from the clouds and the slowly raising sun. He went down the hill into the cold, even if this was believed to be Appleloosa, it still got quite cold. However the landscape all looked the same and it seemed impossible to know now, all was bland. There was almost no color, only shades that made all grim. Ice walked slowly, looking behind him to see the slight outline of the toppled over buildings that were in the distance. He was leaving for the next weak of work, Juniper snitched, Storm made the money while he just scouted. He knew almost every turn, some of course he had forgotten, he had no eidetic memory and the capacity per day seemed small. His attention span was short considering he often saw the same thing over and over and came back a grump from not seeing a single thing new. Brown brambles caught on his hooves, making him struggled briefly until he pulled free and fell over onto his right side. He could feel a slight pain from his injures, but Ice was tougher then that. He got back up, slightly wobbly, but he was still able to move his limbs. For a few seconds he thought to turn back, but knew that he would rather be out there and suffer from wounds, then stay in that room much longer. Ice sighed and moved through the brown grass. The air was cold and stung his throat and he hated the fact that he was exposed. If there were any other ponies they would kill him, and it would be easy. He swiftly galloped towards the forest area, then hide in the high skeleton trees. It wasn't the best protection, but in this area it was the only protection really. Ice walked slow, how he somewhat wished he could fly like Juniper. If he could fly he would be faster, but no magic, he just sighed and continued on his way. He knew his full route may not be achieved due to his injures. They weren't assigned anything really, but they had to accomplish something, they couldn't just stand around somewhere, or the pony who did so would get into trouble. Ice yawned for it was still quite early in the morning, the sun was raising, creating slight heat. He kept his hood up, so the morning frost wouldn't nip at his ears. Each step stung with slight frost bite from the frozen ground. The soil was hard and the grass was what gave him slight frost bite. His sore shoulders slumped, and he groaned in slight pain, momentarily letting himself look weak, but soon lifted his head and tried not to look that way. The world was hard, everypony had to look tough, and even if they had something like a broken leg, they had to look as though they didn't or just lie low for a little. He walked at a good pace, but then he heard something and his ears pricked. The noise stopped as soon as he did, he looked around to check if someone was there, but saw nothing. For a second he thought he was loosing his sanity until a pony who was also cloaked came out of the trees. Ice couldn't see his face, but he could see the pony of course. "Hey there, want to spar?" The stallion asked. Ice knew that spar meant fight, but he had no time, but couldn't risk being attacked in the future, so he sighed. "Sure." He answer, and as soon as the word left his mouth the pony lunged at him. Ice dodged the attack, but was almost hit and it had hurt a lot to move like that. His teeth clenched so he didn't groan or make any other sounds that would make a weakness. However in second he kicked the stallion and the pony fell, and the fight felt hopeless, every movement had caused a deal of pain. He turned to see the stallion had gotten up fast and son he hit Ice's left shoulder, it nearly caused him to fall, but he stood strong. Ice was about to do something when the stallion hit his side and caused him to tumble down the hill. Ice got up and saw the stallion was about to lung and he dodged it and the stallion landed where he was. Ice was breathing heavily well the stallion look fine and Ice could tell there was a smile under that hood. However Ice knew he couldn't play offense, he had to play defense. The stallion lunged again, but Ice dodged and the pony hit a tree. Soon Ice talked him and knew he had the death shot, which meant he won. "I win." He huffed, and soon walked away. However the pony followed, taking off something and putting it in his settle bag, then flipped down his hood and Ice was stunned. It wasn't a stallion, it was a mare. Her fur was dark grey, her right ear was torn and her mane was black with purple highlights, her muzzle and hooves were dark purple like her highlights. "Your pretty good. The name is Comet Fire, so who are you?" She asked, smiling. "Thanks, and I am Ice." He replied, still quite stunned. "So what are you doing out here and injured Ice? I could tell by how easily tired you got, and don't deny it. I saw it all." Comet asked with a smile. "Its work, and none of your business." Ice snapped and continued to move. "Well I am tagging along, Besides I have no gang, I need one, so what about yours?" Comet asked. "No, my teammates don't trust easily and neither do I." Ice answered, he was starting to get annoyed. Then Comet was silent, but yet she still followed Ice, even though he had reclined the offer for a new teammate. Then he saw something, shadowy figures, Shadows. "Get down." He said in a hushed whisper as he knelled, and Comet did the same. "What is it?" She asked. "Shadows, creatures that can put voices in ponies head, sometimes they listen, mostly if they don't have a strong mind." Ice explained. Casting Shadows Casting Shadows Ice could tell by Comet's jerked, she was startled by the immense power that these creatures possessed. Although they weren't often seen, when they were, it was the worst thing. They cackled like crows, there laughs bone chilling and could easily frighten any pony. Ice knew although he hadn't strayed far, and the sun was going down, he had to head back to the base. Storm needed to know and when Juniper returned in approximately five days dependent on the events that occurred. Slowly Ice moved, and Comet seemed shocked by his movement. "What are you doing?" She asked, slowly making her way closer. "I have to go back to my base and tell the others." Ice explained in a hush growl. He weaved slowly through the undergrowth, drawing closer to the edge of the forest. It was hard to move from the undergrowth and the fact it wrapped around there hooves. He looked back to see that Comet was following him. He moves slowly through the underbrush, and was just able to escape the dead trees. He looked back again, she was still there and Ice didn't understand why she was still following him after what happened. Maybe she was afraid? However she didn't look like a mare who would be easily startled or anything really. "You should go to you home or find a base." Ice snapped, trying to get her to leave. Comet just glared at him. "Oh, no way! After seeing those, those, those things, I think I deserve an explanation! How do you know about those things? In fact, who are you really?" Comet growled. Ice just sighed, and couldn't help, but to glare at the ground. Out of all ponies to find him, it is one that needs a gang. He wanted to ignore the questions, but he knew that would just make it worst. "I was told be a friend. He had to get them out of his mind. I have to head there first, then I have to find my pegasus friend. She will be in the most danger. So please, just calm down. Those are Shadows, they are evil creatures from the old world. During the war they convinced team mates to fight each other. That is why there are less ponies on this Earth today. They're pure evil. Don't go near them." Ice explained and began to follow his tracks back, at first slow. Comet was silent and followed hesitantly, but she was still there. Ice didn't get why she was so persistent of helping them after one fight. What was wrong with her? However he was careful, he still didn't trust her. "We will have to run. I can't waste too much time. A lot of it I need to use to find our last group member." Ice called, as he quickened the pace. He was soon at a full gallop and Comet followed, keeping a faster pace, she wasn't even giving it her all. They ran through the snow until they came to the ruins of Appleloosa. Ice paused, something wasn't right. There were more knocked over buildings then last time, it was odd. He knew he had to find Storm and fast. Although Ice had to hurry, he walked, he knew he couldn't take any bad risks that were unnecessary. Comet was close behind him, and was looking at the ruins herself. "So, this is where you all live?" She asked, her voice confused. "Not just us. Our gang is small, we share this area with several other gangs. This was once Appleloosa we believe, once a desert, but ever since the Shadows came and the war ended, it has had strange weather patterns." Ice explained. He walked down the dirt roads until he came to base, and his mouth gaped as he saw it destroyed. It looked like a fire had started, and that somepony had bashed the rest. However there was something else, a note. You have been warned. We know the lies you spill. Don't cross us again. You shouldn't have, killed Rain. "Damn it!" Ice growled, he should have known. Comet hovered over his shoulder, but didn't say a word, just looked at the note. Ice walked into the ruins of the old bar and looked around. He was hoping to find a clue to where Storm was, or if he was dead. Ice doubted him being dead, there was just no way. He looked around and knew then where he was.going, however not quite. They either made a new base, or they were in the old ruins of the last, that was destroyed by Rain and him when they fought. "Come on, we have to find my ally." Ice said, although he hated his follower. Comet nodded and with that they began to search for Storm. Ice scanned the surroundings for clues ad he walked to there past base. When they got there, he noticed it was all the same. Some of the walls crumbled and when he walked in, he saw the blood of Rain and her body still stabbed by glass. She was still pinned up against the wall. The smell was bloody and metallic and when Comet walked it, she almost gagged. She looked at the mangled body on the wall, and just shrugged it off and kept following Ice. The twosome looked about the ruins, in the few areas that weren't demolished. There were still a few safes that had food in them, some chests and a tiny broom closet that weren't destroyed in the fight. Ice sighed, he couldn't find a thing, until he looked back at Rain's mangled body. In the rubble was a piece of paper. He plucked it out using his magic and looked at the note. He isn't dead yet, don't worry, come and find us. We are at the Drop Off. I think you know it, well we hope. Ice couldn't help, but growl, the Drop Off was a bad place to be or to even go. It was a high cliff where gang members threw traitors or even hostages of a cliff to there death. There was stone down the face of the cliff that effected unicorn magic, a certain death trap to any pony. It was basically used as a graveyard, or more like a garbage can. Somewhere in the hole was a creature that devoured the dead bodies, most called him Scavenger, because he ate dead ponies. Ice sighed, he went out and could see the cliff, he knew where he was going next. Rescue Mission Rescue Mission Ice left Comet and began to walk towards an old dirt path. He looked at the barren land covered by dark twisted trees stripped of leaves. His icy blue eyes just glared at the path, anger building up inside of him. A frustrated sigh came from his mouth. Cold air nipped at then both. Ice lifted his hood over his head. He trudged, head down and clearly irritated. Comet beamed at him and quickly caught up. "Your actually going! You could die!" Comet exclaimed. "I have no choice. Storm is a gang member and we look out for each other, not like the other gangs. I have to." Ice explained in a hiss. Comet just looked at him, she seemed surprised. Soon her head looked down and once again she looked up at him. "What about the other member?" Comet asked. "She will come and know what happened. She will know to find us." Ice answered. "How do you know?" "She's smart and a good tracker." Ice explained. Comet just released a long breath of air. She decided to stop talking, Ice making it clear. Ice just glanced up a head, looking from the ground to further up the dirt path. It was hard for him to believe that they captured Storm and Ice knew, Storm must had been out numbered or out of his element. Yet he found himself not doubting that Storm had gone down the twisted dark trail or betrayal. He kept his ears pricked, trying to make sure there wasn't an ambush, but he doubted it. If they wanted revenge, they were going to toss him off that cliff if they could, or kill him in combat. Both probably in a suffering way, although Ice had finished off River speedily, not allowing suffering. Besides, he couldn't have gave her the chance to live, her mind was corrupted by the power of black magic. Its evil twisted ways could corrupt even the strongest mind with power. Ice knew this all too well and didn't bother to ponder it. His sore limbs made him stagger slightly and Comet noticed immediately. "Are you okay? You still seem wounded." Comet asked, lifting her head. Ice just glanced at her, head still low. Although his limbs burned with the sore achy feeling, he didn't want to tell her he was weak. He pondered for a second, raking his mind for an excuse. "Its nothing, just a little tired." Ice answered. Comet looked at him suspiciously. "Yeah right," She grumbled. Ice just glared at her for second, but let it pass and continued down the path. However when he looked up, he noticed that Comet was constantly looking around. Her face looked of concerned, as though it was some sort of horror film. "What's wrong with you?" Ice asked in a mumble. Comet stopped looking around and just glanced at Ice. "I don't know how to explain it, but I have a bad feeling. My stomach is tied up in knots and I am not nervous. This place just gives me the shivers. I just don't know why." Comet answered, then sighed. She just looked up towards where the cliff was. They would soon be going up into a thicker brush of trees and bush. She glared at it and Ice just looked at her confused. Then he looked up at the path and noticed a slight stir in the bushes. "You saw that right?" Comet asked, whispering. "Yeah, somepony is there." Ice answered, also whispering. "Lets act like we didn't see them. We can lure them out, then catch them." Ice nodded in agreement. The twosome went up the path slowly and quietly. Ice kept his ears pricked, something he would have done anyways, while Comet just trotted beside him. Soon a loud snap erupted through the trees, followed by the utter of a swear. Ice turned his head and was just able to see a thin dull red mare with a brighter red mane and a honey colored pegasus stallion with a dark brown mane beside her. A broken stick was at his hooves. Comet watched them carefully. They lifted themselves higher from the dirt road. The stallion had a smirk on his face while the mare just smiled mischievously. "Looks like we were caught." He sighed, stretching out his honey colored wings. "Yeah." The red mare giggled. Ice just glared at them, they were acting like this was some game! He stepped a little forward, while comet watched the pair. Her eyes cautiously scanning them over, sizing them up for a fight. "What are you doing here?" Ice asked in a growl. The mare lifted her head, her mischievous smile still laid across her lips. "Just doing some damage," she answered. Ice's eyes widened as the stallion moved at a fast speed and hit his right side. He was knocked to the ground and covered by dust. Ice released a series of coughs and by the time he looked up, a pair of large hooves were about to smash him into the ground. Before they could make in pact, they were slammed the other way by a pair of purple hooves. Ice's head turned to see purple and grey Comet. Her short black mane with the purple streak pulled back behind her ears and her green eyes lit like fire. Ice slowly got to his feet, and looked at them. The stallion got to his feet and glared at Comet. He was baffled by the fact that the smallish mare had knocked him off his hooves. "Look out they're fast." Comet whispered. Ice just nodded, standing in a defensive position, Comet to his right. The red mare and honey stallion moved together, until dividing, one swing right, the other left. Ice ducked as the honey stallion came for another blow. He hit the ground head first and skidded to a halt on the dusty ground. Ice was about to take the moment to attack, but soon saw Comet. She was fighting back, but the red mare went out of sight and was behind her. Ice could tell she wouldn't notice in time. He glanced at the stallion, who he could easily kill, but soon turned away. He teleported to the right of the mare and kicked her into a tree. Comet turned immediately, and smiled to say thanks. The mare squirmed, but soon found Comet hovering over her. She squealed as Comet put a hoof to her chest and grabbed a dagger from her saddle bag. Ice just watched, but in seconds he felt a stabbing pain in his flank. "Damn it!" Ice snapped as he hit the ground. His sudden outburst distracted Comet and the red mare kicked her off. Ice knew he had to move quickly, he could see the stallion on his feet, walking closer. Ice ripped the dagger out, risking a larger wound and stood, hold it with his magic. Blood seeped out of the deep cut on his flank. It dribbled to the ground, and the stallion just smirked. He took off towards him at full speed, ready to kill him, but Ice jumped to the right just in time. When the stallion hit the ground for the second time, he seemed agitated. Before he could get up, Ice sank the dagger into his back. The stallion's body went limp and he laid there lifeless. "No!" The mare screeched. Ice looked to his left to see the mare now. He got kicked in the side by her back hooves and fell to the ground. His wound sired in pain. He groaned and looked to see the mare hovering over him with the knife. She was smiling, but soon his eyes widened. Ice moved back and she fell to the ground, behind her was Comet. "You okay?" Comet asked in a serious tone. "Yeah, but it hurts like hell." Ice answered in a groan. "We should camp here, we both need rest." Comet suggested. Ice looked at the trees and brush that hid them from sight. It was the best place here where they could wait and get cleaned up. Hopefully Storm was able to wait. Ice could just tell that in his current situation, he had to wait. "Yeah. I guess. I just hope Storm has time." Ice grumbled. "If they want revenge on you, they will wait." Comet assured. Ice just lifted his head, he knew she was right. Unfortunate Unfortunate The night was cold and decedent. There was no pony else around the twosome as they camped among the trees. Harsh pain rippled through Ice's flank, the stab wound being very deep. The wound was caked in dried blood, but was covered in darkly stained cloth. The wound had a terrible metallic odor that stuck in the air, but like most ponies, the twosome were use to it. Blood stained the dirt nearby the camp and the bodies of the stallion and mare were hidden. Ice laid down on the dark green grass underneath a thin birch tree. Comet was peering over the bushes, checking for guards. She was covered in purplish bruises and dull red cuts. The most menacing cut being the one below her right cheek. Ice just laid down for a while, sensing the pain of the terribly deep wound. He had a feeling it wouldn't kill him, but it hurt like hell. The unfortunate encounter with the two gang members had left them both battered and bruised. Although Ice was stabbed and had been bleeding before, he was really shaken up by the wound. Yes it was indeed deep, but these days, it could have been worst and Ice knew that. Comet looked around for a few more seconds, but soon left the bushes. "I think we're good, no one has come yet, I think you have tonight to get healed unfortunately." Comet explained, gazing at the wound covered by grey cloth. Ice's head lifted and he looked at Comet, "That's fine. I just don't want Storm to get hurt. There isn't many allies in this world." Comet nodded in agreement, "Quite true, the world has gone to shit. We all have to face it sooner or later." Ice just nodded, the comment being very true. There wasn't anything to really depend on, other then the hopeful truth of a stranger. The world had many gangs and twisted ideas for the future. A possible future ruled by black magic. "Hey Ice, I meant to ask you something. When that mare was going to kick me and you had the stallion pinned, why did you help me?" Comet asked, looking Ice straight in his icy blue eyes. Ice's head lifted and he met his gaze, "You wanted to be my ally, you're one now. If Storm is dead or dies and Juniper can't be found, your my only ally." Comet just looked at him for a second, unsure of what to say. It was true, she wished for him as an ally and now she had him as one. She just nodded in reply, soon settling down under one of the trees. Her eyes still watching him, but he wasn't paying attention. "All I hope is that your wound doesn't get infected, you could die just from that, and nothing else." Comet sighed in a mumble. Ice couldn't help, but to glance down at his wound. He knew it was terrible and he had to be careful. Ice nodded in agreement to what she had said. Yet he didn't want to be sitting here, hoping that Storm wouldn't be dead when he got here. "Lets rest, we need some sleep anyways." Comet suggested. Once again he nodded, still not in the mood to talk. He lowered his head and folded his ears down, letting his mind enter sleep. Soon the darkness entered his eyes and he fell into a dreamless sleep. After a full night of sleep, he could just hear a voice during his slumber. He couldn't quite hear it, but soon his icy blue eyes opened and he turned his head. He saw a few ponies trying to carry away Comet. Her struggles were futile and she kept kicking her legs, trying to pull away from the four ponies. Ice attempted to get to his feet, but slipped, landing face first into the dirt. His flank burned terribly from the stab wound, and it immediately opened from his haste. He let out a cry of agony and the four ponies just laughed, and continued to take Comet. She kept struggling, but she couldn't escape. Ice took a few minutes to recover, but found they had disappeared from sight. "Damn it," he mumbled. Ice raised to his hooves and looked at the struggle marks. He ignored the burning in his flank and followed the path. It was incredibly bad and was bleeding. Scarlet droplets of his blood fell to the ground, and he stopped for a second. Ice stared at his wound, but didn't bother with a healing spell. Instead he grabbed the old rag and just wrapped it once again. He felt flustered with all that had happened, but he had to help his allies. He stared down the path and began to walk, his head sturdy and focused on the markings. He kept his ears pricked and just kept moving down the way. He was angered and when he came to the opening, he stood tall, not afraid of what he was facing. "Look, he came," the new leader chortled. Ice turned his head and could just tell he was the leader. He stood tall, a pegasi with large wings that were made for speed. His mane and tall were dark brown and his fur was a lightly tanned brown. He had bright blue eyes, and a mischievous smile upon his face. "Look at you! Your wounded and you still come here Ice. How naive! Your friends are quite doomed, and you won't find them before you get thrown like trash," he laughed. "You will pay for what you did to Rain." The leader's hoof pointed to him and his guards ran towards them at fast speeds like rabid dogs. They were ready and gained speed, getting closer to wounded Ice.
The Few Places Left The Few Places Left There were few places safe in this world, no harmony and no friendship, there were places where people were allowed to come in and get a drink or something. An old pub made from the rubble from old buildings stood in what looked to be Appleloosa. However it was hard to tell, Equestria had changed so much, the land was grey and food, scarce. There were few plants, but brambles, thorn bushes and many other ugly plants. A young stallion walked, he had a short navy mane and dull blue. There was a scar on his right shoulder, it was pinkish and ugly, his eyes ice blue, and they looked soulless. He was a unicorn, his horn seeming to stick out far from his short mane. He paused as he heard the flapping and a young mare pegasus lands beside him. "Your late Juniper." He grumbled, looking at the grey stallion with a dull orange mane. The yellow eyed mare looked at him, almost glaring, "What do expect, I have fake alliances you know? Don't have to be rude Ice, you know I have my own business." Ice sighed and entered the pub and looked at the crimson and maroon stallion stood behind the counter, he looked up from cleaning his the glasses. He could see both Ice and Juniper, two who came once a week. "Greetings Storm." Juniper greeted well Ice stayed silent. Storm just watched Ice for a second, the one who always wore a dark brown cloak, as though to hide himself from the past. Storm embraced his, it made him tough and made others leave him alone. "Well guys, what's the word?" Storm asked, turning back to Juniper who often had news by using other ponies, Storm didn't always trust her, for she was in many alliances. "The West alliance is getting restless, I honestly think they might attack you two, be on the look out. The Hazel Mares gang may attack Blood Lust. That is all I have heard, but I think people might be not trusting me, heard a bunch of lies, trying to sort them from lies and truth." Juniper answered, with a sigh on the end. "I have seen nothing." Ice said, grumbling his answer. Storm just nodded, already knowing they wanted the usual, he put some carrot juice up and apple cider. Juniper quickly taking her apple cider and drinking it fast. "Thanks Storm." She said gleefully. Then the door slammed open and the three allies looked to see a mare unicorn, she was white and her mane was slight dull and blue. She was huffing and she looked up to see them. "I-I, I am being chase, please help me." She cried, grabbing Ice's hoof. He pulled away and she looked at him shocked. "Help yourself! The world has changed, no one just goes and help someone. Don't you get it." He snapped at her. "Ice! You could be a little considerate, but anyways, he is right lady, the world has changes and we can't just help anyone, we risk getting rep that could make people wanna kill us. Just lay low, I am sure you will be fine." Juniper told her. The mare cried, as though she was already dying, and that startled Ice a little, but he sat, sipping his carrot juice. Then there were steps outside, Ice turned his head towards the noises. "Come on little lady, come out!" A gang of stallions called. The white mare gasped, backing up. Juniper sighed, as though she already knew what would now have to happen. "Guys you should handle this, there on our territory, besides, we have already beaten these guys and this mare needs comfort." Juniper huffed, leading the white mare to the corner of the bar. However the white mare watched as the Storm grabbed and knife and the one they referred to as Ice just waited, looking out the small window to see three large stallions. "Nothing we can't handle Storm, I could even do it myself." Ice said in a somewhat cocky way. Storm smiled, putting down the knife. "You want to bet? Then get out there, call if you need help." Ice laughed and opened the door, the gang of stallions just looked at the blue unicorn and laughed. "Your little gang running out of-" Before the dull red stallion could finish his comment a barrel hit him that was lifted by Ice's magic. "Stop pretending you can win and fight." Ice said smiling. He was tempted to use the knives in small crate that Storm had set up, but decided against it and used a rock, firing with his magic that he depended a lot on. In a matter of seconds they whimpered and ran off, deciding not to have round two. "Oh come on, is that all you got!" Ice called, then whispered, "Losers." Ice turned and came back in to see the white mare dead, Ice cocked his head confused. "What happened?" "She was a spy from West, those stallions, actors, they would have killed Storm and I if I didn't see the knife in her saddle beg. Ice looked at the pool of blood on the cold wood floor and sighed. "Too bad, we are small, but I guess she was just stupid." Ice said smirking. Juniper smiled back and nodded, she liked Ice's comment that was certainly true. "Anyways, I defeated those three, even though they were actors, I think I deserve a refill." Ice said smiling, coming back up to the counter. "No way, besides, you two got some business to do. As you know ponies only know that I have an alliance with Ice, not you Juniper. You two need to assassinate someone threatening to kill Bones, he is maybe no ally, but we might be able to use him. You are to kill River, she has become too reckless and a threat. Got it?" Storm explained there next mission. "Got it. Lets go Juniper." Ice said, opening the door. The twosome left, going to do the mission they had been given;
Deadly Ties Deadly Ties The cold Fall air nipped at Ice and Juniper, for they were out on a mission. They walked through the ruins of what believed to be Appleloosa, they just looked at the fallen over buildings. The mission was to kill an unicorn named Rain, who had become out of hand. They walked in silence, they knew where Rain was, but it was a long walk. "Hey Ice, do you ever think about everyone we kill? It has just gotten... easy." Juniper asked, looking at her ice eyed ally. "Well obvious, even if those three guys were actors, I kicked there ass. All I do know is that everyone here now are probably going to hell." Ice answered, actually feeling anxious to do this and get back to the pub and get some carrot juice. "Too bad Storm can't come, but every gang needs to make money somehow and too bad for Rain, she has to die today." Juniper sighed. Ice just nodded for they drew closer to the building that Rain called home. He knew they had to start by acting cool, but then he heard footsteps from behind him and Juniper. Before he could turn Ice was grabbed and he couldn't tell was was going on. They were thrown out onto the cold wooden floor of the building. Ice found the cold gave his stomach a little frost bite, he winced at the stinging when he raised, but continued anyways. He looked over to see Juniper already up and by his side, she had the same questioning look on her face as he did. "Rain? What's going on?" Ice called, taking a step forward, and a board creaked. "Oh I see Ice and Juniper. Do you think I am stupid, I staged this, why would I kill Bone? I still need him, I just wanted to see my two friends." Rain said, winking and in seconds a guard grabbed Juniper. Ice whipped around, about to use his magic, but he could see a knife being held up to Juniper's throat. He growled and turned back to face rain, the forest green unicorn was looking quite pleased. "Rain! What is the meaning of this?" Ice demanded to know, his eyes glaring. "Ice, I know you are not stupid either, stop acting like that. I put this little charade on to battle you. Your the son of Princess Twilight Sparkle, who was corrupted by hate and that magic was used, and was believed to be more powerful. Now I want to face you." She said, with a smirk across her lips. "What does my past have to do with this? Hatred is believed to be more powerful, I thought you knew I am stronger." Ice replied in a cocky tone. Juniper just watched in horror as her ally was trying to pick a fight. There was something about Rain that was different, and Juniper had a feeling she was using a different magic, but she knew she couldn't just blurt it out. They would slit her neck and it would be over, and in this life a pony partly had to watch them self. "Oh really now Ice, your better. Then lets fight, right now." She answered, she jumped down and in a matter of second a barrel was hurled at Ice at an unbelievably fast rate. He turned to his right to dodge, but was hit by the barrel and slammed down on the ground. He soon began to work, using his own magic to hurl stones, but she used a force field and teleported behind him, using her back hooves to slam his flank. He grunted, feeling a slight pain, but not much and he knew he had to start using more spells. He used the teleportation spell to escape her clutches and was on the second floor with the roof. He shook the cracked stone roof and soon rocks fell loose. Ice dodged them, but before he could teleport again, he was hit by two front hooves, but soon teleported to another building, Rain following. "Don't you see Ice, hatred is always stronger." She growled. Then shards of sharp black crystal came from the earth. Ice bolted fast away from where they were coming dodging, but he noticed Rain get tired. Well he had the chance he unleashed a rain down of rocks that pounded Rain, until she recovered. They soon were running, Rain on one part of two walls, him on the other. At first he thought she would do nothing, but then a barrel slammed into him and he was thrown from the collusion of the large barrel. He hit the dirt, his cloak flying off he even bounced a few times. In a long time his cutie mark was hidden, not many had seen it before, but now it was revealed. It was a sparkle with three skulls. He slowly got to his feet huffing, his whole body was in pain, but he needed to win. Juniper wasn't allowed to interfere and he could see her flying, just trying to get a good view. He was happy to see she had escaped, but he hadn't doubt it, she had self-taught herself to fly at amazing speed and agility. Soon Rain came into view and Ice only had one more trick up his sleeve. He teleported and got to a location, Rain followed. Rain laughed, "So this is all you got Ice? You are a disgrace." "No, I am just needed a cover." He said and a lot of broken glass from Rain's broken home shot at her. Before she could realize, the pieces shot through her body and a lot of blood fell. It was everywhere. There was few flesh from the pony remaining, it all looked like blood. Ice smiled and Juniper landed beside him. He was breathing heavily from exhaustion and from the weakness of his injuries. "See it wasn't-" Before Ice finished his sentence, he fell, slipping into unconsciousness. All he heard before his senses went was, "Ice!" When morning came, the world came back into view for Ice. "Hey Juniper, I think he is waking up." Storm called to Juniper. Juniper walked over and they both looked at Ice as he stirred and his eyes began to open. He could see he was in the pub, Storm's bedroom. Storm was a little older then them, but it didn't matter. He was unsure of what happened to him, all he knew was that Rain was dead. "What happened to me?" Ice asked, sitting up even though it was very painful. "You slipped into unconsciousness, I had to carry you and man, your heavy." Juniper complained a little. "I guess we have to take a brake from work with you injured Ice." Storm said, sighing. "N-no." Ice stuttered, he didn't want to hold them back. "Ice don't be so stubborn, You have to rest, you got beaten up, just lay down and relax, at least for today. Okay?" Ice looked down, now in a bad mood. "Fine, but what about the work, I don't wanna be useless?" "Don't worry, Juniper and I can handle it for a day. Ice you need to rest, besides, you have certainly done enough. You injured." Storm said. "Wait! Rain, she used, hatred, not magic, hatred." Ice said, his voice drifting off. Storm and Juniper looked shocked, the magic of hatred was forbidden, it was believed to corrupt the user. However they nodded, already knowing that Ice had to deal with it, in the past. "We will all talk next week, we still need a look out." Storm answered, looking toward Juniper who was already packing her saddle bag.
How it all Ended How it all Ended They had left Ice in the back room, with nothing to do, just a big fat load of nothing. The floor was cold, yet Ice laid on it, staring at the wood of the walls and roof. He wished that Storm would have let him come out and even just clean tables. However he was still wounded from the battle against River and her using the magic of hatred, and Storm hated letting anyone see there gang was weak, it could mean an unfortunate attack. He laid under his blanket, he could feel his body ache as he moved. He groaned as he flipped onto his stomach, and stared at the door that led to the pub area of Storm's home. He knew he had cuts from him being used to break barrels and being banged against walls. He wished that Juniper didn't go back to work so he had someone to talk to. He tapped the floor with his hoof, trying to get something to do. The dull blue stallion moved around in his bed, although he was weary, he felt like he was made out of jello. He almost wanted to shriek it was boring, so Storm would come and give him something to do, but even Ice knew that would be crossing the line. There were times he wished the world hadn't changed, yet he found he liked it this way. This world although had many flaws was a challenge, better then the questions his mother gave him, however he forgot the answers now and he was glad he did. Ice thought they would have stuck in his brain, constantly making him wonder new things. Ice was nothing like his mother Twilight Sparkle, he didn't like being smart, he had wanted to be a warrior like his father who had passed because of it. After that, his mom kept him locked up and just entertained him with learning. No matter how much he asked to go play sports with the other colts, she said no, as though they all had disease. However it seemed to him now, she didn't know a true disease like creatures. Shadows, they were disease like, they entered the brain and try to get the pony to listen to them. These creatures only wanted to be at the top, but now they weren't trying as hard, but somehow he knew a Shadow had taken River's mind, for all he knew she could have been fighting it for a while. However there was one thing he could remember about Storm and his past with Shadows. The dangerous creatures made this would, being summoned by the fact that friendship and harmony was shattering. He soon decided to replay the story in his head, the boredom getting to him and making this room all the much more worst. The grass was dark and it was the final standing. Celestia's army was ready to deliver the final blow, and head back, yet there was mistrust in all the troops, no trusted each other. Soon enough everything went dark in the skies and no one saw the Shadows coming, no one knew they were coming. They were attracted by the pleasantness of blood, making it more enjoyable for them. They took over the minds of every soldier and when all were taken, everypony turned on everypony. It was a slaughter, blood spilled and out of the many there, Storm was the one on they were all killed by him. When he it all stopped, there was a voice inside of his head, it was telling him to take over. However Storm quivered and he fought it, using his will power, he was able to break free, however his mind was damaged slightly, his mind had headaches afterwards. Yet he fought. Ice somewhat wanted to be like that, he just wanted to have a strong mind, but not filled to the brim with facts. He didn't want to be what was close to 'perfect' like his mother. Everyone said she was a perfect princess, but not Ice, He knew that no one could be perfect. Whenever a pony said he must be perfect also, but he picked fights when he could get free from his mother's grasp when he was a teenager. Ice never regretted fighting, it is what carried him hear, he even remembered the pony who gave him the scar on his right shoulder. The ugly pinkish scar, but he knew that appearance wasn't something to worry about. Appearance was for the shallow ponies to worry about over and over. If someone called him ugly, he would just shrug it off. Soon the door finally opened and Storm walked though it, smiling down at Ice, he had always seen him as his son. "I see your still awake. You were quite beaten Ice, so I surprised you even made it to flipping over on your belly." Storm chuckled. "I was too bored to even sleep." Ice replied, resting his head on his hooves. Storm just laughed again and came closer to Ice, gesturing for him to get up. Slowly Ice rose, it hurt severely for him to get too his hooves. He wasn't even aware he was this badly injured, now that he was standing and the blanket had fallen he could see the bandages that covered his body. Mostly on his sides, there were clusters of white bandages that weaved there way around his body like snakes. "How bad was I hurt?" Ice asked as he began to have trouble standing. Storm came to his side to help him stay on his feet. "Pretty badly, she didn't want to stop by my guess, she hit you with a lot. Like said you were unconscious for five hours, not including how long it took Juniper to get you here which was a hour and a half. She was trying not to make your injuries worst." Storm explained to him. Ice just nodded have no longer any further questions. Storm seemed to feel his pain of being locked in this room, even just for one day. "Don't worry, your works start again for you tomorrow, I just want you to rest for the rest of this day. Let some of the swelling go down and let yourself get stronger." Storm said, trying to make Ice smile. Ice smiled indeed and sat down. "Hey Storm, I am glad to here you say that."
Back to Work Back to Work It was a cold Fall morning and Ice had awaken early, for it was finally time for work. After just one day of nothing, it had nearly killed him. He dragged himself out of his blankets and slowly made his way to the door. He still felt sore, but he already knew he wasn't staying here any longer then he had to. He opened the door, and looked to the counter to see Storm was doing dishes, his head lifting when Ice came out of the back room. Ice walked to the counter, it was just to say good-bye before he left, even though he wanted to go out into the cold now and do some scouting. "Well Storm, I have to go, bye." Ice said as he turned. "Wait," Storm spoke up and put something on the counter, "You will need this." Ice turned to see a new cloak on the counter and walked over, putting the new dark brown cloak on. It hid his cutie mark and his eyes. He felt gleeful for the fact that he finally free and he was hidden from the eyes of others. It was time to go into the shadows and find out something this time. However it all seemed different for him, Juniper was a sly mare while he was well known if his face was revealed perhaps, but it was still different. Ponies knew he had alliances, and some wanted to be in alliance with him. The world seemed more complex now a days, ponies lied and some used the power of deception to get what they want and sometimes hate. He opened the door and felt the cold nip of Fall hit his face. The fresh air felt great to breathe, even after one day he now felt free. He walked down the dirt road, looking at the few buildings that were remade from the rubble of others. The design looked like a three-year-old had glued a bunch of dark colors together. Ice kept himself standing, trying to look tall and as though his wounds did not exist, it was the only way to live. Gangs wanted to get on top of others and some, had been completely whipped out from the fighting, sometimes even from cross-hairs. Ice could see the steam of his breathe swirl up and fade into the dawn. The light was still quite dim from the clouds and the slowly raising sun. He went down the hill into the cold, even if this was believed to be Appleloosa, it still got quite cold. However the landscape all looked the same and it seemed impossible to know now, all was bland. There was almost no color, only shades that made all grim. Ice walked slowly, looking behind him to see the slight outline of the toppled over buildings that were in the distance. He was leaving for the next weak of work, Juniper snitched, Storm made the money while he just scouted. He knew almost every turn, some of course he had forgotten, he had no eidetic memory and the capacity per day seemed small. His attention span was short considering he often saw the same thing over and over and came back a grump from not seeing a single thing new. Brown brambles caught on his hooves, making him struggled briefly until he pulled free and fell over onto his right side. He could feel a slight pain from his injures, but Ice was tougher then that. He got back up, slightly wobbly, but he was still able to move his limbs. For a few seconds he thought to turn back, but knew that he would rather be out there and suffer from wounds, then stay in that room much longer. Ice sighed and moved through the brown grass. The air was cold and stung his throat and he hated the fact that he was exposed. If there were any other ponies they would kill him, and it would be easy. He swiftly galloped towards the forest area, then hide in the high skeleton trees. It wasn't the best protection, but in this area it was the only protection really. Ice walked slow, how he somewhat wished he could fly like Juniper. If he could fly he would be faster, but no magic, he just sighed and continued on his way. He knew his full route may not be achieved due to his injures. They weren't assigned anything really, but they had to accomplish something, they couldn't just stand around somewhere, or the pony who did so would get into trouble. Ice yawned for it was still quite early in the morning, the sun was raising, creating slight heat. He kept his hood up, so the morning frost wouldn't nip at his ears. Each step stung with slight frost bite from the frozen ground. The soil was hard and the grass was what gave him slight frost bite. His sore shoulders slumped, and he groaned in slight pain, momentarily letting himself look weak, but soon lifted his head and tried not to look that way. The world was hard, everypony had to look tough, and even if they had something like a broken leg, they had to look as though they didn't or just lie low for a little. He walked at a good pace, but then he heard something and his ears pricked. The noise stopped as soon as he did, he looked around to check if someone was there, but saw nothing. For a second he thought he was loosing his sanity until a pony who was also cloaked came out of the trees. Ice couldn't see his face, but he could see the pony of course. "Hey there, want to spar?" The stallion asked. Ice knew that spar meant fight, but he had no time, but couldn't risk being attacked in the future, so he sighed. "Sure." He answer, and as soon as the word left his mouth the pony lunged at him. Ice dodged the attack, but was almost hit and it had hurt a lot to move like that. His teeth clenched so he didn't groan or make any other sounds that would make a weakness. However in second he kicked the stallion and the pony fell, and the fight felt hopeless, every movement had caused a deal of pain. He turned to see the stallion had gotten up fast and son he hit Ice's left shoulder, it nearly caused him to fall, but he stood strong. Ice was about to do something when the stallion hit his side and caused him to tumble down the hill. Ice got up and saw the stallion was about to lung and he dodged it and the stallion landed where he was. Ice was breathing heavily well the stallion look fine and Ice could tell there was a smile under that hood. However Ice knew he couldn't play offense, he had to play defense. The stallion lunged again, but Ice dodged and the pony hit a tree. Soon Ice talked him and knew he had the death shot, which meant he won. "I win." He huffed, and soon walked away. However the pony followed, taking off something and putting it in his settle bag, then flipped down his hood and Ice was stunned. It wasn't a stallion, it was a mare. Her fur was dark grey, her right ear was torn and her mane was black with purple highlights, her muzzle and hooves were dark purple like her highlights. "Your pretty good. The name is Comet Fire, so who are you?" She asked, smiling. "Thanks, and I am Ice." He replied, still quite stunned. "So what are you doing out here and injured Ice? I could tell by how easily tired you got, and don't deny it. I saw it all." Comet asked with a smile. "Its work, and none of your business." Ice snapped and continued to move. "Well I am tagging along, Besides I have no gang, I need one, so what about yours?" Comet asked. "No, my teammates don't trust easily and neither do I." Ice answered, he was starting to get annoyed. Then Comet was silent, but yet she still followed Ice, even though he had reclined the offer for a new teammate. Then he saw something, shadowy figures, Shadows. "Get down." He said in a hushed whisper as he knelled, and Comet did the same. "What is it?" She asked. "Shadows, creatures that can put voices in ponies head, sometimes they listen, mostly if they don't have a strong mind." Ice explained.
Casting Shadows Casting Shadows Ice could tell by Comet's jerked, she was startled by the immense power that these creatures possessed. Although they weren't often seen, when they were, it was the worst thing. They cackled like crows, there laughs bone chilling and could easily frighten any pony. Ice knew although he hadn't strayed far, and the sun was going down, he had to head back to the base. Storm needed to know and when Juniper returned in approximately five days dependent on the events that occurred. Slowly Ice moved, and Comet seemed shocked by his movement. "What are you doing?" She asked, slowly making her way closer. "I have to go back to my base and tell the others." Ice explained in a hush growl. He weaved slowly through the undergrowth, drawing closer to the edge of the forest. It was hard to move from the undergrowth and the fact it wrapped around there hooves. He looked back to see that Comet was following him. He moves slowly through the underbrush, and was just able to escape the dead trees. He looked back again, she was still there and Ice didn't understand why she was still following him after what happened. Maybe she was afraid? However she didn't look like a mare who would be easily startled or anything really. "You should go to you home or find a base." Ice snapped, trying to get her to leave. Comet just glared at him. "Oh, no way! After seeing those, those, those things, I think I deserve an explanation! How do you know about those things? In fact, who are you really?" Comet growled. Ice just sighed, and couldn't help, but to glare at the ground. Out of all ponies to find him, it is one that needs a gang. He wanted to ignore the questions, but he knew that would just make it worst. "I was told be a friend. He had to get them out of his mind. I have to head there first, then I have to find my pegasus friend. She will be in the most danger. So please, just calm down. Those are Shadows, they are evil creatures from the old world. During the war they convinced team mates to fight each other. That is why there are less ponies on this Earth today. They're pure evil. Don't go near them." Ice explained and began to follow his tracks back, at first slow. Comet was silent and followed hesitantly, but she was still there. Ice didn't get why she was so persistent of helping them after one fight. What was wrong with her? However he was careful, he still didn't trust her. "We will have to run. I can't waste too much time. A lot of it I need to use to find our last group member." Ice called, as he quickened the pace. He was soon at a full gallop and Comet followed, keeping a faster pace, she wasn't even giving it her all. They ran through the snow until they came to the ruins of Appleloosa. Ice paused, something wasn't right. There were more knocked over buildings then last time, it was odd. He knew he had to find Storm and fast. Although Ice had to hurry, he walked, he knew he couldn't take any bad risks that were unnecessary. Comet was close behind him, and was looking at the ruins herself. "So, this is where you all live?" She asked, her voice confused. "Not just us. Our gang is small, we share this area with several other gangs. This was once Appleloosa we believe, once a desert, but ever since the Shadows came and the war ended, it has had strange weather patterns." Ice explained. He walked down the dirt roads until he came to base, and his mouth gaped as he saw it destroyed. It looked like a fire had started, and that somepony had bashed the rest. However there was something else, a note. You have been warned. We know the lies you spill. Don't cross us again. You shouldn't have, killed Rain. "Damn it!" Ice growled, he should have known. Comet hovered over his shoulder, but didn't say a word, just looked at the note. Ice walked into the ruins of the old bar and looked around. He was hoping to find a clue to where Storm was, or if he was dead. Ice doubted him being dead, there was just no way. He looked around and knew then where he was.going, however not quite. They either made a new base, or they were in the old ruins of the last, that was destroyed by Rain and him when they fought. "Come on, we have to find my ally." Ice said, although he hated his follower. Comet nodded and with that they began to search for Storm. Ice scanned the surroundings for clues ad he walked to there past base. When they got there, he noticed it was all the same. Some of the walls crumbled and when he walked in, he saw the blood of Rain and her body still stabbed by glass. She was still pinned up against the wall. The smell was bloody and metallic and when Comet walked it, she almost gagged. She looked at the mangled body on the wall, and just shrugged it off and kept following Ice. The twosome looked about the ruins, in the few areas that weren't demolished. There were still a few safes that had food in them, some chests and a tiny broom closet that weren't destroyed in the fight. Ice sighed, he couldn't find a thing, until he looked back at Rain's mangled body. In the rubble was a piece of paper. He plucked it out using his magic and looked at the note. He isn't dead yet, don't worry, come and find us. We are at the Drop Off. I think you know it, well we hope. Ice couldn't help, but growl, the Drop Off was a bad place to be or to even go. It was a high cliff where gang members threw traitors or even hostages of a cliff to there death. There was stone down the face of the cliff that effected unicorn magic, a certain death trap to any pony. It was basically used as a graveyard, or more like a garbage can. Somewhere in the hole was a creature that devoured the dead bodies, most called him Scavenger, because he ate dead ponies. Ice sighed, he went out and could see the cliff, he knew where he was going next.
Rescue Mission Rescue Mission Ice left Comet and began to walk towards an old dirt path. He looked at the barren land covered by dark twisted trees stripped of leaves. His icy blue eyes just glared at the path, anger building up inside of him. A frustrated sigh came from his mouth. Cold air nipped at then both. Ice lifted his hood over his head. He trudged, head down and clearly irritated. Comet beamed at him and quickly caught up. "Your actually going! You could die!" Comet exclaimed. "I have no choice. Storm is a gang member and we look out for each other, not like the other gangs. I have to." Ice explained in a hiss. Comet just looked at him, she seemed surprised. Soon her head looked down and once again she looked up at him. "What about the other member?" Comet asked. "She will come and know what happened. She will know to find us." Ice answered. "How do you know?" "She's smart and a good tracker." Ice explained. Comet just released a long breath of air. She decided to stop talking, Ice making it clear. Ice just glanced up a head, looking from the ground to further up the dirt path. It was hard for him to believe that they captured Storm and Ice knew, Storm must had been out numbered or out of his element. Yet he found himself not doubting that Storm had gone down the twisted dark trail or betrayal. He kept his ears pricked, trying to make sure there wasn't an ambush, but he doubted it. If they wanted revenge, they were going to toss him off that cliff if they could, or kill him in combat. Both probably in a suffering way, although Ice had finished off River speedily, not allowing suffering. Besides, he couldn't have gave her the chance to live, her mind was corrupted by the power of black magic. Its evil twisted ways could corrupt even the strongest mind with power. Ice knew this all too well and didn't bother to ponder it. His sore limbs made him stagger slightly and Comet noticed immediately. "Are you okay? You still seem wounded." Comet asked, lifting her head. Ice just glanced at her, head still low. Although his limbs burned with the sore achy feeling, he didn't want to tell her he was weak. He pondered for a second, raking his mind for an excuse. "Its nothing, just a little tired." Ice answered. Comet looked at him suspiciously. "Yeah right," She grumbled. Ice just glared at her for second, but let it pass and continued down the path. However when he looked up, he noticed that Comet was constantly looking around. Her face looked of concerned, as though it was some sort of horror film. "What's wrong with you?" Ice asked in a mumble. Comet stopped looking around and just glanced at Ice. "I don't know how to explain it, but I have a bad feeling. My stomach is tied up in knots and I am not nervous. This place just gives me the shivers. I just don't know why." Comet answered, then sighed. She just looked up towards where the cliff was. They would soon be going up into a thicker brush of trees and bush. She glared at it and Ice just looked at her confused. Then he looked up at the path and noticed a slight stir in the bushes. "You saw that right?" Comet asked, whispering. "Yeah, somepony is there." Ice answered, also whispering. "Lets act like we didn't see them. We can lure them out, then catch them." Ice nodded in agreement. The twosome went up the path slowly and quietly. Ice kept his ears pricked, something he would have done anyways, while Comet just trotted beside him. Soon a loud snap erupted through the trees, followed by the utter of a swear. Ice turned his head and was just able to see a thin dull red mare with a brighter red mane and a honey colored pegasus stallion with a dark brown mane beside her. A broken stick was at his hooves. Comet watched them carefully. They lifted themselves higher from the dirt road. The stallion had a smirk on his face while the mare just smiled mischievously. "Looks like we were caught." He sighed, stretching out his honey colored wings. "Yeah." The red mare giggled. Ice just glared at them, they were acting like this was some game! He stepped a little forward, while comet watched the pair. Her eyes cautiously scanning them over, sizing them up for a fight. "What are you doing here?" Ice asked in a growl. The mare lifted her head, her mischievous smile still laid across her lips. "Just doing some damage," she answered. Ice's eyes widened as the stallion moved at a fast speed and hit his right side. He was knocked to the ground and covered by dust. Ice released a series of coughs and by the time he looked up, a pair of large hooves were about to smash him into the ground. Before they could make in pact, they were slammed the other way by a pair of purple hooves. Ice's head turned to see purple and grey Comet. Her short black mane with the purple streak pulled back behind her ears and her green eyes lit like fire. Ice slowly got to his feet, and looked at them. The stallion got to his feet and glared at Comet. He was baffled by the fact that the smallish mare had knocked him off his hooves. "Look out they're fast." Comet whispered. Ice just nodded, standing in a defensive position, Comet to his right. The red mare and honey stallion moved together, until dividing, one swing right, the other left. Ice ducked as the honey stallion came for another blow. He hit the ground head first and skidded to a halt on the dusty ground. Ice was about to take the moment to attack, but soon saw Comet. She was fighting back, but the red mare went out of sight and was behind her. Ice could tell she wouldn't notice in time. He glanced at the stallion, who he could easily kill, but soon turned away. He teleported to the right of the mare and kicked her into a tree. Comet turned immediately, and smiled to say thanks. The mare squirmed, but soon found Comet hovering over her. She squealed as Comet put a hoof to her chest and grabbed a dagger from her saddle bag. Ice just watched, but in seconds he felt a stabbing pain in his flank. "Damn it!" Ice snapped as he hit the ground. His sudden outburst distracted Comet and the red mare kicked her off. Ice knew he had to move quickly, he could see the stallion on his feet, walking closer. Ice ripped the dagger out, risking a larger wound and stood, hold it with his magic. Blood seeped out of the deep cut on his flank. It dribbled to the ground, and the stallion just smirked. He took off towards him at full speed, ready to kill him, but Ice jumped to the right just in time. When the stallion hit the ground for the second time, he seemed agitated. Before he could get up, Ice sank the dagger into his back. The stallion's body went limp and he laid there lifeless. "No!" The mare screeched. Ice looked to his left to see the mare now. He got kicked in the side by her back hooves and fell to the ground. His wound sired in pain. He groaned and looked to see the mare hovering over him with the knife. She was smiling, but soon his eyes widened. Ice moved back and she fell to the ground, behind her was Comet. "You okay?" Comet asked in a serious tone. "Yeah, but it hurts like hell." Ice answered in a groan. "We should camp here, we both need rest." Comet suggested. Ice looked at the trees and brush that hid them from sight. It was the best place here where they could wait and get cleaned up. Hopefully Storm was able to wait. Ice could just tell that in his current situation, he had to wait. "Yeah. I guess. I just hope Storm has time." Ice grumbled. "If they want revenge on you, they will wait." Comet assured. Ice just lifted his head, he knew she was right.
Unfortunate Unfortunate The night was cold and decedent. There was no pony else around the twosome as they camped among the trees. Harsh pain rippled through Ice's flank, the stab wound being very deep. The wound was caked in dried blood, but was covered in darkly stained cloth. The wound had a terrible metallic odor that stuck in the air, but like most ponies, the twosome were use to it. Blood stained the dirt nearby the camp and the bodies of the stallion and mare were hidden. Ice laid down on the dark green grass underneath a thin birch tree. Comet was peering over the bushes, checking for guards. She was covered in purplish bruises and dull red cuts. The most menacing cut being the one below her right cheek. Ice just laid down for a while, sensing the pain of the terribly deep wound. He had a feeling it wouldn't kill him, but it hurt like hell. The unfortunate encounter with the two gang members had left them both battered and bruised. Although Ice was stabbed and had been bleeding before, he was really shaken up by the wound. Yes it was indeed deep, but these days, it could have been worst and Ice knew that. Comet looked around for a few more seconds, but soon left the bushes. "I think we're good, no one has come yet, I think you have tonight to get healed unfortunately." Comet explained, gazing at the wound covered by grey cloth. Ice's head lifted and he looked at Comet, "That's fine. I just don't want Storm to get hurt. There isn't many allies in this world." Comet nodded in agreement, "Quite true, the world has gone to shit. We all have to face it sooner or later." Ice just nodded, the comment being very true. There wasn't anything to really depend on, other then the hopeful truth of a stranger. The world had many gangs and twisted ideas for the future. A possible future ruled by black magic. "Hey Ice, I meant to ask you something. When that mare was going to kick me and you had the stallion pinned, why did you help me?" Comet asked, looking Ice straight in his icy blue eyes. Ice's head lifted and he met his gaze, "You wanted to be my ally, you're one now. If Storm is dead or dies and Juniper can't be found, your my only ally." Comet just looked at him for a second, unsure of what to say. It was true, she wished for him as an ally and now she had him as one. She just nodded in reply, soon settling down under one of the trees. Her eyes still watching him, but he wasn't paying attention. "All I hope is that your wound doesn't get infected, you could die just from that, and nothing else." Comet sighed in a mumble. Ice couldn't help, but to glance down at his wound. He knew it was terrible and he had to be careful. Ice nodded in agreement to what she had said. Yet he didn't want to be sitting here, hoping that Storm wouldn't be dead when he got here. "Lets rest, we need some sleep anyways." Comet suggested. Once again he nodded, still not in the mood to talk. He lowered his head and folded his ears down, letting his mind enter sleep. Soon the darkness entered his eyes and he fell into a dreamless sleep. After a full night of sleep, he could just hear a voice during his slumber. He couldn't quite hear it, but soon his icy blue eyes opened and he turned his head. He saw a few ponies trying to carry away Comet. Her struggles were futile and she kept kicking her legs, trying to pull away from the four ponies. Ice attempted to get to his feet, but slipped, landing face first into the dirt. His flank burned terribly from the stab wound, and it immediately opened from his haste. He let out a cry of agony and the four ponies just laughed, and continued to take Comet. She kept struggling, but she couldn't escape. Ice took a few minutes to recover, but found they had disappeared from sight. "Damn it," he mumbled. Ice raised to his hooves and looked at the struggle marks. He ignored the burning in his flank and followed the path. It was incredibly bad and was bleeding. Scarlet droplets of his blood fell to the ground, and he stopped for a second. Ice stared at his wound, but didn't bother with a healing spell. Instead he grabbed the old rag and just wrapped it once again. He felt flustered with all that had happened, but he had to help his allies. He stared down the path and began to walk, his head sturdy and focused on the markings. He kept his ears pricked and just kept moving down the way. He was angered and when he came to the opening, he stood tall, not afraid of what he was facing. "Look, he came," the new leader chortled. Ice turned his head and could just tell he was the leader. He stood tall, a pegasi with large wings that were made for speed. His mane and tall were dark brown and his fur was a lightly tanned brown. He had bright blue eyes, and a mischievous smile upon his face. "Look at you! Your wounded and you still come here Ice. How naive! Your friends are quite doomed, and you won't find them before you get thrown like trash," he laughed. "You will pay for what you did to Rain." The leader's hoof pointed to him and his guards ran towards them at fast speeds like rabid dogs. They were ready and gained speed, getting closer to wounded Ice.
