//------------------------------// // Chapter 15: Accursed Luck // Story: Avatar: The Last Alicorn. Book 2: Earth Pony // by Jeweled Pen //------------------------------// The sun slowly began its descent to the west, casting long shadows across the hills and rocks that covered the Earth Kingdom. Twilight let out a soft sigh as she glanced to her traveling companions. They consisted of her friends, four of the Dai Li in their robes, Sapphire and over a dozen earth ponies. Wagons filled with supplies were pulled slowly behind the group as they traveled down the long, dusty roads. “I spy with my little eye... something beginning with R!” Pinkie said, a sad attempt to lighten the mood. Most of her companions just gave the pink earth pony a solemn glance, before shaking their heads and returning to looking ahead. Even Spike, who had played the last three times, refused to comment as the procession slowly made its way down the dirt road. “We can stop when the sun fully disappears behind the cliffs,” Sapphire said suddenly. “What? Why? We should be traveling all night!” Twilight snapped. “Ponies need us, and-” “If we travel all night, more chances of us getting injured due to no light. Not to mention we'll all need sleep after the days travels,” the commander interrupted. “It won't do any pony good if we arrive, but are too tired to help anypony. It's also easier to sleep in the dark, so we'll be better rested.” “But, but...” the alicorn tried, before lowering her head. “You're right. I'm sorry, I just-” “Am worried about your ponies,” Sapphire interrupted again. “As are we. We will save them, and we will defeat the Water Nation. Do not worry, we will arrive as quickly as we can.” “I know,” Twilight mumbled as she looked around. The alicorn then shook her head and spread out her wings. “I'm going to see if I can find us a good place to rest. I'll be right back,” she said as she flapped once and took to the air. “Avatar! Wait, we don't need...” the commander called, but the avatar ignored her. The alicorn flew up and landed on one of the many clouds in the sky, letting out a sigh as she sat down. “This is going to be a very long, horrible trip, isn't it?” she mumbled to herself. She slowly looked around for a smooth place to rest as she flexed her hoof a few times. “At least I can fly and land properly now.” The clouds covered the avatar's face as confusion spread through her. A moment later her back came alive as pain shot through her, eliciting a scream as she felt a blade pierce her side. Her wings spread out and flapped, creating a quick whirlwind around her. The cloud was scattered as she pulled away and looked around. A griffon hovered in the air, her arms shielding her from the winds. A bloody dagger was held tightly in her talons as her beak curved into a nasty grin. “It's been a long time, hasn't it, Avatar?” “W-who? What? Why are you attacking me?” Twilight asked as she clutched her side, blood trickling down. Below, she could hear the others yelling for her. The alicorn tucked in her wings as she started to dive, a moment before the griffon slammed into her. The winged beast thrust both of them into another nearby cloud, a talon wrapping around the avatar's tender hoof and twisting it back. A scream tore from her lips as agony shot through her. “Don't remember your old friend Gilda, do you?” the griffon growled as she dug a talon in the alicorn's wings, slashing across the tender flesh and sending feathers into the air. “No Rainbow to save you this time.” The alicorn screamed as she flapped both wings as hard as she could, despite the pain that shot through the wounded one. Fierce winds enveloped them, sending the griffon off as the clouds under her crumbled to pieces. Her hooves flailed through the air as she began to fall, shrieking as she descended. The ground shot up at her as she slowly spread her wings out again, the wind tearing through her wounded limb, but dampening the fall. Suddenly powerful arms wrapped around her, pinning her wings to the side. Gilda slammed her beak down against the alicorn's skull, dazing the avatar as she tucked her own wings in and forced their descent away from the mare's reinforcements. Twilight struggled in the griffon's grasp, but her talons refused to let go and her beak continued to strike against the poor pony's skull. As the ground came closer and closer, she gave one last powerful strike into the back of the alicorn's head, before removing her arms and instead gripping the dazed pony in her talons. Twilight was unable to scream as she was slammed into the ground, Gilda shoved up behind her and smashed her into the dirt. She skidded through it, her body digging a ditch as it traveled. She mercifully lost consciousness after a few seconds of agonized crushing. The griffon didn't hesitate, wrapping her arms around her prize before lifting into the air. She let out a squawk of pain as she was suddenly stopped. She craned her neck to see a clamp of rock gripping her tail feathers. She growled and, with a powerful flap of her wings, pulled free from the binding, a few of her pinions scattered in the air. “After her!” Sapphire yelled as the earth ponies continued to run as fast as their legs would take them but, unfortunately, the griffon was soon high in the sky, disappearing into the clouds. Fluttershy flew as fast as her wings would allow, but she was no match for the larger, faster and stronger creature. As the sun finished its descent behind the mountains, the griffon was gone. The ponies solemnly regrouped on the ground. A small fire was soon created, which the solemn ponies gathered around. They stared at it in silence for as long as they could bare, unable to look up. “We've failed,” Spike finally mumbled. “It's hopeless now,” one of the earth ponies agreed. “Without the avatar, how can the Water Nation be defeated?” Ponies slowly nodded their heads in agreement. Fluttershy tried to suppress her tears as Angel stood on her knees and slowly tried to wipe her sadness away. After a moment Pinkie opened her mouth, but was silenced as Sapphire stood up. “I can't believe what I'm hearing,” the commander snapped as she kicked one of the burning embers, sending it flying towards the gathered earth ponies. “One little battle lost, and you're all ready to give up? Here I thought I was in the presence of my soldiers, not a bunch of simpering fillies! Fine, you all want to run back to Fillydelphia with your tails between your legs, feel free. Why don't yah all just head to the Water Nation and surrender while you're at it? How about you?” she asked as she glanced to the Dai Li. “You all planning to simper on your way home?” “We follow your orders, as instructed,” the nearest one said quickly. “There. I never thought I'd see the day when a bunch of Dai Li were willing to get the job done, that my own soldiers were too busy whining about. Despicable. I'm going to bed. When I get up, I'm going to get the mission done. The avatar may be gone, but that just means I'll have to trust her to get out on her own.” She stomped her hoof down as the dirt rose up and put the fire out. “Any pony who's too afraid to do their duty, I don't wanna see so much as a hair from you when morning comes. I'd clear out now. Good night.” With an angry huff, the mare turned and walked away from them, only to drop down and create a small earth tent around herself. After a few moments her soldiers looked to each other and slowly got to their hooves, walking away from the sizzling remains of the fire. ------ Sweetie grumbled slightly as she stared up at the night sky from her resting place on top of her tank. The gentle rumble threatened to lull her into sleep, though she struggled to resist. She looked to her right, towards Scootaloo. “What time is it?” “I don't know...” the pegasus yawned. “Should be dawn soon... look,” the pegasus mumbled as she pointed east. A gentle orange glow could be seen over the forest. “Wonderful,” the unicorn grumbled as she rolled onto her stomach and looked over at her soldiers. Heads hung low enough that horns nearly touched the ground, and each step threatened to topple them over. “Our forces better be there when we arrive, I didn't order this forced march so everypony could just collapse when we arrive,” she grumbled as she jumped down from the slow moving tank, trotting along side it. “Waaaaaaeeeeehhhhh...” Flowerbloom yawned as she dropped down besides the mare. “W-why don't we just go and rest in the tank? They'll wake us when we arrive.” “Mmm, that does sound nice,” Sweetie mumbled as a small purple glow filled her eyes. She then shook her head and slapped herself. “No! If I require my soldiers to travel through the night, I can do the same. If you two wish to rest, you may. But I will not sleep until after we arrive.” “Your highness!” a voice pieced the night as a pegasus, dressed in the shadowbolt uniform, flew from the sky in from ahead of them, quickly landing and bowing his head. “We have been awaiting you.” “Hmmm? Why? What's wrong?” Sweetie asked as she kept walking, unwilling to risk stopping lest she be unable to start again. “Your forces have been alerted and are now gathering in Thunder Valley,” the stallion said as he raised his head and walked besides her. “Most of the units from the fire lands have arrived, but the armies, as well as their tanks and other equipment, from the Water Nation are still a few days out.” “Good, good. How long until we arrive? These woods seem to go forever,” she growled. “It is still many hours out, you won't be arriving until dawn. At least, on hoof.” “Hmmm?” She looked to the east. “But it's already dawn,” she mumbled with another yawn as she motioned towards the orange glow. The pegasus looked, before smiling. “No, your highness. If you would allow me the honor, I could carry you to your forces. For you see, that isn't the sun. That is the glow of the camps fires.” Sweetie stumbled, her mouth falling open. “I... what? But... what?” She quickly shook her head as she stood up straight. “Take me,” she ordered. Within moments she was held by the pegasus, her legs wrapped tightly around him as well, as they flew high into the air and then over the forest. She soon caught sight of the source of the glow, causing her mouth to fall open with a soft squeak. The valley was spread out for miles, surrounded by tall cliffs with occasional breaks. The forest connected with one of the breaks, and just outside the treeline stood the camp. Thousands of torches and hundreds of tents had been set up, as far as the eye could see. Ponies stood outside by large camp fires, sleeping and chattering, most wearing armor of her nation. Pegasi, earth ponies and unicorns, crowded against the small entrance to the accursed forest. “That's... there... how... there have to be more ponies here than in the entirety of the Water Nation!” “Indeed,” the stallion said as he lowered himself towards the ground, dropping her gently on the ground. A large grin spread across his lips as he watched her. “How... how could such a large force... where is the commander? Have them brought to me, immediately!” she said as she wobbled from side to side and stared. “And then... then go tell my escort they... they can rest. We can wait for morning for their reinforcements. "Holy...” The stallion nodded. “As you wish,” he said before flying off into the air. Sweetie plopped down, her eyes scanning across the hundreds of tents, each easily able to hold a dozen ponies. She began to feel excitement build up within her, thrashing against her heart as a wicked grin formed on her lips. She tried to contain it, but it was too powerful. She threw her head back, and laughed. “Bwahahahahah! Mwahahahahah!” she roared as the chilling laugh echoed through the camp, sending shivers down the spines of many of the sleeping ponies. “Your highness?” a voice called out. She stopped her laugh as she turned her gaze downwards, and frowned. Before her stood a gray earth pony stallion, dressed in their dark armor. “Yes?” “A pleasure to meet you at least,” he bowed his head, his black and gray streaked hair moving over his eyes. “My name is Caballeron, the commander of this army.” “But, you're an earth pony,” she mumbled as she cocked her eye. “You can't possibly be a water bender.” “I am afraid not,” the stallion said with a shake of his head. “But, you'll quickly find we are in short supply of benders. As a matter of fact, only one out of every twenty ponies here, can bend. As such, I was chosen by our previous commander to take his place.” “I see,” Sweetie mumbled as she looked around, her excitement deflating. “There's always something, isn't there? Very well. Tell me, how is it possible there are so many here? Even the Water Nation lacks such an impressive force. Even if it is composed of... non-benders.” “We've been awaiting this day, your highness,” the stallion said as a grin formed on his lips. “For the last hundred years we've been tasked with nothing more than being a secondary country, forced to defend and control this nation, to ensure the fire benders never rise again. While the mother land has been engaged in constant attacks against the other two countries, we've been gathering our numbers and growing ever stronger. While only a hoofful of us can bend, I assure you our loyalty and competence are unmatched. We have been waiting nearly a hundred years to be able to prove our worth to our brethren, and we will not let you down. All we ask is that you give us a chance to fight for you.” Sweetie frowned as she moved closer. Her hoof reached up to grab his face, and forced him to look into her eyes as they glowed purple. After a moment, she nodded. “Good. Very well, you will all get your chance, in more ways than one.” She turned from him as she ground her hoof into the dirt. “These woods, I want them destroyed. Cut down, one tree at a time. Burned as fire wood, shaped into weapons of wars, used as a scratching post, I really don't care. I want a unit working twenty four hours a day.” She stopped for a moment as she rubbed her chin, a malevolent smile forming on her lips. “If this all goes well, and your ponies as as capable as you say... you might have a new position awaiting you. We did recently lose our general, after all.” The stallion's eyes glimmered for a moment as he quickly saluted. “As you wish! Consider your orders done!” he said as he turned to leave. “Hold it. One last thing,” the unicorn said as she glanced back. “I trust the remaining ponies of this country are under control?” “Of course, your highness. We have gathered up and consolidated the prisoners to our largest remaining cities, where they will remain under a chosen guard until this war is over.” She nodded with a smile. “Good. Now, go and have my orders done.” She chuckled as she began to trot away. “Oh avatar. Come, try to stop me. I'll be waiting. Mwaheheheheheh.” ------ Twilight's head lulled from side to side as she struggled to focus on the world around her. Every time she felt the world slowly coming into focus, a sharp blow to the back of the head made her black out again. The world lulled by her in a haze, blurry and shifting. She eventually felt herself being dropped, groaning softly as she stared up at the wobbling griffon standing over her. “Stand... stand still...” she groaned. “Might have hit you a few too many times on the head,” Gilda grumbled as she took out a rope and began tying the mare up. “Don't worry, little avatar. No pony will be coming to save you this time. It's been a real pain in the flank tracking you down, you know? Was starting to think you and Rainbow would never split up.” “Guh!” the alicorn groaned as the rope wrapped far too tightly around her wings. “Oops, sorry... well, not really. Come on, we have a few hours before we get to Los Pegasus and I wanna sleep in my own bed in the morning,” the griffon said as she hauled the pony up. With a mighty flap of her wings, the two were off. “Why... why are you doing this? I thought... you were friends with Rainbow?” Twilight groaned as she struggled against the bindings. “Pfft, friends? No,” Gilda said with a chuckle. “I respect her and... don't really want to fight her. But, we're far from friends. A job is a job, avatar. I've never failed, and I didn't plan on letting you be the one to cause my first.” Her claws dug into the alicorn's sides, eliciting a pained groan. “Now, are you going to behave and keep quiet, or do I need to be rough?” Twilight gasped, but slowly lowered her head. “Please. Ponies need me. My people are under attack, and if I'm not there to help, who knows what will happen? You can't do this. If it's money you want, I'm sure the emperor would be more than willing to pay. All you'd need to- OW!” “I said be quiet. This is a job, I don't turn my back on a job. Payments already been dealt with as it is.” “Who hired you?” the avatar finally asked. “You'll know soon enough. I'm sure they'll come to collect you, soon.” Twilight sighed as she looked down at the world far below. She tried moving her wounded wing, but the feathers were so damaged she doubted she could fly without a chance to fix them. With no current method of escape, she quickly turned her mind to plotting an escape when the ground was closer. ------ The sun began to rise, yet again, as the drowsy alicorn slowly opened her eyes. Off in the distance she saw a large, floating city in the clouds. Stone and wood were molded with the cloud, allowing a few non-fliers to travel. Despite there only being a few piers, dozens of ships bearing the crossed bone flag of pirates floated around the city. “That's strange,” Gilda muttered. “What is? Ow!” Twilight shrieked as the claw dug into her side. “I said keep your mouth shut,” the griffon hissed as she slowly descended down to the clouds. She called out to the nearest pirate, a pegasus. “What's going on? Why are all these ships here?” The stallion shrugged. “No idea. Some Water Nation brats flew in on ol' Steel Beards ship a few days ago. Everyponies been gathering ever since.” Gilda growled as she tossed the alicorn over her back. “Keep your mouth shut,” she ordered. Twilight eeped as she slowly nodded, her gaze lowering to the ground. The griffon started walking through the city. “Gilda!” an old one-eyed griffon called out as he slowly hobbled towards the two. She turned and respectfully bowed her head. “Graybeak. Is there something you need?” she asked as she raised her head. “Perhaps,” the aged griffon froze as his remaining eye focused on Twilight. “Is that... the avatar?” “Of course. My mission is a success. I now just need to track down the two who hired me and-” “They are already here but... hmmmm,” Graybeak raised a scraggly old claw to his beak and slowly rubbed it. “This... this is troubling... very troubling. They are at the Diamond Mule. If you wish to- huh?” the elder griffon nearly fell over as Gilda charged past him. Within moments the two barged into a small bar. The place was bustling with dozens of ponies and griffons sitting about, telling gaudy stories while drinking mugs of rum. A thin layer of smoke descended on the two, making the alicorn's eyes water. “There!” Gilda said as she quickly walked towards a one of the corner tables. Twilight looked up as her eyes went wide. Celestia and Rarity were sitting at the table, discussing with a pegasus in a tri-pointed hat. As the two approached, the young princess was the first to look up. Her mouth fell open, unable to let out any sound aside from a small squeak as the alicorn's body was tossed roughly onto the table. “Job complete,” the griffon snapped, ignoring the clatter as mugs toppled to the floor. “Gilda?!” the pegasus growled. “What in tartarus do you think you're doing? I'm having a discussion here! You better pay for these drinks.” “Stow it, featherbrain. I'm just finishing my job,” she snapped before turning away from them. “Congratulations.” Twilight groaned as she shook her head, before struggling to get free from her bindings. A high pitched shriek filled the air, making her freeze. “Niece, calm down,” Celestia said quickly, but it was too late. Rarity jumped to her hooves, her front ones on the table as she stared down at the alicorn. “Calm down? How can I possibly calm down? It's the avatar! After all these years, the avatar is right here, in front of me! I have her! She's mine!” the princess shrieked with delight as she nudged the mare. “I can go home. I can finally go home! I'm going to-” “Niece, remember why we are here, we-” “Stow it!” the princess yelled as she placed a hoof on Twilight's head. “Buck those ponies. I don't care any more! I can finally go home.” She moved her head down lower, gazing straight into the alicorn's eyes. “Do you hear that?” she gently whispered. “Soon, little avatar... you'll be in the Water Nation and I will be back in line for the throne, where I belong. I win. I finally win.” The avatar's heart pounded in her ears, the sounds of the room fading from existence as she stared into her captor's merciless, but excited, eyes.