> Warsong: Primordial Conflict > by Jumping Jack > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: Repentance > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Repentance An Hour Before Arrival of Starlight Glimmer and Trixie Lulamoon ~~~***~~~ Silence. That was all that could be heard in these lonely and rubble filled hallways. I sat upon the tall, platinum throne of Princess Platinum. The hood of my makeshift cloak over my head as the snowy elements blew through the cracked and shattered stained glasses. The torn and disheveled, frozen over red carpet expanded down from the throne to the massive double doors at the other end. I’ve lost track of time. I don’t know how long I’ve been here. I spent so long exploring this place. Browsing what little the library offered in unfrozen parchments or withered books. Food and drink was plenty. I only had to scale the side of a caved in ceiling before encountering the kitchen, which has seen so much better days. Princess Platinum must have been too full of herself with all the paintings of exquisite poses of her and whatever expensive piece of artwork from ancient times. The castle is overwhelming. Long, expansive hallways, many rooms and certain sections of the castle that don’t make sense. The literature was all in old ponish that I didn’t understand. So, I made use of them as fire for the fire place in the Princess’s chambers I used as my camp out. The time spent here began to topple on me. I was beginning to hallucinate. At some point, I began to hear the chatter of many ponies coming from the ball room. Only to find that rubble, fallen chandeliers and an iced over balcony leading to no where was all that greeted me. Another point in time was coming across the ancient security system that Princess Platinum had placed in her castle. The fact that it still worked was amazing in of itself. Though, living suites of armor wasn’t as nearly boredom breaking as the occasional primordial lackey that have spawned in at night. When the northern lights weaved overhead, the shadows emerged from the ground. Tenebres is on the hunt. And Din was more than happy to go at it. Felling the creatures had become a daily routine. Last night's was different. One had managed to slink away. I’ve been hunting it, as Din didn’t like the idea of being spied upon. However, my search has come up with nothing. The no direction wandering and the constant battles have left me battered and broken. Aware as I am of my state, I couldn’t help but stare off into the distance towards the massive platinum doors. There was no way out of here. Din wasn’t cooperating, and the bridge to get out was gone. There was no other way out of the castle. My eye twitched from the lack of sleep the past week. Constantly defending myself. Hearing the voices. And that echoing “It’s not your fault” traveling throughout the castle. I blinked once and saw Din sitting next to me from the throne. I didn’t turn to her, only cast a sideway glance. Din sat upright like a statue and staring directly ahead with me. She hummed. Tis a shame that I can’t make this my own. It’s quite genius really. Who would expect a fire queen to rule the lands of ice and snow? She gave an evil, maniacal smirk. What’s the matter, vessel? You should be grateful for what I have done. Your dear, foal hood friend can rest in peace, knowing that the ones responsible are now rotting as charred corpses. I didn’t say anything. My mind was all over the place. The voices, the exhaustion, the guilt. All coming down like Din’s megaspell. I blinked again and saw somepony step up next to me from my left. I looked and my eyes widened. He looked exactly as I had saw him. The skinny, blue stallion with the unkempt black mane and eyes, that looked full of life, smiled at me. “C’mon, Fie. You gotta’ learn that stuff happens.” Table Top said. I looked at him, horrified. His image was beginning to rot. He looked at me with a half skeletal grin. I also noticed his entrails hanging down and even touching the ground. I was feeling sick to my stomach. I heard Din cackle softly. Quite the handsome stallion you shot down. Poor dear must have been stuck in the same rut as you were. Alone. Rotting away. Only now, one of you actually did rot. Din laughed. I began to feel my ears ring and my breathing heavy. The world around me turning grey as Table Top stared me down. He put a hoof against my cheek softly and got close. His eyes meeting mine. Until one fell out of his socket. I couldn’t move. I was frozen in fear. “One final kiss goodbye?” Table Top asked. No… no this isn’t real… I began to sob as I tried to will myself to move. He got closer and closer, his hot breath against my lips. Finally, full panic set in. I threw myself out of the throne and scrambled to my hooves, looking over and seeing both Din and Table Top gone. I breathed heavily, clutching my chest. His voice began to echo around me in varying pitches. It’s always been your fault. Suddenly, the throne room erupted into chatter and a unison of agonizing cries. I looked around panicking. Faceless, ghostly ponies emerged from the ground and began reaching out to me. I kicked one away and took several steps back as the many specters of foals, colts, fillies, mares, stallions and elderly continued to reach at me and emerge from the ground. A lot of the specters began floating. Their agonized faces screaming out at me. It’s all your fault. It’s always been your fault. “No… I-I wasn’t me…!” I protested, taking several more steps back. My eyes widened as Din floated down, as if from nowhere, and unfurled her wings when she landed. Her evil, smug grin looking down at me as the spectral hooves and specters began swirling around us. Hmhmhm. Why must you feel so guilty about Hoofington? You know I caused it. You know full well what I am capable of. So why must you torment yourself? As amusing as it is, all this clutter needs to be sorted out. She grinned. I felt myself bump into something behind me. I looked and screamed, falling onto my back. The spectral hooves of the agonized souls began to grab and hold me down. Table Top, his zombified corpse, shambled towards me. I struggled to break free from the holds, but it was to no avail. Table Top stood over me, his entrails resting against me. I felt sick. He lowered himself down and his skeletal muzzle met mine. “It’s always been your fault.” He rasped. I shut my eyes and screamed, finding myself breaking free and swinging a hoof at him. I then broke free of the spectral hooves and began kicking and batting away at them. Willing myself now, I yanked from the holds and opened my eyes, realizing Table Top was no longer around me. I panted and looked around. Silence. I crawled back on my haunches before turning and scrambling to my hooves. I galloped towards the massive platinum doors and began hitting and bucking the door. “I’m sorry!! I’m so sorry!! It’s all my fault! It’s always been my fault!!” I cried out, painfully whimpering as I beat at the doors. I began to sob, giving the door one last punch before slumping down. Hoofington. Table Top. There was nothing I could have done more? So many souls lost. So many ponies unaffiliated with evil and just on the wrong side of the city… gone. And Table Top. Poor Table Top… He didn’t deserve the fate given to him. He should have lived. He should have a way better life than me. He was always a smart pony. He was a four point oh genius. Not only that, he always made up fun games to play when we were foals. In a way, I always looked forward to what games he had in mind. And it was all the more fun when we both got into O&O. He was able to use his wild imagination to make to best games ever. And when I would slack off in school, he would always take time to help me study. It’s because of him that I was able to be enrolled into CSGU upon graduation. But… by that time, it was already too late. I shot him down. I ruined his life. He had so much going for him and I… I burned it all away… My ears flicked as I heard what sounded like suits clattering in the distance. My mind steadied. My senses now on high alert. I heard Din hum. Appears we got a couple of treasure hunters. It also sounds like they’ve encountered the security system too. How amusing. They were able to get into the castle. She said with a grin. I rasped as I stood up and put my hoof against the door. “Or maybe the lackey showed itself. And those ponies are in danger.” I furrowed my look and took a couple of steps back. I reached with my magic and pulled the door. Only to find it has frozen over. I frowned and withdrew my quarterstaff, the staff flashing and burning into the shape of a halberd. I then aimed at it and a small sphere of fire concentrated at the tip of the blade spear. Being trapped in this forsaken castle has not only left me with my thoughts, but I’ve managed to hone some of my primal abilities. Not to the extent I wanted. But the ever so close to breaking gem told me I shouldn’t push it. The beam connected with the door and began heating it up. Steam hissed from it and when the door stopped flaring red, I spun and bucked the doors open. The frozen wasteland of a courtyard greeted me. A fountain in the middle was in relatively good condition. But the area around it was full of dead brush and snow buried rubble. Adjusting my hood, I began to walk down the steps into the courtyard and made my way across. Reaching the fountain, I took a right and trekked through the snow and frost before reaching a hallway. The sound of fighting could be heard closer now. What was going on? I opened the door and walked into a small atrium. I shivered as the cold was beginning to get to me. I put my hoof on the door across the room and froze. The voices were back. I grunted and shook my head. Ignoring the voices, I opened the door and stepped back in horror as Table Top emerged. His rotten corpse now an amalgamation of agonizing souls and burnt flesh reaching for me. A raspy groan emitted from it, calling out my name. I felt myself trip back as a burnt fleshy tendril wrapped around my hind leg. I struggled and batted at it as it pulled me in towards Table Top. “It’s all your fault. It has always been your fault… Quiet Fire.” The amalgamation moaned, followed by a chorus of agonizing cries of my name in vengeance. “No… no please!” I cried out. More tendrils wrapped around me and pulled me in. I struggled to break free. But it was hopeless. They were right. I’m the sole reason they are like this. Why they cannot move on. And it is only fair they get their vengeance. I didn’t fight it. I tearfully accepted my fate as the amalgamation absorbed me into it. “I think she’s moving!” A distant voice echoed. My vision blurred as I found myself lying still, my body aching. “Table… Top…” I rasped. “Are you sure we should be around when she wakes up? I want to keep my life and my wagon!” Another voice broke through in an echo. The other voice sighed. “It’ll be fine, Trixie. I hope…” I began to stir and my vision began to clear. I saw a familiar mare looking down at me. Her pink coat and purple streaked mane and light blue eyes smiled down at me. She was wearing a thermal, puffy coat with a muffler around her neck and goggles above her head. “Fie! Are you alive?” Starlight asked worriedly. I groaned and winced as I tried to sit up, but Starlight gently put me back down. “Easy there, Fie. You’ve been asleep for two days.” I looked to Starlight weakly. “Two…?” I rasped. Starlight winced a she gave me a nervous smile. “Maaaybe because I had to use a giant golem to get you to calm down.” She said with a nervous laugh. I groaned and rubbed my head. This was completely different to a burnout hangover. I then felt something hot and chocolaty trickle down my throat. I coughed a bit before sitting up finally, clutching my side. “Owwww… hot…” I rasped, sticking my tongue out as the burning tingle tickled it. Starlight gave me a surprised look before reaching with her magic to a water canteen, which she then had me drink from. Cool water. It didn’t stop the tingle, but it did help refresh me. “S-sorry about that. Figured a nice cup of coco would bring you right up.” She gave a nervous chuckle. “G-guess it worked.” I then looked at her, my eyes studying the mare. She looked on edge. Her posture completely ready to take action. I bowed my head and rubbed it. “What… happened?” I rasped again. Starlight looked over to Trixie, who was outside the wagon and stirring a steaming cooking pot of what appeared to be soup. Trixie returned her look with concern. “W-well… you may have been missing for four weeks.” She said. I balked. “Four weeks?!” I exclaimed, suddenly wincing and hissing in pain. Starlight made sure to steady me as she nodded. “Ever since the destruction of Hoofington, Din took off along with you. At least, that’s what your friends told us.” She said. My eyes widened. My friends… “I… I have to get back to them…” I rasped again, turning out of the hammock, which Starlight stopped me from going further, her look stern. “Not until we get you fixed up in the Crystal Empire.” She said. I blinked and looked at her. "The Crystal... Empire?" I asked. She nodded. "We pulled you out of the Frozen Mountains. Inside of Princess Platinum's castle. You're in the Frozen North." She explained. I put a hoof to my head, looking lost. "I'm... in the Frozen North? Why...?" I asked before furrowing my brow. 'Din... why here? And why an old castle?' Silence. I growled. Din being uncooperative now is the worst time to happen! I then looked at Starlight, seeing her taking a cautious step back from me. Her look fearful, yet ready to engage. My anger softened as I looked at her in realization. She looked beaten. As if she was pulled through the ringer. I wavered and bowed my head. "You're hurt." I said. Starlight gave a soft, relieved sigh and smile. "Ehh, don't worry about it. I've taken plenty of beatings like this. It's nothing." She said coolly. Trixie walked in, her tattered and beaten look as well as her expression was saying something else. "Soup's ready." She then eyed me warily. I studied her before sighing and waving a small hoof. "I'm sorry..." I began. Trixie scoffed. "I'll accept it once you stop freeloading in my wagon." She said with an annoyed look. Starlight frowned at Trixie. "Trixie. she's been through more hell than you. The least you can do is give her some soup to warm her up." Starlight said sternly. Trixie eyed Starlight and sighed. She reached with her magic and poured a bowl of soup for each of us. She passed me mine and I took it in my own magic. "Thank you." I rasped with a weak smile at her. Trixie bowed her head defeatedly before bringing a thermal blanket to wrap around her. Starlight brought her's out and then she passed me a third one. "Figured you might need it since we were going to be pulling you out of below freezing weather." She said with a smile. I took the blanket in my hooves and studied it. Putting down my bowl of soup, I looked at my tattered and worn out Equestrian Flag cloak. It was itchy at best. I smiled, taking off the flag and putting it down before wrapping the blanket around me. A nice, warm temperature began to even me out. I then looked to the two. "How did you guys find me? And how were you able to get over the chasm?" I asked. Starlight rubbed the back of her head while Trixie boredly slurped her soup. "Well, after Equestria began hearing the news of Din destroying Hoofington... ponies were quick to notice that you were missing afterwords. Some thought you perished in the attack. Some believed they saw you roaming the lands like a lost ghost. And some even believed they were... incarnates of you." She said. I looked at her blankly. Ponies trying to impersonate me? I tilted my head while Trixie snickered. "Amusing as it was by the fakes, it was kinda sad. Anyway, to make a long story short, you weren't showing up on the map, your friends returned to Canterlot and explained the situation and we ended up using your helpers to find you." Trixie explained uninterestedly. I cocked my head the other way this time. "Helpers?" I asked. Starlight pointed at me. "The four ponies who have been living in your house the past month and a half." She said. I balked. I had almost forgot about them. I furrowed my look, debating whether I should call them now or wait a bit. I glanced out the door to the wagon and thought better. I'll wait until I'm back at the Crystal Empire. I don't want the poor ponies to freeze. I took a sip of my soup. "How'd they managed to track me down?" I asked. Trixie and Starlight were struggling to find the right words. The two looked at each other and shrugged. "We... aren't really sure. It might have to do with that imprinting they have on you?" Starlight suggested. I nodded. Right, because they are gifts of the World Serpent. The damned bylaws that Ouroboros likes to loop around every so often. Which is ironic at best. I sighed. "What about my friends? Twilight and the others?" I bit my lip. "My family?" Trixie snorted a bit. "Princess goodie-two hooves has been cooped up in her castle trying to find a way to get your element under proper control." Trixie said. "With the help of your ancestor and his apprentice." I winced and Starlight gave a cringed look. Trixie blinked and shrugged at Starlight. "What? Fie said it herself when she was explaining back at Canterlot." I bowed my head. "I... still find it hard to believe, despite everything." I stated. "It could have just been something Ouroboros set up to have Starswirl fall or something." Starlight shook her head. "Still doesn't explain why he was so... antagonistic towards him. Your explanation makes a little more sense." She said. "As for your friends, they have been scattered about, looking for you. Thi Billette has been wandering around places she believes you would have headed in a state of... uhh... depression?" She rubbed her mane quizzically and I sighed. "Silver Scribble has been working with his M.E.S.S. group along with H.A.A.C. to search for you. Though... The Guild has been reporting that some hunters haven't been returning from their hunts or searches recently. It's as if they mysteriously vanished into thin air." She then rolled her hoof in gesticulation. "As for you family... I'm not sure. They weren't with the others when they arrived in the castle. I'm guessing they are hanging around Canterlot for a time. Maybe lending aid in searching for you." I didn't say anything and went to clutch the pendent, only to realize that I had left it behind with my gear back with the surveillance wagon. I then switched my motion to adjust my blanket a bit. I hope everypony is okay. I then had a realization. "Why didn't they contact me via link bud?" I asked. Trixie pointed at me. "Trick question. You were off the grid and your link bud wasn't picking up." She said. I blinked and put a hoof to my ear. There was no hum. only a muffled ringing. I furrowed my look. I must have lost it somewhere. But how? I shook my head and rubbed my temple. Starlight nudged my soup bowl with hers before taking a pull of the broth. "Soup's getting cold." She said with a wink. I smiled softly before helping myself to the rest of the soup. After that, Trixie brought out the hot coco refills. She passed me one and began asking me about illusion magic. I explained to her how familiar I am with the basics and the only advance form is my cloning. The conversation went between the three of us and we soon found ourselves enjoying each other's company. I had to hoof it to Starlight. Her own magical prowess and knowledge really made me think a bit more about how I should approach my cloning. And Trixie even began to show me stage magic with simple juggling and sleight of hoof tricks. I kind of resonated with Trixie a little. She's weird, but in a good way. She's not the best at magic, but illusion is her go to. And when I began explaining to her the process of cloning, she decided to give it a go, only to suffer immediate burn out and a massive headache. I only chuckled and nodded. "Yup, happened to me a lot." I said. "I started by just imagining ripping a paper in two slowly. Focused on the line and worked to get a perfect rip. After that, I began to do the same thing with my own image. I had to stand in front of a mirror for a couple of years in order to get myself down to the bone. Once I managed to get an image going, it was just working on keeping it solid enough and then working on tempering it. After that, you have to kind of... treat it like a pet. Tell it to walk and dance and stuff with your mind." Trixie rubbed her head, looking exhausted. "I think... I'll start with some sleep first... Ouch..." She rasped. Starlight smiled softly at her and then put a horn to her head. She closed her eyes and Trixie's expression looked relieved. She smiled at Starlight. "Thanks, Star." Starlight nodded before stretching. "Well, on that note, I think we should get some sleep. Err... I'll just..." She rubbed the back of her head. I looked between the two before taking a look around the wagon. It was a bit cluttered. And only two hammocks were available. I rubbed my chin. "Why not sleep together?" I asked. Starlight and Trixie shot me a quizzical look. I held up my hoof immediately. "We are out in the cold so... body warmth?" I suggested. Trixie snorted. "I'll sleep outside then. I'd rather enjoy the howling wind than Starlight's snoring." Trixie said boredly. Starlight frowned. "And I would like to just put some of this stuff out and throw another hammock up. I doubt anypony will be up here trying to loot the wagon while we are asleep." Starlight said. The two shot challenging looks at each other. "Didn't you learn a lesson about personal space?" Trixie frowned. Starlight shot back. "I've told you plenty of times you don't need to keep this stuff around. Especially if we were heading out to the Frozen North. We could have just left some of this behind at the Crystal Empire. I am sure Princess Cadence and Shining Armor wouldn't have minded in the slightest." She said with a hoof wiggle. Trixie pushed against Starlight's forehead with her's. "I'd rather give my stuff over to a parasprite than leave it anywhere anypony can mess with it! This is delicate stuff I have!" Trixie jabbed. Starlight pushed back. "Volatile you mean! I can't walk two steps in here without a smoke bomb going off!" She said. "Yeah, well-" Trixie began. "Enough!" I exclaimed. I then stood up with a frown and took both of their thermal blankets, tied them together and put both Starlight and Trixie together. I then reorganized the clutter just enough to combine the hammocks and put both ponies in it. The hammock held their weight. I then took one of Trixie's chest, organized it into little pouches before putting my own blanket in like a bed and curling into it. "Better?" Starlight and Trixie grunted as they wriggled themselves free of the blanket before frowning at me. I sighed. "How far away are we from the Crystal Empire?" I asked. Starlight turned her back to Trixie, the latter following the same. "We're at the entrance of the mountain. We're just 'taking a break' as Trixie calls it." Starlight grumbled. Trixie scoffed. "Early bird gets the worm. Besides, I haven't slept well enough in the past two days scouting this mountain to look for a castle." She said in annoyance, levitating cotton balls to her ear. She then levitated another pair of cotton balls to me and I looked at them in confusion. "You'll thank me later." Starlight sighed and adjusted herself in her hammock. "Fine. We're all settled?" Starlight asked. Trixie grumbled in response. I blinked and noticed that Trixie was fast asleep. Her hind leg kicking as she snoozed softly. I looked to Starlight and she furrowed her brow at Trixie before giving a soft smile. She adjusted herself again before turning off the oil lamp. "Goodnight, Fie." She said. I didn't say anything. I sighed myself before adjusting and getting somewhat comfortable in my trunk bed. Once I found my position, I began to doze off, only to wake up when I heard a loud whinny. I blinked and looked around, seeing Starlight in a sloppy position, snoring loudly. I winced as I then stuffed the cotton swabs in my ear, muffling the sound. I began to fall asleep soon after. While through the night, the howling wind of the Frozen Mountains rattled the windows a bit, I couldn't help but wake up at the sound of whispering in my head. "It's all your fault. It's all your fault." > Chapter 1: Away With the Flames > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- We rose early in the morning. I yawned and groaned as I rolled my neck, cracking it as Trixie rolled off her hammock and yawned. She shivered as Starlight rose from her own slumber and yawned herself. None of us looked like we had any good sleep. Which was surprising that these two trekked two days in the mountains to look for me in this state. As Trixie handled the outside pit, dumping the frozen block of soup over the mountain side and packing things up, I took the liberty of rearranging her disorganized mess. Starlight made us hot coco and as Trixie latched her wagon to her, we began to make our way down the path. They weren't kidding when we were close to the Crystal Empire. The expansive, crystalline city came into view and the weather became a bit warmer. Starlight and Trixie took off their thermal gear and stuffed it in the wagon. Trixie dawned her starry cloak and hat, beaming happily. I sighed in relief as the warm weather began to wash over me. We made our way across the crystal road path that led back into the city. Upon arriving, I saw crystalline ponies trotting here and there, mingling and managing tasks with themselves. It almost felt very Ponyville-ish. But it seems there were more homes than work. I guess the ponies have a different way of keeping themselves busy. But what really drew my breath away was the massive, crystal tower that rose high above. Starlight chuckled at my awed look and waved a hoof out. "I take it this is your first time in the Crystal Empire?" She asked. I only slowly nodded. "I've heard stories, but this... I can't believe this place actually is like this." I stated. Trixie shrugged. "Meh, the place is okay. A little too shimmery for my taste." She said. Starlight shook her head with a smile. "Not everypony's cup of tea." She said. "But, this is a safe haven from the cold." "Starlight! Trixie!" A voice called out. Starlight beamed as we turned to see Sunburst walk over to us. The vanilla stallion with his two-toned hooves and spot between his muzzle trotted over to us with a smile. He adjusted his glasses, the stallion still looking unkempt as ever. He then saw me and his expression went to complete surprise. "You... actually found her?" He gasped. Starlight nodded. "Caught her moping about in Princess Platinum's old hang out." Trixie said coolly. Sunburst smiled. "Well, that's great to hear! Glad to see you are okay, Fie." He said. I rubbed my foreleg nervously. "Glad...?" I asked. Sunburst nodded. "We still need your help now more than ever." He said before turning. "I'll explain on the way to the princess." As we walked towards the castle, I noticed a floating, crystal heart twirling between two points of sharp crystals. Trixie parked her wagon at the foot of the entrance to the Crystal Castle before trotting after us. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander as we made our way into the main foyer of the castle. Which... was surprisingly the throne room at the same time. When we started heading towards the throne, I saw a familiar pony. One, who I saw in passing during a dream. The pink alicorn with the prismatic and neatly brushed mane captured her beauty. In her forelegs was a baby alicorn. Her snow-white hide glinting in the sunlight as her pink and blue highlighted curly mane nuzzled against her mother's neck. Princess Cadence beamed at us as a handsome stallion with a blue highlighted mane and alabastor hide rounded the corner from a hallway. This must be Shining Armor. "You're back!" Princess Cadence smiled as she trotted over to us. I blinked and looked at the little one. She cooed and wiggled her legs up and at us. The stallion levitated the baby into his own forelegs as Princess Cadence looked to me. "Quiet Fire! They actually found you!" She smiled. "Twilight and the others will be thrilled with this news!" Trixie rolled her eyes. "Hooray." She said. Starlight frowned and nudged Trixie. "Err... you'll have to excuse her. We've... haven't had a decent night's rest." She explained. Trixie winced and rolled her neck. "Also, the bruises." She said. Princess Cadence looked between them worriedly. "Did something happen?" She asked. I sighed. "A couple of missteps happened while they were trying to find me." I said sadly. Shining Armor walked over and smiled. "Well, it's good to see you all back in one piece. My little sis and your friends have been worried about you." He said to me. I looked at him and darted my eyes. "So... what happened while I was gone?" I asked. Everypony was quiet, their expressions grim, save for the kid. Princess Cadence sighed and looked to me. "Pony Land declared war against Equestria." She said. I didn't know what to expect. Well, it was something I expected, but the reality of it was just... shocking. Sunburst cleared his throat. "Your father thinks that your exposure to this General Lilac may have instigated it. It made sense considering that Cloudchaser and Flitter told us that she was... flaunting power? Something that shouldn't have belonged to her." He stated. I nodded, wincing as the flashing images of that moment shot through my head. Din's laughing, the ponies unable to move or do anything while the massive megaspell descended upon the Tri-Mourn Tower. I shook my head a little. "The Kingdom of Euclides plans to march on Equestria on the spring solstice. Equestria has been in a state of mass panic with the news. Princess Celestia and Luna have been trying to maintain stable connections to our neighbors. Twilight and the others have been running around trying to lend aid to where they can. Your friends are also out looking for you. We unfortunately don't have a good way of contacting them. They were all in a hurry." He explained. I bowed my head. I hope everypony will be alright. "It's all your fault." I shut my eyes tight and pushed the voice away before looking back up to him. "I have to find them. We still have to find three more power elements." I stated, remembering that on top of being war declared, our realm is still in danger. Princess Cadence nodded. "We'll send word out that you've been found and are currently residing in the Crystal Empire. In the meantime, you three look like you could use a shower and some food. And maybe a nap." She snickered. Trixie sighed in relief. "Now this is the kind of princess hospitality Twilight doesn't give." She said with a grin. Starlight rolled her eyes but giggled. I put a hoof to my stomach. I was feeling way more hungrier than usual. I looked to Cadence. "Is it alright if I can have some hotcakes? I... would like to warm up a bit. All that frozen food and trying to dethaw thousand year old whiskey and wine didn't sit well with me in the slightest." I said with a stick of my tongue out in a sickly manner. Princess Cadence giggled. "Of course. Please, allow me to show you to the rooms. Shining Armor, would you be a dear and write to Twilight about Quiet Fire being found?" She asked. Shining Armor was playfully bouncing the baby in his forelegs and nodded. "Of course. It's time to put this one down for a nap as well." He said as the baby yawned. We followed after Princess Cadence as she led us up some stairs and down a hallway. She opened three doors. Two next to each other and one across. "Pick whatever you like and I'll send somepony to get you all for brunch." She said. We watched her walk back down the hall before disappearing around the side. Starlight stretched and yawned. "I don't know about you two, but I'm fixing to sleep like a log." She said before walking into her room. Trixie herself stretched as well before wiggling a hoof at no pony in particular. "I'm in the mood for a nice, relaxing bath. All that mountain trekking has me feeling disgusting." She said. I waved to them as they shut their doors. "S-see you guys for brunch... I guess." I said. That left me awkwardly standing in the hallway. I slumped and turned to walk inside of the room. I closed the door and looked around. A circular room with a four-post bed that wasn't caved in. Lavish, red velvet sheets and white pillows looked inviting. I walked over to the next room. The washroom was neatly cleaned and sparkling like a crystal. A tub and a shower had no right to be so big. I rolled my neck and groaned. Turning on the tub, I decided to pamper myself a little. I filled the tub with hot water and a bubble solution that had said on the bottle to give the coat a shiny sheen as if you were an actual crystal pony. Stepping in and letting the hot water ease my aching muscles and sooth my nerves, I sighed pleasantly as I sunk a little bit further into the tub. Closing my eyes, I began to relax myself. It was a good five minutes before my quiet time was suddenly interrupted by increasing voices again. I then heard something slosh in the water and my eyes shot open. I froze, seeing the skeletal, decaying head of Table Top looking at me from the water. I screamed and immediately hopped out of the bath, tripping over a towel and crawling backwards as Table Top emerged from the water. His skin began to peel off as he groaned at me, his glazed eyes watching me. I began to hear my ears ring and my breath getting heavy. "It's all your fault... It's all your fault..." He groaned. He then began to climb out of the water and I panicked, scrambling to my hooves and bolting out of my room. I raced for the door, opening it only to find that there was no hall. I panted and looked around. Nowhere else to go. I then looked to the bath as Table Top began to shamble out of the room and towards me. His cry echoing those same four words. I reached back and stood on two, my quarterstaff appearing in my hooves. "S-stay back!!" I shouted. Table Top continued his advance. His body swaying as he reached out a hoof to me. I panted and took a step back. He took two more, getting closer and closer. What should I do!? What can I do!? I grit my teeth, feeling my vision get a bit blurry. Table Top then hissed and lunged at me, causing me to trip back. I screamed as I began tumbling through the dark void. I flailed, hoping to grab anything. I then saw Table Top falling down after me. His hooves outstretched as his skin continued to peel off. "It's all your fault!! It's always been your fault!!" He cried out in an inequine voice. "You did this to me!!" I braced myself, throwing my hooves up as he got closer. I then felt something grab my hoof and I shot my eyes open, feeling a lung full of water enter. I flailed and splashed as I was pulled out of the water, coughing and lurching forward. "Fie! Fie! Are you okay? Hey, hey! Calm down. It's us!" Starlight's voice said. I coughed and looked over to her fearfully. I saw Trixie in a robe and towel on her mane while Starlight was just in a robe. They both looked worriedly at me. I was glad that my drenched face hid my tears. I rubbed my eyes, pretending that solution got in it before being helped out. "Wh-what happened?" I sputtered. Starlight looked at me. "We've been waiting for you to come down to eat brunch. But you never showed up. We got worried so we came to check on you." She explained. "Glad we did. Who knows how long you've been underwater!" Trixie exclaimed with concern. I looked over to see Princess Cadence by the door, looking worriedly. "Thank goodness you are alright." She said as she trotted in. She levitated a towel to me and wrapped it around me. Well, this isn't the kind of pampering I wanted. I sighed, taking a moment to calm my coughing before shivering on the bed. The three ponies looked at each other worriedly. I must have looked like a mess. Shiny coat aside, I felt pretty awful. They stuck by my side, Princess Cadence ordering to have my food brought up to me. The hospitality of the Crystal Empire's own princess was a godsend. After chowing down on my hotcakes, I felt much better. Finally, Starlight began to speak. "How are you feeling?" She asked. I shook my head and put aside my plate. "Honestly... like I just ran a marathon through Froggy Bottom Bog." I rasped. Princess Cadence smiled softly and lifted my chin up to meet her gaze. "You're safe here, Quiet Fire. The Crystal Empire will ensure that all citizens, honorary guests and power elements, are taken care of." She said. I couldn't help but return the soft smile. The three left me to dry up as I then dawned a robe. Feeling better in proper lounge wear clothing, I exited the room, hesitating a bit as I took one last look around before closing the door and trotting after the others. When we got down to the throne room, I saw, to my surprise, Princess Twilight Sparkle flying around the room with a very giggly alicorn baby. She was laughing as she made small 'grrr'-ing noises with the baby before finally landing down next to Shining Armor. The baby landed on her back and cooed happily before hugging her. Twilight looked over to me and her smile widened. "Fie! You're okay!" She said as she trotted over to me. I smiled nervously and nodded. "S-sorry for worrying everypony." I said pathetically. Twilight shook her head. "It's great that we managed to find you. I'm sure Princess Cadence filled you in a little about what is going on." She began. I nodded. Twilight continued. "Starswirl, Stygian and I have been reading archives of old engineering designs way back when. A pony called Leonardo da Ponci made some interesting schematics that we are running through Equestria's own engineering military staff. Testing has been going strong." I cocked my head. "Is that... necessary?" I asked. Twilight sighed and gave a defeated nod. "I'm not going to lie, Fie. Pony Land is way beyond Equestria in technological advancement. We've barely scratched the surface while they had centuries to perfect it. We have to make due with what we can manage." She stated. "Thi had made it very clear that we need to be fully prepared for the onslaught. And considering we have experienced Triad activity with ancient magic, it is our only option." She said. I tilted my head. "That almost sounds recent. What happened?" I asked. Starlight winced. "We... kind of stumbled into an outpost that was hanging around the Dragon Lands. It... was a complete eye opener." She said. Trixie shivered. "I'm just glad it wasn't a primal..." she rasped. Twilight looked at the two worriedly before nodding. "They activated The Eye of Ahgg. They were wanting to challenge Ember for the rite of her dragon king staff." She sighed. "Of course, Ember being the gung-ho guns blazing type, she completed all their challenges and one of the captains got a little... power hungry. A giant spider attacked the Dragon Lands. Starlight, Trixie, Sunburst and Ember were thankfully quick to contain that power." She explained. I slumped. "That... sounds like the Triad alright." I said. I was beginning to feel a headache. Something was stirring in the back of my mind. That... isn't a good sign. I shook it away to focus on the conversation. Twilight seemed to have noticed, but continued. "The Dragons have been trying their best to aid what they can, but... you know how they are." She said. I shook my head. "The only dragon aside from Ouroboros I've met is Spike." I said, rubbing my head. Everything was beginning to get dizzy. Starlight finally spoke up. "Fie, are you alright? You seem like you are burning up." She began as she raised a hoof to me. I nodded. "Probably the robe and towel..." I rasped. I wobbled a bit and soon felt the ground rise quickly. Twilight balked and rushed over to me. She was saying something, but it was hard to hear with the ringing sound. Din suddenly stood over me, her smug grin looking down at me. This is much better than that droll castle in the mountains. It just needs a little... home touch. She grinned. She then erupted into flames and I felt a wave of magma flowing into my body. I screamed before finding myself pushed out of my body. I was floating above everypony as my body laid motionless before them. "Fie! Fie! What do we do??" Starlight asked. Princess Cadence turned around. "I'll get the doctors!" She said. As she was about to trot out and Starlight was helping me up, Din began to laugh. Starlight balked and stepped away with everypony else. Din tossed my head back, laughing. She then looked back and eyed everypony in the room, a maniacal grin on my face. I gasped and desperately looked to everypony. Get away! Please! Din cackled and shook her head. "No pony can hear you, vessel. It's just me and my soon to be realm! With this empire, I will gladly begin my everlasting reign of fire and song!" She then turned me to Starlight and Trixie. "I must thank you two for bringing us back here. It was getting pretty boring up there." She then immediately shot a nasty glare at the two, causing them to huddle and shrink back. "But considering you both happened to interrupt me, I'll start with you two!" Both Starlight and Trixie ducked as my head swished around. Twilight and Cadence teleported away while Starlight and Trixie scrambled. Sunburst had taken cover behind a pillar, that unfortunately was beginning to topple with a neat slice where the head of a pony would be in height. He yelped as he galloped away from the crushing monument. Din cackled before aiming her horn, tracing the beam across the ground towards Trixie and Starlight, the former scampering in between cover while the latter teleported. Starlight eventually teleported behind me and tackled me. We went rolling before she pinned me and aimed her horn, her look struggling to keep her composure. I looked on in awe as Din did something I didn't think she was really capable of. I remember that our elements absorb our beings into their imprinting. Din twisted my body and Starlight tripped, before meeting a hard head butt against the muzzle. Starlight stumbled back, covering her muzzle as Din kip upped from the ground and rushed her, planting a few jabs at her side, dancing around her. Starlight grunted as she went to buck, but Din rolled down the back and brought Starlight down into a hold as she tripped her forelegs. Din held Starlight up as Twilight and Cadence rushed to face her. Din grinned challengingly at the two as she faced Starlight to them. "You won't be able to stop me this time! Be lucky I won't cast my judgement on this place. I have plans for it." Din stated. Twilight growled. "Why are you doing this, Din? I get that you want to claim your realm as your own. But we need your cooperation to save the realm! Why are you being like this?!" She asked, getting low. Din grinned. "Mortals shouldn't be concerned about matters they have no comprehension of. I am ever so close to getting fully rid of the bylaws imprinted into me! No longer will I have to wait and suffer the ages! Lux has won too many times! It's time for a different light to shine!" She exclaimed. I grit my teeth as I floated down to her. You don't need to prove yourself to Lux, Din! I began. Din hissed. "Silence, vessel! You'll be thankful for everything I've done once I've taken it as my own! It will not stop me from obtaining my one desire!" She cackled. Starlight tried to struggle a bit, but Din had a firm lock around her. Twilight shook her head. "Then maybe if you just tell us these things rather than trying to take it for your own, maybe we can help you!" She said. Din tossed her head back in a sharp laugh. "Ha! A ruler like you is that stupid to suggest that?! My amusement can only go so high!" She grinned. Twilight looked desperate now. "But what if you aren't really trying to destroy this world like everypony thinks you are trying to do! You're acting like this because of past experiences, right? Because of how Ouroboros created you!" She began. "You're competitive with the other elements and any mortal authority or higher authority! But there is no denying that you always seem to choose balance over everything! As bad as the decisions look and sound, to you, they are just correcting wrongs! The very thing Ouroboros set out to do!" Twilight pointed at her. "You're trying to be better than Ouroboros, but at the way you are going about it, you are no better than him! Ouroboros's actions aren't your actions! What happened in Hoofington was considered for the benefit of not only your vessel, but to everypony who had been tormented by it, correct?" Din studied the alicorn, my eyes narrowing. "Twilight? What are you even trying to suggest?!" Trixie whimpered from behind the fallen pillar. Sunburst nodded shakily. "Y-y-you aren't suggesting on giving Din our realm, do you?" He asked. Twilight held up a wing and challenged Din. She took a step forward. "You've only been an inconvenience once Equulie suggested you achieve ascension. Not to your vessel, but to everypony at that point. She must have given you some sort of push to achieve it somehow. My guess is it'll allow you to fully break the bylaws and with your free thinking and actions, you'll want to draw Ouroboros's attention. You want to cut off the snake's head. Am I getting warmer?" She explained. Din didn't say anything. She remained stoic, eyeing the princess cautiously. Twilight took another step forward. "You want to show off. You want ponies to acknowledge your existence. Because your sisters have already made their presences known to the world and through the ages. You could have done the same at any given point! Yet, you remained quiet, only ever jumping in when challenged! Piecing together what Fie has told me in conjunction with Ouroboros's side, it just makes sense. You want to do more than just rule the realm. You want the very stars to know your name. Your very being. That you aren't a puppet to be pulled along. And you do so while having the balance in mind." Twilight unfurled her wings in a majestic display resembling Princess Celestia. "You are indeed an enforcer to the stars above. You keep the balance in check while the others could care less and more on the one goal. A realm. But you, Din, think higher than that. Whatever happened to your imprinting long ago, something changed before it was passed onto Fie. But if what Equulie had said based on what Fie told us, she wanted you both to achieve it together. "And that means you need to stop using Fie as your own puppet! She's not you and you are not her! You are both separate beings! You can most definitely become one together without having to sacrifice any form of identity!" Twilight held out a hoof to Din. "You just have to trust in the fact that there are beings looking out for you, Din! You just have to give us mortals a chance to prove to you that we can align our own goals with yours!" She then nodded. "So please... bring Fie back to us. Let her rest and recover. And let all of us be our better selves. You'll get your ascension. But that won't happen unless we deal with the problem at hoof. The balance instability." Twilight nodded to Din, who seemed to look dumbfounded at the princess. "You don't have to aid in our war, Din. You have your own to fight. But we need Fie to help us with our own." Din was speechless. She seemed to bow her head a bit and dart her eyes. I was speechless as well. This... is who Twilight Sparkle is. The Princess of Friendship. And the next ruler of Equestria. To be able to stand up to a primal of all things in a tough situation... I can only imagine the worry she has about it all. Din then looked to Twilight and gave a look I didn't think she would be capable of. Desperation. Wanting. As if she is asking for acceptance. Din held out a hoof towards Twilight's own extended one, despite the distance they were at. Twilight gave a soft smile and walked forward towards them. I balked as Din suddenly grinned, pulled Starlight back, quickly spun around and bucked her in the flank, causing Starlight to crash into Twilight. Din stood on two forelegs, balancing herself while smirking as she looked to them. "A touching speech, princess. But I won't cry you a river!" She then spun around and landed back on all fours, facing them. "You are correct for most of it. But even if you think to offer a hoof in friendship, there is one thing you all forget to count on with me." She pat her chest. "I'm deathly curious." She then looked up to me. "My vessel still has yet to open her heart to me. Asencion is going to be challenging if she doesn't accept me for who I am! And I don't blame her! For she is also right! I am evil! Maniacal! Imposingly and downright bad!" She then turned as Twilight helped Starlight up. Princess Cadence stood next to them, challenging Din. Din smirked and tapped my horn. "You want to see what Equulie has pushed me to achieve? The very path I walk? So be it! But you'll have a very different thought afterwords! Mortals are so predictable!" Din lowered herself before she had me stand majestically like Twilight. The spectral, fiery wings unfurling widely and intimidatingly. A fire began to swirl around me as my mane and tail erupted into flowing fire. Din smugly grinned at the ponies, causing them to step back as The fire began to take shape of an alicorn. "Get out of the castle, now!" Twilight exclaimed. Cadence went with Shining Armor and her child, popping into a bright flash of blue. I balked and looked between Din and Twilight, who was cantering over to Starlight and the others. I don't know what compelled me to do so, but I reached with my magic and connected myself to Twilight. I found myself quickly tethering to her as she then teleported everypony out of the castle. The unnerving, echoing laugh of Din could be heard as the fire began to erupt from the opening of the castle. I looked up to see Din crash through the side of castle and kicked away from it. The massive spectacle of Din cackled as she scanned the area. Princess Cadence looked to Shining Armor. "Keep Flurry Heart safe and escort the crystal ponies to safety! This is a primal threat!" She said. Shining Armor nodded, turning to some curious crystal ponies who were watching in awe. His horn glowed as his voice echoed throughout the empire. "This is a Primal threat! Evacuate the city! By order of the Princess Cadence herself!" Shining Armor galloped down the street, calling out to ponies while Flurry Heart rode on the back of the stallion, laughing happily. Trixie, Sunburst, Starlight, Cadence and Twilight looked up as Din seemed to finally spot them. "You can run, but you can't hide, little ponies! You still have yet to witness what I can achieve! What my sisters can only dream of!" I bit my lip. We have to stop her somehow... but... what...? I said out loud to myself. I then blinked and using my eyes, I zoomed in onto the center of Din's chest. A small, amber speck of a gem that was on the verge of breaking. Twilight suddenly gasped. "The heart..." She said. I blinked and looked down to her. Her look furrowed. "That's... odd... Fie? Are you with us?" She asked looking around. I looked at my tether to her. Well, color me impressed. I gave a determined nod and looked down to Twilight. Twilight. You have to shatter that gem! It's the only way to put Din in her place! You can't hurt her normally, but one good strike to that gem will end it! I stated. Twilight nodded determinedly. As she was about to take off, Starlight stood next to her along with Princess Cadence. "We're going too." Cadence said determinedly. Starlight grinned and nodded to Twilight. I had an idea. I imagined myself splitting into two. Concentrating on one specific part of me. When I looked, I saw faint wisps of my own selves. Surprised it worked, I commanded them to tether to Cadence and Starlight respectively and they did. Starlight and Candence gasped. I'm here with you guys. Give Din hell! I said. With that, the three took off, Starlight using her magic to fly and levitate. The three stuck close together as they rose up to meet Din, who was patiently waiting for them. "Done planning? Good! I can't wait to break it all down with my newfound power!" Din reared back and jabbed a hoof out. Cadence's horn flashed and the three were pushed back greatly as her barrier shattered. Righting themselves, Din kicked off into the air, causing the three to balk and take off away from Din. Soaring through the air, I looked behind us to see Din aim her horn. Evade! I called out. The three scattered as a beam of fire barely missed them. Princess Cadence turned and aimed her horn, firing a beam at the chest of Din. Din batted the beam aside before pivoting and rushing Cadence. She barely had time to react as Din punched her barrier, sending Cadence sailing through the top of a crystal building. "Cadence!!" Twilight called out. She growled and soared under Din, tracing her beam against her. Din put her forehooves to her chest, lashing out her hind legs. Twilight spun and avoided them. Starlight teleported from above, gritting her teeth as she aimed her horn and a massive beam showered onto Din. I was in awe. Starlight was really capable of so much for a unicorn such as her. When the beam thinned, Starlight gasped as Din brushed her shoulder and smirked, looking up at her. Starlight teleported just in time as a volley of fireballs shot up and scattered. Din, floating in place, swished her head and the fireballs began homing in on the three. Cadence and Twilight soared down and between buildings, causing the fire to erupt on impact against the buildings. The crystal houses shattered and sparkled into fragments when the fire collided. Starlight teleported from building to building, avoiding the volley while shooting back with her own volley of beams. Twilight did a strange maneuver in the air, gathering the fireballs into one before she threw out a lasso around it. Catching the ball, she then chucked it back at Din in a whip like fashion. Din spun and in another surprise of using my own martial style, she juggled the fireball with her hind legs before punting it up, flipping and twirling before deftly hitting the fireball back at Twilight. Twilight gasped and teleported as the ball hurled out into the outer field of the empire before erupting into a dome. Din kicked off and hissed as Starlight unfortunately teleported into her path. Starlight went tumbling into the air as the building she was one shattered by a hefty punch from Din. Fortunately, Cadence caught Starlight. With the two nodding to each other, they took off separately and began pelting Din, aiming for areas to get her to drop her defense of her chest. Seeing as that was being a task in of itself, I had to think of something. I darted my eyes in thought before beaming at an idea. Twilight! Get close to Din! I’m going to distract her! I said. Twilight furrowed her brow in worry. “Are you sure?” Twilight asked with concern. Trust me. I can get under her skin enough. I said with a smirk. Twilight nodded determinedly before kicking off and soaring over to Din. I noticed Din spotting Twilight approaching and she grinned, curling her wings in front of her before throwing them out, sending all three tumbling through the air. Din laughed before she dropped down and landed on all fours. She then motioned with a wing to bring it. Twilight growled and took off from the air. She swished her head and fired a dusk colored beam. Din tilted her head, dodging it. Cadence was unfortunate to be on the other end as the beam hit her and sent her crashing into the side of a building. Twilight gasped. “Cadence!” She cried out. Starlight popped next to Twilight and nodded. “I’ll tend to Cadence. Get Fie close to Din!” She said. Twilight looked worriedly and in panic. But she nodded as Starlight popped in a light blue flash. Twilight took a deep breath and glared at Din. “You won’t be hurting anymore ponies today!” Twilight growled. Din swished one wing coolly, standing on two and getting into stance. I frowned. It then turned into a smirk. Twilight charged and as she got close, I read Din. Duck down, fire up! I called out. Twilight did so on cue as Din’s hoof jabbed out. When Twilight fired at Din at her chest, Twilight missed the gem just barely. Din’s eyes widened as she hopped away from us, placing one foreleg across her chest. Twilight charged again. Up! Teleport down and fire! I called out again. Twilight did so, avoiding a swipe and a beam from Din. She growled as the beam came close to hitting her chest again. She bucked out a hindleg, which I had Twilight evade in a fantastic flip, firing a beam in retaliation that, again, got close to the gem. Almost there, Twilight! I exclaimed happily. Twilight put on a confident smile. I couldn’t believe this. With our teamwork, Din began to get desperate. She began making slip ups in her defenses. When learning Zebra Martial Arts, you have to remain calm under pressure. And since Din has never seen me freak out in my stance during combat, there was no way for her to properly retaliate. Like a stage magician, you need to improvise when things don’t go your way. Something that came naturally to me. Twilight flipped, dove and twirled in and around Din, hitting her chest near and close to the gem. Din began to groan in frustration before bounding back twice and stomping her hoof. “Enough! I’m growing tired of this little game!” Din began to take off as Twilight kicked off from the air towards her. Din kept her distance as Twilight soared after her. She was struggling to keep up. Which is exactly what I told her to do. Din grinned victoriously as she had enough distance to swish her head and began to charge her attack. Now! I shouted. Twilight teleported as Din stopped and aimed her horn. Her eyes widened as she saw Twilight pop in front of her. Twilight flashed her horn, causing Din to yelp and shut her eyes, tossing her hooves up. But Twilight furled her wings, letting herself drop and with pinpoint precision, she fired a beam, directly on the gem. Time seemed to stop as the gem began to crack a couple more times before shattering entirely. Din reared back, an inequine scream mixed with her own voice echoed throughout the empire. Twilight teleported and rolled along the ground before landing deftly on all fours, sliding a bit and then coming to a stop. We watched as the fire from Din vanished into the air. Din began screaming as she shrank upon reaching the ground. Twilight panted as the last spectral image of Din faded, leaving my body unconscious on the ground. Starlight and Cadence, looking beaten, walked over to us. I dissipated my clones and floated over to my body. I saw Din look weakly up at me. I then put my ghostly horn to my own and in a brilliant light, I finally came too. My entire body ached and screamed as I groaned and began to push myself up from the ground. I saw a hoof extend out to me and I looked up to see Twilight smiling at me. As she helped me up, we saw some of the fire swirl in front of us. Din’s image rasped as she laid on her side, growling at us. “I… I cannot be bested… by mortals…!” She painfully barked. I winced as I limped over to her. “You gave us no choice, Din. You know what’s funny? You probably would have succeeded if you weren’t so caught up in the moment.” I sighed and bowed my head. “As much as we detest each other, Twilight is right. Equulie entrusted both of us to achieve that very goal. Your one desire. We both can do so many feats of prowess on our own. But if we can somehow find the silver lining… then perhaps… I’d be a bit more understanding to your wants.” I looked down at her. “You don’t always make your thoughts known and in turn, creatures are going to assume you are out to destroy our very world. From a mortal’s perspective, we do not understand the decisions of ones higher than us. Instead of us hindering your rise to ascension, work with us to help you achieve it.” Din didn’t say anything. She groaned and laid her head against the crystalline street. “Urgh… Shut up…” she rasped. I braced myself. Her image began to fade as her fire was absorbed into me. I screamed as the agonizing aching pain coursed through me. I nearly buckled under the pain. When I caught myself, I panted and looked tiredly over to Twilight and the others. Ponies were beginning to emerge from their hiding as I began to wobble. I gave a victorious smile before the ground met my level. > Chapter 2: The Fault in Our Stars > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I found myself floating through an endless void once more. Many voices echoing around me. Familiar conversations I’ve had that I could recognize. Hard to believe it’s been a month and four weeks since I’ve started this all. Things really do happen so quickly. And yet, it feels like the whole world was beginning to break. Being picked to be one of the seven power elements made me realize one thing. Fate can be cruel. Even forced upon. As if we have been steered into a path we cannot avoid. Yet, a deeper part of me is calling that baloney. I had never thought about it until I came face to face with the World Serpent and announcing that me and Din would attain a greater power. Something clicked in that moment. I can’t quite put my hoof on it, but it’s there somewhere. A break in the path. It all sounds ridiculous. But I won’t know until I can see it for myself. The echoing conversations turned into a chorus of my name being called out. Distant at first before escalating. There was a quick flash of static and I could swear I saw Table’s face. My eyes shot open and I found myself staring up into the ceiling of a hospital wing. I remained still, getting my bearings before trying to sit up. My body refused to move, save for my head. I turned to the side groggily and groaned. Is this what it really felt like when Din would best the others? I have four creatures I need to apologize to when I see them. My brain suddenly went into panic at that thought. Remembering that Ouroboros had made it clear that it is me and Din against the whole world, I have a feeling seeing the others would lead to our elements duking it out on sight. I was dreading the idea more and more. ‘Oh, Celestia, please don’t let me destroy anymore lives…’ I thought. I turned my head back to staring at the ceiling, only to be greeted by the cooing, curious look of a filly. Flurry Heart put a hoof against my cheek. Unable to move my body, I could only allow the child to rub my cheeks, blowing a raspberry and giggling. She was soon levitated away from me. “Flurry, be nice.” The voice of Twilight said. I blinked and turned my head to see Twilight placing Flurry Heart onto her back, smiling. She then looked to me. “You’re awake. And a little worse for wear.” I said nothing in response, not having the energy to speak. Twilight continued. “How are you feeling?” Dammit, now I have to respond. I managed some strength to speak. “Screaming.” I rasped weakly. Twilight gave an apologetic look. “The chirurgeons gave you a remedy spell while patching you up. Din did quite a number on you.” Twilight sighed. “That was a close one too. Glad everypony is okay.” I blinked tiredly. “Cadence?” I rasped. “She’s okay. She’s currently quelling the panic of the crystal ponies. Starlight is okay as well. Only a sprained hoof from Din’s attack.” She replied. I sighed and turned to look back at the ceiling. My mind wandered off as I noticed Twilight glancing at me while she played with Flurry Heart. Eventually, she spoke. “I… I know it’s the best time to mention this, but… we need to talk about Hoofington.” I said nothing in response. Taking my response carefully, she continued. “It must be real hard for you right now. But you have to know the blame doesn’t fall on you.” She said. That’s where I shook my head tiredly. “But it does.” I rasped. “Ponies know I’m the bearer of fire. They know of the feats Din and I made throughout the Nilneigh Isles. The battle of Red Canyon. Even off in the middle of the ocean. I’m sure ponies already vilified me for Hoofington.” I said. “I can’t expect everycreature in Equestria to know that Din is her own separate being from me. Anything she does is my responsibility too. Whether I like it or not.” Twilight gave a sad look. “I… don’t know how Equestria is going to treat you from this point on, but I think it’ll be looked over as we are preparing for war.” I noticed she had covered Flurry’s ears, the filly playing with the teddy bear. I returned her sad look. “War… we are really going to war against our neighbors…” I stated to myself, letting it sink in. Twilight nodded. “I… I need your help. Now more than ever, Fie.” She met my look. “I want to stop the war from ever happening. Before it even reaches Equestria’s door step. If I can’t, then I need to at least borrow time so we can fully get ponies ready.” She sighed. “I know you have a lot on you already. And I wish I could do more on my end. But my friends and I are spread thin. We can only do so much.” I studied the princess. A look of guilt and regret clear on her expression. I said nothing, letting her decide for herself how she wants to tell me. When she finally gathered her thoughts, she faced me. “I need you, Quiet Fire, as a special request from the Princess of Friendship, to seek an audience with the Kingdom of Fenice and Euclides.” I turned my head to her. “You’ll be a third party and messenger of Equestria. See if you can convince the rulers of Pony Land to change their minds about waging war on Equestria.” She bowed her head. “I know it’s a lot to ask of you. But we need your courage. We need your help. You are the only one I can rely on to aid us in this dire time.” I remained quiet. I wasn’t sure how to properly respond to this. It’s all your fault. The words echoed through my head over and over again. Finally fed up with it, I managed to push myself painfully up from the bed, sitting up. I gave her a determined look. “I’ll do my best.” I said. Princess Twilight took me by surprise as she hugged me tightly. I winced. “Owowow! Too tight!” I grimaced. Twilight pulled away, looking apologetic. “Sorry… and… thank you, Fie. I’ll let you rest up. I think you’ll need it if you are going to look for your friends.” She said, picking up Flurry Heart. I nodded, rubbing the back of my head. “Yeah. I will. Err… do you have any idea where they might be?” I asked. Twilight rubbed her chin. “Cloudchaser and Flitter are in Cloudsdale. Last they said, they were going to provide their knowledge of what they know about the Triad’s weaponry. Scribble might be back in Manehatten. He said he needed to help out there with a string of missing hunters that have vanished suddenly. As for Thi… well…” I looked at her worriedly. “She left on her own accord. I bet she’s still looking for you, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she had been making trouble against the Triad any chance she’s got. “I wish I could pinpoint exactly, but there hasn’t been any word of any err… noticeable interruptions.” She said. I couldn’t help but chuckle at that last one. I hope Thi really is okay. My mind then wandered to my family. “What about my parents? My siblings?” I asked. Twilight rubbed her chin. “I… can’t really tell you that. Everything happened so fast I was already out and racing to handle a disturbance in the Everfree. Last I saw was them showing up with your friends in Canterlot.” She nodded to me. “I think it’s safe to find out for yourself.” She then slumped and sighed, smiling softly as Flurry showed her the bear and began making “grr” sounds towards her. I rubbed the back of my head slowly, uncertain what I should say. I shook my head and with a grimace, I turned and stepped out of the bed, steadying myself a bit by using the side table as support. Twilight looked up at me as I met her look with a determined smile. “You did great against Din, Twilight. Probably even made Din think twice about messing with mortal affairs without a second thought.” I said with a smirk. Twilight blinked quizzically at me. I managed to stand up right this time. “Don’t beat yourself up over any of this. There is no telling what others are capable of. You’ve had your share of battles and come out on top in all of them. Never alone, of course, but you were picked for a reason, princess. And so far… you’ve been doing pretty well in my book.” Twilight was quiet as I spoke. I winced, limping just a bit before holding out a hoof. “All you can do is be you, princess. And on my word, I will head to Pony Land and put a stop to the war. Then, we can focus on the actual threat to our realm.” Twilight smiled now, bumping my hoof with her’s. “You’re right, Fie. I’m not doing anypony favors by moping about this. I’ll continue to manage what I can here. Rest up, Fie. And thanks.” She then levitated Flurry up and held her. “And you need a bath, young filly.” Flurry giggled and grred with the teddy bear, Twilight returning the grr as she turned to walk out of the room. I sighed and crawled back into the bed, laying down on my back and putting a foreleg over my head. My mind began to wander again. Twilight Sparkle has been the one to always save Equestria with her friends. Nightmaremoon. Pre-reform Discord. Chrysalis. Tirek. Even Starlight Glimmer when she was the bad mare. And not to mention the Storm King himself. Is this really what a hero has to go through? Should I even consider myself one? No matter what any pony says, I’m not entirely heroic. I didn’t want any of this to happen to me. But then… would this all still happen if it was anypony else? Who else would have taken my place? I had a thought back to when Din possessed me fully for the first time. She did mention that Thi would have been a likely choice had I not had the blood of a primal. Which, the news still doesn’t sit right with me. Equulie and Starswirl? This is too far-fetched. None of it made sense. How can I be a child of a primal and Starswirl if I’m the youngest child out of two others? And I know my grandparents on both sides too. I don’t see any resemblance to Starswirl at all. I was starting to have the stark suspicion Ouroboros told Twilight and I that as a way to keep us on our hooves. I thought about it more and more and despite being caught up in moments, I don’t believe a single thing Ouroboros says. The word of a Primal is just entertainment for them on mortals. I snorted in disgust. Ouroboros will get what’s coming to him. And who knows, the answers may be given to me later down the line. I sighed. “No point in dwelling on it right now.” I told myself, getting up and feeling rested enough. I walked with a slight limp out of the room and made my way to the main foyer of the castle. I nearly bumped into Trixie as I tripped a bit onto my limp leg. Trixie looked ready to fight somepony before realizing it was me. “Oh, it’s you.” She said with less surprise. I tilted my head. “Were you expecting any pony else?” I asked amusedly. Trixie shrugged. “Just a little on edge after having my life threatened a third time.” She said matter-of-factly. I felt a rush of guilt. “I…” I began. Trixie waved a hoof to dismiss anything else I was going to say. “You don’t need to explain anything. I know it wasn’t you in control. But I’m not going to show relief anytime soon.” She replied. “Trixie.” A stern voice said. We looked to see Starlight walk towards us. Trixie sighed. “Fine. Even though you have a power obsessed godly being inside of you doesn’t mean I shouldn’t treat you any better.” She said rather uninterestedly. I sighed and nodded. “Fair…” I said. Starlight frowned before looking to me. “How are you feeling?” She asked with concern. I sat on my haunches and sighed. “Wish I could say great. But about as usual.” I replied. “And Din? Has she been giving you a bit of trouble since?” She asked. I shook my head. “Usually when we best a power element, they grow quiet for a while. Din likes to conserve her own energy, so she’s more likely to have tuckered herself out.” I said, hating myself for even trying to reason about anything with Din. Starlight sighed. “Then we at least borrowed enough time. So… what are you going to do?” She asked. I rubbed the back of my head. “Well… my next destination is Pony Land. But first… I need to find my friends.” Starlight smiled. “Pony Land, huh? You know, aside from the claimed war and all, I wonder what it is like over there.” She said. I shook my head slightly. “Beats me. Thi Billet would know more.” I replied. Trixie crossed her forelegs. “Wait a minute. You are going to walk into the very nation that declared war on us? Don’t tell me you are going to go crazy mode and burn the place down like Hoofington.” Trixie narrowed her eyes. “Is Princess Twilight making a play already against Pony Land?” Starlight frowned at Trixie. “Trixie, knock it off! I don’t believe Twilight wants to make any move against Pony Land! She’s sending Fie as a third party!” Starlight said. Trixie shook her head. “No. This stinks already. If there is one thing I know of our goodie-two shoed princess, she is more than capable of besting her opponents through cunning. That and she’s a surprisingly capable spell slinger…” I tilted my head at Trixie. There was a sense of deep venom buried in those words. Starlight shook her head. “Trixie, Twilight only ever has the best intentions for others. I thought you’ve already accepted that considering the second… err… third chance she’s given you.” Starlight argued. Trixie returned Starlight’s frown. “I think that Twilight is sending Fie over to Pony Land to keep them in check. She wants to prevent the war from starting! So, what better way to do so than to send a… a… monster that we can only stall!” Trixie shot back. I arched a brow as Starlight pointed at Trixie. “Fie isn’t a monster! How could you say such a thing?!” Trixie didn’t skip a beat. “Oh, pardon me. The Great and Powerful Trixie has had her life threatened not once, not twice, but thrice times! I’m not sorry for calling out this whole idea. Princess Twilight might not have the best concern for others right now, especially for Fie!” She said. I blinked quizzically. Starlight crossed her own forelegs. “What are you even on about??” She asked. Trixie motioned to me. “Fie is being sent away to a nation declaring war on us after the whole incident of Hoofington. Not only that, but we’ve also been told that there maybe a power element flaunting power over there. And considering the clashes these power elements had and the fact it pissed Fie’s element off to the point of nuking a place, then you’ll forgive me for thinking that Twilight may not only be banishing Fie from being near Equestria, but wiping out Pony Land if they cross the line!” She explained. Starlight shook her head. “That’s ridiculous and you know it. Twilight doesn’t want anymore bloodshed. No pony does. If she thinks Fie is capable of stopping Pony Land from continuing their war efforts, then who better to send then somepony who can take action and befriend Pony Land?” Starlight motioned. “She’s the Princess of Friendship. Not the Princess of War.” Trixie scoffed before turning to me. “We’ll see about that when we begin to hear news of Pony Land in turmoil because x amount of power elements got too carried away. What do you think, Fie?” She asked. I bowed my head. It really has been nipping at me. “I… I don’t know…” I replied. “I mean… on one hoof, I agree with you, Trixie.” Trixie smiled victoriously and nodded to Starlight before realizing what I was saying entirely, causing her to look worriedly at me. I sighed. “I wasn’t… me when that whole thing happened. Din took complete control again, but there was a brief moment where I was lucid in it. I ended up freaking out and tried to stop her, but I ended up causing more damage…” I rubbed my foreleg. “Spending four weeks inside of a frozen castle… left me to think a lot. Way more than it is healthier too. And it got to the point if… I should even stay around Equestria anymore…” Starlight had the same worried look as Trixie. “Fie, I-“ I held up a hoof to stop Starlight from continuing. “Yes, at the request of Twilight Sparkle, I am heading to Pony Land to stop the war from breaking out. And I won’t guarantee that a power struggle will not ensue between Din and Lux. Or Shiva. Or Tenebres.” I sighed. “Or maybe the other power elements we’ve found. I told the others we would meet come springtime. But… I’m worried that the power elements are attack on sight order by Ouroboros. I… I can’t see them like that.” I closed my eyes, trying to think of a better way to handle all this. “I… I know I’m sounding selfish about this, but…” I looked to them, bracing for the answer. “Would you… meet with the others if I do manage to stop the war over there but don’t make it back in time? Or if something else happens that requires me to put attention elsewhere?” Starlight and Trixie looked at each other. Their expressions doing the talking for them. Starlight then smiled and got up, walking over to me and putting a reassuring hoof on my back. “We’ll try. Honestly, we have something else to attend to at the behest of Twilight. One that’s going to put us out of home for a while.” She said. I looked sadly at her. Trixie sighed and motioned with a shake of her head. “We get the crummy jobs and Fie gets landed with the worst one of all. Star, you really need to ensure Twilight doesn’t get too ahead of herself.” She said. Starlight rolled her eyes. “Everything is fine, Trixie. She’s just under a lot of stress. There hasn’t been a war in ages and everything her and her friends have been building up to is currently threatened by it all.” She stated. I looked up and tilted my head slightly. Trixie rolled her hoof matter-of-factly. “She wants to build a school to teach creatures the magic of friendship.” She said. I found my jaw dropping a bit. A school? To teach friendship to creatures from all over? That’s… very ambitious. But I couldn’t help but smile. “Then… it’s all the more reason to head to Pony Land.” I said. The two looked at me as I stood up and nodded determinedly. “It took Twilight and the others a while to make allies with the other creatures. And with tensions still uncertain, I need to ensure that I don’t screw up over there.” Starlight looked to Trixie and made a motion. Trixie rolled her eyes and sighed. "Fine. If you want to go on with your suicide mission, we can’t stop you. It might take more than a giant suite of armor this time.” She said. I blinked blankly at her. “What?” “Nothing! A figure of speech.” Trixie replied quickly with a small motion of her hoof. I arched a brow and Starlight stepped forward. “Err… what Trixie really means to say is, good luck on the journey.” She said with a nervous smile. I sighed and nodded. To be honest, I’m not even sure where to start. Four weeks went by and a lot has seemed to happen. There was a clearing of a throat and all three of us turned to see Sunburst with Shining Armor next to him. “Quiet Fire? Shining would like a word with you, in private.” He said. Starlight arched a brow. Sunburst adjusted his glasses. “Did I say something wrong?” Trixie nodded. “Yeah. Couldn’t Shining have stated that himself?” She asked. Shining smiled. “I could, but Sunburst needs a little push to engage in conversation. Being the Royal Crystaller and all.” He said with a playful nudge against the stallion. Sunburst looked uneasy but adjusted his glasses once more. “Err, well, since we are here on different matters, I just thought I’d clear the air. Starlight and Trixie. Princess Twilight is wondering if you both are ready. We’ll be heading out soon.” He said. Trixie snorted. “Not like we have any other choice right now.” She said. Starlight looked worriedly at Trixie then to me. I only shrugged in response. Trixie had every right to be annoyed by everything going on. I’m certain if it was anypony else in her place, it’d be the same complaints. As they began to walk away, I noticed Trixie glancing back at me before Shining stepped forward. I stood up and faced the ex-Royal Captain of the Canterlot Guard. He grinned. “Heard Cloud Fire is causing a stir in Canterlot. A buddy of mine over there made several complaints, but that just means it’s working.” He said. I remained stoic as I was uncertain how to proceed. He then motioned with a hoof as he turned. “Walk with me.” I tilted my head before trotting after him. I once again found myself in awe at how massive the interior of the Crystal Castle is despite how it looks on the outside. It was as if there was a certain magic that added rooms to the place no matter which way you turned. We soon found ourselves up on one of the balconies overlooking the crystal city. The surprisingly spring like wind blew through my mane. Shining Armor put one hoof on the railing and suddenly looked older. “That’s better.” He said. I looked at the stallion with concern. “Everything alright?” I asked. Shining shook his head. “I’m afraid not. The whole world is crying out in suffering and it just feels like we are hopeless. The gods up there are toying with us and war is on the horizon. I want to do what I can, but Twilight only wants us as the last bastion Equestria has. If Canterlot falls and her and her friends fail along with the princesses, it’s up to us to carry on the legacy. In short, we are just sidelined for now.” He explained. This only raised more questions for me. I tapped my chin in thought. “So… do you… want to do something more than being sidelined?” I asked. The answer was obvious, however, Shining looked over his shoulder to me. “I want to do what I can for Twilight. She completely has taken on the responsibility of war duties and she has no clue how to properly manage her help.” He said. I looked at him stunned. “W-wait. Are you actually saying Twilight isn’t prepared to use our resources? Or… whatever we have?” I asked. Shining nodded. “I know. As crazy as it sounds, the reality is that Twilight is only leading by example of old textbook strategies. I even heard her ask Princess Celestia several things that even made her worry greatly.” He said. “As her big brother, I have to step in one way or another.” He sighed. “I’m still mulling it over, but it looks to be the worst-case scenario. Quiet Fire… just be careful on your journey.” I furrowed my look. Is he trying to get something off his chest? He did appear to be struggling heavily with something and I’ve noticed his posture slumped. I darted my eyes in thought. Be your better self. I walked over to Shining and looked out the balcony. The ecotone border expanding far with snow as the eye can see. “You’re that worried about Twilight?” I started. Shining said nothing. “You’re not the only one. Somepony else already stated their concerns. But… Twilight is a hero to Equestria. One of the six elements. Doesn’t that mean we should have some faith in her decisions?” I asked, curious as to what the stallion’s answer is. Shining shook his head. “She maybe a hero to the creatures of Equestria. She maybe being trained by the princesses to rule Equestria at some point. But she’s still a pony. She still has trouble trusting others to manage things that isn’t in her supervision, despite saying and acting like she does.” Shining met my look. “Twilight is still learning herself. War is new territory and war isn’t kind. This is more than a friendship problem. I think she’s starting to realize that over the weeks when she got the letter.” I gave him a concerned look. “What happened to her in the four weeks I was missing?” I asked, now being more curious than ever. Shining sighed and leaned over the railing. “Uncertainty and self-doubt. She’s trying to put on a brave face, but I can tell. She misses her friends. And… I think this is just me being a bit too worried, but I think she’s starting to slip up as she’s losing her friends.” He bowed his head. “I know you have your own fight to handle. But Twilight can’t handle her’s. I already have a plan set in motion, just in case anything happens.” I was honestly stunned about this. Twilight unable to handle her battles? Despite everything she’s done, including outsmarting Ouroboros, it only takes a declaration of war to have her start doubting herself? Hasn’t she prevented wars herself? Not alone she didn’t. I widened my eyes in realization. That’s right… no wonder. I have to give Trixie credit. I then put a reassuring hoof on Shining’s shoulder and smiled. “If there is anypony that can look out for her, it’s you. Whatever plan you have will be on hold when I finish up in Pony Land. I’ll make sure the only thing we have to worry about is the Summer Solstice.” I said. Shining smiled softly. “Tough words for one pony taking on the world. Thanks, Fie. Have a safe trip.” He replied. I nodded before turning around and walking back into the castle. I made a quick glance over my shoulder, seeing Shining looking back out to the balcony. His look in contemplation. I adjusted my newly bought saddle bag (thanks to Princess Cadence) and was ready to tackle the trip back to Canterlot. Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart were the only ones to see me off. Which felt awkward as we were getting looks from the tourists rather than the locals. Cadence was making silly faces at Flurry Heart, who was mimicking it in return, giggling as her mother nuzzled her snout against her cheek. She then saw me shift uncomfortably; my expression clear to her. “I know you’ve been through a lot already, Fie. Are you sure you’re okay?” She asked. I nodded softly. “No maniacal alicorn activity. I should be relieved but it’s Din. She isn’t a one and done thing. I… I’m sorry the Empire was threatened by her.” I said pathetically. Princess Cadence bounced Flurry in her foreleg as she replied. “You shouldn’t be sorry about that. It wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle. We finished just in time to put this one down for bed." she said, tickling Flurry. I looked at the toddler filly. To think, this kid is going to be a princess in the future. An entire Empire under her rule. Unlike Twilight who wasn’t born into royalty, but earned it through her own blood, sweat and tears. I shook my head at the thought. We have to do better for the future. We heard the train pull up and stop with a hiss in front of us. The doors opened and ponies began filing in and out of the carts. I rubbed the back of my head, noticing something about this. “Despite the declaration of war, I’m surprised ponies still want to visit the Crystal Empire.” I said. Cadence chuckled. “We are keeping the Empire open to the public in order to distract ponies who need it. It’s better to ensure we at least remain calm to some degree.” She said. I couldn’t help but smile and nod. “Clever girl.” I adjusted my saddle bag once more and waved to Princess Cadence. “Time to set off. Take care.” I said. Princess Cadence waved along with Flurry Heart. “Don’t be a stranger.” She said. I stepped into the train and found a seat in the very back of the middle cart. I sighed and laid my head against the window, looking out at it. The Frozen North glistened in a sunny day. The snowcapped mountains in the distance a mystical wonderment of what lies beyond the borders of the Empire. My mind wandered to what had all happened to me before the destruction of Hoofington. I could see it clearly. I had just watched General Lilac escape via a steam air ship, her grin challenging me. I looked back to see the sun turn red and Din hovering in the air with a massive sphere of magic growing bigger overhead. Borrowing the rays and magic of the sun, her maniacal expression laughed as she threw the megaspell down onto the tower. I could see the unfortunate ponies that were still afflicted with the paralyzing liquid they had earlier and could only watch as their fate descended upon them. Everything went blank after that. Except for the brief moment I tried to stop Din. I’m glad my friends weren’t caught in it along with my family. I will find my friends, but I need to head back to Canterlot to check up on my siblings and folks. I wonder what they had been doing in the past four weeks I was indisposed of. After a bit of time passed, I felt the train jerk and we began to move. The ride on the train wasn’t eventful. I was dozing off in and out of sleep most of the ride over. Before I knew it, the announcement over the PA stated we would be arriving in Canterlot in five minutes. I rubbed my muzzle tiredly and watched the mountain valley scenery pass by. I don’t know why, but I was expecting Canterlot to be digging trenches or whatever else you do in wars. Yet at the same time, I was relieved that nothing has completely changed. Save for the sudden tingly feeling I had when we went through a security barrier that I hadn’t noticed. I blinked in realization. Canterlot was already on high alert. What I also noticed was Discord humming quietly to himself as he looked out the window in the seat across from me. He looked at me without turning his head. “The mare of the hour! Finally home and ready to engage the enemy. The hero to creatures one and all!” He said. I blinked a bit, opening my mouth to say something, only for Discord to continue, filing his claw. “Yes, yes. Ask away. We have allll the time in the world.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “What is it, Discord?” I asked. Discord has been around Ponyville for as long as I can remember. In fact, I arrived several days after Discord’s little chaos bubble in Ponyville. It was strange to hear one day that he would begin reformation, much to everypony’s fear. Yet, it was Fluttershy to save the day. Discord eyed me, waiting patiently at me despite me asking what he wanted. I sighed. “How’s Fluttershy?” I asked, hoping to get something out of him. Discord seemed to smile at the mention. “A bit tired from all the running around. But to say the least she’s doing well enough.” He said in a gesticulate manner. I then saw on his claw wrist a strange scarring. I tilted my head and Discord seemed to read my mind. He held up his claw arm. “Oh, this thing? Well, I only use the finest of scale polish to keep it gleaming brightly and make ponies think; ‘Wow, who is that handsome draconequus with the shimmering scales?’ And I’ll be the talk of the day!” He then waved the claw at me. “Though, nothing compared to your reputation. Quite the infamy you gathered.” I found myself slumping. “The mark on your claw? Was it from Ouroboros at the Manehatten hospital?” I asked. Discord’s mood shifted at the mention and he rubbed the scar. “It’s nothing to worry about. What should really matter is what you plan to do when you get to Pony Land.” He said with an uncaring expression. I blinked blankly. “How do you-?” I began, only for Discord to stroke his goatee. “If there is one thing the Princess of Friendship is is predictable. And somewhat easily insecure about her responsibilities.” He said. I furrowed my look in understanding. That was a little too on the bullseye. My thoughts went back to the scar. It’s no secret that Discord is heavily resistant to most magic in Equestria. Yet, from what I’ve dealt with, ancient magic is more effective. The Raptorians flashed into my mind. Turning back into glass as collateral to an angry local god. They weren’t god like beings. But the point was clear. I then had a compulsive thought enter my mind. “Does it hurt?” I asked. Discord looked at me quizzically before realizing I was mentioning his wrist again. He once again rubbed it and shrugged. “Your concern is duly noted. I’m still kicking.” He said. I then frowned. “So, what is it that you want?” I asked. The train came to a jerk as it slowed. Discord stood up and stretched. “Just checking up on our lone hero. Eagerly awaiting to see what she will do when the breaking point happens.” He said with a smirk. I stood up and pointed at him. “Enough with the circling, Discord. I haven’t been born yesterday. Is there something you want to ask of me?” I stated. Discord sighed and rolled his neck. “You’re no fun. Wanted to see if you were up for a game of O&O. But seeing as you are a mare on a busy schedule, I’ll just take my leave.” He said, raising his paw. I balked and lunged at him, holding onto his paw arm and preventing him from snapping. “Are you crazy?! Didn’t Ouroboros say not to use your magic or else risk blowing Equestria up??” I exclaimed, catching the attention of several other ponies who were in the cart. Discord yawned boredly with his paw, having comically popped it off from his body as if it was a fake prop. I panicked a little and dropped the fake paw arm. “Yes, yes. Discord, the god of chaos, unable to make no sense of the situation for fun. Is what Ouroboros would have you believe.” He said. I was about to protest when I paused and looked at him knowingly. “Hold on… you think so too?” I asked. Discord chuckled and grinned. “It would have taken Twilight longer to understand me. Bravo, hero. Which means you can do me a favor.” He said. I shrunk back a bit, eyeing him suspiciously. Discord looked bored again. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. I’ll at least hold up my end of the bargain, if your answer provides the agreement.” I frowned. “I’m listening…” I replied. Discord crossed his arms, pleased with my answer as he continued. “What I want to ask of you is not what I want. But what I need to have happen. There is a special type of magic that can only be found in Pony Land. I’ve heard the tales and quite honestly find them amusing enough to believe in them. You are familiar with Rainbow Power, correct?” He explained. I sat on my haunches and crossed my forelegs over my chest. “It’s been mentioned in my travels, yes. Isn’t it also the very thing the princesses used on you before? Same thing with Twilight and her friends?” I replied. Discord clicked his tongue and made gun like motions with his paw and claw. “The very same. What if I told that with the power of light, casts a sinister shadow? The traditional black and white of a coin?” He held up his paw and a small rainbow formed. “Negative energy that gathered in the power of rainbow can reverse the effects of such. Turning it into a darker variant. A Dark Rainbow.” The rainbow in his paw began to blacken and the colors began to change into disgusting opposites of themselves. I arched a brow. “A Dark Rainbow? That can be on par with Rainbow Power?” I asked, finding myself a little intrigued. Discord nodded before closing his paw, crushing the rainbow. “Precisely. I’ve only ever heard of it being used once ages ago. However, the power was supposedly snuffed out as the power of light reverted it back, making Rainbow Power stronger than ever.” He held up his paw and gave the fingers a wiggle, showing that the rainbow was gone. I frowned at him. “You’re asking me to find this Dark Rainbow so you could use it for… revenge against Ouroboros? Or for your own selfish gain? Fluttershy wouldn’t be happy at all about that, you know.” I said sternly. Discord looked hurt. “Oh, heavens no! Perish the thought of me using such sickening power! I already have chaotic magic. I do not need to handicap myself further.” He said. I shook my head. “You’re not making sense here.” I said. Discord smiled and floated in the air, curling his body around me. “What fun is there in making sense?” He replied with a mischievous grin. I frowned at him and rolled my eyes. “Alright, Discord. What do you want me to do with this ‘Dark Rainbow’?” I asked, beginning to be really annoyed. Discord nodded. “Think of it as a gift from me to you. When you get to Pony Land, send me a post card, will you? Oh, and a souvenir if you can!” He said, having suddenly dressed in tourist attire. My eyes widened and looked around in panic. Surprisingly, the world wasn’t burning down yet. Discord chuckled and examined his claw. “The serpent made it clear I cannot use anything to aid in the stability of the realm. The law of the world I’m afraid, but I can still partake in self-indulgence. Just as much as the other gods can.” The realization hit me like a truck. I always had an inkling, but Discord confirmed the suspicion. Discord waved his claw in a shooing manner. “Better get going while the iron is hot, hero. I’ll be keeping an eye on you for the time being. Toodles!” He snapped his claw and popped into glitter, making me cough and exit the train, shaking myself off. I looked up and braced myself. The alabaster castle of Canterlot towered over me. > Chapter 3: Not So Warm Welcome > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot hasn’t changed. At least, not physically. The atmosphere, however, sent a chill down my spine. As I walked down the road directing to the castle, I couldn’t help but notice plenty of eyes on me. And not the pleasantly surprised kind. Several ponies began to move out of my way and some whispered to one another, avoiding me. I dropped my ears. I knew exactly what was happening. Yet, it still stung a little. I began to up my pace to a trot, hoping to hurry through before anypony got the wiser. I definitely didn’t want to be confronted by the citizens of Canterlot. As I continued, shops and buildings began to close at my approach. Ponies frowned at me or ran away in a hurry. As I turned the corner, I came to a stop as two ponies approached me. “You got a lot of nerve showing your face around here, Fire Demon.” One pony scowled. I recognized the pony. He usually tended to the ice cream cart, which was several hoof steps behind him. The other I also recognized. The antique collector and pawn shop owner down the road. I looked between the two nervously. “I-I’m just here for a quick visit and I promise I’ll be out of everypony’s mane.” I stammered. What do I do?? I can’t hurt these ponies! They did nothing and deserve to be upset with me. But I can’t be bothered to tackle this right now. I need to get going. Yet, they didn’t waver and instead, several more ponies gathered behind them. Elite individuals I don’t entirely recognize, save for one. A tall and slender white unicorn with a pink mane, accompanied by a neatly groomed and butler dressed stallion. They were looking at me with interest. “Why did you kill those ponies?! What did they ever do to you?!” The antique owner barked. I shrunk back. “I-I didn’t… I…” I was cut off when another pony chimed in. “My son lived there! He owned a furniture business! He provided for the ponies! And you destroyed everything!” A mare cried out. A chorus of chattering began to erupt and soon a mob began to form. I gasped and backed away as the citizens of Canterlot banded together to face me. “You’re a demon!!” “How could you!?” “Why do we have to put our safety in the hooves of a murderer!?” “Go back to Tartarus, fiend!!” “My whole business there is ruined because of you!!” “It’s all your fault!!” My eyes widened and I soon began to panic. The ponies surrounded me and began stomping their hooves in protest, chanting loudly “It’s all your fault! It’s all your fault!”. I fell to my stomach and covered my ears, shaking my head. “I-I wasn’t me!! Please…” I whimpered. The world began to waver and I began to find it hard to breath. Everypony was closing in. Towering over me like shadows and chanting in unison. I began to shiver, my ears ringing at the deafening chanting. “It’s all your fault!! It’s all your fault!!” I shut my eyes tightly. ‘I… I can’t… I don’t want to hurt anymore ponies… please… help me…’ I began to sob a bit, looking up and seeing several royal guards looking down at me. Their looks were serious and stern. Halberds positioned at their sides. “Ma’am, you must come with us to the guard house. We would like to resolve this peacefully.” A stallion guard said. The chanting and stomping was still deafening, but I was helped up by two guards and escorted through the enraged mob. The guards shoved some ponies that got too close aside and when we broke through, I was lead away from the castle and over towards the castle walls to a building. I was lead inside and escorted into the back. I was asked to sit down when we entered a room meant for interrogations or questioning. I expected this, but not at this level. It was still overwhelming and I had to dry my eyes from the silent tears escaping me. I sniffled as the guards left the room, leaving me alone to my thoughts. All I could think about was Hoofington. The many lives that had no part in the underbelly of the city. Gone within an instant. Only a charred and burning ruin left behind. My thoughts then fell to General Lilac. And my overwhelming sadness turned to anger. It’s because of her that it all happened. She overstepped her boundaries and flaunted power that isn’t even her’s. I found myself glaring at the table, the anger rising. I imagined General Lilac unable to escape. Din having blasted the ship down and Lilac abandoning onto the balcony. There I would walk over to her. She would try to fight, but I would over power her. Din would have changed her mind and would stand next to me. General Lilac would have no choice but to be subjected to torture from Din and I. Maybe then, war wouldn’t be on the horizon. Only the charred remains of a pony who instigated it. The thought began to please me. In my angry look, I let a grin creep up. I would give anything to see General Lilac suffer for what she did. “That’s not a very good look to have after being apprehended from an angry mob.” A voice said, snapping me out of my stupor. I looked up and gasped. My mother, the Captain of the Royal Guard, looked stoically down at me from across the table. I stood up. “Mom! Listen, I didn’t mean to do anything! I wasn’t going to hurt those ponies! I was only on my way to the castle to check up on you guys before I head out! I promise, I was only going to be in and out! And-“ My mother held up a hoof to silence me, her expression unchanged. “Perhaps you should sit back down. Count to ten and take deep breaths.” She said. I blinked and shook my head. “Mom, please! I only want to-“ “Quiet Fire, enough.” My mother said coldly. I shut my mouth and shrunk back in fear. My mother sighed and rubbed her muzzle. “You are not in a position to argue and I’m not a lawyer. But you do understand why you are here in this room?” She asked. I opened my mouth to reply, only to stop and shake my head. My mother continued. “Your deeds have been spread far and wide across Equestria. Everycreature knows about you. And your unfortunate decimation of our old home.” I only felt smaller as I sat on my haunches and rubbed my foreleg sadly. “Ever since your disappearance, ponies have begun to form sides. One to defend your actions and the other to condemn them. And the majority are on the condemning side.” She looked at me, her piercing eyes breaking my spirit. “They call for exile.” I didn’t say anything. I once again expected such a thing. My mother closed her eyes in thought. “Some have demanded you be put into Tartarus to never terrorize again. Others want you shipped away to a foreign place where you have no chance of surviving. And some want to kill you on sight.” She opened her eyes. “We’ve been spread thin to try and quell the majority by keeping them occupied with false news of your whereabouts.” I met my mothers stoic gaze. “You’re lucky my men intervened. Those ponies were out for blood. One was about to stab you while you were on the ground.” I continued to say nothing. Every word my mother was saying hit me like a ton of bricks. I was lost. My mother then stood up and nodded over her shoulder. Two guards entered the room. “We’ll escort you to the castle. But you are not to wander off. We have a mole in the castle.” My mother turned and trotted out of the room. I sighed and stood up pathetically before following after her with the guards at my sides. They led me to a side entrance of the castle courtyard. I noticed some of the looks the maids were giving me along with some of the guards. I did my best to try and keep my attention at my mother’s back. It was hard to make out what was going on through her head. I made up with her, but I guess some habits die hard. We eventually arrived to the main foyer of the castle and my mother finally stopped and turned to me. “Be on your best behavior.” She opened the door and I was greeted by the long and expansive room leading to the thrones. I gulped as I could see Princess Celestia at the throne. And next to her was… Heart? My older sister was at the thrones side, scribbling down on a long scroll. Princess Celestia looked tired as she talked to Heart. “… Next on the schedule is the meeting with a representative of the Kingdom of Fenice.” She sighed. “Make sure to add welcoming banquet preparation to the list. Ensure Raven double checks the records and guest lists.” Heart scribbled with her tongue sticking out in concentration. My mother bowed. “Your highness. Quiet Fire has returned.” She announced. My sister stopped scribbling and looked up with wide eyes. Celestia smiled tiredly before nodding for my mother to rise. All eyes fell on me and I felt way smaller than I should. Princess Celestia’s smile turned into a serious expression. “I am glad to see you have returned safe and sound, Quiet Fire. However, I wish the greeting would be higher spirits. Unfortunately, a matter I need to attend to has arisen and I cannot stay for long. Speak your part.” She said. I winced. Princess Celestia’s usual warm and calm nature slept in today. Ignoring my remark in my head, I hesitated and bowed. Princess Celestia motioned for me to rise and I did. The eyes remained on me. No pony moved. I shivered, rubbing my foreleg before finding words to speak. “I… Uhh… I was just… err…” I began. Princess Celestia closed her eyes as if contemplating something. She then opened them and met mine. “Tis a dire tragedy of what happened to your home city. The lives lost were… tremendous. You have become Equestria’s most wanted. And yet…” she then smiled. “Your courage remains unbending in the face of doubt.” I was stunned. What was she talking about? Courage? I am about to wet the royal carpet here! I looked quizzically at her. Princess Celestia stood up and walked down the steps towards me. Her talk figure towered over me. I found myself looking away out of intimidation, only for Celestia to gently turn my head with her hoof under my chin gently. “Everypony has been worried sick. Present company included.” She glanced quickly to my mother, who was at attention. I was dumbfounded. But I found myself moving away from Celestia. I had turned and faced one of the stain glasses. The image depicting Twilight and her friends battling Discord. I studied the image. They have come a long way. I then looked down to my hoof and my mind began to wander. How does she do it? Everypony knows she’s capable, despite saying she is still trying to figure out how she can stop the war properly. Princess Celestia sat next to me. “It has been years, yet it feels like yesterday when Twilight had left Canterlot to begin her own journey of discovery. She and her friends have faced many trials and overcame each and everyone of them together. It is because of her journey that she gained her wings.” She then looked down at me. “Everypony has their own journey to face. But they will never do so alone, despite saying so. So long as they believe in their strengths, they will always seek the answer to their question.” I looked up at her as she flourished her hoof. “Who am I?” Her eyes met mine. I bowed my head, my thoughts trying to piece her words together. Who am I really? I’ve asked myself this before and I thought I had an answer. I then looked back up to the stained-glass window. I dropped my hoof. “I’m… me… right?” I asked. Princess Celestia looked at me. “That's something only you need to find for yourself." She replied. I sighed and stood up. I took a moment to gather myself before turning to Celestia. "Then... I'll finish up here and be on my way." I then looked to my sister and mother. I rubbed my foreleg nervously before walking over to my older sister. Heart blinked quizzically at me as I stopped at the bottom of the steps to the thrones. All of a sudden, I wasn't sure what to say. My sister had the same idea. It wasn't long until my mother rolled her eyes and stepped over to me. "Quiet Fire. Speak your part. I have to get back to patrols." She said. I looked at her and bowed my head. I then looked back up to my sister. "H-Heart?" I began. Heart eyed me. "I... I'm sorry... for what you have been put through..." Heart looked at me worriedly. "I'm sorry you had to learn that I... I'm not..." Heart finally spoke. "Four weeks." She said. I blinked and blankly looked up at her. "Four weeks, Fie. Four weeks of searching. Four weeks of having to worry." She shook her head. "Do you have any idea what you put us through? We are in the midst of a war and you have been off wherever Celestia knows for four weeks!" I found myself shrinking back again. That was until I was pulled into a hug by my sister. Which took me completely by surprise. My sister has never been one to show affection. The workaholic mare with no time to spare is... hugging me. I was stunned. How should I react? She pulled away from me and wiped her eye. "Damned scroll dust." I looked at her, baffled. "Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm waiting for a proper apology." It took me a moment, but I hesitated before replying. "S-sorry for... worrying you...?" I said uncertainly. Heart shook her head and sighed. "We need to work on your social skills." She said. I rubbed the back of my head. "Err... it's just... you... never hug." I replied. Heart rubbed her chin. "Huh. I guess so." She said. I hesitated again, looking around. "Wh-where's Blitz?" I asked. Heart motioned around us. "He's somewhere. Princess Celestia was kind enough to give him something to do." I tilted my head and looked over my shoulder to Celestia, who only nodded in response. "Wait... you both are now... working for Princess Celestia?" I asked. Heart nodded. "I'm an assistant to Raven Inkwell, Celestia's accountant. I help her manage the... financial side of things. It's been an interesting eye opener. Blitz has been hired as our aid to gather info on things happening around Canterlot. In fact, he should have been back several minutes ago." As if on cue, the doors behind us opened and in came galloping Blitz. "Princess Celestia! Heart! Quiet Fire is back in Canterlot, but she was being hassled by the citizens! I ran as fast as I could to tell you-" He stopped and noticed me standing in front of Heart. Heart waved a small hoof at him. Blitz blinked and looked at me, his eyes narrowing. I gave a nervous smile and small wave. The room grew awkward again. My mother sighed and shook her head before turning to Princess Celestia. "Your highness, may we step outside so my children can learn not to waste time?" She asked. Princess Celestia nodded. "Err... of course. Take as much time as needed." She said. Our mother looked between us and motioned with her head. We followed her out of the throne room and she took us to the side, having all three of us stand next to each other. "Now then. Perhaps a change of the room will help this reunion better?" She stated. Heart sighed. "Mom, we do not need to be treated as children. I've been well off enough." My sister said. But the stern look my mother gave her caused her to quiet down. "That is completely unrelated to this. We are on the clock." Our mom replied. Blitz snorted. "And we've been working to the bone lately. Just as much as you have, mom." He replied. Our mother shook her head. "And I'm glad you two are enjoying your new positions. But your sister came here to check up on us. The least you can do is hear her out." She said. My siblings looked at me and I continued to feel small. "I..." I began. Okay, Fie. You didn't plan this far. It's time to face the day. I finally took a deep breath. "I did come here to check up on you all. To know what's going on before I... leave to Pony Land." Blitz arched a brow. "Seriously?" He asked. I nodded. "At the behest of Princess Twilight Sparkle, I'm to head to Pony Land and see what I can do to convince the two kingdoms from no longer declaring war on us. But before I can do that, I need to find my friends and... check up on you guys." I then looked to mom. "Where's dad?" My mother crossed a foreleg over the other. "Still in Canterlot. He hasn't been back yet, but being the detective now, he's been looking into a mole problem we have." She said. I tilted my head before my mom continued. "The security barrier picked up strange activity. We've been investigating the situation, but everytime we thought to have the culprit cornered, we are left with the aftermath of what was left behind. It's as if the mole is toying with us." I rubbed my chin in thought. "I'm going to go on a whim here... Triad?" I asked. My mother shrugged. "Could be. Regardless, we cannot have inside distractions. You need not to worry about it, Quiet Fire. We can manage here fine." She replied. Blitz balked, as if remembering something. "O-oh right! Another thing I need to bring up. I-I think we may have a lead on the mole situation." He said. My mother eyed him. We all knew that mom had been no nonsense on the job, so Blitz didn't waste anytime. "I did some digging around the Starswirl Wing and I spotted a pony that hid something in the shelves." He reached back into his saddle bag and withdrew several documents. "Aren't these the missing documents Ms. Inkwell has been looking for?" Heart immediately snatched them up with her magic and scanned them. She looked surprised. "Biltz... these documents state the many faulty structures that Canterlot has. Why would a pony hide this among books?" She asked. Blitz shrugged. "The pony didn't seem all that concerned. It was like they weren't aware they weren't the only one in the wing. In fact..." He rubbed his chin. "It looked like one of the maids. Had the apron on and everything." My mother's look was stoic, but we could tell what she was thinking. My mother turned and spoke. "Thank you for the info, Blitz. Heart, inform Inkwell to search more of the Royal Archives. See if there are any other missing documents. I also ask that you bring the schematics and blueprints to the guard house later. We will begin our search once more. Quite Fire?" I blinked. "Y-yes?" I replied. My mother was quiet for a bit before finding the words. "Please, be safe on your journey." She said before trotting off towards the throne room, our guess being to inform Celestia of the discovered info. That left me to awkwardly stand in between my siblings. Heart gathered the documents and turned to us. "Good job, Blitz. You continue to surprise everypony." She said. Blitz smoothly brushed his mane. "Since we don't have a... city for certain topics. I'm actually surprised Canterlot has it's own underbelly." He then looked at us and waved his hooves. "N-not that that isn't a good thing! It just... makes me realize that even places like Canterlot can have a darker side. But that's not here or there right now." He then looked to me. "So... Pony Land, huh?" I nodded softly. "Yeah. I... have my own reasons for going as well." I rubbed my foreleg nervously again. "I'm... truly sorry for what happened... I know you two had stuff going on in Hoofington and I..." Heart shook her head. "It's... honestly hard to take it all in, but like mom said, we are on the clock." She said. I noticed she didn't seem at all fine. Neither did Blitz. I don't blame them. Hoofington wasn't the nicest place, but they had fond memories of their time there. Heart then put a hoof on my shoulder. "It's... really good to see you okay." Blitz rubbed the back of his head. "So... have you... always been able to do that?" He asked. I looked at him quizzically. He gestured at me. "You know... able to turn into a giant fire alicorn. I mean, we've been hearing over the radio your exploits, but we didn't think it was... well... that intense." Heart shook her head. "We were too busy with other things to really follow it. We did hear about it in small bits. But... to see it happen with our own eyes..." She faltered. I sighed and bowed my head. "No. New Years wasn't that kind to me." I began. I then told them everything. When I finished my explanation, my siblings were speechless. Blitz put a hoof to his head. "You're right. That is a lot to take in." He said. Heart shook her head in disbelief. "Our little sister... a demi-god? Do we... do we really have special blood in our family?" She asked more to herself. Blitz frowned. "But... wait... if you are a demi-god... doesn't that make us demi-gods too?" I for some reason found this amusing but shrugged. "I'm... not sure to be honest. Ouroboros may not be telling us everything and only wanting us to hear what he feels we should know. False or not." I then frowned at the thought. "I don't think we are being given a correct answer here. He's just stringing us along for his own amusement." Heart closed her eyes in thought at my response. "Never trust a snake as the saying goes." She then opened them and looked at me. "Just becareful, Fie. War and the deconstruction threat of our realm all in one is too much for any one pony to handle." I gave her what I hoped was a confident smile. "I-I know, Heart. I won't be alone." I said. Blitz shrugged. "Dunno, sis. She wasn't able to handle that one colt that liked her." He stated. I felt my heart sink and Blitz noticed my look. He quickly waved his hooves in front of him. "Wh-whoa, sis! I-I didn't mean it like that!" He said. I only shook my head. "No... you're right. Table Top didn't deserve me after what I did to him. And... I wasn't the best to anypony at the time." I felt my mood shoot down. "I can't even tell him I'm sorry or rekindle any friendship now." Heart gasped. "Did you...?" I nodded. "Dad showed me." I responded. My siblings exchanged concerned looks. My sister and brother gestured to each other before Blitz sighed. "We-" He began but I shook my head. "You guys don't need to say anything. I just..." I sighed. "I'll be fine. I have to anyway." I lied, standing up. "I should get going then." I began to turn when Blitz stopped me. "Fie, wait." He said. "I..." He began. I looked at him over my shoulder. "Here." He then reached into his saddle bag and pulled out a pendant. The silver design with a wing. I blinked. "Mom's pendant?" I asked. Blitz nodded as I took it in my magic. "We held onto it just so it wouldn't get lost. We also have another thing for you." He then motioned for me to follow as Heart trotted beside him. I followed my siblings, wondering what they are up to. When we arrived at a guest room, my brother reached under the four-post bed and withdrew a chest. He opened it and stepped aside. I walked forward and saw a folded-up fabric. Reaching in with my magic, I floated out my hoodie cloak. The fire etched design with the symbol of fire on the back, just as I remembered it. I looked back in the chest and saw my old saddle bag. I never noticed how ragged and worn out it was. I draped my hoodie cloak over my foreleg while I reached for my saddle bag. I opened it and withdrew the previous stuff I had, which wasn't much. Just a couple of food rations and arc ammo. Seeing the arc ammo made me think about Thi. I remember her teaching me how to properly use an arc firearm. I don't remember stuffing these in here, but I smiled and stuffed the supplies into my new saddle bag. I even noticed some rocks with magic runes on them. I remember Silver Scribble passing them out to us just in case. Nifty little rocks that you can just crush and throw out magic. Transferring everything I had on me at the time into my new saddle bag, I turned to my siblings and nodded. I threw out my hoodie cloak around me, sliding my forelegs into the sleeves and throwing my hood up to adjust it. I then threw my hood down with my head and felt complete. Blitz shook his head. "You always had weird taste in fashion, sis." He said. I dusted my hoodie cloak off before replying. "And you had a weird taste in marefriends." I then blinked and looked at him, seeing him raise a brow. I worried I said something out of line, but Heart followed up. "She's right. Cherry Gum? Quite the mental case that one." She said. Blitz rubbed the back of his head. "Okay, Cherry was cute at the time. I didn't realize she'd be a bit of a psycho." He said. "You're just lucky dad managed to change your mind. And what about Sour Dough? I actually liked her." She said. Blitz shook his head. "She was running my bits out of my saddle over bread. That isn't healthy. I had to do something to keep her from going overboard." He replied. I chimed in this time. "Rosey Pie? I remember you liking her a lot." I said. Blitz sighed and shrugged. "I thought so too. Then she overused me." He replied. "Pork Rind?" I asked. Blitz blinked. "I totally forgot about the butcher's daughter. Reminded me too much of Sour Dough." He shrugged. I smiled and found my mood feeling better. Blitz and Heart continued to banter back and forth and suddenly, I found myself going back in time. I was there, sitting at the dinner table. Heart and Blitz talking about their day. Dad reading the newspaper. Mom, off duty and casually reading a book as she had finished her dinner. It wasn't an eventful thought. But... I think it was one I missed out on. "Uhh, sis? You okay?" I heard Blitz say in my thoughts. I blinked and found myself back in the present. My siblings were looking at me with concern. I didn't realize I was grinning and I shook my head, patting my cheeks. "I'm fine. Just... thinking is all." I stepped past them and nodded. "Well, no time to waste then." I then looked over my shoulder to them. "Take care, guys. I'm... sorry I wasn't the best sibling. But I'm going to fix that. And... have a better apology at the ready." Blitz and Heart looked at each other before nodding and trotting over towards me. "We'll hold you to that." Blitz said. I was confused as to why my siblings were trotting with me, but I didn't want to argue. It was nice to have their company. I stepped out onto the balcony and into the chariot. We had returned to Princess Celestia and saying my farewells to my mom and siblings, Princess Celestia was kind enough to set up a ride to Cloudsdale. She even gave me a scroll that would allow me to walk on the clouds for four hours. As I waved to them and the chariot took off, I began to feel my mood drop a little. I wanted to stay a bit longer and catch up with my siblings. I sighed and placed my hoof under my chin over the edge of the chariot, watching the valley from above. The sun shined overhead as we broke through the winter clouds. In the distance, I could see the massive fortress city. Cloudsdale. Home of the pegasi and HQ of their military. The last time I was here was to deliver a letter to Cloudchaser and Flitter. My thoughts went to the sisters. The two most interesting ponies I've ever met. I hope they were doing okay. My thoughts fell on Cloudchaser. The pretty cool mare who was surprisingly skilled in karate. Before the whole incident with Tri-Mourn Tower, I had confessed my feelings to her. And while the answer wasn't a no, it did keep my hopes up. I wonder what she'll think of seeing me after four weeks? That's even if she is there at Cloudsdale anymore. Both sisters being Wonderbolts, they are always busy. And with war on the horizon and with their main task having disappeared, I wouldn't be surprised if they got transferred somewhere. I wished I paid more attention about Wonderbolt military processes in CSGU. I continued to stare over the side of the chariot. As time passed and Cloudsdale got closer, I spotted something moving in the corner of my eyes. I looekd to see a figure dip into the clouds below. I furrowed my look and turned to my chariot flier. The mare seemed lost in her own thoughts as she casually pulled me along. I went to the other side and peeked over, seeing two more figures dip down into the clouds. I frowned. This might not end well. I turned to the chariot puller. "Excuse me, but any chance you can't go a little... faster?" I asked. The mare blinked and looked over her shoulder. "Unfortunately, ma'am, the speed limit in the Cloudsdale area must be kept. And it is for the safety of the rider. Please, have a bit more patience, we are almost there." She stated, as if she had said this same thing over and over before. I looked at her in concern before looking over my shoulder. Two more figures dipping into the clouds. We were surrounded. I didn't want to make too much of a scene. Could it just be Cloudsdale police ensuring we are on a safe trip towards Cloudsdale. You can't be too careful now. But... what if it was Triad. It wasn't the first time they chased us in the air. But they were out for Princess Celestia's and Luna's life. Yet... why would they be so close to a flying air fortress? The more I thought about it, the more likely it could happen. Canterlot currently has a mole. Why not Cloudsdale? I kept myself on alert as the figures kept their distance but maintained speed with the chariot. It wasn't long before the figures dipped down into the clouds and didn't resurface when we approached the landing area for visitors. Stepping down onto the solid platform, I threw my hood on and looked over my shoulder. No pony came to greet us. In fact, it seemed that the visitor area was empty. Pegasi were flying high in the air, to and fro above me. I followed the solid platform to a road that was meant for unicorn and earth pony visitors. Seeing those figures had me a bit paranoid. I hurried along before arriving at the main plaza. There were less visitors than I expected. Looking around, I came to the realization that I had no idea where to go. I just knew I had to be here. My eyes fell onto a pegasus stallion, who seemed to be putting up a flyer. I trotted over to him and cleared my throat. "Ahem. Excuse me, sir." I said. The stallion turned to me and arched a brow. His eyes widened. "Y-you're that Fire Demon!" He said with fear in his eyes. I balked and quickly waved my hooves in dismissal. "N-no! Wait! Hear me out, please!" I said, glancing around. Thankfully, there was hardly any pony here. The stallion quickly stuffed something in his saddle bag and took off into the air in a hurry. "Hey! I just wanted to ask you something!" I called out. My ears dropped in sadness. 'Great. Now what do I do?' I turned around and stopped, seeing several silhouettes fly over me. I looked up and saw to my displeasure, several military dressed pegasi landing down in front of me. I sighed and sat on my haunches, raising my hooves. Why would it be any different? The lead pegasi stepped forward. "Lower your hooves, civilian. You aren't in trouble here. Unless you prove to be." The gruff looking stallion stated. I blinked and looked at him. A scar crossed down one, glossy eye. The stallion tipped his hat. "Well, well. The Fire Demon graces us with her presence. Good. I must ask that you come with us. We need to discuss something that could prove vital to our intel." Well, this was a surprise. However, seeing the other ponies approach me with a strange device made me realize I wasn't out of the clear just yet. They asked me to step onto it and when I did, I felt myself unable to move. As if my hooves dug in and were magnetized to the platform. The pegasi harnessed themselves at the side of the platform and the lead pony nodded. "Don't worry, 'Fire Demon'. You're in the fine hands of the Cloudsdale Guard. Oh, and may I be the first to say. Welcome aboard." > Chapter 4: War Room > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Admiral Fairy Flight. We have a report coming in with the patrol.” A young cadet in training saluted the admiral, who returned it. “Thank you, cadet. As you are.” He said, taking the papers in his wing. The cadet cantered off, leaving us alone in the room. I rubbed my forehoof. “A little too rough with escorting. You sure I’m not being arrested?” I asked with an unamused arch of my brow. The pegasi had brought me to, what they refer to as the “war room”. It wasn’t as fancy as they made it sound. But the massive table and the many figures positioned on the map of Equestria was all I needed to see to believe it. That and the many empty chairs surrounding us. Admiral Fairy Flight scanned through the documents as he replied. “Apologies, Ms. Fire. It’s a prototype binding platform for… ponies of interest.” He said. I blinked and looked back at the platform. I frowned. “Prisoners of war, you mean.” I said. Fairy didn’t shake his head but looked out the corner of his eyes to me. “Only if we are forced to. We are still testing more of this… arcane tech as our enemies call it.” I sighed and stood up, walking over to the table and examining it. The green figures were bundled up with blue figures and a stadium like model. I’m assuming that’s Cloudsdale. Not too far, where Pony Land would be, were two castle like models in the north and south. Red figures were bundled up together. I also noticed three more castle models, one being Canterlot and the other the Castle of Friendship. To the north of them would by the Crystal Empire. I couldn’t help but frown. More figures were bundled around New Appleloosa. No structure to mark their own HQ. I looked to the admiral. “You sure seem to take into account resources.” I said. The admiral smiled as he put the documents down. I glanced quickly at them, seeing a glimpse of the words “Project”. I narrowed my eyes as the admiral looked over the map. “We of the Cloudsdale military, are ready to provide aerial support when we have the proper preparations ready. I’ve invited several major reps from Canterlot, to New Appleloosa to the Crystal Empire. I also plan to unveil a special something thanks to two of our Wonderbolt’s greatest.” He said. I blinked at the pegasus. “Th-that’s why I’m here, admiral. I’m trying to look for two Wonderbolts by the name of Cloudchaser and Flitter.” I said. The admiral beamed. “Yes, the two who were graciously offered to journey with our grand champion of the realm! Oh, the sights they saw provided valuable intel. But we could always do for more. Which is why you are here.” I was about to protest when the admiral held up a hoof. “Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to notify your friends that you have arrived. Perhaps with three minds together, we can start getting better grasps on newer projects.” I sighed and shook my head. “Develop all you want. But when I stop the war from going forward, all those bits would be wasted.” I said. Fairy chuckled. “Pretty bold words for one pony against the entire world. And if you fail?” He replied. I pointed at him. “I can’t fail.” I said. Fairy seemed pleased by this. “If only we could have more soldiers with your attitude! Sargent. Could you please notify young Cloudchaser and Flitter to come to the war room? Our guests should be arriving soon.” He said. The pony next to him saluted and cantered off, leaving me and the admiral alone. I eyed him suspiciously. “I’m not sticking around for war talk, admiral. I have to find the rest of my friends and I’ll be off to Pony Land.” I stated. The admiral nodded. “How noble. Heading into ground zero of this whole ordeal. This day just keeps getting better and better.” He said with a grin. I shook my head. “What are you on about?” I asked. The admiral waved a wing uninterestedly. “All in due time. We are only in the beginning phases of talk and prep. But perhaps I can poke your brain here.” He whipped out a small rake and pointed to the map. “I was thinking having the unicorns set up several points to make a protective wall in key areas in Equestria. The obvious ones being shown. But we could always do with filling gaps. New Appleloosa would be vital to hold for food and ground troops. Now, in order to ensure complete protection, Cloudsdale will be the frontline. We will move the city into position somewhere here.” He circled the rake in the center of Equestria. “I suspect that Pony Land would send in troops disguised as our own to gather intel. Canterlot already has a mole problem, so we must be several hoof steps ahead. We’ll mobilize several units across key points, making check points to ensure proper evacuation protocols should it ever come to that.” I sighed and put my hoof on my cheek against the table boredly. The admiral must have drone on about more tactics and what ifs, but my mind wandered mindlessly at the rake motions. Eventually, my mindless following of the rake ended when I realized it was pointing at me. I blinked and looked at the admiral, who seemed eager to hear what I thought of whatever. I rubbed the back of my head. “Err… I’m not sure I follow. Could you explain it again?” I said with a nervous smile. The admiral tipped his hat. “Of course! In fact, that would help reiterate some ideas. Now then-.” The door opened and the Sargeant returned, saluting. “Admiral Fairy Flight. As you requested.” My eyes widened and looked towards the door, my heart beating rapidly. There she was. The most beautiful mare I’ve ever seen. Accompanied by her sister beside her. They saw me and Flitter was the first to engage, cantering over and hugging me. “Fie! You’re okay!” She said. I smiled and hugged her back. She pulled away and eyed me up and down. “You seem a bit paler. Have you’ve been eating well?” She asked with concern. Now that she mentions it, I did have only hotcakes at the Crystal Empire and a snack on the train ride over to Canterlot. But nothing worthwhile. I was about to say something when she stepped back and rubbed her chin, studying me more. Cloudchaser nudged her sister. “Err… Flitter. Perhaps you should ease off the ogling? Fie’s been through enough.” She said with a small smile. My eyes met her’s. I was at a loss for words. Still pretty and cool as ever. She seemed to notice this and blush a bit, clearing her throat. “Ahem. Errr… hey, Fie. Operation rescue was a success.” She said. I nodded, only to realize what she meant. I slumped. “I wish it went off without a hitch. But you know me. A walking firebomb.” I said sadly. The two looked at me in concern before the admiral cleared his throat. The two sisters stood at attention and saluted. Admiral Fairy Flight rose a wing and the two eased. “Yes, well I hope that we would avoid any unpleasant surprises. Which is another thing. We should begin working on a repressant. Just in case our fiery friend here splits Cloudsdale a part.” He said. I winced at the words and while the two frowned, there was nothing they could say or do. Just then, the door opened and we saw more ponies walk in. Some weren’t fancily dressed. Only two wore military attire. I did not recognize anypony in the audience. “Ahh, good! You’re all here! Please, sit where you are most comfortable.” The ponies muttered to one another before rounding to their seats. I looked to the two sisters and made a motion that we should leave before the admiral notices. We got to the door when the admiral called out to us. “Hold on a moment, you three. I think you’d want to hear this.” He said. I winced and rubbed the back of my head. “Y-yeah, with all due respect admiral, we should really get going. On the clock and what not.” I said with a nervous smile. The admiral looked at us and frowned. “Blatant disregard to a commanding officer is not something the Wonderbolts preach.” He said with a stern look. Cloudchaser and Flitter winced. They looked at me, their looks telling me the situation. I sighed and nodded softly. “Alright… we’ll stay and hear out what you have planned. But.” I held up a hoof. “We are a third party. We will not have any say in the war efforts.” The admiral nodded. “All I need is a bit of your time.” He said with a small smile. “I practiced for this!” I slumped and walked back over to the center of the room. I sat down, Cloudchaser and Flitter stood at attention next to me. I rested my hoof boredly on my cheek and leaned forward. Admiral Fairy Flight held up a wing to calm the muttering. “Gentlecolts and mares, please, can I have your attention directed to the table before you.” The ponies looked to the table. The admiral began to say his piece, a speech he made out to be grand. And while it captured the attention of the room, I found myself boredly taking one of the figurines without the admiral noticing and began to move it across the table. I made it do a simple marching bounce as the talks proceeded, the conversation bringing up points and ideas that they could use to get an edge on war. I soon began to feel my eyes grow heavy. It wasn’t long until I completely passed out. oooOOO000OOOooo I woke up and felt my entire body shivering. A strong gust of freezing air and snow swirled harshly around me. I threw my hood up, my teeth chattering as I looked around. I knew exactly where I was, despite the snow as far as the eye can see. From the freezing blizzard, the snow swirled in front of me and a hoof stepped forward. I was expecting to come face to face with a colossus like the others. But surprisingly, the spectral ice alicorn Shiva approached me at the same height as Princess Celestia. I was shivering so much, I couldn’t move. Concentrating, I released Din’s heat through me and I sighed in relief at the warmth. Shiva looked displeased with me. How disappointing. Seeing you hug yourself in my embrace was touching. If only she wasn’t with you. Shiva said in my head. Her voice cold and stern. I looked up from under my hood stoically. “And yet, you aren’t attacking me.” I replied. Shive waved a blizzardy wing in dismissal. Tis no fun if she isn’t present. How odd. Her fire is quite small. I nodded. “Tuckered out. Best not to wake her unless you truly want to deal with us.” I said coldly. Shive smiled, yet her voice remained cold and stern. A child through and through. Sleeping like nothing in the world can touch her. Not even the gods or us can withstand her might. I narrowed my eyes. Condescending as it was, I still had one thing on my mind. "Why am I here?" I asked. Shiva sat on her haunches and eyed me. A good question. Why is it that you choose to visit me? She replied. I slumped and shook my head. "Does it always have to be me wandering into a domain? Aren't you sure I didn't get called here? Am I just being gaslighted by every single power element?" I snorted. "Damn primals..." Shive tilted her head. Interesting. An unexpected choice of words at my presence. I frowned. "See one, seen 'em all. I'm more concerned on how the rest of this is going to play out. Every other one was out to get me, only for Din to show up. Here's your chance, Shiva. But I'm not going to make it easy." I challenged. Shiva stoically eyed me. You need not worry, bearer of fire. I've learned to... temper myself. Something my fiery sister has yet to learn. She replied. It was my turn to curiously look at her. But Shiva looked over her shoulder. Hmm. Unfortunate, but I cannot stay any longer. Speak your part. She said. It was hard to gauge what she was looking at before turning her head back to me. I shrugged and shook my head. There was one thing that bothered me. "When I first started this entire thing, my first ever encounter with a power element was you. On our way to Canterlot, why did you decide to attack me out right?" I asked. Shiva hummed. Unfariness of the most unforgivable way. She replied. I arched a brow. "How?" I asked. Shiva stood up and unfurled her wings. Favoritism. The wind started to howl. I looked around, my look furrowing into concern. I may be in trouble here. I looked back to Shiva who had turned around and began to walk away from me. I must return. Begone with you. The wind picked up and Shiva vanished into the blizzard. I had to shield myself as I found myself being pulled off the ground and tumbling into the sky. I then found myself sailing through a black void. I continued to tumble, unable to control myself with my flailing. Suddenly, I found myself stopping. As if something had caught me. I was in a strange pose, unable to move. I felt a cold chill down my spine and I gasped when a dark fire erupted in front of me. It grew bigger and bigger until the fire formed an alicorn. The alicorn reared up with unfurled her wings and towered over me. Hahahahah! Not so bold now, are you? The alicorn grinned. I don't know why I continued to try and free myself. But unlike Shiva, Tenebres was somepony I really didn't want to engage with. After countless days waiting! I finally found you! The alicorn giggled eerily. I furrowed my look. "Shiva beat you to it." I replied simply. Tenebres scoffed and waved a hoof in a shooing manner. Don't care. Shiva is not of my concern. What I want is to teach you and Din that there is more than one primal striving for ascension! I arched a brow. “You? But…” I darted my eyes in thought. Tenebres began to pace back and forth, eyeing me like a predator. Surprised? Good! It is all thought up by my vessel. After seeing your little declaration against the serpent, my vessel got excited. She thought “Why not go for it ourselves? No creature would tell us what to do anymore”. This surge of power given to us. It’s wonderful! I can only imagine what ascending can give us! I was stunned. Could Tenebres no longer be tied to the bylaws as well? My mind was racing. I am genuinely in trouble here. And Din isn’t responding. I took a deep breath and braced myself, meeting the eyes of the alicorn with mine, hoping I wasn’t showing any fear. “So… you aren’t tied to the bylaws anymore?” I asked. Tenebres stopped and blinked at me. Tied? The string has always been cut! The others are just too blind to see it! She growled and started to make mocking tones. This realm will be mine! All will bow before my gifts! Mortals are undeserving of such and must worship me! She stuck what I assumed was a tongue out in disgust. All focused on one thing rather than the bigger picture. And they say I’m the child! She then grinned. The satisfaction we’ll have when we’ll show them all that simple minded creatures are beneath our magnificence! But there is one who shares this same ideal and I cannot have her in the way any longer. I gasped as I saw her horn beginning to glow with a sinister aura. I struggled against whatever was holding me, panicking just a little. I then had an idea. “Hold on. You’re planning on killing me? You do realize that if one of us dies, the very thing you want isn’t going to happen.” I stated. Tenebres snorted. Do not take me for a fool, vessel. I’m merely going to keep you here until the time comes. Din can try all she like. But my power is now tenfold more than her’s! She stands no chance! she retorted. “Y-you’re right!” I quickly said. “She doesn’t stand any chance. I mean, would you believe this? She tried to take over the Crystal Empire and it took those without god like powers to best her!” I chuckled. “She completely got ahead of herself and lost to mortals!” Tenebres’s posture adjusted, her head tilting. I nodded. “She always talks big, but when it comes down to it, she’s just a dog barking up the wrong tree. And what do you know as well, you managed to capture me with no Din in sight. If she can’t keep a leash on her vessel, does she even deserve to have ascension?” I noticed Tenebres dart her purple shadow slit eyes in thought. She then had a grin spread across her face. Now that you mention it… I did do all of that, didn’t I? I nodded and looked around, hoping to find anything that could get me out of here. Tenebres’s glow on her horn faded and she put a hoof proudly against her chest. But of course I did! They think to look down upon me? A genius? The one that rightfully rules this realm? Even Lux’s light bestows my shadow even further! She rubbed her chin, pleasantly thinking. I was unnerved by this. Tenebres clapped her hooves together. Oh! I just had a most brilliant idea! Don’t go anywhere! The dark fire erupted around her and I was left in the darkness. I blinked blankly, tugging against whatever held me. I have to get out of here. I closed my eyes and imagined splitting myself. A perfect copy forming from the other half. When I opened my eyes, I saw myself smiling up at me. I nodded and my copy reached behind her and withdrew a flaming halberd. She stood up on two hind legs, skillfully twirling the halberd and with two slashes, I found myself landing on my hooves. I dusted myself off, only to stop as the sticky dark sap on my cloak hoodie dripped off of me. I looked around. How to get out of here? Usually, I’m either thrown out or Din pulls me away. But being in a black void, I’m not sure which is up and down. I hummed in thought. What if I just get Tenebres to push me out? But… should I risk Tenebres coming back and seeing me loose? I looked to my other self, who only returned my look with a blank smile. “Yes. That’s exactly what I want.” I said to myself before reaching back and withdrawing my quarter staff as it popped into existence. I channeled the heat into it and the staff formed a spectral flaming halberd. I then stood up on two and pointed the tip blade of the halberd up, a small sphere of fire forming and growing bigger. Now just the size of a stress ball, I released the energy and to my surprise, the beam struck something. A blood curdling cry resounded around me and from the void shot out dark, shadowy fire. I quickly dispersed and readied myself with my copy. Tenebres formed, scowling and rubbing her cheek. When she saw me, her eyes flared angrily. You dare strike a queen while her attention is elsewhere?! You’ll pay for that! I only smirked and using more of my magic, I split into two more copies. I ordered my copies to hop around me and I followed suite. Tenebres growled, her eyes watching and switching focus to the other. Seeming to lose patience, she roared and slammed her hooves, firing a whip of shadow from her own and striking two of my copies. They vanished and I rushed forward with my remaining copy. Tenebres swished her horn and I gasped, sliding under as a shadowy scythe swished overhead and decapitated my copy, which stumbled and fell, vanishing into smoke. Ignoring my potential gruesome death, I got up and spun the halberd, sending the point at Tenebres and striking her chest. She cried in pain and stumbled back. I pulled back and got into my stance. Tenebres held her chest, panting. Argh! Why do you have to be such an annoying pest?! Can I not have a moment of triumph?! Tenebres’s eyes widened and she looked behind her. I arched a brow as she turned her head back to me while turning her body. This isn’t over, vessel! My vessel and I will hunt you down to the ends of this forsaken realm! Mark my words! She made one motion with a singular wing and I felt myself being sent off my hooves, yelping at the sudden throw. The domain melted around me. oooOOO000OOOooo I found myself jolting up with a gasp. “Fie?? Is everything okay??” I heard a voice. I blinked and looked to Cloudchaser and Flitter, who were at both my sides and looking at me with worry. I blinked and looked to see that I was still in the war room. Every eye on me. Admiral Fairy Flight seemed intrigued. I shrunk back a bit. “Err… why is everypony looking at me like that?” I asked nervously. Flitter gestured at me. “You were muttering a lot to the point you were interrupting the talks. We tried waking you up and suddenly your mane and tail began to glow.” She said. “It’s strange. It was like you were trying to go… well… into primal mode.” One of the ponies stood up. “She shouldn’t even be here! She should be looked in Tartarus!” They cried out. Admiral Fairy Flight held up a wing. “I specifically asked her to be in attendance. And now, Ms. Fire, that we have your attention, I have a question for you.” He said. I blinked and rubbed my muzzle. From one thing to another. “Would you say these… Triads, are stationed in any particular location you might recall?” I don’t know why, but I didn’t hesitate to speak. I should have kept my mouth shut. “Manehatten. But they may have moved due to the attention we caused there.” I said tiredly. I saw Cloudchaser and Flitter exchanged concerned glances before Flitter spoke up. “A-Admiral Fairy Flight, sir. With all due respect, I think we should just focus on stationing in the key areas mentioned. If the Triad have been stationed secretly for a while in Equestria, then going straight for one would close other opportunities to advance on the others. They’ll know we’ll be coming.” She said. Fairy beamed. “An excellent proposition, Ms. Glider. I think it’s time to release the Shadowbolts.” He said with a rub of his chin. One of the other ponies in the room looked shocked as they spoke. “You can’t be serious.” They said. Fairy nodded. “Morbidly so. Not only can we figure out where more inside stations are, but we can cut all means of supply. We need to mess with a nest, follow one rat and take out the rest.” He said. He then moved some purple figurines he had in the crowd of multi-colored figures and moved them over Manehatten. "I can think of no better than the Shadowbolts to begin their investigation into key Triad stations." Another pony stood up. "There is only one problem. The tech and magic they display. We've been told that mechanical behemoths are to be used and anything that is branded theirs is considered tracked. We would need a counter spell if we were to even begin to... study their tech." They spoke. The other balked. "Mass weapons of destructions isn't what we are about!" They stated. The first pony I saw stand up scoffed. "And you expect us to throw flowers and welcome them with open hooves and a song and dance? No, we need much more drastic measures. Shadowbolts are too risky. Too independent." The other pointed at him. "And how do you expect we do that with the underdevelopment we have currently? At this rate, we are going to enter with shoddy equipment." They stated. Another stood up. "Perhaps we should start a campaign. The ponies of Equestria are in a dire panic. Those that do not want to get involved will either escape to the Crystal Empire or the Dragon Lands. Those that do would want to see their aggressors on their home turf suffer at the might of justice. Or perhaps we could make a draft. It'll certainly keep the war of attrition going." The third pony looked shocked. "We shouldn't use such awful means! We need a better solution! Diplomatic solutions should come first before actions!" The second pony chuckled. "Our majesties have tried many times, only to be met with disapproval. Diplomatic solutions are to be met with extreme firepower." The first pony slammed their hoof down. "But why increase the bloodshed? We should ensure that those that have wronged Equestria get what they deserve. The path of redemption is a cold, but welcome one." More ponies stood up. "I agree! Send the Shadowbolts! That'll teach miscreants from disgracing our royal sisters!" "We must study their tech in order to evolve our own! We should attack where they are and use it to our advantage!" "Must we be so hasty in rushing in? We should pick our enemy's brains. Intel is what we need to get a better advantage!" I frowned as the ponies began arguing from every corner of the room. One even suggested borderline war crimes. Admiral Fairy Flight clopped his hoof against the table loudly. "Gentlecolts! Mares! We do not need infighting! This is the war room! I will have order!" He commanded. The ponies quieted, but the three that pitched ideas eyed him. "And what do you suggest, Admiral?" They asked. Admiral Fairy cleared his throat and pointed at me with the rake. "We already have a solution. Our very own champion of Equestria." He said. I crossed my hooves, looking at him in disapproval. The pony shook his head. "I'm all for going beyond the call of duty but sending in a walking megaspell nuke is not humane! She should be locked up! For her crimes in Hoofington and instigating the war in the first place!" I arched a brow at this. "Instigated? I think you forget what is really going on here." I said, standing up. "I'm not the solution. I'm a third party. Anything can go and my actions won't change the tide of war. All I'm asked to do is see what I can try. Need I remind you all why I exist?" I stood on top of my table and withdrew my staff, slamming the bottom tip down on the table. Everypony had eyes on me. "Our realm is currently under threat by primal gods, and we are all sitting here trying to think of a solution to how we can proceed in a war against our neighbors. If you ask me, I have no damn clue what any of this has to do with my time. I'm just going to stick with what I do best." I shouldered my staff. "If you have a problem with that, then bite me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready to go to Pony Land at the behest of Princess Twilight Sparkle. I've wasted enough time here." I hopped off the table and motioned for Cloudchaser and Flitter to follow. The two sisters looked unsure of everything, but they saluted the admiral before following after me. We made our way out of the mansion like cloud building, I, being mindful of where I step so I don't fall through. When we got to the exit, I cast my cloud walking spell and stepped onto the fluffy texture. I heard Flitter sigh. "Well, that was exhausting. Wish I had taken your example, Fie." She said. Cloudchaser smirked and nudged me. "Thi has rubbed off on you." She said. I smiled softly before sighing and shaking my head. "Everypony is in a panic. I can't do anything about that. If it's not the war, it's the primals at fault. In fact, it is a primal that started it anyway." I tossed my staff over my back and it popped out of existence. I rubbed the back of my head. "I also had a convo with Shiva and Tenebres." The two looked at me, their expression serious. "Tenebres is hunting me down and for some reason... she is eerily excitable than the first time I met her. And Shiva was surprisingly brief. Almost as if something had distracted her." I rubbed my chin. "I wished we had the scrolls. Need a refresher on where the others could be." Flitter smiled. "Then we should head to Manehatten. Scribble told us he's going to be there for a while. Apparently, some hunters from H.A.A.C. have gone missing. Not only that, but the local ecological wildlife has also been getting restless. Just the other day, Cloudchaser and I saw a butterfly in Cloudsdale. A butterfly!" I tilted my head at her. "Butterflies don't fly this high!" Cloudchaser nodded grimly. I slumped and was beginning to find this all a little hectic. And I thought the war room was getting awkward. I then looked at them. "Any idea where Thi could be?" I asked. Cloudchaser and Flitter looked at me apologetically. "Sorry, Fie. Haven't heard or seen from her since you went missing. When we got back to Canterlot, she quickly left without a word." Cloudchaser said. Flitter nodded. "I'm a little worried. We know she's probably still out trying to find you. But... word should have gotten out about you returning. If she hasn't shown herself by now, then she's probably still looking or in some sort of trouble." She said. I couldn't help but snicker a bit. "Or maybe looking for trouble." I then sighed. "But yeah. I know she can handle herself. But..." I rubbed my foreleg. The last time she did this I haven't heard from her in six years. She still hasn't given me a proper apology, but we made up at least. I thought about it a bit more and then nodded. "Well, if she's looking for me or looking for trouble, we'll just have to follow her example. Let's help out Scribble. Maybe he has an inkling of where she might be." The two sisters smiled. "Onto the next adventure. Glad to see you back, Fie. Though..." Flitter frowned and began to hold my sides. I blushed and shifted uncomfortably. Cloudchaser seemed to advert her eyes and rub the back of her head. "You need to eat something. You've lost some weight while you were gone." I smiled nervously. "I-I thought my hoodie cloak felt a little loose..." I replied. Flitter beamed and hovered up in the air. "Oh! Cloudchaser! Let's take her to our favorite eatery! We've never invited a unicorn friend before!" She said excitedly. Cloudchaser chuckled and shrugged. "Sure. Why not? Could do with something after that whole war room thing." She said. Flitter squeed and I yelped as I was forced to be pulled along by Flitter. I looked to Cloudchaser for help. But she only gave a small smile before looking bothered.