Shattered (Shade, Scrappy, Scintillance)

by **Syron** Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:44 pm

Year 4, November 14, Evening

Apollo's condition was getting worse quickly. When they had entered the sewers, he had still been able to walk for himself, somehow. Now the poison had weakened him to the point that he couldn't even keep himself on his hooves, he would break down immediately. Luckily Scrapper was playing taxi, and it wasn't far anymore, they were already above the hideout. Apollo hardly noticed, he was more concentrated on staying conscious, which became harder quickly as well. It was unlikely that he would manage to do the climbing down into the hideout.

by Scrapper Mon Apr 15, 2013 7:56 am

Apollo had managed to get as far as the ladder allowed him. The rest was the rope he put in place, he doubted he'd be able to climb down that, and he was above Apollo. Luckily, the width of the hole leading into the hideout was wide enough for him to jump off and land below the rope. So he went with that, landing with little sound.

"C'mon pal, I'll catch you." He readied himself to catch Apollo when he let himself fall. Or If he fell without really wanting too. The poison was doing its work by the looks of it, the Pegasus didn't have much more time to live.

by **Syron** Mon Apr 15, 2013 8:52 am

Shade had still be slumbering, but Scrapper suddenly landing soundly in the hideout got her to attention immediately. She was about to ask him when he told somepony up there to let him-/herself fall. Scrapper had led somepony here? Instead of making herself noticed, she summoned her shurikens and made sure the darkness around her was thick enough for her to be hidden. She doubted that she would have to use her weapons, Scrapper obviously considered the guest friendly, but she preferred to stay on the safe side.

Meanwhile, Apollo decided to follow Scrapper's advice. It was exhausting to hold unto this ladder anyway. He fell into the light of the torch, and immediately Shade felt herself horribly reminded of somepony when she saw the blue pegasus with blond hair. It took a second look to be sure. Her spell was dropped as she rushed towards her obviously hurt friend. "Apollo! What the buck happened?", she asked, worry clearly audible in her voice. Of course she noticed the bolt still sticking out of his side, and a makeshift splint on his hindleg, but his condition was much worse than those injuries would have implied. Plus, he was way too early, and that seldom meant anything good, but she didn't really spend much thought on that. Some strength seemed to return to Apollo when he noticed the black unicorn besides him. He was happy to see her, but the grave situation forced sadness into his expression. And guilt. "Shade... I'm sorry..." His words merely came out as whispers. Shade didn't hide her confusion. Sorry? For what? She threw a questioning look at Scrapper.

by Scrapper Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:02 am

Scrapper looked back at Shade, knowing she wanted some kind of explanation. "He was being chased over near the hole we fell in, he was obviously tracking you Las. But he got seen, I took out 3 attackers but..." He paused, cursing himself for having to bear the bad news "He was hit by a poisoned bolt, fired by one of the Griffons I killed. And... I don't have the means to fix that. He wanted me to give you something, a letter. But I think he wants to tell you himself more than anything."

by **Syron** Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:20 pm

Shade looked at Apollo again, tears filling her eyes. As much as she wanted to deny it, she knew that there's nothing she could do about it. Apollo's condition said it all. She laid down besides him, looking her friend in the eyes. For a while they remained silent, until Shade finally said something, her voice strained and filled with sadness.
"It's even worse?"
"It is."
Silence again. Shade was seldom really afraid, but whatever she was about to hear... was worse than a friend dying? She was terrified of that prospect.
"Spill it", she finally whispered.
Apollo needed another moment to collect the strength for what he was about to say. "Our friends... they're all dead. Killed by the griffons."
Clearly she hadn't been terrified enough. She searched desperately for any hint that this was some bad joke, but found none.
"No... Please... Please tell me this isn't true", she pleaded with cracking voice. This couldn't be happening.
It's true. And it's my fault... I'm sorry.
Finally Apollo lost the fight.
"No..."
Shade staggered away from her dead friend, looking at him in sheer horror. This couldn't be happening.
All of her friends dead. All killed by griffons. All too quickly mad anger was rising again. Her expression changed visibly, before darkness exploded from her horn and moved out of the hideout into the cave system they had originally come through.

by Scrapper Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:39 pm

Scrapper looked at the recently deceased Pegasus, he wished him well in his afterlife. Darkness consumed all light for a few seconds before disappearing through the tunnels. Scrapper thought about calling after Shade but it was pointless, she wouldn't have listened. He would just give her time, look for her shortly if she didn't come back.

He just looked at the Pegasus. He leaned over and closed his eyes, he merely seemed to be sleeping. But he wasn't lucky enough to die peacefully.
Something clicked in his memories, his vision suddenly burst into that red haze he heated so much and his head began to pound violently. Grunting in pain, he backed into a corner. Completely unable to do anything because of the pain. He may need some help finding Shade, hopefully Lance would come by soon. That'll have to do. Either way, he'd look for her.

by Lance Wed Apr 17, 2013 4:03 pm

Lance was on his way back to the hideout, carrying a few groceries with him when a sudden wave of darkness burst past him. certainly not expecting it, and still unsure as to what just happened, he was stunned. His worries kicked in quickly, though; that burst came from home... Shade?! SCRAPPER!? He dropped the groceries, and instantly conjured his Martyr in a mad dash for the origin of the umbral force.

loudly and quickly hoofing his way into the room, Lance saw Scrapper in one corner, clearly in pain and a dead Pegasus in the middle of the room. Ok, what the hay's happened here!? where's Shade!? high alert mode; Scintillance's friends are in danger, and his guard's on edge.

by Scrapper Wed Apr 17, 2013 4:26 pm

Scrappers mind had settled a little by the time Lance actually showed up. "She's.. ran off mate. See that poor sod there? His name is Apollo. Apparently one of Shade's pals and well... you can see what became of him..." Scrapper slowly got up, with the room appearing too bright for him to bear since his red-filled vision seemed to let him see in the dark. "She ran off just then, because of the Lad's death I think. I have a bad feeling about what might happen if we don't find her mate."
Scrapper went to the entrance to the cave, "No real time to explain lad, we need to find her and calm her down. I think we should split up on that note, we might find her easier" he stood at the door, talking with a strong hint of determination in his voice.

by Lance Wed Apr 17, 2013 5:16 pm

Right... I saw quite the show of darkness go past... this... way... oh brilliant. She ran right past me and I didn't know!? Lance got his hoofs going and backtracked his way towards the undermarket, calling back to Scrapper We don't have to split up just yet, not as long as we know where she's already been, we'll split up from there! c'mon! Lance hoped to get some quick answer before they split, so he asked while galloping, So what's this Apollo pony doing in our hideout? other than rotting, jokes aside.

by Scrapper Wed Apr 17, 2013 5:27 pm

Scrapper waited before running after Lance, replying to his question as casually as he could. "He found himself being attacked, I saved him. 3 more Griffon's hit the floor and I took him back here because he was looking for Shade. It was a good call, because if it wasn't we wouldn't be running after her right now." His vision gave him a much better sight in the dark than he expected. Lance light blinded him though, and his head pounded still. But he still needed to find Shade, that took priority to him.

by Lance Thu Apr 18, 2013 12:21 pm

reaching the point where he dropped the groceries, Lance grabbed them all with his Telekinesis, barely slowing down for the action. best not leave these lying around. This is where I last saw the black wave-well, Shade. moving further down the tunnel, the path forked out in two direction, and Lance started mumbling Forks, knives, why can't tunnels ever spoon in Separate directions? well actually... nah, Random large openings don't count, do they? ...

whatever. Alright, you take the rocky road, I'll take the... other... rocky road... um, the lefter rocky road. you take the righter rocky roa- just go right, alright? I'm starting to confuse myself! And so he went left, in full gallop, Leaving the fourth wall to chase after Scrapper alone.

by Scrapper Thu Apr 18, 2013 1:03 pm

Scrapper sighed , "Bloody hell, right or left, just pick one you dolt" He whispered as Lance took off, he took the other direction. And began his search for Shade.
Although his head pounded like crazy, the haze that lit up the dark for him would help a lot. He guessed there was one good thing about it after all.
He kept going forward, there were no real turns. If Shade can make artificial darkness then he shouldn't be able to see past it, because technically, it isn't real darkness. Either way, he walked further and further until he was about to give up. But like every story book Scrapper ever cared to read, when he thought about giving up. There was the wall of darkness he'd sought after.
He stared at it for a few seconds, he could sense a presence, he didn't think straight because of his headache. He simply walked into the vast darkness, took a few steps forward, and waited.

by **Syron** Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:08 am

Scrapper didn't have to enter the darkness himself. It came right at him when he approached, accompanied by the sound of fast hoofsteps. They quickly came nearer, until Scrapper could see the faint glow of Shade's horn, quickly followed by a not so faint blow to the head. Or anything she could hit, for that matter.
As fast as she had been at him, she was past scrapper and from the sounds of it turned around for another attack.

by Scrapper Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:55 am

Scrapper seen a outlined silhouette fly at him from the pitch black. Then it gave him a good knock to the head, considering the situation of utter blackness and the silhouettes outline, it was Shade.
He heard the hoof-steps come from behind him this time, coming towards him. How can he fight something he could barely see? All he guessed he could do is make himself a harder target until he saw an opportunity or the spell wore off.
This time, as soon as he caught that same outline he would dive to the side and avoid it. He started to try and get through to her, "Shade, chill out! It's me, Scrapper!"

by **Syron** Sat Apr 20, 2013 8:01 am

If the sound of his voice achieved anything, Shade didn't show much of it. Maybe there was some hesitation before the next attack, but the next attack still came, this time with her horn lowered to suitable poking height.

by Scrapper Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:35 pm

Scrapper saw the glow of Shade's horn and rolled out of the way, but collided with the wall because he didn't see it, and the collision caused him to be unable to finish the roll and he was left on the ground with his raging headache.

His first attempt at calming her down didn't work, of course. Trying to calm her down conventionally wouldn't work, but he couldn't think. His mind was a blank red slate. C'mon... c'mon.. Ideas, ideas.
He just couldn't think of anything to say, but his instinct clearly had an idea.

As he got up he just started talking, "Don't beat yourself down over this! I know it's hard at first but getting angry does bugger all to solve it!" He could only listen out for where Shade was, its not like he could see much anyway.

by **Syron** Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:13 pm

Shade heard his words, but they were still lost to her. There hardly was a conscious thought in her head, everything was filled with memories of her friends, and the one horrid message she had received. They're all dead. Killed by griffons. Again she had lost everypony important to her. But while the words themselves didn't fully reach her, the sound of Scrapper's voice still caused something.

The next attack came slower, less fierce than before, but it still came, and it was still a mindless charge to try to hit anything. She was reacting to Scrapper, but unfortunately not nearly enough. At this rate Shade would have enough chances to seriously injure him with her constant attacks before she calmed down.

by Scrapper Tue Apr 23, 2013 5:33 am

Scrapper managed to catch Shade's strike. Simultaneously blocking it and preventing her from immediately leaving.
"Listen to me dammit! I know your angry about this, but I've had to go through this far more than once! I've had no one to look up to from the very beginning, right up until now! I've had nobody to look out for me but you have! And at least you had them to lose!" He wouldn't normally shout that much, but the combination of both situations left him no real choice but to. He really had to calm Shade down quickly, he can't keep this up forever. He felt his headache getting worse by the second.

by **Syron** Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:09 am

Scrappers words were met with hesitation. She tried to break free, but ineffectually, and though she tried to hit him again, the attempt was so slow and insecure that it was easily blocked.

From close range her face was still hard to make out, except for her eyes which were filled with the rage that was expected, but also with tears and despair. She said nothing, staring at Scrapper in her insanity, and still continueing her struggle.

by Scrapper Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:33 am

Scrapper continued to hold Shade in front of him, holding back her somewhat predictable attacks. "Do you think this is rough, huh!? Because I can guarantee I've had to bare a far worse burden than this!" He paused to stop another one of Shade's strikes then continued, "Years ago, back when all this first started, I was a prisoner among so many others, That place was hell for everyone in it. I had a chance to save them but I couldn't! I had to abandon over seventy-thousand lives to that damned place! And all of those lives were lost! All of them! Gone! Because of me..." Scrappers headache surged and he struggled to think straight, he wanted to back away from Shade and sit down but he didn't see it as safe to do so until she calmed down. His higher breathing rate would easily signal this fact along with brighter glowing eyes.

by **Syron** Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:51 am

Eventually the attacks stopped, but the battle wasn't won yet. Shade still struggled to keep herself under control and the rage was still there. Her body trembled as she forced herself to sit down, while another part of her wanted to continue the attacks. When she finally spoke, her voice was just as shaky, a sign of the effort it required from her even form words. Why did you follow me?

by Scrapper Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:11 am

Scrapper didn't respond immediately, did he actually have a reason? From the looks of it he ran after her without a good reason. He should have left her to calm herself down but instead he did it himself. Without the ability to even think straight, he eventually responded. "I... I don't really know... But it might be a good thing that I did, you could have run off and gotten yourself killed Las. And neither of us want to have you end up like that." He himself sat down to recuperate from his headache which still kept going strong. His heavy breathing still keeping a good pace. "Oh, well... That forms a reason I guess. I didn't want you to get yourself hurt just because you were angry. Very angry."

by **Syron** Thu Apr 25, 2013 2:58 pm

With her friends gone, Shade felt lost. Every string she had held on was suddenly gone, everything that had kept her sane. And yet... why wasn't she attacking Scrapper anymore? It had always needed a friend to calm her down, she should have been raging until she either powered out completely or she died. Admittedly, she wasn't over it just yet. Her thoughts constantly returned to the ponies she had lost, including Skylight and how she had felt back when the pegasus died right before her eyes and she found out that her parents had shared the same fate. It had been exactly the same. She hadn't been able to control herself in the slightest, she had no reason to live and no reason to calm down. Until she suddenly got a new friend. A new pony to hold on to.

Her trembling kept steady, but the darkness around her retreated, at least a bit. Tears flowed freely from her eyes as she looked at Scrapper. There still was the insane anger in her gaze, next to her sorrow. And there was a pleading hope as when she said the next sentence, her voice almost breaking into sobs. I can't live without a friend

by Scrapper Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:53 pm

Scrapper looked at Shade, she had lost everything. Like himself, he never had anything to begin with, so he wouldn't know how it felt to have it then be told you lost it forever.

He felt really sympathetic, like him, she had nothing. At least his purpose was Survival, something to live for even if it wasn't much, hers was all in her friends that she no longer had.
He got up and went over to Shade, "Las, you have one. Me." He put his hoof on her shoulder, "I won't leave you with nothing, I promise. And I won't let you down, like I was forced to do in the past" He leaned over and gave Shade a comforting hug, even though he didn't see it as the best thing for an assassin he did it. He was never the most social of ponies, he never knew how to calm another pony down or cheer them up, but now he just... Went with it.

by **Syron** Fri Apr 26, 2013 3:18 am

After a few seconds Shade returned the hug, and didn't let go again. She wasn't sure about Scrapper, she had only known him for a few days, but she needed somepony, and Scrapper was the best guess. Besides... it felt right, somehow. With a shoulder to cry on, Shade did exactly this, holding on Scrapper tightly as if there was a risk of actually falling out of this world while she tried to get over her troubles. She wouldn't succeed, this event would bother her forever as did Skylight, but hopefully she would get better somehow. Please don't let this be a lie, she said quietly between her sobs.

by Scrapper Fri Apr 26, 2013 6:25 am

Scrapper hadn't expected the hug to be returned, especially as much as it had been. He felt calm, his headache was still there, but for whatever reason he didn't feel it any more. Then came the words that presented the chance of a Lie.

Ever since that day years ago, any promises he couldn't keep were never made. And there were very few of them. The few that he made were seen until their completion. Because since that day, he made a promise to himself never to break any he made unless he died trying. "I'll be damned if I ever have to break another promise." And nothing has changed, he never breaks his promises.

by **Syron** Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:22 pm

For a long time Shade said nothing, and when she finally did, her tears still were coming, though her sobs were on the retreat. She still felt empty, the space that had been occupied by her friends wasn't filled by Scrapper, but it would have to do. It was hard to think of much else than the ponies she had lost, but eventually she forced herself to find out what exactly she felt towards her new friend. She hadn't spent much thought on it before, simply out of the principle that she wanted to know her friends very well before even considering them as candidates for such a relation. But despite hardly knowing him, his presence felt good, and the calming effect on her was exactly what she was used to from her friends. It was even stronger that what she was used to. Right now, she would have liked to never go out of this embrace. But unfortunately she had to. Thanks, she finally said before slowly letting the earth pony go. And sorry for attacking you.

by Scrapper Fri Apr 26, 2013 2:56 pm

Scrapper follow suite when Shade began to let go of him, he felt like he could breath a bit better but that's probably because he was being slightly strangled. "Eh, I've had a lot worse. I'm just glad I caught you now rather than later." His headache was beginning to fade away, and so was his natural sensitivity to light as well. But at least he wouldn't feel much more of it unless something else decides to remind him of something today. "So, You okay for heading back to the hideout? I mean, it's okay if you aren't but Its probably better there."

by **Syron** Fri Apr 26, 2013 7:08 pm

Back to the hideout... That meant back to Apollo. Shade wasn't sure if she could take it, but slowly nodded anyways. Let's go. Finally she dismissed the artificial darkness around her - which had been somewhat useless anyway since there hadn't been a light source except for her own horn and Scrappers eyes. It continued to stay dark, which forced her to provide at least some light on her own. It wasn't much, just enough not to walk into a wall, and little enough to still provide comfort to her. She wiped the tears away and slowly walked back, not really paying attention to where she was going. She looked to the ground, head hanging low and letting her hooves guide the way. Sure enough, it didn't take long before her eyes were wet again and one or the other tear ran down her cheeks, but at least less than just a few minutes ago. While they walked, Shade kept close enough to Scrapper to almost touch him, without even noticing.

by Scrapper Sat Apr 27, 2013 8:35 am

Scrapper remained silent on the walk back, he couldn't see anything apart from what Shade lit up again but he'd rather that right now. He also felt Shade walking close to him, he didn't mind it. The kind of news she got a few minutes ago is heavy at first.
Scintillance was probably still looking for Shade but after what reaction he's seen Shade have to Lance whenever he was around was bad, so it might be a good thing if he was still looking around.
When they reached the entrance to their hideout, Scrapper stopped with a quick thought. Her dead friend was probably still in there, would seeing him make Shade feel worse? Only one way to tell, "Hey, Las. If you don't think you can see him like that again, I can move him before you go in. Only if you want me to though." By move, he mean't 'Take out and give a burial' It's true he didn't see everything deserved a burial like in the old days but he kind of understood how bad it felt to bear news like that. And Apollo also mentioned it being his fault. Which would have made it worse for him.

by **Syron** Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:24 pm

No, Shade answered after staring at the entrance to the hideout for several long seconds. At least once I want to be able to give a final goodbye to a friend. She was obviously hardly keeping herself together as she entered and approached the dead pegasus, but she didn't have another outbreak. She lay down next to him and after looking at her friend through tears for some time, connected her forehead to his. She spoke, but her words were only whispers. She wasn't able to talk clearly now anyway. I don't know what you did Apollo, but I know that you would never intentionally do anything to harm any of our friends. Whatever has happened, I forgive you. Thanks for keeping me sane for so long.
She didn't know what happened after death and she didn't believe in anything, but even if her words were lost to everypony but her and possibly Scrapper, she still had to say them. She took her time once again, also because she still had to fight to stay in control, but finally she stood up and lifted the body magically. The concrete floor was unsuitable for a grave, she had to get him at least out into the tunnels. She hardly had the focus to lift a pony, her magic flickered visibly, but she refused to let go as she searched for a proper spot.

by Scrapper Sat Apr 27, 2013 6:53 pm

He followed Shade back through the tunnels while she carried the recently lost Apollo. He had a sudden feeling of Guilt. Could he have done something different? Something that would have kept the Pegasus alive. He has survived on his own for so long he got used to patching himself up for most wounds and infections, even poison bolts he could have healed him if he was fast enough. Lost in his own thought he talked without noticing. Split parts of his thought come to words, all said seperatly during travel. "Maybe If I...", "I could have saved him but.. No, they would have found him If I didn't kill them...", "Bloody hell I tried... I'm sorry mate..." His thoughts became swarmed in the sorrow of his own failure, He gets over it pretty quickly but the cost for that is it sometimes hits him hard.

by **Syron** Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:30 am

As long as you didn't have an antidote with you, there's probably nothing you could have done, Shade quietly said after some time of silence. They reached one of the dead ends near the hideout, where Shade laid Apollo's body softly on the ground. A last check of his belongings let her find the letter, the only thing she took before stepping back. The ceiling of the tunnel here didn't seem all that stable, and after a strong magical tug it partially gave in, burying the pegasus under a large pile of earth. Shade's eyes were bound to the improvised grave for some time, then levitated the letter to Scrapper. She didn't want to read it, fearing that it might contain even more horrible news. Tell met what the letter says when you think I can take it.

The letter was addressed to the captain of the guard, informing him about a group of ponies who had apparently managed to kill several high ranking griffon officers throughout the country, among many low ranking griffon soldiers. That those assassinations had a connection only had become known when the group had unexpectedly been discovered. All members except for two had already been eliminated, the ones still on the loose were a dark blue, blond pegasus who acted as their messanger, and the pony who is suspected to be the one to actually execute the assassinations. The only fact known about that pony was the current location: Manehatten.

The Manehatten Guard was asked to stay on lookout for hints that could lead to the last two members. Additionally it was written that the sender would come to Manehatten shortly as well. It was signed by Sergeant Scanion Blackwing.

by Scrapper Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:58 pm

Scrapper snapped out of his thought when Shade started talking to him. Obviously he'd been speaking his thoughts but it was obviously too late to change that. The reality of her words calmed him a little, at least she understood he felt guilty for his death. Even if he wasn't the one who fired the bolt.
He took hold of the letter, he'd have to read this back at the hideout where the torch's he put up would give him the light he clearly lacked here.
He left Shade to mourn for as long as she needed before suggesting they should head back by placing a hoof on her shoulder. He kept silent on the trip back, not needing to stay close to Shade for she had that covered herself. Staying close to him like she had before whilst keeping the lowest light possible.

When they got back, Lance wasn't there. Probably still looking. Scrapper left Shade to do whatever she needed to do whilst he went under some decent light to have a look at this letter.
There was nothing on the letter that they didn't already know, it did unfortunately confirm that Shade's group was lost, and that the Griffons knew Shade was here in Manehattan. The part that made his eyes widen in surprise was the name that signed it; Scanion Blackwing.

He knew that name, how could he forget it? It was the very name that forced him to break a promise. And the same name that left a Scar on his face. Checking by the date on the letter he was most likely already in Manehattan.
Scrapper's next words came out slowly, and easily understandable. "Bloody hell... So the war didn't claim your wretched life."

by **Syron** Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:27 pm

Shade lay down in little distance to the torch Scrapper used as reading light, an unnatural blotch of darkness marking her position. She closely watched her new friend to keep him constantly on her mind. Her only anchor in this damn hell of a life. And she still didn't know how secure the chain was.

Some part of her instantly protested at this doubt. Her logic responded that she hardly knew him. Even more protest. It was ridiculous how strong her feelings towards him were after such short time. She was pulled out of her thoughts when Scrapper suddenly spoke. Scrapper recognized somebody from this letter, and he wanted him dead? If he's the one behind this, he won't survive much longer, Shade said, her voice drifting towards anger again.

by Scrapper Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:04 pm

Scrapper looked over to Shade. "That bastard doesn't deserve to live after what he did. Karma must have a hard time getting to him." He put the letter away and sat down. "He left me with nothing but bad memories and thousands of others without lives to live. And a Scar that's cast suspicion on me to every pony I come across. His name, is Scanion Blackwing."

"I'll give you a word that best describes him, Mental. He see's pain as fun and tortures things for entertainment. Not the kind of Griffon you want want to be caught by. This mask I wear isn't just for show..." Scrapper very reluctantly and slowly put his face-mask down, revealing his Griffon faction shaped scar on the left side of his face. Normally, he would never show that scar to anyone, but he felt calm enough to show it to Shade. Unusually calm. "It's a memory I have to keep Las, one I hate. Your the first to see this in a long time, you can kinda see why I prefer to hide it..."

by **Syron** Tue Apr 30, 2013 11:36 am

Shade perked her ears in surprise when she heard the namne. Blackwing... It was a small hint, but it would be a possible name for... him. Even if he wasn't Skylight's murderer, with what Scrapper told, and especially showed her, her hatred for him was already strong enough to ensure his death. She rose to her hooves, the signs of a rage visible again, or they would be, if Shade hadn't covered herself in shadows. Light gray, black wings and a black stripe on the back of his head?, she asked, now making her hatred for the griffon audible.

by Scrapper Tue Apr 30, 2013 3:45 pm

Scrapper nodded silently, Shade might know who he is. Lucky for her, she wasn't one of the one's in a cell back then. He noticed a kind of twist in Shade's voice, after hearing that she clearly wanted the same thing he did. That Griffon's life.

"The letter tells me that he's here in Manehattan, and he's here to get You, Las. Somehow they knew you were here, well, unless you made it obvious." Scrapper quickly pulled his face-mask back up, he may have been calm enough to let Shade see it but that doesn't mean he liked it. He went over to a table he made up for crafting on, he always toyed around with things to see what he could make. It keeps his skill in good use.
Whilst he tinkered with the tools in front of him he just got a sudden thought, "Y'know I think you should plan this out Lassie. If he's after you I doubt he's alone." He looked at Shade for a second, "After all, your a deadly assassin. It takes skill to live in that business." He made a gesture with his left hoof at the end of his next sentence, "You even caught me off-guard, I admit, Your pretty good!"

by **Syron** Wed May 01, 2013 7:15 am

With Scrappers comfirmation one of the newly constructed barriers in Shade's mind broke again. Memories of the batte twelve years ago came up, the fear and desperation she had felt back then coming along as well. And he had something to do with the deaths of her other friends as well...
She didn't answer through the turmoil of emotion. Having an actual target made it simpler not to fall into a blind rage, but she still was on the brink of losing it again.

by Lance Wed May 01, 2013 10:50 am

Lance stood around the corner of the entrance, making sure not to disturb the two. He wasn't there for very long, but certainly long enough to hear about Apollo, and about the letter's contents. He made sure not to disturb the two, lest he ruined Shade's temper. again. Well actually he was just absolutely terrified of ruining Shade's temper.
Finally putting a brave face on, he subtly entered, and not so subtly announced "And you're going to catch Blackwing off guard, too. Anything you need, anything I can do, just ask."

by **Syron** Wed May 01, 2013 6:14 pm

Surprisingly enough, Shade didn't completely break loose upon hearing Lance' voice. She did react badly though. Yeah, sure, so that every griffon sees one of your annoying lights! Or maybe you accidently fall into a group of them? Most likely dragging me with you, she half snarled, half shouted at him, actually dropping her spell, so that her expression was visible. It was a mix of anger, contempt and annoyance. She quickly walked up to him as she continued her rant. I should have talked some sense into her when she started liking you, a good part of her injuries would have never happened. You were a complete catastrophy, and you still are. You should go to your cute little rebellion and screw up there! With the last words she gave Scintillance a violent shove towards the exit.

by Scrapper Wed May 01, 2013 7:29 pm

Scrapper reacted to the shove Shade gave to Lance, it wasn't bad yet. But hopefully he could keep it from getting any more intense. He really wasn't in the mood for this, it escalated quickly anyway.
Scrapper pushed Lance further so that he could get between both of them. He gave Lance a quick look then turned to Shade, "Las, I know you don't think to highly of this light-bulb. Obviously this started a long time ago, and this war has made things a lot worse. Admittedly, I'd like to know why things get so tense around you two, but I won't ask. But I know you enough now to know you can at least tolerate him, can't you do that now? For me at least?" Scrapper stood directly in the way of Shade so that she couldn't see Lance without looking past him, not directly in her face but close enough to hopefully keep her attention.

by Lance Sun May 05, 2013 5:32 am

Lance took the shove with slight annoyance, but nothing more; only a stalwart stare at Shade. Whatever it was Scrapper said, it never reached Lance's ears, caught in the moment. "I know I've been a clumsy oath. and a 'disaster,' apparently, but not anymore. not as much, at least. I've said it before, Shade; it's about time I made myself useful."

by **Syron** Sun May 05, 2013 7:29 am

Shade would have continued assaulting Scintillance if it werent for Scrapper blocking her path. Scintillance moved enough to be visible behind the earth pony, but though she obiviously was close to jump at him, she only stared back. When tears began welling up again, Shade abruptly turned away. Just go away. In the next moment, she had already covered herself in shadows again and retreated to some corner of the hideout.

by Lance Mon May 06, 2013 2:48 pm

Lance was finally willing to take a verbal offensive on Shade, for the first time in his memory... but then he caught a glimpse of Shade's tears, and remembered Shade had just lost... much more than a single friend, this night. He couldn't bring himself to argue, knowing that. He took a few steps towards the entrance, before turning slightly to at least apologize... but no words came out. Instead, he turned to Scrapper, speaking in a low voice so that Shade may not hear."Take care of her." and he made his way out of the hideout.

Trotting through the tunnels, Lance mulled over a few thoughts to himself. Shade... what am I to do with you... what am I to do with myself... Lance had few options. He's not much more than a bitter memory of Shades' past, it seems... and so was that griffin. "Blackwing. Scanion Blackwing. You and I have too much in common. Even this little bit is too much." whether or not Lance is going insane is up for debate for those who'd see him talking to seemingly nopony.

He couldn't go back. Not to Shade. Not now. At least... not without some good news.

by Scrapper Mon May 06, 2013 5:23 pm

Scrapper watched Shade disappear into darkness, he was confident enough she wouldn't leave the hideout again but with Lance here that can still be debatable.
He turned to Lance after a few seconds to hear his words, he understood that he had some kind of bad spot in Shade's mind whether as He didn't. Shade even said he had a calming effect on her. Scrapper backed away from the entrance where he stopped a potential fight and went back to finish what he was doing on his workbench, once he was done that his main intention was to sleep. The fight with the Griffons, carrying Apollo back here, looking for Shade and having to reveal his worst memory took a toll on his mind. He too, needed a bit of time to think about things.

by **Syron** Tue May 07, 2013 8:40 am

Shade had lain down as well, silently watching Scrapper to distract herself from her grief. It didn't work all too well. Eventually she stood up and walked over, perfectly silent as was her nature. She hesitated, she actually felt somewhat awkward about what she was about to do. Though she didn't mind close contact with a friend... well, starting to cuddle in bed - if a simple mat could be described as such - was a bit more than she would usually do. But damn, she needed that right now. She let her spell fall and took a few last step, allowing her hooves to make a sound on the floor this time to notify Scrapper of her presence, if he wasn't already to deep asleep. Mind some company?, she asked quietly.

by Scrapper Tue May 07, 2013 9:13 am

Scrapper wasn't asleep enough to not hear the hoofsteps, his ear twitched to the sound. For one, he wouldn't expect Shade to make even that little amount of noise. To his surprise, his expectations were wrong. Even more so the question that had been given to him in her words.
Just being woken up, he took a couple of seconds to process what he just heard. It was an unusual request, but one he didn't even consider to deny. "Uh.. No. I don't mind at all, Las." He scooted himself over to give Shade a bit more room to lay down. For one fact, he'd never normally let anything near him when he was sleeping. Normally just for safety. For another, he's gone against a lot of his normal instincts recently around Shade. He felt strange, but he didn't feel the need to go against his instincts if they were telling him it was fine.

by **Syron** Tue May 07, 2013 11:02 am

Before she lay down, Shade fiddled with something beneath her cloak, and eventually brought forth a harness she'd been wearing, with various equipment attached to it. Three knifes, two of them meant for throwing, one meant for close quarter combat, a set of picklocks, two of her shurikens, and holders for four more. Normally she only took the harness off for washing herself, and always only for short time, but normally she also didn't plan on sleeping body to body with somepony else.
Thanks, she said as she laid her equipment on the floor and settled down next to the earth pony. Without you I'd have gotten myself killed by now.

by Scrapper Tue May 07, 2013 11:30 am

Scrapper noted her harness, he never used one. But It helps most of the time to have one. Once Shade was settled he replied to her gratitude. "I've seen a lot of ponies go out, Las. Some for reasons just like yours. It's a shame, some of them were too young to even hold a weapon. Seeing it happen again to you.. Might just do me in." He felt good, having someone he can talk to without a great fear of being attacked. He never got much of that in his travels. Now that he thought about it, he hasn't talked as much as he has in the few days he's been with Shade since the war started. "My memories are bad as it is. To be honest, They haven't been as cripplingly bad around you." He was talking about recently, when he had to find Shade in the tunnels, he managed to find her and talk her down while he was having a moment. If that was normal, he would have been unable to follow Shade at all.

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