6/14/16; Escape from Saddle Arabia

[Mal]

Distant Lightning was busy putting his house back into order. One cannot imagine the backlash that came with Master Storm's death. Paperwork, it was a lot of reading, paperwork and signing. The day started early in the Storm household, hours that one couldn't believe existed. He was eased awake by the gentle, familiar urgings, of the maids and would prepare for the morning.He would dress in his tabard, spending quite a few hours in the mirror with a maid standing by in the case he needed something, but he never asked. Finally coming down for breakfast the male gathered up the book that belonged to his granpap for reading. Tea and vegetable salad, with toast, for breakfast. There was enough for the others were they to consider joining. The maids would go to wake them, if they so chose to join. For now Lightning sat alone. Such a big and empty home... He sighed and used his wings to turn to a page as he settled to eat with his hooves.
Distant Lightning still had many uneasy feelings about everything. He loved his grandpap, he was sure, but the things he did his friends said were wrong, among other choice words that the mage was rather fond of. Thinking about them made him itchy. Restless? Scratching at the side of his head he would relax for the morning and eat at a pace viable to him. The words in the book -- were not a way to start one's morning. Detailed dairy entries on what he thought of the family, what he planned to do... There was one particular passage the pegasus had become stuck on. 'She was dying, but it was better she died of natural causes, than be saved.' It was a passage on his sister, when she was ill.

Gleaming Echo let out a yawn as there was a knocking from the door. The dark unicorn had apparently maintained control since he fell asleep but... well.. now it was time to get up! Maybe it was the bed or the fact he'd gone to sleep when tired but he woke up all sorts of... awake! For once he was a morning pony! The dark pony raised his head and should Yuna be there he'd give her a nudge. He rolled and found himself dropping to the floor. "One moment." he managed as he stood and went for the door to open it. Alas apparently Distant was down eating breakfast? By the stars what time was it ~ how was he not tired if breakfast was being eaten?! The dark unicorn didn't do much more than resize and slide his robes on before making sure everything was set correctly. Then it was just a matter of going downstairs!

Yunalesca hadn't moved from the unicorn's side, having managed to fall asleep after all. She was curled up, her wings tucked around her like a light blanket, but come morning she was already starting to rouse. The alicorn made a soft, whining noise at the knocking; the sounds of other ponies making sleep flee far from her. She felt the unicorn, she didn't know which of them was in charge, nudge her from behind, prompting her to stretch out. There was no chance of her going back to sleep, not with the sound of the door opening startling her. If any of the maids saw.. ! Sufficiently awake, Yuna snatched up her shawl to put on and followed Tarnished down to breakfast, yawning.

Distant Lightning shuffled about when he heard movement nearby, the book slammed closed beside him, wing pressed against it. It would seem, though, that the butler had snuck up beside Lightning with the teakettle. The flustered peacock held up his saucer and cup, eyes narrowing (even behind the monocle) "Do you always do that?" He questioned. 'Yes young master.' The butler replied without second thought. "Can you... not?" Lightning felt uneasy the unicorn was able to just sneak up on them like that! 'No young master.' He assured. Lightning sighed and blew the tea cool. The butler levitated a silver tray with a rolled parchment. 'You're schedule young master.' The tray lowered to his side, resting atop the questionable book. Lightning reached a wing over to pick it up as he drank his tea. "I have an itinerary today?" That was unusual. 'Yes young master. You are house head now.' The butler stated flatly. Better the young master than Master Storm, frankly.
Distant Lightning unfurled the paper as he multitasked. One wing held the paper, the other a forkful of vegetables and his hooves his tea. "This seems rather excessive." He protested. 'Nonsense. A duel to the death has its laws.' The butler regarded. "But..." 'Duel to the death.' He stressed. Lightning grumped and already felt tired. He just wanted to go back to the library. Ah! But he had plans today, he could not forget those! He needed accessories to properly seduce Miss Yuna and the mages! "Very well." The plates were set out, bare, but ready to be served. The unicorn butler stepped back, maids at either sides of the dining room waiting for commands.

Gleaming Echo glanced back at the alicorn as he stepped from the room. Tarnished didn't really know why Gleam was letting him control the body still but how could he complain? Perhaps the light side just wanted more time to think. He'd gone through a long discussion with his 'brother' in the dreamscape about what had been said; and hopefully things would get back to normal soon. Alas he hadn't even thought to make sure Yuna was covered before the door was open! Damn; oops? With a shake of his head he led the way down towards the dining hall. However just before they got there he paused long enough for the alicorn to catch up. "Sleep well Lady Yuna?" he asked as he gave her a nuzzle and then joined her to walk in.

Yunalesca pulled her shawl down around her body and over her wings, trying to blink sleep from her eyes. What lights came through the windows stung them, but they eventually adjusted while she walked off after Tarnished. She.. was still not a morning pony. Yuna came up to the unicorn as he stopped for her, blinking up at him. "Yeah, I did. I just wish I could have slept a little longer. Oh well." Yuna nuzzled him as he came in to do the same and trailed after, picking up on the subtle smell of breakfast food. There was a long table set, but just Lightning was there.. along with the servants. She made to seat near the pegasus, wanting to stick together. "Morning."

Distant Lightning had not expected the mare to sit so close. He looked down. "Good morning. Are you doing well today? We've a good selection from the gardens today." He motioned toward the bowl of dandelions and other delicious vegetables. It was quite the spread, Something that a noble like him should be proud of. But, as it was, he had difficulty coming up with decent things to say. Normally, and such hours, he was alone. In their company so awkward. Suffice to say, that they meant a lot to him, so much so that he was concerned with what he said and did in their presence rather than attempting to hide or run away. Though he did still shy away from them. "I hope the hours were not too early for you." He pressed, moving to brush his muzzle with his hoof. "Y..you two look well today." He knew that desert life was difficult and not for everypony, or any pony for that matter. Horses were primary occupants of the sandy dunes for a reason!

Gleaming Echo moved to take his own spot at the table. He was on the other side of Yuna but he was also rather close by so he could stay in whatever conversation there was. He'd have sat between the alicorn and Distant but didn't want to come off as rude or something and... the other side of the table was out of the question! Alas the unicorn let out a bit of a chuckle. "Thank you, Distant... You aren't looking too bad yourself." That plus some good old fashioned waggling eyebrows in conjunction with the voice of 'his' was all aimed to potentially fluster the poor horse. It probably wouldn't work but he might as well try; it was so fun to make Yuna blush! "The hours will take some getting used to, but this morning I'm feeling rather good about the day. Of course how long that lasts is anypony's guess."

Yunalesca managed to offer the pegasus a smile; usually so early she didn't feel like doing much of anything, but she made herself smile anyway. "I'm all right. The food does look good." The alicorn covered her mouth as another yawn came, her horn alight as she pulled a pair of tongs up to put some salad onto the empty plate in front of her. "It's not too bad. Usually I wake at noon, but, y'know." Yuna shrugged as she gave her own answer, head tilting towards Tarnished where he'd taken his seat beside her. His waggling eyebrows brought up a more genuine smile. Yuna peeked back towards Lightning to see his reaction as she started to eat, using a fork.

Distant Lightning was a bit startled by the nightmare's unexpected approach. He startled, shirking back a bit when he sat between them. Had he don something wrong? He was still quite twitchy, uneasy. The herd thing was stupid to ask them. They were Equestrian. It was strange for them. Maybe he shouldn't bother going shopping for the accessories.... His wings pulled up at his sides in a shy, defensive manner as he turned his tea cup's saucer in his hooves nervously. "G-good morning to you as well." He swallowed the 'sorry' that nearly escaped for he had seen the creature's gaze and shifting brows. He looked ... good? "Than...nk you." He sipped his tea feeling exposed. Shifting his hindlegs he crossed them and glanced towards Yuna. "Ah... n-noon?" That seemed blasphemous. "How?" There was so much to do in the morning! Maybe it was because she had no schedule of her own?!
Distant Lightning used his right wing to bring his fork to his muzzle. "Well I have a great deal of things to tend to this morning, while Dusk is sleeping." He was sure whilst she was awake he would have no time to do these required errands. "It could give you a chance to see the beauty of the capital." Even with everything he spoke of his capital with high regard.

Gleaming Echo inclines his head silently as he listened to the speaking between Yuna and Distant. Almost uncharacteristically quiet. Alas when it was mentioned that he had things he had to do and... it would give them an opportunity to see the city! The nightmare blinked and sat back. "Although... perhaps it would be best to let the one to go out and explore the city be Gleam. He is the more... unassuming of the two of us." And as much as he hated to admit it he didn't feel like causing trouble this day. Honestly ~ He'd somewhat rather just curl back up in bed with Yuna and company... Something he'd decided to voice. "Couldn't we just call it something to do later and go back to a bedroom? I'm a creature of the night." he grumped.

Yunalesca chewed idly on her food, nodding at Lightning's confusion. "I'm not really much of a morning pony, and I prefer to sleep in." If that was what he was asking.. Her head tilted Tarnished's way as she rested her cheek against one hoof, her magic easily handling her fork. She smiled a little. "The city is pretty nice, I guess. I was only out with Lightning before for a short time, but it should be fine. Even just with Gleam. As tempting as it is to return to bed.." Yuna liked the idea, but she was already awake! "I'm sure we can take a nap later though, after we return."

Distant Lightning sighed as he ate. "It seems we...are all just night ponies." How odd. Him with his insomnia, Dusk being a bat and these two for whatever reason. He supposed due to Gleamished's cult.... "After breakfast if you are still feeling tired we can go to the living area and rest in front of the fireplace. Would that be suitable?" He did not wish to just go back to bed. At least in the living area there were -- books. "Why are you night driven Miss Yuna? I can understand Dusk and Gleamished... but--" Why was she nocturnal?

Gleaming Echo perked up at the notion of going to sit in front of the fire in the living area for a while. "That would be nice... We can eat, go there to try to wake up the rest of the way, and then go out into the city. Or rather Gleam can go out with you all while I go back to sleep. I hate sunlight." he'd say with a wide yawn that showed off those sharp teeth of his. The nightmare flicked an ear and finally seemed to decide on something. He stood and moved over to Distant before attempting to brush against the sitting pegasus much like a cat and settling down beside him to sit. "Now.. Yuna could join us here and I'll be happy." Was he talking to himself? Perhaps... "Care to join?" he offered the alicorn. Should she actually move to do so (and got close enough to) the nightmare would grab her with his hooves and pull her to cuddle as he leaned on Distant. Was he purring? Probably. Happy... uh.. pony monster?

Yunalesca set down her fork, looking for a moment confused by Lightning's question; resting in the living area sounded nice, though. "I'm not night driven, I just.. sometimes I have a hard time falling asleep at night, and I'm too comfortable in bed in the morning to even want to wake up." Yuna tried to explain with a little shrug, turning her head towards Tarnished and back as he moved over to Lightning. "That sounds good to me." Yuna agreed, sliding out of her chair to join them, letting Tarnished snatch her up. The alicorn buried into the dark pony's fur, nuzzling into his chest beneath the raiment.

Distant Lightning grunted when he felt Gleamished brush against him. He had not expected it. The male fluffed up, as he did, a veritable chicken of the desert! He moved to settle down on his side. the seats were low to the ground, making it easy to slid on and off. The fire was low, keeping it warm against the cool stone floors which were marble rather than the sandstone that filled the rest of the home. He folded his ears back as he moved to tuck his forehooves and lay down. Odd pony out again. "Ah... no, no we can go in the evening when Dusk is awake and the sun is down a bit more. I just find it better to be up with the sun." he had little else to do.
Distant Lightning felt it was perhaps best they stay inside. He did not want to stress them. "Well resting is good, but Miss Yuna should find time to rest." He used his wing to lift his fork, tucking the salad into his muzzle to occupy it, mumbling something.

Gleaming Echo let out a sort-of startled sound whenever the Distant that he'd been just previously leaning on suddenly shifted and moved to lay down~ It was all the nightmare could do in order to not fall over with Yuna! Alas he was forced to let the alicorn go and glance at the now laying Distant. "I'm sure Dusky would be rather cross if we all went out without her anyways." his tail flicked and he gained a rather predatory glint in his eye. Dissy seemed to keep 'running away' ~ Alas there was one way he could easily change that! The nightmare stood, stepped around, and then made to drape himself right over the pegasus. There was no escaping him now! "I need a little time with everypony to, no? Gleam has been the one out to play so often... Even if he is too chicken to." he rumbled and nuzzled up against the pegasus's neck perhaps. If Yuna snuck too close she'd also be pulled into much the same position whether via magic and hoof or just his hooves. He was not gonna take no for an answer!

Yunalesca grunted quietly when Lightning moving in his seat forced Tarnished to let her go. She liked being wrapped up in his forelegs. "Probably." The alicorn murmured, watching as the nightmare went around to go after Lightning. Yuna pulled herself back to her hooves to follow along. "I wish it was so easy." Yuna said as she made to join them, only to find herself pulled close by Tarnished yet again. This was better. She lay down, where her body would be leaning up against both of them. The mention of Gleam and 'play' prompted her to open her mouth to say something, but she thought better of it and shut it. Instead she just nuzzled up against the both of them.

Distant Lightning was not expecting the mage to throw himself over his body like he was the rug. The birb let out a surprised chirp, ears folding s his eyes narrowed. "Yes... I don't want Dusk upset. Tis best if we wait for her." When she was upset it... well it wasn't good. Glancing towards the two he frowned a bit. His attempt to escape was rebuked and he was not sure how to respond. He did not want to become a thorn in their side. "Tis likely fault of mine. I had said to much and pushed him to a point of distress." The young stallion had fainted! What was he to do?! He sneered, a weak attempt at a smile.
Distant Lightning glanced to Yuna when she spoke. "I... " No good bye nerve. He looked away. "You have had time with the others no? I am sure Dusk and Miss Yuna would be grateful if the other young one is well." Did that even come out right? "What I mean to say is that his company is -- missed, not that yours would not be. They are ..." Finding a way to word this was difficult. He couldn't. He laid his head down, unable to escape now between the two. "I am not a cog. I am the schematics." In which -- he felt he was the one who planned and helped from the outside. Being part of it was difficult. They all had such varying dynamics and he couldn't keep up. "How can I support you all when I myself... know nothing of myself?"

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a sigh as he nuzzled up to both Yuna and Distant. "Indeed.. Dusky can be quite the little firebrand can't she!" He chuckled maybe sinisterly. Perhaps that is why he liked the little bat. She seemed to be just like he in some ways! Alas the train of thought was brought to a slowing stop as his ears slightly lowered and then perked again. "Think of him like... an sheltered colt just coming to the age where they think about fillies... And then turn him into an awkward bibliophile of comics." he'd say with a bit of a dry voice as he found his rather cuddly state to be quickly ebbing. Perhaps it was the somewhat dismissive way towards him or the way that it was loosely implied that they wanted Gleam and not he. They did have a point that he had been out more than the light half, but for the prone to emotional reaction creature he found his anger spiking. A narrowing of the eyes was the only sign before there was a 'puff' of magic smoke as Gleam was ejected into his body. Looked back and forth to try to realize where he was only to let out a quiet 'eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep'... He was all but petrified ~ Tarnished left him in this situation without him knowing! He'd just woke up for the morning to! However even in the midst of having a bit of a freak out (And even if the horse was comfortable to lay on like a bed as he was ~ Oh... and he was hugging miss Yuna! He hugged her tighter.) the light half noticed what was said. "But blueprints are just as important... if not more so... The parts can be easily replaced." came the quiet reply.

Yunalesca would merely listen, silent for the most part. Anything she could have said was already spoken by Tarnished, and from a more knowing angle. Tarnished's description of Gleam made her snort softly in amusement and she turned towards Lightning. "You probably just need time to just.. branch out and figure yourself out. What you like and don't like, what you can do.. stuff like that." Yuna offered up, but she didn't know how helpful she would be, if at all. The alicorn made to nuzzle back up against Tarnished, but she saw his look before he switched with his other half. Did something.. ? She bit her lower lip and leaned into the hugging Gleam, ears turned back slightly from the noise he was making until he talked. Yuna didn't know what either of them were on about.

Distant Lightning seems to have -- offended Tarnished. Did he? He was not sure. "You are far from replaceable..." He assured. He sighed, just sinking. "What...I want, Miss Yuna, is for you all to be well, happy. But I do not know if I can provide that. At the least I can show you my home. It should be satisfactory." He loved them, he did but he already upset Dusk, Gleamished and Yuna. "I have given each of you troubles. Dusk was hurt because of me. I caused young Gleam to bleed from his face." Which he assumed was from the fall. "Miss Yuna as well -- was brought discomfort." He faceplanted the ground. "I deeply apologize. I do not know how to be with others. I have been alone since Thunder died."

Gleaming Echo blinked and flicked his head some to clear his thoughts. "No-no-no ~ Y-you didn't do that." he'd say with a turn of his head and a nervous scuff of his hoof upon the ground. The cultist just... sighed.. He wished Dusky was here! She was the one that was able to get the pegasus to cheer up.... "You need to stop being so hard on yourself... L-Like Tarnished said... Ya need to not let such trivial things trouble you! We're not angry at you; nopony is." The cultist was still laying on Distant though. No escape for him! Gleam would get the cuddles he wants.

Yunalesca exhaled through her nostrils, slow, almost a sigh. She let Gleam talk first and she leaned into his familiar scent. "We are happy. You didn't cause me any discomfort, or any problems whatsoever. I don't want to keep repeating this." Yuna expressed firmly, moving a hoof to brush over Lightning's back. "Besides, the nosebleeds usually happen to Gleam in such situations. I've.. seen it happen before." Admittedly, they hadn't even been doing anything when he woke up next to her the last time it had happened. "We want to spend time with you, which includes going out to see the city."

 Silent Dusk would get out of bed then and stretch her wings out, how long would they remain in Saddle Arabia? wouldn't Lightning collect that travel permit soon? making her way to the bathing room she would freshen up before trotting off to find the other members of her little herd.

Distant Lightning literally cannot even. The horse flopped his head down as they spoke back against his grump. He knew not how to deter such things because it was all he knew to be true for -- years. To him they were much younger, and truly he should be ashamed to be such a sight before the youth. He pulled his wings tucked. "It is just..." He noticed he hurt Tarnished's feelings. He did want him around but how did he say that? He was worthless. "The city is wonderful I am sure you will find ... beauty in it." He glanced up at Yuna when she brushed his back and scolded him. he seemed to tuck his wings away to hide the fact they were missing a lot of feathers again. "I still firmly believe you should return home without my company. I could always come find you when needed." He knew... they weren't going to hand over another travel visa so easily, if at all. Not with granpap's death in question.

Gleaming Echo narrowed his eyes and looked at Distant as he suggested they head back to Equestria. "I think I speak for Tarnished as well as myself when we say; try something else." he'd say as he reached a hoof up to tap at the pegasus's noggin some. "Come on, you're always touting yourself as such a clever pony!" he held Yuna much like a teddy bear as she brushed Distant's back and he buried his face against her. "We won't be going anywhere, and stop asking or I'll have Tarnished go blow something up. I'm sure he'd be happy to agree." he grumped a little himself. The pegasus needed to stop trying to get rid of them! He decided to just try to relax.... "Once Dusky is here we can go out and see the city...."

Yunalesca tilted her head, waiting for Lightning to finish, but he seemed to change topics as she mentioned the city. "I agree with Gleam. We're not leaving without you. If you still want me to go with you to the academy to see if they'll give it to you, I'll be happy to be there." Yuna joined in, assuring the pegasus. Her free hoof was lifted to wrap around Gleam's shoulder, against his mane when he pressed into her. "Yeah.. You shouldn't worry about it." Yuna murmured, turning her head to look towards the door. She wondered if they should try waking up the bat, or let her be? If she was already up, she might hear their voices.

Silent Dusk walked through that very same door giving a yawn. "Well if they don't give it to him we can always let Tarnished raze the city to the ground I guess, but good morning my lovers how are we all this morning?" she'd ask as she made her way to the three and settled near them. "Anything to eat here?'

Distant Lightning had lost his appetite, not that he ever really had one. Tea and some stale bread often did it. He raised his hoof, seeing as he was pinned on the ground anyway by Gleam, and pushed his salad bowl toward Dusk. He flopped his head on the ground, a frustrated lump. His ears folded back, stormy eye (s, since one was behind his monocle) leering up at the female. He did not mean to grouse but.... "....can we not raze my city. It is enough I have to deal with the aftermath of grandpappy's death." He sighed. He was being a bit snippy, but he was distressed by it all. He didn't feel himself worth hanging around. He huffed and muttered. "I am clever, but tis naught I can do to change the law, merely circumven..." He wondered. "Perhaps we c...can go to the Academy and talk to Falling Night. If she passes my thesis through, I could get grant immediately to go."

Gleaming Echo nodded some as Yuna wrapped her hoof and murmured. "Y-yeah..." With that said he just However that was when Dusky entered and said her part. He let out a bit of a smile as one eye lit up with Tarnished's glow. "See! She knows how to do it!" That voice was quite obviously Tarnished as the nightmare-controlled pony waved a hoof Dusk's direction. The glow faded once again and he shook his head. "I-I kinda agree... If they are being such a problem we just need to... remove the problem. What is really stopping you from leaving now besides yourself and so-called authority? It isn't like there is anything here right?" Tarnished was doing a fair job at corrupting the poor impressionable light half wasn't he...

Yunalesca almost pulled her gaze away from the doorway when she caught movement, and Dusk entered. It was good that she was here, for it meant they could go out on their walk through the city, something that might distract Lightning for a while. She didn't know why he was being so down on himself. The bat's encouragement, and Tarnished's vehement response, drew her ears back. "Don't encourage him." Yuna chided lightly; she didn't have the same desire to destroy, and she had her reasons for it. Yuna gave Lightning a nuzzle. "Certainly we can. I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to go.. or why you couldn't just leave, yourself. Either way, it can be our destination out."

Silent Dusk ate some vegetables and kissed her three lovers and technically Tarnished. "Alright Yuna sorry, now get those sexy flanks up so we can go into town, that goes for you too Lightning love, I know you have it tough now but we are here for you."

Distant Lightning was not ... okay with the idea but would push to stand. His stomach wasn't up to have anything more than the few bites he had and his tea. He clearly had no problem worming out from under the smaller pony but he had submitted so remained below as he did. His wings twitched tucked away as he made conscious choice not to flap them. Folding his ears back the chain on his piercing that led to his monocle clinked lightly. "Just please be prepared. We do have laws we must follow." Goodness knew the anarchy allowed in Equestria!

Gleaming Echo shook himself as he felt a gentle charge of magic from Tarnished's half of the psyche. Hearing about laws in this place of all places made his blood boil a little... How he wanted to take a good-size scroll and shove it up- ~Tarnished!~ To the others the light half was rather abruptly blushing somewhat bright. He scuffed his hoof and once the others made to head off he would be taking up the rear somewhat. Just in case there is a pony we need to burn for getting close to the others! Of course - wait, no!

Yunalesca withdrew from where she was settled against the pegasus when he moved, gathering her own hooves beneath her to stand as well. If they were going to go now, she ought to grab her cloak. The only thing she grabbed to put on that morning was a shawl. "We'll be fine." Yuna assured quietly as she trotted off and out of the room. A quick trip upstairs to change and the alicorn was back with the white cloak Lightning bought for her some days ago. It did well for her out in the desert heat, and if they were going on a walk to the academy.. Yuna will need it. She joined the others, waiting to depart.

Silent Dusk would trot after them and keep to herself and her thoughts a moment, wondering about a few things but never lagged behind too far.

Distant Lightning was dressed properly in his leather tabard. The feelings of dread that kept his feathers ruffled, which had began his last visit to the academy had only intensified. He, and Yuna, had found some interesting books, but concern was growing. The male would lead them out, making sure to keep pace enough so they can follow. Maybe Gleamished being here -- made the feeling worse? He would not react as calmly as Yuna. What had him so afright? His wings were tight against is body, his steps graceful, but stiff. His tail was braided, but his mane was more loosely so, with his top coif slicked up like a small mohawk. His monocle was attached to his ear allowing him more freedom of movement bodywise. He would lead them out into the head, memorized steps toward the academy. A lovely building, but poisonous individuals inside. "We... do not need too I am sure I can write Falling Night a letter."

Gleaming Echo was oddly quiet for a time while Yuna had gone and then returned with a... white cloak. he blinked and stared at the sight only to hear a little bit of sound from Tarnished in the back of his head? Alas the dark half of the unicorn was just waiting now. The nightmare had a feeling... ~ And he didn't like it when he had bad feelings! He was going over every spell he could remember that could maim and destroy.... Then again that might just be Tarnished's natural aggressiveness rearing its head.

Yunalesca glanced over her companions and caught Gleam's stare. It occurred to her she hadn't told or shown him yet, amidst all the usual things that went on through the days. She gave him a small smile and trailed off after Lightning as they left the manor and out into the sandy streets. Yuna was quiet for the most part as they walked, occasionally glancing over at the others to make sure they were all together. Lightning's statement drew her eyes back to him with some concern. After what she'd seen in the academy before.. "We can wait outside while you talk to this Falling Night pony, or something. I mean, I guess it would be better to stay together.." Yuna shrugged, unsure.

Silent Dusk remembered Falling Night and glowered a bit letting a soft hiss escape between her teeth. "Wasn't that the mare who did that shabby healing job on me?"

Distant Lightning winced. Yup, that was a good reason for them to stay. Gleamished and Dusk were potentially the most violent of the four. Yuna coming close third with Lightning far away in a pit somewhere with his pacifism. "You do not need to follow me... too I will speak to her." He avoided saying what he meant to. He knew that if they were all in there there would be more than eyes upon them. "I will make haste. I m going to deliver to her my thesis and request my leave. It is incomplete..." Until Dusk gave birth. "But this would be good cause to follow to observe a Thestral pregnancy and foreign magic culture!" Concerning Yuna and Gleamished. He turned to hurry in, not wanting them to follow but, he was a clumsy horse, and stumbled up.

Gleaming Echo narrowed his eyes as he caught tidbits of information on this pony that Distant was going to see. The more he heard, the less he trusted said pony too. She did a poor healing job on Dusky? The rather protective side of Tarnished broiled with agitation hearing that. "We will accompany you anyways... That is what good kin do, yes?" Of course was he wrong about that? "I also do not trust this city should we split up... Best if we all stayed together."

Yunalesca turned an ear back towards Dusk and made a face. So this Falling Night was responsible for that, what they'd seen the first day here? She fell into a thoughtful silence as they reached the academy and looked up at its tall double doors. Gleam wanted to stick together.. Yuna was starting to get a bad feeling now, but if the others insisted on following Lightning in, then so would she. The idea of standing out on the steps alone was not an attractive one, not at all. "Okay, I guess." Yuna murmured, moving up the steps after the stumbling horse should the others go after him.

Silent Dusk nodded. "Alright.. together then. united we stand." she'd try to support her stallion as they followed him into the building.

Distant Lightning would make his way up towards the headmaster's room -- Falling Night's. He stared at the ground as horses peered out from around bookshelves as the whispers of foreigners carried across. Many were proven in their believes that the horse had been harbouring ponies! Such amaze. Some felt it was amusing they looked more like horses, than he did. Some eyes were also on Dusk. A vampire? The thing they heard ate old Storm? Some professed seeing his body floating down the river! They came to her door and he would knock. 'Come in.' She called. The horse entered. The room was quite extravagant. All around were books, scrolls, and other decor that made her seem important, infallible. She was a unicorn, and was quite aggressive towards her position because of how they were looked down on in the country.

Gleaming Echo followed the group ~ However he DID keep a wary eye upon everypony else there. Yuna was kept well within sight just as the other two were. Nopony would mess with his friends on his watch. Soon enough, however, they arrived at the headmaster's room and found it to be inhabited by a.... unicorn? Gleam's eyebrow raised quite high ~ How odd it was that the heralded academy was headed by a creature that was generally looked down upon. But that didn't mean he trusted this unicorn - oh no.... Those looked down upon in such societies often lashed out.

Yunalesca made a noise, almost amused, at Dusk's utterance. Mostly nervous, but they'd be together in this as they've always been. The cloaked mare walked along after Lightning, trying to ignore the stares of some of the horses that peered out between the shelves to watch their passing. Nothing bad met them on the way to Falling Night's office, and the unicorn there was looked upon with some.. Yuna tried to hide her thin dislike, keeping quiet as she hung back with the others to let Lightning speak with Falling Night. Hopefully the unicorn will let Lightning have his visa..

Silent Dusk stared at the unicorn yet could not really dislike her, she had at least stitched her up and saved her from bleeding out. so she gave a curt nod but let Lightning have the word.

Distant Lightning bowed his head. 'Lili... I am sooo glad you came to visit. Is there something wrong? Is your ....' She avoided the word pet. 'How is your little entourage.' She pressed her hooves down and got out from behind her desk, walking around. Lightning reached into his bag and pulled out his papers. "Ah, I was working more on my thesis to try and make it more compelling. I wanted to request a visa return to Equestria to finish studying it, perhaps finish a book on the subject." 'Hmm..' Falling Night took the papers with her magic and moved to read them 'I am glad to see your friends are still safe.' She spoke Equestrian as well as Lightning. Educated, high up. 'But I am a bit -- troubled, have your companions remained inside? I have been hearing rumors that may implicate your comrades.' She read on. "N-n, I mean Yes they have been with me. What rumors?" 'Oh, ponies spotted around town, skulking at night.'

Gleaming Echo remained silent and well.. watchful as he stood a little off to the side of the door. Tarnished was being rather tame! Alas the dark one was still listening and bristled some when rumors were mentioned. Then again the rumors might possibly be true as well! He and Tarnished had kinda-sorta been skulking around after dark but Tarnished DID make sure nopony saw them. The cultist looked to Yuna and offered the alicorn a bit of a smile. They were here to support Dissy ~ That is what mattered, yes?

Yunalesca mostly kept a careful eye on Falling Night as she spoke with Lightning, her brow furrowing when the rumors were mentioned. They all stayed inside the manor unless Lightning took them out for a walk or to the academy.. Oh. Yuna remembered the flowers that Gleam brought her. As for the socks, they were a mystery. Gleam's smile was caught out of the corner of her eye and she turned to him, sidestepping to get closer to him. Other affections like nuzzling were held back on for the most part.. Yuna glanced over at Dusk, too, to see how she was doing.

Silent Dusk was staring at Falling Night to react to any of the unicorn's movements, her body was tensed, her wings slightly away from her body as she stood next to Lightning.

Distant Lightning watched on nervously as Falling Night read. 'How... cute.' She murmured. 'Pregnant... that is... unsettling. It seems you are too close to your subject matter Lili. I don't think you can study what you are...' Well she swallowed her foul word with a polite gag. 'I am going to have to deny your grant Lili. It seems you have been corrupted by the Equestrians and their ways. I am quite positive you have not announced any sort of partnership with this family. After all you were promised to m.' Even if she was married to a stallion already. If someone wants him, its better not. 'Look it is nothing against you ... ponies, but it is better for Lili he stays, but I will be more than glad to pay your ways home.' She smiled brilliantly.

Gleaming Echo found his expression twisting into a near feral grin and... were his teeth already shifting subtly into Tarnished's fangs? The unicorn was denying the visa on account of a.... personal grudge? He did catch what she'd said there. "I'm afraid at least I would not be going anywhere without Dissy... Somepony has to stick around and make sure nopony causes him harm. Bloody pacifist... Troublesome elements can find themselves in rather perilous situations! To be perfectly honest I would like to see anypony try to stop us should we leave with him. Distant simply wishes to make everything legal. For the protection of Saddle Arabia of course..." he purred with a scuff of a hoof.

Yunalesca noted that Dusk seemed tensed and looked away from her, focusing back on the two horses while Falling Night talked. Unsettling? Her face darkened a bit at the word, as with 'corrupted.' It was ridiculous, and rather rude on Falling's part. If only Yuna knew what all Lightning wrote, or else the lies on her tongue would be of use. Alas. Yuna glanced over at Gleam at the sound of his voice and her body tensed, afraid of how it might turn out. "Wouldn't it be prudent to strengthen relations between our two countries, too? Surely they can learn a lot about each other to avoid history repeating itself. Lightning could provide a lot of useful information about Equestria." Yuna stated; though she didn't say so aloud, she was showing she was just as determined to stay.

Silent Dusk looked at Falling Night with a completely relaxed calm, icy gaze transfixed on the unicorn as the bat betrayed not even a sliver of emotion, her tone flat and clear as she spoke. "Pregnant yes, with his foal. and as my brother stated this was a mere formality to do things by the book, unless you enjoy swimming? I am grateful that you saved me, please don't make me enjoy retracting that gratitude."

Distant Lightning did not say a word to defend himself. His spine was sucked out like a piece of linguini from an foreign pony's plate. Falling Night held her poise, unafraid, or at least this was what she showed. 'Theatrics and barbarity will get you, or Lili, anywhere. Learning more about Equestria is futile if this is how you foreigners act on a ruling of the state. Do you think this academy is a public figure head? We do all in the sultan's name and if there is even a thread of dissent... Lili you will have to go through reeducation so I do suggest you convince your -- company to go home because it will take you quite a long time, you were always hard to break. We wouldn't want to end up like Thunder now, would we?' And with that, Lightning sat. He lost his fight, or will to even argue, convince. Reeducation. Reeducation -- for the disobedient and slothful.

Gleaming Echo stared at the unicorn with a flat look. "You disgust me." The pony's body turned black and expanded until Tarnished was the one standing in the office with a predatory grin. "A pony.... living amongst these horses.." he hissed and stomped a hoof. A pang of magic shot through the room and the door clicked as if locking. "Commendable, but you've become the same stain upon the fabric of creation as they." The dark half of the pony had all but locked down the room. Anti-teleportation and all. And in a society where magic is frowned upon well... they probably didn't have many true defenses against it. Especially in such a place as this.... "Perhaps Dusky could join me in a teaching a... re-education of our own... You do seem to need one." it seemed his patience had run out and there was... well.. quite literally murder in those draconic eyes of his. Inhibiting Distant was one thing, but threatening him... now that was something else entirely. That just would not do...

Yunalesca pinned her ears back, looking disgruntled. Theatrics? Barbarity? They were trying to be perfectly reasonable! It just struck her funny how some ponies thought they knew what a leader wanted.. though the mention of Lightning's sister brought up a flicker of emotion. A spark of anger. She didn't know exactly what happened to Thunder, but that sounded like a threat. Yuna looked over at Gleam and sidestepped as Tarnished took his place, giving the large nightmare room to move. She sensed the magic he used and Yuna decided to move back, sitting down to watch. If he was going to do something to Falling, Yuna was certainly not going to stop him nor Dusk!

Silent Dusk spread her wings as Thunder was mentioned and swore that that whorse would pay. "Tarnished, brother mine, take my body merge with me and guide me into re-educating this horned unislut who apparently deems it fit to not only threaten the father of my child but also simply wants to claim what is not hers, if anything... he is mine.. bitch."

Distant Lightning moved to stand, his feathers becoming a bit ruffled at the mention of reeducation. 'Control your houseslaves Lili, they have no place here.' She spoke in Sand. Lightning moved back, cowering. 'Lili...' Falling Night warned, her horn lightning up at the aggression of the barbarians. His jaws parted, wings moving up to curl over his head. "She called you slaves." he tattled and backed away to hide next to Yuna, his back to Falling Night. Her brows raised. 'It seems they have deeply corrupted you. Don't worry Lili, they will end up as every Equestrian to land on these shores.. in debt or in slavery....' She lowered her head to blast at Tarnished and Dusk with her horn. 'Corrupt ponies!' Seeing Tarnished transform was quite surprising and proof they were demons!

Gleaming Echo was rather taken by surprise by Dusk's request for him to... That actually caused the dark unicorn to gaze at the thestral. "I have absolutely no idea how to do that little Dusky... Just help me with this... And have fun." And blunt he was to, he really had no idea how to do that. If he could do that... The dark unicorn simply turned back to the unicorn only to hear what Distant said.... And then he tossed up a shield to block the spell. "Pathetic...." he'd say with a chuckle as he stepped forward again. "Absolutely pathetic..." he continued forward. A spell lanced forward and unless the unicorn's meager ability to cast magic helped her his aura latched onto her horn and yanked down. Quite possibly breaking the horn clear off... violently.

Yunalesca watched the others from back by the door and gave Dusk a bit of a look. That sort of phrasing.. What did she even mean? The alicorn grunted and turned her attention back to Lightning and Night, her expression darkening further when it was revealed what Night said in Arabian. "Slaves." Yuna stated, unamused. She lifted a hoof to wrap it around Lightning's back when he came over to sit down by her. "You know, its funny you talk about barbarity when your country has slavery. Only basic civilizations full of barbarians practice slavery." Yuna spoke with disgust and simply turned her head away from the three just so she didn't have to see what might happen. Her hoof rubbed Lightning's back idly, comforting.

Distant Lightning was ducked behind Yuna, hiding, or at least it seemed to be. He had peeked his head out the room. The commotion had caught her mate's attention, who worked in the research room not too far from her office. His ears folded back as his tail drooped. Wings were raised up in a reflexive act of fear. To intimidate one's enemies after all why not use those loud, pretty wings? The unicorn let out a cry as her very source of magic was snapped off. 'You barbarians! Guards!!' She cried out a choking sort of noise. The pain of getting one's horn snapped off was indescribable. It was no different than have one's limb's broken. A recognizable fluid rushed down her forehead, cascading her brows like her mane, but such was disheveled as she pushed from her sunken position on the floor. "Ythko!" Lightning called to Yuna, seeing as Gleamished and Dusk were quite er -- predatory right now. The herbivore shall not call their focus. Nope.
Distant Lightning's eyes widened as the guards, and Falling Night's husbandu rushed to the door. The birb squawked and jumped back, slamming the door shut. Before he could warn them said armed guards slammed their blades into the door, through the wooden barricade. 'I knew it!' A voice called from behind the door. 'Lili you barbaric sympathizer! Open this door! Leave Falling Night alone!' He raged. 'I always knew you were jealous and would stoop to something like this!' What exactly was he accusing Lightning off? 'Knock the door in.' Lightning slowly backed away from the door. The blade that had pushed through cut right through his leather tabard and into his side. He did not make a sound, nor make any indication of pain. Did he know he was in pain? Regardless, there was no blood visible. That's why you wear red, or stockpile on seltzer and lemons! Falling Night pushed up and charged at Tarnished. 'Raawr! Bastard!'

Gleaming Echo was starting to hum a little bit of a tune as his eyes shone bright. "The unicorn was all but swatted by magic which would likely proceed to wrap around her throat  and hoist the defenseless mare into the air. "Such spirit! I'll be delighted to crush it." he 'purred' as his horn glowed with magic. If held Falling Night proceeded to be personally introduced to many hard surfaces in the room. Smash - smash - smash - crack-smash. "Want a kick at her Dusky?" he'd ask with a cheerful tone as he offered her up. However his attention was turned to the commotion at the door no matter what happened and he saw weapons piercing through the door. It wasn't that hard to see that one of the blades was coated in red. Plus there was the smell.. "I think we have a new student!" His magic speared out through the door and teleported the hapless saddle arabian inside where he proceeded to cast a body binding spell. "Class for today - The effect of gravity upon flesh!" he giggled as he picked up a piece of wood (or perhaps a yardstick) and swung it like a golf club. "Bye-bye! Have a fun flight!" he'd swing the club only for the horse to disappear with a flash of magic and re-appear hiiiiiiiiiiiigh above the city where he'd proceed to fall while bound up!

Yunalesca tried rather hard not to listen to what was going on behind her and Lightning, but that snap of bone was unmistakeable. Her ears pinned back at Night's cry, eyes scrunched shut; it caused her to miss Lightning peeking out the door. They shot open when Lightning called her by that nickname and she looked up, catching that brief glimpse of horses running their way before the door was slammed shut. Yikes. Yuna was back on her hooves in an instant, her horn glowing violet in preparation. If they got through the door, she was ready, but for the time being she pressed her magic against the barricade to hold it closed for as long as possible. "Lightning, get away from the door!" He might get hurt by those blades, if he hadn't been already! Yuna jumped a bit at the sounds and glanced back briefly; a lot of blood and one of the guards being.. sent somewhere. She turned back to concentrate on her task.

Distant Lightning stood blinking, unaware that he just got stabbed. Well he was aware, but he was not consciously accepting of it. His brows furrowed as he stood there, wings slightly raised off his back. Meanwhile Falling Night had lost consciousness. Someone graced her lucky stars because, for now, she could no longer feel pain, but it was also likely she would wake up eventually, just really broken. Falling Night's mate took a bat to the face, but luckily he had turned his head so wasn't taking too much damage as the mare bit into the fat of his face, shallow wounds but Sands damn it it was scary! He ran around, managing to stay on his hooves, but yeah having your face mauled was frankly pants would be shat, in fact, second guard defecated among the chaos, the fear that much terrifying. He was just a guard, he didn't sign up for facing monsters. So he turned to make a run for it. Nope.
Distant Lightning sat down and felt a sting at his side where the wound was under his tabard. He still sort of refused to acknowledge it. He stood and looked to Yuna, who had called him to keep from the door. "We should go." He said to the alicorn, his expression as unreadable as oft, but it was soft. Meanwhile -- that guard was alive, but very much did not survive that fall. His body hit in the middle of a very crowded bazaar and panic would ensue on a scream... More guards were called. Where the body came from, nopony knew but they were sent to surrounding areas. It did not take long for them to get word there was commotion at the second floor of the Academy....

Gleaming Echo found himself growing bored of bouncing the mare off of stuff so what did he do? He charged a bubble of magic next to the unconscious mare and sent her rocketing through the window. Alas now he had no more toys and turned to where Distant and Yuna were... He took a look at the sight and hummed in amusement. Something about this was entirely therapeutic! He felt like skipping! And he did as he 'skipped' or perhaps even 'pranced' his way over to Yuna and gave her a nuzzle. "I agree! I think it is time to move on! Although... Yunie, do you think you could patch up that little stab wound on Light? We don't need our dear brother losing all of his blood before we make our escape." he was still humming that strangely cheerful tune. Soon ~ Soon he could make the city burn like the heart of a sun!

Yunalesca just kind of stood there, still holding the door closed and trying not to watch Tarnished flinging the unicorn mare around the room. It was painful to watch, even if Night deserved it. These horses were ridiculous if they thought Equestrians were barbarians.. Yuna only looked around when Lightning addressed her. "We really should. I think getting back to the manor is a safe option." Yuna replied, glancing back to see Night going out the window. She cringed and tried to nuzzle back up against Tarnished, nodding. "Well, you can deal with the door. I can't hold it and heal him at the same time." The alicorn murmured and went to the pegasus, cutting off her magic just so she can use it to find his wound and heal him. Everything else she ignored.

Silent Dusk would fly to the door, open it and do her earlier thing, and now simply kept clinging to the attacked husband, pulling his muzzle towards her before biting straight into it once then let him go a moment. "Blame your little marefriend for this, now tell me cooperate or die?"

Distant Lightning was a little out of it. His jaws parted as Yuna came close to him. He squeaked and snapped his muzzle shut. "What are you doing?" He moved to stand but bristled as the pain sharply, and jaggedly tingled through his body. The cut was on his side, just a few inches from his elbow, near his ribcage. It had missed bone, major nerves and organs. Oh but it hurt like a mother with a switch. And yet another body to fall into the middle of the bazaar. Two in one day. Go figure. More guards. As Dusk bombarded through the formerly barred door the husband found himself indeed mauled and collapsing. Though the sound of hoof falls in the distance as guards were entering the building would rumble like a babe's empty stomach... twas not yet loud enough for most to hear it. He turned his gaze out the door toward Dusk who all he saw was lunch that shitty Earth Horse. His tail wiggled in delight, til she faded from view. "I am fine Ythko, let us go." Nope still refusing to acknowledge his wound.

Gleaming Echo cheerfully whistled as he initially moved to hold the door but... Dusky decided to duck out the door herself! He didn't bother closing it again. "I can teleport us to a recall anchor I put on Light's estate. That should confuse them for a bit." he cheerfully hummed with horn lighting up with magic. "Dusky! I know you're having the time of your life but taking on the entire guard force is a fun but foalish idea." he'd sing-song happily as he waited to see if the thestral would come back into the room so he could teleport the group of them to temporary safety! "I believe we're getting out of here! I want a good view for part two!"

Yunalesca narrowed her eyes at Lightning as he tried to refuse treatment, just as he had back in the nightmare. Not today! "I'm going to heal you. Tarnished said you're wounded." Yuna answered him, reaching out for his side. She could see the gap in his tabard from where one of the blades pierced it through the door. "Please, Lightning, it'll only take a moment. Let me help." She insisted, focusing her magic on his wound. "I know you're a big, tough stallion, but you'll eventually pass out if you don't let me help." Yuna took a page out of Dusk's book so she can start healing, an ear twitching back as she heard Tarnished calling to Dusk. She didn't see what the bat had gone to do, but she could take a pretty good guess. ".. Part two?"

Silent Dusk thought a moment and sighed dramatically. "Shame, I had more little ideas." she then tore an ear off of his head with her teeth and hopped off, trotting back while visibly chewing on the piece of flesh. "Bit stringy." then singsonged. "I'm here big brother!"

Distant Lightning wasn't tough, was weak and wallowing. When she had asserted her will to help he stilled, ears folding back. He nodded and would let her have her way. He would probably eventually notice. It did hurt but... He felt the magic on his wound, sighing a bit. It felt weeeeird. It made him wiggle a bit. He looked up. Part two? He balked a bit when Dusk walked back in. "We can go... we should go." Part two? Why did that gnaw at him? Well knowing Tarnished maybe he was going to drag the fight to his man-- "Why do you have a recall spell at my..our m.." Damn it all. He tried to get ruffled, but with Yuna at his wound moving was a terrible, bad idea. The guards were rushing up the stairs. They had spotted Dusk and called out a sharp word: 'Vampire!' At least, they thought. Poor stallion was mauled and now ears bleeding out on the floor. Light's wound wasn't deep, or mortal so it was an easy patch up (lucky for the horse!).

Gleaming Echo could only smile some between Yuna and Dusk as the thestral walked back into the room. "Wonderful work! I really wished I had wings though... give them a even bigger fright!" he grumped... how much power he could have (that picture).... Oh what he could be! Alas that was for another time as he fired the spell to teleport the group of them to the top of Light's mansion. "Since our welcome has pretty much run out anyways... let's have a blast." he giggled only to send out a pulse of magic. Explosions would thus sound out around the city as his little firebombs went off over what amounted to the whoooooole city! Just a shit-ton of property damage and some burns, those.... He didn't actually try to kill the city folk with those! Having no victims around would be dull! Alas the palace and a few other sites were another story.... He wanted those places blown to bits! Oh hey, a guard distraction! "Perhaps the balloon service will be abandoned right now." Just a suggestion?

Yunalesca sensed some complacency from Lightning, a sign that he'd stay still for her while she worked. It wasn't too hard, as it wasn't very big or deep. The alicorn sent healing magic into the wound, helping the flesh knit itself back together. Yuna sat back once she was done, looking up and blanching at the sight of Dusk chewing on a severed ear. Yuck! But soon they were teleported to the top of a familiar manor and Yuna got to her hooves to stand by Tarnished, watching the myriad of explosions from a distance. Oh. So this was part two.. Yuna wasn't sure what to think, so she stood there and watched.

Silent Dusk stood as she watched over the city still chewing on the severed ear, looking generally happy that she had gotten a good bite out of unislut's partner and wondered if she was still alive. "Mmm snack and a fireworks show?"

Distant Lightning was at a loss for words, which was quite a feat for the pegasus. To get him to shut up for a few hours... He stood in the back f the group, now upon his roof. The horizon was like sunset, everything ablaze. "Romantic..." He murmured. He was a bit out of it. The mare he had once loved, his first crush really, was torn to pieces, most literally, before his eyes. Maybe he no longer had the ability to see true evil, for it had been passed on as a normality to him for many years. Tarnish's act of -- no it was not simple anarchy but catastrophic terrorizing of innocent pones, perhaps not so innocent. If they knew that blood fed the streets. The pegasus parted his jaws, wings tucking against his body. He turned his back to them and stared a moment. He recalled something Gleamished had said to him, pon a waking nightmare. Perhaps it had been just a dream...
Distant Lightning was chasten by the sheer ambiguity of the mirror's vehemence in the face of the situation. He shook his head, nearly staggering on his own weight. "Ah, you... you promised we could get Thunder. Bring her with us." The male walked toward the balcony and hopped down, elegant trail of red fluttering behind him as his red, braided tail danced in the wind. From the roof he would push inside to his chambers, hoofs clapping against the stone floor. Staring down he would ponder... "Yes, you promised." he quietly asserted, a hapless whimper of hope. He couldn't leave the fiery wastes without her... "Could you meet me in the gardens...?" He furrowed his brows. "Her grave is a bit behind the azaleas. Would you, a moment?" He requested. "Maybe...Dusk if you could help me..." He would walk off toward his parents' room.

Gleaming Echo quirked his head to the side, looked at Dusk, and broke out into a cacophony of laughter at her question. "We may not be blood related, but you are definitely my smol little sister." he smirked teasingly and looked back towards Light. Of course; the body needed to be retrieved. The demeanor the nightmare oddly enough softened just a bit even if his eyes flashed just a little. "That was the intention. I had even toyed with the idea of a little necromancy.... But probably not; I really don't want to be the one to start a zombie apocalypse... Even if that would be absolutely divine." he'd say as he turned to the others. What? He technically 'was' a mass of corrupt magic that was transfused with Gleaming Shield's magic and given a mind of his own. Tarny leaned to give Yuna a nudge. "Shall we go see if we can find her?" he cheerfully rumbled. Grave-robbing yay!

Yunalesca managed to tear her eyes away from the city as the explosions settled down to fires and ruin, finally distracted when Lightning spoke up. Dusk she had heard speak, but she didn't want to think of the severed ear in the bat's mouth. She shuddered. "Your sister?" Yuna remembered that part, but were they leaving now, if Lightning wanted to dig her up? The alicorn glanced up at Tarnished at the mention of necromancy and zombie apocalypses. Noope. Yuna did return his nudge, however, and turned towards the building's edge. "Yeah.. yeah, I can help you with that."

Silent Dusk chewed a few more times then audibly swallowed the ear, then flew after Lightning following him to his parent's room, wondering what was going on as she trotted next to him down the hallway, wondering if the others joined or not.

Distant Lightning normally would feel exasperated at the mirror's tomfoolery, but he was, somewhat, glad he still wanted to help. Necromancy...sounded nice, actually. But, unfortunately from what he read one could not fully bring back a soul, corrupting it. Thunder would probably beat him up for that! Lead Dusk to his parent's room, as if he was going to tell them goodbye. He was, just not in that way. His parents were lying in bed, but -- they were sound asleep, even in all the commotion. They weren't moving. "We should clean up." He stated vaguely, feeling things were a mess. "One should not leave such things awry if they are going on a journey. "We are leaving right?" He didn't want to stay anymore, and not because Tarnished just blew it to kingdom come. Part of the reason. "Could you help me carry the smaller one?" He would move towards his parents' bed and raised his hoof.
Distant Lightning pulled back the blankets and dragged his father out of bed with his wings, rather roughly. His wings were strong, years of brutal practice and harsh training. It helped pegasus weren't really that heavy either. "I think the river is a good place to dump them." Their wings -- were bound and necks, looked broken, as if they fell from a great height. Even their muzzles were bound shut with silk handkerchiefs.

Gleaming Echo sidled up against Yuna long enough that he could place a hoof upon her and teleport them both down towards the garden. Once there he brought the hoof back and started to look around. Having been stealing those different types of flowers to give to Yuna had actually helped with his learning of said flowers. The dark unicorn also had no idea that Lightning had offed certain ponies... Nor when that had happened. Alas soon enough he found said grave and frowned. It was... small. Was that because of decay? His teeth ground and with a few spells he tore the patch of ground asunder and dug the grave out. Did Lightning get the grave right? This was more like a.... Nope, the form that was pulled out was definitely a pony. A very smol pony.... He managed to summon some cloth to wrap it up in and sat back on his haunches with a hoof upon his head. It was somewhat justified, but bad bloodlust! Simmer down! Zombie apocalypse was not the answer...

Yunalesca had to wonder what Lightning and Dusk went off to do, but she might find out later anyway. They were probably just getting ready.. Her magenta gaze went back up to Tarnished when he rested his hoof on her, and before she knew it, they'd been teleported down into the garden. Oh! She had been considering trying to fly down, but it might've been a bad idea anyway. Yuna made to search around to help Tarnished find the grave, but it was he who found it first. The grave was.. unusually small, and it explained itself when Tarnished dug up a small form; most of it already rotted away. A foal's. Yuna's ears laid back at the implications and she moved to rub her head against Tarnished's shoulder, once the body was wrapped up. The action might soothe him if he was.. upset, judging by the hoof on his head.

Silent Dusk dragged her mother in law out of the bed and gave Lightning an awkward look. but then shrugged and resumed helping to cover up the little case of matricide and patricide.

Distant Lightning had his usual, soft, expression. "We shall meet them in the back." He would lead her to the back, where the gardens were. The gardens did have the river running through it, but it was the case! Where did one think his grandfather went? It seemed Light did not like burying ponies properly. One could wonder why... He would head down through the house. He would look to the butler who stood at the base of the stairs, at attention. "Take care of the manor while i am away art business." 'Of course young master. Fare thee, young mistress. Do watch the young master. He is a bit reckless.' The butler had nearly been solely in charge for his well being since he was born, since nopony else would do it. Light moved to the garden and would make due to dump the body of his father. He stood, red tail flicking. He would wait for Dusk than turned to find the other two. They were back here somewhere! He wanted to go....

Gleaming Echo opened an eye and leaned to give Yuna a nuzzle. The body was rather decomposed but there was well enough of it to be considered somewhat preserved by the desert sands it had been buried in ~ under the layer of dirt. "I swear... I really hate this city... But hate is such an insufficient word for this, though. More like loathe entirely..." he growled only to see Distant and Dusk enter the courtyard a good ways away. His jaw dropped open some as he recognized the sight of..... "By the dark moon..... Dusky and I are a terrible influence." But oddly enough he was... heartened by the sight? Alas the nightmare stood and stretched his legs. "I believe we should go. The mayhem will only keep everypony Distracted for a while... Hopefully the guard are busy digging through the rubble of the palace." he cheerfully smiled.

Yunalesca closed her eyes briefly upon being nuzzled and smiled faintly, but it faded as Tarnished expressed his burning hatred of the city. She lifted a hoof to stroke along the back of his head, along his mane, but stopped as he turned and spotted something. Yuna turned too, following his gaze to what looked like Lightning and Dusk each carrying something.. body-shaped. "Oh, yeah, we should. I might need to go inside and grab my bag on the way out." It just held her shawls, a brush and her toothbrush.. but she knew it would bother her if she just left it. Yuna stood too and made her way over to the others, stepping gingerly around the planted flowers.

Silent Dusk looked at the bundle in front of her and started stomping on it like mad, not holding back at all, snorting angrily as she hissed. "You had this coming you whorse, you threatened our foal and your son finally grew stronger and took charge, and now you're dead you useless stuck up meatbag."

Distant Lightning shifted his weight as Dusk went out on the -- uh corpses? Whoops. His ears folded back at her words. Him? Strong? He got a starry look in his eyes and pricked his ears. There was something going on inside. They may be trying to find them. He pondered and thought. Turning to face Tarnished he kicked the first bundle into the river. "There is a path down the river to some steps leading to the canals. There is a bridge we can cross into the main area. We can catch a hot air balloon out, faster than what the Sultan's warriors can hoof it." He looked to Yuna, frowning. "Please hurry ythko." The butler unicorn would keep those buggers out, but they had not even ten minutes to get going. He moved to nuzzle Dusk. "Shh, shhh..." Before he kicked the trampled bundle into the river. He looked to Tarnished and frowned. "Do you have her...?" He moved to walk toward the garden's gates to open so they may leave. He turned to face them, waiting for Yuna. If she headed inside she would see his unicorn maids using their magic to keep the guards at bay, keep them from entering the manor.

Gleaming Echo found his scowl twisting into a smile after a while. But then it once again fell into a deep frown as he moved to join the rest of the party. "Once Lady Yuna has her bag you three should make your way there. I'll do my best to meet you." the glow in his eye was bright and even Gleam didn't wish to leave! Who knew what sort of grisly fate awaited the staff of the manor when they left for aiding them! The hero in him just didn't accept leaving them to their fate so easily! literally! Tarnished just wanted to fry him some more turkeys! No, they gave turkeys a bad name. He quickly made to pass the bundle of cloth to Distant before he teleported back to the anchor on the roof. A great vantage point for his counter assault, yea? The longer he could hold their attention the easier it would be for the rest to get away!

Yunalesca nearly, immediately forgot about her bag in the wake of the covered bodies, and the awful sounds Dusk's hooves had made when she pummeled one of them. It made her feel sick again, after the way Falling Night had been dealt with. Her eye followed the sweep of the bodies into the river, where they were carried away by the current, and snapped back to Tarnished. Three? "What about-.. ?" There he went again. Yuna pouted. She didn't want to leave her unicorns behind! The alicorn shook her head and made for the manor. "I'll meet back up with you two, go ahead and go!" Yuna marked the gates before she rushed off into the manor, past the maids and the loud banging on the front door, to go upstairs to retrieve her bag as quick as she could. If the guards made it inside before she was able to go back downstairs, she was always able to fly off of a balcony.. What were wings for if she didn't use them?

Silent Dusk would wait for Yuna to return or for the sultan's warriors to break down the gates, what she wouldn't give to be a unicorn right now, but alas it couldn't be helped.

Distant Lightning frowned at Gealmished, but what could he say to stop him. He flustered a bit. "b-but you don't split up the party... you never split up the party..." He complained. Tucking his wings back he would turn to walk toward the gate and push it open. "Dusk, we will make path for them at the balloon." He expressed. He would not leave Dusk, Yuna, or Gleamished behind, not ever everything. "It would do no good to dally and interrupt the forward march." He turned to make his way down the stairs and across the bridge. The balloons were not very far and it would do well they were turned up and ready to go. Light would muster his courage to try and help somehow. He knew how to start a balloon without magic, so that was good. The guards would look up seeing a flash of magic, but none of them were pegasus, so while some pushed at the door the others began throwing spears. What ones made it through the door were quickly incapacitated by the maids. They were tough ladies.

Gleaming Echo gazed down at the guards as their useless spears were deflected harmlessly off of his shield. None of them could fly? This was like.... throwing a lightning crystal into a lake! "For a bunch of foal murdering bigots this is a rather nice city you have here! Quite the pity it was built." he called down at them almost nonchalantly. What villain didn't like a little bit of a grandstand? "But..." he began as his horn began to glow with magic. "You know what I say?" Cue cheshire grin. "Buck this city!" aaaand with that he flooded the spell with a whoooole bunch of magic from their core and infused it with some of the corrupt magic in the raiment. The end result was that the nightmare unicorn let out a massive city-smiting blast of blue magic... 'Hadokeeeen!' It wasn't audible but Gleam almost foalishly cheered that out. Why? He read too many 'comics' (manga-cough-) ...Where else could a pony come up with that?

Yunalesca went up the stairs as fast as her hooves would take her, aware of the sounds down below as the maids dealt with the guards. Once she was up on the floor that Lightning's room was on, she rushed in to grab her bag by the wall; all it held was her brushes, shawls, and the single folded up blanket from Ponyville's market. Light. Yuna strapped it around her middle underneath the cloak, under her wings, and went towards the balcony. On the way out, she heard shouting somewhere.. up above? And later a bright flash of teal, along with something that sounded.. explosion-y. If it had to be anypony, it was Tarnished. Yuna couldn't see much of what was going on, but she went over the balcony, using her wings to glide towards the retreating forms of her other two companions. Nope, she wasn't daring the downstairs either way.

Silent Dusk galloped towards the balloon seeing no sense in waiting longer, fighting all the soldiers in the sultanate seemed like a bad idea really.

Distant Lightning would make sure there was enough fuel to get to where they needed to be. It shouldn't take that much. Climbing in the male waitied, leaning over the basket's edge while the balloon to fill. It would take a few minutes, but hopefully in time to go. He would not leave without them. Though would he have a choice?

Gleaming Echo blinked owlishly as he looked out at the city.... or a city plus a giant gouge/crater in it! The dark unicorn wavered on the roof an shook his head. "By the buckin dark moon that was awesome!" There was a bit of a squee to his voice as he said that and nearly face-planted as he tried to take a step. "Ooooh but I don't think I feel so good..." the dark unicorn vanished with a flash of magic and re-appeared back down at the path. He proceeded to then chain several more teleportations (each on growing more unstable than the last) before he finally re-appeared not too far from the balloon in a cascade of wild magic and a mini-explosion. The unicorn suffered a bit of a bad landing and face-planted but he was climbing back up... Ow, his head was killin him! His horn tip was scorch-seared black from that spell.

Yunalesca glided onwards towards the balloon where her other two companions were just climbing in. She made sure to remember how to use her wings and moved lower to the ground, though a series of flashes drew her eye. Somepony teleporting, which turned out to be Tarnished who.. didn't seem to be doing very well. Yuna grew concerned and landed at a run, tripping a few times as she adjusted between flying and using her hooves. Yuna moved up beside Tarnished when she reached him, trying to help him towards the balloon, and inside if he let her.

Silent Dusk was in the balloon by now and waited for her other two companions, she had enough of all the bigotry in these lands, she had hoped she could have convinced Lightning's parents but in the end this happened, she longed for Equestria, for Hollow Shades and Ponyville.

Distant Lightning would wait until everypony was aboard. Gleamished looked like he was hit by a train, which was silly there were no trains in Saddle Arabia. Probably one of its problems. Once Yuna was aboard with the mage the pegasus would let loose the balloon's cord to allow the fuel to flame up and take them off! Soon they were in the sky, far from the guards. By the time the pegasus guards would arrive it would be too late. Efforts would be focused with stopping the fires. Soon they would be bound for home -- well at least their home. Lightning could just watch as his own home slowly vanished into the clouds til it was nothing but a speck.

The End.