Next evening, you find yourself seated on the last train to Hollow Shades, eagerly awaiting the journey ahead. The train emits a steady chugging sound as it departs from Canterlot, and the rhythmic rocking of the carriage creates a soothing ambiance. You settle into your seat, gazing out the window as the scenic landscape unfolds before you.
The train carves its way through the sprawling hills that stretch out like gentle waves in the fading light. The vibrant hues of orange and purple paint the sky as the sun gracefully descends below the horizon, casting its final golden glow over the land. The world outside seems to come alive, with the rolling hills donning a serene beauty that captures your attention. The play of colors across the sky evokes a sense of wonder, as if nature itself is bidding farewell to the day.
Amidst the picturesque scenery, Aether, your companion, yawns and leans his head against the window, seeking some respite from his weariness. However, the train's movements cause his head to unintentionally thump against the glass, jolting him from his drowsiness. He stirs, slowly awakening from his brief nap, his expression a mix of grogginess and mild annoyance. It makes you wonder if he got any more sleep than you did. All night you kept one eye open wondering if you're killer would strike. While any other person would run from this situation, but oddly, you find yourself in good company around Aether - At least in public anyway.
"I hate early evenings..." Aether grumbles, his voice laced with a touch of sleepiness.
Offering a sympathetic smile, you respond, "It's not too bad. I've been up since three PM."
Aether lets out a resigned sigh, rubbing his eyes to banish the remnants of sleep. "Says the day walker..." he mutters, as if lamenting his own nocturnal tendencies. He then realizes his task at hand and sits up, focusing on the purpose of your journey together.
"Supposedly, I'm here to check your kit for this assignment. I hope you brought everything," Aether remarks, his voice now tinged with a sense of responsibility.
Confidently, you assure him, "I've got my Salt Blaster, Armor, Pick, Epon' Salt, Ki Meter, and Rune Book."
Satisfied with your response, Aether nods approvingly. He retrieves some papers from under his wing, preparing to discuss the mission details. His tired eyes meet yours as he asks, "Has anyone gone through the Rune Book with you?"
Recalling your recent interaction, you reply, "Dawn went through it with me yesterday. She showed me the protection rune and the cleansing one too."
"Alright, that should be all you need for this assignment. But before we proceed, let me show you one more thing. Fetch your book and flip to the sixth page," Aether instructs, his tone indicating a mixture of seriousness and intrigue.
Eager to learn, you reach into your backpack and retrieve the weathered black book. Turning the pages, your eyes fall upon the rune inscribed on the sixth page, inviting your curiosity. Its intricacies become apparent—a square with a triangular protrusion on both the top and bottom sides.
Intrigued, you inquire, "What does this one do?"
Aether leans closer, a spark of knowledge igniting in his eyes. "Well, read it," he responds, gesturing for you to delve into the mystery of the rune.
You hesitantly admit, "I can't read Equestrian."
Aether's expression softens, realizing the limitation. "Ah, my apologies. That rune is a lock. If you suspect the presence of a portal resulting from a summoning, draw this rune at the location. It will effectively halt any further spirits from crossing over."
Contemplating the significance of this newfound knowledge, you inquire further, "Do you think I'll need this rune for our assignment?"
"More than likely," Aether replies, his voice tinged with a hint of caution. He retrieves his saddlebags from beside him and produces a small bag filled with white rocks.
Curiosity piqued, you ask, "And what are these?"
Aether's eyes gleam with a mixture of seriousness and practicality. "Salt stones. They possess both physical and spiritual properties, capable of inflicting pain on the entities we encounter," he explains, tossing you the bag. "Before firing your weapon, stuff a few of these in the muzzle. It should buy you some valuable time."
Grateful for the additional knowledge, you accept the bag and reply, "Alright, I hope I won't have to use them."
Aether's tone becomes more earnest as he emphasizes, "You probably will. Just make sure those creatures never get too close to you."
Taking his warning to heart, you respond with a resolute nod. "I'll remember that."
A flicker of a smile tugs at the corner of Aether's lips, momentarily brightening the mood. However, as a silhouette of a tree-lined hill passes by outside the window, his expression shifts, and a somber veil descends upon him.
Inquisitive, you inquire, "What's the matter?"
Aether's gaze lingers on the passing trees, and a tinge of sadness colors his voice as he replies, "...That hill behind those trees. That's Black Hoof Hill."
Understanding dawns upon you, and you utter the name with a mix of reverence and empathy, "Horned Charge... You were friends with him?"
Aether nods, his eyes filled with memories. "One of my best friends. We all understand the risks of this job, but his passing was still a shock, you know?"
Sympathy fills your voice as you respond, "I can only imagine."
"Yeah..." Aether gazes at the tree line for a moment, lost in his thoughts. He then shakes his head, as if willing himself to let go of the sorrow. "Anyway, we're almost at Hollow Shades."
The screeching of metal against metal pierces the air as the train comes to a halt at the old station. You peer out the window, taking in the sight of a solitary platform devoid of any buildings. The atmosphere surrounding Hollow Shades seems frozen in time, far removed from the luxuries and modernity of Canterlot.
"Is this our stop?" you inquire, casting a questioning glance at Aether.
He nods, a hint of nostalgia tugging at his features. "Indeed. Hollow Shades, a place untouched by the passage of time. Don't expect the comforts you're accustomed to back in Canterlot."
You pause, absorbing his words, before a realization dawns on you. "Wait, so where do we sleep?"
Aether smirks, his voice tinged with irony. "In an old dungeon we jokingly refer to as our base."
A chuckle escapes your lips. "Luxury indeed. Especially for bat ponies like yourself."
He feigns offense, raising an eyebrow at your remark. "Easy there, Anon. No need for racism."
Perplexed, you question, "How is that racist?"
Aether's expression softens, a mischievous glimmer dancing in his eyes. "Oh, because bat ponies have sharp canine teeth that resemble fangs? Are you implying we're vampires?"
Realizing the jest, you laugh and playfully defend yourself. "Hey, it was just a lighthearted joke. Besides, aren't you calling the kettle black here?"
Aether feigns innocence, shaking his head. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You called me a cryptid, and I find that offensive. I'll have you know I'm an A-class alien," you retort, mock seriousness lacing your words.
His smirk grows wider as he retorts, "Aliens don't exist."
You raise an eyebrow, maintaining a deadpan expression. "Says the bat pony who believes in mythical creatures."
Aether chuckles, realizing he's been outmatched. "Touché, Anon. Touché. But let's focus on the task at hand, shall we?"
As you step off the platform, the darkness envelops you, with only a soft yellow glow emanating from Aether's glow stick and your own. Following the glow, you make your way into the pitch-black night, heading towards the village of Hollow Shades.
Engaging in conversation, you inquire, "Have you ever seen a human before?"
Aether shakes his head. "No, never."
Curiosity piqued, you continue, "Do you know where I come from?"
He replies with certainty, "Earth."
You emphasize the keyword, "Planet Earth. The keyword here is 'planet.'"
Amusement colors his tone as he chuckles, "Where are you going with this, Anon?"
Leaning into your point, you explain, "If I'm from another planet, then by definition, I must be an alien."
Aether raises an eyebrow, his tone playful. "You're telling me planets exist?"
You gesture towards the sky, where the deep blue canvas is adorned with countless sparkling stars. "Look up there. Those are planets."
Aether looks up, studying the stars, and then glances back at you with a grin. "Anon, those are stars. Luna creates them when she unveils the night sky."
You protest, caught off guard. "That's impossible!"
He counters, enjoying the exchange. "Well, isn't it Celestia who moves the sun across the sky?"
You reluctantly admit defeat, recalling the day Celestia herself demonstrated her celestial power. "Fine, you have a point there. But you're just denying things to annoy me!"
Aether laughs heartily, denying your accusation. "No, no, I'm simply stating the facts."
Deciding to drop the debate, you concede, "Alright, let's just drop it."
Aether's laughter subsides, and he gazes around, assessing the darkness. "Alright, bud. It's not me who's having an identity crisis here. Now, our SMILE agents should be at a camp just outside the village."
Your eyes strain to see beyond the few feet illuminated by the glow sticks. The silhouette of treetops stands stark against the deep, dark blue sky. Together, you navigate the darkness, walking for a few minutes until the distant flickering of a campfire comes into view, casting a warm and inviting glow.
Approaching the camp, your eyes are drawn to two tents basked in the warm, orange glow of the crackling campfire. Aether clears his throat and calls out, "Hello? I'm looking for a top-secret organization called FROWN. Or sometimes known as useless?"
From one of the tents, a female voice responds with annoyance, "Ugh, that'll be the PHEER agents."
To your surprise, you recognize the voice as a mare emerges from her tent. Without hesitation, she swiftly moves towards you, covering your mouth with her hooves. "It's Agent Sweetie Drops!" Bonbon orders, her voice muffled by her hooves. "You do not use that name—" She pauses as she realizes your face feels different beneath her hooves. "Huh? That's not fur..."
A grin spreads across your face as you confirm, "It's been a while."
Agent Sweetie Drops pulls back, looking up at you in disbelief. "Anonymous?... Are you?"
"I joined PHEER," you announce, revealing your affiliation.
"I was going to say 'lost,' but that comes as a surprise too..." Agent Sweetie Drops mutters, processing the unexpected reunion.
Aether, who had been observing the encounter, interjects with curiosity, "You two know each other?"
"That's classified," Bonbon responds sternly, her tone leaving no room for further discussion.
Aether huffs in frustration. "Alright, Anon, you know her?"
Grinning mischievously at Aether, you reply, "It's classified."
"Oh, come on! It's a simple question," Aether groans, his curiosity piqued.
Turning your attention back to Agent Sweetie Drops, you ask with a playful tone, "How's 'You Know Who' doing?"
Agent Sweetie Drops lets out a sigh and admits, "She's... fine, still a little obsessed with you."
"Figured as much," you respond, recalling the previous encounters with her.
Attempting to redirect the conversation, Agent Sweetie Drops changes the subject, eager to get down to business. "Anyway, let's get started. You both know your assignment?"
Aether takes the lead, stating the objective, "Yarras. We stop them from entering the village while Anon and I locate the portal."
"Good," Bonbon chimes in, pulling a metal briefcase from her tent. She presses her hoof against it, and with a series of clicks and clanks, the case opens. "I have another agent back in the village. I'll rendezvous with him. Meet us back here at first light for the debrief."
From the case, Bonbon retrieves a pair of mechanical goggles and puts them on, activating them with a press of a button. The goggles emit a high-pitched whine before glowing green.
Noting the practicality of the goggles, you comment, "Nightvision goggles? I could use a pair of those."
Gasping in surprise, Bonbon rushes back to you, her eyes wide. "These are highly classified. How do you know about them?"
You explain matter-of-factly, "We have them back on Earth..."
Bonbon is at a loss for words, sighing in defeat. "Oh... just... hmm..." She mutters, realizing the connection. "Nevermind then." She picks up a hoof-worn crossbow and turns towards the darkness. "Just be careful out there. Remember, back here at first light."
"Yes, ma'am!" Aether responds, giving a mock salute as Bonbon trots off in the direction of the village.
Turning to Aether, you seek guidance. "Now what?"
Aether's attention is momentarily fixated on Bonbon's retreating figure before he refocuses. "Huh? Oh, right." He walks over to the campfire and settles down, gesturing for you to join him. "We wait."
"Wait?" you echo, seeking clarification.
"Exactly," Aether replies with a hint of impatience. "Just keep an eye out for lanky white ponies."
"With no head," you add, emphasizing the distinguishing feature of the Yarras.
Aether nods in agreement. "With no head."
You and Aether engage in idle chatter, passing the time as the night wears on. Each of you takes turns collecting firewood to keep the flames alive, maintaining a comforting glow amidst the darkness. As the conversation fades into the crackling of the fire, you notice a somber expression settle upon Aether's face. His gaze wanders into the night, seemingly fixed on something you cannot see.
Curiosity piqued, you try to follow his line of sight, but find nothing out of the ordinary. Turning back to observe the stallion, you can't help but feel a strange mix of conflicting emotions. Despite the circumstances and the knowledge that he may be the one responsible for your demise, you have forged a bond with him, treating him as a friend.
Your thoughts involuntarily drift back to the hospital bed, recalling the image of Aether's tear-stained face. Tears... He was crying. Shaking off the memory, you return to the present, only to be met by Aether's piercing gaze fixed directly upon you.
"You're kind of spooking me out there, bud. What's with the stare?" Aether asks, breaking the silence.
Caught off guard, you stammer, "Huh? Nothing... Just thinking..."
Aether shakes his head, his voice filled with sincerity. "It's about me killing you, isn't it?"
Silence hangs in the air as you grapple with your thoughts. Aether's reassurance echoes in your mind, "Anon, I already said, I wouldn't kill you without reason."
Frustration washes over you, and you rub your eyes, attempting to find clarity amidst the confusion. "But what does that mean? Without reason? What if I say the wrong thing? Do something? Steal your lunch?"
Aether's expression shifts, holding a straight face for a moment before bursting into laughter. "I would take that last one seriously, yes," he jokes, lightening the heavy atmosphere.
You can't help but feel a mix of emotions, torn between amusement and unease. "How can you laugh at this?"
Aether's laughter subsides, and his tone becomes serious. "What else can you do in the eyes of fate? Anon, if I were to kill you, it would have to be a world-ending event, alright? I'm not a killer."
You rub your chin, contemplating his words. "That's what a killer would say..."
Aether's ears droop, his expression turning solemn. "I'm being serious."
You let out a sigh, realizing the complexity of the situation. "I was joking, but this whole thing is messed up..."
Aether sighs in agreement. "Brighteyes intentionally paired us together. Maybe she wants us to resolve our differences early on, before you become fully integrated into the unit. Trust issues can get ponies killed."
The weight of his words sinks in, and while they don't make you feel better, you acknowledge the truth in them. "That's not comforting, but you have a point."
Silence settles between you, and together you watch the flames dancing in the campfire. It becomes evident that, one way or another, you are stuck with each other. The thought of quitting crosses your mind briefly, but the words of Brighteyes from the previous day echo in your thoughts. If she is right, there is no escaping your fate.
You continue staring into the flickering flames as a burning log falls deeper into the fire, sending a shower of embers into the night sky. Breaking the silence, you divert the conversation by changing the subject. "So, where are you from?"
"Hollow Shades," Aether responds, his tone devoid of emotion.
"You didn't mention that before," you note.
Aether's gaze remains fixed on the fire, lost in thought. "It's not something I really talk about. I was an orphan here before..." He trails off, his voice filled with a hint of sorrow.
"Before what?" you gently prod, sensing his hesitation.
"Hmm?" Aether looks up at you, momentarily disoriented. "Oh, right. The Royal Guards took me from my caretaker... the one who took me in. It's a long story."
Understanding the sensitivity of the topic, you reassure him, "It's alright. I won't push."
As the campfire starts to dim, Aether leans over to gather more wood. "It's your turn, bud," he states, tossing the last log onto the fire.
You hesitate for a moment, glancing at the dark expanse beyond the campfire. "Shit, not again. It's creepy out there..."
Aether chuckles, offering encouragement. "Come on, bud. Grow a pair."
"Alright, fine..." you mutter under your breath, a tinge of annoyance in your voice, as you rise to your feet and make your way towards the nearest tree line, the weight of the Salt Blaster resting on your shoulder.
After a few minutes of walking, you enter the dense forest that envelops Hollow Shades. With the limited illumination provided by your glow stick and trusty lighter, you fumble around, searching for logs that are manageable enough to carry back to the camp.
As you throw a few logs into a pile on the forest floor, a sudden rustling breaks the eerie silence that permeates Hollow Shades. Your body tenses, freezing in place like a deer caught in the glare of headlights. You try to dismiss the sound as the wind, but there's an unsettling stillness in the air. Not a single leaf stirs.
Slowly, you tuck your lighter into your pocket and bring your Blaster to the ready, your finger poised on the trigger. The suspense heightens as you strain your ears, hoping to discern the source of the sound.
Snap.
You hold your breath, your heart pounding in your chest, as the echo of the snapping twig reverberates through the silent forest. A chilling sense of foreboding washes over you, intensifying the already palpable tension in the air. Still, nothing comes into view.
An unsettling thought flickers in your mind—what if it's not just an innocent animal? The mere idea sends a wave of unease coursing through your veins. You try to push it away, to convince yourself that it's just your imagination running wild in the darkness.
Between the narrow gaps in the trees, your eyes widen with both fear and curiosity as you catch sight of something moving. It's tall, unnaturally so, gracefully maneuvering through the dense foliage. A white leg steps over the underbrush, its immense height dwarfing your own. Your mind races, searching for rational explanations, but finding none.
Still facing what you're seeing at the edge of the forest, you force yourself to back away slowly, inch by cautious inch, never breaking eye contact with the mysterious figure. Every instinct tells you to run, to flee from this unnatural presence, but you fight the urge, your determination to retrieve the logs overriding your fear.
With trembling hands, you sling the Blaster back over your shoulder, doing your best to maintain composure. You scoop up the logs, their weight providing some semblance of comfort in the face of the unknown. Your heart pounds against your chest as you turn on your heel, mustering every ounce of courage to retreat swiftly back to the camp.
Sweat beads on your forehead as you arrive at the camp, your nerves still frayed from the encounter. But as you drop the logs and desperately search the tents for any sign of Aether, a sinking feeling grips your stomach. He's nowhere to be found.
"Aether?... Aether!" you call out, your voice laced with a mixture of worry and desperation. Silence hangs heavy in the air, further heightening your anxiety.
Just when panic threatens to consume you, a familiar voice breaks through the tension, sending a jolt of relief coursing through your body. "Sorry, bud. Needed to take a leak, then ended up pissing like a race pony..."
You turn towards the sound, your eyes wide with both gratitude and anticipation. Aether emerges from the shadows, his presence a welcomed sight amidst the darkness.
Still trembling from the encounter, you manage to gather your voice, urgently expressing, "I think I saw one..."
"One of our lanky friends?" Aether questions, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
You nod, affirming your earlier statement. "Yeah, its leg was taller than I am..."
"Doubt that," Aether replies, scanning the surroundings with a hint of doubt in his eyes. "They're tall, but not taller than three ponies tops. Are you sure it wasn't a tree? Your mind can play tricks on you when you're scared."
Your conviction remains unwavering as you firmly assert, "I know what I saw."
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Aether concedes, "Alright, alright. Calm down. Let's grab our gear and head to where you saw it."
Agreeing with his suggestion, you lead Aether back to the spot where you had picked up the logs, your finger pointing into the dense tree line to indicate the location.
Aether's ears twitch, his gaze fixated on the forest. "Something is out there," he murmurs, a tinge of apprehension creeping into his voice.
Swiftly, he starts rummaging through his saddlebags, producing a fresh glow stick before retrieving his Ki-meter. The atmosphere grows tense as he fine-tunes the device, his expression turning increasingly grave.
"...Now that's worrying," Aether finally admits, his voice laden with concern.
Puzzled by his reaction, you inquire, "What's worrying?"
Aether hesitates for a moment, his eyes widening as he absorbs the readings displayed on the meter. "Hang on," he mutters, adjusting the settings again. "I'm getting a Ki-reading of... Ten, no... Twelve... Fourteen..." He looks up at the forest, his expression a mix of astonishment and alarm. Under his breath, he curses, his voice strained. "Anon, get back to camp..."
Reacting swiftly, you sprint back to the safety of the campfire, with Aether closely following behind you.
With no hesitation, Aether retrieves his bag of Epon' salt and swiftly creates a protective ring around the campfire, forming a barrier between you and the encroaching danger.
Curiosity and fear wrestle within you as you ask, "Does the salt stop them? I thought these things were physical..."
Aether explains, his voice steady but cautious, "It's more of a repellent. Hopefully, since we're not the ones cursed, they should bypass us."
Together, you both stare from the safety of the camp, fixated on the treeline. Gradually, a tall, dark figure stumbles out of the forest, prompting Aether to mutter, "I've never seen those things that tall before," as another one follows suit.
Soon, dozens of these cryptid-like beings pour out of the treeline, their movements eerily silent and lacking any sense of purpose.
"What are they doing?" you whisper, fearful that the slightest noise could trigger a stampede of these menacing creatures towards the camp.
Aether's whispered response carries an air of uncertainty, "I'm not sure. This isn't right. They should be heading towards the village."
Doubt lingering in your mind, you seek confirmation, asking, "Are you sure these things are Yarras?"
Aether nods, his certainty unwavering. "Other than their increased height, I can safely say they are."
As you both watch the creatures stumble aimlessly in the moonlight, your attention is drawn to one of them. It sways momentarily before starting to scuff the ground, capturing your interest. Urgently, you nudge Aether, pointing towards the peculiar behavior.
"It's digging..." you whisper, your voice barely audible in the tense atmosphere.
The Yarra continues its mysterious digging, scuffing the ground until it raises its massive leg and brings it down with force. In an instant, a loud crackle accompanied by a brilliant flash of blue light erupts from around its hoof.
Recognizing the phenomenon, Aether interjects before you can ask, "Ah, it looks like SMILE has planted Protection Wards... They're slate rocks inscribed with runes, charged with unicorn magic."
Hope flickers in your eyes as you inquire, "Do we have them?"
Aether's expression darkens slightly, disappointment evident on his face. "No, SMILE always gets the good stuff while we get a stick of chalk. Besides, as you can see, they're useless here. The Yarras can still physically break them."
"No, SMILE always gets the good stuff while we get a stick of chalk. Besides, as you can see, they're useless here. They can still physically break them," Aether remarks, disappointment tainting his voice.
Slowly, the herd of Yarramares begins its coordinated march towards the village, their unsettling forms towering above the ground.
"It looks like it's showtime," Aether whispers, his grip tightening on his blaster as he tucks it securely under his wing. "Stay quiet and let them pass. The portal shouldn't be too far from the treeline; they emerged from there quite close together."
A knot forms in the pit of your stomach, unease settling in. Your heart pounds in your chest as you watch the eerie procession drawing nearer. The Yarras' peculiar movements and headless forms send chills down your spine.
As the first Yarramares pass by, their unsteady gaits drawing them closer to the camp, your breath catches in your throat. The atmosphere becomes nerve-racking as one of the creatures stumbles precariously close.
You hold your breath, your body tense with fear, praying that the Yarra doesn't detect your presence. Every second feels like an eternity as it teeters on the edge of discovery.
Thankfully, by some stroke of luck, the Yarra continues its wavering path, its focus fixated on the direction of the village. A sigh of relief escapes your lips, and you release the breath you had been holding.
As the Yarra passes by, its lanky form mere inches from your hiding spot, you feel a rush of gratitude for escaping its attention. The encounter leaves you trembling, acutely aware of the precariousness of your situation.
With a mix of apprehension and relief, you watch as the rest of the herd shuffles by, their disjointed movements and headless figures etching themselves into your memory.
The batpony nudges you, and without hesitation, you both bolt toward the treeline, the urgency in your movements fueled by a heightened sense of dread. You glance over your shoulder, relieved to find no pursuit behind you.
As you enter the forest, the stillness is broken by the sound of snapping twigs and rustling leaves under your feet. You crack a new glowstick on your knee. The feeble green glow of your glow stick casts a dim light, illuminating only a few feet ahead, leaving the vast expanse of the forest engulfed in darkness.
Reaching for your backpack, you retrieve your Ki-meter, squinting to read the fluctuating gauges. The Ki readings oscillate between eight, six, and ten, indicating a volatile energy presence.
"Ki is all over the place, getting readings between six and ten," you whisper to Aether, who carefully maneuvers through the foliage beside you.
"I don't see any Yarras, so we must be getting close. Keep your eye on Tau," Aether advises, his voice hushed.
"Tau? What should we do if it spikes?" you inquire, your voice laced with unease.
"If we're not dealing with portals, then yes, we run. But this time, we're using it to locate one," Aether explains, his tone filled with a mixture of caution and determination.
You press forward, navigating through the dense tangle of trees, ducking under low-hanging branches and gingerly sidestepping fallen ones. The oppressive atmosphere weighs heavily upon you, the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end, and goosebumps prickling your skin.
Following Aether's guidance, you tilt and turn the Ki-meter within the limited illumination of your glow stick. The Ki reading fluctuates between two and twenty, with Zen remaining steady while Tau's needle begins to bob gently.
"I'm getting a Tau reading here, Aether," you call out, the tension in your voice palpable.
"We're getting near. Keep searching until you get a Tau spike," Aether responds, his voice determined.