The pain in her chest was a dull throb as Trixie woke in Theresa's wagon. The blankets covering her felt hot as sweat formed on her forehead. She started to sit up before a hoof gently pushed her back down. “Don't try and get up! You’re lucky to even be alive right now.” Octavia warn as she brought her a glass of water. “That knife almost hit your heart! The gypsy who healed you spent all night trying to make sure you don't bleed out.” Octavia let the tears stream down her cheeks.
Pushing the covers off she looked at her chest to find the scar. Running her hoof over it she felt a shiver run down her spine. “How's Gilda?”
Octavia motioned over to the back where the sleeping Griffin lay. “She's been watching over you all night.”
Moving the blankets she looked at her flank to find she also had a scar across her right Cutie Mark. Letting out a sigh she fell back to her pillow. “What happen to the stallion I shot last night?”
There was an eerie silent’s from Octavia before she answered. “You killed him. Harpy and Lore are looking over the body right now.”
Trixie felt like throwing up from the news. Even though she already knew, Octavia confirmed the ugly truth. Rolling over and pulling the covers over her head she took to deep breaths to clam her nerves. “Who brought me back to camp?”
“We're not at camp. Theresa and a few others followed your fireworks spell in her wagon.” Again Trixie started to get up as Octavia tried to get her to lie back down.
“I can't just lay here! Before I was stabbed he said it was his orders.” Octavia's hoof slowly left her chest. “My gem was in is bag as well. I need to find out why we're the target.”
“What did I say about having your back?” Gilda said with a bit of a yawn. “If you remember we are in this together and that you should trust us.”
“I-”
“Last night was a stupid move on your part! What if we didn't find you; or that assassin got to when you where alone?”
“Gilda I'm so-”
“You'd be dead! Heck he took all three of us! Even those stupid metal bugs took all our strength to handle. You had us worried sick because of that bone headed stunt!”
Trixie blinked a few times as Gilda turned away from her. A smile filled her cheeks as she sat up. “Your right, I'm an idiot... I'm sorry.”
Gilda huffed at this. “Yeah yeah....” She let her wings spread out a little. A small patch of fur seemed darker where the blade and spell hit her. “You should tell the guys what he said. It's obvious something is going on.”
Feeling weak Trixie got to her hooves and started for the door. Octavia wasn't too far behind along with Gilda as they left the warmth of the wagon and out into the morning sun. Shielding her eye's she saw Lore was busy talking to Harpy as he was down the pit. Dirk's attention was on the blood stained grass where Trixie once was. Lore went to talk to Dirk when he noticed the girls. “Hey the dead walks!” He called down to Harpy who flown out of the pit. Trixie cringed as Dirk started to come towards her. Gilda Stepped between the two.
“I already yelled at her about last night so back off.”
He didn't seem mad as he was expressing his worry. “You should be lying down! Are you still hurting? Let me see your wound.” Pushing past Gilda he waited as Trixie slowly lifted herself so he could see the scar. Harpy whistled as he got a look at it.
“Nice battle scar!”
“You lost a lot of blood! I mean a lot!” Lore added as he looked at the scar on her flank. “I lost a lot of blood when I lost my arm but you almost got stabbed near the heart. Lucky he didn't take the blade out or you might not be standing here.” The two male griffins noticed the angry looks they were getting. “Sorry...”
“Why are you out of bed?” Dirk asked.
“I needed to tell you what that stallion said before...” Trixie trailed off with a deep sigh. “I k-killed him. He said it was his orders. Also I'm more then sure he has my gem.”
Dirk seemed to be taken back by this. “Orders, who would want to have us killed here?”
Harpy only sighed as he started back to the pit. “Come here!” He called as he waited for Trixie to come over. He took her in his arms as he flew down the pit and landed next to the body of the assassin. Trixie could feel her stomach turning at the sight. Running to a rock she was kind of thankful she had an empty stomach as she puked sour tasting bile. Harpy only watched her as he took a small wooden case from his vest. Opening it he took out a cigarette and light it before going over to her. When he was sure she was done he offered her one only to have it turn down. “Sorry... I'm so use to this kind of stuff that I don't even think how it affects others anymore.”
“I-I k-killed him...”
“You saved your friends. He was going to finish both of them and go pick up his pay before sleeping like a baby.” With that he went over to the body as he started to go through it. “Judging by his weapons and clothes he's not a Specter, more of a blade for hire. His gear is top notch though. Revolving pistol, cutlass, black steel knives, and spell caster orb. Someone paid good coin for this guy.” He then started digging in his pack. “Here's your gem back.”
Trixie took it with her magic as she set it in her saddle bag. “So who do you think sent him?”
“I don't know, but I have an idea where to look. We're going to need to head to Bowerstone.” With that he took Trixie in his arms and flew back up to the others.
“Well, who was he?” Gilda asked the second they hit the ground.
“Sell sword by the looks of it. If we're going to get answers we have to hit the road.”
“My only question is; why was he sent to kill Trixie?” Octavia then added.
Harpy only shrugged. “He might have been sent to kill all of you, maybe he was sent to kill me and Lore only to find you guys too so his orders changed to kill all of us. Hell those metal bugs are what's stumping me. I have a few connections who are in his line of work. Maybe they'll have answers.”
“I can't believe he took us all out like that.” Gilda said as she looked over the side of the pit. “I don't think we.... can ever win agents a guy like that.”
“Maybe not now!” Lore shot back. “Look you can't just expect to take the bare basics that you learned in a few days and expect to take on someone like that stallion that’s trained for years in different types of combat.”
“He's right, with time comes skill. It's not like your Unicorn friend learned magic in two days.” Harpy added. “The camp is waiting for us. You girls take a break while us guys take the reins.”
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Though the ride inside the wagon was relaxing, Trixie was tired of lying around in bed. Once they met back at the camp she took a seat next to Lore on the roof. Two male gypsy ponies pulled the wagon for them as Harpy and Gilda took to the air. Octavia and Dirk walked along the wagon, both wanting a change from sitting around. The convoy was made of eleven wagons following each other. Every pony, Diamond Dog, and Griffin had a job during this move. From keeping watch to hulling goods that couldn't fit on the wagons. Trixie had to admit that this new land held a unique beauty. Even comparing them to the lands of Equestria the green open fields and woodlands held a different feel to them.
“So buck is a way from saying the f-word?” Lore asked Trixie as he watched Harpy and Gilda in the sky
“Back in Equestria if you said the f-word it's because somepony really upset you.”
“That's another thing that bugs me about how you speak. I don't get the whole 'somepony' thing. I mean as you can see here not everyone is a pony so saying that just seems weird. Back to the buck thing; is it as versatile as the f-word? Like how is it used?”
Trixie blushed a bit before answering. “Well it's almost as like the f-word but we have a different one when it comes to... sexual terms.”
“Really, what word?”
“Do you really want me to say it?” Trixie asked with a deepening blush as she looked away.
“You two seem to be having an interesting conversation up there.” Octavia called up to them with a chuckle. Dirk just rolled his eyes.
“It's not every day I get to talk to someone from a different world!”
“So this camp is going right to Bowerstone?” Dirk asked as he tried to keep Lore from asking another odd question.
“Half way actually. There is a small vineyard here in the Greatwood region they're going to stay the night at before they head into town. This is the season they try and make extra profit off some of the finer wine and herbs and they store most of their aged goods there. We're going to break off from them and probably get to town before night.”
Harpy glided down next to the wagon with Gilda at this point. “Hey, keep an eye out for bandits. We just entered their turf.” With that the two landed next to Octavia and Dirk. “No flying from this point on. Bandits have been known to shoot others right out of the sky just to rob them.” Dirk grumbled before he let out a yawn.
“You should get some sleep. We have a while before we get to the vineyard so climb up and take a snooze.” Lore called down to him.
“I feel like stretching my legs anyway so take my place.” Trixie then offered as she started to climb down the moving wagon. Dirk flew up and took the spot next to Lore before he started to drift off with a light snore. “Have any of you seen Theresa?”
“I think she was a few wagons back.” Gilda answered. “I can't believe you’re walking around right now. After last night I'd think you'd be laid out for a few days.”
“I'm a little surprised as well. Whoever healed me did a very good job. Are they here in the convoy? I'd like to thank them.”
“It was that same Unicorn who hit on us back during the party.” Octavia answered with a laugh.
Trixie let out a small sigh as a smile crept to her lips. “I might have to ask him to add to my mother’s book.”
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“When you cast the healing spell it helps to have some understanding of medicine. You can more accurately focus the spell and in this way even a basic healing spell can do the job of a more advance one. In your case I had to heal you as I pulled the blade out. It may have missed your heart going in, but coming out was a different story. Doing things the way I did kept me from tiring out by using advanced spells the whole time.” The gypsy Unicorn explained as Trixie walked side by side with him. As he spoke she took notes with a notebook and quill that was held with her magic. “Sadly I've been getting a lot of my practice due to the war and growing number of bandit attacks.”
“So are you part of the rebellion?”
“We have a neutral agreement with them. We help hide and heal the wounded and in return they protect us as we move along the roads from bandits. Though as of late the Rebellion Army has been weakening.”
“What do you mean?”
“Specters have been finding their camps and countering any move they make. It's not looking good for them.” The two looked forward as the wagons started to make a circle to form their camp. “Here at last! Thank you for the company. I was getting bored till you came over.”
“Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me.” She them blushed as he took her hoof in his and kissed it. With a devilish grin he then started to quickly kiss his way up before his lips met a second hoof. Looking up he found Dirk with a disapproving look.
“Sorry I didn't know.”
“Excuse me?” Trixie asked as he took a step back.
“I'm sorry good sir, I had no idea she was spoken for.”
“What? No you have it wrong-” Before Trixie could finish the Unicorn took off for the wagons. Dirk went to speak to her only to be cut off by a cold stare.
“I thought he was bothering you.”
“If he was then I would have dealt with him myself!” With that she stormed off leaving Dirk a bit confused. Looking around she found Theresa waiting for her by her wagon.
“I'm glad to see you and your friends are still safe.”
“I was a fool to go alone like that. If it wasn't for them showing up...”
“You and your friends collected skills are what's going to help you gain your full potential. They will help you in your times of need and you will learn more than just skills from them over time.” She then watched as Trixie raised a hoof to the wound that covered her heart. “Scars remind us that the past was real. Remember why you had to take a life that night.”
“He almost killed me and my friends... yes...”
“I will meet you in Bowerstone tomorrow morning. Harpy is waiting for you as we speak.”
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The walk to Bowerstone seemed to go quiet till Gilda broke it. “Are the bandits around here as well armed as that dude that attacked us?”
“Dude? You mean that stallion? Well with the war going on they have been taking advantage of this by gathering weapons from the fallen. So... the short answer is yes.” Lore answered.
“That's disgusting!” Octavia said with a cringe.
“Hate to break it to you but we do it too. That or steal it if we have too. It's the only way to keep up with the Specters anymore.” Harpy added.
“This land is so... violent!”
“Wasn't always this way, one time the Specters served the land. Hell in those times they didn't even go by the name Specters.”
“What happen to them?”
“They became power hungry is what happened. They realized the hold they had on the land and started taking over. Buying lands and businesses, along with harvesting the newest in technology; wasn't till the assassination of the king and Queen did they make their move.”
“They killed the King and Queen?” Gilda asked in shock.
“They didn't... their son did.” The group went quiet at this point. “He took full power of the Specters and turned them into the lands military. He used them as his rise to power.” Again they trailed in silents. “When we get to Bowerstone try not to bring attention to yourself. The Citadel has a strong hold of the Industrial and Northern district. Luckily they keep far away from where we're going and that's the southern district.”
“So you hide right under their nose.” Trixie said with a bit of a grin.
“Exactly! We've kept that base for over three years now.”
“Speaking of which...” Lore then pointed to the building that stuck out high above the trees. He chuckled as the girls and Dirk where taken back by the sight. “Let's keep moving. We'll spot you guys a room at the inn. Tomorrow we'll look into getting you guys home.”
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Trixie could see why the Specters kept out of the Southern district. The streets were dirty and filled with trash. Ponies, Griffin's, and other races wore what to her seemed like rags as clothing and she couldn't get pass the smell that burned her nostrils. The building also seemed to be falling apart as obvious patch work was done on them. “We have to stay here?”
“Last place they'll look for us if they are.” Harpy said in a low tone as he led them though the streets. He took them to a tavern names The Golden Apple.
“Odd name...”
“The owner thinks it givens the place class.” The inside of this tavern she found her days of dodging fruit thrown at her on stage came in handy as a bottle almost hit her. Fighting, gambling, drinking and what she guessed was a pony trying to sleep off a hangover that he gave himself that afternoon was what they were welcomed to in the dimly light bar. Harpy went straight to the Diamond Dog bartender as he took a pouch out from his pack and set it on the bar. A short exchange of words later he then took them up the stairs to a rather large room with five beds, two dressers, a cabinet, and a door leading to the balcony. “The outhouse is in the back ally. If you want a bath then tell the barkeep and he'll bring up the tub and heat the water buckets but that will cost a few gold. Tomorrow we'll look into buying you guys some real weapons. I'll leave you guys some gold too.” He then left another pouch on the dresser. Before he left he turned back with a grin. “Make sure to lock the doors too. Don't want to get robbed.” He then closed the door behind him.
“I feel like I'm going to catch something if I sleep in that bed.” Octavia commented as dirk looked around the room.
“Um... am I supposed to sleep in here with you three?”
“Just push your bed in corner if it bothers you.” Gilda said as she took a bed.
Trixie went to the pouch and took a coin out. It was a simple gold coin like the Bits back in Equestria. “How do you think things are back home?” The room grow uncomfortably quite at her question.
“My dad must be freaking out if he even found out.” Gilda started. “Knowing my dad he's going to go all out on finding me.”
“What about your mother?” Octavia asked.
“My mother passed away when I was young.”
“I'm sorry...”
“You didn't know. What about you?”
“I was supposed to be back in Ponyville a few days ago so my roommate Vinyl has to be worried sick. Knowing her she's going to alert my parents. It's going to be a royal mess!”
“I'm sure the princesses are working on bringing us back too. I doubt they'll just-”
“You mean the same ones who tried to lock us up?” Gilda interrupted Dirk with a laugh.
“There has to be more to it then we know! Princess Luna would never do such an act.”
“So Nightmare Mo-”
“I swear if you finish that comment...”
“You'll what tough guy?” Gilda then climbed off the bed as she started for Dirk.
“KNOCK IT OFF!” Trixie screamed as the two backed off from each other. “It's bad enough we have to worry about others trying to kill us in a war torn land; we don't need to fight each other.”
“Sorry...” Gilda then held her arm out to Dirk as he let her shake his hoof. “We don't know the whole story. I guess I let my anger get the best of my again. What about you Trixie?”
“I have no show so no fans to worry about me. I was homeless with only a wagon to my name... that was destroyed... again! I don't think anypony misses me. They all hated me anyway.”
“That can't be true! What about your mother and father?” Octavia asked.
“My father disappeared before I was born and my mother left me on my own when I was thirteen to take care of matters in a far off land. I don't even know where. She never even writes me to let me know if she's alright or alive for that matter!”
“Did she even tell you where she went?”
“Nope... now if you excuse me I'm going to go see if the drinks are as cheap as this room.” Trixie then left the room as the smoke filled air rushed into the open door behind her. Heading down to the bar she called the bartender over. “What drinks do you have?”
“Ale, rum, wine, and cider...”
“Cider!” The Diamond Dog took a wooden mug from under the bar as he filled it from the tap. Setting it in front of her she told him to open a tab as she took a drink. She noticed a bite to the Cider as she started to chug it down.
“Careful little pony that stuff has a bit of a kick to it.”
“Another!” The bartender only shrugged as he filled her mug again. The second he set it down she took it and chugged it again. Slamming it down she asked for a third.
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“She's been down there a while.” Dirk said as he paced from his bed to the wall.
“I'll go check on her if it makes you sit down. You've been pacing for over an hour now.” Gilda said from her bed. Octavia was already fast asleep.
“No, I'll go.” With that he started out the door as he was greeted by music and singing. As he started down the stairs he found everyone surrounding Trixie as she stood on a table, leading them though the chorus.
“Barkeep, get her another!” A stallion called out as a unicorn floated it over to her. They cheered as she chucked it down.
“Thank you! You are all so... so beautiful. Trixie couldn't ask for a better audience.” She said before catching herself from falling.
“Hey baby how about a dance!”
“T-Trixie will gladly grace you with her dancing skills. Play us something catchy.”
Dirk face hoofed as she almost fell trying to climb off the table before being caught by the other bar fly’s and stumbled over to the stallion as everyone cheered. Pushing his way through the crowed he found Trixie only being able to stand as the red colored Stallion held her. “I think you had enough.”
“Trixie will tell you when she had enough.”
“Yeah, piss off buddy!” The stallion added as he let his hoof slide down farther than Dirk liked to Trixie's plot.
“Let's get you back t-”
“Trixie is not leaving! The audience love's her here. Isn't that right boy's?” The cheers were her answer. She then motioned for the stallion to spin her. Once back in his hooves he nuzzled her neck. Dirk huffed as he pushed him away from her.
“I'm cutting in!” He growled as he took Trixie in his hooves. “How much have to drink?”
“Trixie bought a few... then that griffin bought Trixie one, and him!” She then let go with one of her hooves as she pointed around. “That stallion, and that handsome dog over there, and there...”
“We were told not to draw attention to ourselves!”
“You... stick in the mud! A show pony such as Trixie needs to shine!”
“In case you forgotten, there are others trying to kill us!”
“Hey I'm cutting back in!” The red stallion said before grabbing Dirk and throwing him into a table before taking the now confused Trixie back in his hooves. “I don't live very far you know... why don't you come and give a private show?”
Blushing she then started to push him away with her hoof. “Trixie is not that kind of performer." She then let go as she started dancing with a nearby Griffin. The red stallion then grabbed Trixie as he pulled her from his arms.
“Don't be like tha-”
“Let her go!” Dirk yelled as he shoved him away.
“Trixie told you she can take care of herself!” With that she cocked back her hoof and punched the stallion, sending him backwards into a chair that broke. The room went quite before deafening cheers filled the air. “Thank you! Thank you!” Dirk was in awe as he blinked a few times in disbelief before Trixie fell back in his hooves again, forcing him to dance as the music started again. “You are such a nice guy... trying to play my knight in shining armor.” Dirk blushed at this.
“I think we should go back to the room.”
“Mmh... Trixie would like that. Her tummy hurts!”
“You damn bloody...” Dirk's eyes widen as the stallion ready himself to punch Trixie. Quickly moving to the side the stallion missed them and hit a rather large Diamond Dog. The stallion whimpered as the dog got up and towered over him with a growl.
“We need to go now!” Dirk said as he dragged her away just as the stallion was sent flying by the Diamond Dog. The cheers continued as the stallion was dragged out of the bar by a few others. Dirk held Trixie up as he opened the door and got her to the closes open bed.
“My hero...”
“Just go to sleep and try not to get us in anymore trouble.”
Dirk was about to head for his bed when Trixie called to him. “Don't you want a kiss from the fair maiden?” Dirk stopped as he turned to Trixie. Heading back over to her he took the blankets and pulled them over her.
“Good night...” Trixie only mumbled as she started to drift off. Sighing, he went to his bed and lay down.
“You should have taken the kiss.” Gilda said as Dirks cheeks burned red.
“S-shut up!”
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Lore cast his line out from the edge of the docks. His nights being sleepless as of late; he needed things to fill his time. He started to reel in his line when Harpy joined him by the docks. “You get them shacked up?”
“Some time ago yeah. I also made sure our connections with the blacksmith were still open.”
“That's good...” They went silent as he laid the fishing pole back on the dock.
“You think we should tell them the truth?”
“Tell them what, that we can't actually make one of those crystals and they might be stuck here forever? I think that's going to go well. Just crush their spirits worse than telling a kid the tooth fairy isn't real.”
“There is one sure way to get them home.”
“We don't need to drag them into our fight, and it's not a for sure way.”
“It's better than keeping up a lie and have then find out years later. Face it Lore we need the help and they need to get home. Tomorrow we arm and train them. We break the news to them when we're sure they are ready.”
Lore only sighed before looking at his pocket watch. “Our contact should be here any minute now.”
“I've been here; I was waiting till both of you got here.” A voice called out from under the dock. A small boat made its way out from under it as a Gray and white spotted Diamond Dog climbed onto the docks. “I did some digging around like you asked. Specters didn't put the price on your friends head. Fact is some think you two are dead so I doubt it was though you that they were targeted.”
“That sell sword was too well armed to be just another bandit and he had no signs of being a Specter.” Harpy informed him.
“I'll keep an ear to the ground but whoever it is wants what your Unicorn friend has.”
“That gem, what's special about it?” Lore asked.
“No clue, I have to go though. Once word gets around that you two are still alive the Specters are going to stop at no end to find you and you know how they go about doing it.”
“Get lost then!” Harpy ordered as the Diamond Dog climbed back into his boat and started to paddle it down the docks. “Great...”
“Think we're still safe here?”
“I don't know... let's gear up tomorrow and plain our next move.”