Upheaval: Journeys
Applejack 4: Always a Greater Picture
Applejack had hoped not to get involved in another meeting such as this while she searched for more clues on Apple Slice. Indeed, she nursed some faint hope that she would never have such a meeting ever again. Her journey here was supposed to be more personal; just her and Vanguard searching for something related to her family. Yet, here she was again, surrounded by legionnaires, getting involved with things that would affect far too many ponies to her liking.
The outpost's circular meeting room was small, and far more informal than the solemn order of the Chamber of Harmony, Fangbreaker's audience hall, or even Bastion City's Grand Meeting Hall. Applejack, Vanguard, Seshimyssen, Anektor, and several legionnaires from the outpost sat around a rectangular table crafted of worn, wooden planks, like most of the outpost. The table's surface was cracked, notched, and water-stained. The ceiling was low enough to force Anektor to hunch over. This meeting room probably served as an impromptu dining area as well. When they arrived, Twocolt had to clear it of dirty plates and glasses.
The damp, mossy smells of the jungle permeated the outpost, and its outer walls were covered with vines. Applejack wondered if the Southern Legion kept them that way on purpose to better disguise their outpost, or if there was simply no keeping the jungle out. It was probably both.
So, here she was again, planning out something bigger than she had thought. Everyone had taken a seat, save for Sesshymissen, who coiled his lower half into a spring instead, and Anektor, who would not have fit a chair anyway.
The Crocodilian instead squatted contentedly, still grinning even though it was clear that nearly all eyes were on him. He was a massive, gaunt creature, with gangly limbs. Thick, knobby, dark green scales did nothing to hide his wiry muscles, or the row of pointed teeth sticking out of his slender snout. Despite his hide looking quite tough on their own, he was also covered in thick pads of leather. His knees rose nearly as high as his head from the way he squatted. His odd, crescent-shaped weapon lay within easy reach. Given his size, and the the blade's size, Anektor could probably attack everypony in the room with a single sweeping blow. Of course, with the legionnaires watching him, he'd more likely be dead from several arrows before he finished that swing. Nevertheless, his golden, vertically slit eyes showed no nervousness despite being surrounded.
"Hungry?" Twocolt asked. He stood behind and slightly to the side of Applejack. On his hooves was a bunch of bananas, still a little green near the edges, but good enough, especially with her rumbling stomach. Applejack accepted a couple with a grateful smile. Next to her, Vanguard was already snacking on his second one, with three more on his table.
"That hungry, huh?" Applejack asked with a bemused smile.
"These go for twenty bits apiece in Bastion City, if we get them," Vanguard replied with a mildly sheepish tinge to his usual deep growl of a voice. "Just taking advantage of the situation."
"Did the same thing when I first transferred," Twocolt said. "They're fifteen a pound here, half that if the stock's almost off.
"I suspect that the price will improve with the Heartland opening faster routes," Vanguard said. His eyes hardened suddenly, brooking no more talk of snacks. Another stallion, a unicorn, had just entered the room. Twocolt swallowed, then stepped out of the room. It wasn't a surprise that he wasn't high enough on the Legion's ladder to be part of these meetings. Applejack felt almost envious of him.
"Greetings," the newly-arrived stallion said gruffly. He surveyed the room with a single, working green eye, the other appearing milky and dead. He briefly stopped to give Anektor a suspicious glare before taking his seat. This must be the commander of this outpost. He certainly took to sitting at the head of the table with ease. He also had that grizzled veteran look to him; a thick, unkempt beard of dark green made it seem as if his face had been infested by some kind of plant, until one noticed that his equally wild mane shared the same color. Dozens of old scars crisscrossed his dull yellow coat, especially around his face, and neck. When he spoke, his open mouth showed few surviving, yellowed teeth. His horn was notched in a few places as well.
"Commander Verdigris," Grape Vine said. "This crocodilian mercenary claims that he's negotiating for the Rebellion."
Verdigris answered with a nod towards Applejack and Vanguard. "And these ponies? Why are they here?"
"Legionnaires Applejack and Vanguard Clash are here on a special mission in Neksyth's Glory," Grape Vine replied. "The vipren convert is accompanying them as a guide."
"Neksyth's Glory is a hotbed of imperial activity these days," Verdigris said. His bushy eyebrows furrowed until his face crinkled. "You sure, you did't mishear 'suicide' as 'special'?"
"I can fill you in on the why of that," Anektor said. At the mere shift of his weight, he had everypony in the room tense up. With his arms nearly pinned to his torso and his long legs scrunched up, Anektor looked ready to explode just to stretch his limbs, even if it knocked the ponies next to him out. "Several weeks ago, some odd, powerful flash of magic erupted from Neksyth's Glory. The Rebellion had established themselves in the area near it at that time."
"Then, imperial troops started showing up in numbers," Grape Vine said with a nod. "We know of this. Our unicorn rangers picked up that flash as well."
"Though they know the general area, the Rebellion has yet to find that flash's source," Anektor added. "Not that they can do much searching when they struggle to keep the Empire away."
"And is that why you're here?" Verdigris asked. "You want the Southern Legion to help you stave off the Empire so you can find this magic?"
Anektor spread his enormous claws for them to see. "A common enemy for us, yes?" he asked. "Last I checked, Equestria hated the Empire. Powerful magic, this. Even a brute like me knows that. They send troops by the batallion, and fortify quickly. I had to fight my way through just to get here. The Rebellion is not doing so well in keeping them at bay. Send them troops and supplies, and we can keep the Ophidites away better. A win for both our people." He looked towards Vanguard and Applejack. "That is why your superiors from farther Equestria send you two, yes? We can all help each other."
"Until the crocodilians get hungry," Verdigris said. "Just like they did during the Boiling Marsh Incident." The other southern legionnaires nodded at this. Even Vanguard seemed to recognize the name, and frowned over it.
"Those crocodilians are dead," Anektor said. "And the ponies involved are dead. Let the old scars heal, ponies. Equestria is starting new things, yes? Lots of big changes. Why not make new allies as well? My people paid for that betrayal back then. They won't be stupid enough to repeat it."
"What's this Boiling Marsh Incident?" Applejack whispered to Vanguard.
"The Legion used to support Crocodilia long ago," Vanguard whispered back. "Back when it still had territory between Equestria and Ophidus. They proved an excellent buffer against the worst of the Empire's expansions. That ended when they raided a Legion supply depot in the Boiling Marsh, massacring everypony guarding the place."
"That was a boon for Ophidus," Seshymissen added. "Without Equestrian support, Crocodilia was given a place in the Empire. At least, until the Rebellion began."
Applejack snorted. "Given a place? You mean conquered, and turned to slaves."
Seshymissen merely shrugged.
Verdigris cleared his throat before speaking. "As an Outpost Commander, I don't have the authority to decide Equestria's stance on the Crocodilian Rebellion. But it is prudent that we see to the matter of this unidentified flash of magical energy. Working with some locals should make things easier. And if it sticks a few bones down the Empire's craw, a little aid for the Rebellion won't be so bad."
"This flash," Vanguard said. "When did it occur?"
"Our unicorn scouts noticed it last month or so," Grape Seed said.
Vanguard glanced at Applejack, that was enough of a gesture to make her realize things. A month or so ago...maybe around the time she first got the chain of Apple Slice. It could be just a coincidence though. She was probably lining things up out of wishful thinking.
"Outpost Commander, my partner and I will look into this matter."
Verdigris answered with a moment of cold, quiet scrutiny. "And now we have Northern Legion ponies coming here to take on missions," he said. "What is this, north-pony? You won a major victory up there so you think you can show the Southern Legion how it's done?"
"I think you should stop pissing on trees, and use our presence to aid the Southern Legion, Outpost Commander," Vanguard said without even a slight raise of his tone. "We can ascertain the situation in Neksyth's Glory, and you don't have to use your own troops."
"And what do you want in return?" Verdigris asked.
"A quick stop for rest and supplies, especially for Anektor here."
For a moment, Applejack expected Verdigris to explode into a storm of spluttering and cursing. The old stallion merely smiled under his beard, and smoothed a moustache. "Well," he said. "You're not one to mince words at least. But you couldn't have known about the condition of Neksyth's Glory when you came here. What are you doing here, really?"
Vanguard explained the mission, being careful not to mention anything about magic lassos and visions of a dead Equestrian hero. Verdigris leaned forward on the table. "You're saying you're here for some kind of historical salvage?" he asked. "I'm going to have to question our High Command's priorities. No battles will be won because we've brought the remains of Apple Slice back to Equestria."
"Then, it's a good thing this situation has come up then, Outpost Commander," Vanguard replied. "For a long time, every hero of Equestria had a place of honor in Legion's Rest save for Apple Slice. Reunification has brought the Heartland face-to-face with its forgotten guardians, and the effect is making its way through the ranks. The Legion has ignored one of its fallen heroes for too long. You may have noticed that my partner is a Heartlander. This joint, symbolic mission will further strenghten our ties with the Heartland."
Vanguard spoke so smoothly that even Applejack was convinced for a moment. That wasnt a complete lie...she supposed. Certainly, she'd like to make sure an ancestor of hers was remembered fondly, and shown respect like any hero of old. Still, that statement left her a little uncomfortable. She had almost forgotten that part of his being Special Operations meant he had to be good at lying and hiding when he needed to be. That was...pretty scary.
"Pretty words from up top," Verdigris said. "Commander Moon Haze might be completely sold on reunification, but you'll find that most of the Southern Legion isn't as enthusiastic."
"Does that include you, Outpost Commander?" Vanguard asked.
Verdigris grunted in response. "It's good to see that there are chosen heading into the front lines. Even if it's just one."
"There's more of us coming!" Applejack snapped. She lowered her voice and settled back down when everypony looked at her. "Eventually..."
"Good to hear," Verdigris said. "We sent a sizeable force of our rangers up north when news of the Northern Legion's botch turned up. When the barrier came down, Moon Haze pulled out even more to show off in the Heartland, and I hear that many of them died in some battle. Now, we have to bear the shame of being the first legion to allow invaders into the Heartland, so we have to step up operations in response. We need more bodies to throw at the Empire, and we're happy to get chosen."
"All the more reason to work with the Rebellion again, yes?" Anektor said."They may not be pretty ponies with pictures on their asses, but they will kill many snakes for you."
"Exactly what I was leading to," Verdigris said. "You'll have your rest and supplies, Vanguard Clash, but these objectives are yours as well. Ascertain the complete situation with the Crocodilian Rebellion and the increase in imperial activity in there. Make sure you get us a full report before you disappear into the bowels of Neksyth's Glory on your hunt."
"We'll have ranger support, of course," Vanguard said.
"We have a few stationed near Neksyth's Glory" Verdigris replied. "Avoid contacting them directly or they'll find themselves on the sights of an imperial hunting squad. They'll find a way to communicate. They'll lead you to supply caches as needed."
Vanguard nodded, but said nothing else.
Applejack let out a sigh of relief when the meeting finally ended. They managed to gain Anektor's help after all, but now they were going to get involved with this mess in Neksyth's Glory. They were allowed to rest in the barracks, and were given both fresh food and extra supplies for the trip. Here they were now with Grape Vine and Twocolt to escort them around camp. "Or to watch us,' Applejack thought. She had to agree with the move. If she had Anektor and Seshimyssen running around Ponyville, she'd be having them watched too.
"Surprised that the ponies barely paid you mind, Ses," Anektor said in between gulping down a canteen of water. He made an amused, passing glance at their escorts.
"I told you I'd start working my charm," Seshymissen replied. "Also helped that they were distracted by the hulking Crocodilian."
Anektor rumbled deep in his chest, a sound that turned out to be laughing, before turning to face Applejack. "You are one of these "chosen" ponies that I sometimes hear the legionnaires mention, yes?"
"Hopefully ya'll stop using the word 'cause of reunification, but yeah, I suppose," Applejack replied.
"Crocodilia had chosen too," Anektor said. "When we still had our homeland, six were picked through a series of fighting games every two years. It was a great privilege to be part of the chosen in those days."
"What happened to them?" Applejack asked.
"What do you think? They served as leaders of Crocodilia's warriors, obviously Ophidus wiped them out first."
"Where are you going with this, Anektor?" Vanguard asked.
Anektor shrugged, then put away the canteen. "I'm just pointing out that our chosen were the first to fight and die, while Equestria has it done backwards."
"Crocodilia had it backwards," Seshimyssen said with a sneer. "That's why you lost. In the Empire, the coatls are protected by constrictor lines, vipren covering fire, and cobrahn magical support. Their survival ensures an imperial victory for any engagement." He looked at Vanguard and Applejack slyly. "Equestria has clearly learned from the right sources."
Anektor rested his forearms on his knees, his throat still rumbling with that weird crocodilian laugh. "Pity, we didn't, but the Rebellion might still fix that." His eyes remained focused on Applejack. "Does that mean you are as strong as a coatl, or a crocodilian chosen? Is Equestria sending its strongest now?"
"That ain't how things are," Applejack said. "But Equestria is getting stronger, make no mistake!" Her voice lowered. "Now, can I ask you something?"
"Ask away," Anektor said.
"You're working for this Rebellion, but you're acting like the stuff they're fighting for's not a big deal. What's with that?"
Anektor let out a snort. "Crocodilia's a dead dream," he said. "Better to fight for survival, yes? Money, food, connections...a mercenary fights with his eyes open, and his mind in the present. The Rebellion is chasing the ghost of a dream. I don't mind helping them if I get my money, still."
"What about your home?" Applejack asked. "Isn't that important?"
"Heh...give me a dry bed, a warm fire, plenty of food, and I'll call that home," Anektor replied.
"A cage can have all that," Seshymissen chimed in. He hissed out his own weird chuckle. After a moment, Anektor laughed with him.
Applejack barely heard what came after that. A dry bed, a warm fire, and plenty of food...that sent her thoughts back to somepony who thought he could replace family with basic necessities. She remembered the fake grin she had to share with Apple Slice as he talked with his brother. That odd ache when...
We're honored that a hero of your caliber has come to help with the southern campaign.
Applejack blinked. She was still in the same room, but Vanguard and the others had disappeared. Instead, she was staring at a lone, light green mare. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Hold on...she didn't go to sleep. Why was she getting...
When she opened her eyes, it was Vanguard and the others in the room again. "Applejack, you alright?" Vanguard asked.
"Wow..." was all Applejack could mumble at first. "That's new."
"What is?" Vanguard asked.
Applejack turned towards Grape Vine first. "Excuse me, was Apple Slice stationed here during his time?"
Grape Vine answered first with a blank stare, then a flustered scratching of his mane. "Huh? I don't know, he traveled a lot, I've heard."
"Yes, he was," Twocolt said. When everyone in the room turned their gazes on him, he grinned and patted his chest with a hoof. "Hey, I'm an earth pony legionnaire stationed in the same Barrier Land as one of the most famous earth pony heroes out there. Of course, I'll find out as much as I can."
Applejack had to smile at that. It was good to see her friend like this. Definitely much better than the dejected stallion from earlier. She had a feeling that he might be putting a little too much effort into that grin, but this was still better. "What did he do here?" she asked.
"Snakewatch was his first post when he transferred from the Western Barrier Land," Twocolt said. "He spent some time here learning about fighting Ophidus before moving farther to the front lines."
'So he pushed himself to the farthest, most dangerous places in this jungle after the Apples left,' Applejack thought. 'Sounds like something a hero would do.'
"Snakewatch is an old outpost," Vanguard said after nodding. "Destroyed and rebuilt a few times during the back and forth between Equestria and Ophidus."
"Can we stay here for a night or two?" Applejack asked. Vanguard answered with a raised eyebrow. "I think I might learn something with the...you know." Horseapples, she was never going to get used to this doubletalk.
"Rather get moving as soon as possible," Anektor said. "Sleeping with so many armed ponies wouldn't feel good for me, yes? We can cover more ground before this day is over, even with the rest."
"We'll stay," Vanguard said. "It's nightfall anyway." He looked to Grape Vine. "My apologies for imposing."
Grape Vine merely shrugged. "Snakewatch won't mind a few guests," he said. "Don't expect any luxuries, though." He looked at Seshimyssen and Anektor. "Or any meat."
They may sing you hymns in the west, Apple Slice, but you won't find the south so readily impressed.
Again, Applejack had to stop and look when the ponies in the room she recognized disappeared. The aged wooden planks looked newer, the pony "she" was talking to had a scowl on his face while his lower jaw jutted out. She didn't like the way this pony talked to her, but she wasn't sure if that was her or Apple Slice. It sounded a lot like he was egging Apple Slice on to fight back or something, but the momentary dislike quickly dissolved into an overwhelming sense of apathy. The sigh that came out might as well be both hers and Apple Slice's. What was going on during this time? She had thought that he faced the Empire with courage, and maybe some measure of revenge over what happened with the Apples. He opened his mouth to say something when--
"She won't let this get out of hand, yes?" At the sound of Anektor's voice, Applejack found herself back in the present. "It's fine in a safe pony outpost, but if she stares off while we're running from a coatl, I'm leaving her behind."
"I'd rather that we don't run into any coatls at all," Vanguard replied. "But this won't be a problem." He stood closer to Applejack, offering a shoulder if she needed it. "We getting close?" he whispered.
"Yeah," Applejack whispered back. This was both a relief and worrying all at once. She was on to something, alright, but that something didn't look good.
"To rest then," Seshimyssen said. "You ponies won't mind if I turn in early, right? I'm expecting a lack of proper beds during this trip. I'd like to savor the opportunity."
"You can use the guest room, vipren," Grape Vine said. "We'll just burn the mattress afterwards. The crocodilian will have to make do with the floor."
"Good," Anektor said. "I don't sleep well lying in pony sweat and sheddings."
The two walked away with their escorts, leaving Applejack and Vanguard by themselves in the barracks.
"So what did you see?" Vanguard asked.
"Nothing really useful," Applejack replied. "Just that Apple Slice passed by here."
"But now you're getting them while awake," Vanguard said. "Things should improve further on."
"Yeah...improve..." Applejack muttered. Anektor's words stayed with her. This could easily get out of hoof. "You expected all this trouble when we got here?"
Vanguard paused, then nodded. "I didn't expect any mysterious magical flashes and the Crocodilian Rebellion getting involved, but there's always some trouble brewing in our borders." He undid the straps of his barding, and set the pieces on a nearby table before smiling at Applejack. "Don't worry, we'll take care of this, and get what you're looking for."
"I'm not worried!" Applejack huffed. "Just wishing we had something straightforward to do." She followed his example by another bunk. At once, having less on brought a much-needed cooling on her. A bath would be nice right about now. She may not be as fussy on cleanliness like Rarity, but her fur was damp with sweat and grime. It was ridiculous how quickly one could get so filthy out here. She didn't want to wander the outpost asking around for a bath though.
For some reason, Vanguard paused for a moment, and sniffed audibly, his brows furrowed.
"Vanguard?" Applejack asked. She looked around suspiciously, her hooves already closing in on her chain. He might have sniffed out an enemy. He shook his head, however, as if to clear his senses. "You okay?" she asked.
Vanguard cleared his throat. "Fine," he said. "It always catches me by surprise how sweaty the south can make ponies. It's not exactly the same for the north, you might have noticed."
Applejack sniffed at the air. Certainly, she caught a faint, musky whiff from Vanguard, along with the grime stuck to his fur. The beds did't exactly smell like they were freshly laundered either. She turned her nose on herself worriedly. "Are you saying I stink?" she asked.
In an instant, Vanguard was already a mere foot from her. 'Fast...' Was all Applejack could think before the stunned silence.
"Believe me, I'd be a lot more at ease if you merely stank," Vanguard said. His words were accompanied by a low, barely distinct, throaty growl.
Applejack swallowed a lump in her throat on instinct. With the afternoon sun almost gone, the shadows around the barracks all the more highlighted those red, wolven eyes. He was a little too close for comfort so she tried to take a step back, but her legs remained stuck to the floor. Her breath was catching in her throat, and her chest was starting to feel tight. She couldn't move...something in his stance kept her motionless. Was it fear? She did feel a bit like prey in a wolven's sights, but...there was something else, something she felt before during that full moon in the wilderness. She wanted to see what happened after this. It was frightening and exciting all at once. If he reached out...
Vanguard shut his eyes and stepped back. "Dinner, a shower, and some rest should be good," he said.
That weird moment dissipated, and Applejack's legs were under her control again. "Yeah," she said with a nervous laugh. "I sure could use a shower."
Her hooves were suddenly covered in blood. Thick, warm liquid ran down her legs, her face, and along her back. Her head-- no, it was Apple Slice's. Three dead ponies surrounded them, heads torn from their bodies.
"They're everywhere in the South," Apple Slice growled.
"Everywhere..."