//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Razor // Story: Tales of the Sentinels of Harmony // by ChronicleStone //------------------------------// Shores of the Haysead Swamp Territory September 5, 10:43 AM The mast of the great ship cracked as splinters flew from its base, causing it to wobble unsteadily. Every pony on board stopped to stare nervously at the great wooden post, each silently willing it to hold steady. “Whaddare ya’ starin’ at, ya’ lazy rats?!” shouted a gruff auburn stallion with a black bandana on his head. “Bring down that pegasus!” “Where’d she go?” a voice called out. But before anypony could answer, the sound of playful laughter descended upon them. Quickly, they all turned to see a pink pegasus mare with a lavender mane gracefully alight upon the prow of the ship, a gleeful look in her eye. Instantly, they all broke into a full charge, desperate to corral her before she could once again take to the air. She flicked her mane in the wind and watched their approach with mild interest. “Aw, what’s the matter, boys? Upset that you’re getting beat by a girl?” Razor teased, admittedly enjoying herself. The lead pony leapt forward, brandishing a cutlass in his mouth. She quickly stepped to the side, dodging his attack before delivering an uppercut to his jaw. A painful crunch pierced the air as the cutlass dropped to the wooden deck, the sword's grip still lodged in the mouth of its wielder. She followed up her attack, wrapping her leg around her assailant’s, then spinning and hurling him back into the charging crowd, causing at least another six to crash to the deck. The next pony came at her, swinging his hooves like he was in a berserker rage. She stepped back deliberately, staying just ahead of the pony’s strikes, waiting for her opportunity. Blow after blow whistled past her face, and her slow retreat continued. The rest of the pony’s comrades stood eagerly behind him, waiting for their buddy to open up a vulnerability in Razor’s defenses so they could move in for the kill. Dream on, boys. Another haymaker whistled past her face, but instead of retreating another step, she pivoted on her front hoof, hoisting her whole body into the air in a spinning kick. Her rear leg connected with the back of her attacker’s head, and the momentum from the blow sent him tumbling over the railing and into the water below. Coming out of her spin, she found a wall of bodies flinging themselves at her in blind aggression. Reacting out of instinct, she thrust a leg forward and summoned her magic, releasing a gust of wind that blew the mob back from where she stood at the prow of the ship. The bandana-wearing stallion rose to his hooves, dusted himself off, and locked gaze with her. “Ar, so that’s how it be?” he asked. “You be one of those ‘Sentinels’ the rumors be speakin’ of. Ponies from Equestria that can use magic like any unicorn. Yer’ awfully far from home, missy. This be none of yer concern.” “Sounds like the rumors are only telling part of the story,” Razor replied, straightening up. “If they told the whole story, you’d know that Celestia and Luna have authorized us to serve as peacekeepers and aid bringers outside the borders of Equestria. So wherever there’s a need, whether it’s within Equestria or out, it’s my concern.” She conjured a light breeze from behind her that caused her mane to sway gently in the wind. “So, let’s start again. My name is Razor, one of the Sentinels of Harmony, and this attack upon the peaceful ponies of this region does not go unnoticed. You may leave now, or face the consequences.” Several of the ponies stood, gritting their teeth in defiance, but Razor knew she had the advantage. “May I remind you of what I’ve already done to your ship?” she asked, pointing at the battered mast behind them. “If you be thinking that we be all the pirates that have ever set hoof here, you be mistaken, lassie,” the bandana stallion replied. “We be only a hooffull of the lot of us. There be enough of us to handle a dozen of yourself, I’d wager. You may drive us off today, but tomorrow be another day. And one day, you may not live to see the sunset.” Razor narrowed her eyes menacingly. “Was that a threat?” “I only be speaking the truth,” the stallion answered, holding up a hoof. “Not all of our brethren be as forgiving as we. Many o’ them might see you as a welcome challenge. Raiding these shores has become a bit too…routine for them, you might say.” “Then I’m breaking up their routine,” Razor answered in a raised voice. She stamped, and a gust of wind rocked the boat from side to side. “You tell your slimy ‘brethren’ that the next time I see pirates out here, I’m going to do more than just damage their mainsail. I may have to accommodate them on that outcropping over there,” she said, gesturing towards a small rock formation rising from the waves. “We be hearing ya’, lassie,” the stallion replied. He leaned against the railing to steady himself against the ship’s rocking. “But there still be only one of ya’, and plenty more of us. Yer’ outnumbered by the hundreds, and even that magic o’ yours won’t be able to repel an army. I’d be thinking real hard about makin’ enemies of pirates.” “Maybe you’re right,” Razor conceded. “But you’re not the only one who’s got backup. You said it yourself: I’m one of the Sentinels. And I’m far from the most powerful among them. So if I ever need a helping hoof…” She chuckled, then narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice. “Well, let’s just say that no army in existence is going to save you.” “Ar, have it yer’ way,” he answered, turning away and heading towards the helm of the ship. “We’ll be sure to pass along yer’ warning to the rest of the lads. But don’t be surprised if you start seein’ pirates more often now.” He reached a hoof up and set it on the ship’s wheel. “But I suppose you’ve won today. If you be promisin’ to not be wrecking my ship any further, we’ll be setting out.” “I have half a mind to detain all of you,” Razor muttered. “But I’ll let you go this time. Tell your ‘lads’ that these shores are protected, and if they want to continue their thieving ways, then they have to get through me. And I think I’ve sufficiently demonstrated the ramifications of opposing me,” she added, eyeing the mast of the ship approvingly. “But how are we supposed to sail with the mast in that condition, cap’n?” asked a burly orange stallion, peering up at the structure with worried eyes. “There be oars below deck,” the captain barked. “We’ll reinforce the mast as best we can, but if that be not working, then the lot o’ you will have to row us back to harbor.” A collective groan rose from the group, but the captain spun on the spot and stamped. “That be enough, you treasonous dogs!” he shouted. “If you were as quick at fixing things as you are at complaining, then we would already be sailing! Get to it! The plank be lonely, and I be having no qualms about sending some ponies to give it company!” That seemed to trigger a reaction within the group. The pirates all broke into a run, darting to and fro, grabbing tools and free wooden boards to try and shore up the damaged wooden pillar. Razor watched for a minute or two before catching the eyes of the captain, who stood behind the helmsman’s wheel. She took to the air and glided over to him. “Goodbye, captain,” she said in a neutral tone. “I sincerely hope that we never meet again.” “I hope you get your wish, lassie,” the captain answered. “But I suspect we shall be seein’ each other again soon enough.” Razor snorted softly, but decided not to respond. She rose gently into the air, sailing high over the water and leaving the ship where it languished in the harbor. Before her, several lines of small homes and supply huts formed a makeshift border between the sandy beach and the dark boughs of the forest beyond. A crowd of ponies had gathered at the water’s edge. They were all cheering and whooping as she approached, jumping like they had just won the gold medal at the Equestria Games. She couldn’t help but smile as she began her descent towards them. They’ve had to endure so much for so long…it’s about time they got something to cheer about. “That was awesome!!!” she heard one of the little colts call out as she came within earshot. “Did you see that? She ripped ‘em to pieces!!” “I wonder if she could teach me how to do that!” another squealed. Typical fillies and colts. So excitable. And yet…they had perfect reason to be excited. For the first time in their short lives, they had seen what it was like when the bad guys didn’t win. The pirates of the southern shores had been terrorizing the village of New Chincoteague for years. They had nowhere to run, and no way to defend themselves. They were essentially hostages within their own homes, forced into giving the pirates nearly all of what little they had. Only after the formation of the Sentinels did the Council learn of their plight and determine to help. And Razor hadn’t hesitated to volunteer. This quest was meant for her. Having grown up just north of New Chincoteague, in the metropolis of Baltimare, she had grown to love the sea. She loved the salty taste of the sea breeze, she loved the spray of the water on her face, she loved seeing the dolphins play in the wake of the boats far out in the harbor, and she loved how big it was. As much as she was in control of the air, she never truly felt completely at home unless the air smelled of the sea. Which was why she despised the pirates as much as she did. To her, the pirates desecrated her beloved sea. They were a vile stain upon its pristine surface, tainting everything she had come to appreciate about the ocean. Even in Baltimare, she heard the tales of the pirates who would raid the shores, taking the plunder of hard-working ponies for themselves. They were despicable villains who rightly deserved to be sunk to the sea floor with their ships. But she didn’t need to worry about that today. Today, the pirates were retreating, thoroughly reprimanded by one pegasus mare who had sent them limping home from what should have been a routine raid. Never again. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. As she landed, she was instantly mobbed, wrapped in a tangled knot of legs, all trying to pull her into a loving embrace fit for a hero. She managed to smile as the air was pressed out of her lungs. “Hey, uh, can I get a breath?” she wheezed, trying to wriggle free, though her voice was lost amongst the cheers. A commanding voice cut through the din. “Now, now, everyone, let’s give Miss Razor her space. It would be a shame if we were to accidentally suffocate our hero, wouldn’t it?” “O-of course, Elder Sandstone,” stammered one stallion, visibly embarrassed. He quickly stepped back with the rest of the crowd, clearing a path between Razor and the Elder. In truth, the “Elder” didn’t appear to be that old. He stood tall and stout, with bright green eyes, a deep, blue body, and a soft, light blue mane. If Razor had merely passed him on the street one day, she would have assumed that he was a stallion in the prime of his youth, probably looking for a nice mare with whom he could settle down and start a family. So it was that she had been rather surprised to find that his children and grandfoals were also living in New Chincoteague with him. Must be something in that sweet ocean air, she surmised. “Razor, I wish we had something to give you to show just what this means to us,” Elder Sandstone began, a distinct look of joy twinkling in his eyes. “Today alone, you have given us more than we have had in years: the pleasure of being able to sleep safely tonight.” She inclined her head gently to the Elder. “Knowing that you will be able to keep what is rightfully yours is reward enough,” she answered. But the Elder’s face darkened as she finished. “I think we both know that such a statement is not entirely accurate. The pirates may be gone for now, but they will most certainly be back. There are far more of them than you saw today. If they mount a determined attack on us, I fear that not even you could protect us.” A murmur of worry wormed its way through the crowd. “I may not have faced all the pirates today,” Razor replied, “but they have not seen all of me, either. And even if I cannot stand against them alone, I have many comrades that will heed a call for help…several of whom are more powerful than myself. The pirates have more reason to be concerned than you do.” Elder Sandstone arched an eyebrow. “But how will we defend ourselves after you leave, as you surely must? This is but one small village in an ever-growing world for your nation of Equestria. There are certainly many who will need help outside of our tiny home here.” It was a fair point. Razor, fast as she was, couldn’t be everywhere at once. The pirates were going to be looking for a chance to get revenge for their defeat today, and their best chance would be to strike at New Chincoteague when they were most vulnerable: when nopony was there to defend it. Thankfully, she had already given the matter some previous thought. “You’re right,” she admitted. She turned and stared at the crowd, whose initial joy at her return had been replaced by a cloud of worry and doubt. “I’m going to be needed in other places. But my mission is to help those that need it outside the borders of Equestria. There are eighteen of the Sentinels, and eight of them have been given the same command as myself. So it’s not as though it’s just me. Besides,” she said, turning back to the Elder, “if I’m going to be operating outside of Equestria, it only makes sense that I have a home base I can return to outside of Equestria, too.” The twinkle in Elder Sandstone’s eyes returned. “I suppose that would be logical, yes. Did you have somewhere in mind?” “I do. And it’s already been approved by Princess Luna herself. So,” she said, her eyes sweeping through the crowd (whose mild case of depression had magically evaporated), “if you would have me, I’d like to stay here with you, for the foreseeable future.” The excitement in the air was palpable, though still nopony spoke a word. “I would love to have you remain with us,” Sandstone replied, “though, even as Elder, I am still only one pony of our village. Such a matter as this should be put up for a vote.” He leaned to the side, peering over Razor’s shoulder to the townsponies. “What do you all say?” As if the gleeful smiles on their faces weren’t evidence enough, they broke into a collective vote of approval, each voice contending with the others until it grew to an impressive roar. Sandstone again raised his hoof for silence, but his face betrayed his satisfaction. “It looks as though you’ll be staying with us for some time, if I understood that clamor correctly.” “I’m honored,” Razor answered, bowing respectfully. “I’m afraid we have little more than a simple hut to act as housing for now,” the Elder continued. “It is a shelter, but little more than that. There is a cot, a table, and a chair, but little else. I wish we had more to offer.” “It’s quite alright,” she reassured him. “I know times have been hard here. I wouldn’t dare demand even as much as you’ve offered me. I’ve had many nights with less.” “Well, while you remain here,” Sandstone commented, “you needn’t worry about that. As far as I’m concerned, you’re one of us.” He then returned her bow. “Thank you, Razor.” As she bowed again, her thoughts drifted back to that day when she and Blitz met on the Crown of the Mountain, sharing their thoughts. “I know I won’t be part of the Guard forever, and I just wonder what I’ll do when my time here ends.” As she raised her eyes, her own voice from the past continued to ring in her ears. “Every second molds us into something new. It’s just up to us to make sure that those changes are for the better.” “So, now what?” asked a pony from the crowd. Razor turned and gave them a reassuring smile. “Now we make things better.” Somewhere in the Celestial Sea September 5, 11:21 PM “A pegasus mare?” “Aye, a mare,” the captain reported to the hooded figure. “Magically gifted, she was, but cert’nly no stallion.” The pony was slightly taller than most, but no distinguishing marks could be seen beneath the flaps of his cloak. He hummed in contemplation. “So one of them did come to the shores. Not the one we need, though. Are you sure it was just the one?” “I not be likin’ yer tone, stranger,” the captain growled. “If I said there was one, then you can be sure that there was only one.” The dark pony stepped forward, suddenly appearing to tower over the captain. “I don’t care if you don’t like my tone, but you should care if I don’t like yours,” he hissed. Then, in the blink of an eye, he returned back to normal. He turned and stepped to the railing of the ship. “Double your attacking force on those shores. We need to draw him out, and the only way to do that is to increase the threat beyond what the one mare can handle on her own.” “Double my force?!” the captain exclaimed. “You be askin’ me to put even more of my ponies in danger! Are ya’ daft?!” “I think,” the figure answered in a soft voice, “that you should seriously consider who it is that you’re more afraid of: that one pegasus mare…or us.” The captain’s auburn color drained from his face until he was as white as the moon shining above. “I…I…” he stammered. “I believe you have your orders, captain,” the shadowy pony chuckled, clearly enjoying the sailor’s discomfort. “I shall await your next report. We’ll be in touch.” With that, he took to the air and vanished into the night sky. The crew of the ship watched and waited until they were certain the stranger was gone before one of the deckhooves spoke up. “What do we do, cap’n?” he asked, looking as shaken as his leader. The captain shivered, then shook his head. “Make for port,” he managed. “We be needing some more ponies.”