//------------------------------// // Chrysalis' Story Chapter 16: I Stand Corrected // Story: Emblem of Harmony: The Blazing Sword // by icebraker //------------------------------// “Umm, is Crystal the one from before?” Mimzy asked, his voice shaky as the rainbow-maned pegasus glared at him. Rainbow Dash flew close until their noses were almost touching, “Yes, now where’s Mark? Where’d Crystal go? Tell us everything you know!” Mimzy let out an “eep” before curling into a black chitinous ball, occasionally peeking through the holes in his legs to see if the scary pegasus was gone. “Rainbow, would ya give the critter some space? He’s shaking like a leaf,” Applejack scolded, pushing her friend away from the changeling. “I’m just making sure he’s not gonna lie….. or else,” Rainbow stated, sending an intense glare at the changeling. “S-Sth-thorry!” Mimzy sniffled as the waterworks started flowing. This wasn’t what he had expected at all. Other than the little changeling’s crying, the room was silent, as everypony was at a loss of words. For Mimzy this was likely the third scariest situation of his life. The first being when he and other drone “volunteers” were in the king’s presence. And the second earlier that day when Princess Celestia herself had walked in on him while he was still trapped and helpless in a blanket cocoon. Now he was here, inside a tree, and surrounded by the six ponies who stopped Nightmare Moon, Discord, his former queen, and King Sombra. Terrified was an understatement for how Mimzy was feeling. Taking a deep breath to help gather her courage, Fluttershy gently flew up and gave the changeling a couple of soft, comforting pats on the head. Mimzy pulled away a little but calmed down as the buttercream pegasus spoke up. “Um, please don’t cry. Rainbow’s actually really nice but she’s a little grumpy right now.” Following her friend’s example, Rarity stepped forward as well and offered a handkerchief, “That’s right dear. Rainbow’s just worried about our friend, we all are. It would be delightful if you could help us however you can.” Mimzy nervously took the handkerchief and loudly blew his nose before offering back her mucus-drenched handkerchief. “Th-Thank you.” Rarity cringed in disgust at the state of her handkerchief but forced a smile, “No, you keep it dear. I insist.” She refused politely, causing the changeling to smile and hug his new gift. Seeing that Mimzy was calming down, Twilight opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by a cheerful and excited voice, “That’s the way to turn that frown upside down!” said Pinkie, suddenly wrapping the changeling in a hug. “Am I the only sane pony here?” Rainbow shouted in disbelief, “He and his friends attacked the town and then attacked Bastion! I bet he’s just waiting for the right time to strike.” Rainbow’s accusation was met with a whimper from the changeling and disapproving looks from her friends. “I understand your concern Rainbow, but Princess Celestia said that he could be trusted and that he’ll help us find Mark. Plus, if he’s here I can learn more about his species. ‘If you know your enemies and yourself, you can win a hundred battles.’ ” Twilight said, quoting the famous Sunny Zoo. Knowing better than to get into a big argument, Rainbow blew a sliver of her mane off her face and reluctantly resigned to keep herself quiet for now. She did however, continue to eye Mimzy with suspicion. “Alright, Fluttershy and I will take Mimzy to the first location. Applejack, you take Rainbow and check the second, and Pinkie and Rarity will search in the final one. Bastion didn’t give me all the details but he said that should we see Crystal, that we need to be careful because she’s dangerous. That’s it for briefing, let’s go find our friend!” ===============Later that Night================== “BANDITS! BANDITS! EVERYPONY RUN!” A pony screamed as he ran down the street. Mark poked his head out the window with an annoyed expression, “Bandits? Equestria hasn’t had bandits in years. And even then only around the border. There’s no way-” He stopped as the pony that was running and screaming was tackled by a diamond dog and then carried out of sight in the span of five seconds. “Nevermind.” Mark remarked sheepishly, closing the window. Horn aglow, he spun the cloak lying on the bed and wrapped it securely around him as it usually was, before determinedly walking by his friend, “Crystal, stay here, I need to go rally the guard.” The pegasus’ hoof shot out, pressing firmly on his chest, “You mean the ‘militia’ that calls itself a guard? You’re going to need to do better than that.” Crystal said with a condescending smirk. Mark’s widened in surprise, “Is that an offer to help? From you?” Crystal rolled her eyes, “Not really. But if we don’t get rid of these bandits, I’m never going to get any rest,” She replied in an annoyed tone. Mark smiled mirthfully as he shook his head. Reaching into his saddlebag he brought out one of the swords he had bought earlier that day and a couple pouches of vulnerary before he walked past Crystal using his head to motion her to follow. “It’s kinda scary how I know that you’re completely serious about that.” Mark said idly, making conversation while he thought of a strategy to deal with the bandits. Crystal shrugged, “A girl’s gotta get her beauty sleep.” “I always thought you were a natural beauty.” “Are you trying to earn points with me?” Crystal replied with a wry smile. “Is it working?” Mark said, getting his answer in the form of a playful shove. The two ponies came to a halt in front of one of the rooms. Crystal didn’t know whose it was until Mark started pounding on it and yelling. “HEY GILDA GET YOUR FEATHERED ASS OUT HERE, WE GOT A PROBLEM!” The griffin almost ripped the door off as she opened it. “What the hell? What is it?” Gilda said in a seething tone. “Sorry to ruffle your feathers, but if I didn’t, the bandits would.” Mark said as he took a step away from the tired and now angry griffin. At the mention of bandits Gilda’s eyes went wide and alert, unconsciously reaching for where her sword should’ve been strapped. Noticing it wasn’t there, she looked around the room and picked it up from it’s resting place on her bed. She started strapping it on but remembered why she took her sword off in the first place, “Wait a sec, bandits? In Equestria? I’m up for a prank now and then, but this is too far. There’s no way-” she was cut off as a the sound of splintering of wood was heard downstairs. Mark raced down with Gilda and Crystal in tow to investigate. Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, they saw a huge dent in the main doorway. Some ponies hid behind tables and furniture, while others held up silverware and bottles in hopes that those would be enough to defend themselves. Another crash hit the doorway eliciting gasps and cries from the ponies, and then another, with more force, causing the door to buckle and bits of wood to clatter against the floor. With a groan the door finally fell off it’s hinges, landing with a large thunk before it’s assailant walked in unhindered. The pug-faced diamond dog, looked around at the terrified spectators. He couldn’t resist smiling as he brandished his hammer, causing the ponies to whimper in fear. Gilda’s eyes furrowed in anger, “Nevermind,” she remarked quietly, carefully unsheathing her sword so that it didn’t draw the bandit’s attention. It was unnecessary however as an arrow whistled past her head and pierced the diamond dog’s throat. “Nice shot Sugar.” Mark commented as he ignored one of the pony spectator’s screams and watched the diamond dog collapse, trying to grip the arrow shaft before he gurgled and died. The beige pony spit the bow handle out of her mouth and back into her hoof.“It wasn’t that hard from this distance.” “Either way, depending on what we’re up against, I’m not sure how easy this is gonna be.” Mark said grimly before walking out of the inn accompanied by his armed companions. Though it was nighttime, it was easy enough to see in the streets due to the lampposts as well as a glow in the distance that Mark could only assume was somepony’s house on fire. “Gilda, if you’re up to it, I need you to fly me onto one of the roofs. I want to get a rough layout of where we’ll be fighting and what we’ll be dealing with.” “If you say so.” Gilda said as she extended her wings and gave them a test flap. She then grabbed the unicorn and launched off the ground with surprising speed, leaving Crystal and Sugar shielding their eyes from the dust and dirt sent flying. Sugar watched the two pass out of sight before turning to her leader, “My queen, while we have a moment to ourselves, were you able to convince him to accompany us?” “As far as I can tell, yes. He knows our goal is to stop Morphos and knowing him, he won’t leave me if he thinks I might die without his assistance.” Crystal responded in a business-like tone. Sugar’s eyebrows arched in surprise. She hadn’t expected that the tactician would learn their main goal and still willingly help,. “Is he aware of our identities?” “Of course not. And we’ll have to be careful to ensure it stays that way,” Crystal asserted, glancing upwards when she saw a shadow pass by, “Enough. He and the griffin are coming back.” Gilda glided down and roughly dropped Mark back onto the ground. “Ok, bad news, we’re outnumbered and the guard won’t be much use since their main focus seems to be evacuating civilians rather than fighting.” Mark said, dusting off the small layer of dirt off from his landing and ignoring the ‘I told you so’ look from Crystal. “Good news, when these bandits aren’t looting they seem to be following leader based formations and tactics,” Gilda looked to him for understanding, “How the hell is that good news?” “We eliminate the leader, they fall into chaos.” Mark stated as if it was common knowledge. “I think I’ve identified him too.” “Which one was he?” Sugar asked, double checking her quiver and bow string. Mark paled a bit, “You’ll know him when you see him. Trust me, he’s hard to miss. ‘Just because he’s the biggest, burliest, toughest looking one, and wearing a shit load of armor doesn’t make him the leader.’ ‘Don’t doubt my irrefutable logic!’ ‘I reject your reality and replace it with my own.’ ‘My reality is your reality. But in all seriousness that one dog’s the leader.’ ‘Oh definitely, but you needed to take your mind off of how intimidating he is for a sec and focus on how to deal with him.’ A large plume of fire originated from the marketplace briefly lighting up the night sky and effectively interrupting Mark’s thoughts. “Guess I’m gonna have to figure that out on the fly!” Mark mumbled to himself with urgency as he watched the light fade away. He turned to his companions, eyes dancing between them as he calculated the best ways to use their skills. It only took a moment before he gave his orders. “Gilda, take another pouch of vulnerary. Crystal, Sugar, you’re on cleanup duty.” ======================================================= “You know,” Gilda began as a diamond dog noticed the group and charged towards them. “If you didn’t make sense about me being tough-” The diamond dog swung his axe down towards Gilda’s head, but she blocked it with her sword, “-I would be pissed that you’re having me fight them all!” Gilda finished with a grunt before slashing the diamond dog. It wasn’t a deep enough cut however, and the bandit was about to strike back, when Crystal planted her sword through his heart. ‘You were right, you did earn her respect at least a little, if she trusts enough in your strategy to talk and fight at the same time. Not to mention the fact she actually agreed to go along with it.’ ‘Well it’s not like I’m having her do much, just bait the bandits, one or two at a time, and then not die when they come to kill her.’ “CHERRY’S GOT A LEFT BUM KNEE!” Mark shouted. Gilda nodded in understanding and moved to the left side of her next attacker who wore a red shirt. The diamond dog’s eyes widened in terror briefly before they glazed over as the griffin cut him down. ‘For some reason I feel irony that a red shirted nobody died, but I have the faintest idea as to why.’ ‘And your sense of random irony is highly illogical. Anyways at least she was able to kill him herself. Though she agreed to take the brunt of the attacks, that’s bound to build up some kind of internal rage-’ ‘That’s probably gas.’ ‘-since Sugar and Crystal keep finishing off the ones that get weakened by her. Still, I think we could go with this till the battle ends.’ ‘Remember a couple of sentences ago when you mentioned illogical? Take a look.’ Taking the advice of his inner voice, Mark looked at the surrounding battlefield and scowled in annoyance. Three houses that weren’t attacked yet, but were near the action and still had some civilians inside who were either oblivious or too scared to try and escape. If he wanted to ensure their safety, he’d have to send someone to go secure the houses, weakening his current strategy. “Crystal, go to the houses, warn the residents, and try to stay out of sight. Gilda, Sugar, we’re going to keep doing what we’ve been doing!” “You mean do all the work while you stand there and shout?” Gilda said wryly as she applied some vulnerary to a cut on her arm. “Semantics.” ==================================================================== “Thank you for warning me. Here take this, it belonged to my grandfather, but I’m sure it would be of more use to you.” Said ‘random pony villager B’ taking a moment before dropping the thin but sturdy sword at Crystal’s hooves. “A rapier? At least it’s better than some arrow the last house gave me.,” Crystal mumbled to herself before taking it and placing it next to the aforementioned arrow using her good wing to keep them secure. “Anything else you can give me to ‘help’? “What! You want more? But that’s all I have!” Crystal looked behind him, noting the table of alchemic tools, materials and three bottles of what she recognized as elixirs. This pony was either holding back, or was a complete idiot. Leaning in close, she looked him directly in the eye, “You’re absolutely sure?” “Of course! I’m terribly sorry but there’s nothing else I can give to help you in your fight.” The pony replied, uncomfortable and confused under Crystal’s judgemental gaze. “Typical pony,” Crystal sneered in contempt. This pony was an idiot, albeit an idiot that had some knowledge in alchemy. Still, she didn’t have time to argue with this simpleton. With a plan forming in her head, she stormed out of the house, taking a moment to glance at Mark and Sugar’s progress. Satisfied no one could see her, Crystal’s form was consumed by green flames and replaced with a small diamond dog riddled with scars and possessing noticeably sharp teeth made for tearing flesh apart. With a smile putting emphasis on the teeth, the disguised changeling knocked on the door, “Did you forget something young la-” The pony didn’t get to finish as Chrysalis shoved the door open all the way and got right in the terrified pony’s face, “Well looky what we have here!” Rather than scream, the pony’s eyes rolled back and he fell haphazardly to the floor in a faint. Froth bubbling out of his open maw and an occasional twitch of his leg. “Hmmmm….Play my cards right and I this night might be just perfect,” Chrysalis purred as she returned to being Crystal. More satisfied than she had been in awhile, she stepped over the pony and began taking the elixirs. “One last house to go. I wonder what I might find there,” She said with a wicked grin. ================================================================== “You’ve got ta be kiddin me!” Gnoll yelled angrily as he saw yet another one of his comrades fall to the deadly combination of Gilda and Sugar. “Damn runts can’t even get a job done right.” The armored diamond dog’s lips curled into smirk as he reached into a pocket underneath his armor and pulled out a small bone whistle. “Guess it’s time fer the big boys to show’em how it’s done.” ================================================= “You’re coming with me pretty pony.” Though preferring the term handsome, Mark would normally have been a bit flattered and probably haughty by such a compliment. However, the fact that the bandit had said that while lifting him by his hind leg only served to bring an incredible amount of panic. “STRANGER DANGER! STRANGER DANGER!” He yelled, flailing his free limbs and landing a lucky shot on the diamond dog’s groin. Catching himself on his front hooves, he did his best to scramble away in that position but fell forward onto his back. Gilda quickly came in for the save, cutting the bandit down while he clutched his injured manhood. “Will you stop messing around!” The griffin said, picking Mark up by the scruff of his neck and dropping him back on his hooves. ‘Should I tell her that if I didn’t distract him, he would have blindsided her?’ ‘Probably not if you don’t want to get in an argument or punched in the middle of battle.’ ‘Wait, if she’s here then who’s got Sugar’s back?’ Hearing a bandit scream, the two turned to see Sugar shooting arrows rapidly at the still oncoming bandits. Though not as accurate as her usual shots, she still managed to wound the ones within her range. Unfortunately, she was quickly running out of arrows, and wasn’t able to fire fast enough to keep some of the diamond dogs from getting closer. “Dammit, there’re too many!” Gilda shouted, rushing to get back to Sugar. Seeing that she wouldn’t make it in time, she brought her arm back and threw her sword at the closest diamond dog. “Take this you beagle bastard!” The handle rather than the blade had hit the bandit, but it was enough of a distraction for Sugar to shoot the bandit in the face with her last arrow. Sugar looked to the griffin in worry, “YOU IDIOT, LOOK OUT!” Without question, Gilda immediately propelled herself to her left as fast as she could, stopping the bandit’s blow from being fatal but not enough stop it from cutting a gash in her forearm. “GAAAAAAAAH!!!” She screeched, gripping her bleeding arm. The bandit brought his sword back up to finish her off, but received a headbutt in the stomach courtesy of Mark, who then stood defensively between the bandit and the wounded griffin. “It’s not very nice to sneak up on someone. Especially a lady.” ‘You really aren’t one to say that.’ ‘He doesn’t know that.’ ‘Though he does know that you’re unarmed. What, did you think that you’d suddenly get a power-up through sheer determination or that he’d spontaneously combust?’ Mark thought, his resolve crumbling as the bandit recovered from his impromptu hit. Angry, he raised his axe to strike. Suddenly two explosions of fire hit the bandit’s side, lighting his fur aflame before he collapsed screaming in a cindering heap. Seeing their comrade suddenly burst into flames had a very negative effect on the other bandits, causing them to flee in the direction of their leader. ‘.....You’re never going to let this go, are you?’ ‘Till the day I die.’ ‘Dick.’ “Well, well, it looks like Trixie was needed after all.” Came a haughty, feminine voice. Turning to see the newcomer, Mark was treated to the sight of the mare that he had assisted earlier that day. This time however, she wore a matching purple wizard hat and cape with stars; and wasn’t trapped inside of a cocoon. Following from a distance was an unhappy looking Crystal carrying a rapier, a glowing arrow, and three blue bottles of something with her wings. “Mark, this mare was better off in that cocoon where you found her.” Crystal remarked flatly. After checking out that last house Crystal met this unicorn, who insisted on helping, and wouldn’t stop rambling on about how ‘Great and Powerful’ she was. Seeing Gilda gripping her bleeding arm, Crystal tossed an elixir towards her, “And you, pour this on your wound, then drink some.” “The Great and Powerful Trixie is here because she owes a debt to you,” Trixie said with an air of self importance, pointing directly at the surprised Mark. Mark looked to Trixie, back at the barbequed diamond dog, then back at Trixie. “Were you the one that did that?” The sky blue unicorn flicked some of her mane out of her face, “Of course. Something so simple is easily within Trixie’s magical grasp.” Mark’s lips began curling into a dangerous smirk, a gleam of his usual mischief in his eye as he turned to Gilda, “Hey G, you itching for some payback?” Gilda finished downing the elixir Crystal had tossed her, looking and feeling like she hadn’t been fighting for thirty minutes. Tossing the empty bottle aside, she walked up to Mark and brought up her talon, flicking him on the forehead. “First, don’t call me that. Only my friends call me that.” She said before returning his grin with her own, but hers had the predatory intimidation and vengeful desire only she could give. “And you better bet you’re tattooed ass I am!” “Alright then!” Mark said in a pumped up voice, ignoring the slight pain when Gilda flicked him harder then she meant to...probably. ‘Your highness, that’s an Orion Bolt! Please give it to me!’ Sugar communicated eagerly through the hive mind while Mark started relaying weaknesses he saw to Gilda. Crystal shrugged at her enthusiastic subordinate and tossed of the arrow to Sugar whom caught it in her mouth. The group watched in awe as the glow erupted from the arrow and quickly covered Sugar in blinding light. When it was gone, Sugar was sporting some new dark blue armor covering her forelegs and some of her chest. The most noticeable difference though was how the bow she was using seemed to have gotten larger. Mark’s grin was getting even wider as he recognized that change, like what had happened to the heavily armored Wallace. He could only describe his feelings with a single word, “Whoa.” ******************************************************************************* What followed was nothing short of a comeback as Mark now employed an alternative strategy of hitting the bandits at range, using Trixie and Sugar first; then having Gilda and Crystal finish them off if they weren't already dead. With the weaker troops in the town taken care of, all that remained was the leader and the reinforcements that were closing in. “Shit.” Mark cursed as they got closer to the bandit leader. Yes, he was the biggest. Yes, he was the burliest. Yes, he had an axe bigger than a pony. And yes, he had a durable looking set of armor. It was safe for Mark to conclude that by the time they hacked their way through that armor via Trixie’s magic or Gilda’s strength, this beast would've already have torn them apart with his axe. Reading Mark’s expression, Crystal stepped forward, tossing aside her well-used iron sword in favor of the newer, nimbler rapier, “Leave him to me.” The yellow unicorn looked at her concerned and incredulous, “Are you sure?” “You’re going to have to trust me,” Crystal said. Looking between her and the diamond dog Mark shook his head, "No. If I have Trixie and-" "Then those reinforcements will tear us apart. Mark, please trust me..." Crystal said, her emerald eyes locking with Mark's icy blue. The tactician bit his lip as he gave a hesitant nod. “Alright, we’ll keep his lackeys off you, but be careful. I-I don't want to lose you again.” “I’ll be fine. I have a plan after all.” Crystal said, as she turned to the bandit leader with a glint in her eye. With an uncharacteristic shout she charged towards the bandit leader. She carefully watched the leader’s movements, waiting for the chance to put the first part of her plan into action. “So, the little pony thinks she kin take on ole Gnoll, eh?” The heavily armored diamond dog said with an arrogant smirk. Despite his size, he swung his axe with surprising speed, hitting Crystal with the flat end of it and sending her careening through the air and into one of the second floor windows of a nearby building. =========================== “Impressive that ya were able to block that hit.” Gnoll said with a grunt as he climbed through the hole he had made. His eyes bounced across Crystal’s prone form while he leaned on his axe, a lecherous grin spreading on his mug, “You know, fer a pony you ain’t half bad ta look at. How’s about you surrender now an’ I ask the boss ta make you a mah personal slave? I’m sure ya’d rather have that than toil in tha mines fer life. And I’ll be sure ta take real good care of you.” Crystal blinked her eyes open and picked herself up. To Gnoll’s surprise, she had done so with ease, despite crashing through the window, and had no visible wounds to speak of. She glared daggers at the diamond dog as she dusted herself off, each pat getting harder as she digested what this low-born, flea-ridden mutt had suggested. A cruel and satisfied smile graced her features as Gnoll tried to process how she could have possibly gotten up, “What? Surprised? Did you really think I would go down that easily? I only needed to get you and I out of sight considering the….. unfortunate situation I’m in.” The pegasus said in a dark tone before picking the rapier back up and testing it’s weight in her mouth. Gnoll’s fur bristled under his armor as a shiver went down his spine. Something about this pony made him uneasy. But Gnoll scowled, berating himself for having such a thought before hefting his killer axe and taking a swing at the pegasus. Crystal moved to the side, and returned the gesture with a quick thrust. However, she missed the opening in the armor at his thigh, and her blade harmlessly slid across the bandit’s thick armor. Crystal growled in irritation and put distance between her and Gnoll. “Hah, you’ll never break my armor.” Crystal spat the rapier out of her mouth. “It looks like I’ve gotten rusty since I usually use my magic. I guess I’ll have to ask that griffin to help me practice once I take care of this cretin,” she muttered to herself. “What the hell are you blabbering about?” Crystal’s eyes narrowed as she smiled wickedly and began backing into the shadows,. “Just something to work on after I’m finished with you. However, you do make a fair point about me not breaking your armor,” she said as familiar green flames spread from her hooves and across her body until Chrysalis was back in her true form, cackling as Gnoll’s eyes widened, “Then again, I wasn't trying to break it.” “What the- You’re a-” The rest of his sentence came as a pained grunt, a blast of raw magic hitting him square in the chest and knocking him off his feet. “Yes. Yes I am.” Chrysalis remarked snidely while she watched Gnoll recover and charge with a warcry. Chrysalis dodged to the side, holding the rapier with her magic, and then stabbed through the opening she had missed earlier. There was a satisfied spurt of blood from the wound as Gnoll crashed into some furniture. “I’m gonna kill you, you bug bitch!” Gnoll yelled, struggling to stand back up. “Now that’s just rude,” she mused, slashing the paw that held his axe, causing him to drop it right before she blasted his face with magic. “You even said I wasn't bad to look at. Playing with a girl’s heart? Now that’s just cruel.” Gnoll quickly rolled to the side, his uninjured paw outstretched, desperately patting the ground for his axe. Unfortunately, Crystal’s rapier impaled itself through his paw and a few inches into the wooden floor. “Ah, ah ,ah, I don’t think so.” “When I get outta this you-” A green aura of magic gripped his head and slammed it to the floor, interrupting him. “No. You won’t,” Chrysalis spoke in a cruel tone, spreading a slimy substance out of her holed hooves and onto his limbs. The slime glowed green along with her horn before hardening into a resin-like structure. “You’re going to die here. But before then, you are going to regret crossing me.” Gnoll’s hot-blooded anger quickly dissolved as he struggled uselessly against his bindings. “You are going to fear me.” Gnoll’s struggles became more frantic, terrified by whatever the changeling had in store for him. He opened his mouth to let out a scream but was silenced as Chrysalis shut his mouth, applying resin around his muzzle for good measure. His head was turned, forcing eye contact with Chrysalis who had brought her face close. Her eyes and jagged horn glowed a bright, green hue and she had what could only be described as a smile of pure evil. “And more importantly, you are going to feed me.” ============================================== Gilda, Trixie, Mark, and Sugar backed up together in a group. There were only a couple more bandits remaining but it was evident that these were the seniors of the group. The veterans. Mark was prepared to give an order for a final push to finish them, when something crashed out the window of the building Crystal and the diamond dog leader went into. Both sides paused to glance at what it was. An uneasy silence followed as everyone’s eyes were on the lifeless corpse of Gnoll with most of his armor gone. Though Mark couldn’t help but note that the bandit’s fur was noticeably more pale than it should be. ‘Then again, when you have a stab wound where your heart and lungs are, I think pale fur is the least of your problems.’ Crystal glided down out of the building, landing next to the corpse. “That’s right. Your leader’s dead and if you don’t leave now, you’re next,” she said in an authoritative tone. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back and the rest of the bandits began fleeing. “You’ll pay for this, just you wait. We’re gonna tell the boss, and you’ll regret crossing the Bloody Barrows!” one of them yelled back before disappearing into the forest. “Bloody Barrows? That’s a weird name for a group,” Mark mumbled to himself before seeing the blood begin to drain from Gilda’s face. “Um, Gilda, do you know them by chance?” “They’re the most infamous bandit group between the Empire and Zebrica! They probably heard of Equestria’s recent problems and figured that it would be easy pickings.” Gilda said before shaking her head and acting like her tough self again,. “N-Not that I’m afraid of them.!” “Should we be worried?” Mark asked with all honesty. “Well you should be worried! These guys are ruthless killers and slavers. The worst part is that despite all the crap they do, they manage to somehow get away.” “You seem to know an awful lot about them,” Sugar said while she slumped in relief that the battle was over. Gilda hesitated for a moment before shrugging, “My dad left the military to hunt them down after they killed someone important to him.” “Your mom?” Mark asked, a bit more bluntly than he intended. Gilda, didn’t seem offended though as she fiddled with one of her feathers, an old habit. “Nah, I didn’t know her, but he’s been looking for them ever since I was a chick.” “We get it, he wasn’t father of the year,” Crystal interjected, getting an angry expression from the griffin. “Mark, it’s been a rather long night, so Sugar and I are retiring to our room back at the inn”. Mark held his tongue as he watched the two walk away. “Bitch,” Gilda muttered before walking in the same direction. After a couple of yards she stopped and turned to face Mark again,. “Hey dweeb, I’m feeling kinda tired too, see ya in the morning,” She said before continuing on her way. ‘What time is it anyways?’ ‘Judging by the position of the moon and stars, it’s about time you get a watch.’ ‘As long as it’s a pocket watch. Then I can look fancy AND learn hypnotism.’ ‘I think we both know hypnotism's a bad idea.’ Lost in his thoughts at the moment, Mark jolted in surprise when Trixie gave him a poke in the shoulder. “Oh hey Trixie, thanks for your help. I don’t think we would have made it through that in one piece without you.” “Of course. The Great and Powerful Trixie is just as her title says.,” She responded in her usual showmare tone. Marked his slight annoyance away, “Sure, sure, but how did you make those fireballs? I don’t recall any spells like that.” “Because my fireworks have always been more powerful albeit less colorful with my fireworks book.,” Trixie responded, pulling a familiar object from under her cape. Mark stared at the tome in disbelief, grabbing it with his magic and examining it from all angles. “Where the heck did you get a fire tome?” Taking back her tome and putting it back in it’s place beneath her cape, the unicorn gave her reply, “Trixie bought it from a strange travelling merchant calling herself the secret seller.” Mark deflated slightly, if it was a travelling merchant then it was likely that he wouldn’t be able to track them down easily. He perked up for what he was going to ask next. “So, I was wondering if you’d like to join us. You’re obviously good with your magic and we could always use another helping hoof,” Mark said, knowing firsthand that a magic user is an asset worth keeping,. As well as the fact that if they happened upon that merchant, Trixie could identify her. “Trixie will have to think about it.,” Trixie responded with a haughty smile. Despite her vague response though, her body language suggested that she was flattered. Both the unicorns cringed when a sudden, shrill voice resounded in the air. “BEATRIX LULAMOON! Don’t you dare just run off like that again. First you were replaced by a changeling and then you run off with somepony when bandits attack? What if she was one of the bandits! What would have happened if they had gotten you!” A middle aged unicorn mare yelled as she sprinted up to Trixie and wrapped her in a protective hug, as if trying to shield Trixie from the outside world. “M-Mother! My name is Trixie and-” “Oh don’t you go all great and powerful on me. You’ll always be my sweet little Beatrix. Now come on, we’re moving out of this dangerous town!” The older mare continued, holding on to Trixie despite her struggling, “ It’s a good thing I’m friends with your old boss, Mrs.Pie. She’d be delighted to take us in, I hear her family’s rock farm could always use some more hooves around anyways. Remembering her time at the dull, dirty, rock farm, Trixie’s struggles out of her mother’s hold intensified until she found and opening and slipped through it. Before her mother could reestablish the hold, Trixie promptly surrounded herself in a magical light pink shield. “Mom, you’re overreacting again. And no, I’m not going back to that rock farm! I’m going along with her.,” Trixie said, pointing at Mark and so flustered by her mother, that she had dropped out of third person. Trixie’s mother who was currently hugging the magic shield looked through it at her daughter with pleading eyes. “I know that look, just like your father. If he were here now he’d be so proud of you.,” The mare said with a sad sigh before turning to Mark. “You’re the one who rescued her from those changelings aren’t you? Please take care of my little Beatrix. I couldn’t imagine what I’d do without her.” Mark gave an uncomfortable nod, not because he doubted his abilities but because the middle aged mare looked like she was about to start sobbing. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she’s safe. Besides it would be awful to leave a widow without-” “Widow? What are you talking about? My husband’s right over there,” The mare interrupted, pointing at an earth stallion that was trotting up to them. The stallion who had the same color scheme as Trixie rolled his eyes, clearly used to his wife’s behavior, “Honey, are you bothering Trixie again? Come on, she’s young, let the girl go out on her own for a bit, have some adventure, maybe even find a coltfriend.,” He said, wrapping a hoof around his wife’s shoulder and leading her away. “Oh! A coltfriend! But what if she gets pregnant! I mean I don’t mind grandbabies but-” “Honey,” the stallion said flatly. “Oh, you should see her, she looked so determined. It was like our honeymoon all over again.” “I know, I saw,” He said, as they walked away together. Before getting out of sight, he turned his head to his daughter and mouthed the words: ‘Have fun’. Mark stood there, a little confused at what just happened. Looking at Trixie, she still had her shield up and her face was a deep shade of red from embarrassment. Coughing into his hoof, Mark spoke up, “I’m glad you decided to come with us.” Exhaling a breath of air, Trixie released the shield and had the humblest expression that Mark had seen from her. “You saved me. It’s the least I could do. Besides it would be nice to get on the road again, especially if it will get me away from-” Trixie was once again stopped as a familiar voice interrupted from the distance. “MAKE SURE YOU WASH YOUR HAT! I DON’T WANT TO HEAR YOU GETTING LICE AGAIN! AND DON’T FORGET TO APPLY YOUR SPECIAL OINTMENT IF-” “MOTHER!!!”