//------------------------------// // Meeting the Hero's Shadow // Story: Displaced Timelines Book 1 The Hero Six // by Wingsofsilver //------------------------------// Chapter 9 Meeting the Hero’s Shadow Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and Elijah followed the trail of cart tracks leading to were William’s first stop is; The Foal Protection House. It took them a couple of hours of running of running to getting at least half way before tiring out, and resting at a pit stop. “Are we almost there?” Spike asked, exhausted from running. “Almost Spike just a couple miles away.” Elijah answered the tired baby dragon. “I don’t think running all the way to our destination is probably not a good idea, as two out of three of us tired easily.” “Sorry I just don’t want to waste time, we need to get there as soon as possible.” Twilight respond to Elijah apologetically. “I know Twi but, you need to relax panicking, won’t do you any good.” “How can I? Everything I know and love has change: My friends, Ponyville, and now a war with Sombra. She says, sounding very upset. “All because of Starlight Glimmer who wanted revenge against us for stopping her brainwashing ponies to her ideas of ridding cutie marks on anypony, who stumbled in ‘Her’ town.” Elijah noticed immediately noticed that Twilight’s tail and mane starting smoking as soon as she told him about her plight, it seems like as if she’s trying to control her frustration, without her literally exploding in anger. “Cutie marks?” he asked her changing the subject. Twilight body language immediately changes into frustration to surprised and confusion “You don’t know what a cutie mark are? Oh… that’s right you’re not form here.” She had forgotten that Elijah is a human not a pony; the only humans who knew about Cutie Marks were the human versions of her friends and the former unicorn Sunset Shimmer. “Cutie marks are when a pony found their special talents; once they do, the mark will appear on a pony’s flank.” She explains. “So it’s like their identities?” Elijah conforms. “So, this Starlight is stealing cutie marks, taking away their uniqueness basically, everything that made the ponies of who they are. “ Twilight gives him a firm nodded. “Yes exactly. She would trick the ponies that come to her village to give away their cuties marks, and replace them with equal signs. Then ‘convinces’ them into her views of equality. We were able to prove that she was lying and put a stop to her plans.” “That sounds awful and now she’s getting back at you by using that time spell. Does she realizes what she’s doing is allowing this war to happen.” “No, and that’s why we needs to stop her, but… now I’m doing this without my friends.” She sighs somberly. Suddenly Twilight felt Elijah’s arm gently wrapped around her shoulder comforting her. “You won’t be doing this on your own; Twi-Twi you have me, my friends and Spike to help you though this.” He says optimistically then, he gently hugs her. She smiles softly at him, she knew why the Element of Kindness choose him to be its bearer, she returns the hug, it wasn’t long until, they break off the hug so they can keep moving. Then they both heard Spike calling out while pointing what used to be were the school was at. “I found it guys! The Foals Safe house place is over by that hill! ” He was waving his claws for them to see where he is. “Great work Spike! She called backed. Now let’s continue on our way.” She says they run/galloped towards Spike’s direction passing over hill and by few minutes later, they all have arrived at the Foal’s Protection House. All three of them looked around with curiosity, Twilight recognized the building was originally the schoolhouse but, it’s a little bit bigger. She spotted Elijah happily knocking the door. She quickly runs towards him with a look of annoyance on her face. “What are you doing?!” “Knocking the door of course.” The red clothed displaced hylian said casually. “Ever pony is weary of us, we need to be more careful on how we approach them.” “They’ll warm up to us eventually Twi nothing to worry about.” He knocks on the door again. Before, Twilight could argue with the displaced human, the door opens slowly at first, revealing a familiar face of Cheerliee cautiously peer though door looking at Twilight Sparkle, and Spike warily; but when she took a look at Elijah her eyes sparks with curiously. “Are you one of James’ friends?” She asks him. “Yes I am” Elijah answers happily “Is William around here?” The magenta earth pony shook her head softly “I’m afraid he has already left, he’s head towards Manehattten to make his delivery there. I’m Cheerliee I care for the foals here, while their parents are aiding in the war.” ‘So, that’s why the school turns into a shelter house’ Twilight thought to herself. Still, the thought of the war being caused by King Sombra, stills brought cold shivers down her spine. The fact that everpony is still miserable and suffering for so long makes her want to find a way out of this awful present. Yet, why didn’t she? ‘Why didn’t I use the spell and head back to past to tried to stop Starlight. So why did I stay?’ She wondered. She turns her attention towards to Elijah whom is still speaking with Cheerliee. The Element of Kindness on his wrist is one of the reasons why, she stay put in this timeline. If they can gather the elements again, they can put a stop to Tyrant King. As for the other reason, a soft smile appears on her muzzle, perhaps its Red’s friendship with her thatis keeping her going. She felt Spike shaking her shoulder trying to get her attention. “Yo, Twilight are you there? Cheerliee is letting us inside.” Twilight return to reality after hearing this, with a sigh as she and her two companions enter inside the shelter. She noticed a large table with most of the fillies and colts sitting in their chairs they had just finished eating their lunch. She spotted three familiar fillies Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetie Bellie chatting about their next activity. This confuses her is why the foals are still smiling and laughing during these dark times. “How are they still remaining positive even though war is approaching?”She asked. “Your going have to thank James for that, he’s been helping me since he got here, cheering up the children when they are upset.” Cheerliee gave a small smile as she says this. “If you’re wondering where he is at, he had to pick up Diamond Tiara and Sliverspoon from the playground. Twilight sighs, while Diamond and Sliverspoon have redeemed themselves in her present, she doubts that they haven’t change yet in this new Sombra-verse; as she now calls it. “Those two are probably making things difficult for him.” “In normal circumstances, I would have agreed with you however, that is not the cause something awful had happen and well Diamond needs time to heal.” Cheerliee told her sadly. Twilight showed a concern look on her face. ‘What happen did something bad happen to her?’ She thought anxiously. Her thoughts were interrupted when the doors suddenly opened up, three figures enter inside, two are familiar to her and Spike, and it was Diamond Tiara and Sliverspoon. Sliverspoon hasn’t change much expect her mane is a little messy, she seems to be comforting Diamond who is not wearing her tiara, her eyes are a bit puffy and red from crying, and she has sullen expression not even bothering to look at anypony. Something is wrong and it’s making Twilight uneasy, while Spike look at her in shock. “I wonder what happen to her?” He asked. “She’s been though a lot and certain things are better left unsaid.” Someone answered his question. Everyone turn to the direction of the male voice which is similar to Elijah’s voice but not as high pitch but, rather a bit deep and husky. The party of three took a good look at the third figure who is also a human having the same blue eyes and long ears but that’s where the similarities have ended. Instead of blond hair like Elijah, the other human has purple hair, the clothes are different as well, he is wearing a shadowy black tunic, the long hat is the similar color though, and she could have sworn that the hat moved on its own. He only carried a sword with a black gem on the sword handle. “Elijah! I’m so glad you’re here!”He runs towards him, relieved at seeing another familiar face. “I’m just as glad as you are James.” Elijah replied, tears of joy flowing down at his face. While James comforts his old friend he, then notices the newcomers a lavender pony with both a horn and wings with a purple star cutie mark and a purple and green lizard creature. He glances at them curiosity yet cautious as well. “Who are you? What are your names?” “I’m Twilight Sparkle and this is my longtime friend Spike.” She introduces herself and Spike to him. “It’s nice to meet you.” Spike greets the shadowy human. “Likewise. I’m sure you heard my name beforehand, it’s more polite to finish the introduction, my name is James.” “What did you mean that whatever, happen that made Diamond Tiara so sad is better left unsaid?” Spike asked with a look of confusion on his face. James winced and gave an uneasy look. “Let’s just say something bad happen to her father and leave it at that.” Twilight noticed he dodged the question by giving a simple answered. ‘What bad thing could happen to Mr. Rich? “A sudden dread crawled in her mind and immediately thought of the worst. “ Did he perish?” She stuttered the question fear in her voice. James looks at Twilight sadly and softly nods his head. All three of them gasp in shocked, a look of horror and sadness is seen in all of their faces. Elijah simplely gave the alicorn and the baby dragon space as the both of them silently mourn a pony that lost their life in this dreadful timeline. What about…” She sighs as she recalls a certain pony, that would she even consider being Diamond tiara’s mother after what happen. “Mrs. Rich?” She asks James a bit hesitation in her voice. Even though Spoiled Rich was mean, Twilight still wants to know at least what happen to her. A sudden chill shivers up to her spine when James eyes’ started to glow bright red with sheer anger. “She abandon Diamond Tiara and even outright telling her own daughter in her face that she’s no longer worthy in that spoiled mares eyes.” He growled. The party of three gasp in horror at what they just heard. Twilight never thought Spoiled Rich would stoop this low as to abandon her daughter in the middle of a war no less; she uses Cadence breathing excuses slowly calming her and preventing her from exploding in rage. “I nearly lost it, rarely do I lose my cool like this, hearing what that mare did my anger started to rise.” “At least you calm yourself down that’s no easy task; even I had a hard time controlling my rage.” James replied. “Can you teach me that breathing technique you just preformed?” Twilight’s eyes sparkle in glee, she is happy to teach somepony err… somebody, something new or to help someone in need. “Alright, let me show you, place your hand on your chest inhale deeply” She demonstrates. “Then, remove your hand and slowly exhale.” James copies what Twilight showed him as he does this, he felt more relax, his eyes turn back to blue, and his shadow magic recede. “Thank you Twilight, for teaching it to me.” He thanked her. “Your welcome “She gave James a warm smile in response. “You need to come with us James we need your help.” Elijah explained frankly. James frowned at his friend’s request. “I’m afraid not, the foals here at the protection shelter need me, especially Diamond Tiara.” Elijah looks at James for a few minutes before, unrolling his sleeve to show James a pink gem glowing on his arm. James looks at it in shocked and unrolls his sleeve to reveal a glowing blue gem on his arm. Immediately Twilight Sparkle and Spike knew what the blue gem was. “Is that what I think it is?” Spike says as he points to the glowing blue gem. “It is! That’s another one of the Elements of Harmony, The Element of Laughter!” She exclaimed. “The element of what?” James asked giving her a confused look. Twilight clears her throat as she begins to explain to him, what the Elements of Harmony are. “The Elements of Harmony are our one of the main defense to protect Equestria against certain enemies. There are six of them Honesty, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, Kindness, and Magic.” She informs the displaced Hylians. “I and my friends are their bearers and because of Starlight Glimmer messing and meddle with the timeline… They aren’t friends in this Sombverse present.” She sighs sadly. “Meaning that the elements don’t have their bearers and are still in dormant; that is until William and his friends appeared in Equestria. The elements seem to have chosen them as their new bearers, but… why is that though?” “I think Noah may know more about Butterfly Effects and Alternate Universes then we do. Perhaps we can ask him about this.” James suggested. “Yea…” Elijah nervously laughed as he rubbing his neck sheepishly. “I only told them a little about it.” “I’m surprised you’ve remember even a little about that.” He teased playfully. “H-hey! Noah’s explanations are long and have always put me to sleep many times.” Elijah answered defensively, while pouting at his friend’s teasing. “You know I’m only teasing with you.”James chuckled amusingly. “I know James.” His pout vanish into a playfully smile. “You are coming with us right?” “I can’t “James says in dismay “I am needed here, I can’t come with you.” “James go with them.” Cheerliee suddenly spoke up; as everyone turns their attention to her. “But Cheerliee –“ “I’ll be fine; I can take it from here.” She smiles at the shadow hero ensuring. “If what the strange lavender mare says is true… “The magenta teacher now looks at Twilight Sparkle noticing her horn and wings; now sure of her decision. “You are needed to help your friends to finally defeat Sombra.” James still looks unsure on what to do. The thought of leaving her alone after, when she kindly took him in didn’t feel right; on the other hand his friends are in dire need of his help. What should he choose? ‘What if Cheerlie is right? What if my friends are trouble and are need of help? Yet I don’t to leave her alone to help and care the foals on her own and Diamond Tiara is still needs to recover from her grief.’ He ponders as he quietly looks at the light blue gem on his wrist. The thought of his five friends, Twilight and Spike trying and failing to stop the mad pony king and dying at hooves of Sombra whom laugh manically. That thought alone made the Shadow displaced shuttered and clench his fists out of fear and rage, he won’t allow that monster touch a single hair on his friends. He has made decision it was the hardest ones he had ever made. “I’ll go with you, to help gather our friends and take down the tyrant king. But I’ll promise to return Cheerliee you can count on it” She smiles softly. “Come back safety.” He gently hugs her briefly goodbye. It wasn’t long until they heard a soft voice spoke up coming from a purple and pink filly, looking at James with sad eyes. “Are you going away?” Diamond Tiara asks nervously. James smiled softly as he kneeled down to her level. “I’ll be back I promise.” “But what if you don’t, I can’t lose you like I lost daddy!” She whimpered. “I will come back, I pinky promise. “He reassured her. Twilight Sparkle’s ears perk up at that the two familiar words, she looks at James with a hint curiosity. ‘How does he know of the pinkie promise?’She thought to herself. “Pinky promise?” Diamond Tiara mumbled. “Let me show you.” He held out his pinky finger. “Normally, pinky promises are when humans use their smallest finger to intertwine each other, as they make their promise to each other.” James chuckled sheepishly. “Since you ponies have only hooves instead of fingers we’ll just improvise, can you please hold out your hoof for me?” The light pink filly nodded and held out her hoof while, James held out his pinky finger and places on her hoof. Twilight watches this with interest. ‘So humans have their own version of a pinkie promise just named after their smallest finger on their hand.’ She concluded her thought. James gave Diamond a soft hug , she let out a small sniffle as she hugs back. After a couple of minutes they break off the hug; James then walks towards to the group of three with a determined look on face. “I'm ready let’s go.” “Alight! Group hug!” Elijah announces as he grabs Twilight, Spike, and James and pulled them in to a big hug. “ Our journey continues.” Twilight wasn’t sure how to feel about the group hug, it felt nice but, it remind her too much of how her friends use to hug her the same way. ‘No.’ She thought ‘I can’t think like that. ‘ Lucky for her, the hug didn’t last long as the red clothed human lets them go and starts getting ahead of them. “Off to Manehatten!” He declared. “Wait!” Twilight yells as she grabs him with her magic dragging him back to group before he gets himself lost in the wrong direction. “I think it’s best for me and Spike to lead you guys to Manehatten I know where the direction we need to go.” “I’m sorry Twi-Twi I got too excited.” He apologized. Twilight couldn’t stay annoyed at him for long, it’s natural for him to get excite for finding one of your friends and know the location of where your other friends are at. “It’s fine” She reassured Elijah. As they leave the Foal’s Protection House, James says his last goodbyes to the foals, the cutie mark crusaders, Diamond Tiara, Sliverspoon, and Miss Cheerlie. He hears Twilight calling his name; he quickly catches up to them. Now, a group of four is heading to Manehatten and to find their friend Noah and find the rest of elements of harmony to set things right and end this war.