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div style="max-height: 999999px; padding-left: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"Chapter XXV p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongHello, everypony! Goldenponyboy here with another chapter of his longest running fic to date. Now, before I do anything else, I just need to ask. Why aren't people reviewing? I mean, I don't mean to force anyone, but still… I miss the reviews. Anywho, THE FIC IS THE THING!/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Walker pulled back a branch and gestured to a small hut in the middle of the woods. "There, you see? I knew what I was talking about."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The hut looked similar in size to that of Zecora's back in Equestria, but followed more of an Indian's wigwam design. Smoke was floating out of a column stuck in the top, creating a makeshift chimney./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan, getting a little too excited, began walking up to the hut before Joseph grabbed his shoulder. "Not so fast, my boy. My brother isn't a huge fan of… large crowds."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""So? That means I can't go and learn how to save my friend?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, we need to choose who goes in."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Walker stepped up at this point. "Joseph, if I may make a suggestion, you, Fluttershy, and Tristan seem to have the closest relation to Paul. You three should be the three to enter. I'll stay out with the others."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""But, you are the most powerful of the six of us. You may need something from him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I'm also the most dangerous. You three go on. We'll stay here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Reluctantly, Joseph nodded. "You may be right. Come along you two." This said, he waltzed up and knocked on the door of the cottage./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"After a few moments of scrambling, the door burst open. The man who opened it had a stocky build, red hair infesting his face. And a double barrel shot gun aimed right at Fluttershy. "I don't care what month it is, I still don't owe your fancy company anything!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy let out a small "Eep!" before hiding behind Tristan, who was bolted to that spot. Joseph was the only one who seemed capable of movement. "Come now, Alex. You really need to learn how to treat your guests."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The man looked at him for a moment before shouldering the gun. "Come back to Earth, have you Joseph? I thought you were called off on important business."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Which is why we've come here. May we come in?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Alright, but don't any of you touch anything." He eyed Tristan for a moment before standing aside to allow them entrance./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The interior of the "wigwam" was a lot bigger than the exterior should have allowed. There were seemingly endless tables of concoctions and books, almost dwarfing the Library's possession. Halfway, Tristan noticed a bottle with a smoky smell and decided to have a taste of it. Almost instantly, he burst into flame./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy looked in terror as Alex simply groaned, throwing another potion onto the fire to douse it. Tristan looked at himself, making sure he was alright. "I told you not to touch anything. But I should thank you. I've been dying to try that Veil potion for years."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You're welcome," Tristan coughed out in a small cloud of smoke./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"After leading them to a parlor of sorts, Alex gestured to a few chairs before pulling out a notebook, furiously scribbling and writing something. "I take it you three want something from me, am I right?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Wasn't that obvious? You know why we're here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yes, I know. That Walker friend of yours is very informative. I have to say I'm impressed with your boy, Joseph. I didn't know that much power could reside in anything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, it shouldn't. But that's why we need your help, Alex. We need someone who has delved into the Dark Magic studies."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"When that was said, Alex dropped the book before walking out of the room. "Nope, No, no. I am not going back there." He began making rounds at the many tables in the lab./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan and Fluttershy followed him closely, trying to get him to listen to him. "You've got to help us."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I don't 'got' to do anything, young man."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""But he's your nephew!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then his father should take care of it!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""His father is a portion of why he's like this in the first place."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Ah, so I've got to clean up another mess that my brother made. I see how it is. Joseph makes the mess, Alex cleans it up. It's been that way since we were colts. That's why I created those blasted spells in the first place. To make my life easier."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy, upon hearing this, stopping in her tracks. "Wait… are you… no… it can't be."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Alex spun around, putting his face close to hers. "If you think I am who I think you think I am, then you would be correct."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She gave a small gasp before backing away. "Y-You… You are… You're Starswirl the Bearded!?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Indeed I am. I'm the reason Sombra even knew of the Dark Magic in the first place. That and my brother," he raised his voice when he said this, "had to make things difficult by running off with his daughter!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""We are in love, brother! Haven't you ever experienced love?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Alex laughed at this. "Oh, love. Love is the true Dark Magic. It takes away from everything else, just so one can feel the heat of it. Love… stupid idea."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy shook her head. "No. Love is an amazing feeling. It's… well… it's hard to explain."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Do not lecture me of love, girl."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Fine, but please… help us…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Alex looked at her pleading eyes. At first, he kept his stony glare, but everyone knows the effect that Fluttershy has on others. Especially with those eyes. He finally groaned and opened a book. "From what I've gathered, he isn't under the influence of any spell other than the potion he had drunk. When taken under evil intentions, the user's anger becomes their fuel. I have no idea what could be the antidote."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Never mind that." Joseph stood up and walked over to his brother. "What do you mean he isn't under any influence?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""From what little Walker gave me, the attitude is completely different from his usual one. It's not that a spell has changed him, but he has basically forgotten himself."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Forgotten himself?" Tristan jumped at this. "You mean he has amnesia?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""All evidence points to it. We need to get him to remember, but the question is how."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"To the shock of everyone, Fluttershy spoke up. "Leave that to me. I only need Walker to take me to him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sat at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the sea. No matter what lies he told himself, he was absolutely sure that there was something important out there. Something overly important./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Suddenly, something burned against his chest. Pulling at it, he found that it was the Moses Amulet, burning with a bright light. Pointing it out to sea, he felt that there was a connection between the two events./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He heard hoofsteps behind him and instantly stashed the amulet under his shirt. "Grandfather, what is it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Ah, I have a surprise for you, Paul. Do you remember who it really was that brought us together?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul smirked at this. "You mean that temptress of a Pegasus?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Indeed. She has made her way back, wanting to reenter our service. What say you?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Let me inspect this specimen before I make my final decision."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""As you wish." Sombra turned and gestured with his neck, telling his men to drag the mare out to them. "You may go. We shall leave these two alone." That said, he vanished in a black mist./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"When Fluttershy looked at Paul, she felt the urge to rush over to him. But Paul was faster, snapping his fingers to pin her to the wall behind him. "Why did you come?" He asked, turning around to face her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I wanted to talk to you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""About what? Do you wish to seduce me further? Or is there something else you wish of me?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Paul, this isn't you. I know the real you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really? Are you positive that you know the real me? Because the last time I saw you, I recall finding out that you played me for a fool. You turned me over to my grandfather against my will." Then, his face broke into a wicked smile. "So, I believe I must thank you for our reunion." He snapped again, releasing her invisible bonds./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She rubbed her wrists, looking at him with hurt eyes. But the fire that burned within him turned even that face away. "What happened to you, Paul?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What happened? I became strong. I became power."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""No… you became something else." She began to walk towards him, causing him to step back. "You are not the one I met back then. You are not the same."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Stay back." He felt himself begin to levitate over the sea./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""No, I need to apologize. I'm the reason you are like this." When she reached the edge, she fell forwards, shrieking in the surprise./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Without thinking, Paul swooped down and grabbed her, carrying her back to the cliff. But as he did, he stared deeply into her eyes. This made something happen in his mind. It was as if someone had slightly let a door open. Blurry images flew into his mind, making him shoot a hand to his head. "Men, take her to my quarters!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"As they did, he dropped to the ground, a hand still pressed to his temple./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongChapter Complete. Well, there you be. The next exciting chapter in this fic that I have no idea where it is going. Stay tuned for next time. And, I'm sorry to say that the Crimson Dragon Girl is no longer mine. That title will have to stay on the shelf for a while. Oh well, RR AND ADIOS!/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong(P.S. Voltzs, you have your veil thingy now if you want me to use it… hint hint)./strong/p
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div style="max-height: 999999px; padding-left: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"Chapter XXV p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongHello, everypony! Goldenponyboy here with another chapter of his longest running fic to date. Now, before I do anything else, I just need to ask. Why aren't people reviewing? I mean, I don't mean to force anyone, but still… I miss the reviews. Anywho, THE FIC IS THE THING!/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Walker pulled back a branch and gestured to a small hut in the middle of the woods. "There, you see? I knew what I was talking about."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The hut looked similar in size to that of Zecora's back in Equestria, but followed more of an Indian's wigwam design. Smoke was floating out of a column stuck in the top, creating a makeshift chimney./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan, getting a little too excited, began walking up to the hut before Joseph grabbed his shoulder. "Not so fast, my boy. My brother isn't a huge fan of… large crowds."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""So? That means I can't go and learn how to save my friend?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, we need to choose who goes in."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Walker stepped up at this point. "Joseph, if I may make a suggestion, you, Fluttershy, and Tristan seem to have the closest relation to Paul. You three should be the three to enter. I'll stay out with the others."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""But, you are the most powerful of the six of us. You may need something from him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I'm also the most dangerous. You three go on. We'll stay here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Reluctantly, Joseph nodded. "You may be right. Come along you two." This said, he waltzed up and knocked on the door of the cottage./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"After a few moments of scrambling, the door burst open. The man who opened it had a stocky build, red hair infesting his face. And a double barrel shot gun aimed right at Fluttershy. "I don't care what month it is, I still don't owe your fancy company anything!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy let out a small "Eep!" before hiding behind Tristan, who was bolted to that spot. Joseph was the only one who seemed capable of movement. "Come now, Alex. You really need to learn how to treat your guests."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The man looked at him for a moment before shouldering the gun. "Come back to Earth, have you Joseph? I thought you were called off on important business."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Which is why we've come here. May we come in?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Alright, but don't any of you touch anything." He eyed Tristan for a moment before standing aside to allow them entrance./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The interior of the "wigwam" was a lot bigger than the exterior should have allowed. There were seemingly endless tables of concoctions and books, almost dwarfing the Library's possession. Halfway, Tristan noticed a bottle with a smoky smell and decided to have a taste of it. Almost instantly, he burst into flame./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy looked in terror as Alex simply groaned, throwing another potion onto the fire to douse it. Tristan looked at himself, making sure he was alright. "I told you not to touch anything. But I should thank you. I've been dying to try that Veil potion for years."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You're welcome," Tristan coughed out in a small cloud of smoke./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"After leading them to a parlor of sorts, Alex gestured to a few chairs before pulling out a notebook, furiously scribbling and writing something. "I take it you three want something from me, am I right?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Wasn't that obvious? You know why we're here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yes, I know. That Walker friend of yours is very informative. I have to say I'm impressed with your boy, Joseph. I didn't know that much power could reside in anything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, it shouldn't. But that's why we need your help, Alex. We need someone who has delved into the Dark Magic studies."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"When that was said, Alex dropped the book before walking out of the room. "Nope, No, no. I am not going back there." He began making rounds at the many tables in the lab./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan and Fluttershy followed him closely, trying to get him to listen to him. "You've got to help us."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I don't 'got' to do anything, young man."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""But he's your nephew!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then his father should take care of it!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""His father is a portion of why he's like this in the first place."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Ah, so I've got to clean up another mess that my brother made. I see how it is. Joseph makes the mess, Alex cleans it up. It's been that way since we were colts. That's why I created those blasted spells in the first place. To make my life easier."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy, upon hearing this, stopping in her tracks. "Wait… are you… no… it can't be."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Alex spun around, putting his face close to hers. "If you think I am who I think you think I am, then you would be correct."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She gave a small gasp before backing away. "Y-You… You are… You're Starswirl the Bearded!?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Indeed I am. I'm the reason Sombra even knew of the Dark Magic in the first place. That and my brother," he raised his voice when he said this, "had to make things difficult by running off with his daughter!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""We are in love, brother! Haven't you ever experienced love?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Alex laughed at this. "Oh, love. Love is the true Dark Magic. It takes away from everything else, just so one can feel the heat of it. Love… stupid idea."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy shook her head. "No. Love is an amazing feeling. It's… well… it's hard to explain."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Do not lecture me of love, girl."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Fine, but please… help us…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Alex looked at her pleading eyes. At first, he kept his stony glare, but everyone knows the effect that Fluttershy has on others. Especially with those eyes. He finally groaned and opened a book. "From what I've gathered, he isn't under the influence of any spell other than the potion he had drunk. When taken under evil intentions, the user's anger becomes their fuel. I have no idea what could be the antidote."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Never mind that." Joseph stood up and walked over to his brother. "What do you mean he isn't under any influence?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""From what little Walker gave me, the attitude is completely different from his usual one. It's not that a spell has changed him, but he has basically forgotten himself."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Forgotten himself?" Tristan jumped at this. "You mean he has amnesia?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""All evidence points to it. We need to get him to remember, but the question is how."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"To the shock of everyone, Fluttershy spoke up. "Leave that to me. I only need Walker to take me to him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sat at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the sea. No matter what lies he told himself, he was absolutely sure that there was something important out there. Something overly important./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Suddenly, something burned against his chest. Pulling at it, he found that it was the Moses Amulet, burning with a bright light. Pointing it out to sea, he felt that there was a connection between the two events./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He heard hoofsteps behind him and instantly stashed the amulet under his shirt. "Grandfather, what is it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Ah, I have a surprise for you, Paul. Do you remember who it really was that brought us together?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul smirked at this. "You mean that temptress of a Pegasus?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Indeed. She has made her way back, wanting to reenter our service. What say you?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Let me inspect this specimen before I make my final decision."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""As you wish." Sombra turned and gestured with his neck, telling his men to drag the mare out to them. "You may go. We shall leave these two alone." That said, he vanished in a black mist./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"When Fluttershy looked at Paul, she felt the urge to rush over to him. But Paul was faster, snapping his fingers to pin her to the wall behind him. "Why did you come?" He asked, turning around to face her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I wanted to talk to you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""About what? Do you wish to seduce me further? Or is there something else you wish of me?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Paul, this isn't you. I know the real you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really? Are you positive that you know the real me? Because the last time I saw you, I recall finding out that you played me for a fool. You turned me over to my grandfather against my will." Then, his face broke into a wicked smile. "So, I believe I must thank you for our reunion." He snapped again, releasing her invisible bonds./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She rubbed her wrists, looking at him with hurt eyes. But the fire that burned within him turned even that face away. "What happened to you, Paul?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What happened? I became strong. I became power."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""No… you became something else." She began to walk towards him, causing him to step back. "You are not the one I met back then. You are not the same."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Stay back." He felt himself begin to levitate over the sea./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""No, I need to apologize. I'm the reason you are like this." When she reached the edge, she fell forwards, shrieking in the surprise./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Without thinking, Paul swooped down and grabbed her, carrying her back to the cliff. But as he did, he stared deeply into her eyes. This made something happen in his mind. It was as if someone had slightly let a door open. Blurry images flew into his mind, making him shoot a hand to his head. "Men, take her to my quarters!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"As they did, he dropped to the ground, a hand still pressed to his temple./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongChapter Complete. Well, there you be. The next exciting chapter in this fic that I have no idea where it is going. Stay tuned for next time. And, I'm sorry to say that the Crimson Dragon Girl is no longer mine. That title will have to stay on the shelf for a while. Oh well, RR AND ADIOS!/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong(P.S. Voltzs, you have your veil thingy now if you want me to use it… hint hint)./strong/p
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