Fourteen Years Gone

by Thought Prism

Chapter {3}

Less than a day had passed since we departed from Saddle Arabia, and I still stood at the helm of Celaeno's ship. I didn't know her name, only that she cut through the air with ease, high above the ocean. The thin atmosphere left me slightly short of breath, but this was a small price to pay for speed. Below, gaps in the cloud cover revealed a deep blue surface that roiled with waves as it was pelted by scattered rains. While a far cry from the strongest storm I'd seen, it still would have been treacherous to navigate. Not even the pegasi could tame the skies this far from shore. Which made the hubris of one who had claimed dominion over such forces readily obvious. And any who had served him were even greater failures. Such thoughtless brigands as this 'Tempest' needed to be taught their place.

And so I sailed, that thought ever burning in the back of my mind as I maintained course and watched the harpies, enchanted gasbag overhead. Again, this was their ship, and they mostly knew what to do better than I did. They needed motivating, of course, since their hearts weren't in it, but providing that much was second nature. Without the occasional barked command, they would slowly begin to sulk about, avian faces visibly contorted; Celaeno's in grief, Boyle's in anger, Mullet's in regret, and Squabble's in resignation. Otherwise, the four rarely spoke.

Time passed, the sun steadily lowering to where I could see it, its light shifted the colors of the heavens. Eventually, a sudden exclamation snapped me into full alertness. "Land ho!"

It was Boyle, pointing with a feathered hand into the distance. I looked across the bow, squinting against the glare reflecting off the water. Yes, there was indeed a tiny speck of brown on the horizon. Excellent. Skyships really did make great time.

"Prepare for descent!" I shouted.

"Aye..."

After that unenthusiastic acknowledgement, my crew complied, checking and readying various lines for use. Where exactly we were coming in was irrelevant. It was the right continent, and as good a starting point as any, given that my target could be anywhere.

As the details of the coastline slowly became clearer in my vision, I began to hear steps of alternating pitch drawing close. A quick sidelong glance confirmed it was indeed Celaeno. She stopped next to me, mouth set in a pensive line. "Even if I told you she's changed for the better, you wouldn't believe me, would you?"

Realizing to whom she was referring, I scowled. "No. I will face her, and judge for myself."

"You're really that stubborn, huh?"

At this, I huffed, stating the obvious. "I am a Minotaur."

Celaeno sighed. "I suppose that sums it up nicely."

Not quite. She couldn't understand, but I would elaborate anyway. First, though, while I had her talking, I needed to ask Celaeno the most important question I had yet to bother with, as the answer would be relevant. "Who exactly is Tempest Shadow? Her race, her appearance."

She paused, the question unexpected. "Oh. She's a unicorn. A bit tall, purple, with a red mane."

"A unicorn," I repeated, spitting onto the deck. "More despicable than I expected."

Celaeno blinked at him. "Huh?"

The wood of the wheel cut into my palms as my grip tightened. "My people knew the truth. That each choice we make is difficult and precious. To choose the path of a killer, intentionally, when your homeland is so peaceful and ripe with opportunity... that is the greatest evidence of a foul heart. Even paved over, that heart would remain."

If it has all the goodness squeezed out of it under the weight of all the world's sorrows, that's different. But Celaeno had likely already figured something close to that applied to me. So, I kept silent, and so did she. Eventually, Celaeno stepped away, leaving me once more alone on the bridge.

The land before us grew steadily closer as I continued to steer us in, its rocky coastline a volcanic red. Soon, steering became unnecessary, as the winds stilled. I could make out a few islands a short ways off from the mainland, one jutting high into the air more like a spike than a mountain. What I couldn't see were any obvious signs of a settlement. I growled out a curse. Odds are we wouldn't be stopping here, and would have to travel further to find anyone who'd seen Ms. Shadow.

Hinges squeaking, Mullet emerged from belowdecks before turning to face me, concerned. "Angrath? I've been looking at the charts, and... this course you put us on. It was fast, but... there might be a problem."

Of course he couldn't just spit it out. Where was the crass attitude? Pirates generally never bothered with tact. Oh, right, he's probably afraid of how I'd react. Never mind. I bounded down from my spot to his. He flinched as my nostrils flared. "Show me."

"Uh, sure," Mullet said.

However, before I had even gotten a chance to move, a piercing squawk of alarm rang out. It was Squabble, pointing diagonally downwards below the edge of the ship, at the large island. There, a grey shape visibly twisted through the air, appearing to grow as it headed straight for us.

Spinning to face Squabble, Boyle and Mullet's eyes widened with shock. Celaeno's face paled. "Evasive action!" she shouted.

But I was already moving, sprinting to the wooden rigging. Climbing swiftly up the worn beams, I reached the base of the balloon, and didn't hesitate to slash through the fabric with a jerk of my head, my horn doing its job. Then, I shoved a hand through the escaping jet of air, and, with all the magic I could muster, fired a searing blast of pure heat inside.

The results were, thankfully, immediate. With a lurch, the skyship rose upwards, ascending rapidly. The boulder, more massive than any cannonball, just barely clipped the hull at the top of its arc before careening away.

Celaeno, not even halfway to the wheel, stared with a slack-jawed expression. The others too.

"Look alive, ladies," I said, cutting off my spell. "There's probably more where that came from. Let's get this thing grounded."

Shaking themselves out of their shocked stupor, the harpies resumed their actions, Celaeno breaking for the helm as Boyle and Mullet unzipped the actual releases on either side. With the magically lightened air escaping with a prolonged whoosh from three places, I stayed put, hanging on as the ship fell. There were a few more stones launched our way, but they were cleared easily, aimed for where we had been high overhead.

The ensuing landing into the sea was a hard one, sending a jolt through my limbs with a resounding splash that kicked up great swells. The rocking of the ship settled at the same time as my adrenaline did.

"Well, that sure was close," said Boyle as he pulled himself upright. He'd been knocked on his ass by the impact, his sea legs not up to snuff.

"Yeah," admitted Celaeno. Her gaze shifted onto me. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was impressed, as opposed to merely grateful I hadn't gotten her killed.

"Dragonlands," said Mullet abruptly, breathless. "We're probably in the Dragonlands."

I released my grip, dropping back to the deck. "Now you tell me."

Mullet cringed, taking a shaky step back.

I rolled my eyes. "I won't punish you for talking too much. Even so, the real issue is that dragons generally don't attack by throwing rocks. They're like dinosaurs, really, but smarter and lazier."

Boyle cocked an eyebrow. "What's a dinosaur?"

"Never mind," I said.

Squabble cawed again, less loudly but still alarmed, as he suddenly gestured past the bow. His dramatic pointing game was on point today, as there was indeed something else to worry about: the two winged shapes approaching from the mainland.

"Besides, it looks like we do have dragons to deal with now," I added.

With a gesture from Celaeno, the other harpies formed up by her side. As the ship slowly drifted towards the shore, the pair of airborne silhouettes headed straight for it. Since I was the acting captain, and probably the most well-prepared to parley with dragons, I marched forwards to meet them.

The dragon in the lead, or dragoness now that she was close enough to see clearly, had light blue scales, horns that curved down past her cheeks, and was surprisingly small, not even as tall as I was. Behind her flew a much larger, adult dragon, with scales an emerald green, who remained hovering at a distance. Once she'd reached us, she landed on the ship mere paces away, shaking her head in disbelief. "You guys must be crazy."

"Crazy, no," I said. "A bit reckless? Definitely."

She snorted a puff of smoke, crossing her arms. "I see that. We rarely get travelers here, and the ones we do get aren't stupid enough to try flying through slingtail territory."

Slingtail? Those must be what attacked the ship. "Well, how kind of you to check up on us, miss..."

"Ember. Dragon Lord Ember," she replied, looking up to meet my eyes. "When old Slasher back there spotted you, I was expecting to comb through wreckage for treasure, not get bogged greeting more new faces. Friendship is great and all, but it's still exhausting."

The Dragon Lord at such a young age? I'd better stick to talk, then. I'm probably harder to incinerate than the average creature, but why take any chances? "I guess you underestimated us."

"Heh, I guess I did," she admitted. Taking a breath, she rested a clawed hand on her hip. "So, what brings you here?"

Straight to business, I like it. "I'm looking for someone by the name of Tempest Shadow. Purple unicorn, red mane."

Ember paused, considering. "Why?"

Memories of bloodied weapons, long since dried, and fields of naught but rubble returned unbidden. I narrowed my eyes. "She owes me a debt."

"You look serious," she noted, staring. Then, she sighed. "Yeah, I've seen her. Or, at least, my dad did. Apparently spun this whole story about a dead king and then immediately booked it." Here, Ember groaned. "She apparently mistook him for me."

I could scarcely believe it. My mind whirled, thrilled by the prospect of retribution within reach. Unable to restrain myself I leaned in closer. "Where? When?"

"Easy there," she said, pushing me with a claw back out of her personal space before clearing her throat. She was surprisingly strong for her size. "The pony you're looking for left for the Badlands two days ago. I don't know what you want with her and I don't really care. But don't blame me if you and yours do something else stupid and piss off the pony princesses in the process."

That was exactly what I needed, plus a wise promise not to interfere. A genuine smile crossed my face. Ember was clearly in power for a reason. "I won't. Thank you very much, Lord Ember."

"No problem. If any of my subjects try harassing you while you're here, let me know, alright?"

"I will." Nodding firmly, Ember took back to the skies, returning with her fellow.

I turned back to the harpies, who had been watching the conversation silently. "Alright, then. Don't just stand there, we're still taking her to shore!" I ordered with a sweeping gesture.

"Oh. Yes," said Mullet. "We'll get on that."

Everyone resumed their positions, including myself. I started to steer us in, as close as the seabed would allow. But Boyle looked hesitant, turning to speak quietly with Celaeno as they manned the sails. "I'm not sure if this is good news or bad news."

Celaeno pursed her beak. "Neither am I, Boyle. Neither am I."

"Of course it's good news!" I interjected. "Don't you want me gone? And this boat back?"

Boyle growled in my direction. "Well, yeah, but..."

Celaeno put a hand on his shoulder, cutting him off before he could say anything further. I still knew what he meant to say. "But nothing," I said. "She's mine. And I won't hesitate to go though the lot of you if need be. Or even use you as weapons," I added, setting my eyes and horns aglow for emphasis.

"Right," Boyle muttered, head bowed low.

"As long as we understand eachother," I said. A moment later, I deemed that the ship was in position, and spun to Squabble. "Weigh anchor!"

He complied, the clatter of heavy links spooling outwards and the splash of metal crashing into the brine clearly audible. From then on, the rest of the day proceeded in relative uneventfulness. The harpies and I ate dinner separately, them not wanting my company nor I theirs. Then, I had them set about to repairing the hole I'd made in the gasbag, as I didn't know how.

No dragons attempted to accost us, which was a good thing on paper, but less so in practice. Without the distractions provided by potential threats, sentient or otherwise, and no duties on the vessel to keep my mind occupied, my thoughts inevitably returned to pain and vengeance. Like a golem, was I, animated solely to torture and kill, all other purpose lost, the same visions and emotions building over and over in my head. The ache in my chest smoldered, and would only be sated once my steel had been bathed in the blood of the one behind it all, or the closest I could get.

I took Celaeno's quarters without guilt, barring the door from the inside with one of my chains. Sleep came slowly, fitfully. I dreamt of roiling fire and rent flesh. Whose, I couldn't say.

---

The Badlands were less inhospitable than their name would suggest. Here and there, patches of greenery sprung up from the dry, cracked earth, flowers and grass crowding around saplings. No fully grown trees, though. Why? I couldn't care less. I leaned against the railing at the very frontmost edge of the bow, scanning the wilderness for anything that moved through a brass scope, my other eye shut tight.

There wasn't a road to follow, or even a path, so Celaeno, at my direction, flew in straight line. Even if I missed Tempest on the first pass, I could still easily cut her off by arriving at her destination before she did. I was on the hunt, and there would be no escape for my chosen bounty short of death.

I was glued to my work for hours, scanning the earth from on high like a deity preparing to enact merciless judgement on the wicked. I wasn't so conceited to fancy myself a god: I'd seen too much, been too helpless. But otherwise, the comparison was apt, I thought.

But, when I spied a violet, four-legged frame plodding along in the distance, I couldn't suppress a jolt of ice running down my spine. The ice gave way to boiling hatred instantly. I couldn't make out all the details, but she was definitely a pony, and she wore armor. This was the orchestrator of my sorrow.

The scope crumpled like a tin can in my vice-like grip, fist shaking, glass shattering within. I whirled around, bellowing to Celaeno. "Ten degrees to starboard! I've found her at last."

Celaeno shut her eyes for a second, processing, before nudging the wheel to the right. Neither Mullet or Squabble could meet my eyes. Boyle opened his mouth as if to say something, but thought better of it.

I waited, anticipation building along with a blinding animosity. Muscles coiling in preparation, I remained motionless as the ship approached, turning as it descended. Tempest had noticed, at first not doing anything save stay her methodical course, but once my intentions became clear, she stopped, eyes squinting to meet mine. Time seemed to stand still as we scrutinized eachother. Tempest was tall for a unicorn, scarred, and her horn had broken off, probably lodged inside some poor bastard's gut. She wore weathered saddlebags over her armor, which was steel grey. Not the metal, but actually painted over in that color. Probably to hide the stains.

The airship came to a stop about ten feet above the ground, and I leapt over the side of the ship, kicking up a cloud of dust as I landed into a crouch. Then, I stood, brushing myself off, and stared her down. "Are you Tempest Shadow?"

She returned my gaze, apprehensive. "Well, I go by Fizzlepop now, but yes. Didn't Celaeno tell you? That is her ship you just flew in on."

I turned back and up. "Your work is finished! Leave!" I shouted.

"Wait, they aren't coming down to say hi?" Tempest asked.

But I did not need answer such a stupid question. They left, the ship rising once more, as I squared my full focus upon Tempest. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Squabble poking his head out, looking between us with a deep frown. Then, they were gone, and all was quiet.

Tempest tapped her hoof impatiently. "Ok, seriously, what is this about?"

What composure I had remaining was swept away. I roared, the heat in my core made manifest by my magic, horns and eyes flaring with the energy of a forge. Tempest stepped back in surprise.

I drew my weapons, twin chains unwinding at my sides. "My people! My children! For that which was taken, you will burn! Or my name isn't Angrath!"

The shock on her face grew, but she nevertheless stood her ground, adopting a bent-kneed ready stance. Sparks jumped from the stump of her horn, and her eyes narrowed. "You want a fight, eh? I've been told those are bad, but if you're the one offering, I'll gladly reciprocate."

Nobody moved. Nobody blinked. It was me and her, each waiting for the other to make the first move. I could not afford to fail, years of pent up emotions channeled into my mind and body. There was a soft crunch as a tumbleweed rolled past on the wind. The light of the sun laid bare everything.

I charged, hooves scraping divots from the earth. The chain in my left hand whipped towards her from the side, the metal shimmering from waves of heat. Tempest deftly leapt into and over my swing, an arc of blue lightning flying from her horn stump. "Enlighten me. What exactly did I do to get you so ticked off? You're the first minotaur I've met."

The lightning, imbued with magic, was far deadlier than the natural kind, not just seeking the fastest path to the ground. But at the same time, it moved slowly enough to dodge, and I twisted to the side, avoiding electrocution. "Your king's army exterminated my race!"

My other chain was already baring down onto her position from above. Tempest ducked, dropping into a roll as my chain struck where she'd been standing with a crash. "Well, if he did, I wasn't there. Wouldn't put it past the bastard, though."

I kept the momentum of my first chain going, spinning it overhead to build more speed before I whipped it at her again. But she was too fast, and jumped high into the air on surprisingly strong legs. "So, you joined him in his conquests anyway!"

With another surge of magic, Tempest leaned her head down at the apex of her jump and shot out a small ball of energy. Bracing myself, I crouched, shielding my face with an arm just as the ball exploded with concussive force. A weaker warrior would have been knocked on his ass, but I barely flinched, skidding backwards slightly. Still, her ranged attacks were more precise than mine. With her agility, I'd have to get up close and personal to have a shot. Fine by me; that gave me the chance to feel her break.

I pivoted to face her as she landed behind me, the air crackling as she charged another blast of lightning. “I only worked for him to get back what I lost!”

Dropping both of my chains, I broke into a sprint, rushing in headlong. Tempest's lightning whizzed directly for my torso, but I was ready. As it struck, I pushed the magic inside my body against it, a battle rage spell blocking out the pain and preventing my muscles from seizing up under the electrical onslaught. It still did a number on me, of course, but for now the damage was irrelevant. I howled in defiance. “Some things, once they’re lost, are gone forever!”

And then I was on her, fists blazing with heat. I came in low, aiming for her chest as I threw a straight punch with all my momentum behind it. However, she sidestepped, jabbing an armored forehoof against the side of my knee to trip me up. But I had anticipated that, and the back of my other fist slammed forcefully into her cheek. As I fell onto my side, Tempest staggered back, grunting in pain at the fresh, charred bruise.

With a snarl, I righted myself and dove again, aiming an overhead blow with both hands. With unusual calmness, Tempest ducked her head and widened her stance, my fists only denting her armor. As I pulled my arms in to try and wrap my fingers around her neck, she brought up her hooves to knock them away. "But aren't we the same? I couldn't get my horn back."

Instead of her neck, my grip closed around her legs, and we grappled, each desperately trying to wrench the other off balance. Face to face, I glared with raw contempt into her eyes as my hooves dug into the dry ground opposite hers, straining and heaving. Somehow, Tempest's strength matched my own, and we found ourselves in a deadlock.

What she'd just said, though was even more infuriating than my inability to overpower her. I had never heard a more ridiculous, impossible statement. "No! I am a beast; you are a monster."

Tempest pursed her lips, breathing heavily through her nose as she redoubled her efforts. "Then I guess you won't object if I put you down."

"Too late for that, bitch." Funneling all my magic into my hands, the metal of her hoofboots, already rather hot, turned a molten red as it softened beneath my fingers, squeezed against her coat and the skin beneath. She screamed in agony, the sound delightful music to my ears. As her strength slipped away, her rear legs gave out and she collapsed.

Pinning one of her arms, I moved my other hand to the top of her skull, using the leverage of my position to slam her face into the dirt with a sharp smack. And again, and again. She was suffering, moaning and wailing in pain as her teeth chipped and her nose bled, and it was all I could do not to laugh. This was everything I had wanted, but it still wasn't enough. I could break a bone or burn a patch of flesh for every life taken, every second lost, but her suffering would still pale to mine. I would not, could not stop!

Desperate, Tempest poured all she had into a continuous shower of lightning from point blank. As I held her down, the mighty arcs of electricity danced upwards, into my arms, my stomach, my face. They seared through my flesh, overwhelming my magic's ability to completely resist. My nerves throbbed beneath my skin like a thousand tiny ripjaw raptors were shredding them, but I held on until Tempest's spell died out, my hold on her never loosening.

Wholly giving into my bloodlust, and eager to hear more of her screams, I swung my body over, straddling her back to further ensure she couldn't escape. As she clenched her mouth shut to stifle a pained whimper, I reached for the hammer on my belt, its weight holding great promise. Tempest twisted her neck to peek up at me with one eye, her pupil narrowing in dread as I raised my hammer overhead. "Please, don't!" she pleaded, to no avail.

Letting loose a primal bellow, I swung. There was a sharp snap as the bones in her arm were shattered. Tempest wailed in pain, tears welling up from her eyes. Yes, good. I raised my hammer again, prepared to systematically smash every part of her into pulp. But she spoke again. "Y-You said you had kids. What... would they think of this? If they saw you now?"

I knelt on the floor in anticipation, familiar scents bringing a smile to my face. Giggles echoed from down the hall as my little girls scampered into the room. "Dad!" Argent exclaimed, running headlong into my outstretched arms. Golden rounded the corner soon after, nestling herself against my chest. I pulled them both into a gentle hug.

"I've missed you two so much," I said, meaning every word. "Did your uncle do a good job protecting you? 'Cause if not, I owe him a talking to."

Golden shook her head. "We're fine. I'm so happy to see you, daddy. I missed you."

Argent poked her face up over my shoulder. "Yeah! What did you bring back from your trip? Is it as cool as that gold sparky-ball?"

"Mizzium sphere. And no, of course not. It's even better!" I ruffled her hair. "Only the best for my flesh and blood."

Golden sighed in appreciation. "You're always so nice."

Just as quickly as it came, the memory faded, and my consciousness returned to the present. I looked down at Tempest's bloodied face, then up at the hammer I was clenching with white-knuckled tightness. Oh, gods, what have I done?

I dropped the thing as if it was poisonous, the tool clattering to the ground as all the strength in my body seeped away like mist. I stood, scrambling off of Tempest - no, Fizzlepop - before collapsing to all fours. I sobbed openly, my breath hitching in my throat. I thought I had lived for them, but I was the fool all along, abandoning everything they once held dear.

As I wept, Fizzlepop did not make a move. Rather than try to finish me off in my vulnerable state, she merely watched with an inscrutable expression. In that moment, I almost wished she would. But she did nothing but wait. Well, she'd have to be patient. I couldn't stop myself, my tears continuing to fall as all my anger wrung itself out.

Author's Note:

Fizzlepop, the Tempered Storm 2RR
Legendary Creature - Unicorn Warrior
Whenever Fizzlepop deals combat damage,
you may cast a red instant or sorcery card from your
graveyard with converted mana cost less than or
equal to the damage dealt without paying its mana cost.
3/3

Comments

[FanOfMostEverything]

You forgot a pretty critical line of text with Fizzlepop's card: The spell doesn't get exiled. Which means you can keep casting the same one. Give her double strike and a Lightning Strike and she can deal 12 to face.

Aside from that, fantastic chapter, from the interaction with Ember to the fight to Fizzlepop paying redemption forward. And not a moment too soon. I hope the changelings have decent medical facilities. Eagerly looking forward to more.

[Thought Prism]

9274190
Glad to hear you liked it! I thought the climax came out pretty satisfactory myself.

As for the card, the non-exiling was intentional. The effect only triggers after damage, and she's a four mana 3/3 with no other abilities. If the opponent can't answer that, they would have been shredded by the red deck anyway. Compare to Goblin Dark-Dwellers, which isn't legendary, triggers on etb, casts spells of any color, and is a 4/4 with menace.

[Schattendrache]

it's nice to see an angrath fanfic, especially with him going full red rush.
my only criticism is the tempest card. it says "combat damage" not "combat damage to a player". this is just a little broken seeing as; 1) the card doesn't exile, and 2) Umezawa's Jitte is considered one of the most broken cards ever printed