I am struck a few times, the voices wanting me to speak to make sure I am still in a condition too. I have never coughed blood before, or feel a rib break. Truly it is something I wish not to remember. The voices are arguing I am sick, or going to fade away, but then I feel a tingle, the pain going away though it still hurts to breath.
As I fade once again into blackness, I wonder if Princess Luna would come to me as I dream. I’ve felt nothing, I’ve not dreamt, it’s nothing but the cold dark. Held in the grip of magic I suppose, I do not know much about it.
Strange, but I wonder how high the price will go?
-------------
The sisters had been sitting all day, working their magic, nothing is received.
“How can this be ‘Tia? Who is blocking us?”
“I do not know, but if some being is using a dark magic, could we trace it by it’s feel?”
“Cadence shall arrive soon, Shining has brought a bit of help, his own Guard is out looking in the snowy wastes as of yet.” Luna looked out from the royal tent, seeing Pegasi swooping in on relays to be fed then off into the skies. Supply trains were still rolling in.
“Maybe we can get a general idea of where if not exactly. This is odd, why would someone go to so much trouble for a pony? He doesn’t know anything from when he was a machine, could they have mistaken him for somepony else?” Celestia actually looked a bit troubled as she read the reports, the Rangers were thorough if nothing else.
Luna mirrored her sisters look, “I do not know, I find it hard to believe somepony would do this for any reason. But the blood tells a tale as the Rangers would have us believe, he was struck, and taken quickly, there were darker spells used.” She turned to look back inside at Celestia, “I cannot walk his dreams, they are just not there.”
Celestia moved to stand by Luna, watching the hustle and bustle of the camp, ponies everywhere pitching in to help in the search. “I fear this may lead to troubling times if we are not careful my sister.”
-------------
“You don’t understand, they are tracking us! The magic we’re using leaves a sign!”
“How much longer can you block them?”
“A few hours, maybe a day tops, if they use everything at their disposal, we’re going to get caught. Every single pony in Equestria seems to be looking for this idiot!”
“We’ll get our money and go then, just an hour or so, then we’re done and off to the good life.”
“I hope so, because if they catch us, Tartarus will be the least of our worries.”
I listen to the voices, they are terrified, strange accents catch my ears as I still cannot see very well. I find myself angry though, I am usually calm, but I cannot help it. I want them caught, I want them punished. I would like to go back to living my quiet life with Applejack.
--------------
The little Hummingbird slipped through the air quietly, watching the bigger avians fly around at great heights, looking for the lost pony. Snowbell loved to fly, he was fast! The pretty pony who took care of him told him he was too little to go look, but he wanted to help!
Slipping out of the house, he’d headed for the Badlands, he knew they weren’t a real good place, not a lot of nectar, but he’d had a bellyfull before he left.
That was before he’d found him! He found the pony! Stopping at an old mine shaft, there was a window looking out, he’d hopped into the dark to cool off, seeing the poor pony slumped in a chair. There were others moving in the dark, and his eyesight wasn’t as good as a hawk or falcon, but he knew it was the pony!
He turned to light out when he got smashed by a bolt of energy from something, it hurt so bad. But he could still fly, so he took to wing, tearing through the air to find some being to tell!
-------------
Twilight and Applejack stood and watched all the ponies coming and going. Applejack had made quite the killing selling off her stock of produce. Apples were known for honesty, but that never made a difference when it came to pushing their product. The vegetable farmers were definitely having a red letter day.
“Where ya think he is Twi?”
“I don’t know AJ, the Rangers said he was taken somewhere.”
“Ah hope he’s okay. I really do, tried not to worry but it’s kinda hard.”
Twilight hugged her friend, “I know, but with the amount of ponies here, we’ll find him.”
Rainbow crashed into a bush next to them, peeking out and looking a bit abashed, “Sorry, kept trying to keep out of ponies way. Just wanted to let you know, got a few keeping the weather clear here so it’ll stay sunny at least.”
“Good to know.”
The cyan mare marched up and gave Applejack a hug, “Hey, we’ll find ‘em, yeesh every pegasus between here and Fillydelphia is in on it! Pretty sure Cloudsdale has shut down almost..”
The orange mare hugged her friend back, tilting her hat up on her head, “I know, I know. What I want to know is who told these ponies he was mah coltfriend? Now I’m getting all that sappy stuff ‘bout a ‘lost love!’ ”
“Darling, how are you holding up?”
Applejack got a deadpan look on her face as she turned around, “Shoulda known..”
Rarity struck a pose, turning not a few heads of passerby, she was definitely elegant today. “What’s the matter Applejack? Surely you haven’t given up?”
“You know I haven’t Rarity, but do you have to go tellin’ everypony he’s mah coltfriend?”
The light grey mare put a hoof on her chest, looking at Applejack, “But it’s so romantic, I just had to share! I mean honestly, nopony quotes poetry anymore, or even looks at somepony the way he does you! Besides, I’m still waiting to measure for your wedding!”
“Didn’t we tell you...”
“Oh stop that.” Rarity gave an eyeroll, looking at Rainbow and Twilight like they should know as well, “If you two aren’t a perfect match I don’t know who is.” She put a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, “Trust me, I have the perfect outfit in mind, emeralds definitely, a hint of sapphire, it’ll be gorgeous!”
Applejack pinched her nose with a fetlock, opening her mouth to let Rarity have a bit of her mind when stopped by a friendly leg around her shoulder.
Twilight grinned, “C’mon, let’s grab something to eat, I’m sure we could all use something.”
Applejack just nodded, being led off with Twilight and Rainbow, Rarity gushing a bit more about the wedding designs. Rainbow Dash didn’t help when she asked about the best pony outfits.
‘Ah’m gonna kill both of ‘em, I swear.’ , was AJ’s thoughts before the scent of food took her mind away from it.
-------------
The hawk’s keen eyes caught the little bird tumbling through the air, she stooped quickly and got under it; nestling it between her wings as she soared high in the open sky. She was magnificent for her kind, broad and sharp taloned.
**You’re hurt Little Brother**
--Snowbell found the pony! Snowbell found the pony!-- The tiny white Hummingbird chattered from her back. His heart racing against her skin.
**Where away Snowbell?**
Snowbell described the place in the Badlands, giving directions as accurately as he could.
**Well done Snowbell, well done indeed! It’s time to get you help.**
--Snowbell just needs to rest is all..just....rest....--
The hawk’s heart broke as she felt the Hummingbird relax against her, the little heartbeat thumping a few times, then no more.
**Spread your wings and fly high little Snowbell** The hawk’s cry tore through the sky, piercing the air with sorrow and information, **The pony is found!**
An Eagle came winging it’s way to her side, ***Where to Sister?***
She gave the golden bird directions, **Find the Old One and tell her where, strike them and pluck their feathers, wait for the ponies.**
***Where do you go?***
**I must deliver a hero** She tilted, showing her Brother the little form on her back.
The noble head nodded, ***Fly high little one*** As he tilted off, flapping his wings to gain height he cried to any who could hear, ***The Pony is found!***
--------------
The auction is over as far as I can tell, quite an amount of bits are being given or received, I am not sure. The voices are starting to move away slightly as I am roughly brought to my hooves. I cannot stand very well, my head is stuffed full of wadding it feels. My good eye can’t focus and I fall down onto my face. It’s restful here on the cool floor, I’ll just close my eyes a bit and rest. I can listen just fine from here...
“Get him up, we have to go!”
“He won’t move, he’s out, something’s wrong.”
“He's fine, don't worry about it!”
“Wait, no money if no pony, he can’t speak then give it back.”
“He’s fine, just a bit woozy. Get him and go, all of you. We have to leave.”
“Tie it up, let’s go.”
I feel bands being placed around my fetlocks, it’s still hard to stand, I wish they’d let me rest. So thirsty. A door opens, letting light in that pierces my eye, I’ve been in the dark too long.
------------
Orbiting above the mine in the high air, the Eagle soared and the other was something rarely seen, a Thunderbird; one of the Old Ones. Like the Ursa Major, the Thunderbirds were left alone, very few existed and they preferred to live in peace all their days. She was asked, and agreed to help keep those beings in the mine in place until the ponies came.
Her golden eyes watched carefully as she spotted a unicorn exiting the doorway. Folding her wings back, she stooped; her beak a pointed spear as she dove out of the sun, heading for her target. Faster she drove, feeling the wind rush once again through her feathers.
Just before she collided with the earth, her wings snapped out, yards wide the metallic colored feathers glinted in the sun as thunder crashed through the air, blowing the unicorn back into the mine shaft.
The Eagle stood on a wingtip and whipped around the now ascending Thunderbird, “***Impressive Old One***
^^^Bah, younglings can do such. But ‘tis good to feel the wind and thunder again my friend. It has been long since I stretched my wings^^^ She soared higher, orbiting once again and waiting for her next chance, too long had it been indeed.
------------
I hear a sound, the crashing of a body near me as yells and cries cut the dark. Something’s out there, slamming into the mine with a rush of wind and concussion.
“It won’t let us out, it’s a Thunderbird!”
“WHAT?”
“It’s a Thunderbird!”
“Nonsense!”
I hear the door open again, once more the crack of thunder reverberates through the mine, hurting my ears, pounding my head. I can’t get up now, so I just wait, there is confusion about me, panic, I can hear it, they are trying to find a way out but something is preventing it. Good for them.
--------------
The cast of Falcons called to Fluttershy from outside the cottage, waiting patiently as she opened the door and saw them all perching in her yard.
“What’s wrong...?” She stopped as the female showed her the little white body nestled on her back.
“Oh Snowbell....” She gathered it up in her hooves, starting to fly off towards the town, wanting to be with her friends. The falcons stopped her, telling her where the pony had been found and that they were waiting for the ponies to come, keeping the bad beings inside it.
The golden pegasi’s eyes were filled with tears as she made her way toward town.
-------------
Princess Celestia noticed the tumult near the edge of town, seeing Fluttershy with her friends as a crowd gathered, ponies talking as they pointed, moving out in large groups towards the south, the Badlands.
“What is happening?”
All eyes turned towards her, “Crusader's been found, he’s in an old mineshaft in the Badlands, everypony’s moving out.” One of the guards bowed as he answered her query.
Tilting her head, she looked at Fluttershy, “What is wrong?”
Fluttershy held out her fore legs, telling the Princess her friend had found Crusader, and got injured by something. It had been too much and the little bird had passed.
Celestia could smell the magic coming off the burned body, her anger started to rise, but she kept her cool exterior, showing a warm, sorrowful smile to the golden pegasus. She motioned to a nearby Unicorn, “Take ..?”
Fluttershy said very quietly, “Snowbell.”
The regal head nodded, “Take Snowbell, take good care of him, make sure nothing happens. It will be some time before we can properly reward a good and faithful subject, do you understand?”
The Unicorn stood tall, nodding at the command, “Yes Your Highness!”
Fluttershy was led to the tent where the Council of the College resided, they would take very good care of the little Hummingbird.
--------------
Celestia’s voice lost it’s ethereal warmth for just a second, turning to Twilight, “Take to the air Twilight, get there, take as many wings as you can. We need to go now.”
“Yes Celestia!” The lavender mare grabbed Rainbow Dash, calling out to everypony nearby and getting them moving. Rainbow took off in a streak of color towards the Badlands, wanting to scout out the situation.
She walked slowly back to the royal's tent, Luna looking expectant at her when she peered through the flap, “What word sister?”
“We need to go to the Badlands now, dark magic has been used to kill.”
The surprise in Luna’s face was hard to mistake, she roared out of the tent, calling to the guards that could fly and winging away into the sky.
Celestia looked at the ground for a moment before taking wing herself, her thoughts troubled as she saw the entire camp moving as one towards the Badlands. When ponies moved, they moved fast, it would not be long before they got there; she and her sister had to be there to stop anything untoward.
-------------
Now Dire Bears were known to be cranky, and when they got cranky they tended to get very angry. Short Snout was not only cranky, he was sweaty, thirsty, and highly mad he had to sit outside this stupid door and keep whatever was inside in there.
He had run all the way from his cave to the badlands, asked by the Old One to help keep these stupid beings in place till the ponies came. So that made him extremely angry, not at the Old One whom he respected, but at these small beings that kept him from snoozing a nice day away and going fishing.
Needless to say, three tons of angry, sweaty, thirsty, hungry Dire Bear is not something you want to confront outside your door. Trying to use magic to get it to move? Doubly pissed.
The Old One sat above the mineshaft opening, an amused look on it’s metallic colored face, ^^^Great One, thank you. I promise, I will find lots of fish for you to eat upon ending this.^^^
Short Snout hmphed and rumbled, a deep basso thrumming, (((Why are these things so important that we need to keep them here?)))
^^^The ponies have asked, and they have always given us respect and peace in the past, we can do no less when their need is great can we?^^^
(((Yes, you are right Old One, but you owe me quite a bit of fish now.))
^^^We will fill your belly to bursting Lazy One^^^
A roar echoed into the hot, still air; the maw opened wide and cut loose with a deep throated sound that frightened even the rocks.
(((I will have you know silly bird, I am not lazy, just a bit slower than most.)))
^^^Of course Great One, of course.^^^ The amusement tinging the conversation made them both smile.
The Dire Bear turned and smacked the front of the mineshaft, making it rattle; shaking dirt loose from the wood planking covering the opening, letting those inside know it was still here and not happy. His sides were burned from the magic used against him, patches of raw skin showed, but they would heal. Short Snout kept his agreements. Besides, he was sure the ponies would be here soon, he could go lick his wounds and eat fish.
-------------
Something very large is outside, and very unhappy if I am hearing it right. It smacks the door now and then as if to remind it is there. The voices around me are getting more and more panicked.
“It doesn’t care! I’ve shot it a few times with bolts and it just scratches and ignores them! It won’t move!”
“All those bits spent on stealing books and none of it taught you anything more powerful? Bah, you’re useless!”
“Do you even realize what they are going to do to us? To YOU?”
“Shut up, they’re peaceful types, know nothing but ‘friendship and respect’. Nothing will happen and we will go along as always, this is just a bump nothing more.”
“I hope you’re right, otherwise, you may be in for a surprise.”
I listen to the worry, the panic, it makes me smile. I get smacked across the chops for that as I lay here, but that’s fine. The net is closing, and the wire it is made up of is cutting deep before they are caught. The magic closes my mind again as I fall into the black once more.
-------------
Rainbow was sitting on a rocky outcropping as more Pegasi landed, joining her in watching the opening of the mineshaft. Twilight skidded to a halt beside her and saw the look on her face.
“What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be down there?”
“Not a chance in Tartarus Twilight,” She pointed down to the mineshaft.
Twilight’s jaw drifted a bit as she watched a huge bear smack the covered front of the shaft, voicing it’s displeasure to whoever was inside. A metallic colored bird was sitting on the rock above it, tilting it’s head and watching the bear, “Is that a Thunderbird?”
“Yep, and that’s a Dire Bear. Older Pegasi tell stories about them. I’m thinking we’re just gonna sit up here and wait.”
Twilight settled in beside her friend, “You know, that’s a pretty good idea.” More Pegasus joined them, the entire group watching the furry mountain whack the mineshaft covering again.
--------------
^^^Seems we have company Great One, time to leave?^^^ She motioned with a wing to the ponies around the mineshaft now, gathering by the second.”
(((I still have one thing left to do Old One, the one inside that gave me a bit of trouble, I owe them.)))
^^^Peace Great One, peace.^^^
The bear flipped a paw at the bird, “(((Do not worry, but I will have my fun.)))
^^^Fair enough. Here comes the Princesses, you know them?^^^
(((Oh yes, every being does.)))
The two legends sat and stared at Luna and Celestia as they walked up towards the mineshaft; ponies in armor behind them looking distinctly nervous, but trusting their rulers.
Celestia and Luna smiled, they remembered these beings of eld, when their rule was young and the Thunderbirds cracked the skies with sound. The Dire Bear was ancient, as such things live long, but they had retreated to the deep woods, bothering nopony.
Luna stepped forward, “We greet you Ancient Ones, we remember you from our younger days.”
The metallic colored bird bowed a bit, the bear sat on his haunches and nodded.
“We have come to retrieve that which you have kept for us, but I am afraid our ponies have heard the tales, so they might not be as trusting.”
The metallic colored bird looked a bit amused Celestia thought, as it tilted it’s head, speaking to the bear in a musical tone. They both looked at the Alicorns, the large bird waving a wing outward as it took off to the sky, letting itself play in the wind before smashing the air with thunder one last time.
^^^Come see me for your fish Great One!^^^
The bear sat on his backside, staring at the door and motioning for them to do what they had to. But he was going to sit there.
Rainbow Dash was looking at the sky, watching the huge bird break the stillness with thunder, “That...was....awesome..”
Twilight bumped her friend, “Shush, the Princesses are going to speak.”
Celestia used the Royal Canterlot Voice, speaking loudly to whomever was inside the mine, “Come out NOW! You will not be harmed.”
The door slowly opened, a horn peeked out, followed by a green body, it looked around then stepped outside for the first time in a while.
The Dire Bears’ paw shot out at tremendous speed, grabbing the Unicorn around the barrel and bringing it up to it’s huge maw. It squinted at the pony, recognizing it as the one that had hurt it’s sides.
Everypony in sight held their breath, sure they would see a messy end to the Unicorn.
Short Snout licked his chops, then opened his mouth, making sure the pony saw each and every one of the two-hoof long fangs that filled it. A roar blasted the pony, wet and terrible as it kept going for what seemed like forever as the bear brought it’s face close, snapping the iron jaws shut inches from the terrified face.
The huge paw set the pony back down and stared at it, as the legs gave way and it toppled over in a dead faint. Chuckling to itself, it got up slowly and ambled off back to it’s cave, there were fish promised and naps to be had.
Luna looked over at Celestia, a grin almost breaking her face as she tried to stay serious, “Seems our friend had a little bit of revenge to get.”
Celestia kept her face straight, “Indeed sister, indeed.”
What followed made all in sight gasp, eyes wide as they all stared. Celestia knew at that moment things had gone from bad to worse. She couldn’t keep this quiet, there was no way. Pegasi were streaking off after seeing it and tearing through the skies to spread the word. This would be bad.
It was the diplomats, all of them. The ones that had fought with the Sisters for control of Crusader, who wanted a share for their own ends. She stood though, her leg tapping the ground in a pique of nervousness that Luna recognized. They would risk everything and anything to grab a piece of something they could not even comprehend?
Was it so base a reason?
The Night Princess leaned against her sister and comforted her as they kept watching.
Two more Unicorns exited, they were unknown to them, and then one last familiar face.
This face they knew, always and forever they would remember that fight that day inside Crusader. The greedy mare, the one who was Filthy Richs’ paramour, the mare who wanted more bits of gold and had to be threatened to stop.
Why? Why in the stars would anypony do this to another, it was beyond reckoning.
Celestia tempered her anger, stomping it down to a low burn as she gave the orders to her guards.
“Take them all away.” The disgust in her voice was plain.
---------------
I hear the voices outside, I am relieved. I can rest now, but not before I see my Applejack. I don’t want to break my promise, I told her I would never leave, but this may be beyond my control. I don’t know what to think. But for the first time in a while, I fall asleep, without the iron grip of the magic in my mind. I hope I dream of her.
The diplomats? No surprise there. I think at this point a state of war has existed between Equestria and its neighboring nations.
Hmmm, not what I was expecting, but very well written none the less!
I loved the use of the various creatures coming to Fluttershy's beckon, and the lose of Snowbell. Sad, but an excellent use of Catharsis...
Ain't that the truth! Sometimes it really is just a simple desire for greed or power with no overall plan that makes people do the most heinous of things. A good chapter. I hope Crusader will be able to be healed.
5546168 Thank you kindly!
5546189 I guess that's what makes the tragedy worse, the uncaring and pettiness. Let's hope he does.
Well done once more!
Now as for those diplomats... They hurt murdered a sentient being, kidnapped a national hero and philanthropist, and utilized forbidden sorcery. Worst of all, they broke Rule no. 42, namely:
Now as for what to do with this lot of captured enemies of the state... I think that Overlord Rule no. 4 applies.
5546284 Thank you kindly sir!
5546273 Thank you very much And those rules are hilarious
5546337 Then here's the other 298 of them
I have an upcoming fic with a retired evil overlord who uses these. It's pretty great.
A most excellent chapter. Snowbell's lose brought a tear to my eye. The near mythological animals keeping watch over the mine was a great touch. Seeing everyone gather together for the search was very moving. Man I love this story!
5546338 Yessir, remember dark magics were used, nopony in his right mind would do so. But greed is powerful.
5546362 Thank you, I admit, a tear was shed when I wrote it, thinking of the happy little bird. I'm really glad you're enjoying the story!
Great story,
5546538 Thank you!
5546559 That...was....awesome, almost exactly like a low mark would be!
hot danm
i started this story today and then bam, im left on a cliffhanger
then a few hours later you send out another chapter thats just amazing and leaves me on another cliffhanger
if you had to pay to upvote a story
i would definetly be getting my likes worth and more
if only i could follow you more than once
5546635 I'm really bad with cliffhangers, sorry bout that. But almost through with another chapter, so..there is that! Thank you, for the compliment, I'm just really glad you're finding alot of enjoyment in the story.
5546702
its not that the cliffhangers are bad in fact their really good and well done
its just their so good i hate them
DANG IT STOP BEING SUCH A GOOD AUTHOR
i want more and its hard to wait for such magnificence
5546559
It's your fault, you know. I need to watch that series now…
5546600
Aye, that's very much how I envision a Bolo below Mark XXX would fight.
Edit (that video made me forget what I was going to say about the chapter ):
Can't say I was surprised by who was involved (though I wasn't expecting the gold-digger, to be honest), but I really like how you did the animals.
TY so much for the fast output of your chapters. I would be going bonkers for weeks otherwise in wait for the next.
5546761 Oh no, I promise, not weeks, I know how that is! Maybe a few days at most if I'm stuck, but I'll get em to you!
The hawk’s heart broke as she felt the Hummingbird relax against her, the little heartbeat thumping a few times, then no more.
almost teared up at this scene
This has been absulotly great so far. Thanks for sharing!
This story is top-tier, how it isn't on the featured list is beyond me.
i expected changelings.
5547091 You are so very welcome!
5547340 Not sure how the featured list works, but it's been featured for a few minutes a couple times! And thank you for the kind comment!
5547415 Not sure if they're gonna show up or not. Been thinking on them
5546135 Agreed.
5547340 It already was, That's how I found this story in the first place.
While yes the Diplomats weren't a surprise, Filthy Riches wife actually raised a 'huh?' out of me.
I love it
Been out camping for a week. just caught up. the honor of the Brigade has been upheld. Laumer would approve.
This turn of events has certainly thrown me for a loop. I have no idea what Crusader being separated from his body could mean.
On the one hoof its wonderful that he finally got to declare his love for Applejack, but on the other what does this mean for his Bolo form? Is it still functioning without him? In an emergency mode perhaps? Is it in danger or a danger to others without him in control of it? Must he rejoin with it in time? What happens if he dies?
I look forward to finding out...
And...
Fly high, Snowbell.
5548154 I admit, yes, it is, but it sounded so very good when used to a different purpose, calling Rainbow a dolt. Please forgive the artistic license?
5549310 Thank you, very much for the kind compliment!
5549095
I don't know. We'll need to do some testing, which means we need a larger sample set of this "artistic license" you speak of...
5550136 Smooooth, real smooth
Called it.
Everything's Worse With Bears but it can lead to Villain Exits Stage Left, Pursued by a Bear if we're lucky and the villains are unlucky.
So I was wrong about it being Flim and Flam responsible for the kidnapping and auction. And at least the bear did a roar in the face thing on the pony who blasted him. We need to see Fluttershy give him a nice thourough brushing as thanks for his help... and a race between Rainbow at Rainboom speeds with the Thunderbird.
*reads this, rereads, as tears form in my Golden Eyes. then I nod my head, and swooping down unseen, I grasp the tiny spirit of Snowbell saying to him*
Hero you are, Hero they Name you
your fate is not to fade or unknown
away to the Forest Forgotten by Time and Tome
To a Golden Field, where other Heroes Wait
with open arms and wings
to Greet the Newest Member of their Team
*I read this, and just couldn't let SnowBell be remember just by a statue*
Who else wants Master Chief to fall from orbit and start hitting things with covenant rag dolls?
5592761 Holy shit, you too?
5565469 So many feels and tears
Should be: “Crusader’s been found, he’s in an old mineshaft in the Badlands, everypony’s moving out.”
should be "She walked slowly back to the royal's tent".
Consider rephrasing the 'everypony in sight' on one of these.
5546943
Almost nothing, I bawled.
I surprised no one else said it yet so I guess that leaves it up to me.
Was I the only one who couldn't help but picture the ThunderBird as a Zapdos?
Again! Damn YOU! AGAIN YOU MAKE ME CRY!!! That.... That little hummingbird, Of all the great and powerful being, of all the masses that searched, a little humming bird found him, and died to help... Its too glorious... It too heartbreaking... Dude... this is seriously already the best thing i have already read, and i... I've barely started reading it...
5546358 When? I want to know so I can watch that when it comes out
okay, having witnessed first hand how fast a hummingburd runs out of fissionable material, I didn't think they would make it far IN. Was not expecting... tears... Curse you, you flaming letter!
"He doesn’t know anything from when he was a machine"
Yeah. Thanks to that ol' secrecive
bastscoundrel Discord....
What?
No. I'm still not over the consequences of his "gift" to Crusader.^_^
Ah well, blame the author. He got me hooked on.
After that dratted chapter (Crusie's transformation), I swore not to come back and read one word of the story ever again.
But I'm still reading it.
Damn you. Damn you to Hell! :-P
I am sooooo disappointed with all of you.
"Those dire bears can rip you a new asshole in no time at all! You do know what a dire bear is, right? It's like a bear, but DIRE..."
I actually looked up a picture of a dire bear, there is some variations but the general consensus is big, bear like, and magical.
*Having trouble not shedding tears and constantly wiping them* What heartwarming chapter.
Okie dokie, Dissy. Now ya gotta at least give him control so he can go kick some ass. Like, yesteryear?
On second thought, Diamond Tiara's stepmom is the auctioneer. That's my bet.
A surprisingly accurate fictional description of a concussion. I approve.
Dire Bear, I hereby dub thee Mongo.
So my first guess was right.
Oh yay, both my guesses were right. Somepony's going to be enjoying a very, very extended stay in a dark, lonely hole.
Decided to reread some of my favorite chapters of this story; now since I've gotten a little ahead in the story, I'm just now realizing how much deep shit the ambassadors are in, now since the dragon and griffon nations are better understood in S5 & 6, with the griffons not having an actual ruler so it kinda makes sense how the griffon ambassador would act this way. That and the whole nation of griffons are under poverty, so Crusader and his technology would be a boon for them.
The dragon ambassador is a bit confusing since the dragon emperor and so on, that and dragons are about strength, so I don't see why the dragon ambassador would be so interested in Crusader or his technology, at best I think he ignore, or get the chance to destroy him, so kidnapping him and buying him for an auction wouldn't make sense... not really dragon-like.
And the minotaurs though aren't much known, both in the comics and show, so I can't say how their kingdom is like.