The PAWN Chronicles

The group continued their search for their next teammate. They had looked all over town and finally decided to try the castle.

“This sounds pretty silly bothering the princess about this.” Arcane said.

“Oh no, of course not.” Nimbus said. “It'll be fine. Besides, after looking all over town, why not try the very last place we haven't looked? It seems like the most logical thing to do anyway.”

Once they reached the castle and gained entry inside, they found a bat pony talking to Princess Celestia. There weren’t many bat ponies running around Equestria to begin with, so they decided it was probably the one they where looking for. They waited till the two had finished their conversation.
The bat pony had a pale brown coat, orange eyes with slits for pupils, black mane, and his cutie mark was a pair of bat wings. He was also armed to the teeth with broadswords. He had five of them in total.

“Oh of course! I think that would be lovely.” Celestia said.

“Cool. I'll tell the others to send the caravans over and they can discuss trading terms.” The bat pony said.

“Alright then.” Celestia said. “I'll arrange for a meeting in the Canterlot square.”

“Sounds good.” The bat pony replied as he then turned to leave only to find the three others standing before him. “Can I help you?” He asked.

“Ah yes! A friend of yours sent us to find you!” Nimbus said. “A winged gomen with a pale worn blue coat and pale orange eyes.”

The bat pony gave them a confused look. “Uh... I don't know anyone like that. I mean there are some in the clan im from that has that color coat, but I have never seen a winged gomen before.” He said.

“Oh... You must be the wrong one then.” Arcane said.

“Are you sure?” Nimbus asked. “We where told to find a bat pony here to join our research team.”

“Research team huh?” The bat pony said. “Well I do need a job at the moment if im gonna live in Equestria. What kind of research are we talking about?”

“It's pretty flexible.” Arcane answered. “Do you have anything you can contribute to researching?”

The bat pony thought for a moment. “Well, I am pretty good at anatomy. I often studied that in my combat training to figure out how to best take down an enemy quickly and efficiently. It also helps when you don't want to kill them.”

“Well would you be willing to join the team?” Arcane then asked.

“Why not?” The bat pony said. “Where's your research center at?”

“Well it's being built.” Arcane answered. “But it'll be in Ponyville when it's finished.”

“Alright then.” The bat pony said. “The name's Ironwing by the way. Nice to meet ya.”

“Arcane Mystic.” Arcane said. “And this is Noctis Phantasma and Nimbus Colorcove.”

“Cool.” Ironwing replied. “Before I can do anything though I need to get back to the clan and tell them to meet up with the merchants guild here in Canterlot.”

“Fine then.” Noctis said. “Let's hurry up and get this over with! I have work to do back home.”

The now full team of researchers then headed out back to the train, heading to the Equestria outskirts. This took much longer than the other train rides since there where many other stops before they got to the outskirts. They passed the time playing Ogres and Oubliettes.

“I pick up the box and shake it!” Noctis said.

“Alright.” Arcane replied. “Ironwing, you suddenly experience snowfall where you are and your torch goes out.”

“Wait what? How do I stop it?” Ironwing asked.

Arcane simply shrugged and shook his head in response. “But now you hear a troll coming after you.”

“Ill ready an action.” Ironwing said.

“Alright, and now the troll attacks.” Arcane replied. “What's that action your readying?”

“I wanna doge.” Ironwing answered.

“Alright.” Arcane said as he rolled s twenty sided die. “He attacks and misses.”

“Opportunity attack!” Ironwing said.

“Ok roll.” Arcane replied.

Ironwing then rolled a twenty sided die, rolling a natural twenty. “Crit! I got a Crit!”

“Alright, I won't bother making you roll for damage.” Arcane said. “You lop the trolls head off. Now then, Nimbus, what are you doing?”

“Im going to see if I can find any more treasure.” Nimbus said.

“Alright, make a spot check.” Arcane said.

“I got a seventeen.” Nimbus said.

“Alright then. You find a golden ship.” Arcane said. “Roll a knowledge check.”

“I got a nineteen!” Nimbus then replied.

“Ok, so you recognize this ship as the rigged dawn.” Arcane said. “It was created by magic users for study. You know that despite it being made of solid gold, it can still stay afloat in the water. You also know that it can turn into a submarine.”

“I wanna go inside!” Nimbus said.

The train finally reached the closest place to the outskirts of Equestria and the four then departed and started toward the camps that Ironwing's clan members had set up. Said camp was filled with bat pony nomads who seemed to have with them, portable smithies and the like for metal working. There where also a few caravans set up. Probably for the deal that Ironwing was setting up with Celestia. Upon closer inspection, the caravans seemed to be carrying jewelry and trinkets rather than weapons and armor like most of them seemed to be crafting on the camp.

“There are many different families in the clan.” Ironwing said. “Mine are the ones who can't fly.”

“Can't fly? Why not?” Arcane then asked.

“Well my family line is cursed.” Ironwing answered. “See this is a clan of adventurers and one of my ancestors did something to anger a powerful magic user over... something or other. I didn't really pay much attention to that part. But they cursed them and their descendants with the inability to use their wings for flying.”

“Huh.. sounds kinda harsh.” Arcane said. “I mean just because one did something wrong doesn't mean the entire family line needs to suffer does it?”

Ironwing shrugged. “I guess some are just that touchy.” He said.

“I assume you found some other use for you wings then?” Noctis asked.

“Yeah! I use them as extra limbs. Usually for sword fighting and the like.” Ironwing said. “I've trained my wings to the point where they're the strongest part of my body.”

“I see.” Nimbus said. “So in that regard, perhaps it's not as much of a curse as they meant it to be eh?”

“Pretty much.” Ironwing said. “In taking away my flight, they gave me extra fighting prowess.”

“So if your clan is full of adventurers... Do they have a main homeland?” Arcane then asked.

“Nope.” Ironwing answered. “There are other civilizations of bat ponies but ours are nomads and adventurers. There are other groups of us scattered across the world. Though sometimes we hold a moot to gather the other parts of the clan together.”

“Any specific reason you divide your clan into many different parts?” Arcane asked.

“To travel the world of course.” Ironwing answered. “Though the name for the groups are camps. That's just so we don't have to call them groups. I don't know how many camps we have, but im sure it's somewhere in the hundreds.”

“As big as this camp?” Nimbus asked.

“Actually from what I've heard, this is a relativity small camp.” Ironwing said.

“If that's truly the case, and you have over hundreds of camps, then you must have enough to make an entire nation.” Noctis said. “How old is your clan?”

“It goes back quite a ways.” Ironwing said. “Im not sure how old it is. You'd probably have to ask one of the older folks here.”

They then reached a large tent set up in the center of the camp. It seemed to belong to whoever was in charge. They entered the tent to find what seemed to be a mead hall or a grand feast hall. To think that they would have put up such effort to set this up every time they moved around. At the end of it where two thrones, and on one of them sat a grizzled looking bat pony with a short full beard and sporting worn and dented silver colored armor. Said armor held it's shine quite well considering. By his side was a large great axe, bigger than he was. It looked as though it could crush an enemy simply by dropping in on them. His coat was a dark midnight blue and his mane was a worn gray. His eyes where a forest green. He had stitches on his muzzle, and another one on his neck, going from his jawline, all the way down to his shoulder.

On the throne by his side sat what seemed to be his bride. She had a bright violet coat, a blue mane with white streaks, and her eyes seemed to have a gradient of red, yellow, and white that resembled flames. She wore scale armor and what seemed to be a double sword. The blades where clean and razor sharp, they shone as if new while the grip was worn, the leather wrapped around it tattered from use. She also wore a circlet on her head with an amber upon it that seemed to be cut into a sphere. The amber's colors matched her eyes.

A welcoming smile crossed the stallions face as he then chuckled. “Ironwing my buck!” He said,
his thunderous voice booming across the tent. “Welcome back! So how goes negotiations?”

“Heya uncle Thunderbreath, hey aunt Flamestorm.” Ironwing replied.

“How are you Ironwing?” Flamestorm asked in a soft and loving tone.

“Im good.” Ironwing said. “The princess seemed pretty eager to let us trade with them. We now have an open trade rout with them. They said to meet them at the city square of Canterlot to discuss where the kiosks will be set up.”

“He-hey! Nice going!” Thunderbreath said. “We'll send those caravans in then.”

“There's also something else I wanted to talk to you about uncle.” Ironwing added.

“Shoot.” Thunderbreath replied.

“Well, my companions here have a research team they're setting up.” Ironwing said. “And I said before that I was thinking about finding somewhere to settle down.. Er, well not really to settle down I guess. Just to live in. Ill still go adventuring whenever I've got the time on me. But I was wondering if I could have your blessing in joining their cause?”

“I see.” Thunderbreath said as he then stroked his beard in thought.

“May I ask what your line of research will be?” Flamestorm asked.

“It's kinda in the air at the moment.” Arcane said. “For now my department is magic, Noctis works with alchemy, and Nimbus works with mechanical work. Ironwing said he's good at anatomy so that'll be his department.”

“I see.” Flamestorm said. “Quite impressive. I look forward to seeing what your results will bring in the future.”

“Are you sure you want to leave your clan for our sake?” Nimbus asked. “That seems like quite a large decision to make.”

“Hah!” Thunderbreath said. “Of course not! Ironwing is simply leaving the camp, not the clan. He will always be part of clan Sanctus. No matter where he lives. And as such, he will always be welcome in our camp.”

“And since you are all his friends, that welcome shall extend to you as well.” Flamestorm added.

“Im honored to hear that milady.” Nimbus replied.

“Same here.” Arcane said.

“Of course you have our blessing Ironwing.” Thunderbreath said. “Have you spoken with your mother and father about it?”

“Not yet.” Ironwing said. “I'll go to them now.”

“And don't forget to say goodbye to your brother.” Flamestorm said.

“I won't.” Ironwing said as he then left the tent.

The others followed with him.

They then walked around the camp until they ran into a bat pony with a black coat and white mane as well as silver eyes. He had a few battle scars and a couple of swords. He wore leather armor.

“Hey dad.” Ironwing said.

“Heya Ironwing. How's the negotiations coming along?” The bat pony said.

“They where successful.” Ironwing replied. “I wanted to tell you that im moving into Equestria to join this research team that these guys are setting up.”

“Oh yeah? Research huh? What'll you be researching?” The bat pony then asked.

“Well be researching magic, mechanics, alchemy, and anatomy.” Arcane said.

“Nice.” The bat pony said. “The name's Midnight, by the way. Midnight Solace.”

“Arcane, Arcane Mystic.” Arcane replied. “And that's Noctis Phantasma, and Nimbus Colorcove.”

“Nice to meet ya.” Midnight said.

“Were pretty much going to be the main researchers in charge of each category.” Arcane said. “Im in charge of magic, Noctis is in charge of alchemy, Nimbus is in charge of Mechanics, and your son is in charge of anatomy.”

“Ha! That's my buck!” Midnight said.

“Heh heh.” Ironwing chuckled as he smiled proudly.

A little colt then trotted up to the group holding a dagger. The little guy had a dark red, almost black coat, like that of charcoal barely burning, a black mane, and green eyes. He seemed quite excited as well.

“Hey Ironwing!” The little colt said. “Mommy taught me how to smith a dagger!”

“Oh yeah? Nice.” ironwing said. “Hey Flexwing, is mom nearby.”

“Uh-huh.” Flexwing said as he pointed to the mare not far behind.

The mare had a cyan coat, with a silver mane and violet eyes. She wore a black smithing apron and a pendant with a blue gem in it, cut in the shape of a teardrop.

“Hey Ironwing.” The mare said. “How was your trip?”

“It went pretty well.” Ironwing said.

“Ironwing said he's moving into Equestria.” Midnight said. “He's gonna be in a research team.”

“Oh? That sounds exciting.” The mare said.

Midnight then turned to the others. “This is my wife, Radiant Edge.” He said.

“Nice to meet you ma'am.” Nimbus said.

While in the middle of introductions however, the sound of weeping could be heard. It was discovered to be Flexwing as tears started trailing down the little colt's face.

“Oh dear...” Radiant said as she gently wrapped her wings around her little foal.

“Hey, hey...” Ironwing said in a soft tone. “It's gonna be okeyittle buddy.”

“But I don't want you to go.” Flexwing wept.

“It won't be goodbye forever.” Midnight said. “We can visit him when we're close to Equestria.”

“Bu-but that won't happen for such a long time.” Flexwing replied.

Noctis looked away in what seemed to be disgust. For some odd reason, he couldn't stand to see this.

“I'll see if I can get on the trade caravans heading to Equestria.” Midnight said. “Then you can visit your brother on every trip.”

With a sniffle, Flexwing nodded. His mother smiled at him and kissed the little colt's forehead.

Ironwing then packed his things and got everything ready to move to Equestria. His family gathered to say their goodbyes. They stood at the edge of the camp.

Flexwing trotted up to Ironwing and gave him the dagger he had worked on. He then hugged his brother tightly. Ironwing hugged back.

“Im gonna miss you too little buddy.” Ironwing said.

Radiant Edge then trotted up to her son. She caressed Ironwing's cheek with a loving smile, tears welling up in her eyes. “*Sigh*... I remember when you where first born. You where afraid out of your mind of the world around you. I held you close to me and all I could think was how much I love you. How much I wanted to keep you safe. You where so tiny and helpless. You've gotten so big and strong since then.”
She then hugged Ironwing tightly, Tears now pouring from her eyes. She then kissed him on the cheeks and forehead several times before letting him go. Ironwing started tearing up as well. “You are my little Ironwing.” Radiant said. “You and your brother are my little foals and I will always love you. No matter where you are or what you do, No matter what path you walk, you will always be my little foals, and I love you both with all my heart. Never forget that.”

“Of course not.” Ironwing said. As his mother then gave him one last kiss on the cheek.

Midnight Solace then trotted up to Ironwing. They stared at eachother for a bit, Ironwing wiping the tears from his eyes. They then started laughing for no particular reason. At first it was awkward, and then realizing it was awkward made it funny. When they where finished, Midnight patted Ironwing on the shoulder. “Take care of yourself son.” He said. “Make sure to write whenever you can. Especially to your mother. Me and your brother will be able to visit every now and then but your mother will have to stay at the camp. So make sure to write her plenty of letters ok? Postcards too, if they're available.”

Ironwing nodded. “I will dad.”

Once the goodbyes where said, the four then departed and headed for the train. Noctis was already ahead of the others waiting for said train.