Chapters The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Prologue: Holy words and back-alley deals
(Inside the Alpha Plane)
The temple was pack with ponies from all over the country. Some were wearing holy robes while other were in plain garb. The whispers in the room was quite but they were there. Talk about how they lost their portals and how the rebels were now stronger. There was fear in these voice and they hope that the Compassion One would provide hope. The crowd suddenly went quiet when five robed ponies walked on the stage.
The five ponies all look alike expect for one major different, they wore different masks. Each mask was to represent one of the five holy emotion. The holy emotions were Reality, Liberality, Allegiance, Enjoyment, and Empathy. The five hold the highest rank for each temple of said emotion, allowing them to be the leaders. The highest rank was the leader of the temple of Empathy, the Compassion One.
The Compassion One clear her throat and step to the podium of the temple.
“Greeting my holy followers and welcome to our sacred home. I know of talk about rebels have grown since we lost the pathways to our neighbors. But my brothers and sisters, I have wonderful news. The pathways have been reopen!” The Compassion One cry to the crowd. The temple erupted with cheer and joyful shouts. The Compassion One raised a hoof and the group fell silent once more as she continued.
“But there is still work to be done.” She pointed out. “The rebels weren’t sitting around, waiting for the pathway to open like us, no. They were plotting, they were lying, they were taking what we value holy and dragging it through the dirt!” She was pacing the stage and all eyes were on her in utter silent. “They bring darkness into our worlds and destroy our sacred homes. But they will be destroy and washed from our society. Then we will be stronger than ever before!”
The whole temple roar with approval and started to sing holy songs. The Compassion One smiled under her mask and allowed the head priest to continue the session of worship. She walked into the sacred hallways, followed by the other four. Inside the hallway was The Compassion One led adverse, Script Follower, waiting for the speech to be done.
“Your holiness.” Script said, bowing to her. “I’ve come with reports about what might have cause the Pathways to close. Also got reports about the rebels from both Mechanic Planes and Music Planes.”
“You may speak, Script.” Compassion One answered. She had expected as much since the Pathways have open. She started to walk down the hall with Script trailing behind. One of the Silenced one were behind him but he didn’t notice.
“The mages have seem to find a force was moving all over the sacred paths without regarded. It cause the Pathways to close in an attempt to protect us. We believe we found the last place it visited and we are focusing on opening their Pathway now.” Script said as they turn a corner. The Compassion One nodded and wave for the Silent one to come closer.
The Silent One was dress in a single robe with a mask of a pony that looked asleep, eyes shut and mouth closed. The Compassion One whisper something into its ear and it walked away. Script had a confused look but The Compassion One motion for him to follow.
“I sent it to collect Fruit Flower. She and a couple other are going to be going on that Pathway and are going to act as our ambassador. Silent One will watch Fruit Flower, in case we have another incident. Now what do the other reports talk about.” Compassion continue to walk, while Script pull out pile of paper from his pack.
“Both of the planes have reports that the rebels went silent the same time the Pathways were closed. Maybe they have decided to give up and join our cause.” Script said. Compassion One paused and turn to him. The mask hided any emotion but the voice was really clear on her stance.
“Dear Script, Have you ever per take on a fall run?” She asked, a bit annoyed. Script nodded his head no and Compassion continue. “Have you pay attention to the reptiles? The snakes for example. They slither and slide all over the place during the summer but by winter they are gone. Do you think they just die or disappear? No, they are back every spring, ready to hunt again and poison our young. Believe me when I say, those who plan to hurts us are not gone but are just hibernating.”
(In the Machine Plane. Around Midnight.)
Silver Back was waiting by crates of garbage behind one of the weapons shops. As soon as the Pathways open, she went to her contacts and set up a meeting. She needed to get some supplies to her friends and leader. She was second commander of the Soul Rebellion and on a supply run when she lost her ride home. Now that it was open, she was getting the best weapons she can get her hooves on. She turn to see a group of ponies walking up the alley, holding some wooden boxes, bags and dragging a wagon full of supplies with one pony on top.
“Silver, I thought you would have jump back by now. The wanted posters already have your bounty to 20 thousand bits.” The first pony said as he lower the first box form the wagon. He was a dark fur and blood red mane pony with a slight scar on his upper lip.
“You know I won’t let my brothers down. Especially after we already paid for the supplies, Blood Bullet.” Silver said. She examined the box and pop it open. “Wait, this isn’t what we ask for.” She pull out a long barrel like weapon with small triggers.
“No, you paid for the best we can offer and that has change. We don’t do single shot anymore or copper armor. We’ve been stuck with nothing to do for the last three months and now we get to sell our toys.” Blood Bullet jump down from the cart and walk over to her. “What you are holding now is a new and improve version of the blast barrel. It fires thirty pellets a seconds and can pierce through copper armor like paper. Speaking of which.”
Blood pull out from the opposite crate a suit of armor that was a deep black color. It shine like midnight and was as light as a feather. He put it on Silver and inspected it to make sure it fit right.
“This is Night Armor. Twenty times stronger then copper and is able to be enhance with a magic. I mean, really enhance. If you want to fly, no problem. Advance healing, say no more.” Blood said, fitting the helmet onto her. “Or if you want to be invisible.”
Suddenly, there was a cool feeling washing over Silver and she look down to see that she wasn’t there anymore or at least visible.
“You can control it by just thinking. If you want to be seen, think about being seen and vice versa. You should have fun with…” Blood stop and turn around suddenly. “We been followed.”
“So you finally figure it out.” A voice called out and a flood of lights suddenly hit the group. Five Stallions deck out in royal guard, armed with single blast barrel as a pony dress in holy garb step in front of them.
“Fire Star, you are beginning to become a pain in my backside.” Blood Bullet said, slipping a hoof slowly into the crates. The other ones had a pull out there blast barrel and were aiming true. He just needed to get to his six shot.
“Let’s get this over with. We are looking for Silver Back and we have information that you were making a deal with her. Give up where she is hiding and I’ll just take the cargo that you’re prepare for the rebels.” Fire Star said, pulling out a six-shot and aim it at Blood’s head.
“Sorry Gentle Colts, business is close!” Blood shouted and pull out the six-shot. He fired two shots before the guards could fire back. Three guards struck the ground as the rest fall back. The other three started to fire back but due to lack of tech they quickly fell to the ground, dead. Blood look over and notice that Fire Star was not among. He turn to where Silver was standing and shouted out loud.
“You better get your gear and go!” He shouted to the air, not knowing if she was still there. “The war is soon going to begin and I’d like to be on the winning side!”
Author's Note
This story is going to be a little longer then the last one. Criticize is, of course, always welcome. I feel this one is going to be a little more intense.
The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter one: Be careful of open hooves
Twilight shoot up in her bed, panting hard. The memory of her nightmare was still fresh in her mind. The dust world, Pure Twilight, and her last words seared in her. She had try every spell and remedy but the nightmares still plague her sleep for the last six months. She groggily got out of her bed and walk down to the common room.
Ever since the battle, the town has been under constant repair. But until the houses of several ponies were fix, they been sleeping in the many rooms of the castle. So far the only houses left to repair were Bon Bon, Lyra, Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. As Twilight came down the stairs, she saw that she wasn’t the only one awake. Sitting on one of the chairs was Bon Bon, looking out the window.
“Can’t sleep?” She asked as Twilight walked down into the room.
“How can you tell?” Twilight said with slight sarcasm.
“I heard you moaning for a while, figure you be down here.” Bon Bon answered. “Still having nightmares?” Twilight nodded and pick up a book she just started to read: Time theories and are they any good? She was trying to get a handle on the whole thing but every time she think she found an answer, it just brought up more question like: Are there multiple versions of us? Or the big one What happen to the time scroll?
“Can Princess Luna do anything about that?” Bon Bon asked. Twilight shook her head no.
“She has tried but they keep coming back. She believe that the nightmares is more link to the memory and short of erasing it, I’m stuck with them. And no, I don’t want try erase it. It’s too dangerous and I don’t want a repeat what happen with Fluttershy.” Twilight explained. Fluttershy had a similar experience problem due to a memory spell and a couple of mages try to erase it. It ended with Fluttershy being knock out for three days and the mages being blinded.
“Can’t blame you. I just can’t sleep because it not my bed, know the feeling?” Bon Bon said, stretching. Twilight nodded and continue reading her book before Bon Bon walk back into her room, leaving her alone. Hopefully she could just get some sleep…
Twilight woke up with a sudden jolt as sun light peak through the window. She must have fallen asleep while reading. She was starting to get out of the chair when the doors burst open and Rainbow Dash flew in, landing right in front of Twilight. Rainbow Dash was out of breath and looking a bit panic.
“Twilight, you need to come to the town square. Something weird is happening.” She pant out.
(Town square)
The guards were pointing spears at a lone pony who was sitting in the dirt when Twilight arrive. She notice that the pony had a cane, was wearing a small hat and was just drawling lazily in the dirt. His coat was a muddy brown and the mark on him was a winding path. His cane was attach to his hoof by some kind of device she never seen before. It was a brace around his front legs that had a bunch of hooks and claws around it. One of the hook was on the cane, allowing him to drawl like he was.
“Greeting and salutation, my fellow ponies.” He said in a chipper voice and tip his hat in their direction. “I was waiting for the one known as Twilight and now she here.” He pointed to Twilight with his cane. “I can get started. My name is Rover and I come to talk about something that will change things. But before I can get into the real down and dirty, I like a cup of tea.”
Twilight look around and nodded to the guards, letting them lower their spears. She turn to Rainbow Dash.
“Talk to Rarity. I believe we are going to have an impromptu tea party.” Twilight said.
The room was silent as Rover sip at his tea cup and taking a small bite of a cookie. He smiled and put down his tea. He study the faces of those around him and clear his throat. The table was surround by Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Twilight. They all decided to wait before bring Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Applejack into the mix since last time. They need an escape plan and figure they were the best plan since this Rover haven’t met them yet.
“Don’t worry, my friends. I’m not like that psycho Pure or anything.” He said, leaning back in the stool he was sitting on and started to spin his cane. It spin around the hook that it was attach and started to make a clicking noise. Twilight was a bit shock at this, trying to drink her tea calmly.
“If you’re wondering how I know about that, let just say I notice all things that happen in the time stream. I made that little spell your doctor used, although a long while ago. I need to make sure everything is in check and she was making a mess of things. Do you know how hard it is to restore worlds?” Rover continue, starting to get up.
“What are you?” Twilight ask as he wander the room looking, picking up random objects.
“Oh, your kind has lost a name for me many eons ago.” Rover answered, picking up one of the fabric. “Or any kind, for that matter. You see, I’m something your little mind couldn’t wrap around. I only take this form in this dimension because if I was in my true form, your whole town would have went up in smoke. Believe me, I really miss having the ability of standing up right or holding something in my hand.”
Twilight look confuse but ignore this as she brought up her next question. “Okay, we kind of answer what you are. The next question, why are you here?”
“That is why you’re my favorite pony. Well, you and Rainbow Dash.” Rover said, smiling. “But, right. To the point. I’m here because, well, a lot of dark things are happening. Ever since that time scroll was made. Don’t worry, was destine to happen. So things have been getting a little screwy. We try to contain it but something is determined to be known.”
“May I ask, though I’m afraid to, what is trying to be known?” Rarity asked.
“No need to worry your little hooves over it. What I’m here to talk about is one ripple is about to become a wave. A wave that is going to hit your shores.” Rover pull out a pocket watch and look at it with a glance. “But my time is almost up and we have to make sure you are the right version. Can you imagen if you shatter a pictured into a million of pieces and had to put it back together? It can give you such a headache.”
Rover turn to a nearby mirror and started to glow a bit. He suddenly made a snapping noise and turn back to Twilight.
“Right, before I go. Just remember. Always be wary of those offering peace. They are usually preparing for war.” With that, He literally step into the mirror and walk out the door on that side, leaving the three speechless.
“That’s all he said?” Celestia said as she pace Rarity’s shop. After the strange visit, Twilight contacted her as soon as possible while Rainbow Dash gather the rest of the group. Twilight explain what the stranger said and what it could possibly mean. So far, they all drew a blank. The most they could figure is that maybe an advance group of ponies from another time line that have grown more intelligence.
“What I’m more worry about is what he said then what he was.” Twilight pointed out. “What do you thing he meant by “The ripple about to become a wave.”? You don’t think we have to deal another Pure Twilight? Or what if it something worse, like an over powerful Tirek or…” Twilight started to ramble until Celestia place her front right leg around her.
“I believe we can handle whatever is coming our way. Beside, Doctor Hooves had put up spells that should at least warn us about the next event.” Celestia said, patting Twilight on the back. At that moment, the door burst open and Doctor Hooves ran into the room, out of breath.
“Event…right…outside …of the town!” He gasp out. The group went wide eye and ran out of the shop, leaving Doctor Hooves leaning on the table. “It’s okay. I’ll just stay here and try not to past out.” Doctor Hooves sign as he collapsed to the ground.
The group arrive to see the town guards gathering around a strange light glowing in the middle of the road. The ball of light was about the size of a small paddle ball and was slowly getting larger. The guards kept their spears aimed at it but were slowly backing up to give it room. Twilight saw it was starting to flicker, meaning that whatever spell was about to go off.
“Every Pony, get down!” Twilight shouted, ducking down to the ground. The guards jump back as a loud sound similar to fabric ripping was sounded and the spell created a large portal. The portal open till was about two stories high and about as wide as a barn door. When it stop, the portal shimmer for a few minutes as four figure step out of the portal. They were all dress in large robes that encased their entire bodies.
The guards pointed their spears at the new comers but the one leading the group raised her front left hood.
“Be calm, fellow ponies. We mean no harm.” The head robes pony announced, “We come in hope of creating an alliance.” The pony lower her hood, revealing a yellow fur pony with cherry red hair put in a bun. “My name is Fruit Flower and I’ve been sent by my leaders to ask to help you.”
“Help with what?” Celestia asked, motioning the guards to lower their weapons.
“From the coming Darkness, Princess Celestia.” Fruit Flower respond. “It has been foretold your plane of existed is next.”
Author's Note
Reason for Rover: One, I really need some character that was powerful without needing to resource to the princesses. Two, I have plans for him in later chapter and the next story.
The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Two: Talks around tables and fires
The next few hours were confusing, at best. The guards summon several wizards that cast search spells over the group for any weapons. After it was deem they were not a threat, Celestia led the group back to Twilight’s castle to set up a meeting. Twilight was setting it up in a room that housed a long dining table. She figure since it was one of the many rooms that never get used, there was no time like the present. Twilight shook her head of the thought and continue to set the room.
After Twilight was done, Celestia came inside and sat down in the middle of the seats facing the door. A few minutes later, the window that was behind Celestia open and Luna flew in. Twilight hadn’t seen Luna since that day when she was recovering. She watch as Luna glide in gracefully and landed almost right next to Celestia. She sat down on the left side of Celestia and looked straight ahead. Twilight notice that Luna did as little walking as possible and tried not to stare at the missing limb.
Twilight took the seat to the right of Celestia and hope that this meeting was not what Rover warn them about. Before Twilight could prep anymore, the doors open and the travelers walk in. The one called Fruit Flower sit in the middle with one of the other travel on each side. One of the travelers stood by the door and didn’t move a muscle. It was the only one wearing a mask and seem to be watching Fruit Flower more than anything else. Fruit Flower clear her throat and Twilight look back up at her.
“Before we get started, let’s get all the hard questions out of the way.” She said. “You probably want to know where we come from.”
“Actually,” Luna said, her voice dripping with contempt. “I’m wondering why we should, at all, trust you.” Celestia started to say something but Fruit Flower raised a hoof to show no offence.
“It’s okay. I understand the hostility. We share similar history, this world and ours. I believe you lost your fore leg fighting the Darkness?” Fruit Flower pointed to missing limb and Luna eyes darted downward. “I’m sorry for being so blunt but in our time, the Darkness fell over fifty years ago. We lost both the princesses, the army and all our holy warriors to it. We were lost for so many years before the Compassion One and her companions show us the way.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt but who is this Compassion One?” Twilight ask. Fruit Flower look a bit taken back but then started to answer,
“I keep forgetting about how… different your belief are from ours. We lost our gods due to the Darkness and a lot of ponies lost faith in the sisters. In able to keep order in the land, a pony who was dedicated to our Holy Warriors ways decided to teach them. She is the Compassion One and her followers. The follower are Certain One, Open One, Faithful One, and Delighted One.”
“She was able to unite our world because the Sacred word that allowed us to travel between worlds. It was decided by my teacher that we should build a alliance in order to prevent the darkness from ever happening again. With this alliance, we have made great advancement in our ways and the ponies have never been safer, happier.”
“If it wasn’t for these great ponies, we would be in a dire state. We are thankful every day for what they done and continue to do for us.” Fruit Flower finish. Twilight looked at Celestia and started to study her. Twilight notice an expression on Celestia she never seen before, a look of disbelief. Luna was still looking down but she was sharing a face with just as much doubt.
“I don’t understand.” Twilight finally broke the silence that fallen on the table. “If you met other worlds, surely you’ve found other version of the princesses or something?” Fruit Flower started to say something but a stomp from behind her stop her short. The whole group turn to see it came from the one standing by the door.
“Who is that?” Celestia asked, pointing at the pony. An expression flash on Fruit Flower face and Twilight barely caught it but she did. It was a face of fear and it wasn’t caused by Celestia.
“That is a Silent One.” Fruit Flower said, the words themselves seem to burn the air. “We have strict laws in our land. If we disobey the laws of the holy words, we are punish by the tenets. It was found to be dishonest so it was force to wear a Silencing Mask. When it has worn it for its sentence and serve the one who place it on, then it will be free.”
“And who place this mask on?” Celestia continue to question. Fruit Flower look directly at Celestia and Twilight could her feel the fear that was coming off the words.
“It was the holiness, The Compassion One. She place the mask on it before I’ve became her student.” Fruit Flower said. “It serves her and only her. She sent it to watch over… our group for safety. It will make sure that we make it back to our home land.”
“Is it a female or male?” Luna asked, raising her head to look directly at the Silent One. Twilight notice that the Silent One tilt its head at this question.
“It doesn’t have a gender or name.” Fruit Flower responded. “It’s believe in our ways, that the only way to follow the holy ways is to be renamed, remake and reborn. We have to leave our past behind and leave what we used to be. If a pony committed a sacred crime, a crime forbidden by the holy ones, they shall be punish.”
Fruit Flower got up from the table and headed to the door. “We have spoken long enough. We will rest in this plane but by tomorrow evening, my group must come back with an answer.” The other two ponies got up when she said this and started to follow. “There is one more thing. None of the alicorns are allowed to enter our plane. It is too dangerous for your kind and we can’t promised any protection. I’ll allow you to discuss amongst yourselves.”
With that, the group left the three princesses in silence. Twilight waited a few minutes, then turn to Celestia.
“What should we do?” Twilight let the question hang in the air. The other princesses look at each other then back at Twilight.
“Summon your friends, Twilight.” Luna said finally. “We have to discuss this deal.”
(Outside Twilight’s Castle)
“Why are we still waiting? We should go back to our Holiness and tell her that we need to do a full conversion.” The earth pony on Fruit Flower’s left, Counting Coin, said as the three made camp on the castle’s grounds. He was setting up tents and unpacking several items.
“We can’t do that.” The other one, a pegasi name Music Weaver, said. She was starting a fire and was using a device call a hoof claw. It allowed their kind to hold fine items that can’t be held in their hoofs. Right now, she was using it to rub two stick together. “The last time we did straight conversion, it cause more riots and the rebels were able to gather more followers. We have to tread more carefully.”
“Hopefully, we won’t have to convert at all.” Fruit Flower stated. Both of them stop what they were doing and turn to Fruit Flower. “I mean, we have twenty planes to our alliances. We might just need them for a trade route.”
“Do you really believe that, Fruit?” Count asked. “How many times are you going to swallow that lie? You know as much I do that every world we come to must be converted, sooner or later.”
“Can we talk a little more quietly?” Music asked, lowering her voice to a whisper. “If the Silent One reports back to the holiness of this, we will be punish for sure.”
“And how is the Silent One going to report back? It’s the Silent One.” Count pointed out. “It can hear me swear my allegiance to the Rebels and she’ll never know. I honestly don’t know why she keep sending it to watch us.”
“You know why.” Fruit answered and she turn to her tent. The two look at each other than Music sighed.
“I’ll go talk with her.” She said to Count then followed Fruit into her tent. She saw Fruit was laying down and looking at the ground. “You should go see them. It’s not every day you can see…”
“You know what will happen if I try that again.” Fruit cut her off and turn to face her. “But I’m sure you believe that if I do go, it’ll convince me to join your team.”
“You know as well as any pony what her ideals will do to this world. To every world we come on.” Music insistence, keeping her voice down. “You should join our cause and help us bring freedom. We just want freedom.”
“I know what you want.” Fruit said. “What concerns me is what your group will do to get that freedom. I know the lies that were spread about the rebels but I also know what dark truths you tend to forget. How do you think this world will react to what your group did in the name of your leader?”
“I know you will join our cause. If you weren’t, you would’ve of told the “Holiness” about Count and me.” Music said. She started to leave then turn to face Fruit once more. “I’m just saying, go exploring. Things are about to get interesting.”
The whole group had heard the story and were now discussing how to proceed with the information. Starlight Glimmer was also brought in to help and was now watching an augment be bounce around the two sides of the group. Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, and Luna all voice that we shouldn’t join any alliance while Fluttershy, Rarity, Twilight and Celestia argued that it would help prevent an event like Pure from happening again. Pinkie Pie was either counting the number of crystal in the chandelier or wasn’t taking any side.
“Starlight, what do you think?” Celestia asked, causing all the group to stop at once and turn to her. Starlight look at both side and then put her hoofs up, starting to think.
“I think we should go over to their world, see how they work.” Starlight stated. “We know nothing of this world or their customs. We seem to be jumping to conclusion and I don’t think it would be a good idea to be angry or join any pony without knowing the whole story.”
“Well, there a surprise.” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. “That what we did for you and how did that turn out again?”
“That is exactly why we need to be careful.” Starlight stressed. “I was just a small timer and you were barely able to outdo me. We are talking about some pony who was able to harness the ability to contact different worlds and form an army beyond anything we could imagine. This is real power and if we misstep, it could be worst then anything Pure could’ve think of.”
“Well, that was surprising depressing.” Rainbow Dash said, sighing. “So who should we send over to the other side?”
“I think Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and I should go.” Starlight said. “We need to have very open minds and also be able to not be easily fooled. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Apple Jack need to stay here because if anything goes wrong, we’ll need are strongest.”
“Two question, Sugarcube.” Apple Jack started. “One, why shouldn’t I come along? I’m able to tell if some pony lying and I’m not that easily fooled.”
“Because you can’t lie.” Starlight pointed out. “Let’s be honest, if they need to lie, you are last pony to do that.” Apple Jack nodded and then brought up her follow up question.
“Alright, then my second question is why are we pretending? We should just be honest and tell them we don’t want to be a part of their group.” Apple Jack asked. They all looked at Starlight.
“Because if they are as bad as we fear.” Starlight answered. “Then we need to tread carefully. Because they won’t allow us to get in their way.”
Author's Note
Second chapter. Took a little longer to edit. Who is Fruit Flower or Compassion? That of course comes later. Right now, I'm trying to keep tract of how many rooms are in that castle.
The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Three: Prepping for what to come
“I’m bored.” Scootaloo sighed, leaning out the window on the side of their treehouse. The three of them were trying to find something to do since they found their cutie marks. So far, they help a pony understand that he should be a cook, not a food taster. That was about it and ever since the town got destroyed, they were spending most of the time at the treehouse due to the school being blown up, again.
“Maybe we should see if anyone needs help?’ Apple Bloom suggested, bouncing a ball back and forth.
“No, my sister said we need to stay out of the way.” Sweetie Bell pointed out. “Besides, there some kind of portal near town and all the grownups want us to stay away from it.” The three sighed in union and then continue to do pointless things. Finally, Apple Bloom threw the ball away and turn to her friends.
“Let play hide and see or something.” She said, heading towards the steps. “We been coup up here forever. We can used the orchard or go see if Pinkie Pie is cooking anything good.”
“Or we could talk to the pony standing behind the trees over there.” Scootaloo said, motioning to outside. The other two look to see a glimpse of some pony ducking behind some branches.
“Who do you think it was?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Let’s go find out.” Scootaloo answered.
Fruit Flower was trying to stay as still as possible behind the tree. Why was she doing this? She knew the risk if she got caught by Silent One but Music’s words trouble her more then she let on. If the rebels are planning something, she wanted to have one more glimpse of…
“Hey, there!” A voice called out from behind Fruit Flower and she jump back in surprise, tripping over some roots. She turn to see Scootaloo hanging from a branch with Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom popping from around the other side of the tree. “Why are you watching us?” Scootaloo asked as she drop down from the tree branch, fluttering her wings to slow her descend.
“I wasn’t…I mean, I didn’t.” Fruit stutter out but then stood up quickly and brush off the dust on her cloak. “I wasn’t watching you, I was just taking a walk.”
“That was the worst lie I ever heard.” Scootaloo said. Fruit rolled her eyes and starting to walk away.
(A few feet away from the treehouse.)
Apple Jack was working the fields and was hoping to gather some supply for her friends’ trip. She was taking a batch of Granny Apples when she saw her sister and friends surrounding that one traveler, Fruit Flower. By the looks of how they are acting, they were bugging her. Apple Jack was about to call out when she saw some pony else was watching the exchange. It was the one wearing the mask and seem to be just standing there.
Apple Jack watch as it started to paw at the ground and it snorted out a puff of air. Then, as quick as a whip, it shot from where it was standing and headed straight for the four. Apple Jack drop the apples and started to run. She didn’t know why it was running but she had a bad feeling.
“No, we don’t have a Discord. He disappear a long time ago.” Fruit Flower answered Sweetie Bell question. She was about to answered another that Scootaloo asked when she look over their heads and spotted something moving towards them. She squinted to see what was heading for them and soon as she recognized what was coming, she pushed the three behind her. “Just stay behind me and don’t make a sound.” She whisper as the Silent One slide to a stop right in front of her.
“Silent One, I was just telling these young foals that…” Fruit started but was cut off when the Silent One slap her across the face, sending her to the ground. She hit the ground hard and was a little dazed. She look up to see the Silent One lording over her, the mask shining in the sun. She felt her fear growing and was hoping that it would be over quickly.
“Hey, leave her alone!” Apple Bloom shouted at the Silent One. It quickly turn to the three and started to approach them slowly. The three started to back away and Fruit Flower was struggling to get up from her fall. The Silent One was almost on top of the three when a rope wrap around its chest.
“You stay away from my sister!” Apple Jack said, pulling as hard as she can on the rope. The Silent One was barely moved but it stop moving towards them and turn to face Apple Jack. Apple Jack stood her ground but the Silent One didn’t even seem to care. It turn its attention back to Fruit Flower. Apple Jack step in front of it again, blocking from seeing Fruit.
“I don’t know what weird customs you have but where I come from.” Apple Jack said, keeping the Silent One from moving on Fruit Flower again. “You don’t hit the pony that you are suppose protect and you don’t go after strangers.” The Silent One cock its head to the side and then raised its hoof in a striking posed.
“Silent One, step down!” Fruit Flower shouted. It lower hoof and step away from Apple Jack. “I’m sorry. It thought I was in danger and reacted accordingly. I should’ve never left my camp. We will be leaving now.” Fruit Flower dust herself off and motion for Silent One to follow. The two walked away, leaving Apple Jack and the three foals speechless.
“I’m telling you, girls. There is something off about all this.” Apple Jack said as the group started prepping for the trip. Rarity was packing everything under the sun while Pinkie was packing baking supplies. Starlight was listening while packing some paper. “That Silent One was about to kill her and it didn’t look too friendly to me and my sister.”
“I agree with Apple Jack.” Rainbow Dash said. “I get the feeling there is more going on than their letting on. I mean, why can’t Twilight go? Who would want to hurt her?” Every pony let this settle in as they continue packing. As Starlight pick up her pack, she saw two other pony were walking over. One was a yellow unicorn and the other was a cherry red pegasi.
“Record Keeper, Sky Watcher. What are you ponies doing here?” Starlight asked the two as they approach.
“For science!” Sky Watcher cheered, receiving a glare from Record Keeper.
“What she meant to say.” Record Keeper explained. “Was we were sent by Doctor Hooves to see how they work their time magic. Also, any other technology that we might need to look at but that’s a secret.” The two walk over and look up at the portal. “So, do they know that we’re coming or are we a surprise?”
“We explain how we like a tour of their world before any agreement or alliance and they said that it was alright. They also want to give a gift to the princesses before the tour.” Starlight explain.
“Let just hope that it is a gift.” Rainbow Dash said. There was a sudden flash from the portal and the group turn to see that two ponies coming out, carrying a long wooden box between them. They set it on the ground and back away as Fruit Flower step up to the box.
“Is Princess Luna still here?” Fruit Flower asked the group. Before any of them could answer, Luna descended from the sky and landed beside right next to Apple Jack.
“I was told you have a gift to give to my sister And I?” Luna stated.
“It more of a gift for you but I believe your sister will be thankful for it too.” Fruit Flower said, kicking the box to open it. The lid swung open and Fruit Flower pull out a long silver object. It gleamed in the afternoon light and blinded the group for a moment. They all look to see it was a leg, almost identical to the one Luna lost.
“It was forged based on the spec of our Luna but I still think it will fit.” Fruit Flower said as she place it on the ground. Luna limped over to it and pick it up with her magic. As if it knew what to do, the leg simmered and floated to her injured limb. As soon as the metal hit flesh, Luna felt a coolness wash over her. She watch as the metal merge and almost was able to feel from the new limb.
“It’s a brand new magic we developed.” Fruit explained. “It to help ponies that lost limbs in accidents. So to show trust, we brought you one of the many technology advances we have develop.” Twilight notice that although Fruit was smiling, she couldn’t help but feel that Fruit was hiding something. Before Twilight could ponder on it any more, Fruit turn to Record Keeper and Sky Watcher.
“I don’t believe we have met.” Fruit Flower raised a hood to the two. Sky Watcher knock on it while Record Keeper kept to himself.
“I’m Sky Watcher and this my friend, Record Keeper. We volunteer to go on the tour for time related reason.” Sky Watcher said cheerfully. Record Keeper put a hoof to his face and shook it slowly.
“What she meant is, we are wanting to look at the time spells you used to open these portals and other magic ability. We hope this is alright.” Record Keeper explain. Fruit Flower look a little concerned then nodded.
“Alright, but you have to follow the same rules as these three.” Fruit said, pointing to Pinkie, Rarity and Starlight. “And they are as follow. You can’t travel without a guide. We need to keep you protected because in several of our planes, there is a crime element we have trouble getting rid of. The second rule will be not to take any of our items without asking, due to the fact that many of them are dangerous. The third and final rule, do not question anything the holiness says. She is our most respected leader and she does everything for a reason. Follow these rules and I believe this trip will be fine.” She turn around and headed to the portal.
“Well, that’s not going to make it hard to figure out if their bad or not.” Rainbow Dash mutter.
“We’ll be fine.” Pinkie Pie said as she pick up her pack. “Besides, if they try anything sneaky, I’ll just pull out the good old Pinkie sense.” She pat her head a couple of time when saying this and started to follow after Fruit Flower. Rarity sighed and follow with Starlight not far behind. Before they walked through the portal, Starlight turn to face the rest of the group.
“Remember, be careful. They might try to do something while we’re gone.” Starlight said.
“I was going to say the same to you.” Twilight responded. “We have no idea what you’re getting yourselves into.”
“Come on, girls.” Pinkie said. “What’s the worse that can happen?”
(Inside Alpha Plain)
“So she disobey.” Compassion One said, looking at the Silent One. They were in a state building that was built near their portal entrance. It nodded and Compassion sighed. “That is disappointing. I’ll deal with her when she gets back. Did the gift get to Luna?” Again, the Silent One nodded. Compassion nodded and turn to the holy followers. “Do you think I should do what I promised or wait?” There were slight whispers and a giggle as they discuss. Finally, Compassion turn back to the Silent One. “Bring her in here.”
The Silent One bowed and left the room. Twenty minutes later, Fruit Flower came inside follow by the Silent One. Fruit bowed to Compassion as soon as the door closed.
“They are here and waiting to meet you, my holiness.” Fruit said, her face nearly press against the ground in respect. Compassion nodded and walk over to a chair. As she sat down, she place on a hoof claw on her right front hoof and attach a knife on to it. Then she pick up an apple and started to cut off piece of it. She open her mask mouth piece, threw one piece inside and started to chew slowly.
“My dear Fruit, what is your opinions on this plane? Should we convert it like the rest or should we leave it be?” Compassion asked, slowly chewing the apple in her mouth. Fruit look a little shock and raised her head to look up at Compassion.
“I believe we don’t have to convert them. They seem harmless enough and they still have the princesses. We do need a trade route and it might calm the rebels.” She answered. Compassion nodded and got off the chair, walking towards Fruit. She toss the apple in the air and caught it again with her left hoof. She then wrap her arm around and held the apple in front of Fruit’s face.
“I do consider this thought. Fruit?” Compassion offer the apple to her. Fruit shook her head no and Compassion continue. “You know what I like about these hoof claws?” She lift up the device and started to flex her arm, causing the knife to slowly come out. “It allowed me to handle such delict items such as knives and forks. You know how they work, right?” Fruit suddenly felt presser being force on the back of her head and she was force closer to the blade. Compassion drop the apple to the ground and let it roll away.
“It works because every gear works together, not against each other.” Compassion said, in a voice similar to talking to a small foul. “The gears allow me to just flex my hoof and the blade come out as slow as I want it to.” She flex a little the slower causing the tip of the blade to slowly extend to Fruit’s eye. Sweat was starting to pour off of her at this point as she try to struggle out of Compassion grip but it was too tight. The blade was so close that if Fruit had blink, it would have cut right through the eye lid. She was trying her best not to.
“But you want to know the most important thing about this device?” Compassion asked, keeping the same tone throughout. “If one of these gears get broken or in this case, got out of place. I can just have it replace. I want you to remember that Fruit, about how easily things can be replace.” With that, she threw Fruit to the ground and retracted the blade back into the device. “Now as for you punishment for disobeying my orders.”
Fruit crawl on to the ground to Compassion hooves and started to beg. “Please, I’m sorry. Please, it was an accident. Don’t hurt anyone, please.” Compassion brush back her mane and lift Fruit eyes to her mask.
“Oh, my dear sweet Fruit. I understand your pain and how this must feel. But I want you to know this, I don’t care.” Compassion whisper into Fruit’s ear. “I told you not to leave the camp site and you didn’t listen. I believe I told you what would happen to the next pony you talk to without my permission.”
“No, please.” Fruit begged, tears starting to well up in her eyes.
“I am summoning Razorback.” Compassion said.
Author's Note
Now to see the true face of compassion, metaphorically speaking. And for those of you wondering why i sent Starlight instead of Twilight to investigate the other world. Can we remember how well that went last time?
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The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Four: Throw enough ponies in a room...
(Inside the vortex path.)
Starlight had not expected this. The last time she went through a portal, she was barely able to stay upright. Now she was standing on some kind of road or bridge that seem to be leading to several different opening. She would like to go further, if not to escape the vertigo causing swirl of the portals walls, but Fruit Flower was led away by the Silent One. They started to follow but were told by Fruit to wait for her, which was almost a half hour ago.
She also felt like something was watching her, stalking her almost. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see something staring at her but was only seeing the walls of the portal. What it was, it seem to fill Starlight with dread but something else. A kind of rage was building in her chest. An angry she haven’t felt in a while but was there. She felt it building and could almost hear something in her ear. Telling her do things, awful things.
(Machine Plain)
The first smell that hit Starlight nose was a strong odor of something burning. She coughed a few times and heard the rest of the group do the same. The air was thick with a black mist that seem to almost block out their sun, leaving the area in a dusk like setting.
“My word, what is that dreadful stench?” Rarity said, fanning the air.
“It smell like when I burn these rock cookies I was going to send to Maud.” Pinkie said, trying not to gag. Fruit seem to be the less effected and turning to face the group.
“Welcome to the Machine plain. Where progress is more than just a process, it’s inevitable.” Fruit said with pride. “All ponies who invent, build and create items our allowed to work here. It allows for some the most advance magic and technology in all the plains and it grows stronger every day. The holiness created this after discovering the Sacred word, a plain that allowed the builders to build as long as they want without fear of destroying their homes.”
Fruit motion for the group to follow her. They look up at tall buildings and large factories, all producing smoke out of chimneys. They saw droves of workers, so eating food while other walking to and fro buildings. All them were stallions, dirty with grim and dust, that were eyeing the group the entire time. As they walk into one of the building, the group entire into a small hallway and were greeted by a unicorn in a lab coat. He had spikey black hair and had a brown fur coat. He smiled as the group approach and raised his hoof to wave them over.
“Ah, this is Swift Vision. He the head of our invention department and is going to give us a tour of this facility.” Fruit said as they approach him. He flash a smile and then turn his attention on the group.
“Aw, is that all you have to say about me?” He asked. “Well, I guess I better impress these visitors. Counting Coin promised so much more.” Swift turn quickly and started to head down the hall to a set of doors.
“Now the first room is going to be a bit loud but luckily we had a bunch of spell casters to put muffling spells on, so it won’t be deafening.” He warn as he open the door. A loud boom blast into the room as soon he open it. “That much.”
The room was a large arena with a few ponies behind a large wall. There were piles of apples and scrolls next to them. The group look over the wall and then darted back down to write on the scrolls.
“This is our explosion room. Here, we test things that could cause or supposed to create massive damage. This way, we can test them out without ponies being in danger. I’m really proud of this item they are testing out now.” Swift said as they walk over to the ponies. He pick up an apple and hold it for the group to see. It look like a regular apple except for the fact the stem had metallic look to it.
“It called a Bomb Apple. Inside the core of this is a mechanism that allow us to fill it with flash powder, pepper spice or anything really.” Swift toss it in the air and caught it in the opposite hoof. “The neat thing is it completely harmless, as long as you don’t pull the stem. If the stems pulled, it triggers a chain reaction and well…” Swift pull the stem and a loud click was made. He threw it over his shoulder and it flew over the wall. The group watch as it fell in the middle of the arena. After a few seconds, the apple flashed and a loud bam echo in the area.
“Boom.” He said calmly. Record Keeper look at the piles and saw that they were labels under them. It was label as stun, blind, paralyze and lethal. He pointed at the lethal and looked up at Swift.
“Why do you need a lethal version?” Record asked Swift. Swift look around for a second and then lend over to the group.
“There are plain that is overrun with monsters and beastly that tend not to be stun by a flash bang. These ones will slow them down but to our kind? It will rip you apart and anyone in about five feet area.” Swift explained. “Any more question?” Pinkie Pie started jumping in place and making noise to get attention. “Yes?” He pointed at her.
“Is there a way we could fill it with confetti and used it in party? Imagen how much cooler it would be if I threw that into a party.” Pinkie eyes went wide with excitement at the thought. Swift was a bit shocked and taken a bit back from this.
“I guess if we tone it down, we will be able to but it could possible blind them so no.” Swift answered. Pinkie whimper in disappointment and sink down to the back. “Alright any more question?” The group stay silent and Swift nodded. “Alright let continue the tour.” Swift headed for the door and the group follow after him, well most of the group. Record was still standing by the pile of lethal Bomb Apple, looking at them with a face of concern.
“Record, you coming?” Sky Watcher called back.
“Yeah, I’m coming.” Record answered and followed after them into the next room. This room look like a long hallway with windows on one side and several ponies were leaning out the windows holding some kind of metal stick and aiming at a bunch of bull’s eyes. A couple of ponies his there stick and a loud crack came from it.
“This our weapons testing room. We have come a long way from swords and crossbows. What they are testing now are something called Boom Sticks. They can fire small metal pellets or darts fill with knockout potion. The guards rarely have used the pellets but it happens. Alright, let keep going.” Swift barely look at the room and continue to walk down the hallway. Record Keeper quickly walk over to Swift and started to talk to him, in a whisper so the other don’t hear.
“Fruit said that the Compassion was about peace, why is there two room that their whole point is to make weapons?” Record asked. Swift eyes darted quickly around then quickly whisper to Record.
“Not here. Wait to after you see the Music plain then I’ll find you.” Swift said. Record let Swift walk away further and held back until Sky Watcher was beside him.
“What was that about?” Sky asked Record.
“I guess we’ll find out later.” Record said, continuing to follow the group.
(Omega Plain, Prison yard)
In a small dusty prison yard, there sat a small pony lifting weights in the unbearable heat. She wasn’t like any other pony for two major reasons. One was her fur had mutable shades of color due to the pony dying it over a period of time. The second reason and the one that stood out the most was the two scars on her back. These where once powerful wings stood but were cruelly taken away. This pony has gone by many name but the name she was known for here was…
“Poison Pin, is there a reason your blocking my sun and preventing my beautiful tan?” She asked the pegasi, hinting sarcasm.
“When I heard that the famous assassin was in my prison yard, I had to see for myself.” Poison said, starting to circle Razor while the two larger earth ponies stood still. “I mean, what is it they call you again? You go by so many names, the Swift Death, The Shifting Blade, The Black Hoof, oh and my personal favorite, The Screaming Banshee.”
“Aw, I’m touch. You been my biggest fan and I didn’t get you anything.” Razor said, faking a sad face.
“You’re funny.” Poison said, slowly pulling out a small, sharp stick she kept tuck under her wing. “I figure you won’t be after they clip your wings.” She flip the shiv to her other wing. “I best you miss doing this. You know I bet they call you the Screaming Banshee for something different then killing.” The two earth pony chuckle in union at her “joke” and Razor look kind of annoyed.
“You know, I think you are about to find out.” Razor said and then suddenly grab one of the weight she was lifting earlier form off the ground at one of the earth ponies. It connected with a sickling crake and knocked the pony to the ground. The other one try to jump Razor but she brought up a hoof and smash it into the pony windpipe. She let out a struggling gasp as she collapsed to the ground. Razor turn to face Poison Pin and they started to size each other up. Poison keep the shiv in her wing and were not giving any ground.
“Oh, come on sweetheart.” Razor said, wishing she had wings to motion Poison towards her. “I though you wanted to find out why they call me the Screaming Banshee. You know what, let me show you.” She charge at Poison, crashing into her chest. This took her by surprise and Poison try to stab at Razor. Razor block the wing from moving by stamping a hoof on it, causing a loud snapping noise. Poison groan in pain as Razor pick up the shiv from the wing.
“Now, I want to hear you scream.” Razor said, the shiv in her mouth. She plunged the dagger into Poison chest and kept on doing that as Poison scream in pain. After Razor practical carved out Poison’s rib cage, she sat on the ground and wipe some of the blood over her face. She look to see several guards with stun sticks surrounding her.
“Now what are the chances that you all believe that it was in self-defense?” Razorback asked. The guards all turn on their stun stick in response. Razor smiled and lift up the bloody shiv. “Alright, last time I did this, my highest was thirteen. Let’s see if I can double that.”
“And that concludes our tour.” Swift Vision said as the group arrive back at the portal entrance. After the two weapon room, the factory was mostly about ways to produce energy and how to conserve it. Swift was going on how they had the most advance energy and how it help a lot. Record Keeper was still wondering what Swift wanted to talk about but decided to wait. Swift pull out a watch and had a shock look on his face. “Whoops, I have something important to take care of so I’ll let Fruit take you to the Music plain. I believe going there will really open your eyes or at least your ears.”
With that, Swift wink at Record Keeper and turn back to the factory. Fruit waited to he left then turn to the portal.
“We have to hurry. The holiness expect you to see the Music plain before she returns from her trip.” Fruit urge and walk through the portal. The group exchange a weary look then follow suit.
(Omega plain, inside one of the prison’s room)
Compassion was growing tired of waiting and was starting to get angry. She had asked the head guard, a burly stallion by the name of Dirt Grind, to bring her Razorback about fifty minutes ago. She expected him to be back by now and if he didn’t return in the next five minutes, she was going to send the Silent One to get Razorback. Just after she thought this, the doors swing open, and Dirt Grind walk in with two guards dragging something behind them.
“Here is Razorback, your Holiness. If you want my advice, kill it before its wake up.” He said as the two guards drop her unceremoniously on the ground.
“I thought I told you not to hurt her too badly. She is cover in blood!” Compassion yelled, pointing at the blood soak Razorback.
“Not her blood.” Dirt growled. “She is right now wearing what used to be twenty of my best guards.”
“Would have been twenty-four if that one didn’t sucker punch me.” Razor groan as she started to get up from the ground. Dirt raised a hoof to hit her again but Compassion motion for him to leave. He growled then spit a Razor before leaving. Compassion ignore that and turn her attention to Razorback. Razor stretch her back and turn to Compassion.
“Hey, it’s the Hypocritical One. Coming to just check up on me or is there something else you want to talk about?” Razor asked, cracking her neck and rolling her shoulders.
“I need to hire you for a job.” Compassion said. Razor raised an eyebrow at this remark. “Don’t look so shock. You thought I keep you alive for nostalgia.”
“Honestly, I thought you just didn’t like paying overtime.” Razorback responded. She walk over to the small table that was the only thing separated the two. “I mean, I killed a lot of ponies trying to kill you and you clipped my wings. Explain why I’m not jumping over this table and ripping your throat out?”
Compassion look over to the Silent One and nodded at it. The Silent One walk over and lean over to place its head on the table. Compassion place her hoof on the side of the Silent One mask and press down. A small whine was made and small photo pop out the mouth piece.
“What the…” Razor started as Compassion pull out the photo and place it on the table.
“I had the Silent One fitted with a few upgrades after my student disobey last time. This is who she was spotted with.” Compassion push the photo to Razor then lean back. Razor look to see it was Fruit Flower meeting three foals.
“You have got to be kidding me.” Razor said, brushing the photo off the table. “I hunted all kinds of targets and you want to hire me to kill these three. Why do you just have one of your loyal ones do it?”
“Well, to be honest, those three are just going to be a warm up act. I think you know who else I want you to kill.” Compassion said. “I need this conversion to happen sooner rather than later and they decide to send a group to explore my plains. I decide that little adventure will end in a terrible accident. I need you make sure they have to turn to us, think you do that?”
Razorback made a face of thinking it over then nodded. “I’ll do it but I need one thing in return.”
“What would that be?” Compassion asked, a bit annoyed.
“I need some new armor.” Razor said, smiling. “I know only one place to get it but it ain’t going to be cheap.”
(Music plain, at a campground.)
“If I have to hear one more version of “Compassion, the holy one.” I’m going to rip my ears out.” Rarity groan as she started to lay on the ground of the small camp they set up. They had all walk through twelve rooms of organs blasting, choir singing and they were understandable tired. Record Keeper was rubbing his head to calm the headache that started in room five and grown from there.
“I should have warn you about Sweet Music. She tend to get a little overzealous with her music and like to make it loud.” Fruit Flower said, laying on a bed with an ice pack on her head. “I should have taken some meds.”
“How you feeling, Pinkie?” Starlight asked, laying on a sleeping bag with a wash cloth over her eyes. When she didn’t hear a response, she sat up and look around the campgrounds. “Hey, did anyone see what happen to Pinkie?”
“Yeah, and for that matter, where did Sky Watcher go?” Record Keeper asked. They started to look around and Record notice some pony waving at him. Record Keeper slip away why the rest were looking. He saw it was Swift Vision standing in a dark corner and looking a little nervous.
“I see you had the unfortunate pleaser of meeting our dear Sweet Music. Anything but really.” Swift said. “Look, I just came to till you all that you need to leave. Right now.”
“What is going on?” Record Keeper asked. “Why do we need to leave?”
“Because you plain is about to become the battle field to a war that been brewing for the last ten years. You only know about the half of it but the best thing for your group to do is go back home and prey that it doesn’t bleed on to your world.” Swift said, looking down the alley while he talked. “I can get you out now if you follow me.”
“We can’t.” Record Keeper said. “Two of our friends our missing and we need to find them.” Swift groan in frustration and started to pace.
“Okay, plan b.” He said quickly. “You find your friends and I’ll head over to your world. I worry that this may happen so I made something to give your princesses a fighting chance.” He started to go down the alley way but turn before disappearing in darkness. “You better hurry, there is no telling what trouble your friends are in.”
“We have no idea what in there. Why in the world would we go in?” Sky Watcher said. Pinkie push to the side slowly and turn back to the door.
“Because, I can sense a party.” Pinkie said dramatically and copy the knock she just heard. Sky held her breath and waited for the worst. The door open and a large, black fur stallion with five golden rings pierced on his nosed answered.
“Welcome to the rebel bar, comrades.” He said.
Author's Note
* For those of you who want to know the beat of the knock
The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Five: The meeting of old friends
(Music Plain, Campground)
“Because where can they be!?!” Fruit scream, ripping the place apart looking for any sign of the missing ponies. The rest of them were really worries but Fruit Flower was on the point of insanity. She was running back in forth, acting like her hind was on fire. Rarity was now watching with the rest of the group as Fruit Flower was going into full panic mode.
“We are all worry about Pinkie but she can handle herself. I’m sure Sky Watcher will be fine too.” Rarity said, trying to calm Fruit down.
“You don’t understand.” Fruit said, almost hyperventilating. “If the Holiness find out that I let some pony wonder…”
“I thought your teacher was all about peace?” Starlight pointed out and Fruit turn quickly where she stood. “Or is there something you’re not telling us?” Fruit was painting then collapse on the ground.
“I lied.” Fruit said. “She not about peace or caring. She is a monster and she planned to kill all of you. I was supposed to just keep you distracted and I would be sparred.” Fruit started to cry. “I am no student, I’m a prisoner. We all are. Ever since she came in power.”
“What are you talking about?” Rarity asked, now more worry.
“She talking about what I feared.” Starlight said, walking closer to Fruit. “She not a peaceful leader, she’s a tyrant. She got a strangle hold on these plain and she not willing to share. There never was an alliance, was there?” Fruit shook her head, letting tears drop to the ground
“No, it a trick.” Fruit said wearily. “It how we find out how advance a plain is and if we should take over. If any of the princesses are alive, they are killed off by assassination so no pony will question. All those who try to resist end up being imprison or worst. My sister and I try to stop it but…”
“Your sister? What happen to your sister?” Starlight asked.
“Part of my punishment. I was given a new name and force to know what happen to her. How she was broken and how much Compassion is willing to do to enforce her law.” Fruit said, now in a tired and dreary voice. “You have to understand something about her.”
“What I understand is we have to get out of here.” Record Keeper interrupted. He was standing in the corner, listening to them all talk. “You tell the princesses all about how evil Compassion is after we aren’t on her home turf. First thing we need to do is find Pinkie and Sky Watcher. Do you have any idea where they could be?”
Fruit shook her head and started muttering to herself, something about remembering what she like. Record Keeper groan and started rub his head.
“Well, unless there a party we don’t know about.” Record Keeper said aloud, causing Fruit eyes to light up. She turn to the group.
“I think I know… oh for all that holy, why there?” Fruit cry to the sky. “I have a good idea where they might be. But it possible the worst place in this plane to be.” Rarity started packing the tent back up as quickly as possible.
“Then we have hurry.” Rarity said, throwing everything she can into her bag. “Who knows what horror she is being put through?”
“This…is…AWSOME!” Pinkie cheered as another electric guitar solo began. Sky Watcher had to agree, this was pretty amazing. The bar seem to compose of rock, heavy metal and nu metal music. The beats were infection and the songs were compose of some the most interesting lyric she ever heard and she been to party were Vinyl Scratch was DJ. Sky was rocking her head back and forth while Pinkie was somehow holding a torch, swaying with the music.
“Dude, cool makeup.” A pony to Sky left shouted over the loud music. She look to see two ponies that they were sitting next to were looking directly at Pinkie. One of them had a bowl like cut of black hair while the other had long blond hair. They both seem to have the slimier mark on them, of a stallion running in a field.
“You totally look like one of the holy warriors.” The other one said and they both slap their hooves together and made a weird gestor. Sky ignored them and Pinkie seem to not hear them. The two continue to talk and walk away. She swore she heard them say something of it not being a costume and telling a bouncer. Sky decide to continue listen to the song playing, which seem to about rising a phoenix. She was pretty sure that those two weren’t going to cause any problems.
“I spy with my little eye.” Spear guard said as he look around, trying to take his mind off the boring job of watching the portal.
“Is it my arrow in your eye because if you don’t shut up, it will be.” Crossbow growl. Ever since the Tirek’s death and the failure that was their duty, the two were resign to being a part of guards watching the portal. And since they were demoted, they were watching it in the middle of the night while the rest sleep.
Spear sighed and started to count the stars when they heard a crackle from behind. Both of them turn to see a pony come out of the portal with a large box strap to his backpack. Spear pull out his spear while Crossbow started walking backwards to the warning bell.
“Wait!” Swift Vision said. “I need to talk to Princess Luna. Please tell me she nearby.”
“Like we will tell you!” Crossbow shouted, inching closer to the bell. “For are we know, you are some kind of spy or assassins.”
“Yeah, like we will tell you that the princesses are at the Crystal Palace until the alliance is decided on.” Spear shouted. Crossbow groan and mouth at Spear, “You moron.” Swift started to do the math then slap his chest. A loud, high pitch whine was heard and the side of the backpack split open and to metallic wings pop out.
“Thank you!” Swift yelled as his wings blasted him into the night air and flew until he disappear from sight. The two stand in silent for a minute then Crossbow pick up a rock and threw at Spear’s head. It thud and Spear cry out in pain.
“What was that for!?!” Spear cry out as he rubbed were the stone hit.
“Can you do anything right!?!” Crossbow shouted. Spear look at little downtrodden and turn away so Crossbow wouldn’t see him tearing up.
“My mother wanted me to be a baker.” Spear said, starting to choke up.
“Not the baker story again!” Crossbow cry out.
“So, why is this place dangerous?’ Record Keeper said, looking at the dilapidated building. “Unless it’s fear of tetanus.” Fruit sigh sadly and turn to the group.
“Don’t let the building fool you. This used to be my home a long time ago, before Compassion decided to turn it into the Music plain. I remember time of being in my treehouse and paying hide and seek with my friends. How I miss those days.” Fruit said, rubbing the dirt. Rarity walk behind her and started to pat her back.
“May I ask, what was your old name?” Rarity asked, calm as ever. Fruit look her in the eye and start to tear up. Rarity brought her closer and in brace her in a hug. “It okay. Your safe, it okay.”
“You don’t get it.” Fruit said, pushing Rarity gently off her. “I’m never going to be safe. You think that you can stop Compassion because she’s evil and you’re good? It doesn’t work that way anymore. We all lose the concept of good and evil when we traded our mortals for comfort. I was once naïve enough to think that we can go back to ways things were and I made mistakes that cause me almost everything. My friends, my family and my home. THAT IS HOW THEY GET TO YOU!” Fruit was now on full rant mode and the group was scared some other pony was going to hear her.
“THEY PROMISED YOU PEACE AND HAPPYNESS! THEY SAY THERE GOING TO MAKE EVERY THING RIGHT BUT IT ALL LIES!” Fruit was calling into the sky and slamming her hoof into ground. “I TRY TO STOP HER BEFORE AND I LOST MY TWO BEST FRIENDS TO HER. ONE OF THEM IS A COMPLETE PYSCHO WHILE THE OTHER IS JUST AS BAD AS COMPASSION.” Fruit collapse on the ground and just sobbed. “I never wanted any of this. I just wanted my life back.” Rarity walk over to the sobbing Fruit and sat down next to her.
“I can never understand what happen to you or what you been through but I will tell you this. If you give up, you will lose everything. You will lose what you wanted to keep and you won’t even know it.” Rarity said softly. “The reason we fight is not because we want to go back to the way things were. We fight for what we love and the ponies we swear to protect. We stand by our morals and our beliefs not because we were taught to but because we know deep inside that it right. Only those truly twisted would take words of peace and turn them to weapon of war.” Fruit started to laugh and stand back up.
“It kind of make sense now.” Fruit said, mostly to herself. “You have no idea what your about to walk into.”
“Maybe not.” Starlight said. “But right now, what we need to do is go in there and get our friends out before things can get worse.”
“Oh, things are going to get worst.” Fruit said, applying the secret knock to the door, thanking all that is holy that Music told her it. “You just don’t know it yet.”
(Twilight’s Plain, Crystal Palace.)
Cadiance was looking over the kingdom with Flurry heart resting on her shoulder and thinking about what happen over the last twenty-four hours. She now was the hosting the other princesses in cased a portal deal goes south. She look at the mirror that lead to the so called other world that Sunset was in and sighed. “I missed when you were the only portal.” She said out loud to no pony and look back to the night sky. She notice a shooting star cutting across and thought it was pretty…until she notice it was heading right for her.
“Why did I think this was a good idea!?!” Cadiance heard from the star as it came crashing down to the ground, smashing into the room and bouncing off the walls. She casted a spell on it to hold it to find out it wasn’t a star but a unicorn strap to what think was some kind of rocket with a vest and was carrying a crate.
“Who are you?” Cadiance asked, watching as he struggle to stay still.
“I’m on an important mission to save your plain.” Swift said, trying to turn off his jetpack. “Please tell me that Luna is here because I’m kind on a time limit, oddly enough.”
“She’s here but why would I take you to her?” Cadiance asked, keeping the spell on lock down.
“You know the last pony to ask me that end up being really helpful so let’s keep that going.” Swift pointed out. “I’m here because the five you send are in danger and soon all alicorn will be next. So tell me where she at, please?”
“She working on some magic with her sister in the throne room.” Cadiance said. “Here, I’ll let you go.”
“No, wait!” Swift started but end up shooting across the room by his rocket again and bouncing off the wall until he hit the floor with a thundering crash. Flurry Heart awoke by this and made a giggle as an ash cover Swift slowly got off by the ground, dizzy. “I think it ready for testing.” He said loopy and collapse on the ground.
Starlight and the gang walk into the bar, smelling the smoke and beer choking the air. They saw some pony on stage wearing a black trench coat and small sun glasses. He was sporting a couple of piercing and his hair was neo green and camo color fur of black and blue. He walk over to a mic and turn it on with a sound of feedback.
“Alright, let give it up for Five Feather Wing Touch and there hit song, “Under and over it.” Our next song is a crowd pleaser, give it up for, “Welcome Home.” By Colt and Creek.” The pony yelled and the band behind him started to play a few note of the song.
“Of course this song is playing when I come.” Fruit said. “Look, we need to find your friends and get out of here.” They look in the crowd of ponies and realize that this task might be a little harder than they thought.
“It going to be almost impossible to find them in this crowd!” Starlight Shouted over the music. “There must be over hundred ponies in here. How are we going to…” Before she could finish the question, a loud cheer came from deep in the crowd and the group turn to see Pinkie and Sky Watcher crowd surfing.
“This is the best party ever!” Pinkie cry out as she head their way.
“Well, that was a little too easy.” Record Keeper said as the two land right in front of them.
“Oh my Goodness, you all made it.” Pinkie said, embracing both Fruit and Rarity in a bear like hug. “This place got so many new songs that I’ve never heard of. There was this one about getting sick and then one about slipping out the back and…” Pinkie was cut off when Fruit yank her down to they were face to face.
“That is what we need to do.” Fruit mutter in her ear. “We need to get to some place safe.”
“Oh, they sang about this place being an asylum.” Pinkie cheered. “That means we’re safe, right?”
“That not the kind of asylum I was talking about. Just star heading to the door.” Fruit said. The group slowly start weaving around the crowd and heading towards the door. Fruit turn to make sure the group was following and when she turn back around, she ran into another pony.
“Hey, watch where you’re…” Fruit start but the words died in her mouth as she who she ran into. “No, you’re supposed to be in jail.”
“Aw, I missed you too, Sweetheart.” Razorback said, carrying a pack full of some black armor. “I would love to stay and chat but your dance card is about to be full.” Before Fruit could respond, Razor slip into the crowd and disappeared.
“What did she mean by that?” Rarity asked, not noticing the crowd was suddenly turn to surround the group.
“I think she was talking about this.” Sky said, pointing to the fact that every pony was looking at them, with daggers and clubs. The music was still playing but the cheer of the crowd, was gone replace with a low grumble. Several of the stronger ones were edging closer to the group and not look at all friendly.
“Who let the traitor in here?” One of them growled, keeping his club raised with magic. The group try to back away but were surround on all sides.
“Any chance we can fight our way out?” Record asked, looking from dagger to club.
“Well, seeing as I’m the only one with real fighting experience, I’m going to say no.” Starlight answer. “And I don’t think talking an option but we got to try.” Before she could start though, a loud bam! Came from behind the mob, causing them to drop most of their weapons. A voice shout out over the mobs surprise shouts, a voice that sound really familiar to Pinkie and Rarity.
“Who causing trouble in my bar!?!” A female voice ring out and the mob parted to allow the owner to see the group. The group watch as a white unicorn with a Mohawk hair style of pink and purple. She was holding on of the metal pipe they saw earlier but it was double barrel and had some kind ridge slider that was pull back, causing a tch-tch sound.
“Well, if I had to bet who would have come crawling to my bar, I wouldn’t have guess you in a million years.” She said, walking towards them. Rarity was the first to speak.
“Sweetie Bell?” She asked and the unicorn laughed out, along with every pony else in the bar.
“Oh, dear sister.” The unicorn reply. “I haven’t been called that in decades. MY name is Rebel Bell and now I must ask you a question.” She lower her magic so her weapon was pointed directly at them. “Why shouldn’t I kill you all where you stand?”
The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Six: The other side of the coin
(Twilight’s Plain: outside the portal, near dawn.)
Captain Copper was rubbing his head as he read the report from the night watch. He didn’t want to know why Shinning Armor kept giving these idiots to him. They messed up guarding Tirek (Although it was a good thing.) and now they just put in their report of a “Flying metal wings character” coming out of the portal, heading for the crystal empire. He was going to deal with them after his shift and he promised that the next job they get, it was going to be mopping the floors of a school.
Copper was about to enjoy his breakfast when he heard the alarm bell went off. He groan and walk out of his tent. “I swear if this is a joke, I’m going to kill them.” He thought as he walk out and saw that all the guards were surrounding some pony who had come out of the portal. He quickly gear up and draw up his mace.
“Halt Stranger.” Copper said as he approach the group of guards. The pony was dress in some kind of black armor and as Copper got closer, he notice that it was a pegasi as its wings were coated in the same black metal. He didn’t notice any weapons but he didn’t like the armor or helmet because it remind him too much of Nightmare Moon.
“What business do you have here?” One of his guards on his left asked. The strange pegasi didn’t really answer but instead was looking at all the guards around her.
“Five. Six.” Razorback was slowly counting. Copper didn’t get what she was doing until he notice that there were twelve guards and realized she was counting them. He quickly raise his mace and charge.
“Attack!” Copper shouted, jumping towards her.
“Show time.” Razor said calmly and fling her wings. Several feather shot out and made slicing noise as she hit three guards in the chest. The three guards suddenly bust in to flames as soon as the metal feather connected to them, causing screams of agony.
“Ohh, this is awesome.” Razor said, quickly blocking Copper’s attack. She raised her hoof and a blade shoot out of the armor. She brought it down and slice right through him. He roared in pain and collapse on the ground. Five of the guards charge in for an attack while the rest started to run towards town, to get help. Razor chuckle and flap her wings, kicking dust into the air. Suddenly, she shot across at the four that ran and fling a bunch of metal feather at them. They all hit there mark and the bodies hit the ground before the other five could react.
“Now, where was I?” Razor said, bring her metal tip wing to her chin. “That right, you five.” She turn to the five guards. “Do I have a gift for you.” She raised both her front hooves in the air and the metal of her armor simmer and swirl until a large battle ax was form. She allowed it to float in the air and then she twitch her head, causing the ax to fly forward. The guards didn’t stand a chance as cut through all of them like they were nothing but paper. Razor giggle as the bodies hit the ground. She allow the ax to disappear and walk over to the wounded Copper.
“Before I go do my job, I have one request.” Razor said, summoning a small blade and plunging into his leg. “Scream for me.”
(Music plain. Inside the Rebel Bar.)
Starlight try to pick the lock of the cell they were in but had no luck. She didn’t understand why Rebel Bell spared them but locking them inside this cell wasn’t any better. The group was spread out inside, trying or succeeding to fall asleep. Starlight was the only one unable to sleep. As she stare out her cell door, she couldn’t help but feel a weird sense of déjà vu doing this. Suddenly, the door to the cell open and Rebel Bell walk in follow by two body guards.
“I hope you were comfortable. Because you all have five minutes to convince me why I don’t let my friends here have fun?” Rebel said, pointing to two guards who were smirking and holding giant clubs.
“Oh, shut up Rebel.” Fruit said as she rose from her slumber. “If you were going to kill us, you would have done it the second you saw us. Is it because you been talking to Music Weaver or is it guilt because of what we did?” The one guard raised his club when Fruit said this but Rebel signal for him to stop.
“I have no regret about what we had to do. I’m not the one who allow themselves to be caught and held captive.” Rebel said. “Yeah, most of idiots here believe that fertilizers Compassion sells but not me. I know some pony else gave the location of that base but I knew it wasn’t you. I let you live because I think you finally come to you sense. I was referring to the rest of you.” Rebel pointed at Rarity. “Especially you.”
“Sweetie Bell, what are you taking about?” Rarity asked. As quick as a whip, Rebel pull out her weapon and press it against Rarity’s head. Record Keeper try to jump at Rebel but a guard landed a solid hit in his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and leaving him on the ground.
“I know you think you’re my sister and all but say that name again.” She caused her weapon to make that noise again and press it hard against Rarity head. “And you’ll won’t be able to wear any fancy hats.” Rarity was tearing up at this and the rest of the group was afraid to move. Record was moaning in pain on the ground. Rebel look to the side and the said, “You now have four minutes.”
“We want to help.” Sky said calmly. Every pony turn to her and Fruit sighed loudly.
“Interesting, why do you want to help us?” Rebel said, slightly lowering the weapon and looking at Sky.
“Well it obvious that our leader will not want to do an alliance now and if this “Compassion” One find out we were here, I doubt we will live for long.” Sky said, started to walk closer to Rebel Bell. “I believe we have a better chance of getting out of this alive if we take your side.” Rebel ponder this then single to the guards to leave. Before the last one left, Rebel lean over and whisper something to him. He nodded and left, leaving the group with her.
“I having him bring me a friend, my first lieutenant. She’ll be needed if we are going to continue.” Rebel said and sat on a chair that face the cell, keeping her weapon aim at Rarity. The group wait in deafening silent, the only sounds were of the muffle music still coming from the bar. After a few minutes, the door to the cell open again and a unicorn walk into the room. She was gray fur with a silver mane. Following the mane was a line of fur that was just as silver. Her mark was a dagger.
“You wanted to see…” She started but stop when she saw Rarity and the rest of the group. “You have got to be kidding me! Please tell me you didn’t bring these ponies here on purpose.”
“Silver Back, I need your opinion.” Rebel got off her chair and gestured to them. “They said they want to help. Should we believe them?”
“Well, if they have Luna or Celestia, it might help us to have an Alicorn on our side.” Silver said.
“You serious? What make you think that either of them are going to help us? As soon as they find what you did…” Fruit said. Rebel sharply turn to her and threw her weapon to the side. She pull out a knife and pointed it at Fruit, who stand her ground.
“What I did? You mean, what we did. Because if I remember correctly, it was your idea have Cadiance killed so they lose moral support. You’re the one who allowed several of our soldiers die in the attempt for peace because I knew it was a trap!” Rebel said, weaving the knife with her magic. Fruit got in Rebel face and was staring her down.
“I wanted to talk some sense into Cadiance. You were the one who decided to kill her off and that the reason the peace talks went south. You just wanted to get revenge for what happen to you sister!” Fruit shouted, turning red in the face.
“Oh, and you didn’t!?!” Rebel scream, causing the group to jump back in shocked at the volume. “At least my sister had an end to her suffering!?! What that monster did to yours should have keep you fighting her but what did you do? You gave up. Couldn’t live with what needed to be done.” Rebel shook her head in angry. “And I thought after everything you would finally understand.
“I understand.” Fruit said, cooling off but keeping the tone of angry. “I understand that there is some lines you can’t cross and you just ran across. You want to talk about living with your mistake?” Fruit walk away and sat on the ground. “Then tell them what happen.” The air in the room became thick and every pony seem to hold their breath. Finally, Rebel Bell sigh out through her teeth.
“Fine.” She said with grit teeth. She turn to the group and pull up a chair with her magic. “Something attack our world over twenty years ago and took out almost all the Alicorns and our army. Outside force started to attack and ponies were beginning to lost hope for a future. Then, out of nowhere, some pony came with powerful magic and help fight off our enemies. We didn’t realize at the time but she used this to take out anyone that could oppose her. Griffins, Yaks, and dragons all fell to her.”
“Then, this pony pull out a spell that allow us to travel and keep portal open to allow trade. We needed it for so long, we didn’t question the price until it was too late. When we found out who she truly was.” Rebel pointed to Fruit. “We decided to build a resistance to stop her. It was easy due to so many plains starting to catch on but there were many that were loyal too. Apple here thought we need to find a way to shake up their faith in Compassion.”
“Wait, I thought her name was Fruit…” Starlight started to ask, then it dawn on her. They were friend and she was Rarity little sister so that make Fruit...
“What? You didn’t tell them you’re real name?” Rebel said. Fruit sighed.
“Wasn’t allowed to but I guess there no point to keeping it a secret.” Fruit said. “My real name is Apple Bloom. What left of Apple Jack is the one you all know called the Silent One.”
Fluttershy yawn as she started to prep some tea. She is usually more energetic in the morning but she was still suffering nightmares form the memories of Pure. She had to take some potion to keep her asleep most of the night but the tradeoff was groggy mornings. She took a sip of the tea and yawn again. She still had to wake the animals and make sure they are alright. The portal stress some of them but they were starting to get back to normal.
She walk outside and smell the cool morning air. She did enjoy the morning time, the coolness of the air and the sound of birds singing. That when Fluttershy notice something. Usually the birds are singing their cheerful songs but there was a silence in the air. A silence that chill Fluttershy to her bones and made the cool air feel like an arctic wind. Then a noise pierce through the air and for a moment Fluttershy let out a breath she was holding. The birds were starting to sing, at least that what she thought.
But instead of a song, she heard them giving off sharp chirping noise, warning calls if she remember correctly. But it wasn’t just one or two of the birds, it was all of them. The air suddenly filled with all the shrieks and screams of the birds in distress. Fluttershy watch as several took flight, heading all in the same direction, towards the east. She also watch as mice and other rodents follow in pursuit. She knew these sigh but Rainbow Dash said that just a thunderstorm today, nothing bigger. They never would make a tornado, so that leave…
Something flew over Fluttershy and her first thought was it was another bird. She look to see it was a pegasi, cover in armor, heading for Apple Jack’s farm. She notice that all the animals were going the complete opposite direction. Fluttershy flew towards Twilight’s Castle instead, because she had a bad feeling that told her she was going need all the help she can get.
The group all stare at Fruit aka Apple Bloom. Most of them couldn’t get their around it and Pinkie Pie was taking it the hardest. Her jaw had hit the floor in an almost comic fashion and she then start to stutter.
“But, but your accent…” Pinkie started but then went back to mumbling silently, making no sense.
“I had to lose it under Compassion orders.” Apple Flower said. “You don’t want to know what she would do if I didn’t obey.”
“But how is the Silent One your sister?” What going on?” Rarity asked, all the more confuse.
“Let Rebel finish and all will be made clear.” Apple said, turning to look at Rebel. Rebel nodded and continue.
“So I, Apple and Scootaloo form the rebellion and things were rough the first five years. I took command, Apple was our recruiter and Scootaloo was the lead solider. She was the best at combat and she was quick at picking up fight styles. It was the sixth year when we decided to do something risky. We had heard of Candice’s support for Compassion ways and we believe if we took away that support, we might have a chance.”
“What we didn’t know was that the years of combat had change our Scootaloo into something darker than we thought. She had killed some many enemies for the cause, I think she started to think she had no friends. The mistake we made was sending her to talk to Candice instead of Apple Bloom or myself. Candice must have said the wrong thing and the next thing we know, she was found dead on her throne room floor.”
“At the time we were trying to make peace with several Griffin tribes and Yaks nation from other Plains. Compassion used this event to stop all talk and getting several ambassadors killed in the process. That not even the worst part.” Rebel started to tear up.
“Scootaloo found out that Compassion had three ponies as her adviser. Three ponies thought to be dead. Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash and my sister, Rarity. And she just lost it. She kill my sister and Rainbow Dash, almost got Apple Jack too but was stop. She fled and disappeared for years, leaving Apple Jack near death. From what I heard, Compassion fix her up and made sure she couldn’t speak.”
“What happen to Scootaloo?” Rarity asked.
“Don’t know. Last I heard, She change her name to Razorback and was in prison at the Omega Plain.” Rebel said.
“Not anymore.” Apple Flower said. “She was in the bar before the mob. She was carrying a pack full of some kind armor.”
“Oh no.” Silver said. “She was the one who bought the new armor.” Rebel turn to face Silver, eyes wide with fear.
“What new armor?” She asked.
“Blood Bullet made it. It was supposed to literally be the most powerful armor and it made the user almost indestructible. The perfect killing machine to quote him.” Silver answer. Rebel slam her hoof on the ground and scream.
“And you gave it to her!!!!” Rebel scream. “Do you know what this mean? You might as well gave it to death herself! Who know who’s her target is?”
“I do.” Apple Flower said grimly. “And you’re not going to like it.
Apple Bloom rub her eyes as she got up and stretch. The three decided to have a sleep over since Rarity was gone. They ate popcorn and telling ghost story all night. She smiled as the sun light was shining and was expecting it to be a good day. She cock her head to the side when she notice that rooster didn’t call. Why in the world didn’t it? She suddenly heard something land on the roof. A thundering crash came from above and the other two woke to see a hole in the roof. Staring from the hole, was a pegasi cover in black armor and was smiling.
“Hello girls.” She said, pulling the wood away. “Hope you girls got enough sleep because we’re going to have a grand old time.”
The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Seven: The end of peace
(Twilight’s Plains. Apple Jack’s Farm)
The crusaders slowly back away from Razorback as she landed from the hole in the roof. Apple Bloom look quickly around the room for anything to get them out of this. She saw a couple of potion she was working on but all of them failed. A couple of them were to make spices and one was supposed to make things slipper. She needed to get to Apple Jack but she was working the tress. Razor expand her wings, blocking the sunlight from their only escape, the window.
“I hope you weren’t think about leaving. I just got here and it very rude to leave when a guest arrives.” Razor said, slowly creeping on to the three.
“You’re right. We’re sorry.” Sweetie Bell said, looking around for an escape as well. Her eyes landed on the potions and she motion to Apple Bloom. She nodded and turn back to Razorback.
“How about you join us for our next game?” Apple Bloom suggested. Razorback chuckle at this.
“And what game would that be?” Razor asked, stepping in a little closer.
“Potion Making!” Apple Bloom shouted and dive at the potions. Razor quickly step on the potions, crushing them all at once.
“Did you really think I was going to fall for this?” Razor said, sniffing the crash potions. “A couple of potions that smell like sugar?”
“Those were supposed to be spice potions.” Apple Bloom said calmly. “But somehow they became the opposite of what they were supposed to do. Like the one that became sticky” Razor was taken back and try to step forward. The key word was try. She was suddenly stuck to the floor. The three took this chance and dive for the window. Scootaloo garb ahold of the two midair and started to flap her wings as hard as possible. She knew she wasn’t going to fly but she could at least slow their fall.
They hit the ground hard and ran straight for the orchard. They didn’t get much of a head start because they all heard a roar and watch as the roof of the house exploded. They watch as Razorback was in the air and swooped down onto them. They manage to dodge her but now she was blocking them from going further into the orchard.
“That was cute.” Razor said, clearly not amused. “Did you really think something like that was going to stop me?”
“No but he might.” Scootaloo said, pointing to right nest to Razor. Before Razor could respond, she felt something hard hit her in the side. She felt her ribs break and went flying into a pile of apples.
“Big Mac!” The three called out.
“What in the hay is going on?” Big Mac asked.
“We don’t know what is going on.” Apple Bloom said, running up to him, crying. “That pony just burst through the roof and started to attack us. Where Apple Jack?”
“She went to talk with Twilight. Come on, I’ll take you…” Big Mac started but the pile of apples suddenly burst into flames and Razorback stood up.
“Aw, Big Mac.” Razorback said, cracking her neck while she got up. “That hurt a little.” Big Mac stood between the group and Razor.
“You all get to Twilight’s Castel. I keep her back.” Big Mac said, staring down Razorback.
“But big brother…” Apple Bloom started but stop when Big Mac look back at her. She had tears in her eyes when Big Mac said the next words.
“Just go.” He said. Apple Bloom nodded and started to lead the group away. Razorback started to head for them but Big Mac block her path.
“Oh, come off it.” Razorback said. “You won’t last a five minutes.” Razor flex her wings and the metal feathers shine in the dawn light.
“Then let’s make them count.” Big Mac said and charged.
Blood Bullet was counting his bits when the door to his little shop swung open. He look up to see Rebel Bell and a group of ponies run inside. He smile as he swept the bits into his safe and lock it up.
“Ah, Rebel, I was expecting you. I sell some armor to Razorback, per your instruction.” Blood said as Rebel closed the door. He was about to asked if she want any more armor when he felt magic wrap around his throat and threw him into his chair. He look to see that Rebel wasn’t happy, in fact, he swore there was fire in her eyes.
“You are going to tell me what that armor dose and then tell me how to disable it now.” Rebel said, ending the sentence with a growl. Blood whimper and try to get out of the magic.
“I imbed it with several different spells, allowing it to be one of the most powerful armor.” Blood said. “It allows the wearer to be healed, repairs itself automatically, and it metal feather can cause any number of element spells.”
“Okay, how do we stop it?” Apple asked.
“It connected to the user by a mental link, allowing them to control what it make. I’ve just started to make progress of what it can do. She can form any weapon she wants but if she ever loses consciousness, I theorize that the armor becomes just as useless as paper.” Blood said. Rebel nodded and turn to leave. “But there might be a problem with that.”
“What the problem?” Rebel asked, a little annoyed.
“You see, when I made the necklet for you with the night metal and the chest plate for Silver Back, it bonded well. But when I gave the suit I made to Razorback, it practically leapt on to her. I never seen it do something like that.” Blood said.
“I have a question.” Starlight said, stepping in front of the group to get a better view of Blood Bullet. “Where are you getting this armor and what is it made of?”
“We harvest the night metal from a plain we discovery about a year ago. The plain was complete deserted and not a single living thing was on it. But it was cover by this black rock. I guess that what happen in a world that never seen the sunlight.” Blood said.
“A plain abstained of all light? Oh no.” Starlight said. “I think I know what that armor is made of.”
Big Mac was panting hard as sweat rolled off his forehead. For the last two minutes, he has been throwing everything he can at Razorback. She didn’t even seem fazed. She either dodge or take the hit full on. Right now, she move from annoyed sighs to taunting him.
“Alright, I’m going to give you one more chance.” Razor said, stretching her front leg in a hugging like pose. “One shot. Hit me as hard as you can and if you disappoint me, you will most certainly regret it.” Big Mac shorted and charge as hard as possible at her. He hit her square in the chest with the force that once move houses. There was a large crack and Big Mac thought he managed to at least injure her. He look to see the body armor was cracked but in front of his eyes, the crack reseal with a small pop.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Razor said shaking her head. “I told you’ll regret it.” She raised her front left hoof in the air and the armor swirl into a giant hammer. She swing it at him and smash it into his side. He flew in to the air and crash in the dirt. He felt like fire was burning through his entire body and his lungs were refusing to work. Razor walk over to him and as he tried to get up, he fell back to the ground, realizing that both his leg on his right side were shatter.
“As much fun it is to play with you, I have, like, a million other thing better to do. Now you just lie on the ground and possible bleed out while I go find your sister. I promise that her suffering will only be for a little bit.” Razor said. With that, she flap her wings and shot into the air.
“So do we have a plan or what?” Pinkie asked as they left Blood’s office. Rebel was walking towards a door that lead back to the front of the bar, the group trailing behind her.
“I’m going to have my body guards lead you back to your plain. From there, you need to warn your princesses about Compassion. I will rally up my ponies and prepare them for an attack.” Rebel said, picking up her weapon with a spell. “This has gone on long enough and I refused to stand by anymore.” She reach for the door but stop just before opening it. “Aw no.”
“What is it?” Rarity asked, leaning close to the door. She look out of a port hole to see that every pony was staring at the entrance as a group of five stallion follow by one who was wearing a leather jacket and an general cap. She saw his mark was a star made of fire.
“It’s a raid and it leaded by possible the worst pony, Fire Star.” Rebel said, keeping the group back. “I’m going to deal with it. Apple, if things go south, you know what to do.” Apple Flower nodded and Rebel open the door. The group watch as she walk over to the raid party.
“What the matter Fire Star?” Rebel asked, pushing a chair out of the way. “Did you not get your weekly bribe or something?”
“This has nothing to do with bits and you know it.” Fire Star said, walking around Rebel Bell and picking up a glass. “I’m here because you been breaking the rule to our little arrangement. You give me about fifty bits a week and don’t harbor any criminals and I leave your little bar alone.”
“And what criminals do I have?” Rebel ask, slowly lifting her weapon under a table so Fire Star didn’t see.
“Fruit Flower and the so called ambassadors from the new plain. They are being accuse of stealing secrets and working with the enemy. Now if you want to keep the truce we have, you will surrender them to us now.” Fire Star demanded.
“Well, you know what they say about good deals.” Rebel said, aiming at Fire. “They have to come to an end. Chestnut, Now!” She flip the table over and squeeze the weapon. It made a loud bam and a guard next to Fire Star suddenly exploded in a fine mist of blood. One of the bar pony jump on stage and grab the mic.
“Are you ready to rock!?!” He shouted into it. Before any pony had a chance to responded, he let out a yell that seem to vibrate the entire room. The raiders try to block out the noise but this left them open to several of the patrons, who jump on top of them and started to beat the life out of them. Fire Star jump out from a table he hid under when Rebel fire her weapons.
“Kill everything that moves!” He roared and a whole group of armed soldiers rushed into the bar and started to open fire. The patrons flip tables and dive under them, bring their own weapons out to fight. Rebel jump from behind one table to other, landing beside a red fur unicorn with bleach blond hair. She used her magic to give him a back pack with a hose attach to it.
“Do what you do best.” Rebel said to him. He nodded and jump over the table.
“Time to burn it with fire!” He shouted and using his magic, he turn a nob and a flame erupted out of the hose. It spread quickly and started incasing the entire bar. The raiders back away and started firing wildly into the crowd. Several pellets pierce the wall and bounce around the back hallways. The group duck in hope of getting out of the way of the pellets but had no luck as one struck Sky Watcher in her left wing. She cry out in pain and collapse to the ground, moaning. Apple ran back and kick in one of the wall, opening to a secret hallway.
“Come on, we need to leave!” She shouted. The group ran to the hallway, carrying Sky with them. They keep running down the hallway until they reach a fork in the path. Apple look down both ways and then slam her hoof down. “Darn it! I don’t know which way the exit.” Apple was looking down both when a hatch open from above.
“Need some help down there?” A voice called down. The group look to see it was one of the pony that Apple came with to their plain.
“Counting Coin! Am I glad to see you!” Apple Flower shouted up to him. Count smile and for a second, the whole group thought they were safe. That was until the hatch was filled with ponies in robes. “Count, what is this?” Apple asked tensely. One of the robe pony threw a pouch at Counting Coin and he grab it in mid-air.
“There is you payment for leading us to the enemy.” The robe pony said.
“Oh, you treachery little piece of…” Apple Flower started but was cut off by Count.
“While I would love to hear the end to that insult, I got bits to spend.” Count turn and disappeared from sight. The robes ponies gather around the hatch and pull out small daggers.
“Okay, what do we do now?” Pinkie asked seeing one of the pony getting ready to jump down.
“Run.” Apple mutter as the cloak ponies started to descend.
“Come on, girls! We almost there!” Apple Bloom shouted as the three ran down the street. They could see Twilight’s castle and in a few second they be safe. Before they could go any further, several metal feathers landed in front of the three and created a wall of ice. They smash into the wall and were a bit daze as the sun was block out by a figure.
“And so close too.” Razorback said as she landed. “Well, I guess that the end of this game. Now, I just need you girls to do one more thing for me.” She flex her wings, causing the feather to fan out. “Scream for me.” She fling her wings causing several feather to shoot out towards them. The girls recoil in horror and were about to scream when a purple beam shoot out of nowhere. It hit all the feather and cause them to turn into dust. They look to see Twilight standing there, eyes red with angry.
“You’re going to hear screaming, just not from them.” Twilight said as Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack appeared on both side with Fluttershy behind them.
“I know.” Razor said, turning to Twilight. Her helmet disappeared in a smoke like mist, revealing a pony with orange fur and a buzz cut purple mane. “I want to hear it from you.”
View Online
The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Eight: An Explosion heard across the plains.
(Twilight’s Plain. Town Square.)
The square was quite as the two stare each other down. The sound of thunder roll in the distance and no pony move an inch. Finally, Fluttershy started to walk to the three fowls. Razor flick a feather at Fluttershy causing Twilight to fire anther spell at it. It blast into dust but it more than stated that no pony should move.
“Let them go.” Apple Jack said, not a hint of kindness in the tone. Razor smile at this demand.
“Oh, I’m not here for those three.” Razor said, pointing at Apple Bloom at her friends. “Although, I was hired to take them out but I hold no loyalty to that contract. What I really want to do is to fight you.” Pointing at Twilight. “The most powerful alicorn, expect for the two princesses but I get to them later. You see, I killed a couple of alicorns in my time but never had a chance to fight the best.” Twilight look confuse at this statement.
“What are you talking about? There only ever been five alicorn.” Twilight pointed out. Razor laughed and shook her head.
“Do you ever get what kind of magic your dealing with? The time magic allows so many possibility to happen. Worlds were I’m not even born or you. I been to one were Derpy was an alicorn, Derpy! She really didn’t put up much of a fight.” Razor sighed in disappointment. “But you are supposed to be the one who fought back the very darkness itself. You will be the sweetest victory.”
“Alright, then let this be just about me. Leave the fowls out of it.” Twilight said.
“See, I knew you be more concern about these poor little fowls then yourself.” Razor laughed. “Don’t you realize that you about to face death itself and your worry about the lives of these three.” Point at Apple Bloom when saying this. “The traitor, the rebel and the killer. Oh, do I miss that innocence.” She saw the confuse faces and smiled. “Oh wait, you don’t know. Oh that make this some much sweeter.”
“You see, in my world, those three.” Pointing at the Crusaders. “They form a little resisted against the Compassion one, I believe you heard of her. She a little liar but she dose pay well. Anyway, after sweet old Sweetie Bell sent me to kill Princess Cadiance, thing went south. I found out who the Compassion one was and the pony I look up to the most bowing to her hooves. I couldn’t let that happen, so I took out her out. And you what to know the really kick in the back was? You know who turn their back on me after I did this? They did.” Razor pointed at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell.
“They said we be friend forever. I guess we didn’t take in account for war. Listen to me well, old me.” Razor look at the cowering Scootaloo. “They will leave you, broke and alone when you need them the most.”
“You’re lying.” Apple Jack said, causing Razor to turn back to the four. “I don’t know what happen but my sister would never abandon her friends.”
“Oh, but you do know.” Razor said. “Tell me, how was it meeting the Silent One or Fruit Flower?” The four looked confuse but a light dawn in Rainbow Dash eyes.
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Rainbow Dash said. “That Fruit Flower is Apple Bloom.”
“Ding, Ding, Ding. Give the pony a prize. And the Silent One is what left of Apple Jack. She was severely injury when I was done with her.” Razor said, clapping her hooves together. “I thought Apple Bloom would be glad that I tried to put her sister out of her misery but what did I get? Her saying I’m a monster. A monster.” Razor slam her hoof on the ground. “I’m the monster! That what I’ve been called, the monster of the Crusaders. You know how many battle I won for them? For something we all believe in.” Razor was pacing back in forth now, paying no attention to the three fowls. Twilight motion for Fluttershy to try to get to them. Razor continue to rant.
“They never went to the battles, I had to. I watch as friends died on the ground, begging to live, to see their love ones one more time. But I kept on fighting for those two because we wanted freedom, we wanted to choose our path in life. Do you want to know what Compassion big plan in the beginning was? Why we decided to fight back?” Razor turn her full attention to Twilight. “After we lost our royalty and army, every tribe was at a standstill. A stalemate, if you will, and it was growing into a cold war. Every pony was scared and no one knew what to do. Then Sweetie Bell was listen to one of Compassion secret meeting and she found out what Compassion’s plan to do to get all the tribes to agree. She was going to cause an attack by an enemy, one that every tribe could hate.”
Razorback lend over and hiss the next part. “She was going to kill a bunch of innocent ponies, dragons, and griffins to make up an enemy. So we try to stop it. At first it was us three but we gather followers and soon we had the resistance. But it came at a price. There was no need to make up an enemy, we became it. So for five years, they make up stories about how we kill griffins or dragons, Compassion work I’m sure. So we thought up a plan to talk Cadiance out of supporting her. I volunteer in case it was a trap. But when I got there.” Razor shook her head.
“Compassion had already killed Cadiance and was planning to put Flutter Heart in charge. Brainwash and all that. Compassion plan to paint it like we assassinate her and was going make a puppet out of her daughter. Should of plan on them both being assassination.” Twilight face drop when Razorback said this.
“You killed a fowl?” Twilight said, the shock plain in her voice. Razor made a noise and rolled her eyes.
“She was a puppet and I cut her strings. Well, probably her vocal cords when I slit her throat right in front of Compassion. You should have seen her face when all her well lay out plans bleed out of the floor. She try to savage it, claim that I kill them both but the doubt was already spreading. Why kill a fowl? What purpose would that serve? And where there doubt, there are rebels.” Razor flip a feather in the air and allowed it to land in front of her. I turn into a blade and she started drawing something in the dirt.
“I basically gave them the army they were struggling to build and they wouldn’t save me. Sweetie Bell or Rebel Bell now, refuse to be seen with me and Apple went running to Compassion in order to save her shadow of a sister. That when I learn the truth. You can’t trust your friends, your family or your hero. Isn’t that right Rainbow Dash?” Razor look over to Rainbow Dash and stab the dagger into the figure which look like a pegasi.
“I’m not your Rainbow Dash. You can’t blame me for things I didn’t do.” Rainbow Dash said.
“See, that what I thought. I wasn’t there when what finally drove you to join that psycho and betray your morals. But when I found out who Compassion was, I realize that you didn’t betray your morals, you just stay loyal.” Razorback said.
“Alright, who really is Compassion?” Rainbow Dash asked, trying to keep Razor distracted as Fluttershy slowly inch over to Apple Bloom.
“Ah, I’m not going to give up that surprise.” Razor said, pulling the dagger out the dirt with her wing. “Oh and by the way.” She flung the dagger right at Fluttershy with pin point training and hit the ground right in front of her. “Move one more inch and next time will be in your neck.”
“What is this?” Apple Jack asked. “You said you’re not going to kill but now you won’t let them leave. They have nothing to do with this.”
“They have everything to do with this!” Razor shouted, smashing down on the ground. “They are my past and maybe I can change this. Stop it from becoming true. They the past, aren’t they? I just want to see my life become better.” Razor smiled as if she was slipping into a fantasy. “So I decided that I will make her my apprentice. I teach her to love and praise me.
“You are insane.” Twilight said, completely in shock
“Perhaps but none of you are going to live to see tomorrow. I won’t kill Scootaloo but every other pony else is fair game.” Razor said. The armor reformed into a helmet and slightly muffling her voice. “So who want to die first?”
“Fight me.” Twilight said, stepping closer to Razorback. “You said you want a real fight. Well, why don’t you take on me?”
“That was what I was hoping.” Razorback said and dive right at her.
Apple Tree was leading the group through the tunnel but she heard that the cloaks were not far behind. She need to lose them but she was running out of ideas. She could lead them straight to the portal but they might block the entrance or get kill if the guards on the other side see a mob coming out. She turn down a corner and led the five into a dark tunnel, giving them five minutes before the cloaks catch up.
“Alright we need a plan.” She said, panting. “We won’t make it the portal. There too many of them and they all know these tunnels better than me. We need to think.” There was a moan of pain and Apple look to see Sky Watcher was starting to faint. Record Keeper was trying to keep her up but was struggling.
“I don’t get it. She just got hit in the wing. It a scratch really. Why is she fainting?” Record asked. Apple walk over and look at the wound. It was just an inch deep but some greenish clear fluid was around it. Apple sniff it and smell a bitter nutty smell.
“Oh no.” Apple said. “Core poison. It made by the seeds of the apples. It very effective at what it does.”
“What!?!” Record shouted.
“Kills.” Apple said grimly. “There no antidote and even if there was, we have no way of getting to a doctor in time.” Record look shock and started muttering to Sky. Apple look down the tunnel and heard the mob coming closer. “We need to get moving.”
“Wait.” Sky said weakly. “Is there another way to the portal from here?”
“There is.” Apple said, pointing down the tunnel. “This split into two section but it take twice as long to get there. Why do you…” The light dawn in her eyes. “No, I won’t let you.”
“You just said I was done.” Sky moan, her breaths becoming shorter. “If I can get them to follow me that will buy you all enough time to get to the portal.” Sky started to walk but collapsed to the ground. Record pick her up and was holding her again.
“You can barely walk, let along fight them off.” Apple said. “We just need to keep moving.”
“No, you need to get them to the portal.” Record said. “I’ll take Sky the other way. Get them out of here.” Record started to walk down the tunnel, holding Sky.
“No, we can’t do this.” Rarity said, starting to step in front of the two. “We need to stay together.”
“We don’t have time for this.” Record said, sternly. “You need to go save your sister. She in danger. I’m going to do one thing I can do for my friend. I’m going to not let my friend die alone.”
Twilight dodge another batch of feather, flipping through the air and fire a freezing spell. It bounce off of Razor’s armor and she charge towards Twilight. Twilight duck down at last minute and kick Razor in her chest plate. It didn’t do anything but allow Twilight to fly down faster and it threw Razor off balance. Twilight landed right next to Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack, who were watching for an opening.
“What the plan?” Rainbow Dash asked as Twilight slide to a stop.
“Her armor is impossible to break and she is more skilled at flying then I am.” Twilight said, panting. “I can’t keep this up. We need to think of a plan.” Rainbow Dash look to the rolling clouds of the coming storm and back at the incoming Razor.
“I got an idea, just get the fillies out of here.” Rainbow Dash said. She jump into the air and charge at Razorback. She managed to jump on Razor’s helmet before she could react. Razor stop heading for Twilight and turn to see Rainbow Dash flying right behind her. “Look like you see still have a lot to learn.” Rainbow Dash said, with a mocking tone.
“Oh, I know enough to destroy you.” Razor growled.
“Then show me.” Rainbow taunted. Razor roared and charge right for her. Rainbow turn and flew high into the sky.
Record was dragging Sky at this point. They were making as much noise as possible and it was working. They heard the mob coming and in about ten minutes, they be here. Record set Sky down and sat on the tunnel wall. He sighed heavily and look up to the celling of muck and grim.
“Record, what did you do before you join the Doctor?” Sky asked, weakly.
“Is that really important?” Record asked.
“We are going to die in about nine minutes, me in a little less. I just want to really know you before I go.” Sky said, tears slowly running down her face.
“I was a mine inspector. I went into areas that might have poisonous gases or dangerous fumes. I created spells that lit them up in different colors and allowed ponies to harvest gems safely.” Record Keeper said, trying to ignore the sound of running hooves. “It how I met Doctor Hooves in the first place. He was collecting stones to make into fireworks or something and I stop him from going down a tunnel that had signs of a large methane build up. Save his life as he put it. Convince me to join that day. Should have said no.”
“That funny.” Sky said, kind of loopy. “I join after meeting him on one of my jobs. I was just supposed to watch for snow clouds but instead he caught me watching the stars. It how I wanted to die, under a starry sky. Instead, I’m dying in a sewer, not even a sewer in my home. I just want to see the stars one more time.” Sky started weeping softly and Record did the one thing he could. He cast the spell that he mention before and the gases around them light up in the tunnel.
The swirls of green, red and blues fill the tunnel and Sky eyes lit up. She watch as the color dance on the ceiling and created shape of ponies dancing.
“It not the stars but the different colors of these fumes do make a pretty scene.” Record said, choking on his tears.
“Thank you.” Sky said and with a couple of chocking cough, she started to shake. The shaking last for about a minute and then she let out a rattling noise. Record started to shake Sky’s body and when he realize that she was gone, he finally started to cry.
Rainbow Dash was hiding behind a storm cloud as Razor flew right past her. She just needs to get her deep enough that maybe… She suddenly felt a stabbing pain in her back and felt something wrap around her throat.
“Hi, how are you doing?” Razor whisper into Rainbow Dash’s ear, opening her helmet to allow her to talk. Razor increase the pressure of the blade in Rainbow Dash’s back. Rainbow struggle to breathe and hope that they were close enough. “Did you really think you could out fly me? Me? I’m disappointed in you.”
“You still have a lot to learn.” Rainbow Dash said and threw her head back. It smash into Razor’s mouth and broke open her lip. Razor cry out and let go of Rainbow Dash, allowing her to fly deeper into the storm. Rainbow dive into to a cloud and bounce off it. She saw Razor give chase but bouncing off the cloud gave her a more of a jump. Rainbow Dash ricochet off of multiple clouds with Razor following right behind.
“You can’t fly away forever!” Razorback shouted, starting to catch up. Rainbow Dash open her wings up full, causing her to fall back quickly. Razor flew around her and turn to charge at her. But she saw that Rainbow Dash was smiling. “What is so funny!?!” Razor shouted.
“You never pass flying school or you would have known two things. Number one is in order to build up a lighting storm, you need to hit the clouds in the right spot.” Rainbow Dash said, starting to fly lower. “Number two is to never wear any metal while working a storm, they tend to attract lightning.” She turn and dive down. Razor look to see several storm clouds gather around her and taste the air charging.
“Oh.” Razor said, looking up and then down to see what was inevitable. “I guess she got one over…” Before she finish, six lightning bolt hit her at once, one for each limb and the wings. She felt like the sun itself was burning out of her chest and her limb were imploding on them self. She shot down to the ground with a smoke trail fallowing right behind her till she hit solid ground.
Record Keeper was still holding her when they approach. He look to see one of the cloaks holding a blade in one of those hoof claws and coming very close to Record. He look to see that they were wearing mask similar to Compassion but clearly made out a cheaper material.
“How sweet.” The pony said. “Anylast words before I sent you to Tartus?”
“Yeah.” Record said, grabbing a small object he tuck into one of pack he was carrying. “Eat this.” He revel an apple with a missing stem. The cloak pony was confuse until a small clicking noise seem to be made. The pony back away and turn to its comrade.
“Run! The fool got a bomb!” The pony shouted. They started to turn as Record started to laugh.
“You can try but you won’t outrun the blast. Should have vent you sewers more often!” Record shouted after them. He look back at the ceiling and seeing the colors dance one more time. “You got too much methane.” He never hear the last click.
Twilight land right next to the hole that wasn’t there before. She saw Rainbow Dash was a few feet away, limping towards her. Rainbow Dash was smiling but Twilight could tell she was in serious pain.
“I knew I could do it.” Rainbow said, coming closer. “You want to know why? Because I’m the best.” She collapse to the ground and Twilight caught her.
“We need to get you to a doctor.” Twilight said, holding her up. “At least, it over.”
“WRONG!” A voice shouted from the crater and Razor shot back up. Rainbow Dash turn and was about to jump at her but Razor summon a hammer. She swung it at Rainbow Dash but her aim was off, only glancing a blow. It was enough to throw her to the side and leave Twilight in the open. Razor turn the hammer into a black cloud and shot it at Twilight. It wrap around her throat and head, blocking out all light and sound. Then, Twilight started to hear something. A whisper, voice she never heard before was now talking directly to her.
“Kill the weak one become the better. You need to stop wasting time. They are not your target. The betrayer must be dealt with then we can show you so much wonders. All you need to do kill the betrayer from the darker side. Now WE NEED TO LEAVE!” The voice blasted into Twilight skull and she was blasted back into the sunlight. She was dazed and look to see Razor was now shaking her head.
“Your right. I’m sorry. We need to hunt her down but how? Of course, she would hide there.” Razor said to herself it seems. She turn her attention back to Twilight. “Sorry. As fun is it to fight you losers. I need to take out my real target.” Razor said then jump into the air, flying to the north. Rainbow Dash struggle to get back up and was clearly wounded, bleeding from a gash on ribs.
“What was she talking about? Where is she going?” Rainbow Dash panted out, nearly collapsing. Twilight look scared and started flying towards the train station. “Where are you going?” Dash called after her.
“I know where she going. That’s Nightmare Moon’s armor and it aiming for it old owner. I got to get to Luna.” Twilight called back, hoping she can get there in time.
Apple push a sewer cover open and crawl onto the street. She help the rest up and close it back up. The path was clear, line with a few lamp post and if they move now, they will make it before any pony could catch them.
“Come on. Let’s move.” She shouted and the group started running towards the portal. They were half-way there when a loud click was made and some pony shouted from behind.
“Don’t move!” The group turn to see two ponies standing behind them. One was Counting Coin, holding a blast barrel and aiming it at them. His satchel of bits was on a string around his neck. The other was Fire Star, smirking in approval.
“I have to say.” Fire Star said, walking slowly to them with Counting Coin using his magic to keep his weapon steady while walking beside Fire. “I would have bet the loyal ones would have caught you but looks like it a good thing I had to make sure. You own me five bits.” Count roll his eyes at this but keep the barrel steady. “So how do we want to do this? Shot or a beheading?”
“Count, why are you doing this? You know what Compassion is, what she plans to do.” Apple said, slowly backing up. She hope that maybe if she gets close enough, she’ll be able to get the group to jump into the portal. Count step a little closer and motion with the barrel.
“You think I’m an idiot? I’m not joining sides. Each one of the leader is a crazy psychopath. I figure if a war is going to break out which will happen, I’d make a profit off of it.” Count said, stepping on the metal cover of the sewer. “I mean, who going to stop me? Rebel? She either dead or not caring. Either way, I get to have the joy of taking your whiny hide out.”
Apple close her eyes waiting for the blast but heard something and open them back up. A rumble noise had started and was becoming louder. The ground was shaking and Count started to look around in confusion.
“What in the world…” Before Count could finish, the cover he was standing on blast into the air in a column of fire. Fire Star jump back but his leather coat caught on fire. He yelp in pain and started running down an ally, crying out a string of words that made no sense to the group. As he disappeared into the darkness, a loud yell came from the sky as Count came crashing back down. He stop suddenly in mid-air with a startling crack and let out a painful gasp.
The group look over to him and Rarity let a startle cry. He would of hit the ground and probably survive the fall, if not a little bang up. Instead, the coins bag he had on had caught on a lamp post and was now holding him in midair. Apple walk slowly over to him and pick up the barrel that drop beside him.
“Let just leave.” Rarity begged. “I just want to leave this place.” There was another gasp from Count and Rarity quickly went quite. Apple Tree lean in closer to hear what he was trying to say.
“Please…” Count rasp out. “Kill…me…” Apple pointed the barrel to his head and bump it softly.
“Didn’t break it complete. You’re in so much pain, you just wish you can die.” Apple said. Then, she lean in close and whisper into his ear. “Welcome to my world.” Apple turn back to the group and started to walk away. “Let get out of here. I’m done being the nice one.”
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The Shadows Our Presences Cast
Chapter Nine: When leaders prepaired to go to war
(Music plain. Office Building. Right after Dawn)
Compassion awoke to a loud explosion happening outside the building. She put on her mask and ran down the stairs to see guards running around and Script Follower running over with a panic look.
“What is going on!?!” Compassion roared as some of the ceiling fell down and shatter around her. Script look around in fear and rush to her side.
“One of the ambassador stole a bomb apple and activate in the sewers. We’ve didn’t vent and the whole plane…” Script started but cut off by another smaller explosion in the distance.
“What is the damage?’ Compassion asked, moving to side as several guards rush pass.
“The whole plane is crumbling and in about ten minutes, the magic won’t be stable enough to keep the pathway. We need to leave now.” Script said, heading to an exit.
“Did the plan work? Are all the ambassadors dead?” Compassion asked, holding Script back.
“Not really. A few escape into the portal.” Script said, shakily. Compassion smash a hole in the wall in angry.
“I won’t let it happen, not again.” Compassion mutter. “Who survive?”
“Rarity, Pinkie Pie…” Script started but was stop by Compassion placing a hoof on his mouth.
“Who reported that they escape?” Compassion asked. Script pointed to the left at a door.
“Fire Star. He in the other room being mended and is getting ready to be transported. We really need to leave.” Script said, motion to an exit. Compassion walk to the door and Script followed. They both see a doctor rush out while Fire Star got up from a bed. He saw who enter and try bowing but due to his left front leg and part of his side being banged up, he only hiss in slight pain.
“My holiness, I didn’t know you where here.” Fire said. Compassion walk over to him and study him closely.
“Tell me what happen.” Compassion asked. Fire galped and nodded.
“We corner a few of the ambassadors in front of the Gate and I was about to finish them off. But the explosion happen and it allow them to escape. I’m sorry, my holiness.” Fire said, still trying to bow and failing.
“Did he talk to any pony else?” Compassion turn to Script and he shook his head no. “Alright, Script. Take note. We shall report that these attackers had set up a bomb and killed Fire Star and his men.” Compassion said. A confuse look appeared on Fire Star face and before he could say anything, he felt a stabbing pain in his ribs. He look to see that Compassion had stab him in his chest. He coughed up some blood and fell to the ground, feeling the world slip away.
“But…But why?” He coughed out, spraying blood onto Compassion mask. She whip it off and look at down at the dying pony.
“Because every pony needs a martyr.” She said coldly, pulling the knife out, she turn to Script. “We need to get to the Delta Plain. The war has begun.”
Luna watch as the strange pony drain another cup of tea before sighing heavily. Luna look around the dining room and out to the balcony that look over Crystal Palace before Swift started talking.
“You have no idea how thirsty it is to travel across plains.” Swift said, wiping the remaining of the tea off his lips.
“You still haven’t told us why you here or why you wanted to see me?” Luna asked, pouring another cup of tea and offer it to him. He shook his head and pull up his crate that was next to him. He open it with a kick and the top swing open, reveling inside a leg inside. It was black as night and seem to shine without any light source.
“I come to save your life and possibly every pony in this plain.” He said. “This leg is…” He was cut off when he felt something hit him hard in his throat. Swift was thrown into a wall and pinned down by some kind of force. He look to see Luna was using her magic to press him against the wall and didn’t look happy.
“Where did you get that metal?” Luna asked, walking over to him. Swift was struggling against it, slowly moving his right hoof towards his chest.
“What does it matter? I figure it was Nightmare Moon armor and you’re going to need it.” Swift grunted, feeling the pressure increase around his throat. He hit a switch on his vest. Suddenly, the magic was repeal off of Swift and he drop to the ground. “I don’t like being hold against my will.” Swift said. Luna try to cast another spell but it bounce of harmlessly, causing some kind of runes to glow off of Swift’s vest. “A couple of protection signs, in case of trouble. Now are you ready to listen?”
Luna stood irritated, then sat back down. “Fine, we’ll talk. But I’m want that removed from my sight.” She pointed to the box.
“I’m sorry but you need that.” Swift said, walking over to Luna. “You have a fight coming and you’re going to need all the help you can get.”
“Then talk to my sister. I’m done fighting whatever come out of that portal.” Luna said and turn to walk away. She trip when she felt something grab her left metal leg and pull her back to Swift. She pull back but the spell Swift was casting was strong and impossible to break. His armor was glowing. With one tug, the leg was rip clean off and leaving Luna on the ground. He lift the leg in the ground and started to rip it apart.
The leg snap in half and a gray ball was found in the middle of it. Swift wave a hoof and the ball was crush into dust.
“That was a bomb in your leg. When they send their assassins after you, all they have to do is hit your leg hard enough and then boom.” Swift said. He threw the broken leg to the side and stood over Luna. “You need to be ready to fight.”
“Why!?!” Luna shouted, getting into a sitting positon. “I fought before and was unable to stop the threat. Why not go to Twilight or my sister? Clearly, they are better fighters.”
“Do you not understand?” Swift asked, bring his box close to Luna. “Maybe if I show you.” He arch his back and the vest started to hum with energy. With a flash, Swift was suddenly casting a spell that hold several balls of energy. Each one of the show some kind of event happening, an event of battle or war. “This armor is just one of the many pieces of the puzzle of this war. A war that is raging on the planes and is now spilling onto your world. Do you not see where this leads?”
“War, pain, suffering and death seem to being made not just by my leader but by other. There is something going on and we are only seeing the beginning of it. I see this battle raged for far too long and now I have a chance to help stop. It going to take every pony to use what they have to win.”
“And I suppose to use that?” Luna pointed back at the crate. “Do you know what that means to me? It represent a 1000 years of the worst time of my life. I promise my sister I will never go down that road again.”
“But you can resist it.” Swift said, starting to cause the images to circle Luna. “My ponies have found this metal and weaponized it to the point where I fear for our safety. But you are the only pony I heard was able to remove it. Even when it completely encased you, you were able to be free.”
“It wasn’t my doing.” Luna said, trying to ignore the image floating around her. “Twilight and friends are the ones who purged me of that, not me. I’ was never strong enough to do that.”
“Your standing here, are you not?” Swift said, now changing the images to show several ponies in chains or on the ground dying. “Every pony that has come in contact with it and has try to remove it has either gone insane or died. You, on the other hoof, strive and survive. You don’t realize it but you dealt with one of the strongest forces I’ve ever know and survive. Not a lot of ponies can boast this.”
“But why risk it?” Luna asked. “So I was able to live without it but what if this cause me to go back or worst?”
“Because I know what is coming and how this armor works now.” Swift said, the images now turn to show faces of angry, rage and contempt. “The armor is able to be enhance by magic because it feds on the powerful magic the wearers got, the soul. It eat away at their sub-conscious and make it’s its own. Your thoughts and dreams become its own, turning them into their worst version. It basically a parasite and growing very fast. If we don’t stop what Compassion is planning, it soon going to have the perfect breeding ground. All that fear and hate, it will consume everything in its path. If you can use this.” He pointed to box. “We will be able to fight it back.”
“What if it does consume me?” Luna asked. Swift hit his vest and the images turn into to very real blades.
“I think I got that cover.” Swift said, allowing the multi-weapon form to twist in the air. “But you will do it. You are stronger than the rest and this will prove it.” Luna sighed and then nodded.
“Alright. Let do this.” Luna said. Swift pull the box forward and lift the leg with his spell and it float slowly to Luna. She galped and sweat form on her brow. “Are you sure about this?” She ask as the leg got closer. Swift wince.
“About ninety percent sure.” Swift said, then he snap the leg on to her. It seem to spontaneously become alive and the dark armor started to cover more of Luna body. As it reach her throat, she started to hyperventilate and her last thought as it cover her eyes was how she fail once again.
“How many did we lose?” Rebel bell asked, sitting in the front of a large table with a map of several different Equestria with flag sticking off of them. One mark: MUSIC PLAIN, was now cross out with a large X. Silver Back was on Rebel left while a stallion by the name Ice Walker was sitting on her right.
“We lost about five hundred but this finally got other to join our cause.” Ice said. “We need to move soon if we going to attack.”
“Alright, gather them out front.” Rebel Bell said. Ice left and Rebel look at her night armor necklace and thought how this had allow her to do so much more with her spells. She smiled and walk to a double door that lead to a balcony. As she step out, she heard the roar of her army cry in approval. She raise her hooves and signal to silent.
“My brothers, my sisters!” She called out, already casting a spell that allow her voice to be amplify. “Our time has come! The evil that is known as Compassion and her follower shall be wipe out without mercy. They killed innocence ponies by blowing up that Plain and attack us without provocation. The attempt on my life would have been deadly if not for the brave ponies who sacrifices themselves for the cause!”
“Let not let that go in vain!” Rebel shouted. “Let us march to the very front door of their temple and tear down the place brick by brick! We shall drag the one who would like to nothing more them make us into slave and beat the life out of them in their very streets! WE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!” The army explode into insanity as cheers and cry of battle were sounded. “Now, who think we can’t be stop!?! Who think they can keep us from our destiny and command our fate!?!”
“They try to paint us as the enemy but we know what they did. We know the lengths they will go to stay in control and we will not stand for it any longer! WE have be force to watch as they rip our very worlds apart and slaughter our friends! I watch as they twisted the minds of my friends and made her into a poison. Well, I say, enough is ENOUGH!” The mob scream just as loud and Rebel look downright murderous.
Luna awoke with a start as she look around to see that she still in the same room as before but now it was almost dusk. She look around to see that no other pony was around but she felt a present.
“In all the familiar places. Right, Luna?” A voice whisper from the balcony. She look over and gasp at what she saw. It was Nightmare Moon but her armor was blood red and her eyes seem to be completely black. She was sitting on the balcony, looking over the landscape below. Luna step out and saw how the whole world was on fire and the sky was charcoal black.
“This is your dream world, isn’t it?” Luna asked, walking to Nightmare Moon. “I’m having this nightmare again.”
“No, you’re not dreaming.” Nightmare said, getting up and facing Luna. “This is you right now.” She wave her hoof in the air and a small window open up. It showed Luna on the ground motionless. Luna’s face was painted with shock and Nightmare Moon chuckle. “I figure you remember. A minute out there is hours in here. The mind is a powerful thing.”
“I’m trap in here, again.” Luna whimper and Nightmare started to laugh like a mad pony.
“You see? This is why I’m so proud to say these next words.” Nightmare Moon lend in and whisper the next part. “I don’t need you anymore.” Luna look relieved but scared at the same time. “Oh come on. After all the quality time, you can tell me you didn’t hear it. The other voice joining my choir.”
“No, that not possible. You were destroy by Twilight.” Luna said and once again Nightmare let out a loud cackle.
“You think I’m bound by something as simple as one plane.” Nightmare Moon said, cracking her back and walking to the edge of the balcony. “I walk out of planes like you kind walk through doors. I lost you was like losing an old piece of armor, useless and broken. Don’t let that pony fool you, you are no stronger than any of the other ponies I’ve broken. Just tastier.”
Nightmare Moon suddenly open her wings and a chorus of screams filled the air. Luna try to cover her ears but it seem to bleed into her mind. Nightmare grab Luna by her mane and pull to stand. Luna saw the cruelest smile on her face as she brought a blade down. It slice across her face and Luna felt like fire was dancing across the cut. Luna crawled away and stood back up. She ran across the room and threw the door open only to see it lead right back to same place.
“You are in my world now.” Nightmare Moon said. She wave her hoof again and a mirror appear in the air. “Now, let look deep inside that mind of yours.” She pointed the mirror at Luna and Luna watch as the image of herself swirled. It turn to show a younger version of herself standing inside it, about five years old maybe a little older.
“When I grow up, I’m going to be just like mommy. I’m going to raise to sun and bring such happy memory to all the ponies of Equestria.” The small Luna said, her eyes glowing with hope.
“Aw, a young fowls dreams. They bring such the sweetest tears. Tell me, how much did it hurt to see your dreams go up in smoke when your sister got the job?” Nightmare Moon said, circling Luna now. “You were thrown into the darkness and then every pony was surprise that you found me. You were the sweetest victory I could have brought to my master and when I lose you five year ago, I was so disappointed.”
“Your master?” Luna asked.
“You think I’m the darkest thing you’ve face? Wait till you see what he’s got in store for your world.” Nightmare said. “He been pumping and priming the worlds around, making the victory that much sweeter. Can you imagen? Battlefields of ponies crying for a god or curse him is like a feast for him. But I’m rambling. The real reason I brought you here was to give you a chance to run.”
“What?” Luna asked.
“You heard me.” Nightmare said. “You can run. Leave them behind. I mean, what have they ever done for you, anyway?” She wave her hoof again and the image in the mirror change again. This time it show ponies running in fear and wearing costume. It switch again to show them hiding in the house at night. “All they ever did was mock you and hid from your stars. They never truly show the respect that you deserve. Even after what you sacrifice.”
The image change again and this time it show Luna as she was now, missing her leg and looking tired. “You always do what is best and they still treat you like you’re the monster. That you are the one that is unstable. I’m mean after that Tantabus business, how many time are they going to let you keep making mistake?”
“I’m mean that all you’re good for, Right?” Nightmare whisper into Luna ear, causing her to shiver. “All you do is mess up. Have to have some other pony clean up your mistake. Your sister, her students. Have you ever done anything right?”
“ENOUGH!” A voice shouted and Nightmare Moon jump back with a hiss. Luna look around to find where that voice came from. She look to see the mirror that Nightmare summon shatter and see herself walk out of it.
“You can’t be listening to this.” Mirror Luna said, lifting Luna up.
“But it true.” Luna mutter. “It all true. I’m always making mistake and I always causing trouble. What good am I?”
“When will you learn?” Mirror Luna asked. She turn Luna head to look at a mirror that was in front of them. It show the child Luna again, weeping in a corner. “Don’t you see what you are doing to yourself? You’re letting your past sin haunt you, even now. When will you ever forgive yourself for something out of your control?”
“But is wasn’t out of my control.” Luna said. “The Tantabus and Nightmare Moon were things I made.”
“Every pony make mistakes and some of them don’t get a chance to right wrongs. But you do. All you have to do is forgive yourself.” Mirror Luna said. A cackle was heard and suddenly they both look to see Nightmare Moon laughing in the corner.
“This is rich.” Nightmare said, walking to the two and was lending over Luna. “You think a pep talk from yourself will make it all better? She just worthless little worm who rather cry and moan then do anything of use.”
“SHUT UP.” Luna shouted and smash Nightmare Moon across the face with her hoof. Her mirror image fused with her and charged at Nightmare Moon. She summon her moon ax and started raining hit on Nightmare’s body. “I never deserve what I got! I did my duty! I did more than my duty! I only want to be loved! Who doesn’t!?!” Luna smashed Nightmare’s head into the wall and landed another hit. “All my sister did was talk about how I fail! I wasn’t the one that failed! She failed me, left me when I needed her most!”
Luna look at the broken body of Nightmare and breathe heavily. Nightmare’ eyes open suddenly and she shot back up. Her eyes were blood red and she was grinning evilly.
“You can’t escape me, Luna!” Nightmare Moon shouted. “And this is what you’re going to become! Another puppet for my master and you can’t escape it! You going to die and this is what you’re going to become!” Nightmare Moon suddenly faded and the world around fell away to darkness.
Luna awoke with a start and got up. She turn to see Swift standing there, his weapon pointing directly at her.
“I’m fine.” Luna said, weaving the weapons away. “You would know if I was Nightmare Moon.”
“Had me afraid for a second. The armor seem to cover you for a bit but then disappeared.” Swift pointed to her new leg. Luna look down and saw that the black metal leg was there, not a hit of Nightmare Moon in it. It still had powerful magic but the whisper that once inhabit it were gone.
“Can I still used this to fight what coming?” Luna asked. “Because this is about to become bloody.”
“My lovely children.” Compassion said to her army, all dress in shiny golden armor and wearing face mask similar to hers. “Dark time has fallen on us. The monster know as Rebel and her heathen army have declare war. They bomb that Plain and killed your beloved Fire Star for pleasure. This is why we fight this sickness. They don’t want order, they breed on chaos. They rather have other suffer so they can be happy.”
“Well, my children.” Compassion pointed to the portal. “We shall march to their Plain and enforce order, enforce the law. We shall show them that we are not going without fighting for our belief. We will keep on fighting because we are the ones following the true path. WE follow the ways of the Warriors and WE will be the ones who succeed.”
“All we wanted was to have peace after we lose so much. But they refuse to give us that. They attack us when we just wanted to worship in our ways but they threw there stones and curse our names. THEY were the one who made us look like enemies to griffin, Yaks and dragons. But I say, we keep on. We must show that no matter happen, we will succeed because it is will to happen. WE were chosen by fate and no pony shall denied us that. WE are the only ones that is preventing all pony kind from falling in the darkness that has once cover this land. WE shall win.” The army bang the weapon together and Compassion smile under her mask
“Tomorrow, we will cross over to their plain and show them we are the ones who are right.” Compassion command and the army turn towards to the portal, preparing to go to war tomorrow.