“For... uhm...” Twilight gulped, floating a few feet off the bluff overlooking crashing waves. “For what it's worth, Rainbow, I think... I-I think you and you friends brought light into Imre's life.” She tried smiling. It came out in a small, feeble curve. “It's a real shame what her father did to her, but I... I-I really can't imagine she'd have all that prosperous of a life if she was left to waste away with those heartless warriors in Searo's Hold.”
“I get what you're trying to do, Twilight,” Rainbow muttered, gazing upon the waves. “Or, rather, what you're trying to say. And, believe me, I've thought the situation through and through in every way possible.” She slowly shook her head. “There's no telling where Imre would have been if I hadn't crossed paths with her. Maybe she'd be in a happier place. Maybe she'd be in total misery. All I know is—thanks to her—the rest of my friends got away in time to live another day... heck... the rest of their friggin' lives.”
“And this... this Noble Jury of yours...” Twilight cocked her head to the side. “Did you make it out of that horrible continent safely?”
“It took a great deal of trial and error. Lots of bad things happened... and lots of good stuff too.” Rainbow Dash's nostrils flared as she gazed down at the crashing waves. “Take Shell, for istance. He... he did many horrible things... and to many innocent ponies.” She gulped dryly. “And none of it would have happened if I-I hadn't led him to where their paths crossed... if I hadn't goaded him on...”
“You can't say that, Rainbow—”
“No, I can.” She turned to glare at Twilight. “You don't know because you weren't there, Twilight.”
The floating unicorn bit her lip. She avoided Rainbow's gaze only momentarily. “Wasn't I...?”
Rainbow sighed. She said, “Not in the way I was. And... for the most part, I think it's better that way.”
Twilight floated closer, gazing firmly. “Why do you say that?”
“I'm not kidding when I say a lot of bad stuff happened.”
“Would it help you to be more specific?” Twilight asked. “I know it would help me.”
Rainbow opened her mouth. She blinked, her lip pressed against the edge of her teeth. Eventually—as her ears folded back—she said: “No.”
“But Rainbow—”
“It's the good things that I wish to remember. The positive stuff that came from all this... from my travels.” Rainbow looked across the waters. “I've brought countries out of wars, and saved others from starting new ones. I've helped entire cultures see the light, or crawl out of the darkness. There were times when I doubted the truth, but eventually came to accept it—that I never stopped being a beacon for Harmony.” She glanced back, winking. “And a pretty awesome one at that.”
“Well, there's no denying that, Rainbow. It's just that... that...”
“Hmmm?”
Twilight grimaced slightly. “You've... you've gone through more than I'd ever want any of my friends to experience.” She sighed. “And you did so alone.”
“Heheheheh...”
Twilight arched an eyebrow.
Rainbow smirked. “Not alone.”
“Heeheehee... awwwwwww...” Twilight leaned her chin on her forelimbs as she floated upside down above Rainbow Dash. “That sounds like such an adorable moment.”
“Yeah, before it turned into a super sad one,” Rainbow muttered. She glided low over the waves as sunlight rippled across the waters. “But hey... they were all going on to better lives. I can only be happy for them, y'know?”
“Did they really get married on the spot?” Twilight asked.
“They decided to do it overnight,” Rainbow said with a nod. “Though nopony was surprised. Celestia knows I wasn't.” She twirled about, flying upside down as she faced Twilight against the dimming sky above. “There's just one weird part that always gets me.”
“What's that?”
“I really don't think the minister was used to binding two ponies of the same sex together.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Though, for a changeling, I suppose Ebon leaves something to be defined... technically...”
“What makes you say that?” Twilight asked. “About the minister, I mean.”
“Well, he kept referring to the union as a 'matrimony.'” Rainbow squinted past Twilight. “Is that really supposed to work with two dudes?”
“Heehee...” Twilight smiled. “I think the term 'patrimony' would work better.”
“What's the difference between 'mat' and 'pat?'”
“Eh...” Twilight shrugged. “I guess it doesn't matter.”
“Yowsers. Am I really talking to the same egghead?”
“I'm a bit out of sorts, Rainbow,” Twilight muttered. “Not to mention out of body.”
“Oops... my bad...”
“No. It's okay. Please...” Twilight smiled. “Tell me more about the friends you made while I was gone.”
“Erm... well...” Rainbow fidgeted in midair.
“Go back in time a bit,” Twilight said, her voice soft and foalish. “Share some memories that don't involve the last day you saw them.” A nervous titter. “If you d-don't mind.”
“Did you really need to hit him all the time?!” Twilight asked.
Rainbow yawned, sprawling across the bed again as starlight shimmered outside the window. “Mrmmff... well... if you knew the cheesehead yourself... you'd hit him too.”
“Yeah, but why?”
“The things he'd say...”
“Like what?”
“Well...” Ranbow rubbed her tired muzzle, squinting the floating unicorn's way. “If he was standing right here, looking at you, he'd probably say something like 'Hey babe, did you just swallow a coat rack or are you happy to see me?'”
Twilight's hoof swatted instinctively in Rainbow's direction.
The pegasus simply smirked as the limb phased through her. “See what I mean?”
“So crazy that he actually got together with the blonde Pinkie Pie.”
“Whew...” Rainbow rolled her eyes towards the dim ceiling. “Don't get me started.”
“Hmmm? What do you mean? On Zaid or the blonde?”
“Either,” Rainbow grumbled. “They were great flying buddies, but they could drive a pony up the wall.”
“Sounds like you were a good leader of the bunch.”
“Pffft...” Rainbow was caught between a giggle and a yawn. She snuck in a breath before wheezing: “I was no leader.”
“Of course you were!” Twilight twirled around and set her hooves down on the suite' floorboards—making phantom “contact.” She trotted back and forth in the starlight. “You took charge! You kept them from wringing each other's necks! I'm certain the only reason that 'Joshua' character didn't eat the entire food stock is because you threatened to rip his horn off...”
“'Josho,'” Rainbow muttered. “And you can thank Eagle Eye for that. If Josho did anything to make Ebon sad, Eagle Eye would have thrown Josho's fat ass off the Jury in a heartbeat.”
“Rainbow, honestly!”
“What, I'm being for real!”
“No, just... do you have to be so colorful about it?”
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Please... I've been killed one and a half times and still you're gonna rag on me for that?”
Twilight stuck her nose up. “You can't use that card everytime, Rainbow! Don't forget, you're a living ambassador for harmony!”
“Yeah, well...” Rainbow fought another yawn. “Right now, I'm a living ambassador to sleepytown.”
“Oh, I'm so sorry!” Twilight winced. “I... I've kept you up all day!” She blinked. “Two days!” She brushed her bangs back, staring out the window. “I... I can't believe how much time has gone by...”
“Yeah...” Rainbow muttered into the bed covers, her body slowly rising and falling as she shut her eyes. “...it'll do that.”
Twilight stood in silence. After a long breath, she muttered, “...Rainbow?”
“Yeah... Twilight...?”
“… … … Do you believe any of the things Khao said?” Twilight turned to look over her shoulder. “Or the stuff you found inside 'Stratopolis?'”
Rainbow's eyes reopened dully. “What... Urohringr? Austraeoh? All that?”
Twilight nodded.
Rainbow rolled over in bed with a sigh. Stretching, she pointed a hoof straight forward.
Twilight blinked curiously at it. “What... what are you pointing at?”
“Yaerfaerda,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Wait... hold on...” Twilight rubbed her head in thought, muzzle scrunched. “I know this one. It's... it's 'foal yesterday.'”
“Very good, egghead...”
“Well, you only told me six hours ago or so.” Twilight leaned back. “It's the symbol that led you to the mines so you could save the ponies in Amulek, right?”
“Yup.”
“And...” Twilight smiled with a soft sight. “It's what led you to the Tower where you eventually found me.”
“Uh huh...” Rainbow stifled another yawn. “And I'm still seeing it.”
“Wait, what?” Twilight twirled around, blinking brightly. “How? Where?”
Rainbow stretched her hoof out further.
Twilight looked straight at a flat wall. “But... where? I don't see it?”
“That bothers me,” Rainbow muttered. “What's more... it's white now, and not lavender—as it always used to be.” She sighed out her nostrils. “That bothers me too.”
“What... what's that supposed to mean?”
“Right now? I haven't a clue. Beforehand?” Rainbow shrugged in bed. “It meant that something important would happen if I flew in that direction.”
“You'd... you'd regain your strength.”
Rainbow squirmed where she lay in bed.
“Right?”
“Something like that, sure,” Rainbow said. “Point is... my destiny isn't exactly my own anymore. Whether it's been hinted at by Whitemane or directed to me by Axan, I've been on this journey for more reasons than a daredevilish trip to the Midnight Armory.”
“And now that you've learned about the Herald... or the legacy of Commander Hurricane—”
“A previous pony has dodged the bullet before me,” Rainbow said. “But now... all things considered... it looks like Axan was right.” She gritted her teeth. “I am Austraeoh.”
“Then... then what happens next?” Twilight asked, lip trembling.
“I've no friggin' clue. Normally, I'd just keep on flying. But now?” Rainbow's eyes darted over. “Now that you're here...?”
Twilight stared back in blank confusion.
“I don't know what to do anymore, Twilight,” Rainbow said. “I'm not sure I'm supposed to do anything anymore. All this time, I was simply carrying myself forward. But now that you're back...” She produced a long sigh, shutting her eyes. “Nothing makes sense. I'm so friggin' glad to have you here, but... but it's so confusing. So darn confusing.”
“Just...” Twilight fidgeted, putting on a brave smile. “Just sleep on it, Rainbow. You've done enough thinking and talking for the day.”
“But... so much...” Rainbow muttered, deflating further and further into the bedsheets. “...so much to sort out...”
Twilight tried to pat her shoulder, only for her limb to phase through the bed. Undaunted, she took a deep breath and stated: “Let me do the sorting out. If nothing else, perhaps it's what I'm here to do.” She winked to the darkness. “I'm your personal pocket ghost egghead!”
“Heeheehee...” Rainbow cooed, drifting into unconsciousness. “...pocket ghost...” And then her lips pursed as she submerged completely into slumber.
Twilight gazed at her. Slowly, her eyes glazed over. She sniffled, turning about to gaze at the starlight. After several deep breaths, she calmed herself, then shut her lids so that she could float in place... peacefully and soundlessly.
i.gyazo.com/894aac74638cdb8c731a19b9b3781755.png
5 words!
Yes.
That's not six words.
Guess this means no story of Lerris for Twilight. For now, maybe.
I know Rainbow meant for the best not telling Twi about the bad stuff, but I can't help but think it might've been better to tell her everything so that should the worst come around again she's prepared.
I suddenly have a big urge to find out what happened with Kera and Eine.
Well, considering its possible that they could come across in the Tarkington, maybe you'll get a chance to hit him Twilight.
poor Zaid ain't even here and he's still getting clipped on the head.
She took that better than anticipated.
Two days? No seizures?
Starting to grasp what 'newly transformed' means.
5842586
I've been thinking just that thing.
The end was so adorable.
I'm sure Rainbow Dash's purpose remains the same. That's the point of whatever the next symbol will be: Inner purpose. It's not going to change because Twilight appeared, but rather it's going to be made easier, just like with the Jury. Hopefully Dashie realises this soon.
-Spirit (Yeast and Treacle)
I still feel like Twilight isn't done breaking. She's just doing a better job hiding it for the moment.
New Item Acquired!
You found
Pocket Ghost
Level 30 Dictionary/Encyclopedia
Great Companion
Provides information when needed
Gets worried easily
-100% damage
Twilight is best pocket ghost.
5842552
You have hurt my feelings, Swanny.
5842564
I believe good ol' Zaid is getting plenty of hoof swats where he is right now.
5842613
Oh, that brings back memories...
5842588
5842586
The seizures always go into remission after an encounter with the machine world.
Pocket Ghost.
That's adorable!
As much as I'm loving these interactions, I need to see and learn more of this university they're at!
5842543 He totally edited it afterwards.
5842640 That's why I took a picture.
5842586 You do know the dizzy spells only come at the worst moment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_%26_Mat
I hear you, I still can't remember which one is which either.
I was expecting, The Chronicles of East Horse, ShellShellShell.
Wait. Someone please tell me what Yaerfaerda means.
So... how close are we to a full moon?
Still waiting for Twilight's reaction to Roarkebow.
5842651
I believe Yaerfaerda was intended to mean that.
5842678
Rainboarke, get it right
>sniff haughtily.
5842646 I thought this was a reference to Mat and Pat of "Two Best Friends Play" fame.
Hard to tell who needs the composure to continue the story at this point, Dash or Twi.
-Memories given light, ease a lonely flight. Ynanhluutr.
5842646
I find it's easier to remember if you just think about family trees.
The Paternal side is your fathers side, the Maternal side is your mothers.
Pocket Ghost! Hooray for storytime. This is so sweet. I love Dash and Twilight's interactions.
5842785
It more likely was. But since I only know of "Two Best Friends Play" in passing, in contrast to growing up with that particular piece of animation, that is what first comes to mind for me.
Whelp looks like Rarity is next....10 bucks the last colour is orange.
5842675
Speaking of, I wonder whether because of Elements of Harmony and Loyalty and magic and stuff, Luna will be able to hear Twilight.
On a vaguely related note, if/when Dash collects the others, what if they can't see each other? Twilight couldn't see Yaerfaerda, after all.
Personal pocket ghost sound adorable. Once again, it's funny to see how Twilight is more or less getting a "in the previous episodes".
Though I can't help but imagine Nick coming to see if she's alright and see her discuss about her memories to nothing.
5842621 With all these hoof swats, I'm pretty sure it isn't only your feelings that are hurt right now.
So... Rarity is next.
Then Fluttershy, I presume.
Then either Pinkie Pie or Applejack. But I presume Applejack will be saved for last.
5843081 Oooh, I didn't even think about that second part. That would be cruel...
HEY, IC!
I don't think the ponies of Lerris were all that horrible, actually. In fact, they were downright spiffy. Please fix this if/when you see this. Thankies!
In retrospect, I'm surprised that Shell never used the Cicero Defense:
Laws are silent in times of war.
5842552 yeast
yēst
noun
a microscopic fungus consisting of single oval cells that reproduce by budding, and are capable of converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
a grayish-yellow preparation of yeast obtained chiefly from fermented beer, used as a fermenting agent, to raise bread dough, and as a food supplement.
BIOLOGY
any unicellular fungus that reproduces vegetatively by budding or fission, including forms such as candida that can cause disease.
plural noun: yeasts
trea·cle
ˈtrēk(ə)l
noun
1.
British term for molasses.
2.
cloying sentimentality or flattery.
"enough of this treacle—let's get back to business"
Does that answer the (avatar) question, Swanny?
5843132
Yes, but would you put it past IC to do so? I know I wouldn't.
5842714 potato puhtahto
Personal pocket egghead? Why can't I have one of those on my thermo tests?!
>Pokémon is short for Pocket Monster
>Twilight is a ghost
>She also uses telekinesis
>Psychic-type Pokémon use telekinesis
>Twilight confirmed for Hoopa
Well, anyways, it seems we're coming to the end of the recapping. Also, coming out to Twilight might be easier for Rainbow now that she knows Twi approves of same-sex relationships.
I wonder if Dash bringing flight and water travel back, is going to fizz up Nikkies little bottlecap brain, and he is going to try sticking an old airship engine and prop on the back of a large flat hull. A Florida Swamp Boat isnt exactly the best to try even on intercoastal open sea, but these guys havent been able to use any decent magic or propulsion for millenia at least.
If Dash has been talking for two days, wouldnt that make her very hungry? Even enough to do a Twilight in the verry messy hall?
5843081 Oh man, this just got from potentially really cheery to potentially horribly sad. If in the future it turns out Dash can see each of her friends, but they can't see each other, that might be the waterworks for me
5842649 That's not even an A-word. More like an A-hole.
Does it matter if he did bad things to bad ponies?
5843600
Yeah, I'm still waiting for "The Chronicles of East Horse, Awesome"
5843204 It'd still make no sense in the context of my signature.
Damn awake for two days just to explain everything. Also hehehe "pocket ghost"
5843786
If IC didn't have the naming conventions he did, I'd expect that one to be the final chapter in the series.