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Post by StormShroud on Jan 31, 2012 19:11:15 GMT -5
As shroud watched on, his eyes remained wide with a strange combination of fear and awe. Awe? Why awe? Simply because this was likely the first real encounter that wasn't set up by him or a friend with a favor. Yet he knew he had other things to do - He had to protect Splatter. Just in case there were more, or if this thing tried to make a wrong move.
"Time to move back," Storm Shroud murmured to Splatter Paint, as he lowered his head and a wing to shuffle her further toward the mouth of the cave, away from the fight, "I think the best thing you can do right now is watch. We both can - See what real heroes look like. And what real evil looks like.." He murmured to Splatter Paint, hoping it would be enough to convince the pony to stay back, to avoid her jumping in. Somehow he felt this pony was smarter than that.
"I can't imagine what sort of magic has done this."
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Post by splatterpaint on Jan 31, 2012 21:53:04 GMT -5
Splatters watched, her eyes wide. Although she was slightly disgusted by the whole let's-chop-off-some-limbs thing, she had to admit it was pretty cool seeing others in action like this. It was like watching a movie. A horrifying movie where her life was actually in danger and others could possibly die. But it was still...fascinating. But, Splatterpaint could tell that the others had absolutely no intention of her getting into the fight, so she resignedly nodded when the blue Pegasus told her to go back with him. She followed him, stepping cautiously, her eyes watching the fight.
"So we aren't gonna get to fight at all, are we?" her voice could barely be heard over the loud sounds of fighting. "I don't know much about magic, even though I am a unicorn... but even I can tell that that must be some powerful stuff, to have gotten a dead thing to move and stuff. But who would have done something like this? Do Ferals have some sort of magic or something?" She queried, looking up at the Pegasus. Surely no pony would hve done this... Would they? It's a possibility, there are some dangerouse ponies out there. The Grey Menace flickered in her kind as she watched the duel before them.
Splatter couldn't help wondering if a moment in this trip would come where she would have to fight. Although the thought did terrify her, it would give her a chance to prove herself. Death was pretty much looming over their heads like the sword of Damocles. Hopefully that sword would only take the lives of the Ferals...
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Post by Red Charge on Feb 1, 2012 16:28:44 GMT -5
Kuruka's attack had been far more successful than she thought, as she severed the limb, her motion allowed her to topple the dead feral over, allowing Ranger just the opprotunity to sever its head. The creature still moved for a while, but whatever was holding it alive must have realized it would be useless, as it soon became still.
"I didn't sign on for this." Whitehoof said simply in the eerie silence that filled the caverns the next moments.
"This explains the drag marks, and why so many were still active... they've all been ... whatever that thing was." Ranger said, moving closer to Shroudy and Splatter.
"What now guys? Go back and report or continue through?" The woods pony asked.
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Post by StormShroud on Feb 1, 2012 17:02:38 GMT -5
"I think we should all go back, Ranger." Storm Shroud replied, glancing from Splatter to the masked pony, "Until we have some clue as to what we're dealing with, we shouldn't be here. There's no telling what other surprises are in for us." he added.
Without intent to further ridicule her, Storm Shroud looked back down at Splatter as he spoke, "Not to mention it's best if we bring this little one back as soon as we can.. Though if you do intend to go forward, I might bring her back anyway. It's too dangerous for her to be here." He glanced to Ranger, and Whitehoof, as if expecting an answer.
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Post by kuruka on Feb 1, 2012 17:22:14 GMT -5
Kuruka stared at the fallen feral for a moment before answering. Disgusting, unnatural abomination. She snorted at it in contempt, though she was shaking from mane to tail at the thought that there might be more within the cavern.
"It is a difficult position we are in, that is certain. It would be good to not only report, but to gather more soldiers to rid ourselves of this... filth. Yet ferals seem much like timberwolves and have a keen sense of smell. Any of us going back might risk us leading them straight to civilization, an undesirable result even at its best."[/b]
Kuruka watched the filly, concerned about the expression of both revulsion and determination that etched her charge's face. She had to admire the younger mare's boldness in the face of danger. She had yet to see such callous courage even in the hearts of those bound to protect Equestria. Well... perhaps with the exception of Lieutenant Percheron and Watermark. But Watermark was part zebra and Percheron was a soldier, both trained in such things for years. Kuruka silently resolved to teach the little one what she knew if they did remain on this quest. Hmm... Perhaps even if they didn't press forward. The little unicorn did seem to have a warrior's heart and, even if she avoided trouble this time, she would most likely run into it again eventually.
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Post by splatterpaint on Feb 1, 2012 17:45:00 GMT -5
Splatterpaint stared at the dead feral. She wanted to go up to it and get a closer look, but she was well aware she would probably get snapped at. So, she stayed put, keeping silent until a question was formed. Should they stay?
Althouh Splatter didn't believe in quitting, like, at all, she was well aware that 1. there were most likely more of these weird ferals, and 2. Someone was gonna die if they stayed. But they had also just got here... and Kuruka was right, what if they followed them? "Should we investigate a bit more first? Maybe we could find out what put a spell on that thing or something."
The pegasus's suggestion to bring her back made her bristle, "Honestly, you don't have to bring me back! I told you, I can take care of myself. You don't have to watch over me like I'm some sort of stupid little kid." Splatter spat, the idea of marching further into the cave just to prove that she didn't need to rely on them for safety flickered through her mind, but she brushed it away. That would be stupid, and probably would infuriate all of them. So she just lashed her tail irritably, her eyes flashing.
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Post by StormShroud on Feb 1, 2012 17:56:17 GMT -5
"And what do you think will happen to them while they're busy worrying about you?" Shroud asked Splatter, frowning softly as he motioned to everyone else, "Even if I'm watching you, you're still going to be on their minds. And in a fight, that can and will be the one thing that gets somepony killed. You don't want that, do you?" he added, wings flustering a bit, "I can admire your spirit and gall, Miss, but if somepony dies here because they were worrying about you, you will never get over that."
Storm Shroud then looked to the others, and motioned with a hoof to the way they came in, "I say we fly back. Kuruka can carry her, I can carry Whitehoof. Ranger, you're always saying how you're the best thing to walk into this forest, so I'm sure you could mask your scent. That clears us to go home without leading the rest back to civilization. We can gather more soldiers, try to gather information, and come back to eradicate this threat. Whatever we do, we need to do it quick. There's no telling when another one of those things can spring up on us!"
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Post by Red Charge on Feb 2, 2012 11:47:53 GMT -5
"No." Whitehoof exclaimed firmly as Storm Shroud finished talking. "We're not going anywhere. If you want you can take the filly and go back, but we are pressing on." Before anyone could interrupt him, the large pony continued, "Didn't you see that? It was as though something was controlling it, and whoever is ... making those things can't get away."
"We're going in blind he..." Ranger began, only to be cut off savagely.
"Yes, but there's no choice, you don't understand what a pack of trained Winter Ferals can do. You hear all of those stories about Winter Wolves in the Dragon Wars, we live them every day. "
"Are Winter Wolves hostile?" Ranger asked curiously.
"No, they're neutral, just mercs. But the dragons can offer them a lot more than we can, with a choice between bits and potions and Dragon Magic, I think it's obvious they're not going to be on our side. And with the Ice Queen's forces always trying to get more ground it's a nightmare. But that's not the point. You let who or whatever it is making these things get away, and without fear or remorse they'll be praying on your foals next. I was put in charge of this operation, I say we continue. If we can't stop it from bringing them back from the dead, we can at least cut down as many of them as we can." The Earth Pony concluded heavily.
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Post by StormShroud on Feb 2, 2012 15:56:27 GMT -5
"You can't be serious." Storm Shroud stomped one hoof on the ground, frowning seriously at Whitehoof, "Okay, sure. Of course I'll take her back. But you three are NOT equipped to deal with whatever is causing this to happen!" He pressured, desperate to make Whitehoof see reason, "This isn't normal magic. This isn't levitating a puppy dog and making it walk, this isn't hypnosis - This is taking a DEAD corpse, and making it come back as a dead, dangerous, remoseless being without a concept of mercy. If any of you fall, it won't take you as a prisoner, I'll bet my life savings on that."
Looking around at all three briefly, before directly back at Whitehoof, he spoke again with a tone of anger in his voice, "You can spare a single day in your assault, Whitehoof. If we fly back like I suggested, they won't be able to follow us back. We take ONE day to get prepared, and come right back. It'll take them at least a day to get through the forest and make it to any of the towns, we'll be on our way by then and we can meet them at the edge of the forest-- And that's IF they manage to get through."
Another pause, as Shroud glanced down at Splatter, "You have to see the reasoning in this. Yes, whatever is doing this may escape while we're gone. But if you all die trying to pursue it now, unprepared? Then NOBODY will have any chance of finding this thing. And all those fillies back at town you're worried about will have to suffer with the fact they've lost the very heroes who were the only ones who dared to stick up for their defense."
Shroud looked back to Whitehoof, resolute in what he'd said, "Does your choice remain certain defeat and futility, Whitehoof? Or are we going to go back and ensure victory?"
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Post by splatterpaint on Feb 2, 2012 21:19:55 GMT -5
Splatterpaint's eyes flashed, the look on her face twisted with irritation and anger. "Noone has to worry about me! I already told you, I can take care of myself! And if you're so worried about someone dying because of me, I promise that I'll die to save them or something." she was so sick of others treating her like a little kid, it was so frustrating. She wanted to be able to prove herself. If she could follow through with this, she could prove to others just what she could do. This would certainly show everyone else that she wasn't some stupid little painter filly. This would show everyone just how capable she was.
Splatter was glad to hear that the leader ponies were set in staying. She wanted to solve this mystery, and the longer that they stood here. the more curious she got. But as Storm Shroud began speaking, she realized that he was intent on bringing he back. Well, she just wasn't gonna let that happen. At least, not without a fight. With a defiant look set on her face, she spoke up, "No. I'm staying."and to prove her point, she sat down, refusing to budge.
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Post by kuruka on Feb 6, 2012 16:13:55 GMT -5
Kuruka grinned at the young filly's stubbornness. The foal had heart, that she couldn't deny.
"I do not think you are taking this one anywhere, Shroud." Kuruka looked at the pegasus. "And, to be honest, I do not see the point. If you leave, we will not only be short one capable set of hooves, but two. Has she not a mind? Is her body not young and strong? Yes, she is small, but her size will come in handy should we need to reach anything in a place too cramped for a fully-grown pony. It also makes her quick on her hooves. If we position her right, we have no need to worry or fear for her." Kuruka paused and looked the filly in the eye. "I stand by my offer to advocate for you, young one, but you must swear that you will listen closely and contribute everything you can." Kuruka nodded back toward the dead feral. "This is not a game."
While waiting for a response, Kuruka glanced back at Whitehoof. No doubt the quest leader would be very put-out by her outright defiance. He would perhaps even see this move as a threat to his position, but Kuruka could not shake the feeling that this filly would come in useful soon enough. And, perhaps... Kuruka could not deny that she felt a kindred spirit with the spirited little one. Such connections, she had been taught, were not to be ignored or severed before their time. Doing so would bring regret and misfortune on their mission.
Not that she expected the stubborn snow-camo stallion to understand such things.
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Post by Red Charge on Feb 6, 2012 16:32:44 GMT -5
"You're all coming along, and we're getting right to the bottom of this." Said a startling voice from behind the bunch. In their heated discussion of what to do, none of them managed to notice the newcomer join their midst. Quite a feat it was, to be able to stride so silently, bearing as much armor as this new pony.
From hoof-tip to ear he was covered in filthy, worn armor, if you could call it that. It was more of a worn weapon than a suit of armor, every corner was bladed or spiked, the shoes bore mounts for wrist blades, and what appeared to be hydraulic tubes all over it. Even the tail section was attached to a morning star. This one pony was obviously a single stallion army, and despite the terrible condition his armor was in, he seemed as intimidating as ever.
Field Marshal Starling, who was missing for nearly a year within Everfree forest has finally returned. "The Death Charger who raised these beasts is not here, he's leading the others away. But we must press on."
"Death Charger?" Asked Ranger, "Aren't they some sort of legend?" To which the armored stallion shook his head coldly.
"They are real, and dangerous." He said, then walking to the midst of their circle and scratched what appeared to be a spell formula into the cave floor. "Memorize this, filly, it's an undead repellent spell. Surely it will not work on any real undead, but there are no longer any eyes on this place. These are mindless drones aimlessly patrolling the halls."
"However," The stallion warned, "Within this cave lies a minion which we must destroy before the Death Charger has a chance to reclaim it. The den mother." Starling explained ominously.
"They can't, we cut its head off." Ranger interfered, noting that suddenly Whitehoof has gone very quiet, perhaps realizing he is no longer in charge. "We took it back, it has no head." And to all's surprise, that made the Field Marshal laugh. It was not a mocking laugh, or a disrespecting one, just an earnest jovial chuckle.
"You'll learn that few creatures need their heads to serve the Necrolord." From within the depths of his helmet, the visor of which covered his entire face, Starling's grey eyes shimmered. The mention of the Necrolord had much the same effect as the appearance of the undead feral on the group.
"By the Princess..." Was the only thing that Ranger could formulate into words. If legends tell truth, even the mighty adversary feared the power of the Necrolord, even the dragons dared not trifle with him. What would this mean for Equestria?
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Post by StormShroud on Feb 10, 2012 0:57:00 GMT -5
Storm Shroud was just about to try to talk some sense into Splatter Paint, when Kuruka cut in, and took the Filly's side. Wha-- Was he the ONLY sane one, here? Why put any filly in danger? Even if she... Ugh. Storm Shroud sighed sharply, bowing his head and lifting a hoof to cover his face.
"This isn't right. It's just.." He trailed off, glancing over as a new pony arrived. A gritty, armored pony nevertheless.. Yet after a moment of eyeing the pony up, his eyes widened. That couldn't be.. -- That wasn't.. It was! It was Starling, wasn't it?
Unsure of what to say, mostly knowing it would be pleads to return Splatter to town which would be denied, Storm Shroud stayed quiet now, staring intently at Ranger. The look in his eyes spoke what he wanted to say directly to the masked pony - This isn't right. You of all people should be against this.. What about all you said about losing the other ponies?
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Post by kuruka on Feb 10, 2012 15:47:57 GMT -5
Kuruka backed a little when the new stallion entered. The aura of authority virtually dripped off his armor. Typically, she would have stiffened and saluted, but this stallion seemed to command a different kind of respect. Instead, she listened intently to these stories of a Necrolord and Death Chargers. There was a den mother... without a head. Interesting.
Kuruka immediately started applying what she had learned so far about these resurrected minions. Speed was obviously an advantage, as well as the ability to think for a pony's self. Of course, a pony with that much power would be a dangerous adversary.
Typically, Kuruka tried not to remember her past life with her tribe other than her family and training, but a foal's story suddenly presented itself to her. Kuruka shuddered. No, such a story could not be true. If it was, however...
Kuruka glanced at the filly, a part of her wanting to take back her position and whisk her away from this danger. But no. The filly was a fighter. She was here for a reason. They would need her or this danger would spread, if it hadn't already.
Kuruka's resolve solidified within her chest. She was acutely aware now of Storm Shroud's hesitance. The stallion was starting to get on her nerves. Whitehoof, Ranger, now Shroud? Was nopony aware of the filly's importance?
Trying desperately to keep her irritation in check, Kuruka snorted. Her voice was quiet, only for Storm Shroud's ears. "She's staying, Shroud. That's already been settled. What she needs now is our support. If she doubts herself for one moment, the chances of her falling rise considerably. We're a herd now, if that means anything to you."
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Post by Red Charge on Feb 12, 2012 17:28:23 GMT -5
"Don't worry, no pony is getting harmed under my watch." Assured Starling, and he definitely seemed good for his word, at least attitude wise. Physically Ranger could only venture at what a mess he was inside that metal shell. His voice sounded more like a grinding, he must not have had a thing to eat or drink in a while. His green eyes were rather hollow and seemed perpetually exhausted. As soon as they were out of these caves, Ranger thought, he would take this pony for a meal, a bath and a good rest at his house.
"I'm ready then." The wood pony said, preparing himself. Whitehoof did not seem to be pleased about the situation being out of his control, despite agreeing with the course of action. However it seems that Starling's reputation was enough to make him hold his tongue. All that's left now was for the others to keep on moving. Hopefully they would do so without much trouble.
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