Section 2; Scroll 13
There was silence between the two after NightShade gave his greeting.
“What’s wrong, Echo? I thought you be happy to see me again after so long.” He said.
I just gave a glare. “You’re the last one I ever wanted to see, especially now.”
“You wound me, Echo. It’s been what, close to five years since we last spoke. I was starting to think you've forgotten me.” He said in mocked hurt.
‘I couldn’t even if I wanted too.’ I thought.
“Look, can I have the Umbra Driver back.” I spoke and gestured to the item around his waist.
He gave a look of confusion. “You’re seriously calling it ‘that’? Interesting choice of words anyway, why would I do that?” he said as he patted the device.
“After all, I am its original owner.” He said with a sly smirk.
I harshly sighed as he reminded me of that. I remember the day when I first met the guy. When I first used the Umbra Driver, I got a shock when he suddenly popped out of nowhere.
I still don’t understand his whole story though. All this time and I only know bits of his past, connection with it, or even what he is.
I shook my head and looked up and saw he was gone. I looked around and found him behind me, lying down on a couch. Don’t even ask me where it came from.
‘He’s just like Discord.” I thought on comparing him to the spirit of chaos himself. “Look, what are you even doing here?”
“Hm, that is a good question. What am I doing here?” He asked. He propped his right arm on his elbow and placed his head in his hand. “It might be because that you just got your ass handed to you on a silver platter.” He told with a dry look.
“Hey! I did my best out there, alright!” I shouted.
“Yay, and look what that got you: a broken arm, busted ribs, and a concussion. Sounds to me that you got in over your head.” He bluntly said.
“Look, I just underestimated them. I thought they were just like the other seracs. How was I supposed to know they would be that strong?!” I stated incredulously.
“Of course you could have known how strong they were.” He must have sensed my confusion. “Tell me, did the Umbra Driver start acting differently than it usually did?"
I thought back for a minute. “Yay, it started to pulsate the day before.”
“That’s what it was designed for. It’s a warning function.” He told.
“Warning function?”
“Yes, it reads the energy levels of those around it. If it detects a signature higher than the user than it starts to pulsate, and by how much it was doing it, it probably wanted you to get the hell out of there.” He explained.
Now I’m even more confused. “But, that doesn’t make sense! If it can do that, than why didn’t it go off in the castle and how do you know about all this?!”
His only response was a flat look. He sat up, raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. I rectangular screen appeared to the side of us with a frozen image of the fight.
“I know everything that’s been going on up till now. You honestly thought I wouldn’t keep an eye on you.” He explained.
‘He’s been watching me this whole time’ I thought angrily. “You still didn’t answer my question.” I said through gritted teeth.
He let out a sigh. “Did you honestly think they would just let their power be known like that? First rule: ‘Never let the enemy know how strong you are.’ It’s not that hard to keep it cloaked.”
Before I could answer, he stopped me. “Now, let me ask this: Did you think you could beat Discord?”
“What are you talking about? If you been watching, you know I beat him.” I shot back.
He raised an eyebrow. “You really think that. I know enough Equestrian history to know it took both princesses and the elements of harmony just to seal him. Do you honestly think you could beat someone like that even with all your experience, by yourself?”
“Well …no but” I began.
“But nothing besides, if he fought seriously, you would have a lot more difficulty fighting him.” He responded.
I didn't like the way he said that. “What do you mean ‘if he fought seriously.’?”
“Think about it; if you were going to align yourself with someone like Discord, wouldn't you put a leash on him to make sure he wouldn't betray you.” He told me.
I though on that for a minute until the answer hit me like a brick. “He wasn’t at his full strength.”
He gave a small clap. “He can be taught; of course he wasn't at his full strength! If he was, his magic would be on par with Celestia herself” he pointed at the Driver “and this thing would be causing small tremors if it sensed that.”
“But… I still beat him! Thanks to my shield and sun crystal!” I tried to talk back.
“Ah yes, your ‘Sonic Shield’.” He snapped his fingers again, the driver glowed and my shield appeared in front of him, still damaged from the fight. “It’s quite interesting that your gem took this form. But I still can’t believe how banged up it is, and you just got the thing too!”
I was just now looking at the full damage. There was a fist sized dent in the middle, courtesy of Firma, and multiple dents, nicks, and gashes from the combined attacks of him, Obsidian and…
…Reverb.
“Also, sorry to say this but, you didn’t exactly seal him away for good.”
Now my mind came to a halt. “What?! What do you mean I didn’t seal him for good?!” I shouted.
NightShade gave a small sigh. “The spell you got from the book is only as strong as the one who cast it and their magic level. Seeing as you’re not truly gifted in the ways of magic, the spell was only powered by the gems. Hate to say it, but Discord will probably find a way to break out in a year or two, give or take a month.” He spoke with a shrug.
“A YEAR?!!! YOU MEAN I ONLY FROZE THAT GUY IN STONE FOR A YEAR!!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.
“Well I wouldn't put it like that but, yeah pretty much.” He said, unfazed by my outburst.
“AND YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME ABOUT THIS BEFORE?!” I quickly shot back.
“Hey, don’t back sass me! I’m not the one who used that spell, that’s on you!” He replied, pointing to me.
“Because I thought it was PERMANENT, NOT TEMPORARY!!!” I shouted. No strength left after all that shouting; I fell down hard on my flank.
“… I can’t believe this is happening. All that work, gone in a single day.” I announced, feeling defeated.
“Hey, hey, don’t feel so down. You got a year before the spell wears off. Just get rid of the other two before then and your golden.” He said trying to find a plus side.
I shot him with a death glare. “Oh yeah smart guy, how?! It’s going to be damn near impossible to get in the castle now. It was hard enough the first time, even with the invite. The guards are on full alert 24/7 because I crashed the royal wedding. I can’t even sneak in if I wanted too, not like it matters! Cause right now my face, my REAL face is going to be in ever paper from Las Pegasus, all the way to the Griffon Kingdom!”
“…Yeah, that does pose a problem, doesn't?” He replied.
I let my shoulders slump as I stared at the floor or whatever I was sitting as I couldn't even think any more.
“How did that happen anyway?” He asked.
I looked up and gave a flat look. “You should already know, seeing as you've been watching me.”
“I know what happened but I want to know how it happened. Who was that guy anyway?” He asked.
“Which one?”
He sighed irritated and snapped his fingers. The image on the screen changed to… Reverb in the rider suit he put on. I didn't notice it but NightShade glared at the device around his waist.
“The one in the suit, the one that looks almost like you. Who is it?”
I stayed silent, not sure of even what to say. “…He’s name is Reverb. He’s my foalhood friend.”
“So he’s your foalhood friend and you didn't know about this.” He asked.
I could only nod to say ‘yes’. There was silence between us before he spoke again.
“So why didn’t you fight back?"
My head shot back up and I looked at him in confusion.
“What?” I whispered.
“You heard me, why didn’t you fight back? So what if he’s your friend, big deal.” He said bluntly.
“I-I couldn't just fight him!” I responded.
“Why not?”
“Because he’s my friend!”
“And again I ask; so what?”
I shot up on to my hooves and glared at him with renewed rage. “I WILL NOT FIGHT MY FRIENDS!”
My shout echoed around us as it spread into the void. After it faded, there was silence between us. I maintained my glare as NightShade still kept his flat look. Finally, he gave a sigh as he got up from the couch and stood on his hind legs before he spoke.
“Pathetic.”
“WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!” I shouted back.
“Did I stutter? I called you pathetic.”
“OH YEAH, SO WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE IF IT WAS YOUR FRIEND?” I countered.
“I beat him until he was unconscious and couldn't fight back.” He responded without hesitation.
“…What?” I barely whispered.
He looked at me for a minute before speaking again. “Echo Wave, do you remember the day you fought Breaker? Do you remember what he said to you before you finished him off?"
That was so long ago. That was when I came back to Ponyville after five years. But, I still remember those words.
“Your friends are right behind me. They've known me for two years. Are you going to destroy me, cause them sadness and have all of Equestria as your enemy in your foolish attempt to free it?”
“When you first transformed, I asked you a similar question. Despite your answer, I could tell you didn’t truly mean it. You tried your best to avoid fighting friends but now that’s been taken away from you. You don’t have that option anymore.” He spoke with conviction.
“Well, what am I supposed to do know, huh?!” I asked incredulously.
He gave a long sigh. “Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t give up yet. If you do, then we’re all screwed.”
“But how can I do it? I mean, I didn't ask for this.” I spoke with tears coming to my eyes.
“We never ask for many things to happen to us. But, the only thing we can do is take what’s been handed and move forward with what’s been given.” he responded. I just stared at him.
“You've been through this before, haven’t you?” I questioned him.
He just stared at me. “…That’s a question for another day.”
He looked up and noticed a speck of light that began to grow bigger. “It looks like our time is up for now. Remember, it’s too soon for you to just give up.”
I looked and was seeing the light expelling the shadows and darkness.
“Hey, Echo” I looked back at NighShade as he began to fade away. “I got one more question to ask you. And until you give me a truthful one, you won’t unlock the Umbra Driver’s true power.”
“What’s the Question?!” I shouted before he vanished.
“The same one I asked when we first met?” His voice carried in the wind.
Then everything went white…
Unknown Location...
I opened my eyes as moon light shone on my face from a hole from above me. I looked around and can tell that I was in a cave of something.
I grunted in pain as I tried to sit up. I looked down and saw bandages wrapped around my entire torso. I was lying on what looked like a bed of leaves. I glanced at my left arm and saw it in a sling. I still hurt all over but it wasn't as intense as when I first got hurt.
I heard shuffling and looked to my right. I saw a shape shift in the darkness and move towards. The moonlight revealed Shadow at full height. The black timberwolf walked over and nudged my face with his nuzzle in concern.
“I’m alright, Shadow. A little worse for wear but I’m okay.” I responded softly while patting his head.
“Ah, it seems that our patient has come back to us. It pleases my heart that you have awoken with no fuss.” A slightly deep, exotic voice spoke.
‘Hold on a second, I know that speech pattern anywhere.’ I thought carefully.
Shadow and I looked forward, there in what looked like a doorway, stood a figure. Her features were concealed by the cloak but there is only one pony, or zebra, that I know that speaks in rhyme.
My guess was answered when she brought her hood down and showed her face. Her coat was grey with black stripes. Her golden rings still adorned her neck and ears. Her mane wasn't in it’s usually Mohawk-style and was worn down but I could still see the transition from black to white.
Her blue eyes showed both a mixture of wisdom, compassion and happiness that went with the smile that was now on her face.
“Zecora! I didn't think to found you here?” I asked in surprise.
The zebra gave a sad smile. “It is also good to see you again, Echo Wave. However, I wish it was for better circumstance than your life that had to be saved.” She spoke sadly.
“Yeah.” I replied softly. “But how did you find me?”
“It was not as hard as you may think. Your loyal pup, I instructed to help save you from the brink.” She replied with a smile.
I looked towards Shadow and the response he gave was a happy bark and a lick to my cheek. ‘He may be made out of wood but he acts like a regular dog.’
“How long have I been out?” I decided to ask.
She walked over to me and placed a hand on my uninjured shoulder. “I know that you can not be besieged by delays, but you have been asleep for three days.”
“Three days!” I shouted only to grunt in pain. I looked up and she gave me a sympathetic look. I glanced around to get my bearings.
“Where are we?” I asked when I calmed down.
She walked toward the entrance and with a hand, gestured me to follow. With some effort, I was able to get up on my hooves. I looked down and saw my pants had tears all over them.
Shadow was right next to me and had me lean on him for support. We went out the door Zecora left out into another cave chamber. This one was larger and had a wheel shaped hole at the top. Her cauldron was in the middle and some of her books, ingredients, and cart were to the side.
I looked around and spotted her at another entrance that look like it lead outside. Me and Shadow moved to where she was standing and looked outside. We were still in the Everfree Forest from what I could tell but just really deep in it, judging by how thick and tall the trees were.
“Once these creatures had begun to arrive, I knew moving deeper was my only chance to survive. Though it pains me to leave my friends, I know I will see them again to make amends.” She spoke with a sad voice.
‘You and me both.’ I couldn't help but think. “So, you went deeper in to the forest to avoid them. Aren't you worried about the animals that live this deep in?” I ask with concern.
“Even though I do not go on an evening jog. Do not worry; I have had a very reliable guard dog.” She smiled at Shadow.
I looked down at him, eyebrow raised. He gave a solid bark in confirmation. “You've been protecting her all this time?” I gave him a few pats for good work.
The three of us went back into the cave. I sat down and Shadow sat beside me. Zecora came around and gave me a bowl of what looked like fruit. She placed another bowl filled with crushed branches and herbs near Shadow and he began to eat.
“The path you take is unknown in length. First, you must regain your strength.” She said as she walked back to her cart. I looked down at the strange fruit and began to eat. Oddly enough, they tasted fine.
“You have been through so much my friend. But I’m afraid that your journey is not yet at its end.” She spoke. I looked up and saw her holding the Umbra Driver in her hands. For a long time, I just looked at it, unsure if I can keep doing this.
“We never ask for many things to happen to us. But, the only thing we can do is take what’s been handed and move forward with what’s been given.”
NightShade’s words still echoed in my head. I heard a thump and saw my backpack on the ground. I didn't even notice that Shadow had moved because he was now next to Zecora.
With a shaky hand, I took the belt from her. I stared at it with an uncertain but steady resolve.
“Though you have an entire nation, I can not see your next destination.”
As if answering her, my backpack began to glow. I could already tell what that meant.
“It looks like I already got one.”
Canterlot Castle…
Princess Luna was on her balcony, staring into the night sky in a regal dress. It had been three days since the vilotans returned with a report on the situation.
She hid her emotions well for when she heard the news; it took all her control not to erupt in rage. Since her and Tia regained their senses, they had done their best to keep up the façade. Despite everything that is happening.
She let out a soft sigh as she closed her eyes.
“I sense thy presence. Thou can not hide it from me.” She spoke.
The shadows in her room began to shift and move, as if they had a will of their own. They all converged into one spot and a form began to rise from it. The form took the shape of a sphere and floated until it was next to her.
“I trust thou were successful in thy attempt in recovery.” She asked without opening her eyes.
“I gave the kid what he needed; a kick in the ass to keep him moving.” NightShade’s voice came from the orb.
“Thy language maybe cross but thou did achieve in what we asked.” She spoke.
“I don’t know if its permanent but at least he’s still moving. I still don’t know why you chose him though. I mean, he’s just a kid.” He said.
Luna didn’t speak as she opened her eyes. She looked at the moon she raised every night before answering.
“Thou must realize that the young have the greatest potential to unlock. The reason I chose him, is linked to the Umbra Driver itself.”
The orb looked at her for a while before turning to look up at the moon. NightShade’s eyes glared up at the moon from the orb.
“Well, I hope he realizes it fast.” He growled. “I got a feeling… an old friend of mine is coming sooner than I hoped.”