//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: “How can I do what’s right if all I feel is… hate?” // Story: The Ghost of Coltistrano // by EthanClark //------------------------------// Silver took his first step in Canterlot in almost six years. The moon hung over the airship port, high in the sky and sharing only a sliver of light from its crescent. To his right, Gorn pushed a bag of bits into the hoof of a guard, who smirked and stashed it under his armor. The rest of the crew continued to secure the mooring as Darrox walked to the railing. He peered out to Silver as he came down the gangplank and stepped to his student’s side. They shared a moment of silence, with only the whistle of the night breeze and the soft glow of street torches to fill the gap. Silver took in the sight of Canterlot’s towers that stretched all the way to the mountain side. Small specks of light stood out against the darkness as proof of the many rooms of the palace towers. To Darrox they were a wondrous sight, a honeycomb of life and radiance against the canvas of night, but Silver only grew nervous. “It is alright to be troubled,” Darrox said. “I can only imagine what this place must mean for you.” Silver merely nodded in response. Suddenly, he felt a clap against his shoulder that shook him and Darrox. Between them was Gorn. “Well, the guards ‘ave been paid an’ we’re moored. I trust ye’ve a good reason fer comin’ ‘ere.” “Reconnaissance,” Darrox stated. “It has been many years since either of us, especially myself, have been here. And since Celestia has raised the moon-” “Luna.” Gorn interrupted. “I beg your pardon?” “Aye, Princess Luna’s back, taken up ‘er seat as co-ruler again.” “Oh,” Darrox looked dazed. “And here I presumed Nightmare Moon’s return would have been more decisive than that. I am truly out of touch. In that case…” From a swirling flash of emerald fire stood not Darrox, but a pale-green unicorn with a clump of turquoise locks drifting down his neck. Gorn stumbled back at the display. “I will traverse the streets of Canterlot and help secure our bearings. Silver, you must take to the rooftops. Discover all you can after you get dressed.” “Ok, I’ll start at the main clocktower before… dressed?” Silver stared quizzically at Darrox. “Of course,” he smirked. “We cannot afford you going out unprepared, can we?” Silver held his confused gaze until it hit him. A smile stretched across his face as he turned and bolted up the gangplank, whizzing past Gilda and into the captain’s cabin. At the back of the room was a chest, similar to all the others stored below deck but not bearing gold or precious gems. Silver knelt before it, pulling it open slowly as if to savor the anticipation. Within sat a pile of black fabric, soft and firm to the touch, leading up to a dark cowl. Beneath it was a set of dark and sturdy clothing ending in flexible black boots. Every piece seemed to blend into the other, giving it the appearance of a single, flowing mass. As Silver methodically donned each piece of his gear, the door behind him opened slowly. Feathers poked through, stepping carefully so as to not alert the cabin’s occupant, but a chuckle rose from the intruder. “You look like such a dork,” Gilda scoffed. “That’s because it’s not all on yet,” Silver shot back, defensively. He slipped into the rest of the costume before draping the cloak over his shoulders. As each piece was added to the ensemble, Gilda’s string of chortling diminished and turned into astonished whispers. To her eyes, the unkempt castaway she knew seemed to sink into this new silhouette that shifted and swayed before her. Finally, Silver drew the cowl over his head, leaving only his eyes and muzzle visible. In the mirror to his side he looked upon his new form. “Whoa,” he and Gilda said in unison. He turned to his gryphon friend before speaking. “I’m running recon of the city, I need you to stay here.” “Y-Yeah, no problem,” Gilda said, shaking herself from astonishment. “I’d rather not get caught with the dweeb playing dress-up, anyway. You have fun hero-ing.” At that Silver opened a window and, without a second’s hesitation, leapt through it and out into the world. His eyes met the plummeting height the airship was at, down to the bottom of Mt. Canterlot, as he twisted his body and whipped the cloak up toward the railing. He sprang up, gliding up onto the airship’s balloon before running and leaping again toward the rooftops of Canterlot. Nothing in all his years of training with the cloak could have prepared him for the thrill he felt as he ran from roof to roof. He would flick the cloak out, snatching flag poles and balconies as he swung through the city streets. Dancing streetlights rushed past him as he approached the city proper. With a final swing he stretched the cloak out to glide before landing on the side of a large clocktower. From his perch he could scan the entire city. Despite the late hour, Canterlot’s streets were still dotted with ponies coming to and from restaurants and private gatherings. Many were more common folk, and Silver would spy the rare carriage carrying a wealthy looking couple, but none looked to the sky to notice him. Just past the well lit streets Silver could see the secret lifeblood of the royal city. Workers hauling creates of food and supplies, all for the purpose of entertaining the wealthy, labored in alleyways and loading zones of the many businesses still open at this hour. From the corner of his eye Silver caught a flash of red. It was small, quick, and off in a tower of the noble district, but he saw it. He released his hold on the clocktower and dove toward the streets, spreading his cloak to glide just before breaching their illumination. Soaring over the buildings Silver kept his eyes trained on the tower. Again, the flash of red crossed one of the windows. Silver landed on a roof and charged, using his momentum to launch himself across the street leading into the noble district. The tower shot up from a mansion, covered in statues and designs that Silver recognized. He whipped his cloak up and climbed to one of the balconies. Just beyond the flowing curtain around the open door, he saw the source of what drew him there. She was not alone, accompanied by a pink and purple pony, much taller than her, seated in front of a large vanity. She spoke in a soft and motherly tone. “... and then you scoop it up like this and, done! Perfect wingtips.” The other mare giggled as Silver climbed up the balcony, stepping silently to the side and out of sight. “Cadence, this looks ridiculous,” the mare giggled, “eyeliner will suffice. Where did you even learn this?” “From one of Twilight’s friends. Her name is Rarity, and you would absolutely love her.” “I’m sure.” The red-maned mare drifted into silence as Cadence continued on her face. After a moment, and a few more giggles, she pulled away. “Voila! Simply irresistible.” Silver’s mind went blank at the sight. Before him, gazing at herself in the mirror, was Abundant Glow. Her mane lacked the waves Silver once knew, and her face was more sullen, but there was no mistaking it. The sea green eyes stared back at themselves in the mirror, slowly analyzing the new details marked upon them by Cadence. She gave a small smile. “It’s adorable, Cadence. Thank you.” Abby gave the alicorn a hug. “Where is Shining? I thought you brought him with you.” “Oh I did, he should be back any minute. He’s probably playing Ogres and Oubliettes with his guard friends, but don’t tell him I said that.” This brought a chuckle out of Abby, laughing with Cadence while Silver looked on. Inside he felt an emptiness, a void reaching out to spread through him. His hoof raised and reached for the thin curtain, which he quickly pulled back once he came to his senses. He continued to listen. “You know, I’m sure Shining wouldn’t mind asking one of them to be your date for the gala. I know Spearhead would leap at the chance. He fancies you something fierce-” “No.” All amusement drained from Abby’s face in an instant. “Abby, I know it’s been hard, but please try to at least have some fun.” Cadence sat on her haunches next to Abby. “It’ll be good for you.” “Please, Cadence,” Abby’s voice grew tense. “Stop trying to get me to move on.” “It’s been six years, Abby. You’re sad and lonely every time I see you, and it hurts that you won’t let me, or anypony, help you. I’m the Princess of Love and Family, I know how this goes.” “I don’t want help. Everypony tries to help me,” Abby stood and turned to the balcony, stepping just past Silver as she walked to the railing. He leapt up, grabbing hold of one of the statues for support.  “You, Shining, Aunty Celestia, even Shield Wall, but none of what you say or do will change what happened. He’s dead, gone, and I’m left with nothing.” “We can always talk about it,” Cadence followed out onto the balcony. “We never really did after it happened. Maybe it will help?” “What’s there to say? The pony I loved was taken from me. He was a war hero, and those criminals dragged him off like he was prey.” “But you don’t have to feel alone-” “I am alone!” Abby twisted toward Cadence, tears falling from her ruined makeup. “Ever since you and Shining went to the Crystal Empire I’ve had nopony! It sickens me to say, but Shield Wall has been the closest source of comfort I’ve had in years. Yes it’s been years and yes Spearhead is a fine stallion, but that doesn’t change how all the while you have been living the dream with a husband who loves you and a life worth living! I ju-... I just…” Cadence caught Abby before she could fall. The two nobles collapsed together into a ball of whimpers and soft words, Cadence gently stroking Abby’s ruby mane. From above, outside of their sight, Silver clutched to one of the statues. It was impossible for him to take his eyes away from the painful display. Abby, the love of his life, lost in a fog of pain and loneliness. The very notion made Silver’s jaw clench and his stomach tighten. He felt himself leaning over the balcony, his hoof again moving on its own towards the sobbing countess, but he snapped back again. A heat rose up through his body and, when it was too much to bear, he leapt from the tower and out into the city again. The ends of his cloak flapped along the wind as he glided over the streets. Rage carried him, pumping the hot blood through his veins as he landed and sprinted across the rooftops. All around him the dark colors of Canterlot at night seemed to melt away as Silver’s vision tunneled. All he heard were the jubilant cheers and laughter of ponies below him, those who still had lives to live and loved ones to hold. They sunk into his mind like daggers. Finally, he made one final leap and arrived at the royal palace. The wall was high, but the number of flagpoles dotting the outside made it easy for Silver to swing up and climb over, arriving just outside the west wing of the castle. As Silver crept closer, crossing the gap to a small ledge, he could hear voices coming from the window. “... you understand?! No compromise. No quarter. We can’t afford to go back now!” Silver peered into the room and found exactly what he was looking for. Shield Wall, standing behind a desk with his back turned to the window. Silver produced a knife and crept closer, his eyes trained on Shield Wall like a predator. He reached for the window’s latch. Silver’s mind raced with pain and obsession of six years of exile, all to be released from the tip of his dagger. A second voice arose, and successfully snapped Silver from his trance. “After what happened today we may not have a choice. Their money made up a substantial amount of the mission’s funding, and without it we can’t hope to stage an invasion.” “This is not the first set-back, and there are other ways.” Silver slowly peeked through the window. Two other ponies sat around the large wooden desk that Shield Wall helmed. He concealed his dagger again, electing to eavesdrop. “If you two gentlecolts are seeking funds,” Serenade said in his smooth accent, “then perhaps it is time to hit the cities in the west. Las Pegasus, for example.” “There is such a thing a subtlety. I need not remind you of your excursion into Appleloosa, yes? You turned that gold rush into a bloodbath.” Midnight Gavel shot a cold glare at Serenade. “Enough,” Shield Wall interjected. “We need real, tangible solutions. What can we leverage to get the attack moving?” “It will be difficult,” Midnight stated. “Port authority does not fall within my influence, nor yours, but it is possible to seize the warships for state purposes. We would only need a few days.” “But the soldiers and weapons? How are we to get them as well?” Serenade asked. “We need not be exact, only create the illusion.” Shield Wall pulled a large scroll from beneath his desk and unraveled it into a map of Equestria. “Three ships, flying Griffonstone colors, all leading a coordinated bombardment on port towns along the Bridle Shores. They will have to be larger ones, like Baltimare or Manehatten, in order to give full effect.” “Manehatten?” Serenade near-whispered. “There are thousands of ponies in Manehatten, surely there is a better target.” “There isn’t.” Shield said dismissively, leaving Serenade in shocked silence. “Unless we receive the funds for a full-scale invasion of Griffonstone, false-flag terrorism is our only option. Not only will Griffonstone be framed, but Equestria will demand justice.” “If we are to launch such a bold attack we will still need horsepower,” Gavel said. “Serenade’s recruits will fill some of the muscle, but we still need trained sailors to command these vessels. I suggest recruiting the known pirate crews in the Celestial Sea. Most of them are dominantly gryphon, and will add some authenticity to our illusion.” “Serenade, can you get in contact with them?” “Uh… uh yes, yes,” Serenade stammered, snapping out of his shock. “Yes, I-I can.” “Excellent,” Shield Wall took a sip from the glass next to him, smirking. “Mother always did say budgeting would save my life.” Midnight chuckled to himself, while Serenade gave no reaction. Shield Wall stood from his desk and returned the map to its drawer. “We will begin first thing tomorrow. If we are smart and alert for other… mishaps,” Shield twitched at the word, “then the plan will run smoothly. Goodnight, I will see you at the gala.” With that the three made their way out of the office, Serenade lagging behind a bit, before the lights went out and the door closed. The soft click of the lock told Silver the coast was clear. He reached for the window’s latch and pulled, drawing the glass open and stepping inside. The office was large, much larger than the one Silver remembered. “He must’ve been promoted,” Silver said softly, venom in his voice.  He stepped toward the desk and removed the map. Silver took a moment to analyze it. Exactly as Shield Wall said, the map was covered in naval courses and landing markers for a shoreline bombardment of several cities. Fillydelphia, Baltimare and Manehatten were marked with large, red X’s while other, smaller towns had smaller black markings. Silver studied the map meticulously, committing as much of the plans as he could to memory. He knew Shield Wall would notice if he stole it. Once he was confident in his memory Silver stashed the map and made his way back to the window. He paused, though, taking a moment to scan the office. He moved toward the right wall, littered in photographs and awards. Among them was a photo of Shield Wall and Shining Armor, the later being presented with the rank of captain. This made Silver smile as he continued perusing. There were newspaper articles about attacks on the city and a new Equestrian coat of arms, now including a purple and white star in its design. Silver had heard about a new princess, and almost let out a laugh at the revelation it was Twilight. The soft clack of metal woke Silver from his ruminations as the door to the office rattled. A soft blue glow came through the keyhole, spilling out and enveloping the knob. Silver spared no time in leaping to the top of the large bookshelf as the door gently swung open. In the doorway stood a white unicorn Silver did not recognize, shrouded in black cloth and stepping silently into the office. Upon further inspection, Silver noticed a faint aura of blue surrounding her hooves, deafening her hoofsteps as she directed her horn’s light around the office. The unicorn’s light passed over the pictures and commendations, then to the dark brown desk in the center. As the light passed over it, its magic revealed every item within its drawers for the unicorn to see. It wasn’t until the light crept towards the bookshelf that Silver became antsy.  Once he saw an opening, Silver dove towards the open window with trained precision. The unicorn jumped, almost letting out a screech at the sight of a black mass racing from the office. She watched as Silver glided out into the night, across the dimly lit streets, and out of view. -- Darrox trotted back to the harbor with glee in his step, his now dwindling cough doing nothing to ruin his mood. He came to the ship and crossed the gangplank, a smile on his muzzle, passing a slumbering Rusty curled up in stacks of rope. Across the deck stood Gorn. He sipped from a dark brown bottle as he stared out across the open air, hardly paying attention to the chipper changeling. “Most wonderful,” Darrox sighed. “I tell you Gorn, it has not been since our days crusading together that I have felt this way. To think a simple walk on cobblestone instead of sand would fill a pony with such relief.” Gorn merely nodded, hefting a large box up from below deck. He cracked it open with his claws and removed a worn glass bottle, before popping the cork and sipping from it. “Has Silver returned? I thought he would be faster than this old shapeshifter.” “He’s up on the balloon but, uh, we oughta’ talk ‘bout that.” Gorn muttered between drinks. “The whelp, you gave ‘im the cloak. The cloak.” “I did,” Darrox returned. “Do you question my decision?” “I question yer reason, aye. The boy’s full of a swirl of emotions greater an’ any storm, sir, and yer only rilin’ him up.” “He is young and untempered, yes, but his proximity to our fight is what makes him perfect.” “He don’t get to come outta nowhere and take on the mantle,” Gorn took another forceful swig. “It’s not yer best move.” “And what, instead, would you have me do?” Darrox tensed his brow, his pale, monochromatic eyes glaring at Gorn. “Give it to somepony, or someone who's worth it. I spent the better part of a decade searchin’ for ye, and nev-” “Are you saying you want to be the The Ghost instead?” The question seemed to slap Gorn in the beak. He stuttered, averting his eyes and taking a nervous drink from his bottle as if the answer was floating somewhere in the cool liquid. Darrox took a step forward, holding his gaze. “Do you think you are being treated unfairly?” “N-No, uh, well I…” Gorn’s composure began to crack under the changeling’s stare. He sighed, relenting as he rested the bottle down onto the deck. “I always respected ye, sir, admired ye. It’s why I joined up when ye called all them years ago. I’ve all the knowledge of yer ways, an’ he’s just a youngin’.” “Indeed, he is,” Darrox relaxed his face and knelt beside Gorn. “Nor is he perfect, but I found him to be a victim of my greatest rival and with a burning desire for justice. To see such a thing, Gorn, reminds me how much fate controls our lives. He had the yearning, and I the knowledge, I could not deny fate’s will.” “Not all share yer beliefs, sir.” “I do not require you to, but I would still be on that island were it not for Silver’s arrival. He helped free me from my exile, and for that I accept his help in stopping Shield Wall, once and for all.” Darrox stood and placed a hoof on Gorn’s shoulder, who returned a somber look. “Give it time, my friend, perhaps you will come to see what I do.” With that Darrox gave a one-legged hug to Gorn before spreading his translucent wings and fluttering upward. He rounded the balloon and found Silver, just as Gorn said, and landed before speaking. “Were you successful?” Silver shot up and spun, but the sight took Darrox by surprise. His mask was pulled off his head and the fur of his scowling face was matted by tears, his eyes growing red. Silver clumsily wiped his face dry. “Y-Yes, yes.” Silver said, resisting the choke in his voice. “What happened?” “I found Abby...” he said, somberly. Silver moved his mouth to speak more, but only frustrated grunts came out. His eyes fixed on the balloon beneath him. At this Darrox approached and placed a hoof on Silver’s shoulder. “Push it from your mind, my boy, do not let it anger you.” “How?!” Silver near-yelled. “Tonight I watched Abby collapse into tears because she thinks I’m dead. Shining probably thinks the same, my dad is dead, and my whole life has been torn apart by that monster! I… I miss them.” Silver shut his eyes, clenching his teeth in a vain attempt to suppress the coming tears. Darrox let out a sigh. “For now, my boy, they are gone. You cannot waste your energy thinking about what could be. Instead, focus on how you will take it all back.” “I saw him,” Silver uttered, his mane falling around his face. “I was so close. I… I was going to kill him, Darrox. But I didn’t and… and I hate myself for it. How can I do what’s right if all I feel is… hate?” “You hide it,” Darrox said. “With this.”  Darrox reached behind Silver’s head and slowly pulled the cowl over. As the cloth came down across Silver’s eyes he could feel a stillness grow within him. The tremble in his gut faded, his breathing steadied. “Now, tell me all you learned.” “Shield Wall has allies and he’s been playing the system from within," Silver stated through a sniffle. "I think he’s planning some sort of attack on the Bridle Shores, and wants to frame Griffonstone for it, but he’s hemorrhaging bits. Without money they’re growing desperate.” “Fascinating.” Darrox stroked his chitin chin. “Did he lose support? Some shadow-beneficiary?” “I guess. It sounded like some evil round-table conspiracy, to me, but they had to have backed out.” “Then we have our way in.” “What?” Silver said, pulling back the mask to reveal his face had been twisted in confusion at Darrox’s statement. “Shield Wall needs money, and we have money. All we must do is present you as a potential backer to his cause.” “Are you serious?” “Absolutely. Our mission is not all rooftops and disappearing acts. There is an element of charm, as well.” “Well…” Silver droned ponderously, scratching the back of his head with tense brows. “He did mention the gala, as in the Grand Galloping Gala. We could do it there. But it’s in two days.” “Hardly a worry, I assure you,” Darrox said dismissively. “It is plenty of time to have you and Ms. Gilda properly groomed and made presentable.” “Wait, what? Gilda?” Silver’s jaw nearly dropped. “Why yes,” Darrox said with a smirk. “Her presence will be paramount to your inclusion into his little game. I will explain all in the morning.” He patted Silver on the shoulder, giving him a warm smile. Silver said nothing and simply returned the affection before the two made their way to the edge of the balloon. They descended to the deck of the ship before Darrox folded his papery wings away and walked toward the captain’s cabin. Silver stayed, walking over to the railing and looking out toward Canterlot once again. He was nervous, angry, and downcast at the thought of all he had lost. He took a deep breath and sighed into the wind, summoning the strength to endure another day.