The Chronicle of The Hunter

Chapter 10: Tribes

"Our separation of each other is an optical illusion of our consciousness."

- Albert Einstein

A pleasant warmth is against my face. The sun has risen again. The clouds are gone. I sit up to see Twilight building a campfire, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy devoid of presence, obviously off gathering firewood. We could use magic to sustain the fire, but we chose not to, just to keep things at least a bit natural. Oftentimes natural is more fun. She notices me getting up and smiles. "Hey, how was last night? Better than before?"

I nod. The night before last had been interesting, to say in the least. My little escapade with Luna had caused a headache for the rest of the day. "Yeah. But I want to talk. What you said last night, were you...ya know, serious?" I'm totally bad at this. When it had been Cloud Mane, it was more natural, but that was a controlled environment. We're in the middle of nowhere, going nowhere, coming from nowhere. Ridiculous.

She blushes. Wow, she's really cute when she does that, I just noticed. But then again, I've been 'just noticing' a lot of things recently about the purple mare. "Well, lets think logically for a second. You confessed to me, after being in a mental state of complete disarray, that you have feelings for me."

I saw where she was going with this. Well, horsefeathers.

"I concurred with a similar statement, but both of us could have been under the influence of sleep, and for you, not capable of logic and reasoning. So, in conclusion, yes, I was serious." She finishes with a wide grin.

I start stammering. "You, but, I, and, mental, but, what, and, WHAT THE BUCK? You had me so going there! Why'd you do that?"

Now she's smirking. "I guess you could say," she puts on an invisible pair of sunglasses, "this was a serious matter."

"No! Bad puns, my only weakness!" I joke, throwing myself to the ground in a dramatic death. We just look at each other and start laughing. A couple minutes later, we stop, and she shyly asks, "Have there been others?"

I sigh deeply. "There was one. There has only been one in all of these years. Her name was Cloud Mane. She was a pegasus, the Chief Researcher during the years of my project. We courted for quite some time. I had started to consider asking her hand in marriage, but something devastating happened. We got attacked, and one of my own custom-designed poison arrows got lodged into her flank. It was a slow death, final time around an hour after she was struck."

"I'm so sorry. She sounded like she was perfect." Twilight's concern pierces my heart. I don't want her to feel bad.

I wrap around her in a tight embrace. "I don't want you to feel bad. It was technically my fault, considering we were building the ali-" I jump away and slam a hoof over my mouth.

"The what?" She asks me, something playing over her face. Was it distrust?

I stiffly reply "The laser. I guess Celestia didn't know what it's true purpose was. I probably should've told her." I cringe when I realize how formal my tone is. I don't want to sound like a prick, but that's how it came out.

"Yeah..." Dammit, I've lost her. "But anyways, I'm just confirming. What you said last night was not from some mental stupor or tiredness. You actually like me?" She's interested, I could tell. Not so much the I-hate-this-pony attitude anymore, but more like I'd-let-this-pony-date-me attitude.

I confirm with a swift "Yes" and continue gazing into her eyes. The solid purple made it easy for me to become lost in thought. I suddenly realize I'm leaning in, almost as if to kiss her. She's stepping back slightly, confusion crossing her face, but quickly replaced with knowledge, and she also started to lean in. Our lips touched and-

A fake cough echoed from behind me. We both jump back and I spin around. Rainbow Dash had returned with a massive stack of firewood. She snickers "You want me to leave you two ponies be? Or should I call the doctor? I think someponies have a bad case of loving each other!" Now cackling, she leaps away, leaving the firewood behind her.

Turning to Twilight, I feel flushed. "Perhaps another time." I suggest. She nods, and I leap into the air. "For now, I have a pegasus to go beat up on!" Kicking on a cloud, I blast off, leaving Twilight behind and speeding towards Rainbow Dash.

Very soon I see a rainbow trail and pick up the pace. Catching up to Rainbow Dash, I call out "Really thought you were gonna get away with that, huh?"

"Well it's been kinda obvious!" She returns, still laughing. "I figured I'd make a couple jokes then leave you two be until Fluttershy comes back. I'll bet by the time she got back you two would've been doing things that decent mares like me can't mention!"

I grin, that image quickly flashing through my head. I'd be a-okay with that, but for now, I'm getting distracted. "I have an idea! Lets finish our race from before! Loser has to apologize!"

"Agreed. Threetwoonego!" And she zooms off again, power coursing through her wings. But I have a little advantage. A pair of black wing guards, tinged red with magic, appears on my wings. According to the spell (learned from a powerful magician who's name I used to know until he wiped it from my mind,) they were designed to increase aerodynamics, thereby increasing top speed and acceleration. So far, it was working. The wind literally howled into my ears as I zipped along. Clouds that would normally slow me down were torn into little tiny bits as I blasted through them in nanoseconds. I see Rainbow Dash look behind her, see the speeding red blur that was me, and completely panic, increasing her speed to Mach One, the rainbow trail dissipating as she goes into speeds far faster than what can create a trail. I continue on breezily, having a right fun time, and slowly pick up my pace, matching hers and then some, going to Mach Two.

Now I'm traveling past the speed of sound, and that is really scary. Finally catching back up to the rainbow mare, I yell again "Now really, Rainbow Dash, what makes you think you're going to win? Remember last time?"

She's still grinning. Why? "Perhaps it's because..." she comes to a complete turnaround, using her momentum to gain a boost, and start speeding back. "...we've made it to the halfway already!"

Horsefeathers. I slow down, turn, and start dashing back, completely forgetting my wing guards. I don't want any extra speed, from here on out will be a fair fly.

She's getting tired, her wings slightly drooping more and more with each flap. Looking to me, they perk back up again, and she continues to pick up the pace. Mach Four.

I'm not tired. Not at all. My wing muscles bulge as I flap harder and faster, matching and doubling her speed. Mach Eight. There's a problem though. My wings are on fire. And not the usual dragonfire, or the stuff I can control. I'm actually on fire. And if I don't do something about it, there's a chance I'll combust. Ponies aren't supposed to travel above Mach Six without protective equipment. I kind of had forgotten about that. "Dash! Problem here!" I call back.

She's too into the spirit of the competition to notice that there's an actual problem. "Yeah right! I'm gonna slow down, and you're just gonna pick back up again and make the fire disappear!" Cocky as ever.

I need a water source, and fast. Spotting a lake below, I dive straight down, in enough pain and too distracted to not notice that I need to slow up. I'm going Mach Eight into a body of water maybe a hundred feet deep at most. That thought reaches my mind just before I hit the water, and as I crash in, I pull my wings up. Little tiny pinpricks of pain and snapping noises can be heard as my wing bones break from the terrible landing I just performed. At least I can swim. Teleporting back to shore, I shake off all water, and Rainbow Dash lands next to me. "You all right?" She asks, concern finally breaking through her bravado.

I try to leap back into the air, but wince as thousands of needles jab into my wings and land again. Rubbing my wings with a hoof, I mention, "I think so, but for now I'm grounded." This was going to be a problem. If I couldn't fly, it would take much longer to get to the mountain. Even though Fluttershy flies really slowly, it's still faster than the walking speed of your average pony. And although I'm a fast flier and can do a lot of acrobatic stuff, I'm not fast walking.

"Your feathers are burnt. And you probably have a couple of broken wings bones." Rainbow observes.

"Well, no bucking duh. Was it the burn marks or the fact that I can't fly giving it away?" I sarcastically reply. Holy Tartarus, some ponies just aren't meant to use logic and reason. I'm also peeved at the fact that I'm grounded. Pegasi, alicorns included, live in the air. Their home is the clouds, their travel routes the sky. The only reason pegasi ever land on solid ground is to either buy goods or hang out with any of their Earth Pony or unicorn friends. Or, in my case, sleep. Trees are surprisingly comfy, but nowhere near as good as clouds. Oftentimes I use trees for catnaps. But I'm digressing.

The rainbow maned mare looks shocked. "Hey, I've been grounded before, too, you know!" She's not happy that I crashed, I can tell. She just wants to go back to her normal routine of life. "It's not fun. I crash landed, straight into the ground, at Mach Three! I was in the hospital for three whole days!"

Oh, we're getting competitive about injuries now. "Ok, good to know." I reply, snark cutting through my voice. "Before you try doing something as amateur as that again, let me remind you that I was just going five times the speed of sound into water, which is not a naturally breakable surface at speeds past fifty wingpower, and I was trying to slow down at the very last second, which means my wings were stuck out like pins. I should be lucky that I even still have my wings and got away with burned feathers and broken bones. Plus, there aren't any hospitals nearby, which means natural remedies will have to do. And that means that the healing process is going to be much slower, and we won't find Luna, and who knows what the hay is going on back in Equestria, and I'm rambling, aren't I?"

Snickering, she replies "Yep. Cool story, though. Not as cool as me, but cool nonetheless."

An idea courses through my mind. Letting my magic flow freely, I gently guide it towards my wounds. Serious pain shoots through my head now, and I realize that the magic is too potent to be using while trying to use other spells. I end the alicorn spell, seriously hoping Twilight didn't need it, and fix my wings. I love magic.

A spear appears suddenly in the air, missing Rainbow Dash by a foot. She jumps back, and as more spears rain down from above, I see eyes staring at us through the brush. Jumping up, I fire random magic bolts at the eyes, but miss every time. Eventually, all the eyes have disappeared, but have been replaced by an entire group of ponies, unicorns, pegasi, and Earth Ponies, wielding swords, spears, even halberds. One of them, an Earth Pony steps forward, and I can tell immediately that he is the leader of the group.

Coat a dark green, mane blue, this pony stands out from the others. His eyes are a deep purple, and thick leather protects his chest and legs. His mane and tail are cut short, even for a stallion, and he has a long, deep scar over an open right eye. Or what's left, as the eye is glassed over and clearly unusable. Twirling a mace over his head, he demands, "Who are you? And what are you doing here? Speak quickly or die!"

Throwing a blast of white magic around us, I change back to pegasus Hunter just to be recognized, but still keep my cool. I know this pony. When the light disappears, the ponies look up and gasp. The stallion breaks his spin, drops the mace, and swings me up in an embrace. "Hunter! How good to see you!"

"And it is good to see you, Chief Black Hawk." I reply, smoothing over my worried tone with one of calm and peace.

He drops me and looks to Rainbow Dash. "But who is this mare who travels with you? I thought you worked alone? Unless," a twinkle appears in his eye, "there are, other reasons you travel with this pegasus."

I pull Rainbow Dash back in time before she jumps into the air to attack Black Hawk, giving her a look that would melt mountains. She gets it, and cools off. "Chief Black Hawk, this is Rainbow Dash, one of my companions. She is the fastest flyer I know, of speeds comparing to that of the mystical Light Stag." To fit in with this society is to have powerful allies. And to fit in requires knowledge of their legends and myths, most of which are outright ridiculous, but fun to roll with. "And, I am no longer Hunter. But I will explain more of that later. For now, I need to retrieve my other companions."

"They wouldn't happen to be a purple alicorn and yellow pegasus, would they?" He inquires. Perfect, they've been introduced. With a wave of hoof, a large net appears, containing Twilight and Fluttershy. "We heard a loud explosion come from that area, and when we went to investigate, we found this alicorn and pegasus. They put up quite a struggle. I would be a proud ally of them."

Laughing, I exclaim, "Why Black Hawk, you've saved me quite some trouble! These are indeed my companions, and I am glad to hear you think highly of them. Unfortunately, I do need them, so I would sincerely appreciate it if you released them." The net drops, and both mares gallop towards us, Twilight embracing me so tightly I couldn't breathe. Black Hawk chuckles, and his next words drip from his tongue like honey. "It seems that the unicorn is fond of you. Would it be vice versa as well?"

I nod, and finally return Twilight's embrace just so she would let go. She does, and backs away, snarling at the various warriors. "Twilight, calm yourself. They're friends."

"They weren't so friendly when they netted us!" She snaps.

Black Hawk steps forward. "I am afraid I must take the blame for that, young one. And weren't you an alicorn earlier?" She shakes her head, and continuing on, he states "My sincerest apologies, but as a warring tribe, we must take precautions. And," turning back to me, "I know what you will ask, but this time it is not up to me. As you have much explaining, I do also. There will be much catching up to do, but first we feast, to celebrate the return of our savior from years past, Hunter!" The procession cheers, and as we slowly trot away towards the village, I mouth to Rainbow and Twilight "Told you so." They both blush, embarrassed to have been mistaken, and I snort, joy overcoming my sadness and helping me ignore my still healing injury, though on a different form now. Something tells me we will enjoy ourselves tonight.

~~~~~

After many hours of journeying, we arrive at the village, small cottages with smoking chimneys apparent. This is the town of Neighbrook. Thank Tartarus we arrived at Neighbrook. It was one of my favorite towns during my final years before arriving back in Equestria, and I fought many fights here. Tables are scattered all around, and many ponies rise to greet the Chief and I. We reach a much larger table, more accommodated for Black Hawk, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Hawk's family, consisting of one pegasus mare, two colts, one an Earth Pony and the other a pegasus and a unicorn filly. Raising an eyebrow, I look at Black Hawk. He shrugs. Chieftains are allowed to have affairs, but I never thought I'd see Black Hawk with a unicorn.

As we sit, I mention "We have much catching up to do. My story is simple, and so I wish to speak first." He gestures for me to continue, and I do so. "I do not wish for there to be trouble, and so I will mention this again at the next town meeting. I am not Hunter. I never was. There is no Hunter. He is my second personality. I am Prince Sunstriker of the Celestial Triumvirate. My sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, rule the kingdom of Equestria. I simply protected it. The story becomes long and complicated, but that is all that is needed for comprehension."

Everypony at the table, myself and my companions excluded, looks shocked. The filly, surprisingly, speaks first. "Prove it," earning a reproaching glance from Black Hawk.

He sweeps her up and quickly says to me "I apologize for my daughters words, she means well."

"But she has a point. As far as you know, I could be a Changeling, and you still haven't questioned it." I state. His jaw drops. "But I'm not, lucky for you. And," staring straight at the unicorn, "you are wise for your years. I shall indeed prove it to you." Dropping the theatrics, I begin the fast process of transforming back to my original state. Now her jaw drops, but she quickly closes it.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your kindness." She certainly knows her manners, I can say that much.

I realize one of my mistakes. Black Hawk is kneeling to me, and I quickly change back to Hunter. "Stand up, Hawk." I order. He stands, and I reproach him. "I need subtlety until the meeting. No kneeling. Besides, we're not in Equestria, so my title holds little importance. I am powerful, but will not abuse it. Expect nothing, if anything, I should be kneeling to you. But I appreciate the thought."

"Of course, Hunter. I will respect your wishes. Now for my end of the story.

After you left, we had peace for quite some time, our town being the self-sustaining wonderland it is. This was not to last. The pegasus leaders of Manechester showed up within months, demanding either we join their kingdom or suffer the consequences. I bluntly refused, and it was the largest mistake anypony could've made. We suffered badly, homes burning to the ground, ponies in critical care, thank the Solar Prince none died."

Hold it. Solar Prince? "Black Hawk, who is this Solar Prince you speak of?"

"He is the daytime leader of Manechestser. Nopony knows his real name, but he is a very powerful alicorn, claiming to raise the sun every morning. His brother, the Lunar Prince, raises the moon every night, according to their myths. We know it is not true, but," he shifts uncomfortably. This is clearly a sore subject, "they demand we call them that. They've also placed restrictions on travelers, especially you. Your companions, had they not arrived with you, would have been able to travel through the kingdom safely, but everypony has been given your description, and all outside of Neighbrook want you captured for questioning."

I rise, stool falling from behind me. "Then we go to them, save them some time. Besides, we need passage through Manechester to get to the Trecks. My dear sister Luna had a bit of a breakdown and escaped to Mount Revolution, which is where we head before returning to Equestria."

"I beg of you, wait until morning to begin your travels there. It should take less than a day, and the Prince of the Sun is weakest at the dawn or twilight." He pleads with me now, clearly wishing that I did not have to do this.

I nod, relief swiping across his face. "Then we shall travel to Manechester early tomorrow. Do not expect to see us in the morn, I wish to get an early start. I care not whether this fool of a stallion is powerful or not, he does not, and can not, compare to me or my sisters. I wish to practice my flying. Will you girls be so kind as to join me so we may get there sooner rather than later?" I'm addressing the two pegasi and alicorn now. But then I make another realization. "Twilight, if I were to change you back to a unicorn, how much of your energy would be spent using a teleportation spell to get to Manechester? The trip is just under one hundred miles."

The purple mare puts on her 'thinking face' and considers this notion. "Well," she begins, "my average teleporting can take me up to ten miles, and it takes little to no energy. I will be slightly spent, maybe using a third of my power, but enough that I would be able to back you up if worst comes to worst. Why?"

My horn glows blue, and her wings disappear. The sudden increase in magic makes me dizzy, and I sit down again. I rasp "Then it's settled. While Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and I fly there, Twilight will teleport."

Black Hawk speaks from behind me. "I do not think that will be necessary." I hear a whistle, and a small carriage appears, pulled by two pegasi. They grab our saddlebags, toss them into the carriage, fly away, and the Chief nods to me. "This will be left next to your lodgings. If you and your rainbow maned companion can pull this carriage, then you should be there by mid day, if you leave at first light tomorrow. I hope to be awake in the morn to see your departure, but if not, I wish you the best of luck." He raises a hoof, and I bump it.

"Thank you, Hawk. I appreciate it. I hope your family goes unharmed and your beautiful home go untouched, even in the darkest hour. May the sun and stars bless you with their eternal joy." Turning back to the my three friends, I say, "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, follow me, we have wing training to do. Twilight, think you can practice magic? And before you ask, yes, you can follow us." She jumps with glee and hugs me tightly. A sudden warmth spreads through myself and I start losing my train of thought, all mind focused on this one pony who was clearly enjoying every second of my presence. But what if she doesn't actually, and is using me to learn something about magic? No. Keep those troubled thoughts out of my mind. She releases, and all four of us turn to get to the excellent training grounds that Neighbrook have.

~~~~~

Ten benches greet us as we arrive at the training grounds, five of which are unoccupied. There are many ponies here, and, of course, it's mostly stallions. The mares that are here are either extremely muscular or slightly fit. Neighbrook has a reputation for not having overweight or underpowered ponies.

The rest of the training grounds are absolutely beautiful. There are personal instructor booths nearby, a magic range, a mile long dirt track, and even a hoofball field, next to a couple basketball courts. What amazed Rainbow Dash the most, though, was the fact that there was even a cloudbreaker course and a rock wall for climbing practice. She shoots over there with a hurried "I'll catch up with you guys later!" and immediately just breaks clouds to her hearts content. Fluttershy heads to a personal instructor booth, a kind looking mare greeting her. I simply stare ahead. The view of the Trecks is breathtaking, mountains looming up above, with clearly occasional spots of meadow and stream. A waterfall for bathing is also nearby.

One pony takes the time to approach us, a elder stallion who looks like he's been through Tartarus and back without taking a scratch. "Welcome to the training grounds." He greets us with. "Please, enjoy your time here, and try not to overexert yourself."

"Of course. Thank you, sir." I toss him a couple bits. He smiles and walks away, clearly not used to receiving gifts.

Twilight looks at me. "Can we go over to the magic range? I'd like to practice some dragon magic, and maybe learn something new?" Ah hah. There we go. Her reason for coming with us has been revealed.

"Yep. Let's see what we can-"

"Hey there, beautiful." Another stallion saunters towards us, muscles bulging. A pegasus, clearly so headstrong that he didn't even notice me, eyes only for Twilight. "What's a precious thing like you doing here?"

"Well, I was actually going to try and learn a couple of spells from my friend over here," She leans a head towards me. I'm no wimp myself, but the dude gives me a look of 'back off or I squish you.' What a stupid foal. He has no idea.

With sudden prowess, he shoots forward, picks up Twilight, and leans her back in some random fancy move. "I'm Sonic Comet, captain of the hoofball team. Would you care to join me for dinner tonight?" She's clearly uncomfortable, and some instinct triggers inside.

I give Sonic Comet the look of death. "Hey buddy, she's clearly uncomfortable. Put her down." He drops her, and Twilight lands gently, a magic cushion softening the blow. He gets up into my face and asks, breathing down my throat, "You wanna go, buddy?"

"It would be wise to get out of my face before I hurt you in ways not possible for the general public to perform." I say quietly, almost a whisper. He's not getting it, and tosses me into the air.

He smiles, wings smoothly gliding, and catches me over one hoof. He's got some skill. A small crowd gathers below us, including Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and now I know what his game plan is. Public humiliation. With the throwing skill of...well, a hoofball player, I'm sent speeding towards the ground. My horn flashes blue, and the ground transmutes into water. Splashdown, and I teleport out, returning the ground to it's normal state. Sonic Comet lands, and swings a hoof at me. I dodge, and he tips my horn, pain flowing through. Not enough to strike me down.

Several guards appear, but I say "Gentlemen, this colt needs to be taught a lesson. Let me handle this."

The hoofball player is so confused. "Who the buck are you to tell me what to do? I'm Sonic Comet! I listen to nopony!" He suddenly grabs Twilight and forces her mouth to his. Ok, no. Enough is enough.

With the voice of a thousand years, I utter five words. "You made a bad choice." And with that, I engulf myself in my own blue power, it turning gray as I slowly created pure magic, but it burned up as it turned to dragonfire. With a sudden burst of red, I'm back to Sunstriker, and almost all ponies throw themselves to the ground in fear.

Pure fear petrifies him. He drops Twilight and shouts, "Who the buck are you, bro?" An evil, more than ever before, consumes my soul. I glare at him, and smile like a madpony. "Your worst nightmare" I whisper, and send him flying with a small touch of my magic. Cooling down, I look around. Everypony is still afraid. Time to fix that. Greeting them with a much warmer smile, I proclaim, "And that's how to make a bully back off!"

But now the guards have their spears pointed at me. The leader steps forward. "Changeling, you are under arrest for attacking our hoofball team captain, and disturbing the peace here in Neighbrook."

"Excuse me? Did you just call me a Changeling?" I look down and around. No markings to indicate that I am indeed one. "Young man, do you know who I am?"

He laughs, a smirk crossing his face. "A Changeling could be anypony. Now, are you going to come quietly, or will we have to force you?"

Twilight, still recovering, but clearly strong enough to stick up for me, glares at the guard. "He's no Changeling!"

"Then explain his wonderful performance just now." He's so convinced. What's up with the ponies of Neighbrook and their extreme self confidence? But there's something wrong with these guards. All of their eyes...are a bright green. Just like the creatures they keep mentioning. And none of them have cutie marks. What? Wait. No cuties marks, bright green eyes....Changelings. But there's only one way to prove it. Glancing at Twilight, I motion for her to back off. She does, and I step forward.

Choosing my words carefully, I lean my head towards the guard. "Well, seeing as you do not believe me, I clearly have to come with you. I will not resist."

"Perfect. Thank you for your patience in this matter, everypony!" He calls to the crowd, as the others slap hoofcuffs onto my hooves.

"But one more thing." I offer, and he raises an ear, clearly listening but not looking. I snap the cuffs, leap onto him, and yell, "Never mess with royalty." Lowering my horn, I blast him with pure magic, forcing him to reveal his true form as a Changeling. My theories were correct, and now to finish the rest. Even as they fly away. More magic blasts disintegrate some of the Changelings, as most blow their cover and transform back. Clearly they had wanted to capture me, but for what reason. Instead of a usual death blast, I shoot one with a paralyzer, and it drops like a branch. Ignoring the rest and racing towards him, I release the effect, hooves on his shoulders, and bark "Who sent you?"

He works his teeth together, I hear a crunch, and it's mouth begins to foam. He croaks, "You'll never know," and as the nightlock capsule takes effect, his eyes glaze over, mouth foaming blue with red streaks of blood.

Well, that was successful. Now to do some repair work for my damages. More guards arrive, these ones clearly real, and as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy come stand next to me, the crowd is back, and angrier than before. The stallion who had greeted us before and points a hoof at me. "Changeling! Arrest him!" He shouts.

The guards split, and Black Hawk trots forward, giving me a severe look. I sense a reprimand will be evident later. "He is no Changeling, only a good friend of mine. Everypony, this is Hunter, or, as he truly is, Prince Sunstriker of Equestria."

Almost everypony kneels at this point, and I get a little embarrassed. "Please, my title holds no purpose outside of my kingdom. I am simply Sunstriker, but do not underestimate me because of that." I get straight backs after that. Eh, close enough. Twilight is staggering, still trying to regain her balance. Facing her, I inject concern into my voice. "You ok?"

I recieve a weak smile and a nod. Good. Facing Black Hawk, I figure it's time for an explanation. "My apologies, Chief. Things went a bit askew." He huffs in frustration, but is clearly still willing to listen. Even better. "One of my companions got, how should I say, picked up by the captain of your hoofball team. She didn't like it, and I had to intervene. Unfortunately, I overestimated, and if you would just give me one second-" horn glowing red, Sonic Comet appears right in front of us, "and some Changelings, probably a hunting party, disguised themselves as your guards and tried to arrest me. I was able to fend them off, but I don't know where the main swarm is. They've also discovered the tactics of the KGB, and are using nightlock capsules to prevent capture and interrogation. Again, my apologies, and I will fix this very quickly, right now."

Still huffing but clearly calmer, Black Hawk forces a grin. "Of course. Apology accepted. Now, if you would be so kind as to fix this mess, I would appreciate it."

"Of course. Twilight, want to help me?" She nods, and with a quick bark of De industria translatio me ad vos she's spry and ready to help. "This spell is using normal magic, so I expect you should know it. A mix of telekinesis and freeze?" Another nod, and together, the grounds are repaired within minutes.

Now completely back to normal, Black Hawk puts a hoof around my shoulders and whispers into my ear, "You ever do that again, and I promise that I will make your life here living Tartarus." I pale slightly. A select few ponies knew Black Hawk's true special talent, and it's pretty scary, myself happening to be one of those ponies.

"But for now, everything should be fine. However-" I look at Sonic Comet, his entire form shaking. "If I catch you ever doing that again to anypony, expect much worse than what I've just done." He completely loses it and dashes away. Time to work out. The crowd disperses and everypony goes back to whatever they were doing.

"Rainbow? Fluttershy? I think it's time for a little practice session." More nods, and we all disperse to where we were headed before. Upon approaching the magic range, several unicorns back out, even with open slots. Twilight and I share a slot, about ten feet wide by one hundred feet long, a magic proof dummy at the other end. "Before we begin, I figure I'll let you know that all of my magic does have names. Part of dragonfire is that although it's distinguishable, you needs special words of power or the exact phrase. I prefer the words, and have enough ability to just think the words, but I'm rambling. What would you like to learn first?"

She puts a hoof to her chin. Good gods, shes cute when she does that. At least it isn't the puppy eyes. Nopony but Cloud Mane knows that I'm a sucker for those. Finally reaching a decision, she says, "How did you do that transmutation spell? I've tried several times, and the best I can do I turn a sparrow into an orange."

"Simple. Again, it's all about the words of power. In this case, it's about what you're thinking of. Let's say you want to turn the dummy into a cake, right? So think of cake, and nothing but cake. Remove all other thoughts. And finally, the phrase is Reformabit cogitationes meae!" Warmth spreads through, and as the pinpoint precision of a red flash of magic reaches the target, it becomes cake. Or as close to cake as it can be. "Step two. Always remember to release the spell with satis" and as the dummy turns back, I reach the end of my little monolouge "I don't think that the special word will work in this case, but I specifically call this move the Trasformare. Now, your turn."

Clenching her eyes shut, I see slight muscle tension as she focuses, and calls out "Reformabit cogitationes meae." The blast of purple is sudden and fast, but does not quite reach the target, disappearing at around ninety feet. Disappointment racks through, but she's done well.

"Good work, Twilight. When I first did this, I couldn't even make it ten feet."

"Really? That's pretty funny. I thought alicorns were supposed to be strong."

"Yes, but for one thing, and I'll explain it on the way to Manechester. Try again."

Another burst of magic surrounds us, and this time it does reach, but doesn't take effect. She keeps trying, furious that it's not working. Eventually, she collapses, tired beyond exhaustion. I restock her magic and perform a healing spell. "Last chance. Then we move on."

This time I sense something. Determination grips the mare as she tries one last time. "Reformabit cogitationes meae!" And I literally hear the magic in her voice. This will work. Except for one slight problem.

I lose all though, and suddenly realize I feel...sweet. I try to move, but can't. Did she really? She looks at me and starts laughing uncontrollably. She did. Dammit.

I'm a cake.

"Turn me back!" I shout, but no words come out. She's still laughing, and I don't like being a solar flavored cake. Let's see, if I can tap into the right node of my mind...there we go. With a pop, I transform back. "That was certainly useful. But did you hit the target?" Quickly teleporting downrange, it's clear that the dummy is currently a chocolate cake. Taking a lick before coming back, I tell her "Now, release the spell."

With less concentration and more relaxed, she calmly speaks the word of power. The spell is released, and she quickly springs back, making sure that there's nothing else involved with it. "Phew. That was surprisingly tiring. I don't think I'll be able to learn much from you unless I can have some dragonfire or become an alicorn."

I'm shocked. Twilight Sparkle, giving up? That doesn't seem like her. "Ok, but understand that something like this takes practice. I'm a little surprised. Other ponies who have less patience than you have lasted longer and wanted to learn more."

"I know, and normally, I would. But something inside of me told me that it wouldn't work out for a little while." Offering no other explanation, she continues with a wide grin, "and I think somepony still owes me something from before we even got here." Leaning closer, she keeps the grin on her face, I follow suit, and-

Oh, horsefeathers. Do I really need to explain what happens next? Or can I not enjoy my time with Twilight in peace?

After a couple minutes of this, we realize we're probably taking someponies valuable practice time, and exit the slot, faces red. "I think I'm going to bed. See you in the morning?" She calls out behind her.

"I'll be sure to wake you up at first light so we can get moving!" I reply. Next stop, wing training. I should just check in with Fluttershy first, though.

Looking around for the yellow pegasus was not difficult. She was evidently not interested in improving her physique, and instead was taking care of and watching the animals in one of the nearby gardens. I tread lightly, trying not to scare away any, but end up doing so anyway. She turns, and sees me. "Oh, hello Striker. I was hoping that you wouldn't find me. You're not angry at me for not training, are you?"

It was evident that Fluttershy didn't feel the need to train. She's more of a ground pony anyways. Can't argue with logic. "Of course not. If you don't want to do something, just let me know beforehand, and I'll figure out something else for you to do in that time, or you can always think of it yourself. I don't get mad at ponies who don't want to do something, as long as it doesn't endanger my companions."

She's relieved. "Oh, thank goodness. I thought you were going to be mad." She yawned. "I'm actually surprised at how tired I am. I'm sorry to leave you so quickly, but I'd like to get some rest before tomorrow, so that I don't fall asleep in the Prince's court."

"Understood. I will wake you in the morning. I'll be up all night, making preparations." Noting her look, I mention "I'm used to pulling all nighters. I'll be fine."

"If you say so. Good night, Sunstriker."

"Good night, Fluttershy." We parted, herself headed for the lodgings, a pub in the center of town, and me headed to see what Rainbow Dash was up to. Not surprisingly, Rainbow Dash was still at the cloudbreaker course, and the high score board showed that she had destroyed all competition. I fly up to the bleachers, and as I sit, I see other pegasi grumbling, exchanging bets, bits passing through one hoof to the other. One pegasus, a blue stallion with a green mane, approached me and asked at a low whisper, "Sir, nopony has any idea who this rainbow maned mare is. I'm out on a limb here, so would you happen to know?"

I reply at an equal tone. "Yes, actually." Relief floods his face. "She arrived into Neighbrook with me. And don't call me sir. Like I said, my title doesn't count outside of Equestria."

Turning his back to me, he calls out to the audience, "We have a pony who recognizes her!"

Rainbow Dash stops mid-buck and sees me. She looks at the timer, and puts her hooves into a T symbol, asking for a time-out. The time pegasus nods and stops the massive timer. She wanders over to the bench, where a water bottle and a moist towel await her. She beckons me over, and the crowd listens in as we talk.

"Wow! I don't think I've ever had a better workout! I probably needed it, too. Every day it seemed like it was taking more effort to perform my Sonic Rainboom. You should give this a try. Or are you just gonna lift weights and such?" She's eager to see my performance at the course. Well, one test wouldn't hurt. I still need to stretch my wings anyway.

"What rules are in place against magic?" I need to know, so that I don't accidentally cheat and fail the course.

"As far as I know, none. Right, Time Stamp?" She looks back to the timer pony.

His light voice pierces through. "There is only one rule. You may use magic, but only to move around, not to break the clouds."

I nod. "Understood. I will set myself up in a suitable position and give you the go when I'm ready." I shoot straight up. Recognition floods Rainbow Dash's face when she realizes what I'm gonna do. Time for my specialty. That fireball I always talk about? My own specialty sonic boom? It's got a name. And that would be the Infuego.

Pretty soon I'm at the point where nopony can see me. I'm gonna need to use a little magic to get Time Stamp's attention. A red bolt of magic shoots from my horn, speeding to the ground. In my minds eye, I'm controlling the bolt, where it goes. Smashdown straight in front of Time Stamp, everypony jumping back at least ten feet. I force the magic to take my shape and say "Position found. Ready as of now."

He nods. "Go as soon as this...thing...dissipates."

Cutting off the magic, I go into a straight down dive, just like before. I'm going to need to time and execute this perfectly. The sonic cone almost immediately forms, and I slow down, albeit a small amount. I cannot break the cone before reaching the clouds. 5 seconds.

I can slowly see them. White puffy pieces of cloud candy, just waiting to be smashed. I will be able to do well, perhaps not beat Rainbow Dash, but very good. The only question is, do I want to beat her? Yes. No. Yes. No. No. I think that pride, although extreme, is important, and I'm not going to tarnish her reputation. 10 seconds.

Five hundred feet from cloud height, I propel myself forward, enough to break the supersonic cone, and presto! My specialty wave of fire disintegrates every single cloud in the arena. Total time fifteen seconds. I look to the scoreboard, wanting to know. Did I beat Rainbow Dash?

Rainbow Dash: 12 Seconds the sign reads. Good. "Fifteen seconds? That's gotta be some sort of record, especially from the height you were at. Almost two miles up. Holy stars!" Time Stamp is ecstatic.

"However, I do still believe that Rainbow Dash beat me, fair and square. Congratulations." The last comment offered at the cyan pegasus, hoof raised. She bumps it. "I think we need to try our hand at the weights. Come with?"

Looking around her, it's clear she doesn't want to leave. She's impressing everypony and attracting a crowd of pegasi. But, noticing my look, one of clear disapproval at her stunts, she nods. "I was getting bored here, anyway." She tosses the casual comment out like a dead bird.

Descending from the sky, we head for the weights. It's there that I see Sonic Comet again. The pegasus is benching almost three hundred pounds. Noticing my and Rainbow Dash's arrival, he sneers. "Bet you can't lift weights. I'm the strongest out there."

Shaking my head, I laugh inside at his pride. Although he has a reputation to keep up, that doesn't necessarily mean he has to be rude to other ponies. "I see you still haven't learned. Allow me to introduce you to Rainbow Dash, one of my other compatriots in my travels. She is the fastest pony I know, and the strongest."

"Try me. If your Rainbow Dash, or you, can lift more than me, I'll leave you alone. But otherwise, I am the most powerful pony, clearly better than anypony from your stupid Equestria. And no stupid magic either, these bars are magic proof." He steps away from the bench, adding another fifty pounds to the bench. He tilts his head to Rainbow. "Mares first."

She's taking the bait, and dives into the bench, sliding under into the perfect spot. Grabbing the bar with both wings, she lifts as hard as she can, and...nothing. Her wings strain and pop, but nothing budges. She couldn't lift it. "Rainbow," I ask hurriedly, "what's the max you've ever lifted with your wings?"

"Around two hundred fifty. Why?" She grunts, and stops trying, clearly unable. Sliding back out, she shamefully steps away, clearing the weights. It's time to show this stupid stallion how a real pony acts. "Add more than what Rainbow did." I instruct. He does as I say, adding another fifty pounds to the bar.

"More." Five hundred pounds.

"More." Five hundred fifty pounds.

"More." Six hundred pounds.

He looks at me, the smirk still there. "You've maxed out the bar. There's no way you'll be able to do this."

Oh, but there is. Under the bar, I stretch my wings, and push. Quickly, but steadily, the bar rises up to max point, and then lowered. Risen and lowered. Over and over again, until I've done almost twenty reps. I lower the bar back into it's resting point and stand up. Sonic Comet is staring at me, jaw dropped practically to the floor. His max was three hundred. Mine was double. The reason? "How did you...huh?" He's so confused, it's hilarious.

I roll my wings. "Let's just say that one thousand years spent in banishment wasn't spent wasted."

He stutters. "You're, you, one thousand, years, you, but-"

Now I get to smirk. Then it hits me. "Young colt, I may be from Equestria, but I also ruled it." Jaw hits floor again. "Eclipse Prince Sunstriker, ruler of Equestria with my sisters, Solar Princess Celestia and Lunar Princess Luna, together forming the Celestial Triumvirate, the true ponies to rise the sun, moon, and stars."

He throws himself to the ground, mouth chattering. "I'm so sorry, sir. I was a bit too hot headed, and-" He suddenly pales, and looks directly at me. "I kissed your marefriend, didn't I? Holy Tartarus, I'm so sorry."

"Marefriend, yes, but we actually haven't had the chance to go on a date yet." I correct him. "And it's quite alright. I'm in a very forgiving mood right now. But, Rainbow Dash, I think it's time we depart to our quarters. Would you agree?"

She nods, and we take our leave, walking directly out. The pegasus from when we arrived tried to approach us, but we ignored him and kept walking back to Neighbrook.

I really need a drink.