Author's Note

Ch.8 Everyone!!

Sorry for the delay. I just wanted to nail this right. Mostly, because I didn't like the way I had typed the chapter three times already. Truth be told, I had a few other ideas of how I wanted the intro to start off, then tying it up in the middle with Reyna. And after doing that....I scraped them. Completely did not like how they went.

So much time....wasted. With the writing, typing, and dialoguing.

Oh well.

Also, I'm looking into having a cover art made, so if anyone knows someone talented or good. Don't be afraid to reply to me. Thanks. And as always, feedback is greatly appreciated.

I hope you enjoy.

Ch.8 To be a Merc. (Edited)

2 Weeks later
XXX December 9, 624 XXX

<<< Faust's Point of View>>>

Leaning back in the comforts of my chair. Reports, documents, archive records and other essential items that needed my oversight, laid on the desk before me. A hard days work done, yet so much to do tomorrow morning. Something that was starting to annoy me as I never knew this would become my line of work.

Reaching overhead, the sound of pops from my bones and muscles stretching, earned a bit of a yarn out of me; thus, escaping my lips. Not too long ago, I used to do this kind of task without ever feeling the need to rest or sleep. Now, it just feels tiresome.

Needing a break and a distraction from this, I willed myself from my comfy chair. Thus, having me leave the confines of my study room and roaming the halls of my home, late at night. Needless to say, a select handful of guards walked alongside me during this time.

Peaceful I was. Relieved even. If there was anything four hundred years of living amongst the mortals has taught me, was that time is a very precious thing. That every moment, no matter how short or small the minute or second was, is a precious one.

Finding my way at Celestia's bedchambers, two guard sentries stood in front, till by my presence, they stepped aside. Slowly, I creaked the door open to find my daughter soundly asleep. Tucked under her blanket, with her favorite toy besides her in sweet comfort.

A warmth took hold in my chest, as a smile came over me. For I never once thought of myself capable of having a kin. Let alone two. And this moment here, proved that, even to me.

'Goodnight, my little star.' Gently closing the door, with a smile. Of utmost love.

I turned around to see Luna's bedchamber, directly across. Two more sentries guarding post, till they too, moved aside. Stepping up and gently opening the door, I snuck in as quietly as possible. Not to disturb her. The door closing behind with just the sway of my fingers.

Walking over to a side of her bed in the dark. A ray of light cascades through a slightly open curtain, beaming its beauty on my little moon. Her wheezing sound of sleep in rhythm. Shade of blue hair, bristling by its presence. And the color of life on her face...relieved what little worries, I had about her over the past month. That just seeing her here. Safe. And asleep. Was more than enough for me.

Lightly and gently, sitting on the left of the bed. My hand reaches towards her. Removing a flock of hair, which partly covered her face. And in return, revealing my little Lulu. Sleeping on her side.

Caressing a cheek, I felt her body heat but unfortunately caused her to stir a bit, by my mere touch. Luckily, it wasn't enough to wake her.

'Luna..'

I sat there. Eyes closed. Minutes passing by, as I hum a lullaby. Almost afraid that if I leave, she'll disappear.

Thinking to myself, I started to remember the talks and conversations we had, over the last month. Of the things, she was forced to endure. To witness. Both in the Everfree and...Ponyville. The anguish of guilt she felt since then of being powerless. And of course.

...

My humming pause. As I breathe in.

...for witnessing something. Multiple times, that I never wanted her to ever experience.

Releasing a breath of crisp air. I continued my hum, as we nearly reached its end.

My gaze slowly turning to her. 'I love you so much.' My left-hand strokes her hair one final time.

'And I always will...even if what you do is immeasurably foolish.' Stifling an uncheery, small laugh. 'You'll always be in my heart. Luna.'

My lullaby finishes.

Kneeling down slightly and removing a folic of hair. "Sweet dreams. My little moon."

I patted a kiss on her forehead.

Removing my hand, I get up and make my way over to the exit. But before I pull on the handle, I look over a shoulder and see her still there. Safe. And sound.

Smiling once more, I open the door and leave.

The guards stationed, awaited and stood resiliently silent.

"Thank you for your kind efforts for the night." I began to leave. Till.

"My queen." A sentry by Luna's door spoke. Facing them, or should I say her. "Is everything alright my queen?" She gestures to the side of her face. "Because you seem to be very....elated."

Following her movements, something wet touched my thumb. Realizing quickly what it was. I gave a delighted chuckle. Continuing to walk again, I spoke.

"I guess I am." The rest of my personal guards following.

After a good minute or two of walking. I guess it was finally time I've seen first hand just what the fuss about my guest, was all about. Because apparently, her transformation seems to have caught most of my advisers and Luna's, attention. That...and mostly because I am a little curious to see what's that strange energy, I've been sensing, as of late. So...

Standing in front of one of the barracks two entrances, stood post a few sentries who opened the door for me. Passing through and upon seeing me, the soldiers that were training or sparring paused their activities. For in return, they bowed in salute to their queen. Praising my name in grace.

I merely waved. Commending them for their dedicated hard work, this late at night.

Heading past them to the door mentioned to me by Starswirl, and one of my personal guards that's been on this voyage with me; steps in front. To open it for me.

Eyeing them, I spoke. "No one else is to enter, understood."

My guards nodded in confirmation.

"Understood!"

Once opened, I traveled down a flight of stairs, discovering a whole new scenery and chapter, in my castle's home. One of utter amazement and a sense of pride, in my Archmage. After viewing a technique of mine, only once.

'He's really stepped up his game these last years.' Mana in the air, washing past me. 'It would seem by showing him that spell, he's somehow created a small scale reality marble for himself. Not bad Starswirl.'

Impressed I was. Not only for deducing this much after just a simple glance, but for the creativity put into this.

Viewing the landscape and its many charms.

However, down below, an explosion in the distance caught my eye. Locking on the source's origination, something came flying out of a dust cloud.

A woman wielding a large blade in hand. Ears, tail, and hair resembling that of the clearest flake. Dressed in unfamiliar garments and eyes burning such luminosity, to light up the darkest of caverns. Weave through a field of arcane explosions. Dead set on avoiding any hits, no matter the cost.

'Reyna?' Intrigued, somewhat.

The white-haired woman before me slides under a beam; then pivoting her sword in the dirt, skidded a left turn as an overhead attack misses. Next, rising off the ground, she spins around quickly; slicing a large ball of fire in half, as she continues to fully traverse forward again.

Sprinting, at a steady pace.

A few meters in front of her, attack type runes appear, as they fire beams of concentrated magic at her. But Reyna didn't seem worried. Nor the least bit intimidated. Instead, the woman wildly dances side to side, evading any incoming attacks. Drawing ever closer to the spells, as her pace, suddenly increased.

Blade extended and in hand, she carves through the runes, as each one crumbles away.

However, she wasn't done. The moment the tip of her left foot touches the ground, she pounces off again. Avoiding a surprise attack; as a folly of barrages, swept the path she chose to escape in. From above.

Till unexpectedly, Reyna calls out a name. Which she then swings her sword upward releasing an attack of her own. An attack that had me fascinated. And wary. From its feel.

For this is the energy I've been sensing.

'Is that...magic?'

The attack's lunar shape exploding upon contact, destroying several runes high in the air.

'Its aura feels..different...' My gaze fixes back on her.

Beneath her feet. A red rune suddenly appears, detonating immediately. Releasing another loud explosion.

Luckily though, she managed to dodge in the nick of time, but when hopping over to a new spot the ground lit up again with the same rune type.

"Heh." Feeling amused by the show.

As bursts of explosions rocked the ground and ruptured forth, whenever Reyna landed in a new spot.

Quickly making way to a large boulder column, she jumps to the top. Possibly believing the ground as an arcane mine-field.

But she had no time to rest as rays bombarded where she stood. Decimating the top and destroying the layers as the whole thing came collapsing down. The beams, still raining down from purples runes up above. Leaving in wake another cloud. And crater.

But I had a feeling Reyna was fine. For there was a different energy coming from within. Something...that clearly was not magic.

The seconds counting, without any prior movement yet.

However, a color was seen illuminating through the smoke. Becoming clearer and some as the dust barely concealed a luminescent dome. The warrior held inside, holding a hand out, and on a knee. Gasping for air.

The shield green and barely maintainable, revealing cracks in its surface. Spreading. Seeing this, she drops her hand, still breathing heavily. A few scrapes here and there, slowly healing. Crossing my arms.

'Just who are you really?' My interest's, peaking.

Appearing behind the tired merc a purple rune opens up, ensnaring her in chains. Wrapping around tight leaving little to no room of escaping. Let alone movement.

Struggling to break free. The only appendage able to move was the one wielding the large sword. And unfortunately for her, dozens of runes started to materialize out of thin air. Charging up their energy as the seconds counted.

Ready to fire.

"Urgh! Crap!!" She seethes. Frustrated.

'So this is the extent of your capabilities then, huh?' Believing this the end of her performance. Briefly turning a bit, my right leg found its way, heading up a stair. 'And here I thought I hired a wild card. Best, you call the command and submit, then.' The rest of me soon following.

Reaching their maximum hold the runes discharge their gathered energies. As I could tell from behind, they fired at a single point. Death, completely imminent.

'Foolish.' Leaving her to her fate.

Yet, instead of ensured fear, that should be coursing through her mind and body. Something, completely unexpected happens. "Come on!" She shouts a cry. Words I wasn't expecting.

Quickly, looking back from where I stood. With blade in hand, Reyna pivots it in front as a shield. Absorbing most of the shots. Although...

With how spread out the runes was, most were able to hit their mark. Weakening what little defense she had, to seemingly none, at all.

So then why...why is she smiling. With that massive grin, showing.

A finger stirs.

Turning around, with full attention. I watched on.

Getting a tad excited myself for some unknown reason.

Out of the corner of an eye, her pupil dilates slightly; as if it would see something, far in the distance beyond here. But I knew she was eyeing me instead.

Her grin maddening even wider. Showing a full display of her side teethes. Their sharpness and whiteness in utter glory.

"Guess I got no choice." The onslaught, still raining down hard. "Not with her majesty watching, but then again. I didn't plan on quitting, either!" She says. An unfamiliar energy I sensed from before rises. Slowly seeping out of the owner, eroding the chains. While increase pressure, of killing intent emanates from them, causing dust to swerve around their feet.

*Crack*

A chain bursts. Its other members endearing the strain of tying hold a dangerous, caged predator.

Taking a shot in the face from a direct hit fueled her even more. As another mend's, breaking off. Her increased energy seeping out even more.

"Rrgh! Aaargh!!" She screams in rebellion.

A whole new change in scenario taking forth. For she no longer sheltered herself from the volley of fire. Rather, blade extending in hand as it surges with power.

The last chain gives way, as a bellow of energy explodes fiercely around the once captive animal. Leaving the rune it came from, to disappear.

Swinging upright, forward. "Getsuga Tenshou~!!" She screams, same words from before. Blue energy condensing from her into the gleaming blade as a blue light larger this time releases from her sword. Carrying a strong force of pressure, almost in the shape of...

A fang.

The runes constantly firing. For even their combined assault, seemed minor against the incoming attack heading their way.

And as the combined forces of energy clash, this time a larger explosion like no other, shook the atmosphere in here; thus destroying many columns of rocks in the vicinity. Heavy gusts of wind furiously blowing and intense waves of flames simmering everywhere in all direction.

The force, causing such turbulence and rubble that it headed my way, but I wasn't worried the least. For they merely bounced off a barrier the stair's entrance, had erected. Letting in only a warm breeze pass through.

After the dust cleared, I saw Reyna standing somewhat in a bigger, sunk-in crater. Heavily breathing and injured. Sword planted over her shoulder.

A smile came to my lips. 'Not bad Reyna....it seems I wasn't wrong about you.'

Slowly facing this way. A seditious pleasure forming in her corner lips. She was about to say something but stopped herself. For she leans back in place, instead.

A beam abruptly misses. Nearly taking her head. Smoldering the ground before her very feet. Engraving a burnt, mark.

Slightly surprised by her sudden reflex, Reyna simply smiles at this. "Nearly forgot. Session isn't over yet." Raising her left over a shoulder and stretching her palm, wide. A ray blasts through a rune, leaving behind green fumes, which play around the tips of her fingers.

"Now it is. Levim!" (Another command)

Walking towards me. The other runes that had emerged began disappearing, in response by an uttered word.

"Mendeo!"She says, while strapping the large sword on her back. And this time, the structures here started to reform themselves. Beginning with the rock pillars nearby, then the ground itself.

Upon reaching the steps, she looks up. "Your majesty." Raising a hand and examining the sky. "Fine weather we're having, don'tcha think?"

A corny joke.

Yet, I couldn't help suppress the laughter that came, afterward.

'No, I wasn't wrong at all.'

Bringing my hands together, they clapped and repeatedly done so a couple of times.

"Hahaha~. Yes, I would say it is a beautiful day. If it weren't already so early in the morning.

"How early?"

"Oh, about two, maybe three-ish." I shrugged.

"Oh geez, have I been here that long." Facepalming with a snicker. "I've been training here since ten in the morning."

"Really?" Realizing not many of my elite guards could ever be on par with her, in terms of stamina and strength. Let alone her attributes. "Reyna..."

Thinking fully well, it might be time I actually put her to work.

"...you've survived in the Everfree for a couple of weeks correct." I said rather in fact than a question.

Nodding.

Dawning my eyes. "I believe its time you earned your first pay."

~<>~

The next morning, I sat in the throne room. Waiting.

My trusted advisers close. A select handful of personal stealth flyers, standing beneath my throne's columns. And my archmage and general beside me.

Waiting for the one who might prove key to the mission ahead at hand.

"My queen." Hurricane says, beside me. Quietly speaking, in an ear. "Are you sure it is wise to involve Reyna in a task as crucial as this. I am aware of our current situation, and that you hired her to keep a close eye on her, but actually letting her go. To attend something like this. Seems a little..."

"Unorthodox. Unwise perhaps." Finishing his words.

"I was gonna say unusual."

"Hehe~. Relax Commander Hurricane." Crossing my legs and gently resting my chin, on the back of my right palm; while resting on the throne's arms.

"It's about time I see exactly what I'm spending money on. Don't you agree?" Giving a half-mischievous smile.

Momentarily, returning the same expression.

"Hmph. Of course...your majesty." Facing forward again. A grin of his own.

And no sooner. There was a knock on the door, before fully opening. Revealing a merc, striding into the room. Precision about her; in every step.

"Reyna. I assume you have everything you need?" If the bag, hanging over her shoulder was an indication.

"That I do. Your majesty." Before bowing slightly.

"Good." About ready to explain the plan and situation once more.

"You five. And Reyna. Are gathered here because of your unique skill sets and knowledge of the Everfree. Meaning, that I only trust the six of you. To complete a very important task, that may or may not be detrimental to the safety of Canterlot." Eyeing the select chosen.

"There has been a lot of circumstantial events, lately. Which I'm sure most of you are aware of." Going by a list. "The attack on Ponyville. Wendigos this close to the mountain's border. Some popping in and out, as the outer soldiers pile their bodies. And no doubt, the silence of the scouting regiment I've sent out almost a year ago."

Observing.

"It was about a month ago, a flyer from that regiment. Barely made it back, to Canterlot. His wounds gravely severe and life-threatening, that he died, before reaching the medical wing. However, his death was not in vain. For we found a scroll in one of his belongings; foretelling the fate of those soldiers."

With a snap of a finger, a rolled-up parchment appeared. Floating towards my hand.

Motioning it forward in grasp. "This is a letter written in general Cobalt's handwriting. And possibly stained...in his blood." A few, twinge in the room. Including most of my advisors.

Involving a moment of stillness. As nothing was mentioned through the passing time. For everyone waited, for the next word to leave my lips.

"His report is mostly unclear and short. But there is one crucial thing, seen plainly clear." Everyone hooking on. Except for the few here. Especially her. "General Cobalt was attacked by an unknown force and is most likely dead."

The atmosphere reticent in feeble silence, once more.

"He mentioned how they were ambushed in the night. The enemy strength and number unknown. Which is why I immediately sent a reconnaissance team to his last known location. Somewhere, near the outskirts of Shawnola Gorge."

"That far your majesty?" One of the flyers asked. That's beyond pass Froggy Bottom Bogg and further away from the Everfree. We've never ventured that far before."

"Indeed it is." Rising from my seat. Heading down the throne's stairs in strong entitlement.

"The scout regiment was sent to investigate distant lands and determine whether they were inhabitable to set up far away colonies. Just like the area where Ponyville, formerly resides in."

"I understand the goals of the scout regiment, but why that far. My Queen?"

Gazing in his eyes. "Did you know that Canterlot is becoming a little overcrowded, Silver Storm?" Addressing his name.

His eyes widen, slightly.

"Ever since Canterlot was built and the war between the three tribes was over. Equestria has been in peace for some time. Meaning in every generation, there is an inclined in birth. One where I am afraid we must search for new lands to colonize."

Walking in front of the rest, present. And her.

"But when I sent the reconnaissance team, something was amiss. Or should I say, still is." Briefly turning away. Looking to my Archmage.

Stepping down, Starswirl unraveled a book from beneath his cloak. Showing it up.

"As you know, I am a man called by some eccentric names. And I guess in a sense...there true. From what Commander Hurricane told me about the teleport scrolls in Ponyville and the problem sending a message out, I developed a means to communicate over vast distances. Without the aid of a scroll."

"A book?" Another flyer says, unbelievably.

Briefly turning to glance who. A horizontal scar was seen going across his nose. A small one too, not stretching too far.

"Yes. This book. Which you clearly stated. Has a two-way writing magic inscription. Meaning, whatever a person writes in here, will also appear in another book. Letting us communicate instantly without the wait and witnessing one another's handwriting, for verification."

"I assume the members of the reconnaissance team also have this?" Silver asked. Narrowing his eyes, analytically.

Facing them once more, I spoke simply. "Indeed, they do."

"And when you said something was amiss-"

"You most likely have a code in the writing, just in case for whoever scribbles in it." My attention and everyone else, shifted to that on Reyna. Her hands resting in her attire's pockets. She too, giving a look as if it was obvious.

"It makes sense. You wouldn't want anyone just reading your diary containing secrets. So instead, you most likely leave a mismatch of words and certain phrases hiding in a sentence that says something else." Kindly smiling. "That's pretty smart."

"And that most likely means, one of the members isn't following or saying certain phrases as cues in the book." Silver finished.

"That is correct, Silver Storm. I sent six other members to investigate. And I entrusted Swift, the leader of the group. And the book. In return, only he is supposed to message me. I mesmerized his writing closely, but he failed in mentioning a code phrase at the end of one of his message's. One that is very important, and should never be forgotten. For it is essential in every message sent to recognize a person on the other side of the book." I emphasized.

"Perhaps it was by mistake?" Another flyer interjects.

"No..he knows how important each cue is. If even missing one, then that means his team has been compromised."

"Which is why you want us to see for ourselves, the situation at hand and report." Silver, never missing a beat.

"Yes." Taking the book from Star. Then handing it to Silver.

"As of now, you are the leader of the new stealth squad, Star Fall." He collectively took the book.

Afterward.

Placing a free hand on his forehead, before I spoke. Another brief emotion of surprise shown on his face.

"You know what to do. It took Swift and his team a month straight to Shawnola Gorge. You have to do it in two weeks at most. Before someone over there gets suspicious. Do you think you six can do it?" Knowing the answer already.

"If you desire it so, it shall be done." Kneeling before me. "Your majesty!"

"Your majesty!!" Others following.

....except Reyna, who stands oddly out of place.

But it did make me proud to call these six. Brave souls.

"Then make preparations and leave at once." Stretching my arm out. "Find out as much as you can, and above all else, come back alive. Dying is not an option."

"Understood, Queen Faust!!!" Each one rose. Heading out with their bags, weapons, and equipment. Ready, confident, and determined to see this mission fulfilled. Walking out of the room one by one in tow, with a sense of pride. And Reyna...

She trails behind, close. Exiting the throne room as the last one.

After a few moments, I walked back to my seat to sit. Resting a bit before my Archmage says something.

"I take it you gave Silver Storm everything he needed." Looking to me with his hat nearly obscuring his face.

"....." Not responding.

"Well then, by your grace. I pray them good fortune." My adviser says.

"I'm, sure they will." Platinum says, down below. "After all, they have her." Cookie and Puddinghead looking in interests. Clover merely brushing her hair back. Silently agreeing. And Hurricane, displaying a wishing smile.

'Yes....'

A foreboding feeling.

'..at least... I hope they do....' My thoughts with me.

<<< Reyna's Point of View>>>

'Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.' Trekking my way at high speed through a forest. 'Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit!!' Wishing I had on a pair of shades. Or goggles perhaps. To protect my face from the brunt of the freezing air.

Skidding out of a tree's path. Then another. Keeping a close pace not to fall behind the others that didn't have to fly through a damp snowiness, forest. For we were still in the Everfree. Traveling without rest or break for the last five days.

Since Canterlot.

The only warmth I had. Was a heavy winter cloak I bought from the Twin's store. My jacket zipped the fuck up underneath. Along with a scarf, covering my neck and lower face. My biker cloves offering what little resistance against the wind's draft.

Never have I felt so cold, so frigid in the climate. I completely forgot, what this strange sensation felt like--to feel absolute freezing temperature, outside, in the world.

I guess that's another benefit of being alive.

Again.

A change in reiatsu from above. As the others who were flying descended down, somewhere north of me. Heading their way, I came up upon the entrance of a small clearing, along with an open carved cave. In front.

"Well I'll be...she really can keep up." Solar Blaze, says. A man I've come to know with a scar across his face. "For a land lover."

Clearly, the whimsical-cocky type.

His hair and eyes a light brown. Wearing a warm cloak, covered in fur of sorts. A much better protection against the cold than mines.

Heading pass him and shoes crunching in the snow. I stood beside Silver Storm, inspecting the cave's opening. Someone, who I easily perceived as the brains of the group. For his calm demeanor and lack of facial emotion, shown otherwise.

A dark cloak covering his head as strands of silver hair shown through. A scarf also obscuring most of his lower face, revealing a mauve shade of purple eyes.

"I'm gonna check in and see what's inside. Violet. Jade. With me." He says, walking in. Another one of Faust's so-called chosen, following close suit.

Venturing further into the cave out of sight. Darkness taking hold of them.

"I guess that just leaves me alone with two extremely beautiful ladies." Solar, starting something. "So, what do you girls say. Wanna huddle together in sharing our body heat? It may take a while before the others come back. And I don't know about you, but I for one, am freezing." He playfully says.

I looked at him. Unfazed by what he just said. Just before facing again in the cave's entrance.

"I'd rather freeze." The other woman next to me says.

From what I could tell, her name was Ebony. Ebony Spark. Or something like that.

There weren't much of any conversations, happening for the last few days. So all I got before we left was an introduction of names and etc.

She too wore a long shall, covering her head. Her face covered by a scarf. As most of her features were hidden.

She walked over near the entrance, placing her bag against the wall.

"Hungry?" She asks me. Something in her hand.

"A little." Realizing I haven't had something since we left.

Guessing my body can handle days without sustenance, straight.

"Thank you...Ebony. Right?"

"Correct." She says.

Bringing the ration up close, I sniffed it a bit before taking a bite. A bland taste, but I guess necessary for it to last certain days or weeks.

Meaning to get a decent meal...well, something needs to be hunted and cooked.

Taking another bite, she followed up by asking me a question.

"Is it true what everyone's been saying. That you rescued one of the princesses from near-death, experience?" Turning to her slightly, out of the corner of an eye.

Responding with a question of my own. "Do you believe those rumors?"

Her ebony brown eyes returning the same look.

"Don't know." Grabbing her own ration. "Is it as true as you fighting a pack of thirty wendigos single-handedly, alone. Back in Ponyville?" Munching on the treat.

"Heh." Liking her Riza attitude. "Who knows. I heard it was around fifty." Finishing mine's, before covering up.

Stepping out into the light. Silver, Jade, and Violet made it out of the cavern.

"Alright, we'll rest up here for the night and leave in the morning. We still have a thousand miles or two, before the deadline. So everyone make sure your well rested before departure."

"Roger that, boss." Blaze, saluted.

"Brrr~. Then can someone please get some wood and start a fire, already! I think even my blisters, have blisters. And let me tell ya, its not fun at all." A girl whined, in a soft cheery-sweet voice. Embracing herself.

"Oh, well if your cold. You could always snuggle up with me, dear Violet." Still trying.

"I would. But I don't wanna catch it." She says.

"Catch what?" Asking.

"Your stupidity. I heard its contagious." She meagerly laughed.

"Hey!" Blaze raised his voice, annoyed.

Hiding my amusement. Thinking it was a good one.

"Enough. Violet, stay inside. Ebony, go with her. Jade and Blaze, watch the perimeter. And Reyna...come with me." Briefly eyeing me before walking off.

"And where ya going?!" Blaze asked.

Not even looking.

"Wood." Silver's, short reply.

~<>~

Five minutes in, we managed to get some wood pieces and branches to start a fire. Thanks to the saber, Silver's been carrying. Between the two of us, it was awfully quiet. Then again, I often enjoyed the silence. Leaving me with my own personal stuff to worry about.

But it had to happen eventually. Something that perhaps, needed to be said.

"What do you think we'll find once we get there?" A simple question started.

Thinking. I responded shortly. "If there is anything to find...maybe something; none of you are prepared for."

Halting a swift strike down onto another branch. He turned his gaze wearily to me. And spoke.

"You think we aren't used to death?" A rhetorical question said.

"No...but I think once we get there, it'll be something none of you can ever be prepared for." Holding the pile.

"And what makes you so sure of that." Straitening his posture. Back to me.

Stepping up. "Call it a hunch."

"A hunch?" Sounding, skeptical.

Continuing. "I've no doubt you and that merry band of yours, have had some action in the past. Even seen things and participated in them. But often enough, when its time to enter the true house of horrors and nightmares. People tend to hesitate in one. Crucial. Moment. And like you said to the queen, no one's ventured this far out before. So who's to know, what we might encounter."

Our eyes locking for a moment.

Then turning to face away. "True....but I don't plan on failing her majesty. And if this is a task that determines Canterlot's future...then I will not fail." A branch, cut cleanly from its severed member.

Handing the piece over to me. "And neither will they." He says before letting go.

'..I guess we'll see.' Feeling my own cocky smile, as I trail behind.

With enough wood to build a rowboat, we headed back to the cavern. Blaze and Jade, still at post.

Walking in pass them, I placed my share of the pile down. Setting them up together into a campfire with leaves and twigs mixed in, to help burn the wood.

Moving my right leg towards the pile, I calmly gave a thought. As a small burst of flames ignited.

"Woa~. That's so cool." The leaves catching.

The little embers soon becoming a tyrant flame, raging on.

Coming close to the fire, taking her gloves off. Was Violet. "Are you a dragon or something?" She asks.

"If I was a dragon wouldn't I have breathed fire just now, through my mouth." A given response.

A bubbling smile. "Yea, I guess you would, wouldn't you. Thanks for the warmth." Brushing her hands together like a moth near to a flame.

Others, gathering to sit around the light. Besides Silver, who stood in the cave's entrance. Still basking in the setting sun.

Something in hand.

'Messaging the queen, huh?' Intrigued somewhat of when and how he learned the cues to communicate. But then a thought hits me.

'Smart girl.' Realizing what Faust did.

Slowly taking my bag off, in hand. "I'll be back." I moved further into the cave, keeping a watchful eye.

Ebony taking notice.

Traversing away from the group and the lit campfire, I made my way into the darkness.

Walking with ease, as I made a turn around a corner and again as I pass another. Doing this at least a couple of times to play safe. Then making a stop.

(Sighing in bliss) "Haa~h. The perks of being both a wolf and halfa." Complimenting myself for the wise decision.

For everything around was seen in perfect sight. Just like the time when I ran with Luna, in the forest at night.

'Night vision, rules.' Feeling a tinge in my eyes.

Placing my left hand against a wall; observing the crusts and edges in careful detail. Its jagged and rough feature, scraping my fingertips. I felt it all.

My senses heighten. Like never before, as I could hear the conversations from the others. The sound of bristling flames. The vacuum of wind moving through here in different directions. Droplets of water hitting something. Blaze and Violet starting up-wait...water.

My focus, captured, by the beating drops. Each one falling in a sequence, apart by three or four seconds.

As if being there; I got a grasp of the whole layout of the source's origination. And a detailed map of where to go.

Moving. My curiosity raptured, by what I'll find. I walked in silence.

Once more.

~<>~

Making a final turn. A luminous. Surreal glow, emitting out of what seemed to be a crystal; embedded in the cavern's structure. Glistened, a blue, beautiful hue.

Several more, deeper in. Revealing an obscuring light at the end of the tunnel.

Going forth and finally stepping out. Another moment of un-realness, struck me. For words failed, to describe exactly what it is, I'm seeing.

Walking over the uneven terrain, I knelt down. Feeling the water's surface; it cold, but pure. Reflecting an image, as I knew. This...

"..is my secret place." The woman smirks back, with a green glow.