//------------------------------//
// Catastrophe 4 
// Story: Eclipse's Journey 
// by Eclipse_filer 
//------------------------------//

Shadow and Scarlet began to stare each down. Tension begins to rise as the two take their respective stances. Shadow made the first move running in on all fours. While rushing in I could see an electric charge building in his front paws. Scarlet’s horn began to light up in response. Before she could use her magic, Shadow leapt into the air and clapped the electric charged. There was a large flash of light, that blinded everyone for a few seconds. When the light faded away, Shadow had Scarlet in a choke hold. Then he body surged with electricity.



Scarlet yells get off me and takes off fly with Shadow hanging on. Scarlet tried shake him off but Shadow grabbed her wings and sent her straight up. As sudden as those two go up, they came back and Shadow sent her into a tailspin. He jumped off and while she was falling at full speed. The next few seconds felt like everything was going in slow motion. Scarlet somehow managed to stop spinning and trying not to smash into the ground.



She curved herself enough to use her legs to push off the ground to the wall. Using the force from the fall Scarlet ran up the wall to the ceiling and pushed off to Shadow. She fired a fireball at shadow. Before Shadow could do anything, he was hit and was sent flying into the wall on the other side.

Shadow hits the wall with enough force to knock the wind out of him. He gets up with a paw in the air saying “all right, that's enough. I'll work with you.” Scarlet took a few seconds to come back to the ground saying, “I thought you were going to fight me a lot longer than that.” Shadow says, “I was but that really hurt a lot.”

Scarlet said, “Fair enough, I will be back in an hour to discuss the terms.”

After a few minutes, Scarlet left out the library. We exited the basement and went to the front desk of the building to see Midnight. Saphyre asked Midnight what time was it. She said it was noon and offer to give them a homemade meal, since she is going on break. Everyone there except Rain said okay sure.



The group took an elevator on the right side of the library to the second floor. Midnight opened the door right next to the elevator. The door opens to a rather large apartment. The living room had two couches a large flat screen tv mounted in the wall. Behind it was a window, to the right side was two rooms with the doors closed. On the left was a large kitchen.



As we walked in, I asked Midnight if all the rooms were like that. She said yeah and asked what do you want for lunch, I wanted a hayburger, Shadow and Saphyre asked for sausage and eggs and Rain said to give her the usual.

While waiting for the food, I wanted to ask Rain how did you meet Midnight. But I might as well be walking into a minefield. While weighing my opinions, I was unintentionally staring at Rain.

Rain said “what, do you want ask me something?”



That pulled me back to reality and I nervously asked, “How do you two met and get to know each other.”



Rain looked away for a second and said “that's not a happy story. I'm not proud of it and sometimes I wish...I didn't meet her that way. But after all this time, Midnight deserve to know."  I asked Rain if you wanted us to leave the room. She said thanks but Rain said she would rather for us to be there instead.

Rain was about to start when Midnight came in the room say “food is going to be done in a little bit. I'm ready for a trip down memory lane. I don't see why, you were kind of badass when I met you.

It was ten years ago, in a small log cabin in winter. My parents liked living of the forest and enjoined the peace and quiet. I was always full of energy and ready to do anything. Until one snowy night, after me and my parents went to sleep. Someone lit our house on fire and I guess that coward ran away. Good thing too If I found him, I would have smashed them in a tree.



I woke up with my ceiling covered with thick black smoke. The fire was starting to come in my room. Without thinking I opened my door to see the hallway was ablaze. There was too much fire to pass through it. So, I held my breath, and flew into the smoke to my parent’s room. I had to fly with my eyes closed and remembered where I burst into their room and while room was covered in flames. I didn't see them and panicked.



I left their room and when down to the living room as fast as possible. I still didn't see them. My eyesight began to blur and I needed air desperately. I tried to bust through our window. But that jerk screwed thick metal sheets in front of our windows. I had to take get to the door but my body gave out from all the heat from the flames. I was barely still awoken when someone I didn't know runs into my burning prison.



It was a changeling, I thought I was going insane from the flames and stress. That changeling dragged me outside. That brought me next to my unconscious family and walked off. I wanted to say something but I black out before I could even say thank you. When I woke up, my mother was holding me asking me if I was okay. I told her, a changeling saved us. She told me that was impossible, changelings didn't like the cold and they aren't nice beings. They capture and drain their prey dry. But I was determined to meet that guy again.”

Saphyre interrupted Midnight asking “Guy? But Rain is a girl.”

Midnight blushed “The flames made it hard to see properly. At the time I was flustered, I couldn't do anything to save my parents or myself. Then some mysterious nobody comes out of nowhere and does something I couldn't do. I wanted to see to tell him thanks and show him I don't need to be saved from now on. That was before I found out my knight in shining armor, was my black knight in buggy armor.

Lucky for us, our house was insured and my parents saved enough money for this kind of situation. A week later, me and my parents moved into this city. I met her again when she came to our new house and she was disguised. Rain looked bad, her mane and coat was shaggy and undone. She smelled like bathing, was a new concept to her. Her stomach growled while she was asking for a few slices of bread.



She said she would get a job soon, so I can repay me back. I thought it was weird for a filly no older than me doing something like this. So, I asked her where are her parents. She told me she did not have parents anymore. I caved and gave her some bread. She thanked me and told me she’ll pay me back later.



A few days later, I saw her again and she looked the same and was barely standing on her hooves. So, I bought her lunch and asked how the job search went. It turns out, no wants to hire a kid with zero experience. So, I offered for her to become my paid sparring partner. I was determined to train to get stronger. She agreed to my terms and every day after we would train. After every session, I would pay Rain for her service. After school, we would go to an abandoned warehouse. I would train my physical abilities and my weather manipulation and Rain would sometimes work on physical strength but focus on her magic.



We looked up books at the library for new and better techniques. Until one day I found a move that could beat anyone. If done right you can shut down anyone’s magic. The move was called Lockout. The problem was everyone’s spot is different. Rain didn’t want to do it, but I caught her off guard. Suddenly her body burst into flames, her appearance became more bug like. I was shocked and confused to see Rain turn into changeling and not any changeling, she was the one I was looking for. After that things got a little confusing. It's kind of hard to show off to your imagery rival when they are right in front of you and you beat them every time we spar. Until the day you vanish of the face of Terra.”



While Midnight was telling her story, Rain had an unreadable look on her face. It looks like she was trying to decide to be flattered, angry or nervous. After she was done, Rain seemed to go with nervous. She said, “okay for me to tell you Midnight, you need to promise me you're not going to beat me up or throw me out a window.” Midnight raised an eyebrow and agreed. Rain took a breath and said, “well that fire from when you were a kid; I started the fire.” Midnight’s smile cracked was replaced with confusion.



There was a long dramatic pause before Rain continued. “Their some parts you did know, when I was 12 years, my parents were more aggressive in wanting me to be the next queen and to forget my dream. I refused multiple times, being a queen takes a lot of responsibility, mature, focus and determination. I didn't believe I could do it. But my parents were not taking no for an answer. For some insane reason, they thought my loyalty was weakening because I wouldn't devote my life to my hive. So, to insure my loyalty to my colony; I was ordered to kill a you and your loving parents. You and your parents seem to represent the perfect family. It was to represent, I could make tough choices for the hive they told me. Which is dumb, in every sense of the word. If I failed, I would have been excommunicated. At the time, I was scared and horrified. Changelings don't normally kill, It’s wasteful and distasteful. The only time a changeling would kill is if their lives were in danger normally. This was the first time I was put into this position. My brother, was ordered to come with me to make sure the deed was done. He suggested I use a fire, since I didn't want to kill anyone. The fire was supposed do it swiftly and while you all were asleep and I would not have encountered the family at all. On the way, there we stopped by a department store and he grabbed a dozen metal sheets, screws and a battery powered drill. He wouldn't tell me what for until we were getting started. After you guys were asleep, Reggie told me I was lucky. Since I had magic, I didn't need to get my hooves dirty. I wasn't very good with magic at the time. Whenever I tried to cast a fire spell, I could barely get a spark. But changelings with magic are required to have two spells. They are casting basic fire magic called Burn and a quiet spell called Silence. Silence removes all noise a small area for 5 minutes. He told me to cast silence and spark a flame into their front room. I did what Reggie said, then he began boarding up the building with metal sheets and screwing them in.

When he was done, there wasn't any way out and told me we can go now. I looked at the building and I couldn't do it. I told my brother, this not right and we have to save them. He asked me if I was sure this is what I wanted. Saying would mean cutting all ties with my hive, my family, my parents. That and a lone changeling especially a young one, would be the same as committing suicide. I told him course, becoming any kind of just queen shouldn't need to sacrifice anyone to do it. He sighs and told me, I can go save them. But he is going to tell everyone you're there was an accident and I died. He wished me luck and departed.

I ran to the door, then began trying rip off the metal sheet. The most I could do was get the metal to move a little. I would have run into town to get anyone. But by time I could get help the house would be in flames. So, I had to do something. I grabbed a tree branch used it as a lever to get the metal enough to kick open. I ran straight in, trying to find your family as fast as possible. The flames covered the floor but it didn't reach the whole building yet. The floor was burning hot and wasn't really thinking. When I got to your parents, they were still fast asleep. I couldn't wake them, so I had to carry them outside. I could barely do that, they were so heavy. I felt like I was carrying cart without wheels. By time I got both out, the fire moved to the second floor and covered the floor. I was trying not to cry from the third-degree burns. Then I ran back in the house to find you. I was running from room to room on the second floor, I couldn't find you. So, I checked the living room and saw you on the floor unconscious and the fire covering you. I tried to put out the fire on midnight but it wasn't working. So, I tried to take her outside but the room over the living room fell, trapping us inside of the living room. I was running out of time and options. The only other way out way a bolted metal window. It looked like Midnight smashed into it. Without any other choice, I tried to break down the window with my shoulder while carrying her. Oh, did that hurt, my shoulder was numb when I got through. We landed on the snow and we were both on fire. I was rolling on the snow to put out the flames. Then I covered you with snow to put you out. I checked you and your parents pulse. You all were fine, but your fur was scorched. My fur was burnt and I had some serious burns.

I tried to walk to the town but the adrenaline rush ran out and I was unconscious after getting a good distance from Midnight’s house. I woke up a few hours later, in unbelievable amount of pain. I pulled myself together and transformed into a pony. I got to the city to see if I could get a job. Unfortunately, my transformations aren't the best. I can only change into a creature with the same age as me. So, I couldn't become old enough to work with a makeover. It's a good thing, changelings can naturally change our bodies looks, so I could hide the burns.

A week went by and I found out no one wants to hire a preteen with no experience, history, relatives and references. It was I like I popped into existence. None of the companies I applied for would hire me. Some of the interviewers would give me some money for a meal. Others would report me to the police officers saying I was an imposter. I was getting desperate; my body was getting weak from not being able to eat. I was having trouble maintaining my form.”

I asked “wait, you told me changelings can get feed from any kind of emotion. So how, were you hungry?”

Rain said “That’s true but it doesn’t exactly work like that. Different kinds of emotion other than love, is like candy to me. I can’t get nutrients or anything filling unless it’s love. Love is the only emotion, that can give me a full course meal. After a week of sucking candy, you will get sick of it fast. I couldn’t find almost no body in love for some reason. You would think it would be easy to find love in a city, you would be wrong. I thought about going to another city or town, but I didn’t wouldn’t survive the trip.”



She gulped “a few nights before I go to sleep in whatever back alley I was in. I would honestly think, I was going to die of starvation. That idea terrified me to no end. I never wanted to be in that position again! As a last-ditch effort, I started knock on being’s doors. for a little bit of food and promise them I would pay them back. I meant every word I said. But most would not trust me or not even answer the door. I was struggling not to collapse when I met you again. I was shocked and wanted to run away when I saw Midnight. But my stomach was hurting too much for me to do that. I was more amazed she didn’t recognize me and gave me something to eat. I was happy and confused from what Midnight did for me. Then she did it again, a day later by inviting me to lunch when I was begging other people. So, I took a chance and decided to become friends with her. Midnight told me about her goal and understood. In the fire, I was almost helpless to stop it. If I was a unicorn or something, it would have been easier to save them. So, I wanted to get stronger with her. Where Midnight strengthen her physical techniques. I was would learn magic spells, despite the handicap my race must magic. Unfortunately, whenever we sparred, I would get beat most of the time. My brother drops by sometimes to keep me up today on our hive. Things were pretty nice for a few years.”

Now Midnight had an unreadable face asking “Tell me, were you just using me for food? Did you ever care about me?” Midnight was slightly shaking now. Rain reassured Midnight, she loves her like she is family. She would not dare break her relationship with Midnight now. But when they first met...If Midnight told the police officers about her. Rain would have run and never spoken to her again. Midnight moved on to asking why did she leave so suddenly. “The day, when you founded out my secret was when every got difficult. When you hit me with what move called divider, I lost my magic, disguise and had to explain a lot of things to you. It turns out a random changeling found me by accident and reported it back to my family. My brother came a few days later, to telling me to cut ties with Midnight and get out of here.



If I would have stayed, my hive would have turned this city upside down trying to find me. But I wasn't strong enough to do that. So, I ran without saying good bye. I always hated that I had to leave, but I had no choice.”

Midnight then punched Rain in the face. Rain recoiled said “Hey, you made a promise.” Midnight said in a depressed tone “I promised you, I wouldn't beat you or throw you through a window. I didn't promise you I wouldn't tell how I feel. I know I couldn't do much, but could have at least listened to you.” Rain apologies to Midnight and go on to have their lunch.

After lunch, they all head back down to the library. Scarlet walked in the library and saw us. She came straight for us with a stern face. Scarlet asked, “are you all ready to leave for our journey?”

I said “there are still a few things to straighten out. One being, how did the elements possess you. When you said they only can drain emotions?” Scarlet sighed saying “the elements are ancient items of this world. Who knows what they are capable of if not found.”

I told her okay, but we need to have some clues where to start looking. She agreed and said we could gather some information about them. Midnight comes rushing over while holding a newspaper saying there has been a horrible disaster in the neighboring town called Garlin.

Midnight “Garlin was attacked by something or someone. The police haven't been able to find what set the town on fire.” Shadow jumped back asking was everyone okay. Midnight nodded saying “Yes, there wasn't any reported as injured or as casualties. There is a bounty of 1,500 on whoever found did it and bring them in.”

I said “Sorry, Scarlet but can you wait until we get back. This is a chance make a lot of money and save people.” Midnight said with a confused look “Why would you go there? Aren't you all Rain’s bodyguards?” Shadow, Saphyre and me though simultaneously thought “were we just demoted?” Saphyre said “We’re not bodyguards, we are...well it's complicated, but I guess we're adventurers. Going on dangerous missions, to get big rewards.”

I started running out the library saying, “come on the longer we wait, the greater chance we will miss out!” The others founded me, leaving Scarlet mildly annoyed and Midnight sighing in disbelief. Rain told me, while running “we need to go to the bar first to register the mission first.” I nodded kept heading forward.