Fandom My Little Pony Frontier

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus thought about his job as a guard the next day and the lack of staff knowing only one other that seemed to have a look that told him that they could hold their own. Sure Celestia was going to send guards as well but he did not have confidence in their abilities to take on real threats or even anything more then break up a drunken fight. Sure the Lunar guard could be used but most of the time they were off doing more than just peacekeeping, so at most he would get a small squad of them. Then again the Solar and Lunar Honorguard an actual competent fighting force were going to arrive with the princesses, if the princesses came to the festival that is.


Those thoughts occupied his mind as he got his sword out placed it on a desk and started to clean and resharpen the blade, the activity bringing a sense of normalcy to his situation. He noticed the fireworks at the fountain but did not give them any thought. When he was done with his blade he started polishing his armor, buffing out the scratches and tapping out the minor dings it got during the fight with the timber-wolves, as well as checking the leather under armor for any damage. At that point he was not paying too much attention to what was going on around him the only thing on his mind was to maintain his equipment.

 

[Shandragontear]

As the orbs of light moved to circle her the young kirin appeared startled for a moment. Too focused on the lights to notice Firecracker, and unsure of what sort of magic this was she tensed for a second preparing to defend her self from some sort of attack before they flew in to the air. Those fuchsia eyes widened in aw as the spheres bursts in to blasts of color and light, her scales reflecting the entire show almost like a mirror. When the lights finally faded her she gave a quick shake of her head to snap her self out of the daze and refocusing her self on figuring out where this magic had come from. Moving carefully around the fountain she gave a soft gasp at nearly stumbling over Firecracker.


At first she looked around for anyone who might be able to help. Shina knew her only real skill was setting things on fire and that was definitely not what he needed at this moment. Seeing no one she turned her attention back to Firecracker. Leaning her head down she light nudged his shoulder with her nose to try and wake him, speaking in a worried tone. "Are you arright?" Unsure of what else to do, or how to help him the kirin moved to lay beside him. Being so attuned to fire Shina's body temperature was naturally higher then that of most ponies, but upon closing her eyes and focusing just a bit of her magic she rose her body temperature a bit further, her scaled body acting as a personal space heater to make sure Firecracker would stay warm till he awoke.

 

[KageYuuki]

She quirked an eyebrow at the last part of his little speech. "Fine, if you want me to keep this ambassador safe, I think you owe me some genuine answers." The bat pony's voice lowered, making it clear she wasn't in the mood to mess around. Her glowing eyes shifted over towards the bright flash nearby. "I don't think the unicorn is causing any harm. He's far from raising any concern." Her gaze shifted back to the mayor.

 

[viska]

Mayor Catchpenny winced at bat pony's leer and demands for answers but he also couldn't refuse.


He thought for sure he could throw all attention and suspicions on the eccentricities of poor Firecracker.


Reluctantly he somewhat agreed- " Answers? I can tell you what I know, but I assure it's nothing special"


Taking a step back he showed signs of reluctance bordering on even fear.


It was clear he knew more then he was letting on.


Meanwhile in the Fountain yard, Firecracker began to stir.


He mumbled only gibberish until the words " Don't ...go.." could be made out.


Instinctively he nuzzled into the warmth with no concern for personal space.


Finally opening his eyes, he noticed that he was practically cuddling with the very pony he had worked for the attention of.


Struggling to move, he was too weak and only able to speak.


In a weak, but happy voice he asked - " So.. Did you enjoy the show"


It was his koi attempt to have a sense of showmanship, while still showing that he did it all for her.


He smiled proudly that he was able to preform for her at least once.

 

[KageYuuki]

Fang's glowing eyes narrowed at the old mayor. "You are a very poor liar, Mr. Mayor . . ." She took a few steps back, turning back towards town. "Why don't we go someplace a little more private to talk?" The bat pony glanced back at him over her shoulder, waiting for him to lead the way.

 

[viska]

Sweating nervously, he took a shaky step forward remarking-" I assure you I haven't the foggiest"


Cutting himself off, he picked back up his lantern before grinning somewhat unnervingly.


The color began to drain from him as he kept glancing back considering running away.


he could feel her red hot eyes burning a hole through him and his web of deceit.


He knew that if he tried to run his old bones would be quickly overtake by her youth and flight.


He heaved a heavy sigh before he resigned- " More privet...fine.."


Lowering his head in defeat, he silently marched to a small church in the center of town.


The halls echoed with each clop of the hoof, and every breath that escaped him.


It was strange, the town was new, but the church seemed old and almost crumbling.


The imagery also had nothing to do with the divine sisters at all.


A long silence was at last broken when he finally spoke- "You wanted privet, well it' a ghost hall in here. what do you want to know?"

 

[KageYuuki]

Looking around the decrepit building, Fang gave a slight nod of her head before finally unbuckling her cloak. The dark cloth slipped to the floor revealing the rest of her form. Her wings were larger than the average bat pony's, scales taking the place of what should have been soft fur. Scars from claws could be seen covering her body along with scars from burns covering the entirety of her flank. She let out a quiet sigh, stretching her wings. That cloak was so restrictive.


"Now then," Her crimson gaze fell back on the mayor. "Why don't we start with the warning given from the local tribes?"

 

[viska]

The mayor took a step back from Shadow fang, his eyes widened in fear at the sight of the bat pony.


And when she asked about the local's warning he cringed even more.


He hated even being off schedule, let alone being grilled.


Turning away from her, he raised his lantern high, illuminating an old statue of a flutter pony.


In a passive voice he began- " It might come as a shock to you, but this land wasn't as uninhabited as the royal sisters had first thought.


In all actuality, when I arrived months ago, there was a small tribe of Flutter pony.. A Grove as they call them. "


Turning his head back to Shadow fang he spoke like on trial- " But I didn't take the land ! . it was given to me as part of an...agreement."


Again he turned back to the statue before going on- " As for the warning; It was local superstition, nothing more. Something about an ancient spirit of the land. One what would devour the light and plunge the land into darkness. The same old ramblings, used to scare off development for generations."


Forcing a nervous laugh he added- "They even had the gall to say that it would be the exploitation of the land to set it free."


Turning back to her he self righteously snapped " what was I suppose to do? Let an old superstition get in the way of the princesses brain child?"

 

[KageYuuki]

"Old superstition?" Fang's voice only darkened as she stalked towards him. "Well if that's your outlook on things such as this, then an old superstition is the cause of these wounds." Her still glowing eyes only narrowed at him. "And what, pray tell, was this . . . agreement?" Now she was finally getting somewhere, she would have to speak to the commander later about all of this. But naturally she needed more information first.

 

[viska]

Backing up until his back hit the stature Mayor Catchpenny was flustered as he searched for words - "Shshsshhh Keep your voice down.


There's no reason to get so angry."


His eyes darted as he tried to find an easy way out of this bad situation.


In a fluster, he blurted - " I convinced them to leave. .. A few Bits can buy silence and compliance even from primitive pony. "


To say such a thing was border line a racial slur.


" Food, clothing, they don't ware leaves anymore. Even flutter pony need Bit to trade with the mainland. "


He looked up through a small crack in the roof where he could see the moon.


He added as a bead of sweat rolled down his long neck " It didn't hurt that what they called the cursed night came this year. "


Returning his gaze to Shadow Fang saying " They even left a representative behind to make sure we treated the land fairly, and only developed it for small settlement housing.. See, it was a simple trade. "

 

[KageYuuki]

Fang quirked an eyebrow at the last part of his explanation. "Turning this place into a resort sounds far from 'small settlement housing' . . ." Though she didn't fully believe these ponies were merely paid for the land. She would have to speak with this representative in the morning. She would likely be able to give more information on the supposed cursed night he mentioned too. Sitting down, the bat pony relaxed slightly. "I suppose it's only fair you get a chance to ask some questions of your own. I know you have plenty of them."

 

[Shandragontear]

Shina had taken to gazing at the stars and moon before Firecracker finally moved again. Her attention returned to him with consern, ears perking as she struggled to hear his sleepy mutterings. When she heard 'don't go' those pointed ears dropped as did her head, letting it hang as a sense of guilt over took her. Of course the little kirin couldn't know for sure if the words were meant for her, but she had a feeling they might of been. In truth she didn't want to go, but how could she be so selfish as to stay and endanger everypony in the settlement, including Firecracker.


Shina was suddenly snapped from her thoughts as a soft nuzzle to her shoulder caused the blood to rush to her cheeks turning her pearly white scales there a soft pink color. Her scales were surprisingly soft, with an almost satin like texture, flexible but still sturdy like leather, giving her a sort of natural armor.


When Firecracker finally awoke enough to ask her opinion of his performance Shina's gaze lowered for a second, a tinny smile tugging at her lips. It was flattering to say the least but she still couldn't help but feel guilty that he had spent so much energy to impress her. Still though, no point in sharing her guilt by letting him realize he'd made her feel such. "It was amazing." She replied softly. "You should rest though..."

 

[viska]

Firecracker chuckled softly before replying " I think your right.. I kinda over did it. "


Rolling onto his back he looked up at the nights sky, still aglow the with faint traces of the magic.


With a happy sigh he added- " Still, I'm glad you liked it.."


He turned to face and see her truly as she was, without the robe to mask her form.


Seeing her scales reflect in the pale moon light, her eyes both piercing and deep, he had no regrets for what he had done.


As an artist he first saw her unique beauty captivating, but as a stallion, he was starting to develop even stronger feelings.


Feeling guilty for worrying her, Firecracker tried to apologies- " Sorry if I worried you. Some times bigger shows require some risk"


He faked a laugh before taking a more sincere tone- " ..Actually.. I really am sorry. I know your leaving tomorrow, and I know you have your reasons.. I just. I felt like maybe if I put on a great show."


His face turned a shade of red that could even be seen through his burgundy coat.


"It's nothing, forget I mentioned it.." He insisted.


But still seemed reluctant to end the conversation; asking-"Can I at least ask where you going? what brought you here to begin with?"


He held a hoof over his face as he realized how crazy this must all seem, as he went on- " I know we've only met.. But unicorns are taught to believe in magic. . What stronger magic is Fate encounters?"


He uncovered his face to again look at the stars above.


He mused to himself, but also to Shina- " We aren't always in control of our destinies. some times fate sends disaster, some times...A chance.


But the one thing you can be sure of is that fate, like magic, is unpredictable.


Back in the abandon church the mayor finally composed himself, demanding- " questions? how about Who in Equestria are you? Your not on my ledger at all"

 

[KageYuuki]

A low chuckle escaped her lips. "Well, you sure changed your tune." Reaching into a bag, Fang withdrew a large medallion and set it on the floor. "I am Shadow Fang, a member of the Order." The medallion was made of dark obsidian, a silver crescent moon had been carefully inlaid upon it. Resting in the center was a violet gemstone that seemed to glow in the moon's icy light. "We are an organization devoted to keeping peace. Our reach extends further than the Elements and we tend to deal with situations beyond their capability." Her eyes moved back up to him, her voice still cool and collected. "I was sent to investigate the potential weakening on a seal holding back a dangerous spirit. I was not expecting to see the land in its current state. Now, does that answer your question?"

 

[viska]

A slight twitch rippled across the mayor's lips as he saw the medallion.


" I see. " He griped as he took a stern look at her.


Taking a deep breath, he tried to act more civil, saying " Well miss Shadow Fang, I assure you there is no dragon in this regain, if there were, Steelhaert would.." Stopping himself he corrected his statement- " Anyway, As I said, there are no dragons to be found here. You are welcome to stay and take part in the glorious festivities tomorrow. Maybe then you will see the 'state of the land' as you put it, is not so bleak. "


The words "Festivities Tomorrow" echoed in the halls ..Or perhaps it was Shadow Fang's ears.


It was eerily reminiscent to what Anda said.


Trying to find some common ground, the mayor said " I sympathies with all you and your kin have sacrificed in service to the crowns.


But I am also just a faithful servant. All I have done, All I hope to accomplish is for the glory of the divine sisters."

 

[KageYuuki]

Fang gave a low chuckle, shaking her head as she returned her medallion. "I should note that none of our orders come from the twin goddesses. Nor are we under their domain." She stood, still watching the mayor closely. "Not that we're traitors. No, they know full well of our existence and mission. We have their blessing and all sides agree it's far easier to operate without ties to them."


Her eyes glowed brighter, a portal seemingly made of dark mist appeared at her side. "I will return before the sun rises," she informed him as she retrieved her cloak. Though she didn't put it back on. A sly smile crossed the bat pony's lips. "You really are a bad liar Mr. Mayor. You should avoid trying it in the future." With that, she stepped through the portal and vanished.

 

[WoodenZebra]

Painter and Strawberry were standing next to each other on the boat,"This town will be awesome..." Strawberry said as she was staring into the distance."I hope" Painter said finishing the thought as he was painting the scenery."Do you think..." Strawberry was then cut off by her brother,"Of course there will a bakery at equinox" Painter said."I guess all we have to do now is wait",the twins said at the same time.

 

[viska]

Once he was sure she was gone, the mayor fell to his knees defeated.


At a loss for what had transpired he simply ranted- " Who..Who sent that pony?..could there really be a dragon seal here?"


Shaking his head he could only deny it.- " No that can't be true. She was just trying to scare me. "


Standing up and dusting himself off, he Continued- " I will not be bullied by some sell sword pony operating above the wishes of the Sisters."


Silently overhead however, a pair of malevolent eyes were watching.


Anda drifted Silently watching the mayors bravado as he ranted on.


She laughed to herself saying " My my.. What an interesting little worm. I will enjoy seeing him writhe.

 

[viska]

The ocean was quiet and serene as the boat drifted towards Equinox.


While still in the early evening, the moon and stars shown brightly in the sky.


As the twins spoke excitedly with eachother, the captain slowly approached them.


Bored and lonely, he thought the two would make good company on a starry night.


Letting out an exaggeratedly deep and loud breath, the blurted " Tis a glorious evening isn't it? The moon is high, the air is salty. And no more of that gammy show pony. "


Laughing to himself he continued- " The fool colt nearly blew up my ship he did. Tis far better to have pony of the finer arts such as yer selves aboard."


Now whiten their personal space he continued to bellow- "The names Blarny, Blarny Stone. Capetian of this fine vessel"


He then took his cap off and bowed in introduction.

 

[Shandragontear]

(Giving up on typing in an accent, started this post on my phone and auto correct is mean. x.x)


Shina gave a light shake of her head to Firecracker's apology as if to say it wasn't needed. "My father use to tell me that nothing worth doing was ever easy." She replied softly while unintentionally revealing a small tidbit of her self and the life she came from. As Firecracker began to talk of fate and destiny Shina's gaze lowered to look at her hooves for a moment. It seemed obvious he didn't want her to leave, and in truth she didn't really want to anymore. How could she justify endangering so many lives by staying though?


Guilt struck her again, she'd never been a 'heart breaker' in fact she'd never really had to deal with a situation or feelings such as this before. After a moment her gaze returned to Firecracker. At the very least she felt she owed him an answer as to why she couldn't stay. "I fear I may be the kind of fate who only brings disaster..."


Her fuchsia eyes lifted to look at the ground in front of her as that antler like horn atop hey head began to glow. Out of no where fire suddenly burst in to existence on the ground where she was staring, despite there being nothing to really burn there. "I've always been able to create and manipulate fire." Shina began, but as she told her story the fire before them began to move and form shapes a few small flames took the form of a slightly younger version of her self, the flames in front of the small fire kirin formed things like swords and fans, the small fire pony playing and frolicking with them. "But I had trouble learning how to put them out, and keeping the fire from setting other things ablaze." When she got to this part of the story the flames changed to take the shape of random objects and even what looked to be a school on fire. Changing shape again the flames formed a crowd of older kirin looking scoldingly at the young fire Shina. "I was feeling a lot of pressure to control my magic better, I didn't want to hurt anypony. I began searching through ancient texts at a local temple, till I finally thought I'd found something that could help. Most of my peers just believed it to be an old pony's tail but I took in every word of the scroll just the same." The fire reshaped to show the young Shina laying on her belly, her cheeks resting against her fore hooves looking utterly lost in the scroll she was reading while other kirin her own age seemed to be whispering about her in the background. "It was about a creature named Konton. The text didn't really explain what Konton was, only that he was a master of fire, able to bend it to his will."


Suddenly the fire that had been forming in to shapes for her story suddenly seemed to implode and smother it's self as Shina's horn stopped glowing. Her head lowered, letting her mane hide her eyes as the weight of what she was about to reveal seemed to settle in on her. "I didn't know what he was..." She whispered softly failing to hold back a single tear that trailed down from one of her fuchsia eyes. "I'd summoned a phoenix of chaos and destruction. Over half my home village was burned to the ground, many of my friends were injured, some nearly died..." Her eyes clamped shut for a moment as she gave a quick shake of her head, as if to shake the images she was seeing out of her mind. Drawing in a deep breath she regained enough composure to continue her story to the end. "My brother and I became cornered. I'd never been burned before, fire can't harm me, so I fought back, to keep Konton away from Ryu. It was in battling the phoenix that I managed to summon a spell the monks latter told me was 'the dragon's fire'. I used it to burn Konton to ash... That's how I got my cutie mark." Shina nodded back toward her flank where that vibrant fire marking could be seen on her scales. Lowering her gaze to the vial hanging from the cord around her neck, Shina lifted the vial with one of her fore hooves to look at it better as she spoke. "Phoenixes always rise from the ashes... So I've traveled all across the world, searching for a place to release Konton's ashes where he won't be able to hurt anypony..." Turning her head Shina finally dared to let her gaze meet with Firecrackers to gauge his reaction. A part of her feared he'd hate her now knowing the truth, but it was probably better if he hated her for the truth, then for her simply leaving after he'd put so much effort in to trying to empress her.

 

[WoodenZebra]

"Hi I'm Painter Tool and this is Strawberry Swirl" Painter said. Then the twins smiled.The twins liked the captin already,so Painter showed Blarney the Painting he made."What do you think" Painter asked

 

[viska]

The captain looked over the painted as he scruffed his beard.


Braking the silence with his loud voice he exclaimed with a smile " Tis a marvelous painting indeed lad. Simply marvelous. The sops in the schools of Canterlot could do no finer."


Patting the colt on the head he decided he'd share a bit with the twins- " Have ye heard much of the island then? They say it once held many great spirits, oh yes. Spirits the Flutter pony held sacred."


Stroking his beard he looked out to see and said " There is much beauty to be found there boy-o. and some danger as well."


Turning back to the two of them he smiled and joked with a wink- " But there in lies the adventure."

 

[WoodenZebra]

"Well we love adventure" the twins said at the same time thinking about what Blarney meant by Spirits the Flutter pony held sacred.What flutter pony anyway this was confusing to them but they didn't say anything.

 

[viska]

At first Firecracker was amused and delighted by her fire magic.


But as her story darkened, so to did his heart begin to fall.


It became painfully clear why she was distancing herself from every pony.


Worse still, why she was distancing herself from him.


He knew in his heart as her story went on that this couldn't have a happy ending.


So engrossed in her story he never shifted his gaze, only blinking a few times throughout.


When she turned to face him, He couldn't look her in the eyes.


He only looked in her direction as he tried to speak- " Sh..Shina. I didn't know.."


He lowered his head and sadly apologized- " I'm .. I'm sorry. Here I've been acting like a show pony in spring.. and all the while you've been trying to spare me this. You've been trying to protect us all this whole time. "


He hung his head in shame as he added- " and here all I could think about was what I wanted."


He finally looked her in the eyes, his shaky and weak as he spoke- " You .. Have a very noble cause.. and I.. I won't stand in your way. "


Struggling to his feet he took five grueling paces away.


Each step taking a piece of his heart with it.


With the final pace he stopped and choked on his tears.


Hanging his head, tear drops glinted like starlight as they fell.


As badly as he wanted to honor her wishes, he couldn't take another step away.

 

[WoodenZebra]

Strawberry Swirl decided to change the subject by going into her backpack and took out some cookies,"Want some cookies?Hi made them before we got on the boat." Strawberry unwrapped the foil and uncovered beautiful sugar cookies with strawberry icing shining in the night.