Project Induction

Reconciliation

“So how far did you get Shade?” the princess asked
”I was a little busy with memories” i said... “so only to the end of my report”
“any questions so far?”
“a few... first why did you actually put down what i said when you asked if i would do the mission...”
“are you saying your not my slave?” she said with a hint of disappointment in her voice
“well... i am but that's not the point.... you didn't have to actually put that down...”
“ohhh Yhe! So will you escort me into my chambers” she said with a bit of excitement
“*sigh* princess... if you're not going to take this seriously i'll just leave” i started heading towards the door
“Oh Calm down Shade i was only joking, i won't be seeing you for quite some time you know”
“yhe i figured as much” i said turning around “so... i will be gone for a while it seems”
“you might... or you might be gone for only a couple of months it all depends” she smiled
“this isn't an ordinary mission... i want you to know that this mission has some of the most advanced operatives on it...” i cut her off saying
“now don't go ruining the rest of the story for me”
“fine i won't... wait you said you had a few questions what are the rest?”
“when you put that mission into the dossier why where you vage and why did you chose it?”
“well... we took in a lot of people and most came from selective groups and organizations so it was kind of a test those who could find out what really happened to you will treat you a tad bit different they'll know what defines you. I put that mission in their so people could understand who you are a tad bit more you will be their leader you know”
“WAIT! I'M GOING TO LEAD THEM!!”
“Yup, you're going to lead them you're more qualified than anyone...” i cut her off
“Why wasn't this at least in my section of the dossier”
“Because i wanted to tell you myself, the look on your face was priceless” she said threw the growing smirk on her face
“why do you do this to me...”
“because i hate you haha!”
“i love you too princess” i said while walking out the door
“don't rush their you'll be there for quite some time!” she called out to me before i was out of range. “Shit! i forgot to ask her about when she left...” i rushed back in to catch her before she left.
“Shade... what are you doing here.... OH have you come to take me up on my offer!”
“i feel like i should just leave again now” i said noting a purple unicorn filly standing next to her
“Who's that? i asked pointing towards the filly”
“oh! this talented young mare is Twilight Sparkle” the princess said
“Well than hello Twilight. its a pleasure to meet you my name is shade.” i said while bowing
“Oh hello Shade its a pleasure to meet you to!” Twilight said excitedly
“Twilight go with my guards they'll help you get in order.” the princess said as the guards escorted her out of the room
“So, talented? How so?” i said while watching her leave
“she has more magic in her than most experienced mages we'll see how she ends up tho.”
“at that age... impressive. My apologies for barging in but i have to ask what was that thing you rushed out for Sonic Rainboom or something?”
“why do you care?”she said
“because i want to know. I don't want to be pondering what it is for the next couple months.”
“hmm if you insist. Alright there's also a young pegasus that managed to do something more impressive than any pegasus has done before. She actually went fast enough to create a rainbow.” she said with a serious look on her face
“hmmm it seems this places youth has much talent” i said with a slight chuckle “So who is this pegasus that can create rainbows?”
“if you're heading by ponyville you'll find out... and if you run into her tell her to come back here and give me her answer.”
“allright... answer to what?”
“something that does not concern you. Now goodbye and good luck!”
“allright cya princess” I left to ponyville to look for that pegasus that can create rainbows.

I was stopped directly outside of the castle by some unicorn mare she was almost pure black the only variation in her color was in her eyes they had thin stripes of blue in them.
“Excuse me but are you Shade?” she asked
“I am, may i ask who you are?”
“My name is Ragna, i have been looking for you for quite some time”
“Really now, should i grab my weapon?” i said shooting a glance at my weapon on my back
“No no no i'm peaceful i came to talk to you.”
“Allright than Ragna i'll talk i have one question tho you called me out by name are you part of the mission?”
“If by mission you mean Project Induction than yes. I came to talk to you i heared that you were going to lead us.”
“so she informed everyone but me awesome...” Ragna chuckled when i said that
“look Shade i know about your past and i looked into that mission with Lilith and Harbinger and i felt like i should tell you that i have practiced necromancy, not all necromancers are the same. Throughout my life i have tried to help people but i always end up getting shunned and they reject me once they find out. I don't want there to be any hatred where we are going so i... i don't know... i think i'm trying to ask for your trust.”
“Hey look Ragna its fine i judge people by their actions.”
“Thanks Shade mind if i travel with you?”
“Be my guest. And when we get their if anyone gives you any trouble tell me ok?”
“Allright i will. so where are we going.”
“Well i'm going to stop by the town down their for a bit to look for somepony.”
“Allright i could use a meal” and with that we headed off for the town

When we arrived at the town Ragna went to go find something to eat so i started to ask around for the pegasus who could create rainbows i was told to go by the town hall so i did and sure enough i saw a cyan pegasus with an interesting rainbow mane flying around cheering so i called out to her
“Why are you so happy?”
“OH YOU DON'T KNOW!?” she replied flying next to me
“Know what?” i asked
“I WENT SOOOO FAST THAT I CREATED A RAINBOW!!!!” she screamed into my ear
“Oh is that so. That is extremely impressive Congratulations!”
“Thank you mister!” (at least she calmed down a little from that complement)
“My name is Shade.”
“Mines Rainbow Dash fastest flyer in all of Equestria!!!” (not with the shouting again...)
“Look it has been a pleasure talking with you but i came here to tell you that the princess is awaiting your response.”
“Oh yhe i forgot about that.”
“Just fly past and tell her she's not one to be kept waiting.”
“You work with her don't you?”
“you could say that...” i said trying to think of a way out of the conversation “Hey how about you go prove to her your speed and get their as fast as you can!”
“Is that a challenge” she replied with a growing grin on her face
“You bet it is!” i said (with hope in my mind) She raced off after a second of thought Shouting back to me
“Thanks for the message Shade!” (well at least i don't have to explain my job now...)
I went off to go find Ragna... after a brief look around at the nearest gathering places i decided to walk back towards town square maybe she was waiting for me i took a shortcut through an alleyway when i heard Ragna call out to me
“Shade! Ready yourself!” she was jumping off the rooftop with a blade and coming straight at me i grabbed my sword parried and mounted her while she was down with my blade at her throat.
“EXPLAIN YOURSELF!” i demanded
“Just a test”she said smiling “your file said that you were heavily trained in armed combat So i wanted to see how much. Now if you don't mind” she said nudging my weapon with her hoof
“Don't do that unless you want to be killed.” i said putting my weapon away
“Could you get off me now?”
“Not yet i have a few questions first.”
“Oh good i was starting to think that you just liked this position”
“Where did you get that blade? And who trained you to use it?” i asked
“I found the blade off a corpse in the woods when i was little and i kinda trained myself.”
“Is that so.” i said while dismounting her
“Look let's head away from this town i think i may be able to help you”
“Are you saying your going to train me?”
“I said that i might be able to help you.”
“Fair enough well what are you waiting for lets go!” she said jumping off her back and onto her hooves than we headed off into the forest

When we reached the forest i told her to take a few swings at a tree. She packs a punch with that old blade after about 20 swings the tree collapsed she looked exhausted so i stepped in
“Your tired come rest.”
“Na i'm fine i don't need to rest she said while focusing her magic into her horn” casting some spell she restored herself back to full
“What kind of magic is that?” i asked
“Nothing you have seen before it's a variation of necromancy and at least 4 other types i use necromancy mainly in most of my spells”
“But doesn't necromancy apply to only the dead?”
“Not exactly basic spells do but when you combine them with others it can work on the living as well.”
“Interesting... now about your style it's not bad but it could use some work. You pack quite a punch not many can knock down a tree like that with a blade that old.”
“Thanks. There aren't many blacksmiths around here so i have to salvage what i can.” she started to stare at my weapon and said “I want to see what you can do with that” she said pointing at my claymore
“I'm fine i don't like to show off.” i said
“No its fine i want to see what someone can do with a weapon there good with!”
“All right stand back how many pieces do you want the tree in” i said readying my weapon and picking a tree that had mild spacing between the others
“hmmm how about 6”
I calmed my nerves and charged towards the tree slashing threw a bit above the base using the other trees as jump pads i reflected off the tree on the other side and launched myself upwards making another clean cut in the tree landing on the tree opposite of the one i jumped from i attempted to get as much air as i could before slashing downward and cutting the tree into 6 relatively even pieces. As i turned to look at Ragna the expression on her face was outstanding mouth open, jaw dropped, and eyes fully open she was staring in awe at me so i put my weapon away and talked to her.
“Impressed?” i asked
“That was outstanding! Do you think i could do that!?”
“Maybe one day but before you do anything you need a better weapon” i said
“Speaking of witch why do you carry two” she said looking at the gray and dulled out scythe
“This was Lilith's...” i said
“Oh... i'm sorry. But do you mind if i ask how did she use it it looks like its on its last legs”
“Its not a problem i don't mind talking about her or her weapon. After Lilith died the blade grayed out and has been decaying since. I believe its mourning Lilith's death in its own way. How about you give it a try?” i said taking the scythe and impaling it into the ground
“Are you sure?” she asked moving towards it cautiously
“Lilith's gone and there's nothing i can do about it. Trust me she won't be needing her weapon anymore Also it'll be nice to not have to carry two weapons around with me.”
she grasped the scythe and pulled it out of the ground saying
“This is odd i feel it calling to me...”
“The scythe is magic” i said. As i did the scythe started to gain its color again and reshape itself into a different variation of itself. But the scythe wasn't the only one changing Ragna’s eyes turned into a familiar crimson red and gained that piercing look but still retained the blue stripes. I said laughing
“Ha looks like it likes you!” The transformation was over and she looked as if she was about to pass out
“Shade... Help.” she said as she passed out. I quickly got by her and checked her. All of her vitals were in check, there was no noticeable damage done to her. So i picked her up and set up camp and waited for her to wake up. It was late and all looked clear so i thought that it was safe enough might as well go to sleep for a bit. As i closed my eyes i kept hearing noises in the woods visibility was poor and it was pretty dark now. I decided that i wasn't getting any sleep tonight so started to patrol the area to keep myself occupied

For about two hours i walked around in circles. Tired and bored i decided to go back to the camp and try to fall asleep. When i got back to the camp i checked up on Ragna She was still doing fine so i sat down opposite of her and closed my eyes. And there i sat thinking about the Scythe what it is, what it did, and what might of happened to Ragna. It would look awful if i lost a member or my team already.
“Shade” something was calling out to me it sounded foreign yet familiar how odd.
“Shade” it was still calling to me
“Don't say my name again i'm up.” i stated. i opened my eyes as my vision cleared i saw what was calling me it was... odd it had the appearance of a wolf yet it was more of an apparition it looked like it was being held together by shadows
“What are you?” i asked
“I am you or at least i am a vision of you.”
“I'm not a wolf and nor am i dead so you're not me.”
“Believe what you will i am here for one reason and one reason alone”
“So i'm here talking to myself that is not myself... Great! Look just say your message and begone with you so i don't have to commit suicide within the next couple of seconds because in my experience things like this end badly if dragged out.” my eyes were fully clear now it was made of pure shadows and eyes that are as red as my own. To top all of that off i was now face to face with it.
“This “Mission” this “Project Induction” that you are going on... prepare yourself and those around you for this mission Will Not end well... and whatever happens don't give in.” it said as it vanished
“Great so not only was that confusing enough it... i left by leaving myself with questions.” i said while getting up. Well i did here about strange things happening in this forest perhaps i can just ignore this as one of those odd things... one way or another i'm not getting any sleep tonight...
One hour... Two hours... Three hours, the sun came up and with the sun so did Ragna it appears. As she stood up she wobbled and was about to fall so i went over and caught her she shook her head and looked at me startled she backed off.
“Calm down its me Shade”
“Shade... did you know about this?” she said dazed and confused still
“Know about what?”
“This scythe it... it talks to its master and grants them... powers and... memories.”
“What powers and what memories?” i asked
“It hasn't gone over everything yet but... i know about you and Lilith.”
“Has it brought up anything about what happens when you die?”
“Y-yes it has”
“You are to be impaled with it after death” i said
“Yes that was the deal...”
“What deal?”
“It takes my energy, my memories, my everything and in return i get all of its past owners experience...” i looked at her not knowing what to say
“I took the deal by the way. And Shade”
“Yhe?”
“Lilith loved you. now get some sleep you look like you've seen a ghost.”
“you know what i'll take you up on your advice.” looking at the scythe i said “i'll just leave the two of you alone. And Ragna.”
“yhe?”
“If you see a ghost tell me...” as i said that i laid down and went to sleep

When i woke up the sun was still out and Ragna was practicing with her new weapon. “Ragna so hows the weapon?” i asked through a yawn
“It handles well and it reacts to my actions i've never even heard of anything like this”
“Weapons like that are... hard to come by and harder to make that one has been passed down a lot thats all i know.”
“It has been passed down 47 times that it has recorded that is.”
“Wow... i thought it was old but that old...” i said pondering. “Do you still need training?”
“No you already trained me.” she said
“Wait since... oh the memories.”
“Yup, all the training in not even a fraction of the time”
“Effective yet... I have a feeling that it could backfire sometimes.” i said
“I'll deal with it when it comes up don't worry.”
“I'm not worrying. Also we should start heading out now we're wasting time here.”
“Yhe lets we have a long way to go before we hit the site.” And with that we set off on our journey during the days we walked and during the nights we camped. A couple of times i caught Ragna talking to herself trying to sort her memories out i didn't talk to her about it because i can figure what it would be like sorting out 47 different lifetimes and trying to figure what memories are yours or not and also her whole life she has been treated as an outcast for something that she uses only to help people i kinda want to give her a place where she can feel accepted. When we got to the 2/3 way marker we grouped up with some of the princesses soldiers that she sent to aid me just a small squad of 7 but still hard workers and loyal to me they will definitely come in handy i decided that i should have a little... chat with them before they start assuming things.
“I am honored to have all of you under my command and i know that all of you are loyal but i know there are rumors about me that have been floating around and i would like to deal with that now so i don't have to deal with it when we are more... pressed for time. So go on ask me anything that you want.” i said
“Have you dealt with demons?”
“Are you a walking corpse?”
“Are you the princesses child?”
“Did you kill Lilith?”
“I have dealt with demons and i have dealt with angels neither are worthy of making a deal with me. No i am not a corpse i am very much alive even tho i shouldn't be. No i am not i don't even remember who my parents are or where i was born. And yes... i did kill Lilith i put my blade threw her... and it was the hardest thing i have ever had to come to terms with.” I answered their questions with honesty and it appeared to calm most of them and when it appeared that all questions were answered the squad leader spoke up.
“Shade, i know of your methods in fact i served under you in two different battles your tactics are unforgiving and you are brutal, are we merely pawns to you?” he asked with a cold gaze in his eyes
“My tactics may seem like they are... foolish and i am simply wasting away your lives but you have to understand that i try to save every soldier i possibly can! There is a reason that I lead the charge, i always take the most dangerous task so i can save some of you! There are and will always be casualties but if you follow my orders there will be less. Every single soldier that dies under my command pains me greatly... sometimes to the point where i go mad with rage and leap head first into the enemy's lines. But if the time comes yes... yes you are grunts and all of you are... merely pawns... i-i am sorry.”
“Sir whatever commands you give i will follow to the very death.” he said proudly “And i'm pretty sure that my men feel the same ain't that right men!” he said looking back at his men
“Yes Sir!” they said in unison
“I am glad to hear. Now about my companion her name is Ragna and she dose study necromancy.” as i said that i looked over at Ragna she was starting to back off as all the soldiers glanced at her. The soldiers were mumbling things that i could barely make out.
“Necromancer! Why are we with her she will kill us all.”
“First chance i get i'm killing her off...”
“I'm not letting her get close to me...”
“Why is shade working with that filth.”
“EVERYONE!” i shouted to get their attention and motioned for Ragna to come up next to me. “I know that it is instilled within all of you that necromancers are vile and only want to kill all of you off and mutilate your corpses. But i am asking you all... no Commanding all of you to leave your bias mindsets behind you... if their are any problems take it up with me i'd give my life for any one of you and a hundred times for her she's kind and compassionate give her a chance before you disregard her as evil.” i could see that i put some guilt into all of their minds as they looked up at her.
“If any one of you have any lingering thoughts about her walk away now where we are going we need complete trust in each other anything less and where all dead!” one of the soldiers started to walk away
“SOLDIER WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” i called out to him
“She is a vile necromancer she deals with the dead and should be dead i refuse to work with one such as her.” he continued to walk away
“Lilith step back” i whispered to her as she did i said
“All those who will work with Ragna stand by her. All others walk away with that coward.”
I watched and waited none moved for quite some time until the commander walked by Ragna and said
“It's an honor to work with you and i would gladly die by your side” After the commander said that the rest of his soldiers followed his lead and pledged their loyalty to Ragna. The look on her face was amusing in a way she looked... happy and at peace... one thing's for certain that smile on her face isnt going away for a while. But than i had to deal with the one that was walking away i cut him off in his path back saying
“My apologies but this must be done.” As i grabbed my weapon he screamed and started to run.
“COWARD USE WHAT LITTLE SELF RESPECT YOU HAVE AND AT LEAST PUT UP A FIGHT!” i shouted to him but he continued to run... he didn't get far... normal guard armor is rather restricting i cut him down and went back to the group. After i regrouped we started to head towards our destination. As we walked i talked with the commander and his troops talked with Ragna. As it turned out the commander was at my side in both of the battles he was side by side with me in all of my charges.
“We never knew what to think of you.” he said
“Taction one second and a god of war the next you're a sight to behold on the battlefield and you saved my life more than once... in fact i volunteered my squad the moment i heard you were leading this operation.”
“I am glad to hear that coming from a soldier and i am glad to know that a veteran is going to be by my side. You fought well during my time fighting besides you.” i replied
We laughed and talked some more i looked back at Ragna they appeared to be getting along well she even helped some of the men with their scars. As we crossed the last hill before our destination i could notice the other members waiting they had already cleared out a large area and started to build. I turned to my group and said
“looks like we're late to the party... well lets go make ourselves known!” we started heading for the clearing. The whole town stopped what they were doing and gathered to “welcome” us. As we cleared the forest and walked into the clearing i started spotting out the import ones out of the group... A rather large stallion was standing in gleaming white armor with gold tint and an over decorated sword most likely a templar could be trouble. A mare in worn clothing walked up to me and blocked my view of the rest. She announced herself with a overexcited
“Welcome to our town you must be shade. My names Oliva! Oh and you must be Ragna... wait what happened to your eyes?”
“MY EYES?!” Ranga said startled and feeling her eyes...
“When the scythe transformed it also transformed you but don't worry its just your eyes and they took on a gorgeous red it suits you well with those blue strikes through your eyes.” i said
“Really?” Ragna said while taking her scythe and looking at herself in the blade. “i suppose they look good... i'm just going to have to get used to them”
“Hey!” i said looking at Oliva “Where tired got a place for us to rest up and get a meal?”
“You bet we do! But before you do where claiming land you should probably pick a spot before all of the better ones are taken! The chow and beds are over there” Oliva said while pointing over to a couple sets of tents and fireplaces. “Yall look tired i'll tell everypony to back off you for a bit well save the introductions for tomorrow.” “Alright Everypony yall heard me get back to work and leave these nice folks alone for now.” she walked away after she said that... I looked over at Ragna She looked a bit nervous
“Hey look she's nice don't worry... you'll be fine here” i said
“Yhe... but...” i cut her off
“But what?”
“Nothing i'll ask you later” Ragna replied
“Allright.” i turned to the soldiers and their commander “All of you get some R n R and try not to pick a terrible spot of land!” excited and relieved they walked off to the camp and looked around for some land.
“Ragna.” i said
“Yhe?” she replied
“Ask it now.”
“Well i was just wondering... if it didn't bother you... if i could” she was nervous and i could tell what she was getting at so i cut her off
“Stay with me?” i asked
“YES! I-i mean if you're ok with that.”
“Anytime. You will always have a spot with me Ragna.” as i said that she grinned, blushed a little, and said
“Thanks Shade... that means a lot. So how about we go get something to eat?”
“Sounds good to me lets go.”
As we went towards the camp i spotted a piece of untaken land looked prime so i went over and marked it. when we got to the camp the templar was there and he was staring at Ragna as we sat down he hurried and finished off his meal and went to his tent their was obviously some resentment but she didn't seem to notice it much we ate it was a decent meal considering this is just a field camp at the moment. I was tired so i went and found a empty tent and laid down a few minutes later Ragna came by and laid down next to me. With a smirk i closed my eyes and went to sleep i'd need a lot of rest for tomorrow i'm going to have to break in this group and find a way to earn their respect.