Riki and Liz's Grand Adventure!

Promise!

“Coming through! Move out the away!” Specs yelled, running full speed through the streets of Canterlot. Specs look behind him, “Feather, come on!”

She is lagging behind a bit with a sprained right wing. “I can’t believe we left Riki,” Feather trembled with a tear in her eye. Her wing twitches in pain, “We should hav-”

“He decided to stay behind,” Specs huffed in pain, taking off his helmet and tossing it off.

“Riki, please don’t die,” Feather said to herself, picking up the pace. “You promised.”

Back in the hotel room, La-la looks out a smashed window. She pulls out a few pieces of paper, “Do you want me to go after them?” La-la looks back at both of them, waiting for an answer.

Wrath just shrugs his shoulders, leaning back in his chair. He looked at Taboo, “Do you have anything to say?”

Taboo stands tall, holding an unconscious, beaten up Riki by the throat. He then drops Riki like a sack of potatoes, “NO, LET THEM RUN TO THE SUN AND MOON.” Taboo crosses his arms, “NOW THAT I’M FREE, SOME OF MY POWER IS RETURNING TO ME SLOWLY.” Taboo flexes his arm, then says, “THE ELEMENTS ARE MY BIGGEST THREAT, RIGHT?”

“That's what that scaly bastard and stupid shut-in said.” Wrath grumbled.

Taboo plants his foot on Riki’s chest, “THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY, WHAT POWER DO THEY HOLD?” Taboo gets a wicked smile, “I’M QUITE CURIOUS. THE ELEMENTS DIDN’T EXIST BEFORE I WAS IMPRISONED.” Taboo slams his hands together, and black energy starts to glow between his hands.

“What are you doing?” asked Wrath,

He doesn’t answer. A few seconds Taboo pulls his hands apart, revealing midnight blue baggy hakama pants. The right pant leg has a koi fish pattern going around the leg. Taboo slips on the pants, then tighten the straps around his ankles. A fabric forms around his waist as a wraparound skirt. Draping over his back and in the front is slightly open.

“UNICORN, MAKE ME A FEW THINGS WITH YOUR PAPER MAGIC.”

“My name is not Unicorn. It’s La-Urgh!” La-la was cut off by a black tentacle slapping her across the face, then wrapping around her throat. La-la tries to get free, but the tentacle gets tighter and slams her into the nearby wall.

Taboo pulls her closer, staring into her eyes, “I DIDN’T ASK FOR A NAME, UNICORN.” A heavy paw is placed on Taboo’s shoulder. He turns around to see Wrath with a scowl, “A BRAVE ONE.”

“Drop her,” Wrath said firmly, gripping harder on Taboo’s shoulder. There are a few seconds of silence as the pony’s face turns blue.

Taboo drops La-la on her back as she gasps for air. He brushes Wrath’s paw off his shoulder, “NEXT TIME I SAY SOMETHING, DO IT!” La-la just nods, rubbing her bruised neck. “NOW, UNICORN, I NEED YOU TO MAKE ME SOMETHING.”

In the castle’s throne room, Celestia’s glowing horn touches Liz’s forehead.

“Liz, how are you feeling?” asked Celestia, trying to get rid of Liz’s headache.

“Tired,” said Liz as Celestia pulled away from her.

“The way you describe that nightmare monster,” Luna chimed in, “It’s like the one Riki ran into. That nightmare or whatever it is.”

Liz gets a worried look, thinking about the voice in her head. “We need to find Riki, now!”

“Where is he?” asked Celestia,

“Shining Armor said Riki is on patrol and hasn’t come back,” said Fluttershy

The throne room's doors burst wide open.

Specs and Feather run into the room, with Shining Armor and Vanta Nightfall following behind, telling them to go to the Infirmary. Feather falls to the ground, trying to catch her breath. Specs struggled to stand up and yelled, “Princesses, this is bad. Riki is in trouble!”

“What happened?” asked Celestia.

“We were following the paper rat made by La-la!” Feather said frantically, “We got in a fight with her, a Diamond dog, and a monster!”

“Riki told you about La-la?” said Luna.

“La-la?” Liz rubbed her head, “Isn’t she the one that infiltrated the castle?”

Shining looks at the princesses, and they give him a nod of approval. He rubs his eyes, “Yeah, La-la is the pony Riki fought a few days back. La-la was ordered to go after the two humans,” Shining explained, “That’s what Riki told us in the throne room when it happened. We’re also told that she was heading to Ponyville, but running into the humans here in Canterlot, her plans probably changed.”

“Why didn't you tell us!?”

“It was Riki’s idea,” Shining answered.

“La-la knew about humans?” asked Rarity, “That’s impossible. Riki and Liz haven’t been here for that long!”

“This monster is dark as night and has four glowing white eyes?” Liz asks Specs and Feather.

Feather nods, “Yeah, it also has long hair, claws, and a twisted voice.”

“What happened to my brother?”

“...After Taboo got released,” said Specs.

Flashback

In the hotel room, Taboo is standing over them. Specs and Feather are too scared to move. But, on the other hand, Riki feels like he wan-needs to punch the creature. So, Riki quickly hits Taboo square in his face with all his might.

But the punch didn’t even make Taboo budge. He just smirks. “YOU CAN STILL FIGHT, SUGOI!” Taboo yells in excitement. He then grabs Riki by the face and throws him to the other side of the room. Riki slowly gets up, watching Taboo walks towards him. His gaze quickly shifts over to Specs and Feather. Then two black tentacles shot out of Taboo’s back, hitting Feather’s right wing and Specs in the face breaking his glasses.

“Specs! Feathers!” Riki yelled, “I thought you were fighting me!”

“THEN FOCUS ON ME, HUMAN!”

Riki goes a right hook, but Taboo easily blocks with his forearm and then does a palm strike to Riki’s chest. Two more palm strikes hit Riki’s side and stomach, making him cough up some blood.

Riki does a flurry of punches and kicks, Taboo blocks and dodges all of Riki’s attacks like he’s dealing with a child. “WHOEVER TAUGHT YOU HOW TO FIGHT, TAUGHT YOU WELL!” Taboo chuckles, catching Riki’s reverse roundhouse kick with his right hand, “BUT STILL SO SLOPPY!”

“Sloppy!? I’ll show you sloppy!” Riki shouted as Taboo went for a punch with his other hand. With Riki’s free leg, he kicks Taboo across the face. Freeing his other leg and barely dodges the punch.

Taboo smirks, “CLEVER,” Riki wasn’t done yet. Landing back on his feet, Riki dives through Taboo's legs. Taboo watched Riki run over to the ponies, “WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING?”

“Specs! Feather! We need to go!” he yelled at them. Wrath jumps in the way, ready to attack. Riki dodged the claw swipe and rolled across Wrath’s back, grabbing his vest simultaneously. Riki lands on the ground and lifts Wrath by his vest. “Out of the fuckin’ way!” Riki roared.

“Urgh!” Wrath shouted as he gets slammed on the wooden floor, almost breaking it.

“Specs! Feather!” Riki said, picking them up and running to the window. “Go get some help!” Riki then throws them out the window, shocking everyone, even Taboo.

“Aaaahhhhh!” Specs and Feather both yelled as they fell from the abandoned hotel. Feather tries to fly, but her sprained wing won’t let her. Specs quickly use his magic, slowing them down. Crashing pretty hard in a pile of debris. “Riki!” Feather yelled.

“Go, I can take them! Just get the others!” Riki said confidently, looking out the window. He then gets a serious look, “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

Flashback End

“You left my brother!” I shouted, pointing at the two ponies. I think I’m about to cry, “He could be dead right now!” Rainbow Dash and Applejack hold me back.

“Liz, calm down,” said Applejack, standing before me. “Don’t take your anger out on them. They are already mad at themselves. You don’t need to pile it on.”

“Riki probably escaped and is on his way back now,” Rainbow added, “He is the toughest human I know!”

“Riki is one of the only humans here,” said Rarity, “But we understand what you mean.”

“Look, Riki decided to stay back, so we can get some help.” said Specs, “If he didn’t throw us out that window, we wouldn’t be here.”

I take a few deep breaths to calm myself down. “Sorry, it’s just… I know Riki is tough, but he never ran into someone like that. What was its name again?”

“Taboo,” Specs answered,

I look over at Twilight. Her face is sort of a mix of worrying and pondering. Shining sees this and asks, “Twily, what’s wrong?”

“It just... I’m worried about Riki,” She said softly, “And that I don’t know anything about this Taboo.” Twilight puts her hooves on her head, “I never ran into that name in any books I read.”

“Princesses, do you know anything about Taboo?” I asked.

The two of them been quiet for a while. They're probably taking everything in to take the best action in this situation.

It was like this for a while until Celestia spoke up, “In our few millennia of being alive and ruling over Equestria. My sister and I have never met or heard of this Taboo.”

“Taboo could be affiliated with Discord,” said Luna, “Thinking about it some more, it’s most likely not the case.”

“An unknown enemy is not a good thing. Vanta and I will get a team ready for Riki’s rescue.” Shining chimed in. He then looks over at Feather and Specs, “The two of you go to the infirmary.”

“But we want to go get Riki back too!” Feather said, struggling to stand up. Then leans on Specs for support, “We left him once. We’re not doing it again!”

“Feather, stop! We are in no condition to fight. We will just get in the way!” Specs yelled, “Riki got us out of there because he’s worried about our safety!”

“...Sorry,” Feather muttered,

Vanta walks up to them, “Come on, you two, let’s take you to the infi-”

CRASH

Something smashes through one of the upper windows, landing in the middle of the room. Everyone gets in a fighting position. Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and Shining's horns start to glow. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Vanta get ready to pounce, and even Louie joined in. Fluttershy and I just hide behind Rarity.

I get a better look at the thing, or should I say animal. “It’s a white bird?” I said, peeking my head out. It looks off. Then my stomach starts to twist and turn.

“It’s a parrot,” Fluttershy said, walking to it. “Hello there, are you okay?” I immediately grabbed Fluttershy and pulled her back, “Liz?”

“It’s not real,” Celestia said, “But it can easily pass as one.”

“A paper parrot,” Specs added, “La-la made it, no doubt.”

“It's not attacking?” asked Feather.

Luna moves closer to it with Celestia, “I say we destroy it.”

The paper macaw opens its beak, “DON’T YOU WANT TO HEAR WHAT I GOT TO SAY, FIRST?” A distorted voice fills the room. It sends a chill down my spine. “HELLO, IS THIS WORKING?” The bird turns its head to get a better look at Luna, “MOON, I HEARD STORIES ABOUT YOU. THE AGGRESSIVE AND RUDE ONE. NO WONDER THE PONIES LOVE THE SUN MORE THAN YOU, HAHAH!”

Luan uses her Royal Canterlot Voice, “WATCH WHAT YOU SAY, FEEBL-”

Celestia stops Luna before she does anything rash, “I’m Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria with my sister Luna. I believe you have our friend, Riki.”

The parrot’s head tilts, “I DON’T REMEMBER ASKING FOR YOUR NAME, SUN? BUT I DO HAVE THE HUMAN BOY. WE’RE ALREADY HEADING TO A LONELY PLACE CALLED EVERFREE FOREST.”

Luna stomps her hoof. “Stop playing games! Just wait until I get my hooves on you!”

“TEMPER, TEMPER MOON,” Taboo taunted, “DON’T YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT A OFFER ON HUMAN?”

I clenched my fists and yelled, “Just g-give my brother b-” The parrot quickly looked in my direction. I took a few steps back.

“OOOHHH, HUMAN GIRL THINKS SHE CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO, PATHETIC!” Taboo spat, “I CAN HEAR THE FEAR IN YOUR WORDS. THE HUMAN BOY SHOWED MORE BRAVERY FIGHTING ME THAN YOU RIGHT NOW! SO SHUT UP, YOU STUPID CHILD! THE BOY SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO SHARE BLOOD WITH YOU!”

I hung my head low as Taboo’s words cut deep into me. How can Riki stand against that monster, and I can’t even talk to it through a damn parrot. Why am I like this? Why can’t I be brave like Riki? Should Riki be ashamed of me? These questions are dancing around in my head. Taboo is right. I am pathetic. My eyes start to tear up until I feel something bump my leg. It’s Louie.

“Hey, don’t talk to Liz like that!” Rainbow shouted.

“Yeah, you meanie bird!” Pinkie added while hugging me.

“I’M NOT A BIRD, YOU STUPID PONY!” Taboo yelled back.

“Liz is not pathetic,” Rarity said, getting in front of me.

“Riki will never think of her like that!” said Applejack.

“And what if Liz is scared, it’s normal,” Fluttershy muttered through her hair.

“UGH, YOU PONIES ARE VERY ANNOYING, ESPECIALLY THE PINK ONE!” shouted Taboo,

In the sky approaching Everfree Forest, Taboo sits on top of a huge paper eagle. In his right hand holds a paper parrot. He runs his other hand through his hair, “BRING ME THE ELEMENTS, AND I WILL HAND OVER THE BOY.” Taboo looks at the eagle talons it’s carrying Riki’s unconscious body tied up with paper rope. “IF YOU REALLY CARE FOR THE HUMAN, MY DEMANDS WILL BE MET. ONE MORE THING…”

“IF I SENSE THE SUN, MOON, OR ANY OTHER PONIES EXCEPT THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY! I’LL KILL THE BOY AND RAIN HIS BLOOD OVER THIS MISERABLE LAND!" What Taboo said shook everyone in the room. My face went pale, and my heart is beating out of my chest. He can’t kill Riki.

“Where in Everfree?” Celestia asked calmly but forcefully.

“JUST FOLLOW THE BIRD,” said Taboo, “I’LL BE WAITING.” After Taboo is done talking, the parrot starts to fly around in circles.

A tear ran down my cheek, Taboo has Riki, and now that monster wants some damn magical items! This is so fucking frustrating! I just want to go home.

“Princesses, we need to borrow a flying chariot,” said Twilight

“Wait, you guys are going?” I said, looking over at them. They all nod their heads, “What if it’s a trap? What if Tabo-”

“Who cares if Taboo has a trap or two,” Rainbow interrupted, “We were able to beat Discord and Nightmare Moon. Taboo will be easy.”

“But you guys have to give the Elements up!”

“Darling, even if Taboo does get the Elements of Harmony. We are still connected to them.” Rarity answered.

“And Taboo can’t even use the Elements, well I don’t think so?” added Fluttershy.

“We’re not going to give him the Elements in the first place,” Twilight added,

“I need to know something,” I said, wiping my eyes, “Why are you doing this?”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, “Don’t you want your brother back?”

“I do want Riki back with all my heart. But why are you guys doing all of this? We’re not even from here. We barely even know each other.”

“Because we’re friends,” Twilight said, “And friends always help each other. We promise to get Riki back.”

“We Pinkie Promise to get Riki back!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Pinkie Promise?”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Pinkie said, crossing her heart and closing one eye.

I confusedly looked at the others to see they were doing the same thing. I give them a small smile, “Be safe. I just have a bad feeling about all of this, especially Taboo. I am counting on you guys.”

“Alright girls, we have a human to save!” exclaimed Twilight, “Let’s show Taboo why you don’t mess with The Elements of Harmony!”

In Everfree Forest, Taboo is in a very open wooded area sitting on a pile of dead Timberwolves for the past 30 minutes. He picks up one of the wood pieces and starts chewing on it. “SO, HUNGRY,” Taboo mumbled, “I WANT SOME MOCH-.” Taboo looks up in the sky to see a flying chariot pulled by two pegasi.

The paper parrot comes flying down, circling around Taboo. The golden chariot lands a good distance away from him. Taboo watches the ponies step out of the chariot, wearing the Elements of Harmony. He jumps off the pile of wood. “THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY, I HEARD A LOT OF AMAZING THINGS ABOUT YOU PONIES! WHEN I WAS TRAPPED IN THAT JAR!” Taboo exclaimed, pointing at them, “LAUGHTER… LOYALTY… KINDNESS… HONESTY… GENEROSITY… AND MAGIC.” His gaze slowly looks over them. The ponies look back. This is the first time they have seen anything like Taboo.

“W-what are you?” Fluttershy asked, trembling behind the other “A demon or something?”

“ME, A DEMON?” Taboo chuckles, “I’M NOT LIKE THOSE LOW LIFE CREATURES. I WAS A WARRIOR! I WAS PART OF A POWERFUL CLAN! I WAS IMPRISONED IN THAT JAR FOR STANDING FOR WHAT I BELIEVED IN!” Taboo shouted so loud that it put the Royal Canterlot Voice to shame. It distorts the air around them, scaring away all the nearby animals. The paper parrot and eagle start to unfold, dropping to the ground. Twilight and the other cover their ears, trying not to get blown back. A chill ran down their spine. It felt like Taboo is right on top of them.

As they watch, the beast catches his breath. Twilight shouted, “We are here to stop your evil plans to take over Equestria!”

“EQUESTRIA, STILL CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS THE NAME OF THIS LAND NOW,” Taboo said to himself, scratching his face. He looks at the ponies. “SO YOU’RE NOT HERE TO GIVE ME THE ELEMENTS?”

“We’ll give you something, alright!” Rainbow shouted, flapping her wings.

“Now where's, Riki!? We Pinkie Promise Liz to get him back!” Pinkie exclaimed.

Taboo gets an angry look in his eyes. “A PROMISE?” A claw shot out of Taboo’s back, breaking through the wood piles behind him. The third hand grabs the unconscious Riki, pulling him back through. “LISTEN WELL, YOU DAMN PONIES! PROMISES ARE WORSE THAN LIES!” He then throws Riki’s body in the air. Before any of them can react, Taboo slams his hands together. “IT GIVES THEM FALSE HOPE!”

Riki’s body starts to glow and expand until…

KABOOOOM

Riki’s body explodes, shaking everything around it.

Taboo smirks at the ponies’ pale and shocked faces, “THAT’S WHY YOU DON’T MAKE PROMISES.”