Around the world through laziness and boredom

      The bloodshed gave way to brief negotiations between the hives, and the attention returned to free-willing creatures again. Green bugs also wanted the sweet slice, but nobody would actually finish off the weakened hive. Nobody wanted to hold off attacks from the witless on both sides.   All of them understood - it is hard work. And even though green-backed insects were angrier and fiercer than their neighbours, this would be too much for their fangs. And for the bugs in general - probably, only because the most friendly hive was always the first to be attacked, that all the changelings were not wiped out.   Ironic, how the peace-loving ones suffered the most. While they all pose not too much danger, nobody picks insects as a priority. Albeit all the attempts at negotiations were a big failure, this is a crucial moment in history, without which there would be a complete and utter chaos.         Now, the chaos is not complete, and there is no way to avoid it. Strict laws, sooner or later, will lead to an attempt to look beside them and taste the forbidden fruit. For instance: sorcery, magic artefacts, alchemy.. Very ticklish phenomena, which could lead to a catastrophe both in the whole world, or on a lesser scope - in a realm.   Nevertheless, there were more options for education in one particular city, as well as more chances at finding something curious. And in comparison to other hamlets and towns, this community also had more problems - somewhat organised crime, incidents with magic..   ..And the location of said settlement. Unlike other villages and places of significance, it was built too close to the insect hives. One could never be sure, if they talk to a charlatan or a shapeshifter. On the plus side, it was not that big of a walk - about a hundred kilometres.   Nature ended up quite indulgent to the hooved beings, and the big planet seemed not that big for them, as crossing it over was not too hard. And still, such a long road is not a joke. What is there to say, if Canterlot encyclopaedias were smaller than private notes of foresters? One should prepare before taking a step towards Clopburg.    If only it was as easy as it looks. Crippled pony needs peace and quiet, for her limb to heal properly. And if only there were some remedies nearby, this process would not take a few days. Thankfully, no problems arose with water and provisions. Well, almost..   — You need to eat. You are a pony. - familiar yellow changeling said obvious things.   — But I don’t want to chew ordinary grass! - solar pony insisted.   — You do not want to eat? - the bug did not understand.   — I want to!   — Why are you not eating, then?   The shapeshifter did not understand anything. How difficult it is with insects! Even for Gambit all the talk was hard, despite the interlocutor being his brother and a look-alike in every way. Their experience is different, of course, but the snowwhite bug did not even think it would affect the perception so much.   — It is like emotions. Do you feel the difference when you feed on them?   — ..No.   — So, anger and joy are same to you?   — ..Yes.   — Why?   — The hive is important. Taste difference is not.         Someone had to drop their choosiness, when the hunger tortured for too long. Luckily, No such problems appeared with water. And after another fight between the stomach and “pink death”, the leg finally stopped hurting and miraculously healed, albeit deformed. Not without help from the closest, of course.   Yet, truthfully, one and a half minds for the whole hive - is an obvious drawback. Even those who could act on their own, were not much different from the rest, which was further proven in conversations. A life behind walls made its own understanding of intellect. It did, however, have some positive effect..   — ..And again, if not our help, you would have it rougher. - facted the white bug.   — True. And again, individuality for all in our family would bring the end to our species. - Elytra insisted.   — But everyone would have their own ideas.   — History thinks otherwise. We live and prosper, while villages, cities and realms crumble and reform by sole beings who ended up in the wrong place, at the wrong time.   — Disagreements lead to compromises, and they lead to progress. You have stability. Stability without changes.   Such a discussion would raise at least some doubts from anyone thoughtful, or even make them rethink their whole life. But not for the collective mind, that did not even pause between ends of speeches, immediately expressing thoughts it considered true.   — That is why scouts, referents and queens exist. We decide what thoughts to share with others, and what not to. The rest are what implements those thoughts and what solves problems. - the queen still insisted.   — Even you have this itch to save the hive. I do not have it. You do not have freedom. Drones lack it, too. Is not different from any city, other than they still have some chance for change.   — Change? You simply don’t notice it. You saw the desert. You still have to see the ocean. Have you seen your own reflection? Those are the changes, that picked their own path-   — ..That always ended same. New hive - same course. History thinks otherwise?   Finally, the yellow-winged bug silenced, for at least a few seconds. Either did not know how to answer, or did not see the point in doing so, as everyone insisted on their own so hard, they perceived no other points of view and saw their own as the only truth. Truly, how different it is from any city?   — How little do you understand.. - the bug shook her head.   — And you? You do not come out of your room. I travel. Try to understand myself. Understand the world. What are you trying to understand? All of you?   — I do not need to travel to learn something new. We are whole, and we are one. All of us, even those who do not possess free will - are a part of a big idea, that is beyond any words..   — Me and Sunshine are two, and we have more than two ideas. - changeling moved backwards - We have to go.   Maybe, this greater idea or purpose is indeed worth all the sacrifices. But not for the pair of adventurers, who were finally ready to go out for the dark unicorn’s trinket. And it was not entirely clear, what or who they need to seek - too many details bleed for the conspiracy. After all, one day, the letter seal was broken.. And that was expected.   Just as what happened now. As expected, as it is outrageous - the team was going to finally leave the hive boundaries, but they were stopped by the queen. She sensed the couple’s determination, but still tried to get some use for the hive. Albeit in a somewhat different way.   — No, no, and no again. - repeated Gambit - She will not become a puppet.   — Please, listen. - the big bug shook her head - It is senseless to ask for such. We just want a pinch of those.. Feelings. - she moved her head towards Sunshine - Hug us.   How could one refuse a hug? The yellow-winged one needs a hug, and little mindless bugs also need some. And advisors, who felt all those pleasant and sincere emotions through hypnosis. Nobody left unsatisfied; hugged the white and lilac insect too, and even her own copy!   So much kindness, so much love! For some it is simply a joy, and for others - even helpful. Nobody was going to let the prisoners go, but they would have it easier - bearing in mind all the casualties, there would be significantly more offspring, for everything to be restored.   However, no matter how much one wanted to, there was no way to help the unminded. Their fate was decided at the first steps towards the hive, with the first encounters with insects. And the fate of travellers, oppositely - with the steps outwards the hive. And they went off, not alone..   — I’m going with you. - Sidewinder suddenly said.   — Why? - snowwhite insect did not understand.   — Come on! - Sunshine slightly nudged him - It’s more fun together!   — Firstly, this, and secondly, I have my own affairs in Clopburg. Hive affairs.         Nobody lost anything, and all of them gained something for themselves. At least a joyful company for the time being, and maybe later the team will split into two. Yet, while friends have yet to reach the city, especially while they walk in a withered valley, they should stick together.   Long lost changelings and ponies with savage lifestyles were equally dangerous for those, who did not look intimidating or threatening enough. Two vastly different shapeshifters will surely make even a gang of brigands think, that one should not jest with this band.   If only, the heads of those few did not get completely empty due to lack of anything and everything in their lives. Those will certainly show their teeth, some even their tongues to those who they find unlikable. Would not attack, but hiss or tease - easily. Lone workers were no different from rabid pigs.   — Does that happen often here? - questioned the curious one.   — With our hive - no. We are not many. - answered Sidewinder.   Alas, they could not be helped too, even if one tries very hard. For some reason, those bugs stopped listening to their inner voice. And being left with no orders, they cannot live independently and freely. Maybe, the situation is a bit better behind the mountain range?         Not by much. Birds are singing, Sun is heating up grass.. And a bitter realisation, that friends were very close to their goal from the start - on their left side, very far away, very familiar trees were seen. Not the ones commonly found in an ordinary boring forest, but the earlier crossed jungle. Yet, it was nice in the wild.   Friends learned new stuff, and grasped some valuable lessons. Almost lost their heads a few times, but it should be easier in native regions, should it not? It is always better at home, than being a guest. At least, there are less unknown and strange things in these parts. One of which, is that not a single soul was around.   — I do not like this silence. - Gambit looked around - Is this normal?   — Yes. No. Maybe. - yellow-backed insect could not decide - Not many come here. Think it is understandable why.   At least it is calm. Not a single cause for concern. Just.. very quiet and peaceful. And to think of it - a good place for ambush - rare trees, nowhere to run.. But no, nobody. Even animals appeared rarely, keeping distance with the plated freaks. Curious, what less intelligent creatures think..   — Boring! - solar pony resented.   — How about we sing? - proposed the grey one.   — So, other changelings also sing? - noted the pink bug - Sunshine?   — What a coincidence!   — I will start. - Gambit showed initiative, immediately lowering his voice - Why do you write, like you’re running out of time? Write day and night, as if coming end of light? Every day you fight, like it’s going to turn plight. Ignoring your sister, like-   — Gamby, wait.. - the winged mare stopped the fast singer - ..How about, maybe something more happy and truthful?   There was something truthful in this small fragment, though. However, there is a whole adventure up ahead; at least, until Clopburg. Should start from something joyful - and truthful specifically for the orange horse. Though nobody prevented the continuation, from a high note - just what Sidewinder did:   — Not riding, but rushing, sweeping afar! - the insectoid leaped - Nothing we fear, nobody drear..!   And the bugs bounced forward, in a very strange but comic manner. The white insect quickly got the rhythm and added some loud words himself, not falling behind his brother. And followed they were, by the one this show was made for, bouncing and copying the insects quite precisely.   How silly and ridiculous the trio looked from the side. Yet, nobody looked and judged, so they could, even should continue! The time is never enough, and it goes away even faster with fun, bringing the good mood and strengthening an already strong friendship.         With mood, abandoned and lone houses also brought by. Some completely bare, some surrounded by trees. All looked like one another - robbed and dead, with not a soul inside or out. The song disappeared by itself, and unanswered questions steadily sneaked up and gathered near the company.   — Interesting, where did everyone go? - Sunshine thought out loud, walking through another building.   — Ran away. They fear us. - answered the yellow bug - Not to mention, it is easier in towns.   — And the poor took everything else. - concluded Gambit.   Maybe the poor, maybe other opportunists and robbers. An answer to this question is not as important as the fact of commission itself. True, nothing should go to waste. However, when all the furniture is taken out, not leaving even the debris behind, then the deed was surely done by someone prepared - carts, instruments, and a band of stallions, ready to take the job.   And who would leave a life in the back of beyond, where everything crucial is nearby? That is kind of illogical - food, fertile soil, wood. All there for the taking, with some work to do along - even the lazy would have found something for themselves. Something like a brawl..   — Wait. - ordered the lilac one - Blood. Feeling blood.   — Where? - confused the long-eared pony - There’s nothing here at all.   — Barely visible. - Sidewinder confirmed - Is not so clean for nothing.   Someone disposed of hermits, but why? How would it benefit someone? Why is there almost not a single track of fighting? All of this did remind the white bug about the big society. Those kinds of debauchery and brigandage happened all the time out there, though not on such a scale.   — Did previous houses have signs of brawling? - asked the winged mare.   — No. - the grey bug dispelled any doubts.   — Not every. - white insect returned some of them - At first, looked like furniture was moved. Now I understand, that the furniture was thrown. Covered with.   — So what awaits us? - the pony trembled.   — Trouble. Mayhem. And a bunch of bandits.         Ah, this typical Equestria - not the same without rude hoodlums. Often they hide amid peasants, and sometimes they appear as someone more significant. Both of them rob someone, and behave in an unpleasant manner, to say the least. But at least they are natives, not changelings or dragons, sure. Albeit they are not everywhere, they still come out from every hole. Yet, on a road to science town?   — How about we catch them? - proposed Sunny - We need to teach those jerks some lessons!   — We do not even know how many of them there are, where they are and who they are. This is madness. - Gambit criticised the thought, quickly changing his facial expression.   — I like it. - oppositely, another insect smiled - We do this - we ease our lives inside the walls. Hoof over for a reward and smiles. Is not unnecessary to stay prepared.   The bodyguard with lots of holes judgingly looked in the eyes of his friend. Too good he knew her, too good he knew the native folk, that almost took the bug’s life in the past few times. However, nobody was going to listen to him - nobody wanted to ignore such an opportunity.   — They won’t touch me! What will they get out of me, anyway?   — And, they are afraid of bugs. - Side nodded - Need to appear as commoners, so they will show themselves. Sure of it.         No matter how Gambit baulked, he had to participate in this idea. Two ponies, slightly loaded with goods, going in the town direction from the desert. Smart enough to not be scared of many-eyed insects, but stupid enough to not hire any guards. Certainly snobs, almost rich ponies, none other than that - the thought itself will bring unnecessary, but needed brigand eyes.   And to be sure of the little mare’s safety, the important cargo will be carried by no less important earth pony of ordinary colours, slim and thin enough to dodge and ready to take the blow. And, of course, ready to continue having fun, while the plan is still in motion.   — So, how’s that for you? - disguised Sidewinder circled around.   — Cute. - pony tilted her head to the side - And convenient - it’s noticeable that you’ll still be nimble in this guise!   — I’m nimble not only on fields and alleys. - fake stallion tried to flirt.   Though, unsuccessfully, as the next second’s slap made the insectoid think about what he said moments before. However, the stallion was filled with curiosity, even after he sensed a very cold temper directed straight at him. Seems like the whiskered bug did not understand, when he should stop.   — Is Gambit in your taste?   — Hey, stop it! - orange pony puffed her cheeks - It’s not necessary to copy the personality of fools!   — Of course. Simply getting used to this role. Feelings have another meaning for us anyway.         And still, it is better at home. Nobody interferes, nobody smears and swears, always warm enough and food nearby, smells nice.. It smelled nice from afar too, somewhere at a distance from the road. The wind brought the aroma of burning firewood straight to the friends, hinting at something appetising.   — Feel it? Food, I think! - the pony dwelt in joy - Someone is nearby!   — Careful. Those who feast might be our beast.   — All the more reason to go there!   Without a second thought, the sun pony trotted towards the goodies. Covering with trees and bushes, friends slowly but steadily came across a small camp. Everything went according to plan: unfriendly looking stallions shared courtesy and drinks with each other, after another raid:   — Ye bloody shown them, takin’ deese two tossers alive! Wee one hit!   — Told ye, trainin’ wit’ the club thee must.   — Hearin’ this from you’s liek pissin’ in stew - ploughin’ confusing! Mayb’ yer club talk ‘re baths luck!   Loud yells of three horses were silenced by laughs of at least five stallions. “How uncultured!” - little pony puffed her cheeks, getting even closer. Her companions probably thought the same, also thinking how to hold the silly pony in the bushes, and hide her from axe blades.   By coming close enough, friends found a good view on the camp. Few tents, a dozen packs with carts, and two cages near a big fire pit, around which lay primitive benches made of fallen trees. Seems like nobody intended on leaving such a comfortable forest marge.   Because there is all day and crates of mead ahead. One could indeed sit and laugh at a couple of prisoners on such occasion. Also plenty to bite in there - malinae fruits, the ones that are used to make that same loved alcohol brew. A whole paradise for a drunkard.   — Six roans near the campfire. Nobody too eye-catching - their chief is not here. - the changeling quietly discussed - Someone moving in foliage at our right, far, behind the tree. Tents are not empty.   — Roa- ..Who?   — Locals are calling troublemakers this way.   — What are we going to do?   Good question. There are certainly more than six horses there. And how are two bugs going to deal with them? Equipment of those stallions leaves a lot to be desired, but dulled axes and a few swords can be even more dangerous than their sharp counterparts. Not to mention, only one of them had a bracelet - the one with a club. At least, counting only those near the fire.   Even if friends try to catch the brigands like they catch their prey, one should carefully think it through, listen to their conversations and understand, where and when they will split up, just to make things easier. Yet, all they talked about is nonsense and detailed oddities:   — So, what we do wit’ ‘em? How ‘bout we mock ‘em?   — Nay, not we decide ‘tis. The hometorturer’ll say, she will.   — Ha! Always liked ‘tis nicknaem. Thou knows where it comes from?   — She comes into homes and tortures who’s inside.   — Nah, we do that! She’s got a special way. Think o’ it as dubbing thee in higher circles - she checks the goods before selling ‘em. As dey says, pray she won’t like ye.         Everyone inside the camp laughed, except the obvious rookie, captives themselves and hiding friends. For someone in particular, it sounded so insulting, that she could not sit inside the bushes for much longer. No matter how friends tried - they could not keep this pony in place.   — How dare you?! - horse left her cover - Shame on you! This is not right! Let the prisoners go, now!   The situation would be scary, if not so sad. Drunkards were so consumed by their drinks, that they simply laughed at the intruder of their space. Indeed - who would listen to an orange and a very small pony? When the eyes wander around like omelette, nobody would for certain.   — Wha..? Wha’d ye s-say, bitch? Let t-to prisoners? Come ‘ere, we’ll let ye to dem!   — O-oho, cum ‘ere! Cum! Ehe-e he!   Should the muscle stand up, the insects would show their true colours. Only then that roans understood - their enemies are not as common as they thought. That is certainly not a jest - need to pick up weapons, as soon as possible. If only they would even grab, in this inebriated state..   — Oi! B-bu.. Buzzer! White!   — Me thought me imagine! Ploughin’ wizard!   Finally, movement in the tent - the one discussed over the fire got out. Also orange colours, and also a pegasus! Unlike the fighter for good, half of her head was shaved, and her eye and hair colours quite different. Maybe she did not look up the par herself, but her equipment certainly was.   Leather armour covered everything important and not hindered the movement at all. And the presence of a hooflet deserved its own additional praise. After all, she had a very delicate weapon, matching her nature. On top of it all, the equipment was regularly taken care of.         Despicable lumberers attacked their prey and the changelings, without even an attempt at negotiating and thinking. In return, they tried to wear down the alcoholics, keeping them at bay from the fragile horse. All of this looked more like a game of tag, than a fight or battle.   And this tag did exhaust the stallions, indeed. When suddenly, the rest of the horses came out of their tents as well. In the end, the majority pinned the minority to the packs and bags, cutting off every escape route. Not to mention the capture idea itself. Thankfully, the friends were not harmed. Yet.         Nowhere to go - nobody thought of a second plan. No point in trying to fly away - their chieftain had wings as well. Something else is neither an option, even considering the exhausted stallions - companions were literally pushed against the trophies with weapons, ready to make trophies out of them. If only, this torturer did not have any other plans..   — A pity to ruin such fur. - the outlaw looked over another winged pony, who stood straight on her hind legs - Maybe, you shall join us?         Suddenly, a very familiar and quiet sound. The whistle pierced ears of watchful ponies, as well as two cutthroats at the same time, impaling them against the bags. A giant arrow pierced stallions’ necks, killing them on the spot. That is it, the confusion and escape opportunity!   Confused bandits received hits to their muzzles at once, and the stallion with a club, ironically, knocked out his master. Changelings hid their defenceless companion right at that second, when another arrow whistled nearby. This time, it certainly meant to hit someone else - the grey insect, who masterfully evaded the bolt..   ..Putting the orange pony in danger by the move. Big but sharp arrow tip, thankfully, missed Sunshine. However, the projectile still prevented her escape, pinning her short tail to one of the packs. Again, all the problems were left to Gambit - the insectoid who got shot at, disappeared with the wind.   He vanished, just when a more dangerous enemy appeared. Drunk stallions also understood, that saving their own lives is more important than saving their leader and capturing a look-alike horse. If not another giant bolt, then a mandible twisted neck helped the rest sober up and change their mind. Except the fool with the mace - he knocked himself out soon enough.   — Sun! Run! - snowwhite bug covered her up.   — I can’t! - pony put more effort to break free - Silly arrow!         Nothing smarter than pretending to be a shield, did not enter the insect’s head. Of course, it probably would not save from a direct hit with such a big projectile, but what else is there to do? Leave friends behind, like the hive-obsessed scout did? However, there was no another shot fired.   — ..I told you, be careful! - a masculine voice sounded from the trees.   — Your reproaches don’t let me focus! - someone else screamed in reply.   It could not be, for someone else in here to speak in old equestrian language just as good as elves. Except dragons, naturally. But what are they doing so far away from home? Be it dragons or earlings - the question was equally interesting and tempting.   — You almost took that pony’s life! - he continued to condemn the shooter.   — You saw with your own eyes that shapeshifters circled around her! They are more dangerous than bandits!   If there is one thing nobody would expect in their whole lives to witness, it is for upright dragons to walk out from the trees and bushes. Even Gambit forgot he pretended to be a buckler, which attracted attention from her worried friend and an amber beast with a huge bow.   — Don’t shoot! - begged the pony, hugging the bug - He is good! We are good!   — Opvliegend! - yelled the blue and fluffy dragon - Come to your senses!         None of the companions ever saw such ancient beasts in their lives. Especially so close, and especially two of them, so much different even to each other. Long and nimble, bright archer with long horns and iridescent scales slowly and cautiously came closer to no less curious beings.   She was followed by a dragon bigger and thicker, but just as little, smaller than a tree. Unlike the first beast, he had no horns, and he had actual fur instead of scales, at least mostly. His glasses stood out in particular - as being probably conjured by the same archer.   The obvious uncertainty seen in each others’ eyes. Claws with the bow trembled, the glasses fogged up, and little friends hugged each other, preparing for the worst. Frightened gazes met with each other all the time while the eyes looked for an escape, comfort, or a solution to the problem.   — Perhaps not all changelings are bad.. - Opvliegend concluded, lowering her bow.   — And not all the dragons are big and flying. - joked Sunshine.   — Exactly! - nodded the blue one - Your tales are not even close to verity!   — Can someone explain what are you talking about? - the snowwhite insect puzzled, as he did not understand the dragon language.   Ah, how fortunate for the adventurers to stumble upon each other. If there would be a single creature less in that mess, everything could go way more different, probably even ending on an unpleasant note. This way, probably, is the happiest course of action that could be. Not for brigands, obviously.   — And who was that, another shapeshifter? - asked the spectacled dragon on the common tongue.   — Hersenen, it doesn’t matter. - insisted the amber one - He ran away, it’s all clear about him. For this white one, friends are more important. And he doesn’t look like the rest either.   — I am sorry for my companion’s manners. - the azure beast bowed - It must feel unpleasant to be betrayed like that.   — We knew what we were getting into. - sunny mare lowered her head - He’s not even a friend! ..But at such a moment! Silly!   Soon after exchanging pleasantries and names, the agile archer freed the little pony’s tail, returning the arrow to a big quiver. It did not even had to be taken out - enough for a spark of horns and a snap of fingers to dissolve the projectile into nothingness, for it to reappear in a new spot. Oh, this ancient race with their tricks..   — By the way, you keep your posture well. - the dragon complemented the little horse.   — And there’s almost no accent in your speech. - claimed the blind companion.   — ..Uh? Pose? - the lying warrior suddenly recovered - ..I’ll pose you like a whorse!   It is stupid to threaten the dragon or their acquaintances. Especially if they stand just before the accuser. Seems like the audacious muzzle of drunken troops can only be silenced by a claw with sharp nails, standing on the hoodlum’s head. The dragons probably did not even walk on their two from their birth - since it went so awkwardly - and the brigant got hurt even more by those legs.   — Mind if we ask you, where did you learn all this? - Hersenen curiosed - Delicately speaking, you are not of common blood. That’s visible.   — How about we deal with prisoners, then talk? - reasoned the changeling - ..And what is posture?         True, they should change the peasants with those two outlaws. And collect other arrows, free the stolen.. So many things have yet to be done! Thankfully, friends could speak while they worked things out. Could tell the dragons about their origin, about a brother that taught them everything..   They also need to listen to a story of two big lizards, two centuries old and still struggling to comprehend the fools, who swing their pitchforks at the sight of something unusual.. Two scaly beings almost killed each other at first, but quickly became friends, when they learned who they dealt with.   So then they wandered together through this wonderful land, called Equestria. And for all the years they lived, they have not seen anything and anyone like what they met just now. Suddenly, a white changeling appeared, and an unusually smart pony accompanied him!         Sadly, new friends had to split. Dragons would not pass through the town walls - the law forbids them to even be on the continent. For some, those threats meant nothing, since it was not in the least the first case of border and moral breakings. And it will probably not be the last.   — What are you going to do with them? - Sunshine tried to learn the fate of new captives.   — Kill them. What else could be done here? - amber creature shrugged - But not here, somewhere else. Could learn something new in the process.   — We are not liked here. This Celestia of yours is so delusional at times. - resented the spectacled dragon - And she doesn’t keep the order.   — And you are going to extinguish the last hope for change? - the locked pony yelled all of a sudden.   Orange horses met with their eyes. The one in freedom probably could not fully understand, what the imprisoned pony talked about; and that mare already realised - she would be thoroughly questioned. And so she continued, without taking a pause:   — Think I’m just a murderer? Bollocks! Because of Celestia that those like me are being devalued! And the likes of you as well! - the rebel looked pitifully at the winged horse of same colours - Not many of us left, coloured ones, don’t you see?!   — Shut up! - Opvliegend pulled back the bowstring.   — Wait! - uncontent pony stood between the dragon and a captive - Let her speak!   — Thank you. - another orange mare exhaled - Name’s Empyrean, by the way.   Sunshine made it clear for the hot-tempered dragon - at such a minute, the last thing that should happen is waving of weapons. A bandit with a story, that could slip into someone’s mind - is not a bandit - either worse, or a victim of misunderstanding. If not both.   And not only the big-eared pony had the same thoughts - both blue dragon and a shapeshifter were thinking in the same way, not obstructing the idea in any way. All of them wanted to hear Empyrean’s excuses and justification. Justification of her crimes.   — How would you explain empty houses and captured ponies? - Sunshine accusedly asked.   — Houses? You mean, ones in the valley? I picked my crew out of them!   — There’s blood everywhere!   — You think those tossers understand anything but brawl and fight? - Empyrean almost cried - I beg thee!   If one pays attention to this pegasus, they would notice that she is not looking like those who surrounded her. She truly could not stand the stallion in a cage nearby. She probably did not even think of hurting Sunshine moments prior. After all, only the green-eyed mare tried to talk, albeit at a reach of a sword’s blade.   This pony somehow found something in the one she asks for forgiveness and freedom. Probably, mainly not the skills which are noticeable only by someone experienced, but the bravery and audacity to stand against the thugs. Not every day one would take a fight against injustice.   — We’ve got neither scraps nor coin, we have to rob about. - excused the winged pony in armour - Only with bastards and scumbags we deal with how you think we do!   — What have those peasants done to you?   — Couldn’t give a shite at their closest ones’ problems! Asked them politely to help with wounds, after warg attacks, offered coin for that. But fuck no, they didn’t! Even spat in me face! - cried the winged mare, not holding her feelings for a moment - Because wings! Should’ve flown for snake oil myself, they said! More horses died ‘cause of them than ‘cause of us, you understand?   How hard it suddenly got on Sunny’s shoulders. The freed peasants did act way more disgusting by leaving the mercenaries from the big road to their deaths. Not only the story was painful - but the muscle in the cage decided to throw more oil into the fire, after waking up for a second time.   — The fuck ye doin’ ye wretch, gonnae sell me out? Ploughing every hour with fools we capture, and now “release me” like ye release their cocks?   — Nay better than townsfolk! Gossip with a bottle and without, believing everything they say! - raged Empyrean - Ye want wenches, then fuck benches and drink ‘till you pass out! Ready to live in dung if yer thrown in it! Only difference is price, nothing more; idealess and weak-willed sacks of shite!   — Think, she is not lying. - thought Gambit - Cannot lie with such clean feelings. No fear. Despair. Fury. - a bit later, he added - Remorse. Grief.   — ..Should’ve listened to him. - caged pony still sweared - Nothing to do at the east, easier to earn on a ship!         In the end, the chieftain sounded a lot more convincing than an inebriated body. Something did come into Sunshine’s mind though, glancing at this pony. Not the emotionality, not the race or colour. Something bigger, hidden inside. Something, that the unprepared mind could not comprehend, yet.   — Let her go. - little mare sighed - Do what you want, but don’t harm her!   — You what; you believe her? - Opvliegend freaked out - Just like that?!   — She is one of us. - nodded Hersenen - Don’t be mad.   — Who are you talking about?   — Both of them. Give me the key.   The horse immediately jumped at her saviour soon after the door opened. Contrary to expectations of everyone around, she hugged the sunshine pony, nervously laughing at such a turn of events; as much joy flowed in Empyrean, as many there were tears.   — Thank you. Thank you! - pony bounced.   — On one condition! - threatened Sunshine.   — Anything!   The eyes sparkled every time just by looking at the equipment - the hooflet and the sheath are certainly custom-made - light and comfortable - just what an agile creature needs, not to mention a pegasus. And the sabre itself was certainly not forged under the influence - one could hurt someone with it, or hurt themselves, if not certain how to use it.   Thankfully, the little horse knew exactly how to use such a weapon. Moonrise seemingly knew, what this riotous and disobedient pony would need, and prepared her thoroughly for the future adventures. Or maybe even something bigger, with qualities like these.   — I will keep your weapon for myself. A memento, for both of us.   — Of course! - the mare did not object at all - ‘Tis a small price for freedom.         Nobody was interested in the whining stallion in a second cage. Especially the satisfied pony, who already tried her new blade on air in front of her. Little horse’s moves were somewhat rusty after inactivity - and the hurt leg was there, too. The mare should practice first, or she would not have a chance against a whole herd or some knight.   — Not a rapier, of course.. but close. - solar pony noted.   — The balance! Can lunge and slash with same efficiency. - Empyrean praised her own weapon - Let this sabre serve you long.   — Not sorry to lose such a thing at all? - red-eyed pony could not realise - It’s not cheap. Can’t conjure such a thing!   — Life’s more pricey, and I want to live. - Empyrean shook her head - And I’m not losing it, nay. It’s in trusted hooves. I feel it.   Though, it felt more like a gift than a real trophy. Probably because of this, that new acquaintances managed to reach an agreement so quickly. However, not everyone was just as satisfied - the amber dragon showed more than enough times, who is in charge now:   — Off you go already, before we changed our minds.   — Wait! - small pony ran towards a bigger pony - Promise me you’ll never ever do bad things! A-and that you won’t get into trouble!   — Have wings - no need for running. Can only promise that won’t do anythin’ on me way back home.   Judging gazes from the side did not stop the fighter, not one bit. Her conscience simply refrained her from saying what others wanted to hear. Although, maybe this was exactly what others wanted, deep inside - honesty, a speech without fear nor flattery.   — Would be better if I set off earlier. Hope we’ll meet again in different conditions.   — Hold on! - little pony picked a random flower and gave it to the mare - This, for you!   Now, they looked even more like each other. And the laugh completely hid any and every bad memories of how unpleasantly they met, as well as their visual differences. And still, they should not hold the inevitable - dragon’s patience faded faster, and it is not wise to waste time too.   — ..Why did I listen to you? - angered Opvliegend - Why did you listen to her?   — Because we are similar. Think, what makes us different?   — Everything!   — Not at all. We are also outlaws, and we are trying to set the order as we see fit. She also has a goal, very much similar to ours. We want to make this world a better place. Sunshine and Gambit are the same - remember how it all started.         How many contradicting emotions did the nervous lizard experience! Just enough for a hungry shapeshifter. While everyone distracted at something of their own, the big-eared horse thought at the blue dragon’s wisdom. She did not do much, simply helped her brother in his obscure deeds.   And he, kind of, did not do the right things, from the law’s perspective. Although with what zeal he wants to change everything! He does not like what others do and how they behave. Just as how Sunshine and her new friends disliked it either. Everything that her brother told her, becomes more real each day.   The world beyond Old Equestria turned black even harder, and it was only the beginning! The company did not even get closer to the item they hunted for the mage, and the harsh reality slowly crawled towards the travellers, steadily rotting their mood.   — We have to go, too. - the bug abrupted long-eared pony’s thoughts.   — And we need to deal with all this junk. - azure dragon scratched his chin - Actually, where do you need to go? Maybe we have same road to cross.   — Clopburg! - the winged horse finally returned to reality. — It’s not that far. - thought the spectacled creature - Here, let me show you..