It had been a week since the mysterious guest at the House Path party tried, and failed, to steal Noah’s medallion. Which resulted in said guest snapping their own neck. Noah was once again living in his apartment, he couldn’t help but feel slightly nostalgic when he walked through his door for the first time after all the time spent living as a guest of House Path.
Despite the passage of time nothing had really changed much. There was no further visits from any strange griffs or ponies, Noah, Dusk and Dial were hard at work figuring out how to get their business up and running again and Noah and Opal were continuing to see each other regularly at the same nightclub. In fact, Noah was currently looking himself over in the mirror as he preened and groomed himself, making himself more presentable for a meeting with Opal.
After he was done he looked at a white feather that was jammed in the space between the mirror and the frame he happily sighed as he gently stroked it.
***
In house Whitequill the young lady of the house was doing much the same, she was double checking herself for any feathers out of place or any uneven fur. Her eyes drifted towards the Blue feather that was also currently jammed between the mirror and it’s frame, she smiled and gently brushed a tender claw against it.
Opal left her chambers and looked about to see if the coast was clear, which it appeared to be. Not a griff in sight. “Perfect.” she quietly to herself. Before making her way to the large terrace overlooking the family properties extensive front garden. Without a second thought she took to the air and made a beeline for the city, all the while unaware of a pair of eyes watching her from the shadows of a higher vantage point. The figure in the shadows spread its wings and took off making sure to keep enough distance from Opal to not be seen.
***
The two met up a short distance from the club and walked the rest of the way together. Chatting about what had been going on with each other since they had last seen each other, despite the fact that was only 2 days ago. Once again they got in past the Bouncer without a fuss, weather it was because of Noah’s mind trick or Opals status Noah couldn’t tell. All he knew was he was going to be having a great time with a Griffoness he cared very much for in one of the best, if not THE best club in the city.
Of course the young duo entering the club did not go unnoticed by the figure who had been watching them. Eyes narrowed, the figure stepped out the shadows to reveal that it was none other than Abbadon Whitequill who had been following Opal the whole time. And what he saw did not fill him with very many happy thoughts. Not only was his precious daughter sneaking out of the house at night, which was bad enough, but she was doing it to meet up with a male griff whom Abbadon did not even know. And he still couldn’t quite place why this cock looked so damn familiar. So he decided it was time to get answers. He walked up to the club, right past the bouncer and even past the ticket booth “Hey! He didn’t pay!” she called out to the bouncer. Who promptly approached Abbadon where he stood eyeing his daughter and the strange blue and white griff she was dancing with. “Time to go pal.” the bouncer said as he placed his claws on Abbadon’s shoulder to lead him away.
Without breaking eye contact with his wayward progeny, Abbadon calmly reached up to his shoulder, took hold of the bouncers claws and squeezed. The faint sound of bones breaking could be heard as the bouncer stifled he’s cries to not appear weak instead letting out a painful groan as he fell to his knees. Not looking back Abbadon inhaled deeply through his nostrils and then using all the outrage at the situation bellowed out two words.
“OPAL WHITEQUILL!!!!”
His voice even downed out the music and everything in the club stopped, even the music as the DJ, along with every other griff in the club was terrified at that moment. Abbadon slowly made his way down the small flight of steps leading to the dance floor. The terrified club goers all made way as he approached, none of them willing to get in his way. Among the terrified club goers were Noah and Opal, however both stayed where they stood frozen in place by outright
fear and both knew that if they ran it would only make things worse.
“Hi daddy” Opal said nervously as she saw her furious father staring daggers at the two of them.
“Don’t you ‘Hi daddy’ me young hen!” Abbadon angrily replied. “At first I didn’t want to believe it when I heard the rumors from the staff, saying you’ve been sneaking out at night. That in itself is bad enough, but sneaking out to meet this cock who I recognize as the one you were dancing with at House Path’s party!” The Musselbound griffon turned his attention to Noah. “Just who are you?!”
“Noah Bluecrest, son of Boreas and Kila Bluecrest!” Noah said, making sure to be as authoritative as he could. The name struck something in Abbadon’s mind and he mentally went back through time and remembered what had happened to the Bluecrest’s. He quickly began putting together a puzzle that formed a very bleak picture. “I see...Opal come here.” he said and while it was in a clam voice it was certainly not a request and Opal did as she was told. Once she was beside her father he spoke again “I see now what’s going on here” he turned his head to his daughter “No one can fault you my darling...it’s not your fault. You were deceived by this scion of a fallen house!” he finished focusing his gaze squarely on Noah.
“Daddy what are you talking about? Noah…” she was cut off by her father
“Don’t you see my dear, he’s simply using you. He’s from a fallen family. All he wants from you is your status.” Abbadon said again turning his gaze to his daughter.
“THAT’S A LIE!” Noah shouted, finally defending himself from Abbadon’s accusations. Causing the huge Griffon to once again look in his direction but this time walked onto the dancefloor until he and Noah were close enough to feel each other's breath.
“You must think I’m a fool.” Abbadon hissed. “All you fallen and desperate are all the same. You’ll do whatever it takes to regain some semblance of what your family once had. I’ve seen it too many times and I will not let you use my daughter as part of your schemes. I challenge you Noah Bluecrest. We’ll let the Arena prove your cowardice and deceit. When you run into a corner crying the whole city and, more importantly, my daughter will know you for what you truly are.”
“Fine. I accept. You’ll see first hand that my feelings are genuine.” Noah said defiantly.
“Good. I’ll give you three days to prepare yourself. Who knows, maybe you’ll wise up and back out before I make you Black out.” Abbadon said with a grin. He then turned around, his tail whipping Noah across the cheek as he did so “Opal. We’re leaving” he said as he walked past his daughter. Opal looked to Noah unsure what to do, but a nod from the blue and white griffon told her she should go with her father to not cause any more trouble for herself. She nodded in return before she turned and followed her father outside.
The remaining patrons didn’t really know what to do now after the scene that had just taken place before them. But More than a few found themselves excited and very much looking forward to seeing how the duel between the Strongest Griffon in the city and this regular everyday Griff would go.
***
“HE SAID WHAT?!?” Duskwing said a little louder then he intended, startling near by customers as he, Noah and Dial were sat in a coffee house, as Noah had just told him what had happened. “He seriously challenged you to a duel?”
“Oh yeah.” Noah said taking a sip of his coffee. It was black, it didn’t even have any sugar in it. “He’s decided to give me three days to prepare myself. Like I can seriously get in his kind of shape in three days!” He said before taking another sip.
“Uhm...haven’t you forgotten something Noah?” Dial said pointing a hoof at the Medallion that still hung prominently around the griffons neck. “Don’t don’t need to. You just have to transform. You’ll tower over him and in your Knight form you’re ten times stronger right? It’ll be a piece of carrot cake.” she finished. And soon began wondering if she might be able to get some carrot cake from this place.
“I won’t be using the Medallion.”
“WHAT!?!” The Thestral and Pony shouted in disbelief, once again startling customers. And earning them a perturbed glare from the barista. “Are you out of your cat-bird mind?!” Dusk said incredulously. Noah shook his head slowly. He knew his friends would react this way to his decision, “I am not thank you very much.” Noah said staring into his half empty cup. “You’ve lived here your whole life. You know the laws and rules as well as I do. This is an Honor duel. Using the Medallion to get such an easy win, would be dishonorable. I know I don’t stand a chance against him. But I’m going to go into that arena and do my utmost...who knows...if I’m lucky I may get a hit or two in before he pummels me into the sand.”
“But what if he tries to kill you? He thinks you were using his daughter to gain standing. He might try to take you out of the picture permanently” Dial said but it didn’t escape Dusk’s notice that she had put a certain emphasis on Daughter, he just couldn't make out what it was, but it sounded close to jealousy. “That’s something I don’t have to worry about Dial” Noah said with a slight smile, the first one they’d seen him do that day “This isn’t a duel to the death. He’s forbidden to kill me. He’d lose everything if he did.”
“Do you know what kind of combat it’ll be?” Dusk asked slightly stirring his coffee.
“No...But it’ll either be armed or unarmed. But I at least have a bit of skill in both those areas.”
The Next three days were a blur for Noah. He spent every waking moment he could either working out or practising. From sunup to sundown. Every few hours he would switch things up and start another type of training from hand to hand or armed.Of course he knew that it would do little good. Abbadon had fought in the Arena countless times. And a lot of those times Noah had actually been watching. Almost every fight ended after the first ten seconds. One ended even quicker when the opponent took one look at Abbadon and promptly soiled himself before giving up.
Finally the day of the duel arrived. Noah was unsurprisingly nervous, but he was also curious. He was stood in the center of the arena alongside the referee but there was no sign of Opals father. Noah could see Opal and her mother in the audience, in their own private seating area. And not far from them he saw a very familiar grey furred Earth pony with a green Mane and tail. The Griffon couldn’t believe Long Path was there. Not only that but he had brought his whole herd as well, he could see Roseclaw, Free Agent and Twilight, also sat in their own private seating area. When it started to seem like Abbadon wouldn’t show up a shadow soon came over them. Looking up Noah could see a shape falling towards him. He quickly realized what, or who, it was when it came closer. It was Abbadon, and he was in freefall. The entire arena gasped in horror as he got closer and closer to the ground seemingly intending to crash. When he was about a meter short of becoming a feather and furred pancake he opened his wings and with a single flap halted is terminal speed, pushing up a cloud of dust before touching down.
“Well well. You’re here. You may have more backbone than I thought.” Abbadon said calmly as if he had just waltzed in. “I wonder how many pieces it’ll be in once I’ve finished with you.”
“Now that you’re both here we can get started...never one to make a normal entrance are you Lord Whitequil.” the ref said as he moved forward a little to address the audience. He made the usual show of addressing the audience and asking either combatant if they wished to concede. After each gave a resounding “No” the referee addressed the audience again. “The Law does not allow for an alternative.” He then turned to Noah and Abbadon. “Once the bell rings, begin!” and said and then got out of the way as the bell was struck.
Noah immediately began circling the larger Griffon at a swift pace, occasionally changing direction. Eventually he stopped and charged right at the mountain of muscle jumping into the air and pulling his fist back ready to strike.
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In another part of the city, Boreas Bluecrest was returning from the market carting a small wagon of items, most of which was food. When he happened upon a mare he instantly recognised as Dial Tone. One of his sons’ friends. “Dial?” he asked. “What are you doing here? I’d have thought you would be at the arena.”
The mare turned to look at the elder Griffon, “I can’t watch something like that. I know it makes me look weak, but I’m not a Griffon, I’m a pony. And I’m sorry but I don’t want to see my friend and your son getting beaten to a pulp.” to which Boreas shrugged his shoulders.
“Well I suppose that’s your prerogative.” he said as he began to continue on his way. Before stopping again “Aren’t you the least bit curious as to why I’m not at the arena and instead doing a bit of light shopping?” he asked which actually did spark the curiosity in the pony mare. The look on her face was all that Boreas needed. “It’s a couple of reasons really. One, it’s very far from where I live and with this limp it’s not an easy walk. And Two, with this busted wing I can’t fly there either. But in actuality I don’t think Noah would want me there to see him fighting and more than likely losing to Abbadon Whitequill.”
“You really think it’ll go that way?” Dial asked more than a little concerned.
Boreas looked at the pony “Abbadon is the strongest Griff in the city. Noah’s skilled I’ll admit. But he doesn't have nearly as much combat experience as his opponent.” That was when from out of the blue there was a yell, more a battle cry. Boreas and Dial looked up and saw a dark furred Pony jumping for them. In an act of pure reflexes Boreas took up a fighting stance and put himself in between Dial and the strange pony. “Dial Hide!” Boreas shouted. Dial’s eyes widened in horror as she recognized the Hunter and remembered what he wanted to do with her she then quickly did as she was instructed. As the Hunter got within arms reach Boreas’s fist collided with his face. The Hunter sprawled on the floor but quickly regained his footing “Must run in the bloody family” he said before he drew one of his daggers.
In response Boreas drew a sword that he had hidden in his wagon and, again, took up a fighting stance. The Hunter smirked and charged intending to impale Boreas but the Griffon parried the blade and then in the same fluid motion, brought his sword down in an attempt to cleave the pony in two, only for the Hunter to block the incoming blow with his dagger. Boreas attempted to overpower the Hunter but suddenly felt something odd. A strange cold feeling in his side. He looked down and his eyes widened as he saw another dagger buried to the hilt in his chest. He looked back to the Hunter who was wearing a wicked grin “You’re outmatched with me. Featherbrain” he said coldly as he drove a second dagger into the griffon before removing both.
“Now I would dearly love to watch you bleed out in the street but I’ve got a ship to catch. Give your son my regards. Now where is that lovely young mare?” he said looking around as he returned two of his daggers to their sheaths. Soon enough he spotted her hiding behind the Wagon “Found you.” he said calmly yet it held so much dark promise. Dial ran as fast as her legs could carry her. The hunter simply rolled his eyes and in a purple flash he was standing right in her path. Dial skidded to a halt but her momentum carried her into his waiting arms. “Oh don’t you worry. We’ll have all kinds of fun together” he said as he ignited his horn and cast a spell on the earth pony sending her to sleep. He then began to levitate her before disappearing again. And reappearing on the deck of a ship moored in the harbor. “Captain It’s time to set sail.” he said proudly. The captain, an equally dark feathered Hippogriff nodded and began to call out orders to get the ship ready to make way. As the crew went about getting ready the Hunter grinned “Soon the Dark master will have his final prize, while I have mine” he said looking over Dial’s unconscious body. While wondering how long it would take for somebeing to find the griff he just knifed. A shrill scream that filled the air soon answered that question.
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Noah went sprawling across the sand covered floor of the arena again. He was bruised, bloodied and panting heavily. But still he refused to stay down. This wasn’t about something as simple as his honor, which had been insulted that’s true. But this was, more than anything, to prove to Abbadon that he wasn’t using his daughter.
His vision impaired by the blood running from a cut on his forehead, forcing him to close one eye, Noah readied himself once again as Abbadon approached him. “I’ve gotta admit. You’ve lasted longer than I expected. Tell you what, why don’t you lay one on me right here” he said turning his head to the side and pointing at his cheek. “Really make it count.” he finished.
In the crowd, Opal saw what her father was doing. She had seen it before in many a duel her father had fought. It was what Abbadon always did when he felt a fight was near its end. He’d let his opponent get one last hit in. Then he would uppercut them, sending them flying across the arena and out cold. “Don’t fall for it Noah. Please” she whispered to herself, forgetting her mother was right next to her. She could see the concern on her daughters face as clear as day. But the duel was in progress and nothing could be done about it.
Noah was certainly on his last legs and he knew it. But wasn’t about to quit now. He saw Abbadon’s offer. ‘This is it’ he thought ‘I know I won’t be winning this...but that’s not the point of this duel. Time to give this all I’ve got!’ He steadied himself and summoning as much strength as he had left. Letting out a roar he charged and surprised everyone when he, despite the state he was in, jumped high into the air using his wings to get even more height. He pulled his right fist back and threw a punch, connecting with Abbadon’s cheek. The Whole arena gasped when the larger Griffon was knocked to the ground. With Noah panting heavily, exhausted.
Abbadon slowly stood up rubbing his cheek, his eyes slightly widened in surprise as he saw some of his own blood. “Wow...wow. I mean I knew it was coming. but...I expected it to be weak and pathetic.” he then turned to face the smaller griffon. “But now it’s time to end this” No sooner had he said it, his fist made contact with Noah’s bottom jaw sending him up into the air. Once again he sprawled across the floor.
As Noah lay there a stray thought crossed his mind ‘Maybe it wouldn't be too bad to just lie down and lose.’ But no sooner had he thought that he began to stand up yet again. The crowd cheering for the extremely defiant Griffon drew Abbadon’s attention to his opponent. “Why?” he asked genuinely confused “Why Bluecrest? Why get up? For Nocturn’s sake, you’ve lost. Just stay down!”
Noah shakily got his feet under him and stood up to his full height “No...I won’t…quit.” he said taking a slight step forward “I won’t....quit...no matter how many times ...you beat me. I won’t go down...Because ...I...Love...Opal...I...won’t…” he vision went black, he knees failed him and he fell to the ground totally unconscious.
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Everything was dark and silent at first. However Noah soon became aware of voices, some he recognized and some he didn’t. One voice he certainly knew was that of Dusk Wing.The bat pony was obviously aggravating the nurse who was no doubt attending his friend. Then he tried to open his eyes and was greeted with a big light blur then soon enough cleared enough to see.
“Hey welcome back, bud” Dusk said sitting down beside the griffon. “I was starting to think you were gonna spend the rest of the day on your lazy ass in this bed.” he said with a grin.
“And who says I’m not.” Noah Replied “In case you forgot I totally got my ass handed to me by a griff made out of solid stone...least it felt like it.” he added and made to look like he was getting comfy “Now go ’way I need a nap.” he said shutting his eyes.
“OK” Dusk said nonchalantly “But Opal here is gonna be upset you chose to sleep instead of talk to her.”
At the mention of Opals name Noah’s eyes snapped open and he quickly sat up. “She’s here?” he asked, looking around the room.
“I’m here” came her reply. Noah looked in the direction of her voice and saw her, looking beautiful as ever, standing in the doorway. She entered the room and sat down on his other side and took hold of one of his hands. “I was so worried. You were so badly hurt...then Lord Path came by with his herd and did...something and healed you, but you were still out cold.”
“I guess that explains why I don’t feel any pain.” he said looking down at his own body.
“Indeed” a new voice said that Noah recognized and Opals father “After the beating I gave you you should be down for a week if not more.” he too sat down beside Noah’s bed, next to his daughter. “No creature would take a beating like that, if they didn’t truly have something worth taking it for.” he looked at his daughter and then back to Noah. “You really do love her don’t you.”
“I do. With every fiber of my being” he said looking right into Abbadon’s eyes. And Abbadon saw the same determination in Noah’s eyes that he saw during the duel.
The larger griff then looked to his Opal who so far had not taken her eyes of Noah. “And you really do love him don’t you my darling.”
Opal finally looked at her father nodding her head “I do. As much as you and mother love each other.”
Abbadon couldn’t help but smile at that. It was no secret that he and his wife Melfina loved each other deeply, truth be told when ever they got the chance they could keep their claws off each other. His smile soon faded as he looked at the griffon in the bed “I accept that you and my daughter care deeply for each other, and I won’t stand in the way any more...but..there is something you need to know, Noah.”
Noah’s attention was suddenly entirely focused on Abbadon. The larger griffon inhaled deeply and exhaled before speaking. “It’s your father. Not too long ago, during our duel actually, he was attacked. The few witnesses who saw it all said it was a pony, a unicorn with purple fur.”
Noah was instantly out of the bed. “WHERE IS HE?!” he said, probably a little louder than he intended.
Abbadon didn’t take offence at the raised voice, it was perfectly understandable. “Boreas is here in this hospital, in the intensive care wing. From what the surgeon told me they did their best but the wounds won't seem to heal. They tried everything from Unicorn magics to Changeling healing gel. Nothing worked.” As soon as Abbadon was finished Noah was sprinting out of the room searching for his father.
After following the direction from the staff he soon found himself at the door to the room his father was in. Despite his worry he hesitated to open the door. His father had always been a source of strength for him. Was he really prepared to see him injured? He soon pushed those thoughts away. His father was hurt and he needed him. He entered the room and saw his father laid in a hospital bed, Kila was beside him holding one of his talons on hers. She saw her son enter and tried to keep the tears from falling. “The doctors said that...something’s keeping the wounds from being treated. Some kind of...dark magic...they…” she said fighting back sobs. Noah made his way over and hugged her. That was when Boreas’s eyes opened.
Noah felt something grasp his wing and turned to look at his father. “Hey Dad...how are you feeling?” Noah said, he could hardly bare to see his father like this, he looked so weak.
Boreas coughed a little “I’ve been better.” he said weakly but before Noah could answer Boreas spoke again “He took Dial...the pony that did this. I tried to protect her but he…” again another bout of coughing. Afterwards he started looking around as if he didn’t recognize where he was. “It’s…so dark...where are we?” he said weakly.
“We’re back home. In the estate.” Kila said fighting back tears as she stroked her husband's head while keeping hold of his claw. “We’re laying in the master bed...and you’re making a terrible mess of the sheets like you always do. The morning light is shining through the curtains that you never close...We can smell breakfast being prepared by the kitchen staff. Just the way you like it.” she stopped as she felt his grip loosen and his claws fall free from her grasp. One look at his face told everyone in the room the single dreadful truth. He was gone.
The next few hours Noah and he mother held each other. The Former with tears flowing freely from his tightly shut eyes while the latter cried openly.
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It had been several hours since Boreas had died. Noah still held his mother tight as she continued to cry, as she has been since her husband breathed his last. Noah however, while just as devastated, did what he could to choke down his sobs. His eyes were shut tight as he held his mother, tears leaving unmissable trails down his face. The only consolation either of them had was the knowledge that Boreas’s spirit would have already found its way to the halls of his ancestors.
A few more hours passed and Kila had finally calmed herself and was currently napping on the chair she now occupied. Noah watched her sleep wondering what he was supposed to do now. His father had been his source of direction and guidance his whole life, and now he was gone. It was as Noah thought this that he became aware of a pair of city guards who were standing nearby, keeping their distance out of respect. Noah signaled them to approach with a nod and a gesture of his claw.
The two Griffons approached and bowed their heads out of respect for Noah’s loss. When they raised their heads again one of them spoke.
“We’re very sorry for your loss” he said “But we felt it would be best if to wait until you and your mother had calmed a little before we returned your fathers effects.” he said and gestured to the other guard who was carrying a long box in his arms. Noah accepted the box and gave his thanks. After Noah answered a few standard questions the two guards left. Not too long after that Free Agent and arrived and delivered the sympathy of all of Heard Path and mentioned that Long Path himself would be taking care of the funeral costs and arrangements. He even told Noah that Boreas would be buried ‘Where he belongs’. Noah could only assume that meant in the Bluecrest family burial ground on their former estate.
It had been several days since Boras’s death and Dial’s abduction. Nobeing could find any way to track the Hunter to find out where he had taken the mare. But both Noah and Dusk remembered his interest in their friend, and the longer it took to find him the more time he had to do who knows what with her. But at that very moment Noah had to put those thoughts on the back burner as he was being called on to deliver the eulogy for his father.
He looked out at the gathering. All of house Path was in attendance. As Opal and her family because, as it turned out, Abbadon had always respected Boreas. Even King Glimfeather was there. As well as a few other lords and ladies Noah had never met but knew that they knew his father at one point in his life or another.
Closing his eyes he took a breath. Readying himself. This was a lot different then leading a tour group and repeating facts about the city he had committed to memory, this was his own account.
“My father one said to me ‘In life there are winners and there are losers. I may have lost a lot, but looking at the griffs in my life, I still feel like a winner’
“For a while I didn’t know what he meant. Now I get it. He may have lost his estate and his titles, but he had my mother. And then he had me. He had a roof over his head and his family and friends. That’s all he could ask for.
“He taught me that being rich and powerful is all well and good but real wealth is family.
“He gave his life defending one of my friends, my family.”
He paused, taking a moment to let his words settle before he continued pulling a small knife from a sheath on one leg. “And I want to make it known here and now. That I Noah Bluecrest will not rest until my friend is safe, and my Father avenged!” he said dragging the knife across his palm slicing it. “I swear it, on my own blood!” he finished squeezing his fist tight until several drops of blood dripped onto the soil under which his father lay buried.
He walked away from the group of assembled Lords and ladies all who whom were feeling more hen a little in Awe.
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Two days later Opal and Dusk went to Noah’s apartment looking for him. He hadn’t been seen since the funeral. Reaching his door Dusk actually knocked rather than his usual ‘let myself in’ approach. He heard Noah’s voice call “Come in” and he opened the door to find the apartment a total mess. But not a mess by normal standards. The floor was covered in maps and documents and Opal thought she saw a shipping manifest among the clutter.
“Uh...Noah? What’s all this?” she asked making sure to not step on anything.
“Well I’ve been trying to find where that Pony went after he took dial and killed my Dad. I looked all over the city and even asked at the docks. They said a ship left not too soon after the attack. And they said they saw a purple flash on the deck before it departed, so It’s a safe bet he was on that ship. Now I’m trying to figure out which way it went. Then I talked to a griff who liked to watch the ships come and go said it left in a south-west direction. So I’m trying to determine where it might be going. But so far...it’s proving to be a bit of a bitch.”
While he talked Dusk had moved over to the Box the guards had given Noah that was laying on the sofa. “You still haven’t opened this yet?” he asked.
Noah didn’t even look up to see what Dusk was talking about “No. Haven't really felt the desire.”
“Woah neat sword!” Dusk said causing Noah to finally look up from his work to see the Thestral had opened the box and was examining Boreas’s sword.
“Dude!” Noah exclaimed.
“What? You probably were never going to open it. I figured somepony should.” Dusk said putting the sword back into the box when something else caught his eye. “I didn’t know your dad had a dagger too!”
“He doesn't have a da…” Noah said pausing when he saw the dagger in Dusk’s hooves. The Griffon immediately recognized that dagger. It was exactly the same as the one the strange purple unicorn used. In no time at all he was right next to Dusk taking hold of the dagger. “This is it! This is what we need. Lady Twilight told me about scrying...with this we can find out where the Pony took Dial!” he exclaimed grabbing the dagger, by the hilt of course, and took a good look at it. “Map...we need a Map!”
Opal and Dusk quickly began searching for a map, Dusk found of the continent while Opal found one of the wider world. “Which should we use first?” Opal asked. “I mean maybe he’s heading for another land”
Or he could be heading for another side of this one” Dusk chimed in.
“I’m not sure sure, it could very well be both” Noah said rubbing his beak in thought. “Well we’ll start with the continent. Might as well” he added as he looked over the map. Tied the dagger to a rope and held it over the map. Then he channeled some power into it like Twilight showed him and the dagger began to move of its own accord. Eventually come to a stop pointing to the edge of the map. So Opal put another map down showing more of the world and the dagger began to move again finally coming to a stop over a large continent.
“Saddle Arabia.” Noah said almost to himself. “He’s in Saddle Arabia right now.”
“That is no short distance.” Dusk added.
“No kidding. It’d take a least a three or four days with a good wind to get there. We can’t fly there either. Too Far.”
“And I can’t jump there. For the same reason. Plus I’ve never been there. We’ll need a ship”
“Easier said than done” Dusk said. It’s not cheap hiring or buying a ship. And I doubt either of us have the funds.”
“Well we need one. And we’re going to get one, even if I have to steal one.” Noah said determined, never taking his eyes off the map.
“Uhm, we might not need to take such a drastic step.” Opal said after a few moments gaining the attention of Noah and Dusk. “See, I’ve not really used it much, ‘cause I’ve not really needed too, buuut...I have a boat. It’s big enough for at least four”
Noah and Dusk were silent for a moment until Noah finally spoke up. “Can we see it?”
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Not too long after that Noah, Dusk and Opal were at the docks looking at what was less a boat and more a Dirigible, and one that was clearly big enough to hold way more than four. More like Ten, with room for a three being crew. “Say hello to the Sky Princess” Opal said proudly.
“Annnnd you’ve just been sitting on this for a few years?” Dusk asked not taking his eyes off the ship.
Opal blushed a little “Well no one asked,” she said with a small smile.
“It’s perfect!” Noah finally shouted, startling both Dusk and Opal with his sudden outburst. With this it’ll be a piece of cake getting to Saddle Arabia and wherever else the Hunter goes from there.”
“Great then” Opal said happily. “I’ll have someone bring all the supplies we’ll need, then we’ll be all set to leave by morning!” Noah and Dusk nodded.
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Later that night the supply crew had finished earlier than expected. They had left for home unknowing that they were being watched the whole time. As the last worker left a shadow detached itself from the wall and pulled off the black head wrap revealing it to be Noah. He untied all the lines holding the ship down. “Leaving without us?” a voice called. Noah looked around surprised to see Dusk and Opal were there.
“What are you doing here?” Noah asked surprised.
“Well we figured you’d feel like the whole ‘Hunter, taking Dial’ thing was your fault and would want to go after him alone.” Dusk said walking forwards “And I said to myself what kind of Friend would I be if I let my best buddy go and have, what could very possibly be the best adventure ever on his own.” he finished.
“Plus it’s my ship. And did you really think I’d let my male go without me?” Opal said making her way over to Noah and nuzzling him a bit.
“But it’s very probably going to be dangerous” Noah said “and I don’t much fancy telling your dad that you got hurt because of me” he added as an afterthought.
“You don’t have to worry about that. My parents gave me the best self defense training money could buy. I can take care of myself. Now let’s go. The sun will be coming up soon.” she said then walked past him gently brushing his chin with her tail. Causing Noah to almost melt. As pal made her way up the gangplank Dusk stood next to his friend. “Dude….don’t you ever. Let. Her. Go.”
Soon enough the rotors were up to full speed and the Princess was rising out of the dock. Opal was at the wheel while Dusk was looking over the edge in excitement. “Course heading Captain!” Opal called to Noah who stood at the Bow of the ship holding on to the rigging standing above the figurehead, which was a Sea eagle.
“To Saddle Arabia!” Noah Called back without turning and pointing off to the Horizon. With that the adventure had officially begun. They would find the Hunter, rescue Dial and avenge Noah’s father. None of the three knew what was to come, or of what dangers they would face, but they all knew without a doubt that they would face them all together.