Chapter 9: Trailblazers
We made a few quick stops before heading to the traveling caravan lots. We filled our saddle bags with essentials like food, water and some medicine in case something bad does happen. Thi also went and bought herself a new firearm. The one I used against the Roc was lost as I was tumbling through the sky. She didn't seem that worried though. The new one she bought, she was rubbing a cloth on the barrel casually. Her bat came with a nice little holster now. She stated she wanted to ensure the bat wasn't being worn down. I don't know how well you can tell it being worn down. The smell of wet wood and the rotten look told me it was very ancient and surprised it hasn’t shattered upon the ice golems we fought back on the train.
That was another thing that got me freaked out as we paid a traveler to hike us over to the Buckhorn Mountains. What if we end up getting chased by that creature again? I couldn't help but think it, I felt so much safer inside the Canterlot walls. Well, aside from the Roc incident. But like Thi, I wasn't inclined to talk about it. Not our best moment, but what else could we do? As the wagon rolled past the massive imprint and crater that the Roc left, me and Thi eyed it with mild interest. There were already construction ponies working to rebuild a crack that was made upon the wall with the creature landing by the wall. Several more in the distance were getting ready to rebuild the areas that the Roc destroyed. I snorted. Or perhaps, my mom says that I destroyed. I sighed and rested my head against my foreleg, letting my other one dangle out of the wagon. The cool breeze of winter with light snow fall flittered around us in a whimsical fashion didn't make my mood excited either. I couldn't help but think back to Ponyville. The thought of leaving my house unattended with four pretty mares taking it over while I was away. Would I have a house to go back too?
I also couldn't help with another thought. Winter Wrap Up was around the corner. A stalwart tradition that Ponyville followed every winter to spring. Most ponies have heard of it. I found it to be quite fun really. I was a part of the snow clearing crew. Shoveling and raking snow and clearing pathways. Something satisfying about seeing the path be exposed as I scraped up the snow and tossed it aside. Even had a small snowball fight with my fellow snow clearers too. I smiled. Ponyville was such a drastic change from Hoofington. In the Hoof, it was either all in with yourself or a small circle of trust. But usually, everypony would pick themselves. There is a very small community of ponies that actually were trying their hardest to make it better for ponies there. But the gang violence had been increasing over the years. It made me sick to my stomach. I hope dad is okay. What mom said echoed in my mind.
You should send a letter to your father. Perhaps deliver it yourself.
We passed by a bridge pass that had a frozen pond underneath it. I saw my reflection looking back at me as miserable as I felt. I gazed further into the reflection and could make out soft spectral swirling of fire in my eyes. A scar meant to signify my unfortunate destiny of being host to a crazy and dangerous power element. My mood dropped even more and I sighed, groaning. I then felt a soft tap on the back of hoodie and I looked over my shoulder pathetically. Thi gave me a worried look.
"You alright, Fie? You've been moping since we left Canterlot." she asked me. I sighed.
"No, I'm not okay. I can't help but think about home." I said. Thi was quiet for a moment before speaking.
"Well... wanna' talk about it?" she asked. I sighed and returned my gaze out into the winter wonderland of the valley.
"I... I'm not saying I miss my home entirely. If anything, I miss Ponyville more. But... what my mom said has me thinking. I wonder what my siblings and dad are up too? The Hoof is getting worse, and I don't know what my mom meant when she said to write to dad. She made it sound like something happened to him." Thi smiled as I spoke. She sat next to me and crossed her hooves under her chin, looking out into the snowy field like me.
"Pretty close to your pops more than your mother?" she asked. I rubbed the back of my head.
"Not close. But I tolerated him more than anypony else. He never had any prejudice. Just a lot of pride. He sees everycreature equal. He's a hero cop in the Hoof. He's well known by gangs and the community. He's always putting his life on the line with work there." I whinnied frustratedly. "Maybe that's why I don't sit well with my mom. Not only was she so focused on keeping a reputation and not having a single care about taking it easy on her own child, but I felt like she always wasn't worried about dad either. I don't know what dad and mom saw in each other. I dunno if they ever had slept together. Probably only when they were trying to conceive to bring my siblings and myself into the world." Thi smirked.
"Sounds like a whole lot of trouble." she teased. I gave her a soft smile but went back to moping.
"I tried to understand her the times I got to spend time with her, but... it just never clicked. When I was a filly, I never had an issue with being shadowed by my folks. But I guess, the lack of parenting made them realize that they were messing up somewhere and tried to shape me back up into something ideal." I sighed. "If they had it their way, I would have been an ace Canterlot Guard." Thi was quiet as I vented. I brushed the tip of my hoof against the wagon edge. "Now, I'm just having thoughts about home when I haven't thought about it since moving to Canterlot." Thi gave a soft smile in response.
"I feel ya', sister. I haven't thought about my own home in a long while either. Not that it matters anymore. The village I grew up in actually got renovated to a small town. Everything I was familiar with was now something else entirely. Only the museum in the center of the town housed most of the stuff I was familiar with." I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Huh. That's odd. In the times I've known you, you never really stated where you came from. I only know about your childhood. Where did you use to live?" I asked. Thi waved a hoof out in front of her.
"The place used to be called Stone Shire. But now it's called Peacock Hill Valley." she chuckled. "Ever since a migration of Peacocks happened, I guess. I saw a lot of them before moving to Canterlot myself." She sighed. "I think you would have liked it there. It's no Ponyville, but it was serene in its' own way. We had a lot of ruins that spotted the area. It may be why I got my like in adventuring into caves and ruins. I was still a troublemaker even as a filly. But my folks were never holding me back to follow my dreams. Though, they still scolded me on my grades." I saw a contempt look in her eyes. Her smile saying it all. I felt a boiling envy rise in me. The voice inside my head chuckling in amusement. Ignoring the invading thoughts, I returned to stare at the snow. That seemed to quiet Din. The rest of the wagon ride was uneventful. We sat about, chewing on our travel snacks non-chalantly, having some talks, banter and jokes thrown into the mix to keep ourselves occupied. It got to one point where we just admired the scenery. Even playing a bit of I-Spy.
I felt like time had flown by rather quickly. It was already 3 past the afternoon. The snow was beginning to pick up a little, but it was still a mesmerizing sight. Suddenly, the wagon stopped. We nearly went with the momentum but caught ourselves.
"What in the blazes?" the caravan pony began. We shifted over and looked ahead. To our surprise, we saw the wagon that was carrying the Roc corpse. What we didn't expect however, was the guards engaging with creatures. Upon closer look, it appeared that they were fighting similar golems that we encountered on the train. Even the pegasi guards were clashing with strange looking bat creatures. But something was different. Unlike the ice counterparts, these were exhibiting a fierce fiery shadow aura. I balked and looked at Thi.
"This is bad. Those are completely different to the golems we've fought on the train!" I stated. Thi furrowed her brows at me.
"You sure? It's hard to make out with the snow. It seems like they are fighting with the air." Thi said. I blinked and looked back over again. The floating bat like creature engaging the pegasi guards looked transparent. I could only make out the outlines with the snow. Din hummed.
Hmmm. Interesting that those two would decide now of all time to show off power. Fools. They have no idea what they are doing.
I frowned. With that said, I grit my teeth. I then heard a yell and looked over. I saw Bulk Biceps get knocked into the snow and he began to cower. I gasped. Without thinking, I leaped out of the wagon and darted towards him, hearing Thi call out to me.
"Whoa, Fie! Wait up!" I didn't stop. I could see Bulk cowering in fear. Bulk Biceps may not look it, but he wouldn't harm a fly. If I knew my Ponyville neighbors, they were far more skittish than warriors. Not that there weren't any brave ponies excluding Twilight and her friends. But everypony in Ponyville knew Bulk Biceps. I felt my desperation rise as I panted, racing towards him as the bat like creatures began to descend.
"H-Help me!" he shrieked.
"Hold on, Bulk! I'm coming!" another voice sounded. I slowed myself a bit as I saw a lilac blur swoop down and strike a couple of the winged creatures. But her hoof went right through them. Cloudchaser crashed into the snow with an "Oof" before pulling herself out and rushing back over to defend Bulk Biceps. As she stood between him and the creatures, one creature swung themselves around and Cloudchaser grunted as she was spiraled to the ground. My eyes widened in shock. That shock was then quickly replaced with anger and a strong desire to end the life of the creatures. I looked down and saw that my hoodie pocket was glowing. I blinked and reached with my magic. I pulled out the amber gem. It was glowing brightly. I grit my teeth and looked up as the creatures began descending again. Cloudchaser was painfully pulling herself up from the snow, keeping herself in between Bulk.
"Get away from them, you winged freaks!" I shouted. The gem glowed brightly. I stared in awe as the gem began to form into a long spear. No. Not a spear. A halberd. The spectral halberd looked magnificent. The axe head curving intricately against the shaft. The spear tip looking like a double-edged blade. The weighted pike on the other side of the axe head protruded dangerously, but with a sharp and cool fit. A swirl rope of fire twirled up and down the shaft. I looked over to the winged creatures and grit my teeth. Without hesitation, I didn't take the halberd in my magic. Rather, I took a fighting stance. I got up on my hind hooves, my traditional neutral stance I take when in a fight. I gripped the halberd and pointed it at the creatures. They seemed to have lost interest in the two ponies before turning their attention on me. Even the shadowy golems that were engaging the guards looked over to me and were beginning to make their way to me. Treating the halberd like a bo staff, I spun and twirled it around my body before catching it having rest under my foreleg, readying myself from the creatures.
The bat ones attacked first. They swooped in a V formation towards me. It felt like my body moved on its' own. I brought the halberd around to my side and swung up horizontally. A fiery wave shot out and cleaved the creatures in two. Yellow and black spurted out from them as they vanished into wisps of air. I hadn't noticed it until I looked back at the halberd. Whatever I did, I melted the snow around me, revealing a frozen patch of dirt under me. I grinned and looked back determinedly towards the advancing golems. I adjusted the weight of the halberd over to my right side again, readying my stance as they began to charge me. When the first one reached me, it swung an axe down, which I deftly side stepped. The other golem came up and swung its' sword. Which I managed to dodge just as deftly. I brought the halberd around my body and stabbed the blade tip into the third golem that tried to rush me. The blade slipped into its' head like a hot knife through butter. Purple and black erupted from the injury and the golem melted into the ground.
I arched a brow. Odd. My observation was cut short as the other two golems that attacked me began to rush me again. Dodging two swipes of the axe one, I flipped myself over the back of the sword one and bucked it with one hind hoof upon landing, causing it to fly into a tree. I then brought the halberd around, not to strike, but to defend against another advancing. I blocked the sword with the shaft of the halberd, pushing it away. It riposted with another swing, that I blocked again. I did this a couple more times before jabbing it with my fore hoof in its' blankless face. It reared back and I brought the halberd around again, stabbing the blade into the chest of the creature and raising it high into the air. It's black and purple blood spurting from the injury. I looked over my shoulder and saw the remaining two rush me. I planted the bottom tip of the halberd into the ground and flung my body around it, bucking both of them away. I pulled out the halberd at the end of the momentum and flung the creature over to them. It splattered and melted into the ground. I readied the halberd again, my ear flicking as I heard the one behind me clatter over to me. It whinnied as it raised its' weapon above its' head. I was quick, however. I threw my body around, swinging the axe part of the halberd around and cleaving the creature clear across the neck, decapitating it. The head flipped as the black and purple was flung all over, clinging onto me as it did while the body flopped to the ground next to me. I twirled the halberd skillfully, resting it at my side. I then spun around, twirling it again and stabbing the bottom of the halberd into the ground, standing defiantly against the remaining two. The cool breeze blowing my mane and tail as I eyed the two to see any signs of what they are going to do next.
It seemed they got cold hooves. The creatures looked at each other before turning to flee. I grinned widely.
"Where are you going!? The party just got started!" I shouted out. I found myself pulling out the halberd and adjusting it. I tossed it like a javelin, high into the air. It pierced one creature, causing it to painfully neigh and slump, black and purple spurting out of it. The other creature decided to off itself, from what I'm guessing, as it crashed into a dead tree and splattered. I felt myself simmering down, panting as the adrenalin was still coursing through me. I don't know what compelled me, but I wished for my halberd to come back to me as I was a little exhausted to bother to go get it. Surprisingly, the halberd vanished and reappeared floating next to me. I looked at it, seeing that the spectral object swirled and hummed spectacularly. It then dissipated, and the amber gem fell to the snow. The snow patch where it had landed melted around it. I reached with my magic it picked up. After feeling my adrenaline leave me, I fell back onto my haunches. I felt somepony put their hooves around my shoulders. I looked up tiredly at Thi Billette, who was giving me a look of awe.
"Holy... what was that, Fie?" she began. I slumped into her chest and she pat my head.
"Too... tired..." I groaned. My body was burning up. In fact, I was sweating profusely. I felt Thi put a hoof on my head and she grit her teeth.
"She's burning up! Quick, get me some snow to put on her and some anti biotics!" she ordered to somepony over me. I looked tiredly through my blurred vision. I could see the images of Cloudchaser and Bulk Bicep. Cloudchaser seemed to nod and rush out of view while Bulk dug through something and what he pulled out, I couldn't tell as my vision began to fade to black.
~~~***~~~
I found myself floating amongst a black void. I tossed my head around, looking to see if I was completely alone.
"H-Hello?" I called out. Suddenly, a bright burst of fire shot up in front of me. It spread rapidly around into a massive circle. I looked around, backing away as the corner pillars began to shoot out a trailing beam of fire that converged into the middle. I looked to see it draw a strange rune. Emerging from the rune, was none other than the terrifying figure of a fanged Princess Celestia and Luna mix. Though, it wasn't them. It was Din. The midnight coat didn't hide her amongst the black while the fiery mane flowed wildly, almost as if it was an actual wildfire. She opened her eyes and a fanged, evil smile creeped across her face. She began laughing maniacally. I shrunk and took several steps back. She then threw her gaze at me. It felt sinister. Almost predatory. The slit amber eyes focused on me. I looked around, hoping to see a way out.
"You cannot leave my domain. After all. You were the one that retreated yourself to here." she pat her hoof gently against her chest. "Flattered that a mortal would find comfort in my domain. But I'm sad to say that my domain isn't one I plan to share." She stomped her hoof and a trail of fire shot out, surrounding me. I cowered before her, unable to speak. She cackled. "What's the matter? You're almost ready to re-enact your first meeting with the serpentine." Her sinister smile turned into one of disgust. "You do so in my domain, and I will toss you out in a burning blaze of unpleasant glory." I still couldn't say anything. I was too scared. Din chuckled. "As much as it amuses me so that you cower before me, I'll gladly hear you out on what you have to say." I looked up at her slowly. I was unsure of what she meant.
"Wh-what?" I squeaked. Din frowned and unfurled her wings, displaying her presence.
"Speak, vessel! Why have you called me!? I do not make small talk!" she demanded. I gave her a confused, but still terrified look.
"Wh-what do you mean? I-I didn't call you!" I said in desperation. Din glared at me and I froze up. She closed her wings and tossed her head to the side.
"Pah! What a waste of time. You do realize that I am not up for discussions on anything!" She turned back to me. "You are my vessel! And I'll do what I please with you!" She then walked over to me. "I can see your doubts, Quiet Fire. You have no place in Equestria. You struggle to find what purpose you have. Thanks to Ouroboros, you have that chance. However, he has no control on us. Rather, we have control of ourselves. I can help you end this wretched fate you so wish to avoid! All you have to do is release me." I flinched as a spurt of fire erupted in front of me. I saw a rune in front of her. It swirled and turned like a clock with symbols and words I couldn't make out. "The place where we are going will have the key to set me free. Do so and I'll promise you will be released of all torment from your destiny. And I'll be sure to spare your friend. Tis a real shame if she were to sing with the others." she grinned and looked fondly into the void. "Ahhh! Such beautiful singing I'll hear! As my fire rises, they will sing of my rule! I will shepherd the mortals to a new era! Every creature will bow to us!" I darted my eyes in fear.
Wait a minute... this is all wrong. I found my fear beginning to quell. I finally frowned and stood up. Din eyed me with disgust.
"Bull." I said bluntly. I still felt my legs shaking, but I returned her glare. "You will never have your way! I don't care what you and Ouroboros plan. I'll find a way to end both of you." Din began to laugh maniacally, tossing her head back.
'Ahahahaha!! How amusing! You, who wets herself at the mere sight of the World Serpent. The one who drinks herself sorry to bed and dreams of the same sex. Yes, you, of all mortals!" she cackled again. I gave her a disgusted look now. My fear ebbing away into clearer thoughts. What was I afraid of? She stated I called her. And so far, all she did was try to intimidate me. She boasted so much. Such a prideful being. I grinned.
"Why not? You saw me take on those monsters. Your sister's creations, correct? The ice one. And I'm guessing that was the shadow and air one?" Din grew quiet, but she eyed me still. I waved a hoof lazily. "You know, if I didn't take you to be a mockup of a nightmare of Celestia and Luna, I'd feel way more offended. You're not only blasphemy. But a false god. And considering a god of fire needs a mortal to keep herself sentient... that sounds almost a little too dependent on me." Din suddenly growled.
"What are you getting at, fool?" she spat. I returned it with a challenging look.
"You are only trying to intimidate. So far, you've just been lazy. Holding all that power for yourself when you need it? You know, that's not a bad idea. If you are out to claim Equestria as your domain, why should you have to play your trump card? Your sisters are already terrible poker players." Din blinked, her wings shifting slightly.
"Poker? What are you blabbering about?" she asked, seeming at odds with the word "poker" than anything. I arched a brow.
"What I'm saying is, you're off to a great start. But not better. If my home is to rely on us to balance it, why are you so inclined to claim it as your own?" Din unfurled her wings again and the fire grew over us.
"Silence! I will not have myself be questioned by a mortal! Let alone, what her pathetic opinion on my way of playing this little game of the serpentine!" I cocked my head.
"Game?" I asked. Din "hmphed" and turned her back to me.
"I care not for what the rules entail. That serpent gets bored every now and then and uses me and my sisters as an excuse to enjoy himself! The nerve! He promised us a domain to rule, and he has done nothing of it!" I was right. Ouroboros did have an ultimatum. He wasn't out for our survival. He was just wanting to see how well we survive. I always had that thought in the back of my mind. Perhaps, maybe I can change this little game into something more akin to actually doing something good? I eyed Din and found my dismay return. 'That's going to be a lot of work, Quiet.' I rubbed my chin in thought before beaming.
"So, from what I gather, not only is he trying to play us, but he's been using you and your sisters as entertainment value. What if... we play the game to how he wants for now and then we switch it up when he least expects it?" I suggested. Din looked over her shoulder.
"Beg your pardon?" she scowled. I nodded and motioned to the void around us.
"Look, we are both in disagreement about our existence to one another. But if I'm going to have you live rent free in my mind, then perhaps you can help me stick it to Ouroboros." I sighed and rubbed the back of my head. "I dunno why I shared a drink with him. I don't even remember it." Din remained quiet; her half gaze focused on me. I continued. "But ever since then, I've hated the thought of being forced into this 'destiny'. I never wanted any of this. I just wanted to be by myself and live how I want. The only good thing I see coming out of this is my reignited friendship with Thi. But aside from that, I want to just sit on my couch, watch the hologem TV and drink myself silly. Maybe even die from alcohol poisoning, I dunno. But it's better than having to deal with this bull." I sat on my haunches, disgusted. "Call it not taking responsibility for my life and having to handle it given to me. And maybe sometimes we need to leave our comfort zone to get at least somethings done. So, if Ouroboros is going to force this on me, and he thinks he can play this out for his own amusement, I don't want to give him the benefit of the doubt." I looked at Din. "I'm not asking for your co-operation. I just want to set a boundary here. At this point, we are enemies with a common goal. So, I'll tolerate your existence. As long as we make enough trouble for the World Serpent, then perhaps he'd have no choice but to pick out a place for you to claim as your domain." Din studied me.
I waited for a response. Din hummed and turned around to face me.
"Interesting... but there are plenty of flaws in this pact you are suggesting. I will have to think on this a little more. And I expect you to do the same. You are right, my dear vessel. We have a common goal." She grinned evilly. "Though, I won't lie. I do intend to see what the serpentine has in store for you. There is nothing more amusing than seeing you squirm and struggle like the puny worm you are." I frowned.
"What if I add another thing to sweeten the pile. If we can best your sisters at their own games, have Ouroboros keep ourselves in his favor, we can use him to give us what we want." I suggested. Din shook her head.
"Fool. Ouroboros will not give me what I desire. Take it from personal experience. You aren't the first vessel to suggest that. And that was in the times I was not his favorite. You'd have to think better than that." She scraped the ground. "Though, I can see your desire to see this through as it goes. I'm intrigued to see how it'll play out." she smiled, this time mischievously. "I look forward to seeing what you have in store. But now, I tire of your presence. Begone from me!" She reared up and flapped her wings once. I felt the fire erupt around me and then felt myself catch on fire. I screamed and patted myself, feeling the burning pain shoot up through my body. I found the void becoming a bright white as the echoing, sinister laugh of Din was the last thing I heard.
~~~***~~~
I found myself jolting up and nailing Thi in the snout with my horn. She swore loudly and covered her snout, lurching forward. I blinked and looked around.
"Wh-where am I?" I asked. I felt something weighty leave my head and plop onto my lap. I looked down to see an ice pack. I looked over to Thi, who was bleeding from the snout. She wiped her muzzle and glared at me.
"Do you have a habit of jabbing ponies with your horn when you wake up?" she hissed. I gave her a nervous and apologetic smile.
"S-sorry, Thi." I said as I looked around and saw some tissue on a table. I reached with my magic and levitated it over to Thi. I then did a double take. A table? I looked around. We were in a tent. I was laying on a bed. A small furnace lit to keep the area warm at the center. My saddlebag was laying against a shelf at the foot of the bed. I furrowed my brows. "Let me rephrase. Where are we?" I asked. Thi wiped her muzzle before sticking the tissue into her snout.
"We are inth the tent of the disposthal crew." Thi said with a nasally annoyance. I cocked my head.
"Disposal crew?" I asked.
"Oh, good, you're awake!" A voice said. I looked over and saw, to my surprise, Flitter. She was carrying a tray of hot soup in her hooves. She hovered over and placed it on the shelf, handing me the bowl and spoon. I took them in my magic and looked into it. Onion, carrots and some potatoes. The smell was tantalizing. I realized we only had travel snacks. Not an official lunch. I happily dug into the soup, yelping as I burned my tongue in the process. Flitter handed Thi her own bowl of soup that she took into her magic.
"Thanksh, Flitter." she said. Flitter smiled with her hooves behind her back.
"Don't mention it, girls. I have to say, it was quite impressive of you to save my sister and Bulk Biceps from danger. Even the guards were impressed by your halberd skills." Flitter said. I realized she was addressing me as I blowed into my soup.
"O-Oh? Well... I wasn't going to sit by and let those monster hurt them. Bulk Biceps is a fellow Ponyville neighbor after all." I said a little non-chalantly. Flitter hummed in thought as she floated over to me and studied me.
"Now that I get a closer look, you really are that mail pony who delivered the letter to us. Wow, going from courier to monster slayer. And I thought a Roc was an achievement in of itself." she said with a small smile. I blushed and rubbed the back of my head.
"W-well, I was just trying to survive and save my friend. Th-that whole monster ordeal was... well..." I honestly wasn't sure how to put it. My words were lost on me. The cute Wonder Bolt mare giggled and turned to exit the tent.
"I'll let the others know you've come too. I think you've inspired several of the guards." And with that, Flitter exited the tent. I blinked and looked at Thi. She was quiet, but she returned my look and nodded.
"Hate to say it, but it seems that we keep catching attention. Though this time, you were the center of it." she frowned. "I would have helped, but I couldn't see them clearly. They were just blotted masses. I popped an arc bullet into one, but it went straight through." Thi said as she slurped her spoon upon finishing. I gave her a worried look.
"You... couldn't see them properly?" I asked. Thi nodded. I rubbed the back of my neck. "W-well... you remember those golems we fought on the train?" I began. Thi also nodded to this. "Well, they were like that, only... more shadowy and transparent. I... I think they were different. The ones we could see on the train were ice. These were... like shadow and air." Thi narrowed her eyes.
"So... do you think they could have been the other seven?" she asked. I hate to say it, but I nodded.
"No doubt. We came across the one of ice. I think the ones we just came across are shadow and air. Which means... two more have woken up." Thi sighed.
"If monsters like that are going to be popping up because of the seven... does that mean you are going to summon creatures like that as well?" she said. I rubbed my chin.
"I... can't say for sure if I haven't already or not. Though... I doubt it. Din doesn't like to flaunt her power. I just had a talk with her." I said. Thi hummed in thought.
"Then... what are we supposed to do once we find this altar?" she asked. I sighed and found that I had finished my soup rather quickly. The tingling burn on my tongue still there made it hard to keep my mouth still.
"I don't know. I'm hoping Twilight or one of her friends could add more insight on the matter. Have you heard from them?" I asked her. Thi shook her head.
"All's quiet on the link buds." she said. I felt myself feeling a little disappointed. I guess the monument task was taking a bit for the others to manage. This is my first time ever working with the heroes of Equestria. I'm not sure how quickly they can handle things or what. I know sometimes they can be gone for weeks on end, even months on a friendship quest. But whatever the case is, they come back with a job well done. How do they do it? I couldn't help but notice another pony walked in. One Thi recognized.
"Oh look, the egghead dropped by." she said with a coy smile. The blue earth pony stallion with the silver bedridden mane and tail eyed us unenthusiastically.
"Unfortunate to meet each other again. Not in the way of greetings. But the fact this is our second meeting where you're injured. Now it's both of you." he said. Thi pointed towards me with her foreleg elbow.
"You have Fie to thank for my injury." she said. I gave her a worried look. She seemed a bit interested in her bowl right now. The pony shrugged.
"Regardless, I am here to check up on the injured. Nasty business with the disposal. I knew the Roc would attract creatures to it." He reached into his saddlebag and withdrew a bottle. He took out a spoon after and poured the contents of the bottle into the spoon. He then held it up to me. "Say 'ahhh'.'" I gave him a confused look. I opened my mouth to say something that wasn't what he wanted me to say, but he shoved the spoon into my mouth and I gulped down the awful tasting liquid. I coughed and stuck my tongue out.
"Ugh! What is that awful taste?" I said, eyeing the pony as if he had poisoned me. He corked the bottle back up and put the contents back into his saddle bag.
"Fever medication. Your body was well over the temperature of a volcano. But it seems that you are not a charred skeleton in the bed, so I can only assume that you are feeling better." He then walked over to Thi, reaching into his saddle bag. Thi held up a hoof.
"Easy, cowboy. I'm not the one with a fever." Thi stated with a stern look. The stallion ignored her and pulled out a fresh clean tissue. He removed the tissue from her snout, causing Thi to hiss and squirm. "Ahh, hey! Easy on the snout!" The stallion dabbed something on Thi, causing her to cough before he rolled a clean tissue and inserted them into Thi's snout.
"There. Now that should prevent any infection to the nasal cavity." he said. Thi wiggled her snout, giving a distrustful look at the stallion. But she seemed to pick her soup back up and slurp the contents. She licked her lips and grinned. "Wow, this soup is way better than what you got, Fie." she said. I returned her grin.
"Then perhaps I should horn butt your snout all the time. Free soup that way." I said. The stallion stood up and turned to exit the tent. I held up a hoof.
"W-wait! I got one question to ask." I said. He turned back to study me.
"Yes?" he said. I looked him up and down.
"Who are you? You're not a scholar, but you look like a scholar." I spoke. The pony shook his head.
"My hobby is medical practices. I am a scholar by trade and job. My name is Silver Scribble. And when I'm not tending to the wounds of the injured or buried deep into a scroll or book, I'm the head of M.E.S.S." he said. I cocked my head. Thi read my mind.
"Mess?" she asked. Silver Scribble nodded.
"Abbreviated for Monster Ecology and Study Service. I study the nature and ecology of the mythical and magical beings living in our world. The Roc you slayed is such a creature. While I prefer the creature alive to study, a dead one can make for an easier time." he wiggled a hoof. "But less excitement and more surgical exploration." Me and Thi exchanged glances.
"So.. what you are saying is that you're a monster rights activist?" Thi asked. Silver shook his head.
"Not necessarily. Monsters are dangerous and must be handled with the utmost caution and preparation. But they aren't just mindless creatures. They have families. They give and take to the cycle of nature. The Circle of Life as they say. Just as much as any normal creature we see in our everyday lives. For example, Rocs prefer mountainous or arid valleys. They roost themselves on the sides of cliffs and mountains. They hunt mainly bison or buffalo." He sighed. "Of course, it is a morally grey area. Because the tribes in Appleloosa do have Roc incidents. So, it can be hard to draw the line of what is the beauty of nature and what the lives of other creatures mean." He shrugged. "So, I just dedicate myself to studying them in their element. Away from all the action they can bring to ponies like you." Thi and I remained quiet. How intriguing.
"So, if you are the head of M.E.S.S. then does that mean there are other ponies to the cause?" I asked. Silver Scribble nodded.
"I have several agents that have similar interests. We have taken to working closely with the Hunter's Association And Collection. You know, monster hunters." He then looked to me. "At first, I thought you were a part of the Association to help aid in the Roc attack. But much to my chagrin, it was just a civilian who acted recklessly." I frowned.
"And you expected me to what, just sit around and be fed to the young? I doubt your hunters would have time to find us. They'd have to carve out our half-digested bodies out of the young." Silver Scribble nodded.
"That's the good thing out of this. The young wouldn't perish. But since the mother was killed, I doubt the young are going to live in the next day and half. No food." he said. Thi snorted, wincing as the pain shot through her.
"You're right. What a morally grey area." she said with a bit of disgust. Silver Scribble sighed.
"Look, I apologize if I came off on the wrong hoof the last time. I had just finished dealing with another mishap with the Association at the time." he said. When he had finished, the tent flap opened, and I felt my heart rise and sing at the sight of the Wonder Bolt the floated in. Flitter was right behind her along with Bulk Bicep. Bulk immediately zipped up to me and pulled me into a bear hug.
"Oh, thank you! You saved my hide!" he said with his usual enthusiasm. I felt the wind leave me, but I smiled and pat the muscley foreleg of the stallion.
"Your... welcome... killing... me..." I gasped. Bulk blinked and put me down.
"Sorry!" he said apologetically. I took a moment to roll my shoulders before smiling up at Bulk.
"Hey, what are neighbors for? Didn't want those pretty spa ponies to lose a great worker." I said. Bulk blinked and gasped.
"Oh no! My other job!" He was about to turn around, but Cloudchaser pat his shoulder.
"Relax, big guy. Aloe and Vera will understand. You have a duty to uphold as a Wonder Bolt." she said. Bulk slumped but nodded with a smile. Flitter giggled and ruffled his mane.
"Bulk Bicep wouldn't stop asking about you. He felt like it was his fault you could have gotten hurt." Cloudchaser rolled her eyes.
"Oh, please. He wouldn't stop apologizing to me when I got hurt." She leaned in towards me, making my heart race and blush brightly. "If you ask me, just take the apology and move on." she whispered. I then noticed the bandage on her cheek and one wrapped around her foreleg. I held up a hoof to her.
"Did they... actually hurt you?" I asked. Cloudchaser looked at me.
"Oh, this? Yeah, it stung. But I'm a tough mare!" she said with a confident grin. I sighed in relief. Another question popped into my head.
"Wait... didn't you stop being a Wonder Bolt? You mentioned being a part of the reserves, but Rainbow Dash got in?" I asked. Cloudchaser blushed a cute red with a nervous smile while Flitter gave a coy smile.
"Ehehe... may have been given wrong info on my part. But... I still got to follow my dream!" she said. Thi placed her bowl down, catching the attention of everypony in the room. She stood up and slung the bat over her back. She smiled.
"Well, I think we rested enough, don't you think, Fie?" she asked me. I nodded. I did feel better. And as much as I wanted to stay and chat with the pretty and cool looking mare, I had a place to get too. I felt my mood shoot down. Cloudchaser spoke.
"Well, I guess it's my turn to thank you... errr..." she rubbed her chin as she looked at me.
"Quiet Fire. But uh, you're free to call me Fie, if you want..." I said with a nervous and bashful smile. I saw Thi narrow her eyes at me. Oh please, you aren't the only one who calls me Fie! Cloudchaser smiled a pretty smile.
"Okay, Fie. Thanks for the help. That was so cool how you fought off those creatures! How did you manage that?" she asked. I smiled and was about to explain when Thi cleared her throat.
"While we still have sun, Fie." she said sternly. I dropped my ears and gave a small pout. Silver Scribble adjusted his saddlebag.
"Before you leave you two, I do have a message from the Princesses. What luck that you happened to show up when you did. The Princesses asked to speak with you when you are done with your task." He said before exiting the tent. Thi sighed.
"It just doesn't stop does it..." she said with a frown. I sighed and got myself off of the bed. I gave a shy smile to Cloudchaser before putting my saddlebag on.
"It was great to meet you guys officially. I'm glad you are okay, Bulk." I said. Bulk smiled.
"Thanks again, Fie! I promise I'll put in a good word to Aloe and Vera when you get back in case you need to relax!" he said excitedly. I giggled and trotted past them.
"I'll hold you to that." Upon exiting the tent with Thi and the rest, Silver Scribble was not too far off talking to a guard. This guard was a bit more rugged and looked grizzled. He then spotted me and Silver turned around.
"I take it you two are in a bit of a hurry, so I arranged for a wagon to take you to your destination." he said. Thi blinked.
"Wait, what happened to the other caravan that we paid to take us there?" she asked. The guard spoke up, his voice deep and scraggly a bit.
"He took off when the creatures began advancing. We owe your friend a debt of gratitude. I'm ordering Silver Scribble and a couple of the Wonder Bolts to escort you to the location. It's the least I can offer for helping us not only once, but twice." he grinned. "Perhaps you can show the guards a good way of handling a halberd." I gave a nervous laugh. I wasn't really in the mood to teach an entire escort of guards my awkward way of fighting. I shook my head.
"Err... don't have to time to really stay and help them. Starswirl was really adamant we get this done quickly." I said. Thi snorted, wincing from her snout injury.
"Ugh, I totally forgot about beardy." she said. The guard nodded.
"Then I won't delay. Cloudchaser, Flitter. Report." The two pegasi hovered over and saluted. "I'm rearranging your task. You are to escort the Roc Slayer and her friend to their destination. Thunderlane and Bulk Bicep will maintain position here to help out." I perked up and felt my mood shoot up dramatically. I almost hoof bumped in the air but pretended to stretch my foreleg. Thi arched a brow at me. Cloudchaser and Flitter both in unison agreed.
"Sir, yes sir!" The guard nodded.
"Cloudchaser and Flitter are flexible with their assignments. But they are the closest the reserves have to the next ace fliers." he said with a grizzled smile. He then nodded to them. "Prepare for the journey. And when you are done, you are to head back to Canterlot to await your next orders." He saluted to them before turning to order another pair of guards in moving a stack of firewood. I wasn't doing my best to hide my excitement. Cloudchaser is my personal escort? Oh Luna, if this is a dream, I don't ever want to wake up! Thi nudged me.
"Ahem. You seem a little peppier after being fed that medicine." She turned to Silver. "You sure that was just fever medicine?" Silver Scribble nodded.
"Herbology books are great for pointing out which plants and herbs have healing properties." he said matter of factly. Cloudchaser stretched.
"Well, then. I guess this is the least we can do for helping out with our own issues." She turned to Thi. "Names Cloudchaser. Reserver Lead Pony for Company Beta. Nice to meet you." She held out a hoof. Thi studied before shrugging.
"Thi Billette. Don't get too comfortable though. We aren't on the best track record currently." Thi said. Cloudchaser arched a brow and I was quick to chime, trotting between them with a nervous smile.
"Err, what Thi is saying that we are glad to be in your care! It'll be great to work with you." I said. Flitter smiled.
"Likewise. I'm Flitter. Cloudchaser's younger sister." she said. Thi nodded.
"Yeahun. Thi Billette. Can we get going now?" Thi asked me. I gave her a concerned look but nodded.
"Yes. While we uhh... have sun still." I said with a small smile. Silver Scribble trotted past us.
"Then I'll lead the way to the Pilgrim Steps." He said as he locked the wagon harness around him. Me and Thi climbed into the back and Cloudchaser and Flitter floated next to us. Silver began moving and the wagon jolted as we began making our way to the foot of the mountains. I sighed and rested myself happily against the side of the wagon. I was staring at Cloudchaser, who seemed to be caught up in her own thoughts. I wonder what she is thinking? It couldn't be about me, right? I chuckled to myself. No way. We just met! Gosh, I really feel funny right now. Though, I am glad I'm able to have her accompany me. My girlish thoughts were interrupted when Thi tapped my horn. I rubbed my horn and looked at her confusedly.
"What?" I asked. Thi frowned.
"I know that look. And the way you are staring at that Cloudchaser gal. You sure you are over the last one?" she crossed her forehooves. "You wouldn't shut up about the other one." I blinked and lowered my head.
"If you are talking about the one from six years ago, I'm way over that. I did have one a while ago before you came back... though... that one was too good to be true." I groaned and felt my depression creep up. "I know I'm a hopeless romantic. And maybe I should just focus on myself. But I just... I don't know. I really do want somepony I can wear my heart on my sleeve for." Thi giggled and nudged me playfully.
"How corny. Look, I'm not jealous of you making new friends. I want to make that perfectly clear. I am just trying to look out for you. Because the one I'm thinking of wasn't that nice. And from what it sounds like, the recent one wasn't nice either." I nodded and smiled softly.
"Thanks, Thi." I said. Thi rubbed her muzzle with a nasally sniff.
"What are partners for?" She grinned. The rest of the way through, we got to talking a bit more. We managed to learn more about Cloudchaser and Flitter. Turns out, they visit Ponyville often because of friends. It's weird I haven't seen them before. They stated how much they think about moving to Ponyville. But Cloudchaser was the one that wasn't so keen on the thought.
"Ponyville is nice, yeah, but Cloudsdale allows me to fly freely. I'm not much of a grounded pony." she said. Cloudchaser is a natural born flyer like Rainbow Dash. However, from what Flitter said, Cloudchaser began slacking and it caused her to drop in performance a little. She used to top Rainbow Dash in young flyer competitions. Flitter had always remained third or second. Flitter was just as much of an athletic flyer like her sister. But the carefree personality of Cloudchaser clashing with a dedicated and sisterly personality like Flitter made for a bit of sibling conflict. I couldn't help but think back to home again. The times I would spend conversing with my siblings at the dinner table with dad. It made me feel more homesick than ever. I sighed before we began learning more about Silver Scribble. Though aside from what we already know, he wasn't too keen talking about himself. We spent an hour just chatting to each other. I found myself chatting more with Cloudchaser. I had a dumb smile plastered on my face as we talked.
She was just so cool and pretty. I couldn't help myself to sighing happily. As she talked about her usual days in Ponyville when she would visit, my mind was off imagining her catching me like she did before. My hero~ As another hour passed, the wagon began slowing down as we neared the foot of the mountains. There was a trail that was leading towards the woods and what would eventually be the beginning to the Pilgrim Steps. I hopped out of the wagon with Thi close behind me. I looked further ahead up the path and furrowed my brows. I could hear a faint voice. Calling to me. The shifting inside my mind made me be aware that Din was also sensing the call. I threw on my hood and adjusted to fit comfortably on my head. Cloudchaser sighed.
"Well, I guess this is where we part ways then." She said. I bowed my head. My heart was aching for some reason. Sliver Scribble unlatched the wagon reigns and dug around in the back of the wagon. Thi arched a brow as she leaned against the wagon coolly.
"Uhh, what are you doing?" she asked. I turned to see Silver Scribble stuff his saddlebag with parchment paper.
"I mentioned medicinal practices and running a monster study association as a hobby. But, I'm a scholar first and foremost. And Starswirl in his letter with the princesses tasked me with studying the artifacts that the monuments lead us to. Whether you like it or not, I have to see this through until we bring it back to Canterlot." Thi looked at me and shrugged.
"Not that I'm complaining, but are you sure you can handle yourself on the field? I get you stay away from the excitement. So, am I going to have a problem with saving your flank?" she said with a stern look. Silver Scribble flicked some snow off his snout before shaking his head.
"No. I can handle myself if it goes left field. I... have my ways." he said, patting his pouch on his robe belt. I cocked my head. I then looked up to see Cloudchaser and Flitter discussing amongst themselves. I tried to listen in on what they are saying, but they had finished up when I took one hoof step forward.
"So, I know we are supposed to return back to Canterlot for our next orders. Buuuut." Cloudchaser began. Flittler picked up after her.
"I'd say it's pretty good intel for the Wonder Bolts as well if we know what we are risking our necks for. We are also protectors of Equestria. So, it should be right that if the Wonder Bolts are going to be involved. Then we need to be all on the same page." she smiled. "I'm sure Spitfire will understand. She's pretty lenient when ponies push themselves a little harder than most." Cloudchaser gave a cool look.
"And I say, I think we are way more capable of pushing ourselves a little more." She smirked. That made my mood shoot up again. I smiled, but Flitter gave her sister a coy smile.
"Trying to make up for all the slacking you've been doing?" she teased. Cloudchaser kicked back in the air.
"Can't really slack if the fate of our world is at stake." she said. Now that they mention it, it was bothering me. I thought back to what mom had said.
I can't say that Ouroboros hasn't been tight lipped.
"Does... the whole world know we are at risk?" I asked. Silver Scribble chimed as he trotted past us.
"Only the ones who are aware of Starswirl's messages. The scholars were asked by Starswirl to study as much as we can about the Elements of Power. He made us aware that it is vital that we work as hard as we can. 'The fate of our world lies in our hooves' he said." He looked ahead. "When a legend like him says something like that, it's best to take heed." Thi rolled her eyes.
"Pfft, he's in a hurry to do so. What was this he mentioned about a Solstice?" Thi asked. Oh right, I recall Starswirl mentioning it. We were trotting along the path, Cloudchaser and Flitter floating over us.
"The Summer Solstice. Starswirl believes that everything will come together then, and it'll be the day when the world is either a make or break." he said. I rubbed my chin.
"We have a few months to do so then. I can understand getting a headstart, but with all the preparations, wouldn't somethings be changing along the way?" I asked. It dawned on me. I frowned. "The Elements of Power of course. Those are the undeciding variables." Thi trotted up next to me.
"What do you mean?" she asked. I sighed.
"The talk I had with Din made somethings clear from what I've observed. Those creatures were indeed something that two of her sisters were doing in a display of power. Not only that, Din has no desire to follow the rules of this 'game' Ouroboros has set up." I rolled my hoof in a matter-of-fact manner. "I also could tell that Din and the rest of her sisters are not on even grounds. If you think about what happened on the train, I recall Din challenging the ice with such gusto that could make even you proud, Thi." Thi rubbed the back of her head as we turned down the path and reached a set of steps.
"Not sure how I feel about being proud of something that clearly isn't in our best interest." she said. I sighed and nodded.
"That's the thing. All of the preparation that is going on. The way Ouroboros treats Starswirl and Starswirl defying everything. You are right Thi. But it'll be more than bridges." I said. We grew quiet. Cloudchaser broke the awkwardness.
"Alrighty then! I guess we have no choice but to see what the end of the road takes us. Just for the record, if it makes anypony feel better, I have full faith in us getting to the top of the Steps." she said. I found myself smiling. Such amazing optimism. I looked up and scanned the distance of the steps. They went up quite a way.
"Better start climbing then."
I don't know how long it has been. The clouds over head made it difficult to tell where the sun was at the moment. The snow flittered around us mildly. We were quite a way up the steps. The mountain side expanding the valley far below us. Not too far off, surprisingly, was Canterlot. The magnificent alabaster walls displaying an intimidating call of protection. I had to stop for a bit not only to catch my breath, but to admire the scenery. Equestria truly felt like a magical place. Whether winter, summer, spring or fall, the beauty of it all always took my breath away. This was something you couldn't get in the Hoof. I genuinely have no regrets moving from Hoofington to Canterlot to Ponyville. It was just the clean air I needed.
You should write to your father. Deliver it yourself, maybe.
I furrowed my brows. Ignoring the thought, I followed after my group and continued our way up the steps. It felt like hours had passed. Cloudchaser and Flitter were walking alongside us as to rest their wings. They didn't seem winded, but Thi, Silver Scribble and me weren't looking so great. Thi gave an exasperated sigh and stopped, bowing her head and panting.
"Haaa! Who... thought it... was a good... idea... to build... steps along... a mountain..." she gasped. I levitated out a water canister to her and she hungrily chugged it. Thankfully, the cool wind kept us from feeling too dehydrated. But you'd be amazed how quickly you can be if you don't drink water while out hiking in the snow. Once Thi had her fill of water, I took it back and took a swig of the same canister. The cool water flowed into me and I felt reinvigorated. Silver Scribble went up a few more steps before stopping and looking back to us, panting a little.
"We appeared... to have made it." he said. He took a swig of his own water. Thi slumped.
"Oh, thank Celestia..." she said. The rest of us took a moment to catch our breaths. I looked around the area. It was a spacious area. There were stones dotting the areas. Each one having intricate carvings. I trotted over to one stone and brushed the snow away. It revealed six pony figures gathered around a strange scribble. I rubbed my chin.
"Hey, Thi. We could use your expertise." I said. Thi stretched a bit before heading over to me. She brushed away the remaining snow and her eyes scanned the carving.
"It's the six founders of Equestria. This stone just mentions their impact on the Equestria we know today." she said. Silver Scribble cleared his throat.
"Of course. This is the Pilgrim Steps. The very same that Princess Platinum and Clover the Clever climbed to see the land they would call home. The valley below is where Chancellor Puddinghead and Smart Cookie arrived, and the sky above is where Commander Hurricane and Private Pansy arrived." He pointed to the cave further away from the rock formations. "That's the very same cave they took cover in away from the Wendigos." He couldn't help but smile. Something I felt was rare for the pony. "Funny how we are visiting this in the wintertime. Almost seems like we are re-enacting history." Thi shook her head.
"Sorry, but I'm not in the mood to re-enact history again. And let's keep it that way too." We all looked at her and she blinked. "What?" I was about to question her why she made it sound like it wasn't the first time that has happened to her. But I heard the faint voice calling from inside the cave. I turned towards the sound.
"Do you guys hear that?" I asked. Cloudchaser looked around.
"Hear what?" she asked. I darted my eyes around the cave entrance. I narrowed my eyes. I swear I could see something distorted in the entrance. I began to walk towards the sound.
"Fie?" I heard Thi speak. But my body moved on its' own. I approached the distortion. The voice began to sing to me.
Hear my voice, O' one of brave fire
Seek what you desire
For this test
Must be made with no jest
Only then will the heart of courage wake
I held up my hoof to the distortion. Suddenly, a burst of fire erupted and knocked me off of my hooves. I tumbled back over to Thi, who caught me and withdrew her firearm, aiming at the cave entrance. The others rushed over to us and readied themselves. I balked when I saw a hoof emerge from the distortion. Each step it took was fire taking its' place. Upon fully emerging, the creature stopped and faced us. It then stood on two hind hooves, extending out its' own foreleg and a familiar halberd appeared. It took it in its' grasp and twirled it with such skill around itself, bringing it at a rest to its' right side. I couldn't believe it. My jaw dropped. The creature was spectral, but the shape was clear. It was me. The voice rang out clear as day that even my newfound companions had to cover their ears.
Hear my voice, O' one of brave fire
Seek what you desire
For this test
Must be made with no jest
Only then will the heart of courage wake
Thi fired a couple of shots at the creature, but the arc bullets zipped right through it. I then felt myself being levitated and flung towards the creature. I yelped as I landed face first into the ground. Pulling myself up from the ground, I looked back to see Thi grit her teeth and gallop over to me, only to be stopped by a wall of fire.
"Fie! Hang on! I'll get you out of there!" She stated, I heard a loud sound and saw Thi jump high into the air. She swung out her bat and with a loud clack of wood, a green fire bolt sailed through the air. But the creature spun around and batted the bolt back. Thi balked and she grunted as the bolt burst against her chest. I saw a lilac blur zip up and quickly catch her. Cloudchaser looked down at me.
"Fie, are you okay in there?" she asked. I nodded and stood up.
"I think I have to do this on my own. Take care of Thi!" I shouted over the fire. I heard Flitter's voice from beyond the fire wall.
"Please, be careful!" she stated worriedly. I glared at the creature in front of me.
"A test of courage, huh? Well, I have no choice in this matter, do I?" I reached with my magic, withdrawing the amber gem. I took a deep breath. I spoke from my mind for my weapon to come forth. I waited to see the gem turn into the halberd. But, nothing happened. I blinked and looked up back to the creature, who was already advancing on me. I panicked. "Uhhh okay, weapon, I could really use your help right now!" I darted my eyes between the advancing creature and my gem. I shook the gem. "Come on! Appear! Arise! Come to me!" I yelped and ducked as the creature managed to get close and swung the halberd at my head. I scurried around it, shaking the gem. "Come on! Come forth! I call upon thee! Err... I call upon you! No, that doesn't sound right... Yikes!" I side stepped and dodged a couple of swings from the halberd. The creature then got low and took a stance. The blade of the halberd pointing at me. It then began to stab at me. I grunted as I felt the blade graze my side. I bobbed and weaved from the stabs. Instinct kicked in and out of it, I batted the shaft of the halberd down enough to lower it. I stomped my hind hoof on it and quickly threw my other hind hoof out, round housing the creature in the face. I was surprised that there was a solid connection.
The creature stumbled and I started to bob in place, forelegs at my chest and my stance low, ready to move. The creature brought up the halberd and using the long reach, swung the axe head at me. I sidestepped and galloped froward on my hind legs. It must have looked unnatural, but the zebra stance I took helped clear a lot of distance from my target. Zebra Martial Arts is a fantastic style to practice. I haven't quite mastered it, but Namaste felt it was necessary in my training. Better than your traditional Canterlot Guard training by a long shot. I jabbed the face of the creature, side stepping as I did. When it tried to swing the halberd around, I ducked low and weaved under, planting a right hook on the creature and followed it with an upper cut. It was enough to rear the creature up, which I used to bob low and then rapidly jab the chest three times into crouching low, spinning and then giving a good buck with my hind legs that sent the creature flying. I twirled on my foreleg and did a hoof stand before flipping my body over and back on my hindlegs.
It felt good to let loose. I usually had to pull my punches in my fights. But this time, this wasn't no underground fight. Despite the arena looking like one, I was against a force of nature. There are no rules here. Only a test of courage. I smirked and motioned for the creature to bring it. The thrill and rush of the fight flowed back into me. I could even hear the interested hum of Din in the back of my mind. The creature adjusted the halberd and then did something I was not expecting. It tossed aside the halberd, spearing it in the ground. It walked forward and then took a similar stance to mine. I cocked my head. Great, fighting myself has never been more confusing. I prefer my mental conflicts, thank. At least they don't hurt as much. We circled the area; my eyes watching for any sign or tell of my opponent's next move. It's faceless expression making it an impossible poker face. I clicked my tongue.
"Guess we are doing this the hard way." I said. I rushed forward. My spectral flaming copy followed suite. Our hooves held close to our chests before they shot out, almost playing patty cake with each other, circling around each other before I started to throw out hind kicks. I jabbed twice, but my copy dodged them by weaving. I hopped back and round housed. My copy spun and twirled, swiping underneath my leg. I yelped as I felt myself fall onto my back. I wasn't expecting it to be so quick. It was already on top of me and jabbed me quickly in my chest several times. It then locked its' forehooves around my neck, pulling me up and kneeing me hard in the gut. I felt the wind leave me as it chambered it's hindlegs before pulling back one foreleg and striking me hard across the cheek. I spiraled into the snow and even slid a bit away from the creature. I felt my anger boil. I kip upped and wiped my muzzle. I then saw the halberd out the corner of my eye. I furrowed my brows. Perhaps the gem wasn't working because the creature was already using it? That's the only conclusion I could make. And if that was the case...
I extended out my hoof to the side, aiming at the halberd. I closed my eyes, calling out to it. I wished for it to aid me to protect myself. To grant me the courage so I can fell this creature in order to protect my friends. To my surprise, that worked. The halberd poofed and reappeared in my hooves. I twirled it around and aimed the blade tip at it.
"If this is a test of courage, I've already proven it so, haven't I? So, if you want to test it further, bring it on. I am not going to fall here to the likes of you. I've got ponies waiting for me." I don't know what came over me. I felt empowered. I felt good. Like, really good. Great even! For the first time in my life, I haven't felt so empowered. I grinned as I felt a surge of energy flow through me. My copy began to rush me. I imagined myself splitting in two. Down to the last detail of myself. I bounced to the left while my conjured copy bounced to the right. That caught the creature off guard. My copy was holding the same halberd. We rushed forward, hopping into the air and stabbed downward at its' neck, our halberds crossing in an X. I panted, feeling the energy start to leave me. I looked back to see my spectral fire copy suddenly walk forward, phasing through the halberd. I blinked, exchanging glances with my actual copy. We turned to watch the creature stop in the center of the rock formation. The wall of fire simmering down. I looked to see Thi and the others looking on at me.
You have done well, brave one. You managed to use your own wits and critical thinking skills to best yourself. There is nothing more satisfying than fighting your own inner demons. I flicked my ear. Who was talking to me? I don't know whose voice that was. But then, something shimmered in front of me just a few feet away. I shielded my eyes and once the light dimmed, I blinked and gasped.
"Twilight?" I couldn't believe my eyes. There, standing in front of me, looking rather shinier than her crown, was the Princess of Friendship. I did a double take with my copy. No, this couldn't be Twilight. Who is this pony? There was no mistaking this looked like Twilight. But the way she smiled at me felt... different. Almost motherly. The Twilight double spoke.
However, I can still sense a great conflict within you. If you and your element cannot see eye to eye, I'm afraid harmony will continue to cease. But that's okay. We have all the time in the world. The image began to walk towards me. I couldn't move or say anything. Twilight looked towards my companions. I can tell these ponies are going to be great friends to you. You will need their help to save this realm. I blinked. I then shook my head.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up. I didn't ask for any of this. Sure, I may have completed a test set out for me, but this whole destiny and fate thing is all being strung along by an eldritch being. Saving the realm maybe a bonus, but I'm going to get that serpent his come-uppance when the opportunity presents itself." I studied the being before me. "I don't know who you are... or what you are... but I'm taking back my own life. I'm going to live how I want. Not be strung along like a puppet." I put my hoof to my chest and held the halberd at my side. "I'll go along with it for now, but no way in hell am I going to sit by and let this continue on." Twilight kept her smile.
And that is why I have come to you, Quiet Fire. You've already shown the courage to face whatever lies ahead. I know you will have the courage to do the right thing. You can save this realm as well as continue to be yourself. But that is a choice you have to make. Please, let the Elements of Harmony know that the heart of Equestria still burns brighter than ever. I didn't notice that Twilight was beginning to fade as small orbs of light began to float up into the snow. Go, brave one. Harmony still exists. I was speechless as the last bit of light floated up into the grey, snowy sky. My companions went over to me. Their presence snapped me out of my stupor. I looked ahead and saw the spectral creature that looked like me. It raised its' head high and the horn tip glowed. I felt the gem in my pocket levitate out of me and a strong burst of fire began to be absorbed into the gem. The creature vanished and all that was left of this was silence. The gem floated down and I caught it in my magic. I studied it. I could see a wisp of fire now burning brightly into the gem. I exchanged glances with my companions.
What a world we live in.