The Weight That You Return To
Rainbow Dash sat on the platform's edge, staring out at the lengths of the Quade. In her peripheral vision, she sensed an ever-present yellow glow. She knew that if she just turned her head slightly to the right, she'd see Yaerfaerda in perfect clarity.
She refused to move one inch.
“Whew...” Bard exhaled, shuffling through his bags and belongings. “...sure been a long time since I tried heavin' all this stuff over my shoulders.” He slung a canvas satchel over his shoulder, feeling the weight. “Ggghhhh... yeahhh...” He let the heavy weight fall back to the platform with a thud. “That will be fun to haul through the skies once again. Heheh...” He smiled mildly as he dragged his guitar case over. “I swear, I really let myself go this week. Nothin' but ocean mangoes for days. Who'd a thought them fruits was so fattenin'?”
Rainbow's ears flicked, but she didn't say anything. Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie hovered around her in similar, melancholic silence.
Wildcard was much slower and—of course—quieter in packing his things. Every so often, the griffon would glance over at Rainbow Dash. Somewhere between his stoic beak and featureless lenses, there lingered something faintly resembling concern.
“Maybe you could help them pack, Dashie!” Pinkie chirped.
“Pinkie...” Rarity shook her head and held a hoof before her muzzle.
“But...” Pinkie blinked... then blinked again. “I-I was only trying to be...” She bit her lip, took one look at Rainbow's slumped features, then sighed... her ears folded while her mane looked a tad bit straighter.
Bard, in the meantime, reinforced the straps of his canvas satchel with some extra cords. “Looks like all our platinum bars from Rust are still in our packs! That's somethin' to be thankful for, right?” He smiled crookedly. “I mean... not as if there was ever a chance of them humble monks grabbin' any piece of it... but... erm...” He sighed. “Hrmmmfff...”
Rainbow exhaled, her wings drooped at her side.
Wildcard gestured at Bard.
Bard grunted. “No, it wouldn't! Would you just give it a—?!” The stallion clenched his eyes shut, seethed, then sighed once more. He squatted down on his haunches besides Rainbow Dash, staring in the opposite direction. “... ... ...look, Rainbow, darlin'... I'm sorry it couldn't work out.” He gulped. “Again.”
“Not your fault,” Rainbow dryly murmured.
“Ain't it?” Bard ran a hoof through his mane. “I certainly sealed the deal when I let slip that we'd been in the shrines beneath Shoggoth.”
“Wouldn't have mattered,” Rainbow said. She calmly stared out at the northern mountain ridge looming high above the shallow waters. “The pilgrims were enraged already.” She gulped hard. “And it's only because I let it happen that way.”
“Well... Rainbow...” Rarity floated closer, hugging one forelimb with another. “To... be rather blunt, you did let out an awful lot of information in one go.” She winced slightly, not sure of Rainbow's reaction. “Far too much for any sane pony to chew, regardless of their spiritual outlook.”
“I know, Rarity.” Rainbow gulped. “I know. I just... I was so friggin' afraid that they'd be form a blockade against me that I let them do it.” Rainbow gazed down at the Reed. “The same thing happened in Durandana.”
Wildcard gestured.
Bard looked at him, then at Rainbow. “'What was different about Durandana?'”
“What? Like... You mean how did it work?”
“Hey...” Bard shrugged with a slight smile. “Not my question.”
“The Sword of Solstice,” Twilight remarked, glancing at Rainbow Dash. “That was your leverage.”
Rainbow looked from her to Bard. “In Durandana, I had concrete proof. Through the Sword of Solstice, I was able to get the 'elders' of that place to talk to Princess Celestia. And... it's not like I expected anything to happen with them overnight. I let them keep the Sword so that they could make amends with the ruler of Equestria over time.”
“And it worked, right?” Bard asked.
“I... I don't know...” Rainbow gulped. “I'm guessing so. I imagine if they had experienced some collapse and ditched the Sword, then Luna would have told me about it the last time we communicated.”
“Yeah. I reckon.” Bard cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes. “Do... do ya think somethin' like that would have worked here?”
Rainbow opened her muzzle... but hesitated. At last, with a breathy sigh, she muttered: “No? I dunno.” Exhaling further, she leaned her chin on her forelimbs, gazing off the edge of the platform with listless eyes. “The Durandanans were... a piece of Equestria. They were a remnant... a flock of Commander Hurricane. Sure, they may have been long lost from their homeland without a solid memory of it, but a solid piece of Harmony was still with them. Whether they were born with it or somehow just passed it along through intuitive wisdom... I dunno. They received the news I had to give them because a part of them desired to. But here...? This place?”
Her eyes rolled up, following the top edge of the mountain ridge. She stifled a woeful moan.
“...this is something Verlax built. She made it from the ground up... in that she removed the ground.” Rainbow's eyes darted to the Desperadoes. “I'm willing to bet that Verlax caused the Plight itself. She tore a gash in this part of the world, sinking Luminar to the depths. She wounded the same Rohbredden that she claimed to save... and out of the gaping mire she erected a crazy religion... just like she erected the 'miraculous' Reed. Those shoots cover the tower—yes—but they do more than that. They swallow and suffocate the lives of all ponies who come here... ponies who are vulnerable and suffering... ponies who have lost so much and have nowhere to go. Verlax preys upon them... instilling her... mad ideas of circles within circles... repetition of destruction and construction. She produced a Sundering right here and she's made ponies believe that they must destroy all self-identity and desires and ambition in order to atone for something that wasn't even their fault to begin with.”
Bard grimaced. “You... you almost make them sound pitiable.”
“Aren't they?” Rainbow murmured. “I mean...” A shuddering breath as she brushed her bangs back. “...no doubt these 'Luminards' are onto something. There's a peace and contentment of mind here. Heck... I felt it too. Sure, all of those days spent 'meditating' inside their cramped closet truly, totally sucked. Don't get me wrong! But the very instance that... that I had an epiphany... an enlightening... it... it was like nothing else I have ever experienced. And I've experienced a lot.”
Bard and Wildcard sat, listening in silence. The three ghost mares looked on.
“I... I was naked... exposed to my sins... and my hopes...” Rainbow Dash shuddered. “...and yet, for a brief moment, they didn't... didn't have weight to them anymore. I...” She bit her lip, her eyes watering slightly. “I don't know if... you can... mmm... know what that feels like.”
Wildcard looked at Bard.
The stallion exhaled. “Perhaps not.” He gulped. “But I've searched long and hard to feel what you done grasped for a short blink in time, Rainbow.” He bore a sad smile. “Reckon it's a wonderful thang.”
“Is it?” Rainbow frowned. “Or was it just a feeling? You commit to something so intensely and with such dedication for so long—literally banging your friggin' head against the wall—and you can make yourself feel anything. But what is actually there? And what...” She gritted her teeth. “...what is actually missing?”
“Fluttershy,” Pinkie whimpered. She sniffled. Rarity leaned over to place a hoof on her shoulder.
Rainbow glanced at them. She looked back at Bard and Wildcard. “The ponies who congregate here feel something. And if that frees their soul, then good for them.” She gulped. “But... there is nothing truly here in the Quade to devour their desires... no real shadow in which they can bury their sins.” She slowly shook her head. “There is only madness... circles woven for no reason except to be undone. And while that may all be conducive to meditation, self-introspection, and ultimately peace of mind... these ponies are still blind. All they know is the sensation of peace, but they don't know what's outside of it... what's encompassing.”
“But if it works for them—?”
“It doesn't matter!” Rainbow Dash suddenly snarled, her wings flexing. “Don't you get it, Bard?! Verlax set this whole thing up! The Quade's a trap! All souls who come here are eventually ensnared, forcing themselves to believe in one thing! And when all you know in life is some self-imposed peace without reason, then all you're actually living in is...” She blanched.
Wildcard raised a curious eyecrest.
“What?” Bard asked.
Rainbow gulped, staring off into the sunlit distance. “...a prison.”
Twilight blinked.
Rainbow clenched her teeth. “She was right... it is a prison.”
“Who was right?” Bard asked.
Rainbow continued murmuring: “And now...” She pressed a hoof to her face, grimacing. “...Fluttershy is stuck in that same prison.” She gulped. “And it's all my fault.”
“Rainbow, darling...” Rarity smiled. “You tried—”
“Yeah, well...” Rainbow lowered her hoof, snapping. “I tried too hard! Who here can deny that?! Huh?!”
Rarity bit her lip. Pinkie Pie sniffled again.
Rainbow blinked. She sighed, hanging her head in her hooves again. “I'm sorry... I'm just... so sorry...”
“Rainbow...” Twilight gulped. She floated closer. “When was the last time you rested? Or got any sleep?”
“It doesn't matter...” Rainbow muttered. “Fluttershy...”
“Bard and Wildcard have a backup plan for that.” Twilight smiled, lowering her voice to a gentle whisper. “Rainbow, look at me.”
Rainbow tilted her face up, eyes watering.
“You. Are. Not. Giving up. On her.” Twilight's eyes were nevertheless glossy. Still, she reached a hoof forward as if to caress the mare, speaking: “You've exhausted all options here. But you mustn't blame yourself. We're here with you. Bard and Wildcard are here as well! You had your time carrying the burden. Why don't you let them carry you for a while?”
“You mean...” Rainbow Dash shuddered. “...like Eljunbyro?”
“Hmmmm... hehehe...” Twilight grinned. “Why not, huh? I mean... that would make some sense, wouldn't it?”
Rainbow bit her lip. She almost turned to look at the Desperadoes, but her gaze faltered.
“It's not the end of the world just because you're flying away from Yaerfaerda for a time. Let them lead the way for a bit. They can be your beacon for the time being. And then, when we have all of our cards together, we'll come back here and get Fluttershy out.” She grinned. “Let's let friendship and harmony be the key. It's always been the case, hasn't it?”
“But Twilight...” Rainbow Dash grimaced. “I... I don't have... I-I mean...” She fought a panting sensation from deep within, laced with pale sweat. “I don't know if I can—”
“Can what?”
Rainbow avoided her gaze. Her ears folded. “... ... ...take... mmm... a back seat.”
“Heehee. And why not?” Twilight smirked. “You've let far nobler companions take the helm before, haven't you?”
“Yes, but—”
“Awwww Hell,” Bard muttered.
Rainbow and Twilight looked over, blinking curiously/
Bard nodded his head towards the nearest platforms below. “Guess they ain't foolin' around.”
“...?” Curious, Rainbow turned and looked over her shoulder.
Galloran and Menthe stood within a stone's throw. The two stallions paced and paced, their stalwart gazes locked on the upper platform.
Wildcard exhaled out his beak nostrils, then gestured to Bard.
“Reckon so, mofo...” Bard nodded, sighing. “Rainbow, darlin', hate to cut things short...”
“No...” Rainbow stood up, wincing from her bandaged forelimbs. “No, I-I get it.” She picked Luna's saddlebag up and smiled weakly at the cowcolt. “'Let's mosey.'”
It was not a cheerful affair.
As Menthe and Galloran escorted the three visitors towards the eastern platforms, dozens upon dozens of Luminards stared from various lofty, shady positions. The monks' expression were a mix of confusion, concern, and melancholy. Not a single angry face could be seen among them—and Rainbow Dash wasn't certain whether or not that made the situation any more comforting.
“Talk about party pooped,” Pinkie Pie slurred. There was no reaction, and the ghostly mare didn't expect one.
Rainbow adjusted the tight satchel on her back. She winced—for her coat was still raw from a week of wearing sackcloth—and it made the strangely unfamiliar sensation of being reunited with her saddlebag ten times more awkward. She glanced to her left.
Pilgrims flinched upon ruby eye contact with the mare. They swiftly returned to weaving, meditating, and delivering linens from one platform to another.
Rainbow exhaled. She looked to her right.
From a distance, she spotted Sonikah overlooking a group of monks weaving a fresh new platform together. As Rainbow Dash trotted on by, she could spot Sonikah's posture growing more and more tense. Sunlight glinted off the pilgrim's cheek, and soon Sonikah was rubbing the bottom of her eyelids with a quiet shudder.
Rainbow's muzzle hung open. She took a deep breath as if to say something—
“The pilgrims do not wish to be disturbed,” Menthe droned.
Rainbow clammed up, staring down as she trotted the rest of the last platform.
“Dun suppose there's a canoe ride in store for us,” Bard muttered.
“I beg your pardon?” Menthe rasped.
Bard adjusted the weight of his guitar case, glancing over his shoulder at the old stallion. “I mean, there's still a heck of a lot of Quade to... out-Quade...”
“If you're concerned about the 'no-flying' rule, don't be,” Menthe grunted. “You three can take off from the platform's edge right here.”
“Heh... what's the use of breakin' anythang else, now, amirite?” Bard added with a plastic smile.
Wildcard winced.
Menthe breathed and said nothing.
Rainbow was too busy listening to the tense silence that she barely noticed the yellow figure shuffling directly towards her. The mare looked over in time to see Nicro shuffling up towards the group, carrying a bundle of sackcloth. There were a few hissing whispers—breathy warnings from the other pilgrims that Nicro passed—but she swiftly completed her trot, coming to a nervous stop in front of Rainbow and the other two.
“I... I heard about what happened, Rainbow,” Nicro said, chewing briefly on her bottom lip. “And... a lot of pilgrims are just as confused as I am. Others say that you did a horrible... horrible thing.”
“Then you probably shouldn't be talking to me, Nicro,” Rainbow said, and made to trot off—
“Please...” Nicro stood in her way. “I... I only wanted to give you something to help you with your journey.” With shivering hooves, the mare gently unfolded the sackcloth bundle, revealing a small bundle of plump fruit.
Rainbow blinked. “Ocean mangoes...”
“I know you and your friends are probably sick of eating them by now...” Nicro smiled nervously. “But they will keep you filled and healthy for the long trip ahead. There's... uhm...” She turned and pointed towards the southern mountain ridge. “...there's a forested plateau along the southeast edge of the canyon where several more of the fruit grow. From healthy trees! You could pick a whole bunch of them... uhm... depending on how far you're going to be flying, of course.”
Rainbow gazed at her, then at Bard and Wildcard. She reached forward and scooped the sackcloth bag up in a forelimb. “Uhm... th-thanks, Nicro...” She smiled as warmly as she could. “That's... that's very kind of you.”
Nicro smiled. “I just wanted to make sure you left here knowing that Verlaxion's mercy never runs out. Perhaps you... h-haven't discovered it for yourself... but I see in you a mare who understands what it means to be peaceful and understanding. Maybe you'll come back to bless us with both of those qualities someday.” She cleared her throat, then bowed low, braids flouncing. “Please, Rainbow Dash, don't ever give up hope.”
Rarity smiled. “Now that is a good gift,” she said softly.
Rainbow looked at her, then back at Nicro. She cleared her throat. “Thanks, Nicro. And I won't. I... I promise.”
Nicro gazed up at her, smiling. Then—catching Menthe in her peripheral—she stepped aside with a shudder. Menthe shuffled up, his stoic expression plastered to the three visitors.
“Right...” Bard reached out to Rainbow Dash and took the mangoes. “...nice to know somepony is thinking ahead.” He tossed the fruit to Wildcard. “How 'bout it, Dubya? Ready for some tree-pickin'?”
Wildcard grabbed the bag, nodded, and slipped it away in his satchel.
Bard stood on the platform's edge, spreading his feathery wings. “Hmmmm... a good wind. Shouldn't be hard to find our way to the fuel-scrapers. Whaddya reckon, mofo? Red Barge? White Barge?”
Wildcard pointed down his throat and waved a hoof.
“Eh... dayum straight. Red Barge sucks. White it is.” Bard looked aside as Wildcard and Rainbow Dash stepped up. “Ya ready, darlin'?”
“Ready as I'll ever be,” Rainbow muttered.
“Quade clears out in about two and a half miles due east,” Menthe said, waving a hoof.
“Got it. Thanks.”
“So long, guys,” Galloran waved with a nervous smile. “Uhm... for what it's worth, I hope you three have a safe, easy flight—”
“Boy...” Menthe inhaled.
Galloran winced. He hung his head like his crossbow and said no more.
Rainbow kicked off the platform... and instantly felt the weight of everything. Gnashing her teeth, she fought past the pain, and darted against the wind. Together, with her companions, she left the Luminards and their circles, bending southeast for a last second salvage of food for the journey.
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...I suddenly imagine Nicro being very Fluttershy-voiced...
And I am also now reminded about what happened when Rainbow last left a town towards the end of a book from several books ago...
That extra line space there looks kinda odd.
I don't get it. Where are they going? Rainbow already knows Verlax won't help.
Well, goodbye for now.
So what can take place in the two chapters that are left?
Well, I guess nothing is going to explode after all.
...or will it.
"
SNAKEKYRON!" "IT'S NOT OVER YET!"And off they go!
6507393 Wyverns.
craveonline.com/images/stories/2011/Film/Film_Countdown_Number_2.jpg
There's no way it can end like this.
I think it's time for Rainbow to start planning a prison break. Even if it destroyed the reed, it would ultimately be merciful to the Luminerds since they're just being used by Verlax.
Ok.....Best possible ending I guess? I'm glad that Rainbow is making the best possible choice here, but two chapters still remain and I don't see what could happen.
... an anticlimax?
That... is more frustrating than just about any of the more extreme scenarios I imagined. Are they really going to just fly away? Are we going to just forget about the Quade and the Luminards while Rainbow and Co. search for the next Seed? I guess if the goal was to make an ending more controversial than that of Odrsjot, this would be the way to go. Those last two chapters though... My curiosity is super piqued right now.
...really starting to hate the Reed. It needs to fucking burn.
6507389 We all remember, buddy. We all remember.
Two chapters left, will it end on a depressing downer where nothing gets done? Or a last second cliffhanger where everything changes?
6507450
Yeah...it wasn't good.
Worst thing is, I didn't get the full emotional force from it because sheer bad luck.
Since I missed the uploading on the hour it happened, I had to look at it later, on the phone, with all the chapters grouped together in the feed, and I accidentally clicked and read the final one first.
I think the odds are good that so much chaos will be unleashed in the final two chapters that Lancie will take notice.
Interesting that Rainbow has not told anypony about her conversation with Verlax. Why is she letting them think their Plan B to use politics has a chance?
And suddenly, Wildcard was a pony.
Part of me is still kinda waiting for Rainbow to just get fed up with all the bullshit and just go full-on badass mode to get Fluttershy out.
6507393
I'm also surprised Rainbow isn't sharing what Verlax told her, but at this point they need to act immediately or get out of Dodge. They can't sit around and make plans with the local guardians breathing down their necks.
I have always found the consequences of spirituality to be highly disturbing.
6507389
Surprise!Verlax burns shit to the ground?
I really don't like the idea that it may end like this. Don't get me wrong, I love IC and his writing and this series is amazing but if this fails, if she doesn't retrieve Fluttershy, then it still kind of feels like the last leg of this book and all the chapters here were something of a waste. 2 chapters to go to possibly prove me wrong at least.
6507489
It's something I'm more or less expecting.
So far, so smart. So the question is will there be some last minute event or revelation that'ls going to 360 this situation, or will Dash actually stick to departing, searching for the next Seed, and taking her time to look for ways to get past the Luminards without risking destroying them?
Honestly I could do with an anticlimatic ending. Not every situation has to end in explosions.
Weird idea that's cropped into my head. Isn't most of the Machine World connected? Is it possible Dash could enter the Machine World at another Seed or similar entrance, then travel through it to reach the tower Fluttershy is in? Doesn't remove the danger of that tower moving when Fluttershy's beacon is touched and destroying the Reed, but it might be a possible way to get at it without going through the Reed and Luminards.
Well... this is not what I've been expecting.
Every since I learned about the Luminards, I've remembered what Verlax said about Rainbow not being kind, and I took it to assume that Rainbow, possibly in a fit of rage, would tear the Reed apart, destroy the Luminards faith, and probably lose the companionship of Bard and WC. I also assumed that something good, other than just being united with Fluttershy, would come of it, such as the Luminards finding a greater truth, or finding that, as Rainbow suggested, the Reed may be planted elsewhere. In all honesty, I don't think that Verlax will let Rainbow leave the Quade, but that she'll retain Rainbow here until Rainbow begins playing her game again. But, I guess we'll have to see about that bit.
I sure hope to see Fluttershy return before the end of this book. While I am looking forward to finding out more about WC and the wyverns, I would rather wrap up this arc of the story before continuing.
6507502
This is ultimately how I predict her getting both in and out of the Armory. If she even makes it there. Hell, I've kept this prediction since book one.
Also, the Chaos Bats are going to come back around to bite her in the ass. She left them in there to infinitely spawn from the Chaos rods/strips/dildos. I can only imagine that it'll look something like this...hbhud.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Zubats-in-Caves.jpg
Why yes. Yes it is.
6507479 6507478 6507462 6507433 6507393 6507502 6507517
Who here's expecting RD to do a solo, one-mare army, midnight raid on the Quade? I know I am.
Gird yer loins; it's gonna be a bumpy ride
6507398
You probably shouldn't say that. IC might take it as a challenge.
6507502
Yeah but no but kinda... There aren't service passages between the outposts, just conveyors and converters with gnashing gears and guillotene pendulums.
Almost certain for them all to be flooded, because Verlax's sea-pony form would find the Machine World easier to explore in a three dimension navigable atmosphere.
Each outpost is days apart even if flying...
I get this awful feeling Rainbow is going to fly all the way to Applejack, just to find out she can't open the passage to get her. Or she'll get Applejack, but that means Fluttershy is gone since she went out of order. Or she'll just force her way through and ruin everything for the pilgrims. All are similarly scary and tragic conclusions, and I am afraid of how it's all going to end.
Well, unless IC's gonna pull a fast one on us at the lost possible moment, it seems this is wrapping up on a positive, if arguably anticlimactic, note. I say "arguably", because there are actually quite a bit of drama and tension the past few chapters, and it's left Rainbow in a position of defeat, even if that defeat is more internal than external. This scenario isn't something that we've seen before, and it could set an interesting, varying tone to the beginning of the next book. Personally, I prefer it this way. It's what Fluttershy would want.
* eyes the remaining chapters nervously *
Also, Nicro is best pony this chapter.
6507535
Assuming there is no last minute turnaround to get Flutters I have a feeling that you might be right on not being able to open the door to Applejack.
6507536
Yeah Nico is really the best here.
Im so sick of Rainbow being so unlike the rainbow of the last 5 stories. In the rest of the series she at least had a confidence about her and would take action to get things done. This entire luminards Arc and ever since she got Pinkie shes like some shadow of herself. She doesnt have any confidence in herself and yet she doesnt listen to any of her friends either. She has Bard, WIldcard and especially her ghost friends to listen to and rely on yet she doesnt take any of their advice and instead goes with what the other Rainbow would do. It speaks of the deeper problem ive had with this story ever since Rarity showed up, Rainbow never talks to her spirit friends about ANYTHING of importance. She hides so much from her supposed BEST FRIENDS EVER. Barely speaks of the chaos inside her, the things shes done, and even through the sanctification trials she doesnt speak to her ghosties. Whats the point of having her friends back if she wont even talk to them. Also Pinkie needs to stop being so Pinkie.
So. Downer. Or Explosives. 2 Chapters to find out.
The thing is that Rainbow has planted a seed in the truth of everything, now I know that the more we push an idea out the harder it can return to us, especially when you have an entire culture of meditation and self reflection it may not be easy to stop from pondering dashies truths.
I think that dashies return will not be to a tranquil and silent world but one potentially in the middle of a religious schism and this time dash will be accompanied with honesty.
6507536 6507541 So... Nicro confirmed for apple-yaefaerda follower?
6507458 Ouch. Bad day for spoilers.
6507562
At this point I don't see how he could follow Rainbow but I really hope so.
But Rainbow Dash can't leave... Ynanhluutr doesn't work that way. Can she even get to Applejack without getting to Fluttershy first? I don't think so. She's been guided along by destiny for so long now; what makes her think she can break it and take the reins? This story is bigger than you, Rainbow, much bigger, and like it or not, you have to play by its (and Verlax's) rules. Leaving Fluttershy behind won't accomplish anything. flying west (ultimately) won't accomplish anything. Besides, she needs the flame, with the random dizzy bouts she's been having; I don't see her surviving until she gets to Applejack's without this flame, even supposing if she can access it in the first place.
Something wild has to happen in these next two chapters. I still think it's going to end with the Quade in (literal or figurative) flames.
After all, having Verlax deliver her omen about Rainbow doing unkind things, and then going about and not doing that, is kind of a disappointment.
6507551
Well, let us examine that, shall we?
First off, as for why she's changed since Shoggoth, well, that's when she first talked to Verlax. Before, she could assume she was just another evil baddie like every other antagonist. After talking, she's starting to question her beliefs.
As for why she doesn't talk to her friends, that's because she's afraid of rejection. Dash has been traveling for a really, really long time. She's done good, and bad things. Her friends, they've lost out on years of their life, so they're still like what they were back in Ponyville. If she told them of all the things that have happened, she thinks they might reject her. Hell, Equestria has a pretty much cult-like worship of Harmony, and hatred of Chaos. If she were to tell them "Hey, I gots me some of dat chaos magic in me," they would probably flip their shit.
As for Pinkie, why would you want a character to stop being what defines them as a character? I honestly think IC, after a rough start, has made a fairly decent Pinkie, who isn't pure comic relief.
6507414
Sir, you have no idea of how funny that is. My DnD character, the bearer of the name Kyron, being a true Chaos Neutral, would definitely start some kind of wacky battle by screaming that.
6507560
Or they assume she's crazy and move on with their lives. What little of one they have.
Personal opinion on turn of events? I figure we're about to have Lerris 2.0. Verlax will kill erryone there, use balancing chaos and harmony bullshit (I find that she, for all she claims to be balancing things, is really favoring Chaos over Harmony. I may pontificate for Dash being Harmonic and Chaotic, but really, Verlax is moronic) to convince Dash it was her fault (Because Dash didn't embrace her chaotic side, it's her fault or whatever), and then we're all set up for more psychological trauma like the beginning of Urohginhr (butchered that spelling, but I am currently too tired to care)
Kyron smiled. “Being wise means striving to be wiser. Yhanhluutr 192
6507601 Even if she loses the wind, even if she goes insane and tries to go west, something will change and shove her so she goes the right way.. But she should know that it's better to avoid that procedure and go willingly.
6507601
Well, you ninjaed in while I was typing, so have your own post
Ynanhluutr doesn't work that way
Yeah, we don't know that. We have no evidence that it has to work in accordance with the Yaerfaeda symbol, as we haven't seen any attempts to do so yet. (You can't say X will fail if we do Y, when Y has never been done before. You can say you think X will fail, but you don't know.).
Also, we don't actually know she has to play by some destiny nonsense. It's been hinted at, yes. But not in a specific way that makes it seem like Dash is the one set up to do it. Verlax seems to think as much, but she may as well be the Divine of Lies for all I care about her opinion. To restate, because some people have been playing very loose with the term destiny: Destiny is where each and every action is pre-set, there is no breaking it, because it is omnipresent. This is different from, say, meddling, which is where an entity that does not control all interferes with actions on any level that is not omnipresent.
Kyron smiled. “Being wise means striving to be wiser. Ynanhluutr 192
Rainbow Dash flies East for 2.3 million words? Seems like there can't possibly be enough East for that. What is this series actually about?
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Confused thoughts on flying east, while flying east. That is all.
Nicro for companion... please?
I was hoping Rainbow would be smarter than to buy into the the load of crap about Equestria becoming stagnant due to it being a harmonius society. Ponyville sits beside a forest filled with friggin' monsters, not to mention the occasional evil overlord that tries to destroy/conquer everything.
So.. leaving the Quade... next chapter will be flying in silence to the fruit trees, final noticing a column of smoke, assuming it's a ritual or something and flying on. I'm guessing.
That's kinda the greatest punishment Verlax could devise for them I think. Casting out one they call a heretic and then having a giant dragon wreck their shit with frost breath.
Having both aspects of their lives destroyed in one swoop.
The quade, and the reed, torn apart by her claws and breath, their faith destroyed by her very appearance.
Maybe I'm just pessimistic, or petty. I don't want to see them die... just suffer. Which kinda makes me worse.
What is suddenly up Menthe's ass? He was so nice when they arrived, and now he's all tense and stuffy, he dissuaded Galloran from being friendly and stopped Dash from apologizing.
I get he's dedicated to protecting the Luminards, but still... it seems cruel to deny them a friendly goodbye and a chance to apologize.
I'm sure he's just disappointed in them, Dash in particular, but still... I dunno, I guess I just believe that everycreature is at least allowed to try and apologize, regardless of how well it goes.
-Memories given light, ease a lonely flight. Ynanhluutr.
6507655 (a) There is enough east. Equestria isn't on an earthlike planet.
(b) She does stuff at each stop.
I don't remember how long it took to find out the basic plot but it was near the beginning. She has to get to the far side of the world because she broke the elements of harmony and that's where the thing that makes new ones is.
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RD dive bombs the water and explodes the Quade. The end.
Here are my scattered thoughts, because I'm on phone.
Soooo... anticlimax? But how long can RD survive without the flame? Verlax won't help with Flutters, so how they're going to find AJ without Yaerfaerda leading to her? Is Verlax going to let them just leave? I'm so frustrated that RD still hasn't confessed to her supposedly best friends about what she really did and that she's slowly dying without the flame or about the Chaos Mode. Two chapters to go, my body... is probably not ready, but bring it anways.