//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Revelations // Story: Our Chaotic Tranquility // by Edensola //------------------------------// CHAPTER 4: REVELATIONS "Kel?...What is it?" The silence in the room was foreboding; and Kelax the changeling couldn't help but welcome that silence, he found it fitting. Both Kel and Lema; who was still on the changeling's back, were now in an odd room, most unfamiliar from the rest of the castle. No light graced its dark contents; and in the middle of this mass circular chamber rested a sealed off cache. Although that was easily the most interesting part of the chamber, it's not what caught Kel's eye. Kel was more focused on the multitude of books and novels that surrounded that cache; so that's where he proceeded, trotting steadily further into the darkened chamber, and using the light of his horn to guide the way. Lema whimpered on the changeling's back, and although she was a fluffy pony, it was surprising how small she actually was beneath that big ball of fluff. She couldn't stand dark places; especially ones that had such a foreboding aura about them. She simply remained on his back trembling, that feeling of protection never leaving her when she was close to the changeling. "C-Can we go now? I'm scared; I don't like this place." Kel smirked somewhat; glancing back at his fluffy comrade. "Soon Lema; soon. There is something here I must...-" Kel's voice drew off as he took in a deep breath, then exhaling slowly. A serious look then overcame him as he trotted up to one shelf in particular; glancing over its contents. As he did so, his eyes constantly shifted from left to right; looking for something in particular. And once he finally caught sight of that something, his eyes widened exponentially as he appeared to be quite speechless due to his find. His horn's color then faded as he levitated out a sealed tome from the shelf. It was dusty and locked fairly tight, as well as binded with special enchantments that prevented it from being opened. "There is something here I had to find...." Kel smiled softly at the sealed tome, before taking a few trots back and then setting it on the ground. "Now; for the relocation spell. Don't worry Lema; we'll be out so-" "Now now; look at what we've got here," cut in an alluring, sharp, feminine voice. Kel's eyes widened. Lema shrieked. Kel then turned to regard the voice; a voice he found all too familiar. And standing in the open doorway to the dark chamber was a mysterious bat pony; adorned in ebon black armor. She had a crescent moon seal marked on her breastplate; a black coat with violet eyes, and a snow white mane with purple streaks acting as bangs. She wore a bored expression as she had her forehooves crossed as she regarded the two invaders. The bat pony then cocked a brow at Kel in particular. "You really need to work on your technique; I could sense your faulty presence from a mile away you know." "Silver Shade...." Kel exclaimed with irritation. He gritted his teeth a little as he stared her down; an intense look of annoyance overcoming him as he trotted a little closer towards the bat pony. "How come I'm not surprised?" The bat pony revealed as one known as Silver Shade was obviously a member of the Lunar Guard based on her appearance. She then got off her hind legs and went back to all fours as she to trotted a bit closer to Kel; whom she obviously knew was a changeling based on her claims. "You know me, I have a habit of....'dropping by unexpected'. Did you honestly think I wouldn't be here as well Kel? Come on, you know better than that. We've got practically the whole army here ready to rain down hell on any given threat." Kel sighed at her, lowering his frame. "Tch! I was hoping you'd maybe take the day off." Silver Shade smirked once more. "Heh; how cute..." There was a lasting stare between the two; both of them looking highly concentrated. Lema's teeth were chattering as she trembled, holding onto Kel. Then as they were staring at one another, their concentrated expressions slowly melted away as they both suddenly started to look overcome with;.....laughter? First it was Kel whose scowl started to twist and distort into a smile; he couldn't help but snicker and then start laughing. "Habit of dropping by unexpected? Hahahaha!" Then it was Silver Shade who started to chuckle as she rolled her eyes, humored. "Oh yea; sure, Mr.'How come I'm not surprised?' How cliche can you get?" She smiled at him affectionately. "Gosh; took you long enough to get here you moron. Do you know how long I've been waiting? How'd you manage to get the ticket?" She then made her way over to Kel as they both regarded each other with a simple salute. Both of them wearing smiles, obviously happy to see the other. Lema then look dumbfounded as her brow twitched. "Wha-" Kel then spoke up in a humored tone. "Hmhm; let's just say I've got some pretty good friends." Silver Shade crossed her forehooves once more, giving him a curious look with a puckered lower lip. "Hmmmm; is that so? And by the way, who's this one with you? And what exactly....is she?" Lema then lowered her head, whimpering. Kel laughed somewhat. "She's harmless don't worry; Lema here's a fluffy pony. Don't they teach you these things in Canterlot? But yea; she's a neutral, she bares no alliances, I made sure." Kel glanced back at Lema with a soft smile. Silver Shade scoffed. "Bah! I don't pay attention to any unnecessary stuff." She then looked at Lema, waving slowly at her with a smirk. "Hey there fluffy pony, nice to meet ya!" Lema simply avoided eye contact, continuing to whimper. Silver Shade's expression sunk. "Not very social huh?...." She then looked back at Kel with a humored look as her eyes flashed green for a second. "But do tell me Kelax, what is the Queen's interest in that tome? When I first received news of my mission I would've never guessed that'd be what you came here for." Kel then eyed the tome on the ground with a heavy sigh, before looking back to his comrade with a worried glance. "I wish I could say, but I have no idea either. All I was told was this tome was top priority, I believe it may have something to do with the previous ruler of this empire, although I'd prefer if the Queen didn't trifle with such things. Either way, I'm simply going off on a hunch. But what about you? Any news on what's going down in Canterlot?" To this Silver Shade's expression sunk dramatically as she sighed, then moving back to a wall and standing on her hind legs, crossing her forehooves. She then peered at the ground in a solemn image as she spoke simply, and obviously with a heavy distaste for the topic. "There's trouble brewing in Canterlot Kel, and I fear the worst for our race. Our Queen may be powerful, but she stands no chance against the combined might of the newly crowned Princess Twilight as well as Celestia & Luna, and perhaps even Cadence. Although we seeds are more than enough to bring her swift warning, there is still the matter at hoof. The Princesses have been speaking of adding one to my group, Herald." Kel cocked a brow at Silver Shade. "Herald? Isn't that the private sector of the guard? What, are you not good enough for them or something?" Kel suddenly seemed a little offended by the prospect. Silver Shade shook her head as her gaze then shifted to the far left. "No no it's not that it's just....Princess Celestia has been discussing it with Princess Luna for some time. As you know, Herald consists of members of the guard who carry out set tasks and assignments that require a little more 'force'. Our missions are non-existent, and failure is never an option, you know these things Kel; but do you know why Herald is required for them?" Kel nodded simply. "Of course; society is built on a set standard. But peace isn't always a possible solution." Silver Shade continued. "Mhm; there's sometimes a little bit of malice involved, behind the scenes of course. Even so, the Princesses claim to hold their good intentions at heart. I'm unsure whether they mean it or not, but, that's not the point. The point is the fact that I'm no longer going to be working alone, they're talking about aligning me with somepony." Kel cocked a brow. "Who?" Silver Shade sighed once more shaking her head. "That I don't know. But I do know it has something to do with a project known as 'Harmony's Shield'." Kel's eyes widened as he seemed pretty baffled by such news. Lema was silent the entire time, her stare shifting between Kel and Silver Shade with innocent curiosity. Silver Shade chuckled a little. "Yea; that was my expression the first time to. Apparently this project has been on Princess Celestia's mind as of late. It's all she ever talks about with Princess Luna. As you know, Princess Twilight is one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and in some form, she is also Princess Celestia's treasure. Celestia cares for her as if she were her own daughter, and recently she's been talking about this shield of harmony being a hybrid of Herald, a single force both representing Luna and Celestia behind the scenes, with only one singular purpose in mind." She looked at Kel with a sudden seriousness about her. "To protect the Elements of Harmony." Kel still seemed quite confused. "Wasn't that the outlined goal for Herald as well?" Silver Shade sighed; shrugging. "Well, sort of, but not really. Herald was meant to do the jobs that needed to be done outside the judgmental gaze of society. It was created for the main purpose of protecting the image of Equestria as a whole; protecting the pony equestrian way of life. But this Harmony's Shield however-" Silver Shade raised a hoof in the form of a gesture. "-Is supposedly going to be for the sole purpose of protecting the Elements of Harmony." Kel sighed as he shook his head. "This is absurd; the bearers of the Elements of Harmony don't need protection." Silver Shade placed a hoof over her face in irritation as she muttered. "You really don't get it do you?" Kel blinked a bit. Silver Shade's nose wrinkled in annoyance as she spoke. "It's to keep them connected you dolt! The bearers of the Elements of Harmony need to be able to stay true to their specified traits in order to use them. You think they could do that after seeing the horrors of the jobs I do?" Silver Shade looked down with a worried expression. "Apparently, there's always gotta be sacrifices for the greater good; what nonsense right? Either way, if what I assume is correct, then with time I'll be getting a representative for Princess Celestia..." Kel looked quite concerned in hearing such grim news. "Any idea who it could possibly be?" Silver Shade shrugged once again. "I don't know, but whoever he or she is, they must be truly bloodcurdling in order to gain Princess Celestia's approval for such a morally challenging role." __________________________________________________________ "D'aaaaaw...." Eve whined as she held the rubber hammer in her claw, looking down at a game she was playing. The game was titled. Whack A Diamond Dog. Trixie snickered somewhat. "What's wrong Eve? Cannot best Trixie's score?" Eve glared at Trixie in frustration as she puckered her lower lip, then pointing her hammer at her. "Y-You cheated!" Trixie's eyes widened as she gasped. "W-WHAT!? CHEEEEATED!? Trixie doesn't cheat!" Eve whimpered crossing her small arms from beneath her cloak. "You used your magic, I saw it!" Trixie then blushed as she spoke with a hint of sarcasm. "Bah! Why Trixie would never do that!" Eve glared at her for a moment longer before just chuckling happily and closing her eyes, smiling happily at the mare as she hugged her once again. "It's okay; I'm still having lot's of fun." Trixie looked aghast for a second, opening her mouth and about to say something at the impulsive little creature but; she stopped herself. She looked down at Eve, and then sighed returning the hug with a smile. "Trix-.....I mean, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." She spoke in first person actually. They looked at one another with soft smiles, and for a moment it was as if they were no different than loving siblings. Eve couldn't recall the last time she had so much fun, it was like those times when her and Zecora would have fun, and Zecora would actually listen to her while she ate. She would actually care about what she had to say; even during the times that their training wasn't taking place. Eve missed the zebra terribly, but she did what she felt she had to. She could never blame Zecora. It was also like in her dreams, although her dreams were still confusing, and hazy majority of the time, there was still that mysterious mare who filled her with happiness. Who accepted and cared for her; the one who was gone now. But Eve always managed to find those special ones at some point, and in the strangest ways, even though she didn't seem to take notice of that fact herself. She liked Trixie, even if the mare was commanding at times, even if she was goofy and a little rude, she still was like her in a way. Looking to find a different life, hoping, craving for something better and more meaningful. In a way they were one in the same. And Trixie represented something unfamiliar when they spent this little time having fun, these small moments, it was hope. There was always hope somewhere, just a shred in the strangest forms. Hope for a better life and better future. For acceptance; but there was also the fact that, Trixie still didn't know the whole truth. And could they possibly keep roleplaying this relationship, even with so many hidden secrets? Eve felt her heart ache at the thought; it seemed so unlikely. But maybe a chance was possible. __________________________________________________________ Trixie then moved the little draconequus along to one of the tables they could sit and eat at. And once they sat the brilliant azure mare found herself a little skeptical about what to do next? Well maybe they should eat, might as well. "Eve; Trixie will be right back, she will go get us something to munch on." Eve interrupted her with a smile. "Oh it's okay Trixie I can just make-" she then stopped herself. Then looking down with a saddened and hesitant expression; biting her lower lip softly. Trixie noticed this sudden shift almost immediately as she was actually worried; which was surprising, even to her. "E-Eve are you alright? Are you not having fun anymore?!" Eve shook her head. "No; it's not that...I'm actually having so much fun, and I love it...this feeling..." She then looked at Trixie with a soft smile as her eyes revealed a deep passive sadness about her. "Which is why I don't want you to be disappointed with me later..." What was she saying!? Stop being an idiot! Why was she doing this? Eve knew she couldn't be opening her shell now; she'd been doing so well at hiding it. But even so, she couldn't help but reveal that sliver of real emotion. She knew she shouldn't have gone any further, so why did she feel compelled to? "I..I don't want to hide this from you anymore..." Trixie cocked a brow at Eve, a little puzzled. Eve was far too trusting, far too foolish, but she was also young. And the young often did stupid things, but she felt this was a good call, and she didn't want to stop herself from doing it. Trixie was so strange, but Eve liked that unfamiliar unpredictability about her. She felt wrong hiding from her as if considering her a monster or like other ponies, she didn't want their relationship to be like that, and if it were to grow, she didn't want it to be one where she'd be the paranoid one. So she decided to break Zecora's rules once again. "I want to show you something." Eve smirked a little; as if humored at the thought of what Zecora would do to her if she found out about all the things she did this entire trip so far that jeopardized her rules, no matter, actions bore consequences anyway; and, everypony learns that the hard way at some point. Trixie made her assumptions, but she didn't say anything, she simply nodded to Eve nervously, and even gulped. To Trixie, this sounded a little more creepy if anything. But she'd follow, she wanted to see what this was about, and hopefully clear some things up between them, because there certainly were a lot of mysterious things about this weird little creature as well. Trixie herself was trying to change so; maybe this would help her learn a bit more about helping a friend through a problem. Eve just got up from the seat without saying a word, and then looked around for a more discrete area. But that seemed a little impossible in this vast festival, well it was a promotion event afterall, no surprise that just about every area was packed. So the two just walked together, silently, without saying anything to one another, and it was obviously awkward in a sense; well mainly for Trixie. Eve simply was lost in her own thoughts; considering if this were actually a smart decision. Trixie's gaze shifted from Eve to the sky occassionally. She wanted to break the awkward silence, but didn't really know what to say. But Eve found herself a perfect spot eventually however so there would be no need, and the draconequus sighed heavily closing her eyes and lowering her head some as she did this. Her hood and cloak gave her comfort, it protected her from the judgemental glances and the ridicule, and she hated the thought of removing it. But Trixie might understand. Key word "might". Trixie already showed signs of acceptance; so she was different right? But this moment had to come eventually, and it was something that tore at Eve constantly, she just wanted to get it done and over with, and see what happened. Eve turned into a small nook between two buildings leading down a pair of crystal stairs, it was lonesome, secluded, and the perfect spot for her to do this. As they both made it down into that spot, Eve found herself trembling as she turned to regard Trixie with a nervous smile. "U-Uhm Trixie; I know ever since we've met...I haven't gotten the chance to erhm...properly introduce myself...and...and I..I-" She seemed to be struggling to find the right words as she looked to her right and felt her face burning up. "I just wanted to say that, I'm really happy that I decided to go with you...you're strange...b-but not in a bad way! A-And you're funny...and..and I'm not sure if you already know this but even if you don't....this feeling of acceptance; of..of-..well..I just..I just wanted you to know..I'll always cherish it.." She twiddled her paw and claw and looked up at Trixie with wide eyes and a nervous smile during the final words, highly paranoid of what was to come. Trixie found the display sweet; but these types of moments always left her a little blank, she didn't know how to respond to them. Just saying thanks seemed a little too shallow, and saying anything else seemed a little too corny. And just being plain out negative about it was just unacceptable if she wanted to change for the better. Either way she was grateful so she just nodded to Eve, looking down at her as she waited for the rest of what she was about to do, the creature's personal reveal. Trixie had caught small glimpses of her, but could never really pertain or identify her. There were so many creatures in Equestria but which was capable of the powerful magic Eve showed? Trixie ran the thoughts through her head as the little draconequus prepared herself; and Trixie couldn't really come up with any answer, did she really not take the time to think about it on a deeper level until now. What exactly was Eve? Eve then began to remove her cloak and pull down her hood. But before she fully did so, there was one creature that suddenly popped up in Trixie's head. One that seemed to make perfect sense; and suddenly the mare found herself filled with fear and bewilderment, realization. Yes; now that she thought about it, there was one creature that could pull off such inexplainable magic. But those creatures were legendary, practically extinct, non-existent even. And they were horribly, horribly, dangerous. Ponies thought of them simply as exotic hunters in a sense, they weren't meant to trot amongst them, like dragons except worse, these creatures were meant to live out in the wild, away from society, in their own little clicks and areas built for themselves; or ultimately just, alone. But Eve was so small, what were the chances of actually her being one of those horrifyingly dangerous creatures? This was absurd, hah, there was no way Eve could be- Eve lowered her hood and opened her cloak. She revealed her entire face, her strange antlers, her snow white mane, & her blood red eyes. And the worst part of all; her chimeric body, with her differing arms and legs and slithery serpent's tail like some twisted creation by some higher power. She was the mythical creature, she was an actual draconequus. Eve avoided eye contact with the mare, and as the looming silence drew on; Eve found herself trembling as Trixie simply stared at her. Couldn't Trixie just say something? Anything? Anything was better than this. This is what Eve hated, that feeling of disgust with herself as she imagined how she'd feel whenever one had a good look at her. But Eve just continued, standing there, waiting for Trixie to respond, waiting for any words to come out, to just break this horrible suspense, and bring an end to this moment. But there was nothing to say. Trixie simply began to back away from the draconequus; fear placating her features as she muttered to herself. "T-This is crazy...." Eve's eyes widened as she looked up at Trixie in desperation. She then laughed a little to hopefully lighten the mood "D-Don't worry Trixie; t-this doesn't change anyth-" Trixie snapped at her angrily. "ARE YOU STUPID!? THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!" Eve felt struck as she flinched, simply taking a few steps back further into the darkness. Trixie groaned in irritation as she covered her face with a hoof. "I...I...ugh; when I picked you up I mean...I thought that-..but this?!" Trixie was so flustered by her own mistake that she found herself unable to speak in her third person persona as usual. She just couldn't seem to concentrate during this moment. "I wanted to change, I wanted to make friends; but this? Do you know what you are!? What're you even thinking considering coming here?! Do you know how much trouble we could get into? Are you that daft!?" Trixie shook her head as Eve simply looked up at her with wide eyes and a speechless expression. "I can't do this. This is just-...AH!" There were so many mixed emotions for the more. She knew the draconequus protocol, she should've paid more attention. She just never imagined when Eve said she couldn't reveal herself that it'd turn out like this. This was a thousand times more complicated than she bargained for. Draconequus were creatures rarely seen, legendary, amazing, but still horribly dangerous. They had the potential to bend reality, to twist personalities, to bend the landscape, to practically cause all out insanity, Kel was a changeling sure, but this? Eve was so much worse, changeling's fed off love, but Trixie certainly didn't love Kel, and his transformation ability was harmless. But draconequus were harbingers of chaos! And Trixie had heard rumors of what they're like when they're young; although Eve didn't seem to fit such a description, this was still far too risky. So Trixie attempted to clear her mind, and do what any sane pony would do; trot away and never look back. She turned away from Eve; and simply began trotting away, huffing beneath her breath. "Don't follow me." Eve felt frozen; and those words Trixie said, she couldn't let them sink in. She attempted to let them sink in but found it too unbearable, she simply stood there in shock as the tears swelled in her eyes in the next moment. Why're you crying, you big baby? She thought. But the truth in Trixie's words hurt. Eve endangered all of them by coming here. Zecora prepared her for this; Zecora told her that rejection would inevitably come but....why did it hurt so bad? Why did being prepared not make it any easier? Why did it feel like she'd been stabbed in the chest? She barely knew Trixie, but perhaps it hurt so much because there was that hope they could've been so much more. That rejection wasn't inevitable in the end. Eve felt idiotic, even Zecora; her mentor, saw the dangers she possessed, warned her why she couldn't chase after this lifestyle anymore, yet still she did, still she chased after a world that wasn't meant for her. And it costed her dearly. Those words of Trixie's stabbed into the baby draconequus leaving her feeling frail and beaten. And it overcame her in a fleeting moment, the tears, and the intensity of her rejection from the mare; she simply fell down and cried. She dug her claw and paw into her face, ashamed of her tears. But she soon pulled on her cloak, attempting to wrap it around herself again as she let her hood fall over her head; hiding herself once more, but remaining in that spot. And Discord grinned from the shadows. Perhaps this was the perfect moment.