> A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King > by MajorFrostwing > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Part 1: I'm Back > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 1: I'm Back By: Major Frostwing Previously on A Blind Delight. "Where am I?" Trevor asked himself as he tried to understand his new surroundings. "What is that thing?" Rainbow Dash asked looking down at Trevor. "My name is Trevor... and I am blind." Trevor said with a smile. Blades clashed in a shower of sparks. The blades locked together a woman in red royal armor stood against a strange creature wearing only a T-shirt and jeans The blades suddenly broke away. "Impressive." The woman said with a smile. "I am lieutenant Cloudkicker." She said sheathing her blade. "Trevor." "TODAY BEGINS THE MASTER DIVISION TOURNAMENT!" An announcer yelled into his mic. "I CONCEDE!" Shining Armor yelled holding his hands up as Trevor collapsed from his wounds and exhaustion. Shining caught him setting him down on the ground. Trevor was sitting in his hospital bed holding onto Cloudkicker tight. "Thank you for everything you have done for this blind fool." He smiled kissing her. "Your welcome Trevor just be sure to repay me by stealing my heart." Cloudkicker told herself smiling. "Something is wrong with you Trevor and I'm going to figure it out." Celestia said looking out towards Ponyville a stern glare creased her features. "I will control you Trevor when you least expect it." Shade whispered into Trevor's mind. ---------------------------- A return into the world of Trevor The Blind. One Month After Trevor's victory in the tournament. Trevor woke up slowly to the sound of birds chirping cheerfully in the early morning. He grumbled as he reached beside his bed taking hold of his cane. The door to the room opened slowly provoking Trevor to look over to the door. "Cloudkicker please don't do that." He said relaxing his body sitting up. "Sorry Trevor I forget sometimes." She closed the door knocking on it lightly. "You may enter." he said a small smile gracing his lips. The door opened gently smiling to him. "Good morning Trevor I made pancakes if you want some." She walked in giving Trevor a hug being sure to not reopen his wounds from the tournament. "I would love some Cloudy thank you." He placed his hand on her cheek leaning up to kiss her good morning. Cloudkicker helped Trevor to stand as they moved to the dining room. "So what do we have planned today Trevor?" Cloudkicker asked with a smile. Trevor only smiled back to her. "It is my week off after all." She took a bite of her food watching Trevor as he ate. "I think we should go to that club that just opened up tonight." He said finishing the last of his pancakes. "Vinyl gave me some special passes so we can go." Cloudkicker finished her pancakes taking the dishes to the sink. "Ok that would be around 7 so what are we going to do till then?" She asked with a sly grin. Trevor leaned back in his seat thinking about what he could do with Cloudkicker today. "Let's go visit Rarity I want to see if we can get some nice clubbing clothes." Trevor got up from his seat placing a hand over his stomach wincing slightly. She was next to him in an instant. "Trevor please take it easy you haven't fully recovered from your wounds." Trevor looked up to her voice smiling weakly. "I'll be fine sweetie." He said taking hold of his cane. "Let's hurry we got a big night ahead of us and we need to look our best." Cloudkicker giggled at the little joke he made. He smiled with her motioning for her to follow. She did happily as they left the house moving towards Rarity's. Along the way the sounds of the world around them filled Trevor's ears all he could do was smile at how peaceful this world was compared to his. He heard a group of kids laughing and playing until they stopped looking right at him. They walked up to him stopping in his way forcing him to stop. "Yes?" He asked moving his head down to face them. "Are you really blind?" One of them asked putting her hands on her hips. Trevor only cocked an eyebrow. "You knew we were kids and that we stopped in front of you." Cloudkicker looked down at the kids motioning for them to shoo. "It's ok Cloudkicker I will handle this." He looked to her smiling. He faced the children once again still smiling. "I want to show all of you how I am able to do all of what you just said." "OK how are you going to do that?" This child was sounding like a brat to Trevor the more she spoke. "Close your eyes and cover them with your hands so that no light comes in." The kids did as asked as Cloudkicker tapped his shoulder. "OK. Tell me what do you hear?" "I don't hear anything." The girls said annoyed. "Really now? Do you not hear the birds in the tree to your right? Do you not hear the carriage being moved down the road? What about the gentle breeze moving past your ears?" He asked listening to the world around him with a smile. "Now do you understand? I walk around every day with this outlook on life even without sight I can see." Cloudkicker smiled sweetly to Trevor. "This is stupid I don't hear anything." The girl removed her hands from her eyes. Trevor's eye twitched slightly. "Must be such a burden having to rely on others just so you can be useful." Cloudkicker was about to say something when she noticed Trevor take hold of her hand. "I guess not everyone has the gift to be so special." He took hold of his glasses removing them his eyes still closed. "A pity you are so closed minded." Trevor opened an eye seeming to stare into the little girl's soul. "Maybe if that precious sight of yours vanished suddenly you might have a better outlook on life." Trevor opened both of his eyes leaning down to the girl. "Or maybe you won't and will move through the darkness being only a burden to others." Trevor winked sliding his glasses back onto his face. The child was about to retort when Trevor stood up straight. "Cloudkicker I apparently need your help to function so please guide me away from this ungrateful child." Cloudkicker felt Trevor tighten his grip on her hand. "Of course Trevor." She said with a sullen expression. She moved him around the children walking away from them. The child picked up a rock throwing it at Trevor. Trevor slid his hand out of Cloudkicker's grip drawing his blade cutting the stone out of the air. "Do not try that again child you do not have what it takes." Trevor muttered darkly sheathing his blade before moving away from the scene. He was angry at the child's words towards him. He needed to calm down and breathe otherwise he will do something he would regret. Cloudkicker took a hold of his hand gripping it tightly. "Come now Trevor it would be so simple to just walk to that child and gut her." Shade whispered into his mind. Trevor moved his hand away from Cloudkicker's grip to place it on the side of his head. He let out a grunt of pain from the headache that Shade caused him. "DO IT TREVOR LET THE BLOOD FLOW!" Shade yelled as loud as possible into Trevor's mind. The echo was deafening in Trevor's mind he could almost feel his blood boil at the thought. He shook his head suddenly. "Trevor?" Cloudkicker asked concerned snapping him out of his thoughts. "Sorry Cloudy just a minor headache." He said smiling to her weakly. "I'm alright now." She let out a sigh. "Don't scare me like that. For a second there I thought you were about to raise your blade to a child." Trevor froze thinking back noticing he almost did just that. "I-I don't know what got into me. I guess what she said bothered me more than I thought." He let out a weak chuckle adjusting his glasses. "You sure you are ok for today?" She asked walking with him continuing towards Rarity's. "We can always just go home and be lazy if you want." She suggested only for Trevor to shake his head. "No I want to take you out for a night of fun and dancing." Trevor moved out of the way of a passing family. "And that's exactly what we are going to do." He looked back smiling genuinely now. Cloudkicker couldn't help but be happy to be dating Trevor. ------------------------------- Trevor and Cloudkicker arrived at Rarity's hand in hand. Trevor raised his hand knocking on the door to get an immediate response. "Coming~" A posh voice said happily. After a few seconds the door swung open to reveal a smiling Rarity. "Trevor Cloudkicker what a pleasant surprise." She said motioning for them to enter the boutique. "I was wondering Rarity if you could do Cloudkicker and myself a favor?" Trevor asked setting his cane beside the door wiping his feet. "But of course darling you only need to ask." She said with a smile taking a seat in her chair pulling out her red glasses and clipboard. "How may I be of service?" She asked sounding professional. "Trevor invited me to go to the new club tonight and we would like to look our best." Cloudkicker said taking her seat as he sat down next to her. "Well it just so happens that I have two new outfits for both of you. One is for casual wear the other is for formal wear but I'm sure I can whip something for you both tonight." She began to sketch some new ideas. "I already know what Trevor would look great in cool colors. They really seem to make you stick out above the rest." Rarity said ripping off the sheet of paper setting down next to her before drawing another idea down. "Cloudkicker I think I will use warm colors to show off your personality. Most likely reds and oranges." She set down the notepad smiling. "You can expect them in a few hours." She said smiling. "Well that was easier than I thought." Trevor said with a chuckle. "Well I did want to make you something nice to wear since you are still wearing the clothes when you first arrived." Rarity said matter of factly. The steps leading upstairs creaked loudly prompting Trevor to look over his shoulder. There was a gasp and running towards him. "Trevor!" The person jumped up hugging Trevor tightly. Trevor knew who this little girl was. "Sweetie Belle what a pleasant surprise." Trevor said as he hugged the girl back. Cloudkicker watched the scene with a gentle smile. "Sweetie Belle that is not how a lady acts in the company of others." Rarity scolded. "It's ok Rarity. I haven't seen Sweetie Belle since before the tournament." Trevor tickled Sweetie Belle hearing her giggle he couldn't help but smile upon hearing her laugh. "Well let's get you into your new outfits so I can begin work on your club clothes." Trevor and Cloudkicker both nodded standing up. Trevor still held Sweetie Belle in his arms. After a few minutes Trevor and Cloudkicker were in their new casual clothes. Trevor wore a pair of loose fitting black jeans with a black T-shirt with a white pair of shades embroiled over his right breast. He moved around in the clothes a little to test how they felt. Cloudkicker was wearing something similar only difference was the coloring. Her jeans were a blue and more tight fitting. Her shirt was grey with he cutie mark on her left breast. They both looked like quite the pair. "Thanks again Rarity." Trevor said with a smile. They were making their way to the door to enjoy their time until they had to return. ------------------------------- -7 hours later- "I can't believe the circus was in town today." Cloudkicker said with a smile. "I can't believe they wouldn't let me play the dart game after I won... 10 times." Trevor was carrying a giant bag on his back full of plush creatures. "You were creating a scene with your constant winning." Then something dawned on Cloudkicker. "How did you hit those balloons?" She ask nudging Trevor with her elbow. "I heard them squeak against the back wall and I threw them at the noise. They were very annoying to listen to." Cloudkicker was about to say something but instead shrugged. They finally returned to Rarity's knocking on the door to hear Rarity call out for them to enter. "Hey Cloudkicker do you think Rarity will like one of these?" Trevor asked as he opened the door. "Every girl likes plushies I even picked out a few so you could pass them out to the girls." Trevor only smiled. "Sometimes I think you know me more than I know myself." Cloudkicker only giggled as they entered the boutique. "It's good you two returned when you did I just finished both of your ensembles." Rarity using her magic opened the curtain behind her with a smile. There were two full outfits sitting upon mannequins. "Trevor your's is on the right." Trevor nodded walking forward to the right mannequin placing his hand on the material feeling it with a smile. Trevor's outfit was a dark blue button up shirt with a dark purple vest over the top. There were white pinstripes on the vest accenting the color. The pants were the same dark purple with white pinstripes. Trevor traced his hand over the neck feeling a tie. The color was white. Trevor smiled at how this outfit felt. "It's beautiful." Trevor said as Rarity and Cloudkicker both smiled. Cloudkickers was a stark contrast from Trevor's. It was a dress red was it's prominent color until the bottom where it melded into orange, yellow, and finally white. Cloudkicker walked up to the dress looking at it with a gentle smile. "Well come now try them on that new establishment opens in 20 minutes you don't want to be late now do you?" Rarity said in a teasing manner. Trevor took the clothes off of the mannequin moving behind a privacy screen changing into the new clothes. When he was finally changed he stepped out feeling like a million bits. He moved in the clothes feeling how they moved with his body. "Perfect." Trevor said with a smile as he spun his cane in one hand before setting it upon the ground smiling. "I feel dapper." Trevor unbuttoned the sleeves rolling them up his arms to the center of his forearm. Cloudkicker moved out from behind the privacy screen Trevor turned as his eyes went wide. Even though he couldn't see her he could "see" how nice the dress fit her. Cloudkicker giggled walking up to Trevor placing a gentle kiss on his lips. "I know. I look sexy." "Never have I heard such an understatement. You are without a doubt the most beautiful mare I have ever met." Cloudkicker blushed hugging Trevor gently. "I'm lucky to have you as my girlfriend." Rarity sighed dreamily at the scene before her. "That is just so sweet." She said as her eyes caught hold of the bag Trevor was carrying. "What is this?" Rarity asked looking at the rather large bag confused. "Trevor won at a game today and decided to get you girls something nice." Rarity opened the bag pulling out a plush version of a mare wearing a dress she smiled at the plush holding it up. "Can I have this one?" Trevor smiled and nodded. Rarity smiled looking down at the plush. "Oh I have to ask how much do I owe you Rarity?" Trevor reached for his wallet when Rarity stopped him. "It is a gift Trevor take it with a smile." Trevor was about to retort when he felt Cloudkicker grip his hand. "Thank you Rarity for this wonderful gift. Oh can you give the girls their plushies. There is one for Sweetie Bell and even one for Luna and Celestia." Trevor smiled. "Of course Trevor just go have a good evening." Rarity showed them to the door. "We will Rarity thank you." Trevor said with a smile leaving the boutique with Cloudkicker on his arm. -------------------------------------- Trevor walked down the road with Cloudkicker at his side they were smiling and enjoying the looks of amazement being directed at them. "Everyone keeps stopping to look at us." Cloudkicker whispered into his ear with a smile. "Let them be jealous of us we deserve it after what we went through." Trevor whispered back as they finally arrived at their destination. The brand new club that just opened. The Neon Shades. Trevor loved the name it made him feel welcome. The couple moved their way to the front of the line passing everyone to their annoyance. The bouncer moved his arm out to stop them. "Password?" He asked in a gruff voice. Trevor only smiled pulling out a slip of paper holding it up The bouncer read the slip of paper before returning it to him opening up the velvet rope for them. "Enjoy the shade." He said as Trevor patted him on the shoulder moving past the man with Cloudkicker. "I will never understand how you are able to get in wherever you want." Cloudkicker said with a huff. "I do it just to get under your fur." He said with a chuckle tightening his grip on her waist. "Now smile we came here to have fun and make everyone jealous." Cloudkicker sighed kissing his cheek. "You're lucky I love you." She muttered happily. "Yea I am lucky." Trevor and Cloudkicker made their way to the bar to start this night off right with a drink and a seat. A stallion was starting to cause a scene by the bar catching Trevor's attention. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M CUT OFF!?" Trevor just rolled his eyes trying to move away from this fool with Cloudkicker. "I guess some ponies are starting it off hard." Cloudkicker said moving with Trevor to a set of empty seats. "As long as he stays away from us that is ok with me." Cloudkicker nodded with him fully agreeing with his opinion of the situation. The setting was perfect after the stallion left the club via security. The music thumped loud in Trevor's chest allowing him to view the entire bar without even trying. He wouldn't admit it but the music was a tad loud to him. They were sitting comfortably in a small booth chatting about everything and nothing. They even danced to a slow song that rarely played in the loud club. Trevor felt at ease with Cloudkicker at his side as if taking on a hydra would be child's play. Though as the night drew on so to did their drinks empty. "Hey Cloudy I'm going to pick up more drinks I will be right back." "Don't be to long Trevor." She said giving him a gentle kiss on the lips as he left making his way through the crowd. When Trevor finally faded out of view a group of drunk stallions moved past the booth that held Cloudkicker. They pause pointing at her trying to be discrete but couldn't be any more obvious. They finally moved over to the booth. "Hello hello what's a sweet little girl like you doing here all alone?" One of them asked leaning on the table. "I'm not and if you must know I am here with my coltfriend." Cloudkicker said running a hand through her blonde hair. "Awww that's no fun why don't you ditch him and come have some fun with us. We can show you a better time that weakling." He said as his friends surrounded the booth blocking off all escape. "We know you want to." The stallion took his seat next to her wrapping an arm around her waist. Cloudkicker tried to move away when he grabbed her butt. She had had enough she smacked the stallion across the face. ---------------------------- Trevor had finally made it to the bar and finally caught the barmaid's attention. "2 beers put it on my tab." He said with a smile. The barmaid agreed moving to get his order. Trevor sat there waiting until a noise caught his attention a single yelp of pain from a certain voice. A voice that belong to a mare that he would gladly die for just to protect. Trevor moved with purpose through the crowd towards the booth. --------------------------- The stallion had struck Cloudkicker back with the back of his hand. Cloukicker was stunned from the blow before throwing a punch into the cheek of her assailant. The stallion's friends moved in taking hold of the woman as she let out a scream thrashing about to try and get out of their grips. That's when Trevor arrived on the scene. "GET THE HELL OFF OF HER!" Trevor yelled hitting the group of stallions into the booth with his cane as hard as he could. They relinquished their grips on Cloudkicker. The stallion who struck Cloudkicker got up out of the booth pulling out a knife. "YOU WANT A FIGHT FREAK!?" He yelled motioning for Trevor to come at him. Trevor looked over towards the stallion his shade covered the glare that was locked onto his face. Trevor held his cane in his left hand. "Did you hit my marefriend?" Trevor asked as the entire club went silent. "Yea I hit your bitch what of it?" Trevor's eye twitched as his hand glided to the top of his cane. "I see. Then I will not regret this." Trevor drew his blade pointing it forward. "That's it Trevor he hurt her he must pay for hurting her." Shade whispered in his mind. Normally Trevor could tune out Shade but right now all he could do was agree with him. "Spill his blood." Shade said smiling as he watched the scene unfold. Trevor charged forward swinging down on the stallion. He wasn't prepared for what was about to transpire. The blade glided into his shoulder with ease forcing the stallion to scream in pain dropping his knife to the ground. The stallion fell to the ground shortly after holding onto his shoulder tightly. Trevor cracked a devilish smile kicking the stallion over onto his back. "Come o-on man we can talk this out." Trevor's eye twitched again as he raised his blade above the downed stallion's chest. "Talk is cheap worm." Trevor was about to plunge the weapon through the stallion when a hand grabbed his shoulder. Trevor whipped around cutting the cheek of the person that grabbed him. A simple warning not to stop him but then he realized something. A single yelp of pain. One he had heard only a minute ago. Trevor's smile vanished as he looked back noticing from what little sound had echoed from her yelp. Trevor had attacked Cloudkicker he felt tears well up in his eyes. "What have I done...?" Trevor asked himself as his blade fell from his hand clattering to the floor with a near deafening ring. > Part 2: I Need To Leave > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 2: I Need To Leave By: Major Frostwing The scene was silent besides the drop of blood and the clatter of a sword. Trevor stood there everything around him shrouded in darkness. He didn't even register what he had just done to the woman he loved. Then it all came back to him in a rush of mental images and sounds. He heard nothing except one sound. Laughing from a certain shadow. "Good job Trevor now finish the job." He said as Trevor's hand trembled almost as if he wanted to pick up his blade. "Why hesitate Trevor we were having such a good time now. FINISH THE JOB!" Shade yelled in Trevor's head. Cloudkicker held her hand against her bleeding cheek looking at Trevor with wide eyes. She had never seen him act like this. She only stepped in to stop him but he lashed out at her. Why would he do that? Trevor suddenly turned around running away through the club goers. He pushed his way through them towards what he thought was an exit but turned out to be a wall. He felt along the wall until he found his exit. There was only one thought going through his mind as he ran out of the exit. "I can't stay... I have to run away... I'm a monster." He ran through the dark streets of Ponyville just running in a random direction he just needed to get away. A problem needed to be dealt with before he could return. Cloudkicker was still in shock over what happened when she finally heard the murmurings of the club goers. "I knew we shouldn't trust that monster." "He was going to kill him and then he would come for us." A stallion said to a mare. "I heard he eats foals and kills for fun." A mare whispered in a shuddered tone. Cloudkicker had finally had enough. "SHUT UP!" She bellowed silencing all of them. "WHAT DO ANY OF YOU KNOW ABOUT TREVOR?" She asked in a rage moving over to his sword and sheath picking them up before exiting the club. She looked everywhere to see if she could see where Trevor went but saw nothing except the dark night. She looked up at the sky clutching Trevor's sword tight. "Trevor where did you go." She turned running towards Twilight's. She must have some sort of way of finding Trevor a spell or something. She pumped more of her energy into her legs trying to move a little faster. -------------------------- Trevor had just run past Sweet Apple Acres. The smell of apples and fresh soil being a dead give away to his senses. He only continued to run all while fighting tooth an nail for control of his body. "STOP RESISTING ME YOU SCUM!" Shade yelled in his head. Trevor only placed his hands over his ears continuing to run. "SHUT UP!" Trevor roared as his shoulder caught a tree knocking him off balance. He fell to the ground with a thud scrambling to get back to his feet. "YOU FUCKING WORM HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO RESIST ME!?" Shade bellowed back trying to seize more control of his body. "GIVE UP ALREADY!" Trevor finally got back to his feet placing his hands against a tree to steady himself. He just needed to silence Shade even if it was for a minute. "SHUT UP!" Trevor yelled as he readied his head back yelling into the night. He threw his head forward slamming it into the tree with enough force to shake the ripe apples free. Shade went silent after the blow as Trevor slid to his knees feeling a high pitch ring in his ears. Blood poured down his forehead. Trevor reached up shakily removing his broken shades dropping them to the ground. He stood his knees shaking from the concussion he had just given himself. Trevor walked away from the tree he used making his way away from Ponyville. ------------------------------ Cloudkicker finally made it to Twilight's library banging on the door frantically. She was panting from running so hard. Twilight finally opened the door to see the frazzled Cloudkicker holding onto Trevor's cane. She looked Cloudkicker over more closely seeing her dress slightly ripped and her eyes as if she was crying her whole way her along with the single cut on her cheek. "Cloudkicker... What hap-" Cloudkicker suddenly shoved the cane over to her. "Can you use this to place a tracking spell on Trevor?" She asked almost begging Twilight to do this for her. Twilight was about to ask again what happened but when she saw the look in Cloudkicker's eyes she saw a mare about to just fall apart at the seams. "I can, bring it inside while I find the spell." Twilight ushered Cloudkicker into her home. All Cloudkicker whispered were thank yous and apologies for waking her so late. Once Twilight had finished drawing up the correct magical seal she placed her hands over the cane. "I hope this works." Twilight muttered as she activated the spell. The spell activated showing Trevor's exact position to her but suddenly the spell went fuzzy as if the connection was being severed suddenly a face jumped out of the vision roaring at Twilight. "HE IS MINE!" The voice bellowed short circuiting the spell cause Twilight to back away from blade. "Twilight did you find him?" Cloudkicker asked with hope filling her eyes at getting Trevor back. All that hope vanished when Cloudkicker saw the look on Twilight's face. "Twilight where is he?" She asked at Twilight continued to stare down at the blade in silent horror. "I don't know... He disappeared." Twilight finally said trying to contain her horror at the face that appeared in her vision. Cloudkicker stood up frantic grabbing Twilight by the shoulders shaking her. "DO THE SPELL AGAIN! WE NEED TO FIND HIM TWILIGHT HE'S ALL ALONE OUT THERE PROBABLY FREAKING OUT WE NEED TO FIND HI-" Cloudkicker felt a hand slap her across the face breaking her out of her panic. "CLOUDKICKER GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!" Twilight bellowed at Cloudkicker. "Help me wake up the others so we can go look for him. Both of us just standing here isn't helping now come on." Twilight took hold of Cloudkicker's hand as she ran toward's Pinkie's they needed a search party to find him and if that cut tipped off Twilight at all. Stop him before he hurts anyone else. Twilight just hoped they weren't to late in saving Trevor. ------------------------------ Trevor felt the icy chill of the night trying to ease him into unconsciousness. Only one thing kept him going he needed to get out and away from Equestria before there was a repeat of what happened. He wanted to keep them all safe and to make that happen he had to disappear and make sure he was not followed. He felt his lungs burn from running for so long every ounce of his body screamed for rest but his mind denied it. "I can't go back. I can't rest. I will return... one day I will return. Trevor pulled a single object out of his pocket something that was given to him all those years ago one that would promise his return one day. He took the pocket watch out of his pocket turning around for only a second throwing the watch as hard as he could away from him. He turned back to his task of running away. "I'm sorry Cloudkicker but I have to do this. It's all for you." Trevor whispered to himself as he disappeared into the thick trees of the Everfree forest. He knew in his mind he would burn in Tartarus for hurting Cloudkicker like this but it was a necessary evil to kill another even greater evil. He ran past tree after tree making his way with ease even though his head swam with sickness he continued to push forward. When he felt he was far enough into the forest he finally sat down at the base of a tree trying his hardest to rest. He knew he couldn't fall asleep for if he did he feared he would never wake up. That thought kept him awake as he felt the burning in his lungs subside but only for a brief moment. The sound of Cloudkicker's yelp caused by his own blade rushed back to his mind as he held his head in his hands. "How could I just give in like that just let Shade take over when I heard she was in danger? How could I have been so careless?" He asked himself as he let his tears flow freely. "I just gave in like it was nothing." He sobbed trying to push the memory away with all his might. "I'm so pathetic and weak." Trevor's sobs eventually subsided as he continued to run. The farther he was away from them the better. All of the girls made it back to Twilight's all of them found nothing except for Applejack who held out two items. A broken pair of shades and a pocket watch. The other girls looked at the items noticing the shades but the pocket watch was something entirely new to them. Cloudkicker on the other hand broke down at the sight of the watch. She knew it was his when he showed it to her and explained it's importance. That pocket watch symbolized that Trevor was gone. He had to come back he would never leave his three treasures behind they were his life without them. Without them he was nothing, without them he was alone, without them he was dead. Cloudkicker continued to bawl her eyes out at this revelation to her Trevor might as well have died trying to get away. The other girls hugged Cloudkicker tightly trying to calm her down but her sobs only grew louder at the loss of the only thing she truly cared about. ------------------------------- The sun rose on a new day as Trevor had finally made it out of the forest. He was ragged and tired from running all night a single thought went through his mind as he realized something horrifying. He didn't have his sword and his eyes were in plain view for all to see. He reached down ripping off a sleeve of his dress shirt wrapping it around his head covering his eyes. "This will have to suffice for now." Trevor told himself as he moved forward into unknown territory. What else could he do turning back was not an option he needed to leave. "Come on Trevor you'll be back... eventually." He told himself with a sigh. "You really are something else Trevor even when I push my hardest you push back just as hard back." Shade said leaning back in his chair of Trevor's mind. "It will pass eventually." Shade said with the dismissive wave of his hand. "Wake me up when you give up." Shade disappeared into the dark recesses of Trevor's mind. Trevor tightened his fists pressing on into this new area only wanting to put as much distance between himself and Equestria. Isolation was needed for perfect meditation all he wanted was to be rid of Shade and to do that he needed just that. Isolation. A few hundred yards away. A pony was looking through a spy glass starring at Trevor confused. "Hey boss I found something." The pony called out continuing his surveillance of Trevor. "What did you find? Is it a Caravan?" The boss said walking forward to his spotter. This stallion was huge with a large scimitar on his waist. He was a bandit one that had made his name know all through out this area as "The Boss". He was a Tan stallion with a white mane. He pulled out his own spyglass staring out along the edge of the forest seeing Trevor. He cocked an eyebrow confused. "What in Tartarus is that thing?" He asked continuing to watch it as it moved into the dense desert without any signs of being equipped for the journey. "I haven't a clue sir but that's not the strange thing. I'm getting a strange spike in energy from him." The spotter said moving his spyglass away to look at his boss. "You think he has anything on him?" He asked his boss only to see him shrug. "Maybe he is one of those diamond dogs either way lets see if we can take this one alive." He smiled lowering his spyglass. "Get a trap set and try and attract it's attention." The spotter nodded moving to their group to get the traps set. The boss went back to observing the creature. He then noticed something strange. The creature had stopped moving only to look up and stare into the sun almost as if it was listening to it. "Strange creature indeed." The boss muttered. --------------------------- Trevor felt the heat of the sun radiate through him and his feet sink with each step. "I must be in a desert." Trevor told himself as he turned to listen around him. "Not a tree to be heard and only the gentle wind rolling by my ears." Trevor heard a tumble weed bounce by. "Yep desert." Trevor concluded with a sigh. "Might as well head east so I know I will be isolated... Water and food are first on my list for survival." Trevor resumed his walk into the desert with only a sigh. "I have to be careful about how I handle certain situations." Trevor froze when he heard the sand shift. "I'm getting jumpy I guess." Trevor said with a chuckle. A rock sailed through the air landing in the sand catching Trevor's attention. He began walking towards the sound when he suddenly froze. "Something feels off. There was no wind strong enough to throw that stone only one thing could make that happen." Trevor knelt down shifting his hand through the sand trying to find some form of trap in the sand. Trevor felt something flat and discus in shape. He made sure to be careful as he unearthed the object. "It's a mine." Trevor said feeling how light the object was. "I guess I'm not alone out here." Trevor turned throwing the mine like a Frisbee. It landed on the pressure plate setting off the mine with a loud bang and flash. Trevor smiled as he heard the locations of people around him. He only smiled as he began walking towards the group of people seeing if he could possibly get supplies. ------------------------------- The boss watched as Trevor unearthed one of their traps. "How did he know there was a trap there?" He asked no one in particular. His surprise went even farther as he saw Trevor throw the mine watching the explosion before turning towards him. "Spotter prepare a small force to capture this creature. He intrigues me." Spotter nodded gathering a group of 6 for the assault. The group of 6 moved out trying to move as silently as possible. The creature was blind folded after all what harm could he do to them. Trevor heard them moving through the sand coming towards him. They moved forward a few charging their horns for stun spells. "FIRE!" Spotter yelled as the spells were let loose at Trevor. Something strange happened though. Trevor barely moved allowing the spells to pass him harmlessly. They charged another volley launching it at Trevor. Trevor ducked the first spell before jumping to the side to dodge another before charging forward at the group. He moved quick and precise. Reaching the first of the unicorns launching spells at him. Trevor's opened his hand slamming it into the neck of the unicorn knocking all ability to breathe out temporarily. Trevor using his momentum to lift the stallion up slamming him down into the sand with a solid thud. The unicorn coughed up blood from having his throat hit so hard. Trevor reached down grabbing hold of a single sword raising it just in time to block a sword coming straight for his head. He angled his blade down to the sand knocking the attacker off balance. He stood up as fast as possible the top of his head hit the attacker's chin. knocking him out. Trevor looked around hearing a few of his attacker's back away from him spells charging. "Spotter what is that thing it didn't even hesitate to attack us?" One of the stallions asked Spotter who only prepared his own swords. He watched the creature closely seeing Trevor lean down picking up a second blade when he finally rose he spun both blades in his hands. "These weapons suck." Trevor said swinging them once in the air scowling at how they felt. "They are clunky and way to short my cane is a better weapon when it is sheathed." Trevor gave the blades another swing before sighing. "I see you can speak creature." Spotter said smiling. "Can you even use those?" Spotter asked pointing at Trevor's newly acquired weapons. Trevor only let out a chuckle. "I do have a name you know." Trevor said annoyed taking another swing of the swords judging how far they reached. "It's Trevor." Spotter chuckled back. "Are you some type of swordsman?" Spotter asked as he continued to gauge Trevor. "Wanna come and find out?" Trevor asked flipping the blade in his left hand backwards. "Remember we need to capture the creature alive don't kill it but you can wound it." Spotter sent three people at Trevor two stallions and one mare. Trevor charged at them as well. The first stallion launched a spell at Trevor only for him to dodge and swing at him. A blade was raised stopping Trevor's attack. "Man." Trevor said disappointed as he lashed out with his second sword hitting the flat against the spell caster's knee knocking him down only for Trevor to raise his knee into the stallions chin. He turned with his leg still raised kicking away the one who tried to block his initial strike. He heard a spell charge behind him prompting him to jump to the side. The spell fired where Trevor was standing just before it lashed out hitting the person he had just kicked. Trevor turned tackling the one who just attacked to the ground raising both of his blades high to strike down his attacker. "Please don't." A mare's voice called out as he halted. She watched Trevor freeze seeing something she wouldn't expect. Trevor was crying. She watched him with confusion charging her horn to try and subdue this creature. Trevor suddenly scrambled off of her dropping his blades as he moved. "I-I didn't mean... I d-didn't mean to." The voice of Cloudkicker yelping in pain came to the forefront of his mind. Trevor placed his hands against his head sitting in the sand. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Spotter took hold of Trevor putting him in a sleeper hold. Trevor thrashed around violently trying to throw Spotter off of him. "Just go to sleep Creature just go to sleep." Trevor began to feel his mind darken his movements slowed to a crawl. Trevor's grip failed as his arms slipped to his side as he fell into unconsciousness. ----------------------------- Cloudkicker was trying to mobilize a task force with the guards to search for Trevor but it was denied. The letter that she received in the morning was from Princess Celestia herself. Dear Lieutenant Cloudkicker, Your request to head the task force for the search of Trevor has been denied on the grounds of your relationship with him. I need people with no connection to him to apprehend him safely. I am afraid that because of your relationship that it would hinder the capture of him. Please understand I am doing this with the lives of my guards and subjects in mind. Trevor has become a danger and needs to be capture as soon as possible. You are hereby put on leave until the capture of the target. I am sorry for this. Princess of The Sun, Celestia. The letter signaled the worst in Cloudkicker's mind. They would either capture Trevor alive or kill him in the process. She set the note on her bed stand staring at it's words with a scowl. "How could she be so heartless to him he didn't mean for all of that to happen." Cloudkicker placed her hand against her cheek a rogue tear escaping from her eye. She looked over at the three items sitting on their dresser. "Trevor." She whispered hoping he would return to her soon. Cloudkicker couldn't hold back her tears any longer as she wept. It was all she could do. She could only wait for his safe return. > Part 3: Chains and Drinks > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 3: Chains and Drinks By: Major Frostwing Trevor awoke slowly his senses felt numb from being forced into unconsciousness. He listened for any sign of where he was. He heard a fire burning a bit away from him along with some laughter. He heard the movements of some liquid in containers near him. He raised his head slowly. moving it so he could hear better. He went to move his arms when he felt the weight on his wrists and ankles. "I was knocked out." Trevor told himself as he stretched his legs. "Could be worse I guess." He told himself with a bitter chuckle. "Oi Boss looks like the cargo woke up." A stallion said near the fire. "Well let's go see who this creature is." The boss said in a deep gruff voice. The stallion moved to his feet walking over to Trevor. Trevor moved his head following the stallion. "So what are you creature?" The boss said kneeling down to Trevor. A faint aroma of a cigar met Trevor's nostrils. "Just a guy." Trevor responded with a shrug. "You fight like a professional and even knocked out a few of my best enforcers." The boss said letting out a torrent of smoke into Trevor's face. "Quite the feat." Trevor only chuckled. "If that's the best you got I shudder at seeing your worse." Trevor cocked his head smiling. "Can they even pick up a blade?" The boss punched Trevor in the stomach eliciting a coughing fit from Trevor. "You got some spunk creature I'll give you that." The boss shook his fist taking a drag on his cigar. "So what are you?" He asked again receiving a spit into his face. The boss reached up wiping the spit off of his face flicking it to the side. "Little shit." The boss used the back of his hand to smack Trevor across the face. Trevor took the hit slamming to the sands bellow him. "Come on now I've taken worse hits from a kitten." Trevor continued to antagonize the stallion before he caught on. "I see. You think if you make me angry enough I'll kill you." The boss said smiling blowing the smoke out his nose. "No I was just hoping you would just drop me off so I can continue on my merry way." Trevor said with a smile. "Well then let's see what those eyes of yours look like." The boss grabbed the blindfold covering Trevor's eyes ripping it off. He only saw Trevor's eyes were closed. "Come now let's see those defiant eyes of yours." The boss held Trevor's head still as he forced his eyes open Trevor opened his eyes on his own to stop the pain the boss was forcing on his head. "Happy?" Trevor asked as the boss released Trevor's head. The boss observed Trevor's eyes with a smile. "Well I'll be damned. You're a blind little freak aren't you?" He asked with a chuckle. "Hey boys come and look at this." The boss called out as his group of men came and looked at Trevor. "This creature beat the snot out of the attack group, dodged their attacks and spells, and fought not to kill but only knockout. This little freak was blind the entire time." Trevor pulled on his chains violently hearing them clang loudly. "Fuck you." Trevor said as he pulled on his chains again. "Hey boss I just got word from one of our bought guards." Spotter said catching The Boss's attention. "Apparently this freak is being hunted by Princess Celestia." Spotter tossed a paper to his boss. "So apparently he is high value to be hunted by the Princess herself. He should fetch for a high price." Trevor pulled on his chains again hearing them go taunt with a loud clank. A few of the bandits backed away. The Boss rubbed his chin thinking. "Let's take him with us we can sell him at our final destination we might be able to use him in the pits as well." Trevor sighed letting his chains go limp before pulling on them again. "Can I give you a suggestion Boss?" Trevor asked closing his eyes with a smile. "And what would that be?" The Boss asked leaning close to Trevor but still far out of his reach. Trevor suddenly moved forward stopping at the end of his chain leash nearly face to face with the boss. "You better keep me chained." Trevor said smiling. "Hope to Celestia these hold." Trevor continued to pull on the chains cutting his wrists due to the strain. "Once you get rid of me pray I don't find you again." The boss pulled back his fist swinging at Trevor only for him to move his head out of the way of the strike. Trevor backed away sitting down with his back against a carriage. "You little shit do you even know who I am?" Trevor yawned in response. That was the last straw as The large stallion drew his blade about to swing it at Trevor. Trevor only raised his bonds so they were in view. "Not a wise move. If you miss you might cut through my bonds and then my warnings will come true." Trevor said still smiling. "I'm sure I can kill you before your men could even get a hold of me." Trevor lowered his bonds leaning back against the carriage with a smile. "So when do we move?" Trevor asked hearing The Boss sheath his blade. "Right now." The boss said looking back at his men. "Pack up and move out we got a long journey ahead of us." The boss turned back to Trevor smiling. "I was going to let you ride in one of the carriages but now I'm going to make you walk the entire journey." Trevor grunted at his own stupidity. He just had to open his mouth and be a fool. Now he has to pay for his ignorance. ----------------------------- -3 days after Trevor's capture- Trevor was chained to a carriage in the back trying to keep himself moving forward. His lips were cracked and dry from the arid climate. He was starving and thirsty. Not to mention he was on the brink of collapse. He heard someone walking up beside him. He would not acknowledge them or even speak to them. "Hey boss says to give you water." A mare said shaking a canteen next to Trevor's head. Trevor moved his eyes as if to look at her. He slowly shook his head as he continued to move. "Come on you are going to die if you don't drink something." Trevor took hold of the canteen with a shaky hand shaking it slightly before opening it. He smelled the water before moving it away from his nose suddenly. Trevor's hands shook with anger as he threw the canteen to the ground. "Hey what in Tartarus are you doing?" Trevor moved his head to look at her with a glare. "No." Trevor said slowly so he wouldn't rip his lips to badly. He stumbled as he felt his chain being pulled suddenly knocking him to the ground. "Come on creature you need liquids to survive." The boss said with a smile. Trevor tried to get to his feet but was only met with a kick to his ribs. "Drink so you don't die. It would be a shame if you died like this. Pathetic even." Trevor moved again getting to his feet. "Fuck yo-" Trevor was met with a backhand across the face knocking him back to the ground. "Keep moving forward." The boss called as he made his way back to the front of the caravan. The mare watched Trevor for a few seconds before trying to help him to his feet. Trevor retaliated by pulling himself free of her. She watched him with concern as he moved forward with the caravan. She pulled her own canteen off of her belt looking at it. She ran up to Trevor putting the canteen in his hands. "It's just water." She whispered to him as Trevor opened the canteen smelling it's contents before taking a sip of it. He felt better and took another sip before closing it up. "Thank you." Trevor said as he continued to move forward. He knew his life was extended a little longer but he wouldn't survive like this.He just hoped that he would survive this trek. He tried to listen to his surrounding only to hear the same sound of the caravan and the gentle breeze of the desert around him. "Don't worry boys only 2 more days and we will be in Neighypt." The boss called out to hear his men cheer loudly. Trevor closed his eyes trying to keep ahead of his bonds. Trevor clenched his hands constantly just so he had something to do besides listen to the constant drone of the caravan. The mare continued to watch Trevor with concern. She didn't understand him in the least. He had the best chance to kill them all at first but instead he only fought to stop them. Not only that but how he acted when she asked him to stop. "He could have just killed me but instead he freaked out... Why?" The mare asked herself dropping back to Trevor to watch him more closely. "Blind yet dangerous. Just what is he?"She was watching what he was doing with his hands she didn't notice that his head was turned straight to her. "What?" Trevor asked startling the mare. "Sorry I just wanted to know your name." Trevor tilted his head slightly. "Care?" Trevor asked as his voice rasped out. "I'm just curious." The mare said as Trevor looked away. "Trevor." Trevor pulled on his wrist restraints feeling it go taunt. He scowled pulling on the restraints again growling at how they restrained him. "You?" He asked letting his bonds go loose so he could rub his throat. "My name?" She asked trying to find some sort of deceit from Trevor. She only saw sadness and anger coming from him she could give him this. "My name is Desert Rose." Trevor nodded feeling himself stumble slightly from his bonds pulling him forward. "Why were you in that forest?" Trevor remained silent but moved his hands up to his eyes. "Trevor?" She was concerned for how he was acting. "I can easily get you out of these bonds Trevor. Just let me take control." Shade whispered to Trevor. "Give up Trevor. GIVE UP!" Trevor shuddered suddenly shaking his head. "Trevor?" Trevor heard a male voice call out to him in his mind snapping him out of his stupor. "Who was that?" Trevor asked himself feeling himself yanked forward. He stumbled regaining his balance. "That voice... sounds familiar." Trevor told himself. "You ok Trevor?" Desert Rose asked as Trevor nodded. "Head... Pain." Trevor rasped out continuing to move forward. "We will be stopping soon for the night. I will try to get you some food and some more drink later tonight." Desert moved away from Trevor her message passed to him. Trevor didn't show any happiness at this unforeseen gift but he didn't care. -------------------- -Back in Ponyville- Cloudkicker sat in her room staring at her night stand seeing Everything Trevor left behind. Her cut was healing quickly but still stung with the memory of how she got it. Her life collapsed around her from such a tiny cut. She reached out picking up the pocket watch rubbing her fingers over the fox's face. She clicked open the watch viewing the picture inside of it. It was a picture of an older man holding a small child in his arms smiling happily. She looked at the picture knowing who these two people were. Trevor and his father... they looked so happy in this picture. She closed the watch with a soft click. "I hope you are safe Trevor. Where ever you are." She set the pocket watch on the nightstand with a sigh. She felt so empty without Trevor and she didn't have a single thought as to how to fill the hole in her heart. A gentle knock came to Cloudkicker's door her heart began to leap with hope. She ran down to her door opening the door with a bang. "TREVOR!" She yelled with glee but when she noticed who it was she lost her hope. "Oh..." She began frowning. Twilight watched Cloudkicker with concern. "Hi Twilight." Cloudkicker said depression evident on her face. "Cloudkicker the girls and myself wanted to invite you out with us." Cloudkicker grimaced taking a step away from her door. "You haven't left the house in 3 days we are worried about you." Cloudkicker tried to put on a front but it barely passed as a smile. "I'm fine Twilight I just need a little bit longer." She slowly closed the door. "Don't worry about me just make sure the guards can find Trevor." The door closed in front of Twilight's face. Twilight heard the door lock with a solid thunk and foot steps moving away from the door. She stood there looking over her shoulder to see the other girls waiting by a tree. Twilight only shook her head and saw all of them sigh frowning. Twilight took one last look at the door before walking to her friends. "She needs to get out of that house." Rainbow Dash said with a huff. "It's just one guy what's so important about him anyway?" Applejack smacked her upside the head. "That man has changed how we all think and brought the best happiness to Cloudkicker." Applejack looked at the second floor of Cloudkicker's home only to see the curtains being closed. "Him running like this is hurting her more than any of us can possibly imagine." Rarity nodded. "I don't know the full details of what happened but he was a true gentleman." Rarity said with a sigh. "She loved him for so long and was so happy when she finally confessed to him." Fluttershy spoke up albeit quietly. "If you don't mind me saying... Trevor went as far as to fight for his life to win that tournament for her." Fluttershy said hiding slightly behind her hair. "I just hope he is ok." Pinkie said bringing forth what they were all thinking. "He is being a meanie meanie pants by doing this but there has to be a reason for doing this." All the girls nodded. "Come on girls let's go hopefully Cloudkicker will feel better tomorrow." Twilight said leading them away to a small cafe so they could enjoy dinner. Cloudkicker continued to sit in her room holding Trevor's cane tight to her chest. When she saw a single object next to her nightstand. A single bottle of Apple family whiskey. She reached down picking up the bottle looking it over with a tear in her eye. She opened the bottle taking a large swig out of the bottle. "Maybe this can fill that hole." She said wiping away her tears as she continued to drink from the bottle. Drowning her sorrow by draining the bottle as fast as she could. --------------------------- The caravan had finally stopped for the night. They partied and drank knowing that their journey was almost over they were singing songs and pouring liquor down their throats in contests. Trevor listened to them only so he didn't have to be left in the silence. He was leaning his back against one of the slave carriages trying his hardest not to fall asleep. "Psst." Trevor heard someone behind him was trying to get his attention. "Kid. Who you?" Trevor moved his head slowly looking over his shoulder so the person knew he was listening. "Trevor..." The man nodded leaning against the bar eliciting a metallic clink from his chains hitting the bars. "Trevor. You drink this." Trevor felt something tap his shoulder. Trevor went to reach for the object before he felt a fist collide with the side of his face knocking him away from the cage. "We can't have you doing that now can we." Trevor went to get back onto his feet but was pushed back into the sand by a boot to the back of the head. "You are being punished for your smart mouth." Trevor tried to get back up only to have his ribs kicked by the boss. Trevor coughed hard after the air was knocked out of his lungs. "Are you going to stay down? Or am I going to have to keep you putting you down?" Trevor tried to get up but his arms gave out on him he tried again. His arms shook from the attempt until he fell back down. "That's what I thought." The boss lifted his foot about to bring it down. "Sir I thought I saw something in the distance you might want to take a look at it." Spotter said running up to his boss. The boos looked at Spotter then back at Trevor. He set his foot back down before kicking him in the chest once again. He moved away following after Spotter. The other slave runners looked over at Trevor before going back to their activities. Trevor clenched his hands into fists slamming them into the sand frustrated with himself at being this weak. Trevor tried to move himself back up until his arms gave out on him completely. "Fuck... Fucking hell." Trevor continued to lay on the ground unable to move. He wanted to cry but knew that wouldn't help anything. Desert Rose was looking over to Trevor while she was on watch grimacing at how such a warrior could be broken down like this. She was amazed to see him try minutes later with success at sitting himself back up. He moved his arm up weakly wiping his mouth slowly she was to say the least impressed with his tenacity. He seemed to have an unlimited supply of will power to continue fighting on like this. Spotter stopped next to her setting his hand on her shoulder. "Hey Rose anything new to report?" He asked taking a seat in the sand. "Nothing sir just a little worried about the cargo." She said looking out into the desert. "Yea I'm worried about the blind one as well." Spotter said glancing over his shoulder at Trevor. "I'm just worried he will die before we get to Neighypt." Desert said with a sigh. "He has to run out of strength eventually." Spotter nodded but froze as Trevor looked over towards them his eyes devoid of any emotion. He visibly flinched as Trevor raised a hand to wave at him. "I think we have nothing to worry about Rose." He said pointing towards Trevor Desert followed his finger noticing Trevor waving at them. "But I will see if we can pass him something to eat and drink." Spotter tapped her in the side with his elbow. "Give him only a little so The boss won't notice." Desert nodded getting up from her post to go help Trevor. Trevor lowered his hand looking up into the sky with a small frown on his face. Spotter continued to watch him for a few seconds more before going back to his watch. Trevor leaned his head back closing his eyes trying to fall asleep even if it was a few minutes some semblance of sleep was needed. "only a little longer before I am sold to someone. I wonder what being a slave will be like." Trevor leaned his head forward letting it hang low. "I hate this." Trevor told himself trying his hardest not to sigh. "Only one more day before I can get some food and water... who am I kidding?" Trevor gave in to his urge and finally sighed. It was the last thing that allowed him to keep his sanity and some semblance of his humanity. -------------------------- All of the girls were sitting in the cafe trying to piece together anything about Trevor's sudden departure. Applejack then thought of something and it all made sense. "Dear Celestia how could I not piece that together." All the girls stopped what they were doing to look up at her. "His glasses were broken." She said looking at all of their confused faces. "Yea you said you found them by stepping on them." Rainbow said knowing it was obvious. "Yea but Big Mac found a tree in the eastern field that had all of it's apples knocked off." She pointed out they were all still confused. "Maybe that tree lost it's fruit naturally." Twilight said trying to think logically. "That field was not ready for at least another week. You had to hit the tree to make all the fruit fall" They all had faces of realization but then they shifted to confusion. "What does that mean Darling?" Rarity asked trying to think "What if the glasses were already broken when Applejack stepped on them." Pinkie said calmly. They all began to think about this more closely but Twilight came up with an explanation. "So Trevor hit the tree... with his head?" She said shaking her head. "But why would he do that?" They all shrugged. "Should we tell the princess she should localize her search east?" Twilight asked them to see them think about this closely. "Yes." Rarity said with a nod. "We need to find him as soon as possible. Cloudkicker needs him back I fear she will do something drastic now that he has disappeared." They all stood paying their bills before following Twilight to her house so they could send Princess Celestia an idea of where to search for Trevor. They hoped he didn't go to far. Once past the Everfree Forest was The desert of Saddle Arabia where Equestria had a shaky treaty with. If they found Trevor in the forest they could safely bring him back once in the desert Trevor might as well have died. > Part 4: I Am Your Lord > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 4: I Am Your Lord By: Major Frostwing It was the last day of their trek through the desert. Trevor knew that this was possibly the worst thing. He wasn't able to escape from his captors or improve his morale through the whole thing. He stood tall shaking his shoulders to try and get a crick out of them. The Boss looked over his shoulder at Trevor he scowled at the creature. Most slaves would break after the second day but this one continued to push forward. Just what is this creature?" The Boss asked himself before Spotter walked up next to him. "Boss something feels off." Spotter whispered glancing around the desert. "Like we are being watched or stalked by something." Trevor glanced up hearing something shift around him Trevor shook his chains catching the attention of a few of his captors. "Coming... It's coming." Trevor whispered picking up his pace. That's when all hell broke loose. The sand behind Trevor exploded skyward as something unearthed itself. Trevor felt his blood rush as he heard a loud roar echo all around him. Trevor turned around completely smiling softly at the beast that was attacking the caravan. The boss stopped the caravan looking back at what caused the explosion. What he saw made his blood run cold. "WHAT IS A BOULDER SCORPION DOING SO CLOSE TO THE CITY!?" He asked drawing his weapon. "ARM THE MINES AND TAKE THAT THING OUT!" The slavers moved into action pulling out mines throwing them at the scorpion. The mines connected against the scorpion shrouding it in fire and explosive concussion. Trevor continued to look towards the giant scorpion smiling more wickedly. His fatigue seemed to vanish as the creature let out another roar. "Hey Trevor." Shade said in the back of his head. "I could use a good scratch how about we cut that thing to pieces?" Trevor nodded his cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling. "I'll give you some of my strength so you can fight it. Go crazy but first you need a weapon." Trevor nodded again hearing a group run up to him taking hold of his shoulders trying to pull him back. "Get back that thing will kill you." One of them said pulling on Trevor only for Trevor to yank his shoulder out of his grip. A few of the slavers charged forward swords raised and spells at the ready. "EVERYONE FREEZE!" Trevor yelled catching everyone's attention The Boss was about to yell something but saw that the scorpion froze in place. Trevor reached into his pocket pulling out a small round object. He flicked it away from them. The scorpion twitched it's tail as it slammed where the object landed. 'It's blind.' The boss said to himself before glancing back at Trevor. 'How did he know?' Trevor only nodded moving his chains slightly. The scorpion looked towards Trevor moving it's tail slowly. 'What is he doi-' Trevor took a deep breath of air before letting out a piercing whistle startling those around him at the sheer volume of the whistle. The scorpion let out a roar before charging at Trevor. "Come and get me." Trevor thought to himself. The scorpion launched it's tail forward striking at Trevor only for Trevor to extend his arm out taking a step back. The Tail ripped through his bonds like a hot knife through butter. The boss felt his blood freeze looking toward Trevor. "He wanted this... This was so he could get free." The boss was about to yell an order when he saw Trevor holding one finger over his lips. Trevor held out one of his hands towards the guard behind him. He mouthed the word "Sword." Towards the guard feeling it being placed in his hand. Trevor gripped the weapon tightly this weapon felt like one of his old blades but no time for reminiscing. The scorpion moved it's tail back up before letting out a set of clicks. Trevor continued to observe what the scorpion was doing it moved it's claw clamping it shut with a loud crack. "Stone like exoskeleton and blind. Intelligence seems low enough not to use it's hearing to the best... a feral creature." Trevor jingled his chain seeing the scorpion swing it's claw at him. Trevor jumped back dodging the swing. "I LOVE IT!" Trevor yelled in his head smiling. Trevor leaned forward gripping his sword's handle tight. The scorpion let out a roar getting enraged at his prey disappearing. 'Hey Shade?' Trevor asked in his head. "You're gonna kill it... KILL IT AND THEN EVISCERATE IT!" Shade yelled nearly foaming at the mouth. Trevor nodded tightening his grip until it felt as if his hand would bleed. A dark smoke poured out of the corner of his eyes seeming to stick to his skin. "Silent style: The END!" Trevor dashed forward being right before the creature's maw. Trevor swung his blade not an ounce of sound was heard but a gust of wind blew back gently. Trevor spun the blade feeling it crack and break. "Much better." Trevor said with a light shudder. The scorpion slid slightly a torrent of green blood spilled on the ground. Every slaver watched with stunned silence. "Recapture the creature and I want him bound as much as possible." The boss said trying not to step back from fear of Trevor. Trevor moved his head over as if to look at The Boss the black smoke vanished, disappearing from his cheeks in a puff. Trevor went to take a step but stumbled falling to the ground his body exhausted. Trevor felt his mind darken as he succumbed to sleep. The slavers continued to watch seeing if Trevor would get back up. After a few seconds two slavers moved forward. Spotter and Desert Rose moved over taking Trevor's weapon away while replacing his shackles with a crude version of a straight jacket. They slid something over his head so he couldn't see but sadly that was just cosmetic. Desert looked over seeing the now dead scorpion that's when they saw it happen. The scorpion slid completely in half hitting the ground with a wet splat it twitched slightly but was dead. "He cut a boulder spider in half... he only swung once. What in Tartarus is he?" Desert asked Spotter only to see him shrug. "I don't know Rose but all I know is this." Spotter lift Trevor up over his shoulder. "This guy could easily have killed every single on of us the true question is this." Desert followed him as Spotter opened one of the cages setting him inside but shackled his legs so he couldn't move. "Why didn't he?" Spotter asked closing the cage locking it. "ALRIGHT MOVE FORWARD!" The boss yelled smiling. The entire convoy moved forward seeing the city just on the horizon. -------------------------- The scouting party moved through the Everfree Forest slowly watching out for anything out of the ordinary. The captain sighed stopping his party so they could rest. "What are we even doing out here?" The captain known as Heavy Spear watched over his tired and weary group. "The target is probably dead no way could he just run through the forest without being at least stalked by something." He looked forward seeing where the edge of the forest became the desert. "But we haven't found hide nor hair of this suspect. It's like he just disappeared." Heavy removed his helmet sighing. "We have been attack 3 times by timber wolves and a manticore." He reached into his breast plate pulling out a parchment and quill with an ink well he began writing out a report to Captain Shining Armor. "Field Report of Captain of The Search Party Near the edge of the Everfree Forest. The target is nowhere to be seen and tracking has gone cold. Nothing good can come from this search. Moral to our men has decreased to dangerous levels... I fear for my men sir. I would like to call off this search for the safety of our men. A better equipped team will need to be sent out into the desert to continue this search. Please respond quickly sir so I know what to tell the men. First Sergeant Heavy Spear." Heavy rolled up the report casting a spell on it. The letter flashed before disappearing on it's way to the Captain. The other men sighed trying to find some way to see the bright side of this. A flash of light signaled the response to Heavy's letter. "Return to base we will prepare a team for desert op." Heavy smiled standing up. "ALRIGHT BOYS!" He yelled getting their attention. They looked up looking exhausted. "WE ARE GOIN HOME!" They all smiled as a few of them pulled out scrolls. use the scrolls and go home." They all opened the scroll as light enveloped them as they disappeared one by one the last one to leave was Heavy who smiled at his men getting out of this forest. ------------------------------ Cloudkicker was closed into her home bottles littered her floor as she was trying to drink herself to the good times. She set the bottle down holding onto Trevor's sword. Her tears had long dried up and now she was only trying to forget that he was gone now. "Trevor... Please... Come back." She tightened her grip on his sword. Twilight and her friends were at the library trying to figure out what to do for Cloudkicker to try and make her feel better. "She has been in there since he ran and now all she does is drink and cry over her lose." Rainbow Dash said with a huff. "Why can't she just move on?" The other girls shot her a dark glare. "We have to find something to make her smile." Pinkie said with a cheer. "Maybe some balloons or streamers." The other girls sighed. "She would be using all of her strength to find Trevor if she was allowed to go." Twilight said sighing. "But The Princess made it clear she is not to search for Trevor under severe punishment. She has nothing to do and only wants him back." Rarity nodded before sighing. "We all have to admit we miss him." They all nodded looking down at their hands. "I wish there was something we could do but The Princess needs us here in case something happened." Rarity looked over towards the window seeing the sun still high in the sky. "I just hope the poor thing is safe." "I don't get why you are all worrying so much about him he won the master's tournament. He will be just fine." Rainbow Dash said cockily. "He had a weapon that day he doesn't have anything Rainbow. He has no weapon out there and nothing to keep him safe he is alone." Applejack argued back her accent dropping suddenly at how she felt. "We don't even know if he made it out of the forest let alone to the desert beyond." Rainbow felt herself shrink under Applejack's anger. "I'm scared what will happen to Cloudkicker if Trevor were to never come back." "It will be ok AJ, the search party will find Trevor and bring him back safe and sound you will see." Twilight said trying to lighten the mood. -------------------------------- Trevor awoke his body feeling as if it was run over by a truck. He moved his head slowly only feeling a heavy throb echo in his ears. Trevor tried to move to stand up but couldn't move at all after a few attempts to move he lowered his head in defeat. He was bound completely unable to even move his arms. That's when his sense of sound came back. He was in a city Neighypt was his first guess and didn't need a second one. He failed again being unable to escape after he killed that scorpion. "I'm such a failure." He muttered under the bag on his head. When would he be able to get away? He needed to get back to his mission so he could return to her. A noise caught Trevor's attention the bag on his head was taken off as something was set in front of him. "I brought you some food Trevor you need to eat up." Trevor recognized the voice as Desert Rose. He scowled at her. "The boss wanted to starve you more but you need something." Trevor could see the bowl in front of him due to all the noise around them. He leaned over smelling the dish to find out that it was some type of stew. He tried to move his arms but succeeded in tightening his restraints. Instead of using his hands he lowered his head down taking a drink of the stew. It felt great for him to finally get a hot meal even if it was only one meal he at least had something in his stomach again. "Thank you." Trevor muttered as he finished eating. Desert smiled at that. "We all should be thanking you Trevor. You killed that boulder scorpion and saved all of our lives." Trevor grimaced at that. "I didn't do it for any of you." Trevor said in a cold tone. "I needed to kill it for my own sanity. and it felt great to kill it... It's a shame I wasn't able to play with it more." Trevor cracked a smile. "Oh well." Desert watched as the smile disappeared as quickly as it came. "Now all I have to do now is wait. He will take over eventually and I will not be able to stop him... You have sealed my fate by locking me up." Desert Rose flinched as Trevor looked up seeing only pain and sorrow in those empty silver eyes of his. She returned the bag over his head closing and locking the gate once again. 'I'm Sorry Trevor.' Desert told herself as she moved away from the cage. The auction will start soon enough and Trevor will disappear forever. She felt sad at the thought of such a man to be restrained to a life of slavery. Sadly she had no say in the matter. Trevor sat in his cage feeling his life collapse around him he was going to be sold and bought by someone. "My life is over... Again." Trevor muttered sighing. "The auctions will begin in a few minutes with a few special pieces of merchandise." An announcer yelled out to the crowd to a loud cheer. Trevor sat silently in his cage lowering his head in depression. "It was good knowing you creature." The Boss said with a smile patting the edge of the cage. "I am honestly impressed you were able to survive this long." Trevor slammed his feet against the cage startling The Boss. "CELESTIA DAMNED DEMON!" The Boss yelled hitting the cage with his fist. "Our first slave is an alpha diamond dog he is strong and tough and without a doubt a good addition for any owner." The auctioneer said with a smile. "The bidding will start at 200 bits." Trevor listened to the auctioneer dread filling his soul as he waited for his turn. --------------------- After 10 other sales it was finally Trevor's turn to be sold. "The final sale for the day is a very special creature. This creature has been brought to us by The Boss and from what he has informed us this creature is extremely dangerous. He was contained and restricted from all movement due to how dangerous it is. This creature has survived 5 days without food or water and in that state killed a boulder scorpion with a single strike after he escaped once." Trevor smiled under his bag. "He is without a doubt the most dangerous creature to ever grace this auction house. The bidding will start at 600 bits." The cloth covering Trevor's cage was ripped off showing him to all of the bidders. A few hands raised bidding on him in a few seconds the bid was at 4000 bits. A kitsune was walking through Neighypt with a group of other kitsune following him. "My lord I suggest we leave as soon as possible this place was horrible for someone of your stature." One of them said to the black furred kitsune at the head. "You know we had to come here for some diplomatic business." The lord said with a tint of anger in his voice. "You are only here as my guard detail nothing more and nothing less." He said looking forward when something caught his attention. An auction taking place for a slave completely bound while being trapped in a cage. "8000 do I hear 8100?" A hand raised betting once again. The black kitsune was intrigued by this creature in the cage. He closed his eyes everyone's auras appeared in his vision when he saw the creature in the cage it gave him pause. It was huge compared to the others not only that but it was split into 8 different colors. He tilted his head to the side before glancing back at his own guards. His guards had large aura's as well but they were all a solid color. "Interesting." He whispered turning back to the creature bound in the cage he noticed that the creature raised it's head as if to look towards the kitsune. Something happened that startled every patron in the audience. Trevor slammed his legs against the cage over and over again. The was until a prod was put into the cage shocking Trevor until he stopped. "My lord what do you see?" The lord's adviser asked leaning forward to whisper to him. The lord opened his eyes raising his hand up. "20,000 bits!" He yelled startling everyone including the auctioneer. "20,000 do I hear 21,000?" He yelled to see no one raise their hands. "20,000 going once! Twice! SOLD! TO THE BLACK KITSUNE!" The auctioneer said with a smile on his face. The kitsune walked forward with his guards close behind. He pulled out a bag of bits slamming it down in front of the auctioneer before motioning for his guards to transport Trevor. Trevor was barely conscious after the shocks to his system he heard someone close to his cage leaning down. "You are indeed a rare find but trust me. You are safe." Trevor smiled only letting sleep take him over. ------------------------- Trevor awoke much later the air felt cold signalling it was night time. "Good evening creature." Trevor heard the voice of a man in front of him causing him to jump from being startled. "I apologize for startling you. My name is Lord Kuro and I am the head of my clan. I purchased you from that slaver and now I own you." Trevor grit his teeth in anger at hearing that he was owned. "You will be happy to know I will not be using you for any heavy lifting or anything like that I just wanted a new butler." Trevor let out a growl kicking at the cage as hard as he could. "So full of vigor I see." He said with a smile. Trevor kicked the cage once again this time startling the kitsune with how hard he was kicking the cage. "Alright that is enough." A different voice said making his way to the cage. "I have what I need." Trevor moved his body over to kick the cage again. "If you don't calm down you will not be allowed out of your bonds." Trevor froze mid kick lowering his legs slowly. "I'm sure you are intelligent due to how your aura reacts to certain stimuli." Trevor tilted his head leaning it against the bars. "I bought you so I could help you creature." Trevor nodded his head drowsily. "Thank you." Trevor muttered letting out a sigh. "I see you are intelligent." The kitsune said with a smile. He reached into the cage pulling the bag off of Trevor's head seeing him for the first time. "I am the real lord Kuro and I have saved your life. I do not expect you to honor that fact but that is your choice. If you want to come with me you will be able to repay your debt to me but, this is not an order this is a question. Will you come with me to my country and work for me?" Trevor raised his head up turning towards lord Kuro. "I am a man of the sword and was taught to repay my debts." Trevor nodded and bowed his head to him. "I will serve you Lord Kuro until my debt is repaid." Trevor raised his head. "But I am not your slave I am not your servant I am a man of my word and that is all." Kuro extended his hand into the cage as Trevor lowered his head to his hand. "What is your name?" Kuro asked smiling. "I am known as Trevor my lord." Trevor said smiling. "Good we will be leaving at sun up but until then let's get you out of that cage and some food in your stomach." Trevor nodded as the cage was opened and his bonds removed. For the first time in what felt like forever Trevor was free of his bonds. He also did something for the first time since his that night. He smiled genuinely rubbing his wrists gently. > Part 5: A Lesson To Learn > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadow of A King Part 5: A Lesson To Learn By: Major Frostwing It was night in the desert and according to Kuro they were only two days from the port town Port Wind Fall. Trevor was sitting next to the fire his eyes closed sitting cross-leg his hands resting against his knees. Trevor focused on his mind taking a deep breath letting it out slow. "Trevor are you still awake?" Kuro asked Trevor sitting across from him. "I am my Lord I am just clearing my mind." Trevor said moving his head as if to look to his left. "I'm sorry my Lord I thought I heard something." he said returning his attention to him. "It is alright Trevor I was just wondering how you were doing. I am concerned about you." Trevor raised his eyebrow confused. "I do what is necessary my Lord I fight, I sleep, I focus. Everything else is un-needed until we are out of this land." Trevor said looking back over to his left his eyebrows furrowed in agitation. "I would like if you would try to understand my other guards along with my adviser." Trevor shook his head. "I only need to know you my Lord you are the one I need to protect right now. The others would gladly throw away their lives for you me on the other hand." Trevor opened his eyes moving his head to Kuro. "I refuse to die so soon for I have someone even greater than you I will return to... Even though I hurt her." Trevor lowered his head feeling empty and sad at the pain he is causing her right now. "I understand Trevor but please try and speak with your allies for one day they might save your life." Trevor scoffed. "No disrespect my Lord but I doubt they would even raise their blades to save me." Kuro was listening to Trevor closely. "I am something different, dangerous, and in the eyes of those that know me a monster." Kuro was confused by what he said. "Maybe I will tell you why I say that one day my Lord but right now I do not trust you. If you ordered me I would say no. If you asked me I would decline. If you tried to force me I would not speak I will only tell you when I can trust you with my life." Kuro was about to say something when Trevor held up his hand moving his head up to listen more closely. "Is something the matter Trevor?" Trevor shook his head slowly. "No my Lord nothing to worry about." Trevor continued to listen closely as he closed his eyes once again. "Trevor I do have one question for you that you need not answer." Trevor nodded saying he was listening. "Your eyes what happened to them?" Trevor's right eye twitched. "An accident that resulted in the death of my father and the lose of my sight. I am blind yet I can see all. The pain I have gone through is un-measurable." Trevor sighed feeling depression setting in. "Do you miss your sight?" Kuro asked only to see Trevor shake his head smiling softly. "With sight comes ignorance... Sight brings pain. I see this world not for what it shows but what it hides from the populace." Trevor sighed holding his hand out to the fire. "What do you see in front of you my Lord?" Kuro looked at the fire thinking of an answer. "I see the fire consuming the wood with it's unholy touch." Kuro said calmly as if that was the correct answer. "That is what you see but what I see." Trevor extended his hand to the fire. "I see not death but rebirth. The fire before you keeps you warm and allows you the thin shroud of safety from the darkness around you with it's light. The fire after it is gone will leave behind the ashes of what it consumed and when put in a forest it fertilizes the ground allowing new plants to grow." Trevor smiled lifting up his hand towards the heavens. "When you burn a pine cone it does not just burn but explodes sending it's seeds as far away from the fire so it can grow a new forest. Rebirth through death in it's own way is beautiful." Trevor lowered his hand to his knee. Kuro watched Trevor as if he had just seen the light. "You only see what your eyes show you. I see what the world will hide from you." Kuro nodded. "I have much to learn from you Trevor." Kuro said bowing his head to Trevor. "Now one last question Trevor. What do you see in people?" Trevor twitched. "I see hate, anger, and dishonesty. Some people are afraid, sad, and without a shroud of a doubt un-trusting." Kuro was about to say something when Trevor raised his hand. "But that does not mean I see all of these things in you my Lord. For you I see more. You have a kind heart that you have to hide behind a strong leader you are willing to put faith in something new and unknown to you. A man who only want's to do what is right for the people under him. You would not harm a soul under your command but rather help them through their tough times. But even I can see that it hurts you knowing that some do not want your help." Trevor smiled. "How do you know so much Trevor it's as if you can see a person's soul with a single glance?" Kuro asked seeing Trevor shake his head. "I can read people that's all it shows who can be an ally and who will be an enemy." Kuro stood from the fire looking down at Trevor. "I will wake up another guard to take over watch try and get some sleep tonight." Trevor smiled as he stood walking over to the carriage sitting down against it leaning his head back against the wood. "May the answers you seek come to you my Lord." Trevor said as he slowly drifted off to sleep. --------------- Trevor after a sound was heard from his right. He didn't move an inch and continued to feign sleep. The sound continued to move around him as if searching for something then he heard the door to his lord's carriage slide open slowly. "Bingo." A female voice whispered and Trevor could hear the smile on their face. "Not a wise move if you ask me." Trevor whispered keeping his head down. The female to his right froze suddenly not sure if she heard something from the creature to her right. He heard the woman move slowly into the carriage when Trevor grabbed her ankle suddenly. "What th-" The woman didn't get to finish her sentence as Trevor ripped her out of the carriage straight to the ground. "I warned you now leave I am not in the mood to deal with you." Trevor said returning to sitting down at the entrance to the carriage sliding it closed. The female let out a growl as she ran off as silent as possible. Trevor did not go to sleep for the remainder of the night keeping an ear out to the female intruder. The guard shift change many times over the night unknowing of the intruder. Kuro awoke at first light exiting his carriage to see Trevor sitting outside the entrance unmoving. "Good morning Trevor." He said with a smile Trevor opened his eyes tilting his head. "It is morning? I didn't notice." Trevor said with a smile getting to his feet. "A good morning to you my Lord." Trevor said bowing. "Did you sleep at all last night?" Trevor shook his head. "Anything happen while I was sleeping. "A snake tried to slid up my arm to stay warm but I got rid of it." Trevor lied still unsure of how to deal with the intruder if they were to return. "Be careful with those snakes. Now then would you like to join us for breakfast?" Kuro asked with a smile. "It would be my honor my Lord." Trevor followed behind Kuro as they made their way to the fire which was still burning gently. "Well today we will be reaching the Blue Tree Forest. We will need to be on alert for I fear something will try something while we are in there." Trevor nodded keeping his mind sharp to the sounds around him. One of the guards sat down next to Trevor nudging him slightly out of his way. Trevor just moved more out of the guard's way. The guard glared at Trevor as if he was trying to start something. "My Lord I still don't see why you bought this strange creature." Kuro looked to his guard but noticed Trevor only continued to eat his food silently. "Silver you are not to question my decisions and I am sure Trevor is one of the only ones here that has done his job appointed to him." Trevor froze eating for only a instant before continuing. Silver tightened his grip on his bowl glaring at Trevor. "I doubt this creature could even hold a blade." Trevor finished chewing his food before dropping his spoon in his bowl. "Willing to find out?" Trevor asked keeping his eyes closed. "I doubt I would need a sword to take you out." Kuro's adviser was about to silence both of them when Kuro stopped him. "I would cut you down before you could even get close." Silver said standing up drawing his blade a standard katana. Trevor raised an eyebrow at the sound the blade made after being unsheathed. "Why do you not take care of your blade?" Trevor asked standing up Kuro held his own sword out to Trevor only to see him unsheathe the blade handing it back to Kuro. Silver swung the second Kuro was out of the way but was surprised to see Trevor dodge the swing and crack Silver in the kneecap forcing him to fall to the ground. Trevor spun the sheath dropping down to one knee in a smooth motion stopping the end of the sheath in the center of his back only tapping him in the back with it. Kuro only smiled nodding. "How did you?" Silver asked seeing Trevor stomp on his hand forcing him to let go of his blade. Trevor reached down picking up Silver's blade. "You are not even worth the blade given to you. The mistreatment of this blade is too great did you not hear it?" Trevor grabbed Silver by the back of his collar. "It cries for the respect it deserves... How are you even allowed to hold a blade?" Trevor spun Silver around before shoving him away. "I will return this blade when I think you are even worthy to wield it." Kuro walked up to Trevor patting him on the shoulder. "Do anymore of you doubt Trevor and his skill with a blade?" Kuro asked to see none of them look up. "Silver." Kuro said seeing Silver look up at him. "Trevor will be my personal guard for the remainder of this journey." Silver scrambled to get off his back kneeling down to Kuro. "Yes. My Lord." Silver said feeling utterly defeated. Trevor handed back Kuro's sheath while still holding Silver's blade. "Trevor." Silver said as Trevor nodded showing he was listening. "I am sorry for challenging you as such." Trevor only shook his head moving forward to him. "Your other blade as well." Trevor said hearing it being pulled out of his sash before being held out to him. Trevor snatched it out of his hands walking back to the carriage sitting down sheathing the first blade and attaching them to his person one on his back the other on his hip via some cloth. Kuro watched Trevor with mixed emotions one of them was concern as if Trevor was not just a swordsman but a higher level of skill. Kuro watched Trevor as he drew one of the blades tapping the edge gently before stopping an angry scowl on his face. Kuro saw Trevor reach into his pocket pulling out a small stone the size of his palm dragging it against the edge of the blade with the precision of a surgeon. Yet Trevor had a small smile crease his lips as he worked on the blade a light metallic ring sounded with each drag. ------------------------------ They were walking to the edge of The Blue Tree Forest and as it's name suggested the trees were a special breed of tree. The leaves instead of being green were blue which coated the ground underneath in a gentle blue light as the sun filtered through the leaves. "We shall camp in 2 hours." Kuro said with authority Trevor walked next to him continuing to sharpen the blades as they moved. Each of the guards were doing something to pass their time from chatting with one another to examining their surroundings with awe. Trevor continued to listen closely without missing a beat on his sharpening. "Creature you have been sharpening that blade since you got it soon you will only have the edge." Kuro's adviser who was named Hindsight stated walking up next to Trevor. "This blade has been neglected since it was made I am simple showing it the care it deserves like I would my own blade." Trevor smiled as he gave the blade another pass with the stone hearing the correct pitch of the blade. "When a blade is well cared for it can do amazing things." Hindsight nodded. "Yes yes but a blade is only a tool used to claim the life of another." Trevor raised his eyebrow. "My Lord do you believe what Hindsight says as well?" Kuro looked over to Trevor noticing the edge of the blade he carried was immaculate almost perfect. "I believe that a blade is a blade." Kuro said stating the obvious. Trevor only shook his head. Trevor looked to Kuro with a sad expression on his face. "I'm sorry to hear that my Lord." Trevor said before sheathing his blade and drawing his next blade. Kuro was confused as Trevor continued to hold that somber expression as he got to work on his second blade. "Trevor I hope I don't seem rude for asking but what was the name of the one who taught you the way of the sword?" Trevor stopped sharpening the blade for a second to try and think back on his master. He let out a light chuckle. "I don't know he never told me his name all I know is that he was blind as well." Trevor smiled again continuing his work. "I only knew him as Master and he taught me the ways of the sword. I still find it humorous that he taught me because of a little spat when I was a child." Kuro had more questions about Trevor now but he would ask them later they needed to focus on the path ahead. Trevor suddenly halted holding his sword out stopping Kuro. "Trevor what's happ-" Trevor moved his sword upward hearing a loud metal ping echo off of it. A blade dropped to the ground a few feet away. "Guard him." Trevor said drawing his second blade maintaining a calm demeanor. Trevor continued to listen to his surroundings until he heard a gentle whistle of a blade flying through the air. Trevor shifted his head slightly hearing the blade zip past his ear. "How did?" Trevor heard someone whisper he thought he was just hearing things but he knew better than to think like that. "Come now I think we can have some fun with you actually trying to kill me." Trevor said out to the forest. "Come and fight me or are you afraid?" Trevor said challenging. A blade flew the air flying past Trevor's face grazing his cheek. Kuro watched from behind his guards Trevor was trying to get their attacker to fight him head on. "Is he a fool?" Kuro asked himself but watched Trevor twitch at the smallest sound. "No he is trying to pinpoint his opponent." Trevor leaned down picking up the first knife with a smile. Another blade flew through the air as Trevor suddenly threw his own knife at the sound before charging at the sound. There was a yelp of surprise as the blade slammed next to the attacker's head before she looked up to see Trevor swing both of his swords at her. She drew her own blade raising it to protect her. All three blades connected with a spark. "Found you." Trevor whispered with a sickening grin on his face. "Loud style: Fear." Trevor whispered leaning closer to the woman. She let out a shudder as one of Trevor's blades shifted placing an identical cut on the woman's cheek. The woman shoved off the blades trying to escape from him by running away. Trevor smiled as he chased after her. The attacker slid behind a tree trying to catch her breath. "I will have to try again maybe when they make camp I can st-" The tree the woman was hiding behind had a blade puncture it right above her head. "Shit." She told herself as she jumped away to see Trevor rip his blade out. "I must be getting rusty." Trevor turned towards the woman still smiling. "I missed." The woman drew her own blade preparing for the attack. Trevor began walking forward slowly flipping both of his blades backwards his smile shifting into something more pure. "Loud Style: Joy." Trevor jumped forward the female raised her blade blocking Trevor's first swing. "Just what are you?" She asked as Trevor continued to smile tilting his head to the side. "Trevor. Pleasure to meet you." Trevor said as her swung with his other blade. The female saw this jumping backward throwing down a smoke bomb. Trevor heard the object hissing as smoke poured out of it. "Oh that's no fun. You just made it easier for me to find you." Trevor didn't hear the needle fly out of the forest hitting him in the right shoulder. "Oh ho ho looks like you have some toys." Trevor let out a laugh as he reached up pulling the needle out to toss it away. "That's not all." Trevor heard the woman said as he heard a blade fly out to him. He reached his hand up moving it with the blade catching it by the handle. "Not even a challenge." Trevor said as he heard the knife in his hand sizzle before a blight flash of light exploded around him from the knife. The woman charge out of her hiding spot swinging down on Trevor only for him to block the blade. "How did he see my attack?" She asked struggling to push the blade forward. That's when she noticed Trevor had his eyes closed still smiling. "Sorry but cheap tricks don't work on me." Trevor raised his second blade flipping it forward. "Loud Style: Fury." Trevor scowled as he slammed his blade down on her own pushing her back. Trevor slammed his blades down on her repeatedly forcing her to block each attack. "FIGHT BACK!" Trevor roared at her as she missed one of his blades as it cut deep into her left arm. She let out a scream of pain freezing Trevor in place. "No that's enough she can't fight back." Trevor told himself as he felt his blade raise once again. "No I don't want to kill her I proved my point to her." Smoke began to pour out of his eyes taking hold on his cheeks. Trevor smiled as he slammed his blade downward only for the woman to deflect the attack trying to create an opening. Trevor raised his blades swinging both of them on the woman knocking her back into a tree. "Calm down Trevor I'm trying to scratch this horrible itch of mine." Shade said smiling in Trevor's mind. "Just sit back and enjoy the show I'm trying to put on here." Trevor continued to try and wrestle for control of his body but wasn't getting anywhere. Trevor jumped forward swinging both of his blades horizontally to try and take the woman's head off but was only missed as the woman jumped to the side dodging the blades. She backed away only for Trevor to catch up to her slamming both of his blades into her legs stopping her completely. "No where to run my little fox." Trevor said his voice sounded distorted. He let go of the blades stepping on her wrists to stop her. He reached forward wrapping his hands around her throat. "I wonder how long you will last?" Trevor asked tightening his grip on her throat. The woman gagged as she was losing all of her ability to breathe and couldn't even move out of his grip. All she could see was the evil on Trevor's face as she was being strangled when his grip lessened suddenly. "Trevor... What would she think about you acting like this?" A voice asked Trevor as he moved his hands away from her throat completely. Tears were streaming down is cheeks as he stood up. "You are better than this Trevor don't let it control you." The voice said as Trevor reached up wiping his eyes. The smoke and marks disappearing with each wipe. Trevor listened to this voice it sounded so familiar yet so distant in his mind. "What is he doing?" The woman asked herself seeing Trevor pull his blades out ripping off a piece of his shirt wrapping it around her legs to stop the bleeding. "He is helping me now. Why is he doing this?" Trevor only continued to cry remaining silent. When he was done he stood walking back to his group. "Please never return I don't want to kill you." Trevor said over his shoulder as he disappeared into the trees leaving her alone. She was about to call out to him when she noticed she shouldn't it would alert her target and she couldn't risk that. Should she even continue this hit all it could do is anger Trevor. He did just spare her life. "I can't finish this hit... I'm scared of him." She stood slowly moving deeper into the forest. "I would be throwing my life away if I did that." She was ashamed by this fear but she couldn't beat him not in a hundred years. Trevor finally reached his group and what they saw was Trevor in a mess. "Trevor is the assassin dead?" Kuro asked him only to see him shake his head. "She will not be attacking us I made sure of that." Kuro watched Trevor as he crawled into one of the carriages sitting in the dark. "I'm sorry my lord but I want a few minutes so I can clear my mind." Kuro nodded motioning for his men to move forward. "Take as long as you need Trevor you need it." The men moved forward following their lord as Trevor continued to sit in the darkness of the carriage meditating. It was all he could do to keep his head together. > Part 6: The Bottle That Never Empties > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 6: The Bottle That Never Empties By: Major Frostwing Cloudkicker awoke to the sounds of chirping birds and groaned as her brain pounded in her skull. She sat up knocking a good number of bottles off of her bed. They gave off a symphony of clinks as they collided with each other forcing Cloudkicker to cover her ears to block out the noise. She looked at her room with a sigh there was a pile of broken glass from the bottles she threw against the wall. she looked beside her to see Trevor's cane right next to her she would cry if she had any tears left to shed. She looked to the window seeing that it was morning. "Two months." She muttered looking over the edge of her bed seeing an unopened bottle of whiskey. She picked up the bottle opening it without a second thought taking a large gulp of the burning liquid. "Is he even still alive?" She asked herself getting up from her bed. "Will he even come back?" She asked as she made her way to the bathroom. She needed a shower. After a quick shower and trying to make herself presentable she moved back into her room. She pulled open a drawer of her dresser seeing her clothes and right next to that was Trevor's spare clothes. She looked at the clothes flatly taking one of the shirts holding it up seeing that it was the first shirt Trevor wore in her world. She clutched it tight to her chest before sliding it over her head. She put on a fresh pair of pants that matched the black shirt. She picked up Trevor's cane looking at it a smile gracing her lips as she secured it to her back via Trevor's old harness. She walked to her front door planning on visiting the barracks to try and get some practice in. "Got to try and keep my skills sharp can't constantly going to the bottle." She said resolving herself to try and think positive. Cloudkicker moved through town smiling and waving to everyone she passed returning their hellos. She was trying to live her life the way Trevor would want her to. Rarity was out shopping when she caught sight of Cloudkicker walking through town she dropped what she was holding in he shock. Cloudkicker had been holed up in her house for the better part of two months. She ran from the stall she was at to go to Twilight's she needed to inform her of this. -------------------------- Rarity slammed through the library door startling Twilight and Spike who were both reorganizing the library... again. "Rarity what's going on? Has something going wrong?" Twilight asked moving to her frazzled friend. "No." Rarity smiled looking up at her friend. "Cloudkicker finally left her house and she looked happy." Twilight's telekinetic grasp was broken from the news dropping a large number of books to the ground. "Spike finish up I got to go." Twilight took hold of Rarity's hand teleporting out of the library. Spike looked flatly at where they were standing just moments before. "Mares." Spike muttered rolling his eyes before going back to his appointed task. "Hoo?" An owl said catching Spikes attention. "Really?" He asked the owl flatly. The owl only shrugged before helping Spike on his task. ------------------------------ Cloudkicker had finally arrived at the Ponyville barracks when two guards stopped her progress. "At ease guys I'm only here to practice no jobs." She said with a smile. "Sorry Lieutenant, but we are under orders from Princess Celestia that you are not to enter the barracks or even be on site. No exceptions." One of the guards said with a blank expression. "Oh come on I haven't been able to practice with my swordsmanship in two months. I need the practice. What if something happened you would need every guard at the ready including me." Cloudkicker countered. Her anger was beginning to flare. "No exceptions Lieutenant." The other guard replied. "Is there problem?" A female asked behind Cloudkicker when she turned around she saw it was Twilight and the rest of the Elements of Harmony. "We are under strict orders. Lieutenant Cloudkicker is not to enter the barracks under any circumstances." The guards said in unison. "Twilight I just want to get some practice in." Cloudkicker said with an annoyed huff. "But these jerks won't even let me in." "I remember the orders being that Lieutenant Cloudkicker was to not join the party looking for Trevor and was placed on leave. Nothing about being denied entry into the barracks." Twilight stated looking at the guards with a raised eyebrow. "But if the orders have changed why was Cloudkicker not informed?" Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow. "She is on leave she does not get order updates." The guards responded flatly. Cloudkicker began to grind her teeth. "Whatever." Cloudkicker flicked the bird as she began walking away from the barracks she was pissed off. She just wanted to practice but instead she was denied at the door. First she was denied the right to search for her love and now she was denied the right to practice. "I didn't do anything wrong and I am being punished for it." Cloudkicker was trying to have a good day but it all just went up in smoke. She began making her way back home she had nothing else she could do. Twilight and the girls watched Cloudkicker walk off. A pang of regret welled in Twilight's heart she couldn't persuade her mentor to allow Cloudkicker to be a guard once again. She hated seeing a friend in so much pain. "Twilight try writing a letter to Celestia to see if we can get her to at least practice in the barracks. Cloudkicker needs something in her life besides the booze." Applejack said following after Cloudkicker. "What are you going to do?" Twilight asked watching her friend start running after her. "Try and cheer her up." Applejack yelled back. ------------------------------ Cloudkicker was sitting in her room holding the now half empty bottle of alcohol tight. Trevor's blade was set in her lap unsheathed. "I have nothing now." She looked down at the blade in her lap seeing that it seemed to glow in the darkness. "I don't have my job and I don't have you." Cloudkicker took a large gulp of the liquid sighing. "What made you run Trevor? We could have gotten through this together." She took hold of the blade holding it up. "Maybe we can see each other again." She moved the blade so it was sitting in the center of her chest. "In the next life." The door to Cloudkicker's room exploded open to reveal Applejack who ran forward taking the blade away from Cloudkicker. "What in Tartarus do you think you're doin?!" Applejack bellowed seeing Cloudkicker lower her head in shame. "What else am I supposed to do everything I had is now gone I can't even practice anymore." She went to lift the bottle to her lips when Applejack smacked it out of her hands. "I just want him back. If he comes back then everything will be ok." She was losing it and Applejack could see it. "Let's get you out of here Sugarcube." Applejack said picking her friend up hugging her tight. "Let's go." Cloudkicker nodded as Applejack exited the house but not before looking at the blade that laid on the ground. He mind swam with anger. "Trevor the next time I see you I'm going to break you for this." Applejack said to herself like a solemn pledge. But right now she needed to focus on getting Cloudkicker the help she needed. > Part 7: Welcome To Neighpan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 7: Welcome To Neighpan By: Major Frostwing It had been two months since Trevor ran away from Ponyville to try and get control over Shade and finally be rid of him. He sat in the lower decks of the ship meditating when a knock came at the door. "Trevor sir, we will be arriving shortly." The guard Trevor knew as Steel told him. Trevor opened his eyes standing slowly. "Thank you Steel." Trevor said reaching over taking hold of a long white scarf he wrapped it around his face so the cold bite of the early autumn wouldn't get to him. "Tell our lord I will be there shortly." Steel bowed leaving the room to inform Kuro. Trevor fastened his blades to his person with a smile. Trevor listened hearing the shift of the waves against the hull. Trevor made sure he was presentable tightening his belt on his clothes a standard japaneighse outfit according to Kuro but Trevor thought it felt a little loose. Trevor moved out of the room making his way to the deck where the wind bombarded him harshly. He didn't like the wind like this it screwed with his "sight" decreasing his range from very far away to just about two feet in all directions. "Trevor!" Kuro called out trying to talk over the heavy winds. "Over here!" He called watching Trevor move slowly over to him. "We are almost there." Kuro said with a smile happy to finally be back in his home country. "And let me be the first to say this." Kuro placed his hand on Trevor shoulder. "Welcome. To Neighpan." Trevor smiled as the wind slowly died down the closer they got to land. Within minutes they were docked and unloading their supplies Trevor stuck next to Kuro like glue not wanting anything to happen to him. A large crowd had gathered cheering and seeming to have a celebration for their safe return. "Come Trevor we have to go to my mansion there I will introduce you to my wife." Trevor nodded following after him. When a few of the crowd members caught sight of Trevor they fell silent not knowing how to react to his appearance. Trevor kept his eyes closed moving behind Kuro when someone ran down the path. Trevor placed his hand on his sword. Kuro moved his hand placing it on top of his. "It's ok Trevor no need to be so jumpy." Trevor nodded moving his hand away from his blade. The person finally stopped before Kuro kneeling before him. "Welcome back my Lord but I am afraid I have bad news. Your brother has arrived." Kuro nodded removing his hand from Trevor walking forward. "Ignore what I just said Trevor be on your guard." Trevor nodded. "Of course my lord. If you don't mind me asking why are you so jumpy about your brother?" Trevor asked following behind him still hearing more of the crowd go silent. Trevor heard something that gave him pause. "Mommy what is that thing?" Trevor stopped mid step moving his head towards the voice. A child was next to his mother looking right at him. A few of the crowd members moved away as Trevor advanced towards the child and mother. Kuro stopped looking over at Trevor wondering what he will do. Especially how he acted after the assassin incident. Kuro was nervous to say the least. Trevor stopped just before the mother who was paralyzed with fear of Trevor. He moved his head so he was looking down at the child he knelt down cracking open one of his eyes. "Hello there." Trevor said with a sweet smile. "My name is Trevor. What's your name?" The child looked at Trevor before smiling back. "My name's Pinwheel." The kid watched Trevor unafraid of him. "Pinwheel huh? That sounds like a cooler name than mine." The kid giggled at that and Trevor let out a chuckled with him. "You be nice to your mother now ok Pinwheel?" The kid nodded as Trevor stood waving bye at the kid who returned it happily. Trevor returned to Kuro the smile was gone from his face. "That was very nice Trevor." Kuro said smiling. "Let's go I feel I will have to sharpen my blades after today." Kuro nodded moving towards a large mansion in the distance with Trevor following behind closely. -------------------------------- Trevor and Kuro finally arrived at the mansion to a warm welcome from his maids and butlers. "Welcome home master." They all said in unison. "Well ain't you Mr. Popular." Trevor said with a smile. "Actually my last name is-" Kuro began as Trevor let out a groan face-palming. "It was a joke my lord." Trevor said as Kuro finally caught onto the joke. "Oh ha ha ha. So Trevor are you ready to meet my brother?" Kuro asked stopping before a large wooden door. "I'm not getting any younger my lord let's just get this over with." Trevor cracked his knuckles shaking his hands out. "Wise choice of words." Trevor only rolled his eyes placing his hand on the handle of his sword. Kuro pushed open the doors only to be met with a large metal behemoth. "I see my brother still uses you as his guard." Kuro said pushing the doors open completely walking past the metal monster. "Quite the big fella ain'tcha?" Trevor followed after his master only to be stopped by a giant blade slamming between him and Kuro. "My Lord tell the dog to get the blade out of my way if you would be so kind." Kuro looked over his shoulder at the blade hindering Trevor's progress. "It is alright Titan my brother's guard couldn't hope to hurt me so he is alright." A new voice stated at the back of the room. Titan moved it's blade out of Trevor's way looking down at him with a solid glare. Trevor smiled walking past Titan whispering something to it as he passed. "Now roll over." Titan growled raising it's blade high above it's head. but froze when it saw a blade pressed against it's helmet. "Slow movements will only leave bigger openings." Trevor spun his blade sheathing it. "Stand down Trevor we are not here to start a fight." Kuro said to see Trevor nod his head walking up to him. "Not yet." Kuro muttered walking up to his brother. Kuro's brother was a golden yellow kitsune with a red tipped tail. "Brother Kuro it is a pleasure to see you once again how is Silver your pathetic guard?" "Silver is now longer my personal guard Trevor is my new guard. But beside that what are you doing here Kirro?" Kuro asked his brother already fed up with his presence. Kirro turned his head to look over his shoulder. "Well my little brother is late with his return from Neighypt I got a little concerned. What could possibly be the reason for this lateness?" Trevor smiled chuckling. "I guess that would be my fault." Trevor said scratching the back of his head. "Came down with a bad case of being poisoned." Kuro chuckled at Trevor making light of him almost dying. "Had to wait before the poison passed before we could depart." "I'm sorry I was talking with my brother not some lowly peasant." Kirro said waving his hand trying to dismiss Trevor. "Now leave I am sick of looking at you." "Aw and here I thought we could be good friends." Trevor said with mock sadness. "Yea no I'm not leaving I serve Kuro not you." Kuro pat Trevor on the shoulder. "Come now Trevor don't be like that. No one can be friends with my brother he is insufferable to be around." Trevor and Kuro both shared a laugh which only served to anger Kirro. "I am a lord just like you Kuro I demand respect just like you." Kirro said through gritted teeth. "Yea I don't serve you Kirro and I don't really serve Kuro more of I just owe him." Kirro let out a growl in his frustration. "Ok Trevor that's enough allow me to talk to my brother. Go talk to Titan she is a really sweet woman once you get to know her." Trevor raised his eyebrow shrugging. "Call me if you need me Kuro." Trevor waved good-bye as he stopped next to Titan sitting down on the ground yawning. "So Titan come here often?" Titan only let out a growl. Titan looked down at Trevor confused at the creature before her. "Hey sorry bout calling you a dog. To be honest I thought you were a man by how tall you were but sadly that's what happens when you can't see." Trevor said with a shrug. "You're blind?" Titan asked looking at Trevor even more confused. "Yea but it's whatever." Trevor moved his head to face her. "So what's it like working with your Lord?" Titan shrugged. "Could be worse. I could still be at that horrible slave camp still." Titan let out a sigh adjusting the huge blade on her back. "What about you creature? How did you become Lord Kuro's guard?" "His personal guard challenged me and I beat him Kuro fired him and gave me the new rank." Trevor shrugged drawing the sword off of his back along with pulling out his sharpening stone. "I also took his swords they were useless in his hands." Trevor dragged his stone on his blade smiling at it. "Do you keep up the maintenance on your blade?" He was just keeping up small talk. "When it becomes dull I get a new one since it would take to long to sharpen it." Trevor frowned at that. "So I got to ask what are you?" She asked Trevor to see him go silent thinking about his answer. "I am... human. A race of violent and destructive creatures. I try not to see myself like that now but it's kind of hard when you are a monster." Trevor set his blade down in his lap seeming to stare off in space. "I would like nothing more than to return home. Not back to my race but back to her." Titan watched Trevor with a confused eye. In her eye she saw a strange creature that didn't want to fight but seemed to be forced to do just that. She also saw something else in Trevor. Something that made her shiver. Trevor was a man who thrived on battle almost as if he enjoyed the thought of spilling blood. "I am a warrior of the kitsune and with it I carry the pride of it." Trevor shook his head as the two brothers seemed to finish their conversation. "Then may us never meet on the battlefield." Trevor sheathed his blade standing. Trevor turned around facing Kuro. "Are we done Kuro?" Trevor asked acting laid back. "Yes Trevor now let's go we have to go see my wife before she becomes angry." Kuro said with a light hearted chuckle. They both left the room but not before Trevor paused at the door seeming to stare at Kirro with a harsh glare. He turned following after Kuro. --------------------------------- Trevor walked with Kuro chatting with him as they walked. "So what did you think of Titan Trevor? Did she tickle your fancy?" Kuro asked trying to tease him but Trevor only raised an eyebrow to him. "Really? I happen to have a girlfriend Kuro." Trevor said rolling his eyes. "Plus not to sound rude to her but she is not my type." Trevor shrugged smiling. "The woman I like happens to be almost on par with my skills with a blade. Titan would barely keep up with one of my stances." Kuro shared a chuckle with him as they stopped before a large ornate door. The door had a large golden fox head on it surrounded by nine tails all tipped with fire. "Nice door." Trevor said almost bored. "Really? I hate this door it's much to heavy." Kuro leaned against the door pushing it open. On the other side of the door sat a black kitsune clad in a deep purple kimono staring out at the mountains around them. "You're late Kuro." The woman said looking over her shoulder at Kuro. "It's nice to see you to my love." Kuro said entering the room Trevor followed after him closing the door behind them. "I would like you to meet my new personal guard and friend Trevor." Trevor nodded his head keeping his eyes sealed. "A pleasure to meet you Trevor. I am Lady Mist." The woman said as Trevor knelt before her out of respect. "Where did you find this strange creature Kuro?" She asked her husband as he smiled. "He was being sold in Neighypt and I saw great potential in him so I bought him to show him to the Tengu." Trevor perked up on the new development. "Maybe he can help him unlock his true potential as a swordsman." Trevor continued to listen to their conversation. "So Trevor are you going to the festival tonight?" Mist asked him to see him raise his head. "It is being held for the return of Kuro." "I have no money for a festival but if Kuro is going then I will go I am his guard so I must be there to protect him." Kuro nodded smiling. "Do not worry Trevor we are in my kingdom now so nobody will dare attack me in my home." Trevor shook his head. "Kuro. You saved my life and I am in your debt to protect you until my debt is repaid." Trevor cracked a smile raising to his full height. "Even you can not order me to abandon my honor to a debt." Mist giggled. "I'm impressed Kuro you found the one person who can talk back to you without any signs of fear." Mist giggled once again. "I am a different type of creature Lady Mist. I am a blind fool. Fools don't know fear." Kuro erupted in laughter calling for a maid to show Trevor to his room. "I will send someone to your room to get you when we leave for the festival. Do try to enjoy yourself Trevor you deserve it." Trevor nodded as he followed the maid to his room. -------------------------- When Trevor finally arrived at his new room the maid bowed to him leaving him to his own devices. All Trevor could do was move to the bed which was laid out in the center of the room. He moved the bed so it was resting in the corner of the room. He then moved towards the window sitting down just before it seeming to stare outside. "Cloudkicker... I will come back. I swear." Trevor lowered his head trying to get some form of sleep. > Part 8: Festival of Blades > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 8: Festival of Blades By: Major Frostwing Trevor was resting in his room both of his blades were resting in his hands as he meditated. His mind was swimming with negative thought. "What if I can't beat Shade? What if I die in this foreign country? What if I am captured before my quest is complete?" All of these thoughts bombarded his moral but something came to the forefront of his mind eclipsing those thoughts. He smiled as he moved to his feet. "Cloudkicker..." Trevor spun the blades once for flourish before sheathing them. A knock came to Trevor's door prompting his attention. "Trevor are you ready for the festival?" It was Kuro. "Yes my lord I will be out shortly." Trevor turned to face the window once again seeming to stare at the moon. "Soon..." Trevor turned away from the window going to his door opening it slowly. "Are you really going to wear that thing Trevor?" Kuro asked taking hold of Trevor's white scarf. "I have something better for you." Kuro pulled out a white scarf but the edges were embroiled with golden thread and the mark of a nine-tailed fox. "Wear this Trevor it will show your status in the guard. Trevor took hold of the scarf around his neck taking it off and folding it. He wrapped the new scarf around his neck covering most of his face. "Thank you my lord." Trevor said adjusting the scarf till it felt natural on his neck. "No problem I will also give you your pay for protecting me on the journey to my country. 2,000 Yits should be enough." Kuro pulled out a stack of paper bills. "Each bill is 20 yits and with that you should have 100 bills." "My lord this is to much I can't accept this. I already owe you to much for freeing me from a life of slavery." Trevor tried to return the cash but Kuro wrapped Trevor's hand around it. "I think that debt has already been repaid by saving my life just think of this as incentive for your continued support." Kuro said slyly. Trevor held the money in his hand tight before sliding it in his pocket. "Anyway Trevor are you going to be entering the tournament for the Festival?" Kuro ask patting Trevor on the back. "Sorry sir but I do not wish to enter a tournament today. I don't want to take all of the glory away from your festival." Kuro laughed as he began making his way toward the exit of his manor. Trevor not far behind. ---------------------------- Trevor followed the crowd of the festival sadly though people gave him a wide birth. He felt isolated once again but he didn't care all of the music and laughing lifted his spirits enough to help him get through the isolation. He bought a few things of food and an alcoholic drink just to help the nerves. Trevor had walked by many stalls selling random trinkets and wares but one place caught his ear. "Masks for sale. Get your masks here." Trevor turned making his way towards the mask salesman. The old graying kitsune was sitting behind a small counter all sorts of masks set out before and behind him. "Ah another man devoid of sight." This caught Trevor's attention. "I can see that you are confused young one but don't be alarmed I was just looking at your aura." "Well I must say it is nice to not have someone judge me upon appearance." Trevor adjusted himself so he was sitting in front of the old man. "It's strange though you do not see aura like I do but you are still able to navigate like one with sight." Trevor only chuckled tapping his ears. "Sound is just as good as sight. I can "See" with these." The old man nodded smiling. "Interesting... I think I have just what you are looking for." The old man reached behind him pulling out a single mask. "For one who is not a kitsune I can give you the visage of one. This mask was that of the eight-tailed fox brother to the nine-tailed fox. He was a master of war and sought only power. He was struck down by his brother who told him that their tails meant nothing about power. They were the wisdom to use the power for the right thing." The old kitsune slid the mask to Trevor. "In his final moments he understood what his tails stood for. Even though he was a fighter he was a tactician. His wisdom was in war." Trevor picked up the mask running his hand over the face feeling the sharp teeth that were curled into a smile. The ears were sharp as well making Trevor smile. "You are a man of war yet you do not accept your fate as such. You deny your destiny by stopping your blade. Take the teachings of the Eight-tailed fox. And embrace your wisdom." Trevor slid the mask upon his face feeling that it seemed to be crafted just for him. He was about to thank the old kitsune when the shop just seemed to vanish. Trevor tried to attune his hearing for the old kitsune but couldn't find him anywhere. He was confused as to how someone could just vanish like that. He adjusted his scarf so it covered the sharp teeth of the mask. He didn't want to scare people anymore than he already did. Getting to his feet he decided to make his way towards the main stage area for the tournament that's where he would find Kuro. That's where he was needed. ---------------------------------- "Trevor? Is that you?" Kuro asked as Trevor took his seat next to Kuro. "Of course my lord." Trevor slid the mask slightly showing his face to Kuro. "I got myself a mask." Trevor said smiling to him before sliding it back in place. "It suits you Trevor though I have to ask where did you get it?" Trevor tapped his chin thinking. "From an old kitsune he just gave it to me saying it was the mask of the eight-tailed fox. He said I should embrace my destiny instead of denying it." Kuro raised an eyebrow at this. "Was this kitsune a graying blind kitsune?" Trevor slid the mask giving him a blank stare before tapping under his eyes. "Oh. Right." Kuro said a little embarrassed at his mistake. "He was blind and old I have no idea about his fur color." "Well did he seem to vanish after he gave you the mask?" Trevor looked to Kuro surprised. "Yea he disappeared without a trace of him ever being there." Trevor said confused. "Congratulations Trevor you have met a god and he gave you a gift accept it and hold it dear it may save your life one day." Kuro tapped Trevor on the back. "Take his wisdom to heart you may one day use it." Trevor nodded as he heard the clash of steel "Listen close Trevor the tournament is almost over. Also I should have warned you earlier." Kuro scratched the back of his head. "Kuro what did you not tell me?" Kuro only remained silent. The battle ended shortly after with an announcer calling out the name of the victor. "The tournament winner has a chance to challenge any fighter and take that fighter's position if they win." Kuro explained with a sheepish smile. "I challenge Kuro's new personal guard." The victor announced forcing Trevor to glare at Kuro. "You owe me for this Kuro." Trevor muttered sliding his mask onto his face. Two guards stood escorting Trevor down to the field. Trevor had no time to prepare for a fight but that's what always made it fun. "Let the fight begin." The challenger said with a smile before charging at Trevor his single blade held high. Trevor side-stepped extending his foot tripping him to the ground. "What's your name?" Trevor asked crouching low his hands on both of his blades hilts. "My name is Serated Edge." The challenger said getting to his feet. "Nice to meet you Serated. Now fight me like you mean it draw both of your blades." Trevor said drawing both of his blades. He spun the blade in his right hand backwards. Serated obliged Trevor drawing his second blade. "Now come fight me like you mean it." Trevor ordered as Serated charged forward both of his blades held high. The blades came down only to be deflects to the side by Trevor's right blade. His left blade was thrusted at Serated. Serated jumped back resetting his position. Trevor on the other hand held his position. "Come now. FIGHT ME!" Trevor yelled flipping both blades backwards. "CUT ME!" Trevor charged forward swinging one of his blades down upon Serated's guard. "KILL ME!" Trevor slammed his second blade on Serated's guard. Serated pushed back Trevor but just barely before making a wide swing catching Trevor's scarf ripping it off. Serated froze when he saw the mask resting on Trevor's face. "E-eight-tails." Serated whispered taking a step back. Trevor flipped the blade in his left hand forward. "Fine if you won't fight me like you mean it I will." Trevor crouched low. "Loud Style: Fury." Trevor dashed forwards slamming his blades down on Serated's guard once again but this time Serated was not prepared for the merciless onslaught. Trevor disarmed his opponent after only 20 seconds of engaging his style. Trevor raised both of his blades high about the bring them down on his defenseless opponent. "VICTOR!" Trevor snapped out of his trance like state lowering his blades before sheathing them. "Trevor maintains his position." The announcer said as Trevor sheathed his blades. "The victor may leave the arena now." Trevor continued to stand before Serated Edge before kneeling down. "Get up." Trevor ordered. Serated only continued to sit on the ground terrified of the creature before him. Trevor let out a sigh moving over to his fallen scarf picking it up wrapping it around his face. "Good-bye Serated Edge." Trevor said making his way back to Kuro. "Very good job Trevor I knew you were a better fighter than you let on." Kuro said clapping for his personal guard. "I hope you know that man will never fight again because of this." Trevor said coldly. "You make me fight in one of these again without my consent Kuro I will make my anger known." Kuro shuddered from how angry Trevor was about fighting. He thought Trevor loved to fight. "I am sorry Trevor I thought you would enjoy this but I guess I was wrong." "No Kuro you are mistaken I love it but I do not have control over it. I was going to kill that man without a second thought. I don't want to kill someone who does not deserve it." Trevor said as Kuro stood up with his wife. "I am terribly sorry Trevor I didn't think about your feeling on the situation." Kuro said bowing to Trevor. He responded by flicking his ear. "Leaders don't bow." Trevor said sighing as Kuro rose to his full height. Kuro began walking back towards the manor with Trevor in tow when a voice caught his attention. "Trevor Garris." It was like a whisper but it caught his attention none the less. Only one person knew his full name and she was far away from him. "Find me." Trevor turned towards the voice making his way towards it. "Find me." Trevor began making his way towards a dark forest at the base of a mountain. "Who the hell are you?" Trevor asked himself scowling under his mask. He wanted answers and he would get them. > Part 9: Pleasure To Meet You > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 9: Pleasure To Meet You By: Major Frostwing Trevor moved through the dark forest. Something was wrong with the forest not a single animal made a noise. Normally if Trevor listened really hard he could hear every animal in a forest. He was giving himself a headache just trying to hear anything that would pass as alive. "What is going on in this forest?" Trevor asked himself. "Trevor Garris... Find me." The voice whispered putting Trevor back on track. All Trevor could think of was something wanted to be found by him and seemed to only call for him. "Why me?" Trevor asked himself adjusting his scarf from the cold wind of night. "What does this voice want?" He had so many questions and nothing to answer them. "Follow my voice." The voice said as Trevor continued to follow the voice all the while growing steadily more annoyed. The forest remained silent which only continued to grate Trevor's nerves. He finally stopped moving sitting down at the base of a tree. "Why do you hesitate?" The voice asked confused. "Come find me." "Not without some answers first." Trevor responded crossing his arms. "Who are you?" "I can not tell you." The voice responded calmly. "You need to find me." Trevor sighed getting back to his feet making his way towards the voice when he came upon a cave. Trevor clapped his hands hearing the sound echo off all of the walls. The cave system was huge and seemed to go on forever from what Trevor heard. He took a step into the cave feeling something push back on him gently. Trevor froze listening for the voice but it did not come. "You were so chatty earlier now you are quiet." Trevor let his frustration known. "TALK!" Trevor demanded. "YOU DO NOT ORDER ME!" The voice bellowed from deep in the cave causing a chill to creep up his spine. "Enter the cave." The voice returned to it's gentle whisper. Trevor slowly moved into the cave. A sound drew his attention away from the voice. It sounded like paper gently flapping in the wind. "What is going on?" Trevor asked himself making his way towards the sound of the flapping paper. According from the sounds around Trevor he seemed to be in a large cavern. "It is good to see you in the flesh Trevor Garris." The voice said drawing Trevor's attention to him. "I see you were given the correct mask." The person who Trevor identified as a woman said. "You were the one who gave me the mask?" Trevor asked sitting down before the woman. "No I did not give you the mask I asked for one of my friends to give you a mask. He gave you the mask I knew would be perfect for you." The woman said with a smile. Trevor only adjusted the mask on his face. "I have a favor to ask of you Trevor." "What kind of favor?" Trevor quirked an eyebrow. "More of a request to be honest. You have something that belongs to my family and I would like it to be returned to me." The woman held out her hand. "I came to this country with nothing but my own clothes." Trevor said holding both of his hands out palm up. "I have nothing of yours to return." "It is not something physical but something ethereal. Something was given to you when you came to this world. It is a corruption that no one should be burdened with. Sadly though I can not take it from you and you can not give it to me." "Then what do you want me to do?" Trevor asked confused. "You have to beat it." The woman said setting her hand on Trevor's cheek. "Conquer it and reject it." Trevor smacked the hand away. "Who are you?" "I won't tell you but there is someone who can tell you." Trevor raised an eyebrow. "He is closer than you think and will tell you who I am." The woman placed her hand on top of Trevor's head as nine objects tapped around his head. "Now wake up." The world around Trevor dissolved into nothing. ---------------------------- Trevor took a deep breath as he woke up laying down in his bed. "How the fu-" Trevor reached around him finding both his swords and mask laid out beside him. The door to his room opened causing Trevor to jump. "Trevor how are you feeling?" Kuro asked as he made his way to Trevor. "You passed out suddenly after we began walking back to the manor. Gave us quite a start when it happened." "I passed out?" Trevor asked placing a hand to his forehead. "But that dream?" "What kind of dream did you have?" Kuro asked sitting down next to Trevor. "A voice. It called for me to find it. I went through a forest and suddenly found a cave. Someone was in the cave it was the voice." Trevor ran his fingers through his hair trying to remember all of his dream. "She said I had something that belonged to her. I still don't know what it is." "Seems to me you met another god I suggest you give back whatever it is you have of theirs." Kuro said calmly. "I can't She says I can not give it back and she can't take it. I'm confused as to what I'm supposed to do." "It doesn't matter right now Trevor. What you need to do is get out of bed and join us for breakfast." Kuro patted Trevor on the back getting back to his feet. Trevor nodded getting out of bed grabbing his swords and mask. Breakfast sounded fantastic right then. ------------------------------- Trevor had finished breakfast with Kuro and his wife Mist. Now Trevor found himself sitting next to Kuro as he sat in his garden. A bird made it's way down landing on Kuro's shoulder. "Oh Fisk you have finally returned. I hope you are feeling much better." Kuro petted his falcon smiling. "You have a pet falcon?" Trevor asked as he moved his head towards the bird. "Yes I had him sent to Equestria to get him some care he was ill with some sort of flu but he seems healthier than ever." Kuro placed his hand on Trevor's shoulder. A weight made it's presence known on Trevor's shoulder. A light chirp rung near Trevor's ear. "He is my messenger falcon as well as my loyal companion." "Can he send a message to Princess Celestia?" Trevor asked moving his hand up to pet the bird. "Yes he can and faster than any other falcon around." Kuro said with a hint of pride. "Then I would like to send a message to a certain woman if that would be ok with you my lord." "I do not mind Trevor. But how will you write it?" "I ask if you would write the message for me my lord it would mean a lot to me if you could do this?" Trevor asked as he continued to pet the falcon gently. "It would be my honor Trevor." Kuro smiled as he called for an ink well, quill, and parchment. ------------------------------- -Two days later- Princess Celestia was sitting on her throne listening to the nobles around her try and trick her into giving them more privilege and tax cuts. She was bored out of her mind and could go for some cake at the time. As if Faust herself heard her plea A guard burst through the door catching everyone's attention. "Princess a letter has arrived for you." The guard said saluting to her. "Guard we are in the middle of a meeting here how dare you interrupt us." A noble said angrily. "Bring the letter forward please." Celestia said in a motherly tone. The guard gave another crisp salute as a falcon flew into the room. It landed before Princess Celestia with two scrolls around it's neck. Celestia knew who this bird was it belonged to Lord Kuro from Neighpan but why would he be sending a letter. She moved her hand taking hold of the scrolls looking at both of them. One was addressed to her the other was addressed to Cloudkicker. She quirked an eyebrow at the second letter before opening the first one. "Dear Princess Celestia, I know you are looking for me and would like you to call off the search for me. I am in debt to Lord Kuro and right now he is writing this letter since I cannot. Anyway I digress. I will admit that my disappearance and crime were both unforeseen but I was protecting the one I love. If I am to be punished for that then so be it but be patient with me I cannot return just yet. With Respect, Trevor P.S. Some of the guards in Neighypt are in some serious need of being removed. P.S.S. Send the second letter to Cloudkicker and under no circumstance are you to read it. I will know if you do." Celestia looked at the second scroll before looking down at the one in her hands. "Sargent send out the order. The search for Trevor is to be called off we know where he is. No action is to be taken until his inevitable return." The guard saluted walking out of the room. "I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen but I am calling this meeting to a close due to more pressing matters." Celestia stood from her throne making her way towards the exit. The second scroll in her hand glowed in a golden light before being sent to Spike. He would deliver it to Cloudkicker without hesitation. -------------------------------- Spike was organizing a section of the library when he let out a loud belch of green flames. "Spike where are your manners?" Twilight asked her back still turned to him as she studied. "Princess Celestia just sent me a letter. That's weird it's for Cloudkicker." Spike said with a raised eyebrow. Twilight stopped reading turning towards Spike. "Princess Celestia normally sends orders through the guards not by dragon fire." Twilight said taking hold of the letter. She looked at the name written on the scroll along with the seal. "Why would Lord Kuro send a letter to Cloudkicker?" Twilight asked confused. She was about to open it when a small shock hit her fingertips. Twilight yelped in pain dropping the scroll. "I guess only Cloudkicker is to read this letter." Twilight said shaking her numb hand out. "I will take it to her then." Spike said picking up the letter. Twilight nodded as Spike left with the scroll held in his claw. Cloudkicker was sitting in her home just staring at the far wall just trying to think of something to do. That's when a knock broke her out of her thoughts she looked to the door hearing the knock again. "Come in." Cloudkicker said seeing the door open to reveal Spike. "Spike what are you doing here?" Cloudkicker asked as Spike walked forward holding the scroll out to her. "Celestia sent this to me to give to you." Spike said smiling to her. Cloudkicker took hold of scroll breaking the seal without even looking at it. She began to read the letter. "Hey Cloudy, I am alive and well so please stop worrying about me. I can't tell you why I left it would only scare you so I will tell you one thing though. When I have done what I need to I will return. Please don't cry Cloudy I will be back don't worry. I am sorry for what I have done to you I really didn't mean to. I just wanted to say I love you so much. Don't do anything reckless and please keep my stuff safe. With love, Trevor P.S. So you must be the woman Trevor talks about so much. Whatever he has done wrong please find it in your heart to forgive him. He keeps muttering in his sleep that this is all for you whatever "this" is." Cloudkicker wiped away her tears smiling standing up with the letter held in her hand. "What's wrong Cloudkicker?" Spike asked confused as to why she was crying. "He's still alive." She choked out still smiling and crying. "He's still alive." She let out a laugh crying tears of joy instead of sadness. "I have to tell the others this they will be thrilled." She wiped away her tears trying to make herself presentable for the world. > Part 10: Training > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 10: Training By: Major Frostwing Over the course of the next two months Trevor had begun training with Kuro and his other soldiers. At first they were confused as to what Trevor was but were reassured by Kuro who told them. "Trevor is just like the rest of you a swordsman. We will show him the same respect he shows us." Trevor rather enjoyed the ability to hone his skills once again without fear of killing someone. Although Shade had been for quite some time Trevor decided to finally call out to him for answers. "Shade. Talk to me." Trevor said to himself as he meditated with the other soldiers. "What's there to talk about?" Shade asked annoyed Trevor only quirked an eyebrow in his mind. "You gonna ask your questions? If not go back to whatever it is you're doing." "Shade you knew that woman didn't you?" Trevor finally asked seeing Shade visibly twitch. "I don't know what you are talking about." Shade said getting up from his chair walking towards a wall. "Don't lie to me Shade who was that woman? How does she know about you?" "Curiosity killed the cat you idiot." Shade retorted going back to looking at a wall. "I don't have to tell you anything and there isn't a damn thing you could do to make me." Shade looked over his shoulder to see Trevor drawing a blade. "Oh ho ho you think you can beat me?" Shade asked with a chuckle that turned into full blown laughter. "BOY DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO YOU'RE FUCKING WITH!?" Shade asked with a crazed smile. "A creature I should have purged a long time ago." Trevor muttered drawing a second sword. "Boy you are making a huge mistake one thing you should have realized when you first met me." Shade snapped his fingers revealing two identical blades. "I am you. I am everything you could have been. I am your hate. Your ambition." Shade disappeared and reappeared right in Trevor's face. "I am your worst nightmare. BOY!" Shade straight kicked Trevor launching him back. Back in the real world everyone was still meditating until a loud crashing broke everyone out of their concentration to see Trevor laying face down across the training field. A few of them got up to help him only to see Trevor launch towards them at a startling speed. "GET UP WORM! GET UP AND FIGHT ME!" Shade bellowed at the downed Trevor who was slowly standing. "That's it come and get me." Shade whispered drawing his swords. Trevor raised his guard just in time to block Shade's attack but was kicked in the face. Trevor rolled catching his footing. "MOTHER FUCKER!" Trevor yelled flipping his blades backwards. He got to his feet wiping the blood off of the corner of his mouth a scowl on his face. "Yes let the rage flow free." Shade said as he blocked Trevor's attack placing a shallow cut on his cheek. "Ah We put the same mark on Cloudkicker remember?" Trevor let out a primal roar attacking as violently as possible. Shade only laughed as he blocked Trevor's attacks. Trevor missed a swing leaving himself wide open for an attack. Shade only smiled wide as he stabbed his blade through Trevor's shoulder. Trevor let out a pained grunt swinging with his other sword only to be disarmed and Shade to shove his second blade through Trevor's other shoulder. Trevor was in pain and he couldn't use his arms. "Is this it Trevor?" Shade asked with an annoyed look. "I expected more out of my host. Stop being a little bitch and fight me like you mean it." Shade ripped his blades out of Trevor kicking him down so he was on his back. "Fuck you." Trevor muttered reaching for his sword only to have Shade stomp on his hand. "You should have listened to that mask maker. I will give you one more chance to fight me. If you lose I get control and you..." Shade closed his hand in front of Trevor's face before opening it suddenly. "Go poof." Shade stood making his blades disappear. "Embrace your destiny. You will have 2 years to get ready. When the fight comes I will not hold back I will kill you." Shade faded into the recesses of Trevor's mind. "Get ready to die Trevor." Shade let out a sickening cackle that faded into nothing. ---------------------------- Trevor woke up with a gasp as he finally felt the pain of his fight with Shade. He sat up slowly examining his body with his hands. His shoulders were bandaged and he could still feel the heat and sting from the stabs Shade put into him. He looked around with his mind seeing he was in an infirmary. "Trevor finally you are awake." Kuro said looking of Trevor. "We have much to discuss Trevor and this time I want answers. This Shade you speak of is killing you. Let us help you." Trevor looked away from Kuro tightening his hands in anger. "I couldn't do anything against him Kuro. He knows my every move before I make it and counters it." Trevor slowly moved his hand to his shoulder. "If I can't get stronger... I have 2 years Kuro. If I can't get stronger in 2 years I lose." Trevor lowered his hand. "Well I guess it's time I introduce you to Lord Tengu." Trevor looked over his eyebrow raised. "Trust me if there is anyone that can help you it would be Lord Tengu. The Lord is one of the only Kitsune to fight the 9 tailed fox and live. The things the Lord can teach you will guarantee victory." Trevor nodded tightening his grip. "When do we leave?" Trevor asked moving to get out of bed. "You leave tomorrow Trevor I can not come with you. Do not worry though once you go to the woods Lord Tengu will find you." Kuro left the room he was angry that Trevor would hide such a demon from him and inside of himself as well. Kuro sighed making his way to Trevor's chambers he would pack for him as a kindness. Trevor stood in the room adjusting his clothes on him resolving himself to do whatever it takes to kill Shade. ----------------------------------- Trevor was sent off at sunrise His bag was already packed for him and he was given a new scarf a dark blue one that said his status as a wanderer. He was still affiliated with Lord Kuro but he was no longer his personal guard. He was just a warrior with no home now. He let out a sigh making his way towards the forest. The days were cold as winter began it's swift approach. Already snow had begun to fall. Trevor shivered slightly adjusting his gloves on his hands. A noise caught his attention but he kept moving. "Let your enemy think he has the element of surprise." Trevor told himself as he cracked his knuckles. He felt at peace as he heard another noise move through the snow. he walked around a tree only to hear the sound which was about twenty feet behind him suddenly be no more than 3 feet away. He froze in place. "Good ears on you." A female voice said as Trevor moved his head to face the woman before him. "Kuro was right you are blind." The woman said as Trevor looked away feeling a cold wind hit his face. "He also tells me this mask was given to you by a god." She let out a click of her tongue letting out a short laugh. "Is something funny to you?" Trevor asked holding his hand out to her. "Yea a demon gave you this not a god." The woman set the mask in his hand. "Anyway let's go we have much to discuss and before you ask. I am Lord Tengu but from now on you can call me Master." Trevor nodded following after her as they made their way to a cave. "Master I'm sure Lord Kuro has informed you of my predicament." Trevor said as they entered the cave. "He has is this going to lead anywhere or are you just being an idiot?" Tengu asked looking at Trevor with an annoyed look. "Sorry Master I was just curious." "Well don't ask stupid questions. All it does is piss me off." She let out a sigh moving over to a large cabin like building in the center of a large cavern. "This is my house before you ask. Now I need wood for my stove, bath, and my fireplace. There is a large pile of wood next to the house now get cutting." She started walking off when she stopped pulling The swords off of Trevor. "You will get these back when I feel like you can even use it." Trevor nodded making his way over to the wood pile where he began cutting wood. Trevor's master watched Trevor work. He didn't deviate from his work or even look over towards her. Strange enough she knew that Trevor was watching her from a distance. She felt it and could see it in his aura. Trevor raised his ax high before stopping. "Master is there anything else I can do to help you?" Trevor asked to see her sigh. "As a matter of fact when you are done with that come inside and start scoring my pots and pans. After that you can clean my floors and clean out the fire place." Trevor nodded swinging his ax cutting more wood. She only let out a sigh going into her home to sit back and relax. "Either he has had a master before or he doesn't have a backbone." Trevor's master told herself with another sigh. Sadly though she knew he needed her help against an enemy he couldn't beat. She sat down in her living room drawing both of Trevor's blades looking them over carefully. She let out a low whistle. "Without a doubt he is a master swordsman." She walked over to her small wood pile pulling one off the pile setting it down on her counter. She set the blade on top of the piece of wood giving one practice sing noticing the blade glided into the log with ease. She pulled the sword out looking it over carefully. "Not a scratch. He takes a lot of care of his blade." She couldn't help but smile at her new apprentice. He was going to be fun to train. > part 11: Lord Tengu The Master > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 11: Lord Tengu The Master By: Major Frostwing "NO NO NO! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING!?" Lord Tengu yelled at the top of her lungs as Trevor tried to scrub a pan with soap and water. "Am I doing this wrong master?" Trevor asked confused as to why he was being yelled at. "DAMN RIGHT YOU ARE!" Tengu ripped the pan out of Trevor's hands looking it over angrily. "YOU NEVER WASH A CAST IRON PAN WITH SOAP AND WATER!" She raised the pan high cracking Trevor upside the head with it. "You scour the pan with oil and salt. DO IT RIGHT!" She yelled going back to her seat watching Trevor slowly raise himself back up. He picked up the pan moving over to the counter using it to balance himself. Trevor grabbed a thing of oil and salt getting back to work on the pan. Even though the mask covered the entirety of Trevor's face Tengu could still see the pain in his body language. He interested her never questioning her rules or orders he just did them. She let out a sigh leaning back in her chair. Only the sound of salt scraping against cast iron echoed through the room. Trevor finished scouring the pan before setting it down on the counter. He began to work on the next cast iron pan slowly the ringing in his head subsided. The master glanced over to see Trevor remove his mask setting it beside him. She looked more closely at his face this time. He seemed young in her eyes but his eyes spoke of years of wisdom and battle. "He looks as if he should be the one teaching me but he is just letting himself be abused for knowledge." Tengu told herself rubbing her chin thinking. Trevor finished with the second pan going to the next one. His eyes flashed with a hint of sadness which didn't escape Tengu's eyes. She closed her own looking at Trevor's aura to see a large strip of blue surround him. "So what's her name?" Tengu asked folding her hands behind her head. "Who?" Trevor asked as he continued to work. "No man willingly takes on my training without someone driving him. So what's her name?" Tengu asked again looking over at him. Trevor sat there silent as he continued to work. "Cloudkicker. I left my home to escape this demon in me... I hurt her." Tengu perked up at that. "How long have you know about your demon?" Tengu asked watching his aura for any sign of deceit. "Since I arrived." Trevor continued to scour the pan as he spoke. "As you can tell I'm not exactly from this world. An accident on my 22nd birthday and poof I found myself in Equestria. Not really sure how but now I'm here." "Really now." Tengu said opening her eyes. "So do you think you can beat the demon inside of you?" "Right now no I have no chance of beating him. I have less than 2 years to get ready. Master may I ask a favor of you?" Trevor asked stopping his work. "What is it?" "If I can't beat this demon inside of me... I need you to end my life. What would come back would be that demon." Trevor didn't look over he didn't need to. "Trust me Trevor when I'm done with you that demon will dust in the wind." Tengu said getting up from her seat. "Enough cleaning I think it is time to get down to business. You have had a master before yes?" Tengu asked to see Trevor nod standing. "Good let's see what you can do." Tengu shoved Trevor's swords into his chest. Tengu stepped outside picking up her own weapon on the way out. Trevor strapped the swords to his person picking up his mask. He slid it on his face walking out the door. -------------------------------------------- Trevor stood in front of Tengu. She was smiling as she moved her weapon. "Tell me Apprentice what weapon do I have in my hand. She moved it once eliciting a ring of chains. "Either a whip sword or a sickle and chain." Trevor answered without hesitation. Trevor moved his shirt so it was off of his body dropping it down to the ground. "If I had to guess you are a distance fighter. Someone who wants to keep me away from them." Trevor slowly drew his blades keeping them at the ready. "Very good. You are also correct the way to fight a demon is to keep them back and wear them out. A crude way of handling the situation but it is the easiest way to stay alive." Tengu dropped the sickle out of her hand just before the ground. "I use a sickle and chain since it allows me to have the greatest offense and defense." Tengu began spinning her sickle. Trevor lowered her stance flicking the blade in his left hand backwards. "Loud Style: Fury." Trevor furrowed his brow taking a tentative step forward. Tengu closed her eyes looking at his aura stunned as his aura. It seemed to fold out showing all of his colors before the strip of red moved surrounding the entirety of his body. "Interesting." Tengu said as she threw her sickle at Trevor in a wide arc. Trevor moved his blade smacking the edge of her sickle. Tengu let out a hiss as she yanked back her sickle just in time to see Trevor charge forward. "Not bad." Tengu spun her sickle throwing it forward straight at Trevor. Something shocked her even more. Trevor stopped taking a large jump backwards. The sickle stopped just before his face before falling to the ground. "How did he know?" Tengu asked herself seeing Trevor charge forward again using both of his blades to swing down on her. She raised her chain high catching both of the blades but barely holding Trevor's attack back. "And this strength where did he get it?" Tengu smiled as she moved her chains so they were wrapped around her knuckles. She moved both of her arms so they were at an angle throwing off Trevor's attack. She lashed out with a straight kick knocking him back. "Impressive." Trevor said adjusting his blades so they were both backwards. "We only have 5 more forms to go through." Trevor crouched low smiling under his mask. "Loud Style: Fear." Tengu closed her eyes seeing the same weird phenomenon happen again except a yellow aura coiled around his body. "I see now. Someone trained you to split yourself. You turned your emotions into the perfect weapon." Tengu smiled yanking back her sickle with a florish. "Let's see you handle this." Tengu lifted her chain end spinning it with a smile. "I can handle anything you throw at me. Now can you handle me?" Trevor asked jumping forward Tengu threw out her chain end hitting Trevor in the right should making her take a step back to hold his shoulder he felt a hot liquid stain his hand. "I don't think you can handle severe amounts of pain." Trevor took hold of his mask throwing it to the ground. "Fine if you want pain tolerance." Trevor flipped his left sword forward a smile on his face. "Loud Style: Joy." Trevor smiled innocently which startled Tengu. She wound up another strike throwing her weight forward slamming Trevor in the left shoulder. He took a step back before moving forward. She threw the weight again slamming Trevor in the chest with the weight. He stopped for a second before moving forward. "Come on master I just want to play a game." Trevor said picking up his pace toward her. Tengu took a step back throwing the sickle forward. Trevor raised his blade letting the sickle catch his sword He yanked on the chain making it taunt. "I caught it yay." Trevor said with glee. "I see you indeed have some skill." Tengu smiled wrapping her hand around the chain yanking on it pulling Trevor's blade out of his hand. He looked a little annoyed about losing a blade. "Sadly I am done with letting you have your fun." Tengu caught Trevor's blade unwrapping her sickle. She slammed Trevor's blade into the ground She raised her sickle throwing it forward only to see Trevor rush forward she smiled as he swung at her. She sidestepped the attack wrapping her chain around Trevor's neck. Trevor swung only for his attack to be stopped by a chain. She wrapped Trevor up completely in the chain before slamming him down to the ground. Trevor tried to get out of his bonds when he felt a blade to be placed under his chin. "Nice try Trevor but when you lose one of your weapons you can't maintain a definite style." Trevor struggled violently in his bonds. "Calm down Trevor I'll let you out." Tengu stood unwrapping Trevor watching him get to his feet. "You have a lot of skill Trevor but you are reckless." Tengu explained keeping a close eye on Trevor. "Sorry Master." Trevor said picking up his second blade so he could sheath them both. "I lose myself in the heat of battle." "This wasn't a battle Trevor only a spar. You proved you know how to fight but sadly you need a lot of work to get better. Starting tomorrow you will begin training with the sickle and chain." Tengu walked back towards her home thinking about how to train Trevor with his disability but shook her head. "No I will train him like any other demon hunter he will have to adapt." Tengu told her self as she glanced back at Trevor seeing him running his hand over his mask. "He will do just fine." ------------------------------- Trevor was sitting in the cabin his back against a wall. Tengu was faking sleep as she watched Trevor closely. He seemed to be running his fingers over his mask a look of concentration on his face. "It won't take long Cloudkicker." Trevor whispered as he continued to run his fingers over his mask. "I wonder what he did to hurt her." Tengu thought as she closed her eyes rolling over to try and go to sleep. "I can tell you are still awake master." Trevor said with a smile as he continued to move his fingers. "Do you know why I wear the mask Master?" Trevor asked sliding it against his face. "Is this going anywhere?" Tengu asked annoyed. "No Master just a simple question. You don't have to answer me if you don't want." Trevor closed his eyes listening to the noises around him as he tried to go to sleep. "Embrace your destiny." The old fox's voice echoed in his head. "Embrace your wisdom." Trevor nodded his head slowly thinking back on his fight with his master. "I will become stronger. I will embrace my destiny. I will not die." Trevor lowered his head. He remembered his vow to himself. > Part 12: The Troubles of Learning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 12: The Troubles Of Learning By: Major Frostwing "Ok we are going to go over the basics with a sickle and chain." Tengu said as she handed an identical copy of her own sickle and chain to Trevor. "We will do a simple sweep and see how well you handle the weapon." Tengu swung her sickle in a wide arc before yanking it back. "Don't think about catching it just let instincts take hold." Trevor nodded swinging his own sickle in a wide arc. Problem was Trevor was not used to this new weapon and the chain slipped out of his hand sending the entire weapon into the cave wall. "COME ON THAT WAS PATHETIC!" Tengu exclaimed face-palming. "I was 3 when I learned how to use a sickle and chain and not once did I throw my entire weapon." She sighed using her own sickle to retrieve Trevor's weapon. She tossed weapon to Trevor who caught it by the chain. "Sorry Master." Trevor apologized readjusting the weapon in his hands. "I'm not used to throwing my weapon out." "No excuses." Tengu shook her head sighing. "We will be here all night until you get a simple sweep down at this rate." Trevor tightened his grip on the weapon "Show me again Master." Trevor said lowering his sickle before raising it back up. This was not missed by Tengu. She performed the same wide arc swing but noticed Trevor doing the same thing. She looked surprised as Trevor's sickle caught her own locking the blades. Both Trevor and Tengu yanked on their chains holding each other's weapon's together. "Impressive." Tengu said as she added some slack to the chain lowering the weapons to the ground. "I learn better in a combat situation. Outside of combat I have nothing keeping my focus." Trevor explained flicking his chain so the sickle became untangled from Tengu's. "Then I guess I will teach you the basics first then you can apply it to combat." Tengu said with a smirk. "This should be fun." Tengu said to herself as she spun her sickle. Trevor copied her moves happily. ----------------------------- After a few hours of training Trevor had learned the basics of the sickle and chain. This surprised Tengu immensely since he had only picked up the weapon hours ago. "He is like a prodigy of war. His ability to adapt to new scenarios and weaponry is amazing." Tengu told herself with a smile. That's when she saw something strange Trevor was slowly spinning his sickle. She closed her eyes watching Trevor's aura seeing blue surround him. The sickle suddenly lashed out whipping back into his hand as he began spinning it once again. "What is he doing?" Tengu asked herself before seeing Trevor lash out with the weight striking against the cave wall with a resounding crack. Trevor retracted the weight with a sudden pull. "I hadn't even begun teaching him how to use the weight as a weapon." Tengu continued to watch Trevor before she noticed something going on with Trevor. "Tears?" Trevor took off his mask dropping it down to the ground. He wiped his eyes with a finger before resuming his training. "Loud style: Joy." Trevor whispered smiling he threw out his sickle as it reached the end of it's line he moved his arm in a sharp arc. The sickle flew back except it was spinning. Tengu was blow away by this form of mastery. Trevor only continued to smile as he dodged his own sickle moving his arms to direct the spinning blade. It seemed to be a dance to Trevor as he continued to dance around swinging the sickle without bringing it back to his hand. Tengu watched as Trevor yanked back the sickle catching it before scowling. He threw his arm out launching the sickle before yanking it he raised his weight swinging his arm down unleashing the weight to slam on the ground a distance away from him. He caught the sickle repeating the same technique each with small variations one in particular caught Tengu's watchful gaze. Trevor swung the sickle once the sickle was at it's max range Trevor yanked back. Trevor raised his leg only to bring it down on the chain. The sudden force brought the sickle back towards Trevor only to go over his shoulder without so much as grazing him. "Very impressive work Trevor. You seemed to have master the weapon you now hold. Tomorrow we will go over stances and battle ethic using the sickle and chain." Tengu said with a smile. "Now go start a fire in the stove I am hungry." Trevor nodded collecting his weapon. "Thank you for teaching me master." Trevor said with a bow carrying the weapon into the house where he set his weapon on the table. He began placing wood in the stove starting the fire with ease. Tengu entered shortly after looking over the weapon Trevor had used it was damaged and chipped. She sighed picking up the weapon tossing it in the trash. Trevor stood suddenly moving over to the trashcan pulling the weapon out. "Trevor I have hundreds of these things throw that one away." Tengu said watching as Trevor set it back down on the table with all the tenderness of a mother with her newborn. "Every weapon has a time when it is retired now is not it's time." Trevor pulled a small stone out of his pocket getting to work on the sickle's blade. Tengu watched him seeing him work on the blade. She smiled going to prepare dinner. "Very well Trevor. That blade is now yours respect it and treasure it." Tengu said as she heard the tell tell signs of Trevor sharpening his weapons. ---------------------------- Meanwhile In Ponyville Twilight was sitting in her library accompanied by Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Cloudkicker. A message from Princess Celestia was received earlier in the day saying they were to immediately depart for the Crystal Empire. Twilight did not know the full details but Cloudkicker volunteered to be an escort for them in case anything went wrong. "So Twilight when do we leave?" Cloudkicker asked tightening Trevor's cane to her hip. "According to the Princess as soon as we can so I suggest we get moving. There is no telling what could be happening in The Crystal Empire right now." Twilight said rolling up the scroll tucking it in her backpack. "We are also to meet our contact there and he will inform us about the standing of the Empire." Twilight smiled to them as they all hefted their bags and elements respectively. "We don't have a second to lose." Cloudkicker said adjusting her own backpack it was full of rations and tools in case she needed them. They each left the library Cloudkicker bringing up the rear. She was going to protect them just as Trevor would have. ------------------------------- After a few hours on the Train they all finally arrived at their destination. They were in the middle of a blizzard which they saw no end in sight. A few of them shivered except for Cloudkicker who stood tall and prepared. Something in her gut screamed that something was wrong. A feeling she learned as a guard to listen to. A man walked slowly out of the blizzard He wore a long grey cloak and goggles that covered his eyes when the girls caught sight of the man they were on their guard. Cloudkicker had begun drawing her sword When the man lifted his goggles off of his face. "Twily it's good to see you again." Twilight smiled seeing her brother Shining Armor standing before her. She ran forward giving him a hug. Cloudkicker sheathed her blade with a sigh. There was a loud roar echo out of the blizzard catching all of their attention. Shining Armor looked over a glare on his face. "No time for pleasantries we have to get to the city." "Shining, what is going on?" Twilight asked seeing a mass of black forming in the snow storm. "Sombra. We have to go now we can't let him catch us outside of the shield." Shining Grabbed her sister's hand starting to run towards the city when a black tendril took hold of one of his legs. "Where do you think you're going?" A loud dark voice asked as it dragged Shining away from Twilight. "SHINING!" Twilight yelled being stopped by Cloudkicker. "Twilight we have to go. The captain will be fine but we have to leave NOW!" Cloudkicker ordered as multiple tendrils snaked from the dark form taking hold of Twilight and the others. "I think not." The voice boomed as they were all dragged off into the blizzard. Cloudkicker drew her blade cutting her restraint only for another to take it's place this one yanking the sword away from her. "None of you will escape my grasp. I will not be stopped again by that damnable trinket." Cloudkicker let out a scream as she disappeared into the white of the storm. ----------------------------- Trevor was sharpening his sickle when his sharpening stone broke in his hand. He flinched as the blade cut his palm but other than that he was in stunned shock as the stone broke. "You ok Trevor?" Tengu asked looking over at him. "Yea my sharpening stone broke is all..." Trevor held the stone in his hand a little unnerved something in his mind felt uneasy. "I can lend you one of mine." Tengu said pulling one out of her own pockets setting it in front of Trevor. She watched him as his expression didn't change. "Oh... Thank you Master." Trevor set the broken stone on the table picking up the new stone resuming his work. "Everything ok Trevor?" Tengu asked a little concerned. "Just a bad feeling Master." Trevor said his face returning to one of determination as he resumed his work. Tengu was worried about Trevor but whatever bad feeling he had she began to feel as well. it was almost like a war was coming. A war that would involve all of them. > Part 13: A Dangerous Master > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 13: A Dangerous Master By: Major Frostwing It had been one year and 6 months since Trevor began training under Tengu. In that time Trevor was moved all throughout Japneigh training with all the Demon hunting masters. Each of them saw the dedication and tenacity of Trevor first hand. The second master Trevor had met was Master Oni who taught Trevor skills with pole arms. He had even invited Trevor to go demon hunting and was more than surprised to see Trevor in action. Trevor had been trained in every form of combat from armed to unarmed combat. Tengu had deemed it important to be prepared for all forms of battle. Each time Trevor was given a task he went above and beyond to complete it. There was only one last thing for Trevor to learn. Something that would either deem Trevor a true master or just a prodigy of war. -------------------------- Trevor was kneeling before all of his masters. All 9 of them, a group of masters who were known as the 9 Headed Wheel. Tengu walked forward as head of the council prepared to give him his final test. "Trevor Garris, our apprentice are you prepared to embark on your final test?" Trevor bowed his head low. "It would be my honor master." Trevor said keeping his head held low out of respect. "It is something you already have a grasp of but haven't fully embraced. Your final test shall be the use of your aura as a weapon." Tengu explained taking a step back. "Show us your fury. Let it course through your body and harness it in your weapons." Trevor sat in front of them unsheathing his blade holding it out before him. "Loud Style: Fury." Trevor said as he let his strength imbue in his weapon. He sat there feeling his body grow suddenly rigid before relaxing almost as if a weight was thrown on his body before sliding off. That's when he felt it. almost as if he could see through his blind eyes. What he saw caught him off guard. 9 large auras filled his mind's eye. He watched them each carefully as they seemed to be imbued with their own weapons. "You can see them can't you? These energies are called auras they are the power of our wills. Emotions control these energies and each color represents an emotion. But you Trevor were trained to not focus on one way of thinking in a fight. You were trained to use emotions as weapons. Your Fury, Fear, Joy, Sorrow, Pain, and even Death. They were turned into your stances and your fighting style. You have adapted these styles into each weapon you were trained with. Without a second thought you continued to strengthen your aura with this training." Trevor looked down at his weapon seeing a red aura flow through it. When he focused on his sorrow the aura receded to only return this time a deep blue. "Trevor our apprentice. When we first began training we saw great promise in you. The ability to become more than just a warrior but an honest to goodness Master. When I first took you on a demon hunt you didn't hesitate to fight. You saved my life by doing so. Though I thought you weren't ready, you proved me wrong." Master Oni said with a bow. "A warrior knows when to retreat. A Master knows how to force the enemy to retreat." Trevor nodded standing up. "Trevor our apprentice." Master Tanuki a master of bladed fans spoke up unfolding her own fans to fan herself. "When I began training you, you were scared and hurt that you would not meet our expectations. You proved me wrong when you were willing to stand up against my orders when a rogue demon attacked a village. Even though we were not paid to dispatch the demon, you left to protect the village yourself. You put yourself in harms way to protect people you didn't even know. That bravery allowed you to learn the truest form of honor." She smiled behind her fan. "Trevor our apprentice." Master Bakeneko said stepping forward. He was a master of heavy blades. "When we first began training you, you struggled to learn and wield our weapons. I had thought you were a lost cause until you showed you would not give up. After only a few weeks you wielded the blade we gave you with the precision of a surgeon. I am proud to call you our apprentice." He stepped back as the next master stepped forward. "Trevor our apprentice." Master Tsuchigumo said with a monotonous voice. She was the master of poisons. "When we first trained you, you detested the thought of poisons thinking they were cheap and cruel to an opponent. I accepted your ideology but you still went and learned their secrets if only to counteract their effects. When I asked you why you would only learn for that reason you explained to me. "A fight is only fair if both warriors can fight at full strength." A most honorable thing to live by." She looked down at their apprentice a small smile gracing her lips. "You went with me on a hunt against a foul Spider demon and even though I was poisoned you refused to leave me behind. Every life is precious in your eyes." She bowed to Trevor taking a step back. "Trevor our Apprentice." Master Hebi said with a smile. He was the master of unarmed combat. "When we first trained you, you thought negative of yourself. As you explained to me ever since you lost your sight you didn't see it as a disability. You saw it as an advantage. But when put to the task of unarmed combat you struggled thinking that because you couldn't see that you would easily fall under an onslaught of attacks. You showed not only us but yourself that it was all in your mind. You don't need eyes to fight unarmed only a cool head and unwavering determination. You conquered what you called a weakness turning it into the most deadliest of strengths." Master Hebi threw a quick jab at Trevor only to see Trevor counter the strike freezing his fist under Hebi's chin. "A warrior without weakness." Hebi stepped back as the next master stepped forward. "Trevor our apprentice." Master Mujina spoke with a cocky grin. She was the master of ranged combat. From bows to throwing knives. "When we first trained you we were to say the least surprised with your skills. For a man who can not see to have the accuracy of a hawk. You showed youself that when faced with a challenge you are willing to prove all the punks wrong. Even showed up my best apprentice and made him look like a novice. You also didn't let your victory go to your head. You only did enough to prove a point to them before continuing with your training. That cold calculating mind of yours showed us how to better our own skills." Master Mujina smiled crossing her arms. "We are proud of you Trev." "Trevor our apprentice." Master Kitsune spoke resting his hand against his sword smiling. "When we began training you we felt your fear and your sorrow for the one you left to begin this training. We also felt the love for her in each swing of your blade. You showed us that you were willing to do everything in your power to protect those around you. If it meant your certain death you charged head long into battle. Nothing came close to your unyielding will. A blade in the hand of a warrior shows his skill. A blade in the hands of a master shows his will." Master Kitsune adjusted his blade smiling. "A blade in your hand shows us you can change destiny." "Trevor our apprentice." Master Dragon spoke up as the final master. He was a master of scythes. "When we first began training you, you told us of the demon that caused you leave of your home. You spoke of how it controlled your way of life. It made you fear that you would never defeat him. Let me not be the first and certainly not the last to inform you that when the time comes he will be unprepared for what you have learned. You are not alone in this battle. Just as we were not with you by our sides. We each owe you at least our respect others owe you more but each of us owe you one specific thing. We all owe you a debt of honor." Master Dragon walked forward setting his hand on Trevor's shoulder. "If ever you need help. Remember we are here to help and support you. Master's do not abandon their friends nor do we abandon our family." "Trevor our apprentice." Tengu said with a smile. "Through hardship and pure determination you have passed our final test. You are now a master, a master of emotions. Without a hint of regret we welcome you to our ranks as a fellow master. Normally we would give you a tittle to go with master-hood but for you we will allow you to chose your own name to go by." Trevor moved his head down looking at his aura shift and move around him. "I am only known as Trevor. The title of master is something I honor and treasure but I am not from a prestigious family nor am I from a clan so I will only take on one name. I am Trevor other names are not needed for me." Each master smiled at that. "Then welcome Trevor you have passed all of your tests. Your journey has come to an end. We will all accompany you to Lord Kuro's mansion where we will tell him you have passed. Congratulations Master Trevor." Tengu began clapping with the other masters clapping with her. Trevor bowed to each of them smiling. "Look out Shade. When our fight comes I will not be pushed over so easily." Trevor said in his mind with a smile. "I look forward to our fight Trevor." Shade said with a cackle. Trevor did not flinch at Shade's threat he was not afraid he was confident and ready. ---------------------------------- It took only a few days worth of travelling for Trevor to finally return followed by his fellow masters but Trevor was not ready for what he heard. The city seemed to be preparing for war. Trevor could hear the moving of armor and weapons being prepared. "What is going on here?" Tengu asked confused seeing Trevor make his way towards the mansion. "Whatever it is Tengu we will offer our assistance." Dragon said following after Trevor. As Trevor entered the city a few of the civilians looked at him before bowing. They remembered him which surprised him. "You give off a different aura than them Trevor they can feel it and are showing you the proper respect." Hebi said patting Trevor on the shoulder. Trevor only nodded adjusting his mask. "Trevor? Is that you?" A voice asked catching Trevor's attention he looked over hearing a small pinwheel spinning in the wind. "Pinwheel?" Trevor asked as the once small child had grown up quite a bit. "I wonder where you went it's good to see you again but I can't talk I have to sharpen these swords." Trevor raised an eyebrow at that. "Sorry young one can you explain why the city is prepping for war?" Tsuchigumo asked kneeling down to the young kitsune. "Apparently Equestria was conquered a few months ago we only just now caught word of the news. Apparently Princess Luna is talking with Lord Kuro right now." Trevor only heard that Equestria was attacked and conquered he clenched his fists running off towards the mansion. The other masters were quick to follow An entire country such as Equestria being attack and conquered was unheard of. something worse came to their minds they each knew one specific thing about Trevor. He was from Equestria. --------------------------- Trevor made his way through the mansion slamming open a sliding door startling the 9 lords of Japneigh and the Emperor himself. Luna was bowing before them up until Trevor barged in. She was about to attack Trevor when he removed his mask throwing it to the ground. "Kuro who dared attack my home?" Trevor asked walking past Luna not even looking at her. "What are we going to do about it?" Trevor asked bowing before Kuro almost slamming his forehead into the ground. "Lord Kuro." The emperor said looking over to him. "Who is this creature and why does it still stand before me?" The emperor asked as Kuro bowed to him. "I apologize My Lord he is a wanderer who went on a journey to defeat a powerful demon. He did not know of this important meeting." Kuro said looking over Trevor as the other 9 masters entered the room. Each of the lords were surprised to see the entire 9 Headed Wheel stand before them. "Masters remove this creature from my sight." The emperor ordered to see neither of them move. "We cannot my lord for this man right here is part of our wheel." Tengu said kneeling before the emperor. "He has completed all of our tests and has become a master of his own. Master Trevor has every right to be here as do we." The Emperor clenched his fists before sighing. "Very well I congratulate you Master Trevor but you can not just barge in on a meeting of this importance. I ask you to return to your home and prepare for the war." The emperor said but was confused when Luna stood walking over to Trevor. "That is impossible for Master Trevor, Lord Kai. He hails from Equestria and at one point and time was a wanted criminal for an incident that he fled from. Our sister has pardoned his crime but he has no home to return to for it has been destroyed." Trevor clenched his fists. "Luna... Who did it?" Trevor asked clenching his eyes tight. "Is Cloudkicker safe?" "I'm sorry Trevor but Cloudkicker went missing along with Twilight and the others. Our sister has disappeared as well. This was over a year ago." Luna said with a sullen expression. "Our enemy is the Tyrant King Sombra." Trevor raised his fist slamming it on the ground. "Where can I find This Sombra?" Trevor asked standing up slowly. "He has made Canterlot Castle his base of operations. That is where he is." Trevor stood tall. "Good. I know where he is so I can kill him." Trevor turned to exit the room when Tengu placed her hand on his shoulder he ripped it out violently. This startled Tengu and the other masters. Trevor never acted like this. They each bowed to their respective lord and the Emperor before chasing after Trevor. They would not stop Trevor they would aid him in his journey to save his home and if possible his love as well. ----------------------------- Trevor walked through the city making his way towards the docks. He would need a captain to take him to Port Windfall. From there he would go to Neighypt then to Canterlot. anything that stood in his way would suffer. He tightened his grip on his sword a glare present on his face as he moved. "Trevor wait up." Master Kitsune said as the other masters caught up with him. "You can not honestly think you can fight an entire war by yourself." Trevor froze shifting his head so he could hear them more clearly. "Don't try to stop me. I have to do this." Trevor said just as something tapped his shoulder. "Well if you're gonna go you shouldn't forget this." Tengu said tapping his shoulder with a mask. Trevor took hold of the mask feeling Tengu set her hand on top of his own. "Trevor all you need to do is ask and we will assist you." Trevor tightened his grip on the mask he felt helpless. Trevor pulled the masked out of her hand slowly before kneeling to them. "Masters. I ask- no BEG of you to help me with the recapture of my home. Help me save my home. I have nothing to pay for your services but I need your help." Trevor finally felt the hot tears stain his cheeks. "I can't do this alone." "Master Trevor, we will assist you on this path. We will be with you the whole way. This is not a hunt this is not revenge this is to help our family retake his home." Tengu said to the nods of the other masters. "You can count on us Trev." Master Mujina said with a smile. "You have my blade." Master Kitsune said with a smile. "I could use a good work out." Master Hebi said cracking his knuckles. "It has been a while since we have all traveled should be fun." Master Dragon said looking into the sky. "A tree is nothing without it's roots. We will assist you Trevor." Master Tsuchigumo said monotonous. "Thank you. None of you have to do this but I thank you." Trevor bowed his head low before getting to his feet. "Give us a few days so we can prepare an attack force to carry out this attack. I suggest you prepare yourself get your armor ready and your best weapons. We will need everything to take that castle." Tengu said with a sigh. "Fear not masters." Luna said walking up behind all of them. "I can help you take the castle I know secret ways into it's walls." They all nodded as Trevor slid his mask onto his face. "Luna we will take back Equestria. I promise you this." Trevor said tightening his fists. "No one takes my home without punishment." Each of the masters nodded following after Trevor back to the mansion. They were all to take 4 days to prepare for war. Trevor would be ready and would make his anger known to this fake King Sombra. > Part 14 War is Coming > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 14: War Is Coming By: Major Frostwing Trevor was sitting in his room every weapon he had ever received from his masters was layed out before him. Each one went under rigorous amounts of prep and care. Each blade was sharp and deadly. Trevor tested the sharpness by listening to it's ring as it was unsheathed. Trevor continued to sharpen his blades with almost a religious intent. All of his masters watched him as he worked still enthralled by his attention to detail and care. "It's like watching a mother with her newborns." Master Hebi said seeing Trevor set down his swords only to lean over and pick up his scythe. "It's even more than that this is like watching a God work with his creations." Master Kitsune said with a smile. "You are both wrong." Tengu said with a sigh. "This is Trevor preparing for the biggest fight of his life. To him if his weapon isn't at it's best he wouldn't be able to fight at his best." They all nodded as Trevor flicked the blade of his scythe hearing it ring out. He scowled as he dragged a sharpening stone against the blade one last time before flicking it again. The pitch was perfect. He nodded setting the blade down picking up a set of gauntlets polishing each piece individually. "It is still a sad thing for someone so young to be thrust into a war." Master Dragon said with a sigh. "This is not a war Master Dragon." Trevor said as he continued to work. "This is an extermination. I will not stop until I reclaim every square centimeter of my home." The other masters were worried about Trevor's mental stability he seemed more irritable and would snap at the smallest thing. But each of them had been there before. No one willingly becomes a hunter. "Trevor calm down you acting like a brash child will not help anyone. You need to maintain a cool head." Master Mujina said with an annoyed scowl. "Take a deep breath and think this through. You react on tactics not anger." Trevor suddenly stood drawing his blade taking a swing at her only for his blade to be stopped by Master Kitsune. He was enraged and a few of the masters took a step back. "TREVOR! Calm down." Master Kitsune ordered as he held Trevor at bay. Trevor's blade faltered before clattering to the ground. Trevor's hand shook before he took a step back. "Dammit." Trevor said with a wince looking away from his masters he was ashamed of what he had just done. "Trevor this isn't like you I know losing your home has filled you with rage but you need to think. How will all this rage do you any good? You are better than this now stop giving into your rage and work on tactics." Trevor nodded picking up his sword. "I'm sorry Master Kitsune. I'm just so angry that someone would attack my home. They took everything that could ever matter away from me. How would you have me act?" Trevor asked sitting down in front of his weapons. "You should focus on saving your friends revenge only clouds the mind and you make mistakes. When you make mistakes you die. Do you want to die Trevor?" Tengu asked crossing her arms. "I will not die. I refuse to die until I hold her in my arms again. I will kill death himself if he get's in my way." Trevor sheathed his blade gathering up his weapons. He was about to pick up his scythe when a hand beat him to it. "If you carry all of these weapons you will not be quick and deadly in battle. Each of us will carry the weapon we gave you. All you need to do is ask for the weapon and it will be given to you." Master Dragon said as the rest of the masters took hold of Trevor's weapons. "Now then Trevor. Let's go get you fitted for armor you will need at least some form of protection." Master Hebi said with a smile helping Trevor back to his feet. Trevor only nodded sliding his mask onto his face. --------------------------------- "I don't think this will work." Tengu said to a murmur of agreement from the rest of the masters. Trevor was decked out in full samurai armor. He took off the helmet setting it down before removing sections of the armor. "It is way to clunky." Trevor muttered finally removing all of the armor. "I got a better idea." Trevor remembered that he had something with him he would always keep with him. He pulled a small bag off of his back setting it down in front of the blacksmith. The blacksmith unraveled the cloth bag revealing a dirty sand encrusted dark grey shirt with a pair of tattered black dress pants. "Can you put thin steel plates on the sleeves and repair these clothes?" Trevor asked as the Blacksmith examined the clothes. "Normally I wouldn't do a custom job like this but for you I can make an exception. Come back in a few hours and it will be done." Trevor gave a curt nod before turning to leave. "Those clothes will leave you very vulnerable to attacks." Master Tanuki said fanning herself. "They were a gift from a friend I do not care if I will be vulnerable since I will be at my most deadly wearing them. I only wish I had my old cane." Trevor ran his hand through his hair it was getting way to long and needed a good cut. "Come now Trevor we will cut your hair." Master Tanuki said taking hold of Trevor's arm he followed willingly. Master Tanuki led him to a tent where all the masters slept and prepared. Trevor took a seat in a chair removing his mask from his face. "How would you like it cut?" She asked as Trevor thought it over. "Cut the ponytail off and get rid of the bangs." Trevor said as Master Tanuki pulled out a pair of scissors and began cutting his hair. Trevor didn't move until his hair was finally done. He ran his hand through his hair feeling that it was at it's original length when he arrived. "Thank you Master Tanuki." Trevor said as he rubbed his eyes of fatigue. "Rest now Trevor we will be departing in the morning." She said patting him on the shoulder when she noticed something about Trevor. He was slouched in the chair snoring softly. Master Tanuki let out a soft giggle exiting the tent to see the other masters waiting. "How is he?" Tengu asked concern written across his face. "Asleep. I don't think he has slept in the past 2 days so let him rest for now." "Let us all prepare as well we have quite the battle ahead of us." Master Oni said with a sigh. "Some of us might not return." He said grimly. "Fear not Oni this isn't our first war and it certainly won't be our last." Tengu said rubbing her hands together. "This King Sombra doesn't know what is coming." They each nodded making their way through the town getting their own preparations done. ---------------------------------- Each of the masters stood outside of their tents prepared for their journey. They awaited for Trevor to exit his own tent. Luna had made her way to the masters asking if they were all ready for the war each of them answered yes. "We only have to wait for the tenth head to arrive." Tengu said to Luna as she nodded looking at Trevor's tent as the flap opened. Trevor exited his tent his mask on his face along with a long flowing scarf of ebony. He was wearing his clothes when he ran away from Equestria along with a tie. He reached up adjusting the tie before checking the rest of his equipment. "Let's go take back my home." Trevor said with a smile. "The Ten Headed Wheel is ready. We will not falter in our attack. May our enemies run from our brutality." Each of the masters slammed their fists together bowing. Luna watched the display keeping her eyes on Trevor. "In such a short amount of time he has grown so much." She said to herself raising her helmet placing it on her head. She looked down to her side seeing her own elegant rapier it was her favorite weapon and one that she had used in war before. She understood Trevor's rage towards Sombra but she couldn't feel it coming from him. He was calm and collected. Tengu turned towards the docks motioning for them all to move out. When they arrived at the docks they boarded Kuro's ship along with quite a few soldiers. They all looked grim about going to war but their spirits lifted when they saw the masters enter the hold. Trevor took a bunk sitting down with a sigh. He brought his legs up setting his hands on his knees so he could meditate. He was going through his final prep for battle. "SOLDIERS! 2 DAYS UNTIL WE ARRIVE AT PORT WINDFALL. FROM THERE WE WILL CROSS THROUGH SADDLE ARABIA AND THEN INTO EQUESTRIA! BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING WE DO NOT KNOW THEIR NUMBERS BUT IF WE DO NOT BEAT THEM THEY WILL COME FOR US NEXT!" A captain yelled at the soldiers as they all nodded. "MASTERS! WE EXPECT FULL COOPERATION FROM YOU IN THIS WAR!" The captain yelled getting a few confused glances from the masters Trevor only chuckled. "I think you misunderstand captain. We are not here to assist you. YOU are to assist us." Trevor said going back to his meditation. The captain was about to retort when Tengu stopped him. "He is here to take back his home Captain. I suggest you think about that when giving him orders." Tengu said patting the captain on the shoulder making her way back to the other masters. She sat down cross-legged beginning her own meditation. They had two days before they would go to war. Each of them couldn't wait. > Part 15: Land Fall Blades Clash > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Part 15: Land Fall Blades Clash By: Major Frostwing Trevor stood on the bow of the ship He could feel from the shift in wind and temperature they were going to arrive soon. He didn't move from his spot as everyone moved around him preparing for their march. Luna soon enough joined him as she watched the horizon. "Once we begin our march we will not stop." Luna said glancing over at Trevor. "I don't want to stop until we have taken back our home." Trevor said checking to see if his blades were on his person correctly. "Are you willing to kill all who stand before you Princess?" Trevor asked cracking his knuckles. "To reclaim our country? I would rather see it all burn than let that Tyrant have it." Luna said with spite. "Good." Trevor said smiling under his mask. "I feel the same." Trevor turned away from the horizon making his way to the hold. He needed to grab something from his masters. When he reached the hold he heard many of the soldiers going through some final preparations. He made his way to Master Dragon stopping just before him as he looked up at Trevor. "Can I help you Master Trevor?" He asked setting down his scythe. "I would like to go into battle with the scythe." Trevor said smiling under his mask. "May I have my scythe master?" Master Dragon slid Trevor's scythe off of his back handing it to him Trevor took it unsheathing the weapon giving it a flick hearing the blade ring out. "Thank you Master Dragon." "No problem Trevor just remember your training." Dragon went back to work examining his own armor and weapon. Trevor nodded sheathing the blade making his way back to the deck they would be landing soon. --------------------- The landing in Port Windfall had been quick and the departure just as swift. The army of Neighpan was small since this was only the first ship to land. The others would be landing tomorrow. We were to take the fight to them and retreat back if need be. Trevor didn't see it as an option. It was either victory or death. Trevor walked behind his fellow masters Luna stuck by his side. The rest of the army followed behind silently. Trevor's masters were talking tactics. Trevor did the only thing he could in the forest. He listened to everything around him seeing if there were any inbound threats. All it would take was a small clink of armor or someone talking to catch Trevor's attention. That's when he heard it, a rustle in the bushes. He kept listening for more sounds that would catch his attention the rustle didn't happen again until minutes later. It was another rustle this one louder. "Oh a deer." Luna said catching Trevor's attention. He mentally berated himself he was so focused on sounds he wasn't focusing on what the sounds could be. He shortened his hearing seeing the deer in his mind watching them all move. "So it is." Trevor said calmly tightening his scarf. "They must not have moved far into the desert but we should all remain on guard just in case." Tengu said to the silent nods from them all "Trevor, can you keep an ear out for anything that could be a threat?" Tengu asked looking over her shoulder. "Already on it Master." Trevor said going back to listening to ever sound around him. It was strangely calming. The quickly made their way through the forest only to be met with a large attack force standing before them weapons at the ready. "Trevor explain to me how you didn't inform us of them?" Tengu asked to Trevor's silence. "Sorry master. When I'm listening to specific sounds I lose the ability to distinguish shapes with sound." Trevor pulled his scythe off of his back unsheathing the blade with a smile. "It's ok Trevor at least they didn't charge into the forest but they look as if they are waiting for us." Trevor nodded taking a few steps forward so he was next to Tengu. "Mind if I go first master?" Trevor asked to Tengu's nod. "WE ONLY WANT THE TRAITOR YOU HAVE WITH YOU! IF YOU GIVE HER TO US WE WILL SPARE YOUR PATHETIC LIVES!" Trevor cocked an eyebrow at that. "WHO IS THIS TRAITOR YOU SPEAK OF!?" Trevor yelled back holding both of his arms out. "THE TRAITOR KNOW AS LUNA!" The armor clad soldier yelled back. Trevor looked over his shoulder listening to what Luna was doing he cracked a smile at seeing her Aura turn red. Trevor turned to his masters seeing them unsheathe their own weapons. Trevor began walking forward holding his arm out to stop his comrades advance. "I got this guys." Trevor said seeing them all lower their weapons. "ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE INTO OUR DEMANDS!?" The soldier asked as Trevor continued to walk forward. "You know what?" Trevor asked stopping halfway between his comrades and the enemy. "I just feel so happy right now." Trevor shifted his scythed so it was on his back blade facing out. "Loud Style: Joy!" Trevor felt his body go rigid before loosening. "CHARGE!" The soldier ordered as Trevor waited for them to arrive. The other masters moved forward at a steady pace. As the first soldier reached Trevor he moved into action. Trevor lashed out with his scythe cutting clean through the soldier before ducking an incoming blade. He shifted the scythe in his hand impaling them with the tip of the blade. Trevor laughed as he swung his scythe with the body still attached. "Trevor DUCK!" Trevor smiled as he slammed to the ground on his stomach. A torrent of arrows soared over him peppering the enemy. "CLEAR!" Trevor laughed as he rolled over onto his back kicking himself back up. Trevor set his scythe behind his back Trevor heard the clash of blades all around him when a thought occurred to him. "Loud Style: Fury!" Trevor moved his scythe so he was holding it in front of him. He dashed forward slamming his scythe down on the head of a soldier before spinning it in a wide arc until his blade locked with another blade. "A wrong move little fox. Now die." The behemoth said raising his fist bringing it down upon Trevor's head. The fist stopped against his mask only pushing Trevor back slightly. "I think not." Trevor dropped his scythe drawing his two swords. Trevor swung both blades sideways as hard as he could slamming them into the behemoth's guard. Trevor pulled his blades back continuing his assault on his enemy. Trevor was so quick and deadly that only seconds after he had began his assault did he disarm his opponent and had slammed his blades through his armor killing him. "RETREAT!" A soldier yelled as the enemy scrambled to get away from our attack force. Trevor stood there shaking the blood off of his blades. "Well done Master Trevor." Tengu said seeing Trevor wipe the blood off on his pants. "Trevor?" She asked as he sheathed his blades before picking up his scythe walking to master Dragon. "Worked like a charm." Trevor said calmly wiping the blood off of the blade. "Thank you Master Dragon." Dragon nodded taking the weapon from Trevor to see him remove his mask. Trevor's forehead was bleeding and he looked rather sick. "Trevor you alright?" Master Dragon asked as Trevor nodded taking a few steps forward before nearly falling to the ground. Master Tanuki caught Trevor helping him to his feet. "Sit down and rest you took a nasty hit to the head." She examines the wound only for Trevor to smack her hand away. "I'm fine we need to keep moving forward." Trevor said as he went to stand only to fall to the ground. His mind swam with nausea every sound was louder to him which hurt his head. "No Trevor we must prepare our next attack you will rest. I know you are eager but please for your safety and the safety of the men relax." Tengu said as Trevor nodded setting his head on his knees taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry master it's just I don't have time to relax I am almost out of time. I want to see her just before the battle." Trevor said wiping the blood off of his forehead. "Trevor what battle are you talking about?" Luna asked looking over Trevor. "He is going to fight against Shade in only 5 months he needs to focus on two wars at one time." Tengu explained to Luna. "Is that why you are trying to rush this war to Canterlot?" Trevor nodded his head silent. "Trevor when your battle begins with Shade you will win. Remember your training and he will not stand a chance." "Tick Tock Trevor only 5 months and a few days left before we clash. I look forward to it." Shade cackled in Trevor's head. Trevor set his hand on the side of his head annoyed about the delay. "I have to hurry... I need to see her." Trevor told himself gripping his free hand into a fist. > Chapter 16: The Pit > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Chapter 16: The Pit By: Major Frostwing The group took a day to assess the injuries and fatalities they had sustained in the small skirmish. Only a few samurai had injuries and only one fatality. Trevor was quick to recover from the small concussion and soon enough they were moving once again through the desert with Trevor and master Kitsune leading the party. "Do you think we will make it to Neighypt in decent time?" Trevor asked Kitsune only to hear a small chuckle. "I am positive we will be there in a few days at most. Are you worried?" Kitsune asked maintaining his casual pace. "More I am scared Master." Trevor admitted in a small whisper. "That place is where I was sold to Lord Kuro. Before that I spent days being dragged behind a slave caravan with no food or water. I hate that place." Trevor admitted to Kitsune only to hear him sigh. "We can thank the gods that Lord Kuro saved you." Kitsune said trying to brighten Trevor's spirits only for him to stop raising his hand for everyone to halt. "Don't move and be absolutely silent." Trevor whispered as he continued to listen. The sound of digging caught his attention and he tried to focus in on it. "Digging. Something is digging below us." Trevor said as he continued to listen. "Doesn't sound natural like an animal digging it sounds very fast and deliberate like they are searching for something." Trevor tilted his head confused. "Diamond Dogs?" Kitsune asked in a whisper and Trevor nodded. "If I am a betting man I think they might be slaves." Trevor knelt down setting his hand against the burning sand. "With us being so close to Neighypt and I know they sell Diamond Dogs there this would be the best bet. Master motion for the other masters, Luna, and the captain up to us and make sure they are quiet." Trevor continued to focus on the sound listening for any changes. Kitsune raised his hand twice before making a slow movement over his throat. As one the other masters moved getting Luna and the Captain to join them with Trevor and master Kitsune. "What have you found Trevor?" Luna asked quietly. "Slaves. Diamond Dogs to be specific. They are digging below us." The other masters looked down at the sand they stood on. "And what point are you trying to make? They are only slaves." The Captain said only for all the masters to glare at him. "Slaves that dig tunnels and know the desert better than any of us. We are trying to move to Equestria without making to much of a presence known to the Tyrant." Luna said turning her attention away from the captain. "What plan do you have Trevor?" Trevor shrugged slightly. "Get them on our side. Simple as that." Trevor said as the other Masters thought this over. "It would be rather difficult to get them to trust us." Master Hebi stated and Trevor shrugged. "Won't know until we try." Trevor raised his foot slamming it down on the sand. The digging stopped and Trevor stomped his foot once again. The digging picked up once again but this time it was coming up towards them. Trevor motioned for everyone to back up as the digging got loud enough for everyone else to hear. A head popped out of the sand looking around in the bright light only for Trevor to grab the Diamond Dog dragging him out of his hole. "Hello there buddy." Trevor said as the others prepared their weapons. "Who you? What going on?" The dog asked in broken Equestrian. "Calm down. We just need some help and you are just the dog we need." Trevor said brushing the sand off of the dog's vest. "B-But just slave. Only digger." Trevor chuckled. "And that is what we need. We need a digger. Where is your alpha?" The dog look at Trevor before pointing back at the hole. "He in cave helping with tunnel. need gems or Master mad." "Can you take me and my friend to him?" Trevor asked as the dog nodded. "See that wasn't so hard." Trevor said releasing the dog motioning to the hole. "Luna. Master Hebi. Join me please." The two nodded their heads moving towards the hole following after the Diamond Dog. "Don't worry we won't be long." Trevor said jumping into the hole as all of his sense of awareness shank to the tunnels surrounding him. ---------------------------------------------- It did not take long for the party to make their way through the tunnels towards the main workforce of the underground mine. The mine was vast with several tunnels connecting to the giant underground ravine hundreds of workers being forced to work in the dry depths. "By Faust what is this?" Luna asked as she looked at the large scale operation. "The Pit. Were slave sent to die." The Diamond dog said with sadness. "Many die here working tunnel." Trevor tightened his hands into white knuckled fists. "such unstable conditions are dangerous." Hebi said with a scowl. "Not far from Alpha." The diamond dog took a turn to see a lit up area where a small group of slaves were working. a few Ponies, Diamond Dogs, and even a Dragon were working. All of them were shackled together as they worked the walls. A single pony stood a whip in his hand as he cracked it across the back of a small Diamond Dog. "WORK HARDER YOU FILTHY DOG!" The whip cracked again and Trevor held his hand out to Hebi. "My Gauntlets." Trevor said as without a word Hebi pulled Trevor's weapon off of his belt. Trevor took barely any time securing the item before walking right towards the slaver. The slaver turned around to see Trevor walking right towards him. "And what are you looking at? BACK TO WORK!" The whip was pulled back and Trevor charged forward throwing all of his weight into a crushing right at the slaver's temple. A loud crack rang out startling the slaves away from their work. The slaver stumbled back but Trevor continued to advance landing blow after blow on the helpless slaver before he finally succumbed to the onslaught and collapsed to the ground coughing blood. Trevor took a deep breath letting it out slowly. "Which one of you is the alpha?" Trevor asked as he removed his gauntlets clipping them to his belt. "That me." A large Diamond Dog said looking at what Trevor just did to the Slaver. "What you want?" He asked before looking over Trevor himself and something clicked in his mind. "We are looking for allies. I am Trevor and these are my friends Princess Luna and Master Hebi." Trevor said motioning behind him. "Think you can help us?" Trevor asked crossing his arms. "Me know you." Boulder said pointing right at Trevor. "From slaver. Boss." Trevor felt his blood run cold remembering his time as cargo in that filthy slaver's group. "You kill Boulder Scorpion when attacked. I knew you strong." Boulder said with a chuckle. "It alright. This one good." Boulder said motioning to his fellow slaves. "I don't trust him Boulder. He smells wrong." The dragon said looking over Trevor with unease. "Well I haven't showered since the boat ride but no need to be rude about it." Trevor said without a care trying to lighten the mood. Boulder let out a loud bark of laughter. Boulder moved forward wrapping Trevor in a crushing hug before setting him down with a smile "Still sharp mouth. Got trouble last time." Boulder reminded lightheartedly. "We help you. What need?" Trevor cracked a smile. "I think you all can agree that The Pit needs to disappear." All the slaves went quiet. "We are making a march to recapture Equestria and put an end to Tyrant King Sombra. But we are a small fighting force taking on a nation. I know that you all are slaves against your will but I am willing to give you all a chance at something. We are going to destroy The Pit and free all of you. I will not lie but we need your help." Trevor drew his blade cutting through the bonds on Boulder. "Will you help me take your freedom back?" Trevor asked holding his hand out to Boulder. Boulder stared down at the hand before clasping his forearm which Trevor returned. "The Pit will end." Boulder said with conviction and Trevor nodded his head. "Scout. Get other Alphas. We Fight." The Diamond Dog that had led them nodded his head running off to inform the other Alphas of the plan to fight back. "Good we are starting a slave rebellion." Hebi said cracking his knuckles. "Want me to go back and get the rest of our party and assist with this?" He asked as Trevor smiled. "Yes. We will be fighting in rather cramped tunnels but I'm pretty sure we can handle it if we can push out into the large ravine. We will have more than enough space to handle a few slavers. Will have to break everyone down into squads to start removing bonds to free all the slaves. I'm sure you and the other masters can inform the troops on what to do?" Trevor said with a smile. "Consider it done Master Trevor." Hebi said before taking off in a sprint to rally the troops. "What about me Trevor?" Luna asked as Trevor nodded his head. "Simple when we are done I will need you to help rally everyone to our cause. We will need all the help we can get." Luna nodded her head her diplomatic mind already running to try and sympathize with the slaves and get them as allies. Trevor got to work removing the bonds of the other slaves and helping with the first aid on the slave that was being whipped. He wanted to see this place burn for what they were doing down here. > Chapter 17: Rebellion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blind Delight Season 2: Shadows of A King Chapter 17: Rebellion By: Major Frostwing "Trevor What do you think are our chances of success?" Luna asked as Trevor drew a throwing knife flipping it casually in his armored hand. "With all of us leading the rebellion our chances are rather high. With the Diamond Dog Alphas helping rally the slaves our chances go up even higher." Trevor stopped flicking the knife to focus more on his hearing. "Scout is coming back along with a few others. Be on guard." Tengu drew her sickle ready to strike at the first sign of hostility. Scout rounded the corner to see Trevor, Luna, and Boulder at the ready in case it was an ambush. "Brought other Alphas." Scout said happily as four Diamond Dogs and a single Earth Pony stallion entered the tunnel. "Who are they Boulder?" A female Diamond Dog asked pointing at Trevor and Luna. "New Slaves for Pit?" She asked sizing them up. "Calm Granite. Trevor is Friend. He want to destroy Pit." Boulder vouched for them but the Alphas were still skeptical. The Earth Pony only scoffed. "Of course two of the most wanted people are in this damn Pit. Princess Luna and Trevor. One a dethroned Princess and the other a 'Pardoned' suspect. If these two are all that is going to help me we have no fucked chance." Luna seethed with barely controlled fury only to be calmed by Trevor tapping her shoulder. She glared at Trevor who only made a motion to tell her to calm down. She relented for now only because Trevor had the situation in hand. "Doesn't that make us your best chance?" Trevor asked as the Alphas look at him in confusion. "I mean think about it. No one is coming to save you except us. Seriously if you don't want our help getting out of this hell hole then by all means say so. I will gladly cut your tongues out so you can't give away out position or our plans. We are trying to save your lives from this pathetic life and you want to throw all of that away because Sombra took her throne and I made a mistake in my past?" Trevor only shrugged crossing his arms. The other Alphas took a step back from how casual he threatened them except for the Earth Pony Stallion. "You think I am afraid of you? A complete disgrace from Equestria?" He asked only for someone to clear their throat behind the Alphas. "I suggest you shut that mouth of yours before you piss him off." Master Tanuki stepped out of the shadows her trademark fan unfurled in front of her face. "The troops are ready to begin our assault we just need The assistance of the workers." Trevor nodded his head smiling. "Thank you master. As you just heard we are ready to begin the assault. So it's time to decide." Trevor held his hand out as Tanuki handed him his own fans. "Join our cause and earn your freedom." The Alphas were silent for but a moment. "We join." A female alpha said slamming a fist against her chest. "Pit need go." The other Alphas agreed to assist and now it was time to tear this place apart. "Master Tanuki. Send the signal to begin the assault. Bring it all down and leave none who stand against us. Free them all." Master Tanuki bowed before disappearing into the shadows once again with not a sound. "Welp time for the fun part." Trevor said with a stretch walking into the tunnels unfurling the fans as he walked. When he made it to the main ravine an explosion rocked the cavern shaking the very foundations as the screams of battle kicked off. "Shall we Master Trevor?" Tankui said beside him and he couldn't help but chuckle. "But of course Master Tanuki. The winds shift with our wills so let us summon a hurricane of change for those who join us." Trevor heard a group of slavers making their way towards Tanuki and himself. "Loud Style: Joy." Trevor dropped low holding one Fan behind his back and the other covering his face. "First Form: Dance of The Blooming Spring." Tanuki Took up a similar pose except her left fan was extended above her head and her right fan was lowered towards her toes. "GET THEM!" A slaver yelled out as the small group of five charged with clubs and whips. Trevor charged forward his fans slammed close as he deflected a club aimed at his head. The fan unfurled with a loud snap before the blades glided through the throat of the one who swung fist. A whip was being swung at him only for a fan to fly true cutting down the attacker. Tanuki flicked her wrist as a new fan took it's place. Trevor stepped forward spinning on his heel as his fans once again found soft flesh cutting down another. Two remained and just from their aura's there was only fear gripping them. "Come on I expected more from all of you." Trevor pouted closing his fans as another explosion rocked the cavern. "I expected so much more opposition than this." One of the remaining Slavers rushed Trevor only for the fan to crack him across the cheek. Tanuki was on him in an instant beheading the slaver with no mercy. "You keep so many slaves in line with such a small force. I don't know whether to be disappointed or impressed." Trevor opened a fan fanning himself like the fight no longer mattered. "So I am gonna borrow you good slaver. And you are gonna answer some questions for me. Tanuki if you would kindly take him." "It would be my pleasure." Tanuki said walking towards the slaver who looked like he was about to run for his life. "Oh please do run. It's been a while since I had a good chase." Tanuki smiled as she closed her fans preparing to take off after him. The Slaver was smart enough to drop his weapon. "I don't get paid enough to die for them. What do you need to know?" The slaver raised his hands in surrender. "Oh you're no fun." Tanuki said as she walked past the slaver retrieving her fan she had thrown. "Could have at least made the attempt." She continued to pout grabbing him by the arm. Tanuki might have looked dainty and frail but the pressure she exuded on the slaver's arm spoke of crushing strength. and the slaver knew he made the right call surrendering. "Take him to the others and we can interrogate him. This should be over shortly." Trevor said closing his fans with a loud snap as he stood listening the the battle around him die out.