Chivalry Reborn

Chapter 28:

The Morning News

(Optional Music)

I fled down the eerie cave as quickly as my legs would allow me, with my feet stomping through the dark shallow waters, and my hand tightly clasping the staff that still reeked of flesh. My hands were covered in blood, but I could also tell that they were sweating a lot too, the sensation of my heart pounding as I ran quite apparent. I could still very much hear the sounds of my own hastened splashes in the water followed by several others.

HISS*SSSS*

KA*AAAA*

SHIYA*AAAA*

The fact that my pursuers were hissing and growling as they chased me didn’t help.

Give me a break…!

I briefly glanced over my shoulder as I ran to see just how far away they were from me. I could only see a group of darkened eyes from within the veil of shadows, with the occasional torn up arm or leg barely coming into the light. The skin was so torn apart; you could see the very dark and dirty bones inside the ripped apart flesh.

My mind was racing, filled with panic and fear. The image of the face of the first creature still making me so sickened, my stomach twisted at the thought. Come on, stay focused…

I shook my head roughly, trying to get myself back together. I could feel the burn gathering in my legs and my lungs as I moved. Despite the fact that this was all a dream, it certainly felt like it was real. All the more reason not to stop and see what happens to me from those things, I suppose.

I focused more magical energy into my left hand, making my light brighter as I ran, illuminating the path ahead of me. I blinked, noticed two small figures up ahead on both sides of the wall. They each seemed to have been crafted onto the wall, sticking out and opening into a small pit at the top; topped off with two small columns on the sides of the pit and had a small roof at the top, probably to keep any water from dripping into the pit and ruining whatever was inside. It seemed familiar, for some reason.

I blinked, thinking about where I had seen the devices from. Where do I know it…? I suddenly remember my conversation with Shadow in the last dream.

Light that

That’s right, it’s an oil lamp!  My mind suddenly bustled with coherent thought. He told me several times as we walked through the cave to light the oil lamps! I hastily plotted a small desperate move in my mind, the gears churning in my head.

If logic goes by enough to allow me to move about and think with reason, hopefully some basic chemistry will work here as well..!

I grasped the staff in my hand tightly, barreling towards the small lamp on the right side of the cave. I ducked under the small structure, spinning around as I stood back up with my staff swinging out in a downward slashing arc.

“There!”

Clannn-Splish

In one strike, I smashed my staff into the small oil container, breaking it off of the wall and onto the ground, spilling the contents of the lamp into the water at my feet. The oil slowly settled over the water, turning the water into a murky black. Not enough…

Ssssshhhhaaaaaa!!!

I quickly looked up to see the creatures’ figures rapidly coming out from the darkness, ready to pounce onto me. Crap!

Without really thinking about it, I slung my flaming hand out in front of me, towards the creatures.

“Back up!” I snipped at them, jabbing my hand towards them. “Back it up, I said!”

Hiiiisssssss…. Reluctantly, they backed away slowly from the foreign source of light and heat, glaring at me with their eyeless sockets.

I slowly edged my way toward the other pit on the opposite wall. I knew I couldn’t waste any time. Who knows when they would decide to go on the offensive anyway? I noted, noticing some of them actually leaning towards me, despite the flames engulfing my hand.

I quickly got in range; quickly slinging my right arm across my body, and swinging in a backhand motion with my staff.

Twhan*nnn- Splash*

Just as the previous one, the oil lamp fell from the wall, and into the water, the contents of the lamp slowly spreading across the water.

Grrrrrrr….One of the creatures, snapped at me, getting awfully close to my fingers.

“Hey!” I jabbed a punch out, hitting it in the nose(?)

GRRRAAAH!  It reeled back, covering its face from the blow.

Slowly, the second body of oil mixed with the first lamp’s, making the section of water pitch black. Okay, that should do it!

“Please let this be enough…” I mumbled to myself, focusing more energy to the flames in my hand. I quickly gripped the top of the staff with my left hand, quickly pulling my unclothed hand away as the fires spread across the pole.

I then leaned forward, shoving the burning staff into the center of the black splotch in the wavering waters. In mere seconds, a huge wall of flames separated me from my pursuers.

Kaaaaaa…!

Hii*iiisssssssss*

I could see the creatures slowly backing away from the blaze, not wanting to be caught and ignited by the sudden burst of intense heat. I withdrew my staff, back-stepping as well.

(stop music)

Okay, that should keep them off me for a bit.  I turned around slowly; looking back at the pack of freaks huddled at the other side of the flames before moving to a light jog down the cave. I was breathing fairly hard. Even though it was still a dream, it felt like I really did run miles.

I glanced down at the staff that was still surrounded by yellow flames. This is a bit too long if I plan to carry this along. Too bad it’s not a baton, then it’d-

Shiiiink

Before I could finish the sentence, the staff suddenly closed into itself, until it was about a half a foot long. Though it was still on fire, it was a lot more convenient to carry about now. Loving this thing! I glanced back at the small group of creature one more time, I began to notice something.

One of the creatures had gone completely silent. While the others were still hissing at the crackling fire, there was one in the center just staring. I slow to a slow walk as I observed the creature. He wasn’t afraid of the flames, it seemed. Rather, it seemed to have found it more of an annoyance if anything.  It also had a big footprint on its chest. Was it the same one I faced the other day?

It slowly backed away from the flames, it down on all fours; while the others fell silent and watched the daredevil move back.

….No. I slowly started to turn back around, starting to move faster.

Grrrrr… It let a low menacing growl as it prepared itself.

Crap…! I stopped watching, starting to run back down the cave.

GRrrrAaaaah!!! I could here it scream from behind me.

Splash

I could hear the cry be followed by a loud splash in the water. It was then followed by multiple, hasten, splashes in the water.

I glanced back quickly to see it had crossed the flames and was chasing me once more.

Shit, shit, shit!

I pushed my legs into another all out sprint, despite my legs’ protest. I was nearing my limit.

Can’t stop now. Gotta run, gotta run, gotta ru-

I suddenly couldn’t feel ground underneath me.

I slowly looked down with widened eyes to see that there was suddenly no ground under my foot. It was a small gap, only big enough to swallow my foot…

Or so I thought.

It then quickly opened up, letting my other leg slip into the hole. Before I knew it I was falling into the opening gap as a hole.

“Huh!? Wha-!?” I uttered in a startled panic, trying to grab at the wall, missing and grabbing at thing air, until I managed to grab a small exposed rock from new the bottom of the wall.

KYAAAAAA!!! The creature was quickly closing in, running around the cave corner and coming into view.

“Ah…” My mind was filled with fear, as I had come to a choice: either fall into the pit, or be eaten by the creature.

Hiiiiissss!!! It’s only about a yard away now. I had to pick one or the other now.

I shot a look down the hole below me. It was purely darkness and nothing more could be made out.

….

I let go of the rock, letting myself plummet into the darkness. I could make out the creature skidding to a stop above me, just as my sight was enveloped by darkness.

I slowly shake my head, blinking several times. I slowly begin to see a white ceiling in the darkness.

“…” I don’t really say anything, just looking to my side to see a wall, with a mattress  and bed sheets below. I must be in my room again…

I slowly sigh, returning my sight to the blank ceiling. That dream was just…bad. I had no idea why I was having such dreams, but they certainly felt real. I gagged lightly at the memory of the creature I had beaten to death, slumped over and truly lifeless. It was so *DAMNED** realistic.*

Hesitating slightly, I lift myself into a sitting position on the edge of the bed. I was majorly sweaty, and though was quite tense, wasn’t tired at all now. My lungs also still had a slight burning to them, and I could still feel the light tinge of extra heat around my left hand. Why did it have to be so lifelike..?

I lift up my hand to my face, examining it. Unclothed… I tapped my sides, checking my holsters and pockets. My phone, wallet, and knifes were still there. The staff was there as well, still only a small stub, no longer than a chap stick.

“…Ugh...” I rubbed my eyes, feeling the slight throb of a headache upon me. I was so damned clueless of what was going on, yet I’m the key to most of it.  I’d have to speak to Shadow Flare or maybe the princesses about this. I doubt anyone else had an idea of what it was about.

I shifted my gaze out the window to get an estimate of the time. It was still dark, with no moonlight or sunlight creaking through the window pane. It must be a bit before dawn… I pull my phone out of pocket to get a precise time. 5:20 A.M. Bah...

I slowly eased myself onto my feet, stretching out and flexing each muscle. As I get my body out of its stiffened state, I began to walk out into the living room, stopping the table. I had notes I took from the scrolls, detailing minor ideas and theories, along with the three actual scrolls unfurled on the right side.

I blinked, staring at the table, quickly scanning the notes I had scribbled down. I could remember a few theories, but most of them are just blurred up from the exhaustion I had most of the time. I blinked at the note that read “Possible M. T. (My lazy way of saying Magican’s Touch) + Staff = elemental weapon.” I scoffed. Apparently so, if the dream was anything to go by. I picked up the pencil and put down a small check at the bottom.

All of the others were basically interpretations of the words in the latest scroll. I still couldn’t understand what it meant in plain English instead of riddles, but I supposed I had some time to figure it out. I then began to clean up the table, putting the notes in one neat pile, while closing the scrolls back up and placing them back into the bag.

I paused as I saw the small note with the hair pin in the corner. …Oh right, that bitch. I scowled slightly as I stared down at the small message. She’s pretty much assigned me to be her little toy, and I’m not gonna have it. I don’t normally bother with people challenging me to things, but it’s something else when you break the law and then tease me about it.

(Optional Music)

I picked up the note, unclipping the pin and examining it. It was a little hard to unclip, with me having to use a bit more pressure to open it then I would have to with any other. It had a small sign of an bright jade stone on it, with the actual pin being jet black. The other end of the hairpin was to a point, and had an extra bend near the end. I blinked, lightly wrapping my fingers to the end of the pin, and being it lightly.

Clik

The arm snapped into a 90 degree bend, making a small hook. I continue to try and bend the pin itself between my fingers with a small growing force. It simply refuse to bend in any other fashion then how it was designed to.

I put the pin down thinking. Was this her signature tool to get inside buildings…? Probably so, otherwise it wouldn’t be so damned hard to break and have a pin. I kept my eyes locked on the pin and note.

…

I’m pretty sure there is no such thing as a police force of any kind here, so I’ll probably have to do this myself. I concluded mentally.  I think I’ll make another stop at the house she broke into.  In that case I need more investigate more… I looked towards the window, seeing the fountain turning on in the darkness. Maybe someone saw what happened, or maybe there was another piece of evidence I missed.

I turned my head back down towards the paper, narrowing my eyes. E.S…I need to find some info on her.

(Music Stops here)

I sigh to myself lightly, pulling myself away from the table and walking off towards the bathroom. But first, let me freshen up. I feel like I’ve been in a sauna for way too long…

I stretched once more as I walked down the park path, heading towards Town Square. I rolled my shoulders back, making my backpack rustle against my back. I basically had a short-sleeved gray shirt on, with a black vest over it, topped off with a gray pair of pants.

I glanced down at my watch for the time. It was a little past eight, so Rarity must have been up by now. She was always up before eight o’clock.  I quickly shuffled through the pretty large stack of photos I had printed from the internet (How the hell I could still go online or even have a connection baffled me, but by now I just stopped trying to apply logic to my house’s source of power and was just grateful I wasn’t living like a caveman.)

Most of the pictures were those of gothic fashion, most showing popular outfits using corsets, balloon skirts, frilly skirts, trenchcoats, tailcoats, zipper vests, dresses, and jackets for both boys and girls. And then, considering how she normally designed clothes, I decided to throw in some French fashion into the mix as well.  I huffed lightly as I scanned through the pictures. She’d better be grateful for this… I wasted half of my paper for her without thinking.

Strolling across the bridge and moving towards the boutique, I noticed that there weren’t as many people passing through the streets. Normally, the street would be filled with all sorts of colored ponies, going about their business, but today, there was only about half of the folk walking by.  Where is everyone..? I wondered to myself, glancing around myself.

I merely shrugged my shoulders as I got to the front door of the boutique, lightly tapping at the door. For a moment, nothing happened, only silence responding to my knocks. Was she out…? The sign said “open,” so that couldn’t be the case. Slowly, the door cracked open and an deep blue eye peered through the crack in the doorway. “Yes?”

“Um, hey Rarity.” I greeted her, a little curious about why she was looking through the door like that. She always just opened the door. Never has she checked the door like this. “What’s up with you?”

“Oh, it’s you, Winston.” Rarity blinked, closing the door. “One moment, darling. I’ll have this door open in a second.”

I thought I said I didn’t like being called that… I mentally fumed, hearing a couple clicks come from the door.  After a few seconds, the door swung open, with the fashion mare standing at the door with a small greeting smile.

“Good morning, Winston.” Rarity stepped to the side, lighting gesturing me to come in. “Sorry about the precautions. Please do come in, I was just about to finish making the morning tea.”

“No worries, Rarity.” I waved off her actions, stepping into the store and ducking my head under the doorframe. “But what was that about? You rarely locked the door from as far as I know.”

“Oh, you haven’t heard?” Rarity asked with a light note of surprise, as she walked into the kitchen to check the teapot. “There’s been news of another break-in by the thief that’s been reported stealing things from everyponys’ house.”

I paused as I closed the door behind me. Ah, so she’s known around here. I lightly sigh as I turned away from the door, walking towards the kitchen.

(Optional Music)

So she’s been doing this for a while…

I can’t really let people know that I actually saw her about if I was Shadow Flare, can I…? But then again, I kind of need to tell Rarity as well as the other sooner or later…

“There’s a thief around here?” I faked surprise, walking into the sparkling clean kitchen. I lie too much…

“Oh yes.” Rarity nodded, picking up the smoking plate of…I think charcoal from the table with her magic, and putting it into the sink. “There have multiple reports of ponies’ possessions being stolen from their homes overnight.” She explained as she wiped the ash-covered plate clean with swift precision. “Nopony knows who could be doing this, unfortunately.”

“Oh wow,” I blinked, looking to the side in thought, “How long has this been going on?” I questioned casually. I need more information on this if I want to be able to get to the bottom of this, anyway; so I may as well take any chance to quiz someone on the matter whenever I can, right?

“Hmmn…” She let her memory formulate her answer as she, glanced to the sides of the the sink, occasionally using her magic to wipe at a dirty spot with a washrag. “I would say almost two weeks, but then the thefts were so minor nopony bothered with it until about a week ago, when actual valuables were being taken.”

…Two weeks ago. About as long as I’ve been here. I sighed, thinking as I pretended to check my hand for nothing in particular. If I recall right, that Ramon guy said two weeks ago, five people disappeared from human society over the past two days back on Earth. I wonder… My mind wondered to Baking Soda. I wonder if maybe…

“Winston?” Rarity’s call snapped me out of deductions, the sound of the teapot whistling now reaching my ears. “Is something on your mind? You seemed troubled.” She peered at me concerned as she turned off the stove flame.

(Music Stops here)

“Huh?” I instinctively pulled my lips away from the side of my index finger, releasing the left of it from between my teeth. I must have been thinking too deeply again. I always bit the skin of my index finger when I thought about a puzzle or riddle solution.

“Oh, uh, nothing.” I looked down to my hand that was still clutching the pile of photos. “Just wondering if these pictures will do or not.”

“Pictures?” Rarity instantly got a fanatic gaze towards my hand as she finished pouring her cup of tea, quickly pouring mine and placing the kettle back onto the stove before zipping over to my side. “You really brought them!?” Her eyes glistened with excitement.

“Mhm.” I waved the stack playfully, smiling slightly as I placed them on the table. “I got mostly gothic, with a couple other things I think you’ll like.”

“Oh my!” Rarity gasped, her eyes instantly scanning through the assortment of clothing fashions and styles. She seemed entranced by the fashion designs, occasionally giving the excited giggle or the faintest peppy bob to her stance, one wouldn’t notice unless they were at attention.

She spun around, trotting out of the kitchen and up the stairs with a slight haste. “I’ll be right back! I just want to take some notes and make some thoughts!”  She called back to me, as I could her practically running upstairs towards her room for her supplies.

“Fine then.” I snickered, listening to her run about for her things.  I have all day to investigate. May as well enjoy my time for the time being.