Eljunbyro

by Imploding Colon

Door Ushers

Rainbow Dash zipped left and right through the trees as she sped east. Her peripheral vision strobed from the billowing waves of the spreading forest fire. Her ears were filled with the crashing of branches and the snapping of wooden bodies. A large groan echoed above. Her eyes darted up just before she could get a face-full of tree. Grunting, she threw herself onto the ground, grinding to an awkward stop just inches away from where a thick trunk thunderously fell.

Dizziness was still plaguing her from her little stunt with the pendant. When she got up this time, it was only after considerable effort. The pegasus' legs and knees wobbled as she attempted to catch her bearings on the shaking ground.

"Rainbow!" a voice called out from ahead.

She glanced up, her thin eyes darting across the smoldering landscape.

Five bright bodies waved at her, their smiles awash in the glow of Sugarcube Corner. Then, with a wave of ashen smoke, the dancing amber light of Foxtaur's demise returned, spitting a curtain of embers into Rainbow's face.

Grunting, she kicked off the ground and flew after the voice. It was growing louder now, more pronounced. The burnt grassy floor of Foxtaur bent down in a rocky slope, and giant crags of stone appeared before a rising crest of earth. There, six ponies stood, huddled, with two of them struggling with a pile of boulders.

"Friggin' day of my life!" Zenith hissed, loudly. With a glowing horn, he shoveled clump after clump of gravel out from the slender mouth to a cave—a cave that was currently blocked by a fallen landslide. "One of the shells must have done it!"

"We'll never get through in time!" Phoenix stammered, struggling to haul his own bundle of rocks. "If the flames won't get at us, the smoke will! We'll suffocate!"

"Everypony just calm down and keep working!" Crimson shouted. "All that matters is that we keep picking away at this blockade!"

"It's no use, Captain!" Zenith hissed. "Can't you see that?! The stuff is thick—we were boned before we even got here!"

"There's a fissure in the center!" Pilate exclaimed, scanning a chunk of the debris with O.A.S.I.S. He pointed at the spot with his hoof. "Right there! If you concentrate on that—"

Zenith shoved him back. "Give us space! We know what we're doing!"

"Hey!" Eagle Eye frowned. "He was only trying to help!"

"If you wanna marry him already, princess, I believe he's already claimed for!"

"Zenith—" Crimson began.

"Captain, now's not the damn time!" Zenith growled, casting a glare over his shoulder at Rainbow Dash. "Of course, we could have had more time if somepony wasn't pissing off the Ledomaritans so much!"

"Now you're not even being fair!" Eagle Eye hissed.

"Can we just focus on the task at hoof, please?!" Crimson snarled, sweating up a storm. Soot and wooden flakes clung to his mane and body. He coughed, wheezed through the smoke, and aimed his horn at the center of the debris. "Spark alive... this isn't budging..."

"How much of it is there?" Rainbow asked, hovering down beside them.

"Huh?" Phoenix flashed her a strange look.

"You deaf or something, dude? How much of this crap are we dealing with?"

"Enough to fill six wheelbarrows—Why?" Zenith asked.

"I got an idea!" Rainbow Dash pointed. "All four of you stop digging and just—like—concentrate on floating the rocks up against each other, in a huge ball!"

"What good will that do?" Phoenix asked.

"I'll then push all of the junk out of the way!" Rainbow Dash's voice cracked. Her ruby eyes were bright as she entreated them. "You feel me?"

"Sounds like teamwork!" Eagle Eye said.

"You gotta be kidding me..." Zenith groaned.

"It'll work!" Rainbow said, then flinched as a boulder fell beside them, tossing up dirt and dust. "It'll have to work!"

"Can you really do it?" Crimson asked, breathless. For a moment, he blinked, then turned to look at Bellesmith and Pilate. "C-can she do it?"

Pilate was nodding. Belle leaned forward and uttered, "Our lives are on the line. She can totally do it."

"Captain..." Phoenix gnashed his teeth against the rising waves of heat. "Whatever we do, it's gotta be now..."

"Crimson?" Eagle Eye asked.

With a deep breath, the muscular mercenary slapped his hooves tight against the ground and aimed his horn forward at full glow. "Alright. We've got one shot at this!"

"Ah jeez..." Zenith winced as he clenched his jaw tight in concentration. "This is gonna hurt like heck."

"Steady... Steady..." Eagle Eye chanted out loud as his glowing magic joined with Phoenix's and the others'.

Belle gazed and Pilate listened as the rocks started clumping together, forming into a big ball of rattling boulders. Then—with each of the four soldiers hissing in the strain—the huge sphere started to lift. Their horns started to shimmer and fade. The huge cluster of rocks lurched once... twice.

"Almost... almost..." Belle murmured allowed.

"There!" Rainbow squeaked. At the first hint of a dark space, she darted past the rock and flew deep into the tunnel.

Zenith twitched, his frowning face covered in sweat. "Wait! Where the heck does she think she's going—?"

"Nnnnngh!" Suddenly, the levitating ball shoved outward from within. Rainbow Dash's wings were blurring briskly as she threw her shoulder into the floating mess. Then, with a burst of strength, she let out a shrill cry and shoved even harder.

The stallions released their energy, and the boulders flew across the forest floor in a shower of thudding debris. Rainbow Dash instantly plummeted, only to fall over Phoenix's spine.

The mustached stallion shouldered her weight, breathlessly motioning to the rest of the group. "Okay! Let's go! Move!"

He ducked in first, followed by Pilate and Belle—side by side. Zenith followed, shouting back at the final two. Crimson started, only to hear a groan from behind him. He skidded to a stop, spun around, and telekinetically yanked Eagle Eye after him.

"EE! You okay?"

"Y-yes, Captain..." Eagle Eye dizzily stammered, bearing a thin smile. "Just... n-not used to that k-kind of magical strain..."

"We're through, buddy," Crimson said, ushering him into the tunnel as the sounds of shells turned into a dull echo all around them. "Just lean against me. You'll need your strength for the trek ahead."

"Yes, Captain..." Eagle Eye swallowed nervously, adjusting the shield on his back as he hobbled alongside the larger stallion. "Thank you, Captain..."

They stumbled past Phoenix, upon whose back Rainbow Dash was just starting to stir.

"Unnngh... Someone get the license plate off the back of that migraine," she murmured.

"You did good, Rainbow," Belle said, her quite voice bouncing off the vibrating walls as they descended. Pilate's manasphere illuminated the surroundings as the couple hobbled after Rainbow and Phoenix. "We couldn't have done it without you."

"Yeah, well, I couldn't have done it without m-me too..."

Belle smiled.

"What happened to the bounty hunter?" Pilate asked, his metal forehead flickering as he kept O.A.S.I.S. at a steady glide overhead. "Did she put up a fight?"

"I let her go," Rainbow said, resting on Phoenix's spine.

Pilate's brow furrowed. "She didn't want to run to safety?"

"Her definition of safety is different than yours and mine..." Rainbow Winced, rubbing her forehead. "Ugh... assuming those rusted golem chicks even have dictionaries..."

Suddenly, Belle gasped. "Rainbow! Y-your head!"

"What about it? Is my brain leaking out?"

"I..." Belle winced. "I-I don't know... but..."

Rainbow blinked, then followed the path of Belle's chestnut eyes. She tried in vain to rub the two bloody spots dry against her coat, but ultimately sighed. "Look... I did what I have to do to keep her alive, okay?"

Belle's face stretched with concern.

"I'm alright..." Rainbow said with a weak grin. "Seriously. I'm totally cool..."

Belle winced as she ultimately said, "For now. But what if you keep taking that off, Rainbow? What then?"

Rainbow bit her lip and said nothing.

The group descended into the darkness as the world burned above them.

Comments

[Personifire]

Really, Zenith? Now's not the time to act so immature.

I'm liking Zenith less and less with each chapter.

[silvadel]

Rainbow is NOT amulet optional.

[Jake The Army Guy]

"Rainbow!" a voice called out from ahead.

She glanced up, her thin eyes darting across the smoldering landscape.

Five bright bodies waved at her, their smiles awash in the glow of Sugarcube Corner.

Even in death, the girls are looking out for her.

No pushups this round, ):(.

[Pilate]

2198627
It's been a while since evidence that the elements of harmony have more than just a passing relationship to the journey has been seen. Interestingly, this is perhaps some of the most direct yet. Compare this vision to the lavender light that Rainbow sees. It is the same concept, but far less abstract than before. I look forward to future incidents of this nature such that we can clarify the true nature of Harmony, and speculate further on what role the bearers themselves may play.

[Ace of Kings]

HOW DARE THEY TALK THAT WAY TO PILATE!!!!

[CrimsonPhoenix]

QUICK LET US ASSIGN THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY WITH THE CHARACTERS WE HAVE NOW!!!!

I vote EE for Generosity.
aaaand Zenith for Kindness.

[Jake The Army Guy]

2198644

Also, remember Applejack's comment right before she died: "It goes on forever..."
Perhaps this is some allusion to this phenomenon. Maybe, what was happening was NOT the Elements "rejecting" them, but sensing the larger issue of the planet/machine... thing stopping/winding down... or whatever, and the need to "awaken" Austreogh. BUT, "Harmony" also knew that Dash could not make the journey alone, but at the same time, her friends would never be able to accompany her, lest they not make it in time. So, it did the only sensible, if not uncaring, thing it could think of: break down the girls into pure energy, diffusing them into the aether flow that, "goes on forever." This would allow them to aid Dashie on her quest.

As an aside, I still get heartaches when I think about them dying like that.

You know what? Fuck it, fifty-five pushups, ):(, you heartless bastard. *sniff* Knock 'em out!

[Pilate]

2198714
The reports of their deaths have been greatly exaggerated! I've long held that the 5 were not "truly" dead, and am convinced their presence did, does, and will continue to play a role in the saga. To what extent I have yet to conclude. However, it should be noted that this instance comes coupled to the concept of friendship that Rainbow has recently reacquainted herself with.

[Future Regret]

I think it would be awesome if she started having visions of her old friends (not only the mane six, but Gold Petals, Steel Teeth, CC, and those warriors from Silvadel) that became increasingly powerful and realistic as she comes closer to death or the end of the quest. Just my opinion.

[RoboRed]

God...Zenith really needs a good kick in the flank...

I get more and more of a bad feeling every brief moment Rainbow takes off the element. Somethings going to go too far...

[Aqua Fortis]

2198732

I've long held that the 5 were not "truly" dead, and am convinced their presence did, does, and will continue to play a role in the saga. To what extent I have yet to conclude.

I was ready to say something to the effect of "the remainder of the Mane 6 are having less and less bearing on Dash's journey the more she associates with her new friends," but this chapter kinda shoots my theory in the head. The way the debate is framing itself in my head is as such: Are these visions (and the lavender light & related phenomena) creations/manifestations/machinations of the Elements or of her friends specifically? Or, as a third option, is there even any difference? I can't find anything that would prove it to be her friends specifically. It might just be the Elements urging her along in the way they know will be most effective, in which case it is possible her friends are actually dead. On the other hand, it could be some remainder of their essence lingering after their physical destruction that is simply utilizing the power of the Elements to facilitate their cryptic communication.

Being so close to chapter 200, I can only hope for answers. Who knows how many IC will choose to provide?

[FloydienSlip]

"Unnngh... Someone get the license plate off the back of that migraine," she murmured.

MOTOR VEHICLES ARE CANON

[Relevant Heavy Metal]

Isn't crossing the streams supposed to be bad?

The Getaway - Voidvod

2198732

I still like my "eaten by the heart of the world" theory.

[dashie76]

IIIIIt's Dashie's evaluation time!

So Zenith is becoming more and more like a jerk with each passing chapter. Here, he acts immature in a time of crisis and he has bullied EE with his nickname princess especially. EE needs to stand up for himself soon.
Also - this chapter gave me flashbacks to the end of Austraeoh. Running around in tunnels, the world in flames and chaos all around, and Dash becoming weak/ strong. Just a thought. These are my thoughts so far.

-MASH

[dashie76]

2200509Cool!It's always nice to watch an episode for the first time.
Also, I never really thought about it, but you may be right. These past few chapters don't seem to be taking us very far into the story. And knowing how industrious Imploding usually is, I wouldn't be surprised if he were working on something big like you said. But seeing as how Roarke has developed (somewhat) into a character, I imagine said possible big chapter will have something to do with her.
And I miss it too.Sometimes I wonder if I should just quit for ten days and then do a Marathon...I haven't done any of those in quite some time and, ironically, miss them.

[That_one_guy]

Zenith is being set up either as a villain or an upcoming casualty. Please stop talking either way, jesus christ...

Also, Dashie's growing horns. She's turning into a draconequus. Just... If no one has addressed it yet, I just did.

[Riverwing]

Even after they've left, the girls are still looking after her..

[MellowMabari]

Oh Zenith, stuff a waffle in it already. No, you know what? Waffles are too good for him. He can choke on a gross old raisin bagel instead. And just when I was getting over the tragedy of the rest of the Mane 6's fiery death - bam! cameo in the flames. Things are really heating up (painful pun intended) and I can't help but feel (and secretly hope for) the excrement to hit the fan at maximum levels in the coming chapters. Onward!

[IfOnlyICouldDeactivate]

Ok, I'm hopeless. I'm waaay behind now, I need to get reading. When I catch up I'll resume commenting, but I need yo focus on the damn story!

Good chapter btw. :D

Onwards!

[iloveportalz0r]

>I did what I have to do to keep her alive
Different tenses, eh?

[Super Trampoline]

2199553 what, you don't think carts need to be licensed? huh?

[whizzball1]

Zenith?
Die.
ANywho... Go Dash and those other guys! Thank Celestia they were able to do it.

ALso, I'm going to sign my posts with my last name now, because I'm cool like that.

-Spirit

[JustAnotherTimeLord]

3689779
He is just doing what he have to done.

[JustAnotherTimeLord]

Man, that's a close call indeed.

[Zecoro]

Doooooon't take that pendant off again Rainbow...

[silverspawn]

yea, well, zenith isn't very smart. loyalty is a question of character, but this is just a question of intelligence.

[Regidar]

Resourceful as ever, Dash. You've ever curbed your racism a bit!

Well, just finished with another Floyd live show. I think that's all for tonight... but tomorrow, Eljunbryo will be completed! You mark my words!

I crash through the wreckage of what was left in the past. I will slowly come across civilization again... just press forward.

[Hazard]

5527152 And here I am six months behind. I knew I shouldn't have taken that break at the end of Austraeoh.

Be careful with the beast, Dash. It could spell your end.

[FOXTrot2]

"We'll never get through in time!" Phoenix stammered, struggling to haul his own bundle of rocks. "If the flames won't get at us, the smoke will! We'll suffocate!"

Ah, and it's for this reason that a sudden and miraculous escape via manaship would be the best option~

[Dashie04]

Rainbow Dash is utilizing her Discordian powers again.

I really have nothing else to say, other than the fact that I still read Zenith’s lines in the exact way I shouldn’t.

[ponepony]

Belle winced as she ultimately said, "For now. But what if you keep taking that off, Rainbow? What then?"

Reject pony.
Embrace transequinism.

[ZanarNaryon]

So how long until Belle asks Rainbow out, im betting three chapters