ch11: Leaving Pyrus
The six ponies decided to split up to try and explore the many markets in the city, to retrieve any supplies that they might need to travel to the different temples. Like in Equestria, nothing was free, but the Terra didn’t use any discernible form of currency. Twilight noticed some Fire Terra using tokens made from glass, some Air Terra using some kind of gas trapped in bottles, Water Terra using potions, and Earth Terra using parts of their shells. The last one puzzled her, and when she passed White Fang, she decided to inquire.
“Hey.” She started. He walked as if he hadn’t heard her. “Hey, Fang!”
“What is it, worm?” he replied with a scowl.
“What is the deal with some Earth Terra using their shells as currency?”
“Currency? Money has no place in our tribes. That’s something both the Frostborn clan and these fools can agree on. Instead of something as useless as coins, we use our powers as a form of payment. The shell of an Earth Terra is strong, and is the only one that can grow back, making it a suitable material to replace shells of the other Terra. Water Terra can create healing water and Air Terra can create different types of gasses used in various elixirs and other tasks.” He explained.
“And the Fire Terra? They look like they use glass tokens.”
“Those are spell orbs; each is created to hold a spell that has a single use.”
“That is pretty cool.” Twilight mused.
“Why did you want to know?”
“Well, my friends and I are looking to get some supplies and—”
“Supplies? What can you offer to trade the Terra for these... supplies?” he interrupted.
“Well, I don’t know. In Equestria, we trade gold bits and—”
“Useless coins? Well, what can you do that would be worth something to us?” he interrupted again.
“Well, earth ponies are generally strong and great with farming, pegasi can control the weather, and unicorns can do magic.” Twilight explained.
“Doesn’t say much, but it sounds like you can make your own food, even if you have to wait. But maybe you can find something unique to do with magic.” He offered.
“Potion versions of spells?” she asked.
“Might be interesting to see, but that’ll take a while to make, plus that would be a rip off of the sand striders. Tell you what, get someone to give two shakes of their own tail to give you charity, these idiots are suckers for poor dustlings.” He let out a deep chuckle.
“Why are you so rude?” Twilight growled.
“Rude? Really now, you sound like Trench Digger, the Earth Emissary staying with my tribe.” He scoffed. “’Get back in touch with your roots,’ ‘don’t forsake your origins.’ Bah, I’d sooner eat my own shell. If you don’t have anything, ask your human, he’s a god, he can do whatever he wants.” He said with a nonchalant wave of his claw before walking off.
“Wait!” Twilight yelled.
White Fang growled but kept walking.
“Wait up!” she yelled, running after him.
“Fang.” A terra called from above. Both Fang and Twilight looked up to see Storm descending to meet them.
“What is it, airhead?” Fang growled.
“Remember when you said you’d do anything to get out of here? Here’s your chance. The elder is offering supplies to get you to lead the ponies to the temples.” He explained.
Fang growled and then turned to the pony. “Get your friends ready, I want to be away from here as soon as possible.” With a glare at Twilight and Storm, he trudged off.
“What’s his problem?” Twilight asked.
“He was never fond of anyone here, or anyone from outside his tribe. Being an emissary has really dampened his mood.” Storm replied.
Twilight gave the area a final look before going to find her friends.
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Razor Wing flew over the desert, waiting for the seven beings to exit the city so that he could see if they were as good as was predicted. He saw the human army retreat, but that was expected when you try to fight against the Terra, those things can be relentless in fights. A chilling wind blew past him and he looked around for the source, and in the distance, a large shadow trudged towards the ethereal forest. He recognized the shape, even at this distance; the Leviathan was out and about. If the ponies encountered it... Well, he hoped they had big enough swords.
He shook the thought out of his head, now wasn’t the time. Instead, he would wait for them at the fire temple, their inevitable first stop on this new journey.
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As Twilight and company waited in the viewing room, they couldn’t help but feel as if they were being watched. Even Melborn couldn’t shake the feeling that something was interested in them.
“I think it might be a good time for me to leave.” He said.
“Why’s that?” Pinkie asked.
“Something feels wrong, and not just here. I haven’t heard from my brothers and sisters in a while, and even Eris disappeared. Sorry, but I have to make sure everything is okay up in paradise.” He replied with a sigh. With a snap of his fingers, he disappeared.
“Anypony else get the feeling things are going to get really bad?” Rainbow asked, adjusting her sword and leather vest.
“Ah don’t like this either Dash, feels like the walls got eyes.” Applejack replied, fidgeting with her hammer.
“I think we may be in some trouble.” Pinkie pointed out.
“Why do you say that?” Rainbow asked.
“I have this really weird feeling in my stomach that I can’t really place a hoof on. I think it has to do with the feeling that we’re being watched, and maybe that whatever’s watching us might be plotting something.”
After about a minute of silence, the door opened to reveal White Fang. He wore a leather strap on his shell and had a large axe attached to it. He looked less than pleased to see the mares, but sighed and continued with his new mission.
“Get moving, I want to be out of here before sunset.” He barked.
“No please?” Pinkie asked.
“No.” he deadpanned. “I want to get this over with as soon as possible.” He explained.
The mares then packed their equipment; Pinkie and Fluttershy strapped their daggers and throwing knives in place on their leather vests, Rarity adjusted her violet cloak, the deep blue trimmings taking notice away from her face, and Twilight just tightened a strap with a small pouch and lined up with the others to leave. They meandered through the packed market district, avoided a dispute between two Earth Terra in the residential area, and then finally made it to the exit to the city where two odd-looking creatures were waiting for them.
“What are they?” Fluttershy asked, looking the creatures over.
The two had large reptilian bodies that had a shape similar to buffalos. Their heads were surprisingly bland though, with the exception that the entire head opened into four large jaws that hinged in an X formation when closed. One turned its head towards her and let out a forked tongue, much like a snake would do to test the air for prey.
“These are Ferosk, used for their hide and meat, while also making great pack animals.” White Fang responded.
“Cool.” Rainbow muttered while poking one in the side of the head. The beast responded to her prodding by snapping at her hoof.
“Um... Fang, how are we supposed to get the supplies out of here if they are attached to a cart?” Rarity asked.
“Let them work it out.” he answered with a dismissive wave of his claw.
The girls took one last look at the beasts of burden before following Fang up the staircase to the exit of the city.
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The astral followed their movements and thoughts as they made their way out of the city. It wasn’t until he heard a bit of the plan from the blue one did he get suspicious of their intents on his world.
‘It would be best to keep an eye on them.’ he thought to himself. He then flew back to the temple and rested in the darkness of an unlit spire. He got a bowl and water and cast a spell. The water rippled and an image shone on its surface, the six mares and the Frostborn emissary. It is time to see if they are going to continue being assets or not.