"It sounds to me, Rainbow, that you have done an awful lot of good for that continent. Especially with Val Roa having turned a blind eye, as it would seem."
"Yeah, well..." Rainbow reclined against the ship's outer railing in the moonlight. "We haven't done everything in the most 'harmonic' way."
"I know full well what it means to engage in battle, having done it countless times in the past to protect Equestria's interests," Luna's voice replied. "These 'green bandits' that you describe seem entirely bereft of morals. If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate to dispense with them using any force necessary."
"It certainly isn't as easy as it sounds," Rainbow said, gazing at the star-lit landscape drifting slowly beneath the Jury. "I mean, those goblins have done some pretty nasty stuff. Friggin' unforgiveable stuff, actually. The Jury and I are as smooth as greased lightning at this point, and I bet we could wipe the floor with the Cartel if we wanted to. But... y'know... I-I didn't come out here to destroy an entire culture." She gulped. "No matter how vile."
"That is quite understandable."
"Is it? I mean, with Val Roa out of the picture—I swear—the Jury is the only thing standing between the ponies of the valley and these nasty invaders from the south." Rainbow took a shuddering breath. "And... w-we've been lucky. The whole fight remains clear cut... so long as we are the defenders and they are the invaders. As much as I would love to, I can't bring myself to suggest that the Jury stages—like—some attack on the Cartel down, though I bet it would change things in this part of the world for the best."
"It simply is not your country, Rainbow Dash," Princess Luna's voice resonated off the skystone. "I appreciate learning about all that you've done to rescue the ponies of that land, but—even in spite of all your heroics—I'm sure you don't need me telling you that thus far you have addressed merely the symptoms of that kingdom's problems, and not its cause."
"Right..." Rainbow hung her head. "And I'm doing my best to get inside Val Roa. You g-gotta believe me."
"Why would I have any doubt?"
"We found a lead just recently that we're going to investigate right away." Rainbow gulped. "There's this 'Duchess of Sehlp' who lives out in the country, but is connected with the Val Roan High Council. The Jury should be able to reach her manor by sometime early tomorrow. It may be a long shot, but it's still a possibility that this might finally get us somewhere."
"You don't sound particularly enthused by this venture. Could it be that you doubt its authenticity?"
At this point, Belle trotted up to the cockpit. She gazed out through the doors, spotting Rainbow reclining on the top deck in silence. The mare's back was to her.
At last, Rainbow spoke up. "You know very well why I'm not thrilled about it, Your Majesty."
"I know that this vexes you greatly, Rainbow. But I find it quite fascinating."
"Oh? What's that?"
"Any other pony would be supremely anxious to spend two months fighting goblins and risking one's life for strangers. But you? You appear to relish in the lifestyle. Your true fear does not include the loss of limb or reputation."
Rainbow grimaced. "I just... I just can't believe I've come this far."
"You mean to where you are now? On the borders of Val Roa?"
"No. I mean... th-there was a time when I didn't fear anything. Not even death." Rainbow gulped. "When I left Ponyville—when I began flying east—I had nothing to fear, because I had nothing left to lose. The only thing I had to give up was myself, and I figured that I'd do that—by hook or crook—in some crazy lunge across the horizon." She exhaled slowly into the crisp night air. "Well, I found death... and more." She slowly shook her head. "Seems like fate decided I wasn't cut out for ending so soon."
"Take it from an alicorn who has dealt with immortality through and through," Luna spoke. "It never gets easier—dealing with the souls who appear and disappear like the twinkling of stars across your endless days. But that doesn't mean your existence needs to be bereft of beauty. Even sadness—for all of its abysmal qualities—is strangely sweet, for it takes a different shape with each friend you make and lose, like hoofprints that never leave your mind while you venture forthwith into cosmic shadow."
"Heh... now there's one way I've never imagined myself."
"Hmmm?"
"'Immortal,'" Rainbow said. "If nothing else, I've considered myself the complete opposite."
"The problem with a fatalistic way of thinking is failing to realize that you still stand to gain as much as lose in life."
"And look at all I've gained," Rainbow Dash murmured. She gulped hard. "Luna... I..."
"Yes, Rainbow?"
"I don't know where I'll be the next time the full moon rises," the pegasus said. "But... b-but I get the feeling that I'm going to n-need to hear your voice more than ever." She cleared her throat. "I may not be immortal, but I live my life by a straight line... and I get the distinct feeling that the biggest knot of all is r-right about to untangle itself."
"You will forever have my eternal loyalty, Rainbow Dash," Luna said. "Even beyond your death, your impact on my life will shine brighter than most ponies I know."
Rainbow smiled, eyes glossy. "Somehow... I-I totally believe that."
"As well as you should. I 'totally' meant it."
Rainbow Dash giggled. She rubbed her eyelids and sighed. "Th-there's still several hours left, Luna. We could talk about the changelings that Ebon's taking to Amulek, or I could fill you in on how we learned about the Duchess Sehlp—"
"Rainbow Dash, friendship is forever, but time isn't."
"Huh?"
"I'll be waiting for you next moonrise. Right now, I can sense where you truly wish to be... and who you truly wish to be with."
Rainbow bit her lip.
"Cherish every moment, Rainbow Dash. I would do the same if I were in your place."
The mare cleared her voice. "Th-thanks, Luna," she said. "Thanks for everything."
"The feeling is mutual." And Luna's voice faded along with the glow of enchantment from Rainbow's pendant.
With a shuddering sigh, Rainbow Dash stood up. She brushed back her mane, took a deep breath, and spun around.
She froze the very moment she saw Belle.
"...hey," Belle murmured.
Rainbow fidgeted. "H-hey..."
Belle strolled forward. "I didn't hear everything. I came up just now."
"Well, uhm... I..."
"Why don't you come downstairs?" Belle smiled. "Booster Spice is playing the reels that the villagers of Helaman gave us for rescuing their foals."
"Heh... boy does that sound like a whizzbanger."
"It's a lot more fun than you think." Belle said with a slight giggle. "Even Floydien's joining the fun."
"Belle, there's..." Rainbow bit her lip. "There's something that's been weighing on my mind—"
"About Val Roa?" Belle leaned her head to the side. "You truly think you're alone there?"
"H-huh?"
"Everypony feels it, Rainbow Dash," Belle said. "Especially Pilate and myself. Perhaps Kera as well."
"Belle..."
"We don't like thinking about it either." Belle placed a reassuring hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. "But it's something that will have to happen. I-I..." She cleared her throat, courageously steadying her voice as she spoke to Rainbow. "I've come to a point where I'm at peace with myself... and with the future. I know you can get there too, Rainbow. And we can help you. We can all help each other."
"How can you s-say that?" Rainbow hissed. "Maybe you and Pilate c-can move on. Heck, m-maybe this frazzled pegasus can. But..." She grimaced suddenly.
Belle waited patiently, quietly.
"The... The Grand Choke..." Rainbow's lips quivered. "If... if Roarke tries to follow me through that... it will kill her." She sniffled. "I know it will! Because what in this d-damned world will make her stay? Even I couldn't make her stay."
"Rainbow Dash..."
"I-I love her, Belle..." Rainbow hyperventilated. "And in loving her, I-I've killed her! H-how can I be so selfish?!" She ran a hoof over her face, seething. "But everytime I think about it, all I want is for her to be by my side! But it's impossible! She's going to die if she follows me..." Rainbow peered over her hoof with moist eyes. "And I'm going to die if I stay behind with her... or with you..."
Belle threw Rainbow into a hug. "Nopony needs this. Nopony needs to feel anguish over love."
"B-but I've made so many stupid mistakes—"
"You've made a life for yourself here. A beautiful, wonderful, rich life," Belle said. "Whether it lasts two months or two years, it doesn't matter. You've brought joy to Roarke as much as you have to Pilate, Kera, and I. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"But—"
"Nothing," Belle said firmly. "No shame. Do you understand me?" She gazed strongly at Rainbow, bearing a tender smile. "I do not know what waits for us in Val Roa anymore than you do, but give Roarke the benefit of a doubt. She won't do anything self-destructive. After all, you've given her a reason to live. How fitting..." Belle winked. "...for a mare who discovered reasons to keep living herself."
Rainbow trembled. She bowed her head. "I don't know, Belle. Everything has been so awesome as of late, but... tomorrow?" She gulped. "Tomorrow fills me with so much dread. I feel more dread than I did in Silvadel... or in Ledomare... or in Stratopolis. It shouldn't be this way... and y-yet it is. I do my best to hide it in our daily goblin butt-whooping... but... but..."
"Shhhh..." Belle caressed the mare's cheek. "You want to stop dreading?" She smiled and tugged on Rainbow's hoof. "Come downstairs. Join us. We're having fun."
"I... I-I wish I—"
"What? Wish you could relish in friendship?" Belle grinned. "Rainbow, stop dwelling on what you stand to lose and relish in what you'll always have." She teared up slightly. "Memories. There are plenty more to be made before all is said and done. Starting tonight."
Rainbow swallowed a lump down her throat and rubbed her cheek. When she was done, she gave Belle a fragile smile. "S-sounds like a challenge..."
"I knew you'd be game." And both mares trotted downstairs, side by side, leaning against one another.
Hmm. Double update. These seem to be real common these days.
Ugh. And here I am, still trying to finish up my own story and get it posted by tonight, but your updates just keep coming. Can't tell if I should be dismayed or overjoyed.
...
But seriously, this was a really sweet chapter. I love this thing that's grown between Belle and Rainbow.
This does make me curious about where Roark will end up.
Some part of me really hopes that they will maybe be able to figure something out, but I really doubt it.
The entire series in one sentence.
Oh Rainbow, so many months and miles later and you still dwell. And that's what makes you great.
5076515
Throwback Tuesday.
Also, we'll see more of luna at around chapter 198.
And FINALLY! A reminder that Belle knows Rainbow Dash better than anyone, including Rainbow Dash herself.
I will say this it does make me wonder exactly how the "Dark Side" books are going to go. Is it just going to be RD alone for 5ish books or is she going to make another Jury on the other side (don't see how that would be possible but you never know); or will they figure out a way to bring everyone along for the ride?
That was some serious real talk right there
Didn't Roarke's mana heart thing stop back in Xona? For a relatively long time? And yet she's still here? This can still work, ship doesn't have to sink
They better find a way to get across the grand choke together.
I suspect this Duchess of Sehlp will be a dud. Maybe we'll meet Jex there.
If love is going to be a theme this book, Roarke may join Dash on the dark side, but still I have my doubts... throughout the series Dash has not been too great at planning ahead. But whatever awaits in Val Roa is going to end the Jury as we know it.
These chapters are getting shorter, back down to 2,000 words apiece. I don't know if I like double updates, I liked having something to read every day.
5076738 Technically it's still once a day.
How do you write so quickly ):( ????
5076809 he wrote all twelve books a decade ago, and just pressing [Submit] on each chapter a day, and sitting back, reading all our comments while he's sunbathing in some private tropical island~
I'm so sad and so happy at the same time...
5076872 Or two chapters every other day.
There's every reason to think that Rainbow will have to cross the Grand Choke alone and leave her friends behind.
But... that doesn't quite smell right to me. This whole cast of characters--they've been gathered together, honed, developed. And for what? To be left behind half-way through the series? I dunno. I find it hard to believe that there won't be some way for them to continue with her. Especially on the dark side of the world, where (presumably) she'll need as much harmony as she can get.
It's hard to know whether all this angst (which has been a thing for a few books now) is just laying the ground-work for an inevitable separation, or simply a form of red herring.
We'll see, I guess.
5076932
Have you read half of this guy's work? He will totally do it. There are only so many convenient deux ex machinas before the ugly truth rears its head. It's coming full circle.
Damnit Belle, she isn't dreading the loss or at least not mainly focusing on it, she's dreading the guilt right now
5076673 .It was out for several minutes and they had plenty of trouble bringing her back. It works like a standard cardiac arrest for all we know. The thing that keeps confusing me is that it didn't make any trouble while attempting to enter Val Roa.
it is going to get really depressing after this arc is over.
5076872
All he does is change the name of his pre-planned characters to match commentors, I guess.
The mysterious ):(
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130713004033/oz_/images/1/1a/Wizard-of-oz_hologram.jpg
I know exactly how Rainbow is feeling
And this describes perfectly how Roarke feels
Damn...I'm feeling sappy this morning.
5076673 If I remember right she had a backup dormant system in her hootch that kicked in.
Then again, something tells me Grand Choke would kill all that jazz.
Something also tells me this won't be a problem when time comes to cross because Roake will be dead, but that's me.
5076592
Oh, great. Something to stal--I mean harass--I mean, uh...
Go back to writing.
5077216
Maybe all the smexy fleshy outside served as an insulator?
5077674
I will now believe that IC spends his time stuck inside his house and only comunicates through a holographic projection of Disney Princesses.
Which isn't really that different from what I used to thinkg about him...
Still dwelling in the past, I see. Knowing IP, there's going to be A LOT more for Rainbow to dwell on as the series goes on.
Roarke's done for. Calling it now.
If Roarkes Mana power keeps getting zapped, hey, look, an EMP field. maybe she might have to consider certain fictional breeders.
Rise Of The Clockwork Stallions.
Yup, there she is, on the long call home.At least Dash is missing the bad movie quips, and even worse cooking. At least that automated grilled cheese sandwhich maker using the leftover flamethrower parts never made an appearence. Maybe the goblins would like it.
Now, wheres that speech box.
Would you like some toast?
So. options for the Duchess?
1.She moved out because of the crzed Monarch who is Crysalis.
2.Monarch is controlled by Crysalis, like Shining Armor.
3.Duchess is Chrysalis.
4.Duchess is Goblin Leader.
5.Duchess is hiring Goblin Leader.
6.Duchess is looking for a suprise band of roaming chefs after her personal chef won a suprise trip to a tropical island that they never entered in the first place?
I wonder. does Roarke have any acoustic weponry on her? Like modulated thrusters? Because the backfire damping mechanisms would not only act as an opposing acoustic defense, but would greatly improve her impact performance. Punch a goblin with one hoof, and the resulting shock can be used to fire a rock or another goblin with the other hoof. Hmm, so, How to store her Death From Above drop.
5076738
well, I definitely don't like double updates because I live in Europe. Because of timezones one chapter is before 6 am and second chapter is after 6 am, so technically i have two chapters in one day, and none in the next day. Besides, reading two chapters is like reading one longer chapter, so I prefer regular updates.
5078003
No, not really. What was your former idea? Sitting in an armchair sipping vintage whine and stroking cat-sized ponies while he twirls his Dastardly-Whiplash moustache?
5078112 A Dali moustache, actually.
Nothing to lose, nothing to fear.
I still fear we are reaching the point where we start losing jury members. No party like a dwindling party.
5078084
Not just Europe. Didn't think of that before, but JE lives in Florida. In that time zone I do believe he is posting one chapter per day. These last two were posted just before and just after midnight. But in every other time zone, including the others in the U.S., that is not the case. I saw both of them show up around 9pm.
If Roarke doesn't survive the Grand Choke, I won't know what to
do with myself.
So I just thought of something
What if all the vowels have been used on this side of the world, and at the end of Yaerfarda RD is going to be heading into/already on the dark side
then the vowels start over or something
this had better end awesomefully
5078503
I know what you feel. I'm so obsessive Roarke's fangirl that I even dyed my hair. They're scarlet now, and since my eyes are blue (maybe not silver- blue, but close enough) I'm almost Roarke cosplayer. I don't want to be cosplayer of dead character.
5076932
He totally COULD do kill everyone, but I feel more like Rainbow will go abandon them after all the wrongs of Val Roa have been righted, to cross the grand choke, and many will follow her. Some will stay, like, I think, Eagle, Ebon, Pilate, and Belle, but some of the ones that have no other home- or are self-imposed exiles, like Booster and Josho, may follow her. This may lead to tears if Kera decides to follow Rainbow while Belle and Pilate want to stay.
Of course, it could be that Josho will find the ability to start anew in Val Roa, perhaps find love? Who knows.
All I know is that Roarke WILL follow Rainbow Dash or die in the attempt.
I think the way Roarke sees it, she owes EVERYTHING to Rainbow Dash. She really, really loves her. It will be heartbreaking if she dies at the end of this book.
5078671
We've been speculating about that, as far back as I know, since halfway through Urohringr, but I think even before then. That seems to be the prevailing theory.
5079153
I've thought of that, actually--that Rainbow may leave them to cross the Grand Choke, thinking that it's her journey to make, but that some of the others may follow her. Like you said, some may stay behind.
And killing off Roarke--taking Rainbow's beloved away a second time--would be cruel even by this author's standards. That's not to say he won't do it, of course.
Nothing to do but wait and see, I reckon.
5079643
I'd be pissed if he did. Rainbow deserves Roarke, I think that if she lost the entire Jury all at once she wouldn't be able to keep going, no matter her resolve.
I don't think he's going to do it, though, the love-interest plot is really useful and giving her a third love interest(Fourth, if you count Gold Petals, though I don't) would feel cheap, bad, and would do poorly for his story. I think he'll keep Roarke as it gives him more to work with.
On the Grand Choke, though...
If the other side of the world really is Dark, then the Sun and Moon must set and pass through the fragment of Urohringr every night. That could be why it's so... unpleasant. It's likely also VERY easy access to the underworld.
5077937
In general, I feel like Roarke feels like this more.
I hope they find a passage to the dark side through the machine world.
5078003 Done. Need prereaders.
Ding Dong and Dash,they're like sisters,which I guess makes Dash Kera's cool aunt.
Hmm...Dash seems to think that the Choke will kill Roarke,though,it will certainly kill her if she tries to go it alone.
I guess we'll get another book with the Jury before the second half of the series kicks off with just Dash and Roarke soaring into the Choke,while the other Jurists slowly separate to live their normal lives again.
Eagle and Ebon settling in the same town as Crimson. Josho,Belle,Pilate and Kera returning to Luxmare. Props and Zaid setting up a shop in Grey Smoke. Booster returning to Amulek and Floydien sailing off alone to explore.
A bittersweet separation,but they know that all they have to do is turn their soundstone to the right frequency...and they can all be together again.
I'm not sure if I want this to be foreshadowing or not.
Also, it worries me that we're facing the party-split angst only 16 chapters in. Maybe Roarke and RD will spend a long time apart, and get in some individual character arcs and development? (Certainly seems that way right now.) Then later they reunite after realizing how much they want to stick together, and ride off into the Grand Choke together.
I have full confidence that roarke will follow rainbow through the choke, maybe even the whole jury.
5080703
What's it about?
Poor Rainbow
5077674
5076872
It was originally written with G1 in mind. ):( just updated it with G3 when it came out. Replace a mcguffin here, swap out a character there, BAM, instant epic.
im still upset belle and pilate couldnt stay at Lerriss. after coming this far in the story, i wouldnt change it at this point. But still, it would have been a wonderfull place for them to settle. it was the iscolated peace they deserved.
She's dead no matter what, Dash. When she fell in love with you and you with her she put her head under the guillotine. The only ponies (presumably) who have been safe so far, are those she's left behind. If Belle and Pilate are smart, they'll stay behind with Kera before it gets worse.
The Grand Choke is where it'll all hit the fan. Good friends will die. Alliances will crumble. Sanities will be tested. Rainbow will be stretched to the very limits of her endurance.
And then, when we're done, THERE'S STILL SIX FUCKING MORE STORIES TO GO!!!
5080188 I highly doubt they'll make it to the dark world with any more than two books to go, unless ):( is planning on moving the goalposts again.
I just know there'll be a way for them to come with Dash. We've gone too far for it to fail now.
-Spirit
Good advice from Belle. Rainbow needs to hear that so she doesn't get all hung up over this issue.