I watched the sails of the Ragnarok approach. The hurricane damaged it greatly, knocking the front mast off and thus inhibiting its mobility. My head rested on the knuckles of my bruised and bleeding right. The wet sand was soft enough to be comfortable, but the two that were with me on the shore made my body tense.
Spitfire's corpse was just a few meters away from me. Her face was pale now, though it was still tranquil in death. The sword was no longer in her heart as my hand wrapped itself around the pommel. It was a brilliant piece of weaponry. The blade was thin, but the sharpest I had ever seen. Its handle was made with Arabic steel and lined with gold lacing. How Spitfire acquired such a weapon had been the rumor of many Assassin Dens. I could only assume it was the decorative sword of some rich Templar.
I spun the pommel, making the tip of the blade make a hole in the sand. I was conflicted on whether to take it or leave it with the Assassin Huntress. I was also conflicted on whether to bury Spitfire or not. She believed herself noble in her own eyes while she massacred those who stayed with the Assassins. Some of my friends died at her hands. And then there was Vinyl. Just because Vinyl did not die should not mean I could not take revenge. Well, my revenge was had. I felt no better because of it. In fact, I could only feel guilt whenever I glanced at her still face. I felt pain when I see her Assassin robes, made in such vibrant yellow and blue tainted by the red of blood. Even though her hood was lined with the Templar cross, she still retained the outfit she wore when she was an Assassin.
"Maybe she was still an Assassin at heart." I suggested aloud.
My thoughts quickly disagreed with the statement and I shook my head. The other presence on the shore was Valor. The blue aura sat next to me, constantly wiggling its toes playfully. When I looked at it, it would stare back with the dark blue versions of my own eyes. It was unnerving, to say the least, but I knew the shard was no threat to me.
"Valor is never alone." It said happily.
"Yes, yes, I know. Do you say anything else?" I questioned tiredly.
"This one is Valor."
"You've said that many times already! Say something else.
"Valor?" It shrugged.
My hand soon met my face in exasperation. Valor's face saddened and the aura kicked the sand in frustration. It was like dealing with a young child. A child with an extremely small vocabulary. My hand tingled slightly with its movement. I had already grown accustomed to the shard nestling itself in my palm. It was like how one would toss and turn in bed to become comfortable. At first it was annoying, than it became no more obtrusive than the beating of your own heart.
The masts of the Ragnarok cast a shadow over us. It always amazed me how close such a vessel could be to the shoreline. I saw two familiar figures climb down the ship and waded to me. I did not do so much as wave a nonchalant hand at them.
"Hey Tavi!" Vinyl called. "I see that ya made it."
"That storm was awesome! I hope we get another soon!" Rainbow said determinedly.
"Good to see you both." I said softly. "Valor and I are just resting here."
Rainbow lifted an eyebrow. "Valor?"
Rainbow jumped back when she noticed the blue aura. Her eyes darted to me and then back at the spirit. Valor waved a hand at the Bearer. Rainbow answered the wave with one of her own, though it was quick and short.
"You took the shard?" Rainbow questioned loudly.
"It was an accident. I grabbed it when it was falling off the ship. And it was for the best. Valor has already saved me multiple times."
I pointed at Spitfire. Vinyl nodded, obviously impressed with my work. Rainbow still was in a confused state and blinked at the dead Wonderbolt before looking back at me.
"Well, that makes every 'Bolt dead. Soarin was lost at sea when the water devil struck the ship."
"How did you escape that monster?" I inquired.
"Ya should thank Neo for that." Vinyl chuckled. "He was quick to get off The Maiden and out of the devil's way. Rainbow and I had to climb the main mast to stay above the water as the ship sank. Then he came back and we hopped aboard."
"Did you ever think I was lost?"
"Nope. I've learned that you don't die easily. Some water is nothing for ya." Vinyl patted my shoulder.
"Well, we should get going. Celestia's gotta be pissed with us after we left her." Rainbow said and started to head back to her ship.
Vinyl and I were alone. I spun the sword once more. Vinyl sat down next to me in the sand. A creeping grin was on her lips. I could tell she was thinking of something that amused her.
"So, that's the end of Spitfire. We don't have to worry about her no more. Heh. I may miss the encounters." Vinyl mused.
"I won't. Vinyl, was Spitfire evil?" I asked.
"Hell yeah!" Was the reply. "I mean, she butchered lots of Assassins. Killed some too."
"We've done that to Templar. At this point, the killing of another is the norm. I think she's just a soldier in this war. She played her part, no doubt. She wasn't the boss or even second-in-command."
"Well, she's gone now. That's all we know." She paused. "Ya ready to go to Canterlot and finish this? We get to see home again."
"Yes. I doubt we will receive a warm welcome though. Who knows what Twilight has in store for us.
"Pfft. It should be Twilight who worries...about us! She wouldn't even know what hit her."
I lifted myself over the railing and planted my feet on the deck. The ship was not as lively as usual with all of the losses. All of the familiar faces were tired or saddened. Only a few smiles reached my way as I passed them. Rainbow and Neo were chatting up on the forecastle. I was about to join them when a voice uttered my name.
"Octavia..."
I turned on my heel to see Empress Celestia standing before me, her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed. She was soaked and her dress was in shambles. Her fingers impatiently tapped her arm and her frown completed the overall indignant look.
"Your Highness!" I croaked. "How...How did you get here?"
"I had a friend pick me up." She said simply.
A goat head rested on the Empress's shoulder. The snake-like body wrapped itself around her torso and right leg. A small lion pay and gryphon claw soothing placed themselves on Celestia's bare arms, gently rubbing them up and down. A devilish grin laughed at me and bright yellow eyes peered at me. Discord was hugging the Empress tightly, but she did not seem to mind.
"Hello again, my dear." Discord grinned. "I see that you have forgotten your mission and left Tia on an island! How dreadful! How inconsiderate! Luckily, Uncle Discord could teleport her away. Like a knight riding off into the sunset, I swept her away and through the raging storm. It was almost romantic, wouldn't you say, Tia?"
"Not quite, but close." Celestia giggled and her cold stare lifted. "Oh, Discord, it wasn't that bad. They had good reason to run off like that."
"Wasn't bad? Tia, they left you! You could have starved there." Discord pointed out.
"Heh, it wouldn't be my first time in a survivor situation. I'm not a damsel in distress, dear."
"History says otherwise."
"No, your interpretations of history say otherwise. I have always handled myself, thank you."
"Ahem." I interrupted. "Have you two had the talk you wanted so badly?"
"Of course." They said in unison.
"Discord and I talked about how your Brotherhood and the Templar are going toe-to-toe at the moment. Of course, he sees it all as fun drama, as he doesn't need to worry about a whole empire. I however, must worry about what you people may do to my country! Ah, but we feel the climax is approaching. I informed Luna about this feeling and she also agrees. The Bearer of Honesty and Twilight had a battle yesterday."
"What? Twilight's made her move?"
"Apparently so." Celestia nodded. "The Bearer of Honesty...what's her name? Applehack? Yup, Applehack, was injured. A collapsed lung, says my Sister. Twilight ran to the Palace in a less-than-well state. She seeks refuge there at the moment with Sunset. Luna won't be coming down here like planned because of these new developments. She plans on speaking with the two girls. They have a chance to stop what they are doing and surrender. I hope they do before it gets any worse out there."
"Huh. Guess that means we need to get to Baltimare fast."
Rainbow reached my side. She had been behind me the whole time without me knowing, so I was a little startled by her sudden appearance. I visibly jumped away from her with my arms in a defensive, yet helpless, posture. This brought on the attention of the everyone present, including the wandering crew. I paused a moment to regain my dignity.
"Now, I've only seen your ship since the hurricane." Celestia continued with uncertainty. "Do you know what happened to the Solaire and its escort?"
"We have only seen the Solaire." Rainbow said. "About a mile that way. Captain Lulamoon was searching for you."
"Then I'll contact her. I'll be back." Celestia walked into the captain's quarters and shut the door behind her.
Discord was left with us. He watched the Empress carefully until she vanished from sight. His devilish grin disappeared at her absence and a low growl emitted from his long throat. He was clearly upset about something. It took me but a moment to realize what it was. Rainbow knew before me as she smiled at him innocently.
"Uhh....Hey Discord." She tried to remain positive.
"You left her." He growled. "You left Tia on an island and in the shadow of Tirek's temple. Was that what I told you to do?"
"No..." Rainbow and I said together in regret.
"That's what I thought."
He stood on his back legs and shook his head at us disappointingly. His front legs were crossed and his snake tongue was held out in an odd manner. I was not as afraid as I should have been. Celestia was still there on the ship, but this was the Lord of Chaos who was upset at us for leaving his former lover on an island.
"We didn't mean anything by it." Rainbow croaked.
"Mhm, whatever." He snarled. "I should have expected something like this from you. This isn't your first time messing up my orders, Rainbow."
"Well, I ain't your puppet." Rainbow shot back. "I may be a Survivor, but that doesn't mean I can do everything you want."
"That's precisely what it means..." He whispered absently.
"Discord! Watch what you do."
The Empress returned from the quarters. Her radiant cheeks were still vibrant despite the frown on her countenance. Discord visibly shuddered and cursed under his breath. He was not going to make any moves with her around. I sighed in relief at this discovery. The Empress placed a hand on Rainbow's and my shoulder.
"Trixie is coming this way. Luna was a little late on the daydream message. Once she arrives, we shall sail for Baltimare."
I nodded in acknowledgement at Celestia's information. She looked at both of us before her eyebrows twisted in thought. Her eyes darted to my hip and then to Rainbow's. She was searching for something on our person.
"Where is Valor?" She asked.
I did not want to hide it from her. I showed her my palm. "I grabbed it in the hurricane and it accepted me." I explained.
Discord began to laugh and Celestia placed a head on her forehead. I could see disapproval in her eyes, but she did not utter anything against my accident. Instead, a chuckle began to faintly rise in her throat. Suddenly, she snapped her graceful fingers and a bright spark flew out of the sound.
"Show yourself, Valor." She ordered calmly.
The shard tingled in my palm and my began to glow. Valor stepped out of me peacefully. The spirit first turned to me with confused eyes before gazing at the Empress. To my surprise, the aura bowed to the Empress. Even Discord looked surprised at this.
"This one is Valor."
"Please to meet you, Valor. I am Empress Celestia, Bearer of Wisdom, at your service."
The aura cocked her....its head at the Empress. She smiled in return, showing off her pearly whites. Discord stroked his goatee and his brows furrowed. Rainbow shrugged at it all. Vinyl, who had finally made her presence known, inspected the aura with curiosity.
"Valor is never alone."
"That is all it ever says." I gestured at the aura. "It's like speaking with a child who doesn't know how to talk."
"That's because it is." Celestia nodded. "Valor was not in the temple when Luna and I last visited. That means its creation was after that. Since I was most likely the first to ever touch it, it knows me. You are its first user, thus it is basing its entire worldview, knowledge, and personality off of your memories."
"Shards are not born with their own personalities." Discord jumped in. "They get them through their Bearers or users. That's why old shards are so unpredictable. A past user may have developed the personalty of a shard to be quite....destructive." He purred.
"So that is why she...it is not messing with my head like an Element of Harmony would?"
"Well, it still could, but yes." Celestia said. "Though Elements always have more mental presence in one's mind. They are more powerful, so it should not be a surprise."
Valor crossed its arms. It was not until then that I realized my own arms were crossed and that the aura was imitating me. I lowered my arms to see if the spirit would follow suit, and in less than a second it did. For some odd reason this annoyed me and I huffed indignantly.
"Is there any way to remove it? I rather not risk infection of my mind." I stated.
"There's a pretty simple way to remove it." Discord chuckled. "Just chop your hand off."
"He's right." Celestia nodded. "There's no other way to force it to remove itself."
"Wait." Rainbow jutted in. "What about how Elements forsake Bearers? You said something about that."
"It won't work unless it's sincere. An Element of Loyalty or any Element knows when its Bearer is purposely acting the opposite of its values. I have no doubt it's the same with shards."
Having that option eliminated threw away any hope of me returning to my normal state. This shard was a permanent addition to my being. I could only curse and walk away. Valor followed me, acting as innocent as usual. Vinyl raised a brow at me as I walked passed her, grumbling all the while. Discord senile giggling echoed across the Rangarok's cracked deck. As I went below deck, his laugh was all that I heard.
The Ragnarok crawled across the now calm waters to the ECS Solaire. I had finally shown my face again to the crew members and my friend. Valor had entered my person and had not removed herself....itself from me. So I found myself leaning on what was left of the railing, grumpily watching Celestia and Discord chat like old friends.
"You should have seen the look on her face." Discord chuckled.
Celestia replied with a cute giggle. It was hard to believe they were lovers, but it was just as hard to believe they were enemies as well. They were just so different. Discord with his insanity and her with her calm and motherly demeanor. I guess he could be compared to an odd uncle if Celestia was the mother.
A gangway was drawn from the Empress's to the Gryphonian brig. The weight of the gangway actually broke the old board it landed on, making Rainbow curse loudly. Some of the pirates were also displeased with the Equestrians' carelessness.
"Out of the way! Trixie must speak with Her Highness immediately!"
To my displeasure, Trixie walked down the gangway like she was royalty. The Royal Guards that accompanied her were on either side, their light armor glistened in the light. The light blue haired woman went straight to the chatting Empress.
"Your Highness! I have arrived after receiving a disturbing message from your Sister. Trixie cannot believe these fools would leave you on an island during a hurrciane."
"Captain Lulamoon..." Celestia began.
"No need Your Highness! Trixie will deal with these criminals herself."
"What are ya babbling on about?" Rainbow stormed in. "You let the Templar come right at us and your damn Empress! The only one who should be punished is you!"
"How dare you!" Trixie hissed. "I did nothing of the sort. I would never let such a threat reach my Empress."
"Well, then how do ya explain all this?" Rainbow gestured at the Ragnarok. "We all almost died! You let them come straight to us, kill my boys, and take our prisoner! There's no way your giant ass ship couldn't have blown them to bits from half a kilometer away!"
"She's right Trixie." Celestia said softly. "You were negligent on defending our allies."
"Allies?" Trixie spat. "Your Highness, they're pirates!"
"And bloody good ones at that." Celestia replied. "You have no excuse, Captain."
"Trixie can't believe this. My Empress, who I have devoted my life to, will cast me away without a thought? These pirates have done nothing but raid our ships. Rainbow Dash is a wanted criminal! Do you realize how many ships she has sunk without mercy?"
"Yes." Celestia nodded. "She tried to take the Solaire out one time."
"Oh yeah, I remember that." Rainbow smiled at the memory.
"Then can you explain the meaning of this?" Trixie demanded.
"We have enemies far worse than Rainbow and her tiny Assassin fleet." Celestia told her. "It's better that we make them our allies."
"Celestia, you have lost your hea-"
"Quiet!" Celestia stood up and sized up the Imperial Captain. "You are about to overstep your boundaries. Cease! It does not matter if you disagree with my methods at the moment. I know with all my knowledge gained from hundreds of years that I am in fact the better person to lead this operation. You must remember that you are nothing compared to most who are present. I would suggest some humbleness and let others lead for once."
Trixie and fell silent. Her eyes refused to look up and she stared at the deck. Her head slowly nodded in fearful understanding. Most of those who watched the Empress lass out were silent as well. I was left in awe by the retaliation and suddenly felt a little bit of pity for the Imperial Captain, though I knew such pity was misplaced.
"Forgive me..."
"You already have been." Celestia returned to her soothing voice. "Now I shall instruct you....Please lift your eyes."
Trixie did as she was told and Celestia continued. "Canterlot may be in danger. Our enemy, though young and foolish, may be a great threat to our capital. We must return there and they will no doubt be expecting us."
"Your Highness, the...the Crystal Republic. Your Sister wouldn't approve." Trixie reasoned weakly.
"We have had that discussion. Luna is allowing me to return. The Crystal Republic does not seem to have hostility towards us anymore. A war may have just been avoided."
"Then it shall be done." Trixie bowed. "We sail to Baltimare."
"Hold on!" Rainbow jumped in. "My boys would like to stop at Sepulchre first. We lost a lot of good lads and lasses. We must remember them."
"We shall escort you there then." Celestia nodded. "Then off to Baltimare."
I was impressed by the new alliance we had created. I never believed such a thing could be accomplished. I suddenly felt Valor tingling in my hand again.
"Valor is never alone."
"I get that." I muttered aloud.
"Will you ever leave Valor?"
I paused. She had finally spoke more than those two blasted sentences. The words rung in my head like a distant echo. What did she mean? After a moment, I risked an answer.
"No, I won't."
"Thank you."
I was still confused by the sudden broadening of vocabulary. I was left in my thoughts as Trixie and Celestia discussed plans among each other. Did Valor fear being left behind? Did she....it fear being separated from me? Well, I was not going to remove it for some time. As long as there was a certain future of battling, I could use such powers, especially against the Bearer of Magic.
~