//------------------------------// // An encounter with a long lost follower... // Story: The Endless // by BloomingStar //------------------------------// THE NEXT DAY While planning to know to where they should go next, Shard and Venang examined the stone that they recovered from the Steep Marsh. The words that were written in the stone were too complicated and not understandable to them. The words were possibly be draconequus language and it might be holding either clues about it, a brief statement of the race's history, or maybe a power that the two or one of them to absorb. "What could these words mean?" Venang asked. "No clue, these words could mean something historical," Shard guessed. "I hate history," Venang frowned. "I know, but it might be it. How about we punch it?" he suggested. "What? I'm not letting my hoof get broken by a hard rock," she said. "Just a minor punch will do, okay?" he pleaded. The filly gave out a sigh before giving out her answer. "Alright, let's do it," They punched the stone, causing a glowing light emanating from it unexpectedly. There was a loud bang as they were pushed back against the wall by force. They noticed the stone, starting to hover as it released some sort of mist around it. Not seeing that it would be friendly, the duo got up to their hooves, preparing to defend themselves as they readied their abilities. "At ease, young ones. I have no intentions to battle," it said. "Did it just talk?" Venang asked. "Really strange, but we should listen to it," Shard declared. "Okay," she nodded. "I wish only to speak with you, Shard Vine, son of Lucra," it stated. "Okay, what do you want to say to me, cause I will tell my partner here to turn you into carbon dioxide if you will try to test our patience," Shard declared. "I will.." it said it began explaining. "Firstly, in introductions, I am known as one of your mother's followers. I was exiled from the tribe went to that island to seek refuge, then got captured and turned into one of them. The reason why I am here to speak with you is because I sensed you, young pony. Been so long now I sensed a powerful being in this world. I understood that you having an adventure with your friend here, correct?" "Yes," "I believed that you two wished to learn more power and secrets from our tribe. As I completely understand your intentions to defeat your own kin to protect your beloved ones, I must give you two for the very least, a piece of direction that you two can search for more strength," it stated. "Okay, say it," Venang nodded. "On the northeast of your position, there is a large island called 'Shimmering Dawn'. It is where the sun shines on its nature, grassy plain areas to ever feel, and the water there when the sun shines down on it, it shimmers like sparkles. Quite a beautiful place to live a normal life there, would you agree?" Shard and Venang looked at each for moment. "What do you think, Venang?" Shard asked. "Well, if the mysterious mist said is true about the place being beautiful and sparkling waters, I would love to go there," Venang said with a smile. "If it makes you happy, then I'm happy too," Shard replied happily. They turned their gaze back to the mist. "Alright, we'll take a look at this island you mentioned," he said. "I appreciate your response, young one. In the island, there is an artifact there that I believe can be of use for you and your companion for your future endeavors. It is located in a shrine created by our ancestors from the past centuries. You two will need to search deeper in finding it for the area is large along with its forest. Possibly can face trouble, but I have full confidence that you two will handle anything," it added. "Thank you, mysterious mist," Venang grinned. "Much obliged, young thestral. Now, I must go to the land of spirits to be with the council once more," it said as it was starting to fade away. "Wait!" Shard shouted, "I just have one question to ask!" The mist stopped subsiding. "Yes, what is the information your heart seeks?" "Is my mom still alive? Since you are her follower, I would assume that you know her current status," he asked. ... "I regret having to tell you this, but I have no answers to where she might be. She lost connection to us ever since you were born," it explained. The colt looked down in disappointment, growling weakly. "I suggest you continue your search about her whereabouts. Farewell, children!" it bellowed as it faded to be no longer seen. Venang looked at Shard, seeing his eyes glowing light blue and his teeth changed into pointy like pencils. He must be so furious of not getting the answer he needed to find her mother. He must be missing her so much as flames were starting to appear from his eyes. The filly placed her hoof at his shoulder, causing him to slowly turned his gaze to her. She began speaking, "Shard, we will find your mother. Maybe in the island, it could contain any clues about her. I'm right behind you. Promise, " she said. Shard's eyes returned to normal as so as his teeth. He sighed heavily and replied. "I hope so, and thanks for comforting me," he replied, feeling a little better. "Your welcome," Venang smiled as she kissed him on the cheek. After a while for a short rest, they looked up in the sky, seeing it was still daylight, they decided to begin their next move. "I think it's time we set sail on the beautiful island, eh?" he asked. "Agree, let's go," she nodded. The two began getting the ship running again, setting sail onto northeast to Shimmering Dawn. Facing more enemies and suprises. They were in full determination to attain more power and search the whereabouts of Lucra. If there were ever any clues in the island, Shard will not hesitate in searching for them to find his beloved parent. SOMEWHERE IN AN UNKNOWN LOCATION A hooded mare wandering in a plain area, looking at an unknown shrine that had a strange symbol on it. She noticed something approaching her, so she immediately turned around to see a foggy mist. "Did you tell him?" she asked. "Yes, I gave him and his friend the location of this island, but not yours, Wretched Fiend," it replied "Very good. Now, be with the council, minion," she declared as she cast a portal on the mist, sending inside it quickly. The hooded mare sighed deeply, looking at the shrine's logo while saying to herself, "Eter, I hope you've improved lately. I believe in your power to change our future," she again sighed in hoping of what she said would be true. TO BE CONTINUED