[Short Story Inspiration]
Continuity is hard to do... yeah, I ain't even gonna blame anyone for it, except one person, which is my friend. Before, I talked about how he shuffle chapter order to make it look dynamic. Well, because of that, plot points that were meant for future chapters never came to be. Those ideas seem to slipped away from his head and into the ether. Now when it comes to other people doing continuity, they do it quite fine.
Although, I do wish they use it to bring back big things that could help instead of very miniscule reminders.
[Chapter 15: Revenge Arrangement]
In the snowy town of Ponyville, inside the Castle of Friendship, the alicorn prince Galaxy is sitting alone in the main room of the castle. On the table where the map is suppose to be, there were eight tiny boxes in a circle around the table. Six of them were each in front of the chairs the "Main 6" sit on, while the remaining two were levitating around Galaxy. He stare deeply at them, ruminating on its purpose, and how to "finish them".
Galaxy: (These wedding rings are lacking color matching gems. I could go get some on that mine the twat showed me, but if I go there the twat will most definitely annoy me... Shit!)
Despite its connotation, Galaxy wasn't looking for some normal colored gems. He was looking for some top tier sparkling masterpieces of rocksmanship. He will not settle for anything other than the pinnacle, which is a hard demand to fulfill considering he wants eight perfect gems. The prince spend a bit of time thinking of a solution, until the answer to his problem finally became clear.
Galaxy: Oh yeah...! The Crystal Empire!
He grabbed every ring box on the table, and prepared himself to take a train to the Crystal Empire. While walking fast down the hallway, one of his daughters; Hoshi, saw the urgency of her father, and ran next to him to find out what he's doing.
Hoshi: Hi! "Desu"
Galaxy: What do you want? I'm busy.
Hoshi: Where are you going? "Desu"
Galaxy: Somewhere
Hoshi: Where's that "somewhere"? "Desu"
Galaxy: Elsewhere
Hoshi: You could at least say a location! "Desu"
At this point she was getting annoying. Every "Desu" she yapped kept ringing on his head like a bell of weebness. Not loving her is also adding to the anger that it's building up inside of him. Galaxy doesn't want any of his daughters to follow him to the Crystal Empire, so in a desperate act to get her off his tail, Galaxy told her how he really feels about them.
Galaxy: A loser has no right to poke their nose into my business!
Hoshi: Huh!? "Desu"
Galaxy: Don't make me repeat myself scum, FUCK OFF!!!
Hoshi: I-I just don't understand!? "Desu" Why are you so angry all of a sudden!? "Desu"
Galaxy: The six of you made a fool out of our family in the Gala by losing to that twat! How can six alicorns fillies with dimensional powers lose against a pegasus filly whom I can beat with the same amount of effort it takes for me TO BREATHE!?
Hoshi: B-B-BUT THAT FILLY HAD MORE POWERS THAN WE HAD!!! "DESU" SHE WAS CHEATING, CHEATING, CHEATING!!! "DESU"
Galaxy: I don't fucking care you bitch! If you know what's better for you, don't follow me! I got more important things to deal with, and being a father will never qualify as "important" if you keep being a disgrace!
After reaching the castle's front door, Galaxy opened and slammed the door as he made his departure. Hoshi just stood there, unable to face, nor follow her father. Tears started to swell up, and after a few seconds, the alicorn filly began crying like a tantruming child.
Hoshi: WWWWAAAAAHHHHH!!! DADDY!!! "DESU" WHY ARE YOU MEAN TO ME!? "DESU"
Around the main hall, hiding all over the place, the five remaining sisters saw the exchange Hoshi had with her father. They were all flat out scared, none of them have ever seen their dad so mad, let alone at Hoshi. And although they all shared fear at his fury, Sora was on a whole different level of mad compared to Galaxy.
Sora: That filly! "Dawa" Daddy should be mad at her and not us! "Dawa" Hoshi doesn't deserve this, that bitch does! "Dawa"
Sora couldn't let go of the events of the Gala. Lapistoria choking her in front of her sisters is a moment she'll can never forget nor forgive. Ever since then, that memory lives rent free in her head, never leaving her even in her dreams. The only way this filly can quell such a disrespectful thought, is by seeing that pegasus lay down in a puddle of blood.
And so, sharing the same grudge, the six alicorn fillies got themselves ready to embark on a journey of revenge.
They were now making haste towards the city of Canterlot
[Start of the 21st day: 8 days remaining]
In Canterlot, Lapistoria was walking around the city accompanied by Spike. They were both just minding their business as they went down the snow covered street. The dragon and filly had no destination they wanted to go, and without Galaxy to annoy them today, it seemed like this day was going to be an uneventful one.
Spike: Guess today has to be winter. You know, in moments like this I often wonder where Cloudsdale is?
Lapistoria: Cloudsdale... Huh...
Spike: Something on your mind?
Lapistoria: Well... Lapistoria... the real me... She had a dream to create a season like no other. Something no pony has ever seen before. When you spoke of Cloudsdale, I suddenly remembered my past aspirations.
Spike: A brand new season? Can you tell me how it's was supposed to look like?
Lapistoria already told her vision to Luna, and the princesses herself has seen it in her dreams. That meant Princess Luna had a more clearer vision of this ambition. But Spike could only listen to the description of this abstract time of year. Therefore, once Lapistoria finished painting the picture, the little dragon couldn't visualize what she drew on the canvas.
Spike: Uhhh... I got to be honest, I have no idea how it looks like. Sorry...
Lapistoria: It's fine Spike, that isn't my dream anymore, I have no cutiemark. My true self's parents aren't even sure what it was meant to be either. It was all just a jumbled mess anyway.
Spike: Maybe, but putting effort on a dream matters a lot more than disregarding it as a "jumbled mess".
Lapistoria: That's the thing Spike, I'm not disregarding my dreams, they were never mine to begin with. And now that I'm a blank flank, my true dreams may no longer exist...
Spike: Don't worry about it, something else will totally come up to fill that empty space. So until then, be hopeful!
Lapistoria: (Be hopeful...? In a world like this...?)
On the corner of her eye, the pegasus filly's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a building. It was Soft Venture, the place Lapistoria and Celestia went in the middle of her worst day. Lapistoria couldn't tell why, but something was alluring her to the bakery. She didn't knew if it was the smell of bread, or the warmth amidst this winter day. Regardless, her hooves were walking her towards the door.
Spike: Lapis...?
Spike followed Lapistoria inside. He wasn't sure why she went here, despite this place feeling incredibly cozy. All he could assume was that Lapistoria was feeling hungry. Besides that, the bakery was completely empty, no costumers on the tables. This made the two think it was probably way too early to be here.
Lapistoria: Sorry Spike, I don't know why I went here? Let's keep on walking ok.
Bakery Owner: It isn't bad to take a brake once in a while.
Lapistoria/Spike: !!!
On the counter, the bakery owner was counting some bits on the table. The filly and dragon took a bit of a scare, because they didn't see him there despite looking all around.
Bakery Owner: Welcome!
Lapistoria: (Well that was unexpected.) Umm, excuse me, is the bakery open?
Bakery Owner: Does the open sign give any hints?
Lapistoria looks back to see the sign he was referring to. It said closed, but it was flipped to the other side so that ponies outside know it is open.
Lapistoria: Right... Anyways, guess I'll have to order something. Spike, what do you want?
Spike: Wouldn't it be strange for you to order two separate things? I'm invisible remember?
Bakery Owner: Oh really? I can see you just fine little one.
Spike: W-What...!?
Lapistoria: !? (But this is Canterlot! Only ponies from Irrelevant Landmarks and the princesses can see Spike! Then again, he isn't acting like your stereotypical Canterlot pony, so is he by any chance not from around here?)
Spike: Oh... Well in that case, I'll take two glazed donuts with hot chocolate.
Lapistoria: I'll take the same, but give me a latte.
Bakery Owner: Alright then, give me a sec.
While the owner was getting their order ready, Lapistoria and Spike walked over to a table to wait. The pegasus filly was still finding it strange how he can see Spike, but she didn't bothered asking because he made it look natural. So instead she asked Spike for his opinion.
Lapistoria: Spike, don't you think it's strange that somepony in Canterlot can see you?
Spike: Hmmm...? Yes I guess? But why would it matter?
Lapistoria: He's different from everypony else in Canterlot. Didn't Galaxy changed Ponyville and Canterlot to fit his image? A stallion like the baker doesn't seem to fit into the foundation Galaxy built.
Spike: Woah, you might be on to something here! This is deeper than I thought... Who do you think he is?
Lapistoria: Let's find out with some straight questions. Our donuts are almost here.
The bakery owner walked over to their table, and gave them their food. Once he did, Spike started chowing down on his donuts, while Lapistoria was straight to the point on her intentions.
Lapistoria: Are you a human?
Bakery Owner: No
Lapistoria: ...
Spike: ...
Bakery Owner: ???
Lapistoria: T-That's it?
Bakery Owner: Huh?
Lapistoria: "No", is that really it?
Bakery Owner: I have no idea what you wanted me to say, but the food will cost you 4 bits.
Lapistoria: R-Right...
The young filly was flabbergasted at the bakery owner's blunt naiveté. It made it feel embarrassing to keep pushing forward, so Lapistoria complied and gave the bits to buy the food. As a bonus, she also gave him a purple gem she found during her two escapades into the mines of Canterlot. Spike almost choke on his donuts as he saw this.
Spike: UGH! *Gulp* LAPIS!!!
Lapistoria: What? A bit too much?
Spike: I thought we promised to never have any mine gems! What are you doing with that one!?
Lapistoria: Ummm... giving it as a tip...?
Bakery Owner: And I'll take it regardless! Thank you very much!
Spike: Fine, whatever... (As long as it isn't a cursed one...)
After having a good time at the bakery, the dragon and filly had enough, and made their way back to the castle. The gate was guardless, which was obviously Galaxy's doing. But now it feels like if the Royal Guards will never return again. They were bothering Galaxy a little too much in the Gala, so it was natural for them to be erased for good.
Lapistoria and Spike stood there for a while, as their began talking about the things that are happening so far.
Spike: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are going over a book that foretold Galaxy's arrival. I don't want to bother them as they do their research.
Lapistoria: I never knew the princesses had something like that. Still, why bother looking over the prophecy of the arrival of a pony that it's already here?
Spike: Because it could tell us how to kick him off the face of Equestria.
Lapistoria: It "could" doesn't sound so assertive...
Spike: But it IS a possibility! You just have to be optimistic about it!
Lapistoria: Says the optimist to the pessimist...
Spike stood quiet for a while as he scratched his chin. He took a good look at Lapistoria, which the filly took with great confusion. After the fact, the little dragon point out something about Lapistoria.
Spike: You are quite different from back when you started off. You were often cheerful while keeping doubts to yourself, but now you're more serious and to the point.
Lapistoria: Oh really? I didn't notice?
Spike: I don't believe you...
Lapistoria: !!!
Spike: No pony can stop acting like a filly all of a sudden and not notice. Is there's something wrong?
The pegasus filly turned quiet at the dragon's question. She dragged her hoof above the snow in a bashful way, hoping Spike would take back his question. But the seconds kept passing, and the little dragon was not budging. This forced the filly to answer with hesitation.
Lapistoria: Spike... you already know that I'm not really me... right?
Spike: Uh-huh
Lapistoria: Well... you could say that the way I'm acting right now, is a way for me to find out who I am.
Spike: I don't get it?
Lapistoria: I'm not Lapistoria Spike. I'm not a season loving filly from Baltimare, I'm just a human without a past who was called here on a whim. The "truth" was... to put it simply... Traumatizing... So to cope with the fact that my whole life was not real, I went on to seek the true version of me.
Spike: The true version of yourself? Wait a second...? Does that mean you've been acting this entire time?
Lapistoria: At first I thought I was, but now I'm not so sure. Lots of things happened that forced me to change, and I used those experiences to become the pony I am today. In other words, you could say that I just simply matured.
The face Spike had when Lapistoria finished her explanation was a bit sour. It made him sad to think Lapistoria odd attitude was because she lacked a sense of self. He knows that a filly like her shouldn't be forced to change due to bad experiences. Such a thing was unacceptable in the eyes of the purple dragon.
Spike crouched down, gathering snow from the ground, and forming it into a ball. Lapistoria didn't understand the dragon's intention, not until he suddenly threw the ball at her, hitting her straight on her forehead.
Lapistoria: GAH!!! WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?
Spike: AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Caught you off guard, didn't I!?
Lapistoria: GGRRRR!!! Then I guess you don't mind me get EVEN!
A quick snow ball came flinging out of Lapistoria's hoof, but Spike swiftly dodged it and prepared another one. This was the beginning of an intense snowball fight, one that took a while to finish.
Two hours later, the pegasus and dragon laid on the snowy ground covered in said snow. The panting from their tiredsom fight had them spewing a lot of vapor from their mouths. However, Spike still managed to find the will to stand back up, and with snow ball in hand, the dragon walk over to Lapistoria to proclaim with happiness...
"I won..."
The snow ball he had wasn't even thrown. Instead he dropped it on top of the tired filly, to then later fall down due to exhaustion. When Lapistoria whipped the snow off her face, she looked up into the sky, and then laughed along side Spike. This was a feeling both filly and dragon hadn't felt in a while, the feeling of true happiness.
Lapistoria: HAHA!!! *Sigh* That was amazing...
Spike: Yeah... Tell me about it... I hadn't had this much fun since forever...
Lapistoria: Me too... It felt somewhat... Liberating...
Spike: Lapis, that's how you should always feel...
Lapistoria: Huh?
Spike: You are still too young to be acting like a mare. So don't go on "maturing" because you suffered a hard lot in life, cause sometimes it feels like you're wasting a part of yourself you never got to know.
Lapistoria: S-Spike...
The little dragon got back up and shake the snow off his body. He then helped the filly stand up, brushing her snow off as well. Lapistoria was seeing Spike in an awe struck face as he continue with his pep talk.
Spike: That's how life works, we take it slowly, we learn, and we grow. By enjoying the moment we have, we learn to be more than what we used to be. That is what it means to mature, no pony does so by being forced.
Lapistoria: B-But I'm *Sob*... I'm not...
Spike: Listen, after all of this is over, I'll help you with that ok. We will find out together who you're truly meant to be. So until then, be a little loose once in a while! We can have fun like this sometimes! Does that sound okay with you?
Lapistoria: Yes *Hiccup* Thank you Spike! *Sob* Thank you so much! *Sob*
The two exchange a warm hug, Spike as a way to comfort, and Lapistoria out of thankfulness. With that, their day was practically over, nothing else to do other than to open the gate. They separated each other to then go on and enter the castle. But as Lapistoria was about to push it open, a weird object came flying out of nowhere, klinking off the gate, and piercing vertically into the snow.
Upon closer inspection, the item looked like a kunai, an ineffective tool used commonly in the Naruto universe. Pure garbage, but a good weapon to proclaim that next time you won't miss. This was enough information to at least confirm the identity of the one who threw it.
Hoshi: Oops, ssoooorrrrryyyyyy, my hoof slipped "Desu"
Lapistoria: *Gasp*
Galaxy's six daughters made a choreograph landing, putting effort into showing off their wings and horns to the shocked pegasus. Lapistoria immediately regained her composure, getting herself ready for a brawl. However, the six alicorns had something to say about that.
Sora: WOAH! HEY, STOP IT!!! "DAWA" IT'S JUST A PRANK!!! "DAWA"
Lapistoria: *Sigh* (I'm not feeling for a fight right now...) What do you want?
Himawari: Well... you see... Before Daddy took off, he got really angry at us for the Gala stuff "Masu"
Ringo: So we gathered together to see if we can get some revenge on your bitch ass! "Desuka"
Kagayaku: But the thing is, we can't possibly beat you in a good old scuffle "Desu~wa"
Sora: CAUSE YOU ARE FULL OF BULLSHIT!!! "DAWA"
Hoshi: So to make things fair "Desu"
Hanabi: WE CREATED THE MOST FUNNEST, FAIREST, DEADLYEST DEATH GAME OFF ALL TIME!!! "DAYO"
Hanabi tossed something in front of Lapistoria. The pegasus filly picked the accessory off the ground, and saw it was a golden ring. Lapistoria felt a bit of familiarity upon seeing what it was, but Spike was the first to point out what it actually is.
Spike: Hey, Galaxy wears a necklace with those things on all four hooves. I believe he called them... "Nullifiers"?
Hoshi: That right there is a copy of one of Daddy's Nullifiers "Desu" Created by yours truly "Desu"
Lapistoria: I'm assuming you six want me to wear this, right? Do you really think of me as such a fool to willfully wear the conduit of your victory?
Hoshi: Ah-ah-ah, don't go on cheating already "Desu" This is all part of the game "Desu"
Lapistoria: ???
Sora: Explain Hanabi "Dawa"
Hanabi: On it! "Dayo"
And so, Hanabi went on to explain the entire concept and gimmick of this game. It is called: Hide and Die, a 6 Vs 1 game where the "Main 6 ripoffs" go search for Lapistoria in an attempt to kill her. The one who murder's her first is declared the winner, but where does the ring fit in all this? For that, we need to go over the rules.
1) Powers, including Equestrian magic are illegal period.
2) Rings used to seal powers must be worn at all time by both parties.
3) Ponies with wings are allow to fly. (Which is everypony)
4) The princesses, Element Bearers, and Galaxy can not influence the game.
5) If the one being seeked is not killed by sunset, she is declared the winner.
Spike wrote down all the rules on a list, just in case Lapistoria needs a reminder. Now that the rules were explained, the six alicorns flew into the sky, and before leaving, Hoshi let Lapistoria know something.
Hoshi: The game starts tomorrow morning "Desu" So look for a place to hide while you still can "Desu"
Sora: Cause when we find you, you'll die like the cunting bitchass retard you ARE!!! "Dayo"
Kagayaku: Your legacy shall be immortalized on that insult "Desu~wa" So don't disappoint "Desu~wa"
The six alicorns flew back to Ponyville in anticipation for tomorrow's game. As they flew towards the horizon, the pegasus filly looked over the ring intensely, forcing Spike to take it off her hooves.
Spike: You were not thinking on wearing that, weren't you!?
Lapistoria: N-NO I-I-
Spike: YOU ACTUALLY WERE!!! Oh my goodness! You're really gonna play their game!? It hasn't even started for crying out loud! What if this thing gets stuck on your hoof!?
Lapistoria: But Dark Matter wears four of those all the time and he's fine! Why should a single one affect me?
Spike: Then wear it, let's see if it works.
Taking on the dare, Spike tossed the ring to Lapistoria, which landed perfect around her hoof. The pegasus took another small look at it, and without dragging the anticipation any further, she casted a PSI attack.
Lapistoria: [PK Fire γ (Gamma)]
The attack was meant to be aimed into the ground to melt the ice. However, no spark flew out of the filly's hooves. It appears the ring that is meant to negate her powers is actually negating her powers. The obvious revelation got both of them screaming at the sheer disadvantage they'll be in the next day. So Spike ran up to her to remove the ring.
But...
Spike: LAPIS, TAKE THAT THING OFF!!!
Lapistoria: Oh no! IT'S ACTUALLY STUCK!!! THE RING IS STUCK!!! SPPPIIIIKKEEEEE!!!
Spike: DON'T "SPIKE" ME!!! I TOLD YOU THIS WOULD HAPPENED!!! But you had to go on and say: "Why would a single one affect me?" Do you say stuff like that when the chances are low? WE AREN'T IN THE CASINO ANYMORE, QUIT GAMBLING!!!
Lapistoria: It seems you've forgot that the Cursed Gem Incident was caused by YOU Spike! Next time you think on the mistakes of anothers, THINK OF YOURS FIRST!!!
Spike: BUT YOU JUMPED THE CLIFF WITH ME LAPIS!!! YOU THREW GEMS TOO!!!
Lapistoria: And you put the ring on me, which means you jumped with me on this one! *Hmph*
It was all ruined, a day that started wholesome became quite chaotic all of a sudden thanks to the short arrival of Galaxy daughters. Lapistoria and Spike knew they couldn't spend their time bickering over this, they need to find a place to hide.
Loads of places came to mind: The library in the castle, The mines of Canterlot, the Castle of the Two Sisters. However, those places are familiar hiding spots for the six alicorns. They needed to think of a place Galaxy's kin will never find them. A light bulb glow on Lapistoria's head, as a great idea came to be.
Lapistoria: Irrelevant Landmarks! Let's travel to an Irrelevant Landmark!
Spike: An Irrelevant Landmark? Hmmm...? That's a good idea, but how are we going to reach one without your powers...?
Lapistoria: Oh... Didn't thought of that... Sorry...
Regardless, Spike couldn't let this idea go to waste. This might be their best chance at avoiding a potential conflict. Sadly, the only way he could think of was by train, and those things had a wonky schedule. His thoughts then went towards Galaxy's daughters, in hopes they could exploit something about their game. In the end, Spike found something else...
Spike: Himawari said Galaxy got angry at them before going off somewhere...
(Himawari: Well... you see... Before Daddy took off, he got really angry at us for the Gala stuff "Masu")
Spike: If he's not in Canterlot, nor in Ponyville, where could he be?
Lapistoria: Will knowing that help us out?
Spike: No... him going to "that" place will!
Lapistoria: ???
Spike: Come on Lapis...
"Time to check some schedules"
[End of Chapter 15]