//------------------------------// // (Sorta) Calm Before the Storm // Story: Diary of a Mad King // by Strange Harmony //------------------------------// The sunshine beamed down from the sky; a gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the surrounding forest, creating a calm atmosphere over the frozen Ponyville lake. Relic’s legs wobbled as he struggled to maintain his balance; his breath coming out in visible huffs. From his left, he could hear Amber’s merry laughter as the mare expertly skated figures on the ice. The sound drew closer as she made her way to him, amused by his unstable stance. “C’mon Relic,” teased the golden Pegasus, “You can’t just loiter over the ice all day. You actually have to try.” “I thought you said this was your first time?” questioned Relic as he observed the mare prance and twirl; his own hooves aching from the uncomfortable skates. “It is,” she smirked, “It’s my first time Ice skating, but I did use to skate when I was younger, so...muscle memory I guess.” “Muscle memory…” whispered Relic, getting annoyed at his own incapability. “Alright Amber, I’m going to move. Legs straight, with the flow right?” “Right,” she responded, anxious to see the results. Like a Pegasus about to attempt flight for the first time, he braced his body for whatever might happen. Rowing with his left legs, he propelled his body into the center of the frozen lake. With a small yelp, he began losing control of his movements, and started tripping over his own legs. “Amber!” he screamed, trying not to fall on his belly and cartwheel across the ice. “I’m going!” she called out laughing and enjoying the spectacle. Moving closer to him, she extended her right foreleg, but was surprised by the force that met it. Relic had gained enough momentum to send both of them into a spiral of screams. As they dashed over the lake an icy wind battered their faces. Relic closed his eyes, and thought he heard Amber laughing as he screamed. To his relief, instead of colliding with a tree the two landed on the lake's shore. Sitting up, Relic was relieved to see neither of them had been harmed. From his right, Amber joined him laughing. “What kind of first attempt was that?” she asked, silently unfurling her wing to make a wall between them. Without looking at her Relic sheepishly shrugged and started taking off his skates. Careful to not cut his muzzle as he undid the knots. “I don’t think I’m cut out for this ice skating thing, can we do something else?” Hearing Amber snicker, he turned to his right, and was surprised to see a feathery barrier. “Amber?” he called out, and noticed her skates were already lying on the snow. “Want to head back to Ponyville? I’m sure Trench and the others are-” In the blink of an eye, some of the feathers in Ambers wing parted and a cold ball of doom flew at Relic’s face. The soft ball hit him square in the center, flinging him backwards in a daze. Soon after, Amber’s melodic laughter filled the air, and a smile spread across Relic’s features. “Very well miss Gem, I accept your challenge,” he stated, reaching for snow to craft his own arsenal. “Think you can handle me?” taunted his marefriend as she scooped up another hoof-full of snow. For the next ten minutes or so, the couple flung icy projectiles at each other; all the while laughing and occasionally taunting the significant other. Before he could throw another snowball, Amber unfolded her wings and ascended into the sky. “No fair!” called out Relic, “How am I supposed to hit you?” With a wicked smile, Amber locked on to him, and plunged into a nosedive; her red and orange bathed mane flowing behind. With only seconds to act, Relic simply dropped the ball he held and closed his eyes. As she collided with him, time seemed to slow down; Relic could feel her forelegs wrapping around his neck, he could hear her gleeful laughter, and he managed to see her determined eyes before the two began rolling across the snow. From where they landed, Relic and Amber laughed out loud. As he calmed down, Relic turned to his right and had his breath taken. Mere inches from his face was Amber, bearing a lighthearted and radiant smile. Blood rushed to his face, and his heart began beating faster. Mesmerized by her fiery eyes, he didn't move a muscle until she scooped some snow and threw it at him. Making him choke and swallow some of the ice. “I win,” she joyously declared. Snapping out of his trance, he began laughing again, glad they had decided to accompany Trench while he visited some family in Ponyville. Settling down, he sat up and returned his attention to Amber, but didn’t say anything. As Relic stared at her, Amber began blushing, and unable to bear the silence any further started picking herself up. “We should probably get going,” she said, now sitting. “It would be impolite of us to keep Trench and his family waiting for lunch.” Before she could stand up, Relic said, “Amber wait.” Obtaining her full attention, he noticed -for the first time ever- a hint of green in her eyes, which created a brilliant contrast with the red. Before realizing what he was doing, Relic began moving his head forwards, and was surprised to see Amber doing the same. Thinking of how heavily his heart beat against his chest, he was surprised to feel it beat even faster as he felt her body draw nearer. Closing his eyes, his mind cleared as their lips met; everything except each other seemed to disappear, and for some blissful seconds they felt happiness neither could explain. Amber suddenly pulled her head back, and Relic did the same. Looking away, he smiled awkwardly as his cheeks burned. In the solemn silence of the winter day, nothing could be heard except for their pounding hearts and the shaking trees. Then, slowly turning back to her, he noticed she was also blushing, but continued to smile joyfully at him. Relic closed his eyes and once again moved forward...when a hoof smacked him across the face. “WAKE UP!” yelled Mira. “Huh?!” exclaimed Relic, confused and stunned. “Relic, I’ve been trying to wake you up for five minutes!” said the orange Pegasus. “You've been asleep for over ten hours!” “Amber…” Relic muttered, the memories of their first kiss during a Ponyville winter flooding back into his consciousness. “Amber! How is she?” “That’s why I’m here you loon,” continued Mira, “She woke up.” Bolting up, his stiff limbs faltered and he almost fell back down. “Is she alright?” he asked, scrambling for his scarf, “Has she eaten anything?-Asked for anything?-Does she feel weak?-How’s the weather?” “Wow, wow, calm down Relic,” said Mira, feeling sympathy as she watched the distressed stallion scramble to regain his senses. “Don’t worry, Lime has taken good care of her, as for the weather, well, look for yourself.” Pushing the flaps aside, a breath of relief entered Relic. The vicious blizzard had been replaced by a light snowfall, and gentle sunlight caressed the atmosphere. Feeling reinvigorated, he moved past Mira and stepped into the snow; relief washing over his body as he looked at the sky. An impulse of anxiety surged through him, and he galloped to the white tent, ignoring his dry mouth and grumbling stomach. “Relic, wait up!” he heard Mira call from behind. Sorry, but there are a couple of ponies who I need to talk to urgently, he thought as he neared the entrance. Shoving the flaps aside, he almost jumped inside. From where she lay, Amber quickly turned to him, smiling. Next to her, Lime spun and also greeted him with a smile, the light blue glow from his horn fading as he stepped aside. Dashing to his marefriends side, Relic wrapped his forelegs around her and buried his head next to hers on the pillow; tears of joy forming in his eyes. He softly whimpered, and cringed when he felt Ambers body shake. At this he softened his grip, careful not to put too much pressure on her chest. “Are you crying?” she asked still smiling. Welcoming the warmth of his body. “Yes…” Relic finally said after some time. “Relic Wonder, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry before. Not even when you broke a leg during our expedition to Saddle Arabia,” she recounted, giggling softly. “I was scared for you...I didn’t want to lose you,” he said, a new knot forming in his throat. Lime stone opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself and turned away, feeling a little embarrassed and awkward in the scene. She was never in critical danger, he thought to himself, but decided to let them have a touching moment. Afterall, he still wasn’t sure about whatever had happened inside Sombra’s castle. The last of his tears drying, Relic’s pulled away from Amber -much to her discontent- and exclaimed, “You’re awake! And with the way the weather looks, the Crystal Empire should be able to send an extraction team.” Mentioning their escape from this nightmare that had started as a dream come true, Relic turned to Lime. Sensing a pair of eyes staring at his back, Lime Stone turned and said before Relic could even ask, “The Crystal officials replied to our plea a couple of hours ago. They said a team would be deployed ASAP and that we should begin packing. Quake and the others already got started on that if you didn’t notice.” Rubbing his left eye, he yawned, “I’ve been watching over Amber since dawn, that’s when she finally woke up. As for you Relic-” a deep rumbling sound could be heard -much to Relic’s embarrassment- from his stomach. “...You should get something to eat. I’m feeling exceptionally tired so I’m going to retire until lunch. Technically, Amber can walk, though I wouldn’t recommend it, she needs to get some food in her system first. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Bowing, the Unicorn exited the tent, grabbing his white saddlebags on the way out. Relic turned back to Amber, feeling relieved again, “I’ll get us both some food O.K?” Amber nodded sleepily, and laid back down. “After I eat, I think I’ll rest some more,” she said, looking into Relic’s eyes with gratitude. “Oh, and could you thank Lime for me? I’ve caused him a lot of distress.” Nuzzling her before exiting, Relic finally began to feel something else besides despair. A smile etched itself back into his face as he moved the flaps aside, and almost immediately collided with a stallions silver coat. Startled, Relic looked at the pony he had crashed with apologize but instead locked eyes with Golden Globe. With an air of disbelief, Relic simply looked at the Unicorn before exclaiming “There you are!” with more heat than he intended. “I’ve wanted to talk to you for the past two days but I haven’t even seen you. We’re in the same camp, what's up with that?!” “Relic, I need to talk to you,” answered Golden, disregarding his inquiry as their coats rustled in the soft icy air. “Well isn't that ironic? I’m sorry Globe but I’m on my way to get something for me and Amber to eat, now if you would excuse me,” said Relic spitefully. He couldn't understand why he was suddenly so angry. Here was Golden Globe, finally giving him the chance to speak but the emotional roller coaster Relic had been in made him easily frustrated. Attempting to walk past his friend, he didn’t get far as Golden blocked his way. Relic noticed he held a honeyed bread, and with a flash of light, the bread disappeared and Relic heard Amber say “Oh! hmm...thanks” from inside. When the light banished, Golden Globe stood directly in front of Relic. Pushing another piece of bread against Relic’s chest, the silver Unicorn said, “There, you both have food. Now, I’m sorry that I’m hard to contact but I really need to talk to you right now. I read the diary of King Sombra and there is a pressing matter we must discuss.” Mentioning the diary made Relic’s frustration turn to alarm. “When did you get a hold of it?” Relic asked. Looking off into the ruined buildings, Golden avoided Relic’s gaze, “When you and Mira left the tent, I went inside, looking for the diary. I -well everyone actually- heard you arguing with Granite, and when you mentioned the diary my curiosity was kindled.” Brushing his blue mane aside, the Unicorn apologetically locked eyes with his friend, “I understand if you're mad, but there is something very urgent I need to show you.” The hardened look returning to his features, he continued, “Now please, follow me.” Reluctantly, Relic trudged behind him... ***** Entry #3 Curses! have we descended so far down in our livelihood? Am I witnessing the last drops of wax before the candle burns out? Umbra, the mere thought of them sends shocks of misery through my body. OH HOW THEY HOWLED!! How they demanded what I did not have, how they begged for food I cannot provide! Our subjects are at their wits end, and I fear I am as well. ...For the last weeks our subjects have continuously riled outside the castle. The mobs growing larger by the day. I see now our kingdom has no pride left! No control! They raised pitchforks, scythes, tools previously used for farming the crops of our wonderful land now being raised to attack, to demand compensation from the king that robbed this kingdom of everything great it once had. No, It is not my fault that our kingdom has fallen into such a pitfall. It’s the fault of those equestrian dogs. Those hypocritical cowards, who hide behind their blasted princesses. The same princesses who caused your death! Our soldiers held the masses outside the courtyard. I tried to calm them, reassure them with empty lies, to mask the true depth of our situation, but I couldn’t hear myself over their cries of hunger. Oh my sweet, I didn’t want to do it, I didn’t want to but I was forced to. ONE! One sad stallion managed to pass the blockade, and he charged me, he charged me and I could see the lack of reason behind his eyes. I was surprised, I had no choice so...so I struck him down. I can still hear their terrible weeping. As the lifeless body of the stallion lay there the masses fell quiet. And then one by one their terrible sorrow filled the air. Even some of the guards dropped their weapon and fell down, broken. I can still see their bodies contorted in the snow, crying. Worse yet the shadows….the shadows were there. No one could see them but I could! They told me the same things they have recounted time and time again. A crime against our subjects that I dare not repeat...though what else is there to do? No kingdom will aid us! No kingdom has offered help! Is the state of our empire so pitiful that no kingdom will even attempt to conquer us while we have practically no defenses? Have we already ceased to exist in the minds of the other regions? ...I grow weary, and will attempt to rest, since that is the only thing I am good for these days. Maybe I’ll wake up to find out this is all a nightmare, and that you are perhaps still lying next to me Umbra. Perhaps you will be there to pacify me, to assure me everything is as it should be...or perhaps I am awake and my slumber will only bring about those shadows again. Since they find it amusing to play with me while I sleep… ***** Relic felt mortified, and he had stopped eating his bread for simply taking a bite made him feel guilty. Looking up from the diary to Golden, he couldn’t think of anything to say. “Disturbing I know, but what do you think?” “What do I think? What do I think?! I think you just managed to destroy the happiness I was starting to get back,” Relic answered, a hint of anger in his voice. Golden disregarded that and continued. “Relic, don’t you see. He mentioned two important key details. One being the princesses, and the other being the shadows, which can apparently enter ponies nightmares. This worries me, We don’t know the abilities of...whatever this thing is. We might not be safe in the night.” Seeing Golden’s point, Relic pondered the situation. “Nothing happened while I slept,” recounted Relic, crimson flooding his cheeks as he recounted the dream. Looking down at a cup of water, Golden continued, “I suggest assigning watchmen during the night, since I doubt the extraction team will arrive before tomorrow. I’ll speak with Granite about that later, but for now, let’s address the other point. Sombra mentioned several times the princesses, and as we know they are the ones who banished him, yet everything we have heard from them about Sombra has contradicted what his diary shows. That….worries me. If the princesses fought and were around during this time period, then why does everything they say contradict what’s written in the diary.” Relic once again thought about everything he had heard about King Sombra up to this point in his life, and just like every other time he couldn’t recall ever hearing a single positive thing. Ever since his youth he could only recall stories of cruel, hostile rulers. Of a tyrant king with no other desire but to conquer and destroy; of a villain that had almost enslaved the Crystal Empire; of a Warmonger with no compassion. But he remembered reading and even hearing testimonies from ponies who were in the empire when Sombra attacked some years back. Why had that Sombra also contradicted everything that was in the diary? Suddenly, the temptations the King had mentioned in earlier chapters popped into his head. The shadows had promised him the power to make his enemies pay; suppose the Sombra who attacked the Crystal Empire was under the influence of the shadows. The princesses should’ve realized that, but instead they made it sound like that had always been the real Sombra. “It’s almost like…” “They’re trying to hide something from Equestria?” Relic looked at Golden, confusion and worry etched in his eyes, “Yeah…”