The Swordsman of the Broken Worldby Fate WeaverChapters[Character Sheet] MoonshineEpisode 1: The Swordsman and the NurseEpisode 2 : The Swordsman and The DogEpisode 4: The swordsman and His Rescuer.Episode 5 : The swordsman RunawayEpisode 6 : The Road Back HomeEpisode 7 : A Rest Before The StormEpisode 8: A Glimpse of TruthRemaking!!!!Episode 3: The Swordsman and Dreamscape of MemoriesOff-topic - Announcement[Character Sheet] Moonshine[Character Parameters] First Chapters Moonshine (Knight) Age: 17 High: 183 cm Weight: 65 Kg Skin: Cobalt Blue Eyes: Arctic Blue Hair: Indigo; Long Hair "Moonshine is a skinny and yet vivid teenager, that always have a cold, almost emotionless eyes. Although he looks weak, he is surprisingly quick on his feet and with his sword. " Attributes: Strength: 12 Dexterity: 11 Intelligence: 11 Constitution: 9 Before awakening to his powers, Moonshine helped Ms. Apple Jack with the administration of the planting fields and distribution of work and food in that section of Canterlot; after awakening, he got a little more strong and received the basic training of the settlement. There he started to use his mother weapon, a silvery sword. Even so, his major strength is his mind. Character Characteristics Sense Of Duty Moonshine feel as if he NEEDS to protect the people and accomplish EVERY mission, as an heir of his mother will. Skinny Moonshine is really skinny, even though he has strength, his body don't show it. Magic Affinity 1 Moonshine awoke his power recently, and still don't know how to use it properly. Because of this, his affinity is low, even for a "Knight". Awakened (Knight) Enhanced Physical Resistance Enhanced Physical Strength Proficiencies: Canterlot Basic Training: 11 This is the "generic skill level" for the training Moonshine did. This training was in: Brawling, Shield, Spear, Broad Sword and the capacity to maintain the weapons. Stealth: 10 Observation: 10 Administration: 10 Combat Style: Because of the gift left by his mother, Moonshine chose to focus his efforts in training with the blade. Broad Sword: 12 After choosing his way of fighting, moonshine received the help of Apple Jack to refine combat technique. The way he chose was focusing on the one-to-one battle. When in this condition, the Skill with the sword of Moonshine (12) rise (to 14) Broadsword Dueling Style: 14 Equipment: Backpack: Rank F A normal backpack The silver Sword: Rank E A beautiful silvery blade, with a half moon carved in the hilt. Moonshine use this weapon as a reminder of his late mother. The blade is lighter than a normal sword, letting him use it with finesse Normal Clothes as Armor: Rank F Moonshine, for some reason, refuse to use real armor; opting for his normal cold wearings. Black shirt and jeans; Light Blue coat and boots. Episode 1: The Swordsman and the NurseThe Swordsman and the Nurse The cold wind blew as Moonshine walked through the ruin of Canterlot, his icy blue eyes darting from side to side, as if expecting something wrong to happen. His steps were firm in that streets teeming with snow of the former blooming city, even as he felt that his task wasn't; escort the nurse while she looked for herbs to make some kind of medicine in that frozen landscape were, as he felt, a nightmare. "Moonshine" - Called the nurse Cheerilee, while she pointed to a house taken by the elements - "there is the place where the herbs grow." "Understood." - Moonshine was bored, but feel as if he could get some action, and with a quick movement drew his sword - "Please, miss, I'm going to check if there is something inside. You can come at my sign." Cheerilee, enveloped in an arrangement of tick cloths nodded. ==========X The inside of the house was much warmer than outside, and as Moonshine step inside he could see many kinds of grasses growing where should be the floor. For a tiny moment he let his guard down, imagining how that, in a world frozen for years now, plant life was capable of growing outside a man-made place. But that was something he would think later. So, with the utmost caution, Moonshine inspected each nook of the house, looking for any kind of possible danger - he even inspected the ground, but there was no footprint in the middle of the plants. With more confidence, he got back to the nurse, who waited as the light snow started falling, and gave the sign. ==========X Moonshine sat in the ground, his long dark blue hair under his shoulder and his sword by his side, His eyes tracking each movement the nurse did as she harvested the herbs. "You know, young man, you could be helping me right now" - Cheerilee spoke, finally looking at the young man. "No, thank you" - Moonshine didn't even hesitate "What?" - Cheerilee open her mouth to argue, but he cut her in the spot. "In the time that you would argue with me, or even teach me how to identify the herbs ..." - Moonshine rose a finger upward - "You would have ended your job. Now if you excuse me..." Cherilee start mumbling something about the rest of the people being right about Moonshine, but he paid no mind, instead he believed he had heard something estrange coming from outside; Moonshine had no idea what it was, so it meant he had to investigate - could be something dangerous to the nurse. "Hey, where are you going!" - Cheerilee spoke as she noticed Moonshine exiting the house "Make sure you don't die today." And with this, he let the house with the lone nurse - who once again mumble something about him being a "Moonie". ==========X Moonshine hated this nickname, "Moonie", he was certain that he was not THAT grumpy, but this kind of rambling would not help to do his job. And so, he slowly walked to the entrance of the ruined house, peaking at the streets, and to his surprise, he was really right. Walking through the snowy street was two humanoid creatures, and Moonshine believed that they were both taller than 6 ft, had no hair in their heads and wore some kind of yellow armor in their torso. Behind them and tied by some makeshift rope was a robed figure that tried to follow their pace, but each time it slowed down, it was pushed to go on by the strong tug of the two beings. For a second a thought came to his mind, the idea of saving the robed creature from what was certainly a grisly end was so alluring that Moonshine took a steep forward - and then he regretted it. As if both beings could hear his movement, they stopped, looking around. Sweat dripped from Moonshine's face as he weighted his choices, he was the only combatant in the vicinity, and before him was two unknown threats that appear to be physically strong and with unknown skills. On the one hand, he could risk everything and take down both creatures and save their prisoner, he had the skill to do it, but... In the other hand, his job was not to save anyone – it was to keep the nurse safe and sound, and he didn't trust himself to fight with someone to slow him down. So Moonshine made his decision, stepping back to the shadows of the crumble house; watching as the two strangers took their prisoner away, walking in the direction of one of "the places of dread". - but before he could return his full attention to the nurse, he heard shouting coming from the direction the strangers went, he could not identify the language, but it sent shivers down his spine. ==========X "Cheerilee, we need to go. NOW." - Moonshine spoke firmly. The nurse appeared as if she was going to say something funny, but when she looked at Moonshine's eyes, she understood that something was off. She nodded and closed her bag full of herbs. "Moonie, is something wrong?" "Yes. Let's go" - Moonshine answered dryly and motioned for them to go. Cheerilee nodded and both exited the place. ==========X Cheerilee was clearly tired, but Moonshine had no choice; the only way for him to feel safe was to take the long route back to the base. He couldn't know how much time they walked, but the feeling of wrongness hasn't left him. That's why, without warning, he turned to Cheerilee and dragged her to the nearby house hiding their presence. It was obvious that Cheerilee hated what he did, especially because he immobilized her and put a hand in her mouth. But Moonshine didn't care, he felt something was wrong, and if he had acted wrong, he would just ask for forgiveness later. And so, he watched the snowy street once again, without letting the poor nurse make a sound. A minute passed. Two. Three. Moonshine started to regret dragging the Cheerilee to appease his paranoia, but then he saw it. One of the two strange beings he had seen earlier was following them, and now he could finally see the detail. The creature was big, with short stock legs and strong hands and arms – almost like a gorilla – but it had no fur whatsoever, in its torso a metal looking armor shimmered by the grey light of that cloud day. But what marked Moonshine more was its face, where the pale skin of the creature seemed to rip apart around it's mouth, so that two big tusks could grow, and the small red eyes. The base was just a few blocks away and Cherilee could easily escape if that monster had a distraction. So, Moonshine made his choice. "Cheerilee, you must go" "But... What about you?" "Don't worry, I am strong enough to take this one down." "If you say..." "When I get in the street, you run." "Okey... take care, Moonshine" =================================================X==== The hunter were walking slowly, sniffing the air and looking for its prey. It has been some time since the alpha sent him to investigate, but when he was going to go back to the lair, he caught a strange scent – almost the same as the ponies, but different at the same time – and followed it till he found some footprints. The alpha was right, there was some prey around, and he would have the glory to hunt them. And now, he felt the scent of his prey getting closer, and for that, he smirked. Yet, what happened next was unexpected. From one of the crumbled huts around the road, the pony-like prey exited. He was smaller than the hunter, wearing a full set of black cloth with a light blue coat; his face was dark blue and his long hair was an even dark shade. - but his eyes were of clear icy blue color that made the hunter stand on his guard, even before seeing the silvery blade his prey was holding. "I don't know who or what you are" - spoke the prey in a cold tone - "but I will make you answer some questions." The hunter was happy for the prey to show itself, it made his job easier. Furthermore, he wasn't alone. Episode 2 : The Swordsman and The DogEpisode 2: The Swordsman and the Dog Moonshine knew the risks, but he didn't want to take them. But now he had no choice, if the monster was permitted to go on, he could find the nurse or even worse, the base. So, he took a deep breath, drawing his sword with his right hand as he stepped on the street, his eyes fixed on the monster. First, he thought, he would need his full attention. "I don't know who or what you are" - He spoke - "but I will make you answer some questions." Moonshine was serious, he hated the need to fight, but after seeing the monster, he doubted he had a choice in the matter. And if it was just one enemy, he could take care of it. But after Moonshine's statement, the beast had an evil smirk between its tusks. And it hurled itself at Moonshine, using its long arms to increase the mobility the same way a gorilla would do. Moonshine had only a split second to dodge the monster as it jumped and, with both hands, descended on him using its hands as a sledgehammer. Snow splattered all around, and Moonshine almost lost his balance, but with the momentum he had, he twisted his body and stroke with his sword; but the gorilla-like monster blocked the blade with its bare and thick arm. Moonshine didn't understand why he couldn't cut the monster, but he could not finish his line of thought as the monster fist collided with his belly, sending him some ft backward, but Moonshine managed to resist most of the pain, and yet he knelled and almost threw up. A light grunt could be heard from the monster, as Moonshine struggled to stand up, he realized the thing was laughing. That was the clue he was waiting for, and quickly looking around he didn't see Cheerilee, meaning she managed to slip through when the fight started. Now, it was time to pay back. The hunter licked his lips as he ogled his kneeled prey. After it attacked him, the hunter knew for certain that the prey, albeit brave, was weak. But the hunter didn't understand why the prey didn't show fear in its eyes. On the contrary, the prey looked around as if the hunter was not there and, after a strange nod from the prey, it smirked. But the hunter felt furious for being looked down by a prey so weak. "Now..." - Spoke the prey as it stood up - "Let's end this quickly" The prey showed no emotion as he raised his blade at the height of his torso and adopted a strange posture. It enraged even more the Hunter, as the prey believed it could take him down. The hunter then growled high and ran at the prey, jumping and using its strong arms and hands to smash it to a small pile of flesh. But this time was different. The prey knew what the hunter was going to do and sidestep to the left dodging the first hit. The hunter then swung his might arm into the prey that crouched avoiding another hit; The hunter was furious, how could the prey DARE to dodge him! One, two, three hits - and each time the hunter swung his might fist, the small prey dodged. His anger was building up, and in his furious state he stopped caring about defense. All he wanted was to break this puny prey. Stomping in the snow, the Hunter advanced yet again over the prey, but now he felt something. And when he looked at his right leg, he saw the glimmering silver blade of the prey buried on his leg. The Hunter was astonished, how could a creature like that hurt him when not even a unicorn could? But the hunter didn't give up, and using the other leg, he lounged at his prey, only for it to dodge again and, with a fluid motion, cut his left leg off with that cursed blade. The pain was unbelievable, but he was bred by the queen to be strong, and not even this pain would defeat him. The hunter didn't want to do this, he wanted to take this prey alone, but he had no choice. Not anymore. The prey was stronger than he believed. And so he shouted in the language of Diamondia. With a swing in the air, Moonshine took off the blood of his sword. This was his first real fight after finishing his training under ms. Jack, and he was relieved that it had fruits. Yet, he was fearful. He had never killed anything, and in front of him was what was clearly an enemy – an enemy that almost took him down with only one hit – fallen to the ground, screaming incomprehensible things. Then, Moonshine remembered the questions he had earlier. The beast was still screaming when Moonshine kicked his mouth, cracking one of its tusks and silencing it. "Who are you and why are you following me?" The thing smirked, something Moonshine thought wasn't possible with the level of damage it took, before answering. "Me, Dog. You Prey. Dog Hunt Prey" 'Dog hunts prey', Moonshine was thinking 'what the fuck this 'dog' was talking about', but his thoughts were interrupted when the 'dog' continued. "Prey strong, stronger than ponies" Moonshine was even more confused, this monster was clearly not from the area, he knew it because of the book written by Ms. Fluttershy about Canterlot ecosystem, and it was even comparing him with mini horses. Beyond that, this 'Dog' was intelligent and was talking to him. And this was what frightened him the most, he talked first just as a joke, he really didn't expect an answer. But... then he noticed some tears coming from the tiny red eyes of the Dog. "Why are you crying?" "Prey strong, Dog wish to hunt prey..." "What?" "Now... Prey will be hunt by others dogs..." Only then Moonshine heard the sound of many steps, or he should say fists, rapidly advancing over the snow towards him, and when he turned his head to look at the origin of the sound, his eyes widened. Three more of the 'dogs' were coming, with one almost at his position, with one fist raised to an attack. Quickly, moonshine tried to think of a way out, and the only thought on his mind was to escape, to flee through the ruined houses and, when safe, go to the base and report. The only thing he needed to do was dodge this first attack. He was terrified, but had less than a second to calm his emotion, so he could dodge. The fist came with the scream of the attacking Dog. Moonshine could see clearly, and with a well-place movement he moved. He felt the urge of success as he saw, almost in slow motion, the fist passing by his head, almost an inch from hitting; but as Moonshine was finishing his maneuver, something grabbed his leg – and his momentum stopped; The fist of his aggressor collided with his face sending him flying. As moonshine was in the air from the attack, he saw what was holding his leg – the Dog he had defeated but not finished. And as his conscience was fading, his last thought was "At least, Cheerilee escaped..." And when he hit the ground, everything faded to black. Episode 4: The swordsman and His Rescuer.Episode 4: The swordsman and his Rescuer. Scootaloo crouched, carefully checking the ground, it was obvious that not long ago a battle took place there; splashes of blood littered the snowy place and even a severed leg was lying in the middle of the frozen road. I really hope that this blood isn't from him—she thought as she saw a trail of little blobs of blood leading east—it can't be... Scootaloo found almost unbelievable the fact of someone, or something, leaving a trail of blood to their lair; furthermore, knowing of all the monster littering the ruined city. "They must be really strong or really dumb to do this..." - she spoke to herself, opening a smile that mimic Rainbow Dash's grin - "Either way, let's find out." And Scootaloo ran, following the path of blood blops. The guards walked between the trees, complaining about the task of keeping vigilance outside their lair. There were too many dogs in the perimeter just to keep two prisoners safe. One would be given to the queen and the other would become food, the same way the stupid hunter had. *Who would know that the creatures of this world are more violent than the ponies?* Tooth stopped thinking, it hurt his head to use that way. Only then he realized he was alone, all the five dogs had disappeared, as if a unicorn had cast magic on them. He felt fear, if there is a unicorn there, it could be dangerous for the pack. But something lightly taped on his shoulder, when he turned to look, he only saw a small fur less mare look alike of orange skin and purple hair; she smiled at him, and he was going to reciprocate when she hit him hard on the head with some kind of stick. ~~Bonk~~ And Tooth was Knocked off. Scootaloo was surprised, the track had led her to a small hill at the border of the Silent woods; what meant that some strong monster could appear at any moment; that's why she chose to act quickly. And now, she had to take down six monsters that she, in all her years acting as a Canterlot Crusader, had never seen. After scanning the surroundings one more time, she checked that there were no more guards; which meant that she could proceed following the track that led to a badly hidden hole on the side of a hill. *It's time to go where no girl went.* She thought as she proceeded to the hole. Some time earlier A teenage girl was locked in a crude made cell inside the Dog's lair; all her belongings were stripped of her, leaving her only with the rags she used as clothes, and a cloak. Worse than that, right next to her and outside the cell, in what the dog called a table, there was her most precious item; the "Compass Of Fate". Time was short, and he knew that, and despite the hopelessness of the situation, she tried one more time to use her magic. Rising her left arm, she aimed for the iron bar that locked her and with great concentration started muttering the arcane words her teacher showed her a long time ago. It was hard for her to maintain the concentration when her jailer, one of the diamond dogs, started to yell. "PUNY PONY, STOP NOW OR JAILER MAKE YOU STOP" "NO. LET PONY TRY" - came a grave voice from the darkest corner of the cavernous shelter, carrying itself with mockery - "PONY WILL FAIL. PONY ALWAYS FAIL." His words hurt the girl, but she still had to try; but as predicted, her magic didn't manifest, even so she felt the magical energy leaving her body. And as she stopped, she heard the grave voice from the alpha once again, but not his word – only laughter. Fury and sadness swell inside her seeing her impotence in front of the situation, and she struck the bars in frustration. "Twilight... I failed..." the girl whispered to herself, going to the back to of her cell and lying down in the dark. The girl was almost sleeping when she heard the grunting of many dogs entering the cave, they were loud and their steps heavy. The girl knew that something was happening and quickly got to the bar of the cell to have a better look at the situation as the discussion between the dogs got louder and louder till the Alpha interfered. "WHAT ARE YOU BLOCKHEADS DOING?" - Shouted the alpha "ALPHA, HUNTER FIGHT PONY LIKE CREATURE AND LOSE" – it seemed as if the dogs had presented something to the alpha – "HUNTER LOST LEG; BUT WE CATCH CREATURE!" The girl heard the alpha grunting loudly, as if taking a great decision, before he shouted. "YOU FIVE, GUARD THE ENTRANCE!" - Some more grunts, and the girl heard some dogs exiting the cave - "TOOTH, TAKE THE HUNTER. HE FAIL. NOW HE IS FOOD." She heard a whimpering noise as something heavy was dragged out of the cave. "TAKE CREATURE TO WHERE THE PONY IS; WE DEAL WITH IT LATER." With it, the Alpha got back to his side of the wall, where his "bed" was. The Jailer quickly followed the alpha order, walking to the cell carrying the body of a teenager. "BACK, PONY!" He barked, and the girl retreated. She didn't have time to take four steps when the jailer trowed the teenager's body at her, grinning while doing it. She didn't have time to prepare herself, but still, she caught the boy when he was about to hit her. The girls put him carefully on the ground, looking at his face. He had cobalt blue skin and long indigo blue hair. But what caught her attention was the small tears flowing from his eyes. She didn't know why, but the boy remembered her of someone, she just didn't know who. But she was happy, if this boy was alive in this world, it meant that her friends were too. There was still hope. Then she looked again at the table where her compass was, just to see a beautiful silver sword. A word escaped her mouth in disbelieve. "Luna's...?" Confusion, fear and anxiety filled the girl's heart that didn't know what to make of the situation. Why, in Celestia's name, this boy had Luna's sword and why he hasn't woken since his arrival. She knew he was alive because all this time, small tears still fell from his eyes; but nothing more. She even tried to inspect him, looking for any clues of his origin, but he had nothing with him. The Jailer, an old Diamond Dog, had demonstrated interest in her action at first, but after some time lost interest; and the alpha was sleeping in his corner. That's when she felt something strange, and looking at the table she could clearly see the silver blade start to shine in a faint blue glow; something that was not noticed by her captors. "What?"- Unconsciously, she approached the bars of the cell, trying to see better the strange phenomenon; She could not understand what was happening. No matter in what world, Luna has always knewn how to hide well her secrets. "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING, PONY? - Suddenly, the jailer approached the bars of her cell, his tusks near her face -"I TOLD PONY TO STAY AWAY OF BARS OR I WOULD TAKE I BITE FROM YOUR -" The Jailer dog was interrupted in mid-sentence when a hand pushed his head with force into the bars, even deforming it. For a second the girl jumped back in shock. But what really shocked her was what stood proudly in front of her. A woman using a black shirt, green short and boots; in her left hand a quarterstaff. Her skin was of a light orange color and her hair was purple, and she sported a strong build and a confident smile. No matter how different this woman was from the last time she saw her, the girl still knew who she was. "Scootaloo?"- spoke the girl The woman, Scootaloo, tilted her head in confusion while looking at the girl, only to open her eyes in realization. "Wait! You are Sunse-" "BEHIND YOU!" - Sunset screamed as a big hand grabbed Scootaloo's right arm while she was distracted and with great force threw her out of the lair. Sunset was astonished and afraid; the Alpha had risen from his sleep and attacked Scootaloo from behind with a force that would kill any normal person. More than ever. She needed to escape. Now. Scootaloo was thrown by a great force out of the hole these monsters called a lair and almost hit the snowy ground, but with a backflip she regained her balance and fell on her feet, even so, the force was strong enough to drag her several feet behind. Then she saw what had attacked her. It looked almost like the monsters she's been silently taking down, but it was bigger and clearly stronger. Different from the others, the skin of this one was pale, and its eyes were red, and in its right hand it carried a big club. Scootaloo could feel the danger this enemy posed, and it made her blood start to boil in excitement. * Rainbow will be so proud of me! * She thought while smiling at the monster. "Hey, ugly face, you messed with the wrong girl today!"- Sootaloo spoke to the beat - "I will turn you into dust!" "ALPHA IS STRONG!" - The monster answered what alarmed Scootaloo; not many monsters could do that— "AND ALPHA WILL BREAK LITTLE CREATURE!" They didn't need more words, their locked eyes told them everything they needed to know. The Alpha jumped, swinging his club with only one hand, hitting the ground with a huge crash and making the snow to spread all around, even in the air. Scootaloo stepped back, dodging the first strike with ease, but she didn't anticipate the repercussion of the attack, where a small piece of snow landed on her left eye. The beast furiously started swinging the club at Scootaloo with ferocity as she could only dodge while trying to clean her eyes. The range of the monster attacks was long because of his long arms, and he was fast; and even if Scootaloo could evade each attack, she couldn't find an opening to counter it. * It is like Dash told me* - she thought while dodging the flurry of attack - *If you don't find an opening, you create one! * With quick movements, she advanced, approaching the monster with each swing of its arm, and with the last movement she twisted her body, canalizing her magic in her left leg and hitting the alpha in the back of the knee, breaking his balance. The Monster started to tumble, but Scootaloo was determined not to give it a chance to recover, and with the quarterstaff started a flurry of blows. Hitting his face, torso and arms many times. "AHHHHHHHH!" The alpha screamed, grabbing the quarterstaff with the left hand and swaying the weapon on his right hand, striking Scootaloo in the side, sending her flying into a tree nearby. She hit the tree and felt the pain washing over her body, even making her bite her lower lip to try to maintain the focus, and as a fillet of blood escaped her mouth, she looked at the Alpha. The monster was kneeling, in its right hand there stood the club, and in his left he held her quarterstaff. He wasn't much better than her, filled with bruises from her attacks. That was a problem. She knew that they were matched in power, but she still had a card in her sleeve. Scootaloo rose up, with the alpha in her line of sight, and took a running position. She knew that using this ability was a bad idea, but it was the only idea she got. So, magic started building in her, even becoming visible to the Alpha as a wave of orange energy flowing from her body. Scootaloo knew that the Alpha understood that she would do something unexpected when he threw the weapons away, put his hands together and, with some kind of magic, coated his arms and hands with white rocks. It would not be enough to hold her; that she knew. Magic was expanding inside her, spreading through her body; mostly her fist and legs. "You not half bad, you know?" - She smiled, it was time to end this. - "But, I will finish you off now." The magic started to envelope Scootaloo's whole body, morphing and almost looking as if it was solid. It was time. "Come!" - She shouted - "Wrecking Wheels!" And Scootaloo magic shone around the snowy ground. At the same time that the young woman activated her special ability, not far from her, inside the dog's lair, an explosion occurred. Author's Note Yo, This was the chapter I was planning to post Sunday; but if is ready, why wait? Btw, next chapter will be release next Weekend (or earlier) See ya soon. :pinkie happy: Episode 5 : The swordsman RunawayEpisode 5 - The swordsman Runaway Magic roared between Scootaloo's feet, taking the form of small wheels on the sole of her feet; and in her fists small balls of concentrated energy encapsulated her hands. She ran in a straight line as if wearing skates, increasing her speed greatly; the Alpha in turn, seeing her coming direct in front of him, released his defensive stance and tried to punch the upcoming woman; only for her to dodge and counter with an uppercut – hitting the dog in the chin. By the force of the attack the feet of the alpha left the ground; but Scootaloo hadn't finished. While the dog was still in the air, she started a flurry of blows, she didn't care where to hit, just hitting was necessary. Magic flowed from her as each attack hit its target, and to finish it, she started spinning, hitting the dog with a powerful kick, using the magical wheels on her feet as a weapon. The effect was immediate, and the Alpha was sent flying, his body getting limp when it landed. Scootaloo's breath was heavy as she examined the enemy, and after concluding that he was, indeed, defeated, she tuned off the ability. Only then she felt the toll of using such a skill, feeling her body shivering upon the strain she put herself into. But, having defeated such an enemy made the coast clear to her, and her goal shifted to the cave. Only to her, after only one step, kneel. Her body was at its limit. *I hope you are alright...* she thought, looking at the smoke coming from the hole the dog's turned into their lair. - *I'll have to stay here a bit more...* Then she heard something coming from behind, when she turned, she saw all the five dogs she had taken down earlier in a fight position. The last one she defeated was in front of the group. "TOOTH ALPHA NOW!" - The dog spoke, looking hungrily at Scootaloo - "AND TOOTH HUNGRY!" As the battle outside raged on, Sunset saw the soft blue light coming from the sword on the table get stronger, only to produce a small line that started to serpentine in the direction of the unconscious teenager, passing under the compass and under the bar of the cell. * There not much I can do to help him now... This line is of pure magic! * - Sunset thought as she saw the line connect with the boy, then widening her eyes before speaking - "Wait, this is pure magic!" She ran to the place where the magical line passed under the cell bars and touched the line; he couldn't feel anything, but she knew she was in the right place. Then she concentrated. She knew she couldn't cast any spell, but each time she tried, she felt tired, which meant that magic energy was spent. She concentrated on her finger, the one touching the line, and put everything she had there. At first nothing happened, but then the line started to get wide, the blue hue stronger, energy started leaking from the line, she could hear the boy scream in pain, but she couldn't stop focusing on overcharging the line. Her magic energies were getting emptying, but she was close. Very close. ~~KBOOM!~~ The explosion destroyed the cell bars, sending Sunset to the back wall and burning part of her hands and clothes and filling the room with smoke. The wounds were serious, she knew, but she couldn't let herself pass out. And between the smoke she saw the boy rising up, his eyes glowing in the same blue hue that the sword had before. And she could see he was looking at her. Scootaloo was surrounded by five dogs and now that her magic was drained, all she could do was dodge the attack of the monster. She barely could dodge the firsts three attacks of the dogs, but the on the one that came from behind hit her with great force, force her to fall in the snow. She was stronger, but they had come in the worst moment. They are closing, surrounding her by all side; she couldn't see a way to escape. Only for a rock to hit one of the dogs in the head, it was not enough to cause any visible damage, but it distracted him enough time to the snark boy to appear holding his sword. Moonshine hair was flowing with his speed, his eyes and blade are shining; and with a quick slash, he decapitated the dog that was distracted. The one next to him quickly realize what was happening and sung his fist at him; only for him to block it with the blade, making him disengage from the battle. It was fast, but all the four dogs stopped looking at the fallen Scootaloo and regrouped, facing the new threat. And with the sign by Tooth, all four advanced at the same time. Only for Moonshine to turn around and run away in the direction of the forest with the dogs on his tail. Now Scootaloo was alone in the snow, felling the iron-like taste of blood on her mouth. She needed to stand up and help him, but her arms didn't hold even the strength for her to stand up. That's when a hand reached for her. As she looked, it was the red haired girl from before, Sunset, now with tattered clothes. "You need to help him!" - Scootaloo aked in fear for the rookie. "Don't worry, he's not fighting" "What?" "He is just gaining time." - Sunset them smiled - "Can't you feel them?" * Just a little... Just a little more! * Moonshine ran across the tree, dodging each trunk. In the back of his mind the sense of the danger posed by entering deep into the silent wood ringed, but he had no choice. Even if he had a forward start in the run, these dogs were faster, being capable of running with all four limbs. It didn't take long to moonshine to hear the song of barking behind him, and the noisy steps surrounding him. Seeing the reality of the situation, Moonshine stopped, putting his back against a tree and getting himself in position. Barks and grunts came from everywhere, letting Moonshine on the edge. Then all stopped. And the eerie silence made the boy even more uncomfortable. He knew he was at his limits. That's when a dog jumped from his right, but instead of attacking him, it passed by him as if he wasn't there. Moonshine was confused and looked at the direction the dog came from. In front of him stood three people, two young women, one of them wearing soft leather armor and a big man, covered from head to toe in a heavy red armor made of crystals. At the vision, his let a sigh of relief and just dropped to the ground. "AB, Sweetie" Spoke Moonshine, controlling his breath "you are all late" "Sorry, we have some problems in the way" Sweetie Belle warmly smiled looking at the boy. "But don't worry, moonie, we are 'ere now!" replied Apple Bloom. "Yep" Complemented the big warrior. 'now, what about we go bak home?"- Apple Bloom asked jokingly. "Nothing would make me happier." Author's Note So... I had some problems during this week, and it affected my writing a little. But I expected this chapter to but at least acceptable. That being said, see you all next week. Or earlier... I don't know. Episode 6 : The Road Back HomeEpisode 6 - The Road Back Home Sunset walked slowly in the middle of the group, her clothes burned and torn by the explosion that freed her. Even so, she felt calm; an emotion she didn't feel ever since she escaped Equestria in her search and managed to dodge the enforcers of the queen. She was inside her mind as the group silently walked through the snowy landscape, she remembered everyone who was there; The Stoic Big Mac and the energetic crusaders. But everything was alien to her. The city was in shambles, and everything seemed to have changed places; and the people seemed to have grown older, that without talking about the creatures she saw when she was hiding in the forest before being captured. "Why the long face?" - Sweetie Belle spoke to Sunset "Everything is...wrong!" - Sunset quietly answers - "The last time I was here, the city was beautiful, and you all were kids, and now... I thought I was in the wrong place." Big Mac was at the front of the group, carrying Moonshine on his back, he took off his helmet showing his long blond hair and full beard; and he glanced at Sunset for a split second. "Things changed." "What do you mean, Big Mac?" "Ask twilight, she has the answers." Sunset was confused and looked at the crusaders for help, but got none. In fact, she approached Scootaloo to offer help since she was hurt in the last battle. The other crusaders, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just shrugged with apologetic smiles. Canterlot encampment - Main Building - Gymnasium Around twenty individuals were standing up in line next to a makeshift mat, and above it with a smug smile, Rainbow Dash stood proud. "So, you all believe you are hardened and strong" - Rainbow started flexing her arm - "But it is all bullshit, and I will teach you all how to be really strong!" All the young fighters looked at her, their eyes shining in admiration for one of the five strongest of Canterlot. Seeing her goal being archived, Rainbow started strolling along the edge of the mat, preparing for the demonstration. ~~SLAM~~ With a fast glance, Rainbow Dash saw the blond country girl opening the door with the strength she would use to beat one of the greatest monsters of the city, and she could see the fire of fury reflected from that emerald green eyes of hers. Something was really wrong with her. "Flash, take rookies and train them today" "Yes m'am. And you...?" "I don't know yet, but it looks like I will try to stop an earthquake." Apple Jack hands and boots were still dirty from working on the fields, but she didn't care. Twilight has fucked up, and she would need to have a piece of her mind. After entering the gymnasium of the former schools, she directed herself to the halls, the fast way to the Director's Office, but something, or better, someone, appeared in her way. "AJ, I was thinking you were working right now and..." "cut it down, dash. You know why i'm 'ere." "hãn?" "I will talk to twilight right now" "You won't, you are too much fired up. Calm yourself first and..." It was fast, without thinking, Apple Jack right fist launched forward, pouching in a cross motion, but Rainbow managed to throw her head back in the nick of time to avoid the strike. Even so, the wind behind the strength of the punch could be felt by the rookies on the mat. "Rainbow, i already told you. I will talk to twilight now." Rainbow saw the determination and cheer stubbornness of her friend, in her mind, there was only a way to stop her friend from doing something really dumb. With this in mind, Rainbow took some steps backward and entered a fight stance. The Rookies and even Flash Sentry stopped their warm-up to see the event in front of them. But Apple Jack didn't care, she had an idea in her mind and would not back down; releasing her powerful magic and making Rainbow Dash answered in kind. "AJ, you honestly think it is a good idea to do this?" "I honestly think you should take care of your god-damn business!" "AJ, you are doing something stupid!" Rainbow Dash spoke loudly – "You need to stop this!" "Twilight sent Moonshine ALONE with that Cheerilee, but he awoke his power less than SIX months ago. SIX!" - Apple Jack shouted back - "He got injured and NO ONE TOLD ME! NO ONE!" This took Rainbow back, because she knew and was the one to make everything so that Apple Jack wouldn't know about everything before the situation was resolved. "Sorry, AJ, but you won't go there till you chill out" "THEN TRY TO STOP M..." Apple Jack stopped, feeling a small prick in her neck. First she was confused, not knowing what happened, looking at Rainbow Dash as her eyes got heavy and her body was stiff. "Rainbow, what you di.d..." "What...?" Rainbow was confused, she was certain she would need to fight her friend because of her stubborn behavior but, from nowhere she just fell down out. "Wow, that was close." A singing voice came from somewhere with the halls of the former school, and from there a bright-eyed woman adorning a beautiful crafted camouflage cloth and holding a blowpipe appeared. "Pinkie?" "No, silly, I'm the king of Denmark. Now help me here to take her to the hospital, remember I didn't 'wake' like you all."' - Pinkie spoke happily, taking apple jack upper body - "We need to walk fast, he will be down just for some minutes... I'm think; well whatever. We need to work fast!" "Hãn?" "Yes, silly, they are coming home, and we need a party!" Author's Note Yeah... I know... I promised that this chapter would have 2k+ words, but something really unexpected happened... See, in the last week a had been feeling sick, but in my heavenly wisdom chose to stay quiet and take some pills, that was the reason that the last chapter was short and the same reason why this chapter is even short but i was trlly wrong... so ... I'm sorry. Everything come to a halt some days ago, when i couldn't get out of bed... so yeah, It was pretty bad. But everything is going to be better now, this weekend I saw a doctor, and I am medicated (and in quarantine) but I am ~~(almost~~) certain it is not covid... anyway, I will finish writing the next chapter tomorrow, seeing that I'm feeling better and better. So, once again, sorry and till the next chapter. Episode 7 : A Rest Before The StormEpisode 7 - A Rest Before The Storm Moonshine looked around and quickly understood that he was in the void of his dreams. Next to him, a mist in the form of a woman's body perched in his shoulder as he fell into the dreamless abyss. "I'm unimpressed with you." "Hum..." "Can't you see how much effort I'm putting into you to grow strong?" "Nothing happens without effort..." - Moonshine replied as he looked at the dark - "I'm with you only for a day and almost die." "Yes, you're right, but..."- the formless woman mounted, getting face to face with the young man - "I gave you power, but I need payment for it." "What?" The dreamless abyss shined, and Moonshine found himself in the middle of the encampment of Canterlot as a formless mist danced around in front of his eyes, distorting everything he saw. Flames darting from side to side in a maniac dance of destruction, the sky blacked by the smoke emphasized the cries of pain and desperation in the voices of his friends. "Help us Moonshine!" "Why do you let us die?" As the emotional pain reached its peak, Moonshine dropped to the ground, kneeling and trying desperately to silence the voices that tried to reach him with his hands. But his efforts were for nothing as the shouting of fears and madness still echoed in his mind. A great crash was heard by him, shaking the ground and making the young man look at the structure newly formed in his front between his tears. A big and sturdy tree was broken, and the walls that protected the people are no more, around the leaves that left the branches of the enormous tree, countless insectoids revealed themselves. Walking slowly over the tree, a figure that froze Moonshine blood was walking step by step was his mother in the same attire she used so many years ago on that fateful day. At each step, her clothes seemed more dirty, more tattered, her beautiful skin started to darken, and a filthy stench reached Moonshine's nose; as she was closing the gap and approaching Moonshine, he could see the blood sipping from her belly and mouth. She approached his face in a morbid smile. "Why did you let me die?" Moonshine Screamed, but no one would ever hear him, as a laughter echoed around his dreamscape. Canterlot High, infirmary Apple Jack awoke after her friend's intervention, and, most important, her temperament was calmer than before. Pinkie could feel in her hair strands that the country girls didn't drop the subject, but the bulk of her fury had subsided. "AJ, why did you do that?" "..." "You promised me that you would do this!" "It wasn't a pink promise..." "Screw this, AJ, you almost fought Rainbow there" - Cheerilee was there treating some patients, and in all her years she had never seen Pinkie so angry. - "You know how hard it is to maintain our little peace here?" "..." "Sorry, I didn't hear you." Pink spoke, approaching Apple Jack. "S... Sorry, Pinkie..." - Apple Jack was trembling under the blankets, small tears were sprouting from her eyes that she tried to hide with her hat - "But Moonshine is like a son to me, and when I discovered about Twilight orders..." Pinkie Pie seated by Apple Jack's side, comforting her friend. "We all know that you have been taking care of him ever since what happened... to Luna..." - Pinkie took a sip of air - "But you are not alone, we all love him, and Twilight would never send him in a dangerous mission." "So why did he almost die." "Because of something we would never dream of. He found Sunset. SUNSET!" Pinkie almost shouted the name. "But she left so many years ago... HOW?" "Cool, right. And i have no idea HOW" - Pink lifted her thumb to Apple Jack - "Tonight I will make a party for her and Moonshine. Of course, Scootaloo too, she helped the rescue." "so we will finally know what happened that day that everythin' changed..." "Yep." "and where are they, i mean, moonshine, sunset and scootaloo?" "You don't need to worry." With three fingers up, the energetic woman almost jumped from the infirmary bed - "Moonshine is in your house taking a nap, he used too much magic without being ready. Sunset is eating, it seems she hasn't done this for a time and is scootaloo..." Pinkie pointed to a bed in the infirmary, and there was Scootaloo sleeping without a care in the world. "So, when Sunset will tell us her story?" "Twilight told us to unite at 5 PM in her office." Apple Jack nodded, and a small smile formed in her mouth, finally she felt as if everything that happened was leading to somewhere. "Now if you excuse me, I have a party to plan. Later!" Apple Jack stood there alone, seen her friend run as if there was no tomorrow. Canterlot encampment - Canteen Sunset was oblivious to the world around her, as many people were walking around doing their daily tasks. She was seated in a wooden stool, and in front of her there was a plate filled with food. Real food, something she hasn't had for many days. Ever since she fled Equestria, she had been in a constant state of fear, and everything she had been the cloak she used to hide herself till the portal and her trust compass. Even so, it was for nothing. She had been followed by those brutes dogs or, even worse, them... "SUNSET, IS THAT YOU!?" A happy voice called her, bringing her from her stormy thoughts, and when she looked, she couldn't believe her eyes. A strong man stood in front of her sporting an armor made of some kind of blue and yellow leather, a goatee adorned his face with his electric blue hair and eyes. "Can't be..." Sunset spoke, astonished. The man quickly closes the gap between the two and gives her a tight hug, quickly separating afterwards and taking another stool next to Sunset table. "I can't believe the rumors are true...wow!" - Flesh Sentry checked Sunset body in a glimpse, but she caught him. "I know what you did... and it is strange." - Sunset leaned forward at the table - "Everyone here has developed and aged, I should have to do the same, but my body here looks like one of the tanagers!" "Yes... This is kinda strange..." "Yeah... you can say this... you really developed since the last time I saw you... wow, you REALLY chance!" "Of course, I would change, it has been more than seventeen years since you left here..." "WAIT, THIS CAN'T BE POSSIBLE!" - Sunset shouted as she stood up, everyone in the canteen looking at her. -"EVEN IF I WAS YEARS IN THE OTHER SIDE, IT COULD'T TAKE TOO LONG!" Flash just shrugged. As a new voice joined the scene. "You better believe, Sunset." "Rainbow?" "Yeah, long time no see." - Rainbow came from behind the people working, her voice lacked the common bravado that Sunset was used in her time in Canterlot High. Rainbow just toked another stool and joined the table. "I don't know what happened to you, but, ever since you left everything got..." - Rainbow stretched her arm, showing everything around her - "Crazy." "She is right... everything changed..." Flash complemented. "We have been fighting for our lives for years now, and when everything seemed to come to a new "normal"..." - Sunset felt as some kind of anger toward her from Rainbow - "You show up... like you did many years ago, and almost looking the same as when you left..." "Rainbow, I can explain!" Rainbow just slouched back and relaxed, closing her eyes. " Look, Sunset, I don't care about all this nerd stuff, but I warn you." - Rainbow opened her left eye - "Don't put my friends in danger or else..." Sunset didn't need a hint to know what Rainbow was talking about, she could feel the shiver at her former friend's warning. With her words out, Rainbow stood up and stretched, and as she was walking out, she spoke once again. "Sunset, better eat your food soon, will get cold. And Flash" The guy almost jumped on his feet when she mentioned him— "show her the place. Just remember to take her to the main build at five." " Yes, captain." - replied Flash, making a continence signal. "Captain?" "Yes... long story. I will tell you during the tour." "Deal." And sunset resumed eating. Sunset walked by Flash's side as he explained to her, in a really shallow way, how everything got together and how the small town of Canterlot, this place she was in, was born. She knew that that information was essential for her next steps, but her mind couldn't concentrate on his word. She felt as if she was watched by everyone around her, but each time she looked around trying to find who or what was watching her, all she could see were people going around their daily business. "- And this is why we have to separate our forces with Crystal Prep... Sunset?" - Flash concluded, looking at Sunset and quickly understanding that she heard nothing about what he said. "Sorry, Flash... Many things happen, and my mind is crazy right now..." "I know..." - flash put his hand on her shoulder - "Them, let's do things like this." "What?" "I will give you the abridged version of how the town works, and then you can prepare yourself for the interview with the principal." "Deal." The duo started walking again, bringing back the attention of the bystanders. Flash pointed then at something far way. "You see, this place was built around many blocks of the city, but our population is really low. You can see where our area ends by looking at the protective walls around here." "Wow... incredible, even from here I can see their tops!" "Magic can be fantastic and fearsome, you know..." "What you mean...?" For a moment Flash was silent, his goatee and hair floating slightly with the soft breeze. "Sunset... I was one of the first of us to fight the things that came when the world got crazy... I saw things eating my friends..." "Sorry..." "Don't be. Their sacrifice is what made us have this place in the first place... but let not stop here. Come with me." Sunset looked at where Flash was heading and instantly recognized the building. It was Canterlot High, even the mirror in the front stood with the statue of the great horse, but at the same time, it was different. It seemed as if the construction had been damaged and repaired many times, and enhanced to receive the hardest of the blows. To confirm, Sunset quickly concentrated in her eyes and, as she expected, the structure was enforced by magic. "This is the main building of the town, and where everything comes and goes from. If you want to find anyone, you just need to come here" Sunset continued ogling the former school in silence, so Flash continue. "Northwest from here is the farmland where the folks found a way to grow crops and tame some of the beasts after the first wave of monsters. Apple Jack is the head of the group." "To the North East you will find the"industrial"complex, Pinkie lead the group with the help of Mister Turner. She is crazy, but she can make really good weapons and clothes." "South west we have the housing area, the major part of people here live there. The guard force help us to maintain the order. By the way, Rainbow Dash is the leader of the guard." "And to the South East -" "Okay, I understand... wow, you all really build a home here." "It was the only way to survive." - Flash just replied. - "Now, go to the main building. I believe there will be a hunting party soon, and I want to go." "Really?" - Sunset seems a little confused - "I was thinking that you would love to catch up with me..." "Beside the fact that we're walking for more than twenty minutes, and you ignored me for the greater part..." - Flash flashed a big smile to Sunset, as he took the path to the farmlands - "You are just too young for me right now. Sorry." "Yeah... Too young..." Sunset stood alone facing the building she was used to frequenting daily, and taking a deep breath, she proceeded inside. Inside a small room, two people looked through the window with great interest while a third one was sitting in a chair and carving some kind of animal of wood. " So, Sweetie, what can you tell about her?" - Asked Rainbow harshly. "She can use magic, but just the basic..." - Sweetie put her finger on her chin as if thinking, talking to herself - "She used too much magic just to charge her eyes, so she can't control it... maybe some kind of visual magic?" Rainbow Dash was furious, she wanted answers. And she would get them. In an impulse, she hit the wall by her side, prompting the attention of both co-ocuppants in the room. "I can't believe you all will just let this fake sunset walk around freely!" "But, captain, these are our orders!" "Buck the orders!"- Rainbow shouted - "This thing may even be a bug! How can she be so young when we..." "Captain, please, calm down!" - Sweetie pleaded. "You know what, I will go there and break that fake mask of her and -" "Nope." The big man in the chair rose up, letting the wood carving of a dog fall to the ground. Behind the tattered cowboy hat he was using, his green eyes could be felt "You won't." "Ooooh, the big strong guy will try to stop little me?"- Rainbow Dash spoke in a mocking tone -"You know I can take you on!" "Await till the meeting, then do as you wish."Big Macintosh's voice was strong and direct to the point, and the worse part was that Rainbow knew he was right. She would have to wait. "So be it."- Rainbow Dash resigned herself -"But if she shows any sign of hostility... I will crush her. ” Author's Note Next Chapter: Episode 8: A Glimpse of Truth Episode 8: A Glimpse of TruthEpisode 8: A Glimpse of Truth Moonshine awoke with his own scream, sweet littering his body and tears dropping from his eyes. By his side on a stool his sword stood, glowing in a soft blue light. Slowly Moonshine rose from his bed, took his sword sheathing it and exited his room. As he was leaving, his mind drifted to when his surrogate mother told him about what happened to his true mother, and even now her words echoed in his mind. *...you are family, you are one of us. And an apple will never be alone* Moonshine smirked at the memory, how could he ask for anything more than what they had given to him? No... he needed to bear this curse his mother let to him. They have given him a home, a family when he had none. They gave him hope when there was only despair. Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh and Apple Jack. They were everything he had, and he would do anything to pay them back, no matter what. But right now, he would get some food. So Moonshine walked across the hall of the house and down a set of stairs, and quickly he found himself in the kitchen. There a big table stood at the center, above it was a beautiful slice of pie with a note attached. To Moonshine Moonshine just smiled, even after his horrible nightmare, he couldn't be happier for having Apple Jack in his life. Flash sentry was content, it had been many years since he had spoken with Sunset and, even now, it felt as if no time had passed. She was a good girl, and he had no clue about what she was going through, but he knew deep inside she deserved to be happy; maybe she could even join the settlement and be part of the group. Even so, Flash sentry felt as if something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on what was it. "Hey, Flash, are you there?" Rumble voice came and brought Flash to the present, almost making him cut himself with the tip of his spear. "Yeah, just preparing my gear." - Flash Replied while taking his shield - "By the way, why are you going with us?" "Hum... Dunno." Rumble answered honestly "What?" - Rumble answer made Flash turn to face the young man who tried to look the most innocent possible. "Auntie Pinkie just told me to go with the party to make sure we catch our prey" - Rumble shrugged - "So I'm here." "Let me see if I understand" - Flash took deep breaths and started to speak to himself in an effort to calm down- "I am going to hunt something that needs two awaken ones to take down. Is this true?" "Yes, it looks like it." Flash just facepalm, what that crazy woman was planning was beyond his mind, but if she planned this hunt with a goal in mind, this goal would be big. "Say, Rumble, do you know we will go after?" "No... she didn't tell me..." "But she told me" - Came a feminine and heavy-accented voice, the newcomer approached the duo while wearing her sister's stetson hat. "So Apple Bloom, what is it?" "We were going after the Ace of Everfree" - Apple Bloom spoke with a smile - "And I and Rumble are not the only awakened ones on this hunt, Bluebood will be coming too." "The Ace of Everfree... Wait, aren't this one the giant boar?" "Yes!" Replied Apple Bloom "And Blueblood is coming with us..." "Yes..."Apple Bloom replied again, but a little more hesitant. "I have a really bad feeling about this..." - Flash sentry muttered under his breath - "You all, prepare yourself for the worse, i will do the same... we can't let our guard down when next to that guy." "You might be right... he is an ass." - Rumble spoke firmly and Apple Bloom nodded. Sunset Shimmer entered the gates of the school carefully, even so she was curious about what the school had become. As soon as she stepped in the halls, she could feel the difference. Corridors that were full of color and life now were relegated to the most basic shades of gray. The once young crowd that walked in the halls was now a few, the majority of them, by their clothes, were guards. But even in this cold place, Sunset saw some cards and posters on the walls with positive phrases and a beautiful drawing of happy rainbows, clouds and a smiling sun—and it was obvious to her who the creator of these messages was. It was Pink- "SUNSEEEEEETTTTTT" Sunset almost jumped in surprise when she heard her name, and all she could do was look in the voice direction to see a pink blur grab her in a tight hug. "OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!" - The embrace was strong and sunset almost lost her breath, but the happy feeling inside her made her withstand the wish to break the contact - "SUNSET, HOW ARE YOU? ARE YOU FED? ARE YOU HAPPY? DO YOU LIKE OUR HOME? OHSUNSETIAMSOHAPPYTOSEEYOUAGAIN!" "Pinkie, I am happy too." - Sunset spoke low, remembering how Rainbow treated her earlier. As pinkie released her friend from her grip, she made a thinking face. "I want to catch up with you, but there is the reunion and..." - Pinkie opened a big smile and grabbed Sunset's hand, dragging her along the halls - "I know! First, we will test you, then we can eat a cake till the reunion. It will be our little reunion party before the party!" Sunset thought about telling her to stop, that she was nervous with the meeting and that she would like to wait till time, but she didn't have the heart to do it and, besides that, it was Pinkie; it would never work. Pinkie dragged Sunset through the halls of Canterlot High with the energy she always had, all while she spoke incessantly about many things at a speed that sunset simply couldn't follow. Even so, Sunset knew Pinkie had some place in mind and not long after, she started to hear a posh male voice coming from a room ahead. "Do you know who I am?" - spoke the male voice – "I deserve this rock more than anyone here!" "No, you don't." answered a monotone female voice - "This is for someone else." Both sunset and Pinkie were curious and peeked into the room, finding an office in prime condition. In the center a desk stood with some papers and a small rock, and sitting there was an expressionless woman; a stark contrast to the man standing next to her, a blond man that, by his posture, saw himself as the center of the word. "Do you know who my aunt was?" - asked the man - "I'm the last member of her family, I deserve this rock, now give it to me or..." "OR WHAT?" - Pinkie Pie entered the office, and her sister almost showed some emotion - "YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL, BLUEBLOOD, AND YOU ARE NOT THE LAST MEMBER OF CELESTIA FAMILY!" Blueood turned to see pinkie, rage was clear on his face, and Sunset didn't know how to proceed in this situation, so she just stayed by the door. "Oh, you mean that sorry excuse of a cousin? Moonshine is more like the dirty people who raised him than family and..." "WASH YOUR MOUTH BEFORE SPEAKING ABOUT HIM, YOUR POSH BASTARD!" - Pinkie pie was furious, Sunset had never seen her like this; now she was starting to understand how deep the changes in the world were - "WHEN LUNA DIE, YOU DID NOTHING TO HELP, IT WAS ME AND APPLE JACK WHO HELPED HIM! YOU ARE JUST A...." "Enough!" - Maud declared, her magic starting to fill the entire room, even making it hard to breathe. "Blueblood, you will not get the rock, so get out. Now." Facing Maud ultimatum, Blueblood left, spiting on the ground next to Pinkie's feet while leaving, his gaze fixed on the party girl. "Your lucky your sister is here, you stupid pawn." - and turning to Maud he complemented - "You can have this stupid rock anyway, I will get the core of an Ace for myself." Sunset was disturbed, this version of Bluebood was even worse than the one in Equestria. "Pinkie, are you okay?" - Maud asked, her concern sipping in her monotone voice. Pinkie in response took a deep breath and closed her eyes and, after a second, she reopened her signature smile. "Yes, I am... I don't know, he is the only one who can get in my nerves!" "Don't worry Pinkie, I'm furious too"– Spoke Maud in her monotone voice. Sunset couldn't see the difference in her semblance. - "But, how can I help you?" "Oh, Maud, do you remember Sunset?" Pinkie pointed to Sunset by the door - "She wanted to do the test." Maud simply nodded, opening a drawer and grabbing what looked like a small crystal ball, putting it over the desk. "Eh, Pinkie, sorry, but I don't know what is going on..." - Sunset waved her hands, trying to convey her confusion - "What is going on? Test? And what was that thing that guy spoke about you?" Maud just looked at Pinkie, a brow raised. "You didn't explain to her, right?" "Maybe I have forgotten?" Maud sighed and focused all her attention on Sunset, almost to an unnerving degree. "It seems I will have to do it, so you will need to pay attention..." - Maud cleared her throat and started, as Pinkie was sitting on the ground - "By what the reports told me, you already know we have magic here. But it is not so simple. Not everyone can use it, the ones who can are called the"awaken ones"and they can use and produce magic within their bodies, but the manifestation of these magic can vary greatly from person to person, but all of them have a base line for their ability." "" What do you mean?" "Shush, let her finish the lecture." "Thanks Pinkie, but I will answer the question. The base line are the three "classes" that a person can be put in. They are the Knight, The Tower and the Bishop" "Ah, just like chess pieces." "Yes, each one of these classes has a specialty; Knights are stronger and physical; Bishops have more magic and can use cast spells, and Towers have a bit of both." "Wait... If I remember correctly, that guy called Pinkie a Pawn, what does that mean?" "These are a term some awaken ones used to describe normal people, it is a horrible way of doing it." "Oh...so, Pinkie..."- Sunset was without word - "Sorry..." "Hey, Sunset, don't worry, just because some of us can't use magic as the awaken ones, doesn't mean we are weak."Pinkie raised her arm, flexing her muscle— "We can use magic items and can even fight the monster, just look at Flash sentry, he is REALLY strong!" "So Flash isn't a awaken?"- Sunset asked, "No, but he is known as one of the strongest people here."Pinkie declared "Maud, so the things you use to make these magical items are rocks like this one, right?"- Sunset appointed to the rock Blueblood wanted. "Yes, but this is not a rock, it is a monster core. The stronger the monster, the stronger their core; some monsters can even absolve other monster's core to grow stronger. The biggest and meanest of the bunch are known as royals but I will explain later about it later" "okay" "So, as I was saying, when someone new comes to our settlement, they need to take a test to see if they are an "awaken one", this is what Pinkie meant with you taking a test." "okay, I'm ready." Sunset spoke, uncertain of her words. Maud opened a drawer on her desk, taking what looked like a crystal ball. "Please, put your hand on the crystal." Sunset did as instructed and when her hand touched the cold surface of the crystal, she felt as if a shock had crossed her entire body. Soon after, the crystal shone with a yellow light. "It seems you are a awaken one. Congratulations." "What?"- Once again, Sunset was confused -"Just this?" "Yes."Maud answered "When you touched the crystal, it scanned you. If you were a normal person, it would lit a white light; but you are an awaken one. So he lit the yellow light to announce you as a tower; it would be blue if you were a bishop or red if you were a knight." "This is surreal... I can't..."- Sunset was about to explain the truth about her mission when Pinkie Pie tackled her in another tight hug. "CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION!" As the hug threatened to burst her ribs, Sunset noticed Maud making some notes and the light starting to fade outside the building. It was almost time to talk with Twilight. And Sunset feared their reaction to what she had to say. Author's Note I tried to write Apple Bloom accent but is harder than it looks... next chapter i will do better. Remaking!!!!Yeah, you didn't read wrong. I am making a reboot of this story. It will be shorter, but will incorporate everything I have learned during the hiatus. So, Moonshine will return, but this time he will have the help of two certain girls with magical powers. More action, more exploration, maybe even romance. And the story will be happening AFTER the events of camp Everfree. So, I am changing the status of the story from (Canceled) to (hiatus). When is the first chapter of the reboot going to be released? If everything goes alright, in around Wednesday. Sincerity, Fate Weaver. Episode 3: The Swordsman and Dreamscape of MemoriesEpisode 3: The Swordsman and Dreamscape of Memories It was the turn of Scootaloo to take guard in front of Canterlot High, and as she expected, it was really boring. She couldn't understand why someone like her – that was trained by the strongest and coolest person of Canterlot – had to do a meaningless task such as to guard the entrance of the school when, inside, it had many strong people. "HELP!" A scream for help called Scootaloo attention, making her stead her posture and stand up from her comfortable position lying in the step of the stairs with her trusted quarterstaff. "HELP!" She heard again, and now she was certain that the voice was from her former teacher, Cheerilee. She knew that Cheerilee had been out with the boring kid, but for her to scream like that something bad must have happened. Looking around she quickly found the former teacher as she was running with tears in her eyes, but the kid was not there. So, with a fast movement, she reached Cheerilee as she almost fell to the ground. "Teacher, what happened?" It was obvious that Cheerilee was not accustomed to running like that, she couldn't even speak between the need to catch her breath and the sobs of fear. "WE (sob) WERE ATTACKED (sob) MOONIE STOOD BEHIND!" - and with an unexpected movement, Cheerilee grabbed Scootaloo's shoulders as a stream of tears falls onto her cheeks - "PLEASE... help..." Cheerilee didn't need to say no more; Scootaloo then helped her former teacher to stand and gave her a big smile, the same Rainbow Dash would give her when trouble appears. "Cheerilee, don't worry, everything will be okay" - Scootaloo then pointed inside the school with a finger as she took a running stance - "Tell the crusader that we have a mission of rescue; I'm going on ahead." "Wait... are you going alone?"-Cheerilee asked. "Of course, I'm the second coolest person here, I can do it!" And Scootaloo started running, faster than any normal person could, and with each steep she could not hold her smile; not only she could prove to be great as Rainbow Dash, but she could slip out of that boring guard post and rescue that smug ass kid. * Yeah* - She thought while running in the direction from where Cheerilee came - *it will be easy* Darkness, darkness everywhere. Moonshine felt as if he was falling down an infinite abyss of blackness for the longest time. * Maybe I'm dead* - he thought as his body felt lighter and lighter - *or dying...* Regret was the only thing in his mind, he couldn't protect anyone, not even himself. It hurt him to admit it, but there was no way he would deny himself the truth – even if he would never admit it to others. He was weak. "Child of the Moon, stop right now with this pathetic way of thinking" It was a woman's voice, beautiful and terrifying at the same time. That voice was one that Moonshine had heard before, a long time ago, from the lips of his mother. Maybe his mind was trying to play some tricks on him. "No, I am not a figment of your foolish imagination." * What? How can this be possible? * "Oh, Son of the Moon, you know nothing about this world" - The voice continued, without a tinge of the recent outburst- "But you are right, you ARE weak... just like YOUR MOTHER" *I can be weak, but WHO ARE YOU TO TALK ABOUT MY MOTHER! * Anger swell in Moonshine’s mind as he tried to scream within his own thoughts - *DON'T YOU DARE TO TALK ABOUT HER! * A laughter echoed in the world of darkness that Moonshine was falling, growing in an almost maniac tone; what made Moonshine even more angry. "YOUR MOTHER WAS A FOOL, AND SO ARE YOU!" - exclaimed the Voice - "BUT WHY TELL YOU THIS, WHEN I CAN SHOW!" The world around Moonshine started to spin and get white, blinding him. He could no longer feel his body or the falling sensation; he knew something far different was going to help. And as Moonshine felt an energy building inside him, he heard the voice one last time. "Welcome, Moonshine, to your NIGHTMARE!" - With the maniac laugh at the end, fading slowly as his mind drifted away. Moonshine opened his eyes, and for a moment he looked around. He was inside what looked like a cozy home, with a wooden wall covered in photos of his mother, his aunt and some of the people who studied in her school. * The old home...* Moonshine thought, but his mind stopped with what he saw next. From where he was, he could see the fireplace where his mother was with his aunt and their assistant, Ms Raven Inkwell, chatting intensive about something he couldn't hear. He wanted to go there, to talk to his mother and aunt about what was going to happen, but he couldn't move. Only then he understood what the voice said about showing him – he was stuck inside the body he had when he was only ten-years-old; stuck as a spectator reliving the nightmare that haunted him every night... but now he could feel everything the same way he felt on that fateful day. * No...* - He thought as his ten-year-old self approached his mom. - *PLEASE, STOP! FOR EVERYTHING THAT IS SACRED, STOP! * The strange voice didn't come back no matter how many times Moonshine pleaded, so with a painful resignation, Moonshine accepted his role as just an observer. Moonshine ran to his mother's, skipping some step as he swung a wooden sword he had got for his birthday. He could hear his mother talking to his aunt about something, but that was nothing compared with the amazing skill he had learned. "Tia, this is nonsense!" - Luna boomed to his sister - "If you do this, you will be sacrificing EVERYTHING!" "Lulu..." - Celestia had a somber tone in her word, making even the child mind of Moonshine understand the heaviness of her words - "Even if I go, you would still be here, there's twilight, Cadence and our little Moonshine". Both sisters stared at each other as the silence settled in, and standing in between the sister was Ms Raven, faking fixing her glasses as to not get involved in the argument. And yet, both looked at her for an opinion—which made her put a hand in the stomach and run to the toilet. Just as Ms Raven left , Luna looked at her sister again. "But Tia... -" - she was going to argue but was cut short by an energetic voice. "Mom, look, I learned a new move! Look!" - he started to swing the wooden sword left and right, showing all his prowess. "Moonie, I'm talking to your aunt now" - Luna looked at his blue eyes and smiled - "You can show me all your skills later, okay?" "Who would think that my tough sister would be a mama bear?" - Celestia smirked as Luna showed her the finger - "Maybe one day he will be as strong as you..." "I WILL BE THE STRONGEST, Mom, this is a promise!" Moonshine spoke happily as he projected his chest to look bigger, which made both women laugh at the little one's antics. "Okay, okay; Moonshine, I'm pretty sure you will be really strong" - Celestia spoke as Luna put a hand in Moonshine's back - "But for now, let's eat a cake and..." The air grew heavy as the sisters looked at each other's eyes, Moonshine didn't know what it was, but he felt an uneasiness he couldn't control. "RAVEN, COME NOW!" - Luna shouted again, louder than the first time "COME QUICKLY!" "LUNA, I WILL GO AHEAD..." - Celestia spoke in an urgent tone, drawing her saber and running to the exit door- "COME AS SOON AS MOONSHINE IS SAFE." Raven Inkwell returned to the room, her hair a mess, and looking at the situation she quickly understood what was happening, hugging Moonshine from behind. Luna didn't lose any time, smiling at her son as she drew her sword and followed her sister. "Moonshine, don't worry" - Spoke Raven in a calm tone, as she carefully stroked the kid's shoulders - "Your mother and aunt are really strong" "I know right!" - Moonshine spoke confidently, a smile shone in his face - "They are the strongest, Mom IS the strongest!" "True... I really believe no creature in this land could defeat them normally..." - Explosions and screams could be heard coming from outside the house, Moonshine then tried to escape Raven's hands to see the action, but her grasp was strong, almost hurting him. " Raven, what are you doing?"- the pain from Raven's grip was increasing rapidly, and when Moonshine was reading himself to argue with her, he felt a slime and long "thing" passing through his cheeks. When he turned his face, what he saw made him open his eyes at their maximum. Ms Raven was there, but her face was all wrong. From her mouth a serpentine like tong swung, dripping a green like drool all over him; her skin was all cracked, letting Moonshine seen a black armor-like thing beneath; her eyes were slit and a shinning green glow escaped from there; but what fright him more was the enormous fangs protruding from her mouth. "You are right, Moonshine, they are powerful" - Spoke the Raven-Thing, her voice with a strange effect as if many were speaking at the same time - "That's why I needed to sent all my hive to give me the distraction that I needed." "Wha-" - Moonshine did not have time to finish his sentence as the monster trowed him in the left wall of the house, blanking his mind. After that, the Raven-Thing approached him, passing its finger on his face. "You'r luck, I like my meat a little more... seasoned" - Raven-thing then spoke something that Moonshine couldn't hear, and from behind him tendrils of a black substance passed around his body and mouth, binding and muting him. - "I will eat you when you have a little more magic, but for now, let's continue with the plan..." With a devilish smile, the thing looked in moonshine eyes and, in a blink of an eye, engulfed itself in a green like flame. Moonshine couldn't believe his eyes. Where once stood Raven-Thing, now a perfect copy of Moonshine stood, but with some bruises on its flesh. The only similarity between the two forms being the devilish smile and the evil green glows in the eyes. "Now" – spoke the thing with Moonshine Voice – "Let's finish this..."game"of ours; right, my little Moonshine" And the thing laughed, slowly walking to the center of the room. When it finally reached its intended spot, it raised its right arm in the direction of the right wall, and a giant ball of green fire erupted from its hand and longed forward. The explosion that preceded was enormous, lifting a cloud of smoke and ashes all around the place; even so, Moonshine could still see the thing in the center of the room as it opened its mouth. "MOM, HELP!" - The thing screamed in a fake distress - "MOM!" And from between the smoke she came, shrouded in a soft blue glow as she flew with open arms to her son. Moonshine could see the worry and fear in her eyes, but no matter how he tried to shout, to scream to her about the abomination that took his place; only silence in tears remained. And, in front of Moonshine's eyes, his mom was impaled by the black insectoid arm of the monster as it was slowly unveiling its true form. The scene froze, as if the time had stopped at that horrible moment. But now, Moonshine was free. Anger swelled in the young man's mind as his fury was directed at the voice who threw him in this painful memory. His will was so strong that it manifested a "body" so he could finally speak. "WHY" - Moonshine boomed - "WHY DID YOU MAKE SEE THIS?!" The images in the memory started to get blurry, except for Luna; in her case, her hair started flowing as if made of fog. From her Moonshine heard his answers. "To remember you the reason you fight." Moonshine was speechless, the horror to see his mother die was one thing, but to witness her body be used by "something" was even worse. His terror was so great, he didn't notice as a misty form creeping behind, only to twist around his mind-body, restraining him. "Wha-" "Hear me, Son of Moon" - The voice spoke from everywhere and nowhere at the same time - "I'm the spirit that dwells inside the blade of the Darkmoon" Moonshine attention and fear grew, he never knew that something like this was possible, and if something like that existed in the sword of his mother, it was nothing good. "You are chosen as a successor of the covenant of the night" - The fog thing around Moonshine's body tightens - "No matter what, the pact of souls must start." Moonshine eyes widened as the voice boomed. "NOW!" And Moonshine screamed. Author's Note So, I kinda need a feedback... See, i have been using another color to write when the POV change between the characters, but what you all think about it? Should i just stick to more neutral color or maybe i can go nuts? or even, just write who is the POV and be done with it. Any feedback is welcome. I Will love any feedback. Off-topic - AnnouncementSorry folks, the story will enter in hiatus for the time being, because i got sick and it is really messing with me... I will write much here, but, to simplify, I go in more detail in the blog in these links... First ting about the situation Second Link about the situation... Sorry about the trouble, and see you all later.
[Character Sheet] Moonshine[Character Parameters] First Chapters Moonshine (Knight) Age: 17 High: 183 cm Weight: 65 Kg Skin: Cobalt Blue Eyes: Arctic Blue Hair: Indigo; Long Hair "Moonshine is a skinny and yet vivid teenager, that always have a cold, almost emotionless eyes. Although he looks weak, he is surprisingly quick on his feet and with his sword. " Attributes: Strength: 12 Dexterity: 11 Intelligence: 11 Constitution: 9 Before awakening to his powers, Moonshine helped Ms. Apple Jack with the administration of the planting fields and distribution of work and food in that section of Canterlot; after awakening, he got a little more strong and received the basic training of the settlement. There he started to use his mother weapon, a silvery sword. Even so, his major strength is his mind. Character Characteristics Sense Of Duty Moonshine feel as if he NEEDS to protect the people and accomplish EVERY mission, as an heir of his mother will. Skinny Moonshine is really skinny, even though he has strength, his body don't show it. Magic Affinity 1 Moonshine awoke his power recently, and still don't know how to use it properly. Because of this, his affinity is low, even for a "Knight". Awakened (Knight) Enhanced Physical Resistance Enhanced Physical Strength Proficiencies: Canterlot Basic Training: 11 This is the "generic skill level" for the training Moonshine did. This training was in: Brawling, Shield, Spear, Broad Sword and the capacity to maintain the weapons. Stealth: 10 Observation: 10 Administration: 10 Combat Style: Because of the gift left by his mother, Moonshine chose to focus his efforts in training with the blade. Broad Sword: 12 After choosing his way of fighting, moonshine received the help of Apple Jack to refine combat technique. The way he chose was focusing on the one-to-one battle. When in this condition, the Skill with the sword of Moonshine (12) rise (to 14) Broadsword Dueling Style: 14 Equipment: Backpack: Rank F A normal backpack The silver Sword: Rank E A beautiful silvery blade, with a half moon carved in the hilt. Moonshine use this weapon as a reminder of his late mother. The blade is lighter than a normal sword, letting him use it with finesse Normal Clothes as Armor: Rank F Moonshine, for some reason, refuse to use real armor; opting for his normal cold wearings. Black shirt and jeans; Light Blue coat and boots.
Episode 1: The Swordsman and the NurseThe Swordsman and the Nurse The cold wind blew as Moonshine walked through the ruin of Canterlot, his icy blue eyes darting from side to side, as if expecting something wrong to happen. His steps were firm in that streets teeming with snow of the former blooming city, even as he felt that his task wasn't; escort the nurse while she looked for herbs to make some kind of medicine in that frozen landscape were, as he felt, a nightmare. "Moonshine" - Called the nurse Cheerilee, while she pointed to a house taken by the elements - "there is the place where the herbs grow." "Understood." - Moonshine was bored, but feel as if he could get some action, and with a quick movement drew his sword - "Please, miss, I'm going to check if there is something inside. You can come at my sign." Cheerilee, enveloped in an arrangement of tick cloths nodded. ==========X The inside of the house was much warmer than outside, and as Moonshine step inside he could see many kinds of grasses growing where should be the floor. For a tiny moment he let his guard down, imagining how that, in a world frozen for years now, plant life was capable of growing outside a man-made place. But that was something he would think later. So, with the utmost caution, Moonshine inspected each nook of the house, looking for any kind of possible danger - he even inspected the ground, but there was no footprint in the middle of the plants. With more confidence, he got back to the nurse, who waited as the light snow started falling, and gave the sign. ==========X Moonshine sat in the ground, his long dark blue hair under his shoulder and his sword by his side, His eyes tracking each movement the nurse did as she harvested the herbs. "You know, young man, you could be helping me right now" - Cheerilee spoke, finally looking at the young man. "No, thank you" - Moonshine didn't even hesitate "What?" - Cheerilee open her mouth to argue, but he cut her in the spot. "In the time that you would argue with me, or even teach me how to identify the herbs ..." - Moonshine rose a finger upward - "You would have ended your job. Now if you excuse me..." Cherilee start mumbling something about the rest of the people being right about Moonshine, but he paid no mind, instead he believed he had heard something estrange coming from outside; Moonshine had no idea what it was, so it meant he had to investigate - could be something dangerous to the nurse. "Hey, where are you going!" - Cheerilee spoke as she noticed Moonshine exiting the house "Make sure you don't die today." And with this, he let the house with the lone nurse - who once again mumble something about him being a "Moonie". ==========X Moonshine hated this nickname, "Moonie", he was certain that he was not THAT grumpy, but this kind of rambling would not help to do his job. And so, he slowly walked to the entrance of the ruined house, peaking at the streets, and to his surprise, he was really right. Walking through the snowy street was two humanoid creatures, and Moonshine believed that they were both taller than 6 ft, had no hair in their heads and wore some kind of yellow armor in their torso. Behind them and tied by some makeshift rope was a robed figure that tried to follow their pace, but each time it slowed down, it was pushed to go on by the strong tug of the two beings. For a second a thought came to his mind, the idea of saving the robed creature from what was certainly a grisly end was so alluring that Moonshine took a steep forward - and then he regretted it. As if both beings could hear his movement, they stopped, looking around. Sweat dripped from Moonshine's face as he weighted his choices, he was the only combatant in the vicinity, and before him was two unknown threats that appear to be physically strong and with unknown skills. On the one hand, he could risk everything and take down both creatures and save their prisoner, he had the skill to do it, but... In the other hand, his job was not to save anyone – it was to keep the nurse safe and sound, and he didn't trust himself to fight with someone to slow him down. So Moonshine made his decision, stepping back to the shadows of the crumble house; watching as the two strangers took their prisoner away, walking in the direction of one of "the places of dread". - but before he could return his full attention to the nurse, he heard shouting coming from the direction the strangers went, he could not identify the language, but it sent shivers down his spine. ==========X "Cheerilee, we need to go. NOW." - Moonshine spoke firmly. The nurse appeared as if she was going to say something funny, but when she looked at Moonshine's eyes, she understood that something was off. She nodded and closed her bag full of herbs. "Moonie, is something wrong?" "Yes. Let's go" - Moonshine answered dryly and motioned for them to go. Cheerilee nodded and both exited the place. ==========X Cheerilee was clearly tired, but Moonshine had no choice; the only way for him to feel safe was to take the long route back to the base. He couldn't know how much time they walked, but the feeling of wrongness hasn't left him. That's why, without warning, he turned to Cheerilee and dragged her to the nearby house hiding their presence. It was obvious that Cheerilee hated what he did, especially because he immobilized her and put a hand in her mouth. But Moonshine didn't care, he felt something was wrong, and if he had acted wrong, he would just ask for forgiveness later. And so, he watched the snowy street once again, without letting the poor nurse make a sound. A minute passed. Two. Three. Moonshine started to regret dragging the Cheerilee to appease his paranoia, but then he saw it. One of the two strange beings he had seen earlier was following them, and now he could finally see the detail. The creature was big, with short stock legs and strong hands and arms – almost like a gorilla – but it had no fur whatsoever, in its torso a metal looking armor shimmered by the grey light of that cloud day. But what marked Moonshine more was its face, where the pale skin of the creature seemed to rip apart around it's mouth, so that two big tusks could grow, and the small red eyes. The base was just a few blocks away and Cherilee could easily escape if that monster had a distraction. So, Moonshine made his choice. "Cheerilee, you must go" "But... What about you?" "Don't worry, I am strong enough to take this one down." "If you say..." "When I get in the street, you run." "Okey... take care, Moonshine" =================================================X==== The hunter were walking slowly, sniffing the air and looking for its prey. It has been some time since the alpha sent him to investigate, but when he was going to go back to the lair, he caught a strange scent – almost the same as the ponies, but different at the same time – and followed it till he found some footprints. The alpha was right, there was some prey around, and he would have the glory to hunt them. And now, he felt the scent of his prey getting closer, and for that, he smirked. Yet, what happened next was unexpected. From one of the crumbled huts around the road, the pony-like prey exited. He was smaller than the hunter, wearing a full set of black cloth with a light blue coat; his face was dark blue and his long hair was an even dark shade. - but his eyes were of clear icy blue color that made the hunter stand on his guard, even before seeing the silvery blade his prey was holding. "I don't know who or what you are" - spoke the prey in a cold tone - "but I will make you answer some questions." The hunter was happy for the prey to show itself, it made his job easier. Furthermore, he wasn't alone.
Episode 2 : The Swordsman and The DogEpisode 2: The Swordsman and the Dog Moonshine knew the risks, but he didn't want to take them. But now he had no choice, if the monster was permitted to go on, he could find the nurse or even worse, the base. So, he took a deep breath, drawing his sword with his right hand as he stepped on the street, his eyes fixed on the monster. First, he thought, he would need his full attention. "I don't know who or what you are" - He spoke - "but I will make you answer some questions." Moonshine was serious, he hated the need to fight, but after seeing the monster, he doubted he had a choice in the matter. And if it was just one enemy, he could take care of it. But after Moonshine's statement, the beast had an evil smirk between its tusks. And it hurled itself at Moonshine, using its long arms to increase the mobility the same way a gorilla would do. Moonshine had only a split second to dodge the monster as it jumped and, with both hands, descended on him using its hands as a sledgehammer. Snow splattered all around, and Moonshine almost lost his balance, but with the momentum he had, he twisted his body and stroke with his sword; but the gorilla-like monster blocked the blade with its bare and thick arm. Moonshine didn't understand why he couldn't cut the monster, but he could not finish his line of thought as the monster fist collided with his belly, sending him some ft backward, but Moonshine managed to resist most of the pain, and yet he knelled and almost threw up. A light grunt could be heard from the monster, as Moonshine struggled to stand up, he realized the thing was laughing. That was the clue he was waiting for, and quickly looking around he didn't see Cheerilee, meaning she managed to slip through when the fight started. Now, it was time to pay back. The hunter licked his lips as he ogled his kneeled prey. After it attacked him, the hunter knew for certain that the prey, albeit brave, was weak. But the hunter didn't understand why the prey didn't show fear in its eyes. On the contrary, the prey looked around as if the hunter was not there and, after a strange nod from the prey, it smirked. But the hunter felt furious for being looked down by a prey so weak. "Now..." - Spoke the prey as it stood up - "Let's end this quickly" The prey showed no emotion as he raised his blade at the height of his torso and adopted a strange posture. It enraged even more the Hunter, as the prey believed it could take him down. The hunter then growled high and ran at the prey, jumping and using its strong arms and hands to smash it to a small pile of flesh. But this time was different. The prey knew what the hunter was going to do and sidestep to the left dodging the first hit. The hunter then swung his might arm into the prey that crouched avoiding another hit; The hunter was furious, how could the prey DARE to dodge him! One, two, three hits - and each time the hunter swung his might fist, the small prey dodged. His anger was building up, and in his furious state he stopped caring about defense. All he wanted was to break this puny prey. Stomping in the snow, the Hunter advanced yet again over the prey, but now he felt something. And when he looked at his right leg, he saw the glimmering silver blade of the prey buried on his leg. The Hunter was astonished, how could a creature like that hurt him when not even a unicorn could? But the hunter didn't give up, and using the other leg, he lounged at his prey, only for it to dodge again and, with a fluid motion, cut his left leg off with that cursed blade. The pain was unbelievable, but he was bred by the queen to be strong, and not even this pain would defeat him. The hunter didn't want to do this, he wanted to take this prey alone, but he had no choice. Not anymore. The prey was stronger than he believed. And so he shouted in the language of Diamondia. With a swing in the air, Moonshine took off the blood of his sword. This was his first real fight after finishing his training under ms. Jack, and he was relieved that it had fruits. Yet, he was fearful. He had never killed anything, and in front of him was what was clearly an enemy – an enemy that almost took him down with only one hit – fallen to the ground, screaming incomprehensible things. Then, Moonshine remembered the questions he had earlier. The beast was still screaming when Moonshine kicked his mouth, cracking one of its tusks and silencing it. "Who are you and why are you following me?" The thing smirked, something Moonshine thought wasn't possible with the level of damage it took, before answering. "Me, Dog. You Prey. Dog Hunt Prey" 'Dog hunts prey', Moonshine was thinking 'what the fuck this 'dog' was talking about', but his thoughts were interrupted when the 'dog' continued. "Prey strong, stronger than ponies" Moonshine was even more confused, this monster was clearly not from the area, he knew it because of the book written by Ms. Fluttershy about Canterlot ecosystem, and it was even comparing him with mini horses. Beyond that, this 'Dog' was intelligent and was talking to him. And this was what frightened him the most, he talked first just as a joke, he really didn't expect an answer. But... then he noticed some tears coming from the tiny red eyes of the Dog. "Why are you crying?" "Prey strong, Dog wish to hunt prey..." "What?" "Now... Prey will be hunt by others dogs..." Only then Moonshine heard the sound of many steps, or he should say fists, rapidly advancing over the snow towards him, and when he turned his head to look at the origin of the sound, his eyes widened. Three more of the 'dogs' were coming, with one almost at his position, with one fist raised to an attack. Quickly, moonshine tried to think of a way out, and the only thought on his mind was to escape, to flee through the ruined houses and, when safe, go to the base and report. The only thing he needed to do was dodge this first attack. He was terrified, but had less than a second to calm his emotion, so he could dodge. The fist came with the scream of the attacking Dog. Moonshine could see clearly, and with a well-place movement he moved. He felt the urge of success as he saw, almost in slow motion, the fist passing by his head, almost an inch from hitting; but as Moonshine was finishing his maneuver, something grabbed his leg – and his momentum stopped; The fist of his aggressor collided with his face sending him flying. As moonshine was in the air from the attack, he saw what was holding his leg – the Dog he had defeated but not finished. And as his conscience was fading, his last thought was "At least, Cheerilee escaped..." And when he hit the ground, everything faded to black.
Episode 4: The swordsman and His Rescuer.Episode 4: The swordsman and his Rescuer. Scootaloo crouched, carefully checking the ground, it was obvious that not long ago a battle took place there; splashes of blood littered the snowy place and even a severed leg was lying in the middle of the frozen road. I really hope that this blood isn't from him—she thought as she saw a trail of little blobs of blood leading east—it can't be... Scootaloo found almost unbelievable the fact of someone, or something, leaving a trail of blood to their lair; furthermore, knowing of all the monster littering the ruined city. "They must be really strong or really dumb to do this..." - she spoke to herself, opening a smile that mimic Rainbow Dash's grin - "Either way, let's find out." And Scootaloo ran, following the path of blood blops. The guards walked between the trees, complaining about the task of keeping vigilance outside their lair. There were too many dogs in the perimeter just to keep two prisoners safe. One would be given to the queen and the other would become food, the same way the stupid hunter had. *Who would know that the creatures of this world are more violent than the ponies?* Tooth stopped thinking, it hurt his head to use that way. Only then he realized he was alone, all the five dogs had disappeared, as if a unicorn had cast magic on them. He felt fear, if there is a unicorn there, it could be dangerous for the pack. But something lightly taped on his shoulder, when he turned to look, he only saw a small fur less mare look alike of orange skin and purple hair; she smiled at him, and he was going to reciprocate when she hit him hard on the head with some kind of stick. ~~Bonk~~ And Tooth was Knocked off. Scootaloo was surprised, the track had led her to a small hill at the border of the Silent woods; what meant that some strong monster could appear at any moment; that's why she chose to act quickly. And now, she had to take down six monsters that she, in all her years acting as a Canterlot Crusader, had never seen. After scanning the surroundings one more time, she checked that there were no more guards; which meant that she could proceed following the track that led to a badly hidden hole on the side of a hill. *It's time to go where no girl went.* She thought as she proceeded to the hole. Some time earlier A teenage girl was locked in a crude made cell inside the Dog's lair; all her belongings were stripped of her, leaving her only with the rags she used as clothes, and a cloak. Worse than that, right next to her and outside the cell, in what the dog called a table, there was her most precious item; the "Compass Of Fate". Time was short, and he knew that, and despite the hopelessness of the situation, she tried one more time to use her magic. Rising her left arm, she aimed for the iron bar that locked her and with great concentration started muttering the arcane words her teacher showed her a long time ago. It was hard for her to maintain the concentration when her jailer, one of the diamond dogs, started to yell. "PUNY PONY, STOP NOW OR JAILER MAKE YOU STOP" "NO. LET PONY TRY" - came a grave voice from the darkest corner of the cavernous shelter, carrying itself with mockery - "PONY WILL FAIL. PONY ALWAYS FAIL." His words hurt the girl, but she still had to try; but as predicted, her magic didn't manifest, even so she felt the magical energy leaving her body. And as she stopped, she heard the grave voice from the alpha once again, but not his word – only laughter. Fury and sadness swell inside her seeing her impotence in front of the situation, and she struck the bars in frustration. "Twilight... I failed..." the girl whispered to herself, going to the back to of her cell and lying down in the dark. The girl was almost sleeping when she heard the grunting of many dogs entering the cave, they were loud and their steps heavy. The girl knew that something was happening and quickly got to the bar of the cell to have a better look at the situation as the discussion between the dogs got louder and louder till the Alpha interfered. "WHAT ARE YOU BLOCKHEADS DOING?" - Shouted the alpha "ALPHA, HUNTER FIGHT PONY LIKE CREATURE AND LOSE" – it seemed as if the dogs had presented something to the alpha – "HUNTER LOST LEG; BUT WE CATCH CREATURE!" The girl heard the alpha grunting loudly, as if taking a great decision, before he shouted. "YOU FIVE, GUARD THE ENTRANCE!" - Some more grunts, and the girl heard some dogs exiting the cave - "TOOTH, TAKE THE HUNTER. HE FAIL. NOW HE IS FOOD." She heard a whimpering noise as something heavy was dragged out of the cave. "TAKE CREATURE TO WHERE THE PONY IS; WE DEAL WITH IT LATER." With it, the Alpha got back to his side of the wall, where his "bed" was. The Jailer quickly followed the alpha order, walking to the cell carrying the body of a teenager. "BACK, PONY!" He barked, and the girl retreated. She didn't have time to take four steps when the jailer trowed the teenager's body at her, grinning while doing it. She didn't have time to prepare herself, but still, she caught the boy when he was about to hit her. The girls put him carefully on the ground, looking at his face. He had cobalt blue skin and long indigo blue hair. But what caught her attention was the small tears flowing from his eyes. She didn't know why, but the boy remembered her of someone, she just didn't know who. But she was happy, if this boy was alive in this world, it meant that her friends were too. There was still hope. Then she looked again at the table where her compass was, just to see a beautiful silver sword. A word escaped her mouth in disbelieve. "Luna's...?" Confusion, fear and anxiety filled the girl's heart that didn't know what to make of the situation. Why, in Celestia's name, this boy had Luna's sword and why he hasn't woken since his arrival. She knew he was alive because all this time, small tears still fell from his eyes; but nothing more. She even tried to inspect him, looking for any clues of his origin, but he had nothing with him. The Jailer, an old Diamond Dog, had demonstrated interest in her action at first, but after some time lost interest; and the alpha was sleeping in his corner. That's when she felt something strange, and looking at the table she could clearly see the silver blade start to shine in a faint blue glow; something that was not noticed by her captors. "What?"- Unconsciously, she approached the bars of the cell, trying to see better the strange phenomenon; She could not understand what was happening. No matter in what world, Luna has always knewn how to hide well her secrets. "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING, PONY? - Suddenly, the jailer approached the bars of her cell, his tusks near her face -"I TOLD PONY TO STAY AWAY OF BARS OR I WOULD TAKE I BITE FROM YOUR -" The Jailer dog was interrupted in mid-sentence when a hand pushed his head with force into the bars, even deforming it. For a second the girl jumped back in shock. But what really shocked her was what stood proudly in front of her. A woman using a black shirt, green short and boots; in her left hand a quarterstaff. Her skin was of a light orange color and her hair was purple, and she sported a strong build and a confident smile. No matter how different this woman was from the last time she saw her, the girl still knew who she was. "Scootaloo?"- spoke the girl The woman, Scootaloo, tilted her head in confusion while looking at the girl, only to open her eyes in realization. "Wait! You are Sunse-" "BEHIND YOU!" - Sunset screamed as a big hand grabbed Scootaloo's right arm while she was distracted and with great force threw her out of the lair. Sunset was astonished and afraid; the Alpha had risen from his sleep and attacked Scootaloo from behind with a force that would kill any normal person. More than ever. She needed to escape. Now. Scootaloo was thrown by a great force out of the hole these monsters called a lair and almost hit the snowy ground, but with a backflip she regained her balance and fell on her feet, even so, the force was strong enough to drag her several feet behind. Then she saw what had attacked her. It looked almost like the monsters she's been silently taking down, but it was bigger and clearly stronger. Different from the others, the skin of this one was pale, and its eyes were red, and in its right hand it carried a big club. Scootaloo could feel the danger this enemy posed, and it made her blood start to boil in excitement. * Rainbow will be so proud of me! * She thought while smiling at the monster. "Hey, ugly face, you messed with the wrong girl today!"- Sootaloo spoke to the beat - "I will turn you into dust!" "ALPHA IS STRONG!" - The monster answered what alarmed Scootaloo; not many monsters could do that— "AND ALPHA WILL BREAK LITTLE CREATURE!" They didn't need more words, their locked eyes told them everything they needed to know. The Alpha jumped, swinging his club with only one hand, hitting the ground with a huge crash and making the snow to spread all around, even in the air. Scootaloo stepped back, dodging the first strike with ease, but she didn't anticipate the repercussion of the attack, where a small piece of snow landed on her left eye. The beast furiously started swinging the club at Scootaloo with ferocity as she could only dodge while trying to clean her eyes. The range of the monster attacks was long because of his long arms, and he was fast; and even if Scootaloo could evade each attack, she couldn't find an opening to counter it. * It is like Dash told me* - she thought while dodging the flurry of attack - *If you don't find an opening, you create one! * With quick movements, she advanced, approaching the monster with each swing of its arm, and with the last movement she twisted her body, canalizing her magic in her left leg and hitting the alpha in the back of the knee, breaking his balance. The Monster started to tumble, but Scootaloo was determined not to give it a chance to recover, and with the quarterstaff started a flurry of blows. Hitting his face, torso and arms many times. "AHHHHHHHH!" The alpha screamed, grabbing the quarterstaff with the left hand and swaying the weapon on his right hand, striking Scootaloo in the side, sending her flying into a tree nearby. She hit the tree and felt the pain washing over her body, even making her bite her lower lip to try to maintain the focus, and as a fillet of blood escaped her mouth, she looked at the Alpha. The monster was kneeling, in its right hand there stood the club, and in his left he held her quarterstaff. He wasn't much better than her, filled with bruises from her attacks. That was a problem. She knew that they were matched in power, but she still had a card in her sleeve. Scootaloo rose up, with the alpha in her line of sight, and took a running position. She knew that using this ability was a bad idea, but it was the only idea she got. So, magic started building in her, even becoming visible to the Alpha as a wave of orange energy flowing from her body. Scootaloo knew that the Alpha understood that she would do something unexpected when he threw the weapons away, put his hands together and, with some kind of magic, coated his arms and hands with white rocks. It would not be enough to hold her; that she knew. Magic was expanding inside her, spreading through her body; mostly her fist and legs. "You not half bad, you know?" - She smiled, it was time to end this. - "But, I will finish you off now." The magic started to envelope Scootaloo's whole body, morphing and almost looking as if it was solid. It was time. "Come!" - She shouted - "Wrecking Wheels!" And Scootaloo magic shone around the snowy ground. At the same time that the young woman activated her special ability, not far from her, inside the dog's lair, an explosion occurred. Author's Note Yo, This was the chapter I was planning to post Sunday; but if is ready, why wait? Btw, next chapter will be release next Weekend (or earlier) See ya soon. :pinkie happy:
Episode 5 : The swordsman RunawayEpisode 5 - The swordsman Runaway Magic roared between Scootaloo's feet, taking the form of small wheels on the sole of her feet; and in her fists small balls of concentrated energy encapsulated her hands. She ran in a straight line as if wearing skates, increasing her speed greatly; the Alpha in turn, seeing her coming direct in front of him, released his defensive stance and tried to punch the upcoming woman; only for her to dodge and counter with an uppercut – hitting the dog in the chin. By the force of the attack the feet of the alpha left the ground; but Scootaloo hadn't finished. While the dog was still in the air, she started a flurry of blows, she didn't care where to hit, just hitting was necessary. Magic flowed from her as each attack hit its target, and to finish it, she started spinning, hitting the dog with a powerful kick, using the magical wheels on her feet as a weapon. The effect was immediate, and the Alpha was sent flying, his body getting limp when it landed. Scootaloo's breath was heavy as she examined the enemy, and after concluding that he was, indeed, defeated, she tuned off the ability. Only then she felt the toll of using such a skill, feeling her body shivering upon the strain she put herself into. But, having defeated such an enemy made the coast clear to her, and her goal shifted to the cave. Only to her, after only one step, kneel. Her body was at its limit. *I hope you are alright...* she thought, looking at the smoke coming from the hole the dog's turned into their lair. - *I'll have to stay here a bit more...* Then she heard something coming from behind, when she turned, she saw all the five dogs she had taken down earlier in a fight position. The last one she defeated was in front of the group. "TOOTH ALPHA NOW!" - The dog spoke, looking hungrily at Scootaloo - "AND TOOTH HUNGRY!" As the battle outside raged on, Sunset saw the soft blue light coming from the sword on the table get stronger, only to produce a small line that started to serpentine in the direction of the unconscious teenager, passing under the compass and under the bar of the cell. * There not much I can do to help him now... This line is of pure magic! * - Sunset thought as she saw the line connect with the boy, then widening her eyes before speaking - "Wait, this is pure magic!" She ran to the place where the magical line passed under the cell bars and touched the line; he couldn't feel anything, but she knew she was in the right place. Then she concentrated. She knew she couldn't cast any spell, but each time she tried, she felt tired, which meant that magic energy was spent. She concentrated on her finger, the one touching the line, and put everything she had there. At first nothing happened, but then the line started to get wide, the blue hue stronger, energy started leaking from the line, she could hear the boy scream in pain, but she couldn't stop focusing on overcharging the line. Her magic energies were getting emptying, but she was close. Very close. ~~KBOOM!~~ The explosion destroyed the cell bars, sending Sunset to the back wall and burning part of her hands and clothes and filling the room with smoke. The wounds were serious, she knew, but she couldn't let herself pass out. And between the smoke she saw the boy rising up, his eyes glowing in the same blue hue that the sword had before. And she could see he was looking at her. Scootaloo was surrounded by five dogs and now that her magic was drained, all she could do was dodge the attack of the monster. She barely could dodge the firsts three attacks of the dogs, but the on the one that came from behind hit her with great force, force her to fall in the snow. She was stronger, but they had come in the worst moment. They are closing, surrounding her by all side; she couldn't see a way to escape. Only for a rock to hit one of the dogs in the head, it was not enough to cause any visible damage, but it distracted him enough time to the snark boy to appear holding his sword. Moonshine hair was flowing with his speed, his eyes and blade are shining; and with a quick slash, he decapitated the dog that was distracted. The one next to him quickly realize what was happening and sung his fist at him; only for him to block it with the blade, making him disengage from the battle. It was fast, but all the four dogs stopped looking at the fallen Scootaloo and regrouped, facing the new threat. And with the sign by Tooth, all four advanced at the same time. Only for Moonshine to turn around and run away in the direction of the forest with the dogs on his tail. Now Scootaloo was alone in the snow, felling the iron-like taste of blood on her mouth. She needed to stand up and help him, but her arms didn't hold even the strength for her to stand up. That's when a hand reached for her. As she looked, it was the red haired girl from before, Sunset, now with tattered clothes. "You need to help him!" - Scootaloo aked in fear for the rookie. "Don't worry, he's not fighting" "What?" "He is just gaining time." - Sunset them smiled - "Can't you feel them?" * Just a little... Just a little more! * Moonshine ran across the tree, dodging each trunk. In the back of his mind the sense of the danger posed by entering deep into the silent wood ringed, but he had no choice. Even if he had a forward start in the run, these dogs were faster, being capable of running with all four limbs. It didn't take long to moonshine to hear the song of barking behind him, and the noisy steps surrounding him. Seeing the reality of the situation, Moonshine stopped, putting his back against a tree and getting himself in position. Barks and grunts came from everywhere, letting Moonshine on the edge. Then all stopped. And the eerie silence made the boy even more uncomfortable. He knew he was at his limits. That's when a dog jumped from his right, but instead of attacking him, it passed by him as if he wasn't there. Moonshine was confused and looked at the direction the dog came from. In front of him stood three people, two young women, one of them wearing soft leather armor and a big man, covered from head to toe in a heavy red armor made of crystals. At the vision, his let a sigh of relief and just dropped to the ground. "AB, Sweetie" Spoke Moonshine, controlling his breath "you are all late" "Sorry, we have some problems in the way" Sweetie Belle warmly smiled looking at the boy. "But don't worry, moonie, we are 'ere now!" replied Apple Bloom. "Yep" Complemented the big warrior. 'now, what about we go bak home?"- Apple Bloom asked jokingly. "Nothing would make me happier." Author's Note So... I had some problems during this week, and it affected my writing a little. But I expected this chapter to but at least acceptable. That being said, see you all next week. Or earlier... I don't know.
Episode 6 : The Road Back HomeEpisode 6 - The Road Back Home Sunset walked slowly in the middle of the group, her clothes burned and torn by the explosion that freed her. Even so, she felt calm; an emotion she didn't feel ever since she escaped Equestria in her search and managed to dodge the enforcers of the queen. She was inside her mind as the group silently walked through the snowy landscape, she remembered everyone who was there; The Stoic Big Mac and the energetic crusaders. But everything was alien to her. The city was in shambles, and everything seemed to have changed places; and the people seemed to have grown older, that without talking about the creatures she saw when she was hiding in the forest before being captured. "Why the long face?" - Sweetie Belle spoke to Sunset "Everything is...wrong!" - Sunset quietly answers - "The last time I was here, the city was beautiful, and you all were kids, and now... I thought I was in the wrong place." Big Mac was at the front of the group, carrying Moonshine on his back, he took off his helmet showing his long blond hair and full beard; and he glanced at Sunset for a split second. "Things changed." "What do you mean, Big Mac?" "Ask twilight, she has the answers." Sunset was confused and looked at the crusaders for help, but got none. In fact, she approached Scootaloo to offer help since she was hurt in the last battle. The other crusaders, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just shrugged with apologetic smiles. Canterlot encampment - Main Building - Gymnasium Around twenty individuals were standing up in line next to a makeshift mat, and above it with a smug smile, Rainbow Dash stood proud. "So, you all believe you are hardened and strong" - Rainbow started flexing her arm - "But it is all bullshit, and I will teach you all how to be really strong!" All the young fighters looked at her, their eyes shining in admiration for one of the five strongest of Canterlot. Seeing her goal being archived, Rainbow started strolling along the edge of the mat, preparing for the demonstration. ~~SLAM~~ With a fast glance, Rainbow Dash saw the blond country girl opening the door with the strength she would use to beat one of the greatest monsters of the city, and she could see the fire of fury reflected from that emerald green eyes of hers. Something was really wrong with her. "Flash, take rookies and train them today" "Yes m'am. And you...?" "I don't know yet, but it looks like I will try to stop an earthquake." Apple Jack hands and boots were still dirty from working on the fields, but she didn't care. Twilight has fucked up, and she would need to have a piece of her mind. After entering the gymnasium of the former schools, she directed herself to the halls, the fast way to the Director's Office, but something, or better, someone, appeared in her way. "AJ, I was thinking you were working right now and..." "cut it down, dash. You know why i'm 'ere." "hãn?" "I will talk to twilight right now" "You won't, you are too much fired up. Calm yourself first and..." It was fast, without thinking, Apple Jack right fist launched forward, pouching in a cross motion, but Rainbow managed to throw her head back in the nick of time to avoid the strike. Even so, the wind behind the strength of the punch could be felt by the rookies on the mat. "Rainbow, i already told you. I will talk to twilight now." Rainbow saw the determination and cheer stubbornness of her friend, in her mind, there was only a way to stop her friend from doing something really dumb. With this in mind, Rainbow took some steps backward and entered a fight stance. The Rookies and even Flash Sentry stopped their warm-up to see the event in front of them. But Apple Jack didn't care, she had an idea in her mind and would not back down; releasing her powerful magic and making Rainbow Dash answered in kind. "AJ, you honestly think it is a good idea to do this?" "I honestly think you should take care of your god-damn business!" "AJ, you are doing something stupid!" Rainbow Dash spoke loudly – "You need to stop this!" "Twilight sent Moonshine ALONE with that Cheerilee, but he awoke his power less than SIX months ago. SIX!" - Apple Jack shouted back - "He got injured and NO ONE TOLD ME! NO ONE!" This took Rainbow back, because she knew and was the one to make everything so that Apple Jack wouldn't know about everything before the situation was resolved. "Sorry, AJ, but you won't go there till you chill out" "THEN TRY TO STOP M..." Apple Jack stopped, feeling a small prick in her neck. First she was confused, not knowing what happened, looking at Rainbow Dash as her eyes got heavy and her body was stiff. "Rainbow, what you di.d..." "What...?" Rainbow was confused, she was certain she would need to fight her friend because of her stubborn behavior but, from nowhere she just fell down out. "Wow, that was close." A singing voice came from somewhere with the halls of the former school, and from there a bright-eyed woman adorning a beautiful crafted camouflage cloth and holding a blowpipe appeared. "Pinkie?" "No, silly, I'm the king of Denmark. Now help me here to take her to the hospital, remember I didn't 'wake' like you all."' - Pinkie spoke happily, taking apple jack upper body - "We need to walk fast, he will be down just for some minutes... I'm think; well whatever. We need to work fast!" "Hãn?" "Yes, silly, they are coming home, and we need a party!" Author's Note Yeah... I know... I promised that this chapter would have 2k+ words, but something really unexpected happened... See, in the last week a had been feeling sick, but in my heavenly wisdom chose to stay quiet and take some pills, that was the reason that the last chapter was short and the same reason why this chapter is even short but i was trlly wrong... so ... I'm sorry. Everything come to a halt some days ago, when i couldn't get out of bed... so yeah, It was pretty bad. But everything is going to be better now, this weekend I saw a doctor, and I am medicated (and in quarantine) but I am ~~(almost~~) certain it is not covid... anyway, I will finish writing the next chapter tomorrow, seeing that I'm feeling better and better. So, once again, sorry and till the next chapter.
Episode 7 : A Rest Before The StormEpisode 7 - A Rest Before The Storm Moonshine looked around and quickly understood that he was in the void of his dreams. Next to him, a mist in the form of a woman's body perched in his shoulder as he fell into the dreamless abyss. "I'm unimpressed with you." "Hum..." "Can't you see how much effort I'm putting into you to grow strong?" "Nothing happens without effort..." - Moonshine replied as he looked at the dark - "I'm with you only for a day and almost die." "Yes, you're right, but..."- the formless woman mounted, getting face to face with the young man - "I gave you power, but I need payment for it." "What?" The dreamless abyss shined, and Moonshine found himself in the middle of the encampment of Canterlot as a formless mist danced around in front of his eyes, distorting everything he saw. Flames darting from side to side in a maniac dance of destruction, the sky blacked by the smoke emphasized the cries of pain and desperation in the voices of his friends. "Help us Moonshine!" "Why do you let us die?" As the emotional pain reached its peak, Moonshine dropped to the ground, kneeling and trying desperately to silence the voices that tried to reach him with his hands. But his efforts were for nothing as the shouting of fears and madness still echoed in his mind. A great crash was heard by him, shaking the ground and making the young man look at the structure newly formed in his front between his tears. A big and sturdy tree was broken, and the walls that protected the people are no more, around the leaves that left the branches of the enormous tree, countless insectoids revealed themselves. Walking slowly over the tree, a figure that froze Moonshine blood was walking step by step was his mother in the same attire she used so many years ago on that fateful day. At each step, her clothes seemed more dirty, more tattered, her beautiful skin started to darken, and a filthy stench reached Moonshine's nose; as she was closing the gap and approaching Moonshine, he could see the blood sipping from her belly and mouth. She approached his face in a morbid smile. "Why did you let me die?" Moonshine Screamed, but no one would ever hear him, as a laughter echoed around his dreamscape. Canterlot High, infirmary Apple Jack awoke after her friend's intervention, and, most important, her temperament was calmer than before. Pinkie could feel in her hair strands that the country girls didn't drop the subject, but the bulk of her fury had subsided. "AJ, why did you do that?" "..." "You promised me that you would do this!" "It wasn't a pink promise..." "Screw this, AJ, you almost fought Rainbow there" - Cheerilee was there treating some patients, and in all her years she had never seen Pinkie so angry. - "You know how hard it is to maintain our little peace here?" "..." "Sorry, I didn't hear you." Pink spoke, approaching Apple Jack. "S... Sorry, Pinkie..." - Apple Jack was trembling under the blankets, small tears were sprouting from her eyes that she tried to hide with her hat - "But Moonshine is like a son to me, and when I discovered about Twilight orders..." Pinkie Pie seated by Apple Jack's side, comforting her friend. "We all know that you have been taking care of him ever since what happened... to Luna..." - Pinkie took a sip of air - "But you are not alone, we all love him, and Twilight would never send him in a dangerous mission." "So why did he almost die." "Because of something we would never dream of. He found Sunset. SUNSET!" Pinkie almost shouted the name. "But she left so many years ago... HOW?" "Cool, right. And i have no idea HOW" - Pink lifted her thumb to Apple Jack - "Tonight I will make a party for her and Moonshine. Of course, Scootaloo too, she helped the rescue." "so we will finally know what happened that day that everythin' changed..." "Yep." "and where are they, i mean, moonshine, sunset and scootaloo?" "You don't need to worry." With three fingers up, the energetic woman almost jumped from the infirmary bed - "Moonshine is in your house taking a nap, he used too much magic without being ready. Sunset is eating, it seems she hasn't done this for a time and is scootaloo..." Pinkie pointed to a bed in the infirmary, and there was Scootaloo sleeping without a care in the world. "So, when Sunset will tell us her story?" "Twilight told us to unite at 5 PM in her office." Apple Jack nodded, and a small smile formed in her mouth, finally she felt as if everything that happened was leading to somewhere. "Now if you excuse me, I have a party to plan. Later!" Apple Jack stood there alone, seen her friend run as if there was no tomorrow. Canterlot encampment - Canteen Sunset was oblivious to the world around her, as many people were walking around doing their daily tasks. She was seated in a wooden stool, and in front of her there was a plate filled with food. Real food, something she hasn't had for many days. Ever since she fled Equestria, she had been in a constant state of fear, and everything she had been the cloak she used to hide herself till the portal and her trust compass. Even so, it was for nothing. She had been followed by those brutes dogs or, even worse, them... "SUNSET, IS THAT YOU!?" A happy voice called her, bringing her from her stormy thoughts, and when she looked, she couldn't believe her eyes. A strong man stood in front of her sporting an armor made of some kind of blue and yellow leather, a goatee adorned his face with his electric blue hair and eyes. "Can't be..." Sunset spoke, astonished. The man quickly closes the gap between the two and gives her a tight hug, quickly separating afterwards and taking another stool next to Sunset table. "I can't believe the rumors are true...wow!" - Flesh Sentry checked Sunset body in a glimpse, but she caught him. "I know what you did... and it is strange." - Sunset leaned forward at the table - "Everyone here has developed and aged, I should have to do the same, but my body here looks like one of the tanagers!" "Yes... This is kinda strange..." "Yeah... you can say this... you really developed since the last time I saw you... wow, you REALLY chance!" "Of course, I would change, it has been more than seventeen years since you left here..." "WAIT, THIS CAN'T BE POSSIBLE!" - Sunset shouted as she stood up, everyone in the canteen looking at her. -"EVEN IF I WAS YEARS IN THE OTHER SIDE, IT COULD'T TAKE TOO LONG!" Flash just shrugged. As a new voice joined the scene. "You better believe, Sunset." "Rainbow?" "Yeah, long time no see." - Rainbow came from behind the people working, her voice lacked the common bravado that Sunset was used in her time in Canterlot High. Rainbow just toked another stool and joined the table. "I don't know what happened to you, but, ever since you left everything got..." - Rainbow stretched her arm, showing everything around her - "Crazy." "She is right... everything changed..." Flash complemented. "We have been fighting for our lives for years now, and when everything seemed to come to a new "normal"..." - Sunset felt as some kind of anger toward her from Rainbow - "You show up... like you did many years ago, and almost looking the same as when you left..." "Rainbow, I can explain!" Rainbow just slouched back and relaxed, closing her eyes. " Look, Sunset, I don't care about all this nerd stuff, but I warn you." - Rainbow opened her left eye - "Don't put my friends in danger or else..." Sunset didn't need a hint to know what Rainbow was talking about, she could feel the shiver at her former friend's warning. With her words out, Rainbow stood up and stretched, and as she was walking out, she spoke once again. "Sunset, better eat your food soon, will get cold. And Flash" The guy almost jumped on his feet when she mentioned him— "show her the place. Just remember to take her to the main build at five." " Yes, captain." - replied Flash, making a continence signal. "Captain?" "Yes... long story. I will tell you during the tour." "Deal." And sunset resumed eating. Sunset walked by Flash's side as he explained to her, in a really shallow way, how everything got together and how the small town of Canterlot, this place she was in, was born. She knew that that information was essential for her next steps, but her mind couldn't concentrate on his word. She felt as if she was watched by everyone around her, but each time she looked around trying to find who or what was watching her, all she could see were people going around their daily business. "- And this is why we have to separate our forces with Crystal Prep... Sunset?" - Flash concluded, looking at Sunset and quickly understanding that she heard nothing about what he said. "Sorry, Flash... Many things happen, and my mind is crazy right now..." "I know..." - flash put his hand on her shoulder - "Them, let's do things like this." "What?" "I will give you the abridged version of how the town works, and then you can prepare yourself for the interview with the principal." "Deal." The duo started walking again, bringing back the attention of the bystanders. Flash pointed then at something far way. "You see, this place was built around many blocks of the city, but our population is really low. You can see where our area ends by looking at the protective walls around here." "Wow... incredible, even from here I can see their tops!" "Magic can be fantastic and fearsome, you know..." "What you mean...?" For a moment Flash was silent, his goatee and hair floating slightly with the soft breeze. "Sunset... I was one of the first of us to fight the things that came when the world got crazy... I saw things eating my friends..." "Sorry..." "Don't be. Their sacrifice is what made us have this place in the first place... but let not stop here. Come with me." Sunset looked at where Flash was heading and instantly recognized the building. It was Canterlot High, even the mirror in the front stood with the statue of the great horse, but at the same time, it was different. It seemed as if the construction had been damaged and repaired many times, and enhanced to receive the hardest of the blows. To confirm, Sunset quickly concentrated in her eyes and, as she expected, the structure was enforced by magic. "This is the main building of the town, and where everything comes and goes from. If you want to find anyone, you just need to come here" Sunset continued ogling the former school in silence, so Flash continue. "Northwest from here is the farmland where the folks found a way to grow crops and tame some of the beasts after the first wave of monsters. Apple Jack is the head of the group." "To the North East you will find the"industrial"complex, Pinkie lead the group with the help of Mister Turner. She is crazy, but she can make really good weapons and clothes." "South west we have the housing area, the major part of people here live there. The guard force help us to maintain the order. By the way, Rainbow Dash is the leader of the guard." "And to the South East -" "Okay, I understand... wow, you all really build a home here." "It was the only way to survive." - Flash just replied. - "Now, go to the main building. I believe there will be a hunting party soon, and I want to go." "Really?" - Sunset seems a little confused - "I was thinking that you would love to catch up with me..." "Beside the fact that we're walking for more than twenty minutes, and you ignored me for the greater part..." - Flash flashed a big smile to Sunset, as he took the path to the farmlands - "You are just too young for me right now. Sorry." "Yeah... Too young..." Sunset stood alone facing the building she was used to frequenting daily, and taking a deep breath, she proceeded inside. Inside a small room, two people looked through the window with great interest while a third one was sitting in a chair and carving some kind of animal of wood. " So, Sweetie, what can you tell about her?" - Asked Rainbow harshly. "She can use magic, but just the basic..." - Sweetie put her finger on her chin as if thinking, talking to herself - "She used too much magic just to charge her eyes, so she can't control it... maybe some kind of visual magic?" Rainbow Dash was furious, she wanted answers. And she would get them. In an impulse, she hit the wall by her side, prompting the attention of both co-ocuppants in the room. "I can't believe you all will just let this fake sunset walk around freely!" "But, captain, these are our orders!" "Buck the orders!"- Rainbow shouted - "This thing may even be a bug! How can she be so young when we..." "Captain, please, calm down!" - Sweetie pleaded. "You know what, I will go there and break that fake mask of her and -" "Nope." The big man in the chair rose up, letting the wood carving of a dog fall to the ground. Behind the tattered cowboy hat he was using, his green eyes could be felt "You won't." "Ooooh, the big strong guy will try to stop little me?"- Rainbow Dash spoke in a mocking tone -"You know I can take you on!" "Await till the meeting, then do as you wish."Big Macintosh's voice was strong and direct to the point, and the worse part was that Rainbow knew he was right. She would have to wait. "So be it."- Rainbow Dash resigned herself -"But if she shows any sign of hostility... I will crush her. ” Author's Note Next Chapter: Episode 8: A Glimpse of Truth
Episode 8: A Glimpse of TruthEpisode 8: A Glimpse of Truth Moonshine awoke with his own scream, sweet littering his body and tears dropping from his eyes. By his side on a stool his sword stood, glowing in a soft blue light. Slowly Moonshine rose from his bed, took his sword sheathing it and exited his room. As he was leaving, his mind drifted to when his surrogate mother told him about what happened to his true mother, and even now her words echoed in his mind. *...you are family, you are one of us. And an apple will never be alone* Moonshine smirked at the memory, how could he ask for anything more than what they had given to him? No... he needed to bear this curse his mother let to him. They have given him a home, a family when he had none. They gave him hope when there was only despair. Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh and Apple Jack. They were everything he had, and he would do anything to pay them back, no matter what. But right now, he would get some food. So Moonshine walked across the hall of the house and down a set of stairs, and quickly he found himself in the kitchen. There a big table stood at the center, above it was a beautiful slice of pie with a note attached. To Moonshine Moonshine just smiled, even after his horrible nightmare, he couldn't be happier for having Apple Jack in his life. Flash sentry was content, it had been many years since he had spoken with Sunset and, even now, it felt as if no time had passed. She was a good girl, and he had no clue about what she was going through, but he knew deep inside she deserved to be happy; maybe she could even join the settlement and be part of the group. Even so, Flash sentry felt as if something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on what was it. "Hey, Flash, are you there?" Rumble voice came and brought Flash to the present, almost making him cut himself with the tip of his spear. "Yeah, just preparing my gear." - Flash Replied while taking his shield - "By the way, why are you going with us?" "Hum... Dunno." Rumble answered honestly "What?" - Rumble answer made Flash turn to face the young man who tried to look the most innocent possible. "Auntie Pinkie just told me to go with the party to make sure we catch our prey" - Rumble shrugged - "So I'm here." "Let me see if I understand" - Flash took deep breaths and started to speak to himself in an effort to calm down- "I am going to hunt something that needs two awaken ones to take down. Is this true?" "Yes, it looks like it." Flash just facepalm, what that crazy woman was planning was beyond his mind, but if she planned this hunt with a goal in mind, this goal would be big. "Say, Rumble, do you know we will go after?" "No... she didn't tell me..." "But she told me" - Came a feminine and heavy-accented voice, the newcomer approached the duo while wearing her sister's stetson hat. "So Apple Bloom, what is it?" "We were going after the Ace of Everfree" - Apple Bloom spoke with a smile - "And I and Rumble are not the only awakened ones on this hunt, Bluebood will be coming too." "The Ace of Everfree... Wait, aren't this one the giant boar?" "Yes!" Replied Apple Bloom "And Blueblood is coming with us..." "Yes..."Apple Bloom replied again, but a little more hesitant. "I have a really bad feeling about this..." - Flash sentry muttered under his breath - "You all, prepare yourself for the worse, i will do the same... we can't let our guard down when next to that guy." "You might be right... he is an ass." - Rumble spoke firmly and Apple Bloom nodded. Sunset Shimmer entered the gates of the school carefully, even so she was curious about what the school had become. As soon as she stepped in the halls, she could feel the difference. Corridors that were full of color and life now were relegated to the most basic shades of gray. The once young crowd that walked in the halls was now a few, the majority of them, by their clothes, were guards. But even in this cold place, Sunset saw some cards and posters on the walls with positive phrases and a beautiful drawing of happy rainbows, clouds and a smiling sun—and it was obvious to her who the creator of these messages was. It was Pink- "SUNSEEEEEETTTTTT" Sunset almost jumped in surprise when she heard her name, and all she could do was look in the voice direction to see a pink blur grab her in a tight hug. "OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!" - The embrace was strong and sunset almost lost her breath, but the happy feeling inside her made her withstand the wish to break the contact - "SUNSET, HOW ARE YOU? ARE YOU FED? ARE YOU HAPPY? DO YOU LIKE OUR HOME? OHSUNSETIAMSOHAPPYTOSEEYOUAGAIN!" "Pinkie, I am happy too." - Sunset spoke low, remembering how Rainbow treated her earlier. As pinkie released her friend from her grip, she made a thinking face. "I want to catch up with you, but there is the reunion and..." - Pinkie opened a big smile and grabbed Sunset's hand, dragging her along the halls - "I know! First, we will test you, then we can eat a cake till the reunion. It will be our little reunion party before the party!" Sunset thought about telling her to stop, that she was nervous with the meeting and that she would like to wait till time, but she didn't have the heart to do it and, besides that, it was Pinkie; it would never work. Pinkie dragged Sunset through the halls of Canterlot High with the energy she always had, all while she spoke incessantly about many things at a speed that sunset simply couldn't follow. Even so, Sunset knew Pinkie had some place in mind and not long after, she started to hear a posh male voice coming from a room ahead. "Do you know who I am?" - spoke the male voice – "I deserve this rock more than anyone here!" "No, you don't." answered a monotone female voice - "This is for someone else." Both sunset and Pinkie were curious and peeked into the room, finding an office in prime condition. In the center a desk stood with some papers and a small rock, and sitting there was an expressionless woman; a stark contrast to the man standing next to her, a blond man that, by his posture, saw himself as the center of the word. "Do you know who my aunt was?" - asked the man - "I'm the last member of her family, I deserve this rock, now give it to me or..." "OR WHAT?" - Pinkie Pie entered the office, and her sister almost showed some emotion - "YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL, BLUEBLOOD, AND YOU ARE NOT THE LAST MEMBER OF CELESTIA FAMILY!" Blueood turned to see pinkie, rage was clear on his face, and Sunset didn't know how to proceed in this situation, so she just stayed by the door. "Oh, you mean that sorry excuse of a cousin? Moonshine is more like the dirty people who raised him than family and..." "WASH YOUR MOUTH BEFORE SPEAKING ABOUT HIM, YOUR POSH BASTARD!" - Pinkie pie was furious, Sunset had never seen her like this; now she was starting to understand how deep the changes in the world were - "WHEN LUNA DIE, YOU DID NOTHING TO HELP, IT WAS ME AND APPLE JACK WHO HELPED HIM! YOU ARE JUST A...." "Enough!" - Maud declared, her magic starting to fill the entire room, even making it hard to breathe. "Blueblood, you will not get the rock, so get out. Now." Facing Maud ultimatum, Blueblood left, spiting on the ground next to Pinkie's feet while leaving, his gaze fixed on the party girl. "Your lucky your sister is here, you stupid pawn." - and turning to Maud he complemented - "You can have this stupid rock anyway, I will get the core of an Ace for myself." Sunset was disturbed, this version of Bluebood was even worse than the one in Equestria. "Pinkie, are you okay?" - Maud asked, her concern sipping in her monotone voice. Pinkie in response took a deep breath and closed her eyes and, after a second, she reopened her signature smile. "Yes, I am... I don't know, he is the only one who can get in my nerves!" "Don't worry Pinkie, I'm furious too"– Spoke Maud in her monotone voice. Sunset couldn't see the difference in her semblance. - "But, how can I help you?" "Oh, Maud, do you remember Sunset?" Pinkie pointed to Sunset by the door - "She wanted to do the test." Maud simply nodded, opening a drawer and grabbing what looked like a small crystal ball, putting it over the desk. "Eh, Pinkie, sorry, but I don't know what is going on..." - Sunset waved her hands, trying to convey her confusion - "What is going on? Test? And what was that thing that guy spoke about you?" Maud just looked at Pinkie, a brow raised. "You didn't explain to her, right?" "Maybe I have forgotten?" Maud sighed and focused all her attention on Sunset, almost to an unnerving degree. "It seems I will have to do it, so you will need to pay attention..." - Maud cleared her throat and started, as Pinkie was sitting on the ground - "By what the reports told me, you already know we have magic here. But it is not so simple. Not everyone can use it, the ones who can are called the"awaken ones"and they can use and produce magic within their bodies, but the manifestation of these magic can vary greatly from person to person, but all of them have a base line for their ability." "" What do you mean?" "Shush, let her finish the lecture." "Thanks Pinkie, but I will answer the question. The base line are the three "classes" that a person can be put in. They are the Knight, The Tower and the Bishop" "Ah, just like chess pieces." "Yes, each one of these classes has a specialty; Knights are stronger and physical; Bishops have more magic and can use cast spells, and Towers have a bit of both." "Wait... If I remember correctly, that guy called Pinkie a Pawn, what does that mean?" "These are a term some awaken ones used to describe normal people, it is a horrible way of doing it." "Oh...so, Pinkie..."- Sunset was without word - "Sorry..." "Hey, Sunset, don't worry, just because some of us can't use magic as the awaken ones, doesn't mean we are weak."Pinkie raised her arm, flexing her muscle— "We can use magic items and can even fight the monster, just look at Flash sentry, he is REALLY strong!" "So Flash isn't a awaken?"- Sunset asked, "No, but he is known as one of the strongest people here."Pinkie declared "Maud, so the things you use to make these magical items are rocks like this one, right?"- Sunset appointed to the rock Blueblood wanted. "Yes, but this is not a rock, it is a monster core. The stronger the monster, the stronger their core; some monsters can even absolve other monster's core to grow stronger. The biggest and meanest of the bunch are known as royals but I will explain later about it later" "okay" "So, as I was saying, when someone new comes to our settlement, they need to take a test to see if they are an "awaken one", this is what Pinkie meant with you taking a test." "okay, I'm ready." Sunset spoke, uncertain of her words. Maud opened a drawer on her desk, taking what looked like a crystal ball. "Please, put your hand on the crystal." Sunset did as instructed and when her hand touched the cold surface of the crystal, she felt as if a shock had crossed her entire body. Soon after, the crystal shone with a yellow light. "It seems you are a awaken one. Congratulations." "What?"- Once again, Sunset was confused -"Just this?" "Yes."Maud answered "When you touched the crystal, it scanned you. If you were a normal person, it would lit a white light; but you are an awaken one. So he lit the yellow light to announce you as a tower; it would be blue if you were a bishop or red if you were a knight." "This is surreal... I can't..."- Sunset was about to explain the truth about her mission when Pinkie Pie tackled her in another tight hug. "CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION!" As the hug threatened to burst her ribs, Sunset noticed Maud making some notes and the light starting to fade outside the building. It was almost time to talk with Twilight. And Sunset feared their reaction to what she had to say. Author's Note I tried to write Apple Bloom accent but is harder than it looks... next chapter i will do better.
Remaking!!!!Yeah, you didn't read wrong. I am making a reboot of this story. It will be shorter, but will incorporate everything I have learned during the hiatus. So, Moonshine will return, but this time he will have the help of two certain girls with magical powers. More action, more exploration, maybe even romance. And the story will be happening AFTER the events of camp Everfree. So, I am changing the status of the story from (Canceled) to (hiatus). When is the first chapter of the reboot going to be released? If everything goes alright, in around Wednesday. Sincerity, Fate Weaver.
Episode 3: The Swordsman and Dreamscape of MemoriesEpisode 3: The Swordsman and Dreamscape of Memories It was the turn of Scootaloo to take guard in front of Canterlot High, and as she expected, it was really boring. She couldn't understand why someone like her – that was trained by the strongest and coolest person of Canterlot – had to do a meaningless task such as to guard the entrance of the school when, inside, it had many strong people. "HELP!" A scream for help called Scootaloo attention, making her stead her posture and stand up from her comfortable position lying in the step of the stairs with her trusted quarterstaff. "HELP!" She heard again, and now she was certain that the voice was from her former teacher, Cheerilee. She knew that Cheerilee had been out with the boring kid, but for her to scream like that something bad must have happened. Looking around she quickly found the former teacher as she was running with tears in her eyes, but the kid was not there. So, with a fast movement, she reached Cheerilee as she almost fell to the ground. "Teacher, what happened?" It was obvious that Cheerilee was not accustomed to running like that, she couldn't even speak between the need to catch her breath and the sobs of fear. "WE (sob) WERE ATTACKED (sob) MOONIE STOOD BEHIND!" - and with an unexpected movement, Cheerilee grabbed Scootaloo's shoulders as a stream of tears falls onto her cheeks - "PLEASE... help..." Cheerilee didn't need to say no more; Scootaloo then helped her former teacher to stand and gave her a big smile, the same Rainbow Dash would give her when trouble appears. "Cheerilee, don't worry, everything will be okay" - Scootaloo then pointed inside the school with a finger as she took a running stance - "Tell the crusader that we have a mission of rescue; I'm going on ahead." "Wait... are you going alone?"-Cheerilee asked. "Of course, I'm the second coolest person here, I can do it!" And Scootaloo started running, faster than any normal person could, and with each steep she could not hold her smile; not only she could prove to be great as Rainbow Dash, but she could slip out of that boring guard post and rescue that smug ass kid. * Yeah* - She thought while running in the direction from where Cheerilee came - *it will be easy* Darkness, darkness everywhere. Moonshine felt as if he was falling down an infinite abyss of blackness for the longest time. * Maybe I'm dead* - he thought as his body felt lighter and lighter - *or dying...* Regret was the only thing in his mind, he couldn't protect anyone, not even himself. It hurt him to admit it, but there was no way he would deny himself the truth – even if he would never admit it to others. He was weak. "Child of the Moon, stop right now with this pathetic way of thinking" It was a woman's voice, beautiful and terrifying at the same time. That voice was one that Moonshine had heard before, a long time ago, from the lips of his mother. Maybe his mind was trying to play some tricks on him. "No, I am not a figment of your foolish imagination." * What? How can this be possible? * "Oh, Son of the Moon, you know nothing about this world" - The voice continued, without a tinge of the recent outburst- "But you are right, you ARE weak... just like YOUR MOTHER" *I can be weak, but WHO ARE YOU TO TALK ABOUT MY MOTHER! * Anger swell in Moonshine’s mind as he tried to scream within his own thoughts - *DON'T YOU DARE TO TALK ABOUT HER! * A laughter echoed in the world of darkness that Moonshine was falling, growing in an almost maniac tone; what made Moonshine even more angry. "YOUR MOTHER WAS A FOOL, AND SO ARE YOU!" - exclaimed the Voice - "BUT WHY TELL YOU THIS, WHEN I CAN SHOW!" The world around Moonshine started to spin and get white, blinding him. He could no longer feel his body or the falling sensation; he knew something far different was going to help. And as Moonshine felt an energy building inside him, he heard the voice one last time. "Welcome, Moonshine, to your NIGHTMARE!" - With the maniac laugh at the end, fading slowly as his mind drifted away. Moonshine opened his eyes, and for a moment he looked around. He was inside what looked like a cozy home, with a wooden wall covered in photos of his mother, his aunt and some of the people who studied in her school. * The old home...* Moonshine thought, but his mind stopped with what he saw next. From where he was, he could see the fireplace where his mother was with his aunt and their assistant, Ms Raven Inkwell, chatting intensive about something he couldn't hear. He wanted to go there, to talk to his mother and aunt about what was going to happen, but he couldn't move. Only then he understood what the voice said about showing him – he was stuck inside the body he had when he was only ten-years-old; stuck as a spectator reliving the nightmare that haunted him every night... but now he could feel everything the same way he felt on that fateful day. * No...* - He thought as his ten-year-old self approached his mom. - *PLEASE, STOP! FOR EVERYTHING THAT IS SACRED, STOP! * The strange voice didn't come back no matter how many times Moonshine pleaded, so with a painful resignation, Moonshine accepted his role as just an observer. Moonshine ran to his mother's, skipping some step as he swung a wooden sword he had got for his birthday. He could hear his mother talking to his aunt about something, but that was nothing compared with the amazing skill he had learned. "Tia, this is nonsense!" - Luna boomed to his sister - "If you do this, you will be sacrificing EVERYTHING!" "Lulu..." - Celestia had a somber tone in her word, making even the child mind of Moonshine understand the heaviness of her words - "Even if I go, you would still be here, there's twilight, Cadence and our little Moonshine". Both sisters stared at each other as the silence settled in, and standing in between the sister was Ms Raven, faking fixing her glasses as to not get involved in the argument. And yet, both looked at her for an opinion—which made her put a hand in the stomach and run to the toilet. Just as Ms Raven left , Luna looked at her sister again. "But Tia... -" - she was going to argue but was cut short by an energetic voice. "Mom, look, I learned a new move! Look!" - he started to swing the wooden sword left and right, showing all his prowess. "Moonie, I'm talking to your aunt now" - Luna looked at his blue eyes and smiled - "You can show me all your skills later, okay?" "Who would think that my tough sister would be a mama bear?" - Celestia smirked as Luna showed her the finger - "Maybe one day he will be as strong as you..." "I WILL BE THE STRONGEST, Mom, this is a promise!" Moonshine spoke happily as he projected his chest to look bigger, which made both women laugh at the little one's antics. "Okay, okay; Moonshine, I'm pretty sure you will be really strong" - Celestia spoke as Luna put a hand in Moonshine's back - "But for now, let's eat a cake and..." The air grew heavy as the sisters looked at each other's eyes, Moonshine didn't know what it was, but he felt an uneasiness he couldn't control. "RAVEN, COME NOW!" - Luna shouted again, louder than the first time "COME QUICKLY!" "LUNA, I WILL GO AHEAD..." - Celestia spoke in an urgent tone, drawing her saber and running to the exit door- "COME AS SOON AS MOONSHINE IS SAFE." Raven Inkwell returned to the room, her hair a mess, and looking at the situation she quickly understood what was happening, hugging Moonshine from behind. Luna didn't lose any time, smiling at her son as she drew her sword and followed her sister. "Moonshine, don't worry" - Spoke Raven in a calm tone, as she carefully stroked the kid's shoulders - "Your mother and aunt are really strong" "I know right!" - Moonshine spoke confidently, a smile shone in his face - "They are the strongest, Mom IS the strongest!" "True... I really believe no creature in this land could defeat them normally..." - Explosions and screams could be heard coming from outside the house, Moonshine then tried to escape Raven's hands to see the action, but her grasp was strong, almost hurting him. " Raven, what are you doing?"- the pain from Raven's grip was increasing rapidly, and when Moonshine was reading himself to argue with her, he felt a slime and long "thing" passing through his cheeks. When he turned his face, what he saw made him open his eyes at their maximum. Ms Raven was there, but her face was all wrong. From her mouth a serpentine like tong swung, dripping a green like drool all over him; her skin was all cracked, letting Moonshine seen a black armor-like thing beneath; her eyes were slit and a shinning green glow escaped from there; but what fright him more was the enormous fangs protruding from her mouth. "You are right, Moonshine, they are powerful" - Spoke the Raven-Thing, her voice with a strange effect as if many were speaking at the same time - "That's why I needed to sent all my hive to give me the distraction that I needed." "Wha-" - Moonshine did not have time to finish his sentence as the monster trowed him in the left wall of the house, blanking his mind. After that, the Raven-Thing approached him, passing its finger on his face. "You'r luck, I like my meat a little more... seasoned" - Raven-thing then spoke something that Moonshine couldn't hear, and from behind him tendrils of a black substance passed around his body and mouth, binding and muting him. - "I will eat you when you have a little more magic, but for now, let's continue with the plan..." With a devilish smile, the thing looked in moonshine eyes and, in a blink of an eye, engulfed itself in a green like flame. Moonshine couldn't believe his eyes. Where once stood Raven-Thing, now a perfect copy of Moonshine stood, but with some bruises on its flesh. The only similarity between the two forms being the devilish smile and the evil green glows in the eyes. "Now" – spoke the thing with Moonshine Voice – "Let's finish this..."game"of ours; right, my little Moonshine" And the thing laughed, slowly walking to the center of the room. When it finally reached its intended spot, it raised its right arm in the direction of the right wall, and a giant ball of green fire erupted from its hand and longed forward. The explosion that preceded was enormous, lifting a cloud of smoke and ashes all around the place; even so, Moonshine could still see the thing in the center of the room as it opened its mouth. "MOM, HELP!" - The thing screamed in a fake distress - "MOM!" And from between the smoke she came, shrouded in a soft blue glow as she flew with open arms to her son. Moonshine could see the worry and fear in her eyes, but no matter how he tried to shout, to scream to her about the abomination that took his place; only silence in tears remained. And, in front of Moonshine's eyes, his mom was impaled by the black insectoid arm of the monster as it was slowly unveiling its true form. The scene froze, as if the time had stopped at that horrible moment. But now, Moonshine was free. Anger swelled in the young man's mind as his fury was directed at the voice who threw him in this painful memory. His will was so strong that it manifested a "body" so he could finally speak. "WHY" - Moonshine boomed - "WHY DID YOU MAKE SEE THIS?!" The images in the memory started to get blurry, except for Luna; in her case, her hair started flowing as if made of fog. From her Moonshine heard his answers. "To remember you the reason you fight." Moonshine was speechless, the horror to see his mother die was one thing, but to witness her body be used by "something" was even worse. His terror was so great, he didn't notice as a misty form creeping behind, only to twist around his mind-body, restraining him. "Wha-" "Hear me, Son of Moon" - The voice spoke from everywhere and nowhere at the same time - "I'm the spirit that dwells inside the blade of the Darkmoon" Moonshine attention and fear grew, he never knew that something like this was possible, and if something like that existed in the sword of his mother, it was nothing good. "You are chosen as a successor of the covenant of the night" - The fog thing around Moonshine's body tightens - "No matter what, the pact of souls must start." Moonshine eyes widened as the voice boomed. "NOW!" And Moonshine screamed. Author's Note So, I kinda need a feedback... See, i have been using another color to write when the POV change between the characters, but what you all think about it? Should i just stick to more neutral color or maybe i can go nuts? or even, just write who is the POV and be done with it. Any feedback is welcome. I Will love any feedback.
Off-topic - AnnouncementSorry folks, the story will enter in hiatus for the time being, because i got sick and it is really messing with me... I will write much here, but, to simplify, I go in more detail in the blog in these links... First ting about the situation Second Link about the situation... Sorry about the trouble, and see you all later.
