Tristan decided to stay in his old room at the castle for the rest of the night, afraid to go home. Lore had assured him that Shauku would be told where he was so that the colt wouldn’t worry, and so he sat in his room, listening to the sounds coming from outside.
The initial panic that was roused by the ineffectiveness of the elements and the fall of one of their number was slowly dying down. Tristan wondered what kind of lies the princesses must have been telling their subjects to keep them hopeful and manageable, but didn’t really care so long as the city was relatively safe for him again the next day.
More than anything, a sense of despair and anger coursed through him now. Despair at the imminent loss of what life he had managed to make in Canterlot, and anger at the hand life had dealt him. Hardship after hardship had plagued him, and he doubted that he’d make it through the new task he had set before himself. With those cheerful thoughts, Tristan resigned himself to sleep, wondering how many nights he might have left.
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Tristan awoke early the next morning, his stomach rumbling as he wistfully recalled memories of breakfast in bed served by Nightingale. It seemed no such feast was to appear before him today, and so he hoisted himself out of bed to tidy himself up and await Lore’s all-clear to leave the castle.
He didn’t have to wait long, as Lore walked, uninvited, into his room while he stood looking out the window. “It should be alright for you to leave if you want, Tristan, but it’s still not completely safe out there for you.” Lore said flatly.
“Was it ever, really?” Tristan dryly mused as he turned to face the unicorn, who was red in the eyes from an apparent lack of sleep. “I have some potions on me in case I get attacked, so I’m not going to let myself live what time I’ve got left in fear of ponies that are out to get me.”
“You say that like it’s a foregone conclusion…” Lore noted. “I’m not saying that what you’re going to be doing will be safe, but in reality, you might just be safer outside fortified cities than inside them at this point.”
“Yeah, that’s comforting,” Tristan said, slowly stretching and making his way out the door. “For now, I just want to talk to Shauku and see to my shop. Just come get me when you need me.”
Before Tristan could leave, Lore raised a hoof to stop him. “Wait, there is...one other thing,” he said uncomfortably. “Most ponies aren’t going to be told until later today, but...now that the elements have failed, the evacuation is going to happen.”
“What? Why?” Tristan asked.
“That shield isn’t invincible, you know,” Lore began. “With how many spawn are out there now, I doubt it would hold for very long. If we started the evacuation when they started attacking, it’s doubtful that the entire city could get out before the shield was destroyed. So, we’re starting now.”
“How would it even help, though? Instead of having a bunch of ponies inside a fortified city, you’d have a bunch of ponies wandering in a giant unorganized mass across open ground. That just sounds stupid!” Tristan asserted.
“There are plans for that. I’ll just leave it at that for now,” Lore responded. “For now, just organize your things as well as you can. You’re only going to be able to take what you can carry, so make it count.”
Tristan didn’t respond, but felt a twang of extra hate at the rift spawn for making him lose all of his new things. He knew that, compared to everything else, the loss of material possessions was nothing, but that knowledge didn’t stop him from not wanting to abandon his nice things.
“I’ll just be off, then. Thanks for the heads-up, I suppose…” Tristan said, moving for the door. Lore nodded somberly to him as he left, and he wound his way through the familiar castle to the entrance.
As he stepped outside he saw that the streets were populated, but only with a ghost of their former commerce. As he walked home he cast sorrowful glances at places he’d been to: the sandwich shop he frequented, the furniture store where he bought his bed, the candy store he stopped at the first day he acquired his freedom. He knew those days were already over, and hated the spawn all that much more for taking them from him.
It’s just not fair...none of this is! Not for me, and not for any of these ponies! All my time here, what did I do wrong? What have I done to deserve this? Nothing! But that damn...whatever it is, that thing that’s controlling the spawn, is screwing everything up! I really hope Krik and I find it, and I hope I can run it through myself.
Left to his own devices, Tristan was just getting angry about everything, but he found himself back at his shop before he could work himself up too much. As he opened the door he spied Shauku faithfully attending the counter on his own, but the moment he caught eyes with the colt Shauku’s post was abandoned, as he rushed to meet Tristan.
“Tristan! You’re back!” he cried, obviously overjoyed at Tristan’s return. Tristan thought his demeanor was pretty similar to that of a dog meeting its master after a long day at work, and found the comparison adorable.
“Yeah, I’m back. Hope things didn’t go too badly while I was away,” Tristan said as he smiled down at Shauku.
“It was scary!” Shauku bluntly asserted. “When you didn’t come back yesterday I left to go find out what was happening myself, but nopony would tell me!”
Yeah...I know just how that goes.
“Then, when I came back here, I heard ponies shouting about the elements of harmony! I ran outside to see what was going on, and I saw them! The elements!” Shauku said, somewhere between excited and scared with his story.
“Heh, yeah, I saw it all, Shauku. Sorry I couldn’t have been there with you when it happened. But I heard that the one that got hurt is going to be okay, so there’s that at least,” Tristan said, not up to hearing a retelling of the last day’s events.
“Oh, that’s good! It looked like she got hurt bad!” Shauku commented. “So now everything will be going back to normal, right?” he asked, voice full of hope.
“Err, well…” Tristan said hesitantly. At the look from Shauku’s expectant eyes he felt he need to continue. “I...don’t think so. I’m just going to be straight with you. It’s not over yet. The evacuation is going to happen soon, but don’t spread the word just yet.”
I feel kinda bad for being so blunt, but what good would lying to him be? It’s not like he won’t have to leave with everyone else. What good is false hope, especially if it’ll only last a day or two?
The hope immediately faded from Shauku’s eyes. “Oh,” he said softly. “Are we at least gonna be okay?”
“Sure we are,” Tristan answered as reassuringly as he could, despite his own misgivings. “Plans are already made, and those spawn won’t be catching us. We’ll be just fine.”
Shauku didn’t look particularly reassured, but he put on a brave face regardless. “Alright then! What do we need to do?” he said determinedly.
“We’re just waiting for now. Though, it wouldn’t hurt to get ready to leave at a moment’s notice. We can’t take everything, but we ought to bring some of the lighter alchemy equipment and as many potions as we can. At least you get a chance to bring something along this time, right?” Tristan said, wincing at the end as he realized his lack of tact.
Shauku’s gaze fell even lower than it was before and sighed. “Yeah…” he said, determination apparently lost already.
Tristan raised his hand and began to say something reassuring, but couldn’t think of anything. So, he let his hand fall and Shauku slowly trotted upstairs.
Damn, I’ve never been great with kids, but...damn. I am not cut out for this crap. But if not me, who? Someone’s gotta look after the little guy, and I can’t deny that he’s quite the help. Still, I wish there was someone else to talk to him at a time like this…
After thinking about what troubles might come from having an open shop today, and the imminent futility of bothering to earn money, Tristan flipped the open sign to closed. As the day was still young he sat behind the counter, idly watching ponies walk past the shop. A few peered in, apparently confused on why the shop was closed, but most just trotted by with their heads hung low. Despite the gloomy atmosphere, the sun was still shining brightly outside, unhampered by the translucent shield.
Today would be a wonderful day for rain…
The rest of the day passed slowly as Tristan idled in his shop. Shauku never came down from upstairs, presumably because he was sleeping. Tristan spent his time reminiscing of the times he had over his short, but relatively pleasant, stay. He ran his fingers over the cool wood of the counter and shelves, examined potions that lined the walls, and slowly cleaned his equipment. When he could think of nothing else to do, he retired upstairs.
As he suspected, Shauku was fast asleep on his small bed. Not tired enough for sleep just yet, Tristan fixed himself a small meal and laid himself upon his bed. Any cheery thoughts his subconscious threatened him with were instantly quashed by reality, and he spent some time just feeling sorry for himself. Eventually, despite the earliness of the day, the comfortableness of his bed managed to draw him to sleep.
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Tristan woke with a start to a loud crashing noise. He jerked up in bed, rubbed his eyes groggily, and saw that it was already night. On the floor lay shards of broken glass from the window, as well as a stone brick with a note on it.
Well aren’t they original…
“Tristan! What’s that?” Shauku yelled, startling Tristan, who had forgotten he was there.
“Ah, shit! Err, it seems to be a message. Mailman sure is getting brash these days…” Tristan said, carefully avoiding the broken glass as he reached for the brick. “Let’s see here…`You are not welcome. Get out.`” he read calmly.
“Oh no! What are we gonna do?” Shauku asked fearfully.
Tristan stood for a moment as he read and re-read the note, stress and anger swiftly boiling up from inside of him. “What are we gonna do? What are we gonna do?” he said with increasing loudness. “I tell you what we’re going to do! We’re not gonna give a shit!” he declared.
“We’re...what?” Shauku asked hesitantly.
“Do you know what this means?” Tristan asked, to which Shauku slowly shook his head. “It means there are ponies out there that likely want me dead! And that is, well, not really a surprise! In fact, I already knew that!” Tristan exclaimed.
“Are you...feeling alright?” Shauku questioned, apparently uneasy at Tristan’s demeanor.
“Alright? Fine! I’m fine! I’m just at a point in my life where I get what amounts to a death threat and I don’t give a shit! That sounds pretty fine to me! Just dandy!” Tristan said, hysteria creeping into his voice. “This is exactly where I want to be in life! Oh yeah!” he finished, waving the brick in the air randomly.
Shauku shrunk away from Tristan, seemingly frightened of him now. “I, uh...maybe you should lay back down?” he ventured. “You’re scaring me…”
Tristan spun in a needlessly dramatic fashion to face Shauku directly. He looked at the colt beneath him, fear evident in Shauku’s eyes. Slowly, he relaxed, his mind coming back to the moment from wherever it just was. “I’m...I’m sorry…” he said meekly, plopping back down on his bed as the sudden energy rapidly drained from him. “I just, never really thought I’d ever go through something like this…”
Shauku stood silent for a moment, before gingerly making his way over to Tristan, avoiding the broken glass, and hopping onto the bed. “It’s okay...I’m scared too,” he said softly.
Tristan looked over to Shauku and their eyes met. “Yeah. I know,” he said, eventually putting his hand on Shauku’s back and pulling the colt in for a hug. Shauku returned it, and the two sat there for a moment, absorbing each other's warmth. Though it felt like he was hugging a dog or the like more than anything, it was exactly what Tristan needed.
“You’re a good kid, you know that?” Tristan said to Shauku as they stopped hugging. “A good kid.”
“Thanks. And you’re a good…” Shauku said, trailing off as he searched for the right word.
“I get it. Thanks,” Tristan replied. "What say you we spend some time doing something fun before we have to leave? I think we could both use something to raise our spirits.”
“Yeah!” Shauku exclaimed, his demeanor changed in an instant. "Oh, I know the perfect game! Wait here!” he said before dashing off to a small chest he kept for the toys he bought with his wages. Tristan felt a smile creep onto his face at the colt’s sudden enthusiasm.
They spent the rest of the night enjoying themselves, playing several different games of Shauku’s choosing. By the time the morning came both of their spirits were raised, and though Tristan was still painfully aware of what was to come, for the moment, he allowed himself to be happy.
However, the moment wasn’t fated to last, and the peace and simplicity of night was broken by a knock at the door. Expecting some early customer who wanted him to open up, Tristan went downstairs to shoo them away. However, it was no customer that came knocking, but rather Lore. Tristan let him in, noticing that he came with a large bundle wrapped in cloth.
“Tristan,” Lore said in curt greeting as he walked into the shop. “I have your things here for you, as well as some extra equipment.”
Shauku appeared from the stairs, looking up to Lore and to the package before Tristan had a chance to respond. “Oh. Hey there Mr. Virgin,” he said innocently, before retreating back upstairs at Tristan’s gesturing for him to leave. Lore’s face reddened, but he continued regardless.
“Have you been giving any thought as to what provisions you’ll require for your journey?” Lore asked flatly, as he unwrapped the bundle to show Tristan’s armor and pack.
“No...was I supposed to? Isn’t that more your job?” Tristan replied, shuffling around the room to get a better look at what was inside the pack.
“Yes, of course…” Lore said absentmindedly, looking as though he was thinking of something. “I have some more things to take care of in preparation for the evacuation, so I’m afraid I need to go. There will be a pony by later to enchant any items you plan on taking with you for your task, so get them ready. I’ll be back some time after that.”
“Enchant?” Tristan asked quizzically.
“Mmm, yes. Featherweight charm. It’ll help you quite a bit, since you’ll have a ways to walk. Now I must be off; try not to get into any trouble!” Lore said dismissively, leaving as he spoke.
“Bastard never gives me a chance to ask any questions…” Tristan muttered beneath his breath. “Hey Shauku! You can come down now!” he yelled in the direction of the stairs, at which Shauku instantly bounded down.
“What’d he bring you?” Shauku asked, picking up and prodding Tristan’s scaly breastplate.
“My combat gear, and some extra stuff apparently,” Tristan said, opening up the pack to peer inside. In addition to the mounds of rations and other basics that he expected, there was a small blue gem on a silver chain, an unassuming pair of boots, and some strange looking goggles. “This stuff could either be really disappointing, or really amazing...but I don’t think I should wear any of it until Lore tells me what’s up.”
Shauku didn’t seem to hear him, being too transfixed on the shiny sword that sat beside Tristan’s armor to listen. Before he could pick it up, however, Tristan’s arm shot out to stop him. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t do that,” Tristan said.
“I’ll be careful with it, I proooomise!” Shauku said pleadingly. Tristan merely shook his head, and Shauku dejectedly went back to examining his armor and shield. With Shauku thus distracted, and after picking up his sword to ensure it stayed safe, Tristan went around his shop and gathered up whatever he thought he might need.
The bulk of his provisions were potions of all colors and consistencies. While he had most of the types he wanted on hand, he decided to use some of his dwindling alchemy supplies to create a few of the more dangerous potions that he doubted would have been legal to sell. After experimentally stuffing his pack to make sure everything would fit, Tristan took to waiting.
Nothing happened for some time, so Tristan and Shauku fixed themselves something to eat. Then, there was another knock at the door. Waiting to be let in was a frightened looking unicorn mare, dark blue in coat and light blue in mane, and with what looked to be a picture of an explosion on her flank. Tristan opened the door and the mare swiftly let herself inside, eyes darting around as if she was looking for some unseen assailant.
“Uh...hey?” Tristan broached awkwardly. “I take it you were the one Lore was talking about?”
“Hmm? Yes. Yes! Of course,” the mare said joltingly. “Sorry, I’m just a little on edge...what with everything going on, you can never be too sure of when something is hiding right behind a counter waiting to attack you!’ she yelled, horn glowing threateningly.
“Wait, wait! I’m friendly!” Shauku yelled from behind the counter. “I don’t wanna come out, though!”
“Hey, stop that!” Tristan said forcibly. “Just do what you’re here to do and leave! I don’t want anything, or anyone, getting messed up in here!”
The mare’s ears instantly flattened to her skull as she looking dejectedly downwards. “Sorry…” she said, slowly trotting over to Tristan’s pack in a needlessly dramatic fashion. “Uhm, you need to get out whatever I’m supposed to enchant.”
Tristan moved to his pack and unloaded all of the provisions he had selected. After confirming that it was everything, the mare’s horn lit up once more, as did all of Tristan’s things. There was a small popping noise and flash of light, and then it was over.
“Hey, it worked!” the mare said happily.
“What, you didn’t think it was going to work? What did you think was going to happen?” Tristan asked, becoming more and more uncomfortable with the mare by the moment.
“Oh, nothing! Nothing at all. Go ahead, pick one of them up!” she replied.
Tristan eyed his gear for a moment before deciding to comply. Picking up one of the potions, he found that its weight couldn’t have been more than a tenth of what it was previously. “Hey, it did work! Thanks!” he exclaimed, marvelling at how light it felt.
“You’re welcome! Now, I’d better leave before anything bad happens. Bye!” the mare said, giving a strangely large smile and rushing out of the door.
Is Lore working on a budget here or something? I’d like to think that there are some better ponies around to do something like that with volatile, dangerous potions...but I suppose it worked out.
“Is she gone?” Shauku asked from behind the counter.
“Yeah. She was a strange one, wasn’t she?” Tristan replied, re-packing his things. “I don’t know when we’re going to have to leave, but you ought to get your stuff ready too. I think this is going to be all I’ll be taking, so feel free to take any potions left on the shelves. I’ll help you with some of the taller ones.”
Shauku nodded dutifully and trotted upstairs to pack. Tristan hefted his large pack onto his back, finding it to weigh about as much as an empty backpack.
I could get used to this! Why didn’t we get this done for those earlier trips? I sure wouldn’t have minded it then!
A few more hours passed, and despite the circumstances, Tristan began to feel rather bored. He was all set for another adventure, and yet all he could do was sit and twiddle his thumbs. It made the whole thing seem rather unreal to him, like some distant obligation that had no bearing on him yet. He wanted to go talk to Nightingale, fearing that it may be his last chance to do so, though never did, as he had a dreadful feeling that if he was to leave his shop someone would try to harm him. Then, in the dying moments of the day, with as much warning as ever, Lore was suddenly at the door once more. Tristan let him in, finding the stallion to be as haggard as ever.
“Tristan,” Lore began seriously, not even waiting for a greeting. “We need to go. Now.”
“What? Right now? Why?” Tristan asked, his heart speeding up as reality caught up with him again.
“Scouts have reported another large bulk of spawn on their way to the army already outside the city. This could be the attack we’ve been waiting for,” Lore said worriedly. “We need to get in the tunnels before anypony else, since it won’t be safe for you with the masses. Shauku can come too, but we need to leave now.”
Tristan stood in silence for a moment before calling for Shauku to get down from upstairs. When the colt found his way downstairs he began to equip his armor and backpack. “It’s time to go, Shauku,” he said as he fit on his boots. “Get your stuff.”
Shauku didn’t respond, but his expression grew serious and he went to get his things. Tristan glanced outside to see that the sun must have been setting, as the shadows had grown longer and the magical lights that lined the streets had lit. He had always enjoyed the nights here, when the hustle and bustle of the city began to die down. Despite the circumstances, that day was no different.
“Hey, Lore?” Tristan said as he finished donning his armor and began rummaging through his backpack to double check everything. “These things you brought me, what are they?” he asked, drawing out the boots, pendant, and goggles.
“Didn’t I tell you about those?” Lore said impatiently, obviously ready to get moving. Tristan shook his head and Lore sighed. “Those are all magical, and very expensive. So don’t ruin them!”
“I figured they were magical, but magical how?" Tristan asked, picking up the boots. “These must have been made just for me, unless you have something else around that wears boots, but I wasn’t sure if I should wear them yet. What do they do?”
Lore looked at the waning light outside, then up the stairs to where Shauku had disappeared, then sighed again. “The boots will keep you comfortable in hot or cold, the goggles will let you see in the night, and the pendant will expedite healing. They’re all safe to wear, so you might as well put them on. Now we need to get going!” he said forcibly.
“I’m almost ready!” Shauku’s voice resounded from above them.
So I have night vision goggles...some magical healing factor...and some crazy boots of endurance? Score! I seriously wish I could have had these earlier! This is like superhero gear or something!
“Damn, well thanks for this stuff!” Tristan exclaimed, eagerly putting on the boots, pendant, and goggles. As soon as he put on the goggles all color was drained from the world. He looked out past Lore and saw nothing but black and white without the slightest hint of color, but he noticed there were also no shadows. As far as he could see, darkness didn’t impede his sight at all. “This is so coooool!” Tristan said, looking at his hands in awe. The boots and pendant, however, didn’t seem to be doing anything.
“They are not toys!” Lore shouted suddenly, at which Tristan shrank back and pushed the goggles off of his eyes.
“Alright, chill out!” Tristan said defensively. Before things could heat up any more, Shauku came downstairs, with saddlebags stuffed to the brim.
“Ready! Let’s go!” Shauku announced, his hooves energetically pacing the floor.
“It’s about time,” Lore said, breaking his attention away from Tristan. “Follow me.”
The three left the shop for the last time, Tristan locking it out of habit. As they left he cast a glance back to it, the clean windows and pristine sign filling him with a final swell of pride at what he had. There was no time for reminiscing, however, as they wound their way through the familiar Canterlot streets.
Shortly before reaching the castle, their path diverged. They made their way off of the nice paved path onto a dirt one, towards the mountain that Canterlot rested upon. Despite the apparent lack of anything interesting around, several guards stood stationed at odd places. Soon they came to what looked to be nothing more than a dark, gaping hole in the mountainside.
“Well, here we are!” Lore said, sounding relieved. “Let’s go inside, shall we?”
Tristan stopped, eyeing the dark opening. “That’s it? That’s the big escape plan? Some dark tunnel?” he said skeptically. “There’s no way the spawn won’t just be waiting for us wherever we come out, anyway…”
“I told you, things are taken care of,” Lore said knowingly. “Now come on!” With that, he cantered over to the opening and went inside. However, the moment he entered, he disappeared.
“Wha-?” Shauku said, confused. “Where did he go?”
Tristan ran his palm over his face and shook his head. “Why can’t he just give me the whole plan for once?” he muttered under his breath, as he trudged towards the opening. “C’mon, Shauku. It’s just some magical something-or-other, just like everything else around here.”
He strode confidently into the opening, finding himself to be vindicated by a brightly lit passage behind it. Looking out he could see the world perfectly clearly, so whatever illusion was in place must have been one way. Shauku still stood outside, looking somewhat hesitant. After a moment of deliberation he galloped towards the opening at full speed, not stopping until he was safely through.
Lore conspicuously cleared his throat. “Are we ready to continue?” he asked, leading them farther down the tunnel.
The tunnel itself was incredibly wide, and though the walls were rough, the floor was even. Shortly after they began to descend, the walls turned from plain stone into crystal of some sort, with sharp edges protruding everywhere. Tristan had the urge to ask Lore about the place, but reconsidered when he recalled Lore’s mood. Finally, they reached the end of the tunnel to see a gigantic chamber, easily a thousand feet long and half that wide, below them.
Inside the vast chamber were hundreds of ponies. Some of them were guards, while others were mostly all tending to strange features that lined the walls of the chamber. Near one such group stood Krik, who was speaking to some nervous-looking ponies. The crystal on the walls had been carved to create huge circular openings, at least twice as tall as Tristan was, extending a few inches into the wall. Each opening had strange text circling around it, which was conspicuously unreadable, despite the translation effect Tristan knew was still in effect around him. The size and complexity of the operation was enough to boggle Tristan’s mind.
“I told you things were taken care of, didn’t I?” Lore said with a slight grin. Tristan gave him a noncommittal shrug in return, while Shauku just kept looking around the place in awe. “We’re going to make the spawn think that we’re just taking a tunnel out. However, in reality, everypony is coming down here. We’re going to temporarily re-activate the old portal network, dispersing ourselves all over Equestria.”
“Well, damn…” Tristan said, impressed. “So, where are we going? And when?”
“We’re not going to be staying long, just long enough for the final preparations to be made for your task, but it’ll be to Stalliongrad,” Lore replied. “Ponies there have had some experience with you in the past, so it’s likely that you and Krik won’t cause a riot. We can’t go just yet, though, since the portals aren’t active.”
“Stalliongrad…” Tristan said, memories flooding back to him.
Right...that was where I fought Mecha-Bull, almost killed Iron, and nearly died. Funny, it just seems so long ago...like a lifetime away. Back before I knew anything about ponies, and was just trying to survive...I sure have come a long way, haven’t I? I can’t say I expected any of the stuff that happened since then to happen, that’s for sure.
“What do we do until then?” Tristan asked.
“There’s nothing much to do, so just stay out of trouble. Do you see Krik over by that portal there?” he answered, pointing a hoof to Krik. “That’s going to be the one to Stalliongrad, so you should stay by that one. Other than that, just please don’t make a mess of anything.”
“You say that like I’m always causing trouble. Just because things are happening to me it doesn’t mean I’m the one causing them to happen…” Tristan said. “But alright. Shall, we, Shauku?” he finished, looking down to the awestruck colt beside him.
“Oh, um, yeah!” Shauku replied, gathering his wits. “I haven’t seen Krik since we got here!”
With that the two made their way over to where Krik stood examining the portal. Tristan waved to him and he returned the gesture before going back to his study. Thinking better of causing any more commotion than needed, Tristan took a seat on the ground next to Krik and bade Shauku join him.
There, they sat for some time, watching the ponies go back and forth every which way. Large waiting areas marked off by rope were set up next to each portal, with signs designating where they were to at their entrances. Before long, noises could be heard coming from the tunnel, and a teeming mass of ponies billowed forth from the opening, their cacophonous din breaking the relatively steady sound of work.
For a while Tristan entertained himself by watching the ponies, but quickly grew depressed from the spectacle. Many of them were crying, looking for friends and loved ones, or shaking from fear. They didn’t stop coming, and soon the gigantic waiting area was nearly filled with ponies.
Finally, the hordes of ponies stopped flowing from the tunnel. An explosion was heard from farther up the tunnel, and a hush fell over the crowd for a moment. Then, princess Celestia came from the tunnel, flying above the crowds. As she flew the portals each sparked to life, a strange blue swirling mass coming into being in each of the prepared indentations.
“Alright, we need to go!” Lore said directly behind Tristan, who jumped at the sudden noise.
“Shit! Don’t sneak up on me in here!” Tristan said, his hand measuring his racing heartbeat. “I think Celestia is going to do a speech or something; we should stay!”
“After she’s done the rest of the ponies are going through, so no!” Lore said firmly. “We need to be clear of the exit by the time that happens, so we need to go now!”
Tristan grumbled his displeasure, but obeyed nonetheless. With a look to Lore, Shauku, and Krik, he stepped up to the portal. He hesitated for a moment, staring into the swirling blue light. Lore gave a sigh, stepped up beside Tristan, and resolutely went forward. Sure enough, his entire form disappeared through the portal as if it was any other opening.
Well...here goes…
Tristan steeled himself, closed his eyes, and stepped through. He didn’t feel anything at all, and so opened his eyes, finding himself to be safely through. He was inside of a large building that was filled with ponies. Right next to him Lore stood impatiently tapping his hoof, motioning for him to step away from the portal. As he did Shauku and Krik stepped through together, Krik holding Shauku’s hoof. Immediately after they came through, Shauku wrenched his hoof away from Krik and pretended it wasn’t there in the first place.
“We’re not done yet. Come on!” Lore said. He quickly lead the others out of the building and onto the streets of Stalliongrad. Unlike the last time Tristan visited it, there was no snow to be seen, and the air was as comfortable as it was in Canterlot. However, he did notice Shauku shivering slightly beside him.
They walked in silence, as the ponies on the streets around them all gawked or shrunk back in fear. Tristan had been becoming accustomed to at least some ponies being friendly, so going back to square one was grating. However, he knew it wouldn’t be for long, and so he kept his mouth shut and his head down.
“Now, as to where you’ll be staying, we needed somewhere to keep you two away from the rest of the refugees,” Lore began. “So, we asked the ponies you came to know here if they knew of anypony who would take you two in, Tristan.”
“You mean Iron and Motley?” Tristan asked, his spirits perking up at the thought of ponies that didn’t necessarily hate or fear him. “And where would Krik be staying?”
“Yes, those two,” Lore said. “And Krik will be staying with you.”
“But what about me?” Shauku chimed in. “Where am I gonna stay?”
Lore looked to Shauku with a trace of pity in his eyes. “I’m afraid that you’ll have to stay with the rest of the refugees. These two are going to be doing some things that it would be best to keep quiet, so the less ponies, or zebras, that know, the better.”
At that, Shauku stopped in his tracks. “But I don’t wanna go with the rest of the refugees! Tristan’s my friend!” he said resolutely, stomping his hoof to the ground.
Damn, if that isn’t adorable...I can understand where Lore is coming from, and really, he’s right. Even if I like Shauku, it’s best he stays out of this. He’ll be safer with the others, anyway…
Shauku looked to Tristan for support, and Tristan averted his gaze. “I’m sorry Shauku, but it looks like it’s out of my hands…” Tristan said, still not making eye contact.
“But I...I don’t want to be alone again!” Shauku cried, tears welling up in his eyes.
Oh damn, think quick, something, c’mon…
Tristan could feel himself getting somewhat emotional as well, but did his best to maintain a stoic face. “I’m not going to be gone forever, you know. When all of this is over with, I’ll see about opening a new shop, and you can be my assistant again. How’s that sound?” he said, putting on a smile.
Shauku stood there for a moment, apparently thinking. “How long are you gonna be?” he finally asked.
“I’m not really sure,” Tristan said, looking to Lore, who stayed silent. “But when I’m done, I’ll find you.” Shauku apparently wasn’t convinced and stood looking at Tristan, as if scrutinizing him. Tristan sighed and reached into his pack. “Tell you what. I’ll let you hang on to this until then. If I don’t come back for you, it’s yours.” He produced his fat sack of coins from his pack and tossed it to Shauku.
While he had hoped that Shauku’s eyes would light up, they didn’t. Instead, he just looked sad. “Alright…” he said, picking up the sack and hefting it into his own bags.
The four stood there awkwardly for a moment longer, as a small crowd of whispering ponies began to form in a perimeter around them. Finally, Lore gave yet another sigh and began leading them forward once more.
“As I was saying...we asked your two ‘friends’ if they knew anypony who would take you in. One of them, a Miss ‘Iron Striker’, volunteered,” Lore said.
“We’re going to Iron’s?” Tristan asked, recalling his memories from her home. He remembered breaking in to search for food and supplies, and the debacle that followed. “She’s really willing to let us stay after everything that happened?”
“Well, she is being compensated, of course…” Lore said in justification. “But yes. Being on the outskirts of town, her house is ideal, as you’ll be as far away from the public eye as possible. You’ll be staying there until the plans for your departure are complete, in, say, another week or so.”
“What do you know of this ‘Iron Striker’, Tristan?” Krik asked.
“Oh, she’s, err, nice, really. She and I had a bit of an...encounter, when I first got here, and I sorta have her to thank that I wasn’t killed. Her friend, Motley, was the one who gave me this pendant,” Tristan answered, fingering the small translation pendant which sat upon his chest, next to the newly acquired regeneration one.
“You will have to tell me this story in full later,” Krik said passively.
“Sure, it sounds like we’ll have long enough…” Tristan said. “It seems we do a lot of waiting, don’t you think?”
“Quite the contrary. I have been quite busy for most of my time here,” Krik said. “I have explored the land, slain scores of enemies, and learned much. My time has been anything but idle.”
“I suppose it must help that you heal wounds, like, instantly. I’ve spent far more time than I’d like recovering from injuries,” Tristan commented, now fingering his new pendant. “Hey Lore, will this thing work like that? If I lose an arm or something, will it just grow right back?”
“Oh, no! Nothing of the sort,” Lore said with a chuckle. “It will simply speed up your natural healing processes. Wounds should heal more quickly, and you should be more resistant to infection and disease, but fatal wounds will still be fatal.”
“Oh…” Tristan said, disappointed. “Still cool, but not that cool.”
They finally arrived at their destination. Iron’s house was still familiar to Tristan’s mind, its image burned into his memories by the tumultuous emotions he associated with it. Lore approached the door, straightened his mane, and curtly knocked.
After a moment the door opened, revealing a small unicorn colt. “Mooooom!” the colt cried out, immediately shutting the door again.
That must be her kid, the one I smacked with that sword! I hope he doesn’t remember that…
The door quickly opened again, revealing Iron Striker. “Oh, you must be Virgin Lore!” she exclaimed. She proceeded to peer around him, a flash of recognition in her eyes as she spied Tristan, and a flash of fear as she saw Krik. She didn’t seem to notice Shauku at all next to the others.
“I’m afraid that I’m just going to have to drop these two off with you for now, Miss. I have some things I need to attend to,” Lore said. “I assure you, neither will cause you any harm. You have been briefed, correct?”
“Yes, of course!” Iron replied nervously. “One moment, please.” She shut the door in Lore’s face, and Tristan could hear her yelling something to her children inside. After a moment she opened the door back up, looking somewhat more flustered. “Alright, you two can come in now!”
Lore looked to Tristan and Krik, his expression a warning that no shenanigans would be tolerated. He then looked to Shauku, who was beginning to tear up again. “Come along, Shauku. I’ll take you to the others,” he said, trotting off in the opposite direction.
Shauku looked to Tristan. “Promise you’ll come back, okay?” he said pitifully.
Tristan looked him in the eyes, and then away. “I’ll try,” he said softly. Shauku stood watching him for a moment more, then bounded off to join Lore without a look back.
“Do you...want to come in?” Iron said uneasily.
“Yes. Thank you for your hospitality, Miss,” Krik said courteously. Iron seemed taken aback by the smoothness of his voice, but moved to allow them inside nonetheless.
They entered, and Tristan saw that the place was exactly the same as he remembered. From the entry he could see a hallway, kitchen, a living room, and a family room. Neither of Iron’s children could be seen, so Tristan surmised they had been locked away in their rooms for the time being.
“Please, make yourselves comfortable…” Iron said, motioning for them to go into the living room. “I’ll make us some tea, and we can talk about how things will work around here.”
Tristan and Krik both nodded, Tristan taking a seat on the couch while Krik stood by him. Iron came shortly with some refreshments balanced upon her back, which she set down on a table near them. “So,” she said in a casual voice that almost masked her nervousness. “How have you been, Tristan? I see you’ve gotten yourself a very nice set of armor there. You must be doing well for yourself.”
“I’ve been…” Tristan began, searching for a way to summarize his time in Equestria. “Well, it’s a bit complicated. I’m still alive, and for that I’m grateful.”
“Oh dear,” Iron said worriedly. “Things must have been rough for you. I had hoped that you’d be able to stay out of trouble, but I guess that’s not very likely for one of your…stature.”
“Yeah, well, life’s tough. I’ve certainly learned that much…” Tristan replied moodily.
Iron sighed and took a seat beside the two. Tristan noticed that she was avoiding eye contact with Krik, choosing instead to focus the majority of her attention on Tristan. Krik didn’t seem to mind being ignored, though, and stood patiently to the side.
“You said you wanted to talk about how things were going to happen around here, didn’t you?” Tristan said, attempting to restart the conversation.
“Yes, that’s right,” Iron replied. “I won’t lie to you. I have some doubts about the two of you staying here. Just please, be very careful around Buzz and Moon.”
“Those are?...” Tristan asked.
“My foals,” Iron answered. “If there’s anything you need me to pick up from the market for you just let me know and I’ll see what I can do. The government wasn’t stingy in their budgeting for you two, so it shouldn’t be any trouble at all. Besides that, I’ve been told to ask you two to stay indoors as much as possible. I can’t stop you from leaving, but I’ll do what I can to make staying here as pleasant for us all as possible.”
“You are very kind. Thank you, Miss Striker,” Krik chimed in. “I shall do my best to avoid disturbing the order of your home.”
Iron chanced a glance at Krik before looking back away. “Thank you,” she said softly, as if he would take offense to a loud voice. “I’ve prepared the guest room for you two, as best as I could at least. I’m not sure if you’ll fit in the bed, though…”
“Fret not. I require no special accommodations, merely adequate sustenance,” Krik said.
“Please, just relax a bit,” Tristan said, noticing that Iron was still very much on edge. “I’ve known Krik for a bit now, and I can promise you that he’s a good guy. I know he looks a bit scary, but give him a chance.”
“...A-alright,” Iron said, a look of determination suddenly setting in on her face as she turned to face Krik in full. “Well then, shall I show you to your room?”
Tristan and Krik both nodded in assent. Iron led them to their room, which Tristan noticed was the very same one that he woke up in after Iron knocked him out so long ago. The inside had been set up with two large beds and a single desk, leaving little open space. After showing them to their room Iron left the two to go check on her foals.
“It’s not the castle, but it’s not bad, eh Krik?” Tristan commented, sitting down on the bed to find that it was incredibly soft.
“It will do. We should not become too comfortable, however, as we shall be leaving soon,” Krik responded, climbing atop the other bed and folding his legs beneath him. “You mustn’t let yourself become softened from comforts, lest you be found lacking when you find yourself without them.”
“Or you could just take things easy for once and just, I don’t know, enjoy life a bit…” Tristan said sourly. “Look, I know we’re going to have this big thing in a few days. I get that we need to be ready for it. But for right now, I really don’t want to think about that. At least for a while, could you just lighten up a bit?”
“I do not ‘lighten up’, Tristan,” Krik responded neutrally. “However, if we are to be confined to this abode for some time, I suppose there is little sense in being too anxious over what is to come. For the time we shall not speak of our task, if you wish it.”
Urgh, I don’t get why Krik is getting to me...he’s not even doing anything wrong. I guess I’m just trying to ignore the future. Like, it’s real, and I know it’s real, but it just hasn’t “clicked” yet...funny, how even thinking about how something hasn’t “clicked” while knowing it will eventually doesn’t make it any more real. I’m not complaining, though…
Tristan took off his armor and proceeded to sit in silence for a while. Eventually Iron came back, announcing that dinner was ready. They left the room, finding a table set for six. Sitting at the end of it was Motley Trade, the unicorn Tristan had come to know during his previous visit.
“Tristan!” Motley said amiably. “Iron was just telling me about you two. It sounds like you’ve had quite the time out there, haven’t you?”
“Oh, yeah. That’s one way of putting it,” Tristan replied, finding himself a chair as Krik selected a spot next to him. “This translation pendant you gave me has sure come in handy. Thanks again.”
Motley waved his hoof nonchalantly. “Think nothing of it. Least I could do after you helped out with that rampaging spawn! And I don’t believe we’ve been introduced, have we, Mr. Krik?” he finished, turning his attention to the formian.
“No, we have not. I am Krik, but I believe you already know as much,” Krik responded, watching Iron working in the kitchen nearby.
“And I’m Motley Trade. Good to meet you,” Motley responded with a smile.
“You sure weren’t so nice when we first met…” Tristan mumbled beneath his breath, though Motley apparently heard anyway.
“Those were completely different circumstances. You were an intruding rift spawn, which we thought were all mad beasts, that almost killed Iron. He’s a welcome guest. What do you expect?” Motley commented.
“Right. Sorry,” Tristan said quickly.
After Iron yelled for her foals to come to the table she served dinner. Her foals were unusually quiet, but continually stole glances at Krik and Tristan. Figuring them to be under orders to not cause a fuss, Tristan didn’t press the issue.
“So…” Tristan began, trying to start a conversation. “Do you have dinner here often, Motley?”
“Yes I do. Iron has been needing a lot of help lately, what with her foals and all, and I’ve been happy to help,” Motley responded.
“That’s awfully nice of you. At times like this, I’m sure your help has been invaluable,” Tristan said.
“I’m not sure what I would have done without him, to be honest,” Iron said. “I’ve had my hooves full just running this smithly lately; without any help there’s no way I could keep a household at the same time. But enough about me, you must have many more interesting stories to tell, I’m sure.”
The rest of the meal was spent with Tristan and Krik regaling the ponies with stories of their adventures, slightly censored for the foals. It seemed that Iron was quickly becoming accustomed to her two new guests, and soon the conversation was as lively as it could be. After dinner Tristan and Krik retired to their room, quickly falling asleep from the exhaustion of the day.
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The next morning began with a commotion outside. As Tristan woke his heart skipped a beat, memories of the day Mecha-Bull attacked flashing before him. He quickly snapped himself out of that train of thought and brought himself into the moment, calming down as he remembered that Mecha-Bull had died long ago.
It was already morning, so Tristan decided to get up to see what was going on, fearing that rift spawn were already attacking the city. Krik was in the exact same sitting position atop his bed that he was when they spoke the previous night, and whether he was asleep or not was unclear. Ignoring him, lest he cause a panic due to an unconfirmed suspicion, Tristan made sure he didn’t stink too badly from the previous day, put a few potions on his belt for safety, and made his way outside.
Some ponies were gathered in the streets a good bit away from him, watching and pointing at a large flock of something high overhead. For a moment Tristan thought they might have been rift spawn, but the guards that wandered through the city were doing nothing, and the fliers were all of the same shape and size. Seeing that their path was taking them closer to the heart of the city than he was, Tristan decided to make his way to where they would land.
Though no ponies made any sort of hostile moves towards him, Tristan made sure to keep his hand near his defensive potions at all times while he walked through the city. What little crowds there were parted for him, and he was able to make it to near where the flock was due to land before they did so. As they came closer, Tristan noticed that they were gryphons, clad in light armor and wielding spears.
A crowd had formed around the area where they were landing, and an important looking guard stood to meet them. Tristan kept himself to the edge of the crowd, not wishing to attract attention to himself. The gryphons executed a perfectly choreographed landing, all standing tall, alert, and silent.
They’re nothing like those two from the jungle...so not all gryphons are bad, then. I suppose there’s just bad apples with them as there are with us. These ones must be allied with the ponies or something, or this would be going a lot differently.
The guard made his way to the gryphon at the front of the formation and began to talk. Tristan somewhat regretted his position at the outskirts of the crowd, as he couldn’t hear a thing over the mutterings of the crowd. Eventually it looked like the two came to a consensus, and the gryphons made their way through the rapidly parting crowd towards another part of the city with the guard.
I suppose it makes sense. A nation like Equestria is bound to have some allies, and they’re certainly in a time of need. Those gryphons wouldn’t do much against the army that was at Canterlot, but if that army split up to go after different cities, perhaps they could help. I wonder if they have magic…
The crowd, apparently satisfied that nothing was going to go wrong, slowly dispersed. Tristan waited around for a little longer, not wanting to cause a disturbance by weaving through the dispersing crowd. Eventually things quieted down and he made his way back to Iron’s.
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The rest of Tristan’s stay in Stalliongrad was peaceful. Yet again he found his greatest enemy was boredom, as interesting happenings were few and far between. Iron was an accommodating host, though, and he never found himself lacking for a good meal. Finally, on the sixth day of his stay, Lore came to the house.
“It’s time,” was all Lore said as he stepped through the door to where Iron, Tristan, and Krik were chatting. While Tristan knew his time there was to be short, he had been trying not to think about its imminent end, choosing to just enjoy himself. That time was over.
Krik stood up immediately. “My thanks for your hospitality, Miss Striker. I wish you well,” he said, leaving before Iron could formulate a response. Tristan, however, just kept sitting where he was.
“So the plans are made, then?” Tristan asked, though he knew the answer.
“Yes. Everything is set, and I’ll explain on the way. There’s no sense wasting time now,” Lore responded. “Thank you again for your help, Miss. I hope they weren’t too large a burden on you,” he said, turning his attention to Iron.
“O-oh, no, they’ve been fine. I couldn’t have asked for better guests…” Iron said. “Do you really need to leave so suddenly, though? Perhaps I could put on some tea, and-”
“No, I’m afraid time is of the essence here. Every moment spent waiting is a liability,” Lore said sharply, cutting off Iron. “Tristan, get up.”
Tristan let out a heavy sigh and stood up. “Thanks again for everything, Iron. Say goodbye to Motley for me, would you?”
“Yes, of course,” Iron responded. “Please try to stay safe out there.”
“Sure,” Tristan said neutrally. With that he went to his and Krik’s room to get his things. Krik was nowhere to be seen, though the bag that he kept his rations in was missing. Tristan donned his armor and pack and tidied up the beds for Iron before leaving the room, to find Lore waiting for him. He was shown outside, to find Krik waiting patiently for them.
“Come on,” Lore said, walking off towards the center of town. Krik immediately followed him, but Tristan hesitated for a moment.
Doesn’t anyone here have any emotion? We just spent like a week here, and they’re just running off like it was nothing! What I would give for a nice quiet life right about now…
Tristan followed the two through the streets, finding himself at the very same building that housed the portal that they arrived through. The place was well guarded, though none of the guards did anything to hinder their progress. Inside they found that, save for the active portal, there was no activity.
“Alright, it should be safe to talk freely in here,” Lore began as soon as they entered. “Things have been going badly. Very badly. We’ve lost Las Pegasus.”
I’m not even going to comment on that pun...but it does make it a lot less real when you hear that everyone died in a place called “Las Pegasus”...
“The army didn’t split up and go after different cities as was hoped, but kept together. Within a matter of days they’ll be to Vanhoover, and there’s no way we can fight them off. This little expedition of yours needs to hurry up, and it needs results,” Lore finished. Now that Tristan had some time to examine the unicorn properly he noticed that Lore was even more haggard than usual, to the point of looking like he hadn’t slept in days.
“Don’t you think you’re putting a little too much faith in this? I mean, we’re just going to be looking around for something that may not even be on this side of the planet!” Tristan objected.
“That may be, but we don’t think so,” Lore began, sucking in a deep breath for his imminent explanation. “After Canterlot fell we sent out pegasus scouts all over Equestria to observe the rift spawn. They found two things of note. One, that the main army is nowhere near the entirety of the spawn. Other such groups are marching towards the gryphons, the minotaurs, and even the dragons.”
“Two, we found that while almost all other spawn are near populated areas, presumably for swifter offenses, there are a large amount in the badlands to the southeast. There’s nopony living out there, but the spawn patrol endlessly. Any efforts to get more intelligence on what’s going on there hasn’t ended well for those sent to find out,” Lore finished, his face downcast in a grim look.
“So you believe that our target is there, in these badlands?” Krik queried.
“I...I really don’t know, to be honest,” Lore said, what composure he had rapidly deteriorating. “This is our best bet here, but really? I have no idea where this thing is! Nopony does! And we’re gambling damn well everything on it being there, and you two finding it!” he finished, his breathing intensifying.
Lore’s growing hysteria was getting to Tristan, who found himself pacing the floor. Krik, however, was as calm as he ever was. “Then we must do this as soon as possible, as you have said. There is no point dallying,” Krik said evenly.
“Yes, you’re right…” Lore agreed, calming down and taking a moment to run his hoof through his mane in an attempt to tame it; to no avail. “The princesses are waiting on the other side of the portal. They can tell you the rest.”
“The princesses? Both of them?” Tristan asked. Lore just nodded, and Tristan found himself suddenly cognizant of how disheveled his own look was. There was no time to prepare for a royal meeting, though, so he thrust such thoughts to the back of his mind. “Best not keep them waiting, then.”
The three turned to look at the portal, its swirling blue surface illuminating the room in a pulsating light. Lore urged the others in front of him, and they stepped through. This time Tristan kept his eyes open, finding that while it looked like the portal had some thickness to it, the very moment his eyes touched its surface he could already see through, as if it was no thicker than a razor.
Waiting on the other side, as promised, were both Celestia and Luna. Tristan had never seen Luna outside of his dreams, though he found that she looked exactly the same in life. Instead of Celestia’s normal smile and motherly countenance, she was looking tired and old. Luna fared slightly better, but looked grim as well.
“Tristan, Krik, Lore, thank you for coming,” Celestia greeted, a slight smile breaking its way through the gloom.
Tristan got down into a half-bow before quickly rising. “I didn’t expect to be greeted by the two of you,” he commented.
“And why not?” Luna said. “Our kingdom lies in ruin, and you are our best hope! It is our duty! Matters of state, pressing as they may be, may wait for a moment as we speak with you.”
“We are here now,” Krik cut in. “So what is it that you wish to say?”
“We wanted to wish you luck, and to give you something…” Celestia said, the smile on her face already gone, replaced by a grim look of determination. “Luna.”
Luna nodded and her horn glowed, a small pack to the side of them levitating towards Krik. He reached out to grab it, undoing the clasps and finding a brilliant white orb, about the size of a bowling ball, with a small steel case next to it. Krik opened the case, to find a thin white rod tucked inside generous padding.
“Is that…” Lore said, bewildered. The princesses both nodded.
“Yes. If there was ever a time for it to be used, it is now,” Celestia said darkly.
Tristan, noting Lore’s shocked expression, grew worried. “Just what is that thing? he asked.
“It is, for lack of a better term, a bomb,” Luna said. “It has never been used, and we had hoped it never would be. It was created ages ago, as a potential way of combating Discord, but luckily it was never needed. It has been kept secret with us ever since.”
“How powerful is it?” Krik asked, calmly running his hand over its smooth surface.
“It has never been used, so it is not known. However, it is estimated to be enough to level an entire town. Its creation took decades, and only this one was ever made. Should you find yourself against this foe, without a way to defeat it, perhaps this will give you a chance,” Luna responded.
So, it’s like a magical mini-nuke? I’m not even sure how to react to that...on one hand, it’s awesome, and if we find this big bad and can’t beat it normally we can use this. On the other, I don’t feel very safe carrying this thing around with us…
“It is activated by breaking the rod. You’ll want to get as far away as possible before detonating it; at least a few miles,” Lore added in.
“You knew about this thing?” Tristan asked.
“As the forefront researcher on rift spawn, yes. Its use has been contemplated before, but as collateral damage is estimated to be colossal, and we only have one of them, it’s been kept in reserve,” Lore answered.
Krik secured the detonator in its case and put it and the bomb back in the pack, slinging it over his shoulder next to his ration pack. “Very well then. Was there anything else?” he said calmly.
“Yes. We have this to guide you,” Celestia said, levitating a map to Tristan. “This map will help you navigate through the badlands, and it has all sightings of spawn marked on it. As you can see, there are many more sightings near the east, so that may be a good place to conduct your search.”
Tristan looked over the map, finding it to be beautifully detailed with landmarks and terrain. Small red dots denoted rift spawn sightings, and indeed, there were far more dots on the eastern side of the badlands.
“We both wish you two luck,” Celestia began. “What you’re doing goes above and beyond what I would expect from one of my own guards, and you have our thanks for this. Should you return victorious, know that you will be honored as some of the greatest heroes Equestria has ever known.”
No pressure, right?
“Err, thank you. We’ll try our best…” Tristan said uncertainly, not feeling like he was cut out for such things.
I’m not some great hero...I’m just a guy! Why does it have to be me who’s doing this? I just want to go home, or at least live quietly here...why can’t anything ever turn out the way I want it? But I suppose there’s no choice now...I’m in too deep. This needs to be done.
“Then we shall be off,” Krik said. “Which way must we go?”
“We have somepony to guide you out of the city,” Luna said. On cue, Noble walked out of a nearby hallway and towards the group.
“Tristan. Krik,” he curtly greeted. He looked little better than the princesses or Lore, his normally stoic visage downcast and grim.
“Noble!” Tristan exclaimed, worry forgotten for a moment. “I didn’t think I’d be able to see you again before we left!”
Noble sighed. “Well here I am. Please, let’s just get going.”
“Okay, then…” Tristan said, Noble’s forlorn attitude quickly bringing him back to reality.
“I’ll be staying here with the princesses. There are some things that we need to discuss,” Lore said, looking uncomfortable. “And for what it’s worth, you two...thanks. It’s been an honor,” he finished, his voice low.
“You too, Lore. So, this is goodbye?” Tristan asked, to which Lore nodded slowly. “At least for now, right? Hell, we’ll be back before you know it!” he said with as much confidence and cheer as he could muster, which wasn’t much.
“Then let us be off,” Krik restated. Tristan, Krik, and Noble bade the princesses and Lore a final goodbye and stepped outside the building. A cheery billboard that read “Welcome to Manehattan!” was erected directly outside of the building they were in.
Despite the circumstances, the streets were still busy and full of life here. Many ponies stopped what they were doing to gawk at the newcomers, though, and Noble urged the group onwards on a southerly route.
The crowds before them parted, as they often did when Tristan or Krik were around. Their walk was silent, the weight of the moment pressing in on all involved. Finally, they came to the outskirts of town, where a great deal of guards patrolled endlessly around the city. Other than the usual pony ones, Tristan spotted what must have been several minotaurs within the guard’s ranks. They were patrolling with the usual pony guards, adding a bit more of a menacing presence.
“You’ll want to go directly south. It should be obvious when you get near the badlands,” Noble instructed. “And I wanted to say...good luck,” he finished, snapping into a crisp salute for a moment.
“Thanks, Noble…” Tristan said. He felt that he should have been getting emotional about parting with Noble, as well as about the parting with Lore, but couldn’t find the will to do so. The looming task before him overwhelmed all else, making him feel empty inside.
The three shared no more words, just looking at one another for a moment. Then, Krik turned and began to walk to the south. Tristan quickly followed him, and the two set off. As they left, Tristan glanced backwards, to see that the whole of the guards patrolling the city had stopped walking, instead standing in one unified salute for them. He smiled and turned back to Krik.
This is it, then. The gamble. It’s not called a suicide mission for nothing, but...if we make it back? If we beat this thing? We really will be heroes. I’ll be able to well and truly retire from this stuff, just live a normal life...maybe even go home. But first...first there’s this. I can only hope there’s something after…