//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: Walk Through The Fire // Story: Legacy Of A Hero // by CrypticMetaphor //------------------------------// Alan crouched behind Sombra’s throne as the King shot blasts of magic in an effort to destroy the cover and wipe out the nuisance that lay behind it. Alan was trying to formulate a plan of action; on the one hand he had to keep Mary and the rest of his friend’s safe so they could figure an escape plan to assist in the rescue. The other hand was currently not full of any good battle strategies for Sombra due to his weakness being The Crystal Heart, which was currently halfway across the bloody map. Alan gritted his teeth as he rotated the wrist of his right hand, the last attack from Sombra had got him good and he was in no condition to continue. Stamina may be increased but he could only go for so long until he had to get some breathing room. * Mary was pacing around the strange woman who merely followed Mary’s step with an even gaze. Mary didn't know who this was, but Mary felt a sense of safety being near her. The cloaked woman shook her head, “Keep pacing and you’ll make a groove in the floor.” Mary tilted her head, “Do I know you?” The cloaked woman gave a light chuckle, “Well you could say we’re sisters of fire.” Mary nodded slowly, “Okay, now the truth please.” The cloaked woman sighed, “I knew your father back in the day. I was one of his best friends and his worst enemy for a time.” Mary was surprised at the statement, “Are you serious?” The woman smiled, “Dead serious.” Mary scratched the back of her head, “Why do I have a feeling that was a bit of dark humor on your part.” The woman nodded, “It should be, I am technically dead.” Mary backed off, “You’re a ghost?” The woman glanced to the side, “Well….um. Yes and no.” The woman then proceeded to explain, “To make complex things simple, my physical self was destroyed but the rest of me is sort of lingering. I’m just outside of the mortal realm.” Mary pointed, “So you’re kind of like a force ghost right?” The woman laughed, “Pretty much.” Mary narrowed her eyes then realized something, “Hold on a sec, I've seen your face before.” (Many years in the past) Mary sat on her mother’s lap as she showed her daughter photos of days past. Mary pointed at a photo of a much younger group of three teens with ponies around them, “Who’s that lady mommy?” Applejack smiled, “That little lady was one of yer father’s closest friends. Her name is Lupe.” Mary looked at her mother, “When is Auntie Lupe gonna come for a visit?” Applejack’s smile faltered for a moment but she perked up as she hugged Mary, “I’m afraid Auntie Lupe isn’t around anymore mah little blossom.” Mary nodded slowly, “So she’s in heaven?” Applejack spoke quietly under her breath, “Ah hope so.” * Mary stood shocked once more, “Lupe?” Lupe smiled, “Happy belated birthday kiddo.” * Sombra backhanded Dominic into a nearby column, “Insolent human!” Dominic stood up shakily, “You hit like a mare….present company excluded.” * Lupe nodded at Mary, “You must get your looks from your father.” Mary smiled awkwardly, “Thanks…I guess.” Lupe scratched the back of her head but then became all business, “Alright here’s the skinny. Where you are right now is a mental plain that has been created using a hybrid of dark aspect abilities compounded with dark magic.” Mary glanced around, “Figured as much.” Lupe was shocked but sighed, “He told you?” Mary nodded, “Stories at family gatherings, grandma and grandpa thought they were just made up for my entertainment.” Lupe nodded, “Now you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to get out of here.” Mary sarcastically responded, “No not really.” Lupe glanced toward the flaming wall, “In order to get out, you have to face your fear.” Mary raised an eyebrow, “My fear?” Lupe nodded, “The pony you saw was an embodiment of your doubt, fear, and humiliation.” Mary quickly said, “I’m not humiliated!” Lupe was the one to raise her eyebrow next, “Really?” Lupe then snapped her fingers as the fire died down. Laying on the ground sobbing was Mary Mare, Mary turned to look at Lupe he merely gestured for her to proceed. The human slowly approached the mare and kneeled down. Mary gently placed her hand on the mare’s mane causing the sobbing pony to stir. Mary smiled weakly, “I don’t hate you.” Mary Mare scoffed, “You don’t believe that.” Mary finally lost her temper, “What the hell is your problem!?” Mary Mare reeled on the human in equal anger, “MY problem!? Really?!” Mary jabbed a finger at the pony’s snout, “Yeah, what do you want from me anyway!” Mary Mare raised her voice several octaves, “I JUST WANT YOU TO ACCEPT ME!” Mary blinked in surprise, “What?” Mary then understood what this apparition was. All these years, all these feelings she felt whenever she was in self-doubt. This pony, no, this version of herself represented the side she had never grown to accept. Mary Mare nodded, “I’m a part of you, and you’re a part of me. Why can’t you accept that?” Mary looked to the side in shame, “It’s just…” Mary Mare raised an eyebrow, “Just what?” Mary sat down, “It’s just hard to accept the fact that I’ve been born, hell that I even exist.” Mary Mare approached her, “I know, but we’re here and we both have friends and family who are in dire need of our help.” Mary turned back to see that Lupe was gone, “I understand. I’m sorry for all that I’ve done, how I’ve acted. Let’s end this, together.” * Sombra moved toward Dom with his hand raised. His eyes burned bright with hatred as he loomed over his target. Sombra narrowed his eyes, “After I’m done with you heroes, I’ll return my sights upon the Crystal Empire then all of Equestria will soon follow!” (Some epic music for this epic moment) Dinky then noticed something at the far end of the room, “I think you may have to put your plans on hold Sombra.” Sombra turned around and widened his eyes, “WHAT!?” Dominic moved quickly away, “Alright.” Mary’s entire body erupted in a massive aura of blue flames which burned intensely bright. A heat haze fell upon the air around the human as she stood tall and set her shoulders, she then clenched her fists. Her hair whipped wildly around her, her eyes glowed as bright as the flames while she shot Sombra a scathing glare. Mary pointed straight at Sombra, “You and me, right now.” Sombra licked his fangs as a sneer found its way to his face, “SO the little girl wants to fight eh? Why do you wish for an early grave?” Mary narrowed her eyes, “Because I am a hero, like my father before me.”