Six months have passed after the mission at Neighagra Falls. The mane six and Revenant were ordered by the Princess to not retrieve the weather elements. She told them this because for their safety, not because they didn’t retrieve the storm element. When they reported to what had happened and the danger that was directed towards Twilight, Princess Celestia said they have done enough for her. She properly rewarded them and assured them that she would take care of the weather elements from there. The ponies went back to enjoying their daily lives in Ponyville. They also would meet up and make sure to have fun when they could. Whether it was simply having a meal together, to having random parties, to handling crazy shenanigans…they all felt joy. Revenant and Twilight made sure to spend quality time with each other and build on their relationship. Sometimes they were insufferable which bothered the others sometimes but they got a good laugh out of it. Fall came around meaning the Running of the Leaves was upon them.
“So tell me again what this run is about?” Revenant asked as he walked with Twilight.
“It’s to help promote fall season and have the leaves fall from the trees.” Twilight answered him.
The couple decided to meet up for lunch. Unfortunately for Revenant, he didn’t have much time since he had to catch a train to Canterlot for business. After The Mayor made a successful investment, word of his business began to spread. He would have to start looking into to hiring and managing workers if it kept growing at the rate it did.
“Huh back in Animardia fall would just happen. I mean sure we’d have a fall festival but we never did something like that.” He responded.
“Well it’s how we do it here in Ponyville, this would be my second time racing hopefully I do better than last year.”
“Oh and how did you do last year?”
“I got fifth place.”
“Really…didn’t really take you to be the athletic type since you’re always researching and studying.”
“Hey all that research and studying is what got me fifth place. Besides, due to all the things we had to do for Princess Celestia I think I can do better this year.” Twilight defended herself.
“Hmmm….challenge accepted.” Revenant responded.
“I’m sorry but what challenge did you accept?”
“Yours”
“Mine…I didn’t challenge you to anything.” Twilight confusingly responded.
“Oh but you did. You see I can’t have my girlfriend proving that she’s more athletic than me so I too will be entering the race.” Revenant explained.
“And here I thought you were above such ways of thinking.”
“I am. I just like to have a challenge every now and then.”
“Well guess we’ll see then in a couple days.” Twilight finished as they arrived at the train station. “Well guess your off to work…do take care.” She said as she kissed him goodbye.
He boarded the train and popped his head out the window.
“I’ll see you in a couple of days and bring you’re a-game for the race.” He said as the train left.
She waved goodbye as he left and walked back thinking what he means by ‘a-game’.
The Running of the Leaves Starting Point
All the ponies lined up for this years’ ‘Running of the Leaves’. Many on goers were eagerly waiting for the race to begin. Rainbow Dash and Applejack decided to end their grudge match from last year’s humiliating defeat. It wasn’t bad enough for them that they tied for last but worst of all they lost to Twilight. Pinkie Pie and Spike were back in the sky to provide commentary. The race was about to start soon and everypony was lined up. The ponysprites were excited to see this festivity since this is also their first one. Everypony except for one.
“Hey girls have any of you seen Revenant?” Twilight asked Applejack and Rainbow Dash.
“What do you need your boyfriend here to cheer you on?” Rainbow Dash said beginning her smack talk.
“No I don’t he was actually participating in the race today. He was supposed to show up about five minutes ago.”
“Maybe he still got caught up at work. He has been getting busy lately with the word of his business. Hopefully he shows up otherwise he’ll miss his first race in Ponyville.” Applejack assured Twilight.
“Or maybe he just doesn’t want to get shown up by us mares.” Rainbow Dash boasted.
“Welcome everypony to this year’s 'Running of the Leaves'. I’m Pinkie Pie.” She announced from the hot air balloon.
“And I’m Spike and we’ll be providing this year’s commentary over the race. This year we’ve got good selection of runners so let’s cheer them on shall we?” Spike announced as everypony cheered.
“Get ready now my little ponies…the race is about to begin.” Pinkie Pie announced to the runners.
The ponies lined up and got themselves all stretched out and ready to go. It looked as though Revenant wasn’t going to show up.
“On your marks…get set….GO!!!!” Pinkie Pie and Spike announced.
The ponies were off. Seconds later an azure pony was spotted running to catch up with the runners.
“Well lookie her folks, we’ve got ourselves a late entree.” Pinkie Pie commented.
“We sure do Pinkie Pie. I would say that would have to be Revenant joining the race. Unfortunately for him, those few seconds behind will cost him.” Spike replied.
“True but we’ve seen how fast he can go so let’s see if our little warhorse can stack up with our little ponies.” Pinkie finished.
Revenant knew he had a lot to ground to cover but as long as he got a good pace, he’ll be able to make a shocking turnaround. He easily caught up to Twilight who was reluctant to see him.
“You’re late; I thought you weren’t going to make it.” Twilight thought to him.
“What and miss my first ‘Running of the Leaves’…never. Sorry to keep you waiting but the client wanted to go on about things and I had to force my way out.” He replied.
He ran with Twilight to gain back his energy from dashing earlier just to get with the crowd. Further into the race, he felt his energy returning to him.
“Well guess this is where I start getting my pace back. Hope you can keep up Twilight.” He thought to her.
“We’ll see about that.”
Both of them picked up their pace and were right behind the bulk of the crowd.
“Guess all the adventuring has paid off huh.” Revenant complimented her.
“Sure has. I intend to beat you just letting you know.” She responded.
Revenant grinned at the challenge as they pressed forward. The race continued through the forest and Revenant was captivated by the sight. He was lost in the scenery that he started to fall behind. Realizing this, he picked up the pace to catch up with Twilight.
“Don’t get lost in the view now otherwise you’ll lose.” She joked with him.
“It’s okay I’m already loving the view right now.” He responded looking right at her.
Revenant picked up his pace to now be in the crowd while Twilight was slowly gaining speed. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were contesting for the lead this time trying not to mess each other up. However, they would try in more subtle ways than last time which put them in last. The race continued and they were nearing the home stretch. Revenant sped up and broke out of the crowd and had Rainbow Dash and Applejack in his sights. Seconds later Twilight came out of the crowd and was hot on their trail. After they made a turn, the ponies were now on the home stretch. The four broke out into a sprint and sped towards the finish line.
They were nearing it when a gray blur quickly zipped by them. Twilight and Revenant saw the blur in the nick of time and dodged it unfortunately for Rainbow Dash and Applejack were too concentrated on their grudge match they didn’t see it and got knocked out of the way. Twilight and Revenant took the moment to pass the tumbling Applejack and Rainbow Dash to the finish line. It looked as though whatever passed them made it to the finish line so it was down to the Revenant and Twilight for second place. It was close but Twilight took the initiative early on and passed the finish line by a nose, as Pinkie Pie would say. Shortly afterwards Rainbow Dash and Applejack crossed the line once again to where no pony could tell who passed it first and finally the rest of the runners.
“I…I got second place…I nearly won a race….Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!” Twilight bounced with joy.
“What do you know; looks like the socially awkward genius beat the warhorse…” Revenant said to her.
“Who are you calling ‘socially awkward’? Besides I beat you in a physical event to where you were confident that you would’ve won.” Twilight replied.
“Yeah alright then, if it wasn’t for me running late and holding back I could’ve won.” Revenant defended himself.
“Oh really…” Twilight said walking up to him “Then I guess we’ll have to see how much energy you still got left in you later on hmm.”
“Whoa hold on there you two. Don’t go all talking like that now.” Applejack quickly butted in.
“Sorry AJ, can’t you let us have just a little fun…” Revenant sheepishly smiled.
“Not when ya’ll out here with us. Why don’t you two save that kind of ‘fun’ when ya’ll alone.” Applejack silencing them after the two lovers shared a laugh.
The everypony gathered around to see who the victors are for this year’s race.
“What an amazing race it was everypony and you all did well. But now we need to pass out the medals and announce our winners.” Pinkie Pie addressed the crowd.
“First off, once again this year we have another tie but this time for fourth place. Applejack and Rainbow Dash!” Spike announced them. Both of them were shocked to hear that they tied again and still lost not only to Twilight but to Revenant as well.
“Next running his first year in the race and doing exceptionally well…third place goes to Revenant Soul!” Pinkie Pie cheered. He walked up and received his medal. The ponysprites excitedly cheered for him.
“Now second place goes off to a mares second time running in this race. Let’s put it together for Twilight Sparkle!” Spike cheered as she walked up and received her medal.
“Finally the moment we’ve all been waiting for. This year’s first place runner for the ‘Running of the Leaves’ goes to….Ditzy Derpy Doo!” Pinkie Pie announced as everypony cheered. The gray cross-eyed pegasus walked up and happily accepted her medal. “Tell us what exactly had you dashing through everypony out of nowhere like that.”
“While running I remembered that I had to make a delivery so I had to hurry up and finish the race…which reminds me I need to go right now so thanks everypony bye.” Ditzy quickly finished up and took off. Completely unaware of her surroundings she bumped or went right through a couple of poles and stands and collapsing them.
“I can’t believe it…not only did I tie and lose to Twilight, again! But I lost to…to…to Ditzy!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“Bwahahaha oh man what a way to lose! I’ve seen that mare a couple of times while working and never imagined that we’d lose to her. Oh this is rich.” Revenant laughed to the point of tears.
Shortly the rest of the ponies joined in on the laughter at their comidical defeat. The mane six, the ponysprites, and Revenant were about to head off to celebrate when a regal alicorn approached them. Many on lookers saw and bowed.
“I’m glad to see all of you are having a great time.” Princess Celestia approached them.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed while bowing with the rest of the ponies. Princess Celestia dismissed them from bowing so they could continue to talk.
“Congratulations on your victories. You all did an amazing job.” Princess Celestia congratulated them.
“Thanks I do hope you enjoyed the race.” Twilight began to talk with her tutor.
Revenant was confused of why Princess Celestia was here. One of the mane six explained to him that fall is her favorite time of the year and loves to attend the ‘Running of the Leaves’. Satisfied with the answer, he watched the two converse but noticed an expression on Princess Celestia’s face. He’s seen that expression before when he was a knight and was worried about the answer he may get from what he was about to ask her. Once he saw a moment when the two stopped talking he went in there.
“Excuse me your highness…” Revenant kindly requested her attention.
“Ah Revenant how has Ponyville been for you so far? I received your letter and I must say I’m impressed of what you’ve learned.” She praised him.
“You are too kind and things have gone well for me. Although I must ask…you seem to have something on your mind that you wish to discuss with us no?” Revenant asked her.
Princess Celestia was surprised to see how he read her easily and sighed that she had to request something of them. The girls were now worried of what they were about to hear.
Hours later the mane six, the ponysprites, and Revenant found themselves with their saddlebags on the airship once more heading off into the Badlands this time. They reflected on the request that was given to them by Princess Celestia. She had informed them that the weather elements they had in their possession were stolen and were traced to be in the Badlands. Also they were informed that is where the Diamond Dogs hideout was and that they now had them in their possession. It was unconfirmed that they had the fourth one, but that was enough for them to know they had one last job to fulfill.
“Alright listen up my little ponies…hopefully this is the last brief I’ll be giving you.” Nightingale informed them. “It’s not because I don’t like you all it’s just that we can’t constantly go to you citizens for these types of requests unless you become officials of Canterlot.”
“You know you could always hire me for such duties. I’ve dealt with these types of issues in the past.” Revenant suggested to him.
“Right but I don’t think you can take on a whole hideout of dogs all by yourself so we had to get the whole crew together. Now I shall begin.” Nightingale started.
“It has been confirmed that the Diamond Dogs do have the weather elements and that they seem to have a band of ‘mercenary’ ponies with them that have provided aid. So this one is definitely an important task. The place is heavily guarded however there are infiltration points that will allow you time to maneuver through their hideout undetected to recover the weather elements.” Nightingale then reached into a bag and pulled out a necklace.
“What I hold here is a magic augmentation necklace. Twilight you will be responsible for this due to your vast capabilities of magic. What this necklace does is it allows you to do long range teleportation. So when it comes to an entry point, use it to get the group in and then out once you get the elements. These are very hard to come by so please do take care of it Twilight.” He said handing it to her.
“Don’t worry Nightingale I will.” Twilight assured him.
“Thank you and now Princess Luna figured you were going to need these for this task.” He said as he pulled out another box.
He opened it to reveal the Elements of Harmony. He then handed each of the ponies their respective element.
“Princess Luna said we would need these…is it going to be that bad?” Fluttershy feared.
“Possibly, since you’ll be in the heart of the enemy. I’m sorry girls that you have to endure this but I assure you this should be the last time we ask of you for such a dangerous job.” Nightingale apologized to the girls.
“Although you Revenant…I’m not sorry at all for what happens to you on this mission.” Nightingale said to him telepathically
“Heh…I expect nothing less from you.” He replied.
“Just don’t go on dying on me here. Princess Celestia knows of your relationship with Twilight and it will make my job hell if she heard of her faithful student’s boy toy getting broken.” Nightingale assured him.
"Strange, normally you try and fill me with doubt. What ails Nightingale?" Revenant scoffed at the alicorn.
"Nothing, I just feel as though you'r fulfilling your...purpose after this." Nightingale calmly responded.
Revenant didn't trust Nightingale, even though he was Princess Luna's personal assisstant. There was something about him that he didn't seem right but he blew it off and Nightingale informed them that they would be arriving in a few minutes and best ready themselves. As the girls prepared themselves, Revenant went off into the room he recovered in the first time he was on the airship. He didn’t have to do much to prepare himself for this. Years as a knight always had him ready, but this time he felt an old feeling that made him worry. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a knocking on the door.
“Rev it's Sage…mind if I come in?” The green ponysprite asked.
“Sure” Revenant replied opening the door with his magic.
“You seem troubled Revenant…is something wrong?” Sage read him.
“This feeling right now…it’s very unsettling and similar to the one I felt back in Animardia.” Revenant looked at Sage. “You know the last mission we did before we left our home.”
“Interesting…” Sage said.
He had been around enough warriors to know that they had an instinct to battle. They already knew how it was going to turn out before it even began. It was completely unexplainable but you just had to trust them on it.
“It’s strange that you should be feeling something like this now. I do not see doubt or regret in you but…fear. What is it that has you worried Revenant?” Sage asked him.
“I’m afraid that what happens on this mission…I will cause suffering to my friends…to Twilight. I just don’t know what it is this time.” Revenant responded.
“Hmmm…..it is natural for us to fear the unknown, we face it every day of our lives. What matters is when you face it, you stand tall and firm in front of it.” Sage assured him.
“Even if it involves the ones you care for?” Revenant asked.
“Well why don’t we see what she has to say about it?” Sage said as he opened the door. An eavesdropping Twilight nearly fell from the door opening. “It appears you have a visitor Rev, shall I let her in?”
Revenant motioned to Sage to let Twilight in. He let her in and was about to leave, but stopped and decided to pass some key wisdom before leaving.
“Before I leave you two alone, understand this wisdom I have to pass on to you. Do take this to heart because these words aren’t mine…but your father’s.” Sage began.
“My….father’s….” Revenant shockingly asked. Revenant had small knowledge of his father but knew he was a strong and wise individual. He anxiously waited to hear what Sage had to pass to him from his father.
“He wanted me to tell you this when the time was right. At the time I didn’t know but I see now this is the time for it.” Sage said. “Your father wanted me to tell you to always endure…to always fight for those you love and care for. Never lose sight of what drives you forward. No matter what you do never forget what you are fighting for. Always remember what you’re fighting for and keep it close to your heart. If so, then you will always be just in what you do.” Sage finished as he shut the door behind him leaving the two to have time together.
“How much did you hear?” Revenant asked Twilight.
“Most of it….” She answered. “Revenant what happened on that last mission you did before you left?”
“Oh dear…bringing up old memories.” Revenant sighed. “Remember when I told you girls that I had to infiltrate the enemy ranks and it marked me as a traitor?”
“Yeah.”
“Well the Knights of the Blue Flame were on their way to finish the job; however they were heading into a trap. I defused the trap and caused havoc amongst the enemy. The knights arrived and did their assault. After I did a crippling blow to the enemy, I had to escape…sadly I was spotted by the knights. I planned on leaving the country but not with the knights seeing me the way I was. When they saw me I could see the pain in their eyes. They saw me as a traitor, deceiver, sinner, the list goes on. And now that feeling I had before that mission…I feel it again once more.” Revenant explained.
“Revenant…do you plan on leaving us after this?” Twilight dreaded to ask.
“That’s just it…I don’t want to. I intend to stay in Ponyville and build on my life with you. And yet, I’m scared that this mission will hinder me from my dreams.” Revenant somberly answered her. Twilight then embraced him and held him tight.
“Revenant you have to stay strong much like how your dad wanted you too. I know I don’t understand what you’re feeling but I know that if you stay true to what was passed to you…everything will be alright.” She comforted him.
“And what if things go wrong?”
“They won’t…you promised me remember six months ago?”
“That’s right…I did make a promise. I intend to keep it.” Revenant replied sounding better.
They both kissed each other and sat there holding each other tight hoping that this wouldn’t be the last time they hold each other. Twilight then felt some of his fear and was worried herself now of the outcome of the mission. A few minutes later a knocking was heard at the door.
“Revenant…Twilight…It’s me Rarity and…” Rarity said as she opened the door. “Oh good it’s safe to walk in.”
“Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed blushing.
“Sorry dearie just joking.” She then could see that the two were having a moment and hated to interrupt them. “I’m sorry about this but we’re about to arrive at our destination.”
“Are you ready Rev?” Twilight asked him.
“Yeah…let’s do this.” Revenant responded.
They got up and met with the rest of the group. Once the airship landed, the group stepped off heading to their goal. Revenant hoped that this would be the last mission he does, but hopefully not ‘the last mission’ he has. He looked towards his destination walking into his unknown fate.