Rising Hope: Birth Of The Transcendents

Zweihander.

The cold, desolate streets thrummed with the kind of quiet one could accustom with insanity: unyielding, uncaring, unthinkable. That was the feeling that flooded Jamir's senses into falling to a very small sense of comfort. Heavy thickets of ash and dirt sprinkled the sky, eventually meeting the ground in a dull approach. Clouds that appeared to be weaved from the very darkness itself hung over the broken and mayhem ensued area, faint strike of thunder booming occasionally, further adding to the factor of depression. Glass, metal, and other minuscule items were strewn about on the pavement, showing upcoming hurdles for the human's party. Coming across what looked to be a construction site, metal beams, catwalks, and abandoned dreams latched onto Jamir's mind as a leech going for the spark of their precious life source.

''Oh, where are we?'' Cadence's voice quivered at the feeling of negativity pressing down on her skull in the fashion of a lead barbell. ''Where did those ponies go?~''

''Beats me,'' Flashing Deck rummaged about the wreckage, kicking small rocks with her hoof. ''I stopped keeping track after they kept pulling that illusion trick on us an hour ago, so excuse my lackluster of really caring at this point,'' a groan escaped her lips as a small rock hit her on the head, knocking off the small black fedora she had grown accustomed to wearing some time ago.

''We should remain vigilant, it would do best to be in high spirits,'' Chrysalis took a seat on a decent looking bench that managed to hold her weight, even thought the changeling weighed less than the average pony so she had nothing to really worry about. ''However, those...tricksters have managed to give us the slip multiple times and it is beginning to unnerve me, and my liege.'' she paid attention to how her master stood overlooking the rubble in the sense of reminiscence. The strangely warm wind blew through with a gentle touch, slowly blowing his hair as his hand gripped the hilt of his sword worriedly.

''There's-'' Jamir turned around to look at his group. ''-something down there and it does not have an appealing aura, from what I can tell,'' his voice carried a hushed monotone.

''Like what?'' Applejack moved alongside him to peer into the small crook revealing a flight of stairs leading further down to the unknown. ''And why the hay are ya sounding like you've been here before?''

''Because...in a way...I have,''

''EHHHHHHHHH!'' everyone asked, surprised.

''Then where are we then?'' Rainbow Dash flew in front of Jamir, hovering in front of him with a panicked look. ''Tell us!''

Fighting back the urge to bite his tongue, the human's pent up anger was expressed through a deep sigh and a head shake.

''I only said that because...this is a place...I often have went to during my time on Earth whenever I Astral Projected,'' the human admitted as a trickle of frown swept across his face. The human's mindset at the time resembled that of a Elite Sniper's: calculating, precise, and patient. The main issue plaguing him was the striking resemblance to the place he loved and yet at the same time hated to be as compared to the harsh realities of his home back on Earth. After a few minutes of absorbing the initial shock of where he stood, Jamir resolved himself and pushed forward.

''Come on, I am certain-'' he begun a slow descent from the base of the street. ''-that Hina and Rina passed through this factory.''

Mounds of scrap metal and concrete looked to block the majority of the way as the group came to the entrance. With Chrysalis and Flashing using their magic to move the massive boulders, the way was revealed to view a flight of crumbled stairs leading down to a semi-collapsed hallway.

''Flashing and Cadence: with me. Everyone else, hold back,'' the human 'carefully' (more or less leaped down the passage, causing a miniature crater to form under his feet.) went to the bottom of the staircase, releasing a swift growl out of habit.

''Geez, boss,'' Flashing joked. ''A little much, don't you think?'' she brought a illumination of white light to her horn, enveloping the dark hall with sight.

''I call it precaution.'' Jamir gazed onward, his eyes meeting a large circular area, an arena of sorts before him on the lower level.

''But why would they be here?'' Cadence asked flatly, blowing a few strands of her frazzled mane from her eyes. Perhaps she could go for a different style, then again winter is a few months away, the hassle was not worth the reward plus Shining Armour himself said he likes and would even embrace this new wild look of hers, though wild was not the correct term to use in that context.

''Something about their personality just tells me that while not as a coward might do, they prefer to adapt the situation to them, which is why this could be the first place they would logically go.'' he stated this as if fact. ''The chance of a fight is low, but we can never be to careful,'' another bout of distant thunder sounded, the trio slightly tensing once again. Walking deeper forward, the human's suggestion was proven correct as the Pegasus and Earth Pony stood in the center, talking to a figure of...curious intent. A giant White Tiger sat across from the pair on a raised slab of ground, a peculiar looking table of sorts between them.

''What is that?'' Cadence asked, her voice showing genuine curiosity. ''And why are they just sitting there?''

The air around the trio suddenly grew thin, and cold. An educated guess led Jamir to see the tiger slowly breathing in and out, the beast's breath somehow having an affect in the air. Somewhat of a dull headache throbbed within Jamir's head from the lack of oxygen. Thier existence seemed to not be revealed to the group as of late, so the trio quietly, albeit with a few groans, made their way back up, to see the concerned eyes of everyone else.

''They're down there, alright,'' a small huff of air left Flashing's muzzle. ''But now what do we do?'' her ears flattened as she pondered the matter. A bout of thoughts went through everyone's mind as this would be the 5th time they would attempt to try and catch the pair to find out their next task, with no success.

''...I may have a idea, my liege.'' Chrysalis raised a hoof, calling attention to herself.

''Go ahead.''

''I would suggest we execute a Gambit of sorts, with the hope of drawing the sister's attention while the rest of us cuts off their escape routes. Or perhaps we may use a Head Duo.''

Chess moves, huh? I see the practical side behind it, but actually doing it might be a issue.

''Well, who would you reckon do what?'' Applejack asked.

''Sir?'' Chrysalis turned to her master, seeking approval. ''What says you?''

''This is your plan, Chrysalis, we'll follow your lead.'' he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled.

''Very well. Rainbow Dash, Flashing would you take on the task of insuring Hina cannot use her wings?''

''You got it.''

''No problem.''

''Applejack, Battering Ram: you two would be the best option to restrain Rina with your natural strength,''

''Can do,''

''A chance to fight? Sweet.''

''Cadence, Renoir and Zareran will remain over looking the area in the event the plan fails.''

''And where does that leave us?'' Jamir pegged for his position besides the changeling.

''Master, I would think it be best if you were in charge of removing that beast away from the sisters so I can go in and interrogate the pair.''

''Alright, then: let's get ready.''

Meanwhile, with the sisters:

''And then he ran all around trying to catch the chickens, but ended up going back and forth between not trying to get burnt!'' Hina guffawed, almost causing her mug of cider in her hoof to spill.

''Most interesting,'' the gigantic tiger responded in a humorous tone. ''But you happened to mention something related to dice?''

''Yes.'' Hina replied. ''It appears that his Unicorn trickster has constructed magical dice with adaptive properties, which is how he managed to capture the Pyro-chickens with some difficulty. However, it was a interesting sight to see, nonetheless.''

''So~'' the tiger yawned. ''How has he been faring in this little realm of yours?''

''Meh.'' Hina shrugged. ''We thought he would have snapped at this point from us just randomly teleporting away from his group, but it seems he is using a bit of that patience from HitchCaw to the test.''

''So, when you describe him as charming, gentle and a serious individual, how would you say he is on a more personal level?''

''Just how we described him to be, but since the fact he is already in a joint relationship with 8 mares is something that most mares that, with reluctance stray away from him, though some are not so easy going to give up.'' Rina responded with glumness.

''Hmm, I am certain I would be able to coerce him into playing our little game, and I may even find someone whom I finally go all out with.'' the tiger purred in happiness.

''Sure, Taika, keep telling yourself that.'' Rina laughed. ''You will always be lonely, nopony would be brave or stupid enough to try and mate with you, let alone talk to you, you are lucky we like you, otherwise those 3 years would have been pure--'' she started a strong rant, only to stop short. ''Uh...what was that word again, sis?''

Hina's ears perked at the call for name, or the request of information about the human's world. Fishing a leather-bound book with golden corner covers from her bag with the words: Jamir Fan-Club, Terms, Facts and Stats. Opening the book to page chapter 2, page 30, paragraph 2 talked about slang, and more specifically how that are used to invoke or reinforce points, refer to places or locations, or even to refer to places of bad omen. Eyes widening, a toothy grin surfaced as she spoke.

''That would be Hell, sister.''

''Anyway you wish to spin the yarn however you please, but I am confident that the human has room in his--"

''Harem.''

''For me,'' Taika proudly stated.

Now that would be a true miracle to see in itself. If there was one thing that could about Taika, the Wise Tiger most could tell would be her downfall woudl be her inability to fully express her emotions for fear of rejection, being so pretentious when the spotlight is among her would make her seem like a shining beacon to dim flames and for what? The lowly commoners could never hope to attain the level of knowledge and beauty she has, never in a million years! Her presence empowers others. The ground she canters upon is blessed, and at the end of the day!...why does she feel so...worthless? Only a few who managed to not only cringe away and take to pleasuring a slab of meat as to her, only 2 released just to get it over, let alone enjoy the not even real sex! Really, how she managed to be 105 and still a virgin eluded her. Perhaps, it was fated to--

Donnnn!

''What the?''

''Ahhhh!'' Hina yelled, her wings being restricted by a blue field of magic. Next to her, Rainbow Dash hovering in front of her with a scowl.

''What is--''

''Release me!'' Rina tried to buck off her intruders, Applejack and Battering Ram holding her front and back hooves with rope.

''When did they?--''

A pair of figures leaped from the upper level, landing with explosiveness, Chrysalis standing in front of the twins as the human landed on the table with a flourish, however, his face displayed determination as their eyes met for a brief second.

And the entire world around Taika was cancelled out.

Oh!~ He really does have that long, luscious hair! How I wish to-

BLAM! The tiger was forcefully and literally smacked from her seat and forced into a crouching position with her claws somehow retracted faster than she could comprehend. However, at the same time, something...strange occurred.

''Ohhh~ The pain feels so gooood!~

''Now.'' said the changeling with a somewhat tired voice. ''We have grown tired of this drivel and we demand you tell us the next task before I say buck it and murder you!''

''At ease, Chryalis: I-I get you're mad, but you must take into account that, if you kill us: you will never escape from here.'' Hina said a straight tone.

''And how do you know that?!''

''Try and see.''

That threat forced Chrysalis to back up and reconsider the Pegasus's options as she rethought her plan to do away with the pair.

''Just tell what we wish to know,''

''Fine, if you must know: this is the next task on the list: Strategy. As you have somehow managed to catch us off guard tells me you have a grasp of what is to come,'' Hina smirked. ''One of you will be playing a simple game of Chess against a master tactician.''

...

''You mean to tell me--'' Rainbow Dash's eyebrow twitched, signalling she was close to her tipping point. ''We chased you around, busting our flanks to catch you, only for you to just f-freaking tell us...all we had to...was play a BUCKING GAME OF CHESS?! WHY BOTHER COMING TO THIS D-DAMN PLACE?''

''It helps set the mood.'' Rina deadpanned. ''But, if you must know: Queen Titania does not want any unwanted damage done to Aister, and she did say we have executive authority over every single task and can fail you if you do not meet the basic requirements.''

''And another question.'' Rainbow shook with anger even more, her mouth cracking a wickedly cheery smile.

''Yes?''

''Why is there a White Tiger moaning as if it's having good time by strangled by our coltfriend?''

''Oh, that's just Taika,'' Hina said with a wave of a hoof.  ''And little known fact, not sure if it will help you, but she is like the ultimate masochist.''

''Wait, huh?'' Jamir asked from his crouched position, both his legs and arms wormed around Taika's neck to the point where a blood vessel may burst.

''Oh yeah, whatever it is you're doing, it won't work. Pain is a like drug to her, which is why she's not attacking you.'' Hina explained.

''O-kay?'' Jamir dismounted the beast, only to find that it actually enjoyed his ministrations as she purred in contentment, a little too much contentment.

''Awww, why'd you stop?~ It was feeling so good too!''

A Few Minutes Later:

Throughout all the mayhem of trekking through this crazed dream city, running back and forth finding the twins, only to discover them having a drink with a huge masochistic White Tiger certainly was bumped up to # 3 on his list of BS. Anyways, the next thing on the list was to get on with the game of Chess. The rules of the game have not changed, only the small condition that set between the two: Jamir, if he wins, the only thing he wanted from this was Taika provide some type of insight on the task since he has been branded: Wise since he did not have anything else he really wanted from her. And Taika's demand was a manageable one, if the notion of having a belly rub every single time they meet outweighed the condition if that the human manages to impress her, then she would follow him in his journey. The stage had been set. A massive obsidian table laden with a mug of cider on either side sat in between the two as a magnificent glass set was displayed in all its glory. On the left side, clear was Jamir's side of the board: White. And Ironically, frosted belonged to Taika: Black.

''Well, now that we have a leveling playing field, I shall give you the honor of going first,'' Taika stated, laying on her side.

''Are you ready?''

''As I ever will be.'' Jamir held in his chin in thought. ''And I will be sure to use this lead to my advantage.''

Hmmm....you may say that now, but I possess a trick that all males have no choice but to bow and submit themselves to me!...I only hope it works on him.

''Oh, by the way,'' Taika stood on her hind legs. ''I have my-POOF!-own tricks to tip the scales in my favor~''

''What the?''

''Hey!''

''Come, on really?''

''Why?!''

''You lust-driven harpy! What pleasure do you derive from doing this?'' Chrysalis bellowed, her voice causing a rumble in the caverns.

Rule 1 of combat: never leave the enemy with the spoils~ Oh, how fun this will be!

''Ha!'' Taika cheered in her mind. She had dropped heads once again, it is true: none can resist the slim, but firm body that can be resembled to that of a Goddess. Her delicate, but inviting lips. Her cushion like tail that envelops her prey with soft, slow movements, her supple, yet tight rear that mesmerizes onlookers to drool. Not to forget her sizable assets that she absolutely loved showing off...but her face portrayed youth and promise, yet has seen its share of the naughty. Yes, it truly seems that no matter who she is faced with cannot help but-

''He.'' Jamir laughed. ''Hahahahahahaha!''

''Master, what is so funny?''

''Just the fact that she thinks that seducing me with her attractive body will work! Oh, God, where's Frank to crack a joke when you need him?''

Little did the human know, a groan of being left out echoed from the farthest reaches of Ponyville, though it never reached his ears.

''W-What!? How can you say that? My charms have seduced many lowly commoners to beg for a night with me!''

''Really, now?'' Jamir questioned. ''I bet you have those petty low-lives begging.''

''I do!'' she crossed her arms in defiance.

''Mercy to get the buck of out Dodge,'' Battering joked.

''Silence! I will make you regret making a fool of me!'' she moved her Kingside pawn forward two spaces.

''It's...not your turn.'' Cadence simply said. Blushing as her tail swished back and forth angrily, the mistake was corrected.

''I knew that!'' she fumed.

Zugwang

''Well, then let's start: it's your move,'' Taika said, leaning forward on the table, purposely showing off her assets in a attempt to throw the human off his game.

''Fine, don't say you put me in the position to succeed. Pawn E2 to E4. Your move.''

''Very well, then I shall move PawnA7 to A6.''

''Strange move.'' Jamir thought.

''BishopF1 to C4.''

''Pawn D7 to D6.''

Why would she do that? Is she trying to knock me off my game? No...that can't be it, can it. Whatever, I don't have time for this.

''I'll try a bold move and do this: Queen to H5.''

''Hmm, clever move: I see what you're doing there, but I see right through it: Bishop to H3.''

''Capture.'' Jamir simply said, taking the piece with his pawn.

''What?! I mean, you've fallen for my trap! Pawn to G5!''

''This has to be a joke, right?'' Chryalis whispered from the sidelines.

''Whaddya mean?'' Rainbow asked back.

''Master is fine where he is currently, though I would opt for a sacrifice to push for a more immediate threat...but the tiger is playing sloppily. I wonder how she will worm her way out of this.''

''Of what?'' Cadence wondered.

''...Watch.''

''I see that move and respond with Knight F3.'' Jamir remained indifferent.

''Knight H6,'' Taika pouted.

''RookG1.'' Jamir leaned on his right hand.

''PawnE5.''

''PawnD3.''

''RookG5.''

''PawnC3.''

''PawnA4.''

''Huh?''

''PawnA4,'' Jamir repeated. ''Do you have a problem with that?''

''N-No! Continue.'' Taika waved her hand. ''QueenG4, then!''

''And that is the mistake to end this game.'' Chrysalis groaned.

''Wait, what?'' Taika turned her head over to face the Queen. ''How do you know that?''

''Focus: Taika. Chrysalis is right. PawnG4 captures Queen.''

''Huh?!''

''Your turn.'' he simply said.

''Fine, then: PawnB5.''

''Capute PawnB6.''

''Fine, then I play KingE7,'' Taika wore a scowl.

''RookG4.''

''PawnF6,''

''RookG6.''

''KnightG8.''

''And I capture the Knight.'' Jamir smiled.

''PawnD5.''

''Capture on B5!'' Taika laughed in victory.

''Sorry, captured your A8Rook.''

''Darn! PawnB4, then!''

''And that's another captured Knight on B8: try and make this interesting, sweetness.'' Jamir teased, running a finger past Taika's jawline.

Ahhhh~! I mean-no! Focus.

''PawnF5.''

''And with that, PawnF5 capture.''

''Stop doing that!''

''Doing what? I have no idea what you're talking about~'' Jamir cheerfully whispered.

''Ughhhhh! KingD6!''

Threatening my Bishop, eh? Please.

''PawnF8 capture.''

''Stooooppppp! PawnE4!''

''Capture.''

''KingC7.''

''QueenH7.'' A sigh of disappointment left Jamir's throat.

''KingB6!''

''RookB8.''

''KingA7!''

And that was were the tiger made her final mistake.

''Sorry about this, but then again, not really: I will say this, you have basic grasp of theory, but sometimes going with a classic opening can pave the way for a good defense.'' Jamir stated. ''BishopC4.''

Wait, huh?

''What's the matter, I thought the wise tiger would make me pay , but I guess not.''

''THAT'S IT! PAWN B3!''

''Capture.''

''KingB7!''

''BishopA6.''

''KingD7.''

''BishopG5.''

''PawnC4!''

''Capture.''

''Checkmate, Rookg\G7. Nice game.'' Jamir said, moving the final piece into place.

...How? No, nonononononononnononononnononono! How can this be?! Never in the entirety of her life has Taika been disgraced like this. She tried her absolute best to crush the human at a game she was certain he had never played, and yet she has met her match. Every move was executed as if he saw her entire plan like a sheet of paper. That scared her. If this one game could tell that much, than what else is the human capable of doing? And to top if off, he...barely looked to be trying!

''You, YOU!...have bested me,'' Taika bowed her head in shame. ''I have to admit, every move you made was flawless and carefully orchestrated...you even seem to exceed me at one of the few things I like. As promised, I will help with the next task, but I must do so with a condition.'' Taika firmly stated.

''And that is?''

''Allow me to accompany you. I do best seeing a situation than just advice on one.''

''Fine, I suppose that is fair, just as long as it gets along further.'' Jamir agreed.

''Well, then: that's another mark in the books,'' Hina literally took out another book, a black cover book with the word: Notes: on it and penciled something in. ''Two down, three to go!''