Faded Shadows

Chapter 7

With the guards that we had left, we managed to make it to the castle in one piece. From first glance, the capital city of the Griffon Kingdom looked a lot like Equestria's Canterlot. Once I got a closer look, my thought had been turned. The entire city looked dirty. Birds everywhere, bars on every corner, the homeless and diseased on every street. It reminded me of home. I could get used to a place like this.

After flying past the city, we hit the castle grounds. From the front gate, there was a large landing area that looked like it was meant for the carriage. With every guard on the outside guiding it, the dented carriage made a soft landing. No more than fifteen seconds later, there were already more guards on us. Some asked what was wrong, others asked what had happened. A few even tried to blame the old man and myself for the incident. Sadly, the High Priestess put the soldiers to rest.

"We were attacked on our way to the city. Scarhide and his rebels saw fit to down my carriage. If it weren't for my guards and these two, I would be dead by now." stated the High Priestess.

"Who are they?" asked one of the guards.

"As many of you know, I was sent to Equestria to acquire help. Princess Celestia wasn't able to send a battalion as we thought. Instead , she sent me with these two."

"I'd rather have the battalion." joked another guard.

"You may wish that but I've seen these two in action. While my guards protected me, these two chased away Scarhide himself."

None of the guards responded.

"Now, if you all will move out of the way, I must take our two guests to their rooms. They've had a busy day."

Just like that, the sea of guards surrounding the carriage moved away forming rows to let us pass. I smiled and followed the High Priestess as she lead us away from the guards and into the castle. Once inside, I could see a small griffon dressed in similar fashion as the High Priestess.

"High Priestess!" she called as she bounded towards us. "Where have you been? I was worried sick."

"No need to worry, I am safe thanks to these two." said the High Priestess as she motioned to us. "Bloom." she said as I assumed she was addressing the young griffon. "This is Agliss and Zhane Black."

"A pleasure to meet the both of you." said Bloom as she bowed her head.

"Bloom is my handmaiden. One day, when the time is right, she will replace me as High Priestess. Hopefully it's soon, I'm getting too old for this."

Bloom laughed slightly.

"Now." started the High Priestess. "Zhane, Bloom will show you to your room. As requested by Celestia and Agliss, you will have guards posted outside your room at all times. You will be able to relay any wants to them. As long as those wants fall inside reasonable boundaries."

"Whatever." I replied as I looked down towards Bloom. "Lead the way."

In a quick manner, Bloom turned and walked towards one of the many hallways littering the castle. I sighed and followed. Hopefully this room would be better than my one in Equestria.

"As for you, Agliss." said the High Priestess. "I'd like to talk to you about Zhane."

"What do you want to know?" he replied.

"Everything." she replied.

Agliss sighed.

"It's a long story but I'll tell you the important stuff. First thing is that he's a murderer. There's no doubt about that. I've witnessed him slaughter an entire village leaving only a few adults and all the children alive. However, he does have a code, which is good I guess. He refuses to harm children unless he needs too."

"Has that happened yet?" she asked.

"No, and I'm hoping that never does." replied Agliss.

"What else?"

"We think... no wait... we know that he's emotionally unstable. That's kind of a given for what he does. Other than that, the only other important thing would be his sanity."

"Would that not be a given as well?" asked the Priestess. "He does murder beings for a living."

"It's not from that, surprisingly." replied Agliss. "When we first came into contact with Zhane, he had a very dark form of magic in his use. He was able to use Shadow magic and Soul magic, two magic which have been marked as forbidden by my people and by Equestria. Like most magic, a price is paid to use said magic. For me, I had to undergo years of training to wield the magic I use. Shadow and Soul magic come with heavier prices."

"What would that be?" asked the Priestess.

"Shadow magic is one that works alongside the mind and tricks mental aspects of other people. However, once this magic has been used and is used continuously like Zhane has done, the price is your sanity."

"To what degree?"

"For Zhane, I don't believe that he'll go completely crazy but I do believe that tough times are in store for him." replied Agliss.

"What of the Soul magic?"

"The price of Soul magic is simple really. You tear off piece of your own soul to use as weapons. Shedding parts of yourself to gain more and more power until you eventually become a husk. A shell of your former self."

"How would that apply to Zhane?" asked the Priestess.

"He did indeed use Soul magic before." started Agliss. "But from what I can tell, nothing much was lost. He rarely used it."

"What do you recommend that he does while he's here?" asked the High Priestess.

"Stick him with an infiltration squad if you have one and fit him with the best equipment you can get him. Even without his magic, he is a threat. He would do you more good that way."

"If that is what you recommend then I will do so. Thank you for talking with me. Allow me to show you to your room."

"That would be excellent." said Agliss as he smiled.

"And here's your room." said Bloom as we stopped at a door at the end of one of the many hallways. She opened the door and ushered me in. It was small but furnished quite well. A bed, table, bathroom, the works.

"So Zhane." started Bloom. "I have a question I want to ask you?"

"What?" I replied bluntly as I continued to look around the room.

"Why did the High Priestess say that guards are going to be guarding your room? Is someone trying to kill you?"

"You don't know?" I asked as I turned towards the small griffon somewhat surprised.

"Know what?" she replied.

"I'm..." I paused. This was someone that didn't know who I was. Maybe, just maybe, I could lie to her.

"Yes." I started. "The rebels are targeting me."

"Really?" she said. "That means that you're in the same boat as Mr. Azure Phoenix."

"What." I said as my heart dropped. I thought back to the time that we had fought and remembered that even with my magic, I still had a hard time defending myself against him. "Do you know him?" I asked.

"Yes, the King hired him to help with the war. Apparently, he's pretty hated amongst the rebels. Do you know of him?"

I shook my head slowly.

"No. Never heard of him. Would he by any chance be in the castle?"

"Last I heard, he was with the King on their way back to the castle." replied Bloom.

"I need you to take me to Agliss. Right now." I told her.

"But... the High Priestess said that …..."

"I don't care what the High Priestess said, I need to see my friend. It's very important."

She still look unfazed.

"Please?" I asked.

She smiled.

"Alright, he's in a room across the castle. I'll lead you there."

It took a good three minute to make it to the other side of the castle. Once we hit the guestroom hallway, Bloom shouted out.

"He's in that room over there."

I rushed over to the door and pushed it opened. Inside was Agliss and the High Priestess looking around the room.

"Agliss, we need to talk."

The room was silent.

"How did you find this room?" asked the High Priestess.

"Your handmaiden brought me here. So if you don't mind, I'd like to speak with Agliss for a minute."

The High Priestess snorted and looked at Agliss who nodded. She turned and walked out of the door, closing it.

"What the problem, Zhane?" asked Agliss.

"He's here." I said.

"Who's he?" asked Agliss.

"That weird ass bounty hunter that you guys hired to capture me years ago, Azure Phoenix."

Agliss paused for a second.

"This might be a problem." he started. "Where is he at and who told you this?"

"Bloom told me he was in service to the King. Apparently, he's with the King on their way back to the castle. To be honest, I'd rather not get burnt to a crisp today."

Agliss sighed.

"Alright, the worst thing we could do is hide you. When the King arrives and asks for us to see him, which I guarantee will happen, I'll cover you. No blue flame will hit you."

"All my confidence is in you." I said blandly as I heard a knock at the door.

The door opened and the High Priestess poked her head in.

"The King has arrived and is requesting that you two come meet him."

"Called it." said Agliss as he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Let's just get this over with. Maybe it won't burn too bad."

"If I die I'm taking you with me." replied as I pushed his hand off my shoulder.

One small walk later and I was standing in front of the large doors leading to the throne room of the castle. With a small push the giant ornate doors swung open and led into a large throne room similar to that of Celestia's castle. Inside were about three or four guards and the king sitting on his throne.

"Ah." called the King. "I've been waiting to see you two. Please come in."

Agliss and myself walked into the throne room and approached the King. It was clear why he was the King on closer inspection. He was bigger and bulkier than the rest of the guards. Scars lined his body from head to claw. I made a quick look to see if I could spot Phoenix but he was nowhere to be seen. I gave a relieved sigh.

"I'm glad Celestia agreed to send help." the King remarked. "I am King Leo III but you may call me Leo. I am pleased that you humans were sent to help."

"It's our pleasure King Leo but we were not sent her on Celestia's orders, we came here on our own will with Celestia's blessing. She was quite adamant against sending us to help."

"I'm glad you decided to help!" said King Leo with a smile. "Though I don't understand why she was so against you helping?"

"I'll explain that at a later time." replied Agliss. "There are some things we'd like to discuss in private if you don't mind?"

"Hmmm." the King said as he brought a claw to his chin for a moment. "I don't mind." he replied as he motioned for his guards to step outside the room. With little hesitation, the guards opened the giant ornate doors and exited one by one, shutting the door behind them.

"I'll get right to business." replied Agliss. "Celestia was hesitant because of your request that Zhane Black help."

"Why would she hesitate?" asked the King. "I know what happened between the Princess and Zhane but it makes little sense why she would downright refuse to send him? I see that didn't matter for he stands before me."

"There were things that happened that were never told outside Equestria's borders." replied Agliss.

"Like what?" asked the King.

Agliss looked over to me and looked back.

"Zhane is a criminal, plain and simple."

"Why does that matter?" asked the King. "I let plenty of criminals serve in my army."

"Have any of those criminals killed off an entire village by themselves and easily evaded the entirety of your army for a long period of time?" asked Agliss.

The King stayed silent for a moment while he looked me over.

"I see what you're saying." replied King Leo. "So he was the one that took out Sunpeak Village. I was curious when I heard of that awful event. I never really believed the headline either. 'Forest beast wipes out Sunpeak Village. Only few survive'. No forest beast would have the nerve to face Celestia's wrath."

"Celestia has given Zhane four weeks to help. After that he must return to Equestria for he is still a criminal." replied Agliss.

"I see." said the King. "I'll be sure to make the most out of it than. I should have you meet my bodyguard, he claims to know you, Agliss."

"That brings up my next point." said Agliss. "You hired Azure Phoenix right?"

"Yes, is there something wrong with that?" asked the King.

"Two years ago, Celestia hired Azure Phoenix to help in the capture of Zhane. There is a lot of bad blood between the two."

"I don't see the problem here." replied the King.

"You do know of Azure's ability?" asked Agliss.

"You mean his manipulation of that blue flame? Why yes, I do know about that."

"I'm afraid that with Zhane being here, Azure Phoenix might over react. He helped us stop Zhane yet he doesn't know that he's been released yet."

"Hmmmm, this might be a problem than."

"Azure!" called Bloom as she spotted the pegasus walking the halls. "You made it back!"

"Of course I did." said Azure with a smile. "Nothing was going to stop me from getting the King home safe. That's what I'm paid for."

"Did you hear the good news?" asked Bloom.

"What good news?" replied Azure.

"Princess Celestia finally sent soldiers to help. Even better, she sent two humans. We're defiantly going to win now!"

"So Celestia finally decided to send them. It's been a long time since I last saw Agliss and Yamato. I should go find them."

"Yamato?" asked Bloom. "Who's that?"

"That's one of the humans that Celestia sent."

"I thought his name was Zhane." said Bloom.

Azure stopped for a moment and looked at the child.

"Did you meet the one that called himself Zhane?" he asked in a dry tone.

"Yes I did!" she replied. "He was kind of boring but he was nice.

"What did he look like?" asked Azure.

"Well, he was tall, had green eyes, and had scars everywhere. He looked like he's been in a bunch of battles. He said that the rebels are trying to get them and because of that, he has guards posted outside his room. I told him he was in the same boat as you, then he got all weird and asked a bunch of stuff about you."

Azure didn't say anything, he simply sidestepped the young griffon and walked towards the throne room.

"Why would Celestia let someone like him free?" Azure asked himself.

It's been far too long since I've put another chapter out. I've had an incredibly busy couple of months only have small breaks in-between. I've had this chapter typed up for a while now but I've been so busy that I've had no time to do anything with it. I apologize to those of you who have been waiting for the next update only to wait four months to get it. I hope that will be the last time it happens.