My Little Pony Spark of Harmony
Spark of Harmony part 3
Previous ChapterSpark of Harmony part 3
Phillip and Maria where busy tending the stable as usual. Phillip would always be sure to tend to Eponas needs without Maria knowing. He knew that Maria would likely see her as a threat and notify his father, and that was the last thing he needed. When he got back to Maria, his heart jumped.
Standing in front of him was an entire squad of 7 solders wearing cyber suits. His heart started beating fast. He didn't understand what was happening. He saw his father walk to the front.
Phillip tried to speak, but couldn't form sentences. His father smiled, and said ''Hello son! How are you doing?''
The young prince stuttered ''F-Father! What are you d-doing here?''
''Are you doing good? Is their anything I can do for you, or are you doing fine?'' his father asked with a calm, yet cold tone.
It was then that Maria walked forward and bowed in respect. ''My King. What brings you to our humble farm?''
Phillip saw his fathers kind and gentle expression turn cold, stern, and wraithful. Maria was concerned and wondered if she had said something she shouldn't have. The King of Atlantis said in a damanding and almost relieved tone ''Guards! Arrest Ms. Maria! I want here to suffer the most brutal punishment imaginable.''
''Alex told me something interesting. So tell me Maria! What's this I hear about a Eques Sapian?''
Maria was at a loss for words. She didn't know anything about some Eques Sapian, but their was one thought that was running through her mind 'Did Phillip and Alex hide something from her?'
''WHAT!!!'' Phillip was alienated, and feared for Epona's safety. Why would his brother betray him like that.
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Alex felt like crap for betraying his brother, but the possibility that Epona could be a threat to Atlantis and his brother was what motivated him to protect his brother by informing his father. His name was Alex, so be definition he was living up to his purpose in life by protecting his family, and by protecting his family, he was protecting mankind in general.
His father told him to stay put until he returned. He wasn't one to disobey those of higher authority then him, but this was an exception since his brother was in danger. He decided to go to the farm anyway, and face consequences later. If it meant ensuring his brothers safety them so be it. He already lost his mother, and he wasn't about to lose his brother.
''I'm coming Phillip!''
He activated the teleporter, and vanished.
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Phillip was trying to stall his father for time, but it wasn't working. Epona walked out of the stables to see what was going on.
Phillip and his father caught sight of her. His father yelled out orders ''Shoot it down!''
''NO!!!'' Phillip raced over to Epona as fast as he could. He managed to push her out of the way, at the expense of his own legs getting shot. He fell to the ground in pain screaming. Epona was shocked, and was being held tight by Phillip.
When she noticed he was wounded she screamed out ''PHIL HIP!'' The solders stopped stunned in their tracks
One of the guards said ''Did Phillip just defend the Hippos Sapian?''
Another of the guards said ''Did that Hippos Sapian just speak?''
Epona just sat their crying over her hurt friend. The emperor of Atlantis said ''Well well well! Looks like we have ourselves here one capable of speech.''
One of the guards said ''Your orders your Excellence?''
''It seems my son has been brainwashed by this deceptively innocent creature. Gun THEM BOTH down!''
The guards hesitated over his clearly questionable command ''But my lord! You'd really want us to kill your own child?''
''Do it!''
The guards tried to reason with him about the situation, which only lead to the emperor killing one of them.
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Alex looked in horror as he hid away in the distance looking at the ensuing chaos. His brother was shot in the legs, and screaming in agonizing pain. He saw as Phillip and Epona limped into the stables, while the guards decided to attack the emperor.
''What have I done?''
His brother was right about him. He was a paranoid tyrant who could care less about his children. He was hiding on top of the roof of the barn. The emperor decided to use some pyrotechnics on the area surrounding the guards.
The stables caught on fire, and started to burn. The spectacle caught the attention of everyone who was their. His father having taken care of the last guard, saw the stables burn to the ground.
''Ha' serves them right.'' He than began to laugh like a maniac. ''No one will take my life. NO ONE!''
Alex saw as the stables burned to the ground. He couldn't believe his eyes at what he was seeing. Alex ran as far as he could, away from it all. His dad was a pychopath, his brother was dead, and worst of all he couldn't do anything to prevent it once he started this mess.
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Epona found herself in a vast wilderness. Phillip was right next to her unconscious for some reason. She was worried about him, and didn't understand why he was out cold. She got her answer when she saw that his legs where incinerated in the transmutation process.
She carried him out of the forest. When she reached the end, she arrived at a beach with a beautiful sea. She didn't know where she and Phillip where, but she didn't care. She didn't know what to do for Phillip, so she laid him down, and went off to gather some leaves, and twigs.
A few minutes passed when Phillip regained consciousness, and immediately went into a panic.
''HOLY SHIT!!! MY DAD JUST TRIED TO KILL ME!!!''
He looked around frantically trying to see if his dad was around. He didn't see his father, but he was at a beach, in between a vast sea, and a forest. It looked like he was in an island of some kind, since none of the plants he saw around him were native to Atlantis.
''What the hell? Where am I?''
He tried to get up only to find it amazingly difficult for some reason, and he felt numb below his knees. He looked down, and to his horror his legs where scorched off. Fortunately for him, his legs where cauterized, so he wouldn't die of blood lose. He crawled towards the forest, and when only a few feet away from the trees, he flipped over to face the sky.
He didn't know where he was, but he didn't care. His father just tried to murder him, thanks to his 'so called' brother. He was now all alone in wilderness with no one to care for him. Sure he wanted to explore, but it amounted to nothing, with his father attempted murder, and his brothers betrayal.
He curled up into a ball and started crying.
''I'm all alone in a unknown location, and no one will ever come looking for me.''
He heard movement in the brushes of the trees. He turned around to see Epona with a sympathetic expression on her face. She walked up to Phillip and nuzzled his cheek, so as to ensure him that everything will turn out fine in the end.
With a weak smile, and teary eyes he said ''Thank you!''
He pet her mane, and tail. It felt soft, and fluffy. He scratched her behind the ears. She seemed to enjoy it. They continued to comfort each other. Phillip would miss his home, but he would find a new home with his little pony. He would survive in this wilderness for her. She was more than just a pony, she was like family to him, she was like the little sister he never had.
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It was a year since the incident. Alex was standing in front of the grave of his brother Phillip. He remembered all the trouble Phillip would get into, and how he would always have to bail him out. Sadly the 'Bailing him out' part was what took his life. Alex tried to tell everyone about what really happened, but he knew no one would believe him over the Emperor of Atlantis.
''You know Phillip! I was recently promoted. Do you know what the ironic part is? I don't deserve it. Isn't that funny?''
Alex was talking to his brothers tombstone as if his brother could actually here him. His father decided to promote him for his honesty, by making him a member of the 'Knights of the Sea'. He didn't deserve such a title. In fact! It should of been him who died, and not Phillip.
He was too busy reminiscing about the past to notice a girl with green hair with a yellow stripe walk up to him.
He didn't know who this girl was, and frankly didn't care. She walked up to his side, staring at the grave. Neither of them spoke for 10 to 13 minutes until she decided to break the ice.
''You know! I only met him once, and that was when I was 6 years old.''
''You knew Phillip?''
''Yes! If I remember correctly! We met at one of the power hallways. He was so full of spirit, and energy.''
''My names Alex.''
''I'm Acacia.''
''....''
''....''
''Why did you come here?''
''Because ever since I met him I wanted to be his friend? I was finally able to see him again last year, only...''.
''I'm sorry!''
''No I'm the one who should be sorry! You lost the only thing that made you happy in this world, and...I don't know, but I can't help but feel that this is somehow my fault.'' Tears were started to pour from her eyes.
''You where the one who told him where the Gold Garden was weren't you?''
''...I'm sorry!''
''It's not your fault. It's mine! I should of believed him.''
He was determined to redeem himself for his brothers sake. He would take on Phillips dream of a new world. However! In order to do that, he had to climb the ladder, and that meant having to accept his fathers promotion.
''I promise you Phillip I will set right my wrongs, and change the world for the better, and for you.''
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''How long has it been since we were sent to this forest? 3 years ago?''
Phillip was now 14 years old, and was getting use to not having legs to walk on. He would often stay in the cave he and Epona settled in. He was so proud of her. She was around 7 years old, and she could think of all types of things to do as entertainment. He missed his country, and wanted to get back, but he knew it was impossible with his condition. Even if he where to somehow go back home, he would have to face his father.
Her mane and tail grew over time and got really puffy like cotton. She was so full of energy and excitement that she would jump all over the place. He changed over time as well, with his red hair growing down to his shoulders, and he got a bit of a tan from staying in the sun a lot more often.
Her optimistic and cheery attitude only served to contrast Phillips now depressing and cynical outlook on life. The events that happened on that day traumatized him. His mothers death was bad enough, but to have your own father and brother betray you like that was what sent him over the edge. The only reason he was able to cope with his mothers death was because she would always say to be positive, and because Alex was their for him. Now all he had was Epona, and she's been trying to cheer him up for 2 years now.
''Phillip!''
He turned to see Epona running towards him. He noticed she had an excited expression on her face. When she finally reached him she took some time to catch her breath. When she was done panting she said in a cheery voice ''Phillip I found something I think you need to see.''
Phillip raised an eyebrow at this ''Well what is it?''
''I don't know, but its big and metallic.''
Phillips eyes widened ''W-What!''
Epona carried Phillip to the wreckage that use to be some kind of aircraft. He examined it to see what it was. It was a big silver cylinder, with one of the engines fried on the side. It had a cockpit with shattered windows. Their was a lot of dirt covering it all over. He saw something being obscured by dust and rust. He cleared it up a little, and saw that it was an insignia.
When he was done he said ''This is a 'Royal Atlantian Hovercraft' the kind that people used to travel long distances.''
''Why would someone need to create this scary thingy to travel?''
''Well Atlantians believe our world is a cold and unpredictable place. We can't tell what will happen next, and we're always being exposed to natural disasters like floods, storms, forest fires, earthquakes, and of course savage animals roaming the lands. Currently we are just now reaching the end of an ice age.''
''Is that why your people are harming the environment?''
''As far as I know the world is either wounded, or sick and Atlantis's purpose is to be the cure. We are trying to fix the world in a sense.''
Phillip wasn't sure what to think of Epona's fascination for nature. It's as if she was literally living up to her name as goddess of horses, and fertility. Next thing you know she will be associated with nightmares, life, and death.
He continued investigating the debris, and found that the code number looked familiar. His eyes widened when he realized it was the aircraft his mother was on.
''M-mo-mother?'' a single tear ran down his cheek as the revelation that his mother could still be alive hit him.
''Philly whats wrong?''
Epona carried him around for any possible signs of life, but to no avail. After looking around some more he gave up. He looked to Epona and said ''I'm sorry Epona! I guess I thought their was still hope.''
''What do you mean?''
He sighed ''I don't like to talk about it.''
''Oh,...OK!''
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For the next few months Phillip would deconstruct the ship and attempt to create devices of his own from its remains. Most of them were complete failures. He was sure he would be able to at least make something that worked. Oh well, at least he would learn from his mistakes. He was hopping to be able to make peg legs, so he could walk again. Phillips most resent invention was a net made of leaves who's purpose was to act as a shield from the rain in case it storm. Another creation was a badly carved piece of wood that was supposed to be a bowl.
He said ''Well looks like I still need to work on my art.''
Epona was in the forest gathering fruits and vegetables for lunch, and should of been back by now.
Phillip sighed ''Epona better not be getting distracted by forest animals again.''
His stomach started growling ''That's it next time we get something to eat, I am going with her.'' He was almost tempted to just crawl over to the high rock over the sea, and snatch some fish to cock. Epona didn't like it when he would try to eat animals. ''OK so she's a herbivore. That doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to consume some meat every now and then. I mean Atlantian religion promotes the consumption of meat, so I can't exactly say 'no'. Besides I didn't make a spear, and a bow and arrows for nothing.''
He sighed and decided to wait.
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Epona was in the forest gathering some flowers and grasses. She didn't know what island they where on, but from the looks of it they seemed to be in a place with a lot of different kinds of wild life. She gathered extra flowers and plants since Phillip likes to use them as ingredients for...potions.
She saw something in the brushes, and walked over to it. She looked through the bush, and saw a white rabbit.
Epona smiled widely and said ''Hi there, will you be my friend?'' The rabbit ran off into a burrow in the ground. Eponas ears fell low as she once again failed to make friends with the animals of this forest.
''Why won't anyone be my friend? Am I really that different?'' She immediately went back to her cheery self again
''Oh well, I guess their not ready yet. I'll give them more time to get use to me.'' She sat down, and started thinking about it. ''Are they afraid of me because I'm always with Phillip who's always hunting them?''
Epona never liked how Phillip would spend days or even weeks testing plants, hunting animals, and crafting tools.
She wanted him to be a vegetarian, who cared for animals, and would let her carry him all the time. He seemed to be more interested in that big chunk of metal. She worried he might try to make something that would harm him.
When she was finished gathering all the fruits and vegetables, she went back to the cave where Phillip was. When she finally returned she was met with a sleeping Phillip. She smiled at him warmly.
''Aw! He looks so cute.''
Epona placed the food down on a stack of leaves, and went to curl up to her one, and only friend. She too went into a deep sleep.
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The sun was bright, and the air was fresh. Phillip and Epona loved the morning, because it was when everything felt so new, happy, and...right. It was nice to be on an island were both of them could share their food. Phillip was busy managing the leaf blanket he made a year or so ago to make sure it would hold. Epona went over to him and laid down. He got on top of her back and held on to her mane.
''OK Epona lets go fishing!''
Epona wasn't very enthusiastic about fishing, and sighed ''Fine!''
Phillip got out his poor quality fishing rod, along with his bucket of worms he was saving for this moment. They went off to the river towards the east of their cave. When they reached the bank Phillip sat down and prepared for some fishing.
Epona knew this would likely take hours of boring, boring patience, so she started a conversation with him.
''Hey Phillip!''
''Yeah?''
''Why do you want to eat meat?''
''Because life consumes other life to survive. Its nature!''
''But doesn't it hurt knowing you have to kill another living thing.''
''It does kinda.... Where are you going with this?''
''It's just that I would appreciate it more if you would stop harming living things and instead eat only fruits and vegetables.''
Phillip sighed ''Epona as much as we want to help the every living thing. We can't help one without harming another, that's just how life works.''
''But if you stop eating them then they will be happy.''
''I now you mean well, but my stopping isn't going to change the fact that they eat each other all the time.''
''But that's not fair.''
''I am sorry, but that is just how the world works 'Sometimes in order to mend you must first rend.'.''
Epona just stared at him confused ''What?''
''In other words you can't fix something without damaging something else. That is one of the most fundamental laws of the universe. My people knew this was true, and incorporated it into their belief system. They believe it is honorable, and view it as self-sacrificing for a greater good.''
''So wait your saying is the fish will be sacrificing their lives for the greater good of saving you from starving?''
''Well technically they aren't sacrificing themselves for me. I'm just yanking them out of the river.''
''But wait wont their families be upset?''
Phillip sighed again ''Epona explaining Atlantian philosophy is complicated. Yes their are flaws in our belief, but what doesn't? Now matter what you believe their will always be people who will try to bend it for sinister purposes.''
After a few more hours of talking he was finally able to catch a fish. It was big and looked absolutely delicious. When they managed to reel it onto the beach, he let it squirm around a little until it laid their dead. Epona was horrified by wait just happened.
Phillip picked it up by the tail and said ''Alright lets get cooking.''
They walked back to the cave house thingy, set up a fire for their catch. Epona was lying down on the floor feeling uncomfortable. Phillip paid her no mind, and started bragging about how awesome he was at fishing. When the fish was done he began eating away. Epona knew she would have nightmares from this.
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Four more years have passed, and Phillip was know 18, while Epona was now 11. Phillip would often have to shave. Over time Phillip would eat less and less meat until he became a full vegetarian. He didn't mind the change in life style, and he was beginning to except the idea that he would never see his home ever again.
He was however getting better at making tools. His bow and arrows where more well...better, and his spear was capable of ripping through flesh without breaking in the process. Sadly he would never use them ever again, and simply use them as decoration.
He was munching on a thing of celery when he heard hoof steps. He looked outside and saw Epona panting with a horrified look on her face. Phillip was worried something bad happened and said ''Epona whats wrong?''
When she finally caught her breath she screamed out ''THE FOREST IS ON FIRE!''
''WHAT!!!''
Phillips eyes widened and they went outside to look. When she carried him outside he looked up, and sure enough their was a lot of smoke ascending towards the sky, as well as a bright orange light off in the distance.
Epona said in a determined tone ''We've got to stop it!''
''I'm sorry, but how are we supposed to stop this?''
Epona looked down and stuttered ''I-I don't know!''
''Look if we don't have any man power, or resources to prevent this. Especially since it looks like it has spread through out the forest.''
''B-But.''
''Once again I'm sorry, but we can't do anything about it, and if we do we'll most likely get hurt, or worse.''
''Why can't we at least try to save the animals?''
''I never said anything about not saving the animals.''
Epona gave a weak smile ''So we're going to at least help the wild life?''
''...Well the animals should be able to get away easily without our help.''
Epona pleaded with him ''Please please please please please!''
''OK OK geez!''
They went over to the forest fire to help the animals that where probably already gone by now.
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The smoke covered the sky, and the raging flames made it hard to hear. Phillip didn't know how to stop it. Fortunately by the time they got their it started raining. A few hours passed as the rain slowly put out the fire. It was strange how the rain cloud came out of the blue at this particular time.
Epona was filled with joy over the sudden turn of events ''Oh this is wonderful Philly. Now the little animals can keep their homes.''
Phillip was suspicious of the sudden storm that came out of nowhere. He spoke up in a skeptical tone ''Something doesn't feel right.''
''Wait do you mean?''
''Think about it! The forest catches fire for no reason. Then it starts raining right at the last minute out of nowhere. Then it stops raining right when the forest fire is out. Something about that just gives me a bad vibe.''
Epona giggled ''Silly Philly! Everyone knows it was nature that did it.
Phillip responded in a sarcastic tone ''Wow really I didn't know that.''
Epona started laughing.
Phillip sighed ''What I mean is that I didn't see a single storm cloud during the fire, and then one just pops up like that. I mean their wasn't any storm clouds today, so it couldn't of been a lightening strike....unless.''
Phillips eyes widened at the idea that maybe their were other people on this island, that maybe they were survivors of the 'Royal Atlantian Hovercraft' crash,...that maybe his mother was still alive after all this time.
He looked down at Epona and said ''Do you know where the source of the fire came from?''
She smiled ''Yes I do.''
''Take me their.''
''Alright!''
Epona carried Phillip to the area where the fire started.
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When they reached the place the fire started at it looked like a clearing. They trees around them were burnt.
Phillip investigated the area for any clues, and came across some footprints that looked like they a few hours old.
He followed their trail, and saw that they came from the mountains. Phillip smirked at this ''I know where we're going first thing in the morning.''
Epona looked confused, but optimistic ''Where are we going in the morning?''
''The mountains.''
''Why the mountains?''
Phillip smiled in a new found enthusiasm ''Because that's where I will find my mother.''
Epona carried Phillip back to their cave, and they went to sleep.
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Phillip and Epona woke up, and started getting ready for their big day. She carried him through the forest, and down the trail towards the mountain. On their way up Epona decided to start a conversation.
''Hey Phillip.''
''Something on your mind?''
''You said yesterday that you will find your mom.''
''Correct! I didn't know she was alive all this time.''
''What was she like?''
''She was a wonderful person! She was always their to comfort me when I was bullied by my other family members. At first I thought my mothers other son Alex was kind and loved me, but I was wrong.''
Phillip and Epona finally reached the base of the mountain. They saw a rock on the side that had some celtic symbol on it. Phillip examined it ''Huh, It looks like foreign linguistics.''
Epona smiled widely and said ''What does it say Philly?''
''I don't know. I don't actually know the language.''
''Oh, oh well!''
They started climbing up the mountain, with Phillip holding on tight to her mane. After a hour of climbing they decided to find a place to rest, and chat.
Phillip sat on a smooth rock, with Epona lying right next to him. They both started eating and talking about Phillips life.
''So your father tried to kill you, because he's paranoid?''
Phillip sighed ''Yes....that's why.''
''Why can't Atlantis see that they can survive perfectly well without all these machines?''
''Because the world is a cold and cruel place. If we as a species want to get anywhere in the world we must tame this savage planet.''
''But the world seems perfectly fine to me.''
''You haven't experienced a tornado, or a earthquake, or a volcanic eruption.''
''I don't know what any of those things are, but I'm sure their not that bad.''
Phillip started laughing at her ignorance. Epona didn't take it well. When he was done laughing he composed himself and said ''OK that's it when I find mother I am going to give you a run down of all the disasters the human race has been living in fear of.''
''I still don't agree with your countries methods.''
''Look Epona! I don't mean to sound like an ass, but you don't really have a say in what we do. I mean we're doing this to survive. Besides you're made from science.''
Epona sighed depressed ''I know!''
Phillip noticed this and put his arm around her ''Epona just because you were made from science doesn't mean you're bad, or wrong in some way. You're just as human as everyone else, well your sentience is just as real as everyone else.''
''Its not that.''
Phillip looked confused ''Than what is it?''
''This Atlantis sounds terrifying.''
He raised an eyebrow ''Why do you say that?''
''Your country is trying to dominate the world with more of those scary things, and whats worse is your family sound like mean people.''
Phillip took on a stern expression ''Just because my dad's a monster, and my brother betrayed me doesn't mean everyone else in my family is bad.''
Epona giggled unaware of Phillips serious attitude ''You said your siblings mocked you for your name. Your brother was the only one you showed you kindness, and in the end even he turned his back on you. So logically, all of your family members don't care that your gone.''
Phillip snapped ''DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT MY FAMILY LIKE THAT!!!!''
Epona was taken aback by his sudden outburst, and found herself suddenly scared. Her ears dropped down, and she laid her head low with a scared look on her face.
''YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO INSULT MY ENTIRE FAMILY JUST BECAUSE A FEW OF THEM MADE BAD DECISIONS.''
Epona was scared for her life at this point. Never before has Phillip ever lashed out to her. She thought he was going to attack her. Tears worked their way down her cheeks as she said in a whimpering tone ''Ph-Phi-Phillip?''
Phillip spoke out with clear irritation ''What?''
She whimpered ''I don't know what I said, or did to make you so angry with me, but I'm sorry.''
Phillip didn't respond for a few about a minute before finally saying ''Lets just get this over with?''
Phillip mounted a hurt Epona, they continued up the trail.
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When they finally reached the top of the mountain they saw a camp full of tents. Epona was hesitant to proceed, but Phillip demanded her to go on.
Epona looked around and saw skinned animals, which frightened her. ''Phillip I don't like the looks of this place.''
''Relax Epona, I won't let anyone hurt you.''
She felt relieved, but still felt bad about their argument.
They heard someone shout in a unknown tongue. They looked to the source of the noise and saw a man in animal hide who was covered in blue markings, and tattoos. He had long blond hair, with a few beads in it. The blue marked man got out his iron sword and charged at us screaming.
Phillip was caught off guard ''HOLY SHIT!''
Epona got into her battle stance and patted at the ground with a clearly angry look on her face, and said ''Bring it on completely random stranger!'' The mans eyes widened, and stopped his charge. He took a few steps back, and ran back into the camp.
She said ''You know! I honestly don't know what just happened.''
''It might be cause their primitive view on the world means they are unable to understand how you are capable of speech, and now he probably thinks your some kind of supernatural creature.''
Epona was absolutely lost by the time Phillip finished his theory.
''Or he could just be startled that you can talk.''
''I can't help it that I'm bad at socializing. Who was the one who was supposed to educate me on this stuff. Oh that's right you!''
Phillip and Epona laughed a little. She than said ''So do you forgive me for that fight?''
Phillip sighed than smirked ''Yes! I forgive you, after all you didn't mean it.''
They saw more tattooed people come out and use hand jesters to indicate they were invited them in as guests. When they walked in they saw that the all the tribe were lined against the wooded walls. At the center of the tribe was a single huge tent. They entered the tent only to be met with who they assumed was their druid.
Phillip was relieved to have done his research on various cultures. He had to retain all that knowledge while living on the island in case he was in foreign territory.
When he and Epona confronted the druid. Phillips eyes grew wide and spine grew cold. Their sitting at the other end of the tent was his mother.
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