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Description
This story was Writing by The-Land-Shark [link]
Oc Pony Belong to The-Land-Shark. [link]

(Braveheart and Scruffy are strolling out of the Lover’s Path, with the sun hovering over them)
Braveheart: Do you know what’s odd?
Scruffy: What?
Braveheart: Well, haven’t you noticed that whenever we recruit a new Destrier, they each have a past connection to one of the Daughters of Harmony?
Scruffy: Yes, it’s something that’s been bugging me since we met Speed Shock; I thought it was just coincidence when Willow Wisp brought up that he knew Applejack, but then Speed Shock comes out with the fact that he knew Fluttershy; then came Crono Sparks and Rarity, Sir Knightly and Rainbow Dash, and now Shifterdreams and Pinkie Pie... It’s almost as if destiny has linked them together specifically for this purpose; to be there for them when they need rescuing individually.
Braveheart: Yeah! That’s exactly my point! Well, I was thinking...
Scruffy: You were thinking? (Scruffy chuckles) Steady now, steady now; don’t want to rush that little hamster turning that wheel inside your brain.
Braveheart: (scowling, with a hint of sarcasm) You’re hilarious, you know that? No, I mean, if all the ponies we’ve recruited so far have had a connection to each of the Daughters, and the only one left to have a connection established is Twilight Sparkle...
Scruffy: You’re suggesting we look in spots where Twilight would be most likely to have met a pony and forged a link between them, in the hopes that it’ll narrow down the search time?
Braveheart: Exactly.
Scruffy: You know, no matter how insensitive and foolish you can be at times, you do have your moments of brilliance.
Braveheart: (beaming) You’re not all bad yourself, old-timer.
Scruffy: Of course I’m not. Now come on; we can get to Ponyville by tomorrow, and if your theory is correct, and I have little to doubt that it isn’t, we can start looking for whosoever has a strong enough link to Twilight, that would galvanise them into rescuing her should the opportunity arise, while we’re there.
(They headed off on the road east, the beaten track kicking up dust behind them)
(True to Scruffy’s word, they arrive in Ponyville the next day. They’ve been to the small town before, albeit briefly, and it had always seemed quite quaint and small, without being totally devoid of any hustle and bustle that injected so much life into far larger urban areas such as Manehattan. Everything continued as normal in Ponyville; something now feels wrong, as if an unmentionable odour hangs in the air; now that the Daughters of Harmony no longer lived there, it seems as if a chunk of Ponyville’s character has been forcefully torn out and cast aside; everypony seems to be quieter and more on edge, wondering not only if they could be ponynapped next, but if the parts of the community the Daughters represented would ever return. They barely register the two ponies making their way into town and surveying the scene)
Braveheart: Will you look at this place? It’s like if somepony had died or something...
Scruffy: That’s the only thing that hasn’t happened to those ponies yet. Come on; the library’s this way, and I have an idea.
Braveheart: That idea being...?
Scruffy: Well, I was told that Twilight ran the library here before she was... (Scruffy leaves the words hanging there, and stops walking altogether, as if that last word has jammed itself into his throat and paralyzed him totally. Braveheart patiently waits for Scruffy to come unstuck)
Scruffy: Anyway, whoever took over running the library would have most likely done it because they knew Twilight, and thus have a link to her; running the library would seem appropriate to keep her influence alive, assuming we have a kind-hearted pony running the library.
Bravheart: (still a little bemused as to why his friend had previously stopped in that manner) Sounds good; can’t really fault the reasoning there.
(The library is instantly distinguishable from prior descriptions and the two head inside. They find several detailed drawings and sketches pinned to various parts of the walls, and a single unicorn stallion sat at a desk, with an open book to his left and a paper in front of him, jotting things down with a quill held aloft via his magic. His pelt is a greyish blue and his mane is a somewhat scraggly mop, with curls and waves here and there. He looks young, in his late teens most likely, and has a skinnier and taller physique than most. He looks up at the two, his eyes wary of them, and momentarily forgets about the quill. It drops to the desk, knocking over the inkwell and spilling ink all over the paper and desk)
Unicorn: Agh, dammit... (He makes a move to clean it up, but remembers Scruffy and Braveheart are stood there. He talks to them while his horn glows, cleaning equipment floating around and sorting out the mess. His manner of confidence with the levitation suggests he is well-practiced in levitation spells) Um... Can I help you, or anything, or...?
Braveheart: Yes, you can. Do you maintain this library now?
Unicorn: Uh, yes... Who wants to know?
Scruffy: We do. Why’d you take over in Twilight Sparkle’s absence?
Unicorn: Well, first things first, who are you two?
Scruffy: I am Scruffy, and this is Braveheart. We’re on a mission from Princess Celestia, and you could help us.
Unicorn: (his eyes flit about looking at the two, almost surveying them) Well, I, uh, was asked to by Princess Celestia, for one thing, ‘cos the ponies from this town came and asked Celestia if she could help find a new librarian, and uh, she came to me, cause she knew I love books and things. I think she also knew that I, uh, knew Twilight, as well, and would want to, sort of, carry on her name or something like that... Plus I can continue my studies here as well.
(Braveheart and Scruffy look at each other knowingly)
Unicorn: ...What? What is it, ex-captain?
Scruffy: How did you know Twi-- Hang on, how do you know I’m ex-military? I never mentioned that.
Unicorn: You didn’t need to; your artificial leg and hoofs gave you away; that and the, uh, hat and coat. I’ve worked out many things from him.
Braveheart: How can you possibly work out that he’s ex-military from those alone?
Unicorn: We-ell... (As he speaks, he loses his insecure speech patterns and becomes more confident) Those particular model artificial limbs are models that they only give out to amputees who served in the military and lost limbs in battle, and that hat was commonly worn by military captains a good few hundred years ago, so that also suggests you are decidedly old, but your physicality keeps you going. I know that about your physicality because your hoofs containdirts from various parts of Equestria. Considering you’re quite old and you’ve been all over Equestria, you’re in excellent physical condition despite your age. I know you’re an EX-captain also because of the coat you wear; it’s a standard issue trench coat that commanding officers would sometimes wear, but your medals and stripes and any semblance of rank are missing, and where they should be there are frayed edges and fibres. You removed them, viewing that because you were no longer a captain you felt that rank and awards no longer applied. I’m guessing you also retired on bad terms because of the frayed fibres; they suggest you’ve torn them off.
Scruffy: (eyebrows raised, he cannot hide the surprise in his voice) Wow... That’s... (He clears his throat) That’s most impressive, I cannot lie.
Braveheart: That was AMAZING! Do me! Work ME out next!
Scruffy: What’s your name by the way?
Unicorn: I’m Scribblemind.
Scruffy: That name is familiar to me...
Scribblemind: It might be; I’m a writer and artist when I’m not studying, and now I’m running the library as well; it’s a nightmare. (Smiling, spurred on by the compliments) Thank you for your kind words, but it’s nothing really; just reasoning and a bit of knowledge. However, I’d like to hear what you had to ask me before I did my... you know. You were saying, Scruffy?
Scruffy: Ah, yes; how did you know Twilight Sparkle?
Scribblemind: (breathes out, and wanders over to a window) She was... one of the nice ones... (He looks back at the two) I was bullied when I was younger; a lot actually... Mostly due to my... forgetfulness, as you no doubt saw with the quill... She never did though. She wasn’t properly socially integrated, but... she had enough morality to know that what was being done to me was wrong... She’d offer support, kind words, even revenge pranks at one time or another... I liked her; she was different and so was I. I even began to like her like her at one point... It was just adolescence, mind... Nothing ever happened, ever. I never made anything of it; I never had the courage to... I didn’t even find out her name until she was leaving for Ponyville... But it was her support that got me where I am, you know? Her kindness kept me going, kept me writing and drawing and all sorts. You see these drawings? (He motions about him) All by me; all because Twilight’s kindness. When some of my work got published, and my art got recognized, I got this. (He motions to his Cutie Mark, a brain with a red quill dripping ink in front) It’s kinda cheesy and cliché, really, but all true...
(Scruffy and Braveheart exchange glances; their theory is proven to be further correct)
Scribblemind: ...What? You two are giving each other that look again, that look before I did my thing. What is it? Realisation? Hope? You can’t hide it from me. I can sense it with this, you know. (He taps his horn) That’s my magic talent; emotions; specifically, reading and projection.
Scruffy: ... Most interesting... (He and Braveheart confer for a while, before they turn back)
Braveheart: Do you have anything that could be considered a weapon?
Scribblemind: Er... Yes, I believe so. (A set of four unusually sharp-looking quills rise up behind the desk) My quill-arrows are my weapons; magically sharpened quills that I practice throwing from time to time.
Braveheart: Good. Now... (He pulls out four targets from his saddle-bag) Hit these. (He throws them into the air. Staring straight ahead at the targets with an unblinking gaze, Scribblemind launches the quill-arrows at each of them, sending the targets flying backwards with force. When they land, the targets have each of the arrows pierced straight through the middle)
Braveheart: ...You say you’re forgetful, and we’ve even see you be clumsy, and yet you can do that? (Scribblemind blushes)
Scruffy: So, not only are you a master of deduction, you’re also an empathic and a dead-eye? (He laughs) Son, you are too good to be true. We want you to be part of our team.
Scribblemind: (surprised Team? What team? You never said anything about a team?
Braveheart: That is our mission from Celestia; to recruit ponies to become the New Destriers, to save the six ponies that went missing, Twilight Sparkle being one of them.
Scribblemind: The Destriers? The princess is resurrecting them?
Scruffy: You know of them?
Scribblemind: They are the stuff of legends, Scruffy; a story told among the forgotten whispers in the most ancient of ponydom.
Scruffy: The six who went missing are the keepers of the Elements of Harmony, which gives them the title of the Daughters of Harmony. (He brings out a picture of Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy) Twilight you already know, but the others are Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy. They were taken for purposes unknown, but suspected to be nefarious. Your mind, magic and skills with your weapons would be a most valuable asset to the Destriers.
Scribblemind: And you want me on board? Will it be a collective, or...?
Scruffy: Yes, but we want you to be the leader.
Scribblemind: ...
Braveheart: Well?
Scribblemind: You aren’t serious! You CAN’T be serious; I’m a socially awkward and forgetful liability! If I lead the Destriers, it will be into disaster!
Scruffy: And yet you have skill with a weapon, great skill in magic, a strong connection to one of the Daughters of Harmony, and a brilliant mind to cap it all, which can all be applied to the situations the Destriers will find themselves a part of in times to come. Please; you’re perfect. You can be a bit awkward at first yes, but you warm quickly to those around you. Now will you join us?
Scribblemind: I... I... (He is utterly dumbfounded, and paces for a while) I don’t know what to say.
Scruffy: Do it for Twilight; repay her for the kind things she did to you.
Scribblemind: ... (Thinks for a while) Alright.
Braveheart: Excellent! If I believe so, that’s all of them, Scruffy!
Scruffy: Indeed; come on, the rest of your team will be at Canterlot waiting for our return.
Braveheart: I’ll get some pegasi to give us a lift. (He strokes back his mane) Maybe I can get them to be mares... (He runs off)
Scribblemind: You don’t need deduction to work out that he considers himself a fillies’ man... (Scruffy goes to follow him, but Scribblemind stops him)
Scribblemind: Two things before we go. First, you’re absolutely sure I’m the right pony for the job?
Scruffy: Undoubtedly.
Scribblemind: (nods, but remains uncertain) Second; how do you know Twilight Sparkle? (Scruffy freezes, his eyes widen)
Scribblemind: (He taps his horn) Empathic, remember? Whenever you say her name, there’s... a stab of... pain, and regret, and... other things. (Scruffy remains silent) I’m guessing by your age, and your same hairlines that run through your mane and tail, that skips three generations... You’re her great grandfather... Aren’t you? That’s why you’re on board with Celestia on this mission, because you wouldn’t be previously, because of how you left her military previously... It’s for her...
Scruffy: (He remains quiet, shaking slightly, but under control) ...And you wonder why we want you to be a Destrier.
(There remains a silence between them, as they head off to meet Braveheart, and the pegasi he has acquired favour of)

There. Thanks again for this opportunity, and I hope you like it!

Description
This story was Writing by The-Land-Shark [link]
Oc Pony Belong to The-Land-Shark. [link]

(Braveheart and Scruffy are strolling out of the Lover’s Path, with the sun hovering over them)
Braveheart: Do you know what’s odd?
Scruffy: What?
Braveheart: Well, haven’t you noticed that whenever we recruit a new Destrier, they each have a past connection to one of the Daughters of Harmony?
Scruffy: Yes, it’s something that’s been bugging me since we met Speed Shock; I thought it was just coincidence when Willow Wisp brought up that he knew Applejack, but then Speed Shock comes out with the fact that he knew Fluttershy; then came Crono Sparks and Rarity, Sir Knightly and Rainbow Dash, and now Shifterdreams and Pinkie Pie... It’s almost as if destiny has linked them together specifically for this purpose; to be there for them when they need rescuing individually.
Braveheart: Yeah! That’s exactly my point! Well, I was thinking...
Scruffy: You were thinking? (Scruffy chuckles) Steady now, steady now; don’t want to rush that little hamster turning that wheel inside your brain.
Braveheart: (scowling, with a hint of sarcasm) You’re hilarious, you know that? No, I mean, if all the ponies we’ve recruited so far have had a connection to each of the Daughters, and the only one left to have a connection established is Twilight Sparkle...
Scruffy: You’re suggesting we look in spots where Twilight would be most likely to have met a pony and forged a link between them, in the hopes that it’ll narrow down the search time?
Braveheart: Exactly.
Scruffy: You know, no matter how insensitive and foolish you can be at times, you do have your moments of brilliance.
Braveheart: (beaming) You’re not all bad yourself, old-timer.
Scruffy: Of course I’m not. Now come on; we can get to Ponyville by tomorrow, and if your theory is correct, and I have little to doubt that it isn’t, we can start looking for whosoever has a strong enough link to Twilight, that would galvanise them into rescuing her should the opportunity arise, while we’re there.
(They headed off on the road east, the beaten track kicking up dust behind them)
(True to Scruffy’s word, they arrive in Ponyville the next day. They’ve been to the small town before, albeit briefly, and it had always seemed quite quaint and small, without being totally devoid of any hustle and bustle that injected so much life into far larger urban areas such as Manehattan. Everything continued as normal in Ponyville; something now feels wrong, as if an unmentionable odour hangs in the air; now that the Daughters of Harmony no longer lived there, it seems as if a chunk of Ponyville’s character has been forcefully torn out and cast aside; everypony seems to be quieter and more on edge, wondering not only if they could be ponynapped next, but if the parts of the community the Daughters represented would ever return. They barely register the two ponies making their way into town and surveying the scene)
Braveheart: Will you look at this place? It’s like if somepony had died or something...
Scruffy: That’s the only thing that hasn’t happened to those ponies yet. Come on; the library’s this way, and I have an idea.
Braveheart: That idea being...?
Scruffy: Well, I was told that Twilight ran the library here before she was... (Scruffy leaves the words hanging there, and stops walking altogether, as if that last word has jammed itself into his throat and paralyzed him totally. Braveheart patiently waits for Scruffy to come unstuck)
Scruffy: Anyway, whoever took over running the library would have most likely done it because they knew Twilight, and thus have a link to her; running the library would seem appropriate to keep her influence alive, assuming we have a kind-hearted pony running the library.
Bravheart: (still a little bemused as to why his friend had previously stopped in that manner) Sounds good; can’t really fault the reasoning there.
(The library is instantly distinguishable from prior descriptions and the two head inside. They find several detailed drawings and sketches pinned to various parts of the walls, and a single unicorn stallion sat at a desk, with an open book to his left and a paper in front of him, jotting things down with a quill held aloft via his magic. His pelt is a greyish blue and his mane is a somewhat scraggly mop, with curls and waves here and there. He looks young, in his late teens most likely, and has a skinnier and taller physique than most. He looks up at the two, his eyes wary of them, and momentarily forgets about the quill. It drops to the desk, knocking over the inkwell and spilling ink all over the paper and desk)
Unicorn: Agh, dammit... (He makes a move to clean it up, but remembers Scruffy and Braveheart are stood there. He talks to them while his horn glows, cleaning equipment floating around and sorting out the mess. His manner of confidence with the levitation suggests he is well-practiced in levitation spells) Um... Can I help you, or anything, or...?
Braveheart: Yes, you can. Do you maintain this library now?
Unicorn: Uh, yes... Who wants to know?
Scruffy: We do. Why’d you take over in Twilight Sparkle’s absence?
Unicorn: Well, first things first, who are you two?
Scruffy: I am Scruffy, and this is Braveheart. We’re on a mission from Princess Celestia, and you could help us.
Unicorn: (his eyes flit about looking at the two, almost surveying them) Well, I, uh, was asked to by Princess Celestia, for one thing, ‘cos the ponies from this town came and asked Celestia if she could help find a new librarian, and uh, she came to me, cause she knew I love books and things. I think she also knew that I, uh, knew Twilight, as well, and would want to, sort of, carry on her name or something like that... Plus I can continue my studies here as well.
(Braveheart and Scruffy look at each other knowingly)
Unicorn: ...What? What is it, ex-captain?
Scruffy: How did you know Twi-- Hang on, how do you know I’m ex-military? I never mentioned that.
Unicorn: You didn’t need to; your artificial leg and hoofs gave you away; that and the, uh, hat and coat. I’ve worked out many things from him.
Braveheart: How can you possibly work out that he’s ex-military from those alone?
Unicorn: We-ell... (As he speaks, he loses his insecure speech patterns and becomes more confident) Those particular model artificial limbs are models that they only give out to amputees who served in the military and lost limbs in battle, and that hat was commonly worn by military captains a good few hundred years ago, so that also suggests you are decidedly old, but your physicality keeps you going. I know that about your physicality because your hoofs containdirts from various parts of Equestria. Considering you’re quite old and you’ve been all over Equestria, you’re in excellent physical condition despite your age. I know you’re an EX-captain also because of the coat you wear; it’s a standard issue trench coat that commanding officers would sometimes wear, but your medals and stripes and any semblance of rank are missing, and where they should be there are frayed edges and fibres. You removed them, viewing that because you were no longer a captain you felt that rank and awards no longer applied. I’m guessing you also retired on bad terms because of the frayed fibres; they suggest you’ve torn them off.
Scruffy: (eyebrows raised, he cannot hide the surprise in his voice) Wow... That’s... (He clears his throat) That’s most impressive, I cannot lie.
Braveheart: That was AMAZING! Do me! Work ME out next!
Scruffy: What’s your name by the way?
Unicorn: I’m Scribblemind.
Scruffy: That name is familiar to me...
Scribblemind: It might be; I’m a writer and artist when I’m not studying, and now I’m running the library as well; it’s a nightmare. (Smiling, spurred on by the compliments) Thank you for your kind words, but it’s nothing really; just reasoning and a bit of knowledge. However, I’d like to hear what you had to ask me before I did my... you know. You were saying, Scruffy?
Scruffy: Ah, yes; how did you know Twilight Sparkle?
Scribblemind: (breathes out, and wanders over to a window) She was... one of the nice ones... (He looks back at the two) I was bullied when I was younger; a lot actually... Mostly due to my... forgetfulness, as you no doubt saw with the quill... She never did though. She wasn’t properly socially integrated, but... she had enough morality to know that what was being done to me was wrong... She’d offer support, kind words, even revenge pranks at one time or another... I liked her; she was different and so was I. I even began to like her like her at one point... It was just adolescence, mind... Nothing ever happened, ever. I never made anything of it; I never had the courage to... I didn’t even find out her name until she was leaving for Ponyville... But it was her support that got me where I am, you know? Her kindness kept me going, kept me writing and drawing and all sorts. You see these drawings? (He motions about him) All by me; all because Twilight’s kindness. When some of my work got published, and my art got recognized, I got this. (He motions to his Cutie Mark, a brain with a red quill dripping ink in front) It’s kinda cheesy and cliché, really, but all true...
(Scruffy and Braveheart exchange glances; their theory is proven to be further correct)
Scribblemind: ...What? You two are giving each other that look again, that look before I did my thing. What is it? Realisation? Hope? You can’t hide it from me. I can sense it with this, you know. (He taps his horn) That’s my magic talent; emotions; specifically, reading and projection.
Scruffy: ... Most interesting... (He and Braveheart confer for a while, before they turn back)
Braveheart: Do you have anything that could be considered a weapon?
Scribblemind: Er... Yes, I believe so. (A set of four unusually sharp-looking quills rise up behind the desk) My quill-arrows are my weapons; magically sharpened quills that I practice throwing from time to time.
Braveheart: Good. Now... (He pulls out four targets from his saddle-bag) Hit these. (He throws them into the air. Staring straight ahead at the targets with an unblinking gaze, Scribblemind launches the quill-arrows at each of them, sending the targets flying backwards with force. When they land, the targets have each of the arrows pierced straight through the middle)
Braveheart: ...You say you’re forgetful, and we’ve even see you be clumsy, and yet you can do that? (Scribblemind blushes)
Scruffy: So, not only are you a master of deduction, you’re also an empathic and a dead-eye? (He laughs) Son, you are too good to be true. We want you to be part of our team.
Scribblemind: (surprised Team? What team? You never said anything about a team?
Braveheart: That is our mission from Celestia; to recruit ponies to become the New Destriers, to save the six ponies that went missing, Twilight Sparkle being one of them.
Scribblemind: The Destriers? The princess is resurrecting them?
Scruffy: You know of them?
Scribblemind: They are the stuff of legends, Scruffy; a story told among the forgotten whispers in the most ancient of ponydom.
Scruffy: The six who went missing are the keepers of the Elements of Harmony, which gives them the title of the Daughters of Harmony. (He brings out a picture of Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy) Twilight you already know, but the others are Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy. They were taken for purposes unknown, but suspected to be nefarious. Your mind, magic and skills with your weapons would be a most valuable asset to the Destriers.
Scribblemind: And you want me on board? Will it be a collective, or...?
Scruffy: Yes, but we want you to be the leader.
Scribblemind: ...
Braveheart: Well?
Scribblemind: You aren’t serious! You CAN’T be serious; I’m a socially awkward and forgetful liability! If I lead the Destriers, it will be into disaster!
Scruffy: And yet you have skill with a weapon, great skill in magic, a strong connection to one of the Daughters of Harmony, and a brilliant mind to cap it all, which can all be applied to the situations the Destriers will find themselves a part of in times to come. Please; you’re perfect. You can be a bit awkward at first yes, but you warm quickly to those around you. Now will you join us?
Scribblemind: I... I... (He is utterly dumbfounded, and paces for a while) I don’t know what to say.
Scruffy: Do it for Twilight; repay her for the kind things she did to you.
Scribblemind: ... (Thinks for a while) Alright.
Braveheart: Excellent! If I believe so, that’s all of them, Scruffy!
Scruffy: Indeed; come on, the rest of your team will be at Canterlot waiting for our return.
Braveheart: I’ll get some pegasi to give us a lift. (He strokes back his mane) Maybe I can get them to be mares... (He runs off)
Scribblemind: You don’t need deduction to work out that he considers himself a fillies’ man... (Scruffy goes to follow him, but Scribblemind stops him)
Scribblemind: Two things before we go. First, you’re absolutely sure I’m the right pony for the job?
Scruffy: Undoubtedly.
Scribblemind: (nods, but remains uncertain) Second; how do you know Twilight Sparkle? (Scruffy freezes, his eyes widen)
Scribblemind: (He taps his horn) Empathic, remember? Whenever you say her name, there’s... a stab of... pain, and regret, and... other things. (Scruffy remains silent) I’m guessing by your age, and your same hairlines that run through your mane and tail, that skips three generations... You’re her great grandfather... Aren’t you? That’s why you’re on board with Celestia on this mission, because you wouldn’t be previously, because of how you left her military previously... It’s for her...
Scruffy: (He remains quiet, shaking slightly, but under control) ...And you wonder why we want you to be a Destrier.
(There remains a silence between them, as they head off to meet Braveheart, and the pegasi he has acquired favour of)

There. Thanks again for this opportunity, and I hope you like it!