Chapter 14

“Pine’s flame part 1.”

Shade and Pine were now in front of the grand master of the assassins in his cell. Shade sat on the other side of a large table in a dark room with a single table with a single torch in the room. Shade’s coat glistened off from the torch he was no longer wearing his white cloak and was there with his white coat white shaved mane and his bright blue eyes and another noticeable feature was he had no mark. Pine who sat beside him with his dark green coat his light yellow mane dark green eyes his mark could be seen a pine tree on fire. The master sat across his brown fur and shaved black mane his slanted brown eyes and his mark a curved dagger with shadows surrounding it.

Shade then said, “So you’re telling me that you’ve been here for months?”

The grand master then said, “Of course we’ve been here planning the attack on Canterlot once Celestia and Luna since they were officially coordinated.”

Shade then said, “Well you’re eager to answer my questions.”

Then the Grand Master chuckled and said “Shade do you think that any of us were going to be any use to Abyss once all the Alicorns were dead? We would have been discarded and I would have accepted my death.”

Shade then said, “I suspected as much but there is still one thing that’s been bothering me. Why did he take Luna?”

The Grand Master chuckled then said, “I’m a dead pony but I still have some honor.”  

Shade got up from his chair and slammed his front hooves on the table.

Then Pine replied, “Shade sit down were not going to beat the information out of him.”

Shade still keeping an eye on the grand master sat down then pauses and then said, “Abyss is going to break her like the grand master tried to do to me.”

Pine then said, “What are you talking about?”

Shade then said, “He’s going to play mind games with her mess with her head try to turn her against us that’s Abyss’s plan from the start everything makes sense now. If he does that if Celestia is forced to kill her own sister…”

The grand master then said “The royalty will fall the Alicorns will fall there will be no pony left to challenge Abyss.”

Shade then said, “There is still one thing that you’re forgetting North Star is the key. If he can save Luna and help Celestia to free her from Abyss’s power then there will be no fight Luna will not go down into the darkness.”

Pine then said, “Then North star is going to need help.”

Pine trotted out of the cell.

Then Shade follows and closes the cell door behind him he then follows Pine in the dark poorly lit stone hall.

He then said, “You can’t, you saw what Abyss did to Lance even Obsidian myself and Core couldn’t lay a single blow on him we’ll just get in the way.”

Pine then said, “I just can’t sit here and abandon Luna any longer.”

Shade then said, “You love her.”

Pine stopped.

Then Shade replied, “We’ve been together for too long and this is the first time I have seen you actually worried. You never worry.”

Pine turns embarrassed then said “So what… That has nothing to do with helping North Star.”

Shade then said, “Your emotions are clouding your judgment again.”

Pine turned then said, “Easy for you to say."

Shade then said, “It’s not. I also want to be out there but we also know that every risk we take can actually do more harm than good. I am trying to learn to control my emotions trying to understand other ponies and I see that you would die for Luna. But, if you did die she could go over the edge even go as far as blaming Celestia you could be the one who pushes Luna to the darkness.”

Pine then said, “How dare you!”

He slams Shade into the wall Shade kicks him back.

He then said, “I’m not trying to say you’re the cause of her turning evil. I am saying think of the consequence before you go head long into something.”

Pine then said, with tears in his eyes “I swore to Luna that I would protect her and now you’re saying my bond with her and North Star is a bad thing!?”

Shade then said, “I’m just saying think before you do. You never did learn that.”

Shade got up as did Pine coughed out a slight chuckle then said, “This is like when we first met.”

Shade then said, “I was sent to assassinate you to stop the rebellions.”

Pine then said, “You had your dagger on my throat then you threw it aside and said."

Then Shade and Pine spoke together “just kill me.”

Shade then said, “You didn’t. You sparred my life gave me shelter clothed me. You were the first pony I met who I could call a friend and soon after we found that orphaned baby dragon and took him to King Sol’s place.”

Pine sighed closed his eyes then said, “He’s dead now.”

Shade then said, “I never told Celestia and Luna that I feel partly responsible for Rust’s death we thought we were doing the right thing. I was the one who decided to give that poor baby dragon to him.”

Shade stopped then said “Pine we can’t let that same mistake happen again. If I decided too… If I…”

Pine swore then said, “Shade stop blaming yourself. We had no idea what was going to happen?”

Shade then said, “I know it’s not my fault. I just want you to think about what you do before you do it.”

Pine then walked back then said, “I am not trying to say that I am only doing this because I love Luna I feel as if I need to be out there. “Shade then said, “There’s more my old master can tell us. Let’s try to get more information first.”

Pine then said, “How exactly do we do that?”

Shade then said “He’s wise but prideful maybe we can use that pride to our favor.”

Pine then said, “We can’t torture him besides I doubt it would work.”

Shade then said, “We could try the Good guard bad guard routine?”

Pine laughed then said, “Come on who falls for that.”

Shade paused then said, “I think we can pull this off.”

Pine enters the cell then the master replied “So you two decided to make out or what?”

Pine then flew at the table he then threw it across the room he picked up the shackled master and started to beat him then he slammed him at the wall.

Then Shade burst in the shouted ”Pine what are you doing!”

He galloped at him then Pine hit Shade who flew across the cell.

Then Pine said, “Shut up Shade he’s going to talk or he’s going to die he slams him in the wall.”

The master laughed then said “Fine kill me, but you won’t save her.”

Shade got up then said, “No way master you mean there’s a hidden agenda that I missed?”

The master got up then said, “You think yourself so clever Abyss summoned dragons from the south a few weeks ago and they will soon be arriving at his tower they will tear North Star…”

He stopped then Shade smirked then said “dragons huh?”

Pine dropped the grand master then said “what dragons?”

The master stayed silent then Pine sighed then said, “Let me guess Magma.”

The grand master muttered then Pine and Shade left the cell again.

Then Pine said, “Shade now I know what I have to do. If I can get Ash and Ember to help with the wonder bolts we might have a chance.”

Shade then said, “How will you find this dragon horde?”

Pine then said, “They’re heading to the everfree forest which means all I have to do is wait.”

Shade then said, “I’m glad you’re taking my advice.”

Pine turned then said, “Thank you for still being a good friend, maybe when this is all over I’ll return the favor and help you find your mark.”

Shade smirked “Right now that’s the least of my worries now go do what you do best.”

Pine then trotted out of the dungeon and into the courtroom.

Pine came down the steps of the castle with his crossbow strapped to his side with two small quivers full of arrows on both sides  as well he wore his black cloak. He came upon Obsidian.

They turn then Pine said, “My lords it seems like dragons are going to the everfree forest to kill North Star and take Celestia. I’m going to get Ash and Ember to help.”

Obsidian then said, “I’m guessing you want permission?”

Pine then said, “I’m not asking permission I just wanted you to know. I also will need the wonder bolts to create a perimeter around the everfree forest.”

Obsidian then said, “Alright Pine go, and is there anything else I should know?”

Pine bowed then said, “Take good care of Princess Cadence and prince Blue Blood. They’re still targets.”

Obsidian then said, “Alright Pine I thank you for your concern.”

Pine then flew out of the palace and into the sky.

As he left Ember came out of nowhere her giant red scaled body filled the sky with her large red glowing eyes and then she flew lower until she was right by him.

Then she said, “So you’re going to see my father?”

Pine then said, “Yeah why are you still here?”

Ember then said, “Ash went and found himself a huge bed of jewels in the mountain I was just flying by when I saw you.”

Pine then said, “I’m glad you did. I need help in defeating Magma he’s returned with an army and they plan to stop North Star and Celestia.”

` Ember then said, “Well say no more I’m right here by your side.”

Pine chuckled then said, “You know something you’re probably the first dragon who has helped me without me having to do something in return.”  

Ember then said, “Why do you think I saved you all those years ago?”

Pine sighed then said, “I don’t know maybe you thought to keep me as a pet?”

Ember chuckled then said, “Pine your always so cynical. No I felt pity.”

Pine then said, “A 8 year old pony weak hungry living on nothing but raw snow for days I must of looked quite pitiful.”

Ember then said, “You were so cute though”

Pine sighed “Well look at me now 12 years later I killed twenty dragons killed maybe at least 100 ponies.”

Ember then said, “You fought to free your kind from others and you rallied the dragons to fight. Pine you did something no pony has ever done.”

Pine then said “Yet I killed to achieve my goals.”

He shakes his head then said, “I need to keep my mind focused.”  

They flew faster and farther. They landed on the side of cave where they found Ash sleeping under a pile of gems. He woke to then he moves his giant head upward his nostrils flared.

Then he sneered and then said “I paid my life debt already Pine.”

Pine then said, “Already with the life debt as usual. I know you did, but I do need your help. Hear me out.”

Ash stirred then Pine said, “This isn’t just about you and your pride. If you don’t help the world is in danger if Luna and Celestia are used and destroyed this whole world is going to go right along with it."

Ash then said “Pine why did you think I stayed? Humility is not my course and nor is loyalty. I already have fallen low as a dragon for helping you and my daughter does the same. My power as chief will never return If anything the only reason I keep on fighting with you is because I feel like you’re the son I never had.”

Pine then said, “Wow didn’t know you cared that much for me.” Ash then said, “Family Pine. family to me is more important than all the jewels in the world.”

Pine then said “Then I thank you, I really am happy that your helping me. “

Ash then said, “Now move out of the way before your crushed.”

He then started to rise out of the pit of jewels Pine and Ember flew out of the cave then Pine said “Ember thank you for saving me all those years ago.”

Ember smirked then said “Like I said for the hundredth time. Your welcome.”

Then he looked across the valley as Ash clambered out into the sun he then spread his wings then said, “I really hope I’m actually going to be useful this time.”

Pine then said, “You will be. Magma’s back.”

Ash roared then said, “that traitorous scum is going to burn and that is not a promise that is a fact.” Then the three fly into the clouds and south towards the edge of the everfree forest.

Red wing was now leading the wonder bolts Dark wind and Hail were next to her. Red wing was in a dark platted red armor with her long spear in her right hoof her orange eyes gazed along the side of the dark forest and shuttered then Hail flew by. He wore his grey armor and his coat was grey with a white mane flowing from the side of his helmet he had his spear in his right hoof as well.

He then said “I’m almost glad we don’t actually have to go in.”

Dark wind flew by with his grey coat with his black mane and his eyes were a dark grey with his black thick armor and a black helmet wielding his spear on his right hoof.

He then said, “I want all of you to know that were fighting dragons here.”

Red wing then said “That’s why there’s only twenty of us look at them.”

The wonder bolts were all shaking one was actually trying to hold back tears.

Hail then said, “North Star would usually say something inspirational.”

Red wing then said, “Well I’m not north star.”

Dark wind then said, “I know that. Look I know Lance didn't want you here I was by his bedside he told me himself he wanted you out of all this. So right now I’m breaking a promise to a friend I’ve known for over ten years and if you die he’ll never forgive me.”

Red wing placed her hoof on his shoulder then said, “I know, but I’m tired of just sitting on the sidelines ever since me and Lance were engaged he’s always been overprotective of me. He sometimes forgets that he and I were the first wonder bolts. “Dark wind then said, “I don’t forget you weren’t known as the red blur for no reason.”

Then they all heard a roar and a huge dragon came forth then red wing shouted “Every pony fly create a perimeter. That dragon does not get through the everfree forest.

Then they say Pine fly in.

Red wing sighs then said “Halt all of you!”

They all stopped then Pine flew in and then said, “Red wing didn’t think you would be here?”

Red wing then said, “Pine, I didn’t expect your dragon friends would come?”

Ash then said, “We did and I didn’t come to be berated by the likes of you little pegasus.”

Red wing then flew up to his face then said, “Say that again.”

Pine then said “alright Red wing stop antagonizing my foster father before he eats you and spits you out. Now we have the edge of the Everfree forest surrounded on each side with intervals of two pegasi. The dragons will come from the south Magma is the going to be a huge red and black one. Ash will fight him. I will go with him and were going to take him out. Once he dies, the rest of his dragons will disperse. Most of you never fought a dragon before so the best thing for you to do is create a perimeter using rain and lightning rain will dampen the flames and lightning strikes in the under belly and in the eye will cause them immense pain your defending remember that do not break formation at any cost. Remember were making sure that Celestia and North Star has time to rescue Luna. For that to happen we need you to do your duty now stand your ground can you do that!”

They all then said “We will”

They saluted then Pine saluted back.

Then he said, “Alright for the night we’ll take turns one pegasus will sleep and the other will do their rounds."

They then talked amongst themselves and then they spread through the surrounding wood. Pine flew around and gazed over the empty fields.

Ember then flew up next to him and said, “Pine before the battle. I have a favor to ask.”

Pine turns then said, “Sure what is it?”

She sighed then said “I… I have an egg.”

Pine paused then said, “You have a mate who is he?”

She then said, “He’s brimstone.”

Pine then said “The current chief?”

Ember then said, “It’s a long story but after we freed the last mine during your revolution. That was where we met. We broke up though he started to become more aggressive and his lust of power made him impossible to handle. The thing is I do not want him to raise my hatchling. I hid my egg back in the same cave where I was hatched.”

Pine then said, “You took me there when I was younger.”

Ember then said, “If anything happens to me I want you to take it.”

Pine then said, “Nothing is going to happen were going to defeat Magma and end this before you know it.”

She sighs then said, “I know but I just feel like I needed to tell you.”

Pine then loaded his crossbow then said “Why me?”

Ember then said, “Honestly I want my hatchling to be raised by ponies I want him to be like you. I know your rough, but you are also kind and understanding. There are not a lot of ponies who would have done what you did.”

Pine sighed then said, “I promise if anything happens I’ll make sure your hatchling is safe.”

She then said “Thank you.”

They stayed silent for a few more minutes.

Than Ember said, “I know I asked this before but I want the truth when Magma stole those eggs. I want to know, why you did help us?”

Pine then said, “I did it because of what my mother taught me.”

Pine stopped then said, “You have to understand the world we lived in was cruel we were slaves Ember we were forced to work in mines day and night. My mother bore me and worked even with me on her back crying and causing her all kinds of trouble but she still cared for me. She fed me larger portions of the meager rations. She even told me she traded a whole night’s work just for an extra blanket for me.”

He paused then said, “She died from a tunnel collapse. I never even learned what happened to my father.”

He paused again then said, “After that day I swore to try to return the kindness of others who shared the same kindness to me That was the one lesson she taught me and I left the mines with the full intention to keep finding ways to help others and eventually return to free every pony under Sombra’s rule.”

Ember then said, “And you wonder why I choose you?”

Pine then said, “You’re not going to die Ember alright.”

She was going to say something then they saw the dreaded wings and the roars from the south broke the still air.

Pine flew up then said, “Alright all of you we need to start the attack remember what I said do not leave this spot defend this area and keep these dragons clear understood!”

They all saluted then Pine flew with ash and Ember into the flock of dragons with the huge dragon with a black underbelly appeared. It was magma.

Next Chapter: Chapter 15 Dim Hope Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 42 Minutes