From past to present
?: Ugh….my head is killing me. I shouldn't have agreed to party with that pink mare all night after all.
I slowly pick myself off of the floor where I seem to have passed out at and walk towards the window.
?: Hopefully it won't be so bright out this time.
I tried to pull the window open, but it wouldn't budge.
?: Grrr! What gives? Don't tell me somepony sealed it shut.
I hopelessly struggle to pull open the window for a good minute and then finally gave up.
?: To hell with it, I like it dark in here anyway.
I turn away from the window only to have it shoot open, brightening the room.
?: Argh, my eyes! It hurts!
I ran into a dark corner that hasn't been completely illuminated by the suns burning rays.
?: Hey there Runey! Wasn't that an awesome party last night? Oh I had the most wonderific time ever! Maybe we should do it again later, but then everypony will be extremely tired like they are now except for me though. I feel fine as a fiddle not that I am one but you know that old expression-
?: Slow down! I can't understand what you're saying, and don't call me Runey! My name is Runestone Chaser.
No one should be able to talk that fast or that long even, but this pink mare keeps proving me wrong time and time again.
?: Oh, hehehehe sorry I kinda got carried away. So how are you feeling?
Rune: Like my eyes are being melted by laser cannons. Can you shut the window already Diane?
?: You still won't call me by my first name will you? Even though my name is Pinkamina Diane Pie, I don't like being called by my middle name much. It sounds sooooo boring; can't you call me Pinkie just once? *squee*
Rune: I'll start calling you that when Manticore's and Cockatri get along.
Pinkie: Oh but they do, you should visit the Everfree some time, you'll see lil baby Manticore's and Cockatri playing together; Its sooo adorable, until the parents show up and then you have to run for your life.
Yeah right, just like how Pegasi and unicorns will stop feuding. Well, that's what I used to say about unicorns and pegasi but ever since I got here I've seen that they live in perfect coexistence, so I guess it's possible.
Rune: I have visited the Everfree forest before, and I did not see any of that.
Pinkie: That's because they were all sleeping silly.
Rune: Whatever just shut the window already, my eyes are killing me.
Pinkie: Okie dokie artichokie!
She lets the window slam shut while she comes thru the door uninvited….like usual.
Pinkie: So what do you say? Wanna come with me into to town to meet my friends and all the other ponies?
Rune: It's only been a week so far and you're already asking me to leave my home and come with you?
Pinkie: Yup!
…..(she's so straight forward. Oh well, it's better than her being inconspicuous about it.)
Rune: Fine, but don't come crying to me when you try to explain to your friends that I'm a stallion from 1,200 years in the past that came to the future to revive his now extinct clan of rune magic using earth ponies and fail.
Pinkie: Oh no problem at all, if anypony can understand what you said, Twilight definitely would.
I still can't believe how easily she's accepting all of that, or could it be that she really didn't understand me?
Rune: You're surprisingly cool headed about my whole situation, why is that?
Pinkie: Because silly, it doesn't matter what time period , alternate dimension, or parallel universe you came from, as long as you're here I might as well get to know ya.
Rune: Hm, that friendly attitude of yours might get you in trouble someday.
Pinkie: Then I'll just accept it and keep moving forward!
Rune: Heh, I think I'm starting to like you kid.
Pinkie: Oh, really? Then how about you call me by my name then?
Rune: I don't like ya that much yet kid.
Pinkie: Awwww c'mon you big grump. Say it, say it, say it, saaaaaaay it, pleeeaaaasssseeee?
Rune: …..What have I gotten myself into?
We begin walking away from my home which lies between Pinkie's hometown and the everfree forest and my mind wanders back to how I ended up in the position I'm in.
1,200 years ago before Equestria was made, I was the first young colt born of 2 earth ponies. Thing is, we weren't the average earth ponies I see now. We were a special breed, and by special I mean we could control ancient magic that not even the unicorns themselves could obtain, rune magic. Our ancestors discovered this while searching for a home to call their own. They stumbled upon a cave so vast and wide that it could hold our small clan and give us a temporary residence. As they explored the cave, they stumbled upon a large wall with inscriptions on them and with those inscriptions came a power beyond imagination. The runes spoke to them and instructed them on how to wield their power and become one with the elements around them. Our ancestors spent years studying and practicing the strange magic and ultimately decided to protect their secrets from any that would use them for evil. And so, generation after generation my clan, the Rumads, has kept the power of the runes hidden and safe from harm. That was until that fateful night when those sisters began their feud.
Pinkie: Hello~? Are you there?
Rune: Huh? What? Where are we?
Pinkie: We're in Ponyville already silly. Haven't you been listening to me?
Rune: Sometimes I try hard not to.
Pinkie: Oh you, I'm sure you don't really mean that.
Rune: …..
In truth I didn't, Pinkie has been the only one to talk to me ever since I arrived. Luckily she was near the edge of the everfree at the time. What was she doing there anyway?
Pinkie: It's going to be so great to introduce you to everyone I know, but that might take a reeeeaaaaally long time since I know so many people around equestria! Oh, oh I know! We'll just start with everyone I know here first! Oh look here's Rainbow Dash! Hey Dashie, come here for a sec!
Rune: Rainbow Dash?
Pinkie: Yeah! She's the fastest Pegasus alive! She even performed the sonic rainboom!
Rune: She did? I've only known one person in my life that could perform such a skill. I'm interested in meeting this mare.
Upon Pinkie's call, a blue coated Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail approached us from off a cloud. Rune gave a low whistle, she was fast indeed; it only 5 seconds to get from the cloud to us.
Rainbow: Sup Pinkie. Who's your friend?
Pinkie: His name in Runey. He lives on the edge of Ponyville near the Everfree forest.
Rainbow: Seriously? You've got guts to living somewhere like that Runey.
Rune: The name is Runestone Chaser, but you can just call me Rune. So, I hear you're the fastest Pegasus alive.
Rainbow: Hehe, yup that's me alright, Equestria's top notch flier and Ponyville's youngest candidate for the wonderbolt's.
Rune: Wonderbolts? Who are they?
Rainbow: You've never heard of them? They're the best group of fliers the world has ever seen! My dream is to be enrolled as one of them as soon as I finish in the Wonderbolt Academy.
Rune: Is that so? You have some high dreams there if these guys are the worlds best; I wonder if I could join them as well?
Rainbow: Sorry pal, it's strictly Pegasi only and you're an earth pony; no wings, no flying. That's just how things are.
Rune: Really? Then all I need are wings? That sounds easy enough.
Rainbow: What? You can't be serious. Unless you're a powerful unicorn like Twi or an Alicorn, and you're neither, it's impossible.
Rune: Nothing's impossible. Just watch.
Pinkie: Ooooohh! He's going to do his weird magic stuff again! Watch this Dashie!
I pulled out a circular object from my bag and concentrated on the wind around me. Gathering the energy that flowed through the air, I transferred it into the talisman and let it hover onto my back.
Rainbow: What the hay? What kind of trick is that?
Pinkie: It's not a trick, it's his magic.
Rainbow: But he's not a unicorn so how is that even possible?
I continued to focus on the talisman and began to form a pair of wings suited to hold my body in my mind, and then, I released the energy from the talisman, producing those wings.
Rune: Phew took a bit of doing but I managed to pull it off. I'm not used to doing this too often.
Rainbow: What is that thing and why is it glowing like that?
Rune: It's a magical stone called a rune that can gather energy from my surroundings and convert it into anything I desire.
Rainbow: Whoa, that's awesome! You should show that to Twilight, she would totally flip, heheh.
Rune: Twilight? Is she the purple mare with significant magical abilities that made her into a princess?
Rainbow: Uh, yeah. How'd you know about all that?
I gesture towards Pinkie who is rolling around in bed of daisies.
Rainbow: ….I should've known. Well anyway, we should go and see her in Canterlot later.
Rune: That would be exceptional, but while we're at it, want to have a race?
Rainbow: Race, you and me? Hah, I'm always game for a good race but are you sure you're ready for this level of awesomeness?
Rune: Well it has been a long time, but I believe I can manage. What do you say; give this old stallion a run for his money?
Rainbow: You're on.
Rainbow lands on the ground next to me and we both ready ourselves for takeoff.
Rainbow: On your mark, get set, GO!
We both fly off with outrageous speed and leave behind nothing but dust clouds.
Rune: Woohoo! I forgot how great this feels! No wonder the Pegasi always look so cheerful.
Rainbow: Yup, this feeling is the best! You know what feels better though?
Rune: What's that?
Rainbow: Winning!
She gets a sudden burst of speed and darts right out of my sight.
Rune: *whistle* She is fast, looks like I might have to get a little serious.
I concentrate more energy into my wings and infuse it with my body to increase my speed. Then I let it all burst in one go.
Rainbow: Hehehe, I hate to do it to the poor guy but my reputation is at stake here. I can't be called #1 if I lose to the new guy so ea-
Rune: You might want to hold onto that statement kid.
Rainbow: What the hay?!
I buzz by Rainbow with ease and take a look back to see her gaping like she just seen a ghost.
Rainbow: No way! How can he be so fast? I'm the fast one here and I won't have anyone else say otherwise!
I glimpse back one more time to see Rainbow picking up speed, and fast.
Rune: Heh, the competitive type hm? I like mares with a little spunk to them.
Saying that, I also increase my speed intending to leave her behind.
Rainbow: Okay, show's over! Time to show this guy my signature move; the Sonic Rainboom!
Rune: Just what I was hoping for.
I start to slow down and let her pass by me.
Rainbow: It's about time I end this.
A cone of air began to surround her and before I knew it she broke the sound barrier and almost blew me out of the air. As I recovered, all I saw was a wave of colors sweep across the land.
Rune: So she can perform the legendary Sonic Rainboom. She's good, but she's 1,000 years too early to get overconfident with that move.
Summoning my entire magical prowess, I take the form of light itself and rip thru the air in less than a second.
Rainbow: Ah yeah! Looks like I'm the winner of this ra-
Rune: I told you kid; you might want to hold onto that statement until the end.
She looked at me in disbelief and I vanish from her sight as soon as she blinks.
Pinkie: Oh, oh here they come! Here they come!
?: Now what's with all the fussing dear. Is there something special about this pony racing Rainbow Dash?
?: He must be someone real nice to take the time to get to know Rainbow better.
Pinkie: Yeah, he's really nice. He may get a little grumpy at times but under all that he's just a big old lump of goodness.
?: Woo-boy, this feller must be pretty good if he made Rainbow use her best move so early.
Pinkie: Oh look there's Rainbow, but what's that light near her?
?: I don't know what it is but I think we should get outta the way, and fast!
Everyone else except Pinkie scattered from the finish line she seems to have set up.
Rainbow: There's no way I'm going to lose! C'mon, just a little more!
Rune: Heh, I guess I teased the kid enough. Wait, what the hell?
I had to double take to make sure I wasn't imagining it. The kid was actually trying to go beyond her limits and become light.
Rune: Ah dammit. Kids are way too impatient now days. Better stop her before she implodes, or ends up getting lost in the spectrum field.
I quickly dart behind Rainbow and use one of my wings as a lasso to slow her down, or at least I tried.
Rune: Whoa! She's going way too fast! Can't, hold it, any longer! Incoming!
I shout as we both plummet to the ground forming a crater where we landed
Pinkie: Oh my Celestia! That was the best race ever!
Rune: Ugh…my back, I'm going to be sore all evening. Where's Rainbow?
I scan the area in search of the blue mare only to find her laid out in the middle of the crater we created.
Rune: Looks like I'm not going to be the only one who's sore.
I walk over to her and find that she's unconscious. Not really surprising after seeing her almost use the Nova Blitz without the proper training.
Rune: Hey Rainbow Dash wake up.
She didn't respond. It didn't seem like she was breathing either.
Rune: Hey kid this isn't funny. C'mon now wake up already.
Rainbow: …..
Rune: Ah hell, wake up kid! C'mon don't die on me here.
I shook her, and listened close for a heartbeat; there wasn't any.
Rune: No! Not again! I will not let someone else die because of me!
I turned her over and did the only thing I could think of, perform CPR.
Pinkie: What's going on? What's happening? What are you doing to Rainbow?
Rune: I'm giving her mouth to mouth to help her breathe. Haven't you guys ever had to do this before?
Pinkie: N-no, these kinds of things don't usually end up in these kinds of situations. So we never really learned what to do.
Rune: You're kidding me?! Then what's the point of having a hospital?! Where are the medics anyway?
?: There busy tending to all the patients who ate Derpy's muffins.
Rune: What did they get sick?
?: Um, no they were um viciously beaten.
Rune: What? You know what never mind that, can you help me ummm…
?: Oh, umm I'm Fluttershy, nice to meet you.
Rune: Feelings mutual. Do you have any medical training?
Fluttershy: S-sorry I don't, but I do know a flower that can wake people up real quick.
Rune: These please go and get it. I'll keep trying here.
Fluttershy: O-okay. Oh I hope she'll be alright.
I watched the yellow coated Pegasus fly off in search of the herb. I continued trying to revive Rainbow with no luck.
Rune: C'mon, you have so many people worried about you, so I need you to wake up now.
I lean over one more time to try and revive her.
Rainbow: Ugh, w-what happ- mmmphh!?
Both of our eyes widen in surprise as Rainbow suddenly wakes up and our lips connect. In the next moment she almost bucked me in the face as she flipped up.
Rainbow: *spit* *spit* Hey! What do you think you're doing pal!?
Rune: Bringing you back to life by the looks of it.
Rainbow: Yeah right! You think I'm going to believe that!? I can't believe you just did that to me.
She rubbed her lips and looked away. If I wasn't mistaken I could have sworn I saw her cheeks burn red.
Rune: I know, I know and I'm sorry. Believe me when I tell you though, my intentions were none other than to bring you back.
Pinkie: He's telling the truth Dashie! He was all scared and worried that you wouldn't wake up at all. We were really scared you weren't getting up too.
?: She's right sugar cube, you had us all goin there for a while now. This feller right here was the only one who knew what to do. You should be thankin him for savin yer life.
Rainbow: Are you serious Applejack!? This perv was just taking advantage of the situation and he…he…Ugh!
Rune: Well sorry if it was that disgusting for you. Maybe I should've left you to the medics instead.
I felt Rainbow shooting daggers at me and I almost flinched away.
?: Come now darling, I'm sure Rainbow is just flustered and confused about her first kiss tis all.
Rainbow: Wha-!?
?: Was it not your first kiss dear? If not then your reaction would have been less aggressive, or should I say, bashful.
Rainbow: Grrr! Whatever! You guys can stay here with that perv if you want but I'm getting out of here. Oh and just for the record, I won that race so ha!
After sticking her tongue out at me she flew off into the sky.
Rune: *sigh* Save someone's life and this is how they thank me?
?: Oh that one just likes to act like a tomboy all the time. Celestia forbid she'd actually try something feminine for once.
I direct my attention to the mare next to me and notice that this one likes to keep herself well groomed, quite often I might add.
Rune: And may I ask who you might be madam?
?: It would be more polite if you would address yourself first.
Rune: Ah yes, forgive me. I am called Runestone Chaser; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
?: My, a stallion in Ponyville with actual manners. I am known as Rarity good colt, charmed.
Rune: Rarity? What a lovely name. You must be one of a kind madam.
Rarity: Oh you flatter me.
Applejack: Well if ya'll two are done with yer introducing, you mind tellin me what in the hay happened here?
I turn my head to see a mare who looks like she's been working ever since she could remember.
Rune: Applejack was it? It would seem that during our little race, your friend tried to push the limits of her Sonic Rainboom. The results were too much for her to handle and she went into a suspended state.
AJ just stood there staring at me blankly.
Rune: ….Okay um…let's just say that there is a level above the Sonic Rainboom which deals in the color spectrum. This level is called Nova Blitz which breaks down the users' body and converts it into light and greatly enhances their speed thus causing them to slip thru the light stream. She tried to do this as well, but she couldn't handle the unknown energy that was trying to enter her and she almost slipped into the void. I stopped her just in time but she was already going way too fast to stop and this is how things turned out.
Still AJ looked at me as if she were utterly lost….which she probably was.
Rune: Okay, how about this? There is a level two to the Sonic Rainboom that I can perform but Rainbow can't. Clear?
AppleJack: Ain't no need for you to dumb it down for me. I spend enough time with Twilight to understand that science mumbo jumbo. What is getting me is why is it that you're able to do something RD can't. Somethin 'bout you ain't right.
Rune: Sorry If I offended you, and I'd be willing to answer any questions you may have for me. There's only one problem with that.
AppleJack: And what might that be?
In the next moment I find myself flat on the ground and slowly losing consciousness.
Rarity: Oh my! What happened?
AppleJack: I haven't the slightest clue but here comes Fluttershy now.
Fluttershy: I'm back. Oh dear what's going on? Where's Rainbow?
Pinkie: Rainbow woke up and took off a while ago then Runey was telling us something really confusing and difficult then all of a sudden he just fainted!
Fluttershy: Oh dear, let's take him back to my cottage. I think I have some herbs that should help…
After a while their voices begin to drift off and everything goes dark.
?: You have trained hard young one…
?: You are the strongest one in the entire clan!
?: I'm proud of you son….
?: Please come back safely. We'll find a place to hide until you return….
?: You'll make everything better again right bro?
?: I love you Rune…
The voices of the past haunt me in my sleep, the voices of the elders and my family. I will return to them one day, and my clan will live once again.
Rune: I swear….i'll let you all see this world for yourselves.
Fluttershy: Let who see the world?
Rune: Huh?
I snap myself up to find that I'm in what appears to be some kind of cottage.
Rune: Where am I?
Fluttershy: Oh um, this is my home. We brought you here after you fainted earlier.
Rune: Ah, I see. Sorry about that, using that much energy in one day is a bit tiring. So, what part of the forest are we in?
Fluttershy: How could you tell we were near the forest?
I survey her home and see nothing but animals, cages, and furniture. I direct a droll stare towards her.
Rune: Lucky guess.
Fluttershy: Oh.
We sit there in silence for almost a good minute until a white rabbit hops into the room.
Fluttershy: Oh Angel, what are you doing awake? You usually don't wake up hours from now.
The sleepy bunny eyes me and I could swear he was sizing me up as if I were some kind of weirdo.
Rune: Hey there fluffy, are you going to the bathroom or something?
He crosses his arms and turns his head away like he was disgusted with my question….and my presence. Rude little cotton ball.
Rune: I think he doesn't like me.
Fluttershy: Nonsense, Angel's just a bit cranky after waking up so early.
She goes to pick the rabbit up and cuddle him close. The rabbit sticks his tongue out at me as Fluttershy holds him. A spoiled child is more like it.
Rune: Hm, I think it's something more than that.
Fluttershy: Did you say something?
Rune: Just talking to myself.
I rise from the couch in what appeared to be her dining room and walk about her home; taking in the surroundings of somewhere that isn't dark and dreary for once. I take notice of all the different sized cages, most of them bird cages.
Rune: Are you some kind of pet shop owner or something?
Fluttershy: No, I just watch over and take care of all the animals that inhabit the forest.
Rune: Does that also include the Everfree?
Fluttershy: Huh? Oh, um n-no but aren't all of them very dangerous?
Rune: Oh not at all, you just have to learn how to handle them, once you do, they're like small kittens.
Saying that, a small kitten jumps on my head and lays down.
Fluttershy: Hehehe, looks like someone likes you.
I laugh and gently lower myself to the floor as to not disturb the sleeping kitten. Then all of a sudden dozens of other small creatures come out and lay next to me.
Fluttershy: Oh my, where did all of you come from? Weren't you all supposed to be sleeping in your homes?
Rune: Hahaha, its fine, leave them be. I actually like being around animals. They're the closest things to friends I've had since I was a colt.
Fluttershy: Eh, you too?
Rune: Let me guess, you were the weakest flier in the group and didn't make too many friends because of it, so they teased you often and you found comfort in animals.
Fluttershy: You're really good at guessing. Yes, that's exactly how things were before I arrived in Pony ville from Cloudsdale.
Rune: Sorry, I brought back some painful memories.
Fluttershy: Oh not at all. If not for that, I would have never discovered my cutie mark; oh I really should thank Rainbow again for what she's done.
Rune: Wait, what? Cutie mark, what in Tartarus is that?
Fluttershy: You don't know about it? It's the mark that tells us what we are destined to be and what our true passion is. You have one too.
Rune: Oh, you mean the Fate seal. That is what my people called it. Once we discovered what worked best for us, we stuck with it and these markings appeared. Our leaders, the Apostles of Rune, told us that these markings would lead us to our fate and the meaning of our existence.
Fluttershy: What does yours mean?
Rune: My seal is the seal of knowledge. I discovered this when I was 14. I wanted to start using our clans' magic immediately but my heart was too weak to accept the power of the runes. So I took up studying the ancient text and scrolls and found ways to utilize each and every rune for a different purpose. One day I decided to take a few rune stones with me and try out what I learned. Things didn't go so well the first try but as I continued trying, the more I became use to the runes magic and as I cast one last spell, my mind, body, and soul became one with the runes and gave me all of its knowledge. From that moment on I knew I had to discover more about them and their origins…..unfortunately I could not finish my research.
Fluttershy: Why is that?
I remained silent and things began to get tense. I quickly found something else to talk about.
Rune: Enough about me, what can you tell me about your friends?
Fluttershy: Oh, um okay. Well first there's Pinkie; she's really outgoing and is a lot of fun to be around and her parties are always….loud. Other than that she's a really kind pony who cares for her friends.
Rune: I'm sorry but I can't hear you too well. How about coming over here and telling me?
I gesture to an empty spot next to me that isn't taken by an animal.
Fluttershy: Ah, um okay if that's fine with you that is.
I almost had to stop myself from laughing on how incredibly shy she was. She took a seat next to me and continued.
Fluttershy: Then there's Rarity, she makes the most beautiful dresses for everypony and can be really generous at times, but can get really scary when it comes to her work.
Rune: Heh, I can imagine that.
Fluttershy: Applejack is really hard working and brave, she's also the most honest pony around and you can trust her to help you with anything. Although, she can be a bit stubborn at times and push herself too hard, but we're always there to help her when she needs it.
Rune: Yeah, I could tell that she's an honest, hard worker just by one look.
Fluttershy: You've already met Rainbow so I think you know how she can be. Don't let her showy attitude get to you though; she's really nice and loyal to her friends. She would never abandon us when we need her.
Rune: Nice huh? I wouldn't have guessed that at all by how she treated me.
Fluttershy: She's just really competitive at times, but if you ask me she acts like a real tomboy sometimes.
Rune: Hahahaha, yeah I can see that.
Fluttershy: And lastly, there's Twilight or Princess Twilight as she's called now. She's the smartest pony anyone has ever known and she has amazing magical powers which often helped save Ponyville and even all of Equestria. Right now she should be in Canterlot in the palace with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna training on how to be an alicorn.
Rune: Wait; did you just say Princess Luna, the mare of the moon?
Fluttershy: Yes? Is there something wrong?
Rune: No, not at all. In fact, that's great news.
Fluttershy: I see…
I could not believe it. The mare whom has watched over my clan for centuries has returned after her thousand year imprisonment. I have to find a way to meet with her; maybe she can reveal the truth of her banishment.
Fluttershy: I can't wait for you to meet Twilight. She can possibly help you meet with Princess Luna.
Rune: Thank you, *yawns* that would help a lot.
I lay my head down and fall asleep on Fluttershy.
Fluttershy: Hmhm, good night.
For the first time in so long I finally slept without visions of the past. One thing struck me odd though; I only slept like this with one other person. My consciousness faded as I recalled a memory that would forever bring me joy and sorrow….
Rune: Alya, hey Alya! Where'd ya go?
*leaves rustling*
Alya: *Snickers*
Rune: …..I wonder where she could be. Oh well, might as well head back and tell her sisters she went off on her own again. *fakes trotting away*
Alya: Hehehe, I knew he wouldn't find me here.
Rune: *appears behind Alyah* you're not too good at hiding you know.
Alya: Kyaaa! How did you do that!
Rune: Finding you or teleporting?
Alya: You know I mean both you jerk, hehehe.
She nudged me slightly while pretending to be mad at me.
Rune: Haha, well for starters when you hide you must remain silent and not giggle. Secondly, I just learned how to do this from a book I read.
Alya: Wow, you really get the hang of things fast. You should think about joining the council.
Rune: I'm nowhere near as powerful as they are, besides didn't they ask you to join them?
Alya: Yeah but you know that's not me. I could never take on such an important role. I'd just make everyone angry at me.
Rune: Hey now, that's no way to talk.
Alya: I know, but I just don't like letting people down when they need me, not like anyone ever needs a coward like me.
Rune: …..*tickles Alyah*
Alya: Aha! Hahahaha! Stop, don't do that!
Rune: Do what, tickle you? *tickles more*
Alya: Ahahahaha! N-no! Stop it! I-I can't breathe hahaha!
We both fall to the ground and I continue my assault.
Rune: Beg for mercy! C'mon, say it!
Alya: O-okay! Mercy, mercy Runes, please! I- I'm gonna pee! Hahahaha!
I stop tickling her for a moment to let her breathe and we laugh together. Then I leaned down to claim her lips; shocked at my sudden closeness, eyes opened wide before closing and returned the kiss.
Alya: Mmmm….*gasps for air* that was real sneaky of you.
Rune: Heheh, would you have preferred that I'd asked you?
She wraps her hooves around my neck and kisses me this time.
Alya: You know you don't have to ask. You are the one of whom I love remember?
I brush her mane from her face and stare into her auburn eyes.
Rune: How could I ever forget the way you make me feel whenever you smile, or the way your laughter warms my heart and body?
She gave me a small chuckle that wrenched my heart; by the lunar mother she was beautiful.
Alya: Keep talking like that and we might not leave this bush.
Rune: Would that be a problem?
Alya: Yes, because we still have duties to perform.
Rune: They'll find someone else like always.
I kissed her cheek and began moving down her neck to nibble on it. She let out a light moan.
Alya: Someone might find aahhh~…us.
Rune: Not if I cloak us.
Alya: You can do that?
Rune: There are many things I can do both mentally, and physically.
She sucked in her breath at what I promised; biting back her desire. Then a familiar voice rang out.
?: Alyaaa! Where are you! Mom told you to watch me for today~!
We both jumped at the sound of Alyahs' little sister, Katja.
Rune: Looks like you got stuck babysitting today.
Alya: *sighs* apparently.
Reluctantly, we both got up and went to meet Katja who was still shouting.
Alya: Hush Kat, I'm right here.
Katja: Ally! *glomps Alya* what were you doing?
Alya: I was on a scouting mission with Rune. You remember Runes right?
Katja looked towards me and I smiled and waved at her, she hid behind Alya.
Katja: N-nice to meet you again Mr. Rune.
Alya: Kat, you're not still afraid of Runes are you?
She didn't respond, she just shrank further behind her sister.
Rune: Um, I guess I really do have bad luck when it comes to kids.
Alya: It's not luck that makes you bad with kids; it's how you look all the time.
Rune: How I look? What's wrong with how I look?
Alya: For starters your coat is so gray it almost looks like you're covered in ash and your eyes are always so serious and threating like you're about to murder someone.
I stood there gaping at how bluntly she made me out to be some cold-hearted psychic murderer murderer.
Alya: Lighten up, I'm only joking….somewhat.
I playfully nudge her and she did the same. We were on our way to her home before a messenger came by.
Messenger: Runestone, Alya Lockheart, the council has made a call for you. You are to report to the Grand hall.
Rune: What's going on? Why have they called us?
Messenger: Are you refusing the call of the elders?
Knowing what refusing the elders would mean for me and even my family. I fell silent and shook my head.
Rune: Forgive me, I'll answer their call.
Alya: I shall also answer their call.
The messenger nodded and took his leave.
Rune: I have a very bad feeling about this. If what they ask is too dangerous you won't take it right?
Alya: And let you take it on all by yourself? What if you don't come back? What am I supposed to tell your family? Your mother would be devastated if I let something happen to you.
Damn, I hated when she used my family against me to get her way.
Rune: Fine, just promise me you'll leave if things take a turn for the worse okay?
Alya: Sure, I promise. Now let's get going okay?
I couldn't be so sure about her keeping her promise, but I'm prepared to keep her out of harm's way no matter what. We head towards the Elders chamber where they assign missions to those who can use rune magic.
Elder 1: They have arrived.
Elder 2: We have an urgent mission for the both of you.
Rune: What is the task elder?
Elder 3: One of our scouts has reported sightings of the Sun empress's guards near the caves entrances.
Rune & Alya: What!?
Elder 2: You both are the only ones who are strong enough to survive an encounter with her guards. We are sending you both to confirm the scouts' suspicions.
Rune: As you wish elders. We shall make haste of this mission.
Elder: Indeed, now go.
Alya and I make our way to the entrance until we hear her sister calling out to her.
Katja: Ally! Can I come with you pleaaaaasssssseeeee?
Rune: It's far too dangerous for to come with us Kat, you don't even know how to wield rune magic properly yet.
Alya: Aw c'mon, let her come. With the both of us there it shouldn't be a problem right?
Rune: But there is no way to guarantee all of our safety.
Alya: Oh you, you're always so cautious. This is will be her first time out of the caves since she was born. Just let her come with us this one time, for me?
I actually groaned at her persistence, but that is what I find strangely charming about her.
Rune: Fine, I'll just have to triple my efforts then.
Alya: What?
Rune: Nothing, let's just get this over with as quickly as possible.
Alya: Yeah, come on Katja.
Katja: Yay!
We exit the cave and went into the everfree forest; heading towards the location of the Royal Guard sighting. I walked ahead of Alya and Katja while Alya explained things to Katja about the patrols and the many plants and creatures of the everfree. Then, something nearby rustled in the bushes.
Rune: Wait here.
I made sure they stayed put while I went to check the bush. Then all of a sudden, a wild Ursaminor jumped out at me.
Rune: Woah!
Alya: Rune!
The Ursa cub pinned me to the ground and raised its claws to strike at me. I closed my eyes and waited for the bear's claws to rip me open; then the strangest thing happened. Instead of clawing me, he lays his paws on me gently and begins licking me.
Rune: Wha- Hahaha! That tickles! Hahahaha!
Alya: Eh?
Alya appeared to be taken aback by the bear's actions and tilted her head to the side.
Rune: Wait a minute, this familiar way of licking, could this be-!?
I raise myself off the ground to get a better look at the bear.
Rune: Is that you Astar?
The bear perked up his ears and continued his licking assault.
Rune: Hahaha, easy boy easy, I'm happy to see you to.
Alya: You know this bear?
Rune: Yeah, I met him when I was just a foal and I was wandering the forest. I was busy studying berries and he was busy eating them; so one thing led to another and we became friends.
Alya: I've been hearing that the Ursa's were nothing but volatile beings that'd rip you limb from limb on sight.
Rune: That's unfortunately true, but as long you don't harm their young, steal their food, or disturb their sleep, you won't end up being their meal.
Alya was about to say something but then Astar pounced on her.
Alyah: Aaahhh! Please don't eat me!
I laughed at Alya's panic to Astars' surprise kisses.
Rune: Calm yourself Alya, he just smells my scent on you and sees you as a friendly.
Alyah: Bleh, yuck! Well make him stop! His breath really stinks!
Rune: Hahaha, okay Astar that's enough now. Come here boy.
The bear instantly stopped licking Alya and came over to me.
Alyah: Eewwww, I smell like fish guts and bear drool.
Rune: You'll get used to it.
Alyah: I don't want to!
Katja and I laughed at her. After we made our patrols, we started heading back to the cave until….
Rune: Hm? What's that sound?
Alya: What sound?
It appeared me and Astar were the only ones who heard it since he began scanning the area as well.
Rune: I don't know…it sounded like wings flapping.
Alya: Don't be silly, there aren't any pegasi here.
The sound of flapping wings getting louder betrayed our hopes.
Rune: No, it can't be….it's the Solari Knights!
Alya: What?! Katja go hide now!
Rune: Astar, protect Katja and keep her safe!
Astar nodded and nudged Katja, encouraging her to hide behind a rock.
Rune: Alya, you go and join them.
Alya: I can't leave you here by yourself!
There were sounds of multiple hooves headed our way and the sound of flapping wings got louder with each passing moment.
Rune: Damn it Alya! Now is not the time to debate! Just do as I say, please!
She was about to open her mouth to argue back until a magic bolt was shot, striking me in the back of my calf.
Rune: Argh!
Alya: Runes!
Before she ran to my side I created a barrier separating me from them.
Alya: Runes! Don't do this, you'll die!
Rune: No one is going to die as long as I can help it…
I force myself to stand as the pain ripped through me. Then I began casting a spell that would give us all enough time to escape. I pulled out several rune stones and let them fall in a circle around me. I focused all my power into the stones, lifting them off of the ground to encircle me. The stones then dispersed into a wide circle and began to rotate. I then release the energy I've built up and formed a reflective shield around us.
Rune: *labored breathing* hopefully it'll last us long enough to escape.
Alya: What happened? What's going on?
I turn my head to see the barrier I formed to separate us dissolve into dust. I couldn't focus on keeping that one up with the one I just casted.
Rune: I conjured another shield that will make us invisible to them for a short period of time, see?
I pointed to the forest as more and more guards poured in.
Alya: Oh my…. What are we gonna do?
Rune: We'll have to sneak back into the cave and warn the others before they get there. As long as we remain within range of the runes we'll go undetected. Let's go.
Alya: Okay, Katja c'mon.
Katja: What about Astar? What's going to happen to him?
Rune: Astar, return home.
The bear began to whine and nudged me as if begging to stay. I held the bears head close and softly spoke to him.
Rune: I'm sorry my friend, it's too dangerous to come with us now. Return to the safety of your mother. Please, I couldn't live with myself if I ever put you in harm's way.
The bear continued to whine but it seemed like he understood me as he ran off.
Rune: Now, let's- argh!
Alya: Rune! What's wrong?
That magic blast I received earlier caused me to almost fall over.
Alya: You're injured. We need to treat you immediately.
Rune: I can endure this much. We need to get back.
Alya: We'll never make it with you like that. You need medical attention.
She was right; I was just gonna slow us down like this. I was already exhausted from conjuring the shield but we had to get back fast. There was only one way to do so.
Rune: You're right; you and Kat get close to me.
Alyah: What?
Rune: I'm going to cast another spell to get us back.
I summoned all my powers and set the destination for our return. Alya realized what I was doing and brought Kat closer to us. With a momentary pause, we are flashed from the forest back to the caves.
Rune: *rough breathing* we made it.
Alya: Runes….you don't look too well.
Rune: I'm fine, let's *cough* keep moving.
Alya: Runes…
We walked further into the cave until we came to the secret entrance. Alya and I spoke the incantation to open it. This entrance was one of many that led to the Elders' council room. They often used these in case of emergencies or to deliver secret messages. Before we continued on, Alya turned to Katja.
Alya: Kat, I want you to return to mom and the others now.
Katja: No! I don't want to leave you!
Alya: Katja Spellstrings! Don't make me repeat myself! You are to return home this instant!
Katja shrank back in fear at her sisters' sudden outburst. She was on the verge of tears.
Rune: Listen Katja, your sister is right. You can't come with us any further; you were already exposed to too much danger. Head on home and we'll meet you there okay?
Sniffling, she nodded her head and ran out the exit I showed her.
Alya: Oh Luna, what have I done *sniffles*.
I hold her tight and urge her to move forward. We had to figure out what was going on immediately. After a few more doors we reach the chamber room of the elders.
Rune: Elders! What is happening?!
Elder 1: They've arrived.
Elder 2: Then we must begin immediately.
Elder 3: Indeed.
Rune: Begin what? What the hell's going on, why are the guards headed towards our home?!
Elder 2: Peace, Rune Chaser. We are preparing for the tragedy that will end us all….
Alya: What?!What do you mean the end of us all?!
?: It is exactly what they say child.
Rune&Alya: High Elder?!
High Elder: ….
The High Elder, the oldest and wisest earth pony to live. He was the one to discover the runes in the caves and lead us all to safety. He is the reason our clan has survived so long. We both kneel before him.
High Elder: Rise young ones; we have little time for pleasantries.
Rune: Forgive me elder, but what in the hell is going on? We only saw the guards not too long ago. There's no way they could have found us here while the barrier is up.
High Elder: That is just it child…the barrier, it will stand no chance against the princess.
Rune: The princess!? You mean the Solarian princess?
High Elder: …..
Rune: By the runes, we need to evacuate everyone immediately then!
High Elder: I'm afraid it is too late for that child. I have spoken with the runes about our fate. It is already too late for us to escape.
Rune: No….No that can't be, it just can't.
Alya: There has to be some way for us to survive! Please!
We look to the elder expecting the worst.
High Elder: There is a way…one I hoped I would not have to come to.
Rune: What is it? Whatever it is I'll do it to save our clan!
As I stated that, the elders passed a questioning look to each other as if pondering their next action.
High Elder: Very well, may you find the will to forgive us child.
Rune: What? What are you-
Before I could finish my sentence, a runic circle surrounded me and restricted my movements.
Rune: Ugh! What's going on!?
Alya: Runes!
I turn to Alya to see her being encased in what looked like crystal.
Rune: Alya! What's happening?! What are you doing to us?!
High Elder: The only thing we can do to ensure the survival of our bloodline, forgive us child.
I tried to speak but the same crystal-like prison has reached my throat, blocking my voice. Tears stream from my eyes as I turn to look at Alyah who has been fully incased in the crystal cage; before I knew it, total darkness over took me.
Rune: *Loud gasp and heavy breathing*
Fluttershy: Fuunya?! What? What's happening? Rune, are you okay?
I stare at the darkness in Fluttershy's cottage remembering how dark it was then. I shake my head and turn to her.
Rune: I'm fine, just had a nightmare. Sorry to wake you.
Fluttershy: Oh no problem at all. Did you see Princess Luna in your dreams?
Rune: The lunar goddess? No, she has been absent from my clans dreams for a long time.
Fluttershy: Oh dear, well don't worry. I'm sure she'll visit you if your nightmares get any worse *yawns* well good night.
Rune: Yeah, good night.
I watched her fall back to sleep, and then turned my attention to the night sky and took in the beauty of the moon. I hoped for the day when I can see the lunar goddess in person, maybe then, just maybe, she can relieve me of these nightmares.
The End