Blood Legacy: Book 1: Darkness Rising

Crystal and I spent the next hour talking in her room, and even after all the times I countlessly apologized, she would just smile at me and nod her head. It was there that I broke down and told her everything I was feeling from that night. All the strange dreams I had, more specifically the one about seeing the ‘Other’ me committing those horrible acts. But I also told her about my experience with the Shade, how it infiltrated my thoughts and took on the form of Satchel.

The entire time she listened with the greatest patience and concern a friend could offer, which was one of the many reason’s as to why I was incredibly grateful to have a caring friend like her. In all the years we had known each other, we had never had a fight as bad as the one we did the previous night. Of course, we did argue back and forth many times in our youth, but they were mostly about trivial matters, mostly pertaining to school and stallions.

As the midnight hour drew closer, we finished up our conversation and decided it was time to go to bed. I wish I could say that I was tired from everything we’ve been through, but in truth, the source of my tiredness, came from my emotional apology earlier. I bid Crystal goodnight and one last ‘Thank You’ before heading off to my room to get some well needed sleep.
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Star Dust…wake up!

I groaned as I felt a cold chill tickle my coat, which was strange since I was sure I put the heater in before I went to bed. The voice tickled my ears in an annoying manner, as if the pony speaking the words, had placed their mouth a mere few inches from my ear.

Star Dust, it’s time to get up! I want to help you!

The voice was more eager than ever, only this time it didn’t sound like Crystal’s, or even Satchel’s! The voice was distant, and yet it seemed so very close.

As if it was in my very mind!

My eyes slowly began to flicker open, as I looked around, and strangely found myself not sleeping in the comfortable bed at Fleet’s family inn. I looked around and saw nothing more than black stone walls, and the same cobblestone floor from my previous dream. The unlit torches lined dotted the walls down either side of me.

Shit! Not this again!

I slowly pushed myself up and looked around, the hall stretched endlessly to my left and right, an eerie silence filled the air, and made my heart begin to beat at a faster rate. I felt that same nervous feeling come over as it did the last time, and a nervous sweat began to drip down my face. I stood still and took a few deep breaths, in an effort to calm myself.

Okay Star, you can handle this! Just…try and find a way to wake up, make this all go away!

I looked down both ways, and began to walk off to my right, hoping that it would somehow take me to an exit. As I walked, the torches began to lit themselves, with each step I made. With every few steps, the torches would lit another few spots down the way. My steps echoing off into the distance, making it the only sound that was heard, which was quickly accompanied by my heavy breathing.

Hurry!

I felt the words being shout right by my ear, and I quickly made a sharp turn to face this opponent. But I was shocked to see no physical presences had spoken the word. Just as I turned around to continue walking, the hall around me started to shake.

Hurry! It’s coming for you! You can’t let it reach you! RUN!

The words shouted in my mind again, but the sound echoed around the hall as well, as I turned back and looked down the hall behind me. I felt my heart rate increase again, as I saw a sort of red light begin to appear towards the far end behind me.

I fully turned back and focused my vision, while the strange voice screamed in my head for me to turn and run off. I squinted my eyes more closed as the red light seemed to take the shape of a pony, more specifically a mare, about my height and figure. I looked closer as the figure came into a full view, that’s when the realization hit me.

The ‘Other’ me!

The same vision I had from the night before, when I found myself staring at the gruesome acts I committed the night Satchel was murdered. The ‘Other’ me had white glowing eyes, it’s mane was flowing slightly, and I could see the same transparent wings at it’s side like before.

RUN! It’s going to catch you! You have to run now!

My eyes widened in shock and fear, as I quickly turned around and sprinted off in the other direction. My hooves thumping along the cobble ground as I sprinted at full speed, my heart beginning to match it’s pace, as it beat faster and faster in my chest. Regardless of how fast I ran, I continuously heard the calm stepping of the imposter behind me.

As I ran the voice in my head began to slowly fade, as a new and much more sinister voice took it’s place.

Good! They all deserve to die!

The voice ran all around me and inside my head, but no matter how fast I pushed myself to run, I could not evade the voice as it continued to repeat the same phrase. I looked back behind me as I ran, only to see the imposter pony, slowly catching up to me, despite it’s slow walking pace. It seemed that no matter how fast I sprinted away, it was gradually catching up.

They all deserve to die!

All deserve to die!

The voice ringed eerily in my mind, even as I shut my eyes and kept running. The voice spoke in it’s demonic tone, which sounded nothing like my own, but no matter what I said to myself, it still remained present.

Shut up! Get out of my head!

I screamed the words back at it, both in my mind, and from my mouth. But still it persisted on and on. I glanced back only to see it nearing closer and closer. I turned forward and saw a much more welcoming site.

The door!

Hurry! Run for the door! Your only chance for survival is on the other side of that door! It’s coming!

My hooves ached painfully at the speed I was running, but the helpful voice in my mind told me to keep on going, which in doing would lead me away from this nightmare.

Deserve to die!

To die!

The demonic voice continued to repeat like it was a sort of mantra, it’s voice slowly gnawing away at my resolve, making it harder and harder to keep my focus on the door, which seemed to slowly getting closer.

Die!

Die!

DIE!

The words reached shrieking point as I looked back and saw the floor beginning to crumble as I ran. The imposter didn't seemed phased by the floor missing, but it was quickly catching up to me, and I didn't have the advantage of having wings.

My heart increased to the point where I could almost literally see it thumping against my chest, but I was quickly approaching the door. As I neared it, instead of stopping and opening the door, I used my magic to grab hold of the knob as I was running, and nearly tore the door off it’s hinges as I ran towards it.

I was blinded by a piercing white light that made it impossible to see past the frame, but that didn't stop me from leaning down and putting all the rest of my energy into one final leap. I kicked off the ground, with enough force to leave a fracture in the stone, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I flew through the door.

Then…darkness.
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My eyes flew open as I immediately shot up in bed, feeling a cold, nervous sweat drip down my face, as I looked around with a fearful expression. I quickly came to realize that I was calmly sitting up in my bed at Fleet’s family inn. My hooves gripping the blanket tightly, but as I began to calm down, my grip loosened.

I took a deep breath and looked around the room, and wiped the sweat from my brow, and slowly got out of bed and made my way over to the window. I pulled the string, and the drapes flew open with ease, as I looked outside across the square.

The town square was nearly deserted, as a thick layer of fog blanketed the town, making it hard to see fully across, but I could see some pony’s walking around. Whether they be soldiers, the town’s local police force, or simply travellers arriving late at night, I sighed to myself and looked away.

The sky was a dull grey as the morning began it's slow rise, but the sun would be blocked from shining today. I was just about to close the drapes and return to bed, when something down in the street caught my eye.

I narrowed my eyes and tried to see through the layer of frost on the window, but I could only make out so many features. It appeared to be a pony standing by the gate of the inn, simply staring down the path to the door. The light from the lamp post barely giving enough light for me to make out the shape of a mare. They were draped in a black cloak, and they stood almost like a statue firmly planted to the ground.

In just an eerily of fashion as it stood there, the hooded mare slowly turned it’s head and looked up toward the second floor. It took me a moment to realize that the mare was looking straight at my window, but not just that, I could see that she was looking straight at me. It was as if she knew I was staring at her through my frost-covered windows. I felt a strange tingly sensation fill me up, as I simply stared at her, expressionless.

What I felt couldn't have been described as fear, or maybe even nervousness, but it definitely felt strange and foreign to me. I slowly began to move my hooves to open the window, and just as I did, the mare turned from the gate and walked off into the fog. I fully opened the window and leaned out, but as I watched her walk off, she looked back at me, only this time, her eyes seemed to be glowing.

It was the only thing I could see inside her hood, no muzzle, ears, or anything else, just her mesmerizing eyes. I narrowed my eyes at her and moved back inside the window and closed it, before I ran toward my door, levitating my cloak, and tying it on. I opened my door and left the room in a quick pace.
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I tried my best to maintain a quiet, yet quick pace as I slowly walked down the halls and stairs. I wanted to be able to catch up with the mysterious mare, but I didn't want to wake up the other guests, especially Crystal and Cross Fire, who would be the most concerned my quick disappearance.

I slowly walked down the stairs of the main hall, and saw that it was virtually empty. Even the front desk was left unattended too, the only thing supplying any light was a small candle, that was lit on the desk. I took a deep breath and stepped down to the floor, and made my way over to the door. I took a deep breath and tightened the coat over my shoulders, as I gripped the knob with my magic, I slowly opened the door.

Stepping out into the cold early morning air, I could instantly see my breath coming out in puffs of smoke as I exhaled. The layer of fog remained all over, keeping the town in it’s chilling grasp. The other ponies I had seen walking around from my window were gone, and the fog seemed to grow thicker as I walked past the gate.

The lamp above the gate was the only thing that provided any light, but as I walked away from it, the fog grew more and more encompassing around me. Even though I still wasn’t fully aware of the town’s layout, I knew enough to know that I wasn’t going to walk into anything. As I walked along, the sights of the buildings that surrounded the square, began to disappear, only to be replaced by more fog. I felt the strange sensation return as the fog slowly began to swirl around me, and as I turned to look behind me, my eyes widened as I saw the light above the inn’s gate suddenly get blown out. I slowly began to walk back over to it, but even as I walked back the exact path I walked from, the gate was no longer there.

What is Luna’s name is going on here? Is this another dream?

I looked around as the fog began to swirl around me faster and faster, even closing in on me too. I felt a panicking sensation crash over me as I tied to find an opening to escape, but the fog was too thick to run blindly through. Suddenly there was a loud ‘Whooshing’ sound as the fog began to slow again and spread out more. Feeling the sense of panic and dread begin to dissipate as well, I broke off into a run into one direction.

After running for five minutes or so, I found no signs of any familiar building, nothing more than fog greeted me. I cleared my throat, “Hello? Is anypony out there? I need help!” I called out into the fog but my only response was silence.

Okay Star, just take a breath, and try to calm down. This has to be another dream, it has too.

Dear Star, do you truly believe it to be that simple?

I nearly jumped at the sound of a new voice filling my thoughts, but it sounded much different from the other ones I have heard. This voice didn’t sound like the demonic version of my own, or the one that desperately urged me to run, but it sounded calmer and wiser. I could immediately tell that it was the voice of a mare, but not one that I recognized.

“Hello? Who’s there? Show yourself, you coward!” I yelled out into the fog, but the voice in my head simply chuckled.

Oh! Trust me Star, I can assure you that I am everywhere! But, I am no coward. If you wish to see me in my physical form, all you have to do is will it.

I was tempted to ask what the voice meant by that, but I knew better than to argue with voice’s in my head. I simply closed my eyes and focused on seeing this newcomer, focusing all my mental energy into this thought. As I did, I heard a simply ‘whooshing’ sound come from in front of me, and I calmly opened my eyes to see a mare, about my age, standing in front of me.

Her coat was solid white, and she had a shining golden mane, but she strangely had no cutie mark, which was strange despite her age. She smiled calmly at me as I composed myself better, “Who are you?” I asked in the calmest tone I could muster.

The mare simply chuckled at me, and smiled again, “I can go by many names. But, given the circumstances…and this body, I think…Golden Star is appropriate.” She said with an unnervingly calm smile.

I stared at her in wonder, to which she simply stared at me with a warming smile. The feeling I felt before, while staring out the window, began to fill my body again, but I still couldn't describe it as fear, but it was something different.

I thought about my next question and looked up to her, “Okay, where’s your cutie mark?” I asked in a tone that matched her own, but it still didn’t make me feel any more relevant to her status.

She smiled and looked back at her flank, not seeming to care about it, despite it being the mark that tells the world what a pony’s talent is. “I can assure you, Star Dust, that I have no need for such a trivial matter. My ‘special talent’ cannot be measured by a mere picture on my flank.” She said as she looked back at me, to which I simply stared at her with a surprised expression.

I swallowed nervously as I stared at her, “How…how do you know my name?” I asked as I felt that nervous sweat return to my body, feeling my heart rate increase again, not really sure what I could expect from this mare.

She smiled wider at me and took a step toward me, “I can sense the fear inside you, but you need to be fearful of me Star Dust. I am not here to harm you, only to help guide you. As for how I know your name, let’s just say that I’ve known you long before…how does the saying go again? ‘Since before you were but a twinkle in your father’s eye’ as you friend Cross Fire phrased It.” she said with a calm tone.

I backed up slightly as I swallowed nervously again, feeling the sweat trickle down my face. That was the exact thing Cross Fire said to me, when I asked him long he had known Satchel!

That’s not possible! How can she know about Cross Fire?

I can assure you Star, that it is very possible.

I nearly jumped as her voice rang in my head without her even moving a muscle, I looked up at her with fearful eyes. “Like I told you, you have nothing to fear from me. I only want to help guide you.” She told me, but I still couldn’t help myself. I saw the comforting gaze in her eyes, and I felt my body relax slightly, and I wiped the sweat from my brow.

“Yeah? Guide me along what?” I asked in a more offensive tone, but she didn't even give the slightest budge, which meant she had a strong resolve. Stronger than anything I could hope to have.

“To guide you along the path you were meant to take. I guess you could say that is my ‘special talent’. Every living creature has a set path to walk in life. Yours has been set since the day you were born.” She said with a calm expression.

I stared at her for a moment, thinking of another way to go about this. She seemed to be very good at being vague, but I had a feeling that any attempt to pry further would fail, so I went with my next best option. “Alright then, how about this? Why are you following me? It was you that I saw in Vale Town that day? And then just now outside the inn, wasn’t it?” I asked her in a more determined tone.

She simply chuckled and looked down for a minute, and then smiled at me, “Guilty as charged. I have been watching over you for some time now. But…I fear our time is drawing to an end, it was fun meeting you, but I have other matters to attend to. Goodbye Star Dust, we will meet again soon!” she said as she looked around, and then nodded at me as she turned and walked off into the fog.

“Hey! Wait a minute! I'm not done asking questions! Come back here!” I yelled after her, but she simply vanished in the fog. I was left alone again, simply staring into the fog after her. Suddenly, the fog began to swirl faster around me again, only this time, I felt an incredibly heavy wave of weakness come over, and I lost my balance and fell to my side. My eyelids felt heavy as I fell over on to my side, and slowly drifted off into a heavy sleep.
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I felt a light knocking echo around me, as my eyes slowly began to flutter open. I blinked a few times as my vision came into full focus again, and I groaned as I found myself lying on my side, facing the door. I shifted on to my back, and rubbed my eyes and stared at the ceiling for a moment, when the knocking sound came back.

It took me a brief moment, but I quickly realized that it was somepony knocking at my door. “Star! You in there? It’s time to get up!” I heard Crystal speak through the door. I turned to the door and slowly got out of bed, groaning as I lazily dragged my hooves with me.

I unlocked the door with my magic, and opened it to see Crystal smiling warmly at me. “Hey Crystal. What’s up?” I asked as I yawned and cracked my bones, sighing with relief as I relieved the pressure, and loosened them up.

She simply smiled and chuckled at me, “Well, for one thing, it’s nearly noon. Secondly, you need to get ready, before you set one hoof outside this room.” She said as she backed me inside. I stepped to the side and closed the door behind her, groaning as I made my way into the bathroom. I flipped on the lights and looked into the mirror, my eyes widening as I saw my mane was a complete mess.

After spending the next few minutes freshening up, I walked back out into the room, where I saw Crystal calmly waiting by the door. “What are you doing?” I asked as I tied my mane back, and let it drape over my shoulder.

She smiled and opened the door and walked out, “Oh nothing! I was just thinking we could spend the day together. We never did get a chance to go out and explore the town, come on!” she said as she stepped out, I couldn't help but smile as I followed out after her.
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As we walked down the hall, I couldn't help but notice that Crystal remained silent the entire time, which was strange compared to her normal chatty self. She had a slightly faster pace than mine, like she was in a hurry to be ahead of me. Despite my curiosity, I had a feeling that asking her, would be rather pointless.

We slowly made our way down the stairs, but as soon as our head’s cleared the room’s ceiling, I received the scare of my life.

“SURPRISE!!!!”

I nearly jumped out of my skin and tumbled down the stairs, but I luckily managed to grab on to the railing and hold myself still, while I placed a hoof over my beating heart. I tried to slow my breathing, as I looked over at Crystal, who was smiling wickedly at me. “Do you like it? I know we never got to celebrate your birthday back in Vale Town, so I asked Cross, Fleet, Violet, and their mother to pitch in, and put together a little celebration! Happy 24th birthday Star!” she said to me as she helped down the rest of the stairs.

I finally managed to regain control of my body, as I properly stood up and managed to smile at everypony, giving my thanks to all. I watched as Cross Fire stepped forth, and placed a comforting hoof on my shoulder, “Happy Birthday Star Dust! I understand that some unfortunate events happened to occur on your actual birthday, so Crystal decided to throw this for you here! With Fleet and his family’s help, we managed to throw this. You should enjoy yourself today, you have your whole life ahead of you.” He said with a comforting smile, as he stepped away.

I walked over to the table and saw a large cake there, as well as a two bottles of champagne. I smiled and walked up to Fleet, who simply smiled warmly at me, as he poured himself a glass of champagne. “This is very sweet of you. You didn't have to do this.” I said to him with a smile, as he kindly poured me a glass as well. One might say it was too early to drink, but since I was more than of age to drink, and have tasted some of Satchel’s fine wines, it mattered not to me.

“That may be true! But it’s all thanks to your friend, she insisted we make a cake and celebrate. It just so happens my mom was in a baking mood. Although, between us, think of it as repayment for our…discussion earlier. It seems we both helped each other out.” He said with a sly wink, as he offered his glass to mine. I smiled myself and clinked my glass against his.

“Happy Birthday kid!” I heard another male voice ring out, as I turned to see none other than Silver Heart standing by the door, holding a glass of his own. I couldn't help but smile and walk over to him.

“Silver Heart? What are you doing here?” I asked him as I sipped on my champagne. To which I felt the bubbly liquid slide down my throat.

He smiled at me and took a drink of his own, “Well, your friend there, managed to run into me in the market. She told me that they were planning a little surprise party for you, so she asked me to come. I can never turn down a glass of free champagne.” He said with his smug smile.

I smiled at him and clinked my glass up to his, “Hmm? Is that really all you came for?” I asked him with a raised eyebrow and a smug smile of my own.

He smiled back and looked past me, “Better hurry! Looks like it’s time to cut the cake! Enjoy yourself, you're only young once.” He said as I turned to see Crystal trot over and pull my hoof away. I simply laughed and followed after, over to where they let me cut the first piece.

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After finishing my little makeshift party, Fleet came up to me and offered to take Crystal and I on an official tour of the city, and all it’s best places. We were both only so eager to accept his generous offer.

After cleaning up the party, Fleet lead us out the door, and showed us around the town. As we walked he pointed out all the best places in town, whether it was for eating, browsing the local stores for good, or even simply enjoying the scenery. Even as we walked, I couldn't help but think back to the way Fleet described his view of this town. He warned me not to be deceived by the welcoming community, but despite all that, I couldn't help but find the place relatively charming.

He took us too many of the place’s he enjoyed in this town, he even introduced us to many of the food vendor’s he had known since foalhood. But as we walked, I could see Fleet acting like he always did, even when talking with the townsfolk, which seemed strange to me, especially after what he confide in me.

“So Fleet? What’s this I hear about you and Star getting to know each other a little better?” Crystal asked him in a sly tone. My eyes widened as I felt my face catch fire, and as I looked up at him to see his reaction. I felt myself become slightly relieved when I saw him blush and rub the back of his head nervously, to which Crystal burst out laughing, and looked back at me with a sly smile.

At that point I just wanted to dig a hole in the ground and hide, fearing that Crystal’s infectious laugh would catch with the other ponies around. I sank back slightly, but I managed to recompose myself, when we heard a nearby cry. Crystal instantly stopped laughing and we all turned to look across the square, at a lovely antique shop.

But the items in the window weren’t what caught our expression, it was the three shady stallions standing in front of a cowardly elderly couple. The older ponies had sunk down while on of the stallions began to trash the room, knocking over valuable items to the floor with a crash.

“Listen you two! If we don’t get our money right now, then you can kiss your little shop goodbye! When we're done here, it’ll take year to put the place back together!” he said as we all started looking towards the scene, even the townsfolk looked towards it, but none of them seemed even remotely surprised or in a hurry to make a move.

We all watched with a surprised look on our faces, as a young stallion burst through the crowd and stepped in between the stallions and the cowering couple. “Leave them alone you bastards! You'll have to go through me!” the young stallion said in a brave tone.

The apparent leader of the group simply laughed and got right up in his face, and although we couldn't see since his back was facing us, we could tell he wasn't happy. “So, we got a smartass on our hooves! I think you need to be taught a lesson, about who rules this town!” the leader said as he reared his hoof back and delivered a strong blow to the younger stallion’s face, sending him flying to the floor.

The young pony cried out in pain, as the elderly couple cried out in fear. Two of the ponies moved toward the young stallion and began to kick at him while he was on the ground. The pony’s cries of pain echoed across the silent square, as all the ponies simply watched the gruesome scene unfold, none of them making a move to stop, some of them didn't even look phased.

I looked over to see fleet tensing all across his body, and I could tell that it was hard for him to fight the urge to help the poor stallion. If what he told me was true, then he would be banished from the city if he were to intervene in the situation. But I was surprised to look over and see Crystal’s expression.

“no…” she said in a quiet tone, as she leaned her head down, covering her face with her mane, making it hard to see her expression, but I knew her well enough to know she was seething with rage. Even Fleet seemed to notice and looked over to her with a concerned expression. I slowly began to step toward her, reaching out with my hoof to try and comfort her.

Meanwhile, the screams of agony from the stallion seemed to stop as the leader walked up to him. “Hold on boys! This one’s got spirit…I think he'll do nicely in our work camp, we might even get a raise from the boss!” he chuckled as he took out a set of chains from the cart they had brought along, and snapped them on to the pony’s hooves. They hauled him up and began pushing him toward the wagon, his face was badly cruised and bloody, and one of his eyes had swollen to the point of hardly seeing it.

“No…I can't…take it…I have to…NO!!!!!” Crystal cried out in anger as she, took off at full speed to the trio, even kicking up dirt in launch.

“Crystal! Wait!” I yelled after her as I took off after her, but I was quickly surprised to see Fleet running beside me. We both turned back in time to see Crystal ram one of the stallions right in the chest, sending him flying into a nearby table. Everypony in the crowd watched with awed expressions, as the second stallion turned to her and reeled his hoof back to smack her, but not before I reached him and grabbed his hoof in mine.

He turned to me with a surprised expression as I narrowed my eyes at him, “Keep your filthy hooves of my friend asshole!” I said as I twisted his hoof to the side, causing him to cry out in pain, to which I simply spun around and balanced on my front hooves and delivered a powerful kick, which sent him flying into the wagon, nearly knocking it over.

The leader turned to me with a snarl, and pulled back his cloak, and unsheathed a sword, and got into a fighting position. “You little bitch! I’ll teach you a lesson, you and your little bitch friend!” he said as he charged at me, but since he was a Pegasus, he had to take off in flight to charge at me. I readied myself into a fighting position and narrowed my eyes, just as he stopped and swung his blade at me, I leaned back to dodge, the blade narrowly missing my throat.

I jumped back and looked for the nearest weapon, or something I could make into a weapon. I looked to my side and saw a candle holder, and gripped it with my magic, and brought it in front of me as defense, just as he brought his sword down. The force of his attack knocked me on to my back, to which he quickly jumped on me and tried to push his sword down to my throat.

“STAR!” I heard Crystal cry out as she removed the chains from the younger stallion. I looked around for the best method of escape, because I knew I couldn’t keep this up much longer. I narrowed my eyes and shifted my hooves so that I could kick him.

Come on! Have to think fast!

He tried his hardest to force his blade down, but I quickly reeled back my back hooves and delivered a powerful kick to his stomach, which knocked the wind out of him. He cried out with a shocked expression, as I pushed myself up and turned to him, just as he turned around and leaned up against the wagon, trying to catch his breath. I looked down at the candle holder and growled at him as I charged at him.

Time seemed to slow around me, but I cried out in anger, as I raised my weapon up high. But as he turned to me, I felt my blood run cold as I came face to face with myself, only my eyes were glowing white! I stopped in my place, just as the stallion’s face returned to normal, and he flipped his sword around and bashed me in the face with the hilt.

I felt the pain rack through my body, as I cried out in pain as I stumbled back, as he took the opportunity and charged at me, swinging his sword again. I felt the stinging pain, as the edge of his blade cut into my cheek, making it bleed lightly. But his speed forced me to trip and fall on to my back again, only to look up and see him draw out a pistol and point it right at me, making so I could stare down the barrel.

My eyes widened in fear, as I stared down the dark hole that was my death, but before anything could happen to me. I watched as a large rock had flown by and smashed into the side of his head, knocking him against a nearby wall, I watched in shock as he fell to the floor unconscious.

Both Crystal and I turned our heads to see Fleet standing there, with a shocked expression on his face, still stuck in the throwing position. The ponies of the crowd simply watched with shock and awe, and slowly stepped away from him. Crystal rushed over to me and helped me up, continuously asking me is I as okay. But my focus was kept on Fleet, who looked down in shock at his own hoof, the hoof that could have very well ended a pony’s life.

I was helped up by Crystal, but I was still in shock from the events that happened all too quick, even as the stinging sensation on my cheek continued. I watched as Fleet turned to the other young stallion and ran to his side, but before I could follow him with my gaze, I focused on the pony standing behind him in the crowd.

A mare with a solid white coat and a golden mane!

My eyes widened at her, but she simply smiled and nodded, before turning and walking off into the crowd. Time resumed it’s normal speed, but I quickly turned to see Crystal staring worriedly into my eyes. “Star! Hey Star! Come on, snap out of it!” she said as she shook me, to which I looked at her and shook myself back to reality, rubbing my head as it thumped.

“I’m fine Crystal, really! Don’t worry about me.” I said as we both turned to see Fleet attending to the young stallion.

“Somepony get a doctor! We need a doctor!” Fleet yelled to the crowd, and finally some ponies from the group stepped forward and lifted the poor unconscious pony and carried him off. The three of us watched, as other ponies dressed in law enforcement attire showed up and cuffed the three bandits. They moved to open the wagon, and we watched with shocked eyes as a few young ponies stepped out, all various ages, some of them even little fillies and colts.

I felt a heavy feeling sink into my heart, as I turned to look at Crystal, only to see the shocked, and yet, regretful expression on her face. Fleet had a similar look, but he quickly shook that off and walked off, to which we both soon followed, knowing we were going to get the lecture of a lifetime.

Worst. Birthday. Ever.
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Crystal and I had returned to my room, where she helped treat my wound, the entire time Cross Fire paced angrily back and forth, muttering to himself. “I can't believe you would do something so stupid!” he said to us, or more specifically to Crystal, since it was her that was the initial cause of the fight.

We both sat on the side of my bed, while Crystal dabbed my cut with medicine, she sighed and turned to Cross. “Would you have preferred that I simply let those bastards, beat that poor stallion and drag him off?” she asked him with a stern tone.

Cross Fire groaned in annoyance, “No! That is not what I'm saying. But we have other priorities, than to worry about every ponies petty problem’s.” he said to us, as he sat down and began rubbing his temple, “you two are nothing but trouble…” he said with a quiet tone.

As Crystal finished placing a bandage on my cheek, I pushed her away and moved toward Cross with a frown. “Well excuse us for wanting to help ponies in need! I don't know if you've done your research, or if you even care, but Crystal was a victim like that young stallion, when she was very young! Her family’s shop was constantly extorted by bandits, and they eventually went too far and beat and dragged her mother off, and even killed her father! Did you even care to think, that maybe she couldn't watch that happen to another innocent family!” I yelled at him.

He looked at me with momentary shock, as he stood up, but he quickly sighed and turned to face me. “I'm well aware of Crystal’s past, and I can understand the desire to help those in need, I would have done the same at your age. But, you must realize this…our mission, getting you two to the Light Seeker’s, is of the gravest importance.” He said as he made his way to the door.

As he grabbed on to the knob with his magic, he turned back to us, “The ship that will be taking us to Las Pegasus tomorrow. So I suggest you all get an good night of rest, and pack your things, we'll be lucky if they let us stay another night.” He said as he walked out the door and closed it behind him. I couldn't help but sigh sadly as I looked down for a moment, and feel back on to my haunches.

I heard the bed springs groan as Crystal got off the bed and walked over to me, “You didn't have to do that for me. It was my fault that you got hurt. That stallion nearly killed you!” she said in a concerned tone.

I couldn't help but turn to her and smile, as she helped me up again. “Yes I did, I know what we did was right. It still surprises me that none of the ponies in the crowd even moved an inch to help. Fleet was right about this place, their all nothing but cowards.” I said with a grim look on my face.

Crystal looked at me with a concerned look, but she quickly cleared her throat, and walked over to the door. “Alright then, I'm going to go to my room and pack, just in case I don’t see you until tomorrow, good night.” She said in a quiet tone, as she opened the door and stepped out.
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After making sure everything I wouldn’t need for tonight, was packed up in it’s case, I decided to go down and grab a small bit to eat, since it was only evening. I calmly walked down the hall, to the stairs where I could hear a group of ponies talking with Fleet’s mother.

“…I know Fleet was involved with today’s…incident. Now, I'm well aware that you and your son are highly respected members of this community, Radiance, so I'll let this one slide. But, should I find out that he either instigates or partakes in another incident such as this, I will have no choice but to enforce the law on him. Am I understood, Radiance?” I heard a deep male voice ask with a questioning tone.

I stopped at the top of the stairwell, and moved to the side, just enough so that I could see the speaker. “Yes mayor Brick, I completely understand! Fleet will make no moves against our esteemed ‘guests’” I heard Fleet’s mom reply, or I guess her name was Radiance.

I looked down the stairs just enough to see this ‘Mayor’ pony. As I peeked down, I saw an older earth pony stallion, standing next to two Pegasus guards, dressed in police attire. He had a dark brown coat and a dull yellow mane, and a pair of broad glasses on his face. He frowned slightly and cleared his throat, “excellent! Glad we could come to that understanding. Now then, I've been told that our latest ‘guests’ are leaving tomorrow?” he asked in a more stern tone, as he fixed his glasses.

I could see Radiance look over to Fleet, with a worried look, to which he sadly nodded, “Yes Mayor, as far as I'm concerned, they'll be out of our hair soon enough.” she said in a straight tone. The Mayor nodded and made his way to the door, but just as one of his Pegasus guards moved to open it, he looked up the stairs and our eyes met. He simply stared at me with a stern expression, but quickly pushed his glasses up again, and walked through the door, the other guard closing it behind them.

I cautiously stepped down the stairs, and came into Radiance’s view. She looked up at me and frowned, but it wasn't a frown of anger, but something more of remorse, even borderline fear. She quickly turned to Fleet, “Fleet? Why don’t you take Violet and run to the market place. We are in need of a few things.” She said to him.

Fleet looked between me and his mother, and nodded before turning and calling to Violet. “Violet? Mom wants us to run to the market! Let’s go!” he said, as the young filly came running from the kitchen, and he helped her on to his back. As they walked past, he flashed me a sad look, but quickly looked away as he made his way to the door.

Soon it was just Radiance and I, “I'm sorry. For everything I’ve caused here. I never meant for Fleet to get involved, I was just trying to help my friend. I can understand if Fleet hate’s me now, I've put you and your family in jeopardy.” I said to her with a sad look in my eyes. Luckily for us the main hall was empty, so it was just left us two there.

I was surprised when she smiled and stepped forward, placing a hoof on my shoulder. “You listen here! You have nothing to apologize for, you saved that young stallion from being hauled off to a bandit prison camp, and not just him, but all the other’s as well. You showed these ponies, that they don’t always have to live in fear of those bandits, you've been the major topic on everyone’s lips. Fleet doesn't hate you! In fact, he was quite amazed by you and your friend standing up to those ruffians! He intervened to save your life, because he believes that you could make a difference, and you have. Fleet is right when he calls this town a bunch of cowards, Mayor Brick made a deal with the bandit leader a few decades ago. The bandits would not destroy our town, and they could freely walk around and extort our businesses and kidnap our citizens as much as they pleased. It hardly seems fair, but the bandits outnumber us by a lot, so fear becomes a powerful motivator.” She said as she walked behind the desk.

I was shocked to hear her say that, mostly because I was half-expecting her to shout in my face and tell us all to get out. I shook those thoughts away and walked up to the desk, “but…it won’t matter whence I leave. It seems like things will always stay like this.” I said with a sad look in my eyes.

She smiled at me and moved to the kitchen, and quickly brought out a tray. The tray had two cups on it, and a bottle of fine wine. I watched in confusion as she poured a drink, and pushed it over to me, “I wouldn't say that. Many ponies around town are starting to talk about you and your friend. Many of these ponies may be cowards, but there are a good amount who believe in fighting off the bandits. The only reason they don't act is because the mayor has a tight grip on everypony here, and if they were to act out, they would be banished from the town. About ten years ago, a group of ponies rose up and demanded that we form a task force to try and to rescues our loved on from the camp in Tall Tale. But when nopony else joined them, they were overpowered and banished.” She said in a sorrowful tone.

I drank too and sighed as the cool liquid poured down my throat, after drinking her glass and pouring us both another. “Fleet is a lot like you. He want’s what’s best for ponies, and I hate to see him confined to this town. He’s a strong stallion, but I know he would refuse to leave, on account of his sister and myself. If given the right opportunity, Fleet would do anything in his power to help these ponies.” She said as we continued to drink and chat the evening away.
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After finishing my talk with Radiance, I returned up to my home and decided it was best to get some sleep. The light buzz from the alcohol made me a little sleepy, so I quickly crawled into bed and flipped the light switch off.

The next morning came with ease as I woke up early in the morning, and proceeded to get ready for the day. I went around the room, making sure that I had everything I brought with me, and made sure that I packed it into my suitcase. As I did so, I heard a knock on the door, and turned to see Crystal walk in, with her calm smile on her face. “Morning! Cross is downstairs, you ready to go?” she asked in a calm tone.

I smiled and lifted my suitcase up, and turned to her as a different pony walked into the room, with the cart of all of belongings. I smiled at him and placed my suitcase by him, to which he smiled and lifted it up into the cart, and moved out of the room. I walked with Crystal out the door, and down to the main hall.

As Crystal and I walked down the stairs, we saw Cross and, surpassingly, Silver Heart, sitting at a table, drinking their morning coffee. It was surprising to not see them at each other’s throat, instead they were calmly chatting, as we walked up. Cross stood and turned to us, “Glad to see you didn’t sleep in. we’ll be having some breakfast, before we head over to the port, so eat up!” he said as a different pony came over with plates of food.
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After eating our breakfast, we made one last check to make sure we had everything, and when we were satisfied, we made our way outside. I was surprised to not see Radiance or Fleet through the entirety of our meal, mostly because I wanted to apologize and say my goodbye’s to Fleet. I guess Crystal was right, when she was teasing me about my liking him.

I really did like him. He was like me in many ways, and I thought of him as a good friend. I sighed sadly as we made our way through town, still thinking about the talk I had with radiance, the night before.

“So Cross, if we're going to this ‘Light Seeker Sanctuary’, why don’t we just take this airship to wherever it is?” Crystal asked as we made our way past the town limits. I was cut from my thoughts as Cross answered.

“Technically we're not supposed to be on this ship. It’s a cargo ship set for Las Pegasus, it’s run under the Equestrian Shipping industry. The company keeps close track of their ships, if they were to notice one of their ships going way off it’s path, they would likely report it as a theft to the military. No, when we get to Las Pegasus, we'll be meeting with somepony who is an associate with the Light Seeker’s, he'll help us get into contact with them, and from there they will help us get to the sanctuary.” He said as we made our way on to the field.

Crystal and I widened our eyes, when we saw the large ship, docked on the field. It had the insignia of the ESI on it, and we both smiled as this was the first time we would have ever ridden in an airship.

Cross Fire walked over to another pony and whispered something in his ear, and brought out a bag of bits, to which the stallion smiled and nodded, gesturing for us to go up the ramp. Crystal and I simply watched as Cross turned to us and smiled, motioning for us to follow him up. Crystal smiled and eagerly ran up to him, to which I simply chuckled and began up the ramp.

“Miss Dust! Star! Wait! Please!” I heard a faint voice call out, as I stopped dead in my tracks, and I turned to see a distressed looking Radiance run up to us.

I frowned and got off the ramp and met her at the bottom of the ramp. Her mane was slightly disheveled, and her eyes were lightly blood-shot. “Radiance? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” I asked as Crystal ran to her side as well.

She leaned down to catch her breath, and then looked up to me, tears beginning to form in her eyes, and I could feel a sense of dread wash over, as I feared what she was going to say. “No! It’s Fleet and Violet! They never returned from the market last night! More of those bandit thugs caught up with them, and hauled them both off to the work camp to the south. Please! You have to help me get them back!” she said as tears spilled down her cheeks.

I gasped lightly and turned to Crystal and saw the concerned look in her eyes, she looked at me and nodded in confirmation. I did the same and looked past her at Cross Fire, who simply stood there waiting. I frowned at him with a look of pure determination in my eyes, and shook my head.

“Were not going anywhere!”