//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: Long Way Gone // by DiscordsAdvocate //------------------------------// Honorable mention goes to treg388, Tacotown, and refferee for completing the punchlines to the jokes in Chapter 8! You win pinkie points for laughter! And speaking of jokes! Hey, Pinkie! How many editors does it take to screw in a light bulb? Pinkie: Only one; but first they have to rewire the entire building! :D Thanks again frieD195! Morning came and after a hardy breakfast, the group returned to Ponyville. They were welcomed by Princess Celestia and the remainder of the mane six. Princess Celestia greeted them. “My little ponies, let us go to Twilight’s. We have something to discuss. You too Darius.” She said as they trotted inside the big tree, with Darius and Spike in tow. The mood changed from pleasantry to serious as Princess Celestia took a deep breath. “Darius, have you told my little ponies what is going on?” She asked. Darius hesitated. “I am sorry, Princess. I kept the detail of the Wyrm from them, and only recently confessed it to Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash.” He looked apologetically to the other three ponies. “You three have my apologies for this, I hope you can forgive me.” “Wyrm? That horrible beast Darius told us? Oh dear, I think I already know what this entails.” Rarity gulped. Celestia nodded sadly. “It is right on the other side of the Nothern Ley Line.” That elicited a gasp from the mane six and spike as well. “I’m sorry, everyone, I will be needing you and Darius to be ready for the danger ahead. This will not be like your trials with Discord, or Nightmare Moon. The Wyrm is indeed a violent and malicious creature, and destructive.” Her horn glowed and the elements of harmony appeared on each of the ponies. “But there is hope. Darius, you have learned the magic of the Elements of Harmony. But I have a confession. Although we are sure a joining will result from this new magic, we are not sure what it is, nor how it will manifest itself.” “I think I am the one meant to figure that out.” He replied. Celestia nodded. “I hope you do, Darius. It has been a long time sense me and Luna created a new magic. I would encourage you to consider it an honor if I was not asking you to do this while the world is in danger.” She looked at each of the mane six. “This time Luna and I will be joining you. I don’t know the extent of the Wyrm’s power, but it will be a violent struggle, I regret.” She projected an illusionary image with her horn. “This is what it looked like when last we did battle.” “I see he hadn't changed in thousands of years.” Darius glared at the visage. Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind the couch shaking. “H-how are we supposed to deal with that monster?” Darius stepped forward. “In any way we can. But I must insist that you leave the physical combat to me and the princesses.” He saw Dash getting mad. “Dash, I’m not asking you to stay behind. But I am asking you to accept that you can’t match The Destroyer physically. This isn’t some dragon you can buck around until he falls. My joining just barely gave me a chance to beat it, and it wasn’t at its full strength when we met. Now it’s had several days to recover.” Celestia added. “As I told Darius earlier, Luna and I want to finally end this cycle of violence. Each time Entropy is dispatched, its spirit reforms its body after one hundred years. Therefore, we shall use the Elements of Harmony to stop it once and for all.” The princess explained. “I, Luna, and Darius will hold it at bay to buy you time to use your elements.” She took another deep breath. “Are you all ready?” Dash fluttered beside Darius. “Heck yeah!” “I’m not lookin’ forward to watching that monster try an’ hurt you three, but I am with you all the way.” AJ added. Pinkie Pie bounced up and down. “Of course I’m going with. I’m scared like everyone else but what would the world be like without magic if the big scary Wyrm eats it up?” She said hastily. “I for one will not tolerate something so brutish endangering Equestria, or anyone else for that matter. I will go.” Rarity added. Twilight nodded. “As your student and the final Element of Harmony, I will stand with everyone to protect our world.” Fluttershy hesitated from behind the couch, then squeaked. “I-I’m coming.” She sheepishly smiled as she came from behind the furniture. Darius didn’t have to say anything. He was going. Princess Celestia’s horn glowed as Spike hugged the mane six and anxiously watched them step into it. With a final hug from Twilight, and a peck on the cheek from Rarity, the little dragon watched them go as the portal shut. *** On the other side of the Northern Ley Line, the beast opened its eyes. It could feel the Ley Line storm approaching. It slithered its body directly into the Ley Line and roared in pain as the wall of unstable energy syphoned its being, preventing its crossing. But the Wyrm would not be denied. The storm was close, it just needed to endure for a bit longer. Once the storm hit, it will not just pass through the Ley Line…it will use it! On other side, Luna stood stalwart. The other soldiers were told to leave the area and make preparations in case the worst should happen. She then glanced to towards the east at the oncoming Ley Line storm. Then she looked behind her as the portal opened. Celestia, Darius, and the mane six came through. “Sister.” She nervously pointed to the storm. Celestia sighed and looked at the mane six. “No matter what. I am very proud of all of you. If something should happen us both, my friends, please carry on the magic of friendship. Life will go on in Equestria, with or without us.” She said like a loving mother. “Now keep your distance.” Darius stopped Rainbow Dash and put his arms around her. He was about to kiss her but she stopped him. He looked at her confused. “No kissing until we win.” Dash grinned. Darius blinked, then smirked. “We’re about to battle a creature to save the world, and your saying we can’t share a kiss without victory?” Dash nodded, still grinning. “It’s a great motivator, isn’t it? So no selfless sacrifices, okay? We’ll win this together.” She said that with meaning that reached to the Newman’s soul. He looked at her and hugged her. “Okay.” He watched her fly back with her friends. Darius then stood between the princesses. “Princesses, I know you’re not goddesses, but if I may, I want to thank you for everything you’ve taught me.” The storm was yards from passing them. THIS IS IT! The Destroyer opened its gaping maw and bit down on the line as the storm crossed its path! It roared painfully into the bite as the energies coursed throughout its body. Then it moved forward. The princesses stared in horror watching this violent maelstrom of energy hold still right in front of them. Them they winced and yelped. “What is wrong?” Darius asked. “It…its coming.” Luna whimpered. “H-hurting the Ley Line.” Darius looked up to the horror as the giant monster he fought earlier tor through the Ley Line with all its might! The damage to the line itself hurt the princesses as they struggled to remain standing. Darius had no idea how to help them but invoked Light and tried to invoke the elements of harmony to help, concentrating on healing. The magical healing fields coursed from his hands to the princesses. It seemed to work as they regained their composure, looking at Darius surprised. “You learned a joining already?” Luna asked him. “No, but the elements are affecting my magic, that’s for sure.” Darius said. After a moment, the two princesses seemingly felt better. “We are fine now, save your strength, Darius.” Celestia instructed. Darius did so and then looked up bringing forth his blade, invoking both Light and Dark. The giant beast finally made its way through. But something was much different. Its body was no longer outlined by the green aura. Now it was aqua, the same color of the Ley Line. What devilry was this? The ponies could see this thing. It was as unreal as it appeared in Celestia’s spell. It reminded them of the smoking dragon they dealt with a while back, but bigger, and freakish. It coiled its lower half around as it stood towering above them. It had no actual eyes, save the ones outlined by its aura. And its voice shook them to their bones. The ponies banded together to be ready to use the elements when the time was right. “MY ENEMIES: A FAILED AVATAR, AND THE SO-CALLED GODDESSES. HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN, LIGHT AND DARK? DO I STILL HAUNT YOUR NIGHTMARES? DO YOU CURSE HAVING ABANDONED THE NEWMEN TO FIGHT ME ALONE?” It growled, causing the earth the tremble. “Your mind games didn’t work with me then, Wyrm! It won’t work on us here!” Darius replied. The beast looked down upon Darius. “NEW GAME, NEW RULES, NEWMAN. HERE YOU STAND, BEARING NEW MARKINGS. AND THESE WHO STAND BEHIND YOU, AN AUDIENCE TO WATCH YOU PERISH?” “Entropy,” Luna interrupted. “If you came here to talk, then we will talk. But if you are planning to harm the creatures of this land, then we demand you cease your attack.” Said Luna. “This doesn’t have to end this way, Entropy. You are a creature of death and decay. We do not ask you to deny your nature, but destruction can only exist as long as there is creation.” Added Celestia. “We can coexist.” “SILENCE YOUR SELF-RIGHTEOUS RAMBLINGS! YOUR FATE IS SEALED! BEHOLD MY VERY BEING AND DESPAIR! I HAVE THE LEY LINE COURSING THROUGH MY BODY! I SHALL NOT TAKE PLEASURE IN DINING ON ITS ENERGIES, FOR IT IS NOW A PART OF ME!" It roared menacingly. “FOR IF I MUST PERISH, THEN THE LEY LINE FALLS WITH ME!” It grinned. “AND THAT WILL BE THE END OF YOU TOO!” The sisters went silent and looked at each other. It was telling the truth. What an evil fortune, so be it. They then returned their attention to the Wyrm. Celestia spoke. “If that is what it takes to end your reign of terror once and for all, then we will gladly sacrifice ourselves to stop you.” Said Celestia. “Even without magic, the world will go on.” added Luna. The beast glared at them. “SO BE IT! FEEL! MY! WRATH!” It roared and uncoiled itself, lunging at the three. The princesses brought forth their magic and slammed the beast hard with their telekinetic fields, causing it to lunge back. Darius then moved like lightning as he invoked his original joining. The Wyrm growled and began to maneuver quickly. It first thrashed its tail-end at Luna, who nimbly dodged. It clawed at Darius, but only for the Newman to leap over him and land on its backside. Finally, it bit towards Celestia, only for her to magically slam it to the ground. Darius ran up its back, scraping his sword upon its scaly pitch-black body as sparks flew off. He reached its head and sliced off one of its horns. The Wyrm roared and stood up, sending Darius flying back as he landed. The giant beast grew angrier and struck at Luna with a lunging attack. This time it connected, but only served to slam her to the side. Luna quickly recovered and used her magic to shield Celestia as its tail whipped around and smashed against the shield. Celestia teleported behind the Wyrm and magically brought it down again as Darius ran up to its face and stabbed at its eye. It roared as it bit down on his sword and parried it away. It lunged several times to bite him again but Darius quickly backed up and his sword scraped against its sharp teeth to parry it back. The very ground was cracking and breaking below this massive beast. The dragon-like giant darted below the princesses as they attempted to hold down the creature again. It then lunged up in an attempt to bite down on Luna, who kept his mouth open with a shield, struggling to keep him from closing its jaws. It continued its assault trying hard to overpower her, and snapped its jaws shut…on nothing, as Luna teleported and bit down on its tail. The creature gasped painfully as Luna yanked hard and caused the massive beast to flop to the ground…hard, shaking the very earth. The Wyrm opened its eyes and got up. Then glared down at the little ponies. Suddenly there was a magic emanating from them. It went wide eyed in realization what this was. They weren’t witnesses! It had made a dangerous mistake! The eyes of each of the mane six glowed white as their elements flared with them magic of harmony and projected their respective power at the Wyrm. But much to their shock, the Wyrm opened its gaping maw and breathed a maelstrom of aqua-fire. The magic of harmony and entropy magic slammed in the middle before both dissipated. The ponies scattered to throw off its counter attack and then began to regroup. The princesses witnessed this in shock! It just defended against their most powerful magic! The Wyrm glared and opened its mouth for another blast to wipe out these little creatures until it felt a cutting pain on its tail as Darius sliced hard, removing five feet of tail. It roared as Darius quickly ran up its body. It coiled around to get at him but Darius leaped and hung on to one of its fins, then swung up slashed at one of its claws. Sword and claws connected as the beast managed to reach and grab Darius with its other claws. Darius stabbed its hand to loosen its grip. The Wyrm, consumed by intense frustration simply batted the Newman away. Darius landed and rolled hard but got up, despite all his bruises. At that very same moment, the princesses touched horns and formed a silvery magical rope between them. The Wyrm fired a second blast that strafed towards Darius, but was interrupted when the princesses began to entangle the rope around the Wyrm, flying around him at great speeds. Soon its claws were restrained and they tied around its muzzle to keep it from using that hideous fire. With all their might, the alicorns kept the massive beast upright with its underbelly exposed. “Darius! Its heart! Strike its heart!” Luna used her Canterlot voice so he’d hear him over the destroyers audible growls and thrashing. “But the Ley Line! You’ll die too!” Darius shouted back in hesitation. “Princesses! There has to be another way!” Twilight pleaded. “We are sorry everyone! But, for the world, please!” Celestia said sadly, shedding a tear. She was going to miss everypony. Darius grimaced angrily at this prospect, but he could see no other way to stop this creature. He leaped up. “Telmen i lobeeeeee!” (This is the end!) He struck into its underbelly, where he had wounded it during their first battle. The cut opened its belly. He hung on and began to pry it open to get to its heart. But he looked and stopped to gaze in horror. In front of the luminescent heart of the vile creature, was a Newman body shielding it…it was his father! What? How!? He struggled to hold on as he shouted to his dad. “Adon!” It couldn’t be! How did it capture his father? Did he come looking for him? “Adon!” He tried to cut at the bindings, but to no avail. They were of its scales, unbreakable! “Darius, what is the matter?!” Luna shouted struggling with her sister to keep this creature steady. “ADON!” Darius shouted. Suddenly, Manden came to. “Melare?” (Son?) His eyes shot wide open. “Darius!” Manden shouted. He struggled remembering his predicament being captured by the Wyrm, now being used as Newman-shield. “Darius! Hle ancui nenoldna hen esfile!” (It’s too late for me!) Darius struggled at Manden’s bonds. The princesses hold on the Wyrm was weakening as it laughed. “WHAT IS THE MATTER, AVATAR? YOU CANNOT FINISH US OFF? YOU CAN SACRIFICE YOUR GODDESSES? BUT YOU CANNOT SACRIFICE YOUR FATHER!” It snarled. Darius shook his head in disbelief. “Nuiii!” (Noo!) He yelled in his futile effort to free his father. He would have to stab through his father to reach its heart! He couldn’t bring himself to do that! “Melare! Fale silmi! O i-donume fander arpenan!” (Son! You must! Or the world will be destroyed!) Manden pleaded to his son, who was shaking his head. The beast thrashed its head hard, sending Celestia and Luna flying to the ground as they lost their grip. The creature was still tied up, and struggled to undo the bonds as Darius flew out and landed in front of it. The other ponies gatherer around the Newman. “Big guy! What is it? What happened?” Dash asked. “It has my father!” He shouted. “I can’t, I can’t kill my own father!” Now what was he supposed to do? “Everypony, we have to try again!” Twilight ordered as they gathered. They began to shine forth the magic of harmony against the creature. The harmonious energies struck the creature, but nothing was happening! Oh, it was visibly unpleasant for the creature as it winced, but it was resilient. “It’s no use!” Rarity shouted. “It’s body is too strong!” “It needs to reach its heart!” AJ said. “But we can’t get to it!” “ITS OVER!” The Wyrm growled. Its mouth was still tied shut, but it shot out a burst of fire through its nose, which exploded and sent the mane six flying back, but still on their hooves. Darius looked in horror as his friends were nearly killed. He saw the princesses get up from their landing and flew back up. Twilight was right, there had to be another way. It then occurred to him; the joining; the Elements of Harmony. What was it Dash said? “Well, the cool stuff with our magic happens when we’re all together.” He had an idea. It was their last chance. “Princesses!” He shouted. “Restrain it again!” He ran forward. “Ponies! Shine your magic on me!” The princesses had no idea what Darius was planning but had faith he knew what he was doing. They flew over and grabbed each end of the magical rope again, sending their power into it to strengthen the binding as Darius leaped up and stood inside the wound again. Manden saw his son again. “Aqueman falen canesinan!?” (What are you doing!?) “Cautan essa perresh!” (Saving us all!) Darius replied and braced himself, now standing inside the gap. “NOW!” He shouted to his friends. The ponies gathered together and fired their magic towards Darius. The colorful magic of harmony swirled around into a single beam of energy as it struck the Newman. All the symbols of harmony on his body shined brighter and brighter. Then he felt it, his new joining. No, our joining. He activated it and from around his body erupted with the magic of harmony. It suddenly coursed into the being of the Wyrm from its heart and outward. The giant beast made a long gasp of shock, then it unleashed a roar to the heavens. But the energy didn’t stop there. It spread from the Wyrm to the very Ley Line giving him power. The two Princesses landed next to their ponies and watched in amazement as the Wyrm was suddenly drawn into the massive wall of energy, its opaque form fading away. “Darius!” Dash made a break for it and tried to fly inside. “Dash! No!” AJ ran after her. But the two ponies were stopped in their track as a sudden, scintillating wave of energy burst from the center and ran through the entire Ley Line. Everypony, save the princesses shielded their eyes. Finally, after the light faded, the ponies and the princesses looked upon the Ley Line. There was no Wyrm. It was gone. But the Ley Line had changed. Instead of a wall of luminous, violent energies, it was replaced with a serene, translucent, and beautiful field of energy. It was like the aurora borealis, but at ground level! And at the ground, exiting the newly calmed Ley Line walked forward two Newmen. Manden, who’s left arm was slung over the shoulders of his son, Darius to help him walk. Darius looked at his friends and waved smiling. Dash sighed in relief and took off before she stopped in front of him with a gust of air. The pegasi looked at Darius with a joyful smile, and hoofed him in the chest. Darius winced. “What was that for?” “For nearly scaring me.” She answered grinning. Manden raised an eyebrow and looked at both his son and this…female? Then took his arm off and stood on his own to see what would come of it. “Well sorry, I just came up with the idea-” Darius's words were interrupted when Dash flung her hooves around his neck and kissed him on the lips. She broke the kiss shortly after. “And this is for not leaving us.” The pegasi added softly. Darius smiled, closed his eyes and put his arms around her and returned her kiss without hesitation. The two stayed in their embrace for what seemed like an eternity until Manden cleared his throat. They looked at the middle-aged Newman, who had his arms crossed looking at Darius with fox-like grin. “Tel aquemen eldamen canesino, sen buren faler emon ar adon garnthe?” (So what else have you been up to, while worrying your mother and father sick?) He asked, snickering. Darius snickered with him before it evolved into a full on chuckle. The father patted his son on the shoulder proudly. “Eriol autama atanedi i aerunen.” (Well as long as you invite us to the wedding). He looked at Dash and patted her on the shoulder as well with an approving smile, who grinned in acknowledgment and nuzzled Darius happily. “Bet you’re glad we won, huh?” She whispered into Darius's ears and gave it a nibble, causing him to flush. She giggled and brushed her soft tail on his side, making him flush more. The other ponies approached, all glad and relieved things turned out well. *** It needn’t be said the Princesses recovered from their ordeal much faster than the others. During the day-long recovery, Manden was introduced to everypony and all was explained, though Darius had a time translating for him. Regardless, the smith was proud of his son and glad he had a life here. Spike later arrived and was happy that his friends were alive and safe again. The next morning, they were invited to the throne room at Canterlot Castle. Both Manden and Darius were dressed in Newman-tailored elegant fashion for the occasion. Although the style felt a bit awkward, they said nothing for fear of making Rarity upset. In addition, Manden was provided a spell of translation so he could understand their language, and they could understand him. The princesses entered as everyone/pony kneeled down in greeting. “Stand, friends.” Celestia spoke as everyone stood. “I know this isn’t a grand celebration, for none but my family knew of Entropy.” She indicated to Cadence, Blueblood, and the others. “We are not only here to celebrate your accomplishments, but to mourn for Entropy. It is not the way of anypony to take the life of another, and I am ashamed to say we had nearly gone that far. The Wyrm’s existence has now been changed from a ravenous destroyer, to a passive, harmonious spirit that is now one with the Ley Line. It will be some time before it will make itself known, if ever at all. Thus, I ask we claim victory not in its defeat, but that it was given a second chance to exist without harming others, and that we managed to avoid lowering ourselves to its level for the sake of survival.” She said wisely. There was a moment of silence and contemplation of this. Luna broke the silence. “As for all of you, you have shown great bravery and courage. You not only found a way to stop Entropy without resorting to killing, but displayed unrivaled friendship by banding together, despite your fears.” The mane six smiled, along with Spike, Darius, and Manden. “Have any of you something to say for this?” Luna asked. “I have something.” Darius said. He was bade to step forward. “My dearest friends. In this short time, we have gained so much. I have become very close to you all, though closer to one.” He looked and smiled at Dash, who smiled back. “You have shown me a magic that is more than just about cutie marks, Light, Dark, and joining. And I am grateful to have learned it. It was your loyalty, kindness, happiness, generosity, wisdom, and honesty,” As he spoke these words, he gesture to each respective element, “that gave me this gift. I say this to you now because I must return home with my father, and share this gift with my people.” He said. “For now the Wyrm is gone, the Ley Lines can be crossed, the Newmen will want to reunite with the rest of the world. They will need someone to prepare them.” Dash’s expression changed and her ears drooped. “You’re coming back, right?” The other ponies looked concerned as well. Darius kneeled in front of his marefriend. “Yes, of course. I know what is coming up,” He winked. “and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He held one hoof in both hands. “You have my promise, my cherished.” Dash just smiled and kissed him. Being a pony of action, nothing else need be said to that. Manden smiled. “It was good to meet all of you. I know our people will look forward to a brighter future to meet old friends and new friends across our borders.” His enchantment translated. He told Dash. “Don’t worry, we won’t keep him long.” He smiled. “Besides, our family will want to meet you, brave pegasus.” Dash looked at Manden and grinned. “You got it, pops.” Darius chuckled. Celestia cleared her throat to gather everypony’s attention. “To commemorate this better future, our arcane builders have added to the northern watch-post of the Ley Line, a special temple. This temple is magically connected with the ancient temple where the Wyrm originally slept at the borders of Rift. Within both temples are magic circles used to teleport from one to the other, connected by the Ley Line. It is our reward to Darius so he and Manden may return home easier, and perhaps bring their people here to meet us.” She smiled. “Go with our blessings, Manden. We look forward to visiting your people soon.” Manden bowed. “Thank you, princesses. The chantings of my son’s adventures and the truth of your existence will be well received with honor, I assure you.” Luna approached Darius. “Darius. Kneel.” Darius did so. “It is by the power invested in us and my sister, that we knight thee, an Avatar of Harmony, an honor of service to both Equestria and Rift.” She asked. Darius smiled and bowed. “I gladly accept this honor.” There was mutual applause until it was interrupted. “Hey waitaminute!” Pinkie Pie jumped up and landed on her party cannon. How she got it into the palace, nobody knew. “It’s not a celebration unless it’s a party!” She giggled. “So let’s get his party started!” She set off her cannon and in a short moment throne room was decorated with all that was to be expected of a Pinkie Party, including food, music, and fun, much to the delight of everypony in the throne room. From then until noon, the throne room of Canterlot Castle was a center of celebration for joy, friendship, and a brighter future. *** A great temple stood upon a high mountain overlooking a valley at the center of Rift, where the great Newman city stood. Jasmina was dressed in her finest hunting outfit. She prayed between the statues of two goddesses, one of white marble, the other of black obsidian. It had been five days sense Manden had left, but she would not simply wait at home. She would bid the goddesses for his return, and for a small hope her son was still alive. Her attention was turned from prayer as a crowd developed at the entrance to the temple. Several of the great sages exited their chambers at the news they received from the other patrons. They bade the men, women, and children to give the two Newmen room as Jasmina stood a still as the stone she prayed on. She sighed in relief as Manden was the first to appear from the crowd. The smith smiled and stepped aside for Darius to appear. Jasmina was about to faint before Manden rushed to keep her up and standing. She regained her composure and saw her son again. This was no dream or illusion. He was alive! She rushed to her son, hugging him tightly, praising for the miracle of her boy's return. Darius was overjoyed to finally be with his family again. His brothers, sisters, relatives, and grandfather were there with them. He looked around and they were once again surrounded by a growing crowd. Many looked at the new symbols on his body with wonder. There were so many questions asked, but Darius could not answer them all at once. Finally, his grandfather struck his staff onto the stone to silence the crowd. He put a hand on his grandson’s shoulder and led him to the higher step, a place used by chanters of the temple. “Elcanci essen, lastemelare.” (Chant to us, grandson). The wise elder bade him. “Aquedor eldami fale eira?” (Where have you been?). The old man smiled and sat down to let him speak, and everyone else followed suit. Darius took a deep breath at the new task set before him. He let his markings show, which were now naturally golden. No longer were they Light and Dark, but unified in the magic of harmony as everyone gazed in awe. “Telgael audi huin nya elancia, alares. Elcanen alor i-ile, autam huin i-aneste, ar i-ninya alares esse eldami teldor.” (Then listen to my chanting, friends. I shall tell you of the land far to the North, and the new friends we have there.) BUT WAIT FOLKS! THIS ISN’T THE EPILOGUE! THERE IS STILL ONE MORE CHAPTER!