//------------------------------// // Zietnot // Story: Lairs & Lycanthropy: Revival // by NeoNagasaki //------------------------------// (Author's note: I had trouble making this flow the way I wanted it to. I decided to try a framing device for this chapter to make it work closer to how I wanted it. It's the first time I've tried it, let me know if it works or needs to be reformatted to what I usually do.) With a deep breath her nostrils sucked in salt spoiled air and her teeth grit. Pink eyes glanced up to the shadow that towered over them Shadow Station. This was it, death or glory, this was it. Rainbow’s head turned slightly as Applejack quietly said “Last call for food ‘fore we do this, could be the last meal anypony eats.” “No thanks.” Pinkie said, “I had a big dinner yesterday.” Rainbow’s eyes shot to Twilight as they both grimaced at the thought. Instinctively Rainbow put her hoof against the ornate silver dagger she had hidden from view. The click of Pinkie loading her crossbow cut through the dark, gentle night air. Slowly Rarity retracted the sails; they would drift in from here. Better to keep their craft small and their presence quiet during their approach. Silence settled in over them, Rainbow’s thoughts directed themselves to thinking about how wrong this could go, how any of them could die at any time. The rest of them must have been thinking the same, how could they not? The worst part was they were going to be stretched thin. With only six of them they needed to be in so many places at once; Rainbow wouldn’t even have a chance to defend them. Ironic that she was worried about each of them, even Pinkie. Even as she waited for the Pink mare to give her a reason to sink a dagger into her, she worried. What madness was it that six mares thought they could attack a government military installation with any degree of success? With a sigh Rainbow thought back to the day before. Before they had their gear, before they boarded their boat. Back to when she had simple sparring practice in the setting sun with her friend. ------- Rainbow stepped forward quickly, whirling the stick above her head and viciously smacking the incoming one out of the way. With a sharp intake of breath she dropped to her knees and brought the weapon down, striking at her opponent’s ankles. A grunt sounded from Applejack’s maw as she popped into the air, the stick narrowly avoiding her rear hooves. One of Applejack’s kind legs struck squarely between Rainbow’s eyes, sending her tumbling to the dirt. “Why’re ya always goin’ for the hind legs Rainbow! There’s other ways to win a fight!” Hastily Rainbow rolled onto all fours and grinned sheepishly. “Well it worked the first time, and if we were using swords I’d only need it to work once...” “Well yah can’t always expect hackin’ at their hind legs ta work!” “Red Gala seemed to think it was effective enough to stop trying to chase me.” Applejack’s eyes widened, fire burning behind them. “Now just ‘cause Red Gala lost one fight-” “Was that before or after she got taken hostage by Twilight?” “Aw that tears it!” Applejack screamed and rushed Rainbow, grabbing twin sticks from her sheaths as she closed in. Her hooves moved swiftly as she struck, their soft clicks mirrored by the sounds of the sticks striking each other’s. With a grin Rainbow reared up, deflecting the strike of the longer stick. Pink eyes flashed upward as she instinctively tracked her friend’s smaller weapon rear back for a strike. Hastily her head moved back an inch, then whipped forward to viciously bash Applejack in the face. A spray of blood marked the flight of Applejack’s head as her weapon swung wide. In an instant it was over, and Applejack lay sprawled out in the dirt. There was a long silence before Applejack’s hoof raised up and wiped some blood from the front of her mouth “Ow.” Rainbow’s grinning face appeared over her friend moments before offering a hoof to help her up. The orange mare accepted it and pulled herself to her hooves, wiping once again at her nose to try and stop the bleeding. “Y’know,” Applejack said, “That was a dirty trick bringing up Red Gala like that.” Rainbow brushed it off, turning about and tossing her big stick against a nearby tree. A twinge of discomfort shot through sore muscles, weary of their hard practice. “Oh come on. You said yourself her leg was going to heal up just fine.” “That’s not the point.” Applejack said, no mirth betraying her, “You were a soldier in a battle. I get that. I do. But it’s not like you was drafted, now was it?” Rainbow let out a sigh “Look AJ, do we really have to do this?” “You signed on with a group of ponies who attack farmers! An’ ya knew darn well what ya were doin’ was wrong!” Rainbow could feel her teeth grind as she choked back the anger. She knew it wasn’t going to help her. Every lesson she learned under Brother Meadow screamed at her to keep her anger in check. Still she couldn’t help herself from turning about to face her accuser. “What we were doing? Ponies are wild animals AJ. We used to roam in packs taking what the land gave us like the zebra do.” “Fine, but why’re ya comin’ after us farming ponies?” “It’s land with food on it! More food than any of you could ever eat! You’re hoarding it!” “We planted it! It wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for us! It’s on our land!” “Fuck your land!” “An’ if ya went and killed some of my kin ‘cause y’all were too lazy to go and forage your damn selves?” Rainbow’s mouth held open for a while, then closed. Her expression of anger slowly melted into one of sadness as she turned away, “Nopony ever died from a cut to the hind leg.” Somberly the cyan mare trudged off. For a minute or so she didn’t hear the hooves of her friend, and hope rose that perhaps Applejack had left her. Soon, however, the orange mare fell in line beside her as they moved towards the town. “Ya know, ya never seemed ta have a problem with mah farming back in Ponyville. What happened?” With a small smile Rainbow looked to the sky. Darkness was fast approaching. “That was another time AJ. I was a pegasus and the sky was my home. There was so much of it and nopony ever said I couldn’t use it. I was faster then too. It made the world seem so small.” Applejack gave a small laugh before they fell into silence for a bit. As the town settled into view she spoke again, “I miss ol’ Ponyville. Nopony ever fought over nothin’ back then.” “Maybe not,” Rainbow said “But then who knows where Spirit would have ended up.” Applejack cocked an eyebrow “Spirit?” “He’s a monk in training,” She hesitated “Actually by now he’s probably a full monk now...we used to spar together.” “In that church of four truths place ya came from?” “Temple.” Rainbow corrected, “And he wouldn’t have much cared for the choices I made either.” A cyan brow furrowed as she made out the sight of a purple mare coming towards them from the town. She was about to alert her friend to Twilight’s approach, but one look told her Applejack had seen her as well. “So.” Applejack said, “You gotta thing with that monk colt?” Rainbow’s head shook, “No, but the Temple was Spirit’s life. The Temple of Four Truths doesn’t exist in the real world, I have no idea what he’d be doing there.” Applejack gave Rainbow a reassuring smile, “Maybe when we get back all them temple folk can set themselves up a place in Ponyville.” Rainbow let out a snicker “If that could happen then I imagine bandits would set up some places themselves.” A rock was harshly kicked and sent sailing down the road as a hard look took Applejack’s face. “Bandits.” She spat, “Bandits ‘n lycans. I’ll see every last one cured ‘er hanged after Celestia’s back.” “They’re not all bad,” Rainbow said “Some of them just have families to feed and can’t get by any other way. They’re just in a difficult situation and made some bad choices.” Applejack paused before raising a hoof to greet Twilight “Naw sugarcube. If an apple’s half rotten we call it a rotten apple. Ponies are good folk or they’re not. An’ we don’t keep rotten apples.” The conversation died as Twilight sidled up beside them, “Hey guys! Fluttershy and Pinkie got us rooms at the inn closest to the water. Did you get the supplies?” “We did.” Applejack said, “They’re custom fitting it all, we’re about to go pick it all up.” “Actually,” Twilight said, “Could you go get it and bring it to the inn? I need to get Rainbow up to speed on our plans for Shadow Station.” Applejack looked over to her cyan friend for an instant, then gave a nod and a polite farewell before leaving. After Rainbow watched Applejack disappear into the village she turned about to face her purple friend. With a smile she trotted over and took a seat. “Allright Twi, what do I need to know?” Twilight looked about conspiratorially before lowering her voice. “Rainbow Dash, we’ve got a problem.” Rainbow’s eyes narrowed, “What is it Twilight? Do the marines-” “No.” Twilight said, “It’s not that, but it’s bad. First I need you to promise not to tell Applejack.” “What-” “Promise!” Twilight’s eyes were wide as she reached out and drew Rainbow in closer, “It’s to keep everyone safe.” “I’ll keep your secret Twilight. What is it?” “One of our own,” Twilight said hesitantly “Is infected with lycanthropy.” Rainbow could feel all of her muscles tense suddenly, a panic setting in over her. Lycanthropy! No! A good deal of Applejack’s family had been turned into those beasts. A good portion of her family had been turned! A sudden rolling fury permeated Rainbow’s tensed form. They’d all lost too much to those damned beasts, and now one of her close friends? Unthinkable! Who? who was it! If half of Applejack’s family was turned, it’s possible they turned her too... maybe she was just keeping with them as a spy! No, no that didn’t make sense. Fluttershy, it had to be her. The girl did fight against the lycans before they joined up. All it would have taken was one bite. Bastards! They took- “Who!” Rainbow Dash screamed, smashing her hooves against the ground and drawing her face forward to within an inch of her friend. “Quiet! The marines...” “Who!” Twilight looked down in shame, then bit her lip, “Pinkie Pie’s been turned.” Rainbow could feel her heart break as she sunk lower with a miserable sigh, “How’d you find out? Did she attack someone?” “No,” Twilight said “We found a book about lycanthropy in her things. She’s getting as much information about her condition as she can, maybe looking for a cure or something.” “That...that doesn’t mean she’s one of them. She’s Pinkie, she’s always doing weird things. She probably just wanted more information on lycans.” Twilight sighed as she moved around Rainbow Dash and took a seat next to her. “You’ve seen how she’s changed from our Pinkie. She’s gotten cold and bloodthirsty. She turned a cannon of grapeshot against a ship in dock with innocent ponies on board. That’s probably why she didn’t go near your camp or Applejack’s family until after all the other lycans were removed.” “If she was turned by them wouldn’t she want to stay with them?” Twilight’s head shook, “No, she wasn’t turned by that group. Lycans are pack creatures. Most ponies who get turned on their own can’t survive. Their wolven and pony natures cause them to kill themselves or turn into feral beasts. They need another lycan to teach them how to embrace their nature. If she were turned a few weeks ago she would have succumbed to madness or death by now.” “She was on a ship since she was little...” “She’s seen this entire world as a game Rainbow. She probably infected herself on purpose. She could have paid an alpha to ride with her until she could learn to live with the disease.” Rainbow put a hoof to her forehead as she thought “We...we need to get Fluttershy away from her. They’ve been going off alone every evening, she’s probably out there with her now.” Twilight shook her head slowly “She’s a druid Rainbow. All she knows is dealing with wild animals. She’s probably better with Pinkie then the rest of us, having a pet to take care of is probably what pulled her out of her depression.” Cyan hackles raised “She’s still my friend Twi, maybe you should choose your words more carefully.” “I didn’t mean...I...I’m sorry. Pinkie’s still my friend too.” Silence descended upon the pair as they sat in the fading sunlight. Twilight shifted uncomfortably and looked towards the skyline, but Rainbow remained still. Finally her thoughts composed and she looked to Twilight determined, “This is a big accusation and we don’t have any real proof. We can’t just make accusations like that, we need to be sure.” Twilight’s mouth twitched thoughtfully “Wolfsbane isn’t common. The druids have most of it. Fluttershy had some, but she might have left it on the Wave Crester. Tonight we can go through her things and see if she kept it.” “And if she has none?” Twilight paused, then smiled, “Rarity has...medicines...that would make those who imbibe them ill. If Pinkie were to take one and throw up we could see what she’s eaten.” Rainbow nodded “If Pinkie’s eating meat that’s proof enough she’s turned.” The two of them trotted slowly back to the village. Rainbow wished to speak, but she could find nothing to say. What would they do after they proved Pinkie was a lycan? Surely even Applejack wouldn’t be heartless enough to want her dead. They only needed to hold the group together long enough to end this game didn’t they? Then they could go back to the way things were. Applejack didn’t ever need to know. Still, this was an extra danger. Pinkie would have...urges. Unnatural urges, the urges carnivores and beasts felt, bloodlust. Worse than that if she was a lycan that meant she had an alpha out there somewhere didn’t she? Some beast of murderous intent that held at least half of Pinkie’s loyalty. Nopony could put their trust in a lycan, no matter how good a friend they were. As they passed through the sparse buildings towards their inn groups of marines moved towards their ship. For now, at least, crime had dropped to nonexistent. The worst they had to worry about was getting into a drunken brawl...oh man! She could have started a drunken brawl with Viceroy Shadowflame’s marines! There was still time! Military stallions in drunken close com- Twilight’s wordless icy stare bore into her and caused her eager grin to fade. Right...the objective was to be bored and not draw attention. “What?” Rainbow asked, but never received an answer. As the girls walked through the door at least twenty hungry stallion’s eyes turned to look them over. The heavy stench of ale hung on the air. It was a rich, inviting smell. Blueblood’s brand, she noted; apparently marines drank well. With a lurch one of the uniformed boys found his way to his hooves, a lecherous grin on his lips. He gave a bit of a laugh as he started forward, his eyes transfixed on Twilight. Rainbow’s teeth grit as she looked over to her purple friend. Of course the bastard at the bar wanted her. Mares had to be soft fragile things didn’t they? Oh somepony was about to learn what it felt when a proper mare bucked him in the face! Rainbow took a step forward, but then the whole room stopped. One stallion’s throat cleared commandingly and each pony turned to look at him. He was an older stallion whose mane had long since greyed. His uniform matched the others, save for a single red pauldron and an aura of regality surrounding him. Each marine slowly turned back to their drink, and the one who stood retreated respectfully. Slowly the stallion with the red pauldron looked up, a scar running from his eye to his chin revealing itself in the candlelight, “You mares have a nice night now.” he muttered in a thick accent that Rainbow couldn’t quite place, then went back to drinking with his friends. As Rainbow turned she noted Twilight had already made it to the stairs and quickly followed suit. “Alright fine, no fighting with the marines. What should we do about Fluttershy?” Twilight jumped as a thump came from the hallway, followed by Pinkie’s high pitched voice “Come ooonnnnn! Let us in!” After a moment it was followed by a softer one “Please?” Twilight and Rainbow made it up the stairs and rounded the corner and found Pinkie on her hind legs, resting her front hooves against Rarity’s door. Her left hoof scraped against the wood as she whined, “Raaaaaaarityyyy...” “No!” the voice from the other side called back. Quickly Twilight trotted up to the door, approaching Pinkie just a hair too cautiously. “Is something wrong?” The pink bouncy mane flurried about as Pinkie’s head snapped over to Twilight. “Twilight! You’re here! Rarity’s being a meanie mean pants and she won’t let us in our room!” The door called out in response “They’re dirty! I’m not about to have nature getting all over my beautiful fabrics.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow, “Fabrics?” Twilight turned her head quickly “She’s making a dress.” “Why?” Twilight shrugged and turned back. “Okay,” she said diplomatically, “How about we switch rooms? Rainbow Dash and I can sleep with Rarity, you and Fluttershy sleep with Applejack.” Things were quiet for a while, then Rarity responded from behind the door “Was Rainbow Dash sweating in the woods?” Rainbow sighed and Pinkie’s head pressed against the door. Slowly the pink mare slid all the way to the ground. “Fine.” Rainbow said testily, “Come on guys, I’ll go with you to a bathhouse, make sure nothing happens.” A pause as a thought struck Rainbow “Let’s leave anything we don’t need with Twilight. No need to carry all our supplies with us.” With a nod and a grumbled agreement from Pinkie the three of them sloughed off their extra weight and started to leave. Little more than knives graced their bodies, as they hadn’t yet gotten to Applejack’s supplies. As Rainbow turned to follow Fluttershy and Pinkie she felt somepony bite down on her tail. She turned back to see Twilight take something from her robes and hold it out. Quickly she spat out Rainbow’s tail “Take this.” In her hoof she held a blade, a rather ornate one. Rainbow took a quick look down to the combat knife strapped to her hip “Mine’s better Twilight.” The mage nodded “Yes, but this one is silver. If...in case a lycan attacks you while you’re out. You can protect our friends with this.” There was something in Twilight’s eyes. A glimmer of fear perhaps, or just determination. Rainbow took the blade quickly and replaced her combat knife, “Thanks Twilight.” With that she was gone. ------- With a sigh Rainbow held the door to Rarity’s room open and let the other two in. It was unsettling watching them in the bathhouse. They didn’t do anything wrong exactly. In fact it went pretty much exactly as Rainbow had expected. They naturally ended up in a ridiculous splash fight, she had won of course. The odd part was that Fluttershy had started it, not Pinkie. Fluttershy had always been in the back when things like that happened. Most of the time Rainbow felt bad and had to hold back. Maybe that’s just how druids dealt with that kind of animal, played with them? As she approached her door it slid open and Twilight stepped out. “Hi Rainbow Dash, Applejack’s getting some rest in there. I don’t want to risk her hearing anything.” Rainbow nodded, “Makes sense, do lycans act nicer when you roughhouse with them?” Twilight blinked in confusion “Why would I know that?” “‘Cause you’re an egghead.” “Look,” Twilight said “I’ve had time to read a lot of books, but the social behavior between ponies and lycans usually amounts to “avoid at all costs.”” Rainbow averted her eyes, a twinge of shame overtaking her, “She’s still my friend...but did you find any wolfsbane?” “No.” Twilight’s eyes were downcast, “She must have left it on the Wave Crester.” “The poison then?” Twilight sighed as she turned back to her door “We don’t have time Rainbow. While you were gone I heard the marines downstairs talking...they’re going to Shadow Station to provide extra security. If we don’t head out for the station first thing tomorrow we'll have another battalion on our hooves.” “And if Pinkie turns on us during?” “There’s no chance of lycans being on that station, and she’s avoided eating us so far. It’s dangerous for us, but we need to put the fate of all Equestria first. Keep the silver dagger and stay close to her for as long as you can. Other than that hope for the best, we need to hit a military base in less than twenty-four hours. Confronting Pinkie now...” Rainbow nodded as Twilight opened the door “Twi...this world isn’t so bad. If the odds are this heavy against us...” “No.” Twilight said as she marched in “This is a world of death and pain Rainbow. We have to try.” ------- A slight thud sounded as the small vessel hit the massive platform in the ocean. It was time, for Equestria they would live or die as heroes. Rarity’s grappling hook hit the lowest railing and held. With a sad smile she looked to her friends “Just in case....I love you all.” Then she began to climb. Rainbow stepped up to go next. Each of them had their part to play. If everything, went off perfectly they might, might, make it out alive. It took a special kind of crazy to attack a military base, but after you agreed to fight a god you’re overqualified.