ApolloDelphi

From one of the many shadows created by the sunlight through the trees Fear rose up slowly from the ground standing a few meters away. He had a puzzled look that was barely noticeable through his rough emotionless exterior. “We do former comrade. You are a being of logic. I once considered us similar, friends even.” The word tasted like poison coming out of his mouth. “I came to get closure on how you could flip so easily without care. Do explain your logic Shade Locke.” Fear spoke evenly taking care not come across aggressive, biting his tongue at times.

Apollo was silent for a few seconds as he took in everything Noctis said. He would make a good partner. “I deem you worthy Noctis, I already let Shadow know but you and I are going on a trip. Head to Equestria’s Capital, I have an overdue meeting with the Princesses. I will explain your new role on the way. There’s something you should know if you’re going to be traveling with me... Nightmare moons soul resides in this amulet I wear. We have been communicating. She has taken the role as an observer and has no pull in what we do. You and I, we walk our own path.” Apollo said as the two took off towards the Capital at a rapid pace.

Triton rubbed his head in confusion as to what he did wrong and why Arial snapped at him. Nothing about Shade’s composure suggested he was going to retaliate so Triton didn’t see the need to step in. Triton turned to look at Shade who seemed understanding to the events that just unfolded. “Shade I’m not sure the full extent to what you did to deserve that but I think you managed to get me in trouble as well.” “Now now, let’s not get too hung up on the comments. If the equestrians were to know the full extent of the power of the amulet and that you’re communicating with me freely they may not be as willing to let me be responsible for you. As for Noctis, his devotion was surprising to me. I hope I don’t have to kill him. If his intentions are true then he will help me keep all of my side projects in line. My web of information does take quite a bit of attention to upkeep. The rabble I deal with require a firm hand.... That girl, Leaf, has been most impressive in her training, her personality is a bit much to handle. I look forward to see what kind of effect she has on our Shade Locke.” Apollo communicated back to Nightmare moon telepathically unbeknownst to Noctis. “Noctis, my boy, please do explain this adoration you have for me and what goals you hope to accomplish under my supervision?” Apollo questioned trying to decide whether he could take him on under his wing and proceed under the same ideals.

Triton glanced up at the commotion tasing an eyebrow in amusement. Before glancing down at his list writing down Leafs name. He then turned to Flint. “Killjoy is going to lose it when she returns to all this.”

Triton allowed himself a smirk, amused by Shades awkwardness. Triton struggles with the same thing. An extrem intelligence did not always translate the best in social interactions. “That’s right. I’m glad you came. I knew there was more to you.” He said before he reclined in his chair and went back to scribbling their new groups down. Apollo allowed Leaf to fasten the pendant back around his neck. “You’re right it’s an ugly old thing isn’t it? Oh well I’ve always been a sentimental one so I keep it. Thank you leaf. I would head on into camp, you might notice a familiar face.” Apollo said as they continued on, his voice getting quieter as they got further away.

“I shall come up with the new... partnerships whil you interrogate then colonel.” Triton said while sizing up the new allies. ”I hereby take full responsibility for Noctis and his actions from here on out. He will be coming and going as I do as my escort.” Apollo announced confidently. Leaning in a little closer he whispered meanacingly. “Do not doubt my power lad, if I decide your intentions to be unjust, I will kill you myself before you can even blink.” To prove his point Apollo’s shape flickered and appeared on Noctis’s other shoulder simultaneously showing off extreme speed. “Now, let’s go for a walk shall we?” He said smiling, the menacing behavior now a thing of the past.

Triton acknowledged Shade and fell in line behind Trax. When they got back to the tent Triton conjured a swirling mirror of water. “Connection established, we are ready.” Triton spoke as an image from the kingdom came into view with the two princesses staring back.

“It’s true, I’ve had a rough plan all this time. I know my batkin better than anyone other than Nightmare Moon. Even with the distractions of the past war I was always paying attention to what could become of the members. I’ve made it clear in the past that I do not fully agree with All Equestrian beliefs and that I would help find a way to end the Silent Fangs tyranny. You all have traits but lack the experience to utilize them to the best of your abilities. My kin here, are your best bet to achieving that. Now with that said I will be taking a step back from here. Many of you have met my son, Shadowed Heart, He is the leader here and I encourage you to address him. I am simply no more than an advisor to this group.” Apollo nodded his head politely and then turned to look at Shadow gesturing his head for him to speak before turning and jumpin across shoulders finally resting on Noctis’s. “Once the fire dies here, let’s you and me have a chat.” Apollo said for Noctis to hear. Triton has unconsciously put himself between Arial and the Batkin. As his eyes analyzed the trespassers he rested on Shade focusing on him the whole time. Unusual feelings got brought up from deep inside him, as emotions were not his strong suit relying on logic for every answer. Is it possible he could feel joy at the sight of this enemy he had faced twice before? Triton listened carefully waiting for Trax, his mentor, to make a call.

At first the flickering of the shadows did not interest Triton. He thought his eyes may be playing tricks on him due to his fatigue. Until the moment his mind noticed a pattern In the flickering. Due to his position in the army and his intelligence, Triton had been trained in all the different forms of codes known to the Equestrians. This was an older form using an encryption within a morse code. His mind began unraveling the code until he abrubtly stood alert in shock. Retrieving his trident from a nearby weapon stand he stood at the entrance to the Leader’s tent. “You all need to follow me outside, no time to explain. Be on your guard but do not attack yet.” Triton turned to walk out the tent muttering one last word. “Batkin.”

“Well I appreciate your candor. Ah Shadow, at last. I’m proud of this path you have chosen for your self. I’ll let you lead things from here.” Apollo said proudly before hopping up on Shadows left shoulder facing the new recruits.

Apollo eyed his group with curiosity. Clearing his throat to break the uncomfortable silence Apollo spoke over his shoulder to his followers. “Shade I know why you’re here, the rest of you however I’m unclear to your motives. Now is as good time as any to get reacquainted. I will then answer as many questions you may have until we reach our destination. Seeing as it has been countless years I’m sure you have many.”

Fear vanished, appearing again leaning against the wall behind Maelstrom next to Ally’s couch. “Get up you fool.” He said eyeing Black Star still struggling. He folded his arms waiting for Lord Maelstrom’s response.

Fear let Apollo pass by with the others before putting his hand on a shoulder, stopping Shade. “What are you thinking?” He asked, his normal emotionless composure replaced with that of shock and betrayal. The two had worked together on countless occasion over the years and were an absolute terror when fighting together. Fear looked up to shade and it drove him to be stronger himself. Fear had always been loyal to Maelstrom differing from Shade who’s loyalty had always resided with Shadow. But he had never thought this would be how it ended.

Fear rose shortly after Shade, backing up to stand by the exit. Apollo kept his glowing purple eyes on Maelstrom. “I always did enjoy your delusions of grandeur Maelstrom. As I recall you were the Leader that lost the war and forced the Silent Fang into hiding all these years. It seems neither of us are truly fit to lead... which brings me to why I am really here. As you look around you may notice Shadow is missing. He has begun his own journey along with quite a few of your batkin brothers and sisters. This endless cycle of training and bloodshed Maelstrom has set you on does not have to be your only way of life. I am here now to give you that choice and provide you safe escort out of here. Shadow awaits you and will lead you to see true greatness and fulfillment. Total annihilation is not all there is in this world. For some of you this is all there is and I accept that. For others you are getting a chance to start fresh and live up to the expectations that you set yourself, not those forced upon you by a dictator. For one of you... the future holds a leaf, waiting to be plucked out of the breeze.” Apollo said glancing at Shade for a brief second with the end of his speech. “If any of what I said tempts you please follow me. For those of you thinking about killing me here, just know, you’re not the only ones who have been training for the last thousand years.” He stated his trait weighing down on them to prove the truth of his words. With that Apollo turned and began walking towards the exit.

A silence fell over the room as a lone black cat with purple eyes walked in sitting down in the middle of the room. “Greetings all, I do apologize interrupting this important meeting you are all having. You all know me, even if you haven’t pieced it together yet. I am Apollo, the first and rightful leader of the Silent Fang.” Apollo spoke. Suddenly Fear was behind him ready to strike. At that moment a white aura burst out from Apollo filling the room. “Kneel!” He said sternly as an overwhelming force bore down on the surprised Silent Fang members causing every single one of them to drop to a knee bowing their heads, including Maelstrom. “Now now I’m not here to fight, or reclaim the mantle.” He said glancing in Maelstrom’s direction.

Triton came to just as Ceasar approached him. He could tell Trax noticed something about the body by the look on his face. Kneeling by his sensei’s motionless body Triton analyzed the wound himself. Coming to a shocking realization Triton looked at Trax. Knowing that Trax wouldn’t have not told them unless it was for a good reason, Triton kept his mouth shut planning to ask him about it later.

Triton watched as Shade vanished with Shadow knowing full well their duel was over. He could feel himself reaching his limit. There were five members of the silent fang still battling and they all had their backs to Triton. Killjoy in no way looked like she needed help so the targets had to be Oakly, Kasey, and Flint’s opponents. ‘Perfect’ he thought to himself. Sprinting towards them the mist returned swirling around him building up power, the mist became a spiraling blizzard. ‘This has to be simultaneous or one could escape’ Triton thought as the pieces moved in his head planning his move. Leaping up high activating his dragon aura’s wings he paused in between the two battles raging, aiming one hand at each fight. The blizzard split into four streams all aimed at a different opponent. The streams all solidified into large icy spears piercing the hearts of all four remaining members simultaneously, blindsiding them. The four crumpled to the ground void of life. Sensing he was at the last few seconds of his trait, Triton turned towards the fifth silent fang member between him and Killjoy. ‘Even if I can just slow him down for a second..’ Triton thought to himself. Gathering the last of his mist he hurled one last ice spike directly at the enemy. Triton allowed himself a slight smile. “Check mate.” He said as his aura dissipated and he began to fall towards the earth unconscious from overexerting himself.

Triton caught Shade’s scythe with the tines of his trident wrenching it from his hands. In a quick spin he impaled his trident in Shade’s gut. Doing a back flip over Shade he pulled his trident free as a stream of blood followed. Strapping it to his back mid air Triton summoned two icy daggers that he brought down into Shade’s shoulder blades. Letting go he kicked off of Shade landing in a defensive stance a few yards away wielding his trident once more. “You keep wanting me to prove myself to you, I ask why?” Triton asked watching Shade aggressively.

A large amount of steam rose up through the cloud of dust into the sky from the point of impact of Shades explosion. As the dust cleared a glowing blue form was visible. Inside his own watery orb Triton stood his trait fully activated. The orb dissolved as Triton rose melting into a mist that began to cover the battlefield of he and Shade. Getting thicker as it got closer to his glowing dragon form that was the only thing visible. “Then let’s begin.” Triton spoke cooly. Seemingly from everywhere icy daggers started forming in the mist shooting repeatedly at Shade. Triton raised his trident in the air and a massive snake made of water burst out of the tip. Shooting straight towards Shade amidst the sky full of daggers. Crashing into Shade enveloping him. Apollo just smiled. “All I’ll say is this. I see a better life for our kind and my plan well... Just watch Shadow.”

Triton remained calm, calculating his next move. ‘Arial couldn’t land her attack but composed herself in an instant to go on the defensive. Oakly took a hit but seems like he still has the advantage. Trax was in a heated battle with the one that must be Shadow. That seemed to be were most of Shade’s focus was. He was tending to be in between Shadow and me.’ Triton thought to himself. Triton’s form began to shimmer as two watery clones stepped out. Immediately the took off in two separate directions, one of them burst into water as it engaged one of Flint’s attackers trapping the enemy in a swirling ball of water with no air. The other launched itself straight at Shadow hardening into ice crashing into him throwing him off balance enough for Trax to gain the advantage. “A lot has changed Shade Locke, I may not have a thousand years of training under my belt, but I am nobody’s play thing. You’re fight is with me!” Unstrapping his trident he ran towards Shade only to burst into water right before contact. Behind Shade, Triton appeared kicking Shade up off the ground only to twist and slam him back down into the earth with a powerful swing from his Trident. ”Being a cat isn’t all bad. It’s hard to be taken seriously at first, usually have to follow up with a demonstration. It has allowed me to be incognito everywhere I go and has allowed me the means to learn everything I have. I’m limited in some ways but advanced in new ways. I’ll always want what once was but I suppose this is better than most of the things I could’ve been turned into.” Apollo explained.

The shadowy ball burst open in an explosion of water. Triton landed safely on the ground a whirlpool of water swirling around him as eight watery tendrils formed from the current. “It’s simple really. I rarely meet an equal when it comes to the mind, it seems you don’t either as shown by the scar that still shows from out last battle. Plus, you present yourself differently than the rest. I intend to find out why.” Triton spoke confidently. Two of the tendrils engulfed Shade trapping him in an orb of water before freezing solid. Triton sent a giant ice spike towards the ball of ice shattering it and sending shade flying back into the ground scarring the earth as he slid back. ”You know, I had grown accustomed to this body until you started choosing it as a focal point when addressing me. However, I suppose it’s better than being a piece of jewelry.” Apollo said matching her snarky tone.

Triton smiled as the shadowy vines raced towards him. He couldn’t help but feel that despite the circumstances there was a mutual respect between the two combatants. Triton launched himself to the side noticing How it was much easier to track Shade’s attacks. Weaving through the vines trying to trap him Triton jumped high in the air casting out his hand sending a dozen icy daggers towards Shade. Apollo sat on Luna’s room watching over her protectively as he waited for her to regain consciousness. Nightmare moon’s amulet resonated slightly catching his eye. Walking over to it he could sense her presence within the amulet. Following a hunch he put on the amulet. “Hello?” He asked tentatively.

Triton examined before honing in on a familiar face. “I’ll engage Shade, this should be very educational.” He wore an identical armor like Flint’s but he had a deep dark blue with a fluorescent blue trim his sliver trident strapped to his back. Triton took off before landing twenty yards from Shade. “Current situation aside, I’m genuinely looking forward to this rematch.” He said his demeanor showing fortitude but a slight respect for his opponent.

Triton began to rise off the ground a glowing blue watery aura began to surround his body fitting to his person. It began to take shape in a flowing water fashion covering his body like an armor. The aura solidified but still had a current-like flow to it in the likeness of a dragon as if dragon scales and bone were fashion into armor. Two horns grew out of the top of his “helmet” pointing straight up. Simultaneously large wings coming out of his back began to take shape. He opened his eyes glowing a brighter blue than ever before. “This feels... incredible” He said in amazement. He held out a hand to send a small ice spike at a training dummy in the distance. The ice that shot out of his hand however was at least ten feet long and two feet wide at its thickest point. It completely decimated the target and then shattered into a hundred smaller ice shards that peppered the area behind it. Triton stared wide eyed. “Clearly it will take some getting used to...” He said sheepishly.

Fear bowed politely and then melted away in shadowy wisps until he was gone. Apollo leapt onto Azure’s shoulder and closed his eyes in deep concentration. “It seems you all are different than the Batkin. Instead of needing fresh blood to keep your newfound powers at their peak, the new traits will tap into your stamina reserves. The more you use your power the faster it will deplete. I estimate fully exhausting yourselves will require a full day of recovery before you are at full strength again.” Apollo opened his eyes. “I suggest you all take time now to get accustomed to your new strength, your enemy has had countless years to train and grow in power. It’s time to play catch up. Doing anything rash will result in your death and this will all be for nothing.”