//------------------------------// // Dissent // Story: Diary of a Mad King // by Strange Harmony //------------------------------// The day dragged on alarmingly fast. After talking with Golden and losing his appetite, Relic helped his comrades pack their equipment. While they labored, a steady atmosphere of anxiety fell upon the camp. Everyone -with the exception of Quake- seemed to be on edge. While gathering his possessions Lime trotted about in a frenzy, dropping and breaking things while he did so. Mira and Prime could be heard arguing from their tent, bickering over what belonged to whom. Trench managed to light his tent on fire while packing his chemicals and tools, but thankfully Lime managed to put the fire out before it spread, causing serious damage. Meanwhile, Quake walked nonchalantly about the table, packing most of the dishes and food into small crates. Relic had just finished taking down the camp flag and was heading to the infirmary tent when he spotted the brown Earth Pony. Noting the hysteria that had settled, he thought about how calm he looked. Dodging a scurrying Lime, Relic made his way to Quake, snow crunching under his hoofs. “Don’t forget to leave some plates out for dinner,” said Relic as he approached. “Huh? Oh yeah, don’t worry,” responded the pony, giving Relic a small nod of acknowledgement. “Say, there’s a mare I've been wanting to ask out back at Canterlot. Care to give me some pointers once we get out of here?” he asked, kicking a crate closed. A yelp made them both look away; Trench and Lime had collided while carrying some bottles. A puddle of liquid was now sprawled on the floor and the two scrambled for the bottles which had remained intact. “Did you posses anything possibly flammable?” asked Lime, worry shading his features. “Uh….I don’t think so,” answered Trench, packing -what Relic thought were some of Lime’s bottles- into his bag. Turning his attention back to Quake, Relic sat down while the Earth Pony continued to labor. “Everypony seems to be going crazy. Why do you think that is? I mean, we have plenty of time before rescue is supposed to arrive.” Without taking his attention of his task, Quake said, “They’re scared obviously. The gravity of what happened to you and Amber must finally be sinking in, and anything that prompts an emergency extraction is bound to cause worry.” A cold shudder ran down Relic’s back, and his lips became dry as the memories of that thing attacking them returned. He opened his mouth to speak when Mira shouted, “YOU IDIOT!” Immediately after, Prime squealed in pain. Relic tried to laugh, but anxiety stopped him. He shook his head before continuing. “I guess you’re right, though for some reason I don’t think that thing can go outside the castle. Anyways, what about you? Why aren't you scared?” Quake placed another dish in a crate, then stopped, seemingly pondering the question. "I guess I just have everything under control..." ***** A loud creak awoke Amber. Opening her eyes she looked around and noticed complete darkness surrounded her, with the exception of some vertical slits in front of her. “Stay in the closet,” she heard Relic whisper. “Huh?” she asked, disoriented. Closet? Where am- Before finishing her thought, something warm moved in her arms, something small and fuzzy. A whimper followed and something hugged her body. “I’m scared mommy,” came a delicate voice. Mommy?! she screamed mentally. Looking down, she barely made out the small body of a filly. With the light that filtered in she could make out her fiery mane and golden coat. Amber’s heart raced as her confusion intensified. A million and one questions flashed through her head, above all why she was sitting inside a dark closet with a filly calling her mommy. Answering for her, Relic said, “Don’t worry sweetie, Daddy is just going to check out the strange noises downstairs okay? Then we can go back to sleeping.” Looking at Amber through the slits in the door, he flashed a smile before turning and heading out of the room. She followed him all the way out, her gaze stumbling over every decoration the room contained. Everything seemed, felt, and sounded so lucid, but it couldn't be real. The small filly continued whimpering and once again wrapped herself around Amber’s torso. Not sure of what to say or do, she simply hugged her back, completely lost and scared about what was happening. She closed her eyes, hoping it would all melt. When she opened them, the waking dream continued, and the filly continued to pressure her stomach. Panic seized her, and she began breathing heavily, prompting the filly to cry more. Relic’s hoofsteps faded and a deafening silence, only pierced by the fillies cries, followed. After what seemed like an eternity Relic’s shouts boomed up to them. “Who’s there?!” he bellowed fiercely, making the filly to hug Amber tighter. “You have no right to trespass in my property. Now-” The sound of glass shattering interrupted Relic, followed by a familiar metallic screech that sank needles into Amber’s back. She covered her ears and heard the filly wail and bury her small face in her stomach. After the screeching subsided the sound of several objects hitting the floor resonated across the house. Amber’s panic increased, and suddenly the darkness seemed to be swallowing her. “What are you?!” screamed Relic, distress coating his voice. The commotion was directly under her now, and she could feel the walls trembling as more objects hit the floor. Soon Relic’s struggling screams could be heard as he scurried through the house. The filly was now screaming and Amber’s breaths and heartbeats were coming out in hysteric throbs. Relic’s chilling screams filled the house as the terrible screeching returned, making Amber’s ear drums pound. As quickly as it had started, the tumult stopped, and nothing else could be heard from the bottom floor. As the filly continued to squeal Amber’s thoughts began to falter; tears started forming in her eyes as she struggled to understand what was going on. The walls began trembling again as something massive made its way across the house. Thundering booms could be heard coming up the stairs, making the filly enter frenzied shrieks; the screeching could be heard rising up again, making Amber’s mind go blank; something heavy struck the door, making the sound of splitting wood bounce terribly inside the room. Amber pictured Relic’s smile as the doors flew open, coming off the hinges. Through the slits Amber could see the cursed black entity flood into the room. ***** Screaming, she reached out and gasped for air, feeling like something sharp had just grabbed her. The approaching threat lingered in her head, and the metallic screech still rang in her ears. Looking around, she noticed Relic next to her, worry chiseled into his face. Moving next to her, he placed a hoof over hers. “Was it a nightmare?” he asked, already knowing the answer to the question. Trembling slightly, she looked at him and nodded her head. Quick flashes of what she had just experienced flashed through her head. Relic's screams echoed in her mind, and seeing him intact relieved her greatly. She pushed her head into his chest, glad to be back in reality. While she listened to the steady thump-thump of his heart, a cool wind blew in from outside, washing over her warm body. “Don’t worry,” Began Relic, “an extraction team is already on its way. Everyone is packed and ready to go, and they should be here early tomorrow.” Early tomorrow, that meant they would still need to stay one night in the empire, a thought plagued with unease. “Relic,” called Amber. “Do you remember the first night we shared a tent? All those months ago?” Relic cringed as he recalled the embarrassing night. “Yeah...why?” “Do you remember how even though we had plenty of room you huddled at the far corner? Or how when I asked you to pass me a bottle of perfume you dropped it?” she resumed, bringing up a stream of embarrassing events that had debunked Relic’s cool and collected demeanor. “...Yeah.” Amber could feel his heart beating faster. “And how while you cleaned it, apologizing a million times all the while, you cut your hoof,” she continued, smiling. “Yeah. I also remember that just before we went to sleep you tried to hug me but I just sat there, completely paralyzed—” “And how I had to literally walk over to hug you—” Relic’s face grew hot, “And how when I finally hugged you back it was the most awkward thing ever—” “Both for you and me.” The two burst out laughing —though old wounds in Relic’s pride had reopened— and allowed the tense mood to diminish. “So what was the point of making me recall that painful night?” asked Relic, still clutching Amber. “It’s just funny to me how much of a clutz you can be,” she answered. “Especially after everything I had heard about you.” “Yeah? Well—” “But also,” she said, cutting him off. “Sleeping alone in this tent is the most terrifying and lonely thing I’ve ever done…” Relic’s ears perked. Remembering how she had just suddenly woken up from a nightmare, he pondered how many she had been through, and felt a little guilty for not staying with her. After a moment of pensive silence, she said, “Please don’t make me ever sleep alone again,” and pushed herself deeper into his chest. Her request echoed in Relic’s heart. He had grown sick of the cold that was perpetually present here. Sick of feeling uncertain and scared. Sick of the looming threat of the shadows and of Sombra’s diary. Thoughts of the various cities and places they had visited before flooded into his mind. Locations with kind residents, pleasant activities, and a sense of adventure for the unfamiliar. The Shadow Empire never possessed the first two qualities, and the third one had all but burned out. He condemned the place for hurting Amber, for causing dissent among his friends; furthermore, for revealing to him the tragedies of an age long lost. “Don’t worry Amber,” he said as he stroked her hair. “I don’t want to be alone either.” Satisfied with his answer, she smiled and felt some sense of calm return to her. She had just secured an agent of tender and fervent warmth in this comfortless environment. The heat from Relic’s body cradled her, and she could hear him humming a piece from her favorite symphony. In that moment, she wished with all of heart that they were somewhere else, anywhere. She wished this expedition had never happened and that Relic wasn’t forced to worry so much. Suddenly, she felt utter pity, not for them, but for Sombra. Unlike her, he had lost his agent of security. He had lost his love to the flames of war, and was thrown into despair without anyone to support him. It pained her to think about it, but the fact made her appreciate Relic’s company even more. “Dinner is almost ready,” said Relic, still stroking her hair. “Do you think you can stand up?” He felt her head nod. “Already then, let’s get you out of bed.” Gently stepping back, Relic moved the thick covers and moved aside. Holding her left hoof, he carefully observed as she moved. “I feel as stiff as Lime’s jokes,” she said while sitting on the edge. With a laugh, Relic helped her down, and supported her as her legs buckled under her weight. “Ah! Thank you. Would you fetch me my overcoat? I need to stretch my legs out a bit.” Doing as asked, Relic moved to retrieve her warm garment from the cloth tree it rested on. Covering her back with it, he led her to the entrance, wary of her movements. "How are you feeling?" he asked before unveiling the entrance. Touching her chest, Amber took a couple of deep breaths and said, "I'll be fine." With a slight nod, Relic swung the flaps open and a light breeze blew in. Much to his relief, the weather appeared docile. The sun was descending in the horizon, bathing the nearby sky with gold. Few clouds hovered over them, and some stars could already be seen; they twinkled peacefully, awaiting for their mother moon to join them. For a moment, the atmosphere felt peaceful, and the beauty Relic had first witnessed in the Shadow Empire returned. As they neared their comrades, however, the impending danger could be seen in their friends faces. ***** The campfire built two nights ago stood abandoned. Everyone, except Granite, was gathered at the table, forming a cluster of uneasy chatter. Amber slothfully lifted a piece of bread to her mouth. Next to her Relic absentmindedly listened to his comrades, his eyes falling on the table, his food hardly touched. Like Quake had predicted, everyone was speaking about the shadows, and what they could be. “I’m telling you guys,” droned Trench. “They’re a curse left behind by King Sombra! They must be the incarnation of his hate.” “That’s highly implausible,” countered Lime, “since no such spell has ever manifested itself in any magic book I’ve ever read. Whatever being this is most certainly belongs to some extraordinary biome.” “C’mon Lime. No animal can morph into any state of matter like the thing Relic described,” insisted Trench. Grabbing two forks from the table, he began clawing the table. “I can almost hear it trying to claw its way out right now.” The statement drew the attention of everyone. “Just think about it. Trapped in there for who knows how long, wishing to be free, to taste fresh air again. It must be hungry too—assuming it eats,” continued the unicorn, scratching the wood with the forks; the table had fallen completely silent now. “It must want revenge, for whatever happened here, or maybe he's just angry. In any case, I can imagine it seeking the empire for any life form.” He was now frantically scratching the table. “Being alone for so many years would drive anything insane. When it finally found one of us it would be overjoyed, but then confused. Eventually just like Relic its savage nature would shine through—AND SPLAT!” he screamed, stabbing both forks on the table. “Trench!” shouted Mira. “This is seriously not funny!” “Who said it was funny?” protested the Unicorn, looking at Mira. “I’m just sharing what I think would happen.” “Still, you don’t have to be so dramatic about it.” Trench opened his mouth to defend himself when Prime bolted up. “You know what guys? I think we should leave tonight,” he said, attracting confused looks from the others. “I mean, we already packed, and we have a few sleds big enough to carry us and a couple of crates. The extraction team must be using the same route used to get here—we could meet them and leave here that much sooner, and all we would have to do is leave any heavy equipment that isn’t necessary.” “You can’t be serious?” began Golden. “Do you have any idea how much all of this costs? We would have to leave over half of everything, that’s thousands of bits we’re talking about.” “I know! But we wouldn’t have to stick the night here, and risk getting attacked by that thing! I don’t know about you but I care for all of our well-beings more than about some machines!” erupted the Pegasus. The statement seemed to catch Golden by surprise. Sneering, he bolted up and was about to speak when Quake said, “I think you’re just scared out of your senses Prime.” “What?” asked Prime as he stood up, looking at Quake from across the table. “Well of course I’m scared. Guess you haven’t realized it but there’s a murderous uh...thing trapped a couple of miles away from us!” he bellowed and stuck his hoof out at the castle. Everyone turned to Quake, who continued. “True, but it didn’t attack last night, so why would it attack tonight. Just like always, you’re the first to panic and look for the quickest way out.” Prime walked around the table and stood next to Quake, a frown etched in his face. “I wasn’t trying to insult you. Besides, we both know you won’t do anything,” said Quake, not even looking at the Pegasus. “Even though you always cower when things go slightly south, you’re still one of my closest friends, and don’t worry. I’ll always be here to protect you.” Relic and Amber glanced at each other, worried. The others were quiet as Quake raised a cup of hot chocolate with two hoofs. In a blur of movement, Prime slapped the cup and sent it to the snow. Mira shot up, “Prime!” “It’s alright M,” said Quake, locking eyes with her brother. “I know he won’t do anything else.” “Quake, stop this,” urged Relic. Ignoring him, the Earth Pony looked at Prime. “Alright, you proved me wrong and did something, what's next?” Silence followed. “So that was it then? I thought so. Now if you’ll excuse me” he said and shoved past Prime, “I’m going to sleep so I can get out of this frozen pit faster.” Prime, starting to breathe heavily, caught up to the stallion. As Quake turned around, the Pegasus pushed him, making him stumble. Mira gasped as Quake regained his balance, and locked eyes with Prime. Everypony watched silently; Relic hoped they would just walk away from each other, his breathing slowing with anticipation as he watched his two friends square off. His hopes diluted as Quake started pushing Prime back; the Earth Pony shoved the blue Pegasus in quick thrust. “You finally coming out of your shell Prime? Finally pushing back instead of cowering back, tail between your legs?” he taunted as he pushed Prime to the side of a shattered wall. Golden looked at Relic and without saying a word the two stood up. “Are you finally going to toughen up?” Quake relentlessly continued, a sneer slowly forming. Prime began panicking and attempting to block Quake’s hoofs, . “That’s enough Quake!” Relic called. The Earth Pony didn't acknowledge him and kept pressing Prime against the crate. “Quake!” Prime was quivering now as he looked into Quake’s eyes. He opened his mouth to say something but no sound came. Golden and Relic ran to the stallions. From behind them everyone watched tentatively. “Well say something Prime?!” goaded Quake. Prime didn’t seem to notice his two friends approaching; all he could see was a directionless fire in Quakes eyes. Relic flinched in astonishment as Prime swatted Quake across the face. The Earth Pony fell to the snow, but almost immediately recuperated and launched himself at the Pegasus. Prime attempted to run away but Quake landed on him and began hammering his stomach with both hooves. Relic heard Mira scream as he ran to the stallions. Just before they got there Prime kicked Quake in the stomach, making him recoil long enough for his opponent to push him off. With tears streaming from his face, Prime started pelting Quake with blows. Relic and Golden tried to pry the flailing Pegasus away from his adversary but the two pulled at each other. “ENOUGH!” boomed Granite, standing outside his tent. His shout echoed through the empire; the sudden cry added an alien intensity to the quiet of the empire. The atmosphere froze; Quake let go of Prime’s hoof and Relic finally managed to pull him off. The Pegasus landed on his haunches, the cold snow stinging against his burning skin. Instead of slowing, Prime’s heart—along with Quakes—began beating faster. Everyone glued their eyes to Granite has the stallion strode towards the main commotion. Each heavy step caused a sharp crunching sound, the only sound in the painful silence. With an iron sneer, the old Royal Captain stopped over Prime. The bruised pony didn't know what to do except stare back, paralyzed.. Turning his attention to Quake, Granite barked, “someone has one minute to explain what just happened.” Relic opened his mouth to speak but stopped, realizing he wasn't sure himself about what had just happened. “It was my fault,” said Quake, standing up. “I’m not sure what came over me Granite—I mean sir.” Even though blood trickled down his muzzle, Quake remained stone cold still as Granite looked him over. Silence perpetuated as Granite though about the situation; no one moved. “You two,” he finally said, lashing his head at each stallion, “follow me.” Without another word, he strode for his tent, Prime following, a regretful expression disturbing his face. With a dash, Relic went to Quake as the stallion started walking. His blood boiled as he thought about the already alarming situation, and how the last bit of tranquility the camp possessed had just been shattered. Hooking Quake’s hoof, he pulled the stallions attention to himself. “I thought you said you had everything under control?” he whispered harshly. “Well,” said the Earth Pony with a cheap smile, “I guess I’m not as good at hiding it as I thought I was.” Stopping, Relic let go of his hoof and watched Quake continue forward, the wind battering his coat. He hoped another storm wouldn't move in, complicating the operation, and possibly pushing some of his friends to the brink of their endurance. “All of you,” Granite screamed before going inside his tent, “go to sleep, and that’s an order.” Following their captain, Prime and Quake also pushed past the flaps. Exhaustion suddenly overcame Relic. Letting out a deep sigh, he turned around and returned to the table. Looking around, his friends appeared more distressed than ever. Amber had a wing around Mira, consoling the flustered Pegasus. Trench and Lime continued their earlier argument. As Lime talked, Trench suddenly stood up and retreated to his tent, without a word. Relic’s heart sank, and he hoped the night would bring some peace... ***** A soft whistle buzzed in Relic’s ears as he unrolled a thick blanket. The soft fabric calmed his nerves, for the first time ever making him wish he was still a foal in his mother’s care. He opened his mouth to speak when he heard a soft whimper. He looked up to see Amber’s figure trembling; a few tears streamed down her face and hit the cloth covered floor. As he watched her cry something inside himself ripped and a cold shudder ran down his own body. Shaking his head, he felt his skin contract around his muzzle as hot tears formed in his own eyes. Few were the times he had seen Amber cry. Usually, it was after an emotional play, never real life hardships. No one was prepared for the sudden turmoil things had descended into. Amber couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Her soft whimpers increasingly escalated; she was going to break down, let all her worries pour out when Relic’s arms suddenly wrapped around her. Surprised, she opened her mouth to speak when she heard something that made her stop. Relic’s cries replaced her own. This time however, it was not relieved weeping, but rather genuine grief. “Don’t cry Amber, please don’t cry,” he pleaded. “I’m sorry okay, for everything that’s happened...you don’t deserve this, you don’t deserve any of this,” he continued through hics. “I’ve never felt so useless in my life. You could have died because of me Amber! I haven’t done anything but worry and cry.” His cries subsided to short bursts as Amber listened intently. “I understand if you hate me now, just—” Amber's ears perked. A spout of anger pulsed through her body. Seizing Relic by the arms, she pulled him away and glared at him. “Relic Wonder, are you listening to yourself?! I’ve seen you flustered before but I have never heard you pity yourself like this. You had no idea this was going to happen, and from what I heard you were the one who convinced Granite to leave.” Relic’s body was paralyzed as sweet, passive Amber chastised him. “And how could you even think I would hate you?! I love you!” Scarlet colored her face as the words settled in the air. A single tear traveled down her countenance as Relic stared at her, speechless. “I love you…” Almost knocking him over, she threw herself into his arms. Her body trembled as a new flood of tears escaped her. “Don’t beat yourself up like this,” she said, pushing against his chest. Relic thought about the words he had just heard. Every angry comment resonated in his ears, but above all, was her last statement. Three words, three words that sent a breath of elation to his tired body and mind. A newfound sense of determination seized him, and it subdued his worries, at least for the time being. “Thank you Amber,” he said, encasing her with his arms. Composing his emotions, he welcomed the mutual conciliation. “Ready to sleep?” he asked once her weeping had reduced to steady breathing. When no answer came, he looked down, and noticed her body steadily rising and falling. Her soft breath brushed his brown fur as her vibrant mane cascaded down his forelegs. With a smile, Relic lowered the sleeping mare to the cloth covered floor and moved the thick blankets over their bodies. Becoming aware of his own weariness, he planted a kiss on Amber's cheek before closing his eyes. The darkness that enveloped him in doing so was filled with dread and uncertainty, but a stream of happy memories tugged at his consciousness. Allowing the floodgates to open, his consciousness was inundated with recollections of joyous times. He saw the Operas Amber and him had attended, the fancy restaurants they had visited, the festive bonfire songs his team had sung in expeditions passed, and he managed to fall sleep.