//------------------------------// // Chapter IV: The Assignment // Story: The Fable of the Zealot // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter IV The Assignment The next day started off slow. Slower than a turtle stuck in the mud in the middle of a heatwave. The job board wasn’t up and running yet so the four combat mages had to busy themselves. Crimson was giving Twilight the grand tour of the guild and he stopped in front of the library. “Okay now before I take you in, you gotta promise me that you won’t drool on the floor.” Twilight rolled her eyes and looked at the door. It wasn’t any bigger than a door you’d use for a broom closet and the floor plans didn’t show anything as big as a library. “Fine.” The scholar said as she crossed her arms. Crimson opened the door ad Twilight’s jaw dropped. The interior was at least three times bigger than her library and bookcases stood at least twenty feet high. “How did? Is this? Huh?” “You’re cute when you don’t know what to say.” The red haired man chuckled. Twilight was too mesmerized by the collection to fire back one of her famous zingers at the mage. “It’s bigger on the inside!” “I love it when they say that.” The two turned around to see Golem. He was an average looking man with tan skin and dirty blonde hair. “Special clay mixed with dimension magic.” He said as he walked by the room and made his way outside. “Every book from the Academy must be in here.” Twilight said as her eyes boggled. “Not every book. All the stuff in the restricted sections stay at the Academy. We don’t want just anyone having access to magic like that now do we?” Crimson stated as he dragged his girlfriend out and closed the door behind them. “Why can’t we stay longer?” She whined as he pulled her along. “Because I need to finish up the paper work for this place and it’s gonna be a pain.” He groaned. “The downsides of being a guild leader.” He walked up to the office at the top of the building and saw three large stacks of papers that needed to be signed and initialed. “It’s gonna be a very long day.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Across town Rouge was walking down the street with a book under her arm and was wearing a dark purple T shirt and black jeans. The woman then saw three small girls making their way towards her. A young girl with orange wings was pulling the other two in a wagon that was hooked to her scooter. One had a dark red bow in her hair and had a yellow T shirt under a pair of faded blue overalls. The other had on a pretty white dress and her hair was like curly cotton candy with a light purple tinge to it. The final was more tomboyish than the other two and had short purple hair and orange wings that matched her T-shirt. Rouge had met the group of girls before thanks to Rarity and Applejack. She also knew that the girl’s club the Cutie Mark Crusaders or the CMC were also the cause of most of the trouble around the small town. “Howdy there Ms. Rouge.” The farmer said with a smile. “Hey girls.” The Changeling said with a smile. “Did you need something?” “We were just wondering something.” Sweetie said with a smile. “How’d you get your Cutie Mark?” Scootaloo asked. Rouge froze. The color drained from her face and her eyes shrank as she remembered ash falling like snow and her home being burned. The Changeling snapped back to reality and shook her head. “You okay?” The young flyer asked. “Yeah, sorry girls I don’t remember how I got mine.” She lied with a smile. “It was just there one day.” The three girls groaned. “Darn it. Ah thought that we might get a hint of what to do.” Applebloom said with a sigh. Rouge then eyed the scooter. “Hey Scootaloo, why are you using a scooter to get around?” The girl hung her head. “I can’t fly yet.” She said in an embarrassed tone. “Didn’t anyone teach you?” “I tried!” The girl yelled. “My parents are always working and Rainbow Dash is too busy to teach me.” Rouge felt guilty about asking the flyer about her insecurity. The flyer’s eyes then grew wide with hope. “Could you teach me?” Rouge looked at her own butterfly like wings and sighed. “Sorry kiddo, but next to Crimson I am the second worst flyer in the guild.” The flyer sighed in defeat and rolled her eyes. “Cobalt on the other hand is the best. He was the one who actually taught me and Crimson how to fly correctly. I’m sure he could teach you something.” “What if he says no?” Sweetie asked. Rouge had an evil grin on her face. “Just tell him I sent you and he’ll do it if he knows what’s good for him.” She said with an evil smile. The three girls then high tailed it across town in search of the blue haired man. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cobalt sat in the middle of town on a bench looking at his broken blade and sighed as he looked at his reflection in the shining metal. He felt someone drop down behind him and relaxed when he saw that it was Ivy. “Sup dude?” She asked as the man sheathed the blade. “Not much just chilling. What about you?” The man said as he stood up. “Was about to go practice. You want in?” Before he could answer the two saw the three girls come up to them. “Hey girls.” The green flyer smiled. “Hey Ivy.” Sweetie said. “Hey Cobalt, you busy right now?” The blue haired man raised an eyebrow. “Not really, no.” He said as he folded his arms. “Why?” Scootaloo then stepped forwards and gulped. “Um, I was kinda wondering if you could teach me how to fly.” “You can’t fly yet?” Ivy said in surprise. Cobalt scratched the back of his head and sighed. Sure he liked kids but he was never really comfortable around them. “I don’t know girls. The way I learned was a little...extreme and I don’t want anyone to get hurt.” The girls were about to leave when the farmer remembered what the woman had said. “Rouge said that you would ‘if you knew what was good for ya’ whatever that means.” The man felt his spine stiffen and the hairs on the back of his neck rise at the thought of his angry girlfriend. “Well, in that case I may be able to teach you enough to get you started.” He said as Ivy chuckled. “Let’s head to the park I guess.” The three then high five’d and followed the man as Ivy went off on her own. The man stopped in the center of the field and looked at his surroundings. “Okay Scootaloo, show me what you got.” “Huh?” “Show me what you can do and I’ll take it to the next level.” The man said as he crossed his arms. “Okay.” The young girl then took in a deep breath and started to flap her wings rapidly. The girl strained as she hovered off the ground for a few seconds before falling down on her back. “How was that?” She asked with a pant. “Terrible.” Cobalt said as he face palmed. “You’re technique is all wrong. Flying for people with wings like ours doesn’t mean you flap a hundred times a minute like a bug.” He said as he helped her up. “If you were a Changeling then that would work.” “How?” “Changelings like Rouge and Sunny have insect like wings and skeletons. It makes them lighter than any other person so they can get along with stuff like that. We on the other hand,” He said as he gestured to the girl and himself. “have normal bones and wings.” “I don’t get it.” The tomboy said as she scratched her head. Cobalt looked around and saw a large bird. “There. Watch.” The girl turned her head and focused on how the bird flew. “You need to make big powerful flaps that can carry you through the sky.” “Okay I’ll give it a shot.” “Not just yet. You still need to be conditioned for that sort of thing.” “Conditioned?” She said in surprise. “I’m not saying your out of shape. Just that you need to build up more muscle in your wings before we go any further.” “How do we do that?” She asked in anticipation. “Simple, you follow a strict training schedule that I’ll make up.” He said with a smile. “I’m warning you now that I don’t mess around. I’m strict, and I don’t like complaints.” He said in a serious tone. Scootaloo gulped and gave a nod. “Also, my job is important. So keep that in mind. So if you want to train without me then make sure you have someone with you in case something should happen.” “How do you know all this stuff?” She asked as the other two girls walked up to him. Cobalt scratched his head and bit his lip. He crouched down so he was eye level with the three. “Okay if I tell you guys something, promise to keep it a secret?” “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” The three said in unison as they made a few gestures. “What was that?” “A Pinkie Promise.” Sweetie chimed. “Once ya make it you can’t break it or you’ll lose your friends forever.” The farmer stated. “Forever!” The group heard Pinkie yell out from nowhere. “Okay, fair enough.” He said as he looked around to make sure it was only them. “You guys know who Soarin is right?” “Isn’t he a Wonderbolt?” Sweetie said as she rubbed her head. “Correct. He’s also my oder brother.” The three girls’ jaws dropped. “I trained with him since I was a kid by his dad, Storm Shocker, a former Wonderbolt Captain.” He said with a grunt at the name. “You don’t like him?” Applebloom asked. “We had a small argument about a month ago. He didn’t approve of me dating Rouge and things got complicated. Soarin and Spitfire backed me up, but Storm has yet to say a word to me.” “That’s not nice.” Sweetie stated. “Yeah but it’s expected considering I’m not actually his son.” “Huh?” “Soarin’s parents adopted me after-” The man stopped talking as he felt a chill run up his spine. “Anyway, we’ve always had our differences and that’s how I know so much about flying.” “Cool!” The three said with a smile. Cobalt felt the gem in his pocket glow and he pulled it out. The image of the red mage then appeared over it. “Cobalt, the mission board is up and running. Better hurry before all the good ones are taken.” Crimson said before the message cut out. “Sorry girls that’s my cue.” He said as he cracked his neck. “I’ll make up that schedule for you and make sure you follow it.” “Got it. See ya coach.” She said with a salute. Cobalt then took to the sky and flew towards the guild. The blue flyer flew through a window and landed near his friends. A board holding several cards was right next to the bar. “Okay guys the mission board is all set.” Sunny said with a smile. There was only one good mission and the other’s were crap. “We draw straws.” Rouge said as she narrowed her eyes. The group nodded and they each drew a straw. Cobalt got the shortest one. “Hell yeah!” He said in victory. “Hold it.” Crimson said as he looked at the mission statement. “It’s a Ranger A rank mission. That means someone has to go with you.” He said as he shuffled the straws again. The three picked and Ivy got the short one. The two flyers high five’d as the other two warriors groaned. “Damn it.” Crimson said. “Well there are two-” Rouge then held up another mission card. “Really Rouge?” “I plan ahead.” The Changeling said as she grabbed her backpack and made her way out of the guild. “I’ll be back in three days.” She yelled as Crimson looked at the only one left and groaned. “Trader escort. Hunter C rank? Oh come on!” He complained. “Oh quit bitching.” Ivy chuckled. “I’m sure that there will be a better one when you get back.” Crimson nodded and he saw Twilight open the door to the guild. The scholar entered along with the dragon hybrid. “Hey Twi, what’s up?” He asked. “Hey I need a favor. Can you watch Spike for the week?” “Twilight, I don’t need a babysitter.” The young boy said as he crossed his arms. “I’ve stayed home before.” “Yes, but not for a week.” She said in a worried tone. The boy huffed and bit his lip. Twilight motioned for Crimson to go into the kitchen where they couldn’t be heard by the group. “Sorry to ask this out of the blue, but I’ve got no choice. I just received an urgent letter from the Princess. She want’s me in Canterlot to go over the next phase of my studies.” “Couldn’t AJ keep an eye on him?” Crimson asked. “Helping out her cousin in Appaloosa.” “Rarity?” “In Manehattan for a fashion show.” “Fluttershy?” “Away at an animal expo.” “Rainbow?” “Wonderbolt training.” “Pinkie?” “She’s watching the store while the Cake’s are visiting family.” Crimson sighed. “What about Sunny? She likes kids.” “Spike is still a little...touchy about Changelings and I don’t know Sunny well enough yet.” She said with a weak smile. “So can you?” “Really wish you asked me ten minutes earlier. I just accepted a job and I’m leaving tomorrow first thing.” “Can’t you cancel?” “Nope. This place needs money.” Twilight then saw the golden haired Changeling. “Can’t Sunny go instead?” “Sunny doesn’t go out on missions anymore and Golem’s magic isn’t meant for combat.” He said in a flat tone. “Why doesn’t she go out on missions?” Twilight asked. Crimson bit his lip as he looked at the Changeling who was busy listening to the other three mages. “It’s....complicated.” He sighed. The scholar had a disappointed look on her face. “Sorry Twilight, but I gotta do this.” Twilight sighed as Spike walked into the kitchen. “I understand. I’ll just have to send Celestia a letter saying we’ll have to re-” “Or you could just let me stay home. I handled myself just fine when you all went to the Crystal Empire and you had to meet with that Equestria Game representative.” He said with a sigh. “That was only a day trip. I’ll be gone for at least a week, maybe longer.” Spike was frustrated. He knew that Twilight was always worried about him as an older sister should be, but sometimes it just got overbearing. The boy’s final strand of patience broke and he glared at the scholar. “If you’re so worried about me being alone then why doesn’t Crimson just take me with him then?” He yelled loud enough for the whole guild to hear. Time seemed to freeze and the tension in the room intensified. “No way.” Crimson stated. “Out of the question Spike.” “Why?” Spike asked as he glared at the red warrior. “This isn’t a game Spike.” Crimson said in a stern tone. “I’m putting my life on the line and I can’t-” He then felt Twilight grab his arm and pulled him aside. Crimson looked at Twilight and he sighed. “How difficult is the mission your going on?” Twilight asked. “Are you nuts? You’re uncomfortable with him being home alone for a week but not about going out and-” “How difficult?” The scholar said with a sigh. Crimson pulled out the mission statement and read it over. “I gotta escort a trader from point A to point B and protect him and his stuff.” “Protect him from what?” Twilight asked. “It’s a C rank mission in the Hunter class. Meaning from simple things like, timber wolves, maybe some bandits.” He said with a sigh. Twilight bit her lip and shrugged. “Look I know you have a job to do, but I want you and Spike to bond a little.” She said with a sigh. "Spike really doesn't have a lot of male role models and I want you two to get along." “This isn’t a game Twilight.” “I know that you’ll look after him.” Crimson sighed and looked at the woman. “Spike is only twel-” “I’m thirteen!” The hybrid said in a cross tone. “Sorry.” He said as he looked at the hybrid. He then turned back to the scholar. “I can’t guarantee his safety. He has zero combat experience and isn’t ready for something like this. Hell, it was years before I even went on a mission like this one.” “Please?” The girl made a pouting face and looked at the man. An idea then came to the scholar and she gave him a pair of bedroom eyes and leaned in as she whispered something in his ear. The man’s face turned bright red. He looked at the scholar who still wore an innocent looking grin. She had used the one weakness all men had no defense against. Sex. The way girlfriends and wives had dominated their spouses since the dawn of time. In the back of his mind he silently cursed Ivy and Rouge who probably taught her how to wield the power. “Sometimes I forget how craft you are.” He said with a gulp. Crimson then turned to Spike and sighed. “Okay Spike you’re on.” The mages looked at him in shock. “Report back here tomorrow at six o’clock. We’ll get you outfitted.” “Got it. Should I bring anything?” “Only what you can carry.” He said in a flat tone. The scholar gave him a quick kiss and thanked him before leaving. Crimson sighed and walked back out to see the other mages. “Relax dude, it’s a C rank.” Cobalt said in a nonchalant tone. “What’s the worse that could happen.” “I guess we’ll find out.” The red mage said as he walked up to his room.