//------------------------------// // Trust Issues // Story: Taking Pen from Paper // by Suke //------------------------------// “I would say ‘Out of the frying pan and into the fire,’ but I think this is more the frying pan and the Everto the fire.” Cliff nodded her agreement to Speed’s statement. They sat across from one another, two sets of iron bars separating them. Their new travelling companion, Omni Chrome, sat off to the side, in his own cell. When they had changed realities, they had appeared in the alternate world’s throne room. Their sudden appearance was treated as an assassination attempt and the trio were thrown into the dungeon cells in which they currently resided. Grumpily, Omni asked, “Do either of you have any idea where we are?” “Nope,” was Cliff’s answer. “Not a clue,” Speed replied. “Perfect,” Omni remarked sarcastically. “You know, we could use this time to get to know each other better. I mean, Cliff and I already know each other well enough, but you were so busy in your world we never got a chance to talk.” “I would rather not. I do not intend to stick around with the likes of you.” “We’re not that bad,” said Cliff. “It is like you said; were it not for your appearance on the train, none of the events that followed would have happened.” Speed pointed out, “But you said that you didn’t blame us…” “I lied.” An awkward silence fell upon the group. Cliff then spoke up, “Actually, Speed, I don’t think we need to ask him much. I’ve got a pretty good idea who and what he is. Would’ve been nice for him to tell us himself, but he’s made his position clear on that.” Speed raised a curious eyebrow. “You see, back when I perused the Mycrosia Multonian, there appeared to be some unusually knowledgeable characters that recurred throughout the Multiverse, wherever Everto would strike. After some time, I found their point of origin. It all began with a human.” Omni twitched, unnoticed by the earth ponies. “Human?” Speed asked. “Imagine hairless diamond dogs, but more like monkeys than dogs. Often very imaginative.” “Huh… weird.” “Anyway, this human was tasked with defending the Multiverse from Everto, making sure that key moments in realities came to be without the Everto messing them up. He went by the name of Thunder. At some point, he saved some humans from a doomed reality and took them on as sort of apprentices. They, too, now roam the Multiverse, hunting Everto.” “So Omni’s one of them?” “Well, every apprentice has a gift, a trait which they can use against the Everto. Omni’s is clearly the ability to wield the same dark essence as Everto, possibly thanks to a failed possession attempt. The fact he can traverse the Multiverse is a dead giveaway, too.” Silence continued to reign in Omni’s cell. “Then there’s the fact he wasn’t affected by the ruination. It may be due to his Everto side, but I read of others being unaffected.” “Twilight did say something about alicorns.” “I thought about that. In that reality, it seems alicorns are just long lived. Omni has implied that wasn’t the first Equestria he’d failed to protect. In that reality, alicorns were probably full-on unaging. With Thunder’s apprentices, though, there’s something about being a survivor from a ruined world that makes them immune.” “I wonder what it is…” “Omni probably knows, don’t you bud… dy… when’d he escape?” There was a gaping hole in the back of Omni’s cell, and the bat pony in question was gone. Unfortunately, the guards decided to do a check up at that time. Two griffins came marching into the dungeon, and froze on the spot at the sight of Omni’s cell. In a flash, they had their spears pointed at the two remaining prisoners. One of them, a female, demanded, “Tell us where your friend went!” “We’re more acquaintances, really,” Cliff corrected. “Answer her!” the male guard shouted. Speed, forehooves raised, did indeed answer, “We honestly don’t know. Cliff and I were talking, and when we looked over to him, he was gone.” “Why don’t I believe you?” Cliff suggested, “Because you don’t know what that guy is capable of?” “You really need to learn when to shut your mouth, mare!” Speed chuckled and added, “We’d love to help you find him, but we can’t do much behind these bars.” “Well, you’re staying here!” The guards left. Cliff and Speed shared amused looks. “Think he’ll come back for us?” “Probably not.” Alternate Canterlot felt so familiar to Omni Chrome, but it also felt different. The primary difference was that it appeared to be a Griffin-centric settlement. Other species did roam the streets, but they were heavily outnumbered by Griffins. Architecturally speaking, the buildings lacked the pony glamour, but beyond that, it’d be hard not to see this as an alternate version of Canterlot. “At what point did this reality split off from the core?” Omni wondered aloud. No one paid him any attention. The bat pony continued to walk in a random direction, depression weighing his hooves down. Three times now, he’d left a dying (if not already dead) world to its fate. His own world, he had no control over, not aware of what was going on before Thunder woke him up from deep sleep. The two Equestrians, however, he had no excuse for. He’d failed two Celestias. Two Lunas. His family. “Crescendo… what should I do? Would it be wise to just continue trying to prevent ruination?” ‘And fail again? Don’t bother,’ said a voice in Omni’s head. “Then what? Maybe I could just go around, seeing the Multiverse, killing any Everto I stumble upon.” ‘No! Are you an idiot? You’ll only get too involved. You care too much.’ “Hunt down an untainted version of my home?” ‘Likely you’ll have to contend with another you, or if not, it just wouldn’t be the same. Besides, you don’t remember that world, do you?’ This conversation went uninterrupted for another couple of minutes. Passers-by would give Omni odd looks, only hearing half of the discussion. His legs took him in whatever direction they felt like going. ‘Why not stick with those two earth ponies?’ “Never. They are just bad news.” ‘And you aren’t? That mare knows quite a fair bit about you and Thunder. Said something about a Mycrosia Multonian. Maybe you should tag along with them? Who knows? You could find out more about Thunder. At least you can find out what they’re up to.’ “...” ‘It’s that or give yourself a second bout of amnesia.’ Omni roared in frustration. An elderly voice, not in Omni’s head, caught his attention, “Careful there, sonny. You almost scared this old mare to death.” Looking for the voice’s owner, Omni found an elderly unicorn. A very familiar looking old mare with white hair and faded green coat. “Forgive me, miss…?” “You’re forgiven. Name’s Granny Smith.” “Truly? That’s your name?” “Er, yes? Something wrong with my name?” “N-no… just… I knew another Granny Smith… You are nearly the spitting image of her.” Smith smiled sagely. “Ah, it must have been another me.” “I beg your pardon?” “Another me, from another reality. Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of the Multiverse? The Book? The Writer?” The only answer Smith got was Omni’s sudden inability to speak, causing her to sigh. “I guess they’ve been forgotten with you new generations. Passed off as some crackpot myth and legend. But I know it’s true. My grandchildren met otherworlders the last time I came here.” Omni finally regained control of his voice box. “They met otherworlders?! Where was this?” “Oh, so now that something’s actually happened, you young’ns are ready to accept the truth. Ye of little faith.” “I have believed in the Multiverse for some time now, Madame Smith. Tell me of these otherworlders, s'il vous plaît.” “Since you asked so nicely. It was back home in Pawridge, across the desert. A couple of earth ponies. Came looking for supplies and medical treatment, ‘cause the stallion had broken his leg. Said they were looking for The Book. My grandkids helped ‘em make a land boat of all things. Couldn’t wait for a sandstorm to finish before heading here. Pity they never made it.” Omni made all the connections in his head. Cliff and Speed were otherworlders here, too. Although the idea of being around the two of them was a massive deterrent, no other course of action made as much sense. This book had something to do with the multiverse, and there was a writer to consider as well. He could ask the writer why they were so intent on making his life a misery. At the very least, he could pummel the bastard. The mental imagery this thought put in Omni’s head made him exceptionally happy. “Merci beaucoup!” exclaimed the bat pony, being sure to hug Granny Smith gently. “I don’t rightly know what ya just said.” “Thank you, Madame Smith!” “Oh, well then. You’re quite welcome, whoever ya are.” “Oh! My apologies! I am called Omni Chrome. Please tell Applejack and the others that Cliff and Speed made it, and that we will be continuing our hunt for The Book.” With that, Omni flew off, in search of his former prison. Smith watched him go, shaking her head. “What a strange pony… Omni Chrome, huh? He’s not very colourful.” “Mooooooom!” “Coming!” Back in Alternate Canterlot Castle, Cliff and Speed were being escorted up a flight of stairs. The same two guards from earlier walked behind them, spears held uncomfortably close to the ponies’ necks. In front, another griffin. This leader had a bronze, metallic feather behind each ear, signifying some kind of rank. “How d’ya think they’ll have us executed?” Cliff asked. Speed looked horrified, “How can you joke about that?” “Oh, I’m sorry if I prefer not to be seen shaking in fear in front of my killers. Come on, just accept what’s coming and humour me.” “You’ve died far too often.” “True, but after thinking I really was going to die a couple times as of late, I’ve realised that it’s not such a big thing.” “Well, I haven’t reached that stage of enlightenment just yet. I’d rather get to keep living.” “Fine. then. I’ll just answer my own question. I think we’re going to be hanged. Aerial creatures making fun of our lack of wings. I guess dropping us from a great height would work, too, but a hanging is more common.” The male guard behind them joined in with, “I’m hoping you’re beheaded.” “Then we can put your heads on pikes,” added the female. “No talking with the criminals!” ordered the officer in front. “See, Speed? Even the guards had an opinion. Imagine our heads being put to use as displays of power and control.” The officer spoke again, “Piked heads are used for target practice in the barracks.” “Well, that’s disappointing.” Queitly, Speed muttered, “Maybe something painless, like putting us permanently to sleep.” “There we go! Admittedly a bit naive, but at least you’re getting into the spirit. Now that we have our choices, you lot want to bet?” “I’ll take that action,” replied the male rear guard. The female interjected, “She won’t be able to pay when she’s dead, idiot.” “No betting with the criminals!” The stairs long behind them, and with many corridors traversed, the prisoners were escorted to their destination: the throne room. Last time they were there, they hadn’t had the time to check around them before being crushed by a pile of guards. The officer knocked hard, three times. The doors opened. Cliff examined the surroundings while being guided down the central red carpet. Many guards stood along the walls. Two of them, stood at either side of the throne, had a gold feather each, behind their right ears. Between them, seated regally, was their apparent leader. This female griffin wore a gold band around her head, which was adorned with twelve tinted crystal feathers. It was like a crystal rainbow circled the griffin’s head, with the front two being red, second foremost being orange, and so on. Clear crystal feathers acted as shoulder pads for the royal blue cape draped down her back. The ruler smiled with such confidence. One of the gold feathered guards stepped forward and took a breath before commanding, “Kneel, criminals!” The ‘criminals’ knelt. “Presenting Her Royal Highness, fastest flyer in all the lands, most awesome griffin in the kingdom, completer of the Crown’s Trial in ten seconds flat…” As the list continued, Speeding Bullet’s eyes widened. Beside him, Cliff could not hide her disbelief. “... capable of performing a Sonic Rainboom and 20 percent cooler than you’ll ever be, Empress Gilda Stork.” The disbelief was gone and Cliff blurted out, “Who?” The guard took another breath, clearly about to repeat the announcement, but Gilda stepped forward and held up a claw. “Is that meant to be a joke, dweeb?” enquired the empress. Whispers spread around the room. “She said dweeb.” “She’s mad.” “They’re in for it now.” “Funnily enough,” Cliff began to reply. “No. Your announcer’s little list just made me think of this pony I knew, is all. Kind of caught me off guard.” “Are you calling me a pony, now?” “Again, no. I can clearly see that you are a mighty griffin. Problem is, your guards forgot to feed us. Hunger and thirst stop me from thinking clearly.” Gilda looked at the guilty party behind the prisoners. They bowed in apology. Speed took the chance to say his own piece, “Might we ask why we have been given the honour of your presence?” “Normally, I would never look upon you again after your failed attempt on my life, b—” Cliff interrupted, “Sorry to cut you off, but I’d like to add that we had no intention of harming a single royal feather. Purely a misunderstanding.” “If you’d let me speak, dweeb, then you’d hear that I want to provide you a means of redemption.” The mare smiled awkwardly. “Oh. Then please continue.” “The bat pony who escaped. I want him recaptured.” Sharing a confused look with Cliff, Speed asked, “And you’re willing to set us free if we get him back for you?” “Yes.” “What is it you want him for? Over us, I mean.” “That isn’t any of your business. Your only concern should be deciding between rotting in the dungeon or walking free.” “Trade a friend for our freedom?” One of the rear guards quoted, “You’re more acquaintances, really.” Speed glared at Cliff. “Did I say that? I was just so hungry back then. Still am.” After a quick glare at the guilty-looking guards, Gilda returned to her throne. “Very well.” To the other of her gold feathered guards, “Have a small banquet prepared for them.” Said guard flew out the throne room, while Gilda advised the ponies, “I suggest you have a decision ready when you are done eating.” “Of course, milady.” The two ponies were escorted out. With a wave of a claw, Gilda had the throne room emptied. Once the echo of the closing doors faded away, the empress slumped into a more comfortable sitting position. “Tell me again why I’m letting those dweebs go for that emo pony?” Another griffin walked out from behind the throne. Behind one ear was an orange feather, and the other a black one. She, too, wore a cape, the shoulder feathers a mix of orange and black. The cape itself bore an image of several bladed weapons forming the shape of a skull and crossbones. Her wings and coat, except for her white head and neck, were orange with black stripes. “I dunno, really. I feel like I should know him.” Gilda rubbed the bridge of her beak. “Ugh, I sometimes wonder why I listen to you…” “Because you love me.” Sneaking in the shadows of the castle’s corridors, a certain bat pony was struggling to find the two earth ponies. He’d found the hole he’d made, but a quick look inside told him of their absence. Now, he crept around the castle, listening in on conversations. Last thing he’d heard was about a banquet. The layout was different to Canterlot Castle, which explained why Omni couldn’t locate the dining hall. Just then, he spotted a griffin in a chef’s hat rushing by. “I’m late. Gaston is going to kill me.” Following the chef, Omni soon found the kitchens. There was no way of getting past so many cooks, so he had to follow a corridor or two around them, finally reaching the hall. His targets were gorging themselves on a variety of delicacies, any meaty ones being left to one side. “God, this stuff is amazing!” Cliff exclaimed between bites. Speed attempted to respond, but his mouth was too full to make any sense. Omni crept closer, looking for a way to communicate with the ponies without alerting the guards that circled the room. Having finally swallowed, Speed enquired, “So, we taking Gilda’s offer?” “Yep. How else we gonna get out of here?” “I guess. We really gonna hunt Omni down?” “Duh. He ditched us, remember?” When she said that, Cliff winked at Speed. The stallion got the message, aware of the guards. Omni, however, was not at an angle to see this wink, and couldn’t help but feel betrayed. Sure, he’d ditched them and they didn’t know he was coming back for them, but he thought they were better than this. The voice from earlier commented, ‘Even they can’t be trusted.’ The bat pony snuck out of the room and the castle without the earth ponies even knowing he’d been there. Omni Chrome would find The Book himself.