//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Fault of Naivety // Story: Zodiac Brave Story // by Blankscape //------------------------------// Begin Chapter 1: Fault of Naivety * * * “There, 60 gold gil. An adequate compensation for the ill-accommodated, yet swift voyage to an abandoned and derelict lighthouse, I’m quite certain,” said the woman dressed in blue robes as the bag of coins jingled, settling upon the table. A slight hint of apprehension coated her hushed tone, considering it was her first time traveling by sea and being the only female aboard. In the dimly lit room, the captain stood opposite from her across the table. They were negotiating a fair price for the sudden and unannounced commission, at risk of braving a maelstrom no less. “Aye, it be lass. An’ mighty generous t’boot! If ah do say so me’self, aha,” the seaman spoke in a raspy, baritone voice. The sun had just set on a cloudy 7th day into the month of Scorpio. Only the foolhardy and brazen would dare travel to the forgotten isle during this storm laden time of the year. Even more brazen was this seemingly unassuming maiden barely of age. For this unsanctioned expedition, she had spent her entire life’s savings, deciding to group herself among sell-swords and the rowdy crew of a merchant ship she had hired, something no lady her tender age would ever consider doing. But this was her final chance. She had prayed to the Almighty to calm the weather for smooth sailing, and He had done so benevolently, answering her prayer. With a resolve steadfast and her ambition resolute like never before, she would brave adversity in all its forms to claim her place at the esteemed Lesalian Magick Institute for Exceptional Prodigies. And in her my mind, proving the existence of espers would easily gain her admission into the higher courses with scholarship, all fees paid for by taxes! Much more convincing and plausible than the laughing stock that was her previous attempt, a thesis on the ‘Feasibility and Applications of Spatiomancy.’ Then again, her fault lay in her wistful, naive daydreaming, but who could blame the youth’s courage for daring? “Think nothing of it, good sir. We all fall on hard times and one mustn’t shy away from the responsibilities to their fellow man,” she responded in kind to his friendly and jovial tone. “Then take this here, a small token of me gratitude,” said the captain in a thankful manner. Rummaging through a chest behind him, he took out a parcel wrapped in cloth and set it before her on the table. “Ah believe it would be of great value in yer expedition and yer studies.” Opening it, her eyes went wide with surprise. “An Alchemic Truncheon!” “Aye, one of fifty forged with lost technology from before the great cataclysm,” he explained as she took out a yellow stone from under her robes. She touched it to two distinct points on one end of the shaft, and the truncheon transfigured into an elegantly curved crystal blade with an elaborate guarded hilt. “Oho! Seems ya be familiar with the workings of that artifact there. And ah see yav a Leestone on yerself, the rock that hardens over time, an extremely rare find that be. Fate must be favoring ya greatly, lassy,” the jovial man whistled with a hearty chuckle. “Well good sir, as the first and only azure magus in over a millennium, I should be well-versed and competently efficient in any magick I can study,” she stated a matter-of-factly as she continued to inspect the gift. “Introductions aside, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much! I’ve only ever read of such items like this in books, but to even find one in still operable condition! Oh kind sir, I can’t thank you enough in one lifetime alone!” she exclaimed in wonder and gratitude. The captain felt his heart melt a little at the sight of her, gawking in amazement like an innocent child receiving a present that seemed ill-deserved. In a country just out of civil war and still burdened by famine, malady and death, innocence was a rare thing to find, all the more was her charity. In addition to the donation she made to the captain and his crew of eleven hard working men, which when spent thriftily could easily keep all their families fed and full for over a year, she was so innocent that none of the crew would dare touch her for fear of tainting that purity as well as any remaining shred of chivalry and decency left in them. The same could not be said, however, for the five sell-swords currently in her company who already left to ‘scout’ the area under the cover of a starless, cloudy night. * * * Ponyville. The summer rays of the Sunday sun shone over from the east as it did with every glorious sunrise Princess Celestia made. Its warmth, which signaled the beginning of a new day, stirred the denizens of Equestria to wakefulness. The birds chirping their sing –song melody, the breeze blowing through the forests and meadows, the cold mountain streams glistening brilliantly in the morning light, and the ponies who got up from their beds to meet the morrow with confidence, everything was bursting to vigor. All except one mare. Fluttershy. She was in bed, awake since five, reading this month’s issue of ‘Flora and Fauna.’ The article that piqued her interest was about a strange plant growing in Dodge City. The peculiar bud that had seemed to appear out of nowhere on the town’s oldest tree after the last parasprite infestation had been garnering attention from a many botanist and plant enthusiast all over Equestria. The segment she was currently reading was an interview with the mayor: “It was around a month after the infestation, people started noticing something growin’ on Ol’ Billy here. It was a weird lookin’ one and nopony ever seen it before, so I contacted M.A.P.A. (Manehatten Authority on Plants and Animals) to take a look. Turns out it’s some sort of new species never seen in Equestria so they been documenting its growth ever since. It’s been nearly eight months since that thing popped itself out of Billy and no branches, no leaves, no nothin’, still just a bud! Though it is kinda bigger looking than before so it must've been growing somehow. The M.A.P.A. people think it’s high time that pesky bulb there start flowerin’ or somethin’. Personally though, I’m just glad it’s doin’ good for the city’s tourism.” After finishing that last bit, she set the magazine on the bedside table then settled beneath the comforters. ‘Oh, how I wish I could go and see it for myself, a plant like that, so small yet resilient for so many long months must grow into something lovely and beautiful,' she thought to herself. Poor Fluttershy, she hadn’t been feeling well for the past couple of days, so her sickly body forced her to go back to sleep, and forget all her troubles for the sake of rest. Deep in her heart, she hoped to get better not only to see this plant but her friends as well from beyond the confines of her lonely bedroom, provided that the icky syrup Zecora had made for her would work its charm and make her better. About five hours later, there was an incessant and familiar thumping coming from beyond her soft and comfy sanctuary. “Ughh…. What time is it?” she demurely called out from underneath as she lingered in between consciousness and slumber. At first nothing, thinking it was a dream…….. And then more of that incessant thumping! ‘It’s probably Angel Bunny’ she thought to herself. The impetuous hare started to run up the covers, and proceeded to continue right on top of her face. She ignored it as the thumper went about his business for a few more minutes before he gave up. Then he opened a window and pulled the covers from over the tired mare. Bright sunbeams cast themselves onto her disheveled bed-mane as she continued to feign slumber in front of impatient rabbit, who, by the way, was not very happy at the sight of his mistress ignoring him. “Angel Bunny, you know I’m not feeling well, I need to rest,” she told off the hare in a hushed nasally manner. Not wanting to have any more of that, he readied his stance into a well practiced position, then leapt into air and landed squarely onto the mare’s sides with enough force to knock some wind out of her. Now, he had her attention. “Angel, please! I still don’t feel any……” Fluttershy interrupted herself as she noticed her stuffy nose and wheezing had gone and that her breathing did not feel heavy anymore. As the rabbit slid off her to the side of the bed, he pointed a paw at her and made a face as if to say ‘See? I told you so!’He hopped out of the bedroom and made his way down the stairs, all the while thumping his feet in the same incessant manner at a few stops, a gesture for his mistress to follow. ‘I suppose the medicine Zecora sent over did the trick. I’ll drop by for a visit some time and thank her’ she thought with a smile to herself, making a mental note of the matter, in addition to the fact she could now go see that strange bud in Dodge City. She got out of bed and followed suit but didn’t see Angel upon reaching the first floor. She then walked into the kitchen, already knowing where he was. Angel was by the pantry pointing to the cabinet high above his head. He pointed a paw to it then gestured to his stomach several times with displeasure written all over his face. Of course, Fluttershy loved all her animals with all her heart. She tended to them, fed them, even helped a lot of them raise their young with the most passionate of fervors anypony could have for their special talent. Aside from her best friends and actual blood relatives, these animals were practically family to her, especially Angel Bunny. But like anypony else though, Fluttershy gets sick from time to time, and got sick she did two days ago. She had been bed-ridden ever since, and Angel, being the smartest of all the animals in her care, proceeded to take charge of them in her stead. To tend to and feed them, maintain order where and when she cannot. He would ‘persuade’ his fellow rodents and rabbits to help him with the numerous chores of the household should such occasions present themselves, and being an animal himself certainly gives him an advantage over Fluttershy because he can actually understand what the others are saying. However, regardless of the intellect Angel possesses in spite of being, how Rainbow Dash would put it….. Ah, yes, a ’dumb animal’, he is still very much an overprotective, self-centered, grumpy-pants, mama’s boy….or in his case, a mama’s bunny. He did not like being ignored when he wanted attention, especially when the attention he sought was Fluttershy’s. Not counting her best friends, many a pony in Ponyville who had some sort of business with her personal or not would often think twice about visiting, all because of the furry hellion that was her companion and charge; more like body guard to be precise, albeit a very mean, borderline intolerant and self-centered one. If love was a a drug, then Angel bunny was, without a doubt, addicted to the shower of affection Fluttershy spoils him with on a daily basis, and he would not sit idly by to any contest of his rightful place in the mare’s eyes, mind and heart! Above all these, being personally fed by his mistress is the one show of affection he holds with the highest regard. And for two whole days, he had been denied this right! Although, Angel Bunny is a hardier hare than that, a tough little soldier, an even braver little trooper. He is more than smart and capable enough of taking care of himself. He could probably go for a month or even more without her and almost seemingly forget about her should she leave for an extended period of time, maybe even live out the rest of his life without her. But the moment Fluttershy steps back in to his sights, he relapses into this dependency for her love and affection. Regardless of how long a time ordeals like these take, should Fluttershy return from either errand or trip or recover from malady or trauma, he will not stand being starved of his ‘mana from Heaven’ any longer than necessary! Such is the infallibility of the absolute will with which he holds the leash that wrings his mistress’ neck and the immovable iron paw that binds and encompasses all in his vast and glorious kingdom! At least, that’s what he thinks. Still, what Angel wants Angel gets, and who was Fluttershy to deny him of his rights and privileges? Being her ‘owner’ and all, it was her responsibility to take care of him. After all, she was feeling much better now. She had all the time in the world. Speaking of time, she felt like she was forgetting something very important. Was it important? She couldn’t remember. Just then, she had some of the wind knocked out of here again as the fluffy bunny impacted her side once more. She glanced over to the impatient rabbit, seeing he was at wits end. He was practically gritting his teeth in disapproval for being made to wait so long. The meek mare ascended to the level of the cabinet, and took a cook book out. Returning to Angel, he decided on something that wasn’t terribly difficult or lengthy to prepare, something she was thankful for. Though she didn’t show it nor did she like thinking about it, it annoyed her to no end when he got nit-picky about his food, so he must be really eager and hungry for both sustenance and her love to choose something simple to make. After about twenty minutes or so, his meal was done with all the fixings and had been laid in front of him. It relieved her greatly, seeing him starting to eat his brunch without so much of a fuss. So she got back to thinking about the thing that seemed to be so important. It had something to do with time but she just couldn’t remember what. ‘Oh, what was it, again?’ She wondered. ‘Was it a promise, or a reminder of something else important, something I need to pick up, or was it a favor someone asked me to do? Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear. Which one is it?’ Before she could step away into the living room to ponder further on her sudden bout of forgetfulness, she felt a tug on her mane. Angel wanted his mistress to give him her full and undivided attention, and the unsatisfied look she saw plastered on his face combined with the glint of unbridled mischief in his beady little eyes meant he would do anything to keep her from neglecting her duty, which currently was to watch him eat lunch and feel happy for him. Sighing in forbearance, she resigned herself to her fate, continuing to watch him for about twenty more minutes as he took his sweet time finishing his meal, all the while basking in her attention. Finally alone in the living room, Fluttershy could now concentrate on the problem at hoof. She did forget something very important and it had something to do with time. Looking over to the wall clock, she scrunched her brows in slight confusion, noticing that it was now a forty-five minutes past eleven. ‘Eleven….. ELEVEN!’ Teal eyes shot out wide open in realization of what that number meant. 'I'm supposed to meet up with the girls at the train station at eleven sharp and i'm nearly an hour late!' As per routine when leaving her cottage and a brush in her mouth, she bade farewell to Angel Bunny after telling him be a good and well behaved little hare while she was gone, all done in a rush to the appointment that almost completely slip her mind. Angel let out a snort in response as the door shut behind Fluttershy, both for being denied once more his reservoir of love and affection, and as well as a sort of harsh goodbye for his mistress. * * * “Bloody serpents!” screamed Bryce in utter frustration and disappointment. “Ate my sword in one fell chomp! A thing of craftsmanship it was, being I was the bloke who forged it! I hope you choke on it!” he shouted to the darkness. “And you better make this all worth our time, you ungrateful wench!” wrathfully pointing an extra sword at the client as he threatened her. She glared daggers at him but hadn’t responded beyond that. After all, having a silver tongue underneath that modest facade was both a blessing and a curse. Used properly and wisely, a lot of things can be made to go the speaker’s way, and on the other hand, fools who hadn’t given thought to govern it at most crucial and essential of moments often met their demise that same day they let it loose. And so knowing the full extent of how more powerful mere sentences can be than any of the monsters they’d encountered down the previous nine floors, how simple words can turn people against each other, she kept silent as the party descended the steps further into the inky darkness. She would not waste this opportunity. Though the council of institute saw fit in their kindness to give her a second chance, they did not, however, believe in a third. And if they knew she had commissioned an unsanctioned expedition to Midlight’s Deep…. She shuddered in contemplation of what her life would amount to, should she not find anything noteworthy at all. A hand reached from behind Bryce. “Oi! Govern your tongue when around our client!” said Clifton, one of the other sell-swords. He seemed like their leader, acting like a big brother of sorts. He turned to face the young woman and said with repentance in his voice “Sorry about him there, miss! He’s just miffed about his sword getting gobbled, rusting away in a monster’s gut and what not. Completely not unlike any other respectable bloke who smiths their own blades and shields, he’s plainly venting justified anger but he don’t know how to go about venting it, that’s all. Hehe.” Content with the apology from his colleague and apparent superior, she straightened her gaze to shadows once more. “Stick to the plan, will ya? If what’s down here ain’t worth pig skin then we’ll just slit her throat, take anything shiny and leave her for dead. So don’t blow it!” Clifton whispered to Bryce in a reprimanding and scheming tone. “Aye.” answered Bryce as the duo looked back at their client, trying to discern whether she heard them or not. Fortunately for them, she was holding both hands to her ears which they thought she was stupid for doing. Not stupid. More like out naivety, as she was blocking out all the words the ruffian had said, trying to find her happy place while keeping the insults and criticisms down. Naive for not seeing her fault in hiring a band of deceitful brigands to aid her in this endeavor. They descended down further into the musty dungeon with cautious steps, wary of any more traps or beasts that may lie in wait. Then, off in the distance, as the stair case ended, she saw a door. “Well, then, if your tempers have cooled enough, I think you’ll be quite please to know, this be that last door.” said their client. The party rushed toward their goal, excitement in their gait as they ran closer to ‘only-Father-knows-what’ that awaited them past the stone gate*. With little effort, as seeing entrance open up without fuss, the party made their way into a large, unremarkable, cavernous chamber. ‘Strange’ she thought to herself, ‘The doors seemed to glide ajar, as though our steps be not the first to set foot here this century.’ Her assumptions proved true as she inspected the other sided of the door. The debris she found seemed to have been pushed aside from an earlier entry, one she estimated to be around a decade or so old. Wiping a hand to the rubble in question revealed that much of dust on it compared to the other surfaces of the room seemed to have been disturbed. She then looked over to the floor, noticing more sets of foot prints among the dust than there should be, the ones other than her party's seeming faint and even unnoticeable to those without a discerning eye. ‘Even stranger’ she thought to herself. Before she could ponder further on the strangeness of the evidence that presented itself, her attention was caught by the shouts of complaint from the one called Bryce. Much to the dismay and dissatisfaction of the sell-swords and even more to Bryce’s, there was no treasure to be found and anything that seemed valuable enough to haul in for market was either too large or too heavy to lug back on a trip to the mainland. “Goddamn it! This is all yer doin', wench! I’ll skin ya alive!” the knave threatened again with an angry and disappointed scowl. But then he slowed down his infuriated approach to the client, seeing she held her hand up in a gesture for him to stop. “What’s this? Poppet got some last words!?” “Not at all, my impatiently violent hire, just saying your gil's worth is over there, plastered on that wall.” she pointed out to some sort of hieroglyphics. “The Hero-King Mesa made mention of several of these glyphs in his journal long ago when he strove to bring back our fine nation out of the brink of despair and destruction from the aftereffects of the great cataclysm. You see before you your payment, gentlemen, bags of gold gil by the pound! And my guarantee into the esteemed Lesalian Magick Institute for Gifted Prodigies. At last!” explained the azure magus as she turned around to face the others with arms raised in glee. Though in hindsight, she should have made a better and more appropriate choice of words to give to a bunch of treasure-hungry cutthroats about their find. Not a second later than she had finished that statement, a blunt and heavy blow had found the side of her head, knocking her out cleanly without hassle, wiping the joyful grin that punctuated the end of her statement off her face. * * * End Chapter 1: Fault of Naivety __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________