Troubling Revelation
Dear Princess Celestia
North Equine is even more different from South Equine than I had originally thought.
Currency is in the form of paper, just... paper. Not coins like our bits, but something called "Bills". I'll bring some the next time we meet. There is so much here princess, though the most worthy of mention are: The architecture, the living conditions, the society's attitude towards males, and the overall society in general.
They place more value over the concept of political influence and money than of friendship and harmony. The architecture, as mentioned, is a prime example of that. While our buildings are more expressive, colorful and unique; Both North and South Equine's industrialized land scape(s) are based around efficiency and conformity.
The same could be quasi-said for the living conditions. Ponies (and other races) seem to be more confrontational here. (Though, that might be just this city) Putting greater credit on being 'right' or 'better' over good relationships with potential acquaintances. (Elaboration will be given in the follow up report)
The current city we are in takes a very... Feminized approach to it. Male demonizing arch to it. Unlike Equestria, Stallions are actually the dominate sex here. Though, from what I understand, more females claim to be oppressed and dominated. I have yet to witness any of this, though, you can be sure I'll keep my eyes open the farther on we travel.
--OPN--
Spike hasn't spoken in a while. He chuckles and makes little comments, but in terms of real conversation; he's made no progress. I'm worried about him. I know he's grown and matured since he left Ponyville almost a year ago, but still. I can't help but fear what's going on in that little head of his.
My regards to you and Princess Luna!
You're faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle.
Sin grumbled and closed the window. Mac lifted his head and shuffled the blankets, causing attention to be drawn his way. At first the two just stood in silence, Mac's eyes reflected in the dark goggles of Sin off of the moonlight.
After a few minutes, Sin sighed and took his place back on the floor.
"Where'd he go?" The apple stallion whispered.
"Knowing him, I couldn't hazard a guess honestly."
A moment more passed.
"Bed's open, I don't think he'll be back for the rest of the night."
....
"Hey Sin, mind if Ah ask ya' a question? Why are ya friends with 'em?" Sin gave a questioning sound. "Ah mean," Mac frowned trying to word his thoughts, "he ain't 'xactly the nicest pony 'round. N' he hurts ponies all the time, ponies who done him no wrong. Shouldn'cha hate him fer tha'?"
Mac tilted his head to see his associate smirking.
"It's difficult to explain." He shrugged.
Mac motioned for him to elaborate.
"Consider what he's been through, and what he is now. I suppose, in a way, I feel a bit responsible for what ever he does."
Mac grimaced, that didn't make any sense. Sin wasn't the one who put him in the tower, he didn't really do anything to hurt him at all.
The explanation continued on, the stallion mentioned that it was he who had assisted Shade in breaking out of his prison. And by doing so, he was, in a way, accountable for the ponies actions from then on. When put that way, it did kind of add up, but the fact that the night pegasus was incarcerated and driven to insanity by the Lunar Guard, would that not make him their responsibility?
"Be that as it may." The former senator growled, "the fact is, if I don't keep him under control, he'd probably do a lot worse."
Worse? What worse could he do than burning down towns, breaking prince Bluebloods horn, and insulting the rulers of Equestria? One in particular constantly being referred to as "Beast."
"But, Ah don' get it, he still hurts ponies."
That much was true still. Regardless of what the pegasus had experienced, the was still an assailant. And that had to count against him, even in Sin's eyes.
"That's true."
Knew it...
"I guess this is more about helping him and protecting his potential victims than anything."
That... Actually caught him off guard. He made it sound as if: with out him, Shade would be a rampaging monster. Would he be?
Sin said Shade would be worse if he wasn't there, what could he have possible seen the night pony do to say that? And better yet, Mac had to address the little hypocrisy in dedicating his time in service to control Shade's mental instability. Or in other words, how he wasn't put on this earth to serve as pagasus' handler.
To his surprise, Sin actually chuckled.
"I suppose you would have me there." He stopped laughing. "The reason why I do it, is because I chose to. Not because I'm forced to."
The two continued to converse onward. The topics grew farther from Shade and Sin's friendship, and more to the latter as an individual. Which seemed to make said pony quite uncomfortable for some reason. Sin more talked about to himself by his skill set, accomplishment and philosophy. It was typical for him to lean on those qualities when questioned, even if the inquiries had nothing to do with them.
It was so repetitive, Mac actually found the pattern to it. First came the "Due to my time in politics," or "Survivalist training taught me to ____" Even when asking a simple question about his aspirations or dislikes. Next came the questioning of relevance, and finally the quid pro quo.
This time, Sin's question was one that he had actually been asking himself.
"Why are you here?" It wasn't in the philosophical 'what is life' sense. But the reason for his accompanying of the pony through a world so alien to him. He tried to play it off as just trying to help a friend, but Sin wouldn't have it; he pushed that there must have been more of a reason.
"Ain't that why you came back?" Mac smirked. "Ta help a friend?"
Taken aback, the liberty stallion chuckled heartily. "Well, aren't we the clever one?" The apple pony quirked an expectant brow, "alright, alright. That's not the only reason I'm here."
"Though to answer your question, no. I've never been in a relationship with a mare." He admitted.
'Finally!' "Why no'?"
"I think you owe me an answer now." Sin smirked.
Two questions were answered, one more vaguely than the other, but it was still what he wanted. Mac nodded for his friend to ask.
"What are the 'Elements of Harmony'?"
"Some kinda gems that represents tha bond of friendship." Or so Applejack told him.
Sin didn't ponder on the notion long, Mac's curious look prompted him.
"Sorry, I've heard Miss Sparkle mention them a couple of times. She said they were a power that could cleanse evil." He chuckled, at what, Mac wasn't sure. "Could you tell me exactly what they are and what they have accomplished?"
"Well, from wha' Ah understand, they were used by Twiligh' n' her friends ta beat Nigh'mare moon n' Discord."
Sin's smirk dropped to an expression of shock.
"Discord?" He whispered, his tone implying he hoped he heard the name wrong.
"Eeyup."
Sin stood silent for a moment.
"And they are the ones who used these 'elements' to... turned him into stone?"
"Ah think so." Why does he look like he'd seen a ghost? His sister and her friends wouldn't do anything to him. Though, unfortunately, his confusion didn't last.
"Let me get this straight." He deadpanned. "We're traveling with a Discordian acolyte, insane and obsessed, and the mares who had imprisoned his god in stone?"
His heart skipped a beat as realization dawned. Oh wow, he hadn't even thought about that fact... Was that the reason Shade hated the girls so much? No, even as little time as Mac had known the pony, he knew Shade would have taken active measures of revenge.
Ice grew up his spine, thoughts of what would become of his sister and her friends tormented his mind. Shade has proven himself a very capable, cleaver, and strong when he wanted to be. - Single hoofedly fighting a pack of diamond dogs, holding the majority of the fight with a giant Ruby Dragon, Eluding the Lunar guard, sneaking into Celestia's castle, and traumatizing Blue blood... All were proof enough if this-
Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow and Pinkie were by no means weak ponies, but against Star Shade?
They quickly agreed to tell Twilight and the others not to mention the artifacts again, and hope that the bat pony would be none the wiser for the status of his traveling companions. Then Mac took to the bed and lay in wait for the comfort of sleep. Though, another revelation hit Mac...
Sin managed to get the topic off of him again.