Hostile History

by Jest

Chapter 44

“Hold it, hold it,” Perfect Tempo exclaimed, his voice steady yet commanding.

“I’m trying,” Sunset Shimmer muttered.

Between her outstretched hands was a single towering white flame that flickered gently in the slight breeze. The fire burnt like a candle, straight and true, but with each gust, it shook and sent sparks flying across the small patch of barren dirt the pair stood in the middle of. These small alterations also dramatically increased the strain on Sunset, who was already sweating profusely and struggling to stand upright.

“Remember,” Perfect Tempo began. “The fire is not just the flame, it is also the air around it, the oxygen it feeds on, the mana you give it. You must manipulate all aspects of the fire in order to gain true mastery over it.”

Sunset Shimmer clenched her jaw, tight, and for a moment considered giving up, only to abandon that notion almost immediately. Her shoulders tightened, her muscles twitched, and her fingers ached from all the magic being pushed through them. The strain was incredible, but Sunset Shimmer’s determination would not be bested by something so small as fatigue.

She focused, using every sense she had to seek out and grab hold of the various aspects of the flame that she struggled to control. The air was the most difficult, but also the most obvious, and she studied the wind’s movements closely. After nearly a minute Sunset found that she could detect the tiny, minute fluctuations in the breeze, and adapt just as quickly. A bit more power in one direction, a bit less in another and her flame was unbothered by the occasional gust.

“Good, you're almost there. Now dial back the power your using while maintaining the heat,” Perfect Tempo added.

Again Sunset Shimmer wanted to give in, to tell Perfect Tempo that this was the hardest training session yet. But she held back, bit her tongue, and focused, recalling the many lessons she had received over the last few weeks. They had been numerous but concerned mostly with mastering her innate skill with pyromancy.

They also contained information on how best to manage a powerful flame without burning through her mana. It wasn't easily done, however, even with all of the tests, and books she had read on the subject. She wasn't about to give up now, however, so she focused, and kept trying, even when her fire began to wane Sunset didn't give in.

Over and over she attempted to dial back her use of power and substituting it for an increased amount of oxygen. Every time she did so things didn't quite work out, as either, it was too much, too little, or one of many other problems. It was only through trial, error, and a considerable amount of failure that Sunset Shimmer felt her fire hold true even while she held back.

“Almost, almost,” Sunset Shimmer muttered to herself.

The flow of magic dissipated to the point that it was barely more than a trickle slowly feeding into the spell. Yet the flame stood strong, burning hot enough to turn any leaves that blew into the area as little more than drifting ash on the wind. It continued to hold steadily for several seconds before a sudden gust caused it to fluctuate wildly.

“Oh no, no no!” Sunset Shimmer muttered.

She tried to alter course, to get it under control but no amount of quick thinking was able to save it. Sputtering and twisting, the fire sent showers of sparks in all directions before suddenly dying without warning. Leaving behind but a thin trail of smoke that rose high into the evening sky.

“Damn,” Sunset Shimmer cursed.

“Excellent work,” Perfect Tempo congratulated. “You’ve come a very long way in a very short amount of time. You as well as the rest of your team should be quite proud of yourselves.”

Sunset Shimmer smiled, and for a moment couldn't help but imagine that it was Celestia praising her. The thought made a bit of anger well in her chest, but she stamped it back down and reminded herself that the alicorn wasn't there. There was only the strangely paternal former pony turned human.

“Thanks,” Sunset Shimmer muttered.

“Now then, we have other matters to attend to,” Perfect Tempo exclaimed.

Sunset Shimmer raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What's that? More training?”

“No. While you were focusing I received a message that you and your friends may find interesting,” Perfect Tempo offered.

“Does it have to do with Foxtrot?” Sunset Shimmer questioned, stumbling after Perfect Tempo as he walked out of the small ash-filled divot. “Did you find him?”

“I may have,” Perfect Tempo offered. “Though such news would only be given in the presence of the rest of your friends.”

“You don't like repeating yourself. I know,” Sunset Shimmer muttered while rolling her eyes.

“Indeed I don't, but there is one other thing that I…” Perfect Tempo hesitated, his jaw clenching tightly while his fists balled silently at his sides. “I will speak to you soon, but before then I ask you-”

Perfect Tempo turned to the young woman and gripped her hand tightly in his own. “Do you trust me?” he asked.

“I…” It was Sunset’s turn to hesitate, though in the end, she nodded. “I do.”

Perfect Tempo exhaled slowly. “That is good to hear. Now, please hold still a moment.”

Sunset Shimmer did as she was asked, standing perfectly motionless while Perfect Tempo reached into a pocket and withdrew a needle. He was about to use it on Sunset when the girl held up her other hand, stopping him before he could prick her arm.

“Wait, what is this about?” Sunset asked.

“I must confirm something. Something I’ve suspected for a long time but need to confirm. Please, I would not do this if it was not important,” Perfect Tempo exclaimed, his voice strangely emotional.

Sunset Shimmer sighed. “Fine. But I expect you to tell me why very soon.”

“I will,” Perfect Tempo answered.

He then reached forward, pierced the young girl’s skin, and gently withdrew a small amount of blood. Withdrawing the needle, he waved a hand over the tiny puncture wound and healed it instantly. With that done, he gently placed the needle back into a pocket before suddenly turning and walking once more.

Confused, and concerned, Sunset Shimmer watched him for a moment while rubbing her arm. The girl looked away when his stony expression and neutral body language told her nothing. Choosing to ignore the questions swirling within her mind, and focusing on her surroundings once more.

The Platinum estate was nearly completely damage-free, though it sported considerably more noticeable defenses. Hidden bunkers visible only to Sunset Shimmer’s keen eye could be seen poking out from nearly every hill. Weapons emplacement were shrouded by rose bushes, and the staff patrolling the area carried with them powerful looking firearms.

She wasn't the only one walking back towards the manor house, however, as she saw a bruised Rainbow Dash appear. She was joined by Applejack, who sported a black eye, and a few welts along her jaw, though the injuries didn't stop the grin she wore. The pair immediately moved to join Sunset the moment they noticed the fiery-haired girl walking down a nearby path.

“Hey Sunset, how'd your training go?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Better than yours by the looks of it,” Sunset Shimmer retorted.

“Nah, these are badges of honor,” Applejack proclaimed, puffing out her chest. “Sure we mighta taken a beating but we did it. We knocked that dope flat onto his back.”

“He still whooped our butts immediately after, but it was still cool,” Rainbow Dash added.

Sunset Shimmer glanced to Perfect Tempo, expecting some affirming words from the older man. When none came, and he didn't even seem aware of the other’s arrival, Sunset Shimmer cleared her throat.

“So uh, what did your teacher tell you about this meeting?” Sunset Shimmer inquired.

“Nothing. He just told us to and I quote ‘bugger off,’” Rainbow Dash replied, adding air quotes to the last two words.

“He threw in some expletives but you get the gist of it,” Applejack stated.

Sunset Shimmer hummed aloud but said nothing, staring off into space.

Together they all walked toward the giant home rising in the distance in relative silence. That was until they noticed Rarity sitting on a bench on the side of the road, a cloth draped over her face. The damp piece of fabric was removed as the group neared her, allowing the girl to peek out from under it.

“Hello darlings,” Rarity murmured. “I hope things went well with you.”

“Great,” Applejack proclaimed.

“Not bad,” Sunset Shimmer added.

Rarity winced, and stood up from the bench, falling in beside Sunset Shimmer as they continued on. “That's wonderful to hear,” Rarity whispered. “I can say with confidence that I’ve grown much more adept at my powers in a much more varied manner than before.”

“So I’m guessing you had something to do with that giant crystal tower that popped up out of nowhere about an hour ago,” Sunset Shimmer offered.

“Indeed I was,” Rarity replied, the girl massaging her temples as she spoke.

“That was pretty cool. So are ya practicing to make castles or something?” Applejack questioned.

“More like semi-permanent cover or defensive positions,” Rarity replied. “Though the possibilities are truly endless.”

“No kidding. Say I bet you could even make armor or something,” Rainbow Dash added.

Rarity hummed. “Possibly.”

While Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash talked amongst themselves, Sunset Shimmer stared off into space. Merely watching as the landscape slowly changed, Sunset focused on going over the lessons that she had recently taken. Committing everything she had learned to memory, Sunset Shimmer was barely aware of her surroundings until they finally stopped.

Looking around once more, Sunset Shimmer found herself in one of the basement rooms like the one that had freed her from the elements. Only this one was a rather grim hospital or clean mortuary, Sunset Shimmer wasn't quite sure which was a more appropriate title. Regardless, it was there that she found Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, and a rather confused Pinkie Pie.

The pink girl sat alone, a grenade-like object sporting a large plus sign cradled in her hand. Every few seconds she would focus, grunt, and then sigh when the piece of ordnance didn't change. Twilight Sparkle was resting nearby, the girl chugging a glass of water while Fluttershy held her glowing hands against her friend’s head.

“I told you that last spell was too far,” Fluttershy whispered.

“I know,” Twilight murmured. “But I couldn't end the session without mastering it.”

“Oh come on you stupid thing, make with the magic already,” Pinkie Pie bitterly exclaimed.

“So I’m assuming things went well,” Sunset Shimmer offered.

Twilight's eyes lit up and she was about to stand when Fluttershy’s firm grip kept her seated. “Sunset, we-”

“You're not going anywhere missy,” Fluttershy stated.

“Err right, sorry,” Twilight winced. “Yes, it went well.”

“Speak for yourself. At least you accomplished something,” Pinkie Pie murmured. “All I did was make a bomb that heals paper cuts.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out soon Pinks,” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Maybe some tongue inspiration would help,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“You will keep your tongues in your own mouth,” Perfect Tempo interrupted. “Now please be seated. We have much to discuss.”

Noone dared offer anything in response and quickly gathered a group of chairs so they may sit with each other. Perfect Tempo took position before them, his hands clasping behind his back while he began to pace.

“As you all know I have been attempting to locate Foxtrot’s base of operations for some time now and I believe that search has come to a close,” Perfect Tempo stated.

“Aww heck yeah!” Rainbow Dash declared, pumping a fist in the air. “Its butt-kicking time.”

“Now hold yer horses. It sounds like there's about to be one heck of a but added to that statement,” Applejack warned.

“Miss Jack is correct,” Perfect Tempo replied. “He has dug in far more than we would have initially thought and has a considerable force under his employ.”

“A lot of people are going to die, aren't they?” Fluttershy whispered.

“Most likely, yes,” Perfect Tempo answered. “But he has not caught on to the fact that we have found him, so we still have the element of surprise on our side.”

“And we got the element of kicking a lot of butt on our side too!” Pinkie Pie declared.

Perfect Tempo smiled faintly. “Let us hope you do because Foxtrot has dug in deep, literally as well as figuratively. You see he has taken up residence in an old strip mine that we had originally occupied in an effort to contain an outbreak of a strange green crystal.”

“Huh, that sounds familiar for some reason,” Rarity murmured.

“After the place was cleansed of the crystal we detonated the entire thing, sealing the lower tunnels as well as the majority of the pit itself,” Perfect Tempo continued. “Or at least that had been our assumption. It seems as though Foxtrot lied in his reports, and built up the mine in secret, using it as a hidden base for some time.”

“How many more secrets is this guy gonna have?” Twilight wondered aloud.

“I hope not many,” Perfect Tempor replied. “But we must prepare for the possibility that he has a few more tricks up his sleeve.”

“So, what's the plan?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Cus I say we blitz him as soon as possible and hit him before he has a chance to relocate.”

“I doubt he will be able to do so,” Perfect Tempor stated. “We have wiped out several other backup facilities over the past month and this is likely his last holdout.”

“What, and you didn't tell us?” Applejack asked.

Perfect Tempo waved a dismissive hand. “They were little more than safe houses, armories, or the like. Nothing worth noting until now that we have a larger target in our sights.”

“I suppose,” Twilight murmured.

“So what is the plan then?” Sunset Shimmer inquired.

“It's simple,” Perfect Tempo began, turning and facing Sunset Shimmer fully. “My forces will surround the facility, and assault it from all sides. Though I will bring overwhelming firepower, I fear a protracted siege may be against our best interests.”

“The chance of discovery would be pretty high,” Twilight reasoned.

“Exactly,” Perfect Tempo agreed, snapping his fingers. “Furthermore, our earth pony animist likely has dozens if not hundreds of surprises waiting for us. There his power will be the greatest and it wouldn't be a surprise if he was able to control a considerable number of his living statues at once.”

“That would be very bad. So I assume we shall serve as the dagger, while your forces are the sword?” Rarity asked.

Perfect Tempo raised an eyebrow. “I wasn't aware that you were learning military strategy.”

“Your beau has mentioned a few battles,” Rarity replied.

“My…” Perfect Tempo cleared his throat. “Yes, well that is indeed what I had been hoping to do. You seven will sneak inside, take out the animist, and then rejoin the assault. From there we will kill Foxtrot, and bring his entire wretched operation to ruins. Permanently.”

“I’m not sure I like the idea of killing so many people,” Fluttershy whispered.

“I don't think we got any other choice in the matter,” Applejack offered.

“Regardless, I leave you the option. Notify me if you are willing to take up the mission within the next twenty-four hours,” Perfect Tempo stated before abruptly walking to the exit.

“Wait. What happens if we say no?” Twilight asked.

Perfect Tempo paused. “Then I will find others who will.”

With that, he left without saying another word.

“I don't think we can trust this to anyone else,” Sunset Shimmer offered. “It has to be us.”

“We aren't going to get to redeem this guy, are we?” Pinkie Pie murmured.

“I don't think so,” Sunset Shimmer answered. “The guy’s a fanatic. He won't compromise, even in the face of death.”

“I hope you're wrong,” Fluttershy whispered. “No offence.”

“None taken, and I hope I’m wrong too,” Sunset Shimmer replied. “Though our adventures have grown darker I still hope that we can get through to our enemies. Show them the error of the ways.”

“But we gotta be prepared if that don't work,” Applejack pointed out.

Sunset Shimmer nodded. “I know. So, what do you girls say then?”

“I’m in!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Me too,” Twilight offered.

“I don't think I’ll like this kinda party, but hey. I’ve never missed a shindig before and I ain't about to start now!” Pinkie Pie declared.

“I still need to get revenge for Bruce, Mildred, and all the others,” Applejack added.

Sunset Shimmer turned to Rarity. “And what about you?”

“If my darling Fluttershy is to join us, then I will of course accompany you all,” Rarity answered.

Fluttershy sighed. “I wish it wasn't necessary, but if it will happen either way then I must go.”

“Then it's settled,” Sunset Shimmer stated. “We’ll go to the pit, and deal with Foxtrot once and for all!”

Comments

[Jest]

Sorry about the mix up, if you refresh and start reading chapter 42 again things will make sense.

[LonelySurprise]

Aaaah! I love the Sunset/Perfect paternal dynamic, but every time Perfect Tempo does something sketchy without explaining I'm convinced an evil-all-along reveal is right around the corner. This game of emotions is getting to me.

[Luviere]

This comment is a continuation to the last comment.
Ok, i know I'm kind of bitching about some stuff, but i have to ask. Is pyromancy the only thing that Sunset can do? Well, that and enchanting. I didn't say it is a complaint, i am genuinely curious. And if yes, why?