//------------------------------// // Chapter 39: A Creed of My Own // Story: Chaotic Harmony // by shirotora //------------------------------// Who would have thought. An update two days in a row, and the biggest one so far. Some times the Muses are kind ******************************************** June 16, 1005, “That's good, Midnight.” I was teaching Midnight how to control his druid magic. Druid magic is the magic of nature. Nature is chaotic, therefore druid magic is related to chaos magic and use similarly. He had just made a patch of grass grow twice it's former height, “That's so cool, dad. I didn't know I could make things grow. Back in Clearbrook all I ever did was make things die, but I never meant to. I was just sad.” “Oh, about what?” I asked. “All the other colts would tease me because I didn't have parents.” he said, “They would call me names, laugh at me, kick me. Ha who's laughing now. My new dad could eat them. Hay, could you...” “No, I’m not going to eat your old bullies.” I said quickly nipping that thought in the bud. “Aww... well can you make them think you will?” he said. “We'll see.” I said, “Now come on. I gotta go check up on my gear for my trip.” We started in the direction of Carousel Boutique. I walked at a slower pace so Midnight could keep up. After a bit he asked, “Hay, dad. Why did you look at me funny when you first saw me?” I stopped dead in my tracks. How should I go about telling him. I didn't know how he'd react, but at the same time I couldn't just keep it from him. I started walking again as I told him, “You remember how I said I was from another world?” “Yeah” he laughed, “My alien dad.” “That's me,” I continued, “well in my old world magic is very different. People don't even know it's magic. There people can see into other worlds, but not directly. It's like they imagine the other worlds. Well some people write stories about what they see, but because they only see bits and pieces what they write isn't always very accurate. “Well a lady made a show about Twilight and the other element bearers. That show was one of my favorites, so much so that I wrote my own story with them in it. Now at the time I didn't know they were real, so how they are in my story isn't very close to how they really are. “The reason I was looking at you so funny was because the main charicter in my story was a dark blue earth pony with a black and silver mane and white star on his forehead.” Midnight looked up at me with wide eyes, “Can you guess what his name was?” “Midnight Star?” he asked. “That's right.” I said. “What does it mean though?” he asked. “It means we had a connection even before I came to this world.” I answered. I suddenly felt a pressure on my side. I looked back to see Midnight latched onto me. I just reached my paw back and returned the hug as best I could from my angle. We walked through the door to the familiar bell and greeting. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique where everything is... um... how did it go again?” said Sweetie Bell. “Sup, Sweets,” I said, “Where's your sis?” “Oh hi Shiro, hi Midnight.” she said. “Hi Sweetie.” said Midnight. “She's working oh her “secret project” or something like that.” Sweetie said, “She locked herself in her room with whatever it is she's making.” “OK, thanks.” I said, “Tell we stopped by.” “I will bye.” Sweetie said, “By Midnight, come by the club house after your done with what you're doing.” “OK, bye.” Midnight waved as we left. Next we headed over to Steel's forge. “Hello,” I called, “Anyone home.” “Oh hello, Shiro.” said the smith, “Come to check on the progress I take it.” “Yep.” I said, “How's it coming?” “I got a few things finished.” he said pulling a box down off a shelf, “Take a look.” I opened the box and was greeted by the sight of a set of fifteen small knives. Throwing knives I figured by the design. I lifted one out to gauge it's weight. It was perfectly balanced for throwing. I tossed it at a piece of fire wood in the corner. The smile I had at the sight of it finding it's target with ease dropped when I remembered why I need these in the first place. These were made for the soul purpose of slaughtering a group of ponies. Yeah they were evil and had killed dozens, but it didn't help the fact that I was still going to have to kill. I hated it even though I recognized the need of it. If I tried to capture them alive they would just be executed later anyway. I placed the knife back in the box and handed it back, and nodded my approval. He noticed the look on my face but didn't ask about it. I guess he knew what was on my mind. “Alright let's go.” I said, “Catch ya later Steel. C''mon Midnight I’ll take you to AJ's so you can play with your friends.” I knew my potions would take a couple more days to finish and Twi's spell was going to be cast when I left. There was no need to check on those. I dropped Midnight off and went back to town. Jynx said she was going to meet me by the fountain. She was already there by the time I arrived. Her parents came to spend some time with Razor, so he's taken care of. “Mmm, dat plot.” I said coming up behind her. Without turning she said, “You like it? Well let's hurry, my husband's going to be meeting me here soon.” “Ouch, that's just wrong.” I said, “Wait if you're sleeping around does that mean I get to too?” “Shutup and kiss me.” she ordered. I was happy to obey, “You ready?” “Hell yeah. I’m starving, and dieing to meet Waya's mystery girl.” We made our way to Souffle's Cafe. We walked in and were directed to the private room in the back. We walked in and were dumbstruck. “You're kidding right? Twilight! You're his crush.” I said to the purple princess. “That's right.” she said after the flash from a camera, “Your face is priceless. Rainbow's going to love that one.” Jynx and I sat across from Waya and Twilight. Some how it made sense to me that they grew close. She was the one teaching him how to fit in in pony society. They spent so much time together that I started wondering why it took so long. Eventually a smile replaced the confusion on my face, “Congratulations you two. Treat her right Waya, or I’m really going to have to kick your ass.” “I've always treated females with respect.” he replied, “My father raised me as a gentlecolt.” “Good,” I said. Souffle came in and said, “Shiro, how have you been? I've missed you around here. The new cook has talent but no passion.” “I'm sure you'll do well with him.” I said, “Got anything special?” “Yes actually.” he said, “I have a trio of swordfish, delivered just five minutes before you arrived. It was still flopping when I put it in the cooler.” “I'll take that. Baked, with a bit of garden salsa on the side. As a side I’ll take the rice pilaf and garlic cheddar roll.” “That sounds pretty good.” Jynx said, “I'll take the same, but with lemon pepper instead of salsa.” That's one thing the fans got right. Ponies can in fact digest fish. It's even recommended that they have at least one meal a week with fish. That being said we all ordered the same thing but prepared differently. “I'll be right back with your orders the moment they're done.” said the chef and left us alone. We sat in silence for a while before I decided it went on long enough, “So Twi... you and Waya huh. I figured you'd have better taste.” Waya glared “Bite me.” “Said the prey to the predator.” I shot back with a grin. “I'm no prey.” he said. I laughed, “Too true. You're the best fighter I know. Who knows if you and Twi get hitched you'll become an alicorn too. Then you'll be really tough.” Waya chocked on the water he was drinking but managed not to spit. “I haven't thought about that.” said the blue stallion, “The ability to fly and use unicorn magic... and immortality...” I started getting afraid I had scared him away from Twilight. I didn't want that. Twi was a good friend and she deserves a good guy like him. Luckily my fears were alleviated by a wicked grin. “With wings and magic I would beat you without trouble.” he said. I returned his grin, “That sounds like a challenge.” We were reminded of why we were there by hooves to the back of our heads. “Save it for recess.” Jynx said. “Sorry, babe.” I apologized, “I just get excited at the idea of a good fight. I have for years, even before I got here.” “Maybe you should try fighting Twilight.” Jynx said. “Yeah, we know how that'll turn out.” I said, “If she can knock the black beast around like a week old kitten, she'd make a smear outta me.” I wasn't ashamed of the truth. In fact I was kinda proud that I was able to get up from those hits. She's a fighter, make no mistake. She has plenty of experience, she just has a habit of panicking. When things happen she can't prepare for base instinct takes over. If it's a fight she knows is coming, she's a monster. “I found out why you've not been able to draw on the magic in your amulet.” Twilight said changing the subject, “It needs to be bonded to you.” “How do I do that?” I asked. “Well, um, you have to cut yourself and put your blood on it.” she said, “When you do that you will have complete control over it. You can even decide what magic it absorbs and what it doesn't.” “Really? That's it?” I said. Jynx rolled her eyes, “Of course you wouldn't have a problem with cutting yourself. It's not like you've never done it before.” “OK, no more talk of blood, our food's here” Twilight said as Souffle came back inside. We chatted it up throughout lunch. It was really good. The fish was done perfectly. All of us left quite satisfied. We left the cafe a few pounds heavier. As we were walking Jynx stopped, looking up, “What is that?” We looked up and saw what looked like a meteor falling out of the sky except it was falling too slowly. I could have sworn I heard a scream from it. About fifty feet up it slowed greatly before coming to a halt a little in front of us. The fire went out revealing Pinkie and Phoenix with stupid grins on there faces. Rarity gave Pinkie a sapphire mane clip that Twilight enchanted to make the wearer fireproof. It was a precaution in case Phoenix were to lose control. In case you're wondering why Pinkie wasn't burned “What the hell were you two doing?” I asked, before noticing the thin silver necklace with a pendant of gold and silver intertwined, “Pinkie... is that a betrothal necklace?” “Right-a-roony, kitty cat. Can you believe it Phoenix proposed to me.” she said bouncing around. For once her energy made sense. “Congratulations Pinkie,” asked Jynx, “is that what that fireball stunt was? You coming to tell us.” “No silly-filly.” said the pink mare, “that was a celebration screw.” “... come again?” Jynx said (snicker). Pinkie said, “Jynxie you have not lived until you've done it in free fall on fire. I'm gonna go tell the others the good news bye.” Pinkie bounced away with Phoenix close behind. “Wow.” I said. “I know.” Twilight said, “I never thought Pinkie would be this... randy.” “What? No. That much I can see.” I said, “It's the thought of gettin dirty fallin from 10,000 feet that's got me. You ever perfect that wing spell?” “That does sound like fun.” Jynx agreed. Twilight and Waya both turned shades of red. I finally learned how that works too. The fur itself changes color to convey emotion better. Cool huh. “There you are darling.” Rarity said trotting up to us, “I've been looking for you. I've finished your suit. Come, let's see how it fits.” The five of us went to Rarity's place and filed into the show room. We waited until Rarity returned with a box floating in her magical grasp. She hovered it to me. I grabbed it eagerly and went to the changing area. I opened the box to see a very familiar white outfit. I took it out and put it on. With my stealth entry outfit donned, I went out to showcase the piece. “Hello, you may call me Ezio.” I said with a laugh, “Rares, it's awesome and all, but I don't see how it's going to keep me hidden.” “Stand by the wall over there.” Rarity ordered. Sure enough I blended rather well against the white wall. “I don't think the temple's going to be white.” I said flatly. “True, but that's not a problem” said the designer, “Twilight, could you please turn the wall purple for me.” “Um, OK” replied the confused unicorn. With a flash of lavender light the wall turned a deep violet. I was still confused as to why she changed the wall color, but now I was confused as to why everyone gasped. I looked down at myself but didn't really see anything different. I was still wearing the same violet suit... violet? I looked again and sure enough my assassin's robe was the same deep purple as the wall, and blended perfectly. “That's silk from a shadow web spider.” she said smugly. The shadow web spider is a spider that is native to western province. It builds its web in pallet bushes, bushes who's color shifts on a daily basis. It's webbing is unique because it changes colors with the bush. Cloth made from shadow spider silk is worth a fortune. I couldn't afford this with every bit I've ever made. “A wealthy stallion from Fillydelphia requested a suit made from it, but he canceled the order just when the cloth arrived.” she said trying to hide the anger in her voice, “I'm actually glad he did. A mongrel like him doesn't deserve this fine cloth.” “And now that mom is going to pay for the suit you'll make back the money you spent on it.” Twilight said. “Well I must confess that was a small part of the reason I used it.” Rarity said, “I suppose it's not very becoming for the Element of Generosity to have an ulterior motive, is it.” “Nah, it's a smart move, Rare.” I said, “I get a stealthy outfit, and you make back lost bits. It's win-win. Well thanks. “We should probably get home in case Midnight comes home or mom and dad bring back Razor.” Jynx said. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- June 20, 1005, It fit like a glove. Probably because it was. Jynx upgraded my bracelets to include a couple new toy's. I had my Crystal Blade Gloves, my bonded amulet, my knives, a short sword, cross bow and bolts, assassin's robe, a sustenance spell, some bottled bad ass, map to the temple, my bike, and a good bye kiss. I was as ready as I’ll ever be. “I still don't like this.” said Jynx. “It makes me sick.” I said, “But these guys are dangerous, murdering, fanatics. It has to be done. God this is going to give me nightmares.” “I'll be here for you when you return.” my wife reassured me. “Tell Midnight I’ll do something nice or him when I get back for not telling him I was leaving.” I said, “I love you, and I’ll be back.” “I know.” she said, tears forming in her eyes. I gunned the engine. I couldn't stay any longer. If I did I wouldn't be able to leave. After getting a significant distance away I took to the sky. Hopefully any ponies below will just think it's raining. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- “That's so neat Mid.” said Applebloom. Midnight made a bare tree sprout two large red apples. They both devoured one with gusto. “Ah wish Ah was one o' them druids. That would be so cool.” said the farm filly. “It's pretty fun too.” replied Midnight. Midnight looked down and willed a flower from the ground. He plucked it ant held it out to his friend. “Um, Applebloom,” he said, “this it for you.” “Aww, thank ya' kindly. It purdy.” she replied with a blush. “Ahh, isn't that sweet.” an ash gray unicorn stallion came into view. Applebloom eeped and jumped behind Midnight. “Hello Midnight. I've come to take you to your ceremony.” said the intruder. “No. I'm not going with somepony I don't know.” Midnight said. “Very well.” he said His horn glowed with a black aura, and a yelp came as Applebloom was lifted into the air and a dagger placed against her neck. “Come with me or I cut her pretty little throat.” said the unicorn. “O, OK, just don't hurt her.” Midnight said, “Put her down and I’ll go with you.” “Fine.” he set the yellow pony down and grabbed Midnight instead. Applebloom sat staring, frozen with fear, “Oh I forgot... no witnesses.” he flung the dagger at Applebloom. “NOOO!” Midnight said as he willed a tree to sprout a branch in the weapons path, “APPLEBLOOM RUN!!!” The farm filly was brought out of her shock and took off, her path quickly blotted out by inter-tangling branches. The unicorn growled, “You little brat.” The last thing Midnight saw was the hoof flying to his face. ****************************************************************** It looks like a cold front is swinging in from the north bringing quite the shitstorm. It'll likely arrive around the area of Merv's Super Fan Emporium. So grab your nose plugs and stay indoors.