//------------------------------// // While There's Still Time To Hold // Story: Yaerfaerda // by Imploding Colon //------------------------------// Ebon turned towards the others in the Royal Chambers. The emerald glow disappeared from his eyes as he spoke: “The Prince and Kera have been found. I've placed the command for the guards who located them to take the two to the High Council building.” “They'll be traveling by hoof,” Midnite Bastion said. “If we make for the Sandstone District now, we might be able to arrive in time.” Jake brandished a sound stone and spoke into it. “Didja hear any of that, Rainbow Dash? Your shape-shifting bug boy found the Prince!” “And Kera, right?” “Pffft. Yeah. The little joy squirter's a-okay. The Soul Sentries will be taking them to meet up with Floydien and Arcanista at the High Council Building. There should be no problems now that Sharp Quill's gotten the smack.” “Good. Head to the High Council Building, but don't reveal yourselves. Not yet. Make sure Arcanista holds back until both Kera and the Tarkington have made their deliveries!” “What are we, stupid?” “We only have one shot at this! If we can't ensnare Fishberry while she's addressing the crowd, then half of our plan is screwed!” “Paladin! We know that, rainbow brite!” Ebon Mane leaned in. “Rainbow, are you in the spot that I saw in the soul sentries' vision?” “Yes, Ebon. Chrysalis will have no place to hide.” “Do you... uh...” Ebon fidgeted. “Do you need my help?” “Yes, Ebon. I can't do this without you.” “R-right!” Ebon nodded. “I'll be there in an instant!” “Know your places, everypony! If all goes according to plan, then we should have Chrysalis bound by the hour.” “And then we'll help the Noble Jury with the goblins, r-right?” Ebon stammered. “That's the plan, Ebon. Now get your shell over here.” “Yes'm!” Ebon galloped towards the far end of the chambers. Midnite Bastion was already opening the window for him. She glanced his way. “Can you make it?” “I can now,” Ebon said. Concentrating, he morphed into Fawful and spread a pair of brilliant wings. The changeling looked at her and spoke in a soft tone. “Will you be alright?” Midnite blinked. “Why wouldn't I be?” “Erm...” Fawful shifted awkwardly, glancing back at General Saikano, then at the soldier once again. “Never mind. Best of luck!” And the metamorph flew off, sailing towards the lower buildings to the northeast. Midnite Bastion bit her lip. She leaned back on her haunches, exhaling. From a distance, Saikano gazed at her. His nostrils flared as he looked towards Jake. “We must make haste. I sense Fishberry's about to make her speech.” “Right.” Jake spoke one last time into the stone. “Rainbow, we're ass-hauling.” “Yup. Scrkkk!” And the sound stone went silent. Jake trotted towards Sharp Quill's body. “Wanna lend a hoof?” “You know that I can't,” Saikano said, shuddering. “Ah. Right.” Grunting, the moose heaved Sharp Quill's unconscious figure over his heavy flank. “Well, we'd better do this or we're doo-doo.” “Indeed.” Saikano nevertheless hung his gaze. “The Soul Sentries will follow your commands along the way to the courtyard.” “You coming, bucko?” Jake said, knocking the doors open with his wide antlers while the guards made room for him. “We'll get there faster with an extra set of hooves.” “I will...” Saikano glanced up at Midnite, then shuddered. “I will be there swiftly.” “Hrmmmf...” Jake coughed and marched out with Sharp Quill in tow. “Just remember, this ain't no honeymoon vacation.” As the moose left, Midnite trotted loosely after him. “We'd better go. Jake's right. There's no time to waste.” “Will you be okay?” Saikano asked. Midnite shuffled to a stop, wincing. Saikano's brow furrowed. “I know you can't predict the future. But... with what we know... with what Rainbow has planned...” He inhaled deeply. “Will you be alright?” Midnite closed her eyes. After a sigh, she muttered, “After you've done what you need to do, what happens next?” “Chrysalis might regain control over the Soul Sentries,” Saikano said. “That's why it's so important that the Tarkington arrives as quickly as possible. But, even with their contribution, we'll depend on your expert fighting skills—” “That's not what I meant.” Midnite Bastion turned towards him, eyes glossy. “What happens to my... I mean...” She gnashed her teeth, hesitated, then finally muttered. “There'll be no trace left, will there? You... he'll be gone completely...” Saikano shifted where he stood. “I... like to think that I will not entirely vanish.” He gulped hard. “What I'm doing here has purpose. It's for the good of this nation. I have to believe that I will be rewarded for that, even if it's just with the faintest form of consciousness.” He clenched his jaws. “But... I have no guarantee.” “Then why are you doing this?” Midnite asked, trembling slightly. “If it's all a great huge uncertainty for you, then why pay the ultimate sacrifice?” “Because I know what I'm sacrificing it all for.” He reached out with his hoof, but hesitated. However, when Midnite didn't flinch, he allowed himself to brush back her dark bangs. “He may never have shown it. Perhaps out of regimental duty or for the sake of embodying some sort of traditional strength, he's held his tongue. But deep inside... in his heart... he loves you more than life itself. And I have no doubt that he would give himself too.” “If... h-he has anything at all to give...” Midnite said, muzzle quivering. Saikano slowly shook his head. “I cannot confirm that for you, Midnite. I... s-simply do not have that knowledge. She did not give it to me.” Midnite looked up, eyes glossy. “I would do anything... anything.” She gulped. “Just for the chance to tell him how much he means to me... one last time.” Saikano slowly nodded. “Maybe you will get that chance. I assure you...” His voice wavered, “...nothing would make him happier than to hear it.” Midnite stared at him, muzzle agape. Saikano took a deep breath. “We must go. Nothing will come of this if we do not make haste.” “Right...” “Follow me, soldier.” Saikano trotted firmly into the hallway outside. “While I still have it within me to know the way...” Midnite obediently followed.