The Mare-do-well incident goes wrong. Very, very wrong. Leading to rainbow wounded and alone.
Twilight hoped that mare-do-well would teach Rainbow to be humble. Instead, she leaves; just leaves. When they find her later, she lashes out at them. When even the Princess fails to mend fences between them, she along with the rest of the mane 6 attempt drastic action to fix their friendship. An accident during this leaves to Rainbow heavily wounded and with few supplies, in the hostile and merciless lands outside Equestria. Can she rebuild her life? Maybe make something more? Or will she fall, starving, thirsty, wounded, far from home, broken, and abandoned?
Whatever may happen, bear witness.....to Rainbows Lonesome Road.
Nothing but sheer, unending, unfiltered, agonizing pain.
That was all Rainbow Dash felt as she floated down the river. Her saddlebags had been torn apart, and their contents were leaking out. Most had, with only a few of the larger items left. She had no strength, only hanging to consciousness by a thread. She held to that thread though; She knew if she went into the void of sleep, she may slip from her makeshift raft, or worse, never wake again. It was hard; the agony made her just want to close her eyes, and be free from it.
Slowly and stiffly, she turned her head to look at some of her wounds. She didn't know just how bad the blades had gotten her, but she knew it was bad. Long gashes ran along her sides and chest, and her right wing had was broken and covered in slashes. Her left she couldn't feel at all, nor a section of her right cheek. All she could register was pain, so much pain, and a biting cold that racked her body.
The sun has risen a few hours ago, and now beat down on her like a drum. Had it not felt like bliss on her face, at least compared to the rest of her, she would curse it. Not the sun itself; that was just stupid. No, she would curse Celestia, the one who moved it. She was the cause of her pain, both mentally, emotionaly, and of course physically.
Her flesh felt ice cold, and blood hung in a swirl around her. It should have been swept away by the current, but hung around her like a shroud. It soon got worse, as the current pulled her into a gap on the bank and she washed up. Now, free of the (sort-of) warm river, a sense of freezing cold hung over her. It stung, worse then the betrayal, then the hunting, even then the blades.
She sat there for what felt like hours. She knew it probably wasn't, but it felt like it. Then, she heard a noise coming. It sounded like hoofbeats, and was pretty close. She then heard a loud pair of thuds, then a disgusted sneer. "Oh, gross. Where did it come from?"
Another voice said, "I don't know, but it looks beat up. Ah, come on, let's go. We'll get water from another area of the bank. We can come back to bury it later."
"Yeah, coming." The second voice, which sounded further away, began to climb up something. At least that's what it sounded like. The other turned away a well. No, she thought, if they leave, I'll die! She had lost much, but not her sense of self-presurvation. She knew they may be her only hope. She attempted to say "wait", but it only came out as a wet and sick-sounding gurgle. It worked though.
"what the-Oh s***, I think it's alive! G-get the doc, Garret! She needs it now! " the closer voice shouted. The second began to move faster, then disappeared. The closer voice came up to her, and laid a hoof on her neck. No, not a hoof. It was wider, and more spread out. It felt like Gildas talons, but thicker and more rubbery.
A few minutes later, the second being came back, another one with it. It gasped when it was her, then ran to her side. She felt a thin... Something slip into her. Instantly, the pain numbed. She felt the void come to her, this time inescapable. As she began to fade, she made out one last string of words: "What the f*** happened to you?"
what indeed. What indeed. As sleep overcame her, the thought of what happened began to come back to her.
This was it! She had her; Mare-do-well, the pony that upstaged her, was pinned under her hooves. Now, she would get some awnsers. "Alright, ms. mysterious. Mystery," she said in a confident tone as she reached down and ripped off the mask, "Solved! Wagh!"
That last part was caused by who was under the mask; it was Pinkie Pie! She wore a sheepish grin, while dash wore one of shock. Her best friend was mare-do-well!? While that did explain some things, like the construction site, there were still huge gaps. Like how she fixed the dam, or did the fly by. She made her confusion quite evident by a lot of stuttering as she tried to figure out what happened.
Her questions where awnsered, when someone walked down the street. Looking up, she saw...Mare-do-well? That one then took her mask off to reveal, "Twilight!?" more hoovesteps from an alley lead to the discovery of a third one. This one's mask flew up to show it was, "Applejack!?" As the other to of her friends came toward her, she put it together . "There were three of you!?"
Twilight responded in a tone that portrayed a certain amount of pride, "yep, we all played mare-do-well at different times."
Applejack added, once again with a voice showing pride, "ah stopped the carriage with 'dese babies. Bucky mcgillicuddy and kicks mcgee!"
Pinkie then spoke up, "I saved the construction workers with my pinkie sense." just then she began to shiver. A lot fell from a nearby window, but pinkie moved dash before it not her.
"Sorry" yelled down a pony from the window.
Pinkie shouted back up, "it's alright."
Twilight then said, "and I used my magic to fix the dam ." Before the rainbow Pegasus could respond, FLUTTERSHY of all ponies shot down the street. She came to a stop next to Twilight, a proud smile on her face.
"Oh, oh. And I did the flyby afterwards. " Adding to the stunned mares bewilderment, Rarity then did the same thing as fluttershy, appearing just in front of Rainbow.
"I made the costumes. Fabulous if I do say so myself." At this Rainbow shut her eyes and walked away from them. After a few steps she whirled around so she could see all of them. She had chased mare-do-well for awnsers, and by Celestia she was going to get some.
"I don't understand. Why!? Don't you want me to be a hero?" She shouted, but not in a mean way. These were her friends after all. They deserved the benefit of the doubt. If it was a good reason, they could just put this behind them.
Twilight said, "of course we want you to be a hero!" As she did, Rainbow noticed all her friends still had on smiles. Was this funny? Why were they smiling? Then Applejack said the words that would change, Everything:
"But a real hero doesn't brag", followed by a wink.
With this, the theory of what they had been playing at had shattered. They thought this was a tourist ploy to draw ponies to ponyville. And that the reason they hadn't told her was to make it more realistic. But now, this was about her bragging. She needed time to think this over. But for now, it seemed like they were being a bit...hypocritical.
She then turned around again, and began to walk. Her mind raced as fast as she could, thinking of ways this was ok. Twilights voice broke her from here mental race. "Rainbow, you get what we tried to do. Right?"
Rainbow still had to think it over. However, she had enough of an idea of it to formulate a responce. "Yeah, twi. I hear you. Loud and Bucking clear." With these parting words, she took off. She didn't even look back at the likely stunned faces of her friends. She just took off as fast as she could toward her house. And away from the betrayal.
Rainbow, up in her cloudiminum, was doing a very rare thing for her. She was crying. Not just a few sniffles like on the storm cloud earlier. No, here she was full on crying. Red cheeks, puffy eyes, wet coat, you name it. To those who knew about the situation, they would know why she was crying.
She cried about the betrayal from her friends. For their hypocrisy. For there flawed logic. For not even trying to talk to her first! No, she just need to put that behind her. Forget it...And them. If they would do that with such plain abandon for consequence, then they didn't deserve to be her friends. Then a loud knock broke the shield of her lone sobs. Composing herself as best she could, she went to the door. Looking threw the peephole, she saw it was the traitors, plus spike.
Speak of the draquonoquis, she thought as she partially opened the door. Sure enough, there her 'friends' stood. While most had neutral faces, Applejack had on one of anger. Why, dash couldn't guess. Before dash could ask something to them, twilight did it for her. "Rainbow, can we come in?"
Dash replied with her usual bluntness, responding instantly: "no." But before she could shut the door, applejack whirled on her front hooves, bucking the door down and sending dash into the couch. She began to yell before she even got up. "What the buck applejack!? What was that for!?"
Applejack said, "we just want to talk, dash. Can't do that well behind a door."
Twilight, sending the rising tension, intervined. "Ok. While AJ is right, that was no excuse to break her door. How about this. AJ, you apologize for the door, and rainbow will apologize for what she said earlier. Sound fair?"
"Yea' ah guess"
"NO!"
They all looked at the blue pegasus, all confused. Dash saw this, and got even angrier. "What did I do that needs me to apologize! I said I understood what you said, didn't I?"
Pinkie said, "well you did say it really rudely. And nopony likes it when somepony is rude! So twily wants you to apologize for that!"
Rainbow facehoofed, they responded, "what!? Rude!? You were the ones that turned me into the town pariah! You ground my reputation into the mud! Hay, you were all being hypocrites!"
Rarity, a shocked look on her face, retorted, "hypocrites!? Darling what do you mean!? "
Now dash was positively livid. "What do I mean!? What do I mean!? I mean this was for me to not brag! But all of you do that! Twilight made the town go crazy for a doll to get a friendship lesson! Rarity worked herself nearly to death to make us dresses, when half of us didn't want one! Applejack insisted on bucking her whole orchard, even when it lead to others being poisoned, launched, or caught in a stampede! Pinkie made a huge deal out of a cake, which spiraled out of control! Hay, Fluttershy caused an avalanche on the mountain that nearly killed most of you! And you get to destroy my public image over some bragging!? Buck you all!!"
The others looked stunned, but not applejack. She had already loaded up a retort. "Were do ya get off sayin' things like dat! We try to do you a favor an you-". She was unable to finish, however. She was interrupted by an absolutely livid Rainbow.
"Favor? Favor!? You call that a favor!? Gee, I hate to see if you do it on purpose! Why!? Couldn't you have just talked to me!?"
Twilight said, "you are to stubborn. You wouldn't have listened." Ok, now dash was getting really, really mad.
" Oh, come on! AJ is worse then me, and you convinced her to let us help! Do you really think I don't value my friends opinions! " she, by this point, was panting. In her nose, out her mouth. In her nose, out her mouth. Then, in a low voice: "get out."
Fluttershy, who looked on the razor edge of booting for the odorless frame, said, "R-rainbow-"
"Don't 'Rainbow' me. Unless I start it, I never want to talk to you again. Any of you. Now, get OUT!!"
And they did. A short while later, dash was once more on the couch, once more crying. She then felt a small nuge, and found her let tortoise, tank next to her. "Hey bud. At least one hasn't betrayed me. Thanks, bud." There, on the couch, face smeared in tears, her tortoise next to her, she fell asleep. Her dreams were full of her friends betrayal and worlds where they didn't do it.
Far away from the sleeping rainbow, stood the city of canterlot. They castle of the princesses stood proud and strong. Guards patrolled all over, keeping safe the monarchs of equestria. The recently returned princess Luna presided over the night court, which, while not as busy as day court, was still packed. In one corner of the castle, beyond a hall of stained glass windows, stood all vault. inside, was a box. In the back, the elements of harmony. The most powerful magic artifacts known to ponykind.
And one, the red bolt of loyalty, sat, faded and a crack taking its surface.
Rainbow awoke, feeling much better. Tank had gone over to his food bowl, eating a piece of lettuce she had left for him. She restocked his food and water, then went into the kitchen for some breakfast. Opening the pantry, she found some dried mango, a box of cereal, some crackers, and some BBQ sause. She grabbed the cereal, plus a bowl and some milk from the fridge, then made her breakfast. Before she could start, however, a loud zap broke her concentration.
Moving to the stairs down into the living room, was the pony she hoped wouldn't show up but somehow knew would. Princess Celestia stood there, looking as regal as ever. She also looked up at Rainbow, but stayed silent, waiting for her to speak first. So, she did. "Hey princess. Can I help you? I mean, I'm guessing that you didn't teleport into my house to chat."
Celestia said, "is it wrong for me to want to visit one of the ponies that helped my sister? However, in this case, you are correct. May I have a seat?"
Rainbow shrugged, "well, you already let yourself in. So I don't see why not. I was just making breakfast, so let me get that. You hungry?"
The princess shook her head, and rainbow suddenly felt stupid. Of course she's had breakfast. She's the bucking princess! she thought as she went back to the kitchen. Returning to the princess with her bowl of cereal, she sat across from the white alicorn. After a few bites, she then spoke up. "So, what do you need?"
She signed and reached for a saddlebag. "I came to show you this." She pulled something from the bag. It was a good neck collar, with a dull red, almost pink, jewel on it. Dash saw about to ask what the this was when she gasped. The jewel was shaped like a lightning bolt, and the collar looked about her size; it was the element of loyalty! But instead of the usual blood red, it was now, as previously mentioned, a dark pinkish color. A long crack had formed on it, which ran up its length, long and jagged like a scar.
"As you can see, loyalty is broken. And since you are loyalty, I thought something bad had happened to you. I talked to your friends, and they told me of this, 'mare-do-well' incident. But I wish to hear it from you. Can you enlighten me to what has happened?"
So, rainbow told her. She told her everything, from saving the foal from the well, to her lashing at her friends last night. All the while, the princess listened intently. When she was done, both with her story and her cereal, she stood up. "That's it, princess. I don't have too much time to chat; I have to get to work."
"I understand, rainbow dash. But, I must ask you to forgive your friends. They truly ment to help you. They deserve your forgiveness."
"I know that, princess. But, how can I forgive them? They take my loyalty and rub their flanks with it. How can I be loyal to that? I mean, they've done the same, or at least similar, things before. But they didn't get that! So, I may forgive them, but not for a long, long time."
The princess sighed, "are you sure? Not only is holding a grudge bad, but now the first line of defence for equestria is lost. Without you, we will lose when the next great threat rises."
Now, rainbow was confused. "What do you mean? The elements are strong, yes. But, we now have Two alicorns. Not to mention the royal guard and the mages guild. Why are the elements so important?"
Celestia looked taken aback at this. " well, my little pony. The elements are-"
Rainbow suddenly spoke up. "For that matter, when have you done anything? You let us deal with discord and nightmare moon alone. Why couldn't you help?"
Celestia said, "you are stronger as a group, and-"
Once more, rainbow interrupted her. "More so then 2 alicorns, a bunch of powerful unicorns and an army?"
before the princess could respond, a clock went off. "Oh shoot! I gotta go! Just know this. Unless I want to, I'm not going back to them," she shouted as she ran out the door. She added as she took off, "ever!"
After she left, Celestia sighed. She knew this was a possibility. That she couldn't convince her. That she may have to use ulterior means to bring them back together. She just hoped that the rest of the element bearers would agree with her actions. And faust would forgive her.
Dash was just finishing up her morning rounds. The forecast called for heavy rainfall, so she had spent the day putting the clouds in place and pounding the rain out. It was riding work for most of her co-workers. But not her, the fastest flier in equestria!
As she was finishing up near the market, she saw that the royal chariot, which had probably taken celestia here, was parked outside the library. Wanting to find out why, she flew over to an open balcony door. Landing as quitely as she could, she snuck over to where she could see into the eggheads living space. She was their, plus the other traitors and the princess. And they were discussing her.
"Princess, I want her back too. But are you sure memory erasal is the best idea?" Memory erasal!? What!? Did they want her back so badly they would...erase her memory?
"I wish there was another way. But without her, the elements of harmony won't work. And without the elements... ", celestial said. She looked and sounded disheartened yet determined.
Applejack sighed, then said, "say no more princess. We'll find her. It's for the best. " Dash had hoped that the others would talk her down. But, no; they didn't. They, in fact, agreed:
"If this will get rainbow back, ok."
"Shame to do this to the darling. But, for the good of equestria."
" Okie dokie jokie. "
"Alright, princess. How should we do this? "
Rainbow had heard enough. Her friends were willing to do THIS, to get her back in their little group. Well, if they wanted her to be a pawn for them to play with, then NOPE! Dash the dashed toward where the weather team would be waiting for her to update their jobs. Sure enough, they all were waiting for her. "Ok, everybody here?"
Thunderlane said, "yep. All of the Ponyville area is ready for the storm."
Rainbow replied, "good. Alright, Rainbowshine and Cloudkicker. You two to make sure that nothing from the everfree messes this up. The rest of you can go home."
As the weather team split up and went their separate ways, dash shot back to her house. Rushing into her room, she grapped her saddlebags. She quickly put the necessary items in their; blanket, food, fire starter, compass, and a first aid kit. As she turned to leave, she saw a piece of paper and a quill on her desk. She was going to send a fan letter to the author of 'Daring Do'. She decided, since she may never come back, she should leave a note for those that would miss her. So, she went over to it, and began to write.
To who it may concern, if you are reading this, I, Rainbow Dash, have been forced to leave ponyville. Please, if at all possible, give these sections to those that they have been addressed to.
Dear Scootaloo, I'm sorry squirt. I really am. You were like a sister to me. Heck, I called you sis when talking to some old friends. I wanted to be there to see you fly. But here's some advice. Know your friends. I left because mine betrayed me, then expected me to come crawling back. Your friends seem good, stay with them. They do something truly bad to you, just leave. But, they stay with you, you stay with them. Fly fast, fly far. Your hero, Rainbow Dash
Dear mom and dad, I know you expected so much from me. You were always there for me. You were the best parents a fully could have. Can you please take care of Tank (my pet tortoise) for me. My ex-friend fluttershy may be able to do it better. But, one last favor. If you can't, give him to scootaloo. She's the filly I told you about. I love you. No matter what, always did, always will. Your loving daughter, Rainbow dash
Dear traitors, Good riddance. All I have to say. Rainbow dash
With that done, dash shot out the door. She knew that they would guess she would head toward the everfree. She thought she should go there anyway, but that would be to obvious. Then, she thought, the white tail woods! she could wait there for a while, then head toward a bigger city. From there it would be a matter of some dye and a new name. She would have vanished. So with that she shot toward the White tails. Toward her future.
She soon reached the woods, and quickly shot inside. She soon found a cave and, after checking that it for anything alive, she dropped her saddlebags. She then made her way out of it, darting from Bush to bush. Quickly grabbing sticks, dry leaves, and some berries. After getting a decent number of fire fuel, she went back into the cave. She then began to light a fire to cook some food.
She figured this was a good spot; it was decent sized. Dry, recent room, relatively warm. It was perfect. She could wait her for some, then head for Manehatten or Fillydelphia. She figured it shouldn't be to hard to hide from them. Despite being not as dangerous as the everfree, it was still not a commonly visited area. So she shouldn't be discovered by accident. And she should have enough food to last for a long time. Not to mention she could find plenty of wood for the fire. This was perfect.
So perfect in fact, that there was little need to worry to much. While they wouldn't likely give up, it's not like they would just look so close to ponyville. At least after a while. Now, she just had to wait. Soon, she got a little tired. Well, I did miss my usual nap time. Time to catch up on it!, She thought. So, she pulled out her blanket and, after laying it out, went to sleep.
Rainbow shot up, one thought going through her mind: Oh Buck! She quickly shoved her blanket back into her saddlebags, then got ready to bound out. Then, another voice, one much softer and calmer, said, "calm down, sergeant. We want to do this as peacefully as possible. Now, rainbow, please come out. We just want to talk."
Rainbow was stunned. She just lied to her face, and didn't even have her voice crack! Well then, "Buck that, and buck you! I heard what you said at the library! I know what you want to do!" She then looked at the cave entrance and froze. There was the princess, the traitors, and a whole squad of royal guards.
Twilight said, "rainbow, please! None of us want to do this! But we have to do this. For the good of equestria! Please, we don't want to hurt you! "
"Then why is the guard here!?" Rainbow retorted.
"I'm sorry. But we must do this. Guards, detain her! " the princess shouted. The guards rushed forward, and rainbow shot past them all. She then raced between the trees, trying to escape. They were soon lost behind her and dash then realized that she left most of her food back at the cave.
She soon found her self by a cliff, overlooking a river. She paused, catching her breath, when she heard rustling behind her. Shooting out of the woods came Twilight and Applejack, the latter with a lasso. Twilight said, "please rainbow. We need to do this. Just come with us. We will make this all righ-"
"No! I heard the conversation at the library! You want to erase my mind!" Rainbow yelled back.
"Memory. "
"What's the difference!? " Rainbow then tried to shoot across the river, but something wrapped around her chest. AJs lasso! It pulled her down, pinning her to the hard, muddy surface. The earth pony then lept atop her, pinning her down.
"An got her, Twi! Ah got her! Get the princess!" She shouted. Twilight then shot up a magic purple flare. The princess would be coming. She had to get out. She managed, with much effort, to pull her right foreleg free. She swung it, beating it into AJs face, forcing her off rainbow. the pegasus threw the lasso off her, tossing it into the woods. Approach tried to get up, but was stopped when rainbow rocketed into her, knocking the wind out of her, and knocking her body back to the ground. She then pinned the apple, and began to wale one her. Swinging her hoof into her face, over and over and over and over. She soon drew blood, yet still kept punching.
Aj simply couldn't right back. She may have been stronger then the pegasus, but rainbow was faster. Combined with the fact she had just hit the ground, which had stunned her, she was completely helpless. Just as Rainbow had finished, still not wanting to hurt the farmpony too bad, she heard a faint whistling. Looking up, she had just enough time to open her eyes wide as dinner plates as twilights stun spell hit her in the face. She then stumbled back, slipping over the edge, and tumbled into the river.
She shot to the surface, gasping for air. She tried to fly off, but the water in her wings made it hard, only able to get a few feet out of the water. She then tried to swim to the bank, but the current was to strong. Even if she could make it, the edge of the river were sheer walls of hard-packed dirt. Up a head, she heard a faint...whiring noise??
Looking forward (or at least where the river was sweeping her) she saw something that chilled her worse then the cold water of the river. It was a tube of metal, but that wasn't what chilled her. It was what was in front of the tube; blades! Massive blades, both dull and sharp. They were probably to keep large logs or something like that from clogging the tube. But if she couldn't get out, it would be her killer!
She soon doubled her effort. Flapping and swimming as fast as she could, it made no difference. The current was just too strong. As she got closer she saw the princess, guards, and traitors shot out of the bushes. They ran to help, but we're to far away. even if they could reach her, she figured they may just cast the spell as she recovered. The previously faint whiring had changed into a loud revolving chopping. Then, she her tail got caught in the blades. Now she was stuck; her continued struggle was just delaying the inevitable. Her tail was ripped from her, and she yelled in pain. The pain caused her to slow, and the blades used this opportunity begin to pull her in. As it did, she heard fluttershy yell, "Rainbow! Noo!" Why she said this was unknown To her, nor would she have time to contemplate this, as the blades met her flesh, soon numbering for more.
To say that it hurt would be the understatement of the millennium. It was overwhelming. Agony wracked her body, and she screamed. Just screamed and screamed and screamed. She soon stopped, more so because it hurt too much. she had soon bottom last the blades, and calmly floated down the river, but the pain didn't leave her. After a few minutes of just floating, she hit something hard and cold. Not as much as the water, but still cold. She was then hit by a log, one that was big enough for her to climb on. A door then opened, and she and the log shot down the side tunnel. Away from the ponies she pursued, but toward a new, unsure future.
She sat on that log, shivering and bleeding, for well over a full day. All the while, she felt nothing but excruciating pain.
Rainbow was sitting in a dark, cold pit. She was nothing but this darkness. It surrounded her, suffocated her, and prevented her from moving. Looking around, she saw nothing. Then, a light blinded her, and she saw a, vision, for lack of a better term.
She stood on a stage of sorts. She looked through the narrow slits of a helmet, or maybe a mask. She wore a tight fiting cloth shirt decorated with medals, a simple black tie, and a green shoulder cape with red trim. A sheathed sword hung on her side, and her forehooves were propped up on a podium. To her sides stood a pair of griffins; tall and muscular, much more so then the ones she had seen from griffinstone. They wore heavy armor and shoulder capes like her's but less ornate. Strange looking axes were gripped in their talons, with similar designed swords to her's on their belts. In front of her, stood a massive crowd. Minotaurs, griffons, diamond dogs, mules, and other creatures, as well as ponies were in the crowd. They all were cheering, at what she didn't know. However, she made out one phrase that was being cheered. "Long live the great liberator! Long live the Federation!" In addition, one more phrase she heard among the cacophony of cheering: "Hail Pryha!"
Then, the light flashed again, and she was pulled from the dream, and went back to the void of dreamless sleep.
As Dash began to wake up, she felt stiff, yet warm and dry, which was a great improvement. She began to sit up, and looked around. She was laying in a bed, thick wool blankets pulled up to her neck. The room she was in was pretty bare; just a empty bookshelf in on corner, a nightstand next to the bed, and a potted cactus on the window. The walls were made of wood, with peeling red and yellow wallpaper. The ceiling and floor was bare wood planks. A fire burned in a brick pit, filling the room with a warm glow.
Before dash could get her bearings, the door opened up, and an earth pony entered. She wore a leather jerkin, a blue and white bandanna, and had a tray balanced on her back. Though she couldn't see what was on the tray, it smelled heavenly. The earth pony said, "Ah, yer awake! Dats good! Now, eat up!"
Rainbow watched as she set the tray over her, revealing a massive bowl of soup. The earth pony began to spoon feed her, the warm and thick liquid feeling like liquid bliss going down her throat. After a while, when the pony was getting a new spoonful, dash decided to speak up. "Where...am?"
The earth pony said, "Easy there. Easy. Your safe, two of the farm hands found you while out getting some water. You were all cut to pieces when the doc brought you in. What happened to you? "
Dash replied, "who....are?"
She blushed, then gave a nervous chuckle. "Where are my manners? Names iron plow, I run this here farm. The two who found you were Shepard and Garrett, two of the farmhands. The one that made sure you didn't bleed out was Doc Mitchell. There are a few others, but those the only ones you have met. Well, met isn't the right term. Ummm, been around while nearly dying is a bit better. Speaking of which, you still haven't answered my question. What happened? You don't have to answer, but it would put me at ease."
"I'm from *cough, cough* equestria. I was-"
With that, iron plows eyes widened! "Yer an equestrian!? You mean you used to be one of dem lazy bastards? Huh, didn't think they had the stomach for what happened to you."
" Used?" asked a confused rainbow. "What do you mean by 'used to'? "
"Well, my boys find you in the river, cut to pieces. Since your dis far south, I figured you weren't one. Would I be wrong?"
Rainbow thought. How far south was she? It had been over a day, well at least she thought so, so it could be who knows far away from the white tail woods. She then thought about it even more. Was she still an equestrian? Her friends likely thought she was dead (she knows she would if somepony went through those things), so, was this her chance to start over? To begin again? Figuring it was, she gave her response: "No, you wouldn't. I was done being a pawn."
"Got it. Hope you don't mind the questions. Dem ponies up north don't have the best rep down here. "
Ok, now to get some answers. "Exactly where a I?"
"You know how Appleousa is the furthest south equestrian town?" When Rainbow nodded, she continued. "Well, dis farm is about 75 miles further south."
75 miles!? Had she gone further then that in about 1 and a half days? Well, that may explain some of this mares ideas and accent. Before either could get another word out, the door once more opened. In stepped a smaller sized minotaur. He had on a set of glasses and some blue pants. In addition to his smaller size, he was also much smaller then most of the ones she had seen. And she hasn't seen many.
Plow said, "Ah, doc. Good to see you. I'll see you later" as she left with the soup. The 'Doc' pulled up a chair, and sat down next to her.
"Hi there. I'm Doc Mitchell, the one who saved your sorry a**. So, mind telling me how you got your injuries?"
So, She told him. Not some of the more, personal things, like how her best friends had betrayed her. She just said ponies some to her had done it to her. She also didn't say exactly what she was apart of. While she figured these creatures wouldn't, she didn't completely trust them not to try to ransom her back to them. So she lied and said she was in the royal guard. He didn't seem to buy it, but didn't press further.
Finally, she couldn't stand not knowing how bad it was. As the doc got up to leave, she broke the question. "Hey, doc. How bad was I hurt?"
You didn't know. Oh ok. Well, see for yourself. " He ripped off the blanket, and went to a closet. He came back with a large mirror, and laid it next to the bed. Rainbow looked to her side at it, and gasped.
Her body was almost completely covered in bandages. Her tail was nearly all gone, just a tiny stub of Rainbow hair. The bandages were head, covered everything save her head. On her head, which was all she could make damages out, was a mess. A long jagged crack ran along her forehead, like the crack in the element of loyalty. In addition, the side of her right cheek was skinned down far, to the point where she could see her teeth and gums. Her mane was also cut short like her tail, uneven and choppy. She then noticed that one side of her back was flatter then the other.
"I'm afraid we had to bandage the rest. It will be sometime before we can take it off. Now I must go." He got up, put the chair and mirror back, and headed towards the door. As he reached it, he suddenly turned back. " Say, I never got your name. What is if? "
Rainbow once more considered her hosts questions. Since this was a new start for her, should she get a new name? If so, what? After some time, she turned up with an answer for his question.
"Void streak. Call me void streak." With that, the minotaur nodded, turned, and left the room. leaving her alone with her thoughts. Soon, realizing she needed her sleep, and how tired she still was, lay her head back, and went out like a light.
It has been three weeks since she had been taken in by Iron Plow. She had been well fed and given some medicine to help her heal. She soon got better, feeling much stronger. Eventually, she was allowed to walk around the house. From there, she had meet Plows daughter, iron rake. Cute little filly, with a lot of energy. Finally, a few days later, it was time for the bandages to come off.
"Alright, now, this may hurt. A LOT. "Said doc Mitchell. Sure enough, it hurt quite a bit. Plow gave her a piece of wood to bite down on. After he finished ripping it off, she noticed something was wrong. One side of her felt lighter. Doc then pulled up the mirror, and set in front of her. "Now, ms. Streak, you were heavily injured. Including the scars on your face, you also-" But he was cut off by a loud gasp by Streak.
Her wing!! She had lost her wing!! Where her left one once was, was just a scabbed over stump. Her right one was relatively ok, just a few holes in it that wouldn't affect flight, but she didn't notice. Not did she notice the long, jagged scars that crisscrossed her chest, back, and side. She even didn't notice, at least now, her cutie Mark on her left flank had been completely skinned off her. She just broke down crying. She had lost her special talent; her very reason to exist was gone.
Iron Plow placed a hoof on her shoulder in support. "Hey, hey. I know I don't know what it feels like, losing your flank mark and your talent. But, H***, the more you lay around moping, the harder it will be to restart. Now, sit down, I have a proposition for you." Still crying, Void went over to a crumbling chair, and sat down in it. Doc had to leave, and plow went over to the other one. She sat down in her chair, and looked over at her. " how you holding up. I want to know if be trying to kill yerself. "
She replied, "Don't worry, I shouldn't. Just, a lot to take in, you know? *Sigh*. So, what's your proposition?"
Plow smiled. "Good. You seem like a good pony, and I'm understaffed. So, I could offer you a spot as a farm hand."
" Really? Thank you. "
"Don't thank me. It don't pay well, and it ain't exactly luxury living. So, I could always give you some supplies and a map to the nearest town, and send you on yer-"
Streak silenced her with a wave of a hoof. "When you loose everything, you hold onto what you believe in. And I believe that in loyalty. You took me in when you didn't have, and saved me. So, I'll return the favor. Least I could do."
At this she smiled. "Great! Now, follow me, I'll show you to where you'll be staying." She led the still shaken streak out of the house. When she got out and looked back at it did she realize how bad it was. It was always quite cozy, but would be considered a ruin back in equestria; the upper Windows were boarded, the paint had nearly completely been driven off, and the shingles were non-existent. It looked ready to fall apart. She also got a good look at the farm itself. A massive field of what looked like some kind of fruit trees. They looked like palm trees, but had massive bundles of reddish colored fruit up by the base of the leaves.
Plow lead her toward a smaller building. Once more, it was, at least by equestrian standards, pitiful. It was mostly made of boards and sheet metal. The door had no hinges; just a piece of wood over a crude frame. Inside was also a meager supply of stuff. There were six mats layed out in a semi-circle around a pit. On the other side of it was an old table with some cards on it. A few large boxes stood in the back, as well as a barrel of what looked like water.
There were four creatures in the shack. One was a gruff grey and light brown griffin. Another was a red and dull blue colored earth pony with one of those fruits for a cutie mark. Another was a diamond dog with an angular snout, as well as light brown and black fur. The final one was, some sort of pony-bug hybrid thing, with insect wings, but blue eyes, and hole riddled hoofs. They were sitting around the table, which had cards and stacks of some kind of paper on them. They all stared at her, as plow coughed behind her. "Ok boys, this is the new worker we just hired. Now, no scaring her off, or else there will be the devil to pay, get me? " they all nodded.
After plow left, the griffin came up to her, and held out a talon. "Hey, how's it going? Names Garrett, Shepard and I were the ones who pulled you out of the river. My other acquaintances are date shucker and antenna. You? "
"I-I'm void streak. Thanks for that, by the way. So, what do you guys do? Also, "she said, looking at the weird creature at the table," what are you? "
Antenna answered for Garrett. "We are currently not doing anything as it ain't harvest yet. But when it comes, we go out and pick the fruit with ladders and cutters. Hard, not work, but all we have. Can't grow apples like those Applousian C****, and dates are the only things we can. And, I'm a changling. We can change shape and feed on love. So, naturally I'm constantly hungry. "
"Oh yeah. Your going to want this, streak." Said date shucker, as she tossed something at her. It was a bandana, made of thick burlap and undyed. "We have to were these when picking the fruit, less the dust, and whatever other crap comes out of those damn trees. You'll also get some goggles later case a sandstorm hits."
"Ok, thanks. So, what are you doing. " Void asks.
"Cards" Shepard said.
"Can, I join?"
Date said, "no, you don't got anything to bet. Plus, you haven't played, and it wouldn't be fair. So, just watch." So she did, and found she was right. It did look pretty complex. She had no idea what was going on, like at all. However, as time went on, she began to get it a little bit. At least, she hoped. At some point, Garrett left the game and went to pit in the middle of the room. By the time the game was over, he came back with a piece of bread. He set it on the table, and cut five pieces with a large knife. He handed one to each of them. With food in front of her, she realized just how hungry she was. With that in mind, she took a massive bite.
A second later, she spat it out. It tasted horrible! After wiping her tounge, she noticed the others laughing at her. As they settled down, Garrett said, "you don't eat it all at once. You eat it hits by bite, and try to chew as little as possible. What, you never had sawbread before?"
Before she could answer, the dog answered for her. "Remember, dim-wit? They boss said that she's a northerner. And what is a pony country to the north?"
Garrett mouthed 'OH', then shrugged and said, "you could have said no. Just eat it like I said to eat it." She did, and found he was right. While it tasted horrible, and was still a little hard going down, it was quite filling. After a little time, Garrett said, "alright, let's get some shut eye. Night, fellows."
Void then realized just how late it was. It was already night out. The others layed on the mats, using there work cloths as a shelter from the cold. She didn't have any, and her fur was still pretty thin from the blades, so she shivered. Her first night out of the bandages, and she wished they were back. At least they were warm. Eventually, the cold was overrun by her sleepiness, and she drifted off.
Or, at least, she tried to, as date, who had the mat next to her said, "so, what's it like up in equestria? Is it true they have running water and food whenever they want? That they can afford to have a party every week? That they control basically everthing; the plants, animals, and even the weather?"
Streak, tired, said simply, "yes, twice a week, and yes." As Date didn't press further, Void went to sleep.
The farmhands, now including Void Streak, all were gathered outside of the quarters. They all had been given sun-goggles, a pith helmet -like hat, and long sleeve shirts to protect them from the sun and the sticky Fronds of the date trees. In front of were several crates, a bunch of long knives on a box, and several ladders. Iron Plow also stood in front of them in a similar outfit, but with a stetson instead of a pith. One of said knives was in her mouth, clutched in a corner of it like a cigar.
"Aliright, boys, you know the drill. Date with shepard, antenna with garrett. I'll take the rookie. Get to work. You know your sectors." She said. Like she said, the pair's of them took a box, a ladder, and each a knife and went toward an area of the, orchard? What do you call an date farm?
Void was pulled from this train of thought when plow said, "Hey, rook. Get over here. Take the ladder." So, she did. It was a folding one made of wood, and was surprisingly compact. As they walked toward an area on the far side of the plot, her boss decided to explain what they were doing.
"Alright, you see how the guys have put those bag-looking things over the Date bundles?" After Void nodded, she continued . "Ok, so those things are tied off. That's what the knives are for; we cut off the knots and throw them down. Then we position the crates underneath them, and shake the bundles. The dates fall in, and we move them to cold storage in the cellar. So, one of us puts the crate under the bundle and holds the ladder, while the other cuts and shakes the dates. Get what I'm telling you to do?"
She replied, "Not really. Do I go up or do I hope the ladder?"
Plow laughed at this. "Yeah, I guess I could have told you. Well, we take turns. I hope the ladder for this and, say, 5 other trees, then you hold it for another six. We can only really get twelve trees done a day, well, actually, we could get more, lots more. But we can only get twelve and still have time to process them. Ah, this one looks good."
They had stopped just below a decent sized tree. As plow positioned the ladder, Void remembered the warning she had been given. So, she pulled out and slipped on her bandanna and goggles. When she was ready, she climbed up the ladder, the knife in her left hoof.
When she reached the top, she saw what she was her target. A knot tied behind a massive bag of a waxy white material. Lifting up the knife, she began to saw away at the knot. Finally, it snapped, and she pulled the bag off, lowering it and the knife down to plow. She then went over to the bundle. It was loaded to bursting with small, brown fruits.
She looked down at the box, seeing if it was lined up. "Move the box a little bit to the left," She shouted down. With the adjustment made, she began to shake it. She was really careful, not wanting to step to far and fall off the tree. As such, she only was able to shake off a few dates.
Iron plow soon got frustrated. "Step off the ladder and onto the frons! You'll get more of them that way!"
" But-"
"Don't worry! Those frons are strong! They can hold a full grown bear, for cryin' out loud!" Know with a little more confidence, Void stepped off the ladder and onto the thickest strand of the leaves she could find. Sure enough, the bundle of frons she was on didn't even bend under her weight. She soon began to shake harder, and from a much better position, with the immediate effects being clear. Soon, only a few dates were left, but these were a light yellow color.
When she made this fact known to Plow, the farmer just said, "leave um. Those ones ain't ripe, so we wait. We'll come back at a later date, after we clear all of the trees in the area, we'll sweep back to get um. Now get down, I need to adjust the ladder."
Void slipped down, and stood off to the side. As the ladder was put into a new area, she looked into the crate. The dark brown fruits filled up only a small area of it, but was still a massive amount. She was then made aware that the ladder was back in place. Once more, she climbed up, cut the bags knot, and shook the bundle. She went down again, and the ladder was moved. They repeated this process at least 6 more times. She then realized that they had to do this whole thing at least 11 more times.
It was indeed a long day. They had started at roughly 5:00 in the morning. It was 1:00 before they were done. By this point, it was way too heavy to move the crate back to the house, so they had to use a cart. When they got back, Plow went over the instructions on how to prepare the dates.
"Ok, you and Garrett will work on cleaning and sorting them. You are to rub the dates with these towels, change the towels every, say, 45 dates. Once you run off any excess tough skin, put them down the shout. Garrett'll sort um. Good luck you two! ". With that she walked off toward the house.
And so, the two of them began to work. It was pretty easy, and a lot less tiring then picking the dates. But it was by no means easy. The hard excess skin she had to scrub out was tough, and the fact that some had been pressed to the bottom of the box for most of the day made it no easier. To make matters worse, The griffin decided to strike up a conversation. One about a rather, sensitive topic.
" So, how does it feel? You know, to lose your wing? "
Void sighed, then looked down at the soupy mess of water that she was washing the fruit in. She then, as she continued to work, replied. "Well, it's my special talent, flying. Its, just, hard to believe it's gone. It's like somepony-"she stopped when she was Garrett glaring at her. "SomeBODY, sorry. Anyway, it's like somebody just got rid of, say, a personal belonging. But, it's not like I'll kill myself or anything. I just, need to adjust. "
The conversation, thankfully, shifted to other topics. By nightfall, they had finished off the date pile, and went back to the shack. The others began to play cards on the table, betting with some of the pay they be been given. Void, still not knowing the rules, as well as wanting to save her pay, just went over to her mat and laid down. She closed her eyes and went out like a light.
Tomorrow, a similar fate, one of sweat, dates, and lots and lots of flys, awaited her. And the next day. And the next.
Over the next couple of days, it was the same schedule. Get up at five, pick dates, clean the dates, go to sleep. After about a week thought, they had finished off all the trees. By this point, void had found out what exactly Plow was doing while the others cleaned dates. She was making date cakes; thin, circular patties of judges dates that were cooked on a pan over an open fire. She and the others had gotten to taste a few, and they were pretty good. Not pinkie pie level good, but still not bad.
One day, she loaded up a massive amount of these cakes into some crates. She then laid a white tarp over them, and put them into a cart. She then addressed the assembled workers. "Ok, I'm bringing the date cakes to the buffalo tribe up north. And since you all know how dangerous it is out there, I need some company. Who wants to come?"
None of the others looked too eager to go with her. Void then said, "Ah, screw it. I'll go."
Iron Plow gave her a wide grin. "Perfect! Get the water bottles, we'll need um. Meet me back here in about five minutes."
After Plow went back toward the house, the others grabbed her and pulled her back to the shack. All wore panicked looks, especially Date Shucker. When they entered their quarters, Streak was shoved back, with all the others in front of her. Before she could demand what was going on, Shepard half shouted, "What the f*** were you thinking!?"
"What are you talking about? I'm just going to help the boss do a delivery, what's wrong with that?" She demanded.
Date Snicker said, "Listen, your new, so we can forgive you. But, delivery duty is by no means an easy job. You have to help haul the cart, which is heavy as s***. She also tells stories, which are also boring as s***, and you can't stop her. Not to mention the risk of bandits and that kind o' stuff."
None of this discouraged void. " Seriously? Your all scared of doing a job because of talking? Your all wimps! "
"Fine, your funeral." Said antenna. They all left, and void grabbed her bandana, goggles, and Pith hat. She then grabbed the canteens and went down to the river near the house. She didn't go as far as the spot where she washed up, having, aparently, enough guys to just reach down and fill them up from a higher position on the bank. She also soaked her hat, since she had been told it could hold water. With that done, she went back toward the cart.
Plow was already hitched up, wearing cloak and stetson. When she saw Void approach, she smiled, and gestured to another cloak on a crate next to her. "Put it on, you may need it. You know, case we hit a sandstorm. After that, hitch yourself up. I want to be most of the way their by sundown." She did as she was instructed, putting on the cloak and hitching up the wagon. With that they set off, Void thinking,This shouldn't be too bad. The others are just trying to scare me.
This is worse then the blades, she thought as she and her earth pony boss moved a long. It wasn't the fact they had nearly fallen into the scorpion pit. It wasn't the wind sending lots of sand into their faces. It wasn't even the heat, though that didn't exactly feel good. It was her bosses constant yapping.
Apparently, she was with some bigshot mercenary group of something before she founded the farm. She had lots of stories, and talked about her adventures non-stop. The others were right, it was almost painful! She had listened closely at first, hoping to learn some stuff about the land she now would call home. She didn't. Despite the fact it was about fighting, it was really boring. Before the betrayal, it would have been like letting Twilight go wild with one of her little study things. The thought of her old friends made her scrunch up.
Plow seemed to notice a look on her face, and asked, "you good?"
A little surprised, Void said, "Yes, I mean no, I mean-I don't know."
"Want to talk about it? "
"No"
"Ok then. So, as I was saying-"
"Hey, boss. Can I ask you a favor? A big one?"
" Sure, what?"
"Just. Shut. Up. The stories aren't interesting, and frankly kind of annoying."
" Hahaha. Sure thing. "
"Really? The others made it sound like it would be way worse."
" Heh heh. Yeah, it's fun to watch them squirm. But, since you went through....that, I'll stop. "
"Cool."
With that, they walked along in utter silence for a long time. Eventually, it got dark, and they pulled up near a cave, placing the cart inside and pulling weeds from the ground to make a fire. After they had it going, they began to lay out the mats to sleep.
Plow said, "Ah, this is it. You can't get a view like that in the north. Nothing like the desert sky at night. those princesses do one thing right, the night sky. "
Void looked over at the earth pony. "You mean you respect Luna?"
" Yeah. I mean, she makes the north star, which guides us at night. She brings the only cold time in this godforsaken desert. She gives us the best piece of art we southerners are likely to see. So, why shouldn't respect her. If anything, her becoming the mare in the moon was all her selfish C*** of a sisters fault. Damn shame, though. "
"You know she is's Luna again."
" yer jokin'"
"No joke. Me and my friends were the ones to do it."
" So that's what the elements of harmony are, huh? "
The next day, they had packed up camp and went out again. After a few hours, they arrived at a small clearing near some rocks. Plow said, "Alright, the buffalo chief should meet us here. It may be a while so feel free to look around a bit."
Void did as she had suggested. She climbed up a rock formation, using her one remaining wing to help propel her up. She then looked around, taking In the desert. It was surprisingly beautiful, the various rocks, plants (few as they were) and dunes casting cool looking shadows from her elevated position. Many of the rocks themselves also were in unique shapes, once more casting cool looking silhouette 's on the horizon. In the distance, she was a few house looking shapes; she guessed that was appleousa. And so, she and her boss waited in the little nook of rocks.
And waited. And waited. And waited some more.
"What's taking those walking rugs so long!?" Plow shouted. " Hey streak! You see a massive cloud of dust, let me know. Probably our best clue! " following her instructions, Void watched for a cloud of dust. She eventually saw one: heading toward the town.
"I see one! It's heading toward some buildings on the horizon!"
" What!? Those B******* are going toward Appleousa? Get down here! I want to know what's going on! "
Void slide down the rock formation, and went back over to the cart. As she began to hitch herself up, she asked, "What do you think there doing over there?"
" Ah don't know, but thunderhooves is over 2 hours late. He's never been late before. I want to know what he is up to. Alright, you sitched up? " After getting a nod from Void, she said, "Alrighty, let's move."
About an hour later, the two of them pulled the cart up by the edge of town. It looked like a battle had taken place; smashed barricades, damaged buildings, and pies everywhere. Void even stepped in one and nearly tripped. Plow didn't notice her workers stumble. She was looking around for the buffalo chief, eventually sighting him talking with a group of the appleousans.
"There's the b******. Come on." As they went along, Void noticed the appleousans casting them odd looks. Plow didn't seem to, marching forward at a steady pace. When a very cheery appleousan tried to greet them, she pushed him aside with a simple "piss off". She began to tilt the wagon toward a group of ponies talking with a pair of buffalo, the larger of which Void guessed was thunderhooves. When they were getting close to them, however, Void noticed just who some of these ponies were.
They were her friends! Well, just AJ, Fluttershy and Twilight, but still. They were here. This shouldn't have been a surprise, considering they grew Apple's and AJ was an apple. But, still; what were the odds? She pulled her bandana up a little further, and her hat down to hide her face even more. When they were practically on top of them, Plow shouted," Thunderhooves! Where the F*** were you!? "
The buffalo turned in surprise, a look of shock on his face. He said, "Ah, miss Plow. Good to see you. Sorry I couldn't be there we were-"
Plow shot back, "Go on. I want to here the reason me and my worker were waiting in a baking canyon for Two f****** hours!"
"We had a conflict with the Applousans. They put their trees on our ancient stampeding ground. We were furious. We attacked the town. I couldn't spare anyone!"
" Well, you clearly planned to do it before hand. Why couldn't you just leave the payment for us, or even a note? *sigh* Look, as long as you have our payment, we'll just forget about this. Sound good? "
The buffalo gulped, before repling, "Um, can I cancel?"
"No. We walked 75 miles in the sweltering heat. You can't just cancel. Now, payment."
Twilight then used this time to intervene. "Um, excuse me?" When both looked at her, she continued. "Thank you. Now, exactly what is-"
Plow interrupted, "Piss off. This is a matter between us. Now, TH, your payment, or," she said, pulling a knife from inside her cloak. "We have to work this out another way."
Surprisingly, it was fluttershy that stepped up. She knocked the knife out of Plows hoof, and flew right in front of her, eyes in an uncharacteristic rage. "Now listen here, miss! You can't just come in here and threaten mr. Thunderhooves here. What if someone did this to you? Well?"
Plow said simply, "I'd stab him. If he had buddies I'd stab them too." When the equestrians stepped back in shock, with fluttershy bolting behind a group of other ponies, Plow turned back to the buffalo. "Now, you ordered the date cakes. We transported the date cakes. And I will not be cheated. So, give us what was promised, and we will give you what you wanted. Then we will leave. Simple as that. Now, where is it?"
The buffalo said, "well, you see. We, uh..."
Plow, now positively livid, yelled, "I don't want any F****** excuses! I want to be payed, and get out of this place! Now, where is my damned payment!?"
After her little rant, silence filled the town. Not even a timbleweed dared to make a peep. Then, an unexpected noise filled the air. Chewing. Everyone turned to see Spike, standing outside a saloon, a bag full of jade in his claws. He was pulling them out and shoving them into his mouth by the fistful. When he noticed the quiet and the glairs, he asked," what? "
Plow, in a slow yet shaky voice, said, "Thunderhooves. You said we were to get our payment in Jade, right?" He nodded at this. "And you had this Dragon as your guest for a while, yes?" Another nod. " Ok, I want you to be, 100% truthful with me. Is. He. Eating. My. Payment? "
When he nodded, Plow sighed and turned to Void. "Streak, why don't you unhitch yourself. Thunderhooves and I will have a long chat, so it will be a while. To get yourself a drink. Just try not to do anything, stupid." She then turned to Voids old friends. "This is between me, and him. So piss off. "
Void, after getting some bits from Plow, went over toward the saloon. Before she could enter, pinkie shot out, a massive grin on her face. "Hi, I'm pinkie pie! What's your name?" Not wanting to expose herself, she just pushed past her and into the saloon. She placed the bits on the counter and pointed at a bottle of cider. Then Twilight and the others came up to her.
Well, not all were traitors. One was a pony she didn't recognize. He had on a stetson, Brown jerkin, and had a light yellow coat. She then realized that this was the pony that Plow had told to piss off. Twilight said, "What's wrong with your friend?"
Pinkie interjected, "Yeah. She was miss rudey-rude pants."
Void shrugged, and took a long swig. She didn't want to talk with them at all. Twilight said, "um, is something wrong? Why aren't you talking with us?"
Applejack said, "Yea, Is somethin' wrong?"
Now void began to panic a little. If she spoke, they may recognize her voice. And that could be problematic. Then, she remembered something; one of her scars ran along her throat. So she began to move her hoof up and down in a talking noise, before shake my her head. Pinkie said, "oh, oh. A guessing game! Ok, how many words?"
At this, void facehooved. Hoping to get them to go away, she pulled down the collar of her cloak, revealing the scar. It wasn't as deep as the others, but still looked bad. It apparently was enough to convince them, because the stallion said, "You, can't talk. Jeez."
Void nodded, and fluttershy said, "Oh you poor thing! Does it hurt? Let me see." As she pulled in and touched it, void pulled back, nearly spilling her cider. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I just wanted a good look." Twilight, who had been silent my at the ground in thought, suddenly shot her head up.
"I have an idea!" She said, as her horn began to flare. Void got up and tried to dodge in panic. If twilight cast a spell, then things might go wrong. Instead, a piece of paper and a quill falls on the counter. The others all look at her with some confusion. Twilight says, "What was that for? I just got those for you to write on."
Once again thinking fast, void wrote in the paper,my injury was caused by a powerful unicorn. Now, why are you getting into my buisness?
She gave the paper to twilight, who showed it to the others. Fluttershy began to tear up, while the others had looks of sympathy. They all tried to pull her into a hug, but void pulled out of they're attempt. Fluttershy said, "I can't imagine what that must be like. " After getting the paper back, void wrote down another message. 1. I don't want your sympathy. 2. Just who are you to but into my business?
Fluttershy, upon reading the message, said, "Well, I wouldn't be the element of kindness, would I?" Void noticed that fluttershy got a little tearful at this. So, she wrote down on the paper, You are the elements of Harmony?. She felt a little uneasy. Could this stallion be, her replacement?
Applejack said in reply to seeing the message, "Well, not all of us. Spike and Braeburn here ain't related to the elements. Plus we got Rarity back at Braeburns house. She's the element of generosity by the way. I'm Applejack, element of Honesty. This is Twilight, magic; Pinkie, Laughter; and Fluttershy, kindness. Well, she told ya already, so I guess ya knew dat. Hey heh."
Void internally sighed in relief. So she wasn't replaced. She then narrowed her eyes. To answer her new question, she took back the paper. Aren't There six of you?. The reaction was nearly instantaneous.
Fluttershy instantly began to cry, breaking down in tears. The others looked close to doing the same as well. Twilight and AJ pulled fluttering into a hug, while Pinkies mane turned flat in no time at all. Spike walked up next to the seated mare and whispered, "Sore spot. She recently died. In a really painful way. Fluttershy wouldn't leave her cottage for over a month. *sniff, sniff* it, was hard. O-on all of us."
Then, plow pulled into the bar. She said,"Streak, we're going. Sandstorms coming in, and I want to reach the outcroppings before it gets too far along."
The cowpony, Braeburn, said, "What? Y'all can't be serious! storms out 'der 'ill get ya 'urt."
Plow snorted and retorted, "I think we can manage."
" No, ya won't. " Suddenly, a goofy grin came across his face. "Ah know! Y'al could stay for supper and ride out the storm! I'd be our pleasure."
Plow seemed to consider. She then shrugged and said, "Ok. You probably have a better house then I do, and definitely Streak. So, that and a hot meal don't sound to bad. Sure."
Pinkies mane once more got poofy. She yelled, "Yay! Sleepover party!" This eleisited several reactions from the others in the saloon. Fluttershy stopped crying (as heavily) and nodded weakly. Spike and the others soon got over their sadness too, and began to talk with either Braeburn or, in Twilights case, Plow. But, no one noticed Voids reaction. She widened her eyes, and lightly groaned.
As they went outside, they did in fact see a sandstorm on the horizon. It resembled a cloud, only a light brown color, and with semi-solid shapes forming and disintegrating in a never-ending cycle. They went along toward a small, light green and red house on the edge of town. As they walked, the main five, spike, and braeburn talking among themselves. Taking advantage of their distraction, Void walking up next to plow, pulling up her goggles to show plow her narrowed eyes.
"Plow, the hell! What were you thinking!?" She growled out.
"Streak, what the S*** are you talking about? I know you don't want to walk back to the rocks in the storm."
"Plow, these are-were, my friends. And now, I have to spend the night in close proximity to them."
"Really? F***. I'm sorry! But it's a little late, don't you think?"
" Bu-*sigh*, your right. Look, I made it seem like I can't talk, so just play along. And if they as for my name, tell them it's Date Shucker. Void Streak sounds like a pegasi name.
"Ok."
Braeburn opened the door, leading them into a living room. It was much cleaner and better taken care of then Plows house. The paint looked fresh, the coach clean, and the fireplace not a pit in the ground. Braeburn said, "Alright. I'll get sum dinner on da stove. Y'all get comfortable now." He then walked into the kitchen as the others sat down on the couches and chairs. Twilight flashes her horn and, while casting Void an apologetic smile, summoned a paper and quill.
" So, what exactly do you do, Ms.....I'm sorry, I never got your names." She said, as rarity entered the room. Upon seeing the two new ponies, she didn't ask who they were. She just gasped and lept in the air a few feet.
"Oh my, darlings! Just what are you wearing!?" Both Plow and Void looked down. Yep, nothing had gotten on their cloaks.
Plow said, " Um, Cloaks. I'm wearing a stetson too. And She's wearing a pith hat, a bandana, and sun-goggles. What, do I have mud on it or something? Cause if so, no big deal. " At this Rarity just began to shake her head vigorously.
"No no no no, Darling. I mean, it just doesn't work!"
"Work. It's warm during the night, and cool enough in the day. It works just fine."
" No, I mean it utterly clashes with your coats. You need something -"
Plow sighed, then looked at the fashionista. "Sorry, but down south, it's function over form. Up north you can afford to only wear clothes a few times a year, but we can't down south." She then turned her gaze from Rarity , toward twilight. "And as for our names, I'm Iron Plow. And this is Date Shucker."
Pinkie, seeming to appear out of nowhere in front of them, said, "But earlier you called her Streak!"
Plow, deadpanning, said, "inside joke."
" Oh, I love jokes! What is it? "
"You don't want to know."
" Actually I do! "
"Ok, but I don't want to tell you."
AJ said, "Well, from the clothes and the cart earlier, I'd say ya were farmers, like me. Would ah be right? "
Plow replied, "Yeah. Dates. Streak here is my most recent worker. Came along cause the others were to chicken. Now," she directed the rest of her sentence into the kitchen, "Oi, food done yet, I'm starvin'!"
Braeburn said back, "Almost. Jus' need to add the final touch. 'dere! Come an' get it!" With that, the ponies got up and went into the dining room. When they sat at a long table, Braeburn came in, carrying a large pot of chili on his back. It smelled heavenly to void, whose diet had been, up to now, little else but dates and sawbread. When her bowl was put in front of her, she dug in. Braeburn said, "Man, an knew my cookin' was good, but not dat good!"
Plow said to him, "Not entirely your good work. We can't afford and/or have the stuff to make the fancy s*** You can. Our meals is mostly Dates and this terrible tasting stuff called sawbread. On a good harvest, we can afford to get some pears, but that's it. So this is a great change of pace." As she spoke, she too was gorging herself. Soon, they had both finished their bowels.
Plow and the others continued to talk, while Void listened halfheartidly. The talk was mostly about Plows farm and other things of that nature. She suddenly gained intrest when she heard the conversation drift to things that would concern her. "Alright, an don't 'ave enough rooms for all 'o you. So, two of ya 'ill have to sleep in the livin' room."
Plow said, "Dibs!" When the others looked at her, she elaborated , "What, my beds a tarp with some old cotton in it. I haven't ever slept on a proper bed my whole life. Date can take the couch."
Fluttershy said, "Me too. I need some, *sigh* alone time. If, that's alright, or course."
"Sure" Twilight said, a look of concern in her face. "Look, we all miss dash. We'll get through this." Those words made void angry. If they would miss her so much, why would they try to pull that memory thing to begin with? She then began to calm. She couldn't show anger, else they get suspicious. Plow then took Void aside.
"Hey, streak, you good?" A quick nod later, she continued. "Good. Now, get some rest. We leave before first light. Night." She followed the rest of the main 5, braeburn, and spike down the hall. Void went over to the couch, and spread herself out on it. Not enough to show her tail or flank, but enough to be comfortable. She then slipped into her usual dreamless sleep.
Void awoke to sort moaning and whimpering. Looking around, she realized it was coming from fluttershy. She tossed an turned, turning the blanket draped over her into a tangled mess. As she watched, fluttershy rolled into her back, bicycling her hooves into the air.
"N-n-no! Please! R-rainbow, I'm sorry! Faust, mother of Celestia, I'm so sorry! N-no!" Small lines of wet fur matted her face, revealing she was crying. Even after all that had happened, Void still felt bad. This was her friend, and her 'death's was tearing her apart. She felt terrible.
She knew she must do something. She wouldn't come back; if they were willing to do what they did, then they didn't deserve her. But, she hoped to give them some sort of, reconciliation. Was that the right word? Void shrugged, then began to look for a quill and paper.
She then became aware of loud snoring filling the room. Looking into the dining room, she was Twilight passed out over a notepad, book, and a quill. Why am I not surprised? Oh well. When life throws you a bone, who am I to complain?. Slowly, she lifted twilights hoof off of the quill, and ripped a sheet out of the notebook. She then went over to the couch, removed her Pith hat, setting it down on the couch next to her. She then began to write.
Hey I know you have been feeling bad about my 'death'. Well, to put you at ease, I wrote this letter. I am alive. Scarred and angry, but alive. However, I won't come back. Maybe, this was a sign. For me to start over. Now, a message for each of you.
Fluttershy. You were my best friend. I stood by you through thick and thin. Your betrayal hurt the most. However, you also are hurt the most for my actions. So, take comfort that I hope little I'll to you. I'm sorry.
Twilight. Egghead, you suck. Mare-do-well, what drove me away, was your idea. And you were the one to shoot the spell that put me to the blade. However, you were trying to help me. You didn't want to see your friend be a jerk. Keep being a egghead, egghead.
Pinkie. You are one of the most true ponies out their. If fluttershy hasn't taken it, you could be the element of kindness. Please, to on with your life. Don't be sad. Make all the world smile.
Rarity. You truly are generous. You made a dress for me, to my ridiculous and vague discrption. Thank you. Keep it up. Make the unfortunate feel great through your generosity.
AJ. Why? Honesty, yet deceitful. I don't feel sorry about hitting you.
Unless circumstance force me, I will not be coming even this close to equestria. You will never see me again, unless I want to see you. Bye, my friends
RD
When she finished, she folded the note and placed it on the coffee table. About an hour later, Plow came down the hall, without a word, they slipped out of the door, heading for the cart they had put at the base of the hill. Sure enough, the whole thing was nearly buried in sand, which they scraped off with knives. After about half an hour of work, they had the now empty wagon mostly cleared of sand. They hitched up, and walked out of town. For Void, away from the land she once called home. Forever. She now felt ready to accept her new life.
Unbeknownst to her, her story was only just beginning.
The walk back was no different from the walk there. Same dunes, same rocks, even same wind currents. While the rocks and dunes were just that, and didn't bother her, she hated the Wind currents. They just seemed to taunt her, tempting her with a great flight in the clear desert sky she could never do. She would do anything to be up in the sky; those without wings just couldn't understand what it was like.
Flying was.....freeing. The wind, the subtle currents, the many maneuvers. It was just something you couldn't get with a run, a truly freeing sensation. Oh what she wouldn't give to feel it again. The wind in her mane, her coat parting from her speed, and the rainboom. Oh celestia. She could never do a rainboom again. She suddenly felt very...Small.
Plow noticed her staring off into the sky. She said, "Hey, you know you ain't wedding you googles. You may just blind yourself, and that would be a burden neither I nor you want. So, what's wrong?"
Void snapped back to reality, and she gave a sheepish smile to her boss. "Sorry, just, thinking. About flying. I mean...."
Plow nodded. "I can't get it, but it sure sounds fun."
"It is. And now, I can never do it again. I'm grounded. This was my worst fear back hom-Up north. To not be able to fly."
"You seem to be taking it well."
"Not really. I mean, I do my work, and don't enjoy myself to avoid thinking about it. I go to sleep as soon as work is over, not staying up to play cards, to avoid thinking of it. I just, hope to one day get over it."
"Yeah. You know, your not the only one to lose something like that."
"What do you mean?"
Plow, while still marching along at a steady pace, pulled up the sleeve of her undershirt. Void had never seen her without it. She then found out why this was. About halfway between the elbow and the shoulder, was a crease. The crease had, tabs, connected to leather straps. It was a prosthetic.
"Woah."
"Yeah, Nice, ain't it. Lost it when I was younger. Farm was attacked by a sand wrym. They're rare enough, and usually eat smaller animals, like scorpions and s*** like that. But, they WILL go for sentients if they're hungry enough. Bit my whole forehoof off 'fore my pa was able to drive it off. My mom wasn't so lucky. "
"I'm sorry, Plow. "
They were, by this point, within a mile of the farm. Before Plow could respond, she looked up and gasped. Void followed her gaze, and despite the desert heat, her blood ran cold. Coming from behind a hill in front of the house, was a plume. A plume of pitch black smoke. Both mares looked at each other, unhitched from the cart, and took off running.
When they rounded the crest of the hill, they stood in shock at the sight. The trees were burning; fire leaping from bundle to bundle, consuming the tightly backed trees. The workers shack had been overturned, just a pile of wood planks and sheets of scrap metal. The main house was under siege, with the farm hands and Doc fighting, thrusting knives, and other farming tools through the window.
Outside, piling up various barrels of stuff, or trying to push the others out of the house, were about two dozen creatures. Most were griffins or ponies, but Void also saw a couple of Diamond dogs, and even a minotaur of two. They were not the best armed; most wore leather, mail, and occasionally crude metal plate, and fighting with crude weapons. But they were definitely outmatching the others in the house. As they watched, a pair of pegasi broke through the top floor window.
Plow growled out, "Raiders". She then drew her knife, and jestured for Void to do the same. She said, "come on. We have to help them!" With that she galloped down the hill. Void, not wanting to let her do it alone, soon followed.
When they reached the bottom, Plow ran off toward the house. Void was about to follow her, but one of the raiders blocked her path. It was a unicorn, dressed in sparse leather and mail, an axe held in his magic grip. He wore a sadistic smile, and, like he smelled her fear, rushed her. Not really knowing how to fight, she ducked out of the way, using her remaining wing to assist her. The unicorns axe hit the ground, but he pulled it free and continued his onslaught. He had no real style; just swinging wildly.
During one swing, his axe got caught in a board. He tried several times to free it, before giving up and drawing a knife of his own. The two began to circle each other. All the while, the unicorns sadistic grin stayed on, seeking to intensify when he drew the knife. He then lundged at her. She once more tried to sidestep, but he was expecting that. His knife, when about level with her side, jerked to the side. She had no time to dodge this one, and the blade scraped across the base of her throat. Not high enough to get any arteries, but it still hurt like hell. She dropped the knife from her mouth, bringing her forehoof to her neck to stem the bleeding.
The raider came up to her. His face was contorted in sadistic glee, a look of bloody murder in his eyes. He whispered into her ear, "I 'm gonna enjoy stickin' ya, and watching you bleed like a stuck pug." He raised the knife, and Void saw an opening. He was just holding her neck, with her forehooves free. And her knife was only a few inches away. Grabbing it, she thrust it up into a gap in the unicorns armor.
The knife sunk up to the hilt in his shoulder, to the point where she could see the very tip of the blade sticking out of his back. He made a sick gagging noise, a small stream of blood dripping out of his mouth. He then fell limp, his body falling next to her. She suddenly felt sick. Even if he attacked her, and had made it clear he would enjoy killing her, she had still killed. She had no time to think of it, as a heavy object smacked her in the back of the head. She then slipped into the void once more.
When she woke, she thought she had died and gone to tartarus. Fire was everywhere; the trees, the remains of the shack, the store house, the main house, all of it was burning. She was still slumped over the corpse of the raider, his leather armor acting as a bandage to keep her from bleeding out. She got up, and began to stumble around, looking for anything that could help her. She found nothing in the remains of the shack, store house, and couldn't enter the main one on account of the fire. She realized, as much as it sickened her, she may have to search the raider.
As she trudged back over to him, a smell like rotten meat took over her nose. It seemed to eminate from the corpse, as it got worse the closer she got to it. It was nearly unbearable when she got next to it. She slowly began to look for anything of worth in him. She found a satchel, and pryed it off. She then scampered away from it as fast as she could. When she was far enough away as to stop smelling the body, she opened it and began to rumage threw it. She's found a canteen in a pouch on the outside of it; when she popped the top, she found it was nearly full. Inside was a few pieces of bread, a dried apple, a sharpening rock, and a map.
She unfolded the map, checking if there was a place she could go. She saw the raiders camp marked in red, a few 'hits' in black, and.....perfect! A town, Attaistown, marked in blue. It was about, 50 miles, to the south. Oh F*** me. She then double checked for any other supplies. Her new search did reveal something new, but not something she wanted to see. It was Garrett; or at least what was left of him. His throat was so mangled he was practically decapitated, and his body was covered in smaller scratches. She was content to leave the raider corpse where it lay, but not him. Not only was he a friend, but also one of the ones who saved her. But she didn't have a shovel, nor was there a pit nearby. So, she resolved to throw him in the fire.
She dragged him along, careful not to cause anymore damage to him. When she got near the burning remains of the Shack, she propped him up on her shoulder as best she could. Only able to hold it for a few seconds, she then hucked him on the fire. She stayed there for around five minutes, watching the kind griffin that had saved her burn to ash. Once he was nearly gone, she walked away toward this 'Attaistown', tears streaming down her eyes. Her new home, was gone.
Void was burning up. That shouldn't be a surprise; she was in a desert after all, and she was hot back on the farm. But back then, she had access to a decent amount of food and, more importantly, water. Now, she had a canteen, some bread, and a few apple chips. She would have to conserve. Not for long of course, as Attaistown was closer then Appleousa, and that took only about a day and a half to reach.
For now though, she would have to conserve. She may also want to travel at night. She had been told not to by Plow. She said that was when all of the predators were out. It would also take longer to reach her destination. But she decided it was worth the risk; she could conserve water and food this way. So, when she found a cave a few miles from the burning farm, she took off her Pith hat, placed it on the ground, and laid her head on it. However, she could simply not fall asleep. so, she just laid there for hours.
Her thoughts drifted from subject to subject, fast as she could fly-Oh. Right. She couldn't. In fact, what was left for her? Her old home was closed to her, and her new one was torched. The creatures that had helped her were dead, or Faust knows where. She had to her name, a dirty, bloodstained knife and a looted satchel of stuff that would be useless in a few days. Why continue on? Why not just, end her pain?
No. She couldn't think like that. She had to press on. She couldn't just give up and die. She i-WAS rainbow dash! If her friends hadn't screwed her, she could have been a wonderbolt! She was the most awesome pony that had ever been born! Well, maybe that wasn't true, but that kind of exaggeration helped her. She wouldn't let this, this, Desert, kill her.
With new found resolve, she righted herself, gazing hard into the shimmering air. "You hear me!? You ain't gonna kill me! My name is Void Danger Streak, and I ain't gonna just lay down and die! I will beat you! And I will laugh in your face as I wipe my flank on you!!"
The deserts response? A sandstorm heading right for her cave. "Oh come on!"
Fortunately, there was a nook in the back of the cave. Tucking herself into it, she did manage to get some sleep. When she woke, she saw a massive pile of sand in front of the cave, and a fine layer of it covering the floor. Shaking out her bag and cloak, she climbed over the pile and into the dark desert air. The air was cold, approaching that of late fall. A cold wind shot an equally cold wall of sand into her face. Simply pulling down her goggles over her eyes solved the problem though. Wrapping the cloak, she began to look around.
The same rocks. The same dunes. The same cacti. Even the same wind-blown walls of sand. All of it was the same, but just smothered in a shroud of darkness. She pulled out her map, using the light of Luna's moon to see the markings on the piece of paper. She knew she had to go south about another 45 miles, before turning east and going another 12 miles. She then realized a very important problem; she had no compass. And without one, she had no way on knowing where she was going. She felt helpless at this point, when hope, quite literally, hit her in the face.
A bright light shined down on her face, causing her to lower the map so she could cover eyes with her hoof. Even through her goggles, the light was blinding! It faded after a few seconds, and when she looked up to see what blinded her, she was a bright star. She remembered from a survival course she took, that that was the North Star. And since that was north..... "Then that, " she said, turning around and pointing directly away from the star, "Must be south."
She began to walk along, moving at a steady pace. She hoped to get quite far before morning. She knew that the sun got hottest around noon, so she wanted to be out of the sun at that point, and only traveling during night and the cooler points in the day. She keep up her steady pace, however her hooves soon began to ache. The only reason that it hadn't taken so long to get to Appleousa was because it was relatively flat, and she had another long to help bear the load. Here, dunes and large rocks obscured her view, making a simple and smooth progress impossible. She was soon much more tired then she had been while moving along to Appleousa, despite having a smaller cargo to haul. She knew she could be there in a few hours if she could fly, but now, all she could do was slog along.
Eventually, the sun came up, shining a bright light that tried once again to blind her. She was prepared however, and just proceeded on, her goggles blocking out the sun. The air once again became soupy, ripples of air distorting her sight, even behind her goggles. After a certain point, the heat became unbearable, forcing her to seek shelter from it. Her salvation from the heat came in the form of a indent in the sandy earth; A cave.
She slipped inside, careful not to knock any rocks loose, in case something called this cave home. She set down her satchel and, drawing her knife, moved toward the back of the cave. Even after she lifted up her tinted goggles, she could barely see. Silently Praying she wouldn't accidentally run into one of the creatures she had been told inhabited this desert, she moved on. Eventually, she reached the back end of the cave, finding that it opened up into a massive cavern.
The good news was the cave was empty of stuff that could kill her. The bad news? Inside the cavern, sitting atop a massive pile of gems and gold, sat a dragon. It was very similar to the one she and the others had to move from that mountain a while back. However, instead of red and gold scales, this ones were a deep purple and light indigo. She (Void guessed it was a she) appeared to be lightly sleeping, maybe if Void could back up slowly....
Suddenly it sat up, stretched, and looked DIRECTLY at her. It yawned, and said in a scratchy yet distinctly female voice, "Hello, there, pony. Might I ask what you are doing in my cave?"
Void gulped, then replied, "I-I'm NOT a thief, if that's what your wondering! It-its just...Really hot outside, and the cave-"
The dragon once more yawned, then said sleepily, "That is all I need. If you don't steal anything, then you may stay in the cave, little pony. It is hot in this desert, and I do allow travelers to use the cave. That is why it is so easy to spot. You may stay until nightfall."
"Thank you, Ms....."
"Blister."
With that, Void went back up to her supplies. She was quite thirsty, and so allowed herself a small sip to quench it. Soon, the minutes turned to hours, and the moon appeared once more on the horizon. So, she hoisted herself out of the cave, relocated the North Star, and proceeded on her way.
Things were not looking too good for Void. Most of her food was gone, and she had little water left. Like she suspected, it did take longer for her to travel by night and the cooler parts of the day did eat up more supplies. She supplemented her bread and apples with a few cacti she had judged to be safe to eat. Since she hadn't gotten sick, she guessed she was right. Other then that, she had been unable to find anymore food and, much more importantly, water. She had once thought she saw an oasis, but it was just a mirage.
One piece of good news surfaced during her trek. After about 2 days of walking, she had found a landmark on the map. The devils spire. It was just a massive, spiral shaped piece of weathered rock sticking out of the desert sand. But it was important, as it marked the point where she was to turn east. Waiting for the sun to come up, when it did, she began to walk toward it. Being careful not to look up too high, she once more went on her way.
The problem from here was much more serious. She was often unable to find shade from the merciless sun, and so was forced to just press on. Her water was disappearing much faster as well. Not just from her consumption, but from evaporation when the cork was off. Even if it was only for a few seconds, she could still feel precious water leak out of the leather and metal canister. As such, she tried to use as little as possible, both to last as long as possible, and to make sure she could haves something to potentially use to fill up if she found more.
As she walked, her thoughts drifted. Namely as to why this Hellhole existed in the first place. If Celestia was so benevolent, why did her sun cause this place to be so uninhabitable? What was the point of this place, if not to serve as a Useless piece of land, to keep her ponies contained? Actually, the more dash thought, the more her theory seemed to make sense. The frozen north and the southern desert, both of which could only really be caused by the sun (Either too much or too little), kept the Equestrians isolated from the hardships of those places.
Her mind was ripped from these thoughts, when the sand began to shift under her hooves. Suddenly, several holes opened around her, Diamond Dogs popping out of each. These ones were vastly different from Shepard. These ones were wiry, wore armor and had spears. The leader was a small mutt, wearing a leather jerkin and had a club grasped in his paw. In all, there were only three. The one with the club and jerkin, and the two with spears and crude plate.
"Heh heh heh. What do we have here? A pony, all on her lonesome. Easy pickin's. Now, kindly hand over any and all valuables. and we may, I don't know, let you live." the leader growled out. The other two dogs laughed stupidly, like this was the funniest joke in the world.
Void replied, "I don't have anything of value. The most expensive thing I have is this knife."
The leader growled at this. "Well, if we can't get anything from you, we'll just sell you to somebody willing to pay. I hear Verko in Klugetown pays quite a lot for ponies. Get her, boys!"
The two armored dogs pressed forward, but Void backpedaled, keeping just out of spear range. All the while, she tried to look for a way to escape. She could always just run; being a quadroped, she could likely outrun them. But she shoved that thought aside. She already was hungry, tired, and had little water. If she tried to run, she likely couldn't outrun them. Even if she could escape, it would cost her valuable resources.
The leader had grown impatient. He barked, "Stop standing around like stunted pups! Just beat her down!"
with this encouragement, the two of them rushed her. At seemingly the same time, the thrust their spears down. She shot back, then swung her knife. She He had hoped to cut off the tips of the spears, but they were too thick. She managed to break one, but the other was renched free. The dog with the intact spear rushed her again, while the other just looked dumbly at his broken weapon.
The dog attacking her just lunged it at her, trying to poke her. She knew that while she was faster, it has reach; she had to get inside that reach. During one thrust, she ducked under it and bounced at him. He simply brought his free arm up and smacked her back. When she tried to recover, he kicked her, sending her sprawling on her side. He came in close, raising his spear over his head. The leader then intervened.
"No you fool, we want her alive. Bring her into the tunnel! And you get over here," he barked. The leader stood impatiently, tapping his foot on the ground. The dog over streak lowered his spear and reached down to scoop her up. Void, thinking a million miles a second, grabbed her knife off the ground with her mouth. Not seeming to notice, the dog swung her around, hoisting her into his shoulder as he began to walk toward the hole he came from. Seeing an opportunity, she spat the knife handle into her forehoof, and brought it down on an opening on his back. The knife slide past his fur with ease, burying itself up to the hilt in the dogs back. The dog howled in pain, a stream of blood shooting out onto the sand. The dog fell to his knees as Void drew the knife back out and thrust in again. Another wound, another squirt of blood, any howl of pain. Two more thrusts left the dog on the ground. He convulsed, breathing raggedly, before stopping and laying perfectly still.
The leader and the other dog stood in shock, stunned that the 'weak, little pony' had just killed one of their number. The leader choked out, "Is-Is he dead!?" When they all saw his movement stop, he barked at the other armored dog, " Kill that mongrel! "
Throwing aside the his broken spear, the other dog lowered his head and rushed her like a bull. She tried to pull her knife from the dead ones back, but it must have gotten stuck in a bone or something; no matter how hard she pulled, the knife stayed stuck in the dogs back. She looked up, trying to brave herself from the charge, just in time for the dog to plow into her. She was thrown from the corpse, and was sent sprawling in the sand. her hat rolled off the side as she got a great view of the clear blue sky. She had no time to recompose herself, when the dog was upon her, trying to use the horns of his helmet as a sharp weapon. She used her forehooves to grab the horns, doing all in her power to avoid being gored by them. This left her vulnerable to the dogs arms, which shot out around her struggling forelegs, grippingping her windpipe, where in he began to squeeze.
She felt air being blocked as her lungs tried to dispose of the spent oxygen in her lungs. Fresh oxygen unable to enter her system, she began to choke. Gagging and strangled protests escaped her mouth as her mouth opened as wide as it could, desperately trying to get even the smallest scrap of precious air. While she tried to stand her ground, her eyes drifted around her. Then, she felt something brush up against her head. A rock! While not a weapon, it was better the then nothing! Using her already open mouth to trip it, she swung her head up, the hard and weathered rock smacking the dog in the head. His helmet fell from it as he slumped over onto his side, blood leaking from a small sound caused by the rock on his head. Her windpipe now free, she sucked up air, taking In and out long, ragged breaths.
A loud snarl drew her attention back to the current situation. She looked up at the leader, who had redraw his club. While it was basically just a thick piece of wood with a few nails sticking out of it, Void knew he could kill her with it. So she looked around desperately for a weapon. The only one she could find that she could get out was the spear of the first armored dog. Despite the fact the dog was bigger then her, the spear was pretty small, meaning she could use it with little issue. She lifted it off the ground with one of her forehooves, and shot a glare his way. "You know, this is your last warning. You can always run away."
" No! Die! " he yelled back. He then charged her, his club raised over his head. At the last minute, Void sidestepped. As the dog ran past her, she got up on her hind legs, gripping the spear with both hooves. The dog whirled around, just in time for Void to thrust the spear into his chest. He dropped the club, both paws moving to try and remove the spear. He failed, collapsing backward, which ironically forced the spear tip out of his chest. He hit the ground, and didn't move a muscle.
Void looked around her, taking In her handiwork. She walked over to the dog with the knife in its back, throwing the spear onto the ground. It was still stuck in there good, but after a few good yanks. She slid the knife back into its scabard, and began to search the dogs. The first dog she killed had on him....nothing. She walked over to the other one, but when she got close she noticed that this one was alive.
She redrew her knife, but the dog raised a hand. "N-no, p-p-please. P-p-*Cough, cough*-lease." Void stood there, contemplating what to do. The rational, and cold, part of his mind said to kill him; he attacked her first. Plus, he may call more friends, or just attack her from behind. The other part of her head said that he could have been forced to, or was desperate. Plus, if she just killed him in cold blood, how was she any better then them. Eventually, the latter part of her mind won out.
"Don't make me regret this." She then turn away from him, who began muttering "Thank you, thank you, thank you." over and over, and walked over to the leader. He had on a leather jerkin, and a belt with pouches, so he had to have something. After patting him down and sifting through his pouches, she didn't find much. A few sticks of dried meat (which she promptly threw in the sand), a rag, some gems that she could sell, a empty sack, and a elastic collar. When she backed up, she looked down at him one last time. She noticed that, despite the difference in body shape, she could probably fit the jerkin. She unclipped the cloak, laid it on the sand, and lifted up the corpse to pull it off. It took a little bit of trial and error, but she did manage to get it onto her. It fit a little snuggly, and did smell of meat, but was relatively ok. Plus it would give some added protection and storage space. She slid her cloak back on, picked up the spear and swung it over her shoulder, and marched off.
Void rounded the crest of the dune, hoping that she would finally catch sight of Attaistown. It had been a day since the Diamond dogs attempted to attack her. She hadn't been too torn up about it, seeing as how they attacked her. Her only problem was that when the dog she had let live tackled her, the last of her bread had been smashed. And since the leader only had meat on him, she had almost no food left. She was also officially out of water, meaning unless she found a spring or oasis of something, she was a goner. She was already quite thirsty, and contemplating ways she could collect her sweat to drink, when her prayers were answered.
Over the dune she was on, was it; Attaistown. It was a collective of rundown wooden and stone houses, a few larger buildings that looked in better shape (likely businesses), and a large wood building that seemed to be the town hall. The whole thing was surrounded by a wall of thick wood, and had armed guards patrolling it. But most importantly, Void caught a glimpse of trees and water behind the town hall; an oasis! Void rubbed her eyes, checking to see if she was hallucinating or if it was a mirage. When she confirmed she wasn't, she nearly jumped for joy, before running down the dune.
As she ran down, the guards seemed to take note of her presence. When she was nearing the gate, it opened up and one of the guards came out. It was a griffin, wearing a leather breastplate and cloth headscarf, a short spear in his talons. He held up his other talon, signalling her to stop. He then lowered the bandanna part of the headscarf, showing her his chipped beak. He said in a vaguely griffinstonian accent, "Halt. State your name and business in Attaistown."
Seeing no reason to lie, she told him the truth. "Names Void Streak, and I'm just looking for work. That and something to drink." The guard seemed to relax, bringing his spear to a neutral position. He even cracked a smile.
"Sorry. Just doin' my job. Don't want a raider gettin' in to open up the gate in the middle of the night. Well, their are two places you can get a drink. The oasis, and the 'Stalwart Pike', the local inn. The oasis is free, but you'll only get water. The Pike though, there you'll get some more stuff. A nice stiff brew, some good music. Also a good place to look for a job. Lots of patrons are willin' to pay ya to move rocks or other s*** like that. Point is, you know my opinion." By this point the two of them had gotten inside the town, and had the gate close behind them. The griffin looked back at a ladder leading up to the wall, then looked back at Void. "Alright, then. You have a good one. And stay out of trouble. I'd hate to have to put you in a cell."
When he left, Void looked out at the town. She stood in a semi-circle square like area. Market stalls lined the edge, the goods being sold ranging from food and canteens to weapons and armor. She even saw one selling fireworks. Creatures walked to and fro across the square, once more quite varied. Ponies and griffins, cows and mules, even a small dragon. There were three paths out of the square; one leading straight, one slanted off to the right, and the final the left. Seeing how the town hall was at the very end of the central path, she walked up that way. While a tavern sounded nice, she decided to focus on important things first. Water, in the long run if she had to leave, would be more valuable than a cider. Plus it was free, and who was she to say no to that?
Along the way there, she took in more of the town. Most of the houses were made wood and crude mud bricks. They reminded Void of the workers shack back at the farm, only larger and better made. Most were made of mud brick, with a few being made from wood. They weren't like the houses of ponyville; these were crude, and more clearly made for warm weather. One of two of them had a overhang, revealing them to be small businesses. Void spotted a tanner, blacksmith, weaver, and a few others she couldn't identify. Eventually, she reached the town hall.
It was much larger (obviously) then all of the other houses. However, it still didn't strike the former equestrian as a town hall. The one back in ponyville was much bigger, and made of stone. This one was made of wood, mud brick, and a few pieces of Sheet metal. It did have glass windows, a luxury none of the other houses seemed to have. On the side of the building, was a small pathway with a sign above it that said, Oasis entrance. Free water. Taking that was where to go, she went down that way.
When she got there, she was confronted by a guard, this one a grayish earth pony in a similar uniform to the griffin at the gate. He held up a hoof, signalling for her to stop. He said, "Hold it. No weapons allowed in the oasis. Put them in the box," gesturing to a large box on a table next to him. Inside was a saber, a bow and arrows, a pair of small axes, and a bunch of knives. Not seeing a reason to fight him about it, she unhitched her knife and put it in, followed by her spear. Once he seemed her clear, she walked past him, into the oasis.
After she made her way past the passage, she ended up in a large open room. It was indeed like the showings of Oasis's in story books. Palm trees, a small clear lake, tall grass, the whole nine yards. Several guards stood at various points throughout the oasis, watching a group of creatures filling up various containers. If she had to guess, she would guess that the group was who the weapons belonged to. She went down toward the lake, eager to get her fill.
The guards didn't stop her, but simply seemed to keep and eye on her. She knelt down by the waters edge, and just how thirsty she was hit her. Her throat felt like someone had shoved a bag of sand down it. She first filled up her canteen a little bit, then downed all of it in one go. While it had no taste, as water generally does, it felt better then any sugary treat that pinkie could cook up. She then filled up her canteen all the way until it was nearly overflowing.
After re-corking it and getting up to leave, she thought of what she would do next. She had a nice sum of Money from looting the diamond dog, so she could probably afford to find some place to get a proper sleep. However, if she wanted to stay for any length of time, she would need to find some work. Remembering just what the guard at the gate, she decided to look for this 'Stalwart Pike' she had been told about.
She looked over at one of the guards; A bipedal lizard-like creature. It reminded her of a dragon, but had no wings and a large bony crest. She asked, "Hey. Do you know where I can find the 'Stalwart Pike'?"
He grunted and said, "Sure. Go back to the entrence, then take the left path. You'll find it at the end of the path." As she thanked him and turned to leave, he added, "Oh, one more thing. Tell the innkeeper that one Full Tankard has left town. He'll want to know that. Have a nice day. Or at least as nice as it can get in this roasting Hellhole." He whispered that last part, but it was still loud enough for her to hear. Armed with this information, she left the Oasis. On her way out, she grabbed her weapons, and headed down back toward the square. Unbeknownst to her, however, was a Certain pony, a hornless unicorn, was also watching her. And she had friends.
Following the guards instructions, she went back to the entrance and went down the left path. This one was pretty similar to the other one; wood and mud brick houses, broken up by the occasional store. However, this one ended in a sheer cliff face. While at first confused, she then saw a sign at the end of the lane, right next to the cliff. When she got closer, she caught sight of iron bars holding onto a green wooden sign. Getting even closer, she saw the the words and symbol on the sign. It was a long black pike, with the words The Stalwart Pike written below, also in black. It was slightly larger then the other buildings in town, being three story instead of one or two. When reaching the red door, she just shoved it open and trotted inside.
Almost instantly, a bottle hit right next to her head. Looking for who tossed it, she soon gave up on this endeavor. There was simply too many creatures in the first floor for her to pick out who it was. Next to her was a tall counter, another, slightly different looking lizard creature behind it. He wore a loose white shirt, and had an eye patch. He said, "Sorry, miss. Rowdy bunch, this lot. Can I, help you?"
" Yeah, actually. I'd like a room, and maybe a cup of cider. "
He shook his head. "Sorry. I can get you a room easy enough, but I got no cider. Just grog, date wine, and some cheap ale. Come back in a few days, and I'll have a fresh hatch of my famous brew. Anyway, 15 stormbucks a night for a standard room, 45 for a luxury. What'll it be?"
Void considered her options. She didn't know exactly how many stormbucks one of the gems she had was worth, but it had to be at least a decent amount. She decided to find out. "Exactly what could I get for this," she said, laying a small ruby on the counter. When he was it, his eyes grew to the size of plates.
"Where da f*** did you get that!?" He half-shouted. A few of the patrons turned to look at them, but most seemed to pay them no mind.
She said simply, "I killed some diamond dogs that tried to ponynap me. I found this and a few others on ones corpse. Now, you didn't answer my question. Can I get a room and maybe an ale for this?"
He nodded vigorously. "You could get a luxury room for a week and still have enough for one of our good brews."
"Well, then get me change. I only plan on staying a day or two. And I'll also take.....ummmm.....an ale." He once more nodded, before swiping the red gem. He slid it under the counter, before pulling out a pile of the paper currency. He also handed her a key, and after ducking into a back room, a tankard of frothy liquor. Reminded of what the guard earlier said, she told him, "Hey, one of the guards up at the oasis said somebody named Full Tankard has left town. He said you would know what that mea-". She was interrupted by the owner slamming his fist into the counter.
"That son of a w****! Her thinks he can get away with this! Thanks. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make a reminder. One more thing. No drinking in rooms. You have to do it in the main room. With that, he walked back into the room behind the counter. Shrugging, she slung her spear into the strap around her shoulder, and walked into the main room.
It was a large, oval shaped room, with a smaller oval serving as a bar, with a smaller stage on One the walls. One board the circle, a group of ponies stood around, various instruments churning out a steady and lively song. Around the room, stood various tables and stools, arranged in no particular pattern, seemingly placed at random. Booths lined the room, ending at the stage. The whole room was loaded to the brim with creatures, with almost as much, if not more, variety of creatures than in the square. Not seeing any reason to interact with any of them, she just sat down at an open seat at the bar, hoping to enjoy her drink in peace.
Naturally, this was not to be the case. After a little while, she heard someone come up to her, sitting next to her. He said, "Well, what's a good looking pony like yerself doin' in a dangerous town like this. You could use some protection. What do ya say?" Void looked over at the stool next to her to see who was speaking with her. It was a minotaur, wearing a metal helmet, a thick leather belt, and trousers. An pair of axes hung at his side, and he wore a goofy grin. Judging from the grin and the beet red cheeks, she guesses he was drunk.
"Get lost." She hissed at him. But instead of leaving, he grabbed her forehoof, turning him to look at him.
"Hey, I'm talking to You!" He then raised a fist. While she felt bad because he was wasted, he was still attacking her. She fumbled for her knife, eventually pulling it free and pressing it up to his gut.
"Try me."
By that point, lots of other patrons had turned to watch them. Some looked nervous, but most looked eager, hungry to see a fight. The two of them just stood there, stalemated, waiting to see who would make the first move. There minotaur did, as he shoved her off the stool, sending the knife tumbling across the ground and the spear out of its position.
"I'll *burp* show you, ya dr-dumb b****!" He bellowed, before staggering toward her. Her weapons out of reach, void turned to the next best thing: one of the many bottles that littered the ground. Gripping one in her hoof, she swung it up, striking him in the back of the leg. He roared in pain, and drew and axe. "Oh, you dead!" He was swung it downward, but Void scrambled back, causing the axe to hit the floor. Void then leaned forward with the broken bottle, shoving the sharp end into his gut.
He made a wet grunting noise, before falling forward. He hit the ground with a thud, smashing the bottle still stuck in him. She did feel bad about this one; he was drunk. But still, he attacked her. It was his own fault. So, she then sat back up on the bar after grabbing her weapons, and sighed when she saw that the minotaur had spilled her ale. She then looked at the stunned patrons, and yelled, "What!? He attacked me!"
They all went back to their business, as it this was a normal occurrence. For all she knew, it was one. There were a few faded red blotches on the wood floor, which while she couldn't tell exactly, did resemble blood. When she looked up from the floor, she saw that the bartender was holding a freshly filled mug. He told her, "uh, compliments of the hippogriff in the back."
Taking a look at where he was looking reveal a pair of creatures sitting in a corner booth. One was what she guesses a hippogriff was; sort of pony-like, but with certain bird elements like a beak, feathers on his lower legs, and opposable hands on his forelegs. His coat was a light shade of lime, with his mane a slightly darker shade and tied back in a long tail. He wore some articulated plate over a plaid shirt, and had a curved sword strapped to his side.
He wasn't the only one in the booth. Sitting across from him was a unciorn. Or well, at least void guessed it was a unicorn. Where her horn would be, was instead a gnarled stump, resembling a cracked tooth, while a faded scar ran over her left eye. Her coat was a dart orchid, with, once again, a lighter shade for her mane. She also wore a suit of black plate, but this one covered much more of her body, and appeared to have a black undersuit to it. She had no visible weapon, but her fiery green eyes seemed to say, You mess with me, your death Will be slow and painful.
The hippogriff lifted up his bottle like he was giving a toast, then gestured for her to come over. She didn't trust them. They seemed too similar to the ones that attacked the farm for her liking. However, she didn't want to half to fight them, which she may have to if she didn't. Plus, they had bought her a drink; she figured they at least deserved her attention. She downed her new mug, wiped her mouth, then walked over to see what they wanted.
She walked up to the booth, looking over the two in said booth. The two of them looked hardened, as shown by the rents and scratches on their armor, among other things. She stopped just in front of the booth, meeting the eyes of both. She then said, "Can I help you?"
The hippogriff cleared his throat before saying, "Names Mercury-wash, and this is Tempest. We're mercenaries. And we have a problem."
Voids eyes narrowed. She of course knew what mercenaries were; they were ponies (or hippogriffs in this case) who fought for anyone as long as they played them. During one of the Daring Do books, Daring Do and the Helm of New Roam she believed, Dr. Caballeron hired some mercenaries to Take the previously stated helm from her. They nearly succeded, but Daring paid them off. While she, and many other fans, thought they were cool, they were definitely not portrayed as the nicest ponies.
Holding her spear a little harder, she asked, "What kind of problem?"
The pony, Tempest, said, "You just killed one of our team." Pointing behind void at the dead minotaur, who was being dragged out back by the bartender.
Void said, "He attacked me."
Tempest held up her hooves in a I surrender way. "Not blaming you; hated him anyway. But, now....."
"We're short for a job, and you owe us," Mercury finished for her. He then stood up, grabbing his sword. "Join our merry band of mercs, or...we turn you over to the authorities." Across from him, tempest shot her a cold smile, showing her no sympathy.
Void considered her options. She didn't want this kind of work, just fighting people for some SB's. But, in this case, exactly what choice did she have? The two of them had seen her kill the minotaur, as well as the whole bar. If she refused, they had all the evidence they needed to put her in a cell. Or worse. And she doubted she could fight them. They were definitely experienced, and there were two of them. Even if she was a match for them, they wouldn't be fair or cowardly enough to let her right them one at a time. Plus, while the gems would last her a while, they would run dry. It would be nice to get some spare money to have on hand.
"What do I have to do?" She asked. At this, Tempest stood up, revealing that she didn't in fact have a weapon.
She replied, "Well, first you have to follow us." She and Mercury then led her toward the stairwell leading to one of the below ground rooms. Following them down a flight of stairs led them to a hall of rooms lining the hall; five on each side, the in total. They led void to the third on the left, swung it open, and Mercury stepped in. As tempest seemed to wait for her to go in, she entered with, sure enough, Tempest following her.
Inside, was a large room. A decent sized Bed stood against the wall, a nightstand next to it with a lamp upon it. A dresser stood along another wall, and another pair door in the room seemed to reveal that this had a closet and bathroom. She guessed this was one of the luxury rooms that she had been told about, and it showed. While a little spartcolt, it was sure nicer compared to the stone floor of a cave, a leaf mat, or the desert sand, that she was used to sleeping on. However, she only registered these details after she took in the other beings in the room.
There were at seven of them, each with a unique, flair to them, for lack of a better word. One was a zebra with a circular shield and a dagger. Another was a griffin with a very large mallet, and covered head to toe in chainmail. A third was her another form of bipedal lizard, this one much shorter with a short sword. A pair of them appeared to be twins; a pair of small buffalo, sharp iron spikes mounted to their horns. Next was a pegasi dressed in a modified suit of royal guard armor. All of them sat around the room, sharpening weapons, readying themselves for something.
A final figure stood just inside the room, sharpening a small pair of curved long knives. He was a red and black coated unicorn, with a military buzzcut of dark green, almost black, mane. He wore a suit of red leather armor, with a metal helmet covering most of his face. His armor didn't cover his cutie mark though; a stack of three coins with a bloody axe leaning on it.
As they entered, Mercury said, "Hey boss. This is..what's your name?"
Void replied, "Void streak."
'Boss' said, "I don't exactly care what her name is. What's she doing her? And where is Mathis?"
Tempest said, "She killed him. He got drunk, and tried to hit on her. Forcibly. She managed to shank him with a bottle. So, she agreed to fill in for him on this job. Or, like good ole' merc her said, we can always work out another way, to settle your debt. " As she spoke, Mercury gave her a devilish grin, while all the others in the room were sizing her up. Well, no going back now, she thought.
"That won't be necessary," She said. "I'm in need of some work anyway. So, exactly what are we doing?"
The leader said, "Eager, are we? Well, we were just ready to move out, but since your new, I guess that introductions are in order. I'm Cold bit. The twins are Stormcracker and Windcracker. The zebras zabrasha. The lizard is Te'helcath'uluse, yes I know it's a mouthful, but we don't have a nickname for him, so just call him te. The griffin is called Gerald, and finally we got Sliver spear. Now, let's move out." They all stood up to leave, and void realized something.
"Wait, now? I just rented a room!" She asked. Cold bit, standing in the doorway, just stopped and looked back at her.
"I don't give a hoot in hell! We are going, and that's that! Now, let's go!" With that, he left, the others following him. She hated him already, and he was in charge. This wouldn't last; there was no way in tartarus she would be loyal to him. Oh well. Guess I have no choice. With that, she rushed to catch up, then trotted alongside them. One her way out, she left her key on the counter, then followed them out of the inn, and the town itself.
The group marched out of the town, looping around the side of the mountain where the town was located. No one spoke a word, all having grim looks on their faces. They kind of reminded Void of the royal guard back home. No, no, no! Equestria is NOT my home! They stabbed me in the back; they don't deserve a second thought! When she had finished mentally bashing herself, she looked up, and gasped. In front of her, was an airship.
Sure, she had seen zepplins before, but this was different. An airship was, while in theory, more primitive then a zepplin, it was much faster and more maneuverable. They were also smaller, and generally weren't powered by engines. In front of her was the first airship she had seen, and it was.....Actually not to shabby. It was quite small, only about the size of a tug boat she had seen once in Fillydelphia. However, it was much sleeker and and more angular, with even the balloon of gas that held it aloft being quite small. The whole thing was a light burgony, with a darker shade for the balloon, and a pure white underside. The balloon, unlike most pictures she had seen, was tucked into the underside of the hull, as opposed to the typical position, which was where the sails would be on a normal ship. This ship did appear to have sails, only much smaller and angled forward. A large structure was on the back part of the deck, in top of which was the wheel. At the front were a pair of what appeared to be sandbags, connected to the shop by rope. A figurehead of a hooded cobra hung to the bowspire, with word above it in white block, which Void assumed was the name of the ship. The Maelstrom Gambit.
Tempest, who had noticed her stop, bumped into her shoulder, knocking her out of her trance. As they continued to walk, tempest asked, "Something wrong? You just never seen an airship before?"
"Yeah. They aren't exactly common in equestria." She said.
At this statement, her eyes widened. They then narrowed to slits, and she hissed, "Your an equestrian!?"
"Yeah. Is that a problem?"
"No, to me anyway. But best not mention that around Cold bit. He hates them with a passion. I haven't been with them long, but I've be told that they once found an equestrian. Bit cut off his wings, eyes, and tounge, then scraped the flesh from his hooves and sent him off to die in the desert. Just, better safe then sorry."
Void nearly gagged at this news. Oh, great. If my new 'how's finds out where I'm from, I'll die a slow painful death. She now definitely didn't want to work with him. Well, what choice do I have? She soon was on board the airship, and a few minutes later, it began to rise into the air.
The deck was wide, with lots of open space. The whole thing was freshly scrubbed, having an almost white color finish to it. Ropes snaked across the whole ship, connecting rigging, as well as various positions on the deck and railing. A few fixed ballista were mounted on the deck, while the railing had smaller, swiveling versions. Cold bit turned to the assembled crew.
"Alrighty. Now, it will be a few hours before we reach the rendezvous point. I recommend you all get some rest, as we won't be having any sleep schedule. Now, go!" He barked. With that, most of the others went toward the structure , while Cold bit went up the stairs next to it, to the wheel. Not knowing what to do, void followed the others toward the stairs bellow decks.
Just below the main deck, stood a !omg hall. No rooms were on the sides, just a long room that ran across the length of the ship. The stairs did to down another level, but no one went down there. Barrels and crates took up most of the back of the room (the front of the ship), while the rest was filled with hammocks and sleeping rolls. Immediately realizing just how tired she was, she surged forward, knocking Gerald over in the process. She kept upon one of the hammocks, and practically melted into it. It was the most comfortable thing she had slept in in months! Her sleepiness swept in, and she was once more reminded of her tiredness. Ever since she had been forced out of equestria, she had never been able to make up her nap times. Always working or on the move. So many hours out of the serenity and peace of sleep. Her eyelids soon became like bricks, and she slipped into the black void.
She was woken by somebody shaking her hammock, causing her to fall out. Looking up, she saw it was Tempest and Zabartha. They were wearing their armor, and the zebra stallion had his weapons at the ready. He said in a heavily accented voice, "Tempest and I are going to go spar. We want to see exactly what you can do. Get ready your equipment, then join us downstairs." With that, he and the armored unicorn walked off, heading toward the door to the lower level.
When they left, Void shot her tongue out at them. It wasn't like they woke her from a good dream of anything. For some reason, she hadn't had any dreams since the incident in the White Tail Woods. It was because she hadn't gotten the chance to catch up on her nap time, and because she was still a little used to it, it left her a little sluggish and groggy. However, if she was stuck with them, she might as well spar. Show them exactly what she could do, plus get some practice. She had only learned to fight in desperate situations, and was pretty sloppy. Some practice could do her good. So, she straightened her pith hat, grabbed her spear, and marched down the stairs.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was greeted by a large hall, much like the above room. However, down here, the room was filled with few items. A bunch of boxes on areas of the walls like above, some metal beams that served as the landing gear, and a shute in the wall made of rusted steel that Void got the horrifying suspension was the toilet. (It was better then in pits or just on the ground in the farm or in the desert, but still.) The two equines were standing in the center of the room around a large white circle in the middle of the room. Tempest was wearing her armor, and no other weapon. Zabartha was wearing a loose fitting garb, and had his round buckler on his right forehoof, while his long, barbed dagger was clenched in his teeth. When they saw her come down the stairs, and that she had a spear, the zebra began to laugh.
Void was both curious and angry. "What's so funny, cump?"
"Hahahaha! Sorry, just, well..... " he started, but tempest cut him off.
"Ponies and pope weapons don't mix. We don't have the proper biology to use them while standing normally, and standing on our back hooves gets tiring very quickly. We just can't use it as well as other races."
Void pondered this. It was rather clumsy feeling, and the one time she used it to kill, it required her to stand on her back hooves. But then another thought came to her. "But wait. What about the equestrian royal guard? They use spears."
Tempest just chuckled. "Oh, right. Your a soft northerner. *sigh*. The royal guard have them because it looks good. They can probably use it for crowd control-using the shaft to push ponies back in riots-but other then that, they're useless. Shameful, if you ask me."
Zabartha said, "Well, your a 'soft northerner ' too. Now, just shut up, and let's get ready. You got anything other then that spear." Well, tempest was from equestria too. Void wondered why she left. She was still a little hesitant, but maybe, just maybe, she could get a friend out here. But, she's getting distracted. What had Zabartha said? Did she have another weapon?
"Yeah, I do." She tossed the spear to the side, and pulled out her knife. The blade had some leftover bloodsplatter from the right with the diamond dogs, but was otherwise in good shape. She had cleaned it a little with the rag she found on the dog leader, and had sharpened it a little. It was also a decent knife in general. A large blade, sturdy handle that could be gripped with both hoof and mouth, and a certain charm to it. It was designed to chop through thin wood, the thick knots on the date bags, but she had used it to kill two creatures. She then showed it to the two others, and received their opinions.
"Huh, not bad. I've seen worse. Alright, put the sheath back on, and let's see if you can fight." She was given her knife back, and Tempest stood across from her, in a crouching position, ready to pounce. Void got in her own position, knife clutched in her hoof, while her wing was raised to either pull her out of a fight or forward into it. The two began to circle each other, waiting to see who would make the first move.
That move was made by tempest, who fired a blast of wild electricity from it before rushing her. Void tried to dodge, using her one wing to move to the side, but the blast was too wide. An arc of it struck her in the side, and she fell to that direction. Her guard was down, so when tempest was on her, she had no defence. The deep purple mare bucked her in the chest, then went higher, her horseshoe shodden hooves hitting like locomotives. She was on the ground just like that, the scars on her back screaming in agony as she hit the hard deck.
Tempest snorted. "Sloppy. Get up, let's go again." Now, void was angry. She did get up, rushing tempest, knife held high. The armored mare sidestepped,but Void used the trick that raider at the farm used. When tempest kept back, she quickly changed her grip, and swung the knife like a sword across the throat of tempest. If she had her blade out, tempest may have been killed, or worse. However, Tempest didn't stop to recognize the move; she just went back to wailing on her.
They went back and forth, the advantage changing from the unicorn to the pegasi constantly. Tempest, having much more experience, often would force her to go on the defensive. She would often step out of the way, or dodge or parry the blows, before resuming her attack. The broken horn was very difficult to get past, as tempest used it to keep her at a distance. However, void realized that tempest could only use it sparingly, so after each use of the horn, she would get in fast and hard.
Finally, she had tempest on the ropes again. She had managed to use the pommel to knock her in the head, and now went in for the kill. Suddenly, a knife blocked hers; Zabarthas blade! The zebra then used his buckler like a club, swinging the flat front part. At the same time, tempest recovered and whirled on her hooves, bucking her in the knees. Void fell literally head over heels, landing on her back with a thud and a dry of pain as she hit her scars.
Tempest said, "Geez, I know it hurts, but not that much."She
Void growled out in response," Scars...on back.....cheaters! "
Zabartha said, "Well, out here, no such thing as cheating, but, do they hurt? Do you want me to look?"
"No, no, it's fine. The creatures that patched me up did a great job. Point is, it only hurts if a lot of pressure or force is applied to them. I'm fine."
" If you insist. Now, let's -"
They were interrupted by a loud help sound coursing through the ship. They all looked up at the ceiling, before tempest and void asked at the same time, "What was that?".
Zabartha said," The bosses signal bell. That either means we're at the rendezvous point, entering a storm, or under attack. Come, let's go find out. " With that, then gathered up there equipment, and went up stairs.
When the three of them went up to the next floor, they found out that the others had already left. Going up another level, they found the had landed near a small fort in the desert. Getting off the ship, they were greeted by a large, bipedal creature. He had thick white and black fur, black armor, and a stone gray mask. A sword hung at his side, and a light blue logo was on his pauldron. A large medal hung on his chest, a red ribbon connected to a golden circle. The circle had the same logo on it as in his pauldron, only much smaller and gold.
"Welcome, welcome. I am Major Ralph, of the great Storm Kings army. Please allow me the pleasure of explaining the mission." When all of the mercenaries were standing in front of him, he drew his sword, a long straight bladed longsword. He then began to run the tip through the sand.
When he finished, Void peaked over Stormcracker 's shoulders to get a good look at it. It was a very simple map; a long squiggly line connecting two dots. When the major sheathed his sword, he continued to speak. "We, are at the dot closest to you, this outpost. The other dot is the final destination. Your job is to transport a very precious cargo to the final destination."
Gerald said, "And what is this cargo?"
Ralph replied, "That is none of your concern. Just make sure that the package gets to where it's going."
Zabartha asked, "and that is.....where?"
The major then said in a overly snobby voice, "To the fortress of my lord, the Storm King. He rules the southlands with an iron fist. If this package fails to reach him, then you will lose much more then you payment. This way."
With that, they walked off toward the base. Void thought as she walked, going over what she knew. She figured that 'Stormbucks' was invented by the Storm King. She had heard he was a warlord that had taken over a massive area of the southlands. Beyond that, she knew very little. No one really liked to talk about it, and she had assumed that the Storm King was some from far off land.
When she got closer, she began to look over the fort. It was made of thick, high stone wall, marked with towers and patrolled by more guards. low stone buildings made up the inside, with most being likely barracks. A few stood out though; a storehouse, a mess hall, an infirmary, and what looked like a.....merchandise stand? Sure enough, a large market stall was set up, full of cheap toys like at a Power Ponies convention. Toys, plushies, plates, books, posters, even what looked like comic books.
However they bypassed all of that. Instead, they once more exited the fort, this time on a platform. They were at a train station, much like the one in Canterlot. However, this one was all but deserted, save for two guards and a large, red box. The guards were wearing similar armor to the Major, but less ornate and with no medals. As opposed to swords, they were armed with shields and long, two pronged spears. The box was very decorative, made of gold and red velvet.
The major said, "Whatever happens, you are not to open this box. Understand?" He pointed at the box, and the tone of his voice was dead serious.Must be very important to not want us to know what it is. I wonder what it is.
She had no time to think about it, as the guards picked it up, and everyone began to move again. Next to her, she heard tempest say, "That's it? That, is what we were hired to protect?"
Stormcracker said, "Who cares..."
His twin, finished for him, "...as long as we get payed?"
They then boarded the train, and Void internally gasped. It was one of the nicest train cars she had ever seen. It was akin to something a canterlot noble would own. The chairs were plush, and covered in ornate coverings. A silver and Crystal chandelier hung on the middle of the cart, and the Windows were made of real glass. A red carpet covered the floor, with another one, this one green with yellow trim, ran down the isle.
The storm guards laid the crate in the middle, and then went to take up guard positions by the door to a cargo car. Major Ralph sat down in one of the seats, gesturing for the mercenaries to get on with it. So, cold bit gathered up them all by the crate.
"All right now. We will divide ourselves up. Tempest, you, Zabartha and the rookie will stay here with the major and the guards. Twins, you two will go up to guard the engine. Rest of you, follow me. "
With that, all of the group that hasn't been named all followed him. Tempest went over toward the northern door, while Void and Zabartha sat down near the opposite entrance. After a few minutes, the train lurched and began to move. It was much faster then trains back in equestria, and seemed to be less bumpy too. Our of the blue, Zabartha asked, "So, what do you think is in the box?"
She thought about it. It was a very important question. What exactly was the need of mercenaries to move cargo? What could be so dangerous that it would need them. She had seen Major Ralph and Cold Bit talk about something, but was unable to make out what they said. It did bother her, as it was a very important question. Was it a one-of-a-kind gem? A magic artifact?
She voiced her conclusion to the zebra. "Whatever it is, it better be worth all of this effort."
" Here, here, " he replied. After this, all was quiet for a long time.
Then, she noticed that the window was open, and thought, Should I? You know what, the hell With it! She then removed her Pith hat, and stuck her head out of the window.
She was consumed by the sensation. Her bandanna covered her lower face, as she wasn't sure if the speed could be a problem with the hole in her cheek. But on what she could feel, it felt absolutely incredible. The wind, the coolness, the waving of her cropped short mane; it was the closest she had come to flying in a long time. In fact, it seemed to taunt her. The sensation of flying, but not the ability to swirve duck and dive? She couldn't imagine a worse kind of hell. She soon stuck her head back inside, feeling both content and saddened at the same time.
It was a little while later, and still nothing. She was beginning to get a bored feeling, Her eyelids getting heavy. Zabartha had already followed her intention, and was contently snoring next to her. She was now wondering the limit of this. Suddenly, a loud ringing noise came through the car. Zabartha snapped awake, yelling something in some native language. Tempest got on guard, and the guards readied their spears. Major Ralph stood, drawing his sword. He yelled, "They're here!"
Void and Zabartha too got ready, drawing their knives and getting up from their seats. Ralph yelled again, "Protect the cargo!" The two storm creatures move from their post at the doors, slowly walking toward the cargo. Suddenly, a blur shot into the room from the windows, knocking both the guards to the ground.
The assailants were all hippogriffs, all varied in color and size. They wore ornate gold colored helmets, chest plates, and gauntlets, with cyan plums and decor. They had simple short swords grasped in their claws, and all had looks of bloody murder in their eyes. more came in threw more windows, the car doors, and the now unprotected south connected tunnel. Then, as one, they charged.
One of the Hippogriffs kept up into the air, using momentum to break her guard. Void ran forward, allowing the unfortunate Hippogriff to impale himself on her knife. He gasped and sputtered as Void reached for his sword. It was rather simple; plain leather grip, small guard, and a short straight blade.
She had no time to study it more, when another lept through the window, attempting to catch her off guard. She parried this one's strike, and got into a defensive posture. He went in With a flurry of blows, slowly pushing her back. She didn't attack, waiting for him to tire out. When it became clear he wouldn't, she decided to pull a old trick out. She whirled on her forelegs, spinning around and bucking him. He was knocked back, helmet flying off as he collapsed into the seats.
As she fought, she was vaguely aware of what the others were up to. The two Storm guards still were both unconscious. Major Ralph was fighting off one who had a blue plum as opposed to the normal cyan ones. Tempest and Zabartha were also caught in a grueling melee. She had no more time to look on, as another hippogriff came at her.
This one snuck up behind her, trying to catch her by surprise. She flapped her wing, sending the still plenty strong appendage into the doubtless surprised guards face. She was knocked over, but soon used her wings to right herself. She came at her again, trying to cut at her hooves. She void knocked aside her blade, before going for her neck. The hippogriff brought her short sword up, blocking the strike. The two blades became locked, and Void attempted to take advantage.
Due to the fact her sword was in her forehoof, she swung her free hoof at her. But the hippogriff caught it, and the blade lock evolved into a grapple. It was certainly unfair; the hippogriff was much stronger, and had sharp claws. This latter fact was made apparent when the Hippogriff began to dig them into her hoof, a grin spreading across her helmeted face. The claws pierced the fur and skin, and small lines of blood began to trickle down her hoof and into the carpeted floor. She was being pushed down, Her opponents greater strength being too much for even the quite fit mare. In desperation, she pinched her face foreward, slamming it into the Hippogriffs armored head.
Immediately, the grapple broke, both combatants falling back in pain. Void because she had just used her face as a blunt weapon. The hippogriff because the pony she was fighting had just used her head as a blunt weapon. Both sides lay there for a few seconds before recovering. They both shot to their hooves, but the hippogriff was faster. She swung her fist into the prismatic mares head, which was unprotected. Void slumped back to the floor, and the hippogriff went for her sword. Hoping to get her down, void held out her hindleg, causing the haisty guard to trip and fall into the seats. Void got back up, grabbed the sword she was using, and shoved it into her unprotected back. She twitched and groaned, before going limp.
She found herself next to Zabartha, who was grinning like a mad-stallion. He said, "Oh, hey Void." He then looked over at the cargo, which Tempest was standing on, cracked horn glowing. " You, ah, may want to get down. " Following the zebras advice, she ducked behind one of the seats. She risked a peak, and saw a bunch of the Hippogriffs surrounding Tempest. Then, a massive blast of crackling electricity shot from her chipped horn, arcing into each of the Armored Hippogriffs. The spell coursed up their bodies, as they all dropped dead. It was, as much as she hated and was disgusted with herself, very impressive.
The major and the other mercs had soon driven off most of the Hippogriffs. A few still put up a fight, but they weren't many. The major then yelled, "We're coming up on the Morchoc Mountain tunnel. Once we get inside, they can't follow us." As he finished, he slapped, and then gutted another Hippogriff. Good, Void thought. Then I can take a nap!
Void was locked in combat with the last remaining hippogriff. This one was near One of the open train doors, and Void saw pushing him toward it. He was too defensive for her to get a strike in, so she thought of something different. Grabbing one of the abandoned short swords, she bucked the one she was using at her, while pulling the new one up into her mouth. He ducked around the blade, but it still buried itself hilt deep in his wing. She internally cringed at the sight, but had little time to think. She once more whirled on her front hooves and bucked him off the train.
She turned back toward the other side of the car, where the last of the fighting was. She then saw the major and a hippogriff standing off. The hippogriff was different then the others; his plum was red, and he had a mace instead of a sword. He growled out, "I want, what's mine."
Ralph laughed at this. "Ha, over my dead bod-ACH!"
That last part was caused by a knife flying free of his free claw, impaling itself in his chest. The major dropped hi sword and crumpled to the floor. What's worse, she saw that Zabartha and Tempest were nowhere to be seen. Which meant she was on her own.
The red-plumed Hippogriff entered with a confident swagger. He regarded Void with cold eyes, and began to walk up to the box. Void then shot forward, knowing things probably wouldn't end well if she was still alive and this train got where it was supposed to. The hippogriff ducked behind the box, and void, hoping to catch the upper-hand, jumped on top, ready to swing her blade down. However, when she looked down, he wasn't there. Her head shot from side to side, looking for him. She found him, or rather, he found her, when he swung his mace down, knocking the sword from her mouth. He then swung it up, aiming to strike her in the face. She ducked under it, and sprung towards him, drawing her knife. She managed to pin him down, and bring the blade toward his face. However, in an attempt to defend himslef, he managed to grab the blade. He slowly wrenched it to the side, ripping it from her grasp, before punching her in the face. With his opponent stunned, he then brought up his hoofed hind leg, and kicked her off him. The impact went her flying into the crate, which knocked it over, it's contents spilling in front of the shocked Pegasi.
It's contents was......Another Hippogriff? This one looked much younger then the armored guards, no older then Void. She had a light turquoise mane, swept to the side, much like her friend fluttershy, except for a single strand that stuck up like a lighthouse. Her coat also resembled her old friends; a light, butter colored yellow. She wore a necklace made of shells, and had a flower (or, maybe some kind of fruit?) In her mane. Her light blue eyes shine with fear.
Void made her confusion known to all. "What the Buck!?"
Void was incredibly confused. Their cargo, was a Hippogriff? Why would they be payed to transport a hippogriff? Why was she in a box? What had she signed up for?
She had no time to consider further, when the armored one came at her, knocking her back with his recovered mace. She was sent sprawling in the isle, sliding up next to one of the corpses. She propped herself up on one of the seats, and took in the exchange the two hippogriffs had.
The armored one threw down his weapon, and rushed to the other ones side. "Your highness! Are you all right?" Your HIGHNESS!? This was a royal? It now started to make sense. This younger one was a hostage, maybe so the storm king could get something. It didn't make it any better. She was kept in a box, for Fausts sake!
Just then, the door opened, letting in a bone-chilling laugh. It was cold bit, and he looked like he was enjoying himself. He was covered in blood; his armor, weapons, coat, and even horn were all drenched in the thick red liquid. Yet, he was smiling a warm, content, smile. Not a pinkie pie crazy smile, but also not a Fluttershy nice smile. Stop comparing stuff here to stuff there! I am not an equestrian!! And they, are NOT my friends!!! Cold But then said, with no small amount of mock sympathy, "Awww, how touching. Of course, that girl is worth a lot of money. So," He began to idily and carelessly swing his two blood-spattered knives in his aura as he said this, "Please. Step. Aside."
The Hippogriff simply picked up his mace and rushed him. The two went at it, swinging and slashing at one another. If anyone got involved in that fight, they would be dead in minutes. As it was, Cold bit was getting the upper hand. Her was faster, simple as that; as she saw when she was fighting him, a mace is a slow weapon. Soon, the Hippogriff was disarmed, and cold bit began to choke him. His sickly green aura closed around his neck, slowly squeezing the life from him. Void got a good look at his eyes. Those were the same eyes as the raider who said he wanted to cut her open; Gleeful, deranged, absolutely insane. He was greatly enjoying this, the snuffing of life.
He was interrupted by the Younger Hippogriff. She threw a helmet at him, then yelled, "Stop it! Just stop!!!" She picked up another abandoned sword. She would have attacked him, if Void hadn't grabbed her, holding her back.
She whispered into the Hippogriffs ear. "Don't. He'll just kill you too. He's sick."
If she wanted to fight him too, Void didn't get the chance to find out. This was because Cold bit, for some reason, tossed the Armored hippogriff into the box, causing his badly beaten and choked body to fly into the now empty box. The younger one broke free of Void grip, and rushed to his side. Void, now free of threats and on her hooves, had time to take it all in.
They had been transporting a SENTIENT, in a box. It was a nice box, but still a box. Plus, it had been labeled as CARGO. Which meant, this Hippogriff wasn't a willing guest of the storm king. She had likely been kidnapped, hence the guards coming to rescue her. They did seem better equipped then the raiders or Diamond Dogs that attacked her, so they could be soldiers. But, that meant....
"Oh, faust. What are we doing?" She asked to no one in particular. Unfortunately, Cold bit heard her.
He replied, still with a bit of sadistic glee in his voice, "oh, that is quite simple my friend. We are moving something, and getting paid to do it. Now, kill the guard and stuff the that brat back in the box. I'm gonna go check on the twins. Ta-ta!" With that, he walked past her with a merry gait, like How she had seen pinkie walk when not bouncing along. After once more mentally hitting herself for resorting to her frie- FORMER friends, she turned to the two hippogriffs.
Having been disarmed by the armored Hippogriff, she went over toward the dead major. She picked up the sword he was using. It was quite the nice piece of steel. The handle was carved from bone, and had a steel crossguard. The blade was straight, with a slight curve at the top, and was quite long for her; about two feet. But, it was still small enough to be a good weapon. She began to give it a few test swings, testing the validity as a weapon for her. Surprisingly enough, it was pretty good; light, but still with enough weight to it to be useful. Behind her, the Younger hippogriff said, "Is this really necessary?"
Void said, in a somber tone, "I'm sorry, if it's worth anything. I didn't realize what I would do on this mission. I-I didn't have a choice."
The younger One said, "Everyone has a choice."
Void turned around, the handle of the sword held in her mouth. She pointed it at her, then said around the handle, "You. What's your name?"
She turned away from the Scarred pegasus. "Why do you care? I'm just another paycheck for you, you greedy, sadistic....meanie." Huh, I see she has pinkies level of insults. No, why do I....? She made her mental frustration apparent with a physical wince.
Not looking at her, she said, "Your not. I'm far, far from my, former home. I have had to things I am not proud of, but I have to anyway. But, I have some morals. Now, at least humor me. What's your name?"
She hesitated a moment. She then said slowly, "Skystar. Daughter of Queen Novo. Princess of the Hippogriffs at Mount Aris."
Void looked down at Skystars claws. They were bound with thick, dirty rope. Small streaks of ropeburned flesh hung visable underneath. Void, clear on what she wanted to do, leveled her sword at the princesses Barrel. She then said the blade into the ropes, and in one quick motion, cut upward, rending the rope like butter. She then said a simple word to both the princess and the guard. "Run."
The princess wasted no time, grabbing the guard. He was still a little delirious, but a few shakes woke him up. The two made their way to the exit. They were ready to jump out and head away, when Skystar stopped. She looked back at void, her eyes shining like blue jade. She said, "Thank you. So much."
With that, the two of them lept out one of then open doors. Void looked out after them, seeing them fly away. She had to admit, she was envious. For, obvious reasons. She sighed, then slipped back into the train as they turned to dots in the edge Of her sight. She went to work making sure that no one would notice that they had left. Since Cold But had knocked the guards helmet off, that was easy. She just moved one of the random corpses, leaned it against the box, and out the helmet on it. For Skystar, she just dumped another corpse in the box, then locked the lid. Hopefully no one would notice.
She then went back to her seat, hoping maybe to get some z's. She moved the corpse that was in it, and found her pith hat had been crushed. Moving it, she slumped down in the seat, and closed her eyes. Good news, for the first time since Leaving Equestria, she had a dream.
Void Streak found herself in the train car, which made her think someone had woke her up. She stretched, letting out a satisfied moan as she cracked her shoulders with an audible crack. She then noticed that, things weren't exactly right.
The car was covered almost completely in blood. Skulls and guts and....Who knows what else hung from the walls and ceiling like party streamers. No, why do I do that? I am not an equestrian, they can all go to.... Her train of thought was cut off when she saw something that chilled her to the bone.
It was Scootaloo! She was hanging upside down by her tail. Her wings had been cut off and stuffed in her mouth. Much of her mane and......Dear faust. Her COAT, was skinned off her, so Void could see the flesh and bone of her face. Blood Leaked from that, along with many wounds that covered her body, oozing blood and pus.
Void backed up, unable to look at it, before she bumped into something else. It was her parents. Same as the filly; they had been skinned, and had their cut off wings stuffed into their mouths. This time though, they had their cutie marks, cut from their flanks, and had them laid over their eyes like burial shrouds. With a groan, she realized that her dad was...Was still Bucking Alive!!!!
"R-r-rainbow. Wh-hy?" He said, before blood gushed from his mouth, splattering her face and head.
Then, the scene shifted. She found herself in the hall of Canterlot castle, near the vault of the Elements of Harmony. She was still covered in blood, and felt something else on her back. Something wet, and slippery. Just then, she found herself surrounded by her Former friends and the Princess.
Celestia yelled, "Rainbow Dash, this childish defiance ends now. Your actions are a disgrace to your species. For the crime of sadistic murder, and torture, I hearby sentence you to an eternity in tartarus. I would say Faust have mercy on you, but. Considering what you have done, that is unlikely."
Before she could respond, the traitors spoke up.
Twilight: "You are a mockery of friendship! I'm glad you are gone now! Applejack: " Ya dirty varmint! 'ow could ya!? " Pinkie: "Hmmm, where have I seen this before?" Rarity: "Ugh, such, glaaa!" Fluttershy: "I can't believe I was friends with such a-a-a....A monster!!!
Void was confused. What the Discord were they talking about? She then looked at her back, and found out what. It made her sick to her stomach.
It was a harness of sorts, but that wasn't what upset her. It Was what it was made of. It was made of Pony coat, all sewed together with needle and tread, so it looked like a part of Frankenponies monster. It was made up of coats that were a light blue, a light purpley-indigoish color, and....Orange. It was connected to a wing, and up of the same colors, even a few patches of Orange.
Then, a mirror appeared in front of her. At least, Void assumed it was a mirror, because the pony on the other side looked exactly like her. With a few,very disturbing differences. This version wore the same red leather as Cold bit. A pair of long class were mounted on her hooves, the blades hooked, barbed, and wrapped in razor wire. Even more scars covered her body and face, up to part of her head having no skin. Well, that wasn't true; but it wasn't hers. It was fluttershys Butter yellow coat, cutie mark and all. Mirror Void Streak then opened her eyes.
They allow went her reeling back in fear. Those eyes, they were the eyes of Cold bit. No, they reminded Void of the eyes of a demon, she once was in a old book. They were still her Dark Magenta color, but shone with a faint red hue. The look in them, it was if you could see into her thoughts. It showed untold horrors; Cities burning, Ponies dying horrible deaths, and blood. So, so much blood. The doppelganger opened her mouth, revealing teeth like broken glass. Instead of speaking, she just laughed. It was a sick laugh; imagine the laugh of Mane-iac, then bump it up even more. It resonated through her like a tuning fork, sending shockwaves there her body. Then, her body was surrounded by a ring of sickly green fire. She began to sink, her form slowly oozing into the floor. She looked up to see a pair of green slit eyes, and a wide, sadistic grin of fangs.
Then, it all faded to black, and she was jolted awake.
Void some with a start, darting up in her seat, panting like she just did a Sonic Rainboom. She was drenched in sweat, her cloak and bandanna practically stuck to her coat. Voids eyes darted around. No, blood, no Bones, no innards; she slumped back down with a relived sigh. She was then aware of Cold bit standing over her, looking at her intently. The murderous look was gone, but his eyes were still side and crazy looking. He said, "Are you ok?"
when void nodded, he grinned. "Oh, good! I was hoping you were ok. If course if you weren't that would be fine too. Now, get up, we're here, and you and tempest will be lugging the box. " He walked a little ways away, before stopping and looking back at her. "Chop chop. Or I chop chop you. Ha ha ha ha ha! Kidding! Oh, but seriously, get to work." With that, he walked off.
Void looked over at tempest, who was over by the box. She stood perfectly still, and when void went up and grabbed her end of the box, she saw her eyes were bloodshot. The two picked up the box and walked along, over the bodies of the Hippogriffs and occasional Storm creature. They moved over to one of the right side doors.
The platform was in front of a large structure. It was your stereotypical evil castle. Gargoyles, gothic spires, the works. the whole thing was carved into the side of a craggily cliff of grey stone. In front of the door, stood a large creature that Void assumed was the storm king. He had stark white fur, a massive set of horns that supported a iron crown, and a set of deer like hooves. I held a massive staff, and had his insignia on a black iron curiass. Two guards stood behind him.
When he was the crate, he broke into a wide grin. "Bit, my good man! You delivered! Good! I'm sure your toy will sell well." Toy, what? Was he serious. Void was a little scared of him, but had then lost almost all respect for him. He was just a overblown Toy maker with an army, for, some reason? Ok, he likely wasn't as childish as he seemed, but still.
Bit smiled, this one actually good natured. Which, if at all possible, looked even creepier. He said, "Thanks and all, but I'd just like to take my money and leave."
"And you shall! Sam! Get my good man his money for delivering me my bride."
BRIDE!!? Void couldn't help herself, she leaned her head away from the box, lifted up her bandanna, and puked. Skystar wasn't a hostage. She was expected to marry him? He was probably twice, if not three times her age. Both looked back at her, and the storm king said, "New girl, huh?"
Cold bit replied, "eeup."
The storm king shrugged, then gave him a briefcase. That was likely where their payment was. If course, after what just happened, money was the last thing on her mind. "Well, I'll let you go. I'll call you if I want something else done. See ya!" With that, the two mares set the box down, and went back inside, followed by bit. The train went off, heading back the way it came. cold bit walked away, whistling to himself.
Void looked over at tempest. "So, what now."
Tempests response was simple, in a shaken, bloodshot voice. "Simple. We don't fall asleep until we get back to Attaistown. Then, we drink away what we saw. Come on, I think I saw a coffee machine near the front cars." With that, the two went off toward the front of the train. In search of their salvation from the horror of nightmares; cheap, black military coffee.
The flight back to Attaistown was super hard. Void and Tempest were sitting down at the bottom of the ship, a pot of coffee in between them. Both had emptied several cups of it, and there was only a little left. The coffee tasted horrible; they had no milk, cream, or sugar, and Void was never a fan of coffee anyway. But, it did help the two of them stay awake. They knew, void from experience, that they would only enter hell if they slept now.
"So, I take it from your reaction, this isn't your first mission." Said void, after downing yet another cup of the nearly black substance.
Tempest grunted. "You'd be right. My first mission was a while back. I got into a bar brawl, and several of the team back then we're out for a few weeks. I had to stay on for about five missions." She paused, before pouring more of it into Voids cup. " he is a evil pony. And his company are just as crazy. Even Zabartha. *Sigh*. So, where were you from? "
"Cloudsdale."
" Suburb of fillydelphia. "
They sat in silence. After what seemed like an eternity, tempest spoke up again. "You know, I got a job offer. Working as a caravan guard for some company out of Beruska. Good pay, quiet work, plus it's in one of the safer parts of the Southlands. You want to come?"
"Sure. After that, I need quiet. Plus, a reliable stream of SBs sounds right up my ally."
"Cool. We can set out tomorrow morning. Hopefully before the others. Of course, I plan on getting absolutely knocked out-piss hole drunk. The 'Pike' is supposed to have some of its good ale."
And neither one spoke a word the rest of the way back to the town. Not did they on the way to the Inn. Cold paid for one room, and told the group to put their stuff down in it. As they went, Void noticed that they were short one. "Hey, where's mercury?"
Gerald laughed at this. "He's dead. Or did you not notice because you and your marefriend were too busy making out in the hold?"
Tempest growled, "Shut up."
they all went down the stairs and into the room. It was the same as the room she had been introduced to all them earlier. Like, actually the same room. It was then that Void noticed a problem with this arrangement....
"Where are we all supposed to sleep?"
The twins answered for her. "Simple, we just....
".... Sleep on the floor."
"Well, then. Who gets the bed?"
" who do you think....? "
"....The boss. Now, let's go get...."
" ....Some booze! "
After setting down their things, and arranging who sleeps where (Void got a area where part of her would be sitting in a closet), they all went up stairs. They all settled into several booths in the main room, getting comfortable. Or, at least as comfortable as they could in a old, musty booth in an even older tavern. Soon, orders had been placed, and Void had a mug in front of her.
The mug was simple, just a hollow wood cylinder with a handle. It was filled to the brim with a frothy brown liquid. The froth formed a cloud like layer over the top of it. It smelled faintly of cacti, and maybe wood. However, looking at it gave her a certain, nostalgia. She would often drink hard cider with AJ; she even had some contests with her. She pushed these thoughts aside. Applejack, and all those equestrian ponies could burn in hell for all she cared. However, she was still hesitant. Tempest noticed this hesitation, and layed a hoof over her shoulder.
"Hey, drink up. First swig always goes down hard, but after that it's smooth sailin'. Takes ya' mind off yer troubles. Plus, it's already been *hic* paid for. So, bit of a waste to waste it, huh?" From the slurring of her voice and slightly redder cheeks, void would guess she was already a little drunk. Equestrian booze wasn't exactly strong stuff, so few ponies ever got, or were even capable of getting, drunk. It was a sensation even the cider addict Void had never experienced. So, with a shrug of her shoulders, she picked up the tankard and took a sip.
The liquid was bitter, and kind of tasteless, but it gave her a certain, feeling. It was kind of hard to describe, but the best she could get would be a buzz. Whatever it was, it made her feel better. After a few seconds, she took another sip. This one went down a lot smoother, and Void was able to pick up flavors. It was a bit tangy, with a smokyish after taste. It tasted a lot better then even Sweet Apple Acres cider, and that was a tough thing to beat. Soon, despite having to tilt her head to prevent the liquid from spilling out of the hole in her cheek, Void had downed the whole tankard, and called for another.
Tempest, who was now really drunk, was right. It did help; if not with her dreams, then at least it got her mind of it now. It was certainly good, but the kicker was the other affect it gave her. It made her feel better, more open; like her old self. For a few minutes, she even forgot she had lost a wing, and when she remembered, she didn't feel too bad. For the first time in almost half a year, she genuinely smiled.
Soon, she had downed three full tankards. By now, the buzz that came from her first sip was now a full ringing. This stuff was great! Then, music began to fill the room. A few of the either more Drunk or less caring patrons got up, and began to dance. Void didn't, but still bobbed her head. Just to the beat, less so the words. In her adled state, picking out what they were saying would be too much hastle.
(Salty seadogs tavern.)
Before she knew it, it was just her and Tempest in the booth. Tempest said, "H-he *hic*, oh, Hey, you want ta, ta, oh, faust, I'm hammered. W-what I wanted ya as-ask was, ya want to, hoof, wrastle? Like, you know, just *hic*, have a nice time? "
Even if she wasn't drunk out of her mind, Void would've said yes. She was known as the Hoof wrestling champion back in Ponyville. Just one of her many accomplishments. Meant nothing out here, but she still wanted to see how southlanders stacked up to AJ. Her response to this question, however, was a lot less eloquent.
"*Burp* Y-yo-you kiddin'? I was da Best, hoof wrestler back in Po-po- oh Faust, what was it called? W-well, can point is ah am da best. Da Pony- *hic* -Ville champ. So, yeah! I'll 'est my luck. "
The two mares set down their half full tankards, and readied themselves for their competition. A few of the other members of the crew, gathered around the two of them, eager to see how this would unfold. The two pressed their hooves against each other with their elbows fixed to the table. Tempest said, "Ok, ok, ok. On three, w-we doit. One. T *hic*, uh, two. Three!"
The two drunk ponies began to press, trying to make the others hoof strike the table. The occasional grunt exited their mouths, but the predominant noise over the match was the singing and music of the Tavern band. Both were no doubt doing their best, but the drunken bobbing and twitching made it hard to stay steady. It would go back and forth, one second Void had the advantage, the next Tempest did. After a few seconds, the other would pick it up, and it would once again return to an equilibrium.
Finally, Void saw a weakness. Tempest was putting in lots of effort for a short period of time, then holding back. If Void could wait until one of Tempests spurts, then she could overwhelm her. Said surge came, the surprisingly strong unicorn nearly pressing Voids hoof to the wooden table. At the last second, Void pressed back with the last of her strength. And it wasn't a moment to soon. Tempest had laxed up on her offensive, and now was the perfect time to attack. Void pushed with all her might, and nearly brought her opponent down. But it was a trap!
As Voids hoof bore down on Tempests, it was suddenly shoved in reverse. Void had underestimated the recovery of her unicorn......Friend. She recovered much faster then last time, and before Void could even register what happened, Her hoof but the table. She had lost. Tempest cheered.
"Ha! Pony 'ille Ch-champ mah A**! I win! I win! Oh....." She then promptly collapsed. When Void peered over the table, she saw her friend had fallen to the floor, and was contently snoring. It reminded Void of how Fluttershy would sleep, back at their little sleepovers they had before Twilight came to town.
Normally, she would be mentally hitting herself over using analogies from equestria. But, here, now, she was just too hammered. She couldn't think, and had lost much of her motor skills. But at the same time, it felt great. She felt energetic, like she had just woke up from one of her Midday naps back in equestria.
She began to feel a little tired. Mumbling to her teammates, she began to trot back to the stairs. This proved to be much harder than she first thought for a number of reasons. One, more creatures were out of their seats, either dancing, fighting, or just stumbling around. Second, she was REALLY drunk, and was not exactly a stable walker. As such, getting to the stairs was a lot more difficult then she first thought.
She stumbled and buckled under her own weight as she slowly made her way towards the stairs. The various creatures that inhabited the Bar didn't make way for her, so it was even harder. Despite this hardship, her slumped from finally reached her destination. She had barely made one step into the stairs, when she lost her footing and fell. Due to her position, she fell down not just onto the floor, but also down the stairs.
It was only about fifteen steps, but it still hurt like hell. Her face hit the first wooden slab, then was used as a fulcrum to throw her body. She tumbled head over hooves, landing on her back with a feight *crack*. She had probably broken something, but in her addled state, she felt nothing. Neither pain at her injury, nor concern at it. However, the slight feeling of tiredness she felt was now a LOT more prominent. Her eyelids felt like cinder blocks, and she could hardly move. Hopefully that was because she was tired, and not that she had a spinal injury.
"Oh, buck me." These were her last words before she lost consciousness. Fortunately, like Tempest said, she didn't dream. So that was good. It had helped her get over her 'boss's ' exploits and her previous dream.
When she awoke, something was wrong. She wasn't in her bedroll, nor was she on the hard wood floor of the Tavern hall. She was on a wood surface, but something was over the wood that she was on. Carpet maybe? All of her injuries from her little fall felt better, but whatever had healed her of those hadn't fixed her biggest immediate problem: her hangover. Her head pounded like a war drum, a near constant pounding racking her skull. The next thing she noticed was she was bound. A thick layer of rope was wrapped around her forehooves, as well as binding her wing to her back. Finally, Tempest was next to her, similarly bound, in her case with a magic suppressor around her stub of a horn.
A hearty laugh broke through her thoughts. It was Cold Bit, wearing his red leather armor, one of his barbed knives in his magic grasp. He was smiling warmly, but his eyes shine with a cruel light. Like he would smile and sing a Pinkie pie song, while dancing on the backs of dead ponies. He stopped in front of them, and began to swing his knife back and forth.
Both of the bound Mares looked up at their captor. Void was practically shaking with fear, while Tempest simply glared him down. Void remembered what she had been told about the last Equestrian Cold had gotten his hooves on. She had a sneaking suspension that something like that may happen to her and Tempest if they didn't think of something. Void figured she may be able to stall him, while either her or Tempest found a way out. So, she began to try.
"Where are we? What's going on!?"
Cold laughed. "Well, I know you are stalling. And it won't save you. But, I will humor you. We are in my cabin on the Maelstrom Gambit. No, none of your 'teammates' will be helping you. And, I'm going to cut you open, you Equestrian Pricks. "
Tempest spoke up. "How do you know we're equestrians?"
He laughed again. His laugh had know become crazy. It was the laugh Void had heard on the train, and wounded eerily similar to the laughing from Her dream. His knife, still swinging back and forth, was now incredibly close to Voids snout.
"Oh, I know. No one from down here says 'Buck'. Also, I overheard your little, conversation. You know, down in the hold. Plus, even if I didn't know for certain, I may have just done this for fun. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!! Now, let's get started, shall we?"
Tempest growled, "With what, you sick B******?"
He grinned like a madpony, which he was. "Oh, you know. Me cutting you open, then healing you. I'm really good at that part; I can revive you if you had your guts hanging out! 'Actually, that sounds like fun.'Anyway, Rinse and repeat as needed. Up until I get bored and just throw you off my ship. Now, no more stalling. I'm just giddy with anticipation!"
He calmly trotted over to the Bound Void, his curved knife held in his aura. Now that she was closer, she got a better look at the knife; needless, it hasn't made her any less terrified. It was wickedly curved, almost resembling a sickle. The back end had a serrated edge, and the whole thing seemed to radiate heat. She then noticed with horror why: the whole blade was glowing, like it just came out of a forge. He then leviated her upright, so that the knife was level with her underside, one of the few places Void was completely void of marks. He whispered in her ear,"'This will hurt you, a LOT, more then it will me.'" Then, he shoved the point into the lower part of the barrel, back by her gut.
Agony coursed up her body, every nerve in her body screaming out in pain. The blades that gave her her long, jagged scars, had nothing on this. The blade was wearing hot; it was as if the heat of the desert was focused on this one blade. He then used the serrated end to rake across her barrel, pain coursing throughout her body. When it seemed like it would never stop, he pulled the blade free. Void looked down at the wound.
Fortunately, most of the wound was cauterized by the heat, but some blood still found its way out. The green aura around her tell away, and she dropped to the floor. Fresh pain shot through her, and she heard a wet *Squish*. Looking low again, she saw what had made that noise.
It was her intestines.
Her guts had spilled out of the wound. The sausage looking organ was still part in, part out of her body. Every cell in her body began to scream one thing: Kill me! Her body seemed to realize that this was it. There was no way she could naturally heal from this injury. And that the only way to end the pain was to end her life. Fortunately, she saw Colds horn begin to glow.
Then, her innards flew back into her body, and the wound began to close. It was not, however, a pleasant feeling, like the healing magic she was exposed to before. This one felt like she was being stitched back together. Which, in hindsight, she was. Soon, she was more or less good as new, save for the new scar on her lower gut. The soreness and pain didn't leave either.
As she sat on her haunches, clutching her gut, Cold Bit went over towards the equally bound Tempest. He slide the knife into a metal scabbard, and levitated over a piece of bronze. Brass hooves. Void looked over at tempest, both not wanting to watch, and also unable to look away. While she did, she also took in tempest, who had been stripped of her armor. She had a muscular frame, more reminiscent of a Earth Pony then a Unicorn. She also caught sight of her cutie mark: A broken horn, shooting Blue sparks.
Cold slid the hooves on, then seemed to study Tempest. Tempest tried to struggle, but Cold held her in his aura. He then raised his hoof, and brought it down in her face. Blood shot from it like a geyser, and what Void thought was a piece of her tounge. Or maybe, a tooth? It didn't matter, as he raised it again, and struck her again. And again. And again. And again; over and over, getting progressively faster.
As he did, he continued to laugh. He was enjoying this. It was like this was reading pointless books for Twilight, or making dresses for Rarity. Now is not the time. I am not one of thrm, no matter what he says. Void continued to struggle against her bonds. But they were made of thick rope, and seemed to tighten as she struggled. Void looked back over at Tempest, to see that Cold was done.
Tempest face was a bloody mess. Her jaw hung by a thread to her face, and blood leaked from many wounds as high up as her nose. Then, with a swirling of Colds green aura, it began to close. It was actually kind of....cool? To look at. Faust, my time out here has made me so morbid. Eventually, with much wincing and gurgling from Tempest, she was healed. Sort of. Like void, she had a reminder of it. In this case, a series of lacerations along her jaw area, so it looked like a Hayburger someone had thrown in the sand.
Cold seemed satisfied. "Well, I'm satisfied for now. You two rest up; I'll be using you as punching bags bright and early tomorrow. Ta-ta!" And with that, he left the small room they were in, shutting and locking the door behind them. With their front hooves bound, it wasn't like they could get far. Both looked over at each other. And for the first time she had known Tempest, which admittedly wasn't long, she was true fear in her eyes.
Both took hours to fall asleep. And neither had any booze, or anything else, to stave off the demons of sleep.
Void opened her eyes, taking In the room. Like the train car, the room she was trust up in was now covered in blood. Cracks in the wall leaked the stuff, along with a thick, yellowish-Whitish color liquid that she guessed was pus. She began to back up toward the corner, so she wouldn't bump into a dead body. Well, she didn't bump into a dead body. The one she bumped into was alive.
It was her; well, the her from the mirror during her last dream. The red armor, the wicked Claws, the sickening, Glass-shard teeth. As she stood in the corner, her eyes glowed a swirling blood red, shining on her like a searchlight. She stalked out of the corner, one of her Claws scraping on the floor. The knife-on-chalkboard sound pierced her ears, causing her to clutch them in pain. Creepy-her began to laugh her twisted laugh, circling the weak and quivering Void. With a creepy, yet silky voice that sounded like something from one of rarities operas, she began to sing.
"🎵Hush-a-bye, don't you cry.🎵"
"🎵Go to sleep, my little baby.🎵"
"🎵When you wake, you will have.🎵"
"🎵All the pretty ponies.🎵"
"🎵Blacks and bays, dapples and grays.🎵"
"🎵All the pretty ponies.🎵"
"🎵Way down yonder, in the meadow.🎵"
"🎵Poor little baby crying mama.🎵"
"🎵The birds and butterflies flutter around her eyes.🎵"
"🎵Poor little baby crying mama.🎵"
"🎵Can you see the little ponies dance before your eyes.🎵"
"🎵All the pretty ponies....Will be there when you....arise.🎵"
"Sweet dreams. Oh, wait. No they won't."
Then, all that filled her dreams was laughter. Sick, twisted, laughter.
The torture lasted another Two days. Cold bit, if nothing else, was creative. He choked her with a rope, cut her with knives, beat her, shoved out cigars into her hooves. Her and Tempest had spent every free moment trying to find a way out, but had found nothing. Ropes were too thick to break, and they had nothing to cut them with. And there was only one way out of the room; the door Cold used. Which he locked after he left.
On day three, he opened the door. Right on schedule. This time he had the same thing he did the first time, a barbed, heated knife. He, as always, wore a disarming grin, one you would see in ponyville. Well, the smile; not the red leather, the knife, or the sadistic look in his eyes. Well, maybe on pinkie? For f**** sake! I am not, an equestrian!
He said, "Good news, Pricks! I am bored with you, and so will be letting you go! This is the last time!"
Normally, this would be a good thing. They would be set free. But, if his words two days ago, and Tempests description of the last one were any indication, their 'Release', would involve them being killed. Thrown off the ship to be specific.
Unlike most times, he went over to Tempest first. His knife was held just under her hunched torso, making it seem like he was going to cut her. Instead, he raised the blade so the top of it was poised at the base of her shattered horn. He grinned.
"Let me, re-open, that for you." With that, he lowered the knife to just above her scar. Tempest tried to shut the eye, but Colds aura held it open. The tip of the knife pressed into the flesh on the base of her forehead. She winced, but continued to look at her torturer. He then slashed the blade down the length of the scar, not even slowing as the scalding hot blade made contact with her eye.
As the blade left her skin, she fell the the ground, bowling in pain. As she rolled over, Void got a good look at the wound. Her old scar, faded down to a simple white line, was now re-opened. Fresh blood and pus spilled out of the gash, running down her face to her nose. Her eye no longer resembled an eye; it more so looked like a piece of burnt egg. Fluid gushed out of it, adding to the display on the floor.
"Oh, quit whining. The cut isn't deep enough to require healing. Let the blade run its course, and you'll be fine. Not sure how much good it'll do you, but it will," He said. He turned and walked over to Void. His bloody knife hung loose in his grip, and Void realized her only chance at escape. She and Tempest both didn't have a bridle; Cold had just been standing too far away. When he Cut Tempest, he was right in front of her. If he did the same, Then maybe she could grab the knife with her teeth.
He stood in front of her, grinning his typical grin. He lazily swung the knife back and forth, seeking to enjoy himself. He then pressed the blade up to her neck. The hot blade hissed when it met her flesh, but she stayed as still as possible. If she moved too much, Then the blade may go deeper. He, still looking at her, slid the blade over to a small area on her neck. "This place, in your throat. When I cut it, the heat will cauterise the wound. It will hurt like hell, and I will enjoy it deeply. But my magic won't be necessary to heal it."
As he continued to grin, Void picked up something on her ears. It was a light ringing. Suddenly, the whole ship rocked to the side, sending Cold sprawling, and his knife falling to the floor right in front of her. Wasting no time, Void grabbed the knife and cut her bonds, just as Cold Bit got up.
He growled, and his horn began to glow. Just before he could do whatever spell he had planned, Void got within striking distance. She slashed at his horn, and with him preparing a spell, he was defenceless. The scalding, razor sharp blade cut through his horn like a hot knife through butter. It fell, steaming to the ground as he fell in pain. Void was on him in a second, pressing her forehoof to his neck, raising the knife over hi with her other. He whimpered, "mercy."
He sounded exactly like that dog that she let life in the desert. He was just as pathetic looking too. But unlike then, she felt no pity. How many innocent ponies had asked of him the same thing? She had seen first hand, just what he could do it let live. So, she had no problem pinning him to the floor with the knife, the hilt sticking out of his wide open mouth. He seemed to gag on it, bubbly blood leaking out of his mouth. She felt no pity, as she began to pat him down, looking for the keys.
Upon finding them, she shoved it into the door, turning it open. But before she made a rush for freedom, she grabbed two things. One, the knife from Colds gurgling mouth. Two, tempest, who she wrapped her forehoof around her shoulder, and began to lead out of the room.
She found herself in a pretty nice office. A desk, a map, a few books; all of it looked pretty cozy. It would have been homely; if it didn't belong to a psychopath. Pushing open the door again, she found herself in the deck of the ship. They were up in the air, flying along at a leisurely pace. A few of the others were running around, manning the....Ballista? Before Void could figure out what was going on, a explosion went both her and Tempest flying into the railing. Due to her higher up position, she was sent flying OVER the rail, free falling into the air.
She saw Tempest lean over the side. She yelled, "Voiddd!!" Then, she and the ship vanished, concealed from the falling Void by the rapidly moving, stark white Clouds.
You want to know the most cruel part of her fall? That it felt the closest to flying she had experienced in almost nine months.
The wind shot last her exposed flesh, turning the area around her scars ice cold. Loose fur and feathers shot out of her body, falling much slower then her. She shifted over so her face was facing the ground. It felt.....Wonderful! The stress of her face; it felt like she was flying again! If she shut her eyes, she could truly imagine it. She was heading down to preform a Sonic Rainboom. Then, reality caught up to her.
She wasn't flying; she was falling. In panic at this realization, she began to call her one wing. While she did slow for a few seconds, it didn't help her. She just rolled in a circle, looseing her progress, and just went back to falling. Her flailing limbs probably didn't help, either.
The ship was up pretty high, so she had some time to think of a plan. She continued to flap, leaning to the left to try to keep herself righted. It didn't help though; she just couldn't stay level. And even if she could, she didn't possess enough thrust to keep herself up. She stopped trying to fly or slow her fall. She began to look for something to break her fall.
A few small pieces of metal, likely from the Ship(s?) Above, fell past her from time to time. However, these couldn't work. They were too small, and falling faster than her. Some wood was above her, but that power the same problem. Then, it hit her; the Clouds!
After a moment of feeling like an idiot, she soon came to a problem. She was falling through clouds. But then she noticed that they were actually quite small. Most could hold a young foal, one around Scootaloos age, no older. And she was falling too fast to be able to push some together. If she could find a bigger one, Then she may be able to land on it.
Seemingly, fortune favored her today. She was a large cloud off to her right. Angleing her wing, she began to flap for dear life. Her efforts were rewarded, when her forehoof caught onto the edge of the cloud. After a few seconds of catching her breath, she pulled herself up onto the cloud.
It was a decent size, able to hold her and another pony her age. It wasn't the stark white she first made most of the clouds out to be. Instead, they were a light grayish color. She also noticed that they weren't the same as Equestrian clouds. These ones were a lot less sturdy, as if it would fall apart if she stood in the wrong spot. She guessed this made sense;, these clouds were made naturally, and not by the Cloudsdale factory, after all. As such, she stayed as still as possible, as not to make it dissipate.
She knew she couldn't stay on here forever. She had no food, no way to hold water, even if she could coax some out of the cloud, nothing to keep her warm. It was quite cold up here, and her numerous scars weren't helping. She felt like a frozen Haydog that had slits cut in it. She needed a way down to the ground.
Peeking over the edge, she was that she wasn't too far from the ground. Well, she wasn't too far from a tree. Maybe, say, a good fifty feet. If she could get the cloud lower, she may be able to jump to that tree. However, without the ability to fly, she couldn't just push the cloud down.
Maybe I can push it down, by.....Jumping on it? She knew that it likely wouldn't work, as when she jumped on clouds back home, all that happened was it would cause the cloud to rain. But maybe, since these were different types of clouds, it could work. Not like I have much of a choice. And so, she bent her knees slightly, and jumped up. She fell right through the cloud on her way down.
She began to scream and flail once again. The tree that was her target, a tall pine, was too far away, and so she fell right past it. From her initial high up position, she had some control over her descent. But, from such a short distance, she had jack-diddily-squat. Fortunately, she saw a smaller, and much closer, tree. Tucking into a position where she showed as little surface area as possible, she rocketed toward that tree.
At the last second, she tried to level out and grab a branch. However, another tree, this one much closer, smacked her in the flank as she did so. So, she instead fell forward, her head impacting the trees truck. She then was used as a paddle ball by the two trees, bouncing back and forth between the two. Finally, she hit the soft mud underneath the tree.
Well, 'soft' mud. It was better then the hard-packed, dead leaf covered path next to her. It still hurt like hell, and probably had mud placed in her old scars. If those caused an infection, she would be helpless. She had been taught basic first aid; bandages, common medications and there uses, splints and the like. Not infections from scars on her ripped open sides and back. Even though it was a few months after the, 'incident', the sounds still were not totally healed.
Speaking of splints, she noticed her right foreleg was broken. Yeah, broken was right; the whole thing, at the knee, was bent the other way! Not much, but still. As such, she began to look for sticks from her seated position. Finding none in the mud, she looked over at the tree. A few low hanging branches hung just within reach, so using her mouth, she goes them off. Now, all she needed was a binder, to keep it on. With nothing around, she had to use mud. It was going to be horrible for it, but better then nothing. She then realized, she had something else. Her hair.
It had grown back, and in fact, was much longer then back in Equestria. Unfortunately, she had no way to get it out. No knife, no sharp rock, not even.... Her teeth. She sighed. She knew she had no choice. It was this or use mud that would come off as soon as it dried. Using her non-broken foreleg as a fulcrum, she paid some of the uneven mop over it, clenched her teeth around it, and began to pull.
It hurt, sure, but not as much as Colds torture, or the blades, or anything else she had to endure. It was a weak pain, and she ignored it. Soon, she had pulled out quite a bit of the multi-colored hair, and began to run it through the mud. Then, she looked down at her broken foreleg, and looked for a way to right it. She found this in the form of a rock, and another, much larger rock.
She took the smaller rock, and picked it up in her mouth. Resting the broken Foreleg on the larger one, she lowered her head. She then jerked it up and down in one motion. A sickening *crack!* And a muffled cry of pain followed. Ultimately, it did work. Her leg was, more or less, straight. She braced the sticks up to it, and began to wrap the hair around it. As she did, her thoughts wandered.
She had fallen so far, and not just literally. She was, once, RAINBOW DASH, for cryin' out loud! Potential Wonderbolt, Loved daughter, an all around Awesome pony. And here she was, scarred beyond recognition, with one wing and one flank that still had a Cutie mark, binding a splint with her own muddy hair. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. And it's all their fault!
She blamed her former friends, or course. They had gone along with Celestias idea, and drove her away with Mare-do-well. Plus, they had, even if on accident, went her into the river. She hated them. Wanted to see them dead, or at least put threw the same pain she had been. She wanted vengeance. But, she mostly blamed Celestia. It was her idea to erase her memory, and the one who got the royal guard. She wanted to cut off her limbs, then gut her with her own horn, then....then....
For a few minutes, she just sat there, going over in her head what she just thought. She wanted to...Rip the limbs off the Princess, and then gut her, with her own horn? Where had that thought come from? She soon realized where. She had been surrounded by violence and violent, even sadistic ponies. Ponies that made Discord look like a tantruming baby, in terms of sheer insanity. And, they were rubbing off on her. That may be what that creepy Dream version of herself represents; her personality being twisted until she enjoys torturing others too.
I did, get some satisfaction in, killing that raider. My first kill. And I didn't feel guilty when I killed Cold. No, I'm not like them! I killed them, yes. But the raider was out of Self-defense, and to escape from Cold. Plus, they both were crazy. The dogs tried to attack me, so that's also Self-defense. But, the Hippogriffs.... The only ones she felt guilty about were the Hippogriff soldiers. They were doing their job, and she was helping Transport their Princess. Even if it was self-defense, she still didn't feel right about it.
Her conscious sated, she returned to her splint. She wrapped the makeshift binding around the two sticks, tucking one end under one of the sticks. She stood up shakily, and took an experimental step forward in it. Pain shot up the leg, and she fell back down. Grunting, she stood again, and began to trot forward, while keeping her foreleg in the air. She climbed out of the mud, and began to clamber up onto the path.
It was not a well kept path. Dead leaves, old sticks, rocks, and what looked like some small bones littered the path. The path itself was uneven; it was patchy and had mixed sort and hard areas. A broken sign laid near the path, having been uprooted from its former position. After a short walk over, she saw what it said: Kells keep, 20 miles.
Void groaned. Twenty miles!? She didn't know if Kells keep was a town, or an actual keep, but it made little difference to her. Either way, she may be able to get some food, shelter, and clothes. She had no money, but maybe they would be kind enough to just offer it to her. If not, maybe she could steal it. If it was a town or a castle, the people there likely wouldn't miss one. Her mind made up, she began to March along. She felt unusually energetic; her fortunes were turning around!
Her fortunes weren't turning for the better. She couldn't exactly go very fast, in account of only being able to use three hooves. Plus, her wounds from the past three days were still pretty sore, further hindering her progress. She was still moving at a somewhat decent speed, until it began to rain.
It had started out as a light drizzle and some stuff wind. Without a covering, she was extra cold, but it wasn't too bad. But then it began to pick up, more and more rain beating down on the path. Some areas of the path became muddy pools, threatening to swallow her hoof. Other areas were just a little slippery. However, she knew that she couldn't stay on the open path. The wind and cold rain could give her Hypothermia, or some other had disease. Plus, she could slip and get even more hurt. So, she got off the path, and began to look for a place to find shelter.
The trees provided extra cover, but she was still under the shadow of the darkened clouds. She looked around, venturing off the path, but still keeping it in sight. She didn't want to get lost, after all. When she found nothing, she went back to the road, and went along for a little bit. Then, she would repeat her process.
Finally, she found a cave. Upon entering it, she found it was relatively dry, and empty. Well, or anything alive, that is. Inside, she found several things. A few small crates, a bunch of firewood, a fire pit with a spit over it, a couple of sleeping rolls, and a mat with some tools and weapons laid out on it. A map was pinned to the wall, and a small door leading into the cave. She went over to the door, and hesitantly opened it. To her relief, it was just a latrine; little better then a hole, but still empty. After making sure the rest of the cave was empty of anything alive, She went over to the pit, and examined the items in it. A few burnt logs, and some still warm embers. She went over to grab a few logs, and began to drag them by her mouth over toward the pit. A lot slower then using her hooves, but ultimately less painful.
When they were over by the pit, she placed them in the hot embers. When they were in place, she began to glow in The embers, causing the fire to pick up. When the Coals began to sputter out, She looked for anything to bring it up. She settled on some dry sticks she found next to the logs, which she threw in the fire. After a few minutes, it had grown to a nice size, and Void began to warm herself.
She now took in just how long she had been in the Rain. She was soaked to the bone, and freezing cold. The fire felt like one of her secret trips to the Ponyville Day Spa: relaxing, and felt great. She afforded herself a little chuckle. She truly was different; she was comparing a Spa trip to sitting in front of a fire. It wasn't even that big a fire. However, that was what she was reduced to. She would enjoy what good fortune that came her way. And this was it!
She was now, very, very hungry. She realized she hadn't eaten pretty much anything in almost a week. She was starving. She began to look for food, but found nothing. Soon, she grew tired, and dragged one of the sleeping bag closer to the fire pit. She then said into it, making sure to position her Splinted hoof so she wouldn't crush it. She knew she should probably check the other crates and whatnot for anything useful, but she was too tired, and She was more comfortable in that Sleeping bag then She had been in a while, and was not keen to leave it. So, her eyes grew heavy and She began to drift off to sleep. Much to her relief, she wasn't greeted by a blood-soaked room. Instead, it was the comforting darkness of the void.
Void awoke, feeling better rested them she had in months. She also felt extremely warm. It wasn't a bed, but better then the floor or a like of rocks like she was accustomed to. She didn't want to get out of the sleeping bag, but knew she had to. The crates were closed, and She may find some useful supplies. Armor, a weapon, a cloak, some food, money. Anything that can help her. So, with much reluctance, she crawled out of the bag.
She went over and began to study the crates. They were simple wood boxes, numbering at four total, with the lids sealed down with nails. They appeared to not have been opened in a while. On one side, she found a logo: The Beruska Caravan Company With a spoked wheel below it. It was burned into the wood, and Void guessed it was who the boxes belonged to.
Void began to wonder who lived in this cave. She at first didn't care, but now began to wonder. She doubted this was a camp of this Company. If it was, she probably would have found someone here. In addition, not all of them had the logo. A few were unlabeled, while one had stenciled on, Boss verko. So, she had to guess that this was a bandit camp. But, then, where were the bandits? Void shrugged it off; if they were just out, they would have left someone. Plus, she had been here for a while, so they should have been back. So, she figured she was pretty safe.
The crates, as stated, were held down by nails. She began to look for a way to get them open. Even if they were empty, then She could use them as firewood. She knew she couldn't use both her hooves, as the one was still broken. So, she went over to the lake out tools, hoping to find one to pry them open.
The cloth on which they rested was scratchy wool, that it push came to shove,could also fuel the fire. The tools, and weapons, were all laid out, and there were depressingly few. A hatchet, a spade, a few knives, a sort a Club-like instrument, a short sword, and a hand crossbow. The crossbow, due to his it was made with a grip and trigger, made it impossible for her to use. She had no idea what to do with the club, so that was also useless to her. The sword and the Knives would be use for her protection. The axe and shovel were just tools, but also had uses. In specific, the shovel she could use to fulcrum the lids.
This in mind, she shuffled over to one of the crates. She shoved the Blade of the Spade into the gap between the lid and the box proper. There was just enough room for it to fit, but that was all she needed. Using her non-broken forehoof, she pushed down on the handle. After a little effort, the lid flew off, and Void looked in on its contents.
Inside, were a bunch of rectangular cans. She lifted one out with her wing, and lay it on the floor. It was a simple tin can she had seen plenty of times, with a small purple wrap around it. She saw no label, but it did exude a smell. It was a little disgusting, but she couldn't place it. Wanting to find out, she went over to the knives to get one. She slid the narrow blade into the edge of the can, and sat down to open it. Laying on her back, she began to twist the can around with her free hoof. When that was done, she spat out the knife and set the can down. She picked back up the knife in her mouth, and pried the kid off. She immediately gagged. It was meat. Exactly what type she didn't know, or care. She shoved the can as far away from her, and put the lid back on it. She once more spat out the knife, picked up the shovel again, and repeated the same process with the next box.
This one was a lot longer then the rest, more a rectangle then a square. This was one of the BCC crates. While it took a while longer due to the length of the box, she did get it open, and grinned at the contents of this one. Rope! It was quite a bit of rope, too; around Fifty feet of it. It wasn't all that thick as well, meaning she could use it as a new binder for her splint. She pulled it out, and began to examine it. It was quite sturdy, her also not too thick. She could make use of it.
Next, she came to the other BCC box. This one was square like the other three, but was a little bigger then the. Prying it open, she found a bunch of suits. Tuxedos, and fancy ones at that. Like, Canterlot level nice. She didn't know what exactly they were doing down here. She had never seen anyone, pony or other, wearing a suit down here. It, just seemed unnecessary. Oh well. Maybe she could sell them, or if not, fuel for the fire. Now, on to the last one.
This one was the one labeled Verko. When this one opened, Void was confused as to what it was. All the others she knew what they were, but not this one. It was a bunch of tightly packed objects, like the unmarked box, but these weren't boxes. They were packages, well, more like blocks. They were white, and bound by adhesive tape. It looked like the contents were some sort of powder. It looked kind of like flour, but she somehow doubted it. Flour simply wasn't stored like this; it just seemed to weird for flour.
With all the crates opened, she moved to her plan if they were empty. She took on of the lids, and broke off a few pieces of the wood. She did the same for the rope, and then looked her original splint. It was definitely crude, and while not as good as a cast and rest in a hospital, the thick boards and rope would be better suited for the role of a splint. Cutting off her mud -covered hair from the splint, and when the sticks fell to the ground, she replaced them with the boards. Holding them in place with the wall and her free forehoof, she began to wrap it up. When she ran out of rope, she tucked it back into the boards, tightening it to keep it secure.
She knew most of this stuff had its uses, but she still had some issues. Most prominent, a lack of food. Looking back out, it was still raining cats and dogs, so scavenging was out of the question. She had no other protection from the rain except the Tuxs, but those didn't count. They would be soaked through, and made useless. So, she had no food, except.....
Void considered her options. She had never eaten meat. She didn't even know if she could. Well, she could; she technically could eat anything. But, what of side effects? She had no idea what would happen if she ate it. It could make her sick, or worse. Her teeth weren't designed to eat it for a reason, after all.
But, in the end, what choice did she have? She had no other source of food. The massive amount of rain outside meant the plants were waterlogged, and even so, covered in mud. Plus, she would be soaked, and that could potentially be worse then eating meat. She made up her mind: she would cook it on the spit, and sat it. If nothing happened to her, she would eat more.
So, she turned over to the spit. Pulling it off the rack, she shoved into the can. The slab of dull red meat was slid out, and pushed to the center of the metal stick. She laid the spit back on the rack, and began to spin it. She had no idea what she was doing, so she just had to wing it. Ugh, bad pun.
After a few minutes, a terrible smell filled the air. She guessed it was the meat cooking, as nothing else was around. She was reminded of her burning of Garretts body back at the farm. The same smell, the same feeling. This was once alive, after all. Soon, the meat was a toasted brown color, and Void removed it from the rack. She laid it on a relatively clean stone, and began to cut it with a knife. Once in small strips of the cooked meat, she picked one up with her hoof. She gave it a disgusted sneer, before deciding to get it over with, and shoved the whole chunk in her mouth.
As she began to chew, she resisted the urge to gag. The stuff was, to put it simply, disgusting. It had a weird texture, weird taste, and just felt wrong. However, she forced herself to swallow it. It was the only food she had access to, and by god, she was starving. Her teeth weren't designed to read the meat, but fortunately the meat was already pretty soft and squishy. As such, it wasn't too hard to eat, but still not the best. It was no hayburger after all. However, it was one thing: filling. The once starving Void now felt slightly less starving. So, when she managed to stomach the first peice, she began to shove the others in her eager mouth.
As more and more of the meat entered her mouth, the more she could stomach it. It even began to actually taste decent. It was pretty tasteless in general, but it was bearable. The stuff was pretty filling though, and that was what was important. Soon, she had eaten the entire slab of the squishy stuff. Her teeth felt a little sore, but it was a small price to pay to get some relief from starvation. She was still hungry, but she had plenty of the cans. If she rations, she could last a little while in here. And if she could get some flowers or leaves or something like that, she could last longer. With the rain, she couldn't go very far, but she may be able to get some leaves from a bush near the face mouth. She had figured out a solution to her food problem! Even if she felt a little queasy, she had something to eat.......
Void had been sitting in that cave, for almost three weeks. She had plenty of food, and due to all the rain, she also had water. No creature, sentient or not, had come to the cave. So, there was only one problem left for the scarred mare. There was nothing to do. At all.
Back in ponyville, she had two things she hated above all. One, was not being able to fly. She had grown accustomed to not being able to do this, thanks to her missing wing. But the other one was far worse for her. It was not being able to do something, or that something being boring. Sure, reading could be considered boring, but that didn't count in her eyes. If she had a book, any book, then it could be tolerable. Or, really anything to do.
She had done lots of things with what she had. She had made structures out of logs and empty cans. She had been throwing up and catching sticks. She had tried to figure out what to do with the packers of Flour-like stuff; she had found no uses. She had practised her fighting with the sword and knives on the cave wall. Hell, she had even began to take tickmarks on the wall like in Prison escape plays. However, she could not escape the sheer, unrelenting boredom.
Often she would just lay around, doing nothing. What chores she needed to do where not all that time consuming. As stated, food and water were taken care of. Her waste was taken care of by the latrine in the corner of the cave. This was ridiculous! She was Rainbow Dash! She was a mare of action! Not some mope, laying around waiting for her food to run out. But, here she was.
However, that one part of her statement upset her. Was, she Rainbow Dash? Who, or what, was she? She had been broken, and then forced back together in a new shape. She was far from the Energetic, brash, egotistical made who lived in a nice house in ponyville. She was now, little more then an animal. Doing what was needed to merely cling to life. A life that, well, wasn't anything important. She would just be a victim, one of the countless deaths of this harse, unforgiving land.
She then considered the Southlands. Sure, they were dangerous. And sure, the creatures here were a crazy, or opportunistic, or did what they had to. But, it had to have some use. Lots of metal armor was everywhere, and it had to come from somewhere. And she somehow doubted that it was imported from other places. Equestrian would never deal with them, and Griffonstone was in no condition to. Other nations were either down here, or had no reason too. So, this place had to have some mineral wealth. Lots of trees down here, too. Well, she didn't actually know where she was. But she had to guess she was still in the southlands, due to the lack of Pegasi and being unfamiliar with the plants.
But, back on topic. Who had she become? She called herself Void Streak, but she was still much like Rainbow. She had her mane, her coat, her eyes. But, rainbow was gone, killed little by little. She was very much a new pony. One who count onto life desperately. If anypony she once knew was in her place, they wouldn't draw breath. They were either too set in their ways, or simply not able to handle it.
She stood from her lying position, and grabbed the sword. She went over to her makeshift dummy, a stone stalagmite, and began to hit it. Thrust, swipe, swipe, downward slice, upward thrust, repeat. Thrust, swipe, swipe, downward slice, upward thrust, repeat. She would often come up with one of these routines, and practise it for as long as it took to do it fast. However, as she did so, she continued to think, her thoughts drifting to those who betrayed her.
Why had Celestia forsaken this place? It had its uses, plus more land if the population went up. The people were....not ideal. But some time and effort, then they could work with them. So, why leave this place to fall to anarchy and violence? The only reason she could see was other races. She had encountered ponies, yeah, but they were not as common as other creatures. On the same path, she had seen lots of Griffins, Diamond Dogs, Hippogriffs, what were called Changlings, and the bipedal lizard and fish like creatures. Did they even have a name? Not the point.
The more she thought about it, the more she began to believe it. Why else would it be abandoned? Why else would a massive desert be erected other then to keep them out? And the ponies of Equestria allowed this. Well,they didn't. They just didn't know. They were taught that there was nothing down here, other then pain and misery. Instead, while that wasn't false, it was more. A land of two types of creatures: the bullies who picked on others for fun, or those that were just trying to make a living down here.
She didn't notice, but she was changing. Not just mentally. Her coat, still a Light Cyan color, was slowly but surely passing even further, becoming a Light gray color. Her mane also became a lighter color, still maintaining its rainbow color, yet adopting a sandy quality. Her remaining Cutie mark began to fade, slowly but surely fading into just into another patch of pale fur. When she finally stopped, she looked down and took in the change.
Before, she would have been scared and confused out of her mind. But now, it sort made sense. She truly was a different pony. No longer the brash wonderbolt aspiree. Now, she was a New pony. Her now lack of a Cutie mark confused her, but she ultimately shrugged it off. She then went over toward the fire pit.
As she hadn't the resources to keep it going at all times, she allowed it to burn out during the night. It made her freezing in the mornings, but it was a small price. She would just start it up when necessary. Now was one of those times. She placed in some logs, struck one of the knives on a rock until a spark formed, blew on the spark until the fire got big enough. She then placed a piece of the canned stuff on the spit, and began to spin it.
Suddenly, she heard a clamor of activity outside the cave. She set down the knife, and reached for her short sword. Standing up, she listened again for the noise, but heard nothing. She walked toward the entrance, stopping just before puddles appeared on the ground. She stuck her head out a little further, and swiveled it around. She saw nothing except the pouring rain, waterlogged trees, and off in the distance, the worn path. Shrugging it off as likely just a loose bush or something like that, she went back into the cave.
A little while later, she heard more noise. This time it was louder, and was definitely not some piece of debris from the storm. Now more cautious, she once more picked up her sword and went toward the cave entrance. When she got to the entrance, her suspicions were proven correct. At the entrance of the cave stood a trip of stallions. It could not of been such a mismatched crew. One was light gray like her new coat, with a black mane. The next was the largest, and had a darker gray coat with a ginger mane. The final one was tan with a dark brown mane. They all wore drenched ponchos, and wore calm expressions.
They all seemed rather familiar to her, however she couldn't place it. She doubted they were the previous occupants of the cave. They didn't appear to be armed, and if they were, she figured they would have attacked her. Instead, they just stood there. So, she decided to find out what they were doing.
"Can I help you, gents? Or are you just gonna stand their and gawk?" She asked. Her response didn't come from any of them, however. It instead came from a forth stallion, tucked in behind them. It was a accented laugh, that once again rant with some familiarity. The stallions in front parted to reveal who had laughed. It was then when Void realized from where she recognized them.
"Greetings, Madame. My name is Dr. Caballeron, and these are my associates. Now, may I trouble you for some of your time?"
Sure enough, it was the good doctor. Under his poncho were his signature tan duster and red and white neck scarf. Which meant that those three behind him were some of his henchponies. Withers, rouge, and biff, she believed. However, she now was certainly curious.
"Depends. Just what do you want?" She asked.
"Oh, a few things. The first would be some shelter. May, we trouble you for that?"
She cocked her head, thinking. On one hand, the books had portrayed a clear picture of Dr. Caballerons character. He was opportunistic, greedy, and ready to betray somepony if it suited him. However, she had nothing he could want. She had no money, and She doubted he wanted what was in those crates. Also, she figured she could take them if things got out of hand.
"Ok. But if you touch anything, threaten me, or do anything to annoy me, I'll kill you. Capish?"
He grinned. "Of course, madame. Come, boys."
With that, they followed her in. They removed their hoods, and the henchponies gathered around the still out fire. As they warmed themselves, Caballeron gestured for her to come over to a corner. When she got over to him, he flashed her his signature, untrustworthy grin.
"Well, madame. I just thank you for providing me and my stallions shelter."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now, what else do you want? You mentioned you wanted multiple things."
"A keen ear." She chuckled. "You would be correct. I need some information. Are you familiar with the surrounding area."
"No, not really. I fell off an airship. All I know is you follow the road for a distance, you'll find Kells keep."
His grin turned into a frown at the news. "I see. Well then, I just ask if you have seen one, Daring Do."
Void figured this was coming. She also figured that it Daring was near here, then She was looking for something. And Caballeron was following her. However, she grinned at this realization. She could get something out of the good Doctor.
"Well, you see. Information is, a very valuable commodity down here. And it ain't cheap. So, I will be needing some, compensation."
"Name your price."
Now she was showing her grin. "500, storm bucks. Bits aren't worth s*** down here."
The tan earth pony said, "What!? Then why don't I just have my boys pry the information out of you!?!" As it to prove his point, the various thugs stood up. Void just chuckled.
"Several reasons. One, none of you have weapons. Two, if you try to attack me, I can either outfight you, or just outrun you. Three, I've been torn apart, been the prisoner of a pony with medical skill and a pain fetish, and fell from an airship. I'm not scared of a few thugs. So, 500, or I will not be making a peep."
He growled like a animal, but eventually lowered his offensive posture. He turned to one of the stallions, and barked, "Get it for her."
The gray one came out, holding a small box in his teeth. She set it down and flung it open, revealing a bunch of the paper money. Void took her promised amount, turning and placing it next to the tools.
Caballeron then said, "There. You got your pay. Now, awnser me. Where is Daring do?"
She let loose a laugh. "Ha ha ha ha!! I said I'd tell you what I knew. But...well...I've never heard of her! Ha ha!" That last part was a lie. But, of course, he didn't need to know that. Not that he wasn't angry.
"You thief! I should-" before he could finish, Void pressed her sword to his neck. The thugs moved to move her away, but he gestured for them not to. "Very well. I suppose I did stumble into that. Now, since you have nothing to offer me, I will take my leave. Just, he careful. My, other associate, is not as kind to this kind of stuff, as I am. Good day." And with that, he and his thugs pulled back up their hoods, and left.
When they had left, Void began to think. I didn't find out what had made that noise earlier. Dr. Caballeron was looking for Daring Do. Plus, she is quite sneaky..... Void decided to test her little theory. At worst, she was just paranoid. And at best, then Daring Do was in the cave with her. Either way, no harm could come of it.
Casting her gaze across the cave, she finally settled on a patch of shadow in a corner. "You can come out now. Unless you give me a reason, I won't attack you."
For a few seconds, she got no reply. Then, a figure emerged from said corner. It was a female pegasus, with two toned gray mane and tail, ran coat, and a compass for a Cutie mark. She wore a poncho, also over her signature outfit: a olive green shirt and pith helmet. A satchel was doing over her shoulder, and a canteen hung from her belt.
She looked at her, sizing her up. When her gaze drifted to the crates of stuff, Void caught on with her train of thought. "And no. Before you ask, I'm not a bandit. I just found all that when I first came in." As she waited for a reaction , she barely kept in her giddiness. This was THE Daring Do! Even if Rainbow Dash was little more then a memory, Void still loved the books. Just because she couldn't fly, that didn't affect her new life. She could still like it. And, boy, like it She did.
"I wasn't going to. I was going to ask you, well....Why? Why'd you do that to Caballeron? He is ruthless, and won't take this insult as lightly as you think." She said.
"Well, Ms. Do. I figured I could get something out of him. Plus, someone had to teach that high and mighty S*** a lesson."
At this, her eyes narrowed. "Wait, I never said what my name was. And you said you've never heard of me."
Void got a sudden interest in the ground. "Well, you see, I lied."
"So you have heard of me?"
"Yeah. In fact.......I'm a big fan!" She said, dropping the sword and waking toward her, a wide grin on her face and her hoof extended for a shake. A gestured she received reluctantly.She
"Huh. I didn't know southlanders read my books." At this, Voids wide grin broke.
"Um. I'm, not from around here. As I'm assuming you heard from my talk with Caballeron, I just fell off an airship. I....Don't want to talk about it, but all you need to know is I've read, and really like them." As she spoke, her smile slowly returned. She had met Daring do, one of her dreams. One she could still achieve.
Daring seemed to warm up at this. "So, you won't betray me, and then me into Caballeron?"
"No. Traitors are one of the worst thing to blight this world. Trust me. If I wanted to make some money and turn you in, I would have just told Caballeron to stay, or just call after him. Now, can I help you?"
Darings expression finally turned kind. Internally, Void was squealing like a little filly. She was being smiled at by Daring Do! Daring said, "Well, I don't suppose you were also lying about knowing information about the area."
Void shook her head. "No, can't say I do. I was truthful about that. Sorry. Anyway, hungry?" She said, gesturing to the cooked meat resting on a rock slab. Daring recoiled, before trying to put on a kind smile. It didn't work, coming off more as strained.
"Uhh, no thanks."
"Heh. Suit yourself. Just saying though, it's all I got."
Daring sat down across from her, removing her poncho and warming herself by the fire. "Don't worry, I plan to leave in the morning. I may have thrown Caballeron off my tail, but he will still be looking for the artifact."
Ok, if Void wasn't interested before, she was now. "What artifact? Maybe I can help with that. I haven't been here long, but I've heard a few things from my old job."
"Old job? Nevermind. It's called the Stormcallers Gauntlets. They were supposedly used by Commander Hurricane during ancient times."
Void considered what she had been told. She had been told stories while working for Iron Plow. But, she didn't recall anything called the Stormcallers Gauntlets. "Sorry. Can't say I've heard of it. So, how many other adventures have you been on. I haven't seen a new one of your books in almost a year."
The two began to talk. They drifted from topic to topic, never staying on one for too long. They talked about all sorts of things; Darings adventures, what voids been doing, a few personal things. However, Void was still cautious; she didn't want her to have too much advantage over her. She knew she was probably being paranoid, but it was a bit of a habit. Eventually, the two grew tired, and fell to sleep.
As she said, when Void awoke, she was that Daring was gone. She also saw that the rain had stopped, and the sun shined down on the mud on the caves edge. Good, She thought. Now I can get some stuff to eat beside this meat. She would eat meat, of course. But some flowers and berries would be better. As she picked up her sword, her thoughts came to a point. A very, important, problem.
"F***, f***, f***!" She hissed to herself as she paced back and forth. She had, in her excitement at meeting Daring Do, one crucial detail. Something rather important. Something that could spell a certain disaster for her.
Daring Do was an book series.
Well, that wasn't exactly why. It was a very popular book series. Even if none of the other traitors picked it up, out of 'respect' or some s*** like that, Twi read them. She was the one who introduced them to her, after all. So, she would surely read the newest one. The one, that had her in it! While she didn't look exactly like her old self, they could figure out if was her. And they would go down to the authors place, and get some questions answered. That would lead them down here, to her. And they would likely the to force her to come home. You know, to be BRAINWASHED!
Void growled in anger, then continued to pace. What could she do? Who knew where Daring Do was, so she couldn't just ask not to be featured or something like that. So, that left two options. Wait for them to come to her, or run. She knew that, for safety, the traitors would bring royal guards, or even the princess. Even if they didn't, they would outnumber her, and not right fair. So, that left one option; leave the cave and head toward Kells Keep. Even if it wasn't a town or it was abandoned, she could hide there or get something useful out of it.
She then considered her other options. She was saddened to find that there weren't many. Going back to Equestria on her own was a no go. Even if she could hide, her lack of cutie mark and still spectral colored hair would give her away. And she didn't even know which way to go to get back there. That was also the problem with going to any other of the places she'd been. She could go back to them, and they likely wouldn't know to look their. But she didn't know which way to go to get there. So, Kells Keep was her best bet.
Her mind made up, she moved to grab what she could. Which, disappointingly, was not too much. She had the sword, connected to a leather strap. The rest of the stuff in the cave was either too big to carry, had no use, or would be too inefficient to carry. As such, all she ended up taking beside the sword was the was of SBs she managed to con Caballeron out of, which she stuck in a small pocket on the scabbard.
She then set off from the cave She had called home for almost a month. Immediately, she was met with a problem: the mud. It completely surrounded the Cave mouth, and when she stepped in it, she sank up to her knees. She began to trudge over toward the path, hoping to be free of the mud on the firmer packed, higher up ground. It wasn't easy; the mud constantly trying to pull her downward. Only her constant movement kept her from sinking.
Eventually, she reached a ditch along the edge of the road. She tried to climb up it, but couldn't. She was by no means weak, as she would often practice While in the cave. But the mud was even thicker here, making climbing up near impossible. Whenever she would get up a certain distance, she would just slide back down. Getting a handhold was near impossible.
As she figured the path was at least somewhat sturdy, it would help her move along faster. So, after failing her fourth attempt, she began to think. Her mind then came to her sword; in particular, it's cross guard. She pulled it out, revealing that it was, thankfully, not coated in the stuff. She turned it around, and gripped the blade in her hoof. While it hurt a little, it certainly did help. She swung it down on the path, the cross guard buring itself in the mud. A quick tug showed that it was actually pretty deeply embedded. She began to pull herself up, the mud now aiding her, acting as a sort of lubrication.
Despite this, it still took some time before she was fully out of the ditch. She was coated in mud, with only her back being completely free of it. However, she finally pulled herself up onto the path. The ground on the raised position was still wet and muddy, but considerably less so. It was also more or less clear of obstruction, with only the odd stick or pile of leaves obstructing the path.
But her troubles weren't over. When she went to retrieve her sword, she found it stuck. The cross guard was so deeply in the ground, that it was stuck. A few good guys with her teeth did nothing, so Void tried with her forehooves. Even after giving it all she had, it wouldn't budge. Not deterred, she pulled with one last burst of strength. Finally, it gave....
....and sent Void tumbling off the other end of the road. She fell on her back and slid down, coming to a stop at the crusp of the ditch. Now she was completely covered in mud, and with all her scars, it was not a pleasant feeling. On the plus side, the blade was free from the mud. As she stood up, she saw that the ditch on this side of the road was less steep. This meant she just climbed up the side with little effort.
When she was on the firmer path, she put her sword back in the scabbard, unslung it, and set it down. She then took a few steps, and shook like a dog. Most of the mud flew off, save for a few stubborn clumps. She turned around to get her sword, but found it was gone. Alarmed, her head shot from side to side, looking for who had taken her only source of protection and money.
She was nothing and no one. Not one living thing, unless you counted the trees and bushes. She was more than a little panicked. If something could steal her weapon and only money so easily, how easily could it kill her? Knowing she could do nothing about it, she proceed to move along the road, eyes darting side to side. She hoped that whatever it was would not try to attack her.
Void walked down the worn and damp path, eyes darting back and forth. They swept the path, looking for anything that could harm her. She had only had to do this in the Everfree back hom-, back in Equestria. But, now it almost felt like second nature. Man, I really am different. I mean, this is what I....
Her thoughts were cut short by soft, hissing laughter. Void got into a defensive posture, ready to jump onto and grapple whatever came her way. While she had no weapon, she was still a decent fighter, easily beating up Applejack on many occasions. Whether these were playful wrestling matches, or like the last fight, angry grappling, it didn't matter. All that mattered was her skill.
Staying crouched, she tilted her head to see what it was. When she was nothing in front of her, she swiveled around to look behind her. Again, nothing. She was now beginning to lower her guard. She was being paranoid. It was likely just a rabbit, or a squirrel. Her jumping at every little sound would get her no where. After a few more long, tense seconds, she got up from her position and began to move along again.
A short while later, another hiss came her way, this time accompanied by a scraping noise. Ok, now she was sure she wasn't just hearing things. Now, she actively paid attention to the area around the road, keeping an eye out for anything and everything out of the ordinary. Then, she felt something tap her on the shoulder.
Despite the fact she was on guard, she jumped three feet in the air. She then turned around to see what it was, ready for anything.
It was a broken branch.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, or at least to her, she couldn't help but laugh. Not a loud, raucous laugh like she used to, but a soft, hoarse chuckle. She slowly removed her tension. Gods, she really was paranoid! She was scared out of her wits, by a f****** branch. Her! Man, she was loosing it. She needed some good old fashio....why does she feel so groggy?
That was her last thought before she felt woozy, and fell into unconscious.
When she awoke, she was hanging upside down. Thick rope was tied around her hind legs, which was connected to something unknown. In addition, a burlap tag restrained her mouth, preventing her from talking or even grunting. The she twisted around best as she could, seeing what was going on. She was in a tree, or at least hung from one. The rope slowly turned her around, and She saw she was in a clearing. A large hole was near her, and She had a very bad feeling about that hole.
She found out why when a large form seemed to crawl out of it. At first, it looked like a pony; An earth pony stallion with dark lavender fur and a mane a still darker shade. That illusion was destroyed when she saw his eyes. They were slits, like Princess Lunas night guards. However, instead of the golden eyes of the Thestrals, these were a dark, almost blood red.
When he saw her eyes widen, narrowed. He slid further out, revealing the source of his eyes. At his waist, where his flank and hind legs would be, was a tail. A long, scaly, snake tail. The scales on top were the same color as his coat, his underscales those of his mane. He slid up to her, the end of his tail still in his hole. He was standing next to her, and hissed at her.
"Ssssso. That wassssssn't the lasssst of the banditsssss. One of you hung back in your cave. Well, I'm going to kill you, and I will enjoy it. Any lassssst wordssss?" He said, his smile revealing long, needle-like fangs. After he said this, he brought his mouth up to her ear. At first, Void thought that he would just bite her or something. Snakes did that, right? Instead, he hit off the gag with surprising ease.
Void sucked up a stiff breath then looked at the stallion. "Hey, man. I don't know what your talking about! I'm not a bandit! I don't even know what you are!"
"Liar! I ssssaw you come out of that cave. Why ssssshould I trusssst you? " he hissed in reply.
Void tried to think of a way she could convince him. Her first instinct would be to try and fight. But she had a feeling that wouldn't work out all that well. She was tied up, had no weapon, and the stallion was much bigger then her. So, she began to think. How could she prove she wasn't a bandit. The thing had apparently just snatched her off the side of the road, and hadn't seen her enter the cave. She wore nothing that could disprove his claim; in fact, she had on nothing. Her scars likely didn't help. She was armed, so she couldn't play the 'unarmed' card. The stallion hissed, "Give me ssssomething. Or I'll jussst kill you, for what you did!" Wait, what she did? Ok, this could help. The bandits did something to him, and so he likely killed them. And since he saw her leave the cave, he guessed he worked with them. But she needed more to get free of this situation. By now, she was getting desperate. Then, he hissed, "Timessss up."
He sprang up at her, his body coming fully out of the hole. He used his teeth to cut the rope, and Void fell to the ground. As shee tried to stand up, the stallion wrapped his tail around her, his torso resting on the tree,as he began to squeeze. Air was shot out of her lungs, and She was unable to get more. She choked, the air she had left in her unable to be recycled. Her vision began to flicker, passing between her normal view and cold blackness. Her thoughts turned from ways to resolve this, and then to ways to escape. She had little energy to spend, and only felt she had one option left. Her teeth.
She began to scan to length of the tail, looking for the thinnest part. Finding it, she bit down with all the strength she had left, which wasn't actually that much. Still, it had the desired effect; the stallion yelped in pain, and laxed his grip.
She used this opportunity to try and get free of him. She pulled herself from his coils, and tried to run. However, she forgot about the rope tied around her hind legs, and ended up falling flat on her face. Not deterred, she tried to crawl away, but the Snakepony had recovered, and slithered after her. Giving up on escape, she looked for a weapon. No knife, no log, not even a rock.
As he got closer, Void knew she had to delay him. So, she grabbed a hooful of dirt, and threw it at him. He hissed, trying to wipe the dust and soil from his eyes. She used this time to pry off the rope, and proceeded to make a run for it. The Stallion hissed, wiped the last of the dust from his eyes, and gave chase.
Void found this little tidbit out first hand. She had no weapon, nothing that even resembled one. So, her instincts took over. In this situation, fighting wasn't an option, so that left one option: Flight. And that's just what she did.
She ran as fast as she could. It was like her her with AJ at the running of the leaves, but she had no fallback this time. She couldn't fly, otherwise she would already be in the air. Hell, if she could fly, she likely wouldn't be in this mess. So, she ran. Her legs beat on the hard packed earth, propelling her along. She ran faster then at the Running of the leaves, faster then she had ever run in her life.
It wasn't enough. The snake, pony, thing, was gaining on her; fast. He slithered along, his fore legs only adding to his speed by them pushing him along. Soon, her head start meant nothing as he was only a short distance behind her. The feeling of him breathing down her neck only made her pick up the pace. However, she was getting tired. Fast.
Her muscles ached, pushed to the breaking point under the stress of the situation. She felt herself begin to slow, which allowed the Snake-pony even more ability to make up for lost time. Void, desperate to put some more distance between the two of them, ripped up a clump of dirt, and tried again to throw it at him. However, he was ready this time. Her only stopped to cover his eyes, then immediately picked up speed. Void, on the other hoof, stumbled turning around, losing even more ground to it.
Fortunately, she was not very far from the tree line. If she made it, then she may have a chance. She knew reptiles were coldblooded, so the shady trees could slow it down. Plus, she may be able to find a sturdy enough stick, or better yet, a rock, with which she could beat him over the head. So, her current top priority is to make it to the trees.
Unfortunately, before she could make it, the stallion caught up. Slithering along side her, he swiped at her with a foreleg, trying to knock her over. When that failed, he just pulled up ahead of her a little further, then laid down in front of her. Despite the fact she was going slower than when she had started running, she was still running quite fast. So, with no way to stop, she fell flat on her face. Dust flew up into her face, some finding its way through the hole in her cheek, staining her teeth and gums.
Before she even had time to spit the dirt from her mouth, the Snake-pony was upon her. He rewrapped up her lower body, the coils tying her up. They soon made it all the way up to her neck, and then once more began to constrict. Air was once more forced from her, and her tounge once more lulled from her mouth. She now has no way to escape the coils, as he had positioned himself in such a way as to have his thickest part near her head.
She strained with all her effort, but to no avail. Her forelegs couldn't press hard enough, and her wing was so weak with lack of use she feared it might snap if she pressed too hard. In desperation, she swung around her rear legs wildly, hoping to connect with something. Her luck was used when she hit a section of his underscales. Normally, this probably wouldn't hurt, as his scales were quite sturdy. However, in this spot, a few wounds were in the process of healing, and She just happened to hit the bandage. It caved in, blood and pus leaking out of the reopened wound. He hissed, and let his grip loosen once again. She then swung out the wider end of the coils, and stumbled away from him.
This time, she didn't run. She was too tired, and feared what the strain on her would do. She was still weak from limited activity, hunger, and the fact she had been strangled twice now in less then five minutes, and any more excessive use of her muscles may tear a ligament. Plus, the stallion made it abundantly clear that he could catch her if she ran. So, while he recovered, she looked for a weapon.
Her search yielded fruit in the form of a small log. It looked sturdy enough, and would be just fine for bashing in his head. Speaking of which, he had recovered, and immediately sprang at her like a coiled spring. She barely had time to dodge, leaping to the side, which gave her the perfect shot at his head. She took it, bringing the log down on the side of his head.
The log, almost as soon as it hit the Stallions head, broke to pieces. It practically crumbled in her hoof, loose splinters and chunks of wood rained down along his head, her hooves, and the mud. The log was rotten! All of the rain had turned it into a pile of mush and soggy splinters. The good news was it forced him to the ground, groaning and spitting up a little blood.
Void looked for a new weapon. One that hopefully wouldn't break on her. She tried a decent sized stick, but that one also broke when she broke it on a tree. Then, she found a new one, and when she hit it on the tree, it stayed strong. It had the additional benefit of having a pick-like protrusion on one side. It would be the perfect weapon. Well, not really; she would have preferred to have her sword. But, it would be fine for now.
But when she turned around, she was greeted with an odd sight. The stallion, who had been trying to kill her, was crying. Light sniffling and a few tears entered her confused ears. His face was in his forelegs, and he practically forgot about her. He even seemed to ignore the bleeding injury on his coil, still leaking out his bodily fluid. Her confusion was made apparent by her words: "What the?"
Threw his tears, he snivled out, "G-g-go ahead. Ki-k-kill me. Then I can then be with *sniff* them."
Void stared at the Stallion, confusion written in her face. He had been trying to kill her. So why was he crying? And who was he referring to, when he said 'them'? Void didn't know, but was curious. Slowly, she lowered her makeshift club. She took a step closer, and looked at him.
"Um. Aren't you, you know, gonna try to kill me?" She asked.
The stallions head jerked to look at her. His eyes were puffy from crying, and she noticed for the first time, quite bloodshot. He just stared at her for a few seconds, before he once again buried his head in his hooves.
She just stared at him for a few minutes, with absolutely no idea what was going on. Was this some sort of trick? A deception, to lure her into a false sense of security? But if this was sincere, why was he crying? Not wanting to be caught off guard, she decided to find out.
She stepped a little closer, still cautious or him. When she was nearly right on top of him, she poked him with her makeshift club. Once she did, she shot backward, putting a good five feet between the two of them. He barely reacted, and she relaxes again. She did the same thing again, and the reaction was the same. He had basically given up, and Void didn't know why. A heavy silence fell over the air, as both parties just stood their.
Finally, the Stallion turned her way, his head removed from his hooves. His bloodshot eyes shone with, something. Whether it was confusion, anger, or despair, she couldn't tell. He hissed, then said, "Well!? Are you gonna get it over with!? Or jusssst, *sniff*, gawk at me!?!"
Void stood there. Would she kill him? He had attacked her for no reason, or at least none she knew. But, then again, there likely was a reason for it. He had after all mentioned the bandits that void guessed lived in the cave She had spent the last few weeks in. In addition, he was kind of, well....Pathetic. I mean, the Dog and Cold had both begged for mercy, but here he was asking her to kill him.
Void lowered her branch. "All due respect for your wishes, I just want my weapon, my money, and to be pointed back to the road. I don't care about your troubles."
The stallion looked up at her. "You.....What kind of bandit are you?"
Void huffed indignantly. "I already told you! I'm not a bandit! I just found the cave empty when it started raining, and took shelter in it. That's it. Now, where is my stuff?"
The stallion didn't answer her question. He DID get quite close to her, looking, sort of.....Hopeful? "You were at their hideout!? Where issss it!?"
In a panic, Void stepped back, raising her branch in a defensive posture. When she registered his question, she lowered her guard, but it was still up. Just what was in that cave he could have wanted? Unless the powder or something else in the boxes was valuable, then she couldn't think of anything he could want. Either way, Void wasn't about to let a chance to get out slip through her hooves.
"Get me my stuff, then take me back to the spot you....Wait, what exactly did you do to me?" She said, the demand morphing into a question. That, while likely not, was quite an important thing to her. She wanted to know if he, well, did something awkward. She had her dignity to maintain, after all.
"Sssssimple, I bit you. " he said with a shrug.
"You bit me?" Void replied.
"Yesssss. I bit you."
"Where exactly did you bite me?"
"On your flank."
And there went any remaining dignity she had left. However, before she could comment on it, he slithered off. He seemed to get the gist of what she wanted to tell him, as He had her sheathed sword in his hooves. After picking it up and slinging it back on her shoulder, he pointed toward the road. "Follow me."
And so she did. The two of them walked, or slithered in the stallions case, through the trees toward the road. Once they arrived at the spot she was ambushed, she led the snake-pony down the road. After a few minutes, she found the cave again, and led the Stallion inside. He immediately began to slither around it, as if looking for something.
After a few minutes, she grew impatient. It wasn't that big a cave; he had to have searched the whole thing by now! She wanted to be a decent distance to the town by sundown. So, she asked, "Hey. Am I still needed here, or can I go?"
He absent mindedly said, "Sssure, sssure. Thank you."
So, the snake-ponies desire to know where this was averted, she once more left the cave. As she walked down the road, she thought about what happened. She was a little confused about what he could want in their. He had completely ignored the crates, so maybe the bandits had his something in a crevase or something like that. That was likely what it was, but just what was he so frantic about?
She then considered what she had done. She let him live, when she not only could've killed him, but he in fact asked for it. But she let him live. Why? She had nothing to gain, and....actually, she had even less to lose. But, still. However, she did know one thing. It felt good.
Two things felt good. One, was the act of letting him go. She wasn't as blind as the equestrians, but she still felt good about this. The second, was the act of the decision. She was just filled with a rush at being able to decide his fate. It was a rush.
Either way, she now has a priority. Get to kells keep. So, a slight spring in her step, she set off.
She made her way along the path, not on guard but not careless. She knew she could be attacked at anytime, but saw no immediate threat to her. As such, she was sort of in a limbo. Slowly, however, she began to relax. She was then able to take in the path itself.
It was pretty straight, and angled slightly upward. It was covered in sticks and damp leaves, along with the occasional uprooted bush. The rain had really taken its toll on this area. The weather, likely uncontrolled, was like that of the Everfree forest: wild and untamed. But unlike their, no innate sense of dread filled the air.
Actually, it was quite beautiful. The light, unregulated breeze. The scent of freedom; one that can't really be explained, but you just know it by instinct. The way the crisp, unfiltered light of Celestia's sun weaved through the still remaining leaves. Mushrooms seemed to emerge from each orifice and crack they could, so it looked like large white pebbles formed the floor of the roadside ditches instead of mud. Even the very air itself seemed, for lack of a better term, Clean.
The animals also added to her calmness. A small bird sung a lighthearted tune from its perch along a tree branch. Rabbits scurried along the edge of the path, seemingly knowing to stay away from her. This was certainly different, but not unwelcome; she had had some bad experiences with Fluttershys 'Adorable bunnies.' Especially that little devil she called Angel. She also figured that other animals would avoid her, as opposed to walk up and inverbally ask for cuddles or food.
That was something she was ok with, though. She had never liked animals, and they had never liked her. Those things were always Fluttershys specialty. They always seemed to dislike her back there. Maybe it had to do with her lack of willingness to feed them, but her and critters never go along. Tank was the only Animal she had any sort of nice relationship with.
As her thoughts drifted to her Tortoise, she sighed, a small fear running down her face. She missed him. It was just that simple. The two of them were as close, if not more so, then her own parents. Not that she didn't love them, but they were just embarrassing. I mean, they had literally made shirts and caps in her image, when she was f****** four!
The more she went down this train of thought, the sadder she got. Sure they were embarrassing, and sure they took things way too far. But, in the end, they were still family. That wouldn't change, no matter what. You can choose your friends, but family lasts until you all fade to the sands of time. she thought.
Then, she thought about the concept of Friendship. What was it? She doubted it was magic; if it was, her 'friends' were definitely not it. And It had plenty of hindrances. Wasted time, wasted resources, the potential for being betrayed. Staying alone seemed to be the safest way. However, it did have advantages. Aid when in needed, more skills, and a few other benefits.
She sighed, and continued to move on. The path stayed straight, only dipping slightly upward. As she marched along, she heard a feint bubbling off theroad, to her right. Turning her head, she caught sight of a small creek. She starred at it, and realized just how parched she was. She had no canteen, and hadn't had a drink since gathering up some rainwater she collected in a tarp. So, not making the mistake of leaving her weapon unattended, she slid off the path and went over to the creek.
She reached its banks, and got a better look. It was, while not crystal clear, still allowed her a glimpse of the bottom. Wet sand and rocks covered both the bank and bottom of the river. A few sticks and reeds laid around as well, but she paid them no mind. instead, she cupped up some of the water.
It looked sort of clean, and it didn't have any dirt particles in it, so she judged it safe to drink. She took a small sip of it, and silently rejoiced. It was not only clean, but also crisp and cool. It tasted just like the water she got from her rain reservoir, back at her old house.
Forgetting her old life, she cupped up more, and slurped it down loudly. Some of it dribbled out of her cheek-hole, and she looked down at her reflection. Her face was smudged with dirt and dried ash, making it look like dirty bowl full of Crystal clear water. Dirty, or possibly necrotic, flesh hung from the gaping hole in her cheek, which couldn't have been good. The scar along her forehead had sort of healed over, yet still had strips of scab clinging to the old wound. Her faded rainbow hair hung wild, long, and equally, if not more, dirty then her coat. She was, to put it simply, disgusting.
She cupped up a much larger amount of water then usual, and tossed it over her face. She knew it was no substitute for a proper bath, but it would have to do for the moment. Not content with the amount of water entering her parched throat, she lowered her head and began to lap up the water like a dog. While she would normally never do this out of pride, she had had hers dragged through the mud, stabbed, cut, burned, and tossed in the sea. And so, she drank like a dog, hungrily and unashamed. Her thirst quenched, she trudged back to the path, and marched on.
By now, the path had taken on a steeper inclination. She was now trudging along on a upward slope, as opposed to the straight one she had been on before. The road also got more rocky and narrow, rendering comfortable traversal impossible. However, as she was accustomed to intense pain, she just winced and moved on. Eventually, she reached the summit of the hill. She this area was mostly devoid of trees or other tall plants, allowing her a view all the way to the horizon.
The sight was breathtaking. To the south, or at least what she guesses was south by the position of the sun, a massive series of mountains cut out of the earth, their peaks stretching all the way to the sky. Westward stretched a forest, unending in trees as the sky in clouds. A similar sight greeted her view to the east, in addition to a river, likely the one which fed the creek she had drunk from some time earlier. It cut through the trees like a knife, the glittering Sapphire water acting as a near perfect contrast to the dark green sea of trees. To the north, the way she had come from, stretched yet another wall of trees, yet this one failed to reach the horizon. Instead, just at the edge of her vision, maybe a hundred or so miles away from her, the edge of the desert. The entire scene was awash in the amber glow of the late afternoon sun, making it look like a painting. Breathtaking.
As she continued to cast her gaze, she caught sight of her destination. A ways off, nestled in the forest by the edge of the mountains, stood a grey blotch. She guessed that was...Oh, F***, what was it called?....Kells Keep. Not too far off, either. With luck, she could reach it by nightfall. If not, she would be able to camp near to it. Her spirits renewed, continued her solemn march.
As she reached the base of the hill, she didn't stop her pace. Even despite this speed, the path was quite long. It was another three hours before she even was the city again. She was greeted by a wall of stone, at least forty feet high. The portcullis was shut and stood as immovable as the mountains in the background. If she had her wings, she could simply flap over the walls, and just fine an inn or something. But, in her current state, such a task was impossible, if she was not assisted by a rope and hook.
She figured that they shut the portcullis to prevent raiders and dangerous creatures from getting in. It made sense, but as it was past nightfall, she was stuck outside. Hopefully she could find a place to sleep. And so, following this desire for a place to sleep.
Her search yielded two places: a low hanging branch or a roadside ditch. The ditch would be much more solid and had the benefit of keeping her sheltered from the wind. However, it would be not necessarily comfortable, and would still be cold. In addition, the ground would mean she could be preyed upon easily, either by a hungry animal or a opportunistic bandit. Plus, the branch had the benefit of nostalgia. So, she opted for the branch.
She found one tree with a low branch. She pulled herself up, the extra weight from her strap and sword going unnoticed. After stabilizing herself, she then climbed up a second one, and then a third. At this point, she was about fifteen feet off the ground, and felt sure that she was safe from harm. So, she shut her eyes, and drifted off.
She awoke to the sound of metallic clicking. Tilting her head along the edge of the tree, she looked to see what was going on. The portcullis was being opened, the iron gate sliding up into the tower above it. She saw guards getting up in the towers, as well as along the walls. Realizing this was her chance to get inside, she slid off the tree.
That was a mistake. She cried out in pain as she hit the ground. A small trail of fresh blood slipped out of a wound on her flank. It stung, but was ultimately not a concern. There wasn't much blood, and she stemmed the blood just by adjusting her scabbard.
Her cry however, had attracted the attention of the guards. Crossbows were pointed at her, and a few by the now wide open gate were coming down the road. She growled in annoyance, and stepped out onto the road too. She wanted to avoid any conflict with the guards, lest this place be closed to her.
The two guards were both lizards, wearing leather brestplates and what appeared to be bronze greaves and gauntlets. They both carried strange looking halberds, and had knives strapped to their sides. The one in front said, "You! Who are you, and what is your business at Kells Keep?"
"My name's Void Streak. And I'm just looking for a nice inn and some decent grub, at the moment." She replied.
The two looked at each other, before the lead one asked, "Then what was that cry? And why were you sleeping in a tree?"
Void snorted. "One, have you seen me? I think I can afford to be hurt after falling fifteen feet from a tree. Two, I arrived by your walls last night, just after dark. The gate was shut, and so I waited until morning. Now, am I allowed to go inside? Or am I stuck answering more questions?"
The two once more looked at each other, then the one in the back looked up at one of the guards on the battlements. Void didn't see the others response, but the two guards parted. She walked past them, with the two of them following her like a honor guard. She had to admit: she kind of liked the feeling. She then lasted by the heavy portcullis, and the thick wooden the door behind it.
She was inside a large courtyard surrounded by stalls and buildings, at the center of which was a large fountain. It reminded her a great deal of Attaistown. Unlike Attaistown, the towns streets arranged in a square shape instead of a semi-circle. Long roads ran along the insides of the walls, with a side street branching off the side about every twenty feet or so. In addition, the buildings were made of sturdier looking wood as opposed to cheap wood, adobe, and sheet metal. However, it did have some other similarities to Attaistown. For example, creatures of all types roamed around, shopping, or just wandering. However, she took note that there were even fewer ponies here. In fact, a lot of the creatures she didn't recognize, save for the Lizards, Hippogriffs, and a couple of minotaurs.
She picked out three ones more common then the others. One type was very similar to ponies, with only a few differences. Their hooves were more prominent, they had a pair twisting horns like a tree branch, and a more pronounced snout. Most of them were brown and white, however a few had other colors like grey or black. These seemed to be much more common, and Void actually recognized them. They were called....Reindeer? Eh, something to that effect.
The second were also very similar to ponies. They also had a very similar structure in terms of body proportions, but were a great deal more different. They also had cloven hooves, a pronounced snout, and a pair of horns, with the latter aspect swept back and curved like a drinking horn she had seen in a book about yaks. Many had darker fur colors, mostly dark blues and blacks. Many wore Bells for some reason. They were a little creepy, but since they were by far the most common of the three, she figured they would be common.
The final ones were by far the most strange. They stood on two feet, much like the Lizards. However, these creatures had a pale hide, sort of similar to that of a mules muzzle, instead of scales or fur. Most appeared to have some, located on the tops of their heads. They wore clothes and shoes, so she couldn't get a good look at the rest of their bodies. She was that they did have opposable digits like minotaurs, and were probably a better comparison then the lizards. They were certainly odd creatures, but she supposed it was sort of to be expected, being this far from Equestria.
She began to walk through town, taking In her priorities. She needed to find some way to get out of town, or at least directions to the next one over. But first, she needed somewhere to stay. A proper bed, a warm meal, and maybe a drink would put her back in proper spirits. For that, she needed to find an inn.
She smiled a little when she saw a inn down the road. She couldn't make out the name very well from where she was, but could at least make out the word 'Inn' on the bottom of the sign. Her desires spurred on by the presence of it, she began to walk toward the building. In her haste, she bumped into a small creature.
It was one of the Odd looking ones. It wore a shirt and pants that looked like they were made out of old sacks, and a belt made of rope. He was maybe fifteen to seventeen years old, and had a very gruff look to him. He actually reminded her of a royal guard in a way.
"Oi! Watch it!" He shouted. He then held up. his hand, all of his fingers folded against his palm except one. His middle finger.
Void cocked her head to the side, confused. She had never seen a creature do that before, and didn't know the meaning. The teen seemed to notice, but said nothing. So, Void asked, "What are you doing?"
He replied with a hint of annoyance, "I'm flipping you off."
"Meaning?"
"What?"
"I'm asking you what that is what to means. I'm not from around here."
"Its a non-verbal way of saying 'F*** you'."
"Oh. Well then, F*** you too." With that, the two parted ways, the boy disappearing into the crowd of the market, while she went off toward the inn.
As she got closer, she made out the name of the inn. The Snoring Drake. She pushed open the door, and was greeted with a similar sight to The Stalwart Pike, save for a Deer was behind the counter instead of a lizard. The deer wore a friendly smile, as well as a small pair of spectacles. Her said as she entered, "Ah, welcome. We don't have many ponies around here. I trust you are here for a room."
Void smiled slightly, happy for a little hospitality. "Yes, that'd be perfect."
The deer replied, "Well then, that's fifteen storm bucks a night. Simply pay me for your first night now, and I'll give you the key." Void, still smiling, reached back to her scabards pocket. When she stuck her hoof inside, she began to frown. Her hoof continued to worm its way down, but to no avail. Her pocket had nothing in it; her money was gone.
Void was confused. Where had it gone? When she checked after she got it back, the money was still their. And now, she had nothing. That was bad. Without the money she couldn't afford to get any food. Or supplies. Or...
"Is something wrong?" Asked the deer. Or get a room.
"No! I've been robbed!" Void barked. It was the thing! The one who "Flipped her off." It was the only thing she could think of, unless a bird or something got a hold of it as she slept. Which she highly doubted. Unfortunately, with him lost in a crowd and likely on the other side of town, she couldn't just hung him down. And she somehow doubted that the guards would be of help.
The deer frowned slightly, docking his head to one side. "So, you have no money? At all?"
Void looked back at him. "Yes."
The deer lowered himself, only his antlers remaining above the counter. When he emerged, a very large made was gripped in his mouth. Void backed up in surprise as he lay the weapon on the counter. "Then, if you aren't going to rent a room, please leave my establishment."
Void, not wanting to cause any problems, backpedaled out the door. Once outside, she turned around and scanned the crowd, hoping that the thief, by some miracle, was still near. She caught no sight of him, but she had expected as much. Still, When she was Rainbow, she was known for her stubbornness. That was one of the things she kept, so she trudged off, looking for the thief.
She pushed her way through the crowd, looking at each and every one of the Odd creatures she could see. They came in many sizes, mane colors, and wore many different clothes, from armor to rags. However, she couldn't see the one who she had bumped into. She growled in frustration, but still kept up her search.
She stopped trying to look for him in the crowd of the market. She reasoned that he would abandon the area after he stood her money, as to avoid her tracking him down. So, where else could he have gone? She had seen it was a big city from the hillside and....Oh.
She gave up hope at that. She was stubborn, not stupid. She figured that he knew the layout of the city better then her, and knew where to escape from her. Plus, she may look in the entirety wrong section of the city, and would never find him. Void grumbled, muttering as she walked over to an alley. She sat down, back slumped against the wall, and began to think of her next move.
Well, the most obvious idea that came to mind was to get some more money. She could think of two ways to do this. One was to steal from others herself. This idea she shot down almost immediately. She would steal if she got any more desperate, but at the moment, she was not keen on the idea. She had no experience, and would likely be caught. And that would just be more effort then it would be worth.
The second idea was the much longer, yet much more stable idea. That being finding a job. She may have a much harder time with this, as she was unfamiliar with the place. However, it was quite large, so finding a job shouldn't be too difficult. Plus, she was a hard worker; even back in ponyville, she would only nap and pass around it all her work was done and done well. So, she focused down a plan: get a job, work for a few months, then find some transport out of town. But then, something occurred to her. Would that be necessary?
She realized it really wasn't. Her 'Friends' likely didn't care enough to come down looking for her. Sunass also wouldn't send royal guards after her, being so far away. For all she knew, she was replaced. She didn't know how the elements worked, but it made at least some sense. The point was, she may never see them again.
Well, okay. she thought. Good riddance to s***** rubbish.
So, what then? Well, her plan didn't change too much. It was still more or less the same step one and two: get a job and earn some money. However, step three changed to get a house. This was her fresh start. Her truly fresh start. Now, she had to look for a place that would hire her.
However, she then realized just how late it was. While she had entered somewhat early, she had spent much longer than she had expected looking for that thief. She didn't own a watch, or have access to one, but if she had to guess, it was about four. She didn't know what time the sun set, or even what season it was, but she put a rough estimate at around seven. Which gave her roughly three hours before dark to find a place to sleep and some grub.
She looked around the alley she was in. She wasn't expecting much, but she maybe able to e he an old blanket or something. She didn't, so she stood up and left the alley. She began to look for something to eat, as she was incredibly hungry. Her hunger caught up with her, and now her stomach yelled at her, demanding sustenance. However, she soon realized this would be problematic.
She had no money, and so no way to buy food. She had a feeling that some of the creatures wouldn't take too kindly to giving her a handout. And even if they would, she had just enough dignity left to not resort to begging. So, that left her three options: pickpocket somebody, wonder across some money on the ground, or steal something from a stand.
She found herself back in the square by the door. She also found herself doing something else: eyeing one of the stalls. One that was, despite the time of day, packed with food. In this case, bread. Nice, large, firm rolls that she wouldn't have cared less for in equestria but know she would kill for. She knew some money wouldn't just appear out of nowhere, so, she had to steal it. She normally, even down here, wouldn't think of it. But know, starving And likely a lot thinner then she once was, was willing to do it.
So, trying not to be noticed, she began to walk toward the stall.
Void pushed her way through the crowd as she approached the stall with the bread. As she got closer, the scent of the bread found its way to her. Her nostrils were filled with the aroma of the bread. It made her mouth water, and helped to steel her resolve. She needed to eat, and the vendor had a lot of bread. She doubted he would miss a roll of two.
The real problem was how she could go about this. If the vendor was like the inn owner, he would be armed. Plus, she didn't want to attract the attention of the other townsfolk and, more importantly, the guards. That meant rushing the stand was a no go. And due to its proximity to other stalls, she figured that slipping around back may also prove to be ill advised. So, she had to do something else.
The closer she got to it, the more the smell came to her. It was intoxicating, like one of pinkies cupcakes. She knew that it was going to be nowhere near as good as her cupcakes, but it would have to do. However, her thoughts drifted to pinkies treats. Oh, those would be one of the things she would miss the most. The cake, cupcakes, tarts, milkshakes, brownies, and other sweets. Hell, even though she didn't like them, she would accept a pie from her in a heartbeat. She lamented the loss he had secretly gotten rid of over the years. She would give her other wing for those.
No, Shut up. She thought. Stop thinking about, Them. The sooner I get them out of my head, the sooner I can truly start over. Once again steeling her resolve, she continued toward the stand, trying her hardest to ignore the smell of the fresh baked bread.
After a little more walking, she reached the stall. It was a wooden table with an overhang covering the goods and vendor in cool shade. The vendor was a hippogriff of pale red coat and a light blue, almost green colored mane. He wore a simple leather cap and a wide, content grin. However, Void wasn't interested in him. What she was much more so interested in was his ware.
The wooden table was covered in bread. There was only one type of bread, but that didn't concern her. The bread in question was a small roll, shaped like a hoof ball with creases along the top. The crust was a light brown like mud, and seemed to reflect the sunlight. As mentioned, Void was entranced by the smell of the rolls. They had a fresh baked smell, accompanied by the smell of what she guessed were ingredients. She sighed; even if it wasn't a cupcake, it was the best thing she had smelled in almost a year. It was definitely much more appetizing then the sawbread she had to eat on the farm.
The Hippogriff on the other side of the table saw her staring at the bread. She hadn't realized she was until he snapped his claws, her head jerking up. He smiled and said, "Hello. I don't believe I've seen you before."
Void stammered, "Y-yes. I'm just passing through."
"Ah. A traveler. Greetings, and may I say, Welcome to Kells Keep. My name is Skystride. And you?" he said. He was still smiling, and it was a little.....Unnerving. She wasn't really used to this kind of kindness from the Southlands. But, she had little choice but to play along. Maybe she could get him distracted so she could sneak off a roll.
"Void Streak."
"Hmm. Interesting name." He said. "Although, you ponies are nothing if not creative when it comes to names. Why, in my travels, I once met a pony named 'Anonymous.'"
Despite her plan to steal some bread, she couldn't help but laugh. "Ok, I know some ponies with strange names, but that takes the cake."
It was the Hippogriff's turn to laugh. "Ha ha! I know, right?" He stopped laughing, and his face turned dead serious. "Now, down to business. You were planning on stealing from me. Is this correct?"
Void did a double take at this. She was planning on doing that, but how did he know? "What!?"
Skystride gave her a small smile. "Miss Streak, I've been traveling the southlands for almost thirty years, and have lived in this town another fifteen. I know the look of someone who's planning on stealing something. Now, it's a simple question. Were you?"
"Yes" she said in defeat. She looked up and quickly added, "Don't tell the guards, please."
Skystride said, "Don't worry. I can't get the guards to do anything to you if you were thinking about it. Besides, you probably need it more then others here. I mean, you look like a walking corpse."
Void looked down at herself. The strap of her sword barely covered her chest. Her scars were plainly visible; faded red vallies and pits that dotted the surface of her body. Clumps of mud and leaves hung to her coat, contrasting against her dull gray fur. She couldn't see her mane, but she figured it would be even worse, or at least as bad. She was, to put it simply, a wreck.
She looked back up, confused by Skystrides last comment. "Wait. What do you mean, 'you need this more then the others here'?"
He just smiled again, and picked up one of his rolls. He then offered it to her. "Here. Take it. And don't worry about being able to pay for it. I make dozens of rolls a day; I don't care if one 'goes missing', so to speak."
Void stood, dumbstruck. She was prepared for guards, for him to pull a weapon out, for anything. Well, not everything it seemed. She hadn't counted on her getting one. She just stared at it for a solid minute, taking it in. She turned the roll around in her hoof, examining each surface. She then, not being able to restrain her hunger, took a bite.
She melted into it. It was the most delicious thing she had eaten in a long time. The bread was soft, and her flaft teeth tore through it with ease. The soft flesh was the perfect mix of warm and flaky, and made her shudder in bliss. She had barely swallowed when she took another bite, followed by another. In a matter of seconds after, the roll was gone, and Void was a happy mare. She was still hungry, but it was satiated for the moment.
She looked up at Skystride. "Thank you. Thank you, thank you."
He just continued to smile. "No, ma'am. It was my pleasure. However, I must ask, do you have no money? Is that why you were going to steal from me?"
Void nodded, but his smile didn't fade. "Well, I just can't turn away a simple, lost soul! Meet me here at sundown. I'll give you some more help. Until then!"
A grateful Void walked off. She was admittedly curious with the older Hippogriff. He had given her the bread, and now was offering her more help. She didn't know why, but considered her options. She could take him up on his offer, or not take any chances. However, she decided she would come back. What did she have to loose?
Void walked around aimlessly, no real place in mind. She was still unfamiliar with the town, so it wasn't like she could look for something in specific. Eventually, her hooves began to ache. Even the hard packed dirt of the forest trail was still quite a bit softer then the hard stone street of Kells Keep. So, she looked for a place to sit and just think for a minute. Before, she would have been disgusted to just sit and do this, but she found herself doing it more and more.
She settled for a small alley, in between a small store that advertised something called Crystal, and what she guessed was an apartment building. It was small, with most of the space being taken up by a pair of large dumpsters. However, she to the time of day, the overhangs covered the alley in a cool shade, and it was all she could think of. So, she walked into it. Next to the dumpster on the Store side an old crate, which she turned over and used as a chair. So, leaning back to you eat her sore back, she began her contemplation.
What was she to do? She had two options: go back to find Skystride later, or don't. She started to weigh each option. On one hoof, she was hungry, and had nothing other then her sword. She could get something out of him. More food, a blanket, some money, maybe even a place to sleep. Plus, since he was offering it to him, she wouldn't have to steal it, so that was obvious.
But on the other hoof, it could be a trap. He was a little too nice. She hadn't encountered anyone like that down here, and she had a feeling about why. It tied back to something she had heard Rarity say: 'Mares don't like Nice Stallions'. This was relevant here, as it seemed to be 'Anyone in the Southlands don't like Nice creatures'. Considering how harsh this place was, she doubted he could've lived this long. So, she was suspicious.
What if it was a trap? He could be on the payroll of a Raider, or a slaver. Since this was such a barbaric place, she figured Slavery was a thing. So, he and a few others could try and Ponynap her. She then realized that she wasn't a helpless little filly. She had a weapon, even if it wasn't a big one or anything. Plus, she was cautious, which could be as helpful as a suit of armor. So, she had little to worry about. She would be fine if it was a trap.
And that was even if it was a trap. Skystride may have made her suspicious, but she maybe was just paranoid. It wasn't like all of the creatures down here were bloodthirsty murders and psychopaths. There had to be even a tiny diamond in the rough. In addition, the present offered advantages outweighed potential threats, which may just be her paranoid ramblings. So, she decided that she would go to this meeting later. She allowed herself a small smile.
It was a few hours until sundown arrived. The fading sun, which she had gotten a good look at yesterday, now poked threw the taller buildings, casting long shadows over the streets. Void stood from her spot in the alley and began to walk back towards the market. She was walking into the sun, so she kept her head down to avoid it's harmful rays.
She turned down one of the streets, and suddenly realized that she had no idea where she was. She was new to town and as such, she supposed this was to be expected. She looked once more out towards the sun, casting her gaze lower at the wall. As she remembered the market was by the gate, she knew she had to just follow the wall. As such, she made her way down the street to the walls base.
She reached the wall, and turned left, marching down the road. As she did, she thought of how the hippogriff would help her. Food was top on her list of ideas. It made sense, and she figured he would give some of that at least. Maybe a blanket or some money to buy one. What she desired most, yet knew her odds were slim of getting it, was shelter. A safe room, a warm fire, and a comfortable bed. She got even One of these items, and she would be a happy mare.
Finally, she reached the market. Most of the stands were deserted; their wares gone and owners with them. Without them, and all of the down shopping or just milling about, it made the place seem empty. Amber and golden light danced through the shadows of the stands, buildings, and the battlements further back, turning the cobblestone streets into a vast mural. However, she caught no sign of Skystride.
Further investigation confirmed her hypothesis: the dull, that colored Hippogriff was no where to be seen. She was in fact, very few other creatures. One of the strange creatures was finishing packing up his stall, and a pair of griffins dressed in guard uniforms were patrolling near the edge of the market, by the wall.
Thinking that he might just be a little late (Sunset was a rather vague time-frame), she walked over to where she believed his stall was. It was all folded up, the cloth being stored under the table and the supports for them leaning against the wall. She stood by the stall, waiting for him to appear.
After about an hour, she lost hope of his appearance. He didn't seem like the type to forget or something like that, but she was never a good judge of character. So, maybe it was just a....Actually, why? What would be have to gain? It wasn't like she had any valuables in her, or in fact at all! Maybe she should just fine a place in a alley to get some sleep.
She began to walk away from the stall, heading toward the inn. Maybe she could find some more food in the dumpster. She hated she had to lower herself to that, but she had little choice in the matter. She doubted she could get anything from begging, and she had no money. Her hunger was staved off by the bread earlier, and had come back with a vengeance.
Then, her ears flicked up. Footsteps. A set of class and hooves. Behind her, getting closer. Fast. She heard all of this, which was strange, as she didn't exactly have the best hearing. Maybe it was just the silence. At least that's what she told herself.
She turned around, and was greeted with the sight of Skystride. He had a large bag over his back, and was running as fast as he could. He stopped in front of her, gasping for air. He held up a claw, signalling for her to wait for him to catch his breath. Once he stopped wheezing, he straightened up, and looked her square in the eye.
She said simply, "Your late."
He sighed. "Yes, yes, I know." He said. "But I have a business to run, and I just can't leave it. Plus, I met up with a friend to get some of this stuff for you. Least you could do is be grateful!"
"Sorry." She replied.
He said,"Oh, it's alright. I would be cranky too, it I was as starved as you were. Anyway, inside you'll find some food, a blanket/Cloak, a canteen, a small sharpener stone, a filter, a first-aid kit, and a bit of twine." As He finished, he handed the bag to her. It was heavy, but not unmanageable. "Oh, and I believe this is yours too."
He handed her a small wad of stormbucks. They looked no different then others she had seen. Yet, the hippogriff said, "Those were found on a city thief. Little Human c***."
Void figured that he was referring to the human who had 'flipped her off', as He said. She thought it was him, but now it was confirmed. "Where is he?"
"Dead in a ditch. Tried to flee town." He answered. "Also, one more thing. Don't stay long. We don't have much work, even for such a big town. Plus, some of the locals don't take well to outsiders. Stay in the inn for a few days, then leave. Anyway, best of luck to ya!"
Void stood their for a while longer. He had given her all this. It wasn't much, but she was on the verge of tears by it. She hadn't met a more generous creature since rarity. No, no, no! Rarity wasn't generous. She was just another backstabbing traitor, and she can rot in Tartarus for all I care! Same with the rest of 'um! She sighed, thinking of her next move.
Well, if she now has money, why not get a room at the inn? After all, a warm meal and a proper her seemed nice to her. So, she shouldered her new pack, and marched down the street.
Well. Yeah. 'Rainbow's Lonesome Road' has been canceled.
I didn't want to. I don't want the reputation of having cancelled my first story. However, I had little choice. I had written myself into a corner. I knew what I wanted for an ending, but getting there was proving to just be too difficult. I may re-write this story at some point, but for now, it was simply too ambitious a project, and I ended up biting off more then I could chew.
However, I do have a sliver of silver lining. Due to how long I planned on this story being, I am now freed up to work on other things. I aren't proud of myself for quitting, but it's for the best. I hope you guys will continue to support my work in the future.
As the title suggests, this is chapter will be going over my concept for a ending.
I don't know how, but Void Streak would have eventually ended up in the service of the storm king. She would have been his right-hand pony, much like Tempest was in the Canon timeline. By yet another unknown series of events, she would have ended up being betrayed by him, and sent into his mines. She would, once again, by unknown circumstances, she up leading a slave rebellion al-la Vorkuta in COD Black ops. She and the escaped slaves would have found a city belonging to one of the ancient pony tribes, pre-First hearths warming. During a harsh winter, Luna contacts Void. She informs her of events in Equestria. In addition, you would have found out that the reason Celestia did what she did was Queen Chrysilyis manipulating her. Eventually, after becoming a thorn in his side, the storm king finds and attacks them. During the ensuing battle, Void would have ascended to Alicornhood. After the storm kings death and the routing of his forces, Void would eventually begin a conquest of the dead storm kings territories. Eventually, she would come to rule the Southlands, at the head of what I had planned called the Pryhian Federation.
As you can see, it was a bit of a mess. I had hoped it would just come to me, but I just didn't. As I said, at some point I may attempt a re-write or re-work the concept a little bit.