//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: The Worst Possible Thing // Story: Legacy Of A Hero // by CrypticMetaphor //------------------------------// The reunion transitioned far into the afternoon until night fell. Everypony soon bid the Apples fair well and left for their homes of origin. Soon The Washington’s departed for Cloudsdale leaving The Fairbridges to their own devices which consisted of a late dinner. The Apple Family and The Fairgates sat in silence at the table as they ate. Mary looked around at each one of them; Granny Smith had finished early and was currently asleep in her room. Mary stared at her fork for a full minute then shook her head and slammed it down as she stood up in frustration surprising everypony. Mary loudly said, “You two shouldn’t have to go!” Applejack looked to the side, “You heard.” Mary nodded still frustrated, “Your damn right I did. There are plenty of other ponies that could be sent!” Martin calmly placed his utensils down, “I have been asked to protect my family and our home.” Mary raised her arms, “Look around dad! This isn’t our home,” she then worriedly stated, “So you’re going to risk your life for a place you weren’t even born into?” Martin was angered at the remark as he too stood and pointed at his daughter, “I’ll risk my life to do what’s right! Regardless of whether we were born here or not we still have family here and I have to protect them!” Mary backed down, “But…” Martin cut her off angrily, “End of discussion!” Mary looked down and then narrowed her eyes and spat back, “Fine! You know what? Get captured and die! See if I care!” She then stormed out of the room and slammed her bedroom door shut behind her much to the family’s surprise and Martin’s sadness at his and Mary’s argument. * The following morning appeared and all of The Knights were gathered in the town square to be seen off by their friends and family. Martin scanned the crowd and saw that Mary was nowhere in sight, a pang of guilt and sadness entered him as he turned to leave with the group. Alan noticed his friends look, “You alright?” Martin looked back toward the farmhouse, “Do you think Mary will be alright?” Alan smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder, “She takes after her old man, she’ll be fine.” Twilight smiled, “She may surprise you.” Everypony else voiced their agreement as they left. * The events in question transpired a mere 2 weeks ago and no messages had been received from The Knights in that time period. Mary and Dominic were still going to school but were still greatly worried for their family and friends. After several days of relentless school they were finally given a professional day which they both took in earnest and left Earth with packed bags. Mary arrived at the farm and was currently in her room and never left it. After another day, the COH ventured to Sweet Apple Acres to check on their friend who they barely saw at all nowadays. Dominic knocked on the door, “Hey Mary you alright in there?” Mary weakly replied with, “Leave me alone.” Scootaloo flew up to the door, “Were worried about you.” Mary responded again, “Just go away please.” Applebloom approached the door and knocked firmly, “Mary, ah may be yer friend but ah’m also yer Aunt now open this door young lady!” Dinky looked at her, “Did you just assert your status? I thought you hated doing that.” Applebloom nodded, “ah do, but desperate times call for desperate measures.” Mary’s door slowly opened as Dominic began to speak, “You barely show your face around Earth and at school and you lock…” Mary’s hair was dishevelled and her eyes were red and she was sniffling. This caused all who were present to go silent. Mary spoke in a choked tone, “I said he could die and I wouldn’t care.” Dom approached with concern, “ To who?” Mary collapsed to her knees, “My dad…” Sweetie Belle gasped, “Why?!” Mary looked at the floor, “I was so worried and worked up I just-“, she then broke down into tears as she looked at them all, “I didn’t even go to say goodbye! He must think I hate him!” Dinky comforted her friend, “Come on, you know he doesn’t.” Mary wasn’t convinced, “He might as well.” Applebloom got down to her level, “Yer pa is the most caring and dependable of men and you’re his daughter-“ Mary stood up as she went back into her room, “Who can’t even get off the ground.” Dominic moved after her but was stopped by Scoots wing, “Let’s just let her cool off.” * In a darkened room sat a throne of black metal and stone and behind it was a cage of black energy and steel which currently housed eight occupants. Martin stared at a screen of black glass that sat in front of the throne and was displaying all the events in question as if it were a home movie. He angrily smacked the bars, “You’re a sick and twisted bastard!” A clawed like hand covered in black armor plating appeared over the arm rest, “I try.” Rainbow smashed her side against the barrier, “When I get out of here-“ The clawed hand flicked to the side as if dismissing her comment and the prisoners were painfully zapped with electricity. Twilight looked at the throne, “Why are you doing this?” The person stood and approached the cage. The light shed across a smooth black metal mask with sunken cheeks. A royal robe of black and dark azure garbed him; atop his head was a black and twisted metal crown. Armored boots clanged on the ground at his approach as he glared at the unicorn who’s eyes widened as if she were staring at a ghost. The Black King uttered one word which chilled them to the bone, “Revenge.”