Chapter 1: So it begins. Enter, Rage!
Spoiler
Cruze rose from the hospital bed, pain dulled by the shock of Pharoahnix entering a coma. A combination of numbness and military training helped him twist his wing back into place, thanks to the doctors his ankle had already healed from its sprain. He looked out the window as rain battered the glass. The doctor walked in a moment later, "you should be in bed, but the fact that you can get up and walk is a good sign in any case," the doctors said looking at a clipboard.
"Doctor how is she? Any changes?" Cruze ran up and asked, "Pharoahnix Haze."
"Her, you do realize she is in a coma at this time? Beyond that she is perfectly stable, so don't loose your head again." Doctor eyed Cruze nervously, "But there are complications, the hospital does not have the supplies to care for her at the moment. For that matter a number of our patients."
Cruze panicked and calmed down, "how can I help?"
"Well your the strongest out of Ponyville who we can spare, can you go as a representative of Ponyville and as for supply increases from the Princesses? Your name is still very highly respected, a lot of us still remember the Manehatten event. If you were not there millions would have died."
"I'll ask doctor but don't talk about my title and such, I still have some memories I want to keep buried." Cruze responded.
The Doctor sighed, "Fair enough, I'll keep your title a secret, as well as the Event."
Cruze nodded, and walked out of the hospital and back into the endless pouring rain. He trotted of towards the train station, he bought a ticket and boarded the train, he chose a spot and sat stared forlorn out the window. In his misery a voice pulled him out, "umm excuse me? May I sit here? There are no empty spots…hello?"
He looked over to put a face to the voice, it was a mare with wild blue hair, "oh sure go ahead."
She sat down next to him, "The names Cloudchaser, my friends sometimes call me Storm Walker." Her personality was rather bubbly, a trait marking her as High Class.
While Cruze continued to stare out the window she tried for more conversation, "so what your name?"
Cruze looked at her, she was pretty the spiky ness of her hair was a cool trait, as well as the dual color blend. The problem was her rank, "lower class, I'm lower class ok?"
"So? I'm High Class, what's your point?" She said curiously.
Cruze stared at her bewildered, usually higher class ponies leave him alone once they were aware of his rank. "Umm never mind, my name is Cruze, Cruze Raidramon."
She stared at him confused, "I think I've heard of you from somewhere…"
He panicked as horrible memories flooded him, he had saved her during the Manehatten Event, after which there was a mandatory mass memory wipe of the civilian populace aside from a select few, one of which was himself, he was required to remember considering his involvement in the matter. "You wouldn't have had, I've done nothing." He offered, panic subsiding as she seemed o accept it.
"So where are you going in Canterlot?" She asked.
"I have business at the castle that I must attend to." He replied bored.
"Ahh as do I! I was going to talk to the Princesses about the nice rain! What are you doing?" A smile upon the discovery of the similarity.
"I am requesting for supplies for the Hospital, this "nice" rain has ponies sick with pneumonia and hypothermia." He said flatly.
"Oh, sorry… I didn't realize," Cloudchaser became downcast at the grim remark.
"Opulence is a sin we all must pay, not just the sinners. It's no fault of your own, your a victim of its teachings." He said, "Don't worry though as Opulence protects you from the harsh world." Despite his kinder words his voice was hard and unforgiving.
The rest of the train ride was made in silence, Cloudchaser eyes where a mixture of hurt, confusion and sorrow. When the train ride was over as Cruze left towards the castle she quietly called out goodbye, but either he ignored her or he couldn't hear her. She instantly sat down in the street, in the rain confused, she knew generally what he said, but didn't understand why it affected her so heavily, she didn't feel insulted like she should, she just felt lost and alone…
"Doctor how is she? Any changes?" Cruze ran up and asked, "Pharoahnix Haze."
"Her, you do realize she is in a coma at this time? Beyond that she is perfectly stable, so don't loose your head again." Doctor eyed Cruze nervously, "But there are complications, the hospital does not have the supplies to care for her at the moment. For that matter a number of our patients."
Cruze panicked and calmed down, "how can I help?"
"Well your the strongest out of Ponyville who we can spare, can you go as a representative of Ponyville and as for supply increases from the Princesses? Your name is still very highly respected, a lot of us still remember the Manehatten event. If you were not there millions would have died."
"I'll ask doctor but don't talk about my title and such, I still have some memories I want to keep buried." Cruze responded.
The Doctor sighed, "Fair enough, I'll keep your title a secret, as well as the Event."
Cruze nodded, and walked out of the hospital and back into the endless pouring rain. He trotted of towards the train station, he bought a ticket and boarded the train, he chose a spot and sat stared forlorn out the window. In his misery a voice pulled him out, "umm excuse me? May I sit here? There are no empty spots…hello?"
He looked over to put a face to the voice, it was a mare with wild blue hair, "oh sure go ahead."
She sat down next to him, "The names Cloudchaser, my friends sometimes call me Storm Walker." Her personality was rather bubbly, a trait marking her as High Class.
While Cruze continued to stare out the window she tried for more conversation, "so what your name?"
Cruze looked at her, she was pretty the spiky ness of her hair was a cool trait, as well as the dual color blend. The problem was her rank, "lower class, I'm lower class ok?"
"So? I'm High Class, what's your point?" She said curiously.
Cruze stared at her bewildered, usually higher class ponies leave him alone once they were aware of his rank. "Umm never mind, my name is Cruze, Cruze Raidramon."
She stared at him confused, "I think I've heard of you from somewhere…"
He panicked as horrible memories flooded him, he had saved her during the Manehatten Event, after which there was a mandatory mass memory wipe of the civilian populace aside from a select few, one of which was himself, he was required to remember considering his involvement in the matter. "You wouldn't have had, I've done nothing." He offered, panic subsiding as she seemed o accept it.
"So where are you going in Canterlot?" She asked.
"I have business at the castle that I must attend to." He replied bored.
"Ahh as do I! I was going to talk to the Princesses about the nice rain! What are you doing?" A smile upon the discovery of the similarity.
"I am requesting for supplies for the Hospital, this "nice" rain has ponies sick with pneumonia and hypothermia." He said flatly.
"Oh, sorry… I didn't realize," Cloudchaser became downcast at the grim remark.
"Opulence is a sin we all must pay, not just the sinners. It's no fault of your own, your a victim of its teachings." He said, "Don't worry though as Opulence protects you from the harsh world." Despite his kinder words his voice was hard and unforgiving.
The rest of the train ride was made in silence, Cloudchaser eyes where a mixture of hurt, confusion and sorrow. When the train ride was over as Cruze left towards the castle she quietly called out goodbye, but either he ignored her or he couldn't hear her. She instantly sat down in the street, in the rain confused, she knew generally what he said, but didn't understand why it affected her so heavily, she didn't feel insulted like she should, she just felt lost and alone…
Chapter 2: And We Move On, Fight on, For Life!
Spoiler
CloudChaser having eventually shaken off her depression, continued to the castle. She stppoed by various shops around looking for a good snack, once she found one nice little cafe she ordered food and sat down to wait under an umbrella. She looked around hearing murmurs and shouting as ponies around her got up and observed a spectacle. Unable to resist temptation she flew up and over the heads of others to see a fight had broken out between the guards and a black pegasus. "Oh my What a savage stallion! Look at his technique! It's always resorting to fights for the lower class how sad. At least I live in this crown city without mindless animals like this fellow. Hmm yes." Said a unicorn hovering next to her.
Cloudchaser ignored the royalty, and moved closer she gasped. It was the pony she met on the train. Was he an assassin!? Is that why the guards are fighting him? Cloudchaser felt stupid for being so deeply affected by his words. Terrorist is what she settled on, it explained his hostility towards the higher class and his dark words, that's why the guards want him, she thought. She rooted for the guards hoping to take down this psychopathic pony.
Out of nowhere a regiment lanced through the crowd with a power commanding voice women sting above the crowd, "How dare you lay a hoof on him!" It was one of the Hydragon Five, the most powerful group of knights under the royal empire, particularly this was H5-1, her name was Zero.
She walked through the crowd and with a grand flourish of unicorn magic pushed away the the guards attacking the pony as if they where nothing but rag dolls. Her magic isrumored to be extremely powerful on an offensive front, she was not delicate in anyway. She wore jet black armour that was gnarled and twisted, and on a whole seemed unearthly. Her regiment followed that pattern just with faceless helmets, at once she recognized their insignia, Dead Dragon Ops Sector. She had never heard any good rumors about the DDOS. They were supposed to be filled with hackers, thieves, and assassins. Daily life in their group was a constant fight for survival, and that every member as single hoofedly killed a dragon, hence the name, or so she heard.
As the high class ponies moved away nervously, she got closer to hear what Zero was saying to the other pony. "Cruze It's just like you to start a fight for nothing you have to stop that you know." Zero said.
"Hah! Says the new leader of Dead Dragon. Nice on the promotions!" Cruze smiled.
Cloudchaser silently gasped as Zero blushed, "it's nothing really, Where's Phara?"
Cruze grew silent, "in a coma…indefinitely…" he whispered finally.
"Woah… I'm sorry, you two were close…," Clouchaser could detect jealousy in Zero's voice, and see desire in her eyes, "really I'm here for you man." She touched Cruze's hoof. "What brings the Bravely Blue Hero into Canterlot?"
Cruze lit up slightly, "Business with the princesses, the Ponyville hospital needs more supplies to keep up with this damnable rain." He said grimly.
"Castle? Right, let me help you out." She said, "Dark Hunters, SlayerDramons fall in, Skullgreymon formation. The rest of you metal monsters head back to the barracks, and prepare for further instruction upon my return!" She hollered into the rain causing instant movement.
As a line of uniquely armored ponies fell into place on either side of the pair, and the group vegans to trot forward in a smooth rhythm, Cloudchaser had trouble keeping up despite her running versus their trot. At their pace they swiftly reached the castle and entered in, She proved her rank and entered behind them. She stopped as two guards had been positioned outside the door, she attempted to hide behind a pillar but instead bumped into a Dark Hunter. The soldier picked her up and dragged her kicking form to the door, "I found this rat trying to hide, what shall we do with her?" It was a female voice to Cloudchaser's surprise.
One of the guards peered closely at her, their eyes where a kaleidoscope of color, she was entranced by the color of the eyes, "Let her in, I think she has a part in this play." It was male, but cool and aloof.
Dark Hunter who picked her up opened the door looking at her curiously. As the a bewildered Cloudchaser returned it with a look of confusion. She continued down the grand hall making a small gasp. The entire regiment of royal guards had been dissmissed and replaced by Dark Hunters and SlayerDramons. Each one gave her a look of curiousity, she felt like a specimen on an autopsy table, and they couldn't wait to get a piece of her. Unfortunately for her the doors slammed shut and the current conversation ceased and both of the princesses looked at her curiously, while Cruze pointedly ignored the interruption, but worst of all Zero sprinted up and looked down at Cloudchaser with anger, "Who are you?! How dare you interrupt this conversation you insolent brat! I shall have your head for this!" Zero roared.
Cloudchaser panicked as the princesses looked fully alarmed, and the knights gathered around her. Cruze thankfully stepped in, "Now is not the time for jokes Z," he said.
Zero let out a sigh, relaxing, "Come on! I was just trying to scare her, I didn't mean it, why you know this kid?"
Cruze took a long look at Cloudchaser, who hoped he recognized her. "No."
As the pair walked away she remembered what he said on the train, "Opulence is a sin and we all pay for it!" This granted a stop.
"Wha?" Cruze said mystified, he looked over at Zero and they quickly talked in low inaudible voices.
Zero jerked her head towards the princesses, "come."
CloudChaser having eventually shaken off her depression, continued to the castle. She stppoed by various shops around looking for a good snack, once she found one nice little cafe she ordered food and sat down to wait under an umbrella. She looked around hearing murmurs and shouting as ponies around her got up and observed a spectacle. Unable to resist temptation she flew up and over the heads of others to see a fight had broken out between the guards and a black pegasus. "Oh my What a savage stallion! Look at his technique! It's always resorting to fights for the lower class how sad. At least I live in this crown city without mindless animals like this fellow. Hmm yes." Said a unicorn hovering next to her.
Cloudchaser ignored the royalty, and moved closer she gasped. It was the pony she met on the train. Was he an assassin!? Is that why the guards are fighting him? Cloudchaser felt stupid for being so deeply affected by his words. Terrorist is what she settled on, it explained his hostility towards the higher class and his dark words, that's why the guards want him, she thought. She rooted for the guards hoping to take down this psychopathic pony.
Out of nowhere a regiment lanced through the crowd with a power commanding voice women sting above the crowd, "How dare you lay a hoof on him!" It was one of the Hydragon Five, the most powerful group of knights under the royal empire, particularly this was H5-1, her name was Zero.
She walked through the crowd and with a grand flourish of unicorn magic pushed away the the guards attacking the pony as if they where nothing but rag dolls. Her magic isrumored to be extremely powerful on an offensive front, she was not delicate in anyway. She wore jet black armour that was gnarled and twisted, and on a whole seemed unearthly. Her regiment followed that pattern just with faceless helmets, at once she recognized their insignia, Dead Dragon Ops Sector. She had never heard any good rumors about the DDOS. They were supposed to be filled with hackers, thieves, and assassins. Daily life in their group was a constant fight for survival, and that every member as single hoofedly killed a dragon, hence the name, or so she heard.
As the high class ponies moved away nervously, she got closer to hear what Zero was saying to the other pony. "Cruze It's just like you to start a fight for nothing you have to stop that you know." Zero said.
"Hah! Says the new leader of Dead Dragon. Nice on the promotions!" Cruze smiled.
Cloudchaser silently gasped as Zero blushed, "it's nothing really, Where's Phara?"
Cruze grew silent, "in a coma…indefinitely…" he whispered finally.
"Woah… I'm sorry, you two were close…," Clouchaser could detect jealousy in Zero's voice, and see desire in her eyes, "really I'm here for you man." She touched Cruze's hoof. "What brings the Bravely Blue Hero into Canterlot?"
Cruze lit up slightly, "Business with the princesses, the Ponyville hospital needs more supplies to keep up with this damnable rain." He said grimly.
"Castle? Right, let me help you out." She said, "Dark Hunters, SlayerDramons fall in, Skullgreymon formation. The rest of you metal monsters head back to the barracks, and prepare for further instruction upon my return!" She hollered into the rain causing instant movement.
As a line of uniquely armored ponies fell into place on either side of the pair, and the group vegans to trot forward in a smooth rhythm, Cloudchaser had trouble keeping up despite her running versus their trot. At their pace they swiftly reached the castle and entered in, She proved her rank and entered behind them. She stopped as two guards had been positioned outside the door, she attempted to hide behind a pillar but instead bumped into a Dark Hunter. The soldier picked her up and dragged her kicking form to the door, "I found this rat trying to hide, what shall we do with her?" It was a female voice to Cloudchaser's surprise.
One of the guards peered closely at her, their eyes where a kaleidoscope of color, she was entranced by the color of the eyes, "Let her in, I think she has a part in this play." It was male, but cool and aloof.
Dark Hunter who picked her up opened the door looking at her curiously. As the a bewildered Cloudchaser returned it with a look of confusion. She continued down the grand hall making a small gasp. The entire regiment of royal guards had been dissmissed and replaced by Dark Hunters and SlayerDramons. Each one gave her a look of curiousity, she felt like a specimen on an autopsy table, and they couldn't wait to get a piece of her. Unfortunately for her the doors slammed shut and the current conversation ceased and both of the princesses looked at her curiously, while Cruze pointedly ignored the interruption, but worst of all Zero sprinted up and looked down at Cloudchaser with anger, "Who are you?! How dare you interrupt this conversation you insolent brat! I shall have your head for this!" Zero roared.
Cloudchaser panicked as the princesses looked fully alarmed, and the knights gathered around her. Cruze thankfully stepped in, "Now is not the time for jokes Z," he said.
Zero let out a sigh, relaxing, "Come on! I was just trying to scare her, I didn't mean it, why you know this kid?"
Cruze took a long look at Cloudchaser, who hoped he recognized her. "No."
As the pair walked away she remembered what he said on the train, "Opulence is a sin and we all pay for it!" This granted a stop.
"Wha?" Cruze said mystified, he looked over at Zero and they quickly talked in low inaudible voices.
Zero jerked her head towards the princesses, "come."
Chapter 3: Him? The Plan, The Preposal.
Spoiler
"So, either we help you, or you go to" Princess Celestia paused taking a look at Cloudchaser, "er him? That's your ultimatum? We will help of course, but out of curiosity what made you think that a maverick such as he would meet you?"
Cruze shrugged, "he knows more than anyone, about anything, anywhere, at anytime."
Princess Celestia nodded, she spoke with her sister before Zero spoke up, "Your highness, I would like to temporarily re-assign my sector to assistance of aid to Ponyville."
"You may, also I would like my friend Cloudchaser to accompany the both of you." She said.
This elicited enflamed responses from both Zero and Cruze. "I don't need some stupid peasant getting my teams way!" Zero argued.
"As well, I don't need some pompous higher class pegasus sticking her nose where it's not needed and most assuredly does not belong! Besides she is one of the Oblitus!" Cruze added.
"Well! I never agreed in the first place! I wouldn't go about with a ruffian, and a psychopath! I'm sorry princesses I wished to have a nice lunch with you, but… but I think I should leave." Cloudchaser said obviously upset, inside she felt dejected, not only was it they actively didn't want her to be around them, they didn't even give her a chance.
"Good riddance if I am the only one who can say it." Zero said loudly.
"I…I…" Cloudchaser looked at Cruze who said nothing, only gave her a direct look that affirmed what Zero said. She ran out, eyes watering.
Luna stepped down from the throne angry, "What is wrong with the two of you! Why is it you have to shun, hurt, and make everypony who wants to help abhor you!?"
"Sister," Celestia tried to calm Luna down to no avail.
"No! Sister this has gone far to long! Those run around trying to carry the world on their backs, Zero, Pharoahnix, and Cruze. I'm not just mad, I'm worried! Can't you see? They are going to kill themselves one day, they don't care for their own lives so some one has to! Celestia you already remember what they had to deal with seven years ago, they do too, they've been through too much, but they only ask for more! That's why I hereby honorably discharge you, Realia Viserous, from command of the Dead Dragon Operations Sector." Luna finished.
Celestia sighed, "I second that, under the following conditions. You may return to your status after you finish overseeing the movement of medical supplies and doctors to Ponyville, and complete a psychiatric analysis to see if you are fit, by my standards, to continue work."
"On what grounds!? Where is it in my three year career where I have messed up!? I have preformed over thirty three hundred missions to perfection! On what logical ground do you have to fire me!?" Zero was outraged at the decision made.
Celestia's face hardened, "Leave immediately, and do not make me regret giving you this chance. Same to you Cruze, I hope to not have squandered Canterlot's resources on your request. Do the both of you understand?" Her voice was low, edged and deadly serious.
Both Zero and Cruze turned their backs, saying in unison "yes Princess." Zero said it with contempt and disgust. Cruze said it with flat, dry voice.
"Cloudchaser will be accompany you whether or not any of you like it." Celestia added, "now get out of my halls. Dead Dragon Operation Sector you are dismissed and under joint command of my sister and myself."
"So, either we help you, or you go to" Princess Celestia paused taking a look at Cloudchaser, "er him? That's your ultimatum? We will help of course, but out of curiosity what made you think that a maverick such as he would meet you?"
Cruze shrugged, "he knows more than anyone, about anything, anywhere, at anytime."
Princess Celestia nodded, she spoke with her sister before Zero spoke up, "Your highness, I would like to temporarily re-assign my sector to assistance of aid to Ponyville."
"You may, also I would like my friend Cloudchaser to accompany the both of you." She said.
This elicited enflamed responses from both Zero and Cruze. "I don't need some stupid peasant getting my teams way!" Zero argued.
"As well, I don't need some pompous higher class pegasus sticking her nose where it's not needed and most assuredly does not belong! Besides she is one of the Oblitus!" Cruze added.
"Well! I never agreed in the first place! I wouldn't go about with a ruffian, and a psychopath! I'm sorry princesses I wished to have a nice lunch with you, but… but I think I should leave." Cloudchaser said obviously upset, inside she felt dejected, not only was it they actively didn't want her to be around them, they didn't even give her a chance.
"Good riddance if I am the only one who can say it." Zero said loudly.
"I…I…" Cloudchaser looked at Cruze who said nothing, only gave her a direct look that affirmed what Zero said. She ran out, eyes watering.
Luna stepped down from the throne angry, "What is wrong with the two of you! Why is it you have to shun, hurt, and make everypony who wants to help abhor you!?"
"Sister," Celestia tried to calm Luna down to no avail.
"No! Sister this has gone far to long! Those run around trying to carry the world on their backs, Zero, Pharoahnix, and Cruze. I'm not just mad, I'm worried! Can't you see? They are going to kill themselves one day, they don't care for their own lives so some one has to! Celestia you already remember what they had to deal with seven years ago, they do too, they've been through too much, but they only ask for more! That's why I hereby honorably discharge you, Realia Viserous, from command of the Dead Dragon Operations Sector." Luna finished.
Celestia sighed, "I second that, under the following conditions. You may return to your status after you finish overseeing the movement of medical supplies and doctors to Ponyville, and complete a psychiatric analysis to see if you are fit, by my standards, to continue work."
"On what grounds!? Where is it in my three year career where I have messed up!? I have preformed over thirty three hundred missions to perfection! On what logical ground do you have to fire me!?" Zero was outraged at the decision made.
Celestia's face hardened, "Leave immediately, and do not make me regret giving you this chance. Same to you Cruze, I hope to not have squandered Canterlot's resources on your request. Do the both of you understand?" Her voice was low, edged and deadly serious.
Both Zero and Cruze turned their backs, saying in unison "yes Princess." Zero said it with contempt and disgust. Cruze said it with flat, dry voice.
"Cloudchaser will be accompany you whether or not any of you like it." Celestia added, "now get out of my halls. Dead Dragon Operation Sector you are dismissed and under joint command of my sister and myself."
Chapter 4: This is gonna be fun, and it won't end well.
Spoiler
Cloudchaser sat in a corner as Zero and Cruze exited followed by a Slayer who approached her, "Miss Cloudchaser? The Princesses are ready for you now." The Knight turned and left.
She walked into the chambers past the venomous stare of Zero, and the passive glance of Cruze. Once inside she bowed before the throne, "Thank you for seeing me Princesses, but I must regretfully tell you that I no longer have any concerns to share with you in light of recent events." She said slowly trying to keep a warbling voice down.
"It is our pleasure, but now we have something more important to discuss with you now. I require you to accompany Cruze and Zero." Celestia said kindly.
Cloudchaser bit her lip, it was not what she wanted to hear, "I must decline the invitation unfortunately, They and myself we…we don't see eye to eye."
"I know little one, but they need you right now believe it or not." Celestia sighed before continuing, "Close your eyes, good. Now imagine a place, you don't know where this place is, when you are, or even who you are. What you know is that this is a place you need to be, you are exactly when you should be, and exactly who you are to be. Now open your eyes." Celestia smiled, welcome to mane hatten, four years ago."
Cloudchaser gasped, she looked around and felt the buildings, they were really there! "Wha…Why here? Why now?" She paused as she saw ponies running in towards something, or maybe away?
She turned and screamed in horror.
Cloudchaser sat in a corner as Zero and Cruze exited followed by a Slayer who approached her, "Miss Cloudchaser? The Princesses are ready for you now." The Knight turned and left.
She walked into the chambers past the venomous stare of Zero, and the passive glance of Cruze. Once inside she bowed before the throne, "Thank you for seeing me Princesses, but I must regretfully tell you that I no longer have any concerns to share with you in light of recent events." She said slowly trying to keep a warbling voice down.
"It is our pleasure, but now we have something more important to discuss with you now. I require you to accompany Cruze and Zero." Celestia said kindly.
Cloudchaser bit her lip, it was not what she wanted to hear, "I must decline the invitation unfortunately, They and myself we…we don't see eye to eye."
"I know little one, but they need you right now believe it or not." Celestia sighed before continuing, "Close your eyes, good. Now imagine a place, you don't know where this place is, when you are, or even who you are. What you know is that this is a place you need to be, you are exactly when you should be, and exactly who you are to be. Now open your eyes." Celestia smiled, welcome to mane hatten, four years ago."
Cloudchaser gasped, she looked around and felt the buildings, they were really there! "Wha…Why here? Why now?" She paused as she saw ponies running in towards something, or maybe away?
She turned and screamed in horror.
To be continued.
Edited by Razored Edge, 25 March 2014 - 02:28 AM.



