//------------------------------// // Wanted Soul // Story: Mages of the Immortals // by TornadoBlitz //------------------------------// “He’s a rat.” The voice was male, young, and unfamiliar. Where am I? Soul thought. Lying on something soft, for a start. A bed? I don’t remember getting into bed- “Not a chance.” The voice was Cloud Runner’s. Soul realized that Cloud Runner was defending him, and then the significance of what the stranger had said came crashing down on him. In street slang, rat meant spy. If Cloud Runner had agreed with this stranger about that, then Soul would be in serious trouble…. but a spy for whom? “What else could he be?” retorted the first voice. “He’s got magic. Mages have to be trained for years. Who does that stuff around here?” Magic? Memories came back in a rush, the plaza, the mages... “Magic or no magic, I have known him for as long as I’ve known Shadow Eye,” Cloud told the other colt. “He has always fought on our side.” Soul was barely paying attention to what they were saying. In his mind, he saw himself throwing the stone, saw a yellow glow surround it, pass through the barrier and strike the mage. I did that, he thought, But that’s not possible… “But, you said he’s been gone for the last few years. Who knows who he’s been hanging with since he last ran with us.” Then Soul remembered how he felt when he threw the stone, how it felt like he was drawing upon something inside him, something that he knew he shouldn’t have. “He’s been with his family, Slate,” Cloud replied. “I believe him. Shadow does to and that is good enough for me.” ...and the order knows that it was me! The dark blue mare had seen him and pointed him out to the others. The memory of the smoking colt’s corpse flashed through his mind and he shuddered. “I warned you,” Slate said, though his voice had a hint of defeat. “If he rats you out, don’t forget who warn-” “I think he’s waking up,” murmured another voice, one belonging to Shadow Eye. “Out Slate,” Cloud said. Soul heard hooves moving away, then a door closing. “You can stop pretending you’re asleep now, Soul,” Shadow murmured. A hoof touched his face and Soul blinked his eyes open. Shadow was leaning over him , grinning. Soul rolled over and pushed himself onto his hind legs. He was in an unfamiliar room, lying on what looked like a very old bed. As Soul made his way to the floor, Shadow gave him an assessing look. “You look better,” he said. “I feel fine,” Soul agreed. “What happened? Where am I? What time is it?” He asked looking between Cloud and Shadow. Shadow laughed. “He’s fine, alright” “You don’t remember?” asked Cloud, crouching down so he and Soul could see eye to eye. Soul shook his head. “I remember walking through the slums, but not how I got here.” “Cloud carried you here,” said a mare’s voice. “He said that you fell asleep while you were walking.” Soul turned to face a young mare sitting in a chair behind him. The mare’s face seemed familiar. “Terra Sapphire?” The light blue mare smiled “That’s right. It’s good to see you again Soul. You are in my father’s pub. He let us put you here. You slept right through the night.” Soul looked around the cramped room and smiled. When he used to run with the gang, Cloud and his friends used to bribe Terra into stealing mugs of cider for them. The brew was strong and it made them feel giddy. Terra’s father’s pub was close to the outer wall, among the better built houses of the slums called Northside. The inhabitants of this area were thriving in defiance to the inner-district attitude that the slums were not part of city. Soul guessed that he was in one of the rooms the pub let out to guests. It was a small space taken up by the bed, the tattered chair that Terra sat in, and a small table. Old, discoloured paper screens covered the windows. Judging from the faint light shining through them, Soul guessed that it was early morning. Cloud turned to Terra and beckoned. As the mare pushed herself out of the chair, they shared a quick nuzzle as she smiled at him affectionately. “Could you please get us something to eat?” Cloud asked. “I’ll see what I can do,” Terra said, walking out of the room. Soul sent Shadow a questioning look to all he received was a smug grin. Cloud looked at Soul and frowned. “Are you sure you are alright? You were out of it last night.” Soul shrugged. “I feel good, actually. Like I slept well” “You have. Almost a whole day.” He shrugged before giving Soul an appraising look. “What happened Soul? It was you who threw that stone, right?” Soul swallowed, his mouth becoming painfully dry. Briefly, he wondered if he could get away with denying it. He felt a hoof on his shoulder and turned to see Shadow. “Don’t worry Soul, we won’t tell on you.” Soul nodded. “It was me, but.. I don’t know how I did that.” “Did you use magic?” Shadow asked eagerly. “I don’t know. I wanted to stone to go through and… it did.” “You broke the mage’s barrier?!” Cloud said “That would have to take magic, wouldn’t it? Stones don’t normally do that.” “And there was that flash of light,” Shadow interjected. “Cloud nodded “Not to mention you really riled up those mages.” Shadow leaned forward to point at Soul’s horn. “You think you can do it again?” Soul stared at him. “Again?” “Not the same thing obviously. We can’t just keep rolling you out to throw stones at mages. They don’t seem to like it all that much. Something different, if it works then we know you can use magic.” Soul shuddered. “I don’t think I want to know.” “Why not? Think of all the good you could do!” Shadow said. “No one would give you any lip, thats for sure,” Cloud told him. Soul shook his head. “You’re wrong, they’d have more reasons to hate me.” He scowled. “Everypony hates unicorns. They only tolerate me because I can’t use magic, but now that I can, they’d hate me too.” “Everypony hates the Noble unicorns,” Shadow told him. “They pull us from our homes, only ever caring about themselves. Everypony knows you’re a dwell, just like us.” A dwell. After two years in the city, Soul’s pegasi family had stopped referring to themselves as it, but that was the term that the slum dwellers gave themselves. They had worked hard and were finally free from the slums. Soul shook his head “What good things? Mages never do anything good. Why would they trust me to do differently?” “What about healing?” Shadow said. “Sun Beam has a bad leg, maybe you could fix it for her?” Soul’s breath caught in his throat. He remembered the amount of pain that Sun Beam had suffered and understood Shadow’s enthusiasm. It would be wonderful if he could fix Sun Beam’s leg. If he can help her, why not others? Then he remembered how Sun Beam had told him the story about the “curies” that healed her and shook his head. “Ponies don’t trust the curies. Why would they trust me?” “That’s because ponies think the curies make them sick as much as they make them well.” Shadow explained, “Ponies are worried that they are gonna get sicker.” “They’re scared of magic even more. They’d think that I have been sent by the mages to get rid of them.” Shadow laughed “Now that’s just silly. Nopony’ll think that.” “What about Slate?” “Slate is an idiot. Not everypony thinks like him.” Soul snorted, unconvinced. “Even so, I don’t know anything about my magic. If everypony thinks I can heal them, I’ll have ponies chasing me around even if I won’t be able to help them.” Shadow frowned. “That’s true.” He looked up at Cloud “He’s right. It could get really bad. Even if Soul wanted to try and use magic again, we would probably have to keep it secret for a little while.” Cloud mulled it over and nodded. “If anyone asks if you did magic, Soul, we’ll tell them you didn’t do anything - that the mages must have lost their focus and the stone managed to get through.” Soul looked up. “What if that is what really happened. Maybe I didn’t do anything at all.” “If you can’t use magic again, then you’ll know for sure,” Shadow said, “If you can, they we will make sure that nopony figures out. In a few weeks, everypony will just think that the mages just made a mistake. Give it a month or two and they’ll forget all about you.” A knocking on the door made all three of them jump. Rising, Cloud opened the door and let Terra in. The mare carried in a tray laden with mugs and a large loaf of bread. “Here,” she said, placing the tray on the table. “A mug of juice each for the return of an old friend. Also Cloud, father wants to talk to you.” “Better go see what he wants.” Cloud picked up his mug and drained it. “I’ll see you around Soul,” he said, before following a giggling Terra out of the room. “How long has that been going on?” Soul asked. “Those two?” Shadow said, his mouth full of bread. “Almost a year. Cloud plans to marry Terra and inherit the pub.” Soul laughed. “Does her father know?” Shadow smiled. “He hasn’t chased Cloud off yet.” Soul picked up a piece of the dark bread. Made from darker grains and dusted with spices, he bit into it and his stomach made him painfully aware that he had neglected it for an entire day so he ate ravenously. The juice was sweet and welcome after the salty bread. When they had finished, Soul sighed. “With Cloud running the pub, what will you do Shadow?” He shrugged. “This and that I guess. Work for Cloud in the pub, teach his foals how to pick locks. At least we’ll be warm this winter. What about you, got any plans?” “I don’t know. Storm and Breeze said that… OH!” Soul leapt to his feet. “I didn’t meet with them! They don’t know where I am! Oh I am in so much trouble!” Shadow waved his hoof dismissively. “Don’t worry. We’ll find them tonight and once we explain what happened, they’ll be happy you’re alive.” Soul reached into his cloak, finding the money pouch hanging full and heavy on his waist. “Nice bit of savings you have there,” Shadow said. “Storm told me that I can keep some of the money I earn from the mending jobs. Most of the money goes to the rent obviously, but he said I earned this much to use for what I want.” Soul narrowed his eyes on Shadow. “I know how many bits are in there.” Shadow laughed. “So do I and don’t worry. It’s all there. Come on, I’ll help you find them.” Shadow ushered Soul out of the door and into a short corridor. Soul followed him down a narrow flight of stairs into a familiar drinking room. As always, the room was thick with the smell of cider fumes and the constant sound of laughter and chatting mixed with amiable swearing . A large Earth Pony slouched on the bench where the drinks were being served. “Morning Sea Fruit.” Sea Fruit narrowed his eyes at Soul short sightedly and grinned. “Hey there! If it isn’t little Soul.” Sea walked over to where Shadow and Soul were standing. “Not so little anymore. I remember when you used to swipe cider from me. A swift little thief, you were.” Soul grinned and cast a glance at Shadow. “And it was all my idea, too. Wasn’t it, Shadow?” Shadow cocked his head to the side and blinked innocently. “I have no idea what you’re talking about Soul.” Sea chuckled. “Well, that’s what comes with hanging around the Cloaked Dagger. How are your parents, then?” “That’s them.” Soul quickly explained the events of what happened at the stay house, how the nobles stepped in saved them from eviction. Sea nodded sympathetically with the evicted ponies misfortune. Soul had to admit that while the nobles only ever looked out for themselves, if they had one saving grace, it was not throw his family out into the streets. “They’re probably wondering where I got to,” Soul said. “So I’ll just be-” Suddenly the door slammed open. The room quietened and all eyes turned to the entrance. Cloud was there, chest heaving like he had just run a marathon and his brow drenched in sweat. “Oi! Watch the door!” Sea yelled. Cloud looked up and saw Soul and Shadow. Hurrying across the room, he caught Soul’s front leg and pulled him through a door into the pub’s kitchen with Shadow close behind. “What is it?” Shadow whispered. “The mages are searching the slums!” Cloud panted. Soul stared at him with horror. “They’re here?” Shadow exclaimed “Why?” Cloud gave Soul a meaningful glance. “They’re looking for me,” Soul breathed. Cloud nodded grimly before turning to Shadow. “Where should we go?” “How close are they?” “Close. They started from the outer wall, working outward.” Shadow whistled “That’s close.” Soul placed a hoof on his chest. His heart was beating so fast it felt like it was about to rip out of his chest. He felt sick. “We’ve only got a few minutes.” Cloud told them. “The mages are searching every building. They will get here soon.” “Then we’ll have to put him somewhere they have already been.” Soul leaned against the wall, his knees losing strength as the memory of the blackened colt corpse rose before his eyes. “They gonna kill me!” Soul gasped. Shadow looked at him. “No, Soul!” he told him firmly     “They killed that colt…” he shuddered Shadow gripped his front legs “Soul, we’re not gonna let that happen!” Shadow’s gaze was direct and his expression was uncharacteristically stern. Soul stared back, looking for doubt but finding none. “Do you trust me?” Shadow asked. Soul nodded to which Shadow gave a quick smile. “Come on then.” Shadow pulled him from the wall and pushed him through the kitchen, Cloud following close behind. Passing through another door, they stepped out into a muddy alley. Soul shivered as the chilly air quickly seeped into his clothes. Stopping at the end of the alley, Shadow told them to stay back while he check if the coast is clear. He paused only for just a second before coming back and shaking his head. With a wave, he sent them hurrying down the alley again. Stopping at a section of wall, Shadow opened a grille set into it. Cloud gave his friend a doubtful look, before he flattened himself to the ground and slithered through with ease. Pegasi were more aerodynamic than the other pony races to help them fly fast and straight, so he easily fit through. Soul followed and found himself in a darkened passageway. As Cloud helped him to his hooves and pulled him to one side, Shadow slipped through the opening. The grille closed silently, suggesting that it had been recently oiled. “Are you sure about this?” Cloud asked. “The Cloaked Dagger will be too busy trying to stop the mages from finding their stuff to worry about us.” Shadow told them. “Besides, we will not be here long. Keep a hold of my cloak, Soul.” He obeyed, taking a hold of Shadow’s cloak with his teeth. Cloud took a hold of Soul’s cloak. As they started down the passage Soul started into the darkness and felt his heart begin to race. From Cloud’s question, he knew that they had entered The Cloaked Dagger Highway. Using the underground network of tunnels without prior approval was strictly forbidden and Soul had heard many a disturbing tale about the punishments that the Cloaked Dagger dealt to those who trespassed. For as long as Soul remembered, people had always jokingly called Shadow Eye. ‘A friend of the Dagger.’ There had always been hints of fear and respect from their teasing. His father was a prominent member of the Cloaked Dagger so it was possible that Shadow had gained the same rights and privileges. Soul didn’t have proof of that, but he did suspect that Shadow had encouraged speculation on the subject, thus allowing him to keep his position of importance in the Wing Brigade. For all he knew, Shadow had no connections and all Soul was doing was approaching his death quicker. Better to chance a meeting with the Cloaked Dagger above ground than face certain death below. The only solace Soul could take was that at least the mages were providing distraction for him. The way darkened even further until Soul could see nothing but varying shades of blackness, then it gradually lit up again as they approached another grille. Shadow turned into another passage then changed into the total darkness of a side passage. They continued for several turned until Shadow stopped. “They should have been here already,” Shadow murmured to Cloud. “We’ll stay long enough to buy something, then move on. You should get the others and make sure no one has talked about Soul. Ponies might think they can get something out of us by threatening to tell the mages we’re here.” “I’ll round up everypony else,” Cloud assured him, “Find out if they talked and tell them to keep their mouths shut.” “Good,” Shadow replied, “Now, we’re here to buy some powder, that’s all.” Faint noises could be heard in the dark, then a door opened and they stepped out into the daylight. They ended up in a garden and ahead of them, a mare who was watering some flowers caught sight of them, her face turning into a scowl. “Oi! Who’re you?” Soul turned to Shadow who stood up and smiled at the mare. “Come to pay you a visit, Shine,” he said The mare peered down at him. Her scowl vanished and was replaced with a smile. “Shadow! Always good to see you. These are your friends? Welcome! Welcome! Come in my house and have some juice.” “How’s trade?” Shadow asked as they stepped out of the garden and followed Shine through the door into a tiny room. A narrow bed filled half of the room and a table and stove dominated the rest. Her brow creased. “Busy day. Had some visitors about an hour ago. Very noisy they were.” “Robed visitors?” Shadow asked. Shine nodded. “Scared me witless, they did. Looked everywhere, but didn’t see anything, if you know what I mean. The guards did, though. I’m sure they’ll be back, but when they do there’ll be nothing to find.” She chuckled. “Too late then.” She paused as she set water boiling on a stove. “What you here for, then?” “The usual.” A wicked gleam appeared in Shine’s eyes “Planning a few late nights, then? How much you offering?” He smiled. “You owe me a favour, if I remember.” Shine’s eyes narrowed. “Stay here.” She disappeared out the door. With a sigh, Shadow dropped down onto the bed. “Relax Soul,” he told him. “They’ve been here. They won’t look again.” Soul nodded. His heart was still racing and his stomach was uneasy. Taking a deep breathe, he allowed himself to lean against a wall. As the water boiled, Shadow helped himself to a jar of bright powder and heaped spoonfuls into the cups Shine had left out. A reassuring smell began to waft through the room. “Guess we know now one thing for sure, Soul.” Cloud said as he took the cup that Shadow handed him. “What?” Soul asked. “Whatever you did must have been magic. They wouldn’t be searching if they didn’t think it was, would they?”     With an impatient gesture, Bright Spark banished the moisture from her robes. Puffs of steam billowed from the cloth, causing the guards to shy away. Then, as an icy gust of wind swept away the mist, the four men returned to their places. They walked in formation - two beside her and two behind. A ridiculous precaution. The dwells weren’t stupid enough to attack them. Besides, if they did, Bright Spark knew it would be the guards who would look to her for protection. Catching a pensive glance from one of the men, Bright felt a twinge of guilt. At the beginning of the day, they had been nervous and deferential. Knowing that she would have to put up with this for the rest of the day, Bright had made an effort to come across friendly and approachable. To them this was like a holiday - infinitely more entertaining than standing at one of the gates for hours on end or patrolling the streets. Despite their eagerness to break into smuggler’s stores and warehouses, they hadn’t been much help in the search. She didn’t need anypony to force locked doors or open shipping boxes, and the dwells had been helpful, even if reluctantly. Bright sighed. She’d seen enough to know that many of these people were well accustomed to hiding what they didn’t want found. She had also seen many smothered smiles on the faces that watched them. What chance did a mere hundred mages have of finding one ordinary-looking foal amongst thousands of slum dwellers? None at all. Bright Spark clenched her jaw as she remembered Lord Magic Shield’s words from the previous night. How would it be if one of us was discovered dressed as a grovelling beggar? We would be ridiculed through Equestria. She snorted. And we’re not making fools of ourselves now? A pungent smell filled Bright’s nostrils. She glared at the sewage choked gutter. The people standing beside it shrank away hastily. With an effort, she made himself take a deep breath and school her expression. She did not like to frighten ponies. Impress them? Yes. Inspire awe? Even better. But not terrify. It disturbed her how these people always shied off the road whenever she approached, then stared at her as she passed. The fillies and colts were bolder, following her around but quick to get away if she looked at them. Mares and stallions, young and old, regarded her warily. All looked hard and cunning. She wondered how many of them worked for the Cloaked Dagger. Bright Spark froze. The Cloaked Dagger. The guards skidded to a halt and looked at her questioningly. She ignored them. If the stories were true, the Cloaked Dagger knew more about the slums than anypony else. Did they know the location of the foal? If they didn’t, could they find him? Would they be willing to help the order? Perhaps, if the rewards were lucrative enough… How would the other mages react if she suggested bargaining with the Cloaked Dagger? They’d be horrified. Outraged. She looked at the shallow, stinking trench that served as a gutter. The mages would look more favourably on the idea after a few days in some of the worst parts of the slums. Some areas were surprisingly well kept for where they were, but they were not anywhere near the standards of the inner districts. The more Bright Spark mulled it over, the more it made sense. The longer she postponed it, the easier it would be for her to get approval. But every second that passed gave the foal more time to hide himself. Bright Spark pursed her lips. It wouldn’t hurt to see if the Cloaked Dagger were willing to bargain before she took the idea to the order. If she waited for approval, and the Cloaked Dagger were uncooperative, then a lot of time and effort would be wasted. She turned to face the eldest of the guards. “Captain Iron Shield. Do you know how to contact the Cloaked Dagger.” The Captain looked stunned that she was asking such a question. To his credit, he recovered well. “No, My Lady,” he said. “I do, My Lady.” Bright turned to face the youngest of the guards, Bronze Lance. “I used to live around here, My Lady,” he said, “before I joined the guard. There’s always ponies that can get a message to the Cloaked Dagger, if you know where to look.” “I see,” Bright Spark thought this over. “Find one of those ponies for me. Ask if the Cloaked Dagger is willing to work with us. Report directly to me and no other.” Bronze nodded before looking at his captain. The older stallions mouth tightened as if he wanted to argue, but then nodded. “Get to it.” Bright watched as Bronze disappeared down the street before she turned away and continued walking, her mind absorbing the possibilities. A familiar figure walked out of a house slightly ahead of her and she smiled as she noticed her friend and fellow guide to the princesses: Winter Sun. The mare stopped, the wind catching her cloak so it swirled around her. Bright Spark?   Winter’s sending was faint and uncertain I’m here. Bright Spark sent a quick image of the street to the other mage, and a sense of nearness. Winter turned and straightened up as she saw Bright coming, her eyes looking haunted. “Any luck?” “No,” Winter shook her head. “I had no idea what it was like out here.” “Some areas are better than this,” Bright tried to reassure her friend “But it’s like a changeling warren out here.” “Well, there’s that, but I meant the ponies,” Winter gestured to the crowd. “Conditions in this part are so bad… I couldn’t have imagined…” Bright shook her head. “I know it’s awful, but we have to keep going. Anyway, we have no chance of find the foal, there are too few of us.” Winter nodded. “Do you think the other’s fared better?” “If they had, they would have contacted.” “You’re right,” Winter frowned. “It occurred to me today that the foal might not even be the city. For all we know he could have fled the country by this point.” She shook her head. “I fear you are right. I am done here. Let us report back to the princesses, maybe where we have failed, they can succeed.”