Chapter 02: The Minstrel Who Sings To The Red Moon
Soon the scene enters to Canterlot Castle where we find the Mane Six, Ben, Starlight Glimmer the baby Dragons, even Nyx along with the CMC are approaching down the hallway to reach the Royal Sister’s throne room. Of course coming out from another hallway was some of the gang’s good pals that were also coming into the picture now: Golden Heart and friends…
“Golden Heart? You guys got invited too?” Ben asked off in seeing who else was here besides them.
“Yeah, Celestia wanted us to meet someone, says even I know him.” Golden Heart spoke off to mention this little factor of hidden mystery.
“Which will be interesting to know another friend of my brother.” Pinkamena smiled off to happily state this fact of what she’ll get out of this.
“Neat! So what’s your friend like Golden Heart?” Pinkie Pie smiled off while asking a question now.
“Pinkie, he said he doesn’t know, as in they didn’t say de name of who.” Applejack rolled her eyes to remind her random pink pal that Golden Heart doesn’t know who is waiting cause a name wasn’t mentioned.
“A mystery guest, sounds rather a dashing approach to me.” Rarity held her chin in pondering how such an approach seems very elegant.
“Yeah, real dashing.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in not caring much for that stuff.
"Well, can we confirm if he's near?" Starlight Glimmer asked this off in being curious if the special guest was near or not.
“I’m scanning to detect another presence, but seem to be getting interference.” Omega stated in trying to determine who is here, but is unable to patch through it seems.
"Same here, we're close, but...nothing." Fila stated that even when close by, they are unable to determine who is nearby or how strong the character maybe.
“Perhaps he’s concealing his power or messing up your scans to throw us off in how strong he might be.” Jack Zen spoke off in making a theory suggestion of what could be said of who they’ll meet.
“Oh, do you really think the pony we’re meeting is that strong?” Fluttershy shyly asked off in becoming a bit interested to wanting to know.
“Who knows?” Autumn Gem shrug off her shoulders in not knowing the answer much herself.
“I’m just interested to meet this new face.” Sombra responded off to say this in what he’ll wanna know by meeting the character in question.
“Well, we’re about to get our chance…” Nyx smiled off to say this to the big group.
“Why?” Phobos asked off in not following what Nyx was getting to.
“Cause we’re here.” Twilight issued off to say that they reach their destination as they open the double doors before them.
Finally, everyone enters the throne room of the Royal Sisters: Princess Celestia & Princess Luna. Everyone does a little bow to show and greet one another in a sign of respect. Once that was over and done, the pleasant chatters were next on the list.
“Welcome everyone, I suspect you know why I called you here today.” Celestia spoke upon seeing those that have arrived.
“You said there was someone we could meet that wanted to help us.” Ben stated out in knowing what his mother called them for.
“Indeed nephew and he’s already here right before us.” Luna spoke off in mentioning this fact to the group.
“Where?” Spike asked off in not seeing anyone in front of the princesses.
“Before that, I must ask…son, when will you & Twilight officially be married?” Celestia suddenly asked off a bizarre question out of nowhere.
“What?” Much of the gang yelped in having heard that, where did that come from. Twilight and Ben blush in knowing that, one, though they are lovers & princess & prince to a kingdom, they aren’t married, and two, Nyx is of their blood but the two parents have yet to be wed.
“Yes nephew, you said when you grow up to be with Twilight, did you not?” Luna spoke off to mention this other matter of thought.
“But I was a colt back then, and…hey wait.” Ben was about to say this until, something strange caught his attention in what his aunt said. “This was something I once imagined you say if you…weren’t seal in the Moon, and…” Ben’s eyes widen more in realizing that he only said something like that matter in the past with only his…mother; Luna wasn’t around. “Lens of Truth!” Then as Ben summoned his magical item, he sees through the lens’ eye and then the images that were of Celestia & Luna…began to fade from picture along with those that didn’t see through the Lens of Truth.
“What happened?” Apple Bloom asked off in seeing something just happened here.
“Where did they go?” Sweetie Belle asked off in seeing the Royal Sisters vanish.
“Were they illusions?” Scootaloo questioned off in what they saw were not the real princesses.
“Yes, created from Ben Mare’s memory.” Spoke another voice in the room that had a tone of speaking…gentlemanly.
"Who's there?" Starlight Glimmer asked off in looking around, someone was playing with them, but who?
"Right....here..." The gentlemen's voice stated off to say....
Soon everyone turn to find someone was leaning against some red curtain drapes within the throne room. He appeared to be a stallion Alicorn with tan fur color coat, long & straight blonde mane that reach down below his back & tail to his ankles and dark green color slant eyes. Most of his upper face, aside from his eyes & forehead, is hidden by a dark crimson mask, somewhat like a traditional Commendia dell’arte and Carnival, circling both of his eyes & covering the upper part of his nose, which adds to his theatrical appearance. The outfit matches what maybe a flamboyant personality & demeanor as he’s wearing a dark crimson & dark tan color mix outfit, standing out of the chest is a flimsy cravat tie, wears black caviler boots in the back while he wears light tan/gray hoof glove-wear. The attire is completed by a large dark crimson hat, with a prominent brim curving upwards on the sides & golden edges, matching the vest & mask, which on its upper left side bears an extremely long, massive & spiky pink plumage, falling down the rear part of the hat & almost reaching down below his back. He is seen as a young slim stallion, seems very elegant, appears as someone from an upper class, and even with a face hidden, he appears very handsome & dashing, and no doubt he’s very strong. And on his flank was a gray symbol of a blade/pen crossing a curve ‘C’ as like a writing message as his Cutie Mark and of what its talent means to be kept to be memorized. Once more, he appeared to be casually reading a book at this time; one label ’Spells for Advance Needs’ on it. Even as this new guy was casually reading, his eyes move to see that the others were looking at him being so laid-back.
“Alright buddy, who are you and what did you do with the princesses?” Phobos snapped off in getting ready if they are about to have a fight on their hands here.
“Wait a second, I know that voice pattern….your…” Golden Heart spoke to halt everyone, and looked to the mask minstrel character with curiosity. “Rufus…Rufus Lore?” He slowly spoke in recalling the name and judging the character’s appearance, of who he might be.
“Very good. I have memory of you, Golden Heart.” The revealed pony named Rufus smiled from shut eyes before looking towards the gang with a nice smile on his face.
“Who is he?” Twilight asked Golden Heart of who this Rufus character is?
“Who is he, indeed? And why is he so….dashing, even with a mask?” Rarity asked in feeling almost about to fall over heels with a stallion that appears dashingly handsome even if he wears a mask.
“Oh boy, not another one!” Spike rolled his eyes to slap his forehead, another pretty boy is here and he’s caught Rarity’s eye.
“Well have to admit, he’s pretty dashing alright.” Pinkamena spoke off to say, which earn a record player scratching noise to make some look to the odd pink pony. “But of course, I’m in control of myself.” She quickly added that off to make sure there was no misunderstanding to the topic, especially for her brother Goldie to get concern with.
"Somehow, for those of us with lovers, it feels like if we're not careful, well...this could happen." Starlight Glimmer showed a sweat-drop in guessing that for those that are still single, meeting a mysteriously handsome stranger of noble class behind a mask; it's like out of a fantasy novel all girls go crazy over to lose their self sense.
“Um…well I have Sombra, so…” Autumn Gem spoke in trying to not be seen in feeling heatstroke in seeing Rufus, because while he was dashing in looks, the mare has Sombra, her love.
“Oh boy, Ben, we better watch the girls, he seems to make them almost fall head over heels for this guy.” Sombra rolled his eyes in telling Ben they best watch their loves closely to make sure they don’t do anything to upset their relationship.
“Right, but what I wanna know is, where are my mom and aunt?” Ben nodded a bit to the idea while getting to the topic of where Celestia & Luna are.
“Right here son.” Suddenly, Celestia & Luna appeared from behind the curtains that Rufus was near in surprising the others of their hiding spot. “Rufus wanted to test you in seeing if you could figure out the trick.” Celestia explained that Rufus wanted to see if Ben would notice a trick of something out of the ordinary.
“But we were much more surprise, you had acquired the Lens of Truth.” Luna stated in where her gaze and her sister’s saw a new item in Ben’s hold, the Lens of Truth.
“Indeed, an item used by Link, the Hero of Time. I’ll memorize that for next time.” Rufus spoke to say in shutting a book and tap his forehead with his right hoof to look and say he’ll remember that next time.
“Can some pony explain what’s going on? Just who is this Rufus guy?” Rainbow Dash asked off in feeling a bit impatient that they don’t know much of who the guy here is.
“You seem to know him Golden Heart, what can you tell us?” Jack Zen stated in seeing that if Golden Heart knows Rufus, maybe he can fill in the blanks.
“That he’s a friend and a good ally, and also…he’s an Element User…” Goldie spoke off to mention this much out that Rufus is someone that’s on their side and what makes him special is cause…he possesses an Element.
“What?” Mane Six, CMC & baby Dragons responded in shock in having heard this, another Element User. But then which element does Rufus possess that makes him somewhat special.
“Allow me to introduce myself fully, my name is Rufus Lore, nicknamed: The Minstrel Who Sings to The Red Moon.” Rufus humbly bow in a minstrel way of presenting himself to the group in being almost like someone from a high-class society, perhaps.
“Wowsers! That’s some title name!” Pinkie Pie replied off in having heard the title nickname of what many refer to Rufus.
“Wait a second, that name…I once read about a pony minstrel with a tie to a red moon, was that…you?” Twilight gasped in shock in just remembering something she read in a book once, about a minstrel & a red moon, was it possible Rufus IS that pony?
“You have a good memory and you are not mistaken.” Rufus Lore smiled to kindly state the fact that Twilight’s intelligence is very correct. “I can tell you my tale, if many are interested.” He humbly spoke inning someone to tell his tale to those that wish to hear it.
“Oh yes…please do.” Rarity spoke in feeling like being near this stallion was like a dream come true, a valiant, dashing hero, with such class, any mare couldn’t help but love a guy like that.
“But first, wha Element is it ye have?” Applejack spoke off in bringing up the bigger subject of the hour.
“If thou must know, it is from one of…The Unique Element Class.” Luna humbly spoke in mentioning what element area Rufus holds within him.
“But a uniquely Rare Element at that, the Element of Memory.” Celestia issued forth in mentioning the name of the element that is both unique, and rare at the same time.
“Memory?” The Cutie Mark Crusaders repeated in hearing that while being curious and puzzled.
“Question, how can memory even be an element?” Phobos asked off in thinking that such a thing probably isn’t much useful if one’s remembering stuff.
“Subject term for memory is listed to recall one’s past recalling moments.” Omega explained the matter of what logic the word ‘memory’ has.
"That's basically the term in describing it." Fila lightly nodded in agreement about what Omega said.
“You are not mistaken, but is that the only limit to a memory?” Rufus approached the group while issuing this thoughtful statement. “Memories are of what you recall and imagine, are they not?” He asked in speaking in riddles in what kind of power a ‘memory’ holds for a person.
"Hugh, I never really thought of it like that way." Starlight Glimmer hums to herself in having to hear that different term of a memory discussion.
“What are you getting at?” Ben raised an eyebrow in not following what Rufus was saying.
“My element allows me to memorize and to cast spells of what one remembers, be it weak or strong, or….create a whole new version of it.” Rufus explained off what extraordinary power his element is capable of doing, like learning something but add in a twist. “It grants one the power to manifest their memories of all things seen into real life.” That part caught everyone’s attention, the Memory Element can bring one’s own memory into creation. “It is an element very uniquely rare as it can use many different elemental types & spells, & even effect that which exist in reality if one ‘memorizes’ it or chooses to ‘forget’ it, it effects surroundings & to target opponents.” Rufus finished off in briefing how much his unique ability of an element can do in many ways and in many different usage.
Everyone was now speechless, so the Element of Memory could make Rufus memorize anything he’ll see and either use it or make it into his own with a new twist. It’s like saying if all the natural elements of Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, etc. were seen, he could use that many and without difficulty, that’s just so amazing to believe.
“Wow, I’m surprised I never came across you before!” Pinkamena replied off in seeing that if she met Rufus a little sooner in the past, it be great to have him as a pal.
“Quite incidentally, you might have, as I have memory of you, Pinkamena Diane Pie.” Rufus held his hat to commonly speak out in saying something about if the two did meet in the past if it happened, but he knows the pony anyway. “How you are from an Alternate Universe like this, how you obtain your Element Form, and how you were wanting to find someone who is your enemy.” Rufus spoke off in having a good memory about knowing Pinkamena and about her strives in life were to this day.
“Wow…you’re really good.” Pinkamena replied off impressed by Rufus’ memory, no wonder he’s a friend to Goldie & the Royal Sisters.
“So tell us, how did you come to be an Element User?” Nyx asked in being interested in how Rufus is what he is today.
“Please tell us!” The CMC beg out in wanting to hear the story now.
“My tale goes back to about a 1000 years ago, are you all interested or wish not to hear bore memory tales?” Rufus replied off to say this while wondering if those cannot be bored from hearing that which is likely a tale of long ago.
“Brother, you like using memory or words related in every sentence!” Phobos rolled his eyes in seeing this guy really likes to use the word ‘memory’ in some of his dialogue whenever it’s convenient.
“Ignore him, tell us the story.” Spike rolled his eyes to have Rufus ignore Phobos’s rude remarks and to continue his telling.
“Then allow me to tell the memory…of my becoming…Like the Sun & Moon that tell their tales in day and night.” Rufus spoke off while being poetic in his words of what he shall say here.
Pretty much, the guy’s epithet & flamboyant appearance and his words that only come from a calm individual, retaining a mild demeanor; enough to almost make mares fall for this guy if those that had lovers try to not fall for such things. And soon, the scene blurs out in revealing a story from one’s memory…to be told…
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Within Rufus’ Past
The scene opens to show what is Rufus Lore long ago, when he was but a colt, and apparently…a unicorn? At the time, he was seen reading a book about a minstrel’s life to perform and such while looking up at the night sky to see the stars above.
“I was once a unicorn colt long ago, almost a thousand years ago who was but a simple pony that had two interest; memorizing book contents & things happening around me to be a minstrel, and looking up to read under the starry skies.” Rufus narrates off to say while his colt self was studying the ways of what it be like to be a minstrel, as he enjoyed putting everything around him into memory and to be like poetry.
Young Rufus was probably one of the very few ponies that could stay up a bit to enjoy much of Luna’s performance in making night come with the moon and show the stars. The colt did go to bed, but only after feeling tired enough to drift to sleep while looking and memorizing the stars in the skies.
“When the day came that Luna became Nightmare Moon & was banished to the moon, I felt sad to hear that, as it would be a memory stuck for me to never forget." Rufus narrates off in sounding a bit saddens about Princess Luna was banished to the Moon by Celestia, it would be a sad thing for many.
It shows what is currently going on as Celestia was now in charge of both day and night. But while Celestia brought out the night, the stars were never much the same, but she did what she could. Rufus continued to study the star patterns to compare them from when Luna made them.
“But then one year later, a strange event happened, Celestia had her sun behind the moon, creating a red moon event.” Rufus narrates off in where a red moon was brought in from what Celestia did in once doing something never before seen. “But during that moment, I had memorized star patterns, and saw a strange hidden code during the red moon that shine differently than the sun & normal moon alone.” At the moment when a red moon appeared, the star patterns seem to show a change from a red light that seem to hold…a hidden message.
As the scene shows it, the young Rufus memorized to study the star patties to understand what was found, s it read ‘He who seeks the memory, who wants to memorize all things and remember what once was or what can be. Thou must go forth where the red moon lights shower, to find the element to grant thou that knows the true worth, of the power of one’s memory.’ and that was the entire message. Young Rufus was probably the only one who figured out the message to go to the place while the red moon was still there.
“I was intrigued by the message, it was like a code within the stars. I wanted to know more about them.” Rufus narrates off in what his younger self learn and wanted to discover at that time.
Once Young Rufus reach his destination, he discovered a strange lunar wave of redness from the moon as it beam & showered down in a spot that magically made…a strange altar appear with an object in the center; a journal album with the words ‘MEMORY’ bolded to it in gold.
“I was entranced by what I found and let my curious mind seek what I wanted to know, as I wanted it to be a memory I could treasure. And that is when it happened…” Rufus narrates to say that when his young self wanted to go deeper to understand what he was bear-witnessing, and was curious of the journal to memorize the contents.
As the Young Rufus came up to touch it, the journal opened to reveal many interesting written pages, pictures, and such things that as the contents glowed bright, many of the contents glowed to fly off to magical fuse in Rufus’s head along with the book.
“When it was over, I suddenly realized what happened from what I’d memorized, I discovered the Element Of Memory, and was chosen to be the keeper of such a rare & unique element.” Rufus narrates in where his colt self was now experiencing much knowledge to understand what has happened to him as he has obtain an element and become a wielder.
And soon he discovered a glowing mark on his flank which was a curve ‘C’ with a sword across the line, almost like it was trying to inscribe something for memory as that was his Cutie Mark for Young Rufus’s special talent in always having to remember things in his memory.
“With something unlock before me, my passion, my habits, became a part of a memory I found the most memorable to strive and achieve. It felt as if a part of Luna herself, rewarded me for loving her night sky.” Rufus narrates in what was happening with him before the young colt of Rufus’ past was soon set in motion.
Over time, Rufus discovered much of memorizing things in daily life to magic spells in books, and even seeing magic performed by both allies & villains, memorizing them all. Rufus even saw to it in memorizing the best looking Pegasus wings of the fastest flier, and soon, he gain those wings on his body, thus becoming an Alicorn. From there, Rufus gain more magic as an Alicorn and could perform greater feats than ever before.
“Over the years, I have worn an outfit that I feel is perfect for my characteristics & from how I work to which even as an adult stallion, the mares seem to go crazy for me. Many villains that think they have me are proven otherwise and are completely helpless under the power I command.” Rufus narrates to explain in what he appears now presently shows that he is like a minstrel to which mares go crazy for, but his enemies underestimate his real strength that he topples them. “I’ve earn a nickname, The Minstrel Who Sings To The Red Moon, for when I work, even in the night, the moon turns red as a sign of my appearance and victory in battle that made me a legend.” Rufus narrated off to conclude how he’s become like someone who shines bright by a red moon, as if he sings to all.
The scene begins to darken with the light of a red moon hovering over Rufus during the time as if now closing to the past of what went on in the past.
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BACK IN THE PRESENT
The gang that heard Rufus’ story were by far amazed by a tale that seem to touch one’s heart. Truly Rufus was somewhat a poet and one whose thoughts can make one feel him like a musical minstrel about to perform.
“Wow; that was an amazing tale.” Fluttershy slowly responded in never felt anything like this in having heard such a tale that felt like a fairy tale.
“Thank you, I hope you’ll all have a good memory of it.” Rufus gave a gentleman’s bow in feeling honored by such kind words. “After having a longer life-span, I wanted to take a chance to meet with the Royal Sisters and complimented in seeing Luna again. I have long awaited to seeing her work in the night sky and have started to see its return.” He issued forth to say these things of what it was he wanted to expression a sign of compassion for one's work that will be...memorable.
“It is true, Rufus was one of the few ponies that enjoyed my work in the skies when the ponies went to sleep.” Luna smiled off in feeling happy another someone speak up in having enjoyed her work when nighttime comes.
"I guess even a thousand years, he must have enjoyed your work...I couldn't imagine it!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed to say these things in having heard about the discussion of Rufus enjoying Luna's work in the night sky while others slept.
“An’ so, why else are ye here besides meeting’ us?” Applejack raised an eyebrow in still wondering why Rufus was here to begin with.
“Your memory should know about the arisen growing disturbance of the Three Lords, am I correct?” Rufus spoke up in starting to speak a bit more seriously now about a certain enemy group bunch.
“Oh yeah! We’ve had some dealings from them, but mostly between the 2nd and 3rd!” Pinkie Pie replied off in recalling which of the Three Lords of Equestria they had to deal with.
“In short, like the Dark Mystics or even the Apocalypse Ponies.” Rainbow Dash pointed off in stating the rank number order of each of the first two mentioned Three Lords.
“Well at least we managed to somehow survive them, if the top worse like Grimmore made a move, we all be in peril.” Rarity issued off in fearing that they have their hooves full in facing even worse villains at the top of the food chart.
“Like the time he sent our Dream Spirits to another world by cooperating with another Evil God from another dimensional realm. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, and we were lucky to make it back at all.” Twilight stated in knowing how close a shave they had when Grimmore acted and the Mane Six were almost finished when they were powerless in another dimension entirely different from Equestria Prime & survived against Wizeman, the Nightmaren Ruler of Nightmare that existed separately from the Night Dimension.
“I’ll say, running a kingdom without Twilight was, well…it wasn’t easy.” Ben spoke off to say in having gone through such tough times without his love beside him.
“Then perhaps a form of good news will cheer many of you up.” Celestia smiled off in about to say something to perk up some spirits. “As of now, Rufus Lore decided upon himself to stay close by.” She issued in announcing what Rufus will be doing as he’ll be close for those that need him.
“I’ll be staying within Canterlot Castle as one of its residents. I’ll memorize it perfectly to what I’ll do now.” Rufus smiled off to simply say that he’ll become accustomed to living within Canterlot Castle, just as the Royal Sisters and their employers do.
“So wait, you’re staying in Canterlot Castle?” Golden Heart yelped up in realizing what the guy was doing now after all this time.
“Not all problems are directed at Ponyville, but you shouldn’t worry about the matters here. Your memory of my abilities even astounded you, did they not?” Rufus simply replied off to calmly tell Golden Heart that with him, close by or afar, Rufus Lore is more than meets the eye.
“How could my memory forget, you never let them.” Goldie rolled his eyes to make a playful joke in seeing he walked right into that one.
“So that means you’ll be close by if something goes wrong, right?” Autumn Gem asked in following along what was being said here.
“Well then, that would make things a lot easier if there were more powerful Element Users around.” Sombra nodded off that if they have more strong Element Users, like Rufus, then their own enemies will have to think twice.
"It is the most logical choice of action." Fila spoke off in also agreeing on the basic term of the subject.
“I thank you for your honest thoughts and hope that with a good memory, that we can remember…we’re friends.” Rufus Lore made a graceful bow in honoring the matter and that they’ll be friends.
“Oh course. We’ll have memory of it. Oh, boy, now I’m getting that memory dialogue in me.” Jack Zen responded to say with a smile, then did a double-look at seeing he’s now talking like Rufus too.
Ben has a thought as he spoke up, "Hey, Rufus. You said that you can access anyone's memories, right?"
"Certainly, my dear boy. Why?" Rufus ask Ben curiously, wondering where he is going with this.
"Can you access two guys named Shadow Dragon and Lelouch the Herald of Melancholy?"
Rufus hummed to think about this, "Ben, I'm not sure..."
"What do you mean?" Ben ask Rufus in concern.
"I've known Shadow Dragon quite some time but it's completely restricted and forbidden. I promised to a mare that the past will not be revealed, unless she is prepared."
"Who would that be?"
"I cannot tell you of that." Rufus said seriously. He cannot even tell anyone who told him not to reveal Shadow Dragon's past and the Alicorn isn't about to break a promise now.
"Then, what about Lelouch? Herald of Melancholy?" Ben ask Rufus, getting to that problem.
"Hmm... That I cannot. I have no knowledge or information about him. Did you ask the Chronicler of him?"
"No... He said he doesn't have much information about Lelouch or any of Heralds. He said they're just a myth."
"Yeah, we tried various times but he doesn't have anything on him." Nyx said in concern.
"Right, it's like...the information of that subject has up and disappear." Starlight said in agreement.
"And he's right. No one has known or seen the Heralds or Guardians before in their lives. It's very strange and mysterious to us." Rufus said, showing that even he is bewildered about that. "All we know is their legend. It is said that the Mystic Heaven and his Guardians have defeated and banished both the Demon God and Heralds of Darkness. No one knows what really happen or whether they even exist. It's nothing but a legend. Ben, why do you ask of that?"
"Because I've encountered him after Flurry Heart's Crystalling." Ben said, frowning as he recalled his encounter with Leloch.
Twilight nodded as she continues, "And it wasn't very good either."
"Yeah, when I see that jerk, I'm gonna give that jerk some punch. He's no good son of-!" Rainbow begins to speak as if she's about to insult the villain.
"Rainbow Dash!" Mostly everyone else yells out in alarm.
"I was gonna said stupid devil."
"Perhaps, I will see to it with my own eyes." Rufus said as he begins touching Ben and everyone's forehead. The Alicorn focuses for a bit...then he gasped as if something that he saw...scared him. "Oh my."
As Rufus let go, Ben said, "Now you know why."
"I can't be sure how we can win. The only warriors who can defeat Lelouch and the rest of Heralds are Mystic Guardians. But unfortunately, no one, not even Chronicler knows it. But I'll let you know if I found the answer."
"Please, we took on foes who are tough to beat before. We can handle a bunch of creeps." Rainbow said arrogantly. The others glares at her, she can be so overconfident.
"Say, Rufus? Can you gain access to memories of a previous life?" Spike ask Rufus, thinking of something. "My family and I have lost a bit of memories during a time travelling trip not too long ago..."
"My bad." Starlight admits sheepishly.
"And I was wondering..."
Rufus interrupts seriously, "I know what you're going for...but it's impossible. I can only gain access to memories of this lifetime. Anything from your previous life is gone for good."
"Yeah, I thought so." Spike said with a sigh. Perhaps the mysteries of those he has forgotten may never be found again.
“Thank you all for dropping by, we hope everything back home is going alright.” Celestia smiled to thank those for coming to see and meet a new ally this day.
“It sure is mom.” Ben smiled off to say while giving his mother a hug.
“Bye-bye, see you later!” Nyx waved off in saying farewell to her grandma and Luna and Rufus too.
“Which is sometime soon, no less.” Phobos pointed off in knowing they’ll see each other again, who knows, maybe next week maybe.
Now the Mane Six and the gang slowly heading to the doors while saying farewell to the Royal Sisters & Rufus at the time. Afterwards when those that left the room were gone, only Celestia, Luna & Rufus were alone to discuss ‘other’ issues at the time being.
“They appear to be as you said in memory as I’ve seen before their arrival with your aid.” Rufus Lore spoke off in having seen what sort of characters Twilight and the rest are, as he did a display of a memory illusion, thanks to Celestia.
“Yes, which is why our enemies are trying to do what they can to harm us.” Celestia slowly nodded while being serious over the case of what’s happening.
“By the way, if memory serves right, there was a request you wanted for me to know about.” Rufus narrow his eyes to the Royal Sisters in becoming slightly serious about a certain ‘request’ at hand.
“There is…while we have long lasted over the years as Alicorns, you have the best memory to remember things.” Luna issued off that while the Royal Sisters have been around as have a few others that are Alicorns, but with the one with the best memory of things to remember; Rufus Lore is that stallion to be.
“And it brings up to a serious question you asked of me.” Rufus spoke off to say in holding his chin to close his eyes and to think. “The question referring to…about one called Chase the Warrior. One who has travel on a journey to hone his warrior skills,” He issued off that the subject is revolving around that one particular character in question.
“And…” Both Royal Sisters asked in awaiting anxiously of what Rufus can say.
“It is regretful, but…” Rufus opens his eyes a bit to look down in feeling this news will be a bit down and regretful of what he truly has a memory of. “The only Chase my Memory Element recalls perfectly is during the days when Dragon Hope went under the alias. I was there while hiding my true self when you, Azure Phoenix, Dragon Hope, were once together after 500 years ago. To this very day, no pony has ever named their colt child, Chase, and so it’s been that way…until recently.” Rufus explained the case that from the past long ago, only the one known as Dragon Hope BEFORE he became Shadow Dragon, under took the name Chase and there was never another Chase to be seen until this recent Chase the Warrior showed up.
“So then, the question is…where did this Chase the Warrior come from?” Celestia spoke in feeling suspicious about the new Chase in question.
“Is it possible he took the name to hide his true self, perhaps,” Luna pondered off to say in what could be the result of it being the key.
“We cannot be certain, just as we cannot be certain if…the Chase of today is more related to the Chase of a Past Memory.” Rufus Lore spoke in being serious over the matter that perhaps the two different Chases of the past and present, are maybe...one in the same. “However, perhaps we can find out best by recruiting someone to help.” He spoke in making a helpful suggestion here.
“Who did you have in mind?” Celestia raised an eyebrow in wondering who Rufus was going to suggest they get help from.
“Another Element User, but first, I believe your Memory recalls the day the Mane Six were caught in a trap; the Element Blackout Alchemy.” Rufus issued off to say while bringing up a subject about a certain spell that caught the Mane Six off guard.
“A fearsome spell that shuts down an element user’s power unless they know how to cancel it.” Luna replied off in knowing much about that, during the Clone Six event, Houndkiller of the Dark Mystics used that to almost siege victory on the Mane Six, Ben & Pinkamena.
“Correct, but you see…the Element User I am talking about has a true nack for traps.” Rufus repeated off to quote his statement while focusing on the recruit subject in point. “My Memory knows where to find him and ask his recruitment, the one called…Bickslow.” He spoke off the name of one that would be perfect in the settlement of..traps.
The Royal Sisters were quiet in having heard the name as they know it well. And soon Rufus’s image fades like…a memory of his form that Celestia & Luna widen their eyes while knowing, Rufus must have already left in which they never saw. So now as the scene fades, the Royal Sisters can only hope that Rufus will know what he’s doing to find the one called Bickslow to help them out with the Chase case before any real harm can come into plain.
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The scene begins to change to within the place that Shadow Dragon was staying at within Ponyvile. A Corridor of Darkness opened up that let Shadow Dragon and Tech out in the middle of the room before the portal closed. At the same moment, Tech was closing the blinds of any windows while locking them and the doors. Soon the room was darken, Tech stood in the far background while Shadow Dragon got in a meditative state with his eyes shut. Soon three portal windows opened around the front of the stallion as they are seen from left to right: The Superior, Dark Curse and even Grimmore himself.
“Shadow Dragon, reporting in.” Shadow Dragon slowly opened his eyes in stating he’s here to report of his mission.
“Greetings Shadow Dragon, what is the report?” Dark Curse responded in seeing his loyal apprentice here.
“I’m nearly at the point, of knowing the location of where the Mystic Shield is located.” Shadow Dragon issued off to mention of how close he is on the objective.
“I see, that would indeed be news to rejoice in….and what of those you have watched?” The Superior responded off to say in seeing that while one part is being done, what of the heroes.
“The Mane Six have gotten a bit stronger from other current events and such, as for Ben Mare…” Shadow Dragon was slowly reporting the matters before stopping to look down over the next subject of Ben’s current strength.
“Go on?” The Superior asked in feeling there was hesitation and a cause to earn some attention.
“He has unlock the Lens of Truth.” Shadow Dragon spoke this out in a diligent manner of what item Ben has now awaken into his possession.
The news caught some attention for the Three Lords to not show much emotional expressions, but knew that a problem had indeed arose in what Ben has called up from his Triforce power.
“So…Ben Mare has awaken that which puts your cover at risk.” The Superior spoke to hold his chin in feeling this news was indeed trouble sounding.
“Do you still hold the Reversing Mirror?” Dark Curse raised an eyebrow in wondering if Shadow Dragon still had that Mystic Weapon on hand.
“Yes my lord, as long as it’s within my possession, Ben’s Lens of Truth cannot reveal who I am.” Shadow Dragon nods his head in stating that so long as he has the Reversing Mirror, it will reflect and keep the Lens of Truth from showing Ben and the others who Chase REALLY is.
“Can you be certain?” Grimmore raised an eyebrow in being curious about that so-called claim.
“I’m certain, I will complete the objective before they learn of who Chase the Warrior is!” Shadow Dragon responded off in giving his word that he shall accomplish his task before the heroes learn of who he is while undercover. “I’m very close to finding where the Mystics hid their shield, I just need enough time.” He stated that he needs but little more time to truly locate the shield’s location.
“Time…is growing short.” Grimmore spoke to gaze his eyes upon Shadow Dragon with a deep dark tone as the pressure in the room felt heavy; Tech felt super scared right now while Shadow Dragon tries to keep himself in check when the presence of a War-God speaks off to them. “So long as the shield remains, it is keeping even the most powerful of destructive spells from touching it.” The Overlord King stated that unless the shield the Mystics setup is gone, they cannot attack so easily.
“Grimmore is correct, only very little handfuls of those working with us have begun to attack without much success.” The Superior nods in agreement to Grimmore that with that shield up, neither of their forces can get much out of it.
“True, and while my own warriors have gone about, their strongest of powers are being limited to give the Equestrians a chance.” Dark Curse remarked off to curse that with the Mystic Shield, it’s lowering much of his own forces magical destructive powers.
“Yes, but the shield was focus on keeping only one type of evil out…and it is from the Grimmore Army.” Shadow Dragon open his eyes in stating why the Mystic Shield was created in the first place; to keep Grimmore & his own forces out.
“Which is why you must find and destroy…not only for aiding a War-God, but the rest of the Three Lords.” Grimmore issued forth the matter of which must be done to insure nothing gets in their way.
“But the question still remains, what about the Mystics that may be in the area?” The Superior spoke in recalling that some Mystics maybe within the area on Equestria than in the Mystic Realm.
“I’ve managed to study that there are very few between Canterlot, Cloudsdale & Ponyville, most of which, they are too busy to know what is going on.” Shadow Dragon spoke off in stating where only a few handful of Mystics are located.
“Well done, Shadow Dragon. With them at their weakest focus, then you can truly find & destroy the shield.” Dark Curse shield off proudly at what his best warrior shall be doing next very soon.
“I shall do my part for which shall lead victory to us all, Lord Dark Curse.” Shadow Dragon bows before his lord in promising what he shall bring.
“Then proceed….once the shield is gone…then the Mystics hope of stopping us will be far more harder than they believe.” Grimmore declared forth in stating this for which when the shield is gone, then the Mystics shall find battling them far harder than they imagine.
“What do you mean, Lord Grimmore?” Shadow Dragon look to the powerful Dark Elf as if he has a trick up his sleeve.
“That…shall be revealed…in due time…” Grimmore smiled off fiendishly in stating this as…a hidden factor.
Then suddenly without warning, the three portal windows began to close in and then vanished without a trace. Once the presence of the Three Lords of Equestria were gone, the room felt less heavy, as even Tech sigh in relief.
“So um, how’d it go?” Tech then approached Shadow Dragon in wondering how that went with the discussion with the Three Lords.
“Never mind that Tech, I must find the shield.” Shadow Dragon cuts Tech off to stand up again with a renew focus. “What are the only areas left to search?” He turn to the nibbling worm in wanting some answers, and he wants them now.
“Ah-ah-ah…give me a second! Um…these areas!” Tech was quickly working on a little tech of his before showing a digital map of blinking lights of which they haven’t search near.
“They’ll do…” Shadow Dragon remotely stated without much a careful tone as he knows where to go next.
Then Shadow Dragon begins to leave the scene with his silent walk approach while Tech look silently at where the guy was going. Apparently, the only areas left are likely the ones to hide the Mystic Shield. Now things begin to darken now, for what will come next could be anyone’s guess.