//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Kinsmen Lost // Story: Avatar: The Last Alicorn. Book 2: Earth Pony // by Jeweled Pen //------------------------------// Rarity hummed happily as she worked, trotting from home to home while delivering pancakes. The ponies were all happy to accept them, though she couldn't help but frown at their conditions. Many of the ponies were thin and bony, struggling to stand. A few she even had to feed herself, nearly getting thrown up on in the process. Though, the happy smiles and grateful thanks made the effort worthwhile. About halfway through the trip she stopped as Littlewing appeared in front of her. “Your highness, may I speak with you?” the pegasus asked. The mare grinned, her ego helpfully inflated. She trotted to his side. “Of course. What is it, Littlewing?” “You've been seeing the ponies around here, right? How do they look?” “Dreadfully ill. I'm not sure what sickness has embraced this town, but I do trust these ponies will need medical attention once we capture the town.” “... I doubt it,” the pegasus mumbled. “So, pretty weak then? I see. Perfect.” “What do you mean? Do you know what's causing this?” “Of course. I've been poisoning their water supply. Most the ponies here are suffering from the initial stage of-” “WHAT?!” Rarity hissed as she glared into the smaller pony's eyes. “You've been poisoning them?” she whispered. “How could you? These ponies helped you, they-” “They are from the Earth Kingdom. I have no loyalty to them,” Littlewing said casually as he looked her up and down. “Neither do you. Did you forget who your mother is?” “I know who my mother is, but-” “This town is full of the enemy. It is our job to disable them for the Water Nation, is it not?” Rarity slowly nodded before sighing. “Yes. It is. I merely forgot myself for a moment.” “I know. I still have more herbs I need to gather. Do you wish to help me?” “Yes, of course. I'll come find you once I've finished delivering these pancakes,” she mumbled as she turned to trot off. Littlewing watched her leave as his eyes narrowed. “Don't worry, princess,” he whispered to himself. “You won't need to worry about betraying anypony. You can just share their fate.” ------ Pinkie hopped about, jumping over large roots as she went. “You know, you almost had me there! I feel so silly, thinking it was her,” the mare said happily as she looked up. “But you cheated. Using a pony like that?” She hopped over a passing bunny with a gleeful giggle. “I almost fell for it. Then you separated us, tut tut. Soooo obvious.” She stopped as her ears twitched a few times. “Awww, it's okay. No one expects me to be too surprised. But him of all ponies? Hee hee, this is going to be interesting. You sure it'll be okay, though? Everyone might get mad.” The mare hopped over another branch as she giggled and looked off to the right. “Ohhh, there's the fog. He's not going to scream, is he? Oh, who am I kidding. Of course he's going to scream. Hmmm? No, I will not. You decided to be all bratty about it so-” ------ Twilight and the oth- “Did you try to scene change me?!” Pinkie snapped angrily as she stomped a hoof down. “Oh, don't you start with that, I'm going to... no, no. Stop crying, it's okay. Just no causing any more trouble. Hee hee!” the pink mare hopped forward as the mist soon surrounded her. “Get out!” the voice boomed. “Nope!” the mare responded as continued to she hopped about. A ghostly wail tore through the air as shadows moved through the mist. “Leave or face my wrath!” the voice echoed around her as she looked around. “Let's see... eenie, meenie, miney... moe!” she said as she hopped off in a random direction. After a few moments the ground in front of her began to move about as a boney hoof burst from the ground. She hopped over it with another happy giggle. ------ Twilight gulped as she looked from side to side. “Anypony see anything?” she asked nervously as she slowly stepped through the forest. “Nothing,” Spike squeaked. “It's fine, there's nothing scary here,” Rainbow grumbled as she stuck close to the group, her hooves shaking. She whipped her head around to the right. “You hear that?!” “Was that a scream? I think that was a mare's scream!” Twilight shrieked as she started running. “Pinkie!” The others followed after her, Spike holding onto Fluttershy's tail to keep up. A moment later the scream came again. Rainbow frowned. “That wasn't Pinkie! I don't know who that was but... look, the mist!” Many yards ahead of them the mist had once again gathered, enveloping the trees in its grasp. Twilight gulped nervously. “O-okay, no running this time. PINKIE!” she yelled out. “Are you in there?” No sound came as they stepped forward. Flames formed on the alicorn's horn as she stepped into the mist once again. Rattling began to surround them as the three ponies stood back to back. “Okay, here they come!” Rainbow shouted as she spread out her wings and waited. Nothing happened. She flapped them quickly to try and blow away the mist, but it refused to move. “What is this stuff? Where are the skeletons?” “Maybe there aren't any near here?” Spike offered. Another frightened shriek filled the air as the mist suddenly disappeared around them. “What? How... what?” Twilight said as she glanced around nervously. “Where did it go?” “I don't know. The rattling is gone too,” Rainbow growled as she looked around wildly. “A water bender trick?” “Maybe,” Twilight said as she kept looking around. “Never seen mist evaporate that quickly, but get ready for an attack, just in case. There is no way that was natural.” Fluttershy whimpered as she looked around. “W-what if there r-really are spirits o-of the dead here?” “If there are, we'll put them to rest,” the avatar said firmly. “Come on, let's track down that scream.” ------ Rarity frowned as she plucked small yellow budded plants from the ground. She slowly trotted to a small cloth and dropped them on top. Littlewing nodded as he ground the flowers into a thin paste. He glanced up after a moment. “You know, at this rate I think I may have enough to finish my plan tonight.” “Wonderful,” the unicorn said as she trotted off before returning with green flowers. “This will enable you to weaken them, before we pull in our forces?” “Hmmm? No, not quite,” the pegasus mumbled as he motioned her over. “What is it?” she asked as he motioned down to some small specks of golden dust. “Weakening them wouldn't be enough. Benders could still cause a problem. This toxin will be mixed with their water supply and, tomorrow when they drink, the lot of them will be dead by dusk.” “W-what?” Rarity asked as her mouth fell open. “It had to be slow acting. By the time the weak ones begin dying they'll have already had some. When I finish, the smallest drop could kill a pony in a manner of seconds, even touching it can be toxic. But distilled to the right measurements and... well... it can take hours.” “NO!” the mare snapped as she shook her head. “You can't kill them, you- grrkk!” She fell suddenly as she felt a light prick on her left hoof. Her eyes went wide as she stared at him. The pegasus rolled his eyes as he held up a small needle in his hoofshoe. “Don't worry,” he whispered as he shoved her into the grass. “Your death will be painless. You'll just feel like falling asleep and then you'll be gone, don't fight it...” He then turned and trotted away towards the village, the plants bagged and slung across his back. ------ Pinkie hummed as she stopped in front of a small clearing in the forest. Only a little grass grew in it and a long abandoned castle stood within, covered in moss and vines. Directly in front of the entrance was a large patch of dirt which had a number of small piles. She moved over and nudged a small pile of dirt before unburying it slightly. She found an apple core and quickly shook her head. “Silly billy... hmmm?” She glanced up at the large castle entrance way. Standing where a door once stood, a small cloaked pony watched her. Through the darkness of the hood, a pair of dragon-like green eyes glared at her. “You have intruded in my home. GET OUT!” the ponies voice boomed as the mist began to swirl from behind it. “Leave before I destroy you!” The ground around them began to crackle as bony hooves began to rise from the ground. Pinkie giggled as she hopped forward and stood directly in front of him. She reached out under the hood as the pony within made a little eek. A moment later the bones and mist disappeared. “H-hey! You can't, that's cheating!” the hooded pony snapped. “I mean... begone foul wench! I will destroy you and HEY! Stop flicking my horn!” “Well, stop being a meany butt,” the pink mare said with a grin. “I'm the powerful and destructive stop that! How would you like it if I flicked your hooves, huh? Or your nose? You wouldn't like it at all, would you?” the voice squeaked angrily. “Oh, just relax. Everypony knows you're not HER now. Take off the hood,” she reached out to grab it, but the pony jumped away. “You... stop it! Be afraid, I will summon the ghosts of... EEEEK!” the cloaked pony let out a shrill shriek as the earth pony hopped after her. Given no alternative the undead summoning pony turned tail and ran away, pursued closely by the hopping mare. ------ Twilight continued forward in pursuit of the scream she heard. “Come on girls, I think we're almost... there... what?” She stopped short as she turned a tree and saw one of the strangest things she'd ever seen. Dozens of disembodied floating pony heads circled the air as undead skeleton ponies rose from the earth. In the midst of all this was Pinkie Pie, hopping around as if untold horrors didn't surround her. She pursued another pony, wrapped in a dark cloak, who was busy shrieking as a powerful voice boomed. “Begone! I will destroy you! Leave me be! I will raise the corpses of a hundred ponies and monsters you never imagined!” Twilight stared as she brought a hoof to her chin and rubbed. She cringed as the pink earth pony stomped on one of the skeletons and... just went through it. The alicorn gasped as her eyes went wide. “Of course! It all makes sense!” “W-what? How is that pony raising the dead like that?” Spike asked as he looked back. Rainbow was just staring in bewilderment at their strang friend while Fluttershy looked like she would faint at any second from the horrors waiting down there for them. “They aren't! It's an illusion! That's why the mist seemed so odd earlier, it was fake!” the alicorn said proudly. “I thought it was weird, it wasn't moving much when we moved and... well, that's not important now. That's not a necromancer or somepony controlling spirit animals. That's an illusionist.” “... Okay, so why is he or she so terrified of Pinkie?” Rainbow asked with a cocked eye. “Because... I... ummm... don't know,” the alicorn mumbled as she rubbed her chin some more. “Because Pinkie?” “Good enough for me. Hiya!” Rainbow yelled as she took off into the air and dive-bombed the pony. She hit the poor cloaked figure, hooves first, in the center of the back. Unsurprisingly, the pony went down hard as all the spirits disappeared. The pegasus smirked as she tore off the cloak. “Let's see who you really are!” Beneath the cloak was a black coated unicorn stallion. He cowered, his hooves over his head as he curled into a little ball. “I'm sorry please don't hurt me!” he squealed. Through his dark purple mane the imprint of Rainbow's hooves could be seen dug into his back. The pegasus sighed and moved up to him, grabbing him by the horn and jamming the side of his head into the ground. “Okay, buster. You put a lot of effort into scaring the others, not me obviously, and I wanna know why. We can do this the easy way, or the fun way. Well, fun for me.” The mare looked down with a wicked grin. “I'll tell you whatever you want, p-please. D-don't kill me,” the stallion whimpered softly as he slowly looked up. His eyes weren't green, nor were they draconic, instead just a mundane purple. “Fine. We'll see. First off, are you a Water Nation soldier?” “Y-yes.” “Another water bender, wonderful. Don't even think of trying to bend. I'm a master level air bender. I've taken out more than a few of your kind, got it?” Rainbow asked as she glared down at him, tapping lightly on the ground. “I see so much as a spark from your horn and I'll knock you through a tree.” “W-wait! I-I can't bend! Honest,” the unicorn said weakly. “I-I'm a member of the earth pony division! Hoofsoldier Shadowhoof, E896 company.” “Right, sure you are,” Rainbow snapped as she raised her hoof. “I told you if you lied I was going to-” “Rainbow, wait!” Twilight yelled as she and the others caught up. “There's no need to hurt him. He's-” “A member of the Water Nation. Who supposedly can't bend.” “... No need to hurt him, yet,” the alicorn mumbled as she glared down at the cowering unicorn. “Where are the rest of your group? How about Flim and Flam? Only a day and they're already running another scam?” “Hey, Twilight?” Spike asked as he rode in on Fluttershy's back. “Hasn't this pony been attacking for weeks? I don't think this is a new scam.” “I guess you're right...” the alicorn mumbled again as she returned her gaze to the unicorn. “Only one unicorn though? I guess this was just another trick they were trying. He's probably not aware he ran his bosses out of here.” Pinkie just giggled as she hopped about. “He's from the Water Nation though,” she said helpfully. “He can't water bend, how could he be from the Water Nation?” Rainbow said as she looked up. “All of the Water Nation unicorns can bend, just like all of the Wind Tribe pegasi can air bend.” “Ummmm...” Fluttershy squeaked as she raised a hoof. “I can't...” “Well, maybe not necessarily well... but still.” “I-it's not that,” the pony squeaked. “I-I can't use any magic besides illusions, not even telekinesis! It's a genetic d-defect, it's why I was in the earth pony divisions!” He quickly put his hooves over his head as they turned to him. “P-please don't hurt me a-anymore. I-I can prove I'm from there, I-I swear I'm not lying.” Rainbow sighed before nodding. “Fine, get up. Take us to your hide out. Any funny business and you'll have bruises on more than just your back.” “Yes sir!” Shadowhoof said as he got to his hooves and started walking back towards the castle, occasionally glancing back nervously. The pegasus moved up to the alicorn and whispered. “You think he's really from the Water Nation? Wouldn't surprise me to find out he's just another trick from those brothers.” “Maybe,” Twilight whispered as she watched the stallion. “But he might be useful. If he's been living in these woods for a while he might have some information on the Alicorn Amulet. Assuming it really exists and isn't just a story. He might be the only living pony who has any actual experience within the woods.” “And if he's with those others?” “... I don't know. Either way he'll likely be imprisoned for his crimes. But I swear, if he was responsible for killing those ponies...” “If he's a member of the Water Nation, he's likely killed somepony,” Rainbow added harshly. ------ Rarity groaned as she stared up at the daytime sky. Clouds moved lazily by over her. She didn't know how long she had been here, or how long it would take before she gave in. The mare tried to move her hooves, but nothing. All she could do was make soft, gurgling noises as she looked around. Already the unicorn was beginning to feel the hints of drowsiness tug at her eyelids, but she refused to allow herself to surrender. She was a princess of the invincible Water Nation. She would not be killed by one of her soldiers. She would not die before she captured the avatar. Regained her honor. Stopped that pegasus from slaughtering those innocent ponies. She closed her eyes for a moment as she tried to think. She had to do something. Anything. She needed to focus. The unicorn felt so comfortable, though. Maybe a short nap would help her clear her mind. Rarity's eyes shot open as she let out another gurgling sound. “Grggggll...” She would not fall, not now, not here! Not far from the struggling mare, Littlewing trotted back into the village, confident in his success. He stopped short as Celestia walked in front of him. “Ah, Littlewing, your mother is searching for you.” “Huh? Oh, uhhh, I should go see what she wants,” he said quickly as he tried to go around her, but one of her hooves stopped him. “Hold for a moment. I saw you leave with my daughter, Diamondeye. Why is she not with you?” the elder unicorn asked as she stared down at him, appearing quite calm. “Oh, she wanted to look around a bit more. Guess she wanted to go check out the wild life a bit,” he smiled up at her as he fiddled with his hoof for a moment. The needle slowly popped out from the bottom of his horseshoe, but he retracted it a moment later. His eyes were drawn to a nearby window, one of a dozen or so that looked over them. He shook his head and began to trot off. “I really should go see what she wants.” “Of course,” Celestia mumbled as she watched the colt pass. “Remember, Littlewing. When you go out you must be careful. It would be terrible if something were to happen to you.” The moment the colt disappeared into the shop, the unicorn turn and galloped out of the town. She shook her head as she moved across the path. “Diamondeyes! Where are you?” ------ “S-see?” Shadowhoof said as he motioned to a neat stack of the Water Nation's armor. “Armor from my division.” Twilight nudged it and shook her head. “It's in such horrible shape. The helmet is almost damaged beyond repair. Not to mention the entire thing looks almost two sizes too big for your... much smaller frame. No offense.” The unicorn sighed. “It's... it was made for an earth pony. The helmet had to be... broken to be worn and the armor itself is designed for bulkier frames.” “Uh huh,” Rainbow mumbled as she turned and bucked the armor across the room. “This proves nothing. If you can't water bend, how can you possibly be a member of them? I think he's just trying to hide what he's been up to. Besides, you heard the mayor. He's tried foalnapping children too!” “What? NO!” Shadowhoof squeaked as he cowered on the ground. “I-I didn't, I wasn't trying to foalnap them! I tried to scare them off back towards town! They were lost! I-I was trying to do the same to you! I wasn't trying to hurt anypony I swear!” “You were trying to scare us off?!” the pegasus growled as she took a step closer. “N-no! You looked lost. I just led you to the town. I-I figured you'd go there and then leave, I-I didn't think you'd come back...” “Sure you were, I bet you were trying to lead us off a cliff or-” “ENOUGH!” Twilight yelled. She turned to the stallion. “Okay. So you say you're one of the Water Nation soldiers, how did you end up here then? How did you end up as a member of an earth pony division?” “I-I was drafted,” the stallion mumbled as he hung his head. “I suffer from a birth defect, Rumpitrcornutis. My horn doesn't... work right. It gives me great ability in the narrow field of talent that it falls under, illusions, but any other magic I can't perform. Even magic any unicorn should be able to do. Since I couldn't use telekinesis or water bending, I was put with the earth pony division...” “Well, that's weird,” Twilight mumbled. “Why would-” “It's an insult,” Shadowhoof interrupted. “Any pony who... is defective is put along side the earth ponies. It is the largest insult that can be cast on a member of the Water Nation.” “Hey! We're awesome!” Pinkie objected. “Even if we can't do awesome bending or magic or fly, we can do lots of really cool things.” “I'm s-sorry,” the soldier mumbled as he shook his head. “I-I don't necessarily agree with those... views. It's just the way it is. We were sent in as a... suicide force. To soften up the defenses of that town before the main force arrived. When we found out the main force wasn't arriving for a few weeks we were forced to... try and capture it on our own. I ran away.” “Wait,” Twilight said as she turned to look out the door. “So there's another force, a larger force, coming to attack?” “Well, yes. Eventually. It was delayed, but it was far larger and had far more benders than the initial force. Not to mention any survivors of my division.” The alicorn sighed before shaking her head. “That's not good. We need to head back and warn everypony.” “What about him?” Spike asked as he motioned to the stallion. “I guess we'll have to take him with us. If he's telling the truth, he'll know best about how to stop these invaders. Come on, get up,” Twilight said as she held out her hoof. “Please don't,” Shadowhoof whispered as he closed his eyes. “If... if I go there, they'll kill me. I'm a member of the Water Nation. I know what will happen if I'm found in the Earth Kingdom. I... I'll leave. I'll run somewhere far away. W-whatever you want. I never wanted to be a part of this war.” “Not a chance!” Rainbow snapped. “If we leave him alone, he'll run straight to the rest of his unit and tell them everything.” “I-I won't, I swear! Please, you can leave somepony with me. Don't take me to them, they'll kill me!” the stallion begged as he backed away. “No, you're coming-” “I'll stay,” Pinkie offered. “Huh?” Rainbow asked as she stared at the mare. “I'll stay,” the earth pony repeated. “Don't worry, I can handle him. Besides, he won't do anything bad, isn't that right?” she asked as she gave the frightened pony a hug. His face turned bright red as he nodded. “Are you sure? We don't know if he actually can water bend or not,” Rainbow mumbled. “Yeah, but he was running from her, terrified and screaming like a filly,” Spike reminded them. “I doubt he'll be willing to go against her.” “Fine, it's settled,” Twilight said as she got to her hooves and headed towards the door. “We'll be back soon. Shadowhoof, if you try ANYTHING!” she growled as she turned to glare at him, flame forming on the top of her horn. “I will find you. No matter where you try to hide. Understand?” He squeaked and nodded quickly. “Y-yes ma'am. I won't try anything.” The three ponies, and dragon, looked off to the distance before galloping off. “So, wanna play a game?” Pinkie offered with a friendly smile. ------ Celestia slowly walked the road, her eyes scanning left and right for anything out of the ordinary. She struggled to keep herself from galloping off in a blind panic, desperate to find her niece. Calm, steady breaths were all she allowed herself as she searched high and low for her niece. She saw a few hoof prints and quickly looked through the nearby grass. She found nothing, but a few uprooted plants. “Oh niece, where are you?” she mumbled. She continued down the path as a low groan reached her ears. “Diamondeye?” she called out. A moment later the groan repeated. She once again dove into the grass, ignoring the blades as they tickled her stomach. After a few moments she found her niece, limp on the ground with a bit of drool trailing from her mouth. The poor young princess's eyes squinted at the sky. Celestia frowned as she slowly sat down and placed her hooves on her body. Her horn began to glow as she chewed on her lower lip. “I know, niece. Do not worry. I will help you, remove the... impurities. I do not know how long this will take, however. Do not give in, do not allow yourself to stop fighting...” she whispered as her magical aura enveloped the young mare. Rarity just stared up, her vision blurry as she struggled to see what was moving her. Her aunt's voice was heard, though she couldn't understand the words. She felt so tired as she closed her eyes for a moment. A quick shake brought her back. All she wanted was to sleep, but she knew she couldn't. As she felt an odd sensation through her body, she struggled against sleeps powerful grip. She had to keep fighting, even if she couldn't remember why. ------ Twilight galloped free of the woods and quickly looked around. The Drowsy Void's ponies were gathered near the barren fountain. One called out and pointed to her as she waved. The herd galloped towards them and began bombarding her with questions. “Did you vanquish the spirit?” “Did you defeat the summoner?” “Are the woods safe again?” “Calm down!” Rainbow yelled as she flew up into the air. “Give Twilight a chance to speak!” After a few moments the crowd went silent as they stared at the avatar expectantly. She cleared her voice and began. “Okay, everypony. We tracked down the pony responsible and well, they aren't real. The pony was an illusionist and he-” Once again the crowd began raising their voices in anger. “QUIET!” the rainbow-maned pegasus yelled as she sent a powerful gust of wind to the ground, nearly toppling the herd over. They quickly went silent. “Now, as I was saying,” Twilight continued, “the pony is an illusionist. While I'll admit they are quite... realistic, they had no physical effect. I need information though. When the Water Nation attacked, were there any water benders with them? Or were they mostly earth ponies? Most importantly, did any pony SEE them bend water?” The mayor, Velveteye, stepped forward. “Yes, there were. I'll never forget it. Their force was comprised namely of earth ponies, but they did have a few water benders. They... killed a few of our ponies with their water bending. Why?” “That's bad,” the avatar mumbled. “That, unfortunately, means there is another force that will arrive later to try and finish the job. That seemed to have been meant to soften you up.” The crowd began to stir again as soft wails of fear filled the air. Rainbow let out a low growl and the crowd fell silent. “But, I have a plan. We can launch a preemptive strike and drive them away. The illusionist was a member of their militia and may know where they are hiding. We can ask him to help us-” “WHAT?!” a pony in the crowd yelled. “You want to ask for help from one of those monsters?!” “We should hang him,” another pony called out. “Not ask him for help!” The crowd began nodding and grumbling in agreement, even a burst of Rainbow's wings didn't silence them as their anger blazed. Finally, Twilight formed a ball of flame on the tip of her horn and sent it flying into the air, exploding like a firecracker. “ENOUGH!” she yelled. “Like it or not, this pony is our only real chance of finding where they are unless you want to comb everywhere for miles! If you don't want to help, you don't need to. We'll deal with the Water Nation ourselves.” She turned and stormed of, her hooves stomping into the ground with each step. ------ Pinkie stared forward with wide eyes as a large manticore stared back, letting out a mighty roar. A moment later a brown pegasus landed on the back of the beast and threw a rope forward, wrapping around the creature's head. It began bucking and jumping around, trying to dislodge the flying pony. “Then, with a powerful tug, the pegasus turned the creature towards the door and sent it charging forward, towards freedom!” Shadowhoof said as the two figures struggled a while longer before the manticore began running away from them and through a large steel door that materialized in front of them. “With her freedom earned, the pegasus flew off after her friends to warn them.” The pegasus looked around for a moment before flying away and off the manticore's back. Both disappeared a second later. “So, what did you think?” “Ohhhh, I liked it!” Pinkie said as she clapped her hooves together. “Did you come up with it yourself?” “No,” the stallion mumbled. “I... well, part of it. I overheard some of the others in my battalion talking about a pegasus who beat a whole water bending division by herself. I added a lot and wanted to make it a story. Cause stories are my... nevermind.” Pinkie chuckled and shook her head. “It's okay, I liked it. Besides, we're friends now! No need to be such a saddy waddy, be a happy smiley!” the pink mare said as she reached out and gripped the corners of his mouth, pulling them up into a smile. “Seeee? Now you look all happy!” The stallion chuckled with a wince. “Please stop, that kinda hurts.” As the mare let go he rubbed his cheeks, though he couldn't stop from smiling. “If you like telling stories so much, why couldn't you try doing that?” Shadowhoof frowned as he poked the ground. “It doesn't... work like that in the Water Nation. I couldn't water bend, so I was considered an earth pony. Disposable. Other unicorns didn't want to associate with me because of that. The earth ponies in my division would barely talk to me, because of how the benders treated them. I doubt any pony in my unit even knew I could do illusions, let alone cared or wanted to hear stories from a disgraced pony like myself,” he muttered sadly. “Though, on occasion there would be another disgraced unicorn or even pegasus in our unit and we could get along well. Earth pony soldier's life expectancy wasn't very long, though. I think only a hoofful ever made it to retirement.” Pinkie frowned as she gave him a tight hug. “W-what? Why are you... errr...” “Everypony needs a hug sometimes,” she said with a smile before letting him go. “Besides, the other countries aren't like that at all! I don't have any bending or those special magics, and they've never treated me any different.” “That sounds really nice,” he said as he looked towards the roof. “I heard the Water Nation used to be like that too. They considered all the ponies to be equal. It wasn't until the war that everything became like... this.” “Then maybe when my job is done, everything can be back to normal,” Twilight said as she walked in from the gate. “As it is now, I need your help.” “Ack!” The stallion took a step back as he looked to the mare. “H-how can I be of service? Please don't hurt me...” “... I won't. I have no intention of harming you or anypony else. But, I need your help to find the other Water Nation soldiers. You do know where they'd be hiding to prepare for another assault, correct?” “Where they are... no. I'm afraid I wouldn't know. They'd have moved since our attack. They could be anywhere.” “You do know their procedures though, correct?” Twilight asked. “The things they'd look for in a hiding place?” “Well, yes. Of course,” the pony said nervously. “Good. Will you help me find them? Please,” the mare said as she took a step forward. “I...” the stallion squirmed a little before nodding. “On one condition.” “And that is?” “Once I show you, please let me go. I know I can't stay here any more, but I can't go home. I need to... find somewhere else I belong. Please.” “Fine,” Twilight mumbled as she turned around and trotted out from the castle. “Let's move fast.” Shadowhoof nodded as he grabbed his cloak and put it on, though he left the hood down. After a moment he followed after her. ------ The sun began to dip behind the hills as Rarity finally felt movement return to her body. Celestia stood over the mare, panting and sweat dripping from her body as she kept working her magic. The younger mare slowly began sitting up, groaning as she looked down. A small pool of blood had formed under her. She felt weak, but alive, as she slowly got to her hooves and wobbled a bit. “A-are you okay? Aunty?” “Y-yes. I just need... need to rest for a moment,” Celestia mumbled as she dropped backwards, eyes closed. “Just... just for a little bit.” A few seconds later the mare lost consciousness. Rarity moved forward and reached a hoof out, but stopped. “No. Rest, aunty. You've done enough. I'll stop him.” The unicorn turned and galloped towards the town, though she stumbled and nearly fell a number of times. Before long she ran into the store and looked around. “Littlewing! Come out!” she yelled. There was no response as she frowned and began searching the shop. He wasn't in any of the top floor rooms and she saw his room was missing most of his powders and plants. She headed back down to the ground floor and walked to the backroom. She saw a fresh pie and quickly took a slice, stuffing it into her mouth as she felt the sugar spread through her body and relieve some of the grogginess. She was halfway through it when it dropped from her magic. “Gemcoat!” she shrieked as she ran to the stove. The earth pony was laying completely limp in front of it. Foam was dribbling from her mouth to form a small puddle. Rarity stood over the mare and leaned down, placing her ear to her chest. She pulled away and shook her head as she felt tears well up in her eyes. “Littlewing... how... how could you? She was... she took care of you. She treated you like her child. She even cooked you dinner and...” she growled as she stomped her hoof down and turned away. “I WILL find you Littlewing. I will stop you. I swear.” The mare turned and ran out the door, looking left and right for any sign of the colt. ------ Twilight hunched down as best she could as she stared through the treeline. Camped out just outside the forest, hidden amongst a field of boulders, were dozens of ponies. “Is that the force that attacked you?” she asked as she looked back. Behind her, Velveteye shook his head. “No, the force that assaulted our town was much smaller.” A few earth ponies stood behind him, though they occasionally looked to Shadowhoof and glared. “A force like that would have destroyed us. Maybe you should ask the... him, why they haven't.” He made a motion towards the cloaked pony. “They're waiting for orders,” Shadowhoof said quickly. “They likely are afraid to attack your village. We've all heard... rumors, about the spirits that protect your village. I'd bet they're waiting for a direct order to begin an assault. Especially since they know you have earth benders.” “Then why did they send that first assault? Why attack us at all?” the mayor asked. “We're disposable,” the pony said with a sad sigh. “Somepony higher up decided they wanted your village captured and it was easier to test your defenses with an expendable unit than risk a bunch of water benders on an unknown force. Now they have an idea of what you have, and only lost a few earth ponies. No offense.” The earth ponies in their group returned to glaring at him as the unicorn crouched down and gulped. “I... I can leave now? Right?” he asked weakly. “I mean, since... errr... I-I did what you wanted? You'll let me go, right?” “What?!” Velveteye snapped, quickly covering his mouth as he lowered the volume. “Sorry. You can't mean to let him go. He's one of them, he'll alert them to us being here.” “No, he won't,” Twilight mumbled as she watched the encampment. “There's too many of them from what I can see. Who knows how many are in the tents or hidden? Even if we tried a sneak attack we'd be decimated. Shadowhoof, do you think before you leave, you could help us?” “H-help you? Against them? B-but they're my o-old unit! T-they'd kill me!” the stallion squeaked as he looked over at the ponies gathered around the camp fires. “I know, but please,” the alicorn said as she reached out to nudge his side. “You don't have to do much. Just help us with a little... trick. If you won't, I understand...” The unicorn looked around at them before glancing back to the mayor and other earth ponies. He let out a sigh before nodding. “I... I will. After all the supplies I stole, it's the least I can do. What do you need?” Twilight smiled as she nodded. “Good. Okay, we're going to give them something to really be afraid of. Here's the plan...” ------ An icy blue coated unicorn dressed in armor nudged another stick into the fire as she glanced to her comrades. Most of them had already fallen asleep, though she saw a few still struggling. She glanced to the nearby woods and let out a sigh. Occasionally she thought she saw something move, but she tried her hardest to ignore it. A nudge to her side made her shriek as she turned around to see another unicorn, with a red coat. “Don't do that!” she growled. “Sorry,” the other mare chuckled as she laid by the fire. “What has you so jumpy?” “I don't know... it's too quiet. We usually hear the wolf howls, but tonight there isn't anything. What if something is going on in there?” the blue-coated mare mumbled as she looked out towards the forest, she swore she saw a light for a second. “Nah, you worry too much. Those stories of spirits are just meant to freak ponies out. If they had anything like that in those woods, the suicide squad would have been completely crushed,” the other mare said with a chuckle. “Maybe. But if they don't, why doesn't the captain have us atta... did you see that?” the blue mare got to her hooves and took a step towards the forest. “See what?” “There was a flash, just for a moment. Something is out there.” “Relax. There's nothing out there except for bugs and squirrels. You're letting your... letting your...” the red-coated mare trailed off as she looked to the treeline. A thick fog began to slowly inch its way out from the forest, heading towards them. “J-just normal mist, right?” the blue-coated mare said as she got to her hooves and her horn began to glow. She squeaked and took a step back. “I-I can't stop it! I can't bend it!” she squealed as she took a few more steps back. The mist hit the edge of their camp right as a tremendously powerful wind shot from the woods. Their campfires were instantly snuffed out, plunging the camp in darkness. A number of tents were even pulled from the ground, awakening their sleepers. Cries of alarm spread through the camp as everypony awoke. Then the mist enveloped them. A loud howl came from the woods. A moment later they could hear screams and the sounds of falling trees. “Everypony gather up! Prepare for an attack!” “You shall never escape,” an angry, rough voice boomed. It sent a chill down the mare's spine. “Don't listen to it!” a voice called from the mist, the frightened mare recognized it as their commander. “It's just an earth pony trick!” Loud screams tore through the camp as she heard more ponies yelling. “It's a demon! Run! The spirits are angry!” She heard a growl from the mist and turned to face it. Shadows slowly began to come into focus as a small pack of creature's appeared. Three of them, giant dogs bigger than a pony. Their bodies were black, but flames coursed around their claws and head. The one in the center opened its mouth before sending a burst of fire past her head, barely missing as she backed away. The flames stayed, burning through their equipment as the pack advanced. “Kill them!” the blue-coated water bender yelled and charged forward. Water flowed around her horn before turning to ice and shooting forward. It skewered the nearest member of the pack. The creature didn't seem to notice as it moved through it, unphased by the attack. Another one sent another burst of flame at them, scorching their hooves as they turned to run. “They're spirits! They're real spirits! Run! RUN!” she yelled as she galloped through the fog and out of the camp. She didn't look back, though she swore she could feel the beast's hot breath on her back and powerful teeth nipping at her hooves. ------ The camp lay in ruins, most of the Water Nation's supplies destroyed and forgotten. The only creatures that remained were the pack of fire breathing dogs and a group of giant bats. As the mist disappeared the animals disappeared as well, revealing Twilight and Rainbow. “Oh yeah, did you see them running? Hah!” the pegasus said as she landed with a pose. “I was awesome!” “You truly were,” Velveteye said as he trotted forward. “With their camp destroyed and forces scattered, I doubt they'll return. You've put the fear of the forest in their hearts.” “They still might,” Twilight mumbled as she looked towards the forestline. “Where's Shadowhoof?” “Probably ran off to hide,” the stallion said with a hmph. A quick glare from the alicorn made him gaze down. “Sorry, avatar. I meant no disrespect.” “We should go get him and bring him back!” Pinkie said as she hopped about. We can throw a beat the Water Nation again party!” “Pfft, why?” Rainbow said with a roll of her eyes. “He's Water Nation. Not to mention a thief.” “He also helped us here,” Twilight said with a sigh. “Also, Vinyl was a member of the Water Nation as well. They aren't all cold blooded killers. I'm going to go find him and bring him back.” “Avatar, wait,” the mayor said as he shook his head. “I'll admit he did help us here, but bringing him back to the village could be dangerous. He has terrorized and tormented us for the past month. Stolen from us.” “His help has also saved your village,” the alicorn said with a shake of her head. “Warned us of the force here and helped us deal with it. Do you really feel that nopony will forgive him for what he did?” The stallion sighed and shook his head. “No, I imagine they will...” “Good. Besides, you may need his help if they come back. I'll be right back,” she said as she trotted off into the woods. It only took her a few moments to find the stallion, hiding behind a tree and clutching his horn. He was rocking back and forth with his eyes closed. “Are you okay?” “F-fine,” Shadowhoof whimpered. “Just... that was a l-lot of magic. The fog, the illusions on you and your friends. M-maintaining it kind of... burnt through my reserves. Is my horn bleeding?” “Uhhh... no. Should it be?” “No, but it feels like it was twisted around in my skull... ugh...” the unicorn groaned as he leaned back and rubbed his horn against the tree with a pained moan. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you pain,” Twilight said as she patted his withers. “I needed to ask you something. Do you... actually, would you like to come back to the village with us?” “W-what?” he stopped scratching his horn on the tree and turned to her. “They'll kill me! I'm a member of the Water Nation!” “I know, but trust me. I'll protect you if they try anything, but I think you could help them out. Your illusions could be very useful if the Water Nation attacks again. So please, give it a chance?” “I... o-okay. You promise? You won't let them... hang me or anything? Because I heard the two earth benders talking and they seem quite keen on the idea.” “I give you my solemn oath. Come on,” she said as she turned around and motioned him forward. “I have something I'd like to ask you as well. Do you know anything about something called the Alicorn Amulet?” ------ “Littlewing!” Rarity yelled as she finally caught sight of the little pegasus. He was standing on top of a big metal pipe and had a bowl in front of him which he was grinding plants in. “You're alive? A shame. STOP!” he yelled as he held up a hoof. “Do you know what this is?” he asked as he motioned towards the metal pipe. “No. Something to make your poisons with, I'd imagine? A bit big, isn't it?” “This, is the access to the water filtration system. How did you think I'd been weakening and making everypony here so sick?” he asked with a smile as he pushed a hatch open. “If you come any closer, I'll toss the entire concoction in.” The unicorn gulped as she watched him. “H-hey. There's no need for that. Just calm down and lets talk, okay?” “Talk? What about?” the pegasus asked as he kept grinding his herbs. “Gemcoat, why did you kill her? She took care of you, tried to protect you. How could you do that to her of all ponies?” Rarity stepped a few steps closer while he was distracted. “Stop. Don't think I won't toss this in,” he warned as the mare halted. “Even with your water bending, if this goes in you'll never be able to stop it from filtering through the system. Just back up, to the door,” he ordered as she solemnly obeyed. “She was an enemy and I didn't need her any more. Tomorrow they'll find her dead. I'll be gone and, if you're smart, you will be too. They'll never believe you didn't kill her and me, after all.” She growled and looked to the pipe. “Please, you don't need to do this. Nopony else has to die. You're just a colt, there is no reason for you to live with this on your conscience.” “So naive. I'm over thirty years old! Do you really think me just a child?” “But... you sound so... you look so... what?” she squeaked as she cocked her head to the side. “It's a disease, nevermind. They have to die. When the Water Nation comes here they'll find an entire town already conquered for them. I'll be hailed as a hero!” he said with a chuckle. “Conquered everypony here. You could, if you wanted, help me. You can be a part of this. With your bending it would make this task far easier.” “... Maybe you're right. You've won... I could help,” Rarity mumbled as she moved closer. “Do you believe it will bring back my honor? Help me return home?” “Of course. Besides, you're right. Gemcoat was the only one capable of getting more water, and she's dead. I wasn't slipping her the antidote for that poison,” he said with a snicker. Rarity kept stepping closer. “You're right. There's nothing I can do. How can I help?” “All I need you to do is come here and swirl the water when I add the poison,” he mumbled as he motioned towards the pipe with his head. He adjusted his horseshoe as the needle slowly extended. “It'll make it spread faster so I don't have to adjust it throughout the night.” She nodded as she moved closer, around the pipe. “Of course. So, how?” she mumbled as she charged forward. As she came closer she saw him thrust his hoof forward, the deadly needle catching the glint of the light. Rarity shrieked as she raised her hoof and the water from the pipe struck out. The mare barely managed to tumble to the left, around his hoof and face planted into the ground before rolling over backwards. The unicorn flailed her hooves wildly as she tried to get back up, finally regaining herself after a few terrifying seconds. She turned to face her adversary and froze. Littlewing was standing completely still, his hoof still held out to where she had been charging. The only reason he was still standing was because the shards of ice impaled through out his body, including his head. Rarity stared as her mouth fell open, trembling. “O-oh gods... I didn't... L-Littlewing? A-are you okay?” she asked. She reached out and nudged him gently. “Littlewing? I didn't... I never meant to. I just... I...” Her body began to tremble as her knees gave out. She collapsed to the floor and just stared. “You were trying to... kill me and I just... I reacted. I p-panicked. I just wanted t-to freeze you. Not... oh gods. Oh gods...” She stared at the dead pony, unable to even respond when her aunt eventually found the two. Celestia took one look at the poisons and water before lifting a hoof over the liquid. Eventually satisfied she closed the opening and put a hoof over her niece's withers. “Come along, Rarity... we must leave here...” she whispered as she slowly guided the mare away. ------ Twilight gulped nervously as she stared at the ruins before her. While the castle she had seen before had been covered in moss and ivy, these new ruins were completely bare of any plant life. They were comprised of only three buildings, two tall towers besides a staircase that went underground. She turned back to look at her comrades, though the two other earth ponies had left, Velveteye still remained. “So, you're sure it's here?” “I don't know, maybe?” Shadowhoof mumbled as he motioned towards the stairs. “I've been through almost everywhere in this forest and this is the only place I could imagine it being. I've never been inside before, it gives me the creeps.” “Heh, wuss,” Rainbow said as she took a step towards it. Surrounding the ruins was nothing but dirt, not even the grass grew past the circle of trees that lined up around them. The moment the pegasus stepped onto the dirt her mane stood on end and she took a step back with a yelp. “W-what was that?!” “The reason I never went in there,” Shadowhoof muttered. “This place is terrifying. You can almost feel the... unnaturalness.” Twilight frowned as she stepped forward. The moment she crossed the threshold her eyes went wide as... something washed over her. It flowed through her body, in through her hooves, wings and horn. “It feels so... so... calming. Power. It feels... wow...” she whispered in awe as she held her hoof up. “This feels amazing. You should all feel this.” “Feels creepy to me,” Rainbow grumbled as she stepped forward and shivered. “Like something is nipping at my wings.” “I don't feel anything!” Pinkie said as she hopped about. “Does it tickle any?” “Brrrrr...” Fluttershy mumbled as she looked around and shivered. “I-it's kind of scary... y-you don't think it's bad for us, do you?” Spike shrugged. “I'm with Pinkie. I don't feel anything, I think it's just your imaginations.” “I'll uhhh, wait here for your return, Avatar,” Shadowhoof squeaked as he watched them, unwilling to cross towards the ruins himself. “No need, it'll be fine,” Twilight said with a shake of her head. “We can find our way back, so you and Velveteye can return to the village. We'll come straight back once we finish. I'm sure he'll keep you safe.” “G-go to the village? Without you?” he asked and quickly shook his head. “I-I'd rather not...” The mayor reached out and placed a hoof on the unicorn's withers. “Shush. Don't worry. I've already sent the other two ahead of us, so they'll know to expect you. They'll also know you're a... friend of the avatar. No harm will come to you, I swear.” “Really?” the unicorn asked with another nervous glance towards the alicorn and her friends. “Really. Now come along, let us leave the avatar and her friends to their duty. It would be best that we don't get in their way. I vow that nothing will happen until she returns.” “O-okay,” he mumbled as the two turned and left. Twilight took a deep breath as she stood at the top of the stairs. A small flame formed at the tip of her horn as she slowly started walking forward. ------ Flames warmed Celestia and Rarity as the two laid before a campfire, just off to the side of the road. The elder unicorn held her niece close as she slowly stroked a hoof through her mane as the younger sobbed into her aunt's withers. “There there, Rarity, let it all out,” she said gently. “I-I never wanted t-to kill him!” the fallen princess sobbed. “I-I was just... I reacted! I panicked, I never meant to... I never wanted to...” “I know, I know,” Celestia whispered as she gently patted her niece's eyes with a hoofkerchief. “It was an accident. I know it. This pain will pass, with time.” “I just... I never thought I'd...” Rarity looked up. “It... it was so easy. I barely had to even try. W-what if I do it again? I-I could kill dozens like that!” The elder unicorn pulled the young mare into a tight hug. “No, you couldn't. You are a kind, sweet young mare. You do not have it in you to be a cold-hearted killer.” Her legs tightened around the mare. “But... I'm afraid you may have to one day kill again. This world is not perfect, nor is it safe. Sometimes, taking a life is necessary. But, hold onto the way you feel now. Always remember it. As long as you can feel such pain over this death, know that you are still you. Taking a life, no matter how cold or evil the life, is never something that should be enjoyed.” Rarity trembled as she slowly looked up. “W-we need t-to go back. I-I need to warn them. H-he might have p-put something in the water. If... if any of them d-die then it was a-all for n-nothing.” “Worry not, little niece,” Celestia mumbled as she continued to stroke the mare's mane. “I checked before I took you. The water was pure. But, I'm afraid we cannot return. The evidence is... stacked unfavorably against us. Even if we could prove that he was trying to kill them, we would still be outed as water benders. For now, our best course of action is to lay low and move on.” “H-how can we just... how can I just...” the young princess broke down into another sobbing fit as she buried her head in her aunt's withers. “Let it all out,” Celestia said as she moved her head down to nuzzle the grief stricken mare. ------ Rosebush sighed as she slowly trotted away from her home, a cart filled with materials to trade pulled behind her. She knew she should have stayed, but right now she just wanted to be alone. Selling their goods was the best way to achieve that goal. She was so distracted she didn't notice the thing pulling towards her until it let out a loud, shrill whistle. Her head whipped up as her eyes went wide. “What... the buck?” she asked as she... stared at it. Whatever IT was. It was a massive wheeled device, made of metal. It was at least five ponies tall and twice as wide as her cart. It had half a dozen large steel wheels on either side. Large spikes pointed out the front. A thin mist billowed out from a large pipe near the back. She'd heard of such things used by her kingdom, called tanks, but she'd never actually seen one. Slowly a hatch on top opened up as a small, white unicorn popped out. “Ah, hello miss. Could you be so kind as to direct me to the avatar?” Sweetie asked with a confident smile. “The avatar? She was headed...” Rosebush froze as she turned back to look at the metal behemoth. “Wait, that's... not an...” her eyes narrowed as she grit her teeth. “Let me guess, you're from the Water Nation? You can go back and tell Flim and Flam that we're not falling for your dirty little tricks any more.” She spit on the ground before glaring up at her. “Oh? You're aware of us? I'm afraid that means I won't be able to let you go then. Please, don't run. That'll just make things... messy.” “Pfft. What? Are you going to stop me? Let me guess, with your little 'water bending'?” “... Indeed,” The unicorn's horn glowed as a metal flap in the front of the vehicle opened. Water shot out, encasing the mare in thick ice. Sweetie grinned as she climbed out of the tank and jumped down from the side of the vehicle. She slowly trotted forward and reached up to stroke the frightened mare's cheek. “Now. You mentioned the avatar was heading somewhere?” “I... I-I'll never t-tell you...” Rosebush squeaked as she tried to look away, but a firm grip on her face stopped it. “Oh, you will,” the princess said as her eyes glowed purple. “You'll tell me anything I want to know...”