Chapter 7: Route
Jay and Rainbow Dash were getting close to Baltimare. They hadn't run into any travelers, which wasn't uncommon. A group of ponies had exited Baltimare.
"Uh-oh, pony town. Quick, start fighting me," Jay instructed.
"Why?"
"They'll think something's weird if we're together."
Rainbow Dash pulled out her sword and swung slowly at Jay, trying not to hurt him, but also making it believable.
"Hey, look at this, some human thinks he can deal with a pegasus," said the first pony. It was a group of three earth ponies.
Jay blocked an attack with an arm bracer.
"Let's help her out a little," suggested another pony in the group. He attempted to jump onto Jay and tackle him down from behind, but Jay turned around, revealing his hidden blade from his wrist. He caught the pony straight through a rib and into his chest, puncturing the heart. Blood came out of the ponies mouth as it hit the ground.
"Get him!" shouted the first pony.
Rainbow Dash swung her sword at one, hitting her with the flat of her blade. She was knocked back a little and Rainbow Dash spun around and bucked her in the chin. She followed by gripping the sword tight in her mouth and stabbing it through the pony's eyes.
All the while, Jay was fighting the other pony. The pony started off by trying to grab Jay. He retaliated by grabbing his hoof and throwing him on the ground. Jay immediately jumped on the pony and stabbed it through the throat. He retracted his blade.
"Well, that probably could have gone better," Jay said.
"Maybe a little," Dash agreed.
They proceeded to the town. "How can I look around the town without being spotted?" Jay asked.
"I don't know."
Jay remembered the previous day. The pony was undetected when it was climbing a roof.
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Thatch flew directly over the Canterlot Castle, Taro riding on his back. Dropping, Taro said, diving off of the dragon. He spun around, using his wings to stabilize himself. The balcony of Celestia's quarters was directly below. Taro landed on the gold railing, keeping his balance as the metal bent slightly beneath him.
"Whoops," he said, accessing his magic to straighten the bar.
"Taro, what are you doing here? I thought you were staying by Discord's side," asked Celestia from inside her room.
"Hmm, looks like I've made myself known to the Princess as well. Event noted," Taro replied aloud.
"Are you going to answer my question?"
"In a minute, but first, why don't you fear me?"
"Please, if you wanted to hurt me, you would've done it by now."
"No, I mean, why aren't you as mad as the others?"
"Because I've gotten over it. I'm actually glad things turned out the way they did."
Taro got down from the railing. "What do you mean?"
"Discord is the reigning King of Chaos, yet this is all he did. Granted, he turned humans and ponies against each other, which is a pretty big thing, but that's it."
"Why didn't he do any more?"
"He can't. He's in hiding, trying to gain more power. His master plan was to turn all of the citizens of Equestria against each other. It took a lot out of him. Why don't you know this yet?"
"I'm so tired of explaining everything. Let's just put it this way: That's Chrysalis. Now do you know where Discord is?"
"Of course I don't. I pose a threat to you two, why would I know where you and Discord are hiding?"
Taro grunted in annoyance. "It's not me. I need to find out where they are so I can return everything back to normal."
"Good luck, you're not going to defeat Discord, even if your story is true."
"Oh, and why not?"
"Apple Jack hates your guts. She's never going to join your side, no matter what you say."
"Well so long as I have the Elements of Harmony, that shouldn't matter. I still have mine," Taro turned around. "In fact, I think I have an idea. If Discord is still weak... Do you know where Kayderon lives these days?" Kayderon was a master black smith.
"Last I saw him, he was in Apple-loosa, why?"
"I just said I have an idea." Taro took off.
Thatch, I'll be in Apple-loosa.