Chapter 29:A River of death
(Theran Razorblade)
Theran came up on deck and noticed the sun peeking over the vast mountains. He took a moment to savour its beautiful sight, before he let out a deeply needed sigh and turn to the steps leading up to the control wheel. He found Teven at the controls, quietly steering. She was hunched low because of her size but still kept the boat steady. She didn’t look at him as her gaze was fixed on the raising sun. She seemd quite at peace, till Theran began to talk. “So, you know how to drive a boat.” He observed. “That’s not a very common skill in Wolven Guard. I’ve heard of ships in Wolven Guard but never actually met a Wolven that could work one. That might be because uh, every Wolven I’ve met I killed. So um yeah…”
“I have shamed you.” Teven suddenly said in a low voice. “I was weak back there…I showed fear in the face of our enemy. I failed you.”
Theran shook his head. “N-no Teven you didny do anything wrong and there’s no shame in showing fear.”
“Maybe to you.” She said in a sharper tone as she brought her gaze to his. “But to Wolven it means failure, to shame ones clan.” She looks back at the raising sun just peaking over the top of the mountains now. “You should just kill me now, end my shame.”
Theran’s eyes sharpened as he came beside her and watched the sun rise with her. He was silent for a moment, as rays of warm light began to seep over the mountain but then he spoke in a calm but firm voice. “You know in my culture, giving up is a sign of weakness. To let our mistakes drag us down is the greatest sin one can commit, the greatest shame one can bestow on one’s family. So in that sense you are shaming me not because you showed fear but because you are giving into your fear. Is that what you want?”
Teven’s grip on the steering wheel tightened just a little as she thought his words through. He looked at her, could see the gears in her mind turning as she began to realise he was right. “No. No I do not want to give in.” She looked at him. “I want to live.” She bowed her head to him. “Forgive my ignorance Pack Leader, for I have learned have from my mistake.”
Theran was actually impressed how quickly she came around. “I don’t want to lose you Teven, I mean that.” She huffed. “See it as a weakness if you wish, but know this. Real leaders care for their own, and I care about you.” Teven’s hard gaze softened as she looked astonished.
Without another word Theran let her be and moved to the front of the boat where he found Violet standing on deck watching the sun come up with her blanket still wrapped around her. He approached her and her ears twitched in his direction when she heard his hoof steps. “Aren’t you supposed to be resting?” He asked her.
When he came beside her she turned her head to smile at him. “I figured I could give the girls some alone time.” She winked at him when she said that and he chuckled. “And I wanted to be up here, to see the sun rise. To know we made it through another day.”
There was something on her mind, he could tell from the way her brow was slightly furrowed and how her eyes would narrow as if she was thinking real hard on something. “Got something on your mind?” He asked her in a caring way.
Violet frowned a bit more. “No, there’s nothing on my mind.” Her nose wiggled, a clear sign she was lying and she knew he could see this so she rolled her eyes with a big sigh. “Ok fine yes, there’s something on my mind.”
She turns to him. “How could we just leave like that, all those ponies…was there nothing we could do? Warn them maybe?”
Theran understood what she meant and he gave her a sympathetic look. “It was already too late Vi, there was nothing we could do for them.”
“I know, I know…” She looked down cast. “Just…all those poor souls, and we just trampled through them AND Tim…oh that poor colt.”
“There was no room for hesitation back there.” He puts a hoof on her shoulder. “I…we, did what we had to do, for Haze and Sapphire…even Teven.”
“You make it sound so simple, but we both know that’s not true.” Violet said as she looked at the sun.
“It never is.” Theran confirmed putting his hoof to her chin getting her look his way. “But we still have each other, and that’s all that matters in the end.”
She smiled at him, a warm loving smile. They drew in close and rested their heads on one another, watching as the sun finally broke over the mountains and bathed the valley and the river in warm light. He wanted this moment to last forever, just him, her and the rising sun. But all good things come to a close, and their moment was over when Violet broke the silence. “What are we going to do now, since there are those…things to worry about?”
Theran didn’t really have a plan, but he wasn’t about to tell her that. What he did say was. “Well we can say without a doubt, the roads are no longer safe.”
“They were never that safe to begin with.” Violet pointed out.
Theran rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean, bandits and animals are one thing. This infection is a completely different story.”
Violet was silent for a moment as if contemplating this, then she asked. “What’s going to happen now that this…infection is out there?”
Theran didn’t really know not for sure, but he somehow had this feeling. “If it’s not contained soon, it will spread fast, turning all it infects.”
“We’re going to need to warn folk about this, evacuate near by villages.” Violet suggested but Theran disagreed. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to but it just wasn’t possible, not right now.
“No, it’s too risky to stop now. We stay our rout on the river and it should be safe.”
Violet moved away from him and stared at him in disbelief. “We’re just going to let other villages fall prey to this?! Theran we have a chance to warn ponies, we’ve seen what these things are capable of and…”
Theran cut her off. “Which is exactly why we can’t stop.” He said bluntly.
Violet was gob smacked, as she stared at him in utter shock. “So you’re telling me we’re just going to do nothing and let others die?”
Theran felt his anger bubble as he said. “That is exactly what I am saying Vi. The time for heroics has gone and passed, we need to think about Haze now, and getting her to the Heartland safely!” He felt horrid for saying that but Haze to him was the most important thing to protect. That and he didn’t want Violet anywhere near the infected if he could help it.
Violet glared at him, anger burning in her eyes but that was forgotten almost instantly when Theran picked up something on the wind, something foul. “Uha…what is that smell?!” Violet stammered as she wrinkled her nose in revulsion. He dreaded to look over the edge of the boat, but the smell drew him to it and what he saw left him momentarily paralyzed.
In the water were bodies, hundreds and hundreds of face down bodies. Mares, Stallions and even Foals floated by and Theran couldn’t tear his eyes off them. There was a small sharp gasp beside him as Violet put a hoof to her mouth in shock and horror of what she was seeing. They must have been the ponies that were trying to get on that large boat they saw before Theran and the others escaped.
“No pony deserves this.” Theran whispered as he caught a glimpse of one of the bodies faces, their cold dead eyes still wide with horror, stared back at him.
“I think I’m going to be sick.” Violet said as she sounded like she was going to hurl. Theran didn’t blame her, he too felt like he just wanted to rid his stomach of its contents but he hadn’t the heart for it.
“Look away Vi.” He said as he guided her into a hug where she buried her face in his neck. “You don’t need to keep watching.” He didn’t need to keep watching either but he couldn’t.
“Pack Leader!?” Teven called out. “The smell is bad but we have a bigger problem!” She pointed forward, ahead of the boat. “Look!”
Dreading it, Theran turned to look beyond the front of the boat and the thing he saw made his stomach churn even more. Up ahead the river narrowed and calmed and as a result all the bodies began to pile up everywhere. “Stop the boat Teven!” Theran ordered and she slowed the boat to where it bumped the mass the bodies, coming to a stop.
The smell, that god awful stench of decay was one Theran new well and never got used to. It hung in the still air like a blanket of death, and the more he breathed it in the more sick he felt.
“By the gods, there’s…there’s so many.” Violet said, breathless. “There must be some survivors…we can’t be the only ones who got away.” A moment of silence passed and she added. “Or…are we?”
Theran sighed as he tore his eyes away from the horrific sight. “It doesny matter right now. What dose matter is our options and the way I see it we only have one.” He pointed ahead. “We go through.”
“What?” Violet asked in surprise. “Really? Through that mass of dead?”
“Yes.” Theran confirmed. “I hate it as much as you but there’s no other choice. We have to make it to the Heartland, no matter what.” He waved to Teven. “Get this boat moving.”
Teven fired up the furnace and the boat moved forward into the river of death. Theran cringed every time he felt and hear the dull, hollow bumps and bangs of the dead hitting off the boat’s hull. The smell, by the gods that smell grew stronger the further they went in through the mass of dead, making it hard to breathe. Theran closed his eyes and tried not to think about it but as time went by it got worse and worse. More images had been flashing in his minds eye, legion soldiers in white barding covered in blood, fields burned to a crisp, villages littered with corpses, scenes of bloody battle with the infected and much, much more.
It made no sense to him, these thoughts these…memories were all clustered in his mind and he couldn’t remember where they came from, how he even knew he had seen these things before. A jolt in the boat made him snap out of his thoughts as the boat came to a slowing stop. “Why are we stopping?!” Theran yelled as he looked over to Teven.
She looked confused as she as she tried the lever but nothing was happening. Then she went to the back of the boat and looked at the paddles. “The wheel, there is a corps stuck in it!”
Theran quickly came over to her and looked down. There was indeed a body jammed right in the wheel, a light pink Earth pony Mare. Her slender frame had properly wrapped itself in the wheel and looked like it wasn’t going to budge. “Shit!” Theran cursed. “We need to remove it.”
“I am not touching that.” Teven stated with a wave of her paws. “No way it smells wrong.”
Theran growled at her but she didn’t back down as she crossed her arms over her chest. “I dinny have time for this.” Theran grumbled as he tried to use his magic to pry it out the wheel but it was well and truly stuck. No choice, had to use his hooves. With an unenthusiastic moan, Theran leaned over the edge and gripped the corpse’s fur. It was cold to the touch and for some reason had a layer of slim all over it. Theran felt his stomach lurch as he caught a strong whiff off the body.
“Oh, OHHH that…that is so…WRONG!!” Theran grumbled as he tried not to puke. He pulled and pulled but it wouldn’t move. “Come on Teven, gee me a hoof here!”
It was an unusual sight to see a Wolven grossed out about dead bodies but Teven was having none of it as she shook her head, refusing to go near it. “Sure rip off your hoof, give it to me and I will chew on it while you unjam the dead thing.”
Theran glared at her and she still protested. “It smells wrong, tainted. I do not what that on my claws.” Theran still glared and she finally gave in with a low growl. “FINE!”
Scrunching up her snout, Teven was about to lean over the edge and grip the body when Theran heard a scream. It was Violet and she was swearing her face off when he heard her draw her sword. Before he could turn his head however the body suddenly came to life. Its hooves splashed out the water and its bony web like claws wrapped around his arms. Then he got a good look at its face. Its mouth was torn and ripped into a disturbingly large toothy smile. Its mane was slick and withered and its eyes were a solid black.
“OH SHIT!!!” Theran shouted as he planted his hind legs on the wall of the boat and pulled back when the infected tried to pull him in the water. It snarled and hissed as it tried to pull him down, and when their faces got a little too close it extended a long tube like tong from its disfigured maw. “OH HELL NO!!!”
Theran pulled back with so much force that the infected’s hind legs tore away from its body and went flying with him back onto the deck. It screeched and squirmed on top of him as they hit the wooden floor, water logged blood gushing all down his lower half. It tried to go for his throat but a massive jagged blade cut clean through its open mouth and the top half of its head went flying overboard. As more blood fountained out the stump that was its head, Theran threw it off him and was happy to see Teven standing over him with a blood stained sword.
“I warned you it was tainted.” Teven stated as she offered a paw.
“Yeah…” Theran grumbled as he took her paw and she haled him up. “Dinny remind me.”
“THERAN!!!” That was Violet. “GET YOUR SKINNY FLANK DOWN HERE NOW!!!”
He drew his sword, dawned his helmet and rushed to her aid. He had to dodge a swipe from an infected trying to climb onto the boat and quickly cut its head off as he joined Violet. She was doing the same, cutting them down before they got on the boat. They were everywhere, on the bank of the river and in the water. The deck was soaked in blood as they cut down freak after freak. “There’s too many of them!” Violet shouted. “Try using that lightning spell!”
“I can’t!” Theran shouted as he kicked another infected in the face, sending them back into the river. “There’s too much water Vi. If I try I might end up frying us all!”
“Try using some other spell then!” She shouted as she cleaved half way through one’s shoulder, nearly cutting it in two.
“It’s no like it’s that simple!” He protested as he stabbed another through the mouth then cutting it clean off. These things were rather fragile.
“Sure it is, just do some hocus-pokus shit!” She yelled as she severed ones head off.
“You want the boat destroyed?!” Theran asked as he stabbed one in the throat while kicking another.
Violet shouted over her shoulder. “I want what ever option doesn’t kill us!”
As if they understood her, the infected backed off and retreated back into the water. Panting and covered in filth, Theran peeked over the edge and saw nothing but floating corpses. This was strange, very strange and he didn’t like it one bit.
“What’s happening?” Violet asked as she looked around. “Why did they stop? Did we scare them off? Theran?!”
Theran looked into the bloody water but still nothing moved, save for the floating bodies swaying gently as the wind blew by. “I dinny think we scared them.” Theran said as he backed away from the edge. “I get the feeling they don’t feel fear. Something’s not right about this something...”
His words were cut off when the boat suddenly lurched to the side and they were nearly sent off their hooves. The boat kept rocking from side to side, making it hard to stand on two legs. There was a loud breaking sound, like wood caving in and it came from below deck. “They’re sinking the boat!” Theran shouted as he heard water starting to flood the lower deck, and that’s when he realised Haze and Sapphire were still down there when he heard them scream.
(Summer Haze)
(Many minutes ago)
Both Haze and Sapphire lay side by side panting, their clothes lay in crumpled bundles near them with only a blanket giving them some cover. Haze’s mind was buzzing from their interaction, how their movements had melded seamlessly as if it were like…magic. It was by far, the most amazing feeling she had ever experienced. She looked at Sapphire, her beautiful face red from what they did, and her lips pulled back into a stupid yet funny grin.
“Wow you are an animal Haze.” Sapphire said as she still panted, with a bead of sweat running down her forehead. “I never thought you were so…enthusiastic.”
Haze had a stupid smile of her own now as she elbowed Sapphire in the side. “You’re not so bad yourself.” She joked. “Though you did bite my lip…that hurt by the way.”
Sapphire laughed. “You nibbled my ear with those fangs of yours, now that hurt.”
“I guess we could of…tone it down a bit?” Haze suggested with a few gestures of her hooves.
“You kidding me?” Sapphire asked as she propped herself up on her right elbow. “That was the most fun I’ve had in ages, so much fun that I can’t wait for the next time.”
Haze’s smile faded when she thought about that. “Is that all it’s gunna be?” She asked, still on her back as looked and gestured up at the roof. “Sex, sex and more sex?” She plopped her hooves on her plated chest and let out a big sigh. “Cause to be honest Sapph, as fun as that was…I don’t want our relationship to be just that.”
Sapphire’s eyes went wide for a second as she thought on what Haze said. “OH no n-no no that’s not what I meant I just…what I meant to say was…I can wait till you want it to happen again.”
Haze gave Sapphire a questioning look with a half smile. “You make it sound like I’m going to be a control freak.”
“What?!” Sapphire waved her hooves in protest. “N-no no no that’s not what I…AH I keep fucking up what I’m saying.” She put a hoof to her face and flopped on her back. Haze giggled at how funny Sapphire was being and she lifted her hoof to look at her. “What’s so funny?” She asked.
Haze had to make herself stop giggling, before she could speak. “Oh Sapph you’re not the only one bucking up with your meaning. *snickers a little* What I meant was that I don’t want sex all the time, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t have it and besides, I like it when you’re a rebel so don’t be afraid to ask.”
Sapphire smiled, narrowed her eyes and shook her head. “Who are you and what have you done with my sweat little Hazy?” She poked Haze on the nose and she laughed out loud.
When she got a hold of herself Haze asked. “So I take it you’re ‘warmed up’ now?”
Sapphire laughed at her question and how she quoted with her hooves. “Yeah I feel fine now…better actually.” She sat up again and got Haze to do the same. “Haze I wanna tell you something.”
“Is it another love confession?” Haze joked.
Sapphire shoved her in the shoulder and Haze giggled. “No listen. I want to make this work, me and you. I really don’t want to screw everything up and I just wanted to let you know that.” She gripped Haze’s hoof and Haze felt her face go red again. “I want to support you and be there for you, that’s all I want…to make you happy.”
Haze felt butterflies in her stomach as she listened to Sapphire’s kind words and how grateful she felt to have her. “Thank you Sapph but remember we support each other, there will be no one side to this. I got to be just as supportive.”
“And you are.” Sapphire said as she put a hoof under her chin. “Chin up Haze, we’re almost to the Heartland and I can see us there now, the chance for a new life.” She then thumped the boat wall. “And in this thing, nothing can stop us getting th...”
Sapphire’s face slowly wrinkled in disgust as her nostrils flared. “What?” Haze asked. “Why are you…” Then she smelled it. It was a foul, vulgar smell that filled the air. “GHA What is that smell?!” Haze asked as quickly grabbed a clump of her blanket and pressed it to her nose.
“I dun know but…” Sapphire looked a little pale. “But what ever it is it’s making me feel sick.”
It wasn’t long before dull thuds sounded off the wooden hull and the smell got stronger. “I’m going to puke.” Sapphire said as she held her hooves to her mouth.
“Get dressed.” Haze stated, getting up and quickly throwing her clothes on, tossing Sapphire’s at her to motivate her to move. “Come on shake a leg.”
She was just starting to strap on her leg warmers when the boat suddenly lurched forward, sending Haze off her hooves and Sapphire on her face. “Ouch.” Sapphire groaned as she lifted herself off the floor. “Why is it always my face?”
Haze ignored her for a second when she noticed the boat was no longer moving. “What the?” Haze got back up and continued to get her stuff on as she added. “Why have we stopped?”
By now Haze had all her clothes on with her hoof blade strapped on tight. Sapphire was just zipping up her hoodie when they suddenly heard scrapping on the hull, like claws on wood. Then they heard Violet up above shouting at the top of her lungs along side high pitched screeches. “Oh no!” Sapphire said with dread in her voice. “It’s those things, they’ve come for us.”
Haze moved passed Sapphire as she heard the battle above them. “Come on they need help!” Haze stated as she went for the stairs, but when she looked back she realised Sapphire hadn’t moved. She was just staring up at the roof, trembling in fear. “Sapph you need to move, right now!” Haze tried but Sapphire wasn’t moving.
“I-I don’t want to…to turn into one of those things.” Sapphire stated, a slight tremble in her voice. “I-I don’t want to get bit.”
Haze moved from the stairs back to Sapphire and she took her by the shoulders and shook her till she looked Haze in the eye. “You’re not going to get bit alright, we’re going to live through this as long as we keep a cool head.” Sapphire’s eyes drifted back up to the roof but Haze shook her again. “I almost lost you once, I won’t let it happen again now pull it together they need us!”
She had no idea what they could actually do but one thing was clear to her, she wasn’t going to cower down here while others ricked their lives for them. Just as Sapphire looked like she was ready to move, the sounds of battle ended and the scratching sounds had stopped. Silence, nothing to be heard. All they could hear was the sounds of their own breathing. “Wh…what’s going…”
Sapphire tried to ask but her question was cut off when a webbed and clawed hoof broke through the floor and thrashed around. Haze and Sapphire screamed in terror as more disfigured hooves crashed through the walls and grasped at the air around them.
Water flooded through the holes and began to fill the lower deck as Haze and Sapphire ran for the stairs, ducking and dodging swiping claws. “One scratch.” Theran’s words echoed in Haze’s head. “And you’re dead.”
Haze let Sapphire go first up the steps as she looked back and saw one of the creatures emerging from floor, it’s teeth gleaming in the light of the lantern before the water snuffed it out. Despite having black eyes, Haze saw them glow in the dark as they clawed toward her. She had wasted enough time staring at them, time to run. She ran up the steps and through the open hatch Sapphire had opened and slammed it shut behind her.
She was breathing heavily as her heart was pounding in her chest and she just stared at the hatch for a few seconds till she heard Sapphire scream. She looked up from the hatch and saw her kicking one of the freaks in its face as it tried to come for her. Haze felt panic set in as she watched Sapphire trip and fall on the steps leading up to the wheel. An infected the same one lunged at her while she was down.
“NO!” Haze shouted. Time seemed to slow as she watched the creature fly through the air toward her loved one.
Without thinking Haze out stretched her forehooves, gathered energy around her horn and unleashed a powerful kinetic blast that struck the infected so hard its skin peeled off its body and went flying overboard, a large chunk of the deck along with it. As splinters rained down on them Haze felt her head become light and fell to her knees.
That spell had taken a lot out of her it was so powerful, she never knew her magic was that strong, she wasn’t prepared for it. How did she do it? Where did this sudden power come from? Her head was spinning and she feared she would black out when another freak came for her this time from the side. But before it got anywhere near her it suddenly went ridged as a flying dagger embedded itself in its forehead. Haze dully followed where it came from and was astonished when she saw Sapphire standing with her empty hoof pointing to where the infected once stood.
Somepony grabbed Haze and hauled her to her hooves “Haze get up!” It was Theran. He had one of his arms around her waist while he held his sword with the other. “The boat is lost, quickly everyone around me!”
Everything was so fuzzy but Haze felt bodies press around her and before she knew it there was a bright blue flash. Every cell in her body felt like it had been ripped apart, only for them to be violently glued right back together as Theran finished teleporting them. They landed on solid ground as they reappeared on the bank of the river. She didn’t know what was going on as she felt herself slump to the sandy ground. “Haze!? Haze!?”
She was suddenly on her back when she finally came returned to reality and saw Violet and Sapphire hunched over her. Violet was drenched in sticky and smelly blood while Sapphire looked completely fine, well physically not so sure about mentally. “Oh thank the gods you’re alright.” Violet said with a tired yet happy smile.
“Saved me again.” Sapphire said with concern in her gaze. “When are you gunna stop doing that? It’s embarrassing.”
Haze knew she was joking but she didn’t feel like laughing. She did retort with. “When you stop getting into trouble all the damn time.” She grumbled.
They helped her sit up in time to see Theran gather a ball of fire, then hurl it at the sinking boat. It erupted into flame and all that could be heard over the roaring fire was the pained screams of those creatures.
He stood there on two legs for a moment, watching the boat burn and sink under the water. Then he sheathed his sword and went on all fours to turn to the group. “Everyone alright?” Theran asked from under his blood stained helmet. “No bites?”
“No bites here.” Violet confirmed. “We’re all clean…well, so to speak.”
“Good.” Theran stated in a blunt tone. He began to walk. “Let’s get moving.”
“To where!” Violet asked in frustration. “Where can we go?”
“The Heartland is East right?” He asked and Violet nodded. He took out the compass Violet had given him and flipped it open. “Then we go…” He looked at it for a moment, moving his hoof till he pointed into the forest behind them. “That way.”
He began to walk but Violet stopped him by getting up and putting a hoof on his chest plate. “Hey slow down, that was a tense fight back there, let everypony catch their breath first.”
“No time.” Theran stated as he gently pushed her hoof away. “We need to get ahead of the infection and we can’t do that sitting around.”
“Theran look at Haze she’s pale faced and looks ready to pass out!” Violet pointed out.
“Then Teven will carry her.” Theran suggested as he looked at her.
“Give me…a moment.” Teven said as she was down on one knee holding her stomach and covering her mouth.
Theran gave her a questioning look. “Teven are you al…”
She garbled once before vomiting hard onto the sandy ground, her back heaving painfully. Haze didn’t even react, her mind was too numb as she just watched her throw up. When she finished, Teven made a gruff sniff and wiped her mouth with a shiver. “I hate portals.” She grumbled.
“Teleport.” Theran corrected.
“I do not give a shrakh what you call it!” Teven stated as she got to her feet and swayed a bit before properly balancing herself. “Ok, ready to carry her now.” She didn’t look ready, actually she looked ready to pass out herself.
“I think I can walk.” Haze stated after hearing and seeing enough. She tried to stand but when she did her mind spun and she became dizzy. She fell back on her flank holding one hoof to her head. She had completely forgot about her head injury meaning that spell she pulled off had sapped her of all her energy.
Theran grumbled in annoyance. “We dinny have time for your foalish acts. Teven you may…”
“I’ll help her walk.” Sapphire stated and before Theran could say otherwise she already had Haze standing, to her discomfort. She was so dizzy but Sapphire kept her standing when she swayed off balance. Her heart was racing while she panted, she hated this she felt so weak.
Sapphire was giving Theran an angry look but he ignored her. “We set?” He asked with a look around him. They all nodded. “Right…let’s go.”
Just when they were about to head off into the forest they heard a hissing sound come from behind them. They all turned to see a surviving infected crawling out of the water and dragging its burned body onto the bank. It was wheezing heavily as it clawed its way onto dry land. It was strange watching this…thing struggle to survive and Haze wondered if the pony it had once been was still in there somewhere.
It paused for a moment as it painfully looked in their direction. It looked so tired so…desperate as it extended a shaking, clawed hoof and reached out to them. Did it want help? What if the pony inside was suffering? “Are…are we going to do anything?” Haze asked. “It looks like it wants help.”
Before anyone could speak up, Theran approached the creature. It looked up at him through its dull black eyes before he drew his sword and plunged its tip right through the top of its skull. It twitched once and its out stretched hoof fell limp. Haze stared numbly at the dead creature as Theran pulled his blade free with a sickening pop and flicked it once to get the blood off. He looked at them now, the resolve in his eyes absolute. “Never try to help these things ever.” He pointed at the body with his sword. “You kill them, end of discussion.”
He sheathed his blade and walked passed them into the forest. With very little choice, they followed after him, leaving the smell of death behind them.
(Violet)
It was midday now and they were still wondering through a dank, dimly lit forest. Violet was really tired, her hooves burned, her limbs ached and she was covered in bloodstains…again. Haze and Sapphire were fairing a little bit better than she was but she could tell Haze was struggling. Teven seemed fine, she wasn’t limping or anything, but even though she hid it well, Violet could see in her eyes she was tiring. And Theran, he hadn’t stopped, no breaks or slowing down. She’d never seen him like this and she could tell Haze was worried about him. He hadn’t said a word to them ever since they escaped the boat and the lingering silence was driving Violet mad inside.
She had to say something or lose her temper all together. “Theran stop!” She stopped, making the girls stop suddenly and a split-second later Theran stopped too. “We have been walking for half the day.” Violet stated. “We all need to take a break.”
Theran hadn’t turned to face her yet and this irritated her. “Theran are you even listening to me?!”
She was about to go up and grab him in anger but he finally turned around and looked at her through the slit in his helmet. “Yes Vi I’m listening.”
“We need to…first off, take off that helmet when I’m talking to you.” Violet demanded and he did so, removing his helm and clipping it to his belt. His face was dead serous not a hint light heartedness there, just a cool calm focus. His expression served to only annoy her further. “We need to rest, look at Haze.” She gestured to Haze. “She can barely walk. And what about food and water? We haven’t eaten for hours now and I bet it’s weighing down on you too.”
Theran looked at her dully. “Are you finished?” He asked bluntly.
Violet was shocked he even said that, she stared at him in anger. “Not even close.” She retorted. “You’ve been acting strange ever since the boat was destroyed. What’s gotten into you? Cause this…this isn’t you.”
“What do you really know about me?” That hurt as Violet felt a sickening feeling in her chest.
She bit back her anger this time, as she feared she might say something she’ll regret. Instead she composed herself and took a deep breath. “I know that you’re better than this.”
Theran’s upper lip twitched a bit as he narrowed his eyes at her. She knew he wasn’t himself, she believed he didn’t mean to be so harsh and after glaring at each other for about a minute he gave in. “Fine! You want to rest go ahead!” Violet was a little taken aback by his little outburst but before she could speak he turned away. “I’ll scout around, you lot do what you want.”
And with that he stormed off, leaving Violet and the others speechless.
……..
About an hour passed since Theran’s little outburst and he still hadn’t returned. The girls had set up a small camp, nothing like their normal set up. They had nothing to lay or sit on, just the cold damp grass of the forest floor and the fire Violet built was tiny since there wasn’t much fallen marital around. To sate their hunger Violet gathered up some simple oak leaves for them to chew on and because of the damp in the air the leaves also served to sate their thirst too. They weren’t the best tasting but it was better than nothing.
She thought about what Theran had said. “What do you really know about me?” His words echoed in her head. She knew he didn’t mean it for she knew him far too well. Through all the years she Haze and Theran spent in Rest Pit, she had gotten to know the guy and knew he was pretty thick when he got angry. But still, it didn’t shake the hurt she felt.
“Violet?” That was Haze. Violet shook her head from her thoughts and looked at her.
“Yes Haze?” She asked, a little out of it though Haze didn’t seem to notice.
“When is Theran coming back?” She asked with a hint of concern. “He’s been gone for a while now.”
“He is close.” Teven stated as she poked the fire with a long stick. “I can smell him.”
Haze looked at her in confusion. “If he’s close then…why hasn’t he joined us yet?”
“Because…” Violet began to say but paused for a moment as she looked off into the forest in hopes to see him but there was nothing to be seen. “He…he’s just… dealing with things in his own way, a lot has happened a lot of horrible things. I’m sure he’ll join us soon.”
“I miss Rest Pit.” Sapphire suddenly said and surprised everyone.
“You…miss Rest Pit?” Haze asked in bewilderment “But I thought you hated the place?”
“I thought I did too.” Sapphire stated with a dull shrug. “But after all the things I’ve seen, I miss the peace and quiet…not my Mother though, she can go to hell.”
There was some laughter among the group now, just some light-hearted chuckles and what not. “Yeah…I miss Lilly.” Haze said with a sad sigh. “I hope her and her baby are alright and this…infection is nowhere near them.”
“I hope so too Haze.” Violet stated with sadness in her tone. “We just have to hope she and the others made it out o…” She trailed off when Teven suddenly started growling. “Teven what’s wrong?” Violet asked.
She followed Teven’s gaze and saw two ponies coming their way. One was a light brown Unicorn Stallion with a darker shade of brown for his mane and green eyes. The other who’s right forelimb was over other’s shoulder was a Mare of the same colours and race. They limped toward them and the Mare looked to be in a bad way. “Help!” The Stallion yelled. “Please help me!”
Violet and the others stood and Violet drew her weapon. “Don’t come any closer!” Violet said with a raised voice. They stopped about three meters away from them, the Mare looked barely conscious as blood dripped from her left shoulder. “Who are you?” Violet asked them as she pointed her sword their way.
They looked like twins and the Stallion helped his sister sit while he spoke. “Please we mean no harm.” He put a blood stained hoof to his chest. “My name is Jock and this is my sister Jenny.” He gestured to his sister who looked ready to pass out. “Please she needs help.”
Violet hesitated for a moment as she thought this through. They didn’t know these ponies they could be anypony, but when she looked at Jenney she could see she was suffering. Violet sheathed her weapon and approached the per.
“What happened to her?” Violet asked as she looked at Jenny.
“We…we were attacked by…I dun know what by…things, creatures.” He pointed at his sister. “We…we were just walking from our village not far from here…on our way to Splinter Bay…when these things came out of nowhere.” He pointed at his horn. “I used my magic to fight them off but Jenny got clawed in her shoulder.” He pointed at her wound.
“How long ago were you attacked?” Violet asked as she examined Jenny’s wound. It looked nasty. The gash on her shoulder looked heavily inflamed, bleeding profusely and around the wound were black looking veins. It also smelled of rot.
“About 15 minutes ago.” Joke told Violet.
Violet looked into the Mare’s eyes and tried not to grimace when she noticed Jenny’s eyes were slowly turning an inky black in areas. If Violet didn’t know Jenny was breathing she would have thought her a bloody corps. “H-how you feeling?” Violet asked Jenny.
Jenny sucked in a ragged breath, her throat sounded sore. She sounded so weak. “I…I feel…like my insides are burning and…my heart won’t stop racing.” She weakly looked into Violet’s strong eyes. “What…what’s wrong with me?”
Violet thought of what Theran had told them, of what the infection could do. But her compassion over-rid her better instincts. “I…I’m not sure but I’ll try to help you.”
“Don’t bother Vi.” Theran suddenly came out from behind a tree and approached them. “She’s infected.”
“In-infected?” Jock asked in surprised bewilderment. “Infected with what?”
“A virus, lethal and potent, changing the host’s body from the inside out.” Theran said in an utterly serous manner.
Jock looked at Theran in shock as he asked. “Wh-what are you saying, w-what are talking about?”
Theran looked him straight in the eye as he said coldly. “She’s going to turn into one of those creatures that attacked you, and from the looks of it, she doesn’t have much time left.”
Jock looked at him pleadingly. “W-wait is…is there a cure? A-a treatment?”
Theran sighed long and sad as he shook his head. “No, there is no treatment, no cure….She will die.”
Jock was desperate now as he started to panic. “Please! There must be a way, a-anything?”
Theran looked down at Jenny and she looked up at him, her eyes full of pain.
“There is…only one way to stop the spread.” Theran knelt down on one knee in front of Jenny and placed his left hoof on her good shoulder. They kept eye contact as Theran took a deep breath and shakily whispered. “I…I’m sorry.”
Jenny looked confused but her confusion was short lived when Theran extended his right hoof blade and drove it passed her ribs and into her heart. Her eyes widened for a second, letting out a small gasp as she weakly pawed at the blade in her chest, wheezing for air that did not come. Then the light left her eyes with a sigh, her expression sagged and Theran gently lowered her lifeless body to the ground.
Violet stared in shock and surprise at what Theran had just done, her mind numb from what she had just witnessed. Haze let out a pained whimper as she stared at Theran, mouth agape. Sapphire was wide eyed and silent as Haze buried her face in her neck. And Teven, she was stoic and didn’t react as she breathed cool and calmly at the scene.
Jock however whaled in dismay. “NOOOOOOOO!!!!” He fell to the ground and cradled his sister’s head in his hooves. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!!???” He screamed at Theran, as he stood.
Theran’s expression was no longer emotionless. His face was heavy with sorrow, his eyes full of regret. “There…there was no other way…she…she would of…”
Jock got up and screamed. “MURDERER!!!” Theran was taken aback as he looked at his dripping blade. “I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!”
Violet stared at Jock as his horn glowed and crackled with energy. She then stared at Theran but wasn’t making a move as he just stood there. Instinct made Violet draw her weapon and stop Jock but Teven beat her to it when she came up behind him and quickly slit his throat with her claws.
Blood gushed from the open wound and he fell to the ground beside his sister, gaging and twitching, grasping at his throat as he flexed his lower jaw in an attempt to breathe. But then with a grunt and snort his body went still and didn’t move again.
Haze was whaling now in horror and Sapphire whimpered as she tried to comfort her. Violet however, she lost it. “GODS FUCKING DAMNIT!!!” She screamed as she slammed her sword to the ground. Emotion surged through Violet like a wave, as she turned on Theran, furious out of her mind. “WHY THERAN WHY!!!???”
Theran’s anger returned to his expression as he rounded on her. “You know why! If I hadn’t she would have turned!”
Violet was lost for words as she said anything that came to her first. “We…you…you didn’t have to just…kill her! We…we could have helped pass her on gently NOT STAB HER IN THE FUCKING CHEST!!!”
“Don’t be so fucking stupid Vi!” Theran sneered, as his face was now mere inches from her own. “There was no ‘gentle’ option, the last few minutes of her life would have been excruciating! WHAT I DID WAS A MERCY!!!”
“BUT NOW TWO PONIES ARE DEAD THERAN, DEAD!!!” Violet screamed and she glared at Teven. “YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO KILL HIM!!!”
Teven kept her expression plain. “He became a threat, a threat I dealt with.”
“But he wouldn’t have been a threat if YOU didn’t out right murder his sister!” Violet pointed at Theran. “It was monstrous!”
“STOP!!!” Haze yelled at all of them “STOP FIGHTING, STOP ARGUING!!!” She gripped her mane as tears flowed from her eyes. “I can’t take this anymore this is all so messed up SO WRONG!!!” She fell to her knees and covered her ears. “I wanna go home, I wanna see Lilly, I wanna sit by the warm fire place, drink tea, chat with Merry, sings songs, read a book, ANYTHING BUT THIS!!!”
Sapphire wrapped her forelimbs around Haze and comforted her as she whaled long and hard, babbling nonsense through her sobs. Violet stared at the horrible display, her heart heavy with anguish at the sight of Haze losing her mind. She turned her angry glare back at Theran but he wasn’t looking at her anymore. He had his face in his hooves and was breathing heavily as his back heaved with every breath. Violet was momentarily struck dumb at the sight of this. Was he…crying?
She was shocked, speechless even. Never in all her years did she ever see Theran cry, she thought him incapable of that. But here he was barely containing himself. Her anger forgotten, replaced with concern as she approached him and reached out to touch his shoulder. When she made contact he feebly pushed her hoof aside and turned away. Grief fell upon Violet’s mind as she listened to his deep, shaky breaths. He was regretting, feeling for the mare he killed.
She didn’t know what to do, she wanted to embrace him, comfort him, say she was sorry. But that would have to wait, when Theran’s ears pricked up and he sniffed the air. Teven began to growl and her fur stood on end. Violet looked at them both in confusion, till she heard it. A low clicking sound that echoed through the forest. Fear struck Violet’s heart as she picked up her sword and looked all around her.
“Don’t panic.” Theran suddenly said, his calm and moody demeanour restored. Violet slowed her breathing as the clicking continued. “Get the girls up on their hooves.” He stated in the same calm voice.
Violet, thinking quickly knew better than to question this as she did as he asked. She knelt down beside Haze who was still whimpering loudly and rocking back and fourth. “Haze, Haze we need to go now.” She wasn’t responding as she shook her head, mumbling nonsensically.
“Haze snap out of it.” Sapphire said with concern as she shook her shoulders. Haze only responded with more babbling and shaking her head even more. Then at the peek of her whimpering she fell silent and slumped to the ground. “Haze!” Sapphire yelled as she started to panic.
“Don’t panic.” Theran said again calmly, as he approached them. “Teven will carry her.” Without much hesitation, Teven scooped Haze up and cradled her in her arms. “Ok, let’s move out slow and steady. Stay as close to me as possible, no arguments.”
Without a word, Theran strapped his helmet on, drew his sword and lead the way, leaving the horrible scene behind them.
(Theran Razorblade)
Quickly and calmly, Theran lead the group through the forest, chopping through the underbrush along the way. His mind was sore with emotion but he pushed it all aside for now, while he listened to the sounds around him. That clicking, that hollow, deep clicking vibrated through Theran, down to his metal boots. He was acting on instinct and his instinct told him not to panic, not to rush and most importantly, do not be alone. He didn’t know how but he just had this gut feeling that these were the right actions to take, for they were not alone in this forest. Something was following them, stalking them. Even now he could sense it watching them, just waiting for a chance to pick one of them off.
“Theran?” That was Violet, she was keeping to a hushed tone as she repeated his name. “Theran tell me what’s going on? Theran?”
He ignored her question, talking would only slow them down. He continued to cut through the underbrush till he sensed something up ahead. He put a hoof out to make the group stop as he eyed the long grass and bushes in front of them. “No one move a muscle.” Theran stated in a low serious tone.
They all stood frozen and clumped close together as Theran took a slow step forward. The clicking had stopped and all that could be heard was the whistling of the wind. If he couldn’t smell the thing stalking them he would say nothing was there, but there was something there and it was mere meters away, hiding in the underbrush. As the wind blow passed the nose of his helm he got a good whiff of the creature’s foul stench and it was in front of them, five meters away in the grass. Summoning his magic, Theran’s horn glowed with sparkling energy as a ball of lightning gathered in his free hoof. His used his sword as a guide to where he wanted to aim and when found his target he threw it up high.
It flew, curved in the air and landed right on top of his target with an explosion of blue lightning. There was a screech of agony and they all saw a creature, all muscle and bone stand up from the long grass and spasm wildly till it fell into a smoking heep. “There’s more where that came from.” Theran said as he gestured with his sword for them to follow him. “Let’s move before more show up.”
After more chopping through the forest they finally made it onto a wide open dirt road. There were broken down wagons and dead bodies on the road, most of the dead were infected but some here and there were pure pony. “What happened here?” Violet asked in confused shock.
Before he could answer that he heard the unmistakable sound of the crossbow being fired. On pure reflex he pushed Violet back as a bolt skimmed the top of his helmet. The rest of the group hunched down low behind a wagon as another bolt hit off its wooden surface. “What the fuck NOW?!” Sapphire swore in utter rage. “Sick fed up of this shit!”
“Quiet!” Theran barked as he looked around the edge of the wagon. There was a village just down the road, a village with a large stone wall and on that wall was Legion soldiers armed with crossbows. “Oh bloody perfect.” Theran moaned. He looked back at the group. “It’s a village guarded by the Legion it seems.”
Teven growled at the word ‘Legion’ letting them know she didn’t like them. “Yes Teven I’m not all that thrilled about it either.” Theran sympathized with her.
“What are we gunna do?” Sapphire asked with a shrug.
“Yeah I’m with Sapph on this.” Violet chimed in. “We haven’t really dealt with the army before. What are we gunna do?”
Theran thought about it for a moment. The Legion probably had orders not to let anything near the village and assume hostility from strangers. They most defiantly had no idea what was happening out here and as a result it’s made them trigger-happy. That only left one option. “I’m going to talk to them.” Theran finally said.
“What?!” Violet said in disbelief. “But they’re shooting at us.”
“They’re only shooting at us cause they think we’re hostile and most likely they have orders to shoot anything they see coming out of the forest. It’s what I would order them to do.” Theran explained as he glanced at the bodies around them.
“But don’t that mean they’ll just shoot you too?” Sapphire asked.
“Maybe.” Theran agreed. “But there’s no other option.” He looked back at the wall. “I’m going, and if they shoot me…I’ll just get back up.” He hated that thought but it didn’t stop him. “Stay here till I call for you ok?” They nodded and Theran sucked in a breath. “Here goes nothing.” He grumbled to himself and stood up.
He sheathed his sword and walked slowly out into the open on all fours. He eyed the soldiers on the wall and noticed they were looking right at him. The wall they were on spread out till both ends stopped at cliff walls either side of the village. No doubt this place served as some sort of checkpoint for the legion. So far they hadn’t fired at him, probably debating weather he was a threat or not.
Slowly he started to approach the main gate and he saw them tense up. He heard the click of a firing lever and a single bolt flew in his direction. He had only a split second to moved to his left as the bolt nicked his right shoulder guard. He knew the Legion used armour-pricing bolts and not even his armour could stop one if it hit directly.
He yelled at them, anger fuming in his voice. “Hey stop firing at me I’m not your enemy!” He continued to approach the gate. As he closed the distance another bolt landed right in front of his hooves, making him stop yet again. Theran growled in irritation. “Hey you bloody deaf?! I said…”
“We heard what you said!” One of the soldiers shouted down to him. Right above the gate was a Pegasus Stallion with an empty crossbow and he leaned on the edge, scowling down at Theran. “And what I’m gunna tell you to fuck off to were ya came from. This village is under lock down, no pony in or out.”
Theran frowned and felt his anger rise. “Listen kid I and my companions survived hell to get here and I’ll be damned before I let some trigger happy rookie tell me what to do!”
“Did you just call me a rookie?” The soldier yelled.
“Aye ah did. What are ya going to do about it?” Theran challenged. “I can tell you’re a rookie from the way you hold that crossbow like a novice, the way you got that cocky look on your face and from the lack of a rank on your barding.”
The other soldiers along the wall all snickered and chuckled at Theran’s words and the rookie loaded his crossbow in anger. “Why you little…” Before he had a chance to take aim and scramble Theran’s brains, another soldier this one an Earth pony and much older shoved the rookie aside.
“What do you think you’re doing up here son?!” The new comer questioned in a gruff, drill Sargent sort of way and when Theran looked at his grey shoulder guard he was indeed a Sargent. “Why do I hear you squawking like an afternoon bird having a bath, all the way down on the streets in my nice comfy office?”
“S-sorry Sir I was just…” The rookie tried to speak but the Sargent ignored him when he looked down to Theran.
“Who’s this…making new friends behind ma back AY CHICKEN WINGS!!!???”
The rookie cowered before his Sargent and Theran had to let out a chuckle “I take it you’re in charge around here?” Theran asked the Sargent.
The Sargent stuck out his lower lip and made a small nod. “Mmmhmm damn right I am.” He leaned on the edge of the wall and gave Theran a questing look. “And whom might you be?”
“My name is Theran, I only wished to ask that you allow me and my companions sanctuary here, but your trigger happy rookie here and his pals nearly shot holes in me.”
The Sargent glared at the rookie and the other soldiers. “My orders were to shoot anything hostile or had mushrooms growin out its ass, NOT shoot up random strangers seeking our aid.” He slapped the rookie on the back of his helmet, and then brought his attention back to Theran. “How many do you have with ya son?”
“Four, including me that makes five.” Theran wondered if he should tell them about Teven, make them aware she’s not hostile. There was great tension between the Legion and Wolven Guard and ever since the failed Wolven attack on Bastion city in the North the Wolven have stayed in their own land after their army was decimated by some unknown alley of the Legion. But that was old history now to Theran but it was still fresh enough for the hate to still boil over.
Just when he was about to consider letting them know, he heard a scream come from behind him. He swiftly turned to see the group running out of cover as a small horde of the freaks came charging out of the forest. Theran’s heart skipped a beat as he shouted. “Don’t shoot my group, DON’T SHOOT!!!”
Violet, Sapphire and ever Teven were screaming in terror as they ran for their lives. Bolts started to fly, hitting the infected that cashed after the fleeing group. “That’s a fucking Wolven behind them!” The rookie shouted. “I got a clear shot.”
“NO!!!” Theran teleported up to the top of the wall and the rookie only had a second to blurt out his surprise before Theran grappled his crossbow and trip him up flat on his back. The Sargent stared at Theran dumbfounded but before he could say or do anything, Theran jumped down to the other side of the gate.
As he landed with a heavy thud he wasn’t surprised to find two more Legion soldiers standing by the gate and they were surprised to see him. Under their helmets Theran saw the shock in their eyes before he threw a weak kinetic blast at them to knock them over. While they struggled to get back up in their heavy barding, Theran threw himself at the gate and started to lift the large plank of wood keeping the gate shut.
It was heavy but he managed to lift it off and pulled the double doors open. Just as he opened them Violet came barrelling through and collided with him, knocking him off his hooves and onto the dirt ground. She lay onto top of him panting with fright as Sapphire came rushing in second and then lastly Teven with Haze in her arms. The horde was single mindedly charging toward the now open gate and the rain of bolts weren’t slowing them down. With Violet on top of him he wasn’t going to get up in time to stop them but luckily legion magi were already on the ball, shooting arks of purple, blue and green lightning at the horde. The horde erupted into clouds of ash as they were evaporated in an instant.
The two Theran had knocked over went to the doors and slammed them shut, putting the plank back in place. Theran let out a sigh of relief as he thunked his helmeted head back on the ground and looked into Violet’s beautiful eyes. She giggled, then bust out laughing and Theran followed her example and started laughing too. They were alive and unharmed and Theran couldn’t be more happy with that result…until he looked around them and noticed the hundreds of legion soldiers pointing spears and crossbows at them. He shifted his gaze around and noticed how quiet it had become. Most of them were aiming their weapons at Teven as she held a still unconscious Haze in her arms. She growled and bared her teeth at the spearheads near her face. Violet and Theran got up slow and careful, making no sudden moves.
From the corner the Sargent, Theran had met minutes ago, came down some stone stairs leading up to the top of the wall and took in the scene before him with a pouted lip. Theran got a better look at him now. He had no helmet on, revealing a short cut silver-grey mane. His coat was a rusty tan with small black spots on his face around his nose. And lastly were his eyes, his eyes were a smooth shade of blue with a gaze hardened by years of war.
“My, my what do we have here?” He strolled up to Teven and she glanced down at him with a scowl on her face. “Been awhile since ah seen a Wolven your size, though you’re a little bit thin around the sides.” He looked to Theran. “This your beast?”
Teven growled at that comment and the spear ponies tensed up but the Sargent waved a hoof and they relaxed a bit. Theran cleared his throat. “Um…I guess?” He took a step forward and the other spear ponies around him tensed up, the tip of their spears inches from his neck. “Her name is Teven, she’s actually quite nice when you get to know her. Say hi to all the lovely ponies Teven.” Theran suggested with a lazy wave.
She looked around her to the Mares and Stallion soldiers and snarled. “You all smell like shrakh!” Then added. “You smell so bad not even a fucking Dragon would eat you!”
“See.” Theran said. “Such a charmer.”
“Mmmhmm…” The Sargent said dull eyed. “Positively beaming with happiness, sunshine and all that friendship mushy magic stuff the Heartland likes to spread around. I personally think all that lovey duvy stuff is a load off crap but what do I know.” He then eyed Haze in Teven’s arms. “Who’s bug wings here?”
“My niece.” Theran stated bluntly. The Sargent didn’t seemed bothered by her appearance which was surprising.
“That her blood?” He asked as he pointed to Teven’s bloody paw that had stained Haze’s clothes.
“No.” Theran stated again in a blunt manner as he stepped forward again and the spear ponies grew closer to his throat. “It belonged to somepony who made the mistake of threatening us.” He eyed the spear ponies and his wolf like gaze made a few of them quiver and back up slightly, noting he was also covered in blood.
He then eased off on the intimidating factor and looked back at the Sargent. “She passed out shortly afterward, we haven’t eaten in a while and she has a head injury. She’s very important to me and I would be very grateful if your medic saw to her needs.”
“And her name?” He asked and Theran raised a brow at that. “For the medics.”
“Haze.” Theran said. “Summer Haze.”
The Sargent was quiet for a moment as his lower jaw moved slowly from side to side in thought. Then he waved his hoof again in a lowering motion and all the soldiers around him lowered their weapons and back off. “Alright then, you two call the infirmary for the bug girl.” They saluted and ran off to get the medics. “The rest of ya back to your posts!” The soldiers saluted and all disbursed back to their tasks while the Sargent approached Theran. “You can relax now, everypony round here is a little on edge lately, with the mass of freaks pourin out of the forest and all. And personally I don’t mind your Wolven friend here, if she behaves ah won’t bite.” He then gestured to them.
“Now what am wondering is where you folk came from. Cause to me you all look like you’ve been down in the biggest heap of shit, shook hooves with lady hell and hoola danced with a Wyvern all in the same day.” Theran and Violet looked at each other in puzzlement till the Sargent said. “Don’t mind me, all kinds of unholy shit come out of my mouth, but really where did ya come from?”
Theran looked at Violet and gave her a nod. She stepped forward and cleared her throat. “We came from Splinter Bay and as far as we know…we’re the only survivors.”
“Splinter Bay?” The Sargent was wide eyed. “ Funny, I sent scouts out to investigate some sort of attack after some other supposed only survivor came running out of the forest screaming monsters. My scouts haven’t returned yet and the survivor is dead.”
“Dead?” Theran questioned. “Dead how?”
The Sargent shrugged. “He started screaming bloody murder in the infirmary and before we knew it he was turning into something out of some freaky nightmare and started tearing up his room. Troops had no choice but to put him down.” He pointed at them. “You gunna start going crazy and sprouting mushrooms?”
“We’re clean.” Theran stated.
“So to speak.” Violet added as she gestured to the blood on them.
The medic arrived and the Sargent pointed at Teven. “Her name is Summer Haze, make sure she’s treated well.”
They were hesitant at first but quickly took Haze off Teven and put her on a stretcher. “I’m going with her!” Sapphire yelled. The medics looked at the Sargent and he nodded.
“Name miss?” The lead medic asked.
“Sapphire, I’m her Marefriend, now stop staring at me an get her some help!” Following her order they rushed Haze off with Sapphire right behind them.
The Sargent then turned to Theran and offered him his hoof. “Master Sargent Eddy Buckwood at your serves.”
Theran shook his hoof. “Theran Razorblade, this is Violet.” Theran gestured to her and she did a little wave with her hoof.
They parted. “You seem to know your stuff Theran, Violet and I want you two to tell me all about what happened at Splinter Bay.” He gestured for them to follow. “Come let’s talk in my office.” And with that they followed Sargent Buckwood to his office to settle down for a long talk.
(Stat System)
Theran Razorblade:
Strength: 88+2
Endurance: 120+5
Intelligence: 81+1
Agility: 98+10
Perks: (Blood Rage)(Combat Expert)(Quick healer)
(Keen senses)(Sneaker)(Strong back)(Magic expert)
(Cheese lover)(Heavy fit)(Quick reflexes)(Immortal)
(Pack Leader)
Gained the perk (Lightning Rod) Now Theran dose 50% more damage this lightning spells.
Violet:
Strength: 93+3
Endurance: 119+11
Intelligence: 76+1
Agility: 80+5
Perks: (Survivor)(Swordsmen)(Strong back)(Strong Stomach)
(Head strong)(Stallion killer)(Swift knife)(Quick reflexes) (Battle Rage)
(Strong willed) (Unbreakable bond)
Gained the perk (Head Hunter) Giving Violet a 50% chance to dismember her foes with finishing strikes.
Summer Haze:
Strength: 33+3
Endurance: 58+2
Intelligence: 77+5
Agility: 33+3
Perks: (Shape shifter)(Love sense)(Natural healer)(Book Junky)
(Cookie monster)(Survival instincts)(Heavy sleeper)(Magic deflect)
(Quick reflexes)(Cannon ball kick) (Love syphon)
Gained the perk (Adrenalin Rush) Now is stressful situations Haze dose 100% more damage with magic but runs the risk of overclocking herself if she’s not careful.
Sapphire:
Strength: 37+2
Endurance: 49+1
Intelligence: 69+5
Agility: 30+10
Perks: (Hot head)(Heavy hoofed)(Light weight)(Sneaker)(Rebel at heart)
(Two heads)(Fast Flier) (Lover’s strength)
Gained the perk (Sharp Eye) Now Sapphire has increased aim with all ranged weapons.
Teven:
Strength: 155+5
Endurance: 200+10
Intelligence: 59+1
Agility: 68+2
Perks: (Battle Born)(Blood Rage)(Keen Senses)(Berserker)
(Duel Wielder)(Savage Blow)(Pain Lover)(Charger)(Deviant)
(Exile)(Paws or Death)(Loyal Servant)