Upheaval: Reckoning
Chapter 33: A Thorn’s Purpose
“The Element of Loyalty is flaring up, Longstride," Lion Court said. "The mistress expects a report on the current situation.”
“Why isn't she the one contacting me?”
“She’s a little...indisposed at the moment. Nothing that should concern you.”
“The target has moved out of range. I am unable to verify her current situation.”
That short exchange between him and Lion Court continued to replay itself in Longstride’s mind as he scanned the forest for his targets. His wings ached with each flap; the consequence of trying keep up with the two as they made their mad dash. It was impossible. Strain as he might, all he saw were two very small dots on the horizon descending before completely escaping his vision. All he had was a very vague approximation of where they might have landed.
That was yesterday. It was already late morning of the following day. He was still caught in yesterday until he found his target again. That it was Lion Court who communicated with him was vaguely bothersome. It was his reply, however, that provided the greatest distraction of the moment.
Longstride had served as a Legion sniper for more than half his life. He had taken down brachyurii, coatl overlords, and ursan titans, with a properly timed and placed shot. Never, in all those years of service, had he ever said the words “the target has moved out of range”.
Being a member of Black Rose’s Thorns left little room for hubris. Talented as they were, each member was but a tool to be used by a far greater pony for a purpose larger than any of them. Rainbow's speed was never in doubt. There had always been that chance that she would be able to fly out of sight. He wasn't humiliated that she did so. But...
Longstride had been sure that Rainbow was the worst of the Elements of Harmony: impetuous, arrogant, undisciplined, and not very bright. Yet, she had gained some attunement to the element she bore, and her mind had survived when he was sure that it would have crumbled instantly. He had misjudged his target greatly, and this didn't sit in well with him. He flitted through the trees, careful to reveal as little of his presence as possible.
“Have some faith in Rainbow Dash.”
Black Rose’s request remained with Longstride. Faith in Rainbow Dash. It had occurred to him that he just might be in the cusp of having that. It was a dangerous thing to happen. At the start of this mission, Rainbow’s demise was nothing more than a setback. He would shoulder some of the blame for getting her killed, but that was it. Seeing what she had done, and was still doing, left him wondering if she might be worthy of her heavy responsibility. This should be a good thing; a stronger Rainbow meant more success for Black Rose’s plans. Yet, here he was, caught between wanting Rainbow to succeed, and maintaining the distance he deemed necessary.
Looking for two pegasi in a wood was no small task. A squad of legionnaires could comb this area without turning up anything. He didn't have a squad of legionnaires. Not only that, he had to make sure that he wasn't seen. The noon sun was upon him when he finally sighted something among the trees; a flash of colors followed by rustling leaves. Rainbow led the way while Scarlet followed reluctantly. They had taken to flying beneath the trees to avoid being shot. Longstride conceded that Rainbow was, at least, smart enough to learn from earlier mishaps. There had to be some way for her to survive up to adulthood after all.
Longstride took cover, and nocked an arrow. They were passing too close for comfort. If they were wolven, or ursans, and were downwind of him, they’d be lunging towards his hiding spot already. The range provided him with some advantages as well. He could observe them a little better, and notice more details.
Rainbow was sweating too profusely for her speed. She may be lacking in prudence, but she was no slouch when it came to athletics. Half a day’s flying should not leave her panting, and sweating like this. The after effects of those drugs must be taking hold.
Scarlet Rabbit had noticed as well. Not surprising with his own history of ophidite drug usage. Longstride aimed the arrow at his neck. Scarlet’s purpose was over. From now on, his continued survival would only prove harmful to Rainbow. A single shot should take care of the matter.
“Longstride…”
Black Rose’s soft, low-pitched voice flooded Longstride’s ears. He lowered his bow. “How are you feeling, mistress?” he asked, his voice low, and far from the earshot of his targets.
“Much better. I see that you've finally caught up with Rainbow Dash.”
“Yes. I am about to make adjustments as we speak.”
“Take a little more time to consider, Longstride.”
Longstride flitted to the next available hiding spot as the two moved on. “Scarlet Rabbit’s elimination should prove more beneficial in the long run," he said. "She has more important friends to draw out her loyalty.”
“I’m not just talking about the effects of Scarlet Rabbit’s death.”
“I do not understand, mistress.”
“How do you feel about the whole matter?”
Longstride’s answer was pure reflex. “My feelings about this matter are irrelevant.”
“If I required you to simply assassinate somepony, that would have sufficed. Your task is a bit more complicated this time.”
Longstride still didn't understand. He had his reasons for having to do this. Scarlet was a liability, likely to drag Rainbow into more trouble than was needed. Wouldn't it make sense to eliminate him? He looked at his target again.
Rainbow had landed under one tree in exhaustion while Scarlet hovered near her. Whatever effect that the Element of Loyalty had on Rainbow appeared to have its own drawbacks, which were combining with the aftereffects of both the Befuddling Grass, and the Fool’s Cap. There was also the beating she took from Scarlet, and the still-healing wound on her flank. She was a far cry from the arrogant, undisciplined filly he first encountered when he took on this mission: one of her eyes had swollen badly, there was fresh blood on the bandages around her cutie mark, and it also looked like she was having trouble keeping her balance. Through it all, she acted as if she would drag herself, and Scarlet, back to Canterlot if she had to.
Longstride lowered his bow. Rainbow had risked much to keep Scarlet from getting himself killed. A single shot would render all her efforts, efforts that included drawing strength from the Element of Loyalty, meaningless.
“Look, I’ll carry you on my back if you want me to,” Scarlet said. Rainbow shook her head. Longstride almost felt glad about that answer. There was the stubborn, foalish pride he knew. The two were forced to lengthen their short break into a long rest. Rainbow lay on her belly while Scarlet gathered some nearby grass for lunch.
Longstride's eyes widened when he saw some of the grasses that Scarlet pulled out. Rainbow was about to be treated to some of Sablesteel’s favorite ingredients! “Foal,” he muttered. Long years in the north must have frozen any knowledge of southern herbs in Scarlet's mind. Longstride raised his bow again. His first instinct was to shoot the grass out of Scarlet’s mouth. However, an arrow from nowhere would send them flying in random directions. Starting a fight or a chase would be detrimental to the mission. Still, he had to--
‘Observe.’
Longstride shook his head. Yes, that was the action he was supposed to take. What had he been thinking just a while ago? If Rainbow died of poisoning. They simply had to replace her. If he had not intervened back in Ghastly Gorge, Rainbow would not have made it up to this point. That act cast doubt on her new-found attunement to the Element of Loyalty. This may be the opportunity to correct his mistake.
“Here.” Scarlet offered the bundle of grass to Rainbow. “You need to eat.”
Something within Longstride to snapped. He quickly undid the straps that bound his survival kit, flew into the clearing with his bow drawn, then aimed at Rainbow. At the sight of him they both flapped their wings for a fight. At least, Scarlet was able to hover. Rainbow flapped her wings a few times, then landed. “Stop right there,” Longstride said. He glanced at Scarlet, before refocusing on Rainbow. “Stand down, stallion. Try anything, and she gets an arrow to the head.”
For a moment, Longstride actually thought that Scarlet was going to try something anyway. He looked ready to charge, but he eventually backed down.
“You’re that sniper,” Rainbow said weakly.
“About a hundred feet from this spot, there’s a small stream,” Longstride told Scarlet. “Get several cups of water from it. You will also spot a type of flower along its banks. They have thin, pointed blue petals in a star pattern. Bring several of them back here. Follow that stream a short distance and you’ll find a stand of slender trees with large, fan-like yellow leaves. Bring several of those as well.”
“What am I supposed to carry the water with?” Scarlet asked.
“About thirty feet behind me, you’ll find my survival kit. Bring it with you.”
Longstride adjusted his position as Scarlet flew tentatively towards where his kit was. Their eyes met for a moment. It was clear to him that, if he lost control of this situation, Scarlet would swiftly beat him to a pulp. With Scarlet off to follow his instructions, he turned his gaze back to Rainbow.
“What are you planning?” Rainbow asked. She glared at him as defiantly as she could.
Longstride didn't reply. It wasn't just because he had no intention of striking any conversation with Rainbow. He was still wrestling with what exactly he was doing. After a while, Scarlet came back with the things he requested. “Build a fire, and start boiling those flowers,” he told Scarlet. “While they’re boiling, find some flat rocks, and grind those leaves into a paste.”
Again, Scarlet did as he was told. Minutes passed while he built a fire, and prepared all the plants. Throughout the whole thing, Longstride kept his bow drawn and aimed. “Apply that paste around her swollen eye, and her scrapes,” he said once Scarlet was done. He then turned towards Rainbow. “Drink that water. Down to the last drop.”
“No way,” Rainbow said. “It’s probably poison!”
Longstride nearly dropped his bow. “I have an arrow aimed at your skull, foal. Why would I bother with poisons?”
It took some time before Rainbow’s indignation lessened enough for the logic to sink in. Longstride waited as she tried a few times to hold the bowl without burning herself. When she got her first mouthful in, she grimaced, and looked about to spit it out, but Longstride glared at her. “Foal of a nag!” Rainbow exclaimed. “This is bitter stuff!”
“Keep drinking. Down it all.”
Rainbow glared back at Longstride, then did as she was told. She let out a long exhale through her mouth once she was finished. “If you’re not trying to poison me, what is in this stuff?” she asked.
“For the fever,” Longstride replied. The confused looks on both Rainbow and Scarlet only served to mirror his own uncertainty. ‘What am I doing?’ he asked himself. He had cornered himself with this foalish decision. What was he supposed to do next? Warn them about following him, and fly off? Guard them from their own foalishness until they made it back to Canterlot? Why had he chosen to step in again?
The answer was obvious, however. He could already picture his mistress reclining on her bed with yet another cunning smile. “A little faith,” she would say. “That’s why.”
Longstride crushed the notion. As best as he could anyway. Maybe, in the recesses of his mind, he was impressed. She had certainly exceeded his expectations. Maybe, a small seed of faith had been planted. Maybe, the Element of Loyalty had chosen well. It was too early. Let the seed be just a seed. “Third Squad is moving south to find you,” he said. “Fly above the trees, and follow that direction.” He pointed a hoof northward. “You will not be shot down if you do this. Try to follow me, and you will both die.” He backed away slowly. “Stay safe from now on, Rainbow,” he said before flying off.
Sable closed her eyes and listened as music flowed from Black Rose’s bedroom. She didn't like Octavia, but she had to admit that this music would have given Rhapsody a run for her bits. It certainly aided them greatly now.
Last night, Black Rose returned from her meeting with Prince Terrato in a foul mood. Unlike her beloved, she didn't thunder, or rumble. Instead, her displeasure wafted from her like a black, toxic fog. Sable felt as if she was about to suffocate when their mistress first came in. Octavia played some sad, haunting tune. After a while, the air in their headquarters lightened. Sable continued to stand just outside of Black Rose’s room with her eyes closed as the last few notes faded away. She heard the doors open, and the sound of a sharp inhale.
“Miss Sable?” Octavia said. “I wasn't expecting you there.”
Sable opened her blue eye, and stared at Octavia. Among the surviving Thorns, she expected herself to be the last to adjust to their newest member. Serving as Black Rose’s agents was just one thing she and Rhapsody had done together. They had grown up in the same village, joined the Legion at the same time, and fought the same enemies. No matter how pragmatically she tried to look at it, she still felt the pangs of resentment that came with seeing somepony take Rhapsody’s place. “I was just going,” she said. Indeed, she was already wearing her gear save for her breather mask, which she had tucked under a foreleg. “I just stopped by to enjoy a little music. You’re certainly talented there.”
A ghost of a smile crossed Octavia’s face. “Thank you,” she said.
“Lion Court said that you wanted to see your family. Have you done so?”
Octavia looked away. “I changed my mind. I think it would be too dangerous for me to show up in Canterlot for now. Especially since I came here.”
Both eyes open now, Sablesteel merely snorted, and moved on. Octavia was aware of their situation, and still stayed. That should be a good sign. Sable had other matters to worry about for now, though. It had been days since she last dealt with Pinkie. From what she had observed, her target had found herself a true earth pony that Black Rose had inexplicably told her to spare. Just how much Pinkie had learned during the first few days of her studies was about to be tested.
“Excuse me, Miss Sablesteel,”
Sable stopped, and looked back. Nopony had ever called her “Miss Sablesteel”. It sounded like something Lion Court would use on the many, many mares he associated with. “What do you want?” she asked. She purposely let a hint of irritation creep into her tone, just to remind Octavia that she didn't enjoy trifles.
“Lion Court told me that your task is to make things…difficult for the pink pony.”
“Lion Court talks too much,” Sable snapped. This was just typical of him, messing around with everypony else’s mission while he did his. “But he’s right. What about it?”
“If you need any help, I’d like to do more than just be the mistress’s personal cellist.”
Sable turned around completely, and studied Octavia, who returned her gaze with a serious mien that left her impressed. “By now, you should know exactly what I do, Octavia,” she said.
“Yes.”
Sable noticed the faint, glowing…thing hovering next to Octavia’s cello. Ever since she found her way here, Octavia had been repeatedly asked to play her cello. The requests were innocuous enough. Black Rose did enjoy music while she worked. More importantly, each performance allowed Warsinger to harmonize with its new player.
“It’s not about forcing,” Rhapsody said once. “Warsinger doesn't seize control to make you do things. It’s more like…it lets you do things you couldn't before. Like having a supportive audience, or having somepony hold your hoof.”
Rhapsody had said that while she was drenched in ophidite blood, her serene voice punctuated by dying hisses. Through harmony with Warsinger, the filly who cried her eyes out when she saw Sable cut herself maintaining gear became the mare that the ophidites called “blood-soaked nightingale”. However, Rhapsody had plenty of time to work with Warsinger, not just a few days. “Did you also make the same offer to Lion Court, and Longstride?” she asked.
Octavia hesitated. “Well…no. I suppose not.”
“Then why make it to me?”
“Well, the pink pony--“
“So it’s a grudge.” Sable walked closer, and stared long and hard into Octavia’s eyes. “We don’t do things out of grudges here, Octavia,” she hissed. “We are the Thorns, and we serve a higher purpose.”
“We are the cleansing dark that floods the land, the judging eyes of the moon princess. We are the Blackmoon Blades, and we raise our weapons only for who we are, not what we feel.”
Sable let her grandfather's words flood her. The Blackmoon Blades were dead, and the moon princess was her enemy, but she still firmly believed that she embodied their ideals. She backed up a bit when she saw that Octavia was holding her ground. “I’ll take up your offer,” she said. “I think it’s time for you to move up in tasks. I’m warning you, this is my mission. You do as I say, and when I say it. If you mess this up, I don’t care if Warsinger picked you. I’m going to stick a needle under your tail, and melt your innards. Are we clear?”
Sable saw a glimmer of fear within Octavia’s eyes. The chosen was still there after all. Perhaps, that was a good thing. Having some form of back up gave her an idea as well. “Do you remember that special chamber in your quarters?” she asked. Octavia nodded. “Go there, and wait. I’ll contact you when I need to. Warm up your cello or whatever you musicians do before performing.” Sable watched until Octavia was out of sight before heading for one of the temporary portals. The ones linked to Canterlot were the most dangerous ones to use as they could be discovered by the Legion. Black Rose already had to destroy a few when legionnaires started to close in on them, including the one Lion Court had used to recruit Octavia.
The dimensional door opened. It was a late afternoon sun that greeted Sable when she stepped out of a hidden cellar in one of Canterlot’s alleys. Her use of this portal would likely bring the need to destroy it, but it would be for a good cause. She had worked with Frenzy Heart enough times to know what a true earth pony channeler could accomplish. All she needed to do now was wait.
As it turned out, she didn't even have to wait for very long. Half an hour later, she could hear the rush of hooves heading towards her spot. Her target appeared by the entrance to the alley.
“I found you!” Pinkie said. She was panting, and she was holding a channeler’s tablet.
“Congratulations,” Sable muttered. Blades sprang from her foreleg devices with a push of a button. Her stinger clinked against the pavement.
“I’m not letting you hurt anypony I care about!” Pinkie said. “You should just…you should just back off, and leave them alone!”
“Or you’ll what?” Sable asked. “You’re going to squeal at me some more? I think I’ll kill one of them just for that.”
“You’re not going anywhere!” Pinkie’s high pitched voice dropped to a growl. She planted her forelegs on the ground, daring Sable to try and get past her.
“I’d compliment you for being brave, Pinkie Pie,” Sable said. “Except bravery includes knowing what you’re in for.” Her tone dropped as well. “You barely have an idea of what I can, and will do.”
Once more, Sable saw that glimmer of fear. Pinkie composed herself, however. “I’m not fighting you alone,” she said. “Captain Nightcanter and her friends were following me when I started chasing after you.”
“Good,” Sable replied. “I could use a workout.” She turned her focus on her communication device. “Are you ready, Octavia?” she whispered.
“Ready."
Sable adjusted her communication device to synchronize with the special chamber in Octavia’s quarters. Then, she took to the air, hovering just high enough to look down on her target. Pinkie's hooves were trembling while she clutched her tablet tightly, but she looked determined to go through with this. This Captain Nightcanter must a Special Operations squad leader. Sable would have a few minutes at best to see what Pinkie could do before the rest of the Legion came down upon her.
“Let’s go.”
Sablesteel began to swoop.
3am and I have to wake up in three hours for work... Then I notice this new chapter.
Guess I'm not sleeping tonight.
Its kind of obnoxious that Longstride has to babysit the pegasi so much. The whole thing feels less like them overcoming a challenge and more like him dragging them over the finish line after destroying all the obstacles for them; what have they done without his help other than decide not to fight the Ophidites?
Go Pinkie!
That was another chapter I was waiting for
not that I'm not waiting for every chapter, but this one especially, one with Octavia and some explanation of how Warsinger works.
I can't wait to see them, and Pinkie, in action
as for Longstride... that was unexpected... nice, but unexpected. I really like him, for many reasons, wanting to kill Scarlet being one of them
Finally! Octavia in action! I'm really interested in what the Warsinger can actually do.
Bring it the fuck on
fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/266/e/3/pinkamena_diane_pie_card_by_tailskriby-d4ant8j.jpg
another awesome chapter!
yeah, it does seem that Longstride is getting a little too involved with the pegasi...one would think scarlet would know the differences between poisonous and non-poisonous plants, but you never know
it also seems that Longstride's developing feelings for Rainbow, how un-professional...
so now we have a description of how Warsinger affects it's wielder, now to see what it actually does in combat...
so Frenzy Heart was a channeler as well, wonder who Black Rose will find to take his place...
as for predictions for the next chapter, I'm predicting either Celestia and/or Luna, we haven't heard from them in a while, Twi/Vanguard/AJ, Fluttershy or Rarity, or more Rainbow and Scarlet
1614272 why do you hate Scarlet so much anyway?
1614521
To be honest, I really can't point out the one thing that makes me dislike him. His general annoying, irresponsible, idiotic personality and his influence on RD. there is an improvement, I no longer wish a slow and painful death for him. An arrow to the head would work just as well
don't get me wrong, he is a good character with all his flaws, but he annoys me and I like RD too much (even as a total idiot she is in this story – she's still sexy and you know I'm a prev ). he's just bad for her
as for Longstride's feelings... I didn't notice it, or rather, it felt like a respect... but I dunno.
As for channelers to take Frenzy Heart's place... what about Pinkie's new friend? Sure, he's a true earth pony, but he's far away and pretty young, he could be easily convinced by Black Rose's sweet talk...
besides, I'm sure there's a trope for a teacher who went bad and the student has to stop him out there somewhere
interesting chapter; longstride does a complete turn-around in his attitude towards RD. octavia gets to do something more than play pleasing tones for their mistress. and now sablesteel and pinkie are gonna fight. im guessing it will be more of an extremely annoying and hard to hit pinkie vs. an increasingly annoyed sablesteel, even though i think her respect for pinkie will increase...after she has calmed down at least...
1614718 Scarlet's the comic to Vanguard's ever stoic-ness, so it only makes sense that he's everything you deride him for
as for Longstride, why else would he have shot Wild Eyes?
remember Frenzy Heart wielded a giant stone blade, and there's only one canon pony who could possibly be that strong, plus if I remember Frenzy Heart was supposed to be Applejack's counterpart among the thorns...
1614850
good point with Wild Eyes... still... I think it's more of a "he's really a decent pony" rather than actual affection.
as for a gigantic stone blade... nobody said the blade was the special skill required on that position? Maybe Black Rose wants a channeler and it doesn't matter who he or she is. AJ's counterpart might just was well be someone who would fight her from a distance and try to outsmart her.
And we all know that swooping is bad XD
I find the Loyalty power thing having side effects rather interesting.
1614885 I pretty sure Frenzy Heart's role was one of a bruiser, the Thorns already have plenty of ranged/support ponies, so I don't see how having another ranged/support pony would help that much, you do need fighter who can wade into the middle of battle keeping the enemy occupied thereby letting the lighter armored ones attack with little fear of retaliation
:D YAY!
UPDATE! :D
Well, I enjoyed the chapter... but I'm wondering how far down the rabbit hole Octy is gonna go. It's looking like she's going to be a Thorn all the way. Which reminds me that Terrato has his own personal agents that are only loyal to him in the Heart Land... I think Celestia needs something like that... then again... she KINDA has that with Twi... but technically Twi takes her orders from Terrato in the end... Celestia needs her own agents...
I can't wait for the reveal of Warsinger's effects!
Cliffhanger!
Pinkie seems surprisingly confident. This should be good.
If that really is Black Rose's plan, then I'm rather disappointed. One, because the Prince apparently never taught her the Rule of Three (No plot that requires more than 3 things to go right can possibly work in real life, and since only a fool would attempt a plot that is as complicated as possible, a more practical limit is 2.) and because it lacks ambition. Her plan, even if it succeeded completely, would still leave Equestria at the mercy of alien powers.
It would certainly be more interesting for Terrato, Celestia, and Luna if she did plan to attack the Eternal Herd, and had a credible chance of succeeding, because while they would all probably be willing to sacrifice their lives for Equestria, even in a doomed last stand against the Eternal Herd, it is much less obvious whether they would side with Equstria against the Herd in a mutual war of extermination. They are aliens to, after all.
1625504 I wouldn't really call the Alicorns 'aliens', per say, more like gods or demi-gods at the very least, plus Black Rose's plan is to eliminate the one 'evil' general, Gravatis, because apparently most of the Eternal Herd seems to not care that much about the mortal realm, unless something major happens (like Celestia lossing her powers), probably because they're more worried about the other heavenly realms (one for each species apparently)
as for her plan being too complex, that is true, but she does seem to be handling it extremely well so far, being a Magnificent Bastard and all
plus, I can't seem to find any instance of your version of the rule of three, care to point me in the right direction?
1625944
What do you mean by "gods" that's any different from when I call them aliens?
I think that my phrasing has less baggage. Humans tend to let things pass from divinities that they wouldn't take from anything else, whereas many of this story's ponies seem to take these otherworldly powers more matter-of-factually than many of its readers and probably also its writer.
For example, the alicorn royalty probably doesn't have Equestria's interests at heart to the extent that someone like Black Rose or Pyre Valor would. By this I mean, if there were any other existential threat to Equestria of this magnitude, they would not hesitate to seize control of the only weapon known to be able to harm it. But in this case, the threat is their own family, so they're going less-than-all-out. In any other context this would be immediately seen by all involved as a massive conflict of interests, but because of the god and divinity thing, there's more outrage at the fact that a "mortal" pony stole the power of a god than at the fact that the Equestrian military is being led by the royalty of its most pressing foreign threat.
Take the time to think of these "gods" as just another martial power in the world, and I am sure your view of the situation will change at least a little.
My Rule of 3 is a reference to the Harry Potter fanfiction, Harry Potter and the Arts of Rationality.
1629823
Have we met? How do you know how matter-of-factually I take the otherworldly characters in my story?
How do you know that? I assume you're talking about the Foul Weapon. Where in the story does it say that any alicorn would be willing to use it under any circumstance? Cite some text please.
Outrage from who? Again, how do you know which issue has caused more outrage than which? Where in the story does it say that?
1630223
Eh, the story just has that sort of vibe to me, but I now admit I'm jumping the gun here. If you were, for instance, setting up for some kind of Battlestar Galactica story about people who blindly follow mystic forces to their ultimate downfall while nobody sees anything wrong with what's going on, then obviously we wouldn't see the author's intent in the story until the end. Just as an example.
I base that on their defense of Equestria to date, but if I'm wrong, then its even worse. Then, they aren't even matching the passion of some of their own soldiers when it comes to threats that they don't have a personal connection to.
I wasn't talking about the Foul Weapon in regards to some other, hypothetical threat, but if you want to use that, then yes, if the Foul Weapon were designed to be used against anything other than alicorns, I don't see them showing the same refusal to use it.
As I recall, the Foul Weapon was made by an alicorn.
From Blue Moon, by his own explicit claims. After everything he and his sister had done, the final straw, and as far as we know the only straw, that made him side with Terrato was sacrilege. He finds the blood kinship between the ruling royalty and Equestria's imminent invaders less problematic than an insult against divinity to the point that he'd help kill his sister over it. Even if that's not his true motivation, the fact that he would even think to offer it as a reason speaks volumes.
1630489
I see that you haven't cited any specific text. This is quite interesting however. Correct me if I'm wrong but which soldiers would you cite as an example? Pyre Valor? Black Rose and her Thorns? Would you say that their "passion" and the extremes they used were justified? Do you think that using a weapon used by Oceanus, the fallen alicorn prince who incites his children to sacrifice each other for his favor, is the right thing to do? The "vibe" I get from most of the readers seems to be "no". I would be really interested in hearing out someone who would say "yes".
Where does it say that an alicorn created the Foul Weapon?
Except that Terrato doesn't believe it as was revealed in Chapter 33. How do you know which is the truth?
What does it say? Besides that he said something that he thought would motivate a specific character to move the way he wants to?
1631198
I've given up on finding it. I haven't been taking notes while I've been reading and your work now exceeds the length of the first 3 Harry Potter books combined. I'm thinking specifically of the part where Terrato fought with King Fenrir, which would make him willing to risk his own death for the sake of Equestria, but now that I think about it, and as was just recently brought up in regards to Terrato destroying Luna to send her back to the Herd, he wouldn't actually die if killed, so I guess there isn't even that. He's not actually been capable of putting himself truly on the line up until Black Rose returned.
They're in a war of survival. In that situation, I feel that I have no right to judge them. Even Pyre Valor's, unusual, method of helping her people must be seen in light of the schizophrenic nature of Equestria's leadership. Maybe there was a better way, but even if I could think of one, I note that she ultimately succeeded in her goals, leaving her people stronger than ever before and unified for the first time in over a thousand years. I try not to be in the habit of correcting people when they turn out to be right, and it's not as though she could have worked for change from within the system, you know?
Certainly, something extreme had to be done. There has apparently been no progress whatsoever towards securing the long-term security of Equestria for over a thousand years. If less extreme methods could work, they would have by now.
Yes. Unambiguously yes. The most important thing is that it can kill alicorns, which is very useful for a civilization about to be exterminated by alicorns. They should be all over that. If it's a kind of personal weapon they should be trying to make more. If it's more like an ICBM then they should be aiming it at the Eternal Herd and wiring it to a dead pony's switch, and even in that case, trying to make more and hiding them for resistance against a first strike.
“When in a fight to the death, one wants to employ all one's weapons to the utmost. I must say that to die with one's sword still sheathed is most regrettable.” ~Miyamoto Musashi, A Book of Five Rings
This should not be a nuanced philosophical discussion when pony lives are on the line, even less so when all pony lives are at stake. The morality of the act can be condemned as desired by future generations of ponies who have the luxury of a world that isn't trying to kill or enslave them from every direction.
You seem to be making a big deal about the fact that he's a fallen alicorn prince. So what if he's fallen? From what? The favor of the Eternal Herd? Well, that may be important to the Eternal Herd, but since those are the same ponies seriously discussing genocide of Equestria, they're opinion on the matter is hardly decisive. And his past crimes? Why even bring those up? The Soviets murdered millions. How heavily do you think this ought to bear on those throughout the world whose lives depend on their AK-47?
I had thought it was created by Oceanus. In any case, Oceanus himself used it, so there's an example. Bad example? Well, the important point is that he was somepony who wanted to kill some alicorns and the Foul Weapon was the best way he could think to do it. Sounds like a point in the Foul Weapon's favor to me. The only point against it that its involvement with Oceanus shows to me is that Oceanus had it, and still lost, so its obviously not an unstoppable superweapon.
If he's lying, he would still want his lie to be something that could plausibly motivate a pony in his position. He has a better grasp of his own world than I do, so I take his choice of what sounds plausible to say something about how ponies think about the divine. If this were a world where ponies did not revere alicorns or their power as sacred, his claims would have been utter nonsense.
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I know it's long. I wrote it. I still think you ought to cite text especially when you make strong assertions like Terrato not willing to lay his life on the line for Equestria. Citing text lends weight to what you're saying and it helps me examine my writing. A win-win for us don't you think? There's no hurry. The story isn't going to disappear overnight. I'm not interested in trying to invalidate anyone's opinion or forcing my own interpretations. These are not things a writer can or ought to do. I just want to be assured that any discussion made is coming from the story itself so I want to see which parts of the story led you to your conclusions.
As for the rest of what you've said. Those are interesting thoughts. Thank you for sharing them.
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I take your point and agree; I'll try to be more specific in the future. But, isn't this the opposite of what I said? I said that I could see him fighting with Equestria against the Eternal Herd. The point I was making was that if Equestria actually gained the power to threaten the Herd in their own homeland, as seemed to be the worry with Black Rose's ascension, then I think he would have to side with his homeland against Equestria. In a fight to the death between, for instance, an empowered special ops squad and his own mother and father, I suspect that he would side with his parents. This is not unreasonable, but it does mean that his highest loyalty is not to Equestria or its ponies, and worse, he expressed a willingness to kill a mortal pony merely for taking his mother's name in vain. (Breaking Point, chapter 40) That is... less reasonable.
But before I sign out for tonight I'd like to say how much I've enjoyed the story so far. The premise really grabbed me, and I've been following it since the start. My own late disappointment in Black Rose isn't the first thing in this story that's thrown me for a loop, but you've made it all work so far, and I look forward to reading more.
Hello Visiden,
thank you for your Story.
I really love reading it.
Do you know the anime Code Geass?
I ask that because, in my optionen, there are some similaritys between the strategy of Black Rose and Lelouch.
Defeat all enemys without mercy and let the end justify the means,
become the greatest threat to the people/ponies and let yourself get
killed by someone you trust.
I know the comparsion itself is a bit flawed, but I think you get the point.
Greetings from Germany!
1638084 Greetings!
And there is a teeny tiny difference you overlooked...
Lelouch was not the Magnificent Bastard. He was the manipulative fighter, but not the Magnificent Bastard.