“Forever and always my love, in this life and the next. I will always find you, I will always be with you, I will always be yours, and you mine.”
“Shadow don’t let her get to you, we can just fly to Freedom before she has time to get her Steel Rangers to do anything. Also, The Shadow Talons know how to fight them. You don’t have to talk to her, we can just leave,” Aura said, as I huffed, trying my best to hold back my anger at the threat Sapphire made toward my friends…my family.
The Broadcaster was still connected to Sapphire and she laughed though it, “That thing can’t get to Freedom before I send word to my Rangers, trust me on that. Even if you could stop them, many will die before you can.”
“Give me five minutes,” I said, then disconnected the call before she could answer.
“Shadow what are you doing?” Aura asked, putting a hoof on my shoulder.
“I’m not running away, I’m so damn sick of running away from things. I’m going down there, and I’m finishing this bullshit with Sapphire. I don’t know what’s happened with her or why she’s doing what she’s doing, but she threatened our friends, our FAMILY. Nopony get’s away with that shit, not anymore,” I said as I pulled on my duster which I’d taken off during the flight.
“She has too many troops down there Shadow, you can’t beat her,” Solstice said.
“I don’t need to beat her, I need to outsmart her,” I said as I readied my magic. It was feeling a little stronger with the help of those pills I’d gotten from Sheena.
“Shadow…” Sun Spot tried saying, but I cut her and the others off.
“Don’t say anything, I’m doing this, now either come help me or don’t bother following,” I said, before teleporting down to the surface.
In a flash of red light, I was standing a few feet away from the death and destruction of the NLR Camp. Sapphire was standing in the middle of it, her power armor gleaming in the dull light. Her helmet was off and she looked different, which wasn’t too strange for Sapphire. Since I’d met her, I’d seen her have three different looks. The first time as a raider with a dull brown mane and a coat color I couldn’t make out under grime. The second time she had a green mane and a purplish coat with eyes that looked black. The last time she was dressed like a raider again only with a pink mane and red coat.
She was a master of disguising herself, now I think I was seeing the true Sapphire. With her helmet off I could now see what I guess is her. Her mane was a bright blue that matched her sapphire blue eyes, her coat was a cream color with a few dark freckles around her nose. She also looked younger than the other times I’d seen her, maybe around Wind Thrasher’s age whereas before she looked a few years younger than Mom. But more than anything I noticed about this mare was that she gave off an essence of power. She looked like what an Elder of the Steel Rangers should. She reminded me of Box Tape in that way. He was kind yes, but he had the look and feel of a leader. I could see now why they chose her to be Elder.
“That was fast, I’m glad you chose to come talk to me, it’s the first smart thing I think you’ve done so far Shadow,” Sapphire said, as she started walking toward me, the hooves of her Power Armor clunking with each step.
“If you want to talk then get the hell out of that Power Armor,” I said, doing my best to keep my voice calm.
She cocked her head at me. “Why would I do that?”
“Because you said you wanted to talk like adults, well then act like one and don’t hide behind your tech,” I replied.
She let out an annoyed sigh then the power armor opened and she stepped out. She only wore a vest showing her rank as an Elder. This was the first time I’d seen her cutie mark. It was five sapphires in a circle, each a different color, one blue, then pink, yellow, black and light green. She looked at her cutie mark where I was staring then snickered, saying, “Like my cutie mark? It’s very fitting to my special talent you know. Did you know that a Sapphire can come in many different colors? Just like me.”
“I’ve seen how well you can disguise yourself so I get it, but I’m not here to talk about your cutie mark. I’m here to find out what the hell happened to make you do what you’ve been doing. Why the hell did you kill Elder Appleslice? Why are you hunting the Mark II’s, and why the hell do you think I killed Box Tape?” I yelled, my magic sparking at the tip of my horn.
“Temper Shadow, we don’t want that thing getting out of you again. The reports I have about the last time she was free were frightening to say the least. Poor Stable 28, what a shame,” she said with a small chuckle.
“DON’T…talk about my HOME!” I yelled, another spark of magic coming off my horn.
“Fine, but still, watch the temper or I’ll have one of my Rangers kill you. I don’t have all day to listen to your whining,” she said, then came closer, “To answer your last question, I don’t think you killed Box Tape yourself, no, but I do believe that you’re the reason he’s dead. You were working with Elder Wolfsbane, that’s why he was in Cartwheel.”
“I had nothing to do with that, yes I met with him two days after my stable was attacked and I was going to work with him so I could get something from him, but instead I worked against him and made sure he couldn’t get into Stable 97 back in The Mill City Wasteland,” I said.
“Oh, I know that too, and that’s why he went to Cartwheel like I said. He was hunting you after you betrayed him. Because of that, Box Tape was forced to help you when you were caught, because that’s the kind of Stallion he was. He helped ponies who needed him and because of that he’s dead and you’re still alive,” Sapphire said. I could see the rage being held back in her eyes.
“Yeah, he did save me, he did it because he cared about me like a granddaughter. Because his daughter raised me! Don’t take that away from him,” I said.
“He saved a monster, he died for a fucking MONSTER!” she yelled, her anger slipping its leash a little.
I let a little grin came to my face as I said, “Yeah he did, a monster who is the only pony who can stop what’s coming. A monster who’s doing her best to save ponies around here unlike you.”
A cold rage came to those deep sapphire eyes as she said, “You’re not the only pony who knows how to stop that creature inside of you Shadow. Elder Apple Jam did too.”
That took me by surprise. “What’re you talking about? Elder Apple Jam didn’t know anything about what’s inside me, he died not long after my mom took us to Stable 28.”
Her cocky grin came back. “Yeah, for almost a year he still ran The Steel Rangers, that’s until he was killed by Crackerjack. Do you know what he was doing for the entire year your mother and you were in that stable?”
“How would I know? I didn’t even know who I was back then,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“He was keeping in direct communication with Grim, he was looking into the other Mark II’s and all the files your mother left with him when she went to go fix you. Files that he hid away before his death, leaving them in a place where only Grim could find them when she escaped. He knew about what Stargazer was, what it was meant to do, and what it would power someday. He also had notes on that thing inside of you and how to kill her if she ever found a body,” Sapphire said.
“If that’s true then how do you know any of this?” I asked.
“He left notes on his old terminal, he tried to hide that too, knowing his daughter would want them if he passed away. He didn’t want her to have power you see, he knew where Appleslice’s allegiances lied. I found them with some of my grandfather’s old things not long after you left the bunker and I learned a lot. For example, all it’ll take to kill that thing inside of you is to kill you, or if her power gets too strong then a revolver known as Demon Slayer can be used. A revolver enchanted by Luna herself,” she said, as she took another step closer.
I just rolled my eyes. “Old news, so what, you know how to kill Aquila, big whoop. Guess what, it doesn’t matter, because a pony like you doesn’t have what it takes to kill her. She destroyed a stable in the better part of an hour. You’re Rangers might be strong, but you can’t stop her, only I can.”
To my surprise, Sapphire smiled. “You have a point there, I know I can’t kill her, not yet, but it’s not just because she’s strong. It’s because she’s still able to pull power from one of the projects. That’s why I’m hunting for the Mark II’s, because once I get them I can unlock the project and make it self destruct. What ever project was made after her, is slowly pulling small trickles of power through it to feed into her.”
That…couldn’t be true, Falling Shadows was locked down fully, it hadn’t ever been activated. Hell, it hadn’t even been turned on even once…I think. But if it was true, that would explain why Aquila was getting stronger, it couldn’t be just from her feeding off MY power. If that was true, then I had no choice, I had to find a way to destroy it. I sighed then looked back at Sapphire. “What does any of this have to do with me? Also, why would you even tell me this, you know that she can hear everything I can right?”
Her eyes had a hint of fear in them for a moment, before she hid the emotion again. “I didn’t, but it doesn’t matter. Once I destroy Falling Shadows, Aquila will have her power stopped and the backlash of power will make her powerless, for just long enough to be killed. That’s why I’m doing this Shadow, I’m doing it to stop YOU.”
“You mean to stop her, not me. She might live in my body but Aquila isn’t me. And as for the Mark II’s, good luck getting mine or the other. Because I’m not going down without a fight, and you might have fifty or so Steel Rangers with you even now, but my friends can still kill all of them before you have a chance to take me down,” I said, pointing a hoof up at the airship, where even from way down on the ground, Sapphire could see the massive plasma cannons pointing down at them all.
She growled a little. “I may not be able to take it now, but I will soon. You can’t always hide behind your friends Shadow.”
I interrupted her. “Listen Sapphire, before you killed The Elder, I thought of you as a friend. You saved my life when I first escaped my stable, when you could’ve just let me die and taken the Mark II for yourself, but you didn’t. That’s the mare I called a friend, even now, even after you killed a good pony like Appleslice. Yeah you think she wasn’t a trustworthy pony and I get that, she did some stupid things to get the Mark II you now have, but she just did what a leader has to do. Make hard choices. The mare you used to be is the only reason I came down here to talk, instead of killing you with those cannons. It’s also my repayment for the life debt I owe you.”
She sneered, making her normally pretty face go ugly. “You talk like you’re a fucking griffon.”
I smiled at that. “Maybe deep down I am, who knows, but I’d rather live by the code of the Griffons rather than the fucked-up ideals of The Steel Rangers.”
Another flash of anger emerged from her. “You have no idea what the true cause of The Steel Rangers is! As for Elder Appleslice, do you really want to know why she’s dead? Why I carved traitor into her flesh? I’ll tell you, it’s because she was the one who told Elder Wolfsbane to have her father killed, even worse she was the one who killed Elder Tap, my grandfather. She’s been working with Wolfsbane since he was still a Knight. She’s also the one who told him where to find your old stable, who told him you have the Mark II, and the one who hired griffons to go after that batpony friend of yours. So, you can thank me, because I’m the one who put a stop to her bullshit. I was the one who saved you and your friends from her madness.” She took a breath then continued. “When I did all of that, I still didn’t understand what you were or what was inside you. When I killed Appleslice, I did it to protect the filly I had faith in. Even after you destroyed a city, I still had faith in you. The great Courier, the one who came to save New Pegasus from the darkness. I did it for you…now I wish I would’ve just let you die, in that fucking raider camp.”
“Sometimes I wish you would’ve too, maybe then I wouldn’t have to deal with Aquila. But the past can’t be changed, I am what I am and nopony but me can change that,” I said, then something she said hit me. “What do you mean Appleslice was working for Wolfsbane?”
She ginned. “That’s right, those two were partners, that’s why your mother left the Steel Rangers years ago. She found out and made sure she got as far away from The Elder as she could. That’s why Appleslice let you into the bunker and why she did what she could to earn your trust. She wanted you to find the rest of your mother’s research so she could get it for Wolfsbane. She was using you from the beginning.”
“I don’t believe that. She was good, I know it,” I said, pulling on my magic again.
“She was a traitor, she was a liar, and even more, she was a pathetic excuse for a leader,” she said
“And you’re so much better? From what I can tell you’re worse!” I yelled.
“Why? Because I’m taking back the territory we used to hold before my grandfather died? Or because I’m defending my soldiers from the NLR, who shoot on site when they see a Steel Ranger? Tell me Shadow, what do you really know about the NLR or the other ponies who’ve taken over around New Pegasus since The Steel Rangers fell from power?” she asked, starting to walk around me. “You can’t, because as much as you want to preach about how noble and great you are, you don’t know New Pegasus like I do. When my grandfather ran things around here, this land was a lot nicer. Ponies weren’t scared of the raiders, or Fiends, they didn’t worry about making a trip through a place like Cartwheel or Appleton.”
“Shut…up!” I said as I shook with rage. “I know more about the ponies around here than you think. I wasn’t the one who hid in a bunker for years, it wasn’t my fault this area went to shit. No, that was The Steel Rangers, but you go around talking about The NLR or the other ponies who are trying to make a difference around here. They’re at least trying to do SOMETHING, like fighting the Romans.”
“Funny you bring up The Romans, because if you think the NLR are here to fight them, you’d be wrong,” Sapphire said with a laugh, still slowly walking a circle around me. “They’re trying to turn the Wasteland back into what it was when Luna was still alive. Their leader wants to make this into a new Equestria, forming it to fit with what they think Luna wanted. So, they go around taking land and territory from other ponies and set up their own laws and rules. The only reason they’re at war with the Romans is because they’re interfering with that dream. If it wasn’t for that Zebra who runs the Romans, The NLR would’ve taken over more than they already have.”
“At least they’re helping ponies!” I yelled. “They don’t go around killing innocent ponies like The Steel Rangers!”
She froze at that. “I haven’t hurt a single innocent pony in my life Shadow. I follow the old ways of The Steel Rangers. We’re here to protect the ponies of this land, even if it’s from themselves.”
“Like taking their tech? How does that help them?” I asked.
“We take it to keep them from hurting others or themselves. Most of the tech from the war was created because of The Ministry of War Time Technologies. Applejack was the one who created The Steel Rangers, she was the one who ran The M.W.T., and for her dream we do what we must,” Sapphire said.
“From what I’ve seen, a good amount of the tech in The Wasteland was made by Stable-Tec, not The MWT. Like the Mark II’s for example, they don’t belong to you or any of The Steel Rangers,” I said.
“Applebloom was Applejack’s younger sister, so anything she created is also ours. Even if you don’t see it that way, it’s still our job to protect the ponies of The Wasteland from themselves, and from ponies like Appleslice. So why don’t you get off your high horse and see things for how they are. Grow the fuck up,” she said, turning to face me.
“How’s this for growing up then, get the fuck out of this area, go back to your bunker, and never bother us again. If you don’t like that, then I’ll make it my life’s mission to destroy all of you,” I said.
Sapphire sighed, then said, “I really didn’t want to do this Shadow, but you leave me no choice. You’re becoming a pain in my ass and I’m done trying to keep you out of danger.” She looked back at her Rangers. “I’m sorry I’ve been keeping this from you all, but I saw Shadow as a friend that we could help and save. But sadly, I can’t anymore, she’s too far gone.”
“What are you doing?” I asked, as I did, I wondered where Aura or Solstice were. I thought they would’ve followed me down here.
“Shadow Star is from The Enclave, a runaway child of The High Council pony Nightshade, and Grim, the mare who betrayed us years ago. What do we do to those who are of The Enclave or traitors?” she asked.
All at once they responded. “We end them!”
I felt my leg’s go weak as a mare I once thought of as a friend, just sentenced me to execution. I pulled on what magic I’d been able to build back up over the past day, readying my expulsion spell. “I haven’t been in The Enclave for twelve years!”
She turned her head back toward me. “Once a cloud dweller, always a cloud dweller!”
Her Rangers started to ready their weapons, but I didn’t give them a chance to attack. I looked right into Sapphire’s eyes, saying, “It’s time for you to pay for what you’ve been doing,” And I cast my expulsion spell.
A look of shock came to Sapphires face as the magic blasted out of me, for only a second that is. Right as I fired the spell, I felt a small flutter in my horn followed by a strange laughing in my head as the spell failed…kind of. Instead of an intense blast of magic blasting into Sapphire, I shot a Rainbow into her face…a fucking…rainbow. A rainbow made of only light, nothing more than that. It was like I was a child using a flashlight to play a game with a friend. The killing joke had done something to me, a deadly joke. They took my only offensive spell and made it into a fucking cliché.
Sapphire started to laugh, saying, “Okay now that was a good one. What are you going to try next? Going to hug me to death? Pathetic unicorn, you can’t even get you’re spells to work. I might as well be eating birthday cake while you’re trying to kill me.”
I couldn’t let this get me down, I wasn’t going to die here because of a stupid plant. I used my magic to pull my plasma rifle off my back and I aimed it right at Sapphire. “If my light display won’t work, how about this baby?”
Her eyes went dead at the sight of the weapon. They went wider as I cranked the charge up to full. I smiled as I took aim and fired. She tried to dart for her armor, but she wasn’t going to be fast enough. But apparently one of her rangers was. A Power armored body jumped in front of the blast of green goo and took the blast right to his chest. He screamed as the plasma blasted into him throwing him back as his armor started to dissolve. I checked the charge on the small meter on the back of the rifle. That fully powered blast took almost half of the magical gem cartridge. I didn’t have a lot of ammo for this weapon right now, so I couldn’t use a full blast every time. I cursed and turned the charge down to fifty percent and started to fire. Right as the rest fo the rangers took aim at me.
I felt a small tug on my mind, the first time since I woke up that I’d felt Aquila’s presence. She didn’t say anything, but I could feel her trying to force me to cast a spell. She shoved the knowledge into my head, giving me no choice but to accept it. She was still powerful enough to take that much control, and for once, I didn’t mind. Because it was a barrier spell, I pulled on my magic again, hoping to The Goddesses that the killing joke hadn’t messed with all of my magic and cast it. I was just in time, bullet’s and magical energy slammed into the barrier. Each hit pulled at my mind, forcing more of my small amount of magic from me to keep the spell going. Small cracks started to form, but I didn’t need it to last long.
I dodged and rolled, letting the barrier fall as I entered S.A.T.S. and took aim again. One of The Steel Rangers went down as the still powerful rifle burned a hole through the small visor. He screamed for only a moment before he died. More shots came at me, so I teleported out of the way, knowing the tax on my magic would be a lot, but it was better than being shot. I appeared on the side of a small group of Rangers and opened fire. Two went down after two shots, a third tried to duck out of the way only to find my other surprise waiting for her.
Misery held in my magical grip, came stabbing up as she rolled, right into her visor. It sank down to the hilt, the last third of the blade sticking up out of the back of her helmet, blood dripping off it like rain. I ripped Misery out and swung it around, slicing off the head of another Ranger as my plasma rifle came around and dissolved a fleeing scribe. A shot rang out, but I already put the barrier spell back up as I turned toward more Rangers coming at me. I swapped The Plasma rifle out for my favorite gun. Dream Walker flowed out of the holster just under my duster and gleamed in the dim light coming down from The Bitter Cob far above.
Once again, I took aim, dropping the spell as I moved to one side and fired. The bark of Dream Walker was like music to my ears as the fifty caliber AP round ripped through the Rangers like they were wrapped in tinfoil. I dodged another Steel Ranger who tried to take my head off with a large canon like gun mounted on his back, then twisted around and fired Dream Walker. He went down as I reloaded, then switched back to Misery as another Ranger came at me. This one was faster than the rest of his companions I’d killed so far. He ducked under Misery, then brought a foreleg up and slammed it into my chest.
I flew back, almost losing hold on Misery and Dream Walker. I landed in the dirt, thanking Wingnut for making my barding so strong. There was a small dent in the metal chest plate, and I could tell I was gonna have a nasty bruise tomorrow, but I was alive, for now. I took in a few deep breaths then aimed with Dream Walker as the huge power-armored pony charged at me, a gatling gun starting to open fire.
I brought up the spell again just managing to hold off his attack as I took a few steps back, hoping he’d run out of bullets before I ran out of magic. Where the hell was Solstice or Aura, or the rest of the Bitter Cob for that matter? There’s no way they’d just let me take on this many Steel Rangers at once. Even worse where did Sapphire go? I got an answer to both questions a moment later. Sapphire was back in her power armor and aiming her rifle up at something in the distance. At the same moment I noticed that an explosion of plasma vaporized the Ranger trying to take me out with his cannons. I looked up just in time to see none other than Captain Gunny laughing his ass off while taking aim with that huge plasma cannon mounted on his ship.
Then another sound broke into the night, the battle cries of Griffons as they came out of the dark sky, Vi and Fletch leading them. Twenty Griffons behind them and two pegasi I knew all too well. Stardust and Wind Thrasher, my friends coming to help…but how did they know I was in trouble? Nevermind that, what mattered was that they were here, more Steel Rangers seemed to materialize out of nowhere, their large guns taking aim at the Griffons and my friends.
For a moment, I thought I’d have to watch as my friends, fall from the sky. Luckily I didn’t, as the Rangers opened fire, Vi gave off a command and they all scattered into groups of two and started going right for the Steel Rangers. Stardust Flew down toward me, a huge rifle taking aim at some Rangers that were heading my way. There was a boom that made the night sky echo as his rifle hurled a bullet though the Power Armor like it was sheets of paper. The sound of the rifle was familiar. Like Stardust had fixed Wrath’s AMR.
Wind Thrasher landed next to me and turned toward more Steel Rangers and screamed. Her voice was powerful, but the Power Armor protected the Rangers somewhat from her deadly voice. However, it did make them slow down and groan in pain, giving Aura enough of a window to land and open fire with a battle saddle. The rifles on the battle saddle weren’t too powerful, but it was enough for them to step back, right where Fletch was waiting with a pulse grenade. The flash of blue stopped them in their tracks, trapping them inside the dead armor.
I swapped Dream Walker out for the Plasma Rifle again yelling, “Try not to kill them all, we need to take down Sapphire, she’s the one leading this whole operation!”
Wind Thrasher nodded, taking off to join Stardust who was heading toward another group of rangers. Fletch gave me a salute then took off after them. Aura flew over to me, saying, “Clever idea keeping them distracted long enough for Solstice to get ahold of the Shadow Talons.”
“I…wasn’t really thinking about that, but at least it worked out in the end. How many are left? Also, have you seen Sapphire?” I asked.
“She’s fighting closer to the camp with a few of her higher ranked Paladins,” Aura said, pointing in her direction with a hoof.
I could just make out Solstice and the twins fighting ten power armored ponies. I looked back at Aura, saying, “Let’s go help them, we can’t stand here and talk forever.”
“I’ll do my best,” she said, and flew off.
I pulled on my magic again as I ran toward them. Right now would’ve been a great time to use my expulsion spell, but I think another rainbow show wouldn’t do me much good. So, I reached into my saddle bags and pulled out a spark grenade. I watched as Solstice dove down, blasting her energy weapons rapidly at a Ranger. Right as she landed, she swung around and bucked him in the chest. I could hear the crunch of something breaking as the stallion was launched back a couple meters. Pegasus power armor might not be as strong as Steel Ranger armor, but it still packed a powerful punch.
Aura got to the others before I did and started opening fire on two knights who came to help their Elder. I aimed for Sapphire, who’s armor was easy to make out compared to the rest. I pulled the pin on the spark grenade and yelled, “Time to finish this Sapphire!”
I threw the grenade with all of the force I could with the limited amount of magic I still had. It was right then that I saw the mistake I’d just made, by warning Sapphire. Her armor opened just in time as the spark grenade went off. The armor died, but it was most of the way open and Sapphire was able to back out of it.
“You’re gonna need to find a better trick than that if you wanna stop me Shadow!” she hissed.
It was then I saw that five others managed to escape their armor before the spark grenade went off. An older mare came to stand next to her elder, saying, “The Griffons are too prepared, we can’t fight them for much longer.”
“Yes, I know that Noodle Cup, let’s deal with Shadow first then be gone from this place,” Sapphire said, pulling a plasma rifle out of a holster on her back. I had no idea how she kept that on her when she was in her armor. She pointed it at me, saying around the bit, “I’m done with this game Shadow, surrender now or all of your friends will die, and so will you.”
I already had my rifle held in my magical grip as I said, “No chance Sapphire, you’re gonna pay for everything you did!”
To my shock, Noodle Cup spoke. “Sapphire didn’t kill Elder Appleslice, I did.”
I almost lost the grip I had on my rifle as I said, “What…but…”
“Quiet Noodle!” Sapphire ordered.
“No, I’m not going to keep hiding the truth so you can protect me Elder. This was my fault, and as I said, we can’t hold out forever. Get the rest out of here and get back to the bunker!” she said.
“I give the orders around here Noodle!” Sapphire said, but her face didn’t look angry, it looked scared. “Don’t…”
Noodle Cup, a plain looking mare with a milky tan coat and a dull orange mane shook her head, ignored the rifle I had pointed right at them and said to Sapphire, “If you fall, the quest to finish off that project dies with you. Get back to the bunker and lay low for now. I’ll get you the time you need.”
“I’m not letting any of you leave,” I said, ready to fire as soon as either of them tried to attack.
Noodle Cup looked at the other Rangers, saying, “Get our elder out of here and back to base, that’s an order!”
The other four nodded saying in unison, “Ad Victorium!”
Sapphire was pulled away, a look of anger and shock on her face. But she let the others lead her away as Noodle Cup stepped in the way of my shot, saying, “Courier, I understand your anger toward Sapphire for what you think she did. I’m here to fix that mistake. Like I said before, I was the one who killed our last Elder, and for good reason.”
I was stunned for a moment, watching as Sapphire started to struggle to get away, until one of her own Rangers knocked her out and put her on their back. Aura made a move to go after them, but as quick as a snake, Noodle Cup pulled out a simple looking pistol and fired at Aura. Missing her by a hair.
“I’m not letting any of you get away,” I said again.
“You’re here for revenge on a mare you cared for, that I know,” Noodle Cup said, planting her hooves as she holstered the pistol again. “Call off your friends and the Griffons and we can finish this here and now. If you’re fast enough to kill me, then you might be able to catch the rest of the Rangers who escaped. If not, then we will fight until none of us are left. We can’t win right now, but we can take a lot of you down before we take our last breath. So, what will it be? A one on one with me, or a chance at watching as those you care about die.”
“Shadow…” I heard Wind Thrasher say.
I turned toward her and said, “Don’t try to stop me, I can take her.”
Wind Thrasher walked closer and stared at Noodle Cup as she said, “I have a question for her first.” Then she focused her attention to Noodle Cup. “Who called for the attack on this NLR Camp? Whose idea was it to threaten Trotston?”
Noodle Cup looked back at Wind Thrasher, then answered, “Sapphire made the call, but the idea for both was mine. Why do you care anyway? The NLR Rangers here weren’t much of a loss, as for Trotston, they are hoarding tech that belongs to us. When we’re finished taking back that Mark II from the filly we know has it, we plan on taking down Trotston too. That city should have never been able to carry on the way it has.”
I felt a stabbing pain in my heart as Wind Thrasher said, “There was an older pony who was just transferred here named Sergeant Quick Draw. He was my friend, he helped me when most ponies wouldn’t.”
“And now he’s dead, none of the ponies here survived. Now step away before I kill you. I have business with The Courier,” Noodle Cup said, her eyes going back to mine. “As I was saying…”
I knew as soon as Wind Thrasher said something about Quick Draw dying and the way Noodle Cup brushed it off like it was no big deal, that she was dead. I liked Quick Draw when I met him, he helped me too and was the reason Wind Thrasher was here. His death was like hearing about Stable 28 all over again. Even worse, Noodle Cup threatened Trotston, Wind Thrasher’s home…in a way. The ponies who once were part of Stable 9 meant a great deal to her. If I didn’t kill Noodle Cup and the other Steel Rangers, I knew SHE would.
All of this went through my head in a second as Wind Thrasher interrupted Noodle Cup, saying, “Everyone, stand down. I’m taking this one myself, let the others run away like a bunch of cowards.”
Noodle Cup smiled then said, “I’m not here to fight a freak like you.”
“Wind Thrasher…calm down,” I said as everyone pulled back, letting the ten or so Rangers left alive run.
I could see her eyes turning red as she, hissed, “You lost the right to tell me what to do Shadow, when you lied to me. Now back off and let me deal with her!”
Stardust came over to stand next to me, saying, “Wind Thrasher please, you know you can’t do this. Doctor Gauze said you can’t let your anger get the best of you, not until he’s finished with the serum!”
Wind Thrasher flipped her head toward me and I saw her eyes flash gold for a moment as she let out a scream so high pitched that my ears couldn’t pick it up. The effect it had however was noticeable right away. Both my body and Stardust’s fell to the ground along with a few others who were within its range. I couldn’t do anything but watch as Wind Thrasher turned her glowing red eyes back toward Noodle Cup.
“You killed my friend, you threatened my old home, you Steel Rangers took something that belonged to Stable 9 which my mother gave her life to protect. You’ve been going around attacking ponies and taking what’s theirs all because you think you have the right to do so. Well, I’m here to tell you differently,” she said as she bore her fangs.
Noodle Cup to her credit didn’t even bat an eye as she said, “Who are you anyway? Why should you care so much about Stable 9 or Trotston? From the intel we have on you, you’re just a killing joke victim gone wrong.”
A low growl came out of Wind Thrasher as she said, “I am the daughter of the last overmare of Stable 9. My name is Wind Thrasher, and I’m not a mistake or a victim of a stupid plant. I’m a monster created for one purpose.”
Noodle Cup just rolled her eyes, “And what’s that?”
“Slaughter!” she said, and in a flash, Wind Thrasher attacked.
Before Noodle Cup could react, Wind Thrasher was sinking her fangs into the mare’s shoulder. However, she was able to keep her head and slam a hoof into Wind Thrasher’s face, knocking her off. Wind Thrasher flipped around and attacked again, an insane scream coming out of her muzzle. I saw Noodle Cup wince in pain as the powerful voice hit her, but she still managed to limp out of the way and pull her pistol from the holster.
“Stupid monster!” Noodle Cup said as she took aim with her pistol and fired three shots.
Wind Thrasher took the blows right to her chest and didn’t go down. They just bounced right off her scales, ricocheting to each side of her. Wind Thrasher then dodged a fourth shot and landed a solid blow against Noodle Cup’s face, throwing her back. She grinned, her bloody fangs gleaming as she said, “You’ll need something stronger that that to pierce my hide!”
“Those were AP rounds!” Noodle Cup said a hint of fear showing in her voice and on her face as she tried to fire again.
Wind Thrasher walked slowly toward her, saying, “My chest and stomach are covered in Dragon scales. No bullet can break them, most spells bounce off, and they can take a hit from most energy weapons.” Wind Thrasher got right in Noodle Cup’s face. “If you want me dead, you’re gonna need to go for a head shot.”
I could see the pistol in Noodle Cup’s muzzle shaking as her wide eyes took in the monstrous pony. Her whole body shivering from the fear pulsing through her. The pistol fell from her lips as she tried to say, “I…I…I…don’t….under…”
“You don’t understand? What don’t you understand?” Wind Thrasher taunted.
“How…can something…like you…exist?” Noodle Cup asked.
Wind Thrasher opened her muzzle, blood dripping from her fangs as she said, “Easy, through a lot of pain, knowledge, and science. I am the product of the technology and magic ponies like you created. I have to fight every moment of my pathetic life to keep myself from feeding on my friends, on the ponies I meet, on anything with a pulse. It’s like an itch I can’t scratch, a chill that I can’t warm, a river of pain I can’t dam up. I hate every moment of it! Yet at the same time…I LOVE IT!”
Stardust struggled to get back to his hooves, his muzzle pulling a strange looking gun out of a side holster. It was silver with an overly large barrel with only a small handle and trigger just large enough to be held in a pony’s muzzle. As he got up slowly, fighting the effects of Wind Thrasher’s strange new ability, he said, “Wind Thrasher, stop! Please!”
She opened her muzzle wider and started to move her head down toward Noodle Cup’s exposed throat. I did my best to fight the effects too, my body feeling like I was trying to trot though a marsh. “Wind Thrasher! Stop!”
She ignored us, her eyes glowing brighter as she brought her muzzle down. Right before her muzzle closed around Noodle Cup’s throat, a small silver dart sank into her flank, right in the middle of her cutie mark. Her head shot up and she whipped around to look at Stardust. For a moment she looked ready to kill him, then the red glow left her eyes, returning to their normal yellow hue. She smiled a little, saying, “Thanks…Stardu…” Then she fell to the ground.
As soon as she was down, the power holding me back seemed to break and I was able to move again. Stardust ran over to her, ignoring the scared looking Steel Ranger who still looked confused on what just happened. He pulled her into his forelegs and hugged her tight. “I thought I lost you for a second there. Don’t scare me like that again.”
I was too busy looking at Stardust holding Wind Thrasher like she was his. I’d never seen a reaction like that from my friend before. I was so fixated on them, that I didn’t see Noodle Cup get back to her hooves, pick up the pistol and say, “Thank you Pegasus, you made this a lot easier.”
Stardust looked back at her right as Noodle Cup pointed the pistol at Wind Thrasher’s head. She looked like she’d just won some kind of prize as she started to pull on the trigger. That was until Dream Walker sung and a hole appeared in her chest, just missing her heart. She looked up at me, shock on her face at the sight of me, smoke coming out of the barrel of Dream Walker. She once again dropped the pistol from her muzzle, her eyes locked onto mine. Then as if in slow motion Noodle Cup fell to her side.
Stardust watched Noodle Cup fall and said, “Shadow? You saved us.”
I walked over toward him, keeping my eyes on Noodle Cup who was still breathing. Her breaths were shallow and pained, but still there. As I passed by Wind Thrasher and Stardust, I said, “Get her away from here. I’ll finish this. It’s about time I helped you guys, instead of you helping me.”
“Shadow, she’s down. You don’t need to…” Stardust said.
I interrupted, “Get back Stardust…” Then I looked at the couple of Steel Rangers who hadn’t fled yet, and said, “I have a message for every Steel Ranger who tries to come into the New Pegasus territory.” I pointed Dream Walker at a still gasping Noodle Cup. “This will be the result of any of you who think you can pillage and take whatever you want from whoever you want all because it happens to be technology. I’m The Courier, and I will protect this land with not just my allies, but also my life.”
“Please…Shadow Star, you need to know the truth about everything…please….Sapphire…she’s…not,” Noodle Cup said between breaths.
I didn’t let her finish, I was sick of the bullshit, the lies, sick of everything. I fired a single shot between Noodle Cup’s eyes. Blood sprayed over my face, over my armor, my chest, onto my hooves, and my Mark II. It’s as if I’d written a declaration of war with the blood of my enemy.
I slowly reloaded Dream Walker then holstered it and pulled out Misery. Then I started to advance toward the two stallions that were left, still in their power armor. As I walked I held Misery out at my side within my magical grip. “I am Shadow Star The Courier of the Marejave. This is my territory now and Steel Rangers are no longer welcome. If I find any of your kind within my borders again, I’ll make sure that you all die. Trust me, with the help of the allies I’ve made, we can take you all on. I am a friend of the NLR, The Strip, Freedom, The Annihilators, and more. I’m the daughter of the leader of Stratus and Nimbus, my partner leads the Shadow Talons, Frosty Summit run by Alicorns are also allies of mine. So, don’t fuck with me or anypony that calls me friend ever again. Do you understand me!?”
For a full minute they just stared at me, then the one on my left started to laugh. He just kept on laughing almost bent over as if what I said was the funniest thing he’d ever heard. Then he said, “It’s so funny that you think you have the power to take on the Steel Rangers! You’re nothing but a stupid, weak, pathetic filly! Goddesses it’s even better that you think because you’re Enclave that we should fear you! Guess what Courier…FUCK…YOU!.........”
By the time he said the last two words, I was only a couple meters away. Those were the last words he said as Misery swung though the air. The enchanted blade once again didn’t disappoint me as the stallion’s head separated from his body. His helmet with his head still in it arced through the air and thumped on the ground next to his friend. A spray of blood followed the body before it slowly fell to the ground. His final words and laugh still echoing off the stone around us. The blood covered me as I turned my eyes toward the other one who’d taken a few steps back.
He started stuttering, “What…the hell are you?”
“I’m just your average everyday package courier,” I said, slowly walking toward him, the blood of his friend dripping off Misery. The glow of its edge emitted some light casting a dark silhouette over my face. I came face to face with his visor and gave my best Aquila grin. “Run away and tell Sapphire, she’s next.”
I didn’t have to say anything else, the stallion turned tail and ran. Following the trail left behind by Sapphire and the rest of her Rangers who got away before. Once he was gone I turned back toward The Shadow Talons, my friends, and The Bitter Cob which was already landing. All of them were looking at me like I was Aquila. Like I wasn’t the friend they thought they lost last week. They were right to think that too, because I knew deep down that I wasn’t the same pony I was before. I fell into that dark place deep in my own mind. I could even go after them all, maybe even kill Sapphire. But I knew I couldn’t, not right now. They’d stay away for now, they might try and get help from other Steel Rangers, but luckily for me, that wouldn’t be a problem for a while. The only other Rangers around here are in Los Alicorn and Sapphire didn’t trust them. San Flankcisco was too far away and any others would spend weeks of travel before getting here. Sapphire was alone for the time being.
“Shadow, are you okay?” Stardust asked as I walked past Noodle Cup’s bloody remains.
He’d gotten Wind Thrasher a little-ways from where I’d killed Noodle Cup. I only had him move her just in case Dream Walker decided to use its little trick and blow up the last bullet. I just wanted my friend to be safe. From what I saw, she wasn’t getting any better with her fight against the blood lust. Right now, it was a race to who would lose themselves first. Wind Thrasher to the blood lust, or me to Aquila. So, I took in a deep breath and did my best to put on a calm face.
“I’ll be fine Stardust, I had to make sure they didn’t come back. How’s Wind Thrasher? Is she gonna be okay?” I asked as I trotted over to them.
He looked down at her, looking worried. “She has good days and bad. Dr. Gauze is close to what she needs, but he needs a few more days. She’s holding out the best that she can, but she’s slowly losing herself.”
I reached out to hug him, then stopped at the sight of my bloody hoof and pulled it back. “We’ll help her, don’t worry Stardust.”
I saw something strange in his eyes as he looked down at her. He sniffed, then said quietly, “I can’t lose anypony else I care about.”
“I know, and we’ll get her the help she needs. Come on let’s get you both out of here,” I said, then looked at the Shadow Talons, Aura, Solstice and Captain Gunny, and his crew. “I think it’s time we said goodbye Gunny…thank you for getting me home.”
Sun Spot came closer, saying, “Shadow, we promised to get you all the way to New Pegasus. We haven’t done that yet, you’re still not even in Freedom yet. We have to complete our job and we can’t do that yet, not until you’re at least in Freedom.”
“Sunny be rightin’ and all Shadow…ye be still under contract with The Bitter Cob till Gunny be gettin’ ya home,” Gunny said with a wicked smile.
“I’m close enough, it’ll only take us a couple hours on hoof Gunny,” I said.
Vi cleared her throat. “Shadow, you’ve been gone for a while now. There’s more than The Steel Rangers to worry about right now. Ponies think you’re dead, the roads aren’t safe right now for you. Night’s even worse, I’ll send The Shadow Talons to escort you to the base, then you can send your ship friends off,” she said, then she looked around. “By the way, where’s Aura?”
“I’m…right here Sis,” Aura said, giving a half-hearted smile as Vi and Fletch both looked at her confused.
“Um…yeah that’s funny whoever you are, but my sister is a griffon,” Fletch said.
“Shut up Fletch, before I crack your beak…again,” Aura said, rolling her eyes.
Vi on the other hoof looked shocked. “That can’t be you. What happened?”
Elliot answered, “Killing Joke, when we were in the Everfree. We can fill you in on the way back to Freedom.”
Aura stood as tall as her pony body would allow then looked at The Shadow Talons. “Pony or griffon, I’m still the leader of this talon company and right now we’re exposed, and some of us are injured. I want half of you to go scout the area and make sure The Unchained Talons aren’t around or The Romans. The rest of you will keep The Bitter Cob protected as we make our way to Freedom.”
They all looked at her for a long moment, as if they couldn’t understand what this pony was saying or doing. Then Vi stomped her talon on the ground, yelling, “You heard our leader…MOVE OUT!”
They were in the air in seconds. Half of them flew off in all directions the rest made a large circle over where The Bitter Cob would be when it took off again. Once that was done, Stardust put Wind Thrasher on his back and carried her onto the ship. Fletch, Vi, Aura, and the crew followed. I hadn’t moved yet.
Solstice came over to me and gently put a hoof on my shoulder. “Hey, let’s get you onto the ship and get you cleaned up.”
I just kept looking down at my bloody hooves, at the gore around me, the dead Rangers, what was left of Noodle Cup, and sighed. “Is this all my life’s going to be from now on? Death, destruction, anger, and pain?”
Ignoring my blood covered body, Solstice hugged me, saying quietly, “Only if you let yourself keep thinking like that. Now, stop worrying about what you did in the past and start looking forward. If you want a better future you need to start changing things. There will be more death, more pain, and more anger in the future, but sooner or later things will look better.”
“I’m not sure anymore, but I’ll try,” I said.
“Good, now come on, let’s go home,” Solstice said, and with that said I let her lead me up onto the ship.
As The Bitter Cob took off and headed toward Freedom, Aura started to tell her sisters about what happened while we were back east. Solstice took me to the cabin and slowly peeled off my bloody clothes. Sun Spot brought in some slightly dirty water and a rag, then took my barding to clean them on the deck as Solstice started to clean me off. She was gentle as she used the rag to get the blood off my face, my neck, my hooves, and even my horn. As she worked she started to hum a little tune to herself, letting me just process everything that happened in the past hour…in the past week…more.
As she hummed, I realized I knew the tune she was humming, the same song mom told me about from The Crystal Empire. The words came back to me and as she worked. I started to recite the rhyme as I heard mom do while we were in San Palomino Gorge.
‘My love, my love’
‘Remember the cries’
‘When winter died for spring skies’
‘They roared and roared’
‘But we grabbed our seed’
‘And sowed a song, against their greed’
Solstice noticed what I was doing and looked into my eyes and gave me a small smile, then matched her humming to the words as I continued.
‘And down in the vale’
‘Hear the reaper pony swing, the reaper pony swing’
‘Down in the vale, hear the reaper pony sing, a tale of winter done.’
‘My foal, my filly’
‘Remember our chains’
‘When King Sombra ruled with iron reins.’
‘We roared and roared, and twisted and screamed’
‘For ours, a vale of better dreams.”
I stopped there, not knowing the whole rhyme or song or whatever it was, but to my surprise, Solstice took over,
‘My Colt, my Foal’
‘Remember our Chains’
‘When Enclave ruled with Iron Reins’
‘We Roared and Roared’
‘And Twisted and Screamed’
‘For ours, a Vale of Bitter Dreams’
‘And Down in the vale’
‘Hear the Reaper pony Swing, The Reaper Pony Swing’
‘The Reaper Pony Swing, Down in the Vale’
‘Hear the Reaper Pony Sing’
‘A Tale of Winter Done’
She stopped with a little smile, looking a bit embarrassed. “I didn’t know you knew that rhyme.”
“My…mom told it to me when we were stuck down in the gorge. I really don’t understand it at all. She said it was outlawed by The Enclave years ago,” I said.
“Yeah, but do you know why?” she asked.
I shook my head. “No, she didn’t tell me.”
“It’s because fifty years ago, The Crystal Empire rebelled against The Enclave. The Crystal Empire wanted to be a free nation again, they wanted a better world for unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasi. That was the song they would sing when they would gather. It’s all about the oppression The Crystal Empire has seen over the years, between King Sombra and The Enclave. When the Rebels lost, the song was outlawed, but now and then you catch a few ponies still saying it when they think no Enclave ponies are around,” she said, continuing to clean me off.
“How do you know it then?” I asked.
She shrugged, “I don’t know the whole thing. There are three verses before where you started. I’ve only heard parts of it and only because my mom taught it to me.”
“How did she know it?” I asked.
“My grandmother was a spy for the Rebels during those times. She worked close with the rebel leader. Her name was Fallen Star, your grandmother I believe,” Solstice said with a small smile. “I guess our families were always meant to keep finding each other huh.”
“I’m surprised you’re here then if your grandmother was part of the rebels,” I said.
“She wouldn’t have been if she hadn’t covered her tracks when the rebellion started to fall. In the end…she betrayed them to keep her family safe. At least that’s what my mom says. Fallen Star was almost executed too, but thanks to my Grandmother, she was given a deal to save her skin,” Solstice said.
“What deal was that?” I asked.
“I don’t know, my mom knows more than me. All I DO know is that it had something to do with turning in some rebels or something like that,” she said as she finished with my horn then threw the filthy rag into the bucket of red and brown water.
“I wonder if that’s why my grandmother looked so wretched in those memories of my mom’s,” I said. “She looked like a pony who’d lost everything.”
“Yeah, probably, but you shouldn’t care too much about what Fallen Star did during that time. Last I heard she was an angry old mare living in a hut. Some ponies even say she’s mad,” Solstice said. “Now come on, lay down for a bit until we’re ready to land okay.”
I just nodded and let Solstice lay me down. She then gave me the pill to help my magic then put the vile of sleep potion down next to me. I looked at it, confused at why she’d put it there. “We’ll be home soon, why do you want me to sleep?”
She just smiled and said, “Because you need it. Don’t worry, when we wake up, you’ll be in a bed in the Shadow Talon’s base. Aura will wake you. Only drink a quarter of the potion, you only need a couple of hours.”
For a moment I didn’t want to sleep, but I knew she was right and I trusted her. So, I took a sip then gave the rest of the potion back to her, “Thank you.”
“No problem Shadow, now rest up and I’ll see you in a bit,” she said, walking out of the room.
***
I woke to find myself in a large slightly moldy smelling bed in a dark room. At first, I wasn’t sure what woke me, I felt around in the bed I was in, but felt no pony. Then I heard voices coming from just outside my door. The one who was speaking sounded like Aura’s, even with the change it took being a pony, I knew it was her.
“Like I said, I don’t understand why we need to rush this Grim. She’s been through hell and back in the past week. She needs time to rest, she needs to get her strength back. You said yourself that when you checked her, Aquila felt weak inside,” she said, sounding upset.
Then I heard mom. “I agree that she does need to rest and Aquila is in fact weak inside of her, but still, we have no idea if it’s a ruse or not. Aquila is old and crafty. She could be trying to make us think she’s weak until we let our guard down. Also, the plan’s ready and set, we can’t wait too much longer. If we do, everything will be ruined.”
“I still don’t understand why you’re trusting her still. She says she believes Shadow now, but she could be just tricking us,” I heard Stardust say.
“You don’t have much of a choice anymore Stardust,” Mom said. “I’m the only pony left that can do anything to help her. That’s what you both told me after Shadow was taken over. I’m on your side now, you need to trust me, please.”
I heard Aura sigh, “I have no choice but to trust you, I just don’t like this plan of yours. Why can’t we do this here? Why do you need her to go all the way to Los Alicorn?”
“She needs to go to the lab in The Ministry, it’s the only way I can do this. My friend there can help make sure the spell goes right, she’s the only one who knows how my magic works and understands Zebra spells as much as I do,” Mom said.
“Let’s continue this conversation in the council room, I don’t want to wake Shadow,” Aura said.
“Good idea,” Stardust replied with a sigh. “I’ll meet you down there. I’m gonna check on Wind Thrasher first.”
“Okay, but don’t take too long. Sun Spot and her crew will be leaving soon and we’ll have company soon. We need to get this plan ready before Shadow gets up,” Aura said.
“Guess some things never change, do they Star?” a voice in the darkness said behind me, almost making me jump until I realized it was my uncle’s.
I turned to see his purple eyes glowing a little in the darkness. I smiled a little, saying quietly, “Hey Uncle Ori, it’s so good to see you again.”
He came closer and his shadowy form changed into the golden pony I was used too. He sat next to the bed and leaned down to hug me. “I’m so happy you made it back here safe and sound.”
“Safe maybe, sound not so much,” I said as I returned his embrace.
“You’re here and alive, you know who you are, and your power is mostly intact. I couldn’t ask for more after what I saw you going though in that cage,” he said, still holding me close. I could feel a slight warmth coming off of him. It was odd because normally Oricalcos gave off a cold aura, a side effect of his shadow magic.
“You feel…different Uncle Ori,” I said, once he finally pulled away.
He smiled a little. “Ever since I was forced out of your mind by Aquila, I’ve felt different. It’s like a bit of my old self is trying to make its way through the darkness around my soul. Though my shadow magic has been a little weaker because of it.”
I smiled at that. “That’s not a bad thing, maybe that spark of light inside you is getting brighter. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be able to get your old body back.”
“Let’s not get our hopes up, but your mother thinks it’s possible. She’s been doing a lot better ever since she watched those orbs you gave her. I think she’s finally starting to believe us about the memory problems and what she thinks is real,” he said.
“I’m glad to hear that,” I said, then looked down at the blanket covering me. “Has she remembered anything yet?”
He shook his head, “No, and she does have moments where she starts getting angry and reverting back to her old self. The Cloak part of her I mean, but she’s trying her best. She’ll be happy to see you up though, she’s been wanting to talk to you ever since she left that last memory. Aura also showed her other memories you had in your saddle bags while you were gone from what I was told.”
“At least she’s not trying to kill me anymore,” I said, then looked back at him. “Oh yeah, what about The Sins? Have we heard anything about them yet?”
“Not much, Thundercracker came back yesterday and told us he last spotted them heading toward a settlement near Los Alicorn, but he lost track of them,” Oricalcos said.
“Figures, well at least he’s okay,” I said.
“He almost died twice because of that new Wrath. That stallion is sneaky and a good shot,” he said with a sigh. “Wish I found him years ago.”
I just rolled my eyes. “Please don’t bring your old team up.”
“Sorry, sorry, I know, but hell he’s a good sniper. Even if I wasn’t what I am now and still helped the military in Nimbus, I’d still want him. Wish I knew who he was, it’d help me understand why he’s such a good shot,” he said with a chuckle. “Anyway, do you think you’re up for going downstairs?”
“Yeah, my body is a little tired and sore, but I can manage it,” I said, slowly getting out of the bed. “Hey, why do we have to go to Los Alicorn?”
He laughed. “I knew you were listening to them. Well, whatever your mother has planned to get Aquila out…it needs to be done there. I can’t say more though.”
“Yeah, I know, miss bitch in my head will try and stop it,” I said, rolling my eyes again. “I’ll just have to trust her.”
“Not an easy thing to do I’m sure,” he said as he followed me to the door.
“I had to trust her not to kill me when we were stuck in the gorge. This isn’t much different,” I said.
“I guess you’re right,” Oricalcos replied as he pushed the door open and started to lead me down a dim hallway.
“So, what’s been going on with Wind Thrasher? She kinda lost it when we fought The Steel Rangers.”
“She’s having a harder and harder time keeping the blood lust away,” he said as he walked down the hall.
“I thought Dr. Gauze would’ve found how to fix her by now,” I said.
“He thinks he knows what to do. He’s found what the problem is and why it’s getting harder for her to control, but still hasn’t yet been able to synthesize a cure. Though he says he’s close,” Oricalcos said as we reached a large set of stairs.
“What’s causing her to act like this?” I asked.
My uncle used to be a scientist and I could tell now as his eyes lit up as he started to explain. “Well, Wind Thrasher’s DNA is mixed with two very powerful creatures. Both of them have strong instincts to feed and both are hard to control. When she was still in Stable 9, she was given a shot every month by Dr. Cell to keep those urges back. It was a temporary suppressant, keeping her DNA bonded properly and keeping her pony mind in control of the temptations. If he hadn’t done this, even the collar he had on her would’ve failed. From what she said, he never found a way to fix the problem for good. Either because he didn’t want to, or because he didn’t have what he needed in The Stable. It’s been weeks since she got her last shot and even she doesn’t know what was in it to keep her mind from going feral. So, her body is slowly turning into the monster she fears. When she’s angry or very hungry or even upset. It gets harder for her to control herself.”
“So, she needs this suppressant to be her normal self. One that sticks for the rest of her life, right?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yeah, I just hope that during this time we’re awaiting a cure, her DNA doesn’t get too unstable. If the ionic bonds holding the three types together gets unstable, she could literally just melt into a puddle or pile of some sort.”
“Dr. Gauze hasn’t found a way to make that happen yet?” I asked.
We’d just reached the bottom of the stairs, they led into a large reception hall, large glass doors and windows showing us a dark night in The Wasteland and the lights of Freedom and the Strip not far off. Standing there, looking up at me, was a tired looking Wind Thrasher. I stopped at the bottom of the steps as she glared at me with her slightly glowing yellow eyes.
For a moment I thought she was going to yell at me, or maybe kill me like she had in that other world. But after a moment she just blinked and smiled a little. Then she said, “Dr. Gauze did find one way to fix me for good, but I told him no.”
That caught me off guard, both her answer and the fact that she wasn’t trying to bite my head off. “Why would you do that?”
I noticed then that Stardust was standing next to the desk a few feet back watching us with just as tired of eyes as Wind Thrasher. Then my gaze was pulled back to her as she said, “Because the cure he found first would most likely destroy my ability to reproduce.” she blushed a little and I noticed her gaze move toward Stardust. “I won’t let that happen unless it’s the only way.”
I tilted my head to one side, “Wait, you can have foals? Even at your age? Also, do you lay eggs because of the dragon part of you?”
I knew I said something extremely stupid when her eyes flickered red then back to yellow. She growled a little, then said through gritted teeth, “How old do you think I am Shadow?”
I tried to do some math in my head, then realized I really had no idea. All she ever told me about herself before she was a bat pony was that she was young when she was hurt. So, I lowered my ears as I said, “Um…thirty-three…or two…I dunno.”
Stardust to my surprise answered, saying, “If you’d taken the time to ask her more about herself, you’d know that she was barley eight when she was turned into what she is now. Do the math and you’ll get it.”
I facehoofed. “Sorry, I didn’t even think about asking you about your age or anything like that Wind Thrasher. Still, it’s not like I know much about foals and how old you can be before you can’t have them anymore.”
My uncle laughed a little. “Didn’t they have a health class in your Stable?”
“If you mean the one where they put a condom over a vegetable, then yes. Then I decided that the teacher was creepy, and old, and smelled like mothballs. So, I took a nap in the back of the room,” I said with a huff. “It’s not like they had any good stuff to look at anyway.”
Wind Thrasher started to laugh. “That explains so much.”
“What? You had to be too young to get that class before Stable 9 was sealed. What do you know about it?” I asked.
“I read every single book I could get my hooves on in that stable at least six times. I didn’t need the class,” she said with a laugh then finally she came over to me and pulled me into a tight hug. For a moment I thought she’d forgiven me for what I did, the lies I told and everything. Then her muzzle came close to my ears as she said, “If you ever lie to me like that again or try to kill yourself, or keep any secrets like you did. I will make you hurt in more ways than one. You have no idea how painful it was for me or the rest of us when we heard that shot go off. We are a family and we stick together; do you understand me Shadow?”
I did my best to hold back tears as I said, “Yeah, I understand.”
“Good,” she said then pulled away giving me a smile. “Anyway, back to what I was saying. Yes, I can have foals even at my AGE, and with the body I’m in now. Dr. Cell wanted to make sure that I could breed one day. He wanted to keep some of the others alive in the stable so he could test that out, but his plan didn’t work. Also, no, I don’t lay eggs. Do I look like a bird to you? I’m only asking because you seem to think I look like an old lady.”
“You mean, he would have forced you to do that? That’s disgusting! Oh, and about the OLD thing. How many times do I have to apologize?” I said.
“Tell me about it, I was lucky he didn’t try anything with me the whole time we were stuck in that stable,” she said with a shiver, ignoring my question. “I don’t think I could’ve recovered from that.”
“Yeah I agree, good thing he’s dead huh,” I said.
“Yeah, a very good thing,” Wind Thrasher said, then looked over at my uncle. “Grim said she needs you to get things ready. We’ll be leaving in a couple hours.”
“So soon?” Oricalcos asked.
She nodded. “Yeah, Grim says she’s ready and we can’t waste any more time.” Then she looked at Stardust. “Can you make sure everythings ready with the Skycarriage?”
He yawned then nodded. “Yeah, I guess. Are you gonna be okay while I’m gone?”
Wind Thrasher nodded. “I will be, I took more of that potion Dr. Gauze gave me and I’m feeling a lot better.”
“Okay,” he said, then came over to me and pulled me into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re alive Shadow, you have no idea how hard it’s been without you.”
I hugged him back feeling a couple tears fall from my eyes, “I missed you too Stardust, I’m happy to be back. Also, you could really use a shower.”
He pulled away and smiled down at me, “Y’know, so could you. You smell like stagnant water and a musty rag. Anyway, we’ll talk tonight once we head out, I wanna know everything that happened okay?”
I nodded. “No problem,” I said, trying not to say anything upsetting.
With that he flew down another hallway that led deeper into the building. Once he was gone, my uncle said, “I’ll go get things set up too, I’ll see you in a couple hours Star.”
“Okay Uncle Ori,” I said as he shifted into shadows.
Now it was just me and Wind Thrasher. She gave me her creepy smile, showing all her fangs as she said, “Let’s go see if Grim’s ready for you.”
“Lead the way,” I said as I started to follow her down the farthest hallway from the reception desk. As we walked I started seeing griffons going from room to room, some passing us in the halls, others teaching younger griffons in what looked like a makeshift classroom. Every single one wore an armband or bandana with a symbol I hadn’t seen before. But I knew what it was as soon as I saw it. The new mark of the Shadow Talons. While I was away, either Aura, her sisters, or one of the other griffons must’ve designed it.
I didn’t know if I should feel honored or horrified at the mark. Because it was my cutie mark…mostly. My purple and black eight-pointed star was in the middle of extended bright red and black griffon wings. On the star itself where the two crossed skeleton keys would be, there was instead two curved swords in its place. One was black, the other white. Joy and Misery, crossed over my star of power, encircled by Wings like Auras. It was a symbol that said her and I were one, one family, and nothing could change that. The fabric the new symbol was on was an icy blue mixed with red, just like our eyes.
I decided that I’d take it as an honor that these griffons wore it with pride, as much as they had with that of The Red Talons. Just like her distant grandmother before her. Aura had created something wonderful, something good, something powerful. The Shadow Talons would live on in history as one of the best talon companies to ever exist in The Wasteland.
After a few minutes of passing by griffons, we reached our destination. The large double doors opened to a massive conference room, with an old oak table in the middle, reminding me a lot of the room where my father met with the former high council ponies in Whinnieapolis. More windows looked out toward The Strip and Freedom. The walls had an old weathered look to them, but apart from that, it was a nice place. On the furthest wall back, an old company name had been carved beautifully into the wood. It said, ‘F&F Tools’ and under that in smaller letters it said ‘Corporate Headquarters’. So that’s what this place was, Flapjack and Falafel’s company headquarters. I thought the place I first met Watts would’ve been the place, but I guess I was wrong. Maybe Falafel just liked to use the older building to get away from the stress of a building like this one, or to have his free time with Lilly.
Sitting at the table just under the ‘F&F Tool’s’ Emblem sat my mother. To her right Aura was there, still stuck as a pony, but in a deep conversation with her. To my mother’s left, none other than Violet sat there, her large body making the seat look small. On each side of Violet and Aura I saw Vi and Syn. They all looked up as soon as the doors opened. Aura beamed at me as soon as she saw me, “Good to see you’re up, I was just filling them in on everything that happened.”
“Yes, I’m quite surprised that you two survived your encounter with killing joke,” Mom said. “It’s good to have you back here Shadow.”
Vi looked tired as she said, “It took Aura an hour to explain that she was our sister. I’m still finding it hard to believe.”
I walked in, Wind Thrasher following me. “She wasn’t the only one to get affected by the killing joke.”
Mom looked worried as she asked, “What happened to you? I know Solstice is fine and all, but Aura didn’t say anything about you.”
I sighed. “I’ll show you.” I faced toward the windows, pulled on my magic and blasted it right at the window. Just like when I fought Sapphire, it came out as a rainbow blast of light…that didn’t do anything but look pretty. “I can’t use my most powerful spell.”
I thought I’d get looks of worry, or at least a sympathetic word to two. Nope, Vi started laughing along with Aura, Syn looked away trying to hide her own amusement, Violet gave a small smile, and Wind Thrasher was howling with utter glee behind me. Mom was the only one who didn’t look amused. In fact, she looked worried. “You may all think this is funny, but I assure you it’s not. killing joke is a deadly plant for a reason. Shadow only knows three spells from what I’ve learned and that is her only offensive one. She might need it in the future.”
Aura was laughing so hard she fell out of her seat, Violet just smiled wider as she said, “I agree with you Grim, but it is a little funny. I’m sure the joke will wear off after a while.”
“Maybe, but if it doesn’t by the time we get to Los Alicorn, it could throw off our plans,” Mom said.
“Wait, what do you mean wear off? I thought killing joke magic lasted forever?” I asked.
Mom just sighed. “It does in most cases or it just kills you, but every now and then the spell they put on you can go away. Most of the time it happens when the joke isn’t funny anymore or deadly. Yours is funny, even I can admit that, but it’s not deadly to you. I’ve seen you fight, hell I’ve fought you, and you don’t need that one spell as much as that plant might’ve thought. Try using it to blind an enemy or something like that and I’m sure the spell will go away. The joke not being funny anymore, you see?”
“I guess I do, but what about Aura?” I asked.
Aura gave me a wink. “What? Don’t you like me like this?”
“I love you how I met you, I mean yes if you were stuck like that, I’d be okay with it because it’s still you. It’s just that, you deserve to be what you were born as. That’s what you are, it’s who you are, and I’m sure you can’t run The Shadow Talons as a pony,” I said.
Aura sighed. “That’s true, but there isn’t much I can do about it yet.”
“That is right,” Violet said. “But I have heard rumors that some ponies are looking into a cure. Laser Light and Yaksha are looking into it. They left a couple hours ago. If anyone can figure it out, it’s those two.”
“Wait, Yaksha is with Laser Light now? So, I take it they found each other again huh? What about Striker?” I asked.
Mom’s face went dark as she said, “He’s gone, he ran off once he heard Aquila was free. He’s back on the path to kill you again, even after I’ve sent him word that you’re back to your old self and that I had a plan to help you.”
“Let me guess, he doesn’t trust you?” I asked.
She nodded. “He hasn’t trusted me for years now I guess. I don’t know what happened when we last met, that memory wasn’t with the orbs you gave me, but he hates me as much as he hates The Enclave.”
“I think that’s all Striker has left in him, hate, he’s lost everything in his life because of it,” I said with a sigh.
“That he has,” Mom said, she looked a little sad as she said this. “And most of it is because of me.”
I looked at her in shock. “What he did wasn’t your fault mom.”
She gave me a small smile. Everyone was quiet, letting us talk, something I hadn’t been able to do with her for eight years. She took a moment, as if she was deep in thought then finally said, “When I first met Striker all those years ago, I only started dating him because I was already looking into old projects from the war. I wanted to find them, to see if any of them could be used to help The Crystal Empire free itself from The Enclave. You see Shadow, I’ve never been loyal to them, even when I went back to them and became Cloak. I spent most of my adult life, trying to destroy them and free my home…our home I guess, from their power.”
“You wanted to start another rebellion?” I heard Syn say.
“You know about the last one?” Mom asked.
“Yeah, heard about it from Tonto when I was little. He said a few of the rebels managed to escape and he met them when he was younger,” Syn replied.
Mom smiled a little. “Well yes, I did, and still do what to start a rebellion.” She turned her focus back to me. “You see, my mother was one of the leaders of the last one fifty years ago. She lost against The Enclave, but she did tell us stories about it when I was little. Whenever my father wasn’t around that is.”
“I thought your parents were monsters,” I said with a frown.
“My father was yes, he was an evil pony with too much rage and a drinking problem, among other things. My mother wasn’t much better, but she had her good days. I can’t say that I ever liked my mother, but I still loved her, still do. Anyway, I’m getting off topic. She was part of the reason I wanted to start my own. I knew that she was right to try and free us from The Enclave so I started looking into what I could do to give The Crystal Empire a boost in power. So that’s why I started seeing Striker,” Mom said, looking sad. “I didn’t intend to fall in love with him, I only wanted to use him to find what I knew his family had to be hiding.”
“So, you’ve been looking for Falling Shadows since before I was born?” I asked.
She shook her head. “No, not at all, I didn’t even know about it…apart from a few things mentioned about the project I found in my grandmother’s notes in The Forgotten Library. I was looking for other projects that Striker’s Family helped develop during the war. I found things about The Children of the Night because of my research. Later I started asking Striker about them and getting intel every time. Then I found intel on Solar Flare, and I went looking for it.”
“Wait…what?” I asked, shocked at that.
She smiled again. “Yes, the same weapon you used to destroy Appleton, is the one I was trying to find. I looked for a year, trying to find the range finder, the object I knew I needed to make it work. Sadly, during that time, I fell for Striker and my search started to slow. I started to see what it was like to be a pony in the upper echelon of The Enclave. My thoughts of starting a rebellion almost died there and then. Then Striker left me, he broke my heart and I think he figured out some time later after I started seeing Nightshade, that I was using him. That’s why he hates me I think, though he thinks it was because I was looking for Falling Shadows.”
“I saw in one of your memories that you hid the range finder. It wasn’t long after you met with Elder Wolfsbane,” I said.
“Yeah, that’s because I found it sometime later while I was trying to heal you.” She paused for a moment then shook her head, “Sorry, I’m still finding it hard to keep it in mind that you’re who you say you are. Every now and then my mind seems to go blank and the memories I’ve picked up about you as of late keep trying to pull away from me.”
I looked over at Aura. “Did you show her those notes Sheena gave us?”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that, I’ve been busy ever since we got back,” she said, pulling the notebook Sheena gave us out of her new looking set of saddle bags. Huh, I wonder where she got those at? She then gave them to my mom. “Empress Sheena started looking into your memory problem while Shadow was stuck in a Memory Crystal. I told her about what Squirrel and Moose discovered about that rock, and she agrees with them that it might not have been the thing that messed with your head.”
She took the notebook and started flipping though it with her magic. We all waited while she read through the notes, her face looking more and more concerned. After a little while, she finally looked up, saying, “It makes a lot of sense, I’ve known…for some time now that my use of Zebra spells mixed with my own magic was doing something to my body.”
She indicated her grey mane with one silver streak still in it. As she talked I remembered another thing I heard Aquila say to her in one of her memory orbs. “Aquila told you in the stable that your body was weak, or dying, or something like that because of the magic you used.”
She furrowed her brow. “I have no memories left of the stable apart from that one you made me remember somehow. But I can’t disagree with the statement that monster said,” she said. “In the past memories that I’m sure are true and not the ones my mind tried to replace, I could tell that my body was aging faster than it should, or parts of my body were having problems. The first sign of this I believe was my problems having a foal. Later, my mane turning grey after using more powerful spells. Then, there were times where I felt like an old pony and couldn’t get myself out of bed. I never thought that it was messing with my memories.”
“Do you remember what happened on the day you fought Hex?” I asked.
“Not a lot, but I do remember something going wrong with a spell. It was right as he pulled out that stone. Something…snapped inside of me…I can’t say what it was, but I felt it in my mind. Something exploded and the rest is just…gone. After I woke some time later, I couldn’t remember most of what happened to me over the past ten years. I had bits and pieces of it, but not everything,” she said.
“Is that when you started thinking I was dead and you saw me die?” I asked.
“No, for a couple days I didn’t even know what year it was. Not until I found Oricalcos again. He told me the lies I told him I guess, and my mind filled in the rest,” she said looking sad. “Looking back at how I acted, I turned into quite a horrible pony.”
“It’s not your fault, you didn’t know,” I said.
“I may not have known, but from what I’m reading now, I can see that it’s quite possible that the memory loss was my own fault. My quest to become more powerful is the reason my body and mind are failing. I saw the signs years ago, but I didn’t do anything about it. I just kept on going, ignoring what I was doing to myself, ignoring the evidence I had in front of me about you and more,” she said.
“The important thing is, you’re here now, helping us,” I heard a voice say from the doorway.
Turning around I saw Vervain standing there, with a newer suit of power armor, the helmet off. She looked a little older since the last time I saw her. Which I realized was only a couple weeks ago. A little Grey was starting to show in her mane and her eyes looked tired, a few more lines showing around her muzzle and neck. But she still gave me a bright smile as our eyes met and I ran over to her hugging her tight, ignoring the metal shell she was in.
“I’m so glad to see you Auntie Vervain,” I said.
“So am I sweetie,” she replied, looking up toward my mother. “Grim, our guests need to get going soon, before Enclave patrol or somepony else notices their ship. Their weird captain wanted to say goodbye to Shadow before they left. Something about drunking themselves stupor.”
Looking back at my mother, I could’ve sworn I saw a sad look in her eyes as she took me in, hugging Vervain. In a second it passed as she got to her hooves, saying, “Yes, I think it’s a good idea that they head out too. We’ll be on our way shortly as well. How about you go check on Wingnut and Cookie Byte and let them know it’s time. Also, if you can get word to The Queen too, that would be a lot of help.”
Vervain nodded. “I can take care of it.” She turned her attention to Aura, and said, “I’ve let the other Shadow Talons know about the threat to Cookie Byte and the rest of this base. They’re scouting the area to make sure no Steel Ranges are around the area.”
“Good, I’ll have a few wings go out to assist The Queens in making sure those bastards stay away from Freedom,” Aura said, getting to her hooves. “Vi, I’m gonna be heading out again. I’ll need you to keep an eye on the talon company for me like before.”
Vi looked a little shocked. “But you just got back! You can’t just keep leaving like this, you have responsibilities.”
Aura walked over and reached up to put a hoof on her Sisters shoulder. “I know I do, but right now, I’m not much use to The Shadow Talons as I am. They need a griffon to run things not a pony. Until I get my old body back, you’re going to have to take over for a while. As for me, I need to make sure that Shadow’s safe and I have my own role to play in this plan. So, can I trust you and the others to help?”
She sighed the nodded. “Yes, always. Still I’d rather you be the one to keep things going, the former Red Talons followed you when Crimson Canyon fell, not me, not Syn, not even Fletch. Even as a pony, they know it’s you. They respect you, they follow you. Just don’t forget that. What will you do if you never get your old body back? What if you’re stuck like this for the rest of your life?”
Aura smiled. “Then, I’ll leave the Shadow Talons in your claws. I have faith in you and I know you have what it takes to run this talon company to make it even better than The Red Talons were.”
Vi looked down at her talons looking a little shy as she said, “I may be older than you, but I’m not the leader you are.”
Aura laughed. “You’re twice the leader I am Vi. You’re strong, your smart, and I know for a fact that mom was honing you to be her replacement when she retired. Everygriff thought it was me because of my strength and my fighting ability, but I was never meant to be a leader, you were and still are.”
Vi smiled then nodded. “Thank you for that. I’ll do my best, but I’m not taking over fully unless I have to. Deal?”
“Deal,” Aura said, hugging her sister before pulling away and looking at me. “Let’s go say goodbye to Gunny and his weird crew. Then I think it’ll be time for us to leave.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I said with a smile.
Mom spoke up before we left, “You two meet us in the back when you’re finished okay?”
“Can do,” Aura said.
“See you soon mom,” I said, then said my goodbyes to the others before following Aura out of the room.
***
A few minutes later we were a couple blocks down from the F&F Tools building and standing in an area of Freedom just outside the walls where most of the buildings had been destroyed during the war. The Bitter Cob was there, looking like it was ready to take off at any moment. The crew were running all over it preparing for the launch.
Captain Gunny, Sun Spot, and Elliot however saw us coming and met us at the bottom of the gangplank. Gunny of course was the first one to open his trap, “Ah ye be finishin’ with yer ride on da bitter cob I be seein’. Good on ya lass, good on ya. Had Gunny worried about ya fer a bit der, wit all of da boomin’ from Enclave and what not.”
“Hey at least it was a good time Gunny,” I said with a chuckle.
“Hey dat be CAPTAIN Gunny to ya,” he said angrily.
“But is it really?” I asked with a laugh.
Sun Spot rolled her eyes then nodded. “I let him have his title back this morning. It’s not much use to me now honestly, and he’s proven himself over the past few days.”
“He really has, and I don’t know what we’d do anyway with that ship now that we’re retiring from being sky pirates,” Elliot said.
“Wait…what!?” I asked in shock. “What do you mean?”
“Ah dey both were quite salty with old Gunny after his mishap with da Enclave and whatnot. So dey both decided they’d leave Gunny’s crew. Sad lot, but it bein’ okay, that be the life of a pirate! Savvy?” Gunny said with a laugh.
“So, you two are staying around here then? What are you gonna do?” I asked.
Sun Spot grinned. “Well, we talked with Aura while you were out and she’s letting us join The Shadow Talons.”
“That’s right, I’ve seen them fight and I’m very impressed. They’re both from the war too, so I know they can handle most situations, and with our numbers depleted after the fall of Crimson Canyon I need creatures like them,” Aura said.
“But I thought only Griffons could join talon groups,” I said.
Aura shrugged. “Normally yeah, but technically they’re both half griffon, so it’s good enough for me. Also, my sisters like them so I couldn’t really say no. It was Vi’s idea in the first place.”
Elliot laughed. “We also wanted to get away from the pirating stuff too and do something with our lives. Also, way out here we don’t have to worry about that ghoul pony finding us. That’s one reason we joined up with the crazy pony anyway.”
“Oye, how many times does Capn’ Gunny need to be tellin’ ya. Gunny’s not crazy, he’s MAD…er’s a difference!” Gunny said from the Gangplank.
“Yeah I know Gunny,” Elliot said, throwing me a wink before turning to face the old captain. “Just be careful out there okay. You might drive us nuts and all, but you’re the first pony who treated us like we weren’t monsters or tools. I’d hate to hear that The Enclave caught up to you or something else like that.”
I could’ve sworn I saw a tear in the old pony’s eye before he turned his face away saying, “Ya best be gettin’ outta here nows. Gunny be needin’ to get ready to be leavin’ and such.”
Sun Spot moved closer to him and kissed the top of his tricorn hat. “Keep safe you old mad captain.”
“Yeah boss, we’re gonna miss you,” Elliot said before they both picked up a set of satchels and headed back toward F&F Tools. Once they were gone Gunny turned back to look at me. He let out a heavy sigh as he said, “Be listenin’ close now Shadow, ya got a long hard road ahead of ya, be sure to be washin’ yer back.”
“You mean watching right?” I asked.
“Yah, dat be a good idear too. Just don’t be strainin’ yer neck,” he said with a small smile. “Gunny’s bein’ serious like though, make sure ya watch out. Ya got a lot of enemies and all dat, and Captin’ Gunny would be right upset if ya got yerself killed out der.”
“I’ll be careful, I promise,” I said.
“Good…good, oh and if ya be runnin’ into any trouble or ya need a ride, just send word to Ol’ Captin’ Gunny,” he said with a mad smile.
“How would I do that when you spend most of your time on the other side of Equestria?” I asked.
He came closer and took my foreleg with my Pip-Buck on it then did something before letting me go. “Der be a channel that’s secret like out der. Captin’ Gunny just added it to yer leg terminal. Send Gunny word if ya be needin’ a mad pirate! Just don’t be askin’ ta go gamblin’, Gunny’ll be stealin’ all yer booty ha-ha. Gunny’s just messin’ with ya, pirates don’t actually be sayin’ booty.”
I looked down at my Mark II and saw the channel he was talking about, marked as ‘Bitter Cob’ on my broadcaster. I smiled, saying, “Thanks Captain and also make sure you get those caps back to Battle Cap. I don’t want her roasting your ass because you stole from her.”
“Ah don’t be worryin’ about Captin’ Gunny, he wouldn’t dare mess with that crazy crook. No, he would not. Now be off with ya. Ya got some other places ta be,” he said before walking back up the gangplank and yelling at his new crew. “Get a move on ya lazy cunts, Captin’ Gunny’s got sum lootin’ and other mad like stuffs do be doin’!”
A moment later the gangplank was pulled up and as Aura and I backed away from the airship, then the engines came to life. With a boom that echoed off the buildings behind us, The Bitter Cob was off, heading east back toward home. I watched it climb higher and higher until it was nothing more than a spec in the cloud-covered sky.
When they were finally gone I turned back toward Aura, “I’m gonna miss him.”
She rolled her eyes. “He was gonna trade you for his wife who went missing twenty years ago.”
“Yeah, maybe, but he said he wasn’t really gonna do it,” I said with a laugh.
“Yeah, sure, and I’m a dragon,” she said with a small laugh.
“You look pretty cute for a dragon,” I teased as we turned to head back toward F&F Tools.
Aura laughed, “Damn right I do. It’s the slightly radioactive air from the Everfree, it does a many number of wonderful things to one’s complexion. You should’ve seen me before.”
As we walked, we kept teasing each other about this and that, laughing the entire time. It wasn’t until we were almost back to the new Shadow Talons base when I realized that this was the first time in a while that I’d laughed this much or felt this good. Either those sleeping potions were helping, or maybe just being around family and friends was doing it. Either way, for once, I felt like just a normal pony. Even if it wouldn’t last long, I’d take what I could get. Right before we were about to head around the building to the back area to meet with my mom. I pushed Aura against the wall and before she could ask me what I was doing. I pressed my lips to hers and took that last moment to just enjoy her.
When we finally pulled apart, a little breathless, she said, “What was that for?”
I kissed her quickly one more time before I answered, “I just want you to know that I love you Aura, no matter if you’re a pony, a griffon, or a dragon. I don’t care what you look like, you’re mine, and I’m yours. I…just don’t want you to ever forget that okay.”
She set her forehead against mine, saying, “Forever and always, in this life and the next. I will always find you, I will always be with you, I will always be yours, and you mine.”
As those words floated over me, I felt a stab of pain in my head and for a moment the world around me seemed to melt away. Almost like entering a memory orb, only this lasted for just a moment. I saw rain falling all around me, lightning flashing in the distance. I was laying over the body of a griffon, his body broken and bloody. I felt my face move down to his, my horn glowing as the last of whatever spell I was casting finished, my lips saying to the griffon, “Forever and always my love, in this life and the next. I will always find you, I will always be with you, I will always be yours, and you mine. For all time, let our souls be bound as one, and let our love live on throughout time.”
I blinked and the vision or, whatever that was, vanished and I found myself on the ground looking up into Aura’s eyes. She looked worried as she said, “Shadow? Are you okay?”
I shook my head, the memory fading from my mind like water in a stream. The only thing I could recall after a moment was that the voice I heard sounded a lot like Moon Light. I shook my head again, then said, “Sorry, I think I just need some water. I still haven’t gotten my energy back fully yet and it’s getting hot out.”
“Are you sure that’s all it is?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry, this isn’t Aquila trying to take over or anything,” I said, getting back to my hooves.
She let out a sigh of relief. “Good, I’m just worried about you that’s all.”
“I know, but don’t be, I’ll let you know if Aquila starts to show her ugly head again,” I said with a smile.
“Okay, well let’s get to your mom. I’m sure she’s dying to get going,” Aura said, leading me on.
I followed and a moment later found myself in a large courtyard like space just behind the F&F Tools company building. A few griffons were around, along with Solstice, Stardust, Wind Thrasher, Wingnut, Cookie Byte, Violet, Oricalcos, Vervain, and my mom. They all looked happy when I came around the corner, none as much as Wingnut though.
As soon as he saw me, he ran over and nearly knocked me down, tears flowing as he hugged me tight. “Shadow I’m so happy your back! I’ve wanted to come see you ever since you arrived, but Vervain said I had to let you get your sleep and then you had to meet with Grim and more. But now you’re here! I’m so happy your alive!”
I returned his embrace with a smile. “I’m happy to be back, and I’m glad I’m alive too.” I paused as I realized that I was almost able to look him in the eye without having to look down. “Hey kiddo, did you grow?”
Stardust laughed. “Kid’s going through a growth spurt I think.”
Wingnut smiled wide. “Yeah, I’m almost as tall as you now!”
“That’s not saying much,” Aura teased as she ruffled his mane with her hoof.
“Ow Aura! That hurts!” he said pushing her hoof away.
“Sorry Boss, I keep forgetting,” she said, then she went to stand in front of my friends with Wingnut and I behind her. She cleared her throat then said to the rest gathered, “Okay, so all of you know the plan going forward, all except for Shadow here and for good reason. In a few minutes we’ll be leaving and while we’re gone you all need to make sure to stick to the plan.”
“That’s right,” Vervain said. “As far as most of the area knows, Shadow’s dead, The Courier vanished in a blast of magic over a week ago. The Steel Rangers know Shadow’s alive due to what happened yesterday, but as far as the rest of the groups go around New Pegasus, they believe the lie. Because of this, we’ve seen more activity from some of the other factions around the area, the Unchained Talons may try to start coming after The Shadow Talons, or the NLR might try to retaliate against The Steel Rangers. It’s up to you to make sure that we keep Freedom and The Strip. We’ve worked out a deal with Mr. Tops to help protect this area from what may come.”
“Exactly,” Aura continued. “We will only take contracts right now that help locals unless you’re one of my griffons working on keeping an eye on The Unchained and The Steel Rangers. You know who you are and what to do. We need to keep up the ruse that Shadow’s gone, this will buy us time to do what we need to for her. Once she’s better we’ll be able to bring her back and The Courier can live up to her name once again. Mr. New Pegasus is also helping us with this by broadcasting that there hasn’t been any sightings of Shadow.”
“How long will we be gone?” I asked.
Mom spoke up next looking over at me, “We can’t tell you anything Shadow, everyone here knows the plan or at least their own part in it. You need to stay in the dark.”
“Fine,” I said with a bit of a huff.
Stardust spoke next, “Violet will be sending two of her Alicorns down soon to help protect us. Doorstop and a few other dashites are also going to be coming to help. Remember to stick to the plan and if anything happens you bring it up to Vi, she’s the one who will be able to get into contact with whoever needs to be called in.”
Aura spoke up again, “Now I want all of you to fly off, everything starts in five minutes and I want you all in place. Fly fast, fly safe, and stay strong!”
The griffons around us cheered then in a flash of multi colored wings, they were gone, flying off in all directions. Once they were gone I was just left with my friends and my family. Byte came over to me while I saw Stardust go over to hook up to our skycarriage. “You have a minute?”
I nodded. “I think I have five, what’s up?”
She looked a little shy as she said, “I heard what you did with The Steel Rangers. I just wanted to say thank you for not telling them where I was.”
“I promised Rusty I’d protect you and even though I’ve done a crappy job of it so far, I’m still gonna try my best,” I said.
She smiled a little, something I didn’t see much on Byte’s face. “You’re doing okay, for a stupid bug.”
“Hey, I thought that was what you called Wingnut?” I teased, then I got more serious. “Thanks again for helping me while I was stuck back east. I couldn’t have made it back if I didn’t have you get Aura and Solstice to me.”
She shrugged. “It was the least I could do.”
“So, are you going to be staying here while I’m gone?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I can’t, with The Steel Rangers looking for me, Vervain thinks it’d be safer for me to go with you than to be here. Also, you might need Wingnut and I for part of the plan. You’ll understand when this is all over.”
“But I thought you didn’t want to be around my uncle or my mom,” I said.
“I didn’t and I still find it hard to be around them, but thanks to Wingnut and Wind Thrasher, I’ve realized that I can’t hold a grudge forever. Sooner or later it’ll just eat away at me until I’m as mean and angry as my mother. Also, I’ve gotten to know them a little while you were missing and honestly, they aren’t so bad. I haven’t forgiven them yet, I might never be able to, but I’m trying,” she said.
I smiled as Wingnut said, “Yeah, Byte’s been doing a lot better ever since Vervain’s been around. I think she looks up to her.”
Bytes eyes went wide. “I do, she’s amazing! She’s so smart and knows so much about tech!”
Vervain chuckled as she came up behind the filly. “I know that and more Cookie Byte.” Then she shifted her gaze to me. “You need to get into the skycarriage now, you’ll be leaving soon.”
“Wait, aren’t you coming with?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I’m needed here right now, also there isn’t enough room with the rest of the party who’s going with you.”
I looked at her sadly. “I wanted you to be with me Auntie Vervain, I don’t know if I can do this without you.”
She pulled me into a hug, saying softly, “You’ve done a lot of amazing things without me Shadow, you don’t need me for this. Just remember to stay strong and stay safe.” Her voice got quieter. “I know your mother has a plan, but I still don’t fully trust her, so if she does something she shouldn’t, make sure you get as far away from them as you can, do you hear me?”
“But she’s trying to…” I started to say but she interrupted me.
“Do you understand?” she asked again.
I nodded. “Yes ma’am.”
“Good, now get going. I love you and I hope to see you soon,” she said, letting me go.
“I love you too Auntie Vervain,” I said, before leading the filly and colt toward the skycarriage.
When I got to the skycarriage, Aura was just saying to my mother, “We need to be off in two, are you sure you have everything you need? Did you make sure to let her know we’re coming?”
“Everything’s ready, now get inside so Stardust can take off,” Mom said.
Aura sighed then nodded and got into the skycarriage, Solstice joined her, giving me a wink as she passed me. Then Wingnut and Byte followed, a shadowy form of my uncle following. Before I could get in however, Violet came over to me, saying, “Shadow, before you go I needed to ask you a question.”
“Yeah, what’s up?” I asked.
“You met with The Goddess while you were in Hoofington didn’t you?” she asked.
I nodded. “Well kind of, she spoke though another alicorn, but yeah I did.”
“Let me guess, she wants you to take my amulet and give it to her, that was a price she demanded. Am I right?” she asked.
I sighed. “Yeah, in exchanged for some knowledge and not killing Aura while she was flying back east. But, I don’t see myself trying to take that from you, even if she did say she’d let you keep your own mind and all that. I don’t trust her, but I trust you. So, don’t worry about it.”
She smiled, then said, “I will not worry for now, but you should know that breaking a deal with her is a death sentence. We will talk about this more when you return.”
“I look forward to it,” I said with a smile.
“Me too, now be gone, I have my own part to play in all of this. Safe travels Shadow,” she said, before vanishing in a flash of light.
Wind Thrasher came up to me and put a hoof around my shoulder. “Hey, ready to go?”
I looked back at her then nodded. “Yeah, let’s get this over with.”
She led me into the skycarriage right after my mom. It was a little cramped with so many inside, but it wasn’t too bad. I nestled up to Aura as I felt Stardust take off, pulling the skycarriage high into the air. I was just about to start asking some questions when there was a flash of blue light from outside of the carriage and a moment later, we were nowhere near New Pegasus.
“What the hell just happened?” I asked as I looked out the windows and saw we were now over the mountains far west of New Pegasus.
Mom chuckled. “Part one of the plan was done perfectly.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, still wondering what happened.
Aura answered. “Violet’s been soaking up a lot of radiation so she could transport us this far. It’s to keep anypony who might’ve been watching us from following or telling any others which direction we’re heading.”
“Oh, I guess that’s a good idea…but you could’ve warned me,” I said.
“Where’s the fun in that, also you don’t get to know anything that’s going on from here on out. You don’t even really know where we’re going,” Mom said.
“I thought we were going to Los Alicorn.” I said.
“Maybe we are, maybe we’re not. All you need to know is that we’re doing this to end her. Now take that sleeping potion you got from Sheena, the rest of this trip you get to be in a nice dreamless sleep,” Mom said.
“Do I really have to do that?” I asked, thinking this plan of hers sounded stupid.
“Yes, now drink up and take that pill for your magic, when you wake up, we’ll be at our destination for the most part,” she said.
Aura pulled the small pill and bottle of potion out at once. “She’s right, now take your meds and we’ll see you in a few hours.”
I rolled my eyes and did as she asked. “Fine, but I hope you all give me a proper explanation for this when it’s all over…” I barely finished before I fell into a dreamless sleep.
***
I awoke with my body on fire, or at least it felt like that. I felt a lot like I had when the skycarriage crashed back near The Kingdom. I also knew something wasn’t right, first-off my face was laying on a hot sandy surface, second it was too quiet out, and third I knew that something must’ve gone wrong, because nopony seemed to be around me. I lifted my head when I finally heard something not far off. It sounded like a great body of water sloshing up onto a beach. Then my nose started to work and I could smell salt and fish.
Cracking my eyes open slowly, I found I was laying on a beach a few inches away from a vast body of water. I slowly got to my hooves and looked around, my body screaming in pain as I tried to move. I could see what looked like a huge old dock in the distance with a rusty roller-coaster and ferris wheel on it, to my other side I just saw more of the beach, bones of ponies scattered all over the place almost like this was an old graveyard. On the shore and slightly in the water, old zebra war machines were rusting away. Then I turned my head, finding the quiet of this place to be eerie.
It was then that I knew where I had to be as I took in the large dead city behind me. A tower I knew from one of Night Stalkers orbs sat at the city center, sitting higher than any other skyscraper around it. That was the Equestria Bank building. The city around it was dead, not a sign of life from where I stood, and only the wind and sea to push away the quiet. Then I saw in the distance what looked like a pony made of plastic or something like it was walking toward me slowly, yellow-black eyes shining.
It said in a monotone voice. “You are trespassing, you must be destroyed.”
I pulled Dream Walker out and took the creature out with a single shot. I then winced as I started to head toward the fallen body then stopped. It was a robot, what could it have on it that I could use? I didn’t need to worry about it right now, what I really needed was to know where my friends were, why I’d woken up here, and why in the Goddess’ name I was standing alone on a beach in Los Alicorn…
[FOOTNOTE: LEVEL UP!]
NEW PERK ADDED!
Local Hero Rank 1: As a heroic icon in the Marejave, you’ve made quite the impression among factions in the area. Some factions (if inspired) will fight along with you, without the need to join any specific faction.