"Anything, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Her ghostly pegasus friend hovered in a tight yellow ball, clutching her skull tightly. Her facial features were strained to the breaking point.
Rainbow gulped. "Anything at all?"
"Mrmfffff... guh!" At last, Fluttershy exhaled, hovering limply above the bleakweed platform. "Nothing..." She sighed. "I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash, but whoever those sarosian scouts found—I'm not sensing a single soul to the west of us."
"Well, that's a good thing, r-right?" Rarity remarked, tapping Fluttershy's shoulder. She turned to look at Rainbow Dash. "It means that they're quite a distance away."
"Right..." Rainbow nodded. "Could be days before they even get here."
"Yeah?" Logan's nostrils flared. "So what?! There's only a hundred or so of those creeps!" Sarosians muttered en masse as he pounded his chest and grumbled, "Let's just knock 'em out and let them sink to the bottom of the ocean!"
"Big Show..." Rainbow snarled.
"What are we waiting for—?!"
Rainbow protested: "This is not about—"
"The land dweller speaks truth!" Enix frowned, hovering above the velvety crowd. "If these cretins seek to harm the Blood of Luna, then let us bring our wrath upon them in turn—!"
"My little ponies!" Princess Luna's voice thundered, instantly silencing the group situated on the platform. In a calmer tone, she spoke: "Please let my avatar speak."
Enix shuddered. She exchanged glances with Xarchellus and eventually bowed. "But of course, Maiden of the Moon..."
Rainbow Dash hovered within view of everypony, frowning. "I did not come all this way just to paint the ocean red." Her teeth showed. "Especially after we friggin' set you batty dudes straight from the whole 'murderous pirate crap' thing!"
"Rainbow Dash," Ariel spoke calmly. "Nopony's expecting you to go back on your peacekeeping."
"Your mortal admirer is right, Austraeoh," Remna said.
Ariel rolled her eyes. "Stop calling me her mortal adm—"
Remna continued, firmly: "It is a conceivably noble thing that you have done here: reuniting these wayward souls with their matriarch familiar. I would wish no less for my own brood someday." The mare's green eyes narrowed. "But it would undermine all that you have accomplished to throw it all to the fire for the sake of some thinly-defined principle."
"Besides!" Logan gestured. "We're only talking about a few death squads here!"
"Don't play it off so flippantly, Big Show," Flynn grumbled.
Logan glared aside. "Just who's side are you on?"
Flynn's nostrils flared. "If Rohbreddenites have made it this far east in tracking the 'Rainbow Rogue,' they can only be set on one thing: absolute friggin' bloody murder. You think a bunch of midnighter pirates are going to stop them from carving a crimson path to the edge of the world? No matter how big their number?"
"But any way you look at it, it's a losing battle!" Logan exclaimed.
"I would beg to differr," Kepler remarked.
"Oh! Tch!" Logan rolled his eyes. "You would."
"Allow me to speak, brrotherr." Kepler adjusted his spectacles and glanced at the sarosians at large. "You have grreat strrength, dearr childrren of Luna—both in numberrs and in courrage. Howeverr, none of this will matterr to the self-prroclaimed avengerrs of Verrlax. Therre is a grreat void in theirr hearrts, and one might even arrgue that the void has always been therre, fosterred thrrough pain and ignorrance by a false goddess. When they arrrive—and when they discoverr you prrotecting the Rrainbow one—they will stop at nothing to make surre that all of you sufferr. They will rrip and tearr and murrderr with no second thoughts."
"And don't think they're chumps either," Flynn added, gazing at the crowd. "Your messengers said that they were heavily armored. No doubt that this is the best of the best that Rohbredden's military has to offer."
"So what?!" Logan shrugged. "We owned a whole bunch of them back in the frozen battlefields!"
"We had Mortuana on our side," Flynn argued. "And a stampede of windigoes wasted the enemy forces before they could regroup and form a counterattack." He pointed. "And we wouldn't have gotten anywhere in Starkiss hadn't several dozen of the Central Guard turned on the rest and bought us time to get to the Throne of Verlaxion!"
"We could have gone the distance with them!" Logan's nostrils flared. "I'm sure of it!"
"That is not the issue herre, frriend," Kepler said. "Can the midnighterrs defeat these two ships of zealous warrriors? Absolutely. Without a doubt. Howeverr... the loss of life will be catastrrophic." The wyvern turned to gaze at the sarosians again. "Ask yourrselves if that would trruly be a victorry."
Rainbow Dash added breathily, "Or a 'victory' worth taking home to Equestria."
Xarchellus leaned back, rubbing her chin in thought.
"Okay... l-look..." Echo paced forward, gesturing with a hoof. "Maybe it doesn't have to involve a battle. Maybe... y'know..." He blinked. "...we can just scare the ever-loving shit out of them."
"Scare them?" Nicole squeaked.
"Yeesh, Echo..." Ariel huffed. "Have you been sniffing the guano?"
"Can it, toots. I'm serious." Echo frowned. "Ponies back in Rohbredden are scared to death of the 'Seventh Tribe.' Maybe... we don't even have to face these assholes one-on-one. Maybe all we gotta do is shoot a bunch of burning moonrocks at them. Show off all of these snazzy submersibles. Y'know... shock and awe! Wave our bleakweed dicks around and call it a night!"
Flynn squinted his one good eye. "Do you really think that's going to scare off a bunch of soldiers dead-set on slitting the throat of the mare who murdered their Queen?"
"It's better than going balls-out pugilistic!" Echo cackled. "Look—I'm with Rainbow! I'm sick and tired of doing things the nasty and violent way! If there's a plausible solution for avoiding that, don't you think we should snort that shit?"
"I ain't sure there is a way to avoid bloodshed here," Bard said.
Nicole looked at her older brother. "You mean you think we should attack those ships?"
Bard shrugged, exchanging glances with Wildcard. "I'm just sayin' that... with the importance of Rainbow gettin' to the Dark Side, we're gonna be buttin' heads one way or another. Seems rather foolish to assume that shiet's unavoidable."
Wildcard nodded.
"Okay..." Logan rubbed his forehead. "...then I'd say we bring it back to my first suggestion." He looked up. "We knock out these bastards in one fell swoop."
"Big Show..." Rainbow began.
"And it doesn't have to cost the lives of these precious bat ponies! I mean... shit alive..." He gestured at the massive platform beneath the assembled sarosians. "Couldn't you just... bring this whole dayum structure beneath the two ships and... SPLOOSH! Breach the surface super quick and reduce their vessels to dust?"
"Yeah!" Ariel grinned wide. "Like one massive torpedo!"
Bard whistled. "Now there's somethin'."
"This torpedo you're talking about would sink in a million pieces," Echo droned.
Wildcard and Bard gave him a double-take.
"Huh?" Ariel blinked.
Echo sighed. "We're standing atop an underwater mountain here, geniuses. This place is a lot more fragile than it looks." He pointed at the reflective spots of shining silver light beneath the choppy waves. "The spells put in place to keep out the water are super intricate. If even one of the lunar runes is damaged, it could cause a super shitty chain reaction that would damage an entire branch of Bleak's Plummet."
"You can't be serious," Ariel stammered.
"Oh, I'm pretty sure he is," Flynn said, focusing on the underwater lights with his mechanical eye. "I've been staring at those runes ever since we first arrived here. I'm amazed the whole habitat holds together the way it does. For a while, I've been hypothesizing that some interior runic enchantment is responsible for reinforcing the structural integrity." He glanced up at the crowd. "But I'm guessing the truth is... far less flattering."
Xarchellus nodded gravely. "We live in a blessedly strong structure... but it is old... and we are swiftly running out of moon rocks necessary for maintaining the enchantment."
"The matriarch speaks true," Enix said. "Bleak's Plummet has suffered no less than three damaging catastrophes in my lifetime alone." Her slitted eyes narrowed. "Once was when a group of privateers stumbled upon us while we were surfaced and staged an attack."
"We lost an entire branch to the depths," Xarchellus said. "Twenty brave souls perished instantly. Although we swiftly fought off the attackers, the damage had been done." She gravely shook her head. "We simply cannot attempt a maneuver the likes of which the Austraeoh's companions are suggesting."
"In fact, it has been our aim to strike passing ships far away from our habitat," Enix said. "Over the past two decades, that has been my charge, and I have succeeded so far in keeping the exact location of our fragile home a secret." The Nightblood warrior nevertheless shuddered. "However... even that task has been growing difficult as of late."
"Allow us to guess," Kepler remarked. "You arre swiftly rrunning out of the moon rrunes necessarry for staging an offense."
Several sarosian warriors hung their heads.
"As it stands, we have just enough enchantment to relocate Bleak's Plummet for the westward exodus that the Matriarch has agreed to," Enix declared. "We would—of course—hope to have enough runes leftover to sustain us for the march across the so-called 'Grand Choke.' And yet..." Fidgeting, the warrior glanced at Rainbow Dash. "We would be remiss in not assisting the Austraeoh in her ever-important journey to the Midnight Armory."
"We desire with all of our combined hearts to be reunited with the Maiden of the Moon," Xarchellus declared. "But we also understand that there is far more at risk here than our own particular need—something that we have ruthlessly soured with the years and years of unnecessary bloodletting that the Vigil has forced us to commit." She took a deep breath, gazing at her subordinates. "If need be, we shall forfeit our exodus for the sole sake of assisting the Austraeoh in a last ditch defense against these nefarious forces."
"Whoah whoah whoah—hold the sound stone." Rainbow Dash waved her forelimbs while gazing skyward. "Luna, don't let them back out of this whole reunion thing."
"Agreed. Dearest Xarchellus—let us not be too hasty in our decision-making."
Xarchellus bowed low. "With all due respect, oh Maiden, but I fear we haven't the time to commit to otherwise. Our blessed communication with you is nearly ended, and we have murderous land-dwellers arriving at the branches of Bleak's Plummet."
"I share much of Rainbow Dash's concern. While I will be the first to admit that—historically speaking—violent combat is a necessary albeit unfortunate means to an end, one must always search for a harmonic solution."
"Except when there is a complete lack of one," Remna said, forcing several Heraldites to wince. "As my sister has made abundantly clear."
Rainbow inhaled sharply. "Has she?" She spun around to frown at the mare. "I already screwed over one civilization to get the job done. Why do I have to screw over another? Especially after I just showed them another way to live their awesome, precious lives?"
"I don't see you possessing any other option here, Austraeoh," Remna said.
"Then let's make one! Heck, more than one!"
"H-how, exactly?" Ariel exclaimed.
"Two thangs are for sure," Bard remarked. "We gotta get you over to the Dark Side... and them bastards from Rohbredden won't stop at nothin' to see that yer dead."
"Okay then, listen..." Rainbow Dash paced about in mid-air while her ghostly companions looked on with interest. "...we've got two major problems. But we also have two awesome outcomes: we get me over the edge of the world, and we get these leafy-eared dudes and dudettes home." She shrugged with a stupid grin. "So why not do both?"
Flynn and Logan scratched their heads.
Enix and Xarchellus blinked blankly.
"You... have already confused us, Blood of Luna," Enix muttered. "However... it would please us to no end if you continued."
Several other ponies squeaked in affirmation.
and now we know how a whole lot of Sarosians can die horribly if this goes horribly wrong
*sigh*...Well, there it is. Of course it can't be that easy.
So...is Rainbow planning to take them home by taking the longer way around and looping back from the West? That's...a tall order if it's true. It's way to dangerous to bring the entire population of Bleak's Plummet along. One group, maybe, but not the whole thing.
Nah, I suspect something else. Perhaps redirection is still in the cards. Or maybe part of the group is going with her and the Herald to the other side, while the rest move stealthily westward?
Still risky. Like Enix said, their forces are only good enough for guerrilla tactics used to drive of anything that wanders too close. I don't trust anything around Chandler's forces now. The population of Bleak's Plummet needs to be protected, and it sounds like split forces won't be able to adequately do that.
This...is not a good sitation.
So, uhh, maybe I'm missing something, but why doesn't everyone just gtfo right now before the Rohbreddens arrive? The bat ponies can get back in the subs and start sneaking off to the choke while Dash and crew can hop back in their boat and cruise off the edge of the plane (or however thats gonna work...) Then when the ships arrive they'll just find a whole lot of empty ocean. Was there something else they needed to do before running off the edge of the world?
I believe in you Rainbow Dash! It's time to get these bat ponies out of there quick.
Appreciate the explaination for why they don't just wipe the floor with the Guard and be done. I bet they're going to just move bleaks plummet, perhaps luring the Guard away. Or trying to lure them, there is still a missing ship.
Please don't tell me Rainbow is about to suggest bringing the Sarosians across the dark side...
Probably a little more innocent than that (split up, go our separate ways and avoid confrontation), but I can't shake the feeling...
Cue "it's gonna work just wait and see."
I hope that the plan uses Luna's voice somehow to pretend to be Verlax from beyond the grave.
Her mortal admirer, huh? How oddly specific of you, Axan. The Herald isn't exactly flush with immortal admirers that need to be distinguished from. In fact, you're the only immortal here...
Is she planning what I think she is planning? That aside the Sarosians best bet on neutralizing the ships without major loss of life would be to detonate a large explosive under one or both of the ships, preferably the one with Chandler on it. This would break its keel (reply if you want details), so even if it stays afloat it will be in no condition to pursue either group. After that they can make a break for it. Sarosians go one way, Rainbow and co. go another (Rainbow needs to make absolutely sure they go after her however), they will almost certainly continue to pursue Rainbow's group, but said group is a lot faster than they are, especially with them having a crippled ship.
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Unless Remna is implying that Rainbow is now somehow immortal. But that obviously cannot be true. The very notion is preposterous!
Wait, Dash has a plan? I am pleased by this, even if it turns out to be a stupid plan. Dash doesn't do plans nearly often enough. Go Dash, Hannibal Smith that shit up.
Hmm, though we do now have confirmation that Bleak's Plummet is about as durable as wet paper. If that things mobile, might be a good time to start moving it out of the line of fire.
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Yeah, I noticed that too. Hmm... Daxan? Rainxan? Axbow? The heck would you call that ship? That disturbing, shudder inducing ship.
Anybody else thinking that Echo's gonna die?
I'm torn between wanting a good end for Seraphimus and the talon, that can not happen without a confrontation, and wanting to avoid said confrontation...
"Chandler wants a fight. Rainbow Dash wants to escape to the Dark Side. I don't see why we can't let both happen... in the best interests of Rohbredden." - Keris (From the chapter Know the One True Threat)
"Okay then, listen...we've got two major problems. But we also have two awesome outcomes: we get me over the edge of the world, and we get these leafy-eared dudes and dudettes home. So why not do both?" - Rainbow Dash (From this chapter)
I wonder how these two plans intercept and differ from one another. Hopefully they don't differ that much and that they both work - I want a happy ending for as many characters as IC will allow. I've grown to like these characters...Even the bad guys.
(I might of made an account just to comment this)
7557141 I'm expecting the Sarosians to put on a show being bloodthirsty over all (but not really) their moon rocks being stolen by that dastardly Rainbow Rogue. Echo waits to relay message to Keris. Everyone crosses their metaphorical fingers that neither Seraphimus nor Chandler smell the ruse.
7557180 I suspect this worst case scenario, yes.
7557162 What do you mean immortal? She's obviously undead. She's died a few times already. Though, she got better.
My first thought was Rainbow suggesting taking them around the long way with her, but that's way too dangerous for her to risk everyone on. She'll probably resort to some sort of trickery to get Chandler's attention away from Bleak's Plummet, allowing them to escape unnoticed.
Funny. At first I was excited that Rainbow had a veritable army with which to make a stand against Chandler & Co. And now, I just want the Sarosians to head safely off to Equestria. They could probably defeat Chandler's forces, if only through larger numbers, but it would probably require more than a few casualties. The journey's going to be hard enough without having to start with a limp.
I say they should submerge and get on their way, and Rainbow can make for the edge. What that'll mean for the final, inevitable confrontation is anyone's guess.
I'm very curious as to what this plan can possibly be here.
7557082 I actually gasped aloud in sheer joy after reading this.
7557273 Your plan mirrors my plan from a few chapters ago which I am way too tired to try and find right now... What I mean to say is that I like it.
Also, RD makes one kickass zombie!
Oh boy, Bleak's Plummet is actually dying? Now that is a shocker...
I can't even fucking breathe when I get the image of Sarosians with bleakweed dicks. Goddamnit IC, you gave me stiches again
Yeah! Non-violence time!
I want to see the bat ponies make it to Equestria.
7557082 The crowning moment of awesome for the Royal Canterlot Voice. I so hope this is what happens.
Aw, yiss! Time for another stupid plan!
Operation "Stupid Plan(which is why we know it's gonna work)" is a go!
It's simple: lead the Rohbreddens away from Bleak's plummet by heading for the dark side. Just make sure they take the bait.
Well you did something to patch some weakness into the Sarosians' defenses here, but the entire situation is still begging the question of why exactly they don't just buzz off and nothing much has been done to address that. We had a sailor talk about spotting submerged Sarosian crafts, but that method sure as hell doesn't work when the entire fleet is hundreds upon hundreds of meters beneath the surface.
7557018
Yes. More exposition.
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Welcome, comrade, to the comments section!
Rainbow Dash can't just leave before they arrive, right? Surely I am overlooking something?
das cute.
I guess things will be slow going until we reach the edge. Ugh, I was SOOOO ready to get on to the dark side already too! Let them dispose of these cretins swiftly, or run away. One of the two.
I mean calling you her concubine might be rushing things a bit, Ariel.
That is it Rainbow, refuse to be caught in Verlax's way of thinking, as it is far too...ordered for the dark side.
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I hope this plan would be great like it does in Val Roa
Sometimes Loyalty means leaving your friends behind.
I love it when rainbow has a plan and no one else has any idea what she talking about.
Maybe once this is over Rainbow can go adopt them.
CRAZY PLAN TIME