//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Of Trials And Tribulations // Story: Through Adversity // by Dynasty-Kaine //------------------------------// Avalon's dreams were troubled as he slept upon the temple at A'un. Images of his friend Bifrost imprisoned in chains swirling through his head. A dark figure escorting him to the execution yard that had not been used in Cloudsdale for a millennium. Bifrost was pushed down onto the block and asked, "Do you have any final words for this world?" "I wish my friend Avalon only the best, and will sincerely miss him." Bifrost replied a tear in his eye. Avalon couldn't move from where he was; all he could do was stand and watch as his friends life was ripped away from him. The grey stallion felt his tears run down his face as he slowly came back into the waking world. All he could hear around him was the loud fuming voice of an angry zebra. It was Amara, and Celestia knew, she sounded quite thoroughly vexed by something going on. He began to stir and tried to move but found his limbs unwilling to cooperate with him. "Gah, of all the times I need mobility..." He groaned aloud eyes still hazy with sleep. Amara wasn't paying attention to him at all, and through his hazy eyes he could see another she zebra. This was probably Amara's apprentice Tanwei, but it didn't seem that it was the younger zebra the shaman was fuming about. The purple maned stallion just contented himself with laying quietly trying to understand what the alchemist was ranting about. "After all these years all he is interested in is diplomatics and politics; you would think by now he understands the significance of Avalon's return! This is absolute idiocy on the grand chieftain's part. I mean its not like the Dragonsphere can move right now!" Amara was just spouting off her fury as she paced back and forth. It was then the stallion began to really recognize her looks again. Her mane and pelt were striped like her fellow zebras save for one difference in that her stripes zigzagged like lightning. Her amber eyes were as always on fire when she was angry, and it still scared Avalon to see. The major difference he noticed that pained him was that her age had begun to show in little nuances here and there; if ever there was one he didn't want to see age claim it was her. The silmarillion stallion grunted loudly as he made an effort to stand, his leg muscles screaming in protest of his stubbornness. Amara had noticed him now and was walking over, noticeably trying to contain her own tense emotions. He was always glad that she tried to shield him from her fury, when it wasn't directed at him that is. He could also notice that Tanwei's anxiety was fading from her body language as well, this was a much nicer atmosphere to be in. "Avalon how are you able to be awake, when you have gone through situations so grave of late?" Amara asked with curiosity in her voice. "My dreams were dark and they wouldn't allow me to rest any longer, but what is this I wake to find one as patient as you fuming over?" Avalon returned. "Tis nothing you should trouble yourself over." the she zebra said reassuringly, "It is nothing I cannot take care of myself." The stallion knew what she was doing and his body screamed for him to heed her words, but in his heart he acknowledged that he just did not have the time nor luxury for such a thing. He was standing now and of course he knew the next action he needed to take. He couldn't extend his wings because every time he did he felt like he was being struck by lightning in each wing; he had to go on hoof. He began striding toward the stairs of the temple and Amara looked horrified at his actions. "S-Stop Avalon your body hasn't healed yet!" the zebra yelled after the stallion. Her yells fell upon deaf ears though, as he continued making his way slowly down the steps of the pyramid like temple. He needed the shaman's permission for what he must do, but before that he needed the principle permission of the tribe chieftain. If the chief wasn't going to make time for him, then the purple maned stallion would make sure the chief would reconsider his choice. Avalon got things done when they were most urgent; even if it rubbed a pony, zebra, or griffin the wrong way. After a good amount of effort he reached the bottom of the pyramid temple, and looked up at the sky fondly. The sky was starting to light up with the tints of morning hues; it looked as if he had slept at the very least for a whole day. He could hear the gentle stirrings of creatures all about the jungle around him; it was pleasant to actually hear peaceful sounds in the dense overgrowth before him. As he started toward the eastern barrier gate, his whole body screamed out. It lurched downward threatening to give under his weight, but he fought with all he had to keep from collapsing. As he got a smooth trot going he couldn't help but get into a full gallop as he sped along through the jungle, the dew from the tendrils he hit cascading down onto his pelt made him feel alive. He wasn't taking the straight arrow path to the tribe's village, but this was so he could fully compose himself before the chief of the village without a single muscle giving out. It struck him as odd that he was so dutifully considering his situation and poise before going into a situation of high political tension. The stallion laughed heartily, "Hah, my what has happened to me in such a short time?" As the many creatures of the jungle arose they would stop and stare at the odd pegasus galloping along at a mild pace through their home. Avalon smiled as his legs began to feel much better; each muscle contracting and relaxing smoothly and fluidly with every bit of effort he put behind his morning run. It was about this time Avalon noticed something was missing from his windswept back, his saddlebags. "Celestia curse my mind, Amara is going to kill me for that later..." He said gloomily aloud. "Oh am I?" Avalon heard a voice call from beside him. His head bolted up and over to his left side to see Amara galloping along beside him smiling, her own saddlebags on her back. If she hadn't got his bags then where could they be, maybe Tanwei he figured but asked to be sure. "So is it safe to assume you left my saddlebags to Tanwei?" "Of course, she has been racking up punishments lately with all her social interactions clouding her judgement." the zigzag striped zebra replied with a laugh. Avalon figured this wasn't too severe of a punishment until he realized why Amara might be lenient with her apprentice. There was a time when the shaman's mind had been clouded as well, and the stallion knew it was partially his doing sixteen years ago. He smiled fondly at the memory, but quickly let it fade to the back of his mind. There were more pressing matters ahead of him, and he couldn't even begin to interpret how he had to act in front of the chieftain after all these years. "Don't look so worried Avalon. Just let your brash, yet true heart determine how you will act. It has never led you astray before." Amara cooed gently. It reminded him once again of that star swept night many years ago. "Wait, is Amara trying to make me remember that night from sixteen years ago?" he thought as he looked into her cool amber gaze. He couldn't be sure but he had to keep fighting her intentions; be they on purpose or not. He had an entire populace of pegasi to protect from utter destruction, and what he had to question most in his mind was what had caused the balance of the Council of Five to unhinge. By the time the sun had risen and was climbing quickly towards the center of the sky, the two arrived at the northern barrier gate. Avalon had apparently shot past it in his blindly energetic gallop through the jungle, a fact that was still quite embarrassing to the pegasus. "Amara who do you bring with you into the village?" The main guard at the gate inquired. "I bring the great Dragonsphere Avalon with me." She announced proudly. The guards looked absolutely stunned at this announcement and the main guard shouted to the zebra behind the gate controls, "Open the gates, the Dragonsphere has returned!" Instead of waiting for Amara as he should have the second the gate began to move he began to bolt full throttle for the village. His heart was aloft in his chest, and he knew what he had to do to gain his audience with the chief. It was sure to be considered rude and absolutely uncouth of him, but he had no choice if he was going to get the chieftains notice. He quickly found his way down the road to the village, and across the square he ran toward the chief's hut only to be halted by guards. Zebras were trotting about the village happily going about their usual day, and Avalon wished he could be here under different circumstances. "What business have you with Chieftain Runesong, pegasus?" the younger guard inquired. "To ask what sort of manners he still possesses after all of these years for one thing!" Avalon returned to the younger zebra. "What permission got you past the barrier gates then I must ask you poor excuse for a pony?" the guard retorted obviously irritated at Avalon's last remark. He exhaled impatiently putting a hoof to his face quickly before looking the guard in the eye and saying, "Do they even teach the kids anymore what heroes from outside your tribe look like anymore? I am the Dragonsphere and I will not be denied entry today." As he declared this the guard looked absolutely quizzical. He was getting nowhere fast with this young male zebra, but he knew how to fix the situation. He rushed the guard who immediately took to a fighting stance to block him; at this Avalon leaped over him clearing him and sliding through the strings of beads that covered the doorway. "Intruder, stop!" the guard shouted taking up pursuit. Avalon knew where to head he took the hallway down until he found a staircase leading down to a subterranean level. He knew that the chief liked it down there for the cool refreshing temperature and the crisp air that often pervaded it. Even if there was a diplomat or whatnot here the purple maned stallion could guarantee Runesong would be down in the underground. He could hear the guards scrambling about above once he got into the main hall of the lower level, it made him laugh that they thought he would stay upstairs. "Silly young fools." Avalon thought with a smile. It was a very small walk till he found a door that he knew went to the main lounge hall of Runesong. He reached out and gripped the doorknob turning it and pushing the door open briskly. He walked in as Runesong and another female zebra were speaking from opposite sides of a table, papyrus scrolls strewn across the table they talked over. The she-zebra looked at him with an icy glare as she summed him up. Avalon didn't let it bother him in the slightest as he strode forward toward Runesong with the utmost confidence. "So you have no time for me anymore good Chieftain, I am hurt by this sentiment." Avalon said with an almost practiced nobility. Runesong looked at him with a cocked eyebrow, "Avalon you know it is not that, but my matters with Chieftain Swiftstar had to come first. You know how the politics of our tribes is better than most do." Avalon turned to Chieftain Swiftstar and bowed his head in respect before saying, "I do apologize for this intrusion, but it will only take a moment of your time to allow Runesong hear me out." She stared at Avalon for a good amount of time before uttering simply, "Fine, this I can allow so long as you are not bothered by my presence." "I am not at all bothered by your presence good Chieftain." He said curtly bowing to her again before turning back to Runesong. "Now will you hear me in my time of urgency?" Runesong looked concerned as he replied, "Since Swiftstar has no qualms, then I guess I can hear you out Dragonsphere, Avalon. What is it you need of me?" "I beg your permission to begin the Rites of Ascension with Amara." he asked humbly. "WH-WHAT?" He replied in utter shock. "It has come time Runesong...my destiny calls me to it forcibly. I must gain control of my Judgement." "I-I...Has Amara consented to this Ava--oh who am I kidding she would the brash spirit she is. Avalon the trials will come before you face your avatar of judgement...has she told you her name yet?" the chieftain asked raising to his hooves. "I don't hear much from her other than when she deems it is time to save my hide. We don't...talk too much." the purple maned stallion replied abashed. "I see then I will give you one edge. Her name is Shia'Riel. Knowing her name will already catch her off guard, but the lessons you gain from your trials will be of the most use to you. May your ancestors be merciful to your spirit." Runesong finished placing one of his hooves on Avalon's temple. Swiftsong interrupted, "You mean to say this pegasus is the bearer of an avatar, not only an avatar but thee one of judgement?" Rune turned to her and simply replied, "Yes he is." "Then it is indeed an odd fate that our two tribes sought peace with one another..." the she zebra mused. Avalon turned to her serious curiosity in his eyes, "What do you mean by odd fate?" "One of the other creatures of the world that bears an avatar resides in her tribe as it would happen Dragonsphere." Rune answered. "Creatures?" "Not just ponies are gifted with the existence of avatars. Zebras and griffins can also bear them among other species. I simply meant to hint there is a zebra that bears an avatar in Swiftstar's tribe." In such a short time the silmarillion had learned more than he knew what to do with, and yet Swiftstar seemed absolutely bored with the thought of her avatar. How could she be so nonplussed by someone with such a great power, unless that zebra had one that was less combative. That would probably irritate Swift to have so much power with no way of using it effectively. It was at this time the guards came busting through the chieftain's door to seize Avalon, but before they could do so Runesong blocked them from their goal. He simply lifted his hoof and pointed back to the door from which they came. They all obeyed the command and went; save for one bold guard. "Cobalt leave now, this pegasus is my guest and you have no authority to accost him any further." the chief commanded in a threatening tone. The young zebra grunted in disapproval, but followed suit with the other guards. It was always impressive to see how well Runesong's zebra's obeyed his authority as leader. He let his head sag down as he shook it in embarrassment. A moment later through the doorway came Amara. "Uh is there something I've missed here Runesong?" she asked with an incredulous look at the mess the guards had made in their pursuit of the pegasus intruder. "You both just could not wait for one second could you." Runesong muttered pitifully. "Well I think I will head back to the guest room you had prepared for me Runesong. It looks like everyone wants your attention today." Swiftstar said getting up from her place at the table, weaving her way around Amara, and then heading down the hall to her room. "So is it safe to assume Avalon has already asked your permission for the Rites?" Amara inquired walking up to the chieftain zebra. "He has. In fact he just learned he isn't the only bearer of an avatar." Runesong said flatly. "I give my permission, but I need to know your judgement before I proceed." Rune raised his head and stated regally, "I Runesong give full permission for Dragonsphere Avalon to begin his Rites of Ascension, under the guidance and will of shaman Amara Spiriteye." Avalon, despite his inner reservations, felt as giddy as a young colt at the permission bestowed unto him. He didn't have to try to resist jumping up and down though, as his body began to weaken again from his currently slowed pace. He nearly lost his footing quite noticeably and this was enough to draw the chief's attention. "What is wrong with you Avalon something seems wrong...almost rushed in fact." "Well I-" "He has been pushing himself above and beyond his body's limitations again." Amara immediately cut Avalon's excuse off with the truth. "Then I leave him in your authority and care now Amara. I need to get back to the diplomacy paperwork, and review what Swift has left here upon the table." He said dismissively walking back to the papyrus scroll littered table. "Come with me Avalon it's time we prepared you for your trials ahead." the she zebra declared. The stallion followed her up and out of the Chieftain's dwelling. At first he wondered why she seemed to have such a bounce in her step, but once again slow to the uptake he noticed they weren't heading toward her hut. They were heading out into the jungle westwards, and he was quite sure as to where. It looked like getting past the loving she zebra's feelings would be one of Avalon's first trials to overcome, and it was not a very pleasing thought in his mind at all. As he followed her onward he tried to think how to go about this whole matter, he had to consider her feelings as well as his own. He knew his duty far outweighed what either of them wanted, but could he really bring himself to do that. All of the thoughts racing through his mind made a burdensome ache grow with each passing second. Before he knew it they had arrived in a secluded bit of jungle not many knew about besides Amara and himself. She found a spot and settled down into it motioning affectionately for the stallion to take his place beside her. He hesitated still weighing his choices. The zebra looked crestfallen at his reluctance, and yet she also looked proud. Avalon could not even begin to understand why pride was glinting along the edges of her eyes. The zigzag striped zebra sighed, "You do not understand what your hesitation symbolizes do you?" Surprised again at her insight he simply nodded his acceptance. "You hesitate for you must weigh all options before you before taking action. You know my side, your side, and your inevitable destiny's side. You do not wish to hurt those that mean something unto you, and thus show great compassion and considerations. They are marks that will make you a great leader one day..." she said with a pause, "...the first test of your character is complete." "So it was a test after all?" Avalon found himself speaking his thought aloud. The zebra nodded, "Indeed it was, but now for my request. As the caretaker of your rites, I deem your body will not be ready to begin for two days. You must allow your catatonic rest to take you for that long at the least, there is no negotiation on this." Avalon frowned at her terms. He didn't have the time to be resting while tragedy stood on the doorstep, let alone two whole days. "My request is within this two day time." Amara began a blush coming to her face, "During this time when I come to my time to sleep, I ask that you allow me permission to join you here and rest at your side. Just one last time." The request shocked the stallion into protest, "Amara I don't think that is wise, situation considered it would make it harder for you to--" The she zebra cut him off, "Avalon stop! I know full well what I ask, and am entirely aware of the possible consequences. I just...I need this to say good-bye to our past." Avalon was silent for a long time fully considering her request. He exhaled heavily as he came to terms with his decision. "I shall allow this one final joy to you Amara, but nothing more than being at my side." the stallion said with a serious face. She nodded and stood up again, indicating that the stallion should take her place. He did so and the warmth she had left there instantly seeped into his sore and aching body. He felt that his sleep was so close now as Amara left him with parting words. "In these two days I shall prepare your Rites, and they will take place in the Emerald Deep Cavern. The only place you will be able to commune with your ancestors." Her words ending, the pegasus' eyes fell shut and sleep took him away. His dreams were not in any way prophetic this time, and there were not many of them either. It was a nice feeling to have an untroubled sleep; Avalon had no doubt he would wake up fully invigorated again. It hadn't seemed to have been all that long before he was shaken back into the waking world by the shaman. She was now wearing a hooded maroon cloak, Avalon could see through his hazy eyes. "It is time for your ascension Dragonsphere, Avalon. We must begin the ceremony before the sun can raise its head above the horizon. Stand now and follow me to the Emerald Deep Caverns." Amara said with cryptic professionalism. Avalon rose to his hooves and as the shaman turned south and began walking, he took the first steps toward following her. The jungle was silent and still aside from himself and Amara, it was exceedingly eerie feeling to the stallion. The sky was still dark with the sun on its way to rising, although still not close enough to light the sky. He looked ahead at his compatriot to see that the very body language she wore was serious in every way, her judgement wouldn't be clouded this day. It didn't take them long to arrive at a sheer grey cliff face with a lone cave carved into its side. As they got closer the stallion noticed the chieftain waiting at the entrance. They came to him and halted Amara nodding her notice of him, he turned to the cave and began to shout into it. "Great spirits behold this pegasus that stands before ye. He hath traveled long and far in his life, and has found that he has but one lesson left to learn. It is a lesson only you can teach, a lesson that will show him the way to stand as one with his avatar. Spirits I send unto you Avalon, the sole bearer of the avatar of judgement! Treat him with what measures you deem necessary." Runesong moved off to the side of the entrance bowing deeply, and extending one hoof outward in a gesture that ushered us into the cave. Amara did not move, and the stallion took this as his cue to enter first. He strode over to the entrance of the cave where he could have sworn he heard a voice say to him, "Welcome Avalon...We have much...In store for you..." "D-Did you heard that?" he uttered in shock looking back at the shaman. Amara simply headbutted him in the flank and said, "No, now get in there. We don't have time for delays." He looked back into the cave wary of it every hoof of the way. The voice he had heard reminded him of the very voice his avatar spoke to him with, and it put him greatly on edge. He walked in the lead along the winding tunnels that seemed to go on forever. The darkness that surrounded them bothered him intensely, but he found his hooves carrying him forward as if by their own will. It was as if he knew exactly the way to go without ever having been here before. It was a short time before they came into view of a gentle light glowing from the end of the tunnel, and a few moments later they entered into the cavernous hall. There was no light filtering in from the outside world, and yet the walls glowed with a faint green light all around. The emeralds themselves were alight by some odd force that Avalon could not even begin to explain. At the far end of the hall there was an altar carved out of the very emeralds that lined the cavern they stood within. Amara moved over to the altar and began reaching into her saddlebags removing various items. The most notable object looked to be incense vases, but why would she need that much as an offering for the spirits. "Amara why do you need so much incense?" he ventured to ask her. "It is more for you than the spirits. It is a form of incense mixed with a spiritual herb called exohilten. It will broaden your ability to connect with the spirits of your ancestors. Which is exactly why you must come forth and lay your muzzle between the two vases as I light them!" She commanded with a bit of irritation in her voice. He walked over and laid down in front of the altar his head between the containers of spiritual incense. "Why is Amara being so harsh with me?" the purple maned stallion pondered dejectedly. "I don't do it on purpose Avalon, it is because I have to let my own spiritual powers flow out and it has been taxing on my mind." Amara replied to his thought suddenly. He looked up to her clearly stunned, "Wait, Amara you can read minds?" She nodded and replied, "Yes but only when I remove the seals on my spiritual powers. I had to release the seals so I could be entirely aware of your condition as you take on these trials. Now if you don't mind could we start?" He simply nodded and set his head back down again as she exhaled a soft sigh. He wondered how she would light the incense without a fire, but she had more than likely come prepared for this. He could hear her pull something else from her bag and she began striking them together forcefully. He heard the object ignite, but when she went to place them inside the incense vases he could not believe his eyes. She casually dropped one small emerald in each container; the starling part was they both were burning with a green flame. "As the smoke comes out of these containers Avalon you must breath deep and let your body, mind, and spirit flow into relaxation and freedom. Separate yourself from everything in that moment and you will experience a new vision." Amara instructed him. Avalon did as she said letting his body relax as he laid in front of the altar, the smoke beginning to flow out of the vases drifted down to encompass his head. He inhaled it deeply and with a calm about his mind uncharacteristic of him. He exhaled and inhaled several times before he began to feel an odd separation between his body and spirit. He told himself calm as he could, "Just let it proceed, let it happen..." His eyes were blinded in a bright white light and he found that he couldn't shield his eyes in the least. It felt like he was being transported through a bright tunnel to somewhere not of this world. Within a mere second everything went dark, and he could feel his eyes had closed tight. He felt like he was falling toward the ground but he could not find the power to open his eyes. With a heavy thud he hit the ground, and felt control of his body become his again. He could hear a cadence of flutes playing around him and even a guitar strumming in an even rhythm. He opened his eyes to find himself laying in an aerial canyon he knew well; it was his father's favorite place to be in the world. From the looks of things he was inside the canyon standing at the bottom, and the music around him grew louder a drum joining in the melody. Finally a voice started in, it was his father. Oh dear son won't you lend me your ear, while I call you a fool, You were kissed by a shaman one night in the jungle, And later insisted your life's path was true, Yet destiny's promise still had yet to find you. "I know it's you father, show yourself to me!" Avalon shouted. A voice came from behind him, "But my son I've been here the entire time." The stallion spun around and saw his father standing face to face with him. "I know why you are here in the realm of life after death, but what is curious is why they would send you to me. I surrendered my avatar before your mother and I got married, so what could I have to teach you?" The older silmarillion mused. "There must be something important since I have been brought here father." the grey stallion said simply. "Hmm..." his father put a hoof to his chin in thought. He had the same jade green eyes and purple mane as Avalon, but his pelt was a deeper navy blue with occasional splotches of black here and there. His cutie mark upon his flank was a flaming spear, and he had always thought it looked like it was plunging downward for a kill. "My son..." the blue stallion interrupted Avalon's thoughts, "...we are not father and son during this time. I would prefer you call me by my name." "I, uh...of course Arcaeus." the grey stallion stumbled his reply. "Good. Some of the best lessons in life require very little in the way of words. I can convey to you my lesson best in action." He mused almost aimlessly in his son's eyes. "But father...Guh!" Avalon was cut off by a vicious charging attack from his father, "I told you to stop calling me that, face me as an equal now!" The attack had launched the grey stallion forcefully into the canyon wall, and it felt less like a cloud and more like a rock. As he fell from the wall to the ground he looked up into his father's eyes, and he knew well enough to know this fight would have to run its course. His father rushed him again shouting, "Avalon your trial with me starts now!"