//------------------------------// // Chapter 17: This Land // Story: Rise of the Element Gang, Book 2: Friendship Adventures // by Power of Six //------------------------------// Chapter 17: This Land After what felt like hours of running, I stopped to catch my breath as the buffalo herd finally reached their destination. My arms and legs were numb, my claws and hooves hurt from hitting the ground, and my lungs felt like they were going to burst, but it had been worth it to take part in such a time-honored tradition as the buffalo’s annual stampede through their ancestral lands. As far as I knew, I was the first pony to run with them. I had a feeling I wouldn’t be the last either. The buffalo settlement was just like how I had read in my books. It was a small collection of tents, the fabrics made from materials that grew in the desert naturally. They were simple, rustic, yet provided basic shelter for their inhabitants. They built only what they needed, nothing more or less. I admired them for that among other things. Little Strongheart seemed quite amused at my exhausted state as she trotted over to where I’d collapsed. “It seems you don’t exercise your body anywhere near as you do your mind.” “You can… you can…say that… again.” I wheezed in reply. “It was…was a…an honor to…to…run with you.” “I hope so.” she said, suppressing a laugh. “Will you be all right?” “I will… I will be… I think.” “Good. Take as much time as you need. When you are done recovering yourself, Chief Thunderhooves would like to welcome you to our village himself.” “I’ll…be there in… in a few minutes.” I panted again, wiping sweat from my forehead. “Or an hour.” Refraining from making any comment, Strongheart waited patiently for me to recover my strength, before taking me to the most elaborate tent in the settlement. I was ushered inside, where I soon beheld the form of the great chief of the buffalo. His hot breath snorted from his nostrils, his sharp horns gleaming in the light. Remembering my manners, I raised my head high, baring my neck to the chief, and halted before me. Thunderhooves regarded me silently for about a minute, then spoke in his deep voice. “Dusk Noir. Welcome to our village.” he rumbled. “May the ground stay strong beneath your hooves.” “And may the earth tremble at your coming, Chief Thunderhooves.” I replied. This was the formal response when addressing a superior among their number. Apart from a slight widening of the eyes, the chief showed no surprise at my knowledge of this. “You are not the first pony to be among our number. Your friends, Rainbow Dash, Shield Steedor, and Pinkie Pie, have been here prior to you. However, you are the first to visit since our resolution with the settler ponies. You are our honored guest and friend, young Dusk.” “Your words honor me, chief.” I said, respectfully. “I am glad that peace has been made between you and the Appleloosans.” “As are we all.” he rumbled in his deep voice. “Now, is there anything in particular you would like to see during your visit among us?” “Nothing that comes to mind. I would simply like to see whatever you wish to share with me.” “Then so be it.” he declared. “Little Strongheart shall be your guide during your visit. I hope your time will be well spent.” “I’ll make sure it is.” I affirmed. “Thank you again, chief, for this rare and unique opportunity.” “You are most welcome. May your feet be swift and your horns be sharp.” he said in traditional farewell. I responded in kind and left with the young calf, guiding me among the tents. “You made a good impression on the chief.” she remarked when we were out of earshot. “I like to think I do with anypony I meet.” I agreed. “Now, I am in your hooves, my friend. Where to first?” She thought for a moment. “Perhaps you would like to see the sparring ground. It’s not far from here.” “Lead on then.” With that, we set off. As we walked, Strongheart pointed out other places of interest. There was the tent of their healer, who I knew administered treatments using tried-and-tested traditional methods, usually with herbal remedies and potions. There was the gathering commute, where the whole tribe would sit around the camp in the evening, to discuss important issues or for social gatherings. She seemed quite eager for the chance to show somepony new around her home and I was more than happy to let her do so. There was her own home which we passed, the two of us catching the attention of two other buffalo, a bison and a cow. Her parents, I assumed, as we crossed over to meet them. “Mother, father.” she said warmly, as they embraced her gently. So they were. I thought, as I stood back to let them have their moment. It touched me to witness this tender moment. It only served as a reminder that, while we may be different in some aspects, our two races were fundamentally the same. It made me feel a pang in my heart when I realized I missed my own parents, especially my mother. It felt like so long since I’d seen her. “My daughter.” her mother greeted in a gentle tone. “It always warms our hearts to see you.” “That it does.” her father said, who cast my gaze to me. “Ah, this must be our pony guest then.” “It is.” She beckoned me forward. “This is my friend, Dusk Noir. Dusk, this is my father, Big Earthshaker, and my mother, Big Gentleheart.” “May the ground stay strong beneath your hooves.” I said to them both. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” “As it is you.” Gentleheart replied kindly. “You are most welcome among us, Dusk. Few ponies have ever seen our home.” “Though we hope that will change soon enough.” Earthshaker put in. “Now that there is peace with the settlers, we hope that they too shall visit us in our home, if they are as willing to see it as you are.” “I share your hopes and I’m sure that they will.” I smiled fondly at Strongheart. “Your daughter is both strong and wise beyond her years. I’m happy to call her my friend and that she calls me the same.” “Your words gladden us.” Gentleheart said. “She is a fine young calf and she will make a great cow one day.” “But know this, Dusk, the trust and friendship of our people is not to be mistreated.” Earthshaker glared down at me. “If I hear that you betray by daughter’s trust, I shall ram you from here to the ends of Equestria as punishment.” “Um…duly noted, good sir.” I mumbled, feeling fear grip me. “Come now, my love.” Gentleheart scorned. “Is that any way to speak to our guest?” The bull’s expression softened and he sighed. “You are right.” He then spoke to me. “Forgive me, I am simply protective of my daughter. The time for hostilities has passed and I do not wish there to be bad blood between us.” “The feeling is mutual, believe me.” I said, still wary of how much larger he was than me. “I would never forgive myself if I did anything to betray your daughter’s trust in me.” The bull snorted. “Let us not let these grim words sour our mood. Come, Dusk, sit awhile with us.” I accepted the invitation and remained there for a while, making pleasant conversation with Little Strongheart’s parents, answering any questions that they asked, either about myself or about pony society in general. They particularly were intrigued by my description of our own homes, such as Canterlot and Ponyville. They both expressed a wish that perhaps they could visit them someday. “I am sorry about my father.” Strongheart said as we left her home a few hours later. “He cares for me greatly, as any father would. But it can get annoying at times.” “I’m not disagreeing with him, especially not with those horns.” I told her in reassurance. “I’d rather like to remain on his good side.” “As you should or he might make good of his threat.” she warned me. “Now, come on, I still need to show you the sparring grounds.” It was a short walk until we reached a spot where there was a large group of buffalo circled around a small stretch of desert. Two other bulls, in the center of the circle, stood at equal distance away from each other, their heads lowered in an aggressive stance. A fight was about to commence. I, myself, was no fan of violence. There were some cases where it was necessary, in self-defense or defense of a friend or loved one, but most times there were better ways to go about resolving something without hurting each other. However, this was an integral part of buffalo culture, fighting out matters of honor or a chance to win a cow’s hoof. I wasn’t going to pass judgment, nor did I plan to. I would simply watch. I could feel the crash as the two of them clashed horns, while the crowd watching stomped their hooves and cheered them on. One of them seemed more experienced than the other. His horns were more worn, though this made them look even more fearsome and there was a scar over his right eye. He had rage, yes, but it was more of a controlled determination than blind emotion. He looked to be in control and it was likely he would be victorious. He was. The third time the two of them clashed horns, he locked his own wicked points with his foes, flicked his head to the left and bought him crashing to the floor. His opponent tried to rise, but gave in and collapsed in defeat. The victor gave a great snort and a loud roar in celebration, as did all of the spectators. “He seems quite formidable.” I remarked to Strongheart. “He is. That is Big Sharphorns.” she informed me. “He is probably the strongest of all of us, save for the chief. He has challenged and been challenged eight times and all times he has won.” “Quite an impressive record.” I conceded. "I wonder how Applejack, Dog, Rainbow, or even Shield would fare against him.” “I doubt they would last long. He is larger and stronger than any pony, even among the buffalo. He is unbeatable.” “Size isn’t everything and no one is unbeatable.” I said. “He may meet his match one day.” “What? You would doubt his strength?” demanded a nearby buffalo who had been listening. “What? No!” I said quickly. “I…I’m just saying, that’s all.” Unfortunately, Sharphorns had heard the comment and his eyes flashed in my direction. “Someone doubts my feats in combat?” His eyes locked on me. “You? You would question my strength when you are no larger than a desert lizard?” “No, no! I didn’t say that!” I cried desperately. “Please, sir. I meant no offense.” “Oh, really, pony?” He stomped his hoof on the ground. “I think you did. If you are so quick to doubt my strength, then face me yourself!” “Sharphorn, are you mad?” a spectator called. “You would crush and kill him and our peace with the settlers would be ruined.” “He is our guest here. You should not threaten him!” Little Strongheart added. “I am not threatening him, merely offering a challenge. He may choose to face me like a bull or bow like a cow and acknowledge my strength. Unless another of you would step in his place.” None of them stepped forward. Clearly, they feared his strength and power and he was sure of it. I didn’t know what to do. Refusing a direct challenge was a sign of cowardice among the buffalo and I didn’t know how that would reflect upon me as a visitor here. Then again, I wasn’t part of the tribe, I was just a visitor. Did Sharphorns have the ability to even challenge me? He did seem confident that he did, probably reinforced by all of his other victories and it showed… But maybe that was the key. Perhaps I didn’t have to fight him, but I could convince him to stand down if I did this correctly. “Very well, I… I accept your challenge.” I said as boldly as I could. A collective gasp rose from the crowd and Strongheart gripped my shoulder. “Dusk, what are you doing?” she hissed. “You can’t possibly be considering this!” “Trust me, I know what I’m doing.” I replied before adding faintly. “I hope.” “Come then, runt!” Sharphorns roared, lowering his head. “Let us see this put to rest!” “A moment, please.” I insisted. I bared my neck as much as I could and hoped he wouldn’t try to run his horns through it. “Is this really the course of action you want to take, mighty one?” He snorted. “Do not patronize me, pony.” “I speak with utter sincerity.” I continued. “I… I saw your display before. You truly are a credit to your race and your name. You have earned a respect in the arena that may be matched only by the chief himself and a reputation worthy of your ancestors. So, I ask you this: is that not enough?” He looked a little confused. “What do you mean?” “If you have all of this respect a-and all of this prowess,” I continued, “then…what is there to be gained from battling me? I-I would be no match for one such as you. You would crush me in an instant and that would no doubt earn you another victory, b-but what kind of victory would that be? What h-honor is there in battling an opponent who presents so little challenge? What p-prestige is there to be gained from defeating one who is little more than a calf in your eyes?” Sharphorns didn’t look as sure of himself as before. A slight murmur rose from the onlookers. I gulped and pressed my advantage. “A-and, as one of your peers has said, peace with the settlers has been achieved after m-months of hostility. Is the best way to celebrate such peace more fighting? Do you really want to risk the possibility of reigniting the conflict when you injure me in this battle? Or even worse?” He let that sink in. “Do you really want to risk losing all of that honor? Would you stain the memory of the spirits of your ancestors by bringing more war? I thought you would be better than that.” The buffalo shot up, his nostrils snorting. I backed away, fearing the worst, thinking I’d gone too far. As such, I was surprised when the bull raised his head and gave a grudging smile. “I bear you no ill will, pony… Dusk. I hope you can forgive my earlier transgressions, as I was caught up in my triumphs.” I raised an eyebrow in disbelief before offering him a claw which he bumped. “You’re forgiven. It wasn’t exactly misplaced, considering how you look like you could crush me like an ant.” “I have no doubt of that, but I could never hope to match the muscle you have in here.” He gave my head a rap, forcing me to the floor. I laughed good-naturedly along with the others and was helped to my hooves and claws once more. “My father always told me that strength comes from the mind, not just the horns. Thank you for reminding me of that.” “My pleasure.” I returned. “I hope to see you at the commute tonight, where I hope we might be on better terms.” “I would like to think we already are, but I hope for the same.” I agreed. “I shall see you then.” I tipped my hat to him and turned to Strongheart, who was staring at me in disbelief. “You defeated him.” she whispered. “I, um...I wouldn't say that.” “I would. You made him stand down. You did that without even raising a hoof, or claw, against him.” She shook her head, fighting to control a smile. “How did you manage that?” I considered the question before giving what I felt to be the best answer. “There’s a saying I remember once hearing: words win wars.” She nodded, allowing that smile to grow. “I would certainly agree with that.” Looking on back at that moment, I knew that I was prouder deciding on taking the option I had. I was an intellect, not a warrior, and though it wasn’t my usual style, I thought it was good to have some pride in it. I also received food in the form of a traditional buffalo dish and some Appleloosa apple pie. The former looked bad, but actually tasted quite good and the latter was just as good, though I preferred the Apple family recipe. I was now gathered around the campfire with the rest of the tribe. We had all eaten and had gathered at the commute as was routine. I had already explained how it was I was able to defeat Big Sharphorns, which interested some of the other buffalo there. Right now, as they had requested a story, I told them the tale of how Equestria was founded, the story that was re-enacted every Hearth's Warming Eve. While I didn't think of myself as much of a storyteller, the buffalo seemed nonetheless enthralled. “…and so, when they finally emerged from the cave,” I was saying, “they realized the value of harmony and friendship that would save us. In celebration, they named the land that they founded Equestria. The three sects of society then lived in harmony and peace and still do, today.” “A fine tale.” remarked Chief Thunderhooves, who was close by. “And with a fitting and valuable message too.” “That it does.” I agreed. “I’m glad you liked it.” "If only we knew that story during our conflict. It might have been avoided.” Little Strongheart mused, many others nodding in agreement. “That was in the past.” I reminded them. “We are at peace now and long may it remain that way.” “Well said!” Earthshaker called and they all rumbled in agreement. “Excellent. Now, if there’s anything else that you would like me to share with you, please ask.” The Chief hesitated for a moment. “I have something else to ask of you, Dusk.” I nodded to show that I was listening. “You are a unicorn, so you have magic. If you would, I ask you to show us.” I smiled as I remembered Little Strongheart's echoed request from yesterday. Deciding to share something that was unique only to me, I created clouds of swirling color that danced and played over the fire before them or soared around the watching buffalo. They gazed in amazement and wonder, some even trying to touch the clouds as they flew. And to think, I had once kept it hidden. When I finished, however, I noticed that Thunderhooves had a different expression on his face, like he had recognized it from somewhere, a kind of familiarity…or something along those lines. Either way, I had my interest piqued. “Chief? What is it?” Once more, the Chief hesitated. “That power… have you never found out where it comes from?” “No, it’s… it’s always been a mystery.” I gazed imploringly at him. “You know, don’t you?” “You have shared much with us, Dusk. Perhaps it is time we shared something with you.” He stood and walked towards the fire, bathed in its glow. “Long ago, when our father's, father's, father's, father's, father's…” “Chief, he gets it.” Strongheart said pointedly. “Of course.” He rumbled deeply and resumed. “When our oldest ancestors first ran across the plains, they feared the night when it first came. They did not understand it, comprehend it and so stampeded blindly in the darkness. So it was that the Bringer of the Night came to them in their distress, to lift them from ignorance.” “Princess Luna.” I whispered. “Go on.” “It was she who guided them through the night, to help them understand. It was told that she could shift and bend the very colors of the night, even upon herself, to take different forms and shapes. Our ancestors were forever indebted to her and so we hold a yearly celebration in honor of what she did for us.” “The Stampede of the Stars.” I nodded. “When you run across the plains at night, when the moon is full and at its highest.” “Indeed. It was a great tragedy when her sister needed to imprison her in the moon to prevent her corruption.” “She’s back.” I told him. “She was freed and healed by the Elements of Harmony. She’s ruling once again.” “She is?” The Chief smiled warmly at this. “This is… good news indeed.” “Yeah…” I agreed absently. “But…what does that have to do with me?” “Do you not see, Dusk? She could bend and shift the colors of the night: deepest black, darkest blue, and shimmering purple. You seem to have a broader range and it is less powerful but… I believe that your power may well be inherited, in some way, from hers.” I was speechless. I just didn’t know what to say to that. I never would have suspected this at all, I didn’t even know. I remembered Luna at the Contest, staring at me intently for some unknown reason. Was this it? Did she recognize my power as something similar to her own? What was she going to do then? I was in relative silence for the rest of the evening, my mind grappling with this new revelation. When I returned to my pony friends in the morning, I told them about all that happened, but left out both the fight and this new idea. I didn’t want anypony to know yet until I was sure that it was correct. I had to know, I had to find out…somehow.