//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Journal of a DJ // by XyroX //------------------------------// I headed towards the Everfree Forest, always trying to stay in the shadows and out of the view of anypony. Though I just was this one time in the lab, I still knew exactly where it was, I remembered every step I had to take there. I entered the forest and sneaked further until I could see the clearing in front of me. A part of this was naturally, but the large part was product of the explosion Ruben unleashed last time I was here. A few remains of the walls still where standing around a big crater right where the old factory hall used to stand. I carefully drew closer and tried to get a better view. “Vinyl Scratch, what are you doing here?” Great. I turned around and looked right into Princess Celestias big eyes. She wasn’t happy to see me, not at all. “I umm- just wanted to take a look if- erm- you’re okay or need any help. I could make you some sandwiches or pancakes!” Celestia rose one eyebrow, than used her horn to grab me and bring me to the little headquarter they had set up. Royal guards were working there everywhere, writing something down, evaluating proofs from the crater or just keeping watch. Luna and Twilight were there, too, standing a bit offside from the guards and the other elements. The dark alicorn darted a disapproving glance at me, but Twilight had struggle to suppress a little giggle. “Vinyl, I knew you’d show up here. You’re just too curious!” “Anyway, what should we do with her? We can’t just let her go back home on her own, she could get in trouble or just come back. Listen, you have to understand that it’s too dangerous for you to be here!” “With all due respect, Princess, I already was able to overcome Nick one time, what should stop me from doing it another time? I mean, if it’s really him who has the control here.” Celestia looked at me serious. “I’m sure it’s him. Whatever he has done in his laboratory, and however he was able to survive, this is definitely his work. But I don’t know what he wants, I’m sure he has enough clones to prepare an attack at whatever he wants to get his hooves on, why is he still waiting? That doesn’t make sense!” “Oh, what fun is there in making sense? Celestia, you have all the information you need just in front of you, go on, ask the little unicorn!” The three alicorns froze for a moment. I looked around, but I couldn’t find the source of the voice. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. “Discord! I should have known that you have your claws involved into this. Where are you hiding? Come out!” “I think I won’t do this. I have more important things to do, you know?” “I thought you were rehabilitated? Have you already forgotten Fluttershy? She is your friend!” “Silly filly Twilight. Have you really believed in what I said? Sometimes a lie is easier to take, I understand that. You didn’t want to think I was lying. I’m Discord, remember? I’m the spirit of chaos, the image of evil! I’m going to turn your world around once again, and then I’ll watch you cry. You and your little friends won’t stop me this time!” Discord almost sang while he was talking. After he finished, we heard a wicked laugh, followed by silence. The other elements came running to us, but before they were able to say anything, Celestia grabbed me again and carried me a few steps away. “Vinyl, what did he mean, I should just ask you? I thought you told us everything you know?” “Of course I did! I have no idea what he is talking about! I didn’t even know he was involved into all this, I thought Nick was working alone!” “We’ll talk about this when we’re done here.” “Princess, I swear you, I don’t know any more!” Celestia watched me suspecting, but she didn’t say anything. Suddenly her younger sister came running to us. “Sister! With Twilights help I was able to locate the source of Discords voice. We found the entrance of an ancient cave, I already sent two troops there to secure the area. This is our chance! The longer we wait, Nick and Discord can gain more power and soldiers. We have to attack now!” Celestia clearly didn’t like this idea, but she knew it was necessary. “Prepare yourselves, everypony! In five minutes we’ll beard the lion in his den, and I don’t want anypony to not come back home! We don’t know what awaits there, but I know we can make it. For Equestria!” The soldiers around started yelling and cheering while they prepared themselves for battle. The princesses equipped themselves with their royal armors. “Vinyl, we don’t have time to take you back to Ponyville. I will get you an armor and I don’t want you to leave my side at any time, do you understand that?” The princess was deadly serious. I swallowed and nodded. How did I end up here? I just wanted to take a look, not getting myself into this war! But now, it was too late. One of the stallions brought me an armor and Celestia used her magic to adjust it to my size. At least I won’t be totally unarmed down their. I’m not the best fighter, but I do know a few spells to defend myself. I looked around. The elements were already wearing their armors, each in the color of the necklace they had around their necks. Rainbow Dash was visibly excited, she couldn’t stand still. Fluttershy was the total opposite, she tried to sneak away several times, but Applejack stopped her every time. Pinkie Pie was jumping around cheering, I wasn’t sure if she actually knew what was going to happen. This wasn’t some party, this was war! Rarity just stood there, watching her armor with sparkling eyes, and Twilight used the last minutes to learn a few new spells she could use in battle. Spike sat on a saddle on her back, wearing an armor, a shield and a sword. He didn’t look very happy, I think if he had seen any possibility to get away from here, he would have used it. Probably along with Fluttershy. After everypony was ready we moved off. It was a strange feeling, wearing this heavy armor and not knowing if I was going to get back home, back to Octy. Whose idea was it to go here without saying a word to her?