Post by Mal on Apr 11, 2016 1:49:55 GMT -5
Distant Lightning was leaving today. There would be no stopping him, he had things to do.... He had managed to return all the books to the library. His hair and tail were neatly braided and he was properly dressed in his leather tabard. He felt -- stupid. Staring in the mirror his ears folded back. Maybe he should change back to his vest? Though he knew no matter what he wore -- he could never remove his wings. He did well to tuck them against his back, compact enough it looked like it hurt. He was tedious in his grooming and made sure not a single strand of fur was out of place. No threads on his clothing and no wrinkles in his papers! Everything was packed up in his saddlebags and what was not, would be carried in a secondary, hanging shoulder bag, of which he had to purchase just to fit everything.
Gleaming Echo had been out for a good amount of the morning? What was the nigh insane cultist up to? Well... That would be telling indeed! He did return somewhat disgruntled though. He was wrapped in his robes with the gleaming shield of gold upon his back. Today would be the day the peacock would be leaving, yes? The split pony was rather torn upon it right now. He was rather upset with how... nah, best not think on it. Alas much like the first day he was returning to the inn with a bag of delightful pastries. Comfort food perhaps?
Yunalesca didn't much care for dallying around in her room. There was a sort of tenseness to the air, or perhaps it was just her, knowing that their companion was.. leaving. She didn't want to see him go, a great change opposed to when they'd first met, but they'd been through a lot together. The alicorn opted to linger around in the hallway, just short of the doorway to the lobby, black shawl settled comfortable across her back and sides. Just waiting, and thinking. Yuna had meant it when she said she was going to follow him to Canterlot before they said their goodbyes, and she didn't intend to miss anything.
Silent Dusk was in her room closing the clasps on her armor and having fitted on her wingblades, the bone of her wings now reinforced with sharp metal as a thin veil protected the membrane, filling her saddle bags with preserved foods and flasks of water.
Distant Lightning moped in the mirror for a few moments longer before finally passing over the pangs of pain in his stomach. The pegasus was set to go. Good byes were never a thing he had to deal with, in fact they had never been considered difficult because they were only passing faces. He had known these faces for almost a month now. Shaking the thoughts from his mind he turned to leave. He never did find -- something Miss Yuna would like, but perhaps something to help her instead. He would exit his room and make his way down the hall to where Yuna occupied. He raised a hoof to knock... but could not. Reaching back into his saddlebag he retrieved a book.
Distant Lightning set the book down in front of her door and turned to leave. It was a book on magic lessons. While he could never make sense of such a thing -- perhaps she could. He snorted, trying t instill some sense of courage, but nothing worked. His heavy hooffalls were not hard to notice, the ruby toes tracking away and out of the inn. He turned towards the train station in hopes to just avoid all of it. He told them, so he was not sneaking off. Today he was leaving. Why did he feel so uncomfortable though? Maybe the morning crowds. Yes. That had to be it.
Gleaming Echo popped a muffin into his mouth and savored the delightful blueberry. Alas just before he rounded a corner into a side street to make it to the inn he caught sight of something. A particular pony who looked like he was sneaking off! A growl was heard in the back of their mind and in an instant there was a surge of magic that heralded Tarnished possessing the body! "Oh no he doesn't." The pony's now slit-pupil gaze glowed as his horn also lit up with magic. The effect of the spell? Well.. Distant would rather quickly find himself being drug in the direction of the cultist! A cultist whom had casually started to continue on the way back to the inn with the spell channeled. He wasn't going to ditch them! Oh no no no!
Yunalesca peered at the ceiling a moment, staring off, antsy. Her ears twitched towards the sound of heavy hoofsteps that seemed to pause and continue on after a short time. She knew those hoofsteps well enough, with as tall and heavy as a certain horse was. Yuna went to investigate and found naught but a book lying on the carpet, lifting it to peer at the cover with interest. She would have to peruse its contents later, and tucked it under a wing for such so she could pursue those familiar hoofsteps. Yuna had to wonder if Dusk was with Lightning yet, though stepping out of the inn.. she wasn't. She did see the arabian, however, did he think to wander off? Gleam's approach was noted and curiously she lingered by the inn's doorway, peering out to watch.
Silent Dusk opened a freshly arrived package on her bed and attached steel plating to her leather armor around the barrel, flanks, chest and shoulders, then stepped all her hooves into steel greaves before lastly donning a night blue helmet, snapping the visor down over her eyes, nodding as it all fit perfectly as expected, eyeing a sheet of paper on her bed reading Equestrian army enlistment form, Night Division which she slipped into her saddlebag before leaving her room in search of her friends and leaving lover.
Distant Lightning moved to take another step but suddenly found his hooves bound by the magical energy. Being completely devoid of outward magic the pegasus had no chance of releasing himself from the damnable lasso unless he smacked a pony upside their horn. He made an indistinct noise as he toppled to the ground and was suddenly dragged, mind you through ever preceding obstacle, back toward the inn. By the time he was retrieved he felt dizzy and about ready to loose what little breakfast he had manage. "Listen here you...mages." Urp. He pushed a claret hoof to his muzzle. Forced movement, didn't like it.
Distant Lightning shifted his weight, hindlegs kicking so he could roll onto his belly and stand again. He shook the dust out from his tabard and used his wing to adjust his monocle. "What is the meaning of this?!" He tried to remain resolved in his actions, but he was internally screaming, as he often did in stressful situations. His outsides never matched the inn in such cases. Social conduct came before his comfort.
Gleaming Echo perked his ears when he saw Lady Yuna outside the inn. The possessed pony smiled wide as he offered a sweeping bow. "I believe this ruffian was attempting to slip away without anypony knowing." he'd say with an obviously pleased smile upon his face. The dark half was thinking little about the plight of the pegasus whom had been drug along the ground. "Be silent if you know what is good for you, peacock. The grown-ups are speaking!" There was as much warmth as the arctic in that, and it dripped with so much acid it would make aliens jealous! Distant would find little mercy from the dark half right now.
Yunalesca stepped out onto the inn's porch the moment she saw Lightning getting dragged across the ground by the force of magic. It made her cringe a little in sympathy, something that was forgotten seconds later after that realization that he'd been trying to leave alone. She frowned, or tried to, after she saw Tarnished bowing to her; his eyes and voice a good tip of who was in charge. Yuna descended the short steps and walked over to stand at the unicorn's side. He sounded.. angry, but thankfully, it was not aimed at her. "I'm a little disappointed by that, I was really wanting to come along to say goodbye." Yuna grumped, uneasy with the idea of goodbyes, and looked up at Lightning, briefly glancing towards the inn. She felt like somepony needed to go get Dusk for this, but she had little idea the thestral was already on her way.
Silent Dusk stepped out of the inn in full plated armor and regarded her friends and lover, no incorrect, even Yuna and Gleam were more than that, now or never, then trotted up to them and without a word hooked a hoof around Yuna's head and kissed her. "I love you." then moved to Gleam doing the same. "I love you too." then finally to Lightning glaring disapprovingly, then kissed him more deeply. "I love you most even though you tried to sneak away, you have more honor than this."
Distant Lightning shirked at Tarnish's anger. "...I'm not a peacock..." He mumbled, head low and eyes turning up to look as Yuna marched up. He just wanted to go. No good byes, no anything. Parties were negotiable, but -- the idea was not something he found pleasure in, and he was notorious for seeking pleasure in all things. Perhaps it was merely an arabian thing, but he'd rather not do this, okay? He scoffed his hoof against the ground, ears pinning to his skull. At Yuna's words he backed up a little. He parted his jaws to excuse the matter, but he could not? T'would be a lie if he said that good byes did not matter. They did, too much. It was why he did not want to say it. He couldn't lie anymore. One was enough. The horse seated himself in shame. It was not until Dusk came out that he nearly took off running, that is until he realized she was in full plate mail. Was he going to be trounced ever so badly? He was too delicate for a duel to the death! That involved dying!
Distant Lightning watched as Dusk affectionately paid heed to the others. He felt his heart sink. Maybe he was not worth such things. He has brought great dishonor to his co-- he was the cow. But more so dishonor to his family. He went off in an internal panic, face stoic, angry looking as the sneering expression tried to hold that fogging monocle. He tried not to cry. When Dusk approached him he flinched, wholly expecting a shoe across the face and to be challenged to the death, but what he wasn't expecting was a kiss. And..a scolding. He sunk further down, the large horse almost pony compact at this point. He honestly did not. "I...did not want to say good-bye." He had grown rather fond of them. Saying good bye meant they were parting. Twas the regards of a spoilt child not wanting to leave a candy shoppe. "Just allow me to go. I shall write." Though he may be unable to send it. "I shall return..." Someday.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face... The dark pony didn't understand a lot of the nuances of pony interaction so the attempt to leave without saying goodbye came off as more of an affront than anything else. Alas they were hardly able to think more on the topic before Dusk emerged from the inn in full guard regalia. Night if he were to be specific! And then Dusk trotted up to them and hooked a hoof around Yuna's head. Tarnished's jaw dropped as a pang of fear lanced through his body. Did he do something wrong? Why was... That was, rather abruptly, brought to a screeching halt as she did the same with him! His eyes widened almost comically as the light half's face blushed a crimson that was only vaguely matched by the time when Yuna did the same to him! "Uh..." So eloquent that was! She'd crashed his brain she had! oops? Gleam was actually no better either, suffering a same dumbfounded fate!
Yunalesca had her gaze drawn back to the inn when her peripheral vision caught movement. It was Dusk, stepping out, decked out in full armor. She was distracted from the others as she puzzled over why Dusk was wearing armor, wondering why that was. She didn't think any of them needed such a guarded escort just to follow Lightning to Canterlot! Her thoughts faltered to a confused jumble when Dusk stepped up to her first and pulled her in for a kiss. She froze, eyes wide, unable to pull away nor move in on something so unexpected. Never did a mare kiss her before. Did Tarnished in a mare's body count? Perhaps not. She couldn't think, her coat felt prickly and her face was warm. Blushing. Yuna numbly watched as Dusk went to Tarnished to do the same, barely registering the expressions of love. Part of her was faintly amused, but she wasn't sure whether she wanted to laugh, or.. what. Yuna certainly wasn't angry, not when she too had been kissed. She sat down without thinking about it, watching, flustered, and trying to figure out what just happened.
Silent Dusk stepped back and nodded. "I understand love and it's alright, Tar and Yuna will bring you to the station as I am running late to meet the enlistment officer, I intend to join the army seeing as you will leave us, so I need some time to reflect on this, naturally I'll write the three of you and please don't worry I'll return." then she spread her wings preparing to leave.
Distant Lightning glanced up at Dusk as she expressed her wellness with the situation, but why did he feel so -- bad? When she said she was --- army? But... He was not one for the military, but he knew enough that she would be sent away to train. She would be gone, away from the others. He suppose he had no right to say anything and even less given that she was somepony before he met her. He felt hurt. He was distressed she did not want to see him off, even though he did not want them, to see him off. Why was socializing for such an extended period so hard? He was used to meetings and partings, but not adventures and parting! He had this all planned out! Why did his plans never work out. he had contingencies for his contingencies, but clearly he was not prepared to be dragged through the courtyard than have a sandbag dumped on him! H-he was being dumped! He staggered to his hooves. He felt light-headed.
Distant Lightning made a noise, it sounded a bit like a drunken kee. "Ah...tis of no consequence, I was planning to go to the station on my own... I am an adult." Who couldn't adult. "I do...not agree with such a choice it seems rather dangerous but, it is something I have no say in." The entire time he just stared at the ground. "Yes.. letters. Writing." It was the excuse he gave, even though he knew he had no idea where the others lived, and could hardly submit to the irony of her statement. He refused to say good bye. "Yes. Show your enemies no quarter!" Right... chin up. He felt bad. He hadn't felt like this since he lost Thunder. It was an empty feeling that was like losing a piece of yourself. How much of himself had he left at this point? He subconsciously brushed his hoof over his chest, as if searching. "Well... I've all I need. I suppose since you are out. Shall we be off?" He felt numb.
Gleaming Echo gained a bit of a glossy look for a time after the surprise after his brain attempted to put everything back together. But then the next piece of news came out. Dusk was going to leave them to? While they knew Distant would have to go and then Dusk likely would as well ~ They hadn't expected so soon! The dual pony's breath hitched and for a moment or two it might have been like he froze up completely. The pony never had friends in this life; and likewise had never had to deal with the loss/departure of a friend to regions unknown. "I-I.. need to go take care of some things." he didn't know this... feeling. The mangled remains of Gleaming Shield's memories could only help him so much! But one thing he did know... if he didn't leave the town for a short while there might be rubble and burning buildings. A spike of anger flared and his eyes flashed evilly. "Don't wait up for me Lady Yunalesca... I'll return in a bit." Without nary another word he turned and vanished in a teleport unstable enough to char the ground where he'd been standing with mana burns.
Yunalesca was pulled back to this little patch of Ponyville when Dusk spoke again, who was talking of leaving. Her ears lay back. "You can't be leaving too, why?" It felt like a heavy weight on her chest. She thought that Dusk would be with them while they all dealt with Lightning's departure together, but.. "How long will you be away?" She knew nothing of the nuances of the army, or the guard, that would keep Dusk away and how long. Her gaze shifted towards Lightning's attempt to brush it off, but she approached Dusk so she could try to give her a hug before she left. She wasn't letting the thestral leave without one, but Tarnished's reaction made her falter. "Wh- ?" He was gone and the circle left by him given a pained look. This was just too hard on all of them, and she was left to walk with Lightning alone. Shit. She sagged a little, torn.
Silent Dusk embraced the alicorn and nuzzled her cheek tenderly. "The initiation is a good two weeks, you take care of Gleam until then I swear to you that I'll return to you three, after I figured out what to do with all this understand Yunalesca?" then gave her another soft kiss and mumbled. "See my beloved Lightning to his train, I have a long flight ahead to the border." then the thestral lifted off and flew away to the south with strong beats of her bladed wings, she had a few things to do.
Distant Lightning winced at the sound of Dusk's wings. Ah, he was already lonely and he wasn't even on the train yet. Gleam was -- Tar was... oh they were mad. His ears were folded back so he did not catch too much of what the mares said to each other, but he did feel a sense of -- exclusion with their embrace. He always felt Dusk liked Miss Yuna more than him. For all the small, defenseless creatures Gleamished was about to exterminate-- Distant Lightning deeply apologizes. He backed up, fumbling to his hooves and looked to Yuna. "S...should we wait for him?" It was probably best if he just go. He did not know how to even this.
Yunalesca gave Dusk a faint squeeze with her forelegs when they embraced. "Two weeks?" Two weeks could be a long time without.. the friends that were leaving to spend that time. "I.. I'll take care of him." She nodded, blinking when she received another kiss, almost leaning into it a little despite its quickness. "Alright.. See you around, Dusk." Yuna bid her goodbye and stood there to watch her go, saddened. She tore her eyes away from Dusk's retreating, armored figure to Lightning, shrugging. "He.. He said not to wait up, so.. I guess not?" Yuna really didn't know.
Distant Lightning was equally at a loss. He supposed there was no choice. The male turned to walk toward the train station. His saddlebags just felt all that heavier now. He did not want to ride the train, he felt uneasy on it, sick. Dusk had helped him deal with his ride to Hollow Shades, now it was just -- He looked to the ground. "I ...am sorry." He felt the need to press his apology. The road just felt long. The station was not all that far, but it felt miles with just the silence. He had seen their faces, now he hesitated.
Yunalesca shuffled her wings under her shawl, as though readjusting them, and moved with Lightning to go off to the train station. Her ear flicked towards his apology and she wasn't sure how to respond. "It happens." She never saw their little group of friends splitting up like this, but here they were. Unexpected. They would get over it. Maybe. Did her mother feel like this, or worse, when she'd run away without a word? Her tail flicked as she walked, eyes focused on the street ahead of her. "I understand you have to leave, but," have you ever thought of running away too? was on her tongue to finish that sentence, but she never said it aloud. She just gave a twitch of her head in a shrug. It was a selfish question, to keep him here. "We'll miss you."
Distant Lightning moved along, his hooves feeling heavy. And not just in the ironic sense of his heavier steps. He paused and looked back as Yuna spoke. He did have to go... because he was expected to. He had tried to keep his wings folded but it was difficult. He just wanted to... Flexing out the extra pair of appendage the male turned to walk toward Yuna. He would move to pull his wings around her in a hug so he could brush his head against hers. "You'll forget me soon. I wish you well Miss Yuna. I know I have not been the most understanding of your condition." He glanced to her horn and than her shawl before looking to her face. "But you are a good pony." He backed up, flapping his wings before lifting them to tuck them once more.
Yunalesca came to a halt when Lightning approached and was surprised when he swept her into a hug with his wings. They were soft and light, at least the feathers were and the embrace was.. comforting in a way. She had to rear up a bit just to hug him in turn with her forelegs, tall as he was, and dropped back down. What he had to say was.. touching. Her, a good pony. Yuna snorted, but it was not aimed at that. "I won't forget you at all, not after our adventures." If she had to, she would write to him if he didn't send anything.. Yuna made to start walking again, towards the train station, at a slow pace to keep beside him.
Distant Lightning sighed. He had hoped she would be deterred... "I would find it difficult forgetting you all.." He softly admitted. "D..did you find the book I left you? I did not wish to d... I wanted to ensure you had at least something from me." He could not say it, for he had not wanted to see her before his departure. He strode along, the station coming into view. It was a dreadful sight. "My only regret was that we did not become closer." He stood with his proud posture, a gait fit for a noblepony, which he was. Sometimes it was easily forgotten with his awkward fumbling that he had no commonsense for the commonality of the average pony!
Yunalesca made a quiet noise in her throat and nodded, shifting one wing as she dipped her head beneath to pull it out, showing it briefly. She was still holding onto it from when she found it sitting in front of her door. "I did. It looks useful." The mare paused and glanced over at him, an ear turning his way. A gift? "Thank you." She managed, feeling something of awkwardness. Thanks felt strange to give. "I think there might have been some progress as is, considering." Yuna didn't want to mention what she'd thought of him upon first meeting and the following days, not when he was leaving. She gave the train station looming ever closer an unhappy frown.
Distant Lightning felt the anxiety eating away at his stomach, tearing it apart. "Yes, of course." He supposed it was just something they could not do... become closer. He pushed up onto the platform where other passengers waited for the train's arrival. Canterlot was a very different place, but he would have no time to explore. Straight to the balloons, straight him. The journey would take a few days, two or three if he was lucky. "Please... let him know as well. That I am sorry." No good byes.
Yunalesca followed him up the steps to stand by and watch, her gaze flicking over the other, pastel assortment of ponies milling about. She wasn't sure now if she would follow him to Canterlot, without Gleam to accompany her, or if she would just say goodbye.. here. The thought of being alone in the capital after Lightning went on his way was unnerving and she didn't think she could do it anyway. She took in a breath to calm herself of crowding feelings and looked up at the arabian, considering something. After Dusk had kissed her, she could leave him one before he left- on his cheek. "Don't worry, I will. He'll.. be fine."
Distant Lightning folded his ears back, staring off at the crowd. He --- was losing his nerve again. While he stood proud, and looked more than ready to leave all of this behind, his mind was racing, his heart falling to pieces. He looked down and sighed. Turning to face Yuna he gave his usual sneer. "Yes, well, you must also do well Miss Yuna. These are just the normal paths in life." He really tried to convince himself.
Yunalesca averted her eyes when Lightning turned towards her, glancing over the nearby ponies. That look. "I know." Only half of it. She'd never really had friends before and two of them just.. leaving like this. Hurt. She grumped quietly, not liking the feelings. At least she could find comfort with Gleam later, now that it was just the pair of them- or trio, rather. Her ear twitched, trying to pick up on any sounds other than the soft murmurs of nearby conversation, and thought to go through with it. Now or never, she supposed. Yuna balanced up on her back legs briefly just so she could leave a soft kiss on Lightning's cheek and withdrew quickly, scuffing a hoof.
Distant Lightning had not expected such a thing from the mare. He chirped in surprised, lowering his head a bit as he looked up. It was like a foal who had been caught misbehaving. He was -- he was the worst. His face flushed, but he could be thankful to his darker fur where nothing of the sort showed up. A dark hoof brushed against the ground shyly. "Asadf...." He muttered out, nerves snapping on the spot. He liked Miss Yuna... but as with Gleam when facing them, he hadn't resolve. They had been right all along about him, back home. He could not amount to anything as a coward, as a yellow bellied peahen who couldn't even face an enemy with hoof out. He rubbed at his good eye. Dirt. Right. "The season change calls for a great deal of drying air, but I will persevere. Miss Yuna." No good byes. He turned tail and proudly marched to the train. Once inside, and the car doors closed he went to his seat. Once alone he shut down. He was going back to the place he left for a place he wanted to remain.
Yunalesca tried to act casual about it, her face faintly red around the cheeks as she looked away, back over at the gathering crowd. Was that the train she heard? Its squeal of brakes as it stopped made her cringe and her eyes went back towards Lightning, biting her lower lip. "Yeah, okay." She managed, teetering on the verge of saying more. He was leaving, and she would berate herself later if she didn't say it. "See you around." It was a softer goodbye and one she could manage, even if he didn't say anything of the sort. Yuna lingered long enough to watch and wait for the train to leave.. Once it did, whenever it did, she would have to tear herself away from the sight to return to the inn, glum. Now she just had to wait for.. whenever Tarnished came back from whatever he was doing. Alone.
Gleaming Echo had been out for a good amount of the morning? What was the nigh insane cultist up to? Well... That would be telling indeed! He did return somewhat disgruntled though. He was wrapped in his robes with the gleaming shield of gold upon his back. Today would be the day the peacock would be leaving, yes? The split pony was rather torn upon it right now. He was rather upset with how... nah, best not think on it. Alas much like the first day he was returning to the inn with a bag of delightful pastries. Comfort food perhaps?
Yunalesca didn't much care for dallying around in her room. There was a sort of tenseness to the air, or perhaps it was just her, knowing that their companion was.. leaving. She didn't want to see him go, a great change opposed to when they'd first met, but they'd been through a lot together. The alicorn opted to linger around in the hallway, just short of the doorway to the lobby, black shawl settled comfortable across her back and sides. Just waiting, and thinking. Yuna had meant it when she said she was going to follow him to Canterlot before they said their goodbyes, and she didn't intend to miss anything.
Silent Dusk was in her room closing the clasps on her armor and having fitted on her wingblades, the bone of her wings now reinforced with sharp metal as a thin veil protected the membrane, filling her saddle bags with preserved foods and flasks of water.
Distant Lightning moped in the mirror for a few moments longer before finally passing over the pangs of pain in his stomach. The pegasus was set to go. Good byes were never a thing he had to deal with, in fact they had never been considered difficult because they were only passing faces. He had known these faces for almost a month now. Shaking the thoughts from his mind he turned to leave. He never did find -- something Miss Yuna would like, but perhaps something to help her instead. He would exit his room and make his way down the hall to where Yuna occupied. He raised a hoof to knock... but could not. Reaching back into his saddlebag he retrieved a book.
Distant Lightning set the book down in front of her door and turned to leave. It was a book on magic lessons. While he could never make sense of such a thing -- perhaps she could. He snorted, trying t instill some sense of courage, but nothing worked. His heavy hooffalls were not hard to notice, the ruby toes tracking away and out of the inn. He turned towards the train station in hopes to just avoid all of it. He told them, so he was not sneaking off. Today he was leaving. Why did he feel so uncomfortable though? Maybe the morning crowds. Yes. That had to be it.
Gleaming Echo popped a muffin into his mouth and savored the delightful blueberry. Alas just before he rounded a corner into a side street to make it to the inn he caught sight of something. A particular pony who looked like he was sneaking off! A growl was heard in the back of their mind and in an instant there was a surge of magic that heralded Tarnished possessing the body! "Oh no he doesn't." The pony's now slit-pupil gaze glowed as his horn also lit up with magic. The effect of the spell? Well.. Distant would rather quickly find himself being drug in the direction of the cultist! A cultist whom had casually started to continue on the way back to the inn with the spell channeled. He wasn't going to ditch them! Oh no no no!
Yunalesca peered at the ceiling a moment, staring off, antsy. Her ears twitched towards the sound of heavy hoofsteps that seemed to pause and continue on after a short time. She knew those hoofsteps well enough, with as tall and heavy as a certain horse was. Yuna went to investigate and found naught but a book lying on the carpet, lifting it to peer at the cover with interest. She would have to peruse its contents later, and tucked it under a wing for such so she could pursue those familiar hoofsteps. Yuna had to wonder if Dusk was with Lightning yet, though stepping out of the inn.. she wasn't. She did see the arabian, however, did he think to wander off? Gleam's approach was noted and curiously she lingered by the inn's doorway, peering out to watch.
Silent Dusk opened a freshly arrived package on her bed and attached steel plating to her leather armor around the barrel, flanks, chest and shoulders, then stepped all her hooves into steel greaves before lastly donning a night blue helmet, snapping the visor down over her eyes, nodding as it all fit perfectly as expected, eyeing a sheet of paper on her bed reading Equestrian army enlistment form, Night Division which she slipped into her saddlebag before leaving her room in search of her friends and leaving lover.
Distant Lightning moved to take another step but suddenly found his hooves bound by the magical energy. Being completely devoid of outward magic the pegasus had no chance of releasing himself from the damnable lasso unless he smacked a pony upside their horn. He made an indistinct noise as he toppled to the ground and was suddenly dragged, mind you through ever preceding obstacle, back toward the inn. By the time he was retrieved he felt dizzy and about ready to loose what little breakfast he had manage. "Listen here you...mages." Urp. He pushed a claret hoof to his muzzle. Forced movement, didn't like it.
Distant Lightning shifted his weight, hindlegs kicking so he could roll onto his belly and stand again. He shook the dust out from his tabard and used his wing to adjust his monocle. "What is the meaning of this?!" He tried to remain resolved in his actions, but he was internally screaming, as he often did in stressful situations. His outsides never matched the inn in such cases. Social conduct came before his comfort.
Gleaming Echo perked his ears when he saw Lady Yuna outside the inn. The possessed pony smiled wide as he offered a sweeping bow. "I believe this ruffian was attempting to slip away without anypony knowing." he'd say with an obviously pleased smile upon his face. The dark half was thinking little about the plight of the pegasus whom had been drug along the ground. "Be silent if you know what is good for you, peacock. The grown-ups are speaking!" There was as much warmth as the arctic in that, and it dripped with so much acid it would make aliens jealous! Distant would find little mercy from the dark half right now.
Yunalesca stepped out onto the inn's porch the moment she saw Lightning getting dragged across the ground by the force of magic. It made her cringe a little in sympathy, something that was forgotten seconds later after that realization that he'd been trying to leave alone. She frowned, or tried to, after she saw Tarnished bowing to her; his eyes and voice a good tip of who was in charge. Yuna descended the short steps and walked over to stand at the unicorn's side. He sounded.. angry, but thankfully, it was not aimed at her. "I'm a little disappointed by that, I was really wanting to come along to say goodbye." Yuna grumped, uneasy with the idea of goodbyes, and looked up at Lightning, briefly glancing towards the inn. She felt like somepony needed to go get Dusk for this, but she had little idea the thestral was already on her way.
Silent Dusk stepped out of the inn in full plated armor and regarded her friends and lover, no incorrect, even Yuna and Gleam were more than that, now or never, then trotted up to them and without a word hooked a hoof around Yuna's head and kissed her. "I love you." then moved to Gleam doing the same. "I love you too." then finally to Lightning glaring disapprovingly, then kissed him more deeply. "I love you most even though you tried to sneak away, you have more honor than this."
Distant Lightning shirked at Tarnish's anger. "...I'm not a peacock..." He mumbled, head low and eyes turning up to look as Yuna marched up. He just wanted to go. No good byes, no anything. Parties were negotiable, but -- the idea was not something he found pleasure in, and he was notorious for seeking pleasure in all things. Perhaps it was merely an arabian thing, but he'd rather not do this, okay? He scoffed his hoof against the ground, ears pinning to his skull. At Yuna's words he backed up a little. He parted his jaws to excuse the matter, but he could not? T'would be a lie if he said that good byes did not matter. They did, too much. It was why he did not want to say it. He couldn't lie anymore. One was enough. The horse seated himself in shame. It was not until Dusk came out that he nearly took off running, that is until he realized she was in full plate mail. Was he going to be trounced ever so badly? He was too delicate for a duel to the death! That involved dying!
Distant Lightning watched as Dusk affectionately paid heed to the others. He felt his heart sink. Maybe he was not worth such things. He has brought great dishonor to his co-- he was the cow. But more so dishonor to his family. He went off in an internal panic, face stoic, angry looking as the sneering expression tried to hold that fogging monocle. He tried not to cry. When Dusk approached him he flinched, wholly expecting a shoe across the face and to be challenged to the death, but what he wasn't expecting was a kiss. And..a scolding. He sunk further down, the large horse almost pony compact at this point. He honestly did not. "I...did not want to say good-bye." He had grown rather fond of them. Saying good bye meant they were parting. Twas the regards of a spoilt child not wanting to leave a candy shoppe. "Just allow me to go. I shall write." Though he may be unable to send it. "I shall return..." Someday.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face... The dark pony didn't understand a lot of the nuances of pony interaction so the attempt to leave without saying goodbye came off as more of an affront than anything else. Alas they were hardly able to think more on the topic before Dusk emerged from the inn in full guard regalia. Night if he were to be specific! And then Dusk trotted up to them and hooked a hoof around Yuna's head. Tarnished's jaw dropped as a pang of fear lanced through his body. Did he do something wrong? Why was... That was, rather abruptly, brought to a screeching halt as she did the same with him! His eyes widened almost comically as the light half's face blushed a crimson that was only vaguely matched by the time when Yuna did the same to him! "Uh..." So eloquent that was! She'd crashed his brain she had! oops? Gleam was actually no better either, suffering a same dumbfounded fate!
Yunalesca had her gaze drawn back to the inn when her peripheral vision caught movement. It was Dusk, stepping out, decked out in full armor. She was distracted from the others as she puzzled over why Dusk was wearing armor, wondering why that was. She didn't think any of them needed such a guarded escort just to follow Lightning to Canterlot! Her thoughts faltered to a confused jumble when Dusk stepped up to her first and pulled her in for a kiss. She froze, eyes wide, unable to pull away nor move in on something so unexpected. Never did a mare kiss her before. Did Tarnished in a mare's body count? Perhaps not. She couldn't think, her coat felt prickly and her face was warm. Blushing. Yuna numbly watched as Dusk went to Tarnished to do the same, barely registering the expressions of love. Part of her was faintly amused, but she wasn't sure whether she wanted to laugh, or.. what. Yuna certainly wasn't angry, not when she too had been kissed. She sat down without thinking about it, watching, flustered, and trying to figure out what just happened.
Silent Dusk stepped back and nodded. "I understand love and it's alright, Tar and Yuna will bring you to the station as I am running late to meet the enlistment officer, I intend to join the army seeing as you will leave us, so I need some time to reflect on this, naturally I'll write the three of you and please don't worry I'll return." then she spread her wings preparing to leave.
Distant Lightning glanced up at Dusk as she expressed her wellness with the situation, but why did he feel so -- bad? When she said she was --- army? But... He was not one for the military, but he knew enough that she would be sent away to train. She would be gone, away from the others. He suppose he had no right to say anything and even less given that she was somepony before he met her. He felt hurt. He was distressed she did not want to see him off, even though he did not want them, to see him off. Why was socializing for such an extended period so hard? He was used to meetings and partings, but not adventures and parting! He had this all planned out! Why did his plans never work out. he had contingencies for his contingencies, but clearly he was not prepared to be dragged through the courtyard than have a sandbag dumped on him! H-he was being dumped! He staggered to his hooves. He felt light-headed.
Distant Lightning made a noise, it sounded a bit like a drunken kee. "Ah...tis of no consequence, I was planning to go to the station on my own... I am an adult." Who couldn't adult. "I do...not agree with such a choice it seems rather dangerous but, it is something I have no say in." The entire time he just stared at the ground. "Yes.. letters. Writing." It was the excuse he gave, even though he knew he had no idea where the others lived, and could hardly submit to the irony of her statement. He refused to say good bye. "Yes. Show your enemies no quarter!" Right... chin up. He felt bad. He hadn't felt like this since he lost Thunder. It was an empty feeling that was like losing a piece of yourself. How much of himself had he left at this point? He subconsciously brushed his hoof over his chest, as if searching. "Well... I've all I need. I suppose since you are out. Shall we be off?" He felt numb.
Gleaming Echo gained a bit of a glossy look for a time after the surprise after his brain attempted to put everything back together. But then the next piece of news came out. Dusk was going to leave them to? While they knew Distant would have to go and then Dusk likely would as well ~ They hadn't expected so soon! The dual pony's breath hitched and for a moment or two it might have been like he froze up completely. The pony never had friends in this life; and likewise had never had to deal with the loss/departure of a friend to regions unknown. "I-I.. need to go take care of some things." he didn't know this... feeling. The mangled remains of Gleaming Shield's memories could only help him so much! But one thing he did know... if he didn't leave the town for a short while there might be rubble and burning buildings. A spike of anger flared and his eyes flashed evilly. "Don't wait up for me Lady Yunalesca... I'll return in a bit." Without nary another word he turned and vanished in a teleport unstable enough to char the ground where he'd been standing with mana burns.
Yunalesca was pulled back to this little patch of Ponyville when Dusk spoke again, who was talking of leaving. Her ears lay back. "You can't be leaving too, why?" It felt like a heavy weight on her chest. She thought that Dusk would be with them while they all dealt with Lightning's departure together, but.. "How long will you be away?" She knew nothing of the nuances of the army, or the guard, that would keep Dusk away and how long. Her gaze shifted towards Lightning's attempt to brush it off, but she approached Dusk so she could try to give her a hug before she left. She wasn't letting the thestral leave without one, but Tarnished's reaction made her falter. "Wh- ?" He was gone and the circle left by him given a pained look. This was just too hard on all of them, and she was left to walk with Lightning alone. Shit. She sagged a little, torn.
Silent Dusk embraced the alicorn and nuzzled her cheek tenderly. "The initiation is a good two weeks, you take care of Gleam until then I swear to you that I'll return to you three, after I figured out what to do with all this understand Yunalesca?" then gave her another soft kiss and mumbled. "See my beloved Lightning to his train, I have a long flight ahead to the border." then the thestral lifted off and flew away to the south with strong beats of her bladed wings, she had a few things to do.
Distant Lightning winced at the sound of Dusk's wings. Ah, he was already lonely and he wasn't even on the train yet. Gleam was -- Tar was... oh they were mad. His ears were folded back so he did not catch too much of what the mares said to each other, but he did feel a sense of -- exclusion with their embrace. He always felt Dusk liked Miss Yuna more than him. For all the small, defenseless creatures Gleamished was about to exterminate-- Distant Lightning deeply apologizes. He backed up, fumbling to his hooves and looked to Yuna. "S...should we wait for him?" It was probably best if he just go. He did not know how to even this.
Yunalesca gave Dusk a faint squeeze with her forelegs when they embraced. "Two weeks?" Two weeks could be a long time without.. the friends that were leaving to spend that time. "I.. I'll take care of him." She nodded, blinking when she received another kiss, almost leaning into it a little despite its quickness. "Alright.. See you around, Dusk." Yuna bid her goodbye and stood there to watch her go, saddened. She tore her eyes away from Dusk's retreating, armored figure to Lightning, shrugging. "He.. He said not to wait up, so.. I guess not?" Yuna really didn't know.
Distant Lightning was equally at a loss. He supposed there was no choice. The male turned to walk toward the train station. His saddlebags just felt all that heavier now. He did not want to ride the train, he felt uneasy on it, sick. Dusk had helped him deal with his ride to Hollow Shades, now it was just -- He looked to the ground. "I ...am sorry." He felt the need to press his apology. The road just felt long. The station was not all that far, but it felt miles with just the silence. He had seen their faces, now he hesitated.
Yunalesca shuffled her wings under her shawl, as though readjusting them, and moved with Lightning to go off to the train station. Her ear flicked towards his apology and she wasn't sure how to respond. "It happens." She never saw their little group of friends splitting up like this, but here they were. Unexpected. They would get over it. Maybe. Did her mother feel like this, or worse, when she'd run away without a word? Her tail flicked as she walked, eyes focused on the street ahead of her. "I understand you have to leave, but," have you ever thought of running away too? was on her tongue to finish that sentence, but she never said it aloud. She just gave a twitch of her head in a shrug. It was a selfish question, to keep him here. "We'll miss you."
Distant Lightning moved along, his hooves feeling heavy. And not just in the ironic sense of his heavier steps. He paused and looked back as Yuna spoke. He did have to go... because he was expected to. He had tried to keep his wings folded but it was difficult. He just wanted to... Flexing out the extra pair of appendage the male turned to walk toward Yuna. He would move to pull his wings around her in a hug so he could brush his head against hers. "You'll forget me soon. I wish you well Miss Yuna. I know I have not been the most understanding of your condition." He glanced to her horn and than her shawl before looking to her face. "But you are a good pony." He backed up, flapping his wings before lifting them to tuck them once more.
Yunalesca came to a halt when Lightning approached and was surprised when he swept her into a hug with his wings. They were soft and light, at least the feathers were and the embrace was.. comforting in a way. She had to rear up a bit just to hug him in turn with her forelegs, tall as he was, and dropped back down. What he had to say was.. touching. Her, a good pony. Yuna snorted, but it was not aimed at that. "I won't forget you at all, not after our adventures." If she had to, she would write to him if he didn't send anything.. Yuna made to start walking again, towards the train station, at a slow pace to keep beside him.
Distant Lightning sighed. He had hoped she would be deterred... "I would find it difficult forgetting you all.." He softly admitted. "D..did you find the book I left you? I did not wish to d... I wanted to ensure you had at least something from me." He could not say it, for he had not wanted to see her before his departure. He strode along, the station coming into view. It was a dreadful sight. "My only regret was that we did not become closer." He stood with his proud posture, a gait fit for a noblepony, which he was. Sometimes it was easily forgotten with his awkward fumbling that he had no commonsense for the commonality of the average pony!
Yunalesca made a quiet noise in her throat and nodded, shifting one wing as she dipped her head beneath to pull it out, showing it briefly. She was still holding onto it from when she found it sitting in front of her door. "I did. It looks useful." The mare paused and glanced over at him, an ear turning his way. A gift? "Thank you." She managed, feeling something of awkwardness. Thanks felt strange to give. "I think there might have been some progress as is, considering." Yuna didn't want to mention what she'd thought of him upon first meeting and the following days, not when he was leaving. She gave the train station looming ever closer an unhappy frown.
Distant Lightning felt the anxiety eating away at his stomach, tearing it apart. "Yes, of course." He supposed it was just something they could not do... become closer. He pushed up onto the platform where other passengers waited for the train's arrival. Canterlot was a very different place, but he would have no time to explore. Straight to the balloons, straight him. The journey would take a few days, two or three if he was lucky. "Please... let him know as well. That I am sorry." No good byes.
Yunalesca followed him up the steps to stand by and watch, her gaze flicking over the other, pastel assortment of ponies milling about. She wasn't sure now if she would follow him to Canterlot, without Gleam to accompany her, or if she would just say goodbye.. here. The thought of being alone in the capital after Lightning went on his way was unnerving and she didn't think she could do it anyway. She took in a breath to calm herself of crowding feelings and looked up at the arabian, considering something. After Dusk had kissed her, she could leave him one before he left- on his cheek. "Don't worry, I will. He'll.. be fine."
Distant Lightning folded his ears back, staring off at the crowd. He --- was losing his nerve again. While he stood proud, and looked more than ready to leave all of this behind, his mind was racing, his heart falling to pieces. He looked down and sighed. Turning to face Yuna he gave his usual sneer. "Yes, well, you must also do well Miss Yuna. These are just the normal paths in life." He really tried to convince himself.
Yunalesca averted her eyes when Lightning turned towards her, glancing over the nearby ponies. That look. "I know." Only half of it. She'd never really had friends before and two of them just.. leaving like this. Hurt. She grumped quietly, not liking the feelings. At least she could find comfort with Gleam later, now that it was just the pair of them- or trio, rather. Her ear twitched, trying to pick up on any sounds other than the soft murmurs of nearby conversation, and thought to go through with it. Now or never, she supposed. Yuna balanced up on her back legs briefly just so she could leave a soft kiss on Lightning's cheek and withdrew quickly, scuffing a hoof.
Distant Lightning had not expected such a thing from the mare. He chirped in surprised, lowering his head a bit as he looked up. It was like a foal who had been caught misbehaving. He was -- he was the worst. His face flushed, but he could be thankful to his darker fur where nothing of the sort showed up. A dark hoof brushed against the ground shyly. "Asadf...." He muttered out, nerves snapping on the spot. He liked Miss Yuna... but as with Gleam when facing them, he hadn't resolve. They had been right all along about him, back home. He could not amount to anything as a coward, as a yellow bellied peahen who couldn't even face an enemy with hoof out. He rubbed at his good eye. Dirt. Right. "The season change calls for a great deal of drying air, but I will persevere. Miss Yuna." No good byes. He turned tail and proudly marched to the train. Once inside, and the car doors closed he went to his seat. Once alone he shut down. He was going back to the place he left for a place he wanted to remain.
Yunalesca tried to act casual about it, her face faintly red around the cheeks as she looked away, back over at the gathering crowd. Was that the train she heard? Its squeal of brakes as it stopped made her cringe and her eyes went back towards Lightning, biting her lower lip. "Yeah, okay." She managed, teetering on the verge of saying more. He was leaving, and she would berate herself later if she didn't say it. "See you around." It was a softer goodbye and one she could manage, even if he didn't say anything of the sort. Yuna lingered long enough to watch and wait for the train to leave.. Once it did, whenever it did, she would have to tear herself away from the sight to return to the inn, glum. Now she just had to wait for.. whenever Tarnished came back from whatever he was doing. Alone.
The End.