Chapter Six: Order of the Rising Moon
***
I opened my eyes after feeling wind rustling over my extended wings, the familiar weight of my own body being suspended filled my mind, almost making me forget that I had broken my wing. It was nighttime, and the sky was covered in an unending expanse of thick overcast clouds.
Okay, last time I checked I wasn’t flying, or capable of flying, or over blue ground. Wait why is the ground blue?
I peered down far below me to a wide expanse of greenish blue, the ground seemed to be moving and swaying as I flew level.
My stomach lurched, and I instinctively began shifting my level to match the ground, I must not have been flying correctly. But no matter how much I tried, it looked like the ground was moving on its own, in a bunch of different directions as well. Frustrated, I folded my wings diving down to get a closer inspection.
I flared my wings just merely ten or so hooves above the ground and felt a spray of water coat my underside and feathers. My eyes widened upon the revelation and I flapped my wings as hard as I could against the dense air, regaining my altitude once more at a comfortable two-hundredish hooves.
Holy shit that stuff is all water?! I silently exclaimed as I eyed the massive, unending expanse. I breathed in deeply, taking in the… salty air?
Looking towards my right, I saw the water extended until the horizon, so far I began to see the curvature of the planet. The waves seemed to swell upwards and lick the clouds that blanketed the sky above. I blinked a couple of times to try and process the distance I was witnessing.
Snapping my head to the left, expecting the same results, I did a double take and refocused on the sight before me. I angled my wings upwards and spread out my primaries, slowing down and pumping them once more in a hover.
Concrete. Similar in composition to that of Stable 17 though now the building material was erected into the sky as enormous monoliths, dotting the landscape before me. With buildings anywhere in height from one story wooden and stone houses on the outskirts, all the way to metal and concrete titans that seemed to scrape the clouds above.
I knew what this place was. Somehow I remembered from my History of Equestria class that I took back in the MSFC:
"Vanhoover: A port city whose main purpose before the war, was to house all races of equestria. With an economy fueled by the fast growing advances in ocean exploration and travel. The city quickly became a tourist attraction, boasting a brilliant ski-resort, and ocean-side casino for those who braved the frigid northern waters.
During the war, industry exploded with the need for destroyers, battleships and aircraft carriers. The city quickly became a manufacturing hub for naval ships and heavy steel mills to armour the hulls of the giant wonders of war. By the time of the Megaspell launches and ultimately the Balefire bombings, Vanhoover was one of the first casualties of the strike, due to the entire city being a military target.”
I let down on the cracked concrete harbor and took in the massive sights before and around me. Ahead of me, a large dirt hill separated the harbor and military structure from the city. To my right, a straight harbor, standing at least twenty hooves above the water, extended for miles, similar to my left. Over the hill I could barely spot the city, which now lied in near-ruin. When I was higher above, I could see the city proper was a smoldering creator, and all but the civilian areas of the city were devastated.
The coast was tainted with poisoned waters and bubbled with a sickly rainbow hue as it lapped at the harbor walls below me to my left. Skyscrapers were toppled over and leaning into one another. The few that remained standing looked like they would fall over at any moment.
I looked to my right, down the long harbor and still at port was the skeleton of the once mighty 72nd fleet of the Lunar command, floating dead in the water. Bows of battleships and masts of destroyers, poked up from the murky water.
The last remnant of the 72nd fleet was their flagship, the battleship "Crescent Fury" was still at dock, miraculously intact, but grounded forever more onto the beach suffering massive damage to the lower decks. It was beached along the right side of the straight harbor, loading ramps still extended and anchored forever to the ground. I doubted it was even floating, it was probably just sitting on the shallow floor beneath the waters.
The textbooks said Vanhoover was once a bustling city of industry and life, but now it was a silent hollow reminder of the destructiveness of war. Once "The light in the shadow of the smokey mountain", the mighty city now stood a graveyard, overcast in mournful sorrow by the jagged landscape.
Jeez… This place feels entirely dead. And why the buck am I here? Where was I before? I pried my memory to figure out what brought me here.
All that came to my mind was unrelated, a broken wing that felt entirely better, the Stable, the random bits of useless boring history from the MSFC, a bunch of random batponies and the color scarlet.
Wonderful.
Just as I was about to take a step forward to explore my new world, I felt my hoof slip into the concrete as if it were wet mud.
Oooookay. I cautiously removed my hoof, it was completely clean on it’s way out.
I felt a sinking feeling on all four of my hooves, I looked down only to find I was rapidly morphing through the concrete. I quickly went to flap my wings but they were pinned to my sides, I whipped my head around in claustrophobic panic and saw they were bound to my side by concrete slabs, extended from the ground. I tried to yell out in fear, only to find my muzzle blocked by the cement as well.
WHAT THE BUCK IS HAPPENING?! I screamed in my head as I was sucked into the ground at an alarming rate, I felt more and more claustrophobic as my body was completely engulfed.
My last remembrance was looking up into the open skies above, my claustrophobia only being tempted by the freedom of the expansive sky before me.
OOOoooOOOoooOOO
I groaned and opened my eyes slowly, immediately regretting doing so and snapping them back shut from the glaring light. I brought a hoof to my face and blocked the source, daring to open my eyes once more. I waited for my pupils to shrink and adjust to the light and then I finally begun to take in where I was.
I was in the Renaissance Hospital, that was for certain. I lowered my hoof and saw the light was coming from an open window that was immediately to my right, the bed I was currently laying on shared a wall with the window. It looked to be evening outside, the chilly air softly tumbling in made me shiver.
I shifted a bit in my bed to get further under the worn blankets that covered me as I looked to my left. A steel cabinet stood and a vacant bed and open window was further across the lane that ran through the middle of the room. It looked like I was in the back corner of the hospital, probably upstairs judging by the height from the windows.
I noticed the hospital had seen better days, there were bullet holes lining the steel cabinet, followed by a few more in the wooden walls above it. I recalled there being a battle, but I still struggled to remember what put me in my current position.
I felt my ears flick to my right as the soft sound of hooves clopping grew louder. I swiveled my head towards the sound.
“So lad, yer finally up.” The familiar voice of Penumbra spoke to me.
I refocused my gaze onto the dark green mare before me. She looked exhausted, her long periwinkle mane no longer styled, and partially falling before her eyes. For how young she was, it seemed as if she aged a few years from the last time I met her.
Upon her flanks sat a matching pair of fading black saddlebags, obscuring her cutiemark. A semi automatic pistol was holstered on her left foreleg, it looked like there was no magazine in it. The slide near the barrel was caked in a grey residue, the weapon must’ve been fired a tremendous amount. Only three empty magazines were left in their pouches lining her bags.
“Y- yeah, what happened?” my voice croaked, as my eyes snapped back to hers.
Penumbra sighed and sat down at the foot of my bed, dragging a sack with her hoof. She slid the sack next to me and I looked at her questioningly.
“Bone’s dead, yer debt is free and the Night Watch wanted ye to have this. They told me to give it to ye when ye come about.”
I slowly sat up, and groaned from the dizzyness. Reaching down a hoof, I scooped up the bag and plopped it onto the bed before me with a clinking sound. I undid the drawstring and peered inside.
Holy buck! There must be at least a thousand caps in here!
I snapped my eyes back to Penumbra as she gave me a wry smile,
“No, I don’t know why ye received that, all I know is that they want to see ya at the town centre. Something about the late Captain Borealis. ” She spoke softly.
Suddenly the events came rushing back to me, somehow I had lived through the deadpony's bomb. And what did she say about Aurora Borealis?
Penumbra let out a sigh and stood up “Without Bone’s being around I don’t think this hospital is going to keep running right and proper.”
“Why don’t you take over then?” I asked.
“Dammit, I’m an assistant not a doctor, there is no way I can run a bloody hospital!” Penumbra cried out to the ceiling, sitting back down on her haunches.
“I can’t do it Midnight, I was only Broken’s part tyme, buck I’m only nineteen years! I don’t have a home, I don’t have caps… and I don’t even have me family.” Penumbra finished, her words dieing off into a sniffle.
I, for my part, awkwardly sat throughout the emotional outburst.
She’s probably got it worse off than me out here…
Suddenly an idea came to me. I dumped out the caps and split the pile in half, returning half of them to the bag. I figured there were about five hundred in each pile.
“Here, take these caps, try to get yourself back on your hooves.” I smiled and pushed the pile towards the end of the bed.
Penumbra paused her sniffling and looked up to the pile with teary eyes,
"Wh- what? Ye would give up that many caps fer nothing? Just like that?" she shifted her gaze to me, her eyes wet with tears.
“Eh, it’s not like I need them, consider it thanks for patching me up.” I smiled warmly.
Penumbra beamed gratefully. “Ohh! Thank ye Midnight! Really, it means a lot to me. Most ponies wouldn't do something so generous.”
“Well, I’m not like most ponies.” I added.
“Aye lad, that yer not.” Penumbra smiled, scooping the caps into her right saddle bag.
“Maybe, with this money, I can close the hospital down for a bit. It would give me a chance to recuperate meself, maybe go out and find a doctor to run her once more.” Penumbra continued.
I stretched and rolled out of the blankets, bringing myself to a sitting position on the bed.
“Well, with whatever non-existent plans I have, you’re welcome to join me and my marefriend. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your doctor.” I suggested.
Marefriend
“Shit! Where’s Scarlet?!” I blurted out, suddenly remembering my faithful companion.
Penumbra yelped at my sudden change of mood.
“Yer lady friend is okay laddie, calm down!” Penumbra sat on her flank, reaching out with her forelegs.
“Last I heard, the special mane’d mare was headed towards the Rafael air base with the remainder of Distant Horizons, Captain Dusk had immediate orders to report all witnesses to their Commander.”
Special mane? Captain Dusk? Remainder? What about a waffle airbase?
Too many questions tumbled through my mind, I needed to get on my hooves and figure this all out.
“Penumbra, I’m gonna be one-hundred with you here, I have no bucking idea what the hell happened, nor what you said…” I apologized.
“You have a lot to catch up on Midnight. But I’ll take you up on yer offer, I’ll gladly join you.” She nodded happily, hope returning to her features. “Also, call me Penny.” Penny added.
“And if you’re feeling well enough, let’s head over towards the town square, might you forget yer needed there. I’ll explain all that I can on the way, aye?” Penumbra stood up and gave me some space to stand.
“A- aye.” I played with the word.
I scooted off the bed, and realigned myself on all fours once more. I felt surprisingly strong, and had this damn awful itch on my right wing. I instinctively extended it forward and began to preen the feathers.
Wait a minute…
I gave myself some more space to appreciate the wing. The former brace now removed, and a perfectly healthy (albeit itchy) wing greeted my eyes. The feathers were healthy, a bit outa wack, but all present. I carefully extended and flapped the wing. Feeling the feathers catch a good amount and air and push down.
I extended the wing to full span, and began flapping harder, feeling the feathers realign themselves into their proper wind-catching positions. I could feel the euphorius motions, as my body began to lean left from the force. I let out an excited cheer and looked to Penny in glee.
“My wing! Do you see my wing?!” I laughed.
“Aye lad I see you’re wing.” Penny rolled her eyes and continued.
“It wasn’t setting properly, I know what it would feel to loose me own wing, so I did what I had to do. I performed a light surgery on the bone, and drilled two plates of durasteel on either side.” Penny looked down in shame.
“Seriously?” I asked.
“I- I’m sorry mate, I’m no good at this stuff, not compared to Bone. It was, all I could think of.” Penny’s words were sorrow filled, as she avoided my eyes.
“Are you kidding?! This must be the work of a pure genious! I can’t feel a thing!” I exclaimed, leaping into the air with a powerful thrust of both wings, then landing once more with gusto.
Penny let out an eep and hid behind her mane.
“I’m so sorry Midnight! I thought I didn’t damage any nerves!” she wailed.
“Oh! No! Not like that! I mean, I don’t feel any different than I normally would have! Not, that i don’t feel anything! See?!” I slammed my wing into the bedframe to prove my point. Immediately regretting it and yelped in pain. I tucked both wings back in and sat there clenching my teeth.
“Heh… I ferlt thert, shee?” I cringed.
Penny stared at me with wide eyes.
“Do you have no thoughts of self-preservation?! Goddesses Midnight, I believe ye, don’t go slamming yer wing into things like that!” Penny shook her head in disbelief.
“Ugh… You’re starting to sound like Scarlet, you may as well be my marefriend if you keep this up” I waved a hoof, mares.
A light blush kissed her cheeks and she stood up quickly.
“I have supplies for you in the cabinet, yeah, let’s take a look shall we?” Penny quickly turned around and began fumbling with the metal cabinet’s handle in her mouth..
“Oh, thanks for gathering my stuff. That was nice of you.” I slowly trotted to the side of the cabinet, oblivious.
Penny yanked the door clean off the damaged hinges and fell over on the ground. Her light blush deepening in embarrassment.
I hurried over and helped her to her hooves.
“Eh-heh-heh, looks like the cabinet was a bit weak eh?” Penny nervously kicked the fallen door.
“Right! Yer supplies! I kinda of shoved em into this cabinet, needed space an all, yanno?” Penny began to rummage through the contents over-animatedly.
The cabinet was split by a divider down the middle, the left side had empty shelves with the occasional broken vial where bullet holes perforated the wall. Colorful liquids were pooled around the broken pieces and dripped down the shelves. It smelled vaguely of lemons.
Along the right side, there were no shelves, instead a coat-rack-kinda-thing held its place. My saddle bags and Tidus 11 were neatly placed on the floor of the cabinet, my IS-700 was leaning against a wall, and my MSFC uniform was nowhere to be seen. Boxes of ammo, weapon modifications and various medical supplies were stacked along the interior edge. Penny, for her part, was enthusiastically picking up my saddle bags with her mouth.
What really caught my attention, however, was the item hanging on the coat rack. It looked like a digital camouflage shirt, with a light assault vest thrown over the top. The vest had bulges in the chest and side areas. I guess maybe it was a kind of barding used by the pre-war military?
“Er tried ter fold erverytherng fer yer. Er herp yer dern’t mernd” Penny struggled under the weight of picking everything up at once and flashing me a quick smile around the mouthful.
“What is thaaaat?” I pointed to the light-barding, completely ignoring her. It looked cool as buck.
Penny placed my stuff on the ground and followed my stare.
“Oh! That’s some modular light barding I grabbed for ye mate! I didn’t know what kind of protection ye normally used. When they transferred you to this hospital from the field hospital, ye didn’t … have any clothes on… Not that I really cared! I mean ponies never wear clothes anyways? Aye?!” Penny accelerated and rolled her eyes away from mine.
“Anywho, I figured since nopony ever actually uses our modular branding, having fancy all of that black combat barding, maybe ye would take it.”
“What makes it so… modular?” I questioned, modular…. sounds like mold. Ew.
“Well, basically it’s got these ceramic plates all stuffed up inside, covering only the vital parts and saving any lad or lass the extra weight of full protection. There’s this netting that the vest is made out of that ye can attach and remove pouches and pockets as ye see fit.” Penny gestured to the empty ammo pouches and bulges.
Oh, no mold. Good.
“And you got this? Just for me?! That’s so awesome!” I quickly ran up to the vest and began putting it on. I never got to wear the awesome barding okay?
Penny let out a giggle and rolled her eyes again.
“Aye lad, this toy’s all yers. Now hurry, we have places to be!”
I strapped all the buckles down across my chest and stomach with my teeth. My wings fit around a cut out section on the back as I felt the plates slide perfectly around my chest, sides and around my wings.
I noticed a section hung down the left leg with buckles, sporting a hard plastic holster. I grabbed my Tidus 11 and fit it in snugly. Buckling a strap over the handle, securing it in place. I then grabbed my IS-700 and slung it across my back, along with my, pretty much empty, brown saddle bags.
Once I got all my ammunition sorted and magazines stored in their correct places I quickly turned around to Penny and spread my legs in a prowling pose, half extending my wings and shooting her a serious glare.
“So, whaddya think? Cool or what?” I proudly announced, showing off.
Penny stared and traced me with her eyes. Her little blush returning yet again.
“Y- ye look fine laddie, I’ll tell ye that. Mighty fine.” Penny nearly whispered.
“Thanks! Aw buck this is so cool!” I turned around in a circle looking at myself, dropping my cool stallion act.
“Of course Midnight, I’m glad ye like it.” Penny smiled gently.
I turned around to the cabinet again and grabbed the medical supplies and placed them into my saddle bags. As I was about to turn around again, the weapon modifications caught my eye. I saw what looked like half a binocular with little screws on the bottom of it, and a mini flashlight with the same screw set up. The spacing of the screws matched exactly to the rails on my rifle and bottom of my pistol
Oh… So that’s what those are used for.
I didn’t normally need to use a scope, but I figured it was useful to have, the flashlight was good to use though. I placed the scope in my saddlebag and pulled out my Tidus 11 from the holster, attaching the flashlight to the bottom. A little wire protruding from the flashlight was connected to a small button that fit perfectly into a pin-hole cut into the frame of the pistol, right by the trigger.
With everything all set to go, I faced Penumbra once more and gave her a nod. She returned it and we headed down the stairs to the first floor. Upon arrival, the first thing that hit me was the smell.
Blood. And lots of it… Celestia, it reeks.
I clenched my muzzle with a hoof as we passed pools of it. All around the first floor, the remnants of the battle were scarred into the surrounding area. Pools of blood occupied where bodies once lay, turned over beds and splintered desks thrown haphazardly around. This was the remainder of the Renaissance hospital.
Penny and I cantered toward the blown out door onto the streets. The chilly autumn air whipped at my face as I took in a deep breath to clear my nostrils, replacing the sickening iron smell with a faint smokey scent and pine. The sun was setting in front of me, night coming in the next half hour.
“Right, now, let’s head toward town centre, I’ll fill ye in with any questions like I promised. Are ye wings well enough for flight?” Penny asked as she spread her wings, preparing to lift off.
My eyes widened in realization.
I locked eyes with Penny as a sly smile crept along my muzzle. She looked at me with confusion, then jumped in fright as I exploded my wings outwards with one powerful thrust and took toward the skies.
Luna above! How I’ve missed this feeling!
I closed my eyes and locked my wings in a position as I spiraled upwards, feeling myself slow down as I climbed higher and higher. My feathers silently cut the air, only the faintest of rustling to be heard as they straightened out into their proper places.
Never. Have I had such open skies to fly in. And to tartarus if I’m going to pass up on this opportunity just to get to town square in time.
I felt my weight disappear and I opened my eyes, spreading my wings to full span once more, catching myself just as I was about the fall. I rode a gentle air current and lazily flapped my wings as I looked out around me. The cold air rustling my mane and fur, my feathers finally in place, and not a sound to me heard.
The forest was seriously larger than I thought. I was maybe five hundred hooves in the air and I could see an expanse of pine trees all around me, extending to the very edges of the mountain ranges that marked Transylvania. At the tip of the mountain ranges to my right, I could see the hazy monoliths of Vanhoover, barely in sight. Even with my pegasus blood, it was hard to focus on such a distance. I remembered that weird dream I had. What made me know what that place looked like? Was I supposed to go to that battleship?
Ahead of me, my stable, my former home. Carved into one of the mountains. I peered behind me and spotted the neighborhood that Scarlet and I explored, the memories of the raiders replaying in my mind. Yeah, not doing that again.
I looked straight down, and tilted my wings as I circled back around. Penny was only a fraction of her size. She was sitting on her flanks staring up at me with awe.
What? Does she want a show or something?
A thought came to mind and I smiled, yeah, a show she’ll get.
It’s time to put these wings to good use!
I never had this much attitude to work with, let alone this much space! I reached back and made sure my saddle bags and rifle were properly secure. This modular barding was made for flying ponies, everything had a buckle to strap stuff down.
Feeling sure none of my items will clonk some poor buck in the head below, I flared my primaries and did a mid air backflip, folding my wings in slightly at the end of the loop. I began to dive toward the ground at a wicked fast pace.
I’ve never done this before, heck I’ve never flown faster than level flight, but everything felt natural. My wings moved on their own as I willed myself to do what I imagined. Penny became bigger and bigger as I dove at a breakneck speed. I could feel my wings begin to lock up from the compression of the wind.
Just as I saw Penny widen her eyes in realization, I flared out my right wing and spiralled nine hundred degrees in a rapid corkscrew around her, flaring out my left just as my wingtip brushed her mane causing her to yelp in surprise and leveling myself parallel to the ground once more. I rocketed down the street a few hooves off the ground, hearing the woosh of the wind reflected from my wings hit the ground beneath me. Then I suddenly extended my wings to full span and hurled upwards.
How was that? I coyly remarked to myself as I looked back down to Penny.
Her expression of awe now mixed with fear and excitement. Yeah, I’m a show-stallion, kill me.
I rolled inverted and dove back down to her once again, this time with more control in my speed. I flared out my wings in full and flapped powerfully to hover back down next to her. My broken wing feeling perfect, as the day I first flew.
“Holy shite… Midnight. I’ve heard tales of the flight of a pegasus, but to see it with me own eyes! Ye fly so quickly. But without a sound! Ye cut through the air so gracefully. It makes me almost ashamed of me own wings.” Penny excited exclaimed, comparing her wing to mine.
“Aw well jeez, thanks! Your wings aren’t bad either though.” I awkwardly smiled.
The wings of a batpony compared to the wings of a pegasus. Some say that the pegasi have a deeper connection to the passive magic that grants our wings more than just lift. The wind that passes our feathers is shaped, moulded into what we imagine it needs to be. I don’t really believe in that, having seen so many batpony’s fly just as well.
The ponies of my other genetic half’s leathery wings may be heavier and louder, but I bet they have just as much magic as pegasi. Not to mention what other passive magic Transylvanians have when night falls. Night vision, enhanced hearing, keener smell. I guess it just balances out with the keen vision and speed of a pegasus.
“And, seriously, thanks for the help. You know, repairing my wing and all.” I smiled warmly.
Penny blushed again and nodded quickly.
“O-of course! Had I known of what ye were capable of, I would have ignored Bone and done the surgery sooner!” Penny stood up and trotted around me with enthusiasm, looking at my wings.
Penny stopped suddenly and looked to the horizon, the sun having settled and twilight forming.
“But as much as I would like to continue, moonrise is almost here, we need to head to the square! No more lollygagging!” Penny asserted and took off into a hover.
I laughed and joined her in the air.
“Fine, fine, playtime is over.”
We flew towards the town square as Penny began to recite the events that transpired after I fell unconscious. The severity of it all began to settle in as I heard of Borealis’ death, Dusk’s promotion to captain in his place and their emergency meeting at Rafael.
I looked to Penny on my right, and thought of her, Ballpoint, Captain Dusk… These new ponies, no, my new friends. We need to figure all of this out, we need to stick together and stop the Black Daylight at all costs.
I looked to the rising moon in sorrow.
Luna above, is this what this world has become? Death, fear and war? I can’t let this be my future, I can’t let this be our future…
<><><>
I watched as the moon slowly winked above the horizon as the purple sky began to darken. Thoughts of my beloved coltfriend overtaking my mind as I shook my back and readjusted my saddlebags. I shifted my gaze back to Dusk and Ballpoint ahead of me.
We were flying in formation towards the Rafael airbase, we had roughly forty-five minutes before we got there. With me, Dusk and Ballpoint being the main witnesses of what transpired at Renaissance, we had to report to General Falcon immediately, whose home station was Rafael.
I shook my head and tried to clear my mind of Borealis and Midnight, we had a mission and I planned on getting it done as quickly as possible. Hoping to see Middy as soon as I could.
“He’s gonna be fine Scarlet, don’t worry. He’s got our best nurse in Renaissance to look after him, Penny’s got better skill with medicine than any other pony I know, only Broken Bone surpassed her. But not by much.” Dusk fell in pace next to me.
“Penny?”
“Penumbra, she doesn’t really like her full name, she thinks it’s too spooky.” Dusk chuckled.
I nodded silently, only our flapping wings to be heard as we flew high above the forest line.
My thoughts were interrupted by a cash register sound emitting from my pipbuck. I raised my left hoof and navigated to the constantly updating world map.
Black Daylight Outpost
Whaaat, sure, this bloody thing is just making up names for these dumb locatio-
“Eights Bogies, four o’ clock below the horizon. Three by the fire, five by the tents. Looks like maybe a camp of some kind mates.” Ballpoint called from ahead, as he unslung his modified IS-700.
The rifle he used was surely something unique, it had an 18x magnification variable zoom scope, a nickel plated bolt installed for quicker rechambering, a collapsible bipod, and the barrel was longer and rechambered to .408cal special. Faster, and heavier than the regular .308cal.
“Copy, let’s slow down and give it an inspection. I don’t want to take any chances after what happened yesternight.” Dusk ordered, and we began to dive towards a taller pine tree overlooking the small camp.
We alighted on the ancient branches, Dusk and Ballpoint immediately went to work setting up the rifle and spotter’s scope. I unslung my IS-4 and set my ACOG scope to maximum range. We were close enough to them where I felt comfortable to hit them if I had to shoot. Ballpoint probably had to use the lowest setting on his scope to hit them from this range.
“My pipbuck said this was a Black Daylight Outpost, I don’t really know how it knew, but I think it’s worth considering.” I whispered to my right at the stallions.
“Aye, they’re armor doesn’t lie. I can see that cheeky white trim without even looking in me glass.” Ballpoint’s higher pitched voice confirmed.
“We may be able to get something out of this, I know General Falcon had an immediate order, but with this kind of potential intel, it might be worth it if we take them out.” Dusk’s gentle words floated over.
“Take em out? Mate are you daft? We’re outnumbered eight to three. Even if we all shoot, they’ll overpower us before we can reload.” I faced Dusk and stomped my hoof with a hrumph. Stallions.
“The lassie’s gotta point sir, we’re not equipped to take out such a force. We’ll be split roasted before ye can say ‘Luna help me’” Ballpoint shrugged.
“I’m not daft…” Dusk muttered.
“I just like the idea of getting revenge for one of my mates okay? Call me looney.” Dusk sighed.
“Looney” I giggled.
Dusk grumbled and sat up smoothing his mane in thought.
“Aye children, the task at hand? Let’s save the flirting for later.” Ballpoint called.
-“I have a marefriend.”
-“I have a coltfriend thank you very much mate.” We both said at once.
“Wait you have a marefriend?” I turned to Dusk again. No, not like that, I was curious!
“Ha! More like wishes, this lad only claims it because he’s so swooned!” Ballpoint cried out as he too sat up. I guess the black daylight could wait!
“Shut your trapper lieutenant.” Dusk barked.
“Sir”. Ballpoint sarcastically reported.
“Wait so you don’t have a marefriend?” Again with these stallions, I swear to Luna they’re so convoluted!
Dusk facehooved and sighed.
“Y- no… I like to think I do… I mean, I like her a lot. But not like, you know… we’re not a couple…” Dusk trailed off.
“He’s had his eyes on the lassie since he first saw her! And to think of the circumstances! Broken nose from stalking her and running into a wall. Whadda bloke he is!” Ballpoint laughed merrily.
“I won’t say it again lieutenant!” Dusk grumbled.
“Sir~” Ballpoint added in singsong waving his hooves.
“You met her by breaking your nose?” I cocked my head in confusion.
“No, well, yes. You see, she’s… Ah…” Dusk’s face began to turn red.
“*cough*Penumbra*cough*” Ballpoint let out a fake cough.
“Oi that’s it mate, you’re dead. Insubordination! I’ll uh, have you court martialed and thrown into the gallows for this!” Dusk cried as his face became visibly red under his dark fur.
I rolled my eyes, and giggled. Lifting my carbine up and peering towards the camp again. But something, was terribly terribly wrong.
“Uh… Mates…” I hurriedly called out.
“...we don’t even have gallows!” Ballpoint continued.
“Mate’s you should really take a look at this…” I prodded.
“Well I’ll hoof make it myself just to see you put on it!” Dusk retorted.
“FOR THE LOVE OF LUNA WILL YOU LOOK AT THE CAMP?!” I yelled and shook the branch with my hooves.
Both stallions stopped their bickering and looked at me in fear like I was the culprit.
The distinct sound of an IS-16 chambering resounded below us and we all snapped our heads down to the base of the tree. Below, all eight of the Black Daylight troops stood, most holding IS-16s mounted on battle saddles, and a few even having twin 20mm anti-air flak cannons.
“Set your weapons on your backs and climb down the branches. If you so much as raise a wingtip, we’ll open up!” The modulated voice of an equestrian accent called up.
“Aw shite…” Ballpoint moaned.
“I told you…” I whimpered. And let my Carbine fall to my chest.
<><><>
“So, tell me my precious little bloodsuckers, why you decided to stroll up to my humble abode and make such a ruckus? I was trying to get some sleep.” A mare in white robes questioned us.
We were brought into one of the larger tents. The red cloth walls surrounded us, and a fine bed was set in the center. A rising orange sun was printed on the back wall of tent. We were cuffed and sat in front of a large command table, with little red and blue flags pinned onto a large map of western equestria and a little dinner bell sitting next to our hostess.
They took our saddlebags and weapons away before we entered, luna knows where they stashed them. I felt naked without my saddlebags or my uniform. I really had to find myself some barding sometime soon.
The cunt of a mare speaking oh so sarcastically to us went by the name of Archduchess Daisy. Now, how such a bloody bitch was landed with such a pretty name? That was beyond me. She acted like anything but a flower.
We all stood in silence. I was so scared, I began to feel my hind legs shake, slightly rattling the hoofcuffs. Damn that habit of mine. To my left Dusk was stoic as ever, just raising an eyebrow. And to my right ballpoint was oddly calm. He looked like he was studying something.
Have both these blokes finally gone mad?! They don’t even care about the situation!
Daisy cleared her throat and reiterated.
“I asked you bats a question. Do you ponies even speak equestrian?” Daisy’s words began to take a frustrated tone.
“Yes.” Dusk barked. Opting to fall silent once more.
Daisy’s eyebrow twitched in disbelief as she probably realized we’re just ignoring her. Eh, at least they were. I just didn’t know what to say! Don’t hurt me!
A loud hoof stomp called my attention to Daisy once more. She had slammed her forelegs onto the table and was seething with rage.
“Alrighty you three, if you don’t feel like telling me anything, maybe a little roughening up with the soldiers outside will loosen those lips. They’ll especially enjoy that one.” Daisy concluded by pointing at me and a growing grin.
Wait. She doesn’t mean they’ll do…
I involuntarily let out an eep as it dawned upon me exactly what she meant by that. I felt my hind legs give out from finally shaking and I sat down quickly.
“You’re a bloody monster!” I cried out.
“Oh so the gifted one does speak!” Daisy cheered with obvious fake enthusiasm.
Gifted one?
“Please, tell me more! How could I have been so lucky as to witness the Blood Maned Thestral waltz right into my hooves? It might just prolong the time before I call my thirsty bucks in to have a… drink.” Daisy cackled and sat down patiently.
What is she talking about? Blood Maned Thestral?
“You’re not getting information from us.” Dusk spoke with finality.
“Do with us what you please, but if you so much as touch the mare we’re going to have a bit of a problem.” Ballpoint added.
“Of course, I’ll make sure to let you two watch then. But we would never kill the gifted mare, however, I see no harm in some fun for my soldiers. ” Daisy nodded with a smile.
She reached onto the table and rang the dinner bell. Two soldiers entered the tent and quickly gave her a bow.
“Yes Archduchess?” One of them spoke.
“Take these three outside, lock the stallions to posts and let your heart’s desire out on the mare. Feel free to call your friends to the fun as well. But do not kill her.” Daisy waved a hoof and stood up.
“Please try and keep it down, I’m going to go back to sleep. I’ll continue my investigation tomorrow.” Daisy leaned backwards and stretched her forelegs, turning around to her bed.
I quickly got to all fours as I felt both of the guards grab my flank and begin to pull me outside again. I felt panic rising in my chest and I frantically yelped and looked around for an escape.
Dusk and ballpoint were left unguarded, the two stallions holding me probably too bloody excited to grab them too. Ballpoint gave Dusk a sharp nod, who returned the gesture.
Both stallions spread their wings and exploded out of the tent at a breakneck speed. Both guards stopped pulling me and stared at the tent flap dumbfounded. Daisy sat on her bed, equally confused.
Did they seriously just leave me here?!
“I- well… B-bloody good help those two were.” I stammered to myself as we all sat in pause.
“They... were your friends right?” Daisy asked, readjusting herself on her bed.
“Yeah, I thought so.” I murmured.
With a snort the guards resumed pulling me. Pressure began to push on my flanks as I felt myself driven toward the entrance once again, causing me to jump in fright.
“Let me go you bloody perverts!” I cried out, using my hooves to hit the soldiers. The blows simply bounced off their barding.
Two ponies landed outside of the tent flap with a thump, followed by a chatter of the guards out there. Several smaller thumps followed and I heard familiar voices grow in volume as they approached the entrance.
“Oh for the love of Luna, when ye give me the nod, that means I go out and get the guns, and ye go and rescue the mare!” Ballpoint argued as both bucks entered the tent nonchalantly.
“You seriously thought some arbitrary nod had that much meaning? I was just following you!” Dusk cried as he took a seat next to me, plopping our equipment on the ground and ignoring the guards.
Both stallions faced each other, with Dusk’s back to Daisy and the guards, and Ballpoint’s to the entrance.
Ballpoint facehooved.
“Captain, I thought we’ve been through this. I’m the faster one, so I always go out and get the stuff. Yer a wee chubby, so I let ye do the trotting about.” Ballpoint sighed.
“Chubby?! I’ll have you know Lieutenant that I gallop and fly miles a day. I’m in prime shape! You’re just a colt, obviously you’re lighter.” Dusk huffed.
Daisy cleared her throat interrupting the stallions.
“Oh, right, right sorry lass. I forgot me formalities.” Ballpoint bowed to Daisy.
When he came back up, he had a remote detonator in his mouth. Squeezing the trigger.
I'd like to say time seemed to slow down like in the war stories, but in reality everything happened at a sickening fast pace. I felt all the air in the tent rush outside as a massive simultaneous explosion filled the night’s sky.
Claymore explosives.
The thought came to mind as I was tossed down by the soldier holding me. I recognized that detonator, it was designed to remotely set off a shaped anti-personnel mine called a Claymore. In this case, several Claymores. The shaped charge was designed to blow up and shoot ceramic pellets, faster than bullets, in a direction it was facing.
I could only assume that those following thumps I heard earlier was one of these two idiots actually using their brain for once, and dropping them around the camp as they flew in.
Cries of pain and surprise outside were followed by a dull ringing in my ears as I watched both Dusk and Ballpoint draw IS-Five-Seven armor piercing pistols. They simultaneously unloaded onto both guards behind me, just as they were drawing their weapons.
Ballpoint spread his wings and dove to Daisy, who began to reach for a 9mm pistol on her nightstand. He slammed into her, knocking her off the bed and pinned her to the ground, the gun sliding across the tent floor,
Dusk ran to me and slid my IS-4 off his shoulders, hoofing it to me. He then crouched down and began to undo my hoofcuffs with a universal lock-pick. I just stood in stunned silence, holding my carbine in my mouth by the sling.
“Alright me fine lass, I hate to ruin a pretty face. But mate? I don’t exactly have the tyme nor the patience to go with yer formal interrogation, but ye see the Scarlet Angel? She's under our protection, especially from ye.” Ballpoint pressed Daisy’s face into the ground with a hoof.
“Lieutenant, we don’t have time. This is more than a regular camp, it’s a full outpost. Reinforcements are bound to be on their way. Here slap these on her and lets bring her to Rafael. They’ll have better use for her there.” Dusk threw the hoof cuffs to Ballpoint and proceeded to replace the magazine of his sidearm .
Ballpoint caught them in his teeth and locked them around Daisy’s hooves, not relieving pressure off her face.
“We’re moving out, come on.” Dusk returned his pistol to his holster and picked up an IS-16 and magazines from a fallen soldier, throwing his saddle bags as well as Ballpoint's over his flank, he headed outside.
“Aye sir.” Ballpoint lifted Daisy and shoved her out of the tent.
I came about my wits, and cautiously stepped over the blood-covered dead bodies of the guards that were escorting me. I cantered up to the table and folded up the map. The little flags fell off, but each flag had a red or blue X marking where their position was.
I couldn’t interpret it, but I figured it’d be useful to give to somepony at Rafael. I stored the map in my saddle bags and grabbed my IS-4 by the firing bit, heading to the tent flaps. My pipbuck made a beep and little indication in my vision told me I picked up a quest item. What the buck?
Questions swarmed in my head as I carefully picked my way through the bodies in the tent.
Scarlet Angel? What was Daisy talking about my mane?
With a confused frown I exited the tent. All around, fire and smoke billowed into the night sky as all four of us quickly galloped to the pitch-black tree line. The commander’s segment of the Blackdaylight Outpost was ablaze, a handful of soldiers were ripped to shreds as we leaped over their smouldering bodies and kept moving.
I felt my right ear flick as I heard distant shouts as soldiers made their way to the Commander’s tent.
“You’re going to regret this.” Daisy cried as she was forced to gallop by Ballpoint’s gun.
“Shut your trapper, make one more cry for help and give our position away, I will personally put a bullet in your bloody little head.” I growled. It felt good to be the mare in power for once.
Ballpoint let out a hum of satisfaction around his firing bit and threw me a wink.
“Aye lash, I cen shee why ye laddie Midnert fanciesh ye.” He confirmed.
What was that supposed to mean? I gave him the best ‘Taken mare, back off.’ look I could muster.
Ballpoint shrugged and continued galloping.
“Halt, we’re clear for now. We need to reorient ourselves.” Dusk ordered as we all slowed to a trot and stopped.
We were in the middle of the forest now, in a grove of trees. I looked behind me; the campfires behind us were blotted out by the thick tree cover. Moonlight split through the canopy and allowed us batponies to see perfectly, our eyes shimmering with very faint gold light.
Daisy looked around her in utter confusion.
“I can’t see anything! Your eyes! They’re fucking glowing! What kind of monsters are you ponies? Don’t eat me!” She wailed and leaned down to cover her face with her forelegs.
“Will, you bloody SHUT IT?!” Dusk roared. Losing his cool, eliciting an eep from Daisy.
“We don’t eat ponies, we don’t drink blood, and we are not monsters. But unlike you and your gang of marauders, we are trying to find peace in this hellhole of a wasteland. We may or may not like living with other races, as you can probably see why.” Dusk paused, taking a breath.
“And not until recently have we actually begun to feel hope when the Scarlet Angel actually appeared.” Dusk motioned towards me, sitting down in front of Daisy.
Ballpoint grumbled and nodded. I made a mental note to ask what the hay they were talking about later.
“So what are we going to do now? Hoof it to Rafael? That’s like a five hour trot! Especially in this terrain…” I trailed off, looking into the forest. Luna knows what kind of beasts lurk out here, hidden in the radioactive poison.
“Aye, it’s our only option, I’m not letting this slip away from us. We have a high ranking officer in our hooves, and we need information, as well as she needs to see justice.” Dusk sighed.
Ballpoint holstered his pistol, it wasn’t like Daisy would up and gallop off into the darkness.
“Well we best get movin’. Longer we stay out here, the longer something's bound te find us and make a snack.” He added, equally as afraid as me. Finally somepony who understands!
Dusk nodded and gestured to me, “Does your pipbuck have a map showing where Rafael would be?”
I brought my hoof up and began scrolling through the Data functions.
“Well problem is, this map only updates to places I visit. Other than that, it just shows undiscovered locations.” I said around the pipbuck in my face.
“It looks like there’s two locations near by, one is about five kilometers north from here, and the next is ten also north. They’re in a line with each other. Other than that, there’s just the outpost behind us.” I lowered my hoof in defeat.
“Alright, thanks Scarlet. We’ll just have to visit both. One of them is bound to be the right location.” Dusk nodded.
“Let’s get moving. I want to get to Rafael by daybreak. This darkness with give us a shroud to work with.” Ballpoint suggested.
Captain Dusk and I nodded and we all began cantering towards the north.
I guess this bloody mission will take longer than I hoped. I sighed to myself.
***
“Today, my fellow soldiers, citizens, family. We commemorate a fallen brother, a faithful husband, and fearless leader. Major Aurora Borealis " a well worn buck spoke to the small crowd of ponies in the shattered town square. His plain white long mane and tail contrasted his charcoal coat.
I was perched on a rooftop next to Penny overlooking the scene. Thirty or so guards stood in rank and file at parade rest facing the middle aged buck. They were all in a black and white uniform, sporting a rainbow of colorful squares on their chest and little shiny insignia. They all wore spiffy military caps with a silver rose on the front. The rest of the crowd of civilians were off to the side, Aurora's wife being the one crying, surrounded by comforting ponies. A circle of plain triangular red and black flags surrounded the funeral, giving a regal atmosphere.
According to Penny, the older buck who was currently speaking, with the most ribbons and shiny things, was the commander of Renaissance's militia. Colonel Sterling Skies.
Next to Colonel Sterling stood a handful of other high ranking guards, all sporting ornate uniforms as well. Next to the leaders was a black and brown casket, which I could only assume was the remains of Captain, now Major, Borealis. I guess he was promoted postmortem.
We arrived at the ceremony a little late, thanks to my little airshow, and decided the roof was better than simply dropping in the middle of the crowd.
"... be remembered for his valiant efforts to defend Renaissance. In honor of his last moments, sacrificing his life for others and sparing the lives of two stallions, he is hereby awarded the Lunar Cross as a testament to his valor.” The Colonel continued.
There was a pregnant pause as one of the high ranking guards stepped forward with a black box on her back. She approached the casket and slowly placed the box on top. From the distance we were perched at, it was difficult to figure out any detail. Using a hoof, she opened the box and inside I could barely make out a black cross with a silver crescent moon accent perched atop a small cushion.
“Luna’s moon mate, that be one of th’highest awards ye could receive under the Goddess of the Moon’s command.” Penny nudged me with a whisper.
“I’m surprised the guard even had one layin’ ‘round… It must cost a fortune” Penny trailed off as she returned her gaze to the funeral.
Below, the high ranking mare stiffened to attention, followed by the crisp sound of every guard mirroring her actions. She raised her right foreleg and gave a sharp salute to the casket.
“Pree-zent... HARMS!” A gruff stallion’s command somewhere in the front of the guards sounded.
The entire guard quickly followed by snapping a salute in return.
I couldn’t help but start to tear up at this point. The first pony Scar and I ran into, and selflessly helped us , was now dead. I barely knew him for a few days, and he was willing to sacrifice his life for me. What did I ever do to deserve that level of dedication?
I let out a small whine and looked away from the funeral. He didn’t have to die because of my stupidity, I should have been more patient, or more tactful or something!
“H-Hey, Midnight, don’t beat yourself up for what happened. Ye aren’t to blame for his death.” Penny spoke quietly and put a hoof on my shoulder.
“I’d rather not talk about it.” I sighed.
With a nod Penny let go of my shoulder and sat back a little. I returned my gaze to the now ended funeral. All the guards fell out of formation and were mingling with their family and friends of the civilians.
My ears flicked back as I heard a rush of wind, followed by a thump behind me. It took me completely by surprise and I turned around quickly. Penny yelped and nearly fell down the sloped roof.
“Midnight Wind was it? Follow me, there are a few things we must speak about. Alone.” Colonel Sterling spoke clearly, looking to Penny. His voice sounded different, maybe he has a different demeanor when speaking to the guards?
“I- uh- okay.” I nodded and looked to Penny in confusion.
What the hell, isn’t this buck the top commander? What does he want me for?
“I guess I’ll go to my house then and gather a few things, when ye finish you could meet me there. It’s that one right there.” Penny gestured across the square, to a small two story building next to the market.
“Sounds like a plan. Again, thanks for everything Penny.” I flashed a friendly smile.
Penny blushed lightly and nodded, quickly running off the rooftop and flapping her wings. She lazily flew down to the square below.
The Colonel gave one sharp nod, his bright blue eyes piercing, and extended his wings. Diving off the rooftop and flaring his wings at low altitude, he sped down the alley at a tremendous pace. I grunted and spread my wings too.
Either this buck is in a hurry or he just wants a race. I’ll show him.
With a smirk and the wonderful feeling of having my wings working again, I exploded forward and dove after him. Eh, I never was one to turn down a race, I’m cocky. Get over it.
I flapped my wings powerfully as I pulled up just a few hooves from the ground. The alleyway twisted and turned and I kept my wings closer to my body, maximizing my maneuverability.
I caught the sight of a wisping white tail ahead of me and I locked onto it with my eyes. Sterling looked back calmly and quickly barrel rolled to the left. Exposing a hanging sign over a door frame.
I widened my eyes in panic, no way did I have enough time to dodge it. My instinct kicked in and I tucked my wings flaring the tips in opposite directions. I closed my eyes and felt myself go into a ridiculously quick corkscrew as I prayed and tucked myself in as closely as possible.
A rush of wind passed my ear tips and I opened my eyes once more leveling out. I looked behind me quickly and saw the sign swinging gently. I passed between the two hanging cables barely fitting diagonally.
What the hell is wrong with the Colonel? Is he trying to get me knocked out?
I looked forward angrily and beat my wings harder, banking almost sideways to the left as the alley turned and pushing off a wall with my rear hooves. As the sickening turn came to an end I was met face to face with a large cart of hay blocking the alley, Colonel sterling just finished pushing it into my flight path.
I snapped my wings completely shut against my body and zipped under the cart, pushing off the ground with all four hooves and exploding my wings outwards again on the other side. Sterling was only a few hooves ahead of me by this point.
With an angry growl I pumped my wings and caught up to him.
“What the actual buck is wrong with you? Throwing those obstacles in my way, and going so fast?” I yelled over the wind.
“You will see.” He nodded and vanished in a whisp of smoke.
I flared my wings hard, straining my muscles and fell to the ground. I tumbled over myself twice before coming to a stop on my back.
The fuck?
I rolled over to my hooves and stood up with a groan, panting from the hard work. I quickly cantered to the point where the Colonel vanished and looked around in confusion.
“H-hello? Crazy ghost Colonel, where’d you go?” I sat down and looked to my left, at the building.
It looked just like any other building in the alley, the quaint and humble architecture reflecting the years past. However above the door frame sat a small lit torch, glowing with an ethereal blue flame.
That’s odd, maybe is like a propane torch or something. I shrugged and decided this was probably the building anyway.
I reached out a hoof and tried the door handle, with the sound of autumn leaves rustling in the wind, the whole world went black.
***
I shivered and opened my eyes quickly, taking in a deep breath. The air was freezing, and I saw the white vapor of my breath escape my muzzle. I quietly stood up and looked around me in confusion.
I was in the middle of a forest, and it was definitely winter. It felt like the brief moment when everything was dead from fall, but yet just barely before the first snowfall. The air hung eerily still, without so much as a rustle of a sound coming from the grey fallen leaves below. The sky was cloudy and it was dark out, a light fog hung over the ground throughout the forest.
Something felt wrong. I didn’t feel like I should have, but it wasn’t painful or uncomfortable, just, different. I quickly looked down to my… paws.
I let out a yelp and turned around myself quickly inspecting my body. No longer was I equine in shape at all, I had fur in my usual blue color covering my body and a bushy tail. I felt light and incredibly strong, definitely more agile than before. I could feel rows of wicked sharp teeth encase my tongue, much more than just my two fangs.
“Ah you’re awake, welcome to the forest, Blue Wolf.” A stallion’s voice echoed throughout the forest.
I quickly sat down on my hind legs and looked around in confusion once more.
“Who’s there? Where am I? I’m a what?” I panicked. At least my voice was the same.
“Do not panic Blue Wolf, you are safe within this realm.” The voice echoed once more.
“What’d you do to my body?!” I widened my eyes in panic and looked down between my rear legs.
I let out a sigh, at least everything was still there.
“All will be answered in time. Follow.” The voice died off.
It sounded like the voice was walking away from me, to the right. A line of the blue flames from before appeared ahead of me, each one floating on its own, bobbing in the faint breeze that picked up.
I let out a sigh and began to quickly trot down the line, as I passed each flame it winked out with a wisp of smoke, similar to how Colonel Sterling did before.
Luna above, this is gonna give me a huge headache I sighed mentally.
As I approached the fifth flame, the trail began to wind up a gentle hill in the forest. I quickly cantered up to the top. What I saw halted me in my tracks.
“In this domain, your spirit is encased and protected. You will understand the meaning as you progress in your travels. For now, consider this an introduction.”
Sitting atop the hill was a pure white wolf, not much larger than me. his elegance and power radiated from his being. He spoke to me without opening his mouth and his piercing blue eyes stared into me, seemingly through me.
“What’s going on here? What are you?” I sat down and cried out, I’m not going to lie. It was scary.
“This is a welcoming to this world. Rather, it is proper to call this your world. Before you lies the vast expanse of Lupus.” He spoke gently into my mind.
“My world?” I looked around me. It looked like a forest. Kinda magical and creepy, but just a forest.
“As for what I am, I am but a traveler between the realm of spirits and mortality. I provide protection to the souls of those who are pure at heart. I have chosen to provide you guidance as you progress in your destiny.” The white wolf sat taller with pride.
That was enormously cliche. I mumbled internally.
The wolf’s features darkened as he stared into the distance, he quickly looked into my eyes.
“There is a looming threat to countless innocent souls. I chose you, because of your alliance with the Scarlet Angel, your destiny was forever changed when you courted her.” The white wolf spoke with utter seriousness. Then let out an audible sigh, continuing to speak in my head,
“We only wish to preserve those within the spiritual world and serve as their protectors. I have brought it up with the others, and it has been decided that I train you to become one of us. For you and I share similar souls, and you have the potential to become the Guardian.” He spoke with finality.
“Who are the others? What about a Scarlet Angel? Do you mean my Scarlet? What about our souls? What's your name?” I blurted in confusion.
“‘Your Scarlet’, as you say, is correct. You will learn and I will teach, patience Blue Wolf. You and I both poses the essence of the Guardian, the burning passion for protection and loyalty. We share the spiritual entity of the timber wolf. And, as you would have it, our power lies within the blue flames” The white wolf explained calmly.
“My name is Ignis, Guardian of Lupus. And by what name shall I call you?” Ignis cocked his head.
Huh, you’d think he knew who I was…
“My name is Midnight. Midnight Wind.” I answered, still unsure.
“Midnight Wind, what a fitting name for your realm. It is a pleasure to meet you my student.” Ignis Smiled, and laid down in the leaves.
“As to who the others are however? We are the Order of the Rising Moon.For now, I must go. I will see you in time Midnight. Ignis smiled.
“Wait! Before you go!” I blurted out.
“Yes?” Ignis raised an eyebrow to me.
“What the buck was that all the crazy flying about?” I exclaimed. What? It was totally uncalled for I know, but I was curious.
Ignis let out an audible chuckle and smiled.
“Consider it the first, and simplest of your tests. You have good instincts Midnight, trust them.” Ignis winked and vanished away in a wisp of smoke like everything else recently.
That was… vague. I mentally facehoofed.
I sighed and got up. looking down the hill, a trail of red flames twinkled below me, exactly as the blue before, this time the line was much much longer. I slowly began to trot down the hill towards the line. As I approached the first flame however, a powerful gust of wind kicked up and rolled over me, the fallen grey leaves circled me and the world faded to black once more.
xxx