To Fulfill My Destiny

Chapter 3: Outcast

Part 2

        Twilight could almost feel the steam of frustration radiating from her head as she walked the empty halls of the castle. She could have gone straight to her room and been there within a few minutes, but she elected to ignore Princess Celestia’s request.

        She should have been extremely sleepy, but Twilight knew that any kind of rest was an impossibility, at this point. Her head felt ready to explode, or melt, or, both. She wanted to feel some kind of strong emotion; some kind of feeling to let her know this was all real.

Her head needed to be cleared. She allowed herself to wander the seemingly abandoned castle, and immersed herself into thought.

        The last time her friends were lost to her, Twilight could remember her sadness and distraught at it. She recalled Discord, and how he had corrupted them and left them as the opposites of their true selves. She recalled the events from a few months ago, when everything about her friends was jumbled and confused.

        Each time, Twilight was there. Each time, she witnessed the horrible effects, firsthoof. Emotions were in high supply, then.

        Now, however, she did not know what to feel. Actually, she knew what she should feel: Loss. Sadness. Emptiness. Fear for her friends. But, at this moment, she felt nothing. It didn’t feel real at all.

Its been so long. she thought to herself. I haven’t seen any of them in so long that I can’t even think of them as gone. I haven’t even written them.

Twilight soon found herself in one of Canterlot Castle’s many courtyards. She made her way to the fountain in the center and took a seat on the cold, weathered marble.

It’slike reading the news of a tragedy far away. She continued in her head. You want to feel sorry or feel bad for what happened, but you can’t know the pain of the people involved because you are not there. Nothing has changed, for me...

The moon gave only a sliver of light from its visible crescent surface. A multitude of innumerable stars bathed her face in a soft glow and reflected beautifully off of the fountain’s surface. Twilight looked into the small pool of rippling water at her distorted reflection. With a sigh of frustration, she yanked herself away and began pacing about the small courtyard.

What was I thinking; accusing the other nations, especially the Griffon Kingdom, like that? I’m feeling so little that I’m overreacting. I think I was forcing myself to emote something back there... either that, or I went insane as soon as I heard the news. Maybe I should just force myself to sleep and-

Twilight never finished the thought. Suddenly, her ears twitched at the sound of voices on the far side of the courtyard. She looked over and saw two shadowy figures partially hidden by pillars of a covered walkway. She strained to get a clearer image, and was almost certain that she could see a beak moving up and down, talking.

Griffons... she mused inwardly.

Her better judgement told her to either announce herself, or trot back into the castle. However, her better judgement was quickly suppressed by a spiking curiosity as to why a pair of griffons were meeting secretly in the middle of the night, under the cover of darkness.

Luckily, they had not noticed Twilight. She lowered herself and slowly took up a strategic position behind a thick bramble bush, just a few dozen hooflengths from the pillars. She thought about casting a spell to enhance her hearing, but the light from her horn would give her away quickly. She would just have to make do.

With her neck stretched to the limit, she was able to understand the distant chatter. She recognised the first voice as General Swiftfeather’s.

“...And you’re certain you were not followed?” The griffon General asked the other figure. “These ponies have a very intricate security network around this castle, if a bit outdated by our standards.”

“No, sir.” came a younger male voice. “They never saw a thing.”

Twilight’s interest began to heighten at their secretive tones. She longed for a stationary set to record everything they would say.

“What information do you bring, herald?” Swiftfeather inquired.

Twilight could not see anything, but she heard the second griffon reach into a bag under a large black cloak and bring out a scroll.

“From the Glorious Lord Sharpbeak the Third, to General Swiftfeather, Commander of the entirety of his majesty's infantry.”

The griffon’s voice was clear and concise, but he uttered every syllable very quietly. He cleared his throat before continuing.

“General, I hope that your trip was an informative and productive one, but the time has come to act. Our armies are in position, and we need you on the frontline to lead the charge with me as soon as possible. The primary invasion will commence in two weeks. Our scouts say we must strike swiftly if were are to prevent our enemy from quickly organizing a counter attack. Return immediately to Valstòn, so that we may finalize our plans with the other Generals. We will drive our enemies straight into the ground and ensure Griffon dominance once and for all.

Sevella guide your blade,

Lord Sharpbeak the Third.”

General Swiftfeather held an emotionless silence for several moments. Neither griffon said a thing, the younger waiting patiently for orders, while Swiftfeather appeared to analyze and process it all.

“Thank you.” he said, finally, a bit more rasp in his voice. “Return to Lord Sharpbeak and tell him that I will return within three days. Do not get caught on your way out.”

The second griffon snapped his head down, brought his front right claw across his chest in a salute of respect.

“By your word, General.”

With that, Twilight watched as the second griffon secured his hooded cloak and quickly slunk into the shadows that lead into the castle.

Invasion? Twilight commented in her head when he had gone. No. There’s no way. There is no way I was right about this...

General Swiftfeather remained for a few more moments, looked around suspiciously, and then set off into the castle, undoubtedly to his guest room. Twilight debated on what to do next.

I must warn Princess Celestia immediately. An invasion from the Griffons would be devastating! But why, now? Why would they invade, now, of all times?

Suddenly, another thought crossed her mind.

If an invasion is on the way, then the Griffons truly are responsible for kidnapping my friends! Of course they would take out our most powerful defense first. There is no other explanation. Which means Swiftfeather must know where they are! Wait...

Twilight suddenly realised something. At the same time, reality started to set in: her friends were gone, and the Griffon Kingdom, General Swiftfeather in particular, had just become her primary suspect.

If I turn him in now, she thoughthe will not feel any pressure to reveal my friends’ location, safe behind a jail cell. No; I need to get answers now. It’sthe only way.

As soon as Swiftfeather had entered the castle, Twilight activated her horn, concentrated, and, after a series of muffled grunts, was covered in a temporary aura of invisibility. It would not last forever, but hopefully long enough to shadow Swiftfeather to his quarters.

Attempting to subdue the sounds of her hoofsteps, Twilight set off after the General.

No matter what it took, she would get answers, tonight.

*        *

        General Swiftfeather stifled a yawn as he approached his guest quarters. The humid atmosphere was very different from the dryer air in his homeland. The elevation was no bother, as he was used to thinner air during flight, but the change was still noticeable.

        Two stern-looking griffons stood at attention outside his room. They wielded deadly-looking spears in one claw, while their other three appendages supported them. Both bore the same red crest on their neck as the General, with the silhouetted griffon in the background reaching over the world in the foreground.

        Silver plate armor was strapped over their shoulders; the openings supplemented by a collection of chain mail that ran from their lower neck across the foremost section of their figure. Red cloth ran down their backs and converged in a triangular shape. Rear legs were strapped in armor, as well, consisting mostly of leather straps and steel over their knees.

        Both guards continued to stare straight ahead, but stood up a bit straighter as the General approached.

        “At ease.” Swiftfeather said to them, nodding as he opened the door and walked into the room.

        Swiftfeather admitted that he was impressed by the Equestrian guest accommodations. The silky bed, well lit candles and lamps, private bathroom with running water, which was a rare luxury in his homeland; even for a General, like himself; and bookshelf containing hundreds of pages that may or may not have been worth reading rivaled the Griffon Lord’s royal estate in the great capital of Valstòn.

        With a quick glance to make sure he was alone, he took out the letter given to him by the messenger. He absorbed the information several times before placing the letter under his wing again.

After washing his face, removing his uniform, and extinguishing the lights, he carefully lifted the silk sheets that covered the bed. As he entered and closed his eyes to rest, he let out a small sigh of comfort and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere.

It was impossible to know how long he lay there, attempting to sleep when, suddenly, the voice of one of the guards outside caused his eyes to shoot open.

“Hey, you! Stop right- ooof!”

A short vibration shook through the stone walls. Swiftfeather heard a spear swoosh through the air several times before another impact hit the wall. Instinctively, he jumped out of the bed and reached for a small dagger on the nightstand.

As he turned to face the threat, Swiftfeather saw the door blast right off its hinges, land on the floor with a loud thunk, and a thin cloud of dust fill the air. He took up a fighting stance and prepared to leap on his aggressor.

However, as the dust settled, his eyes widened as he realised who was at his door.

“What are you doing in here?!”

*        *

Twilight felt the sweat drip profusely down her face. She was no longer invisible, and her horn was charged in a threatening purple light. The griffon guards outside were motionless from their encounter with the wall. The shock on General Swiftfeather’s face told her that she was the last thing he expected to see.

“Princess Twilight! What is the meaning of this?!” he demanded, taking up a defensive stance and unfurling his wings threateningly.

“Save it, general.” Twilight said coldly. “I heard everything.”

She approached him with a menacing stare. Swiftfeather responded by circling her, his dagger still at the ready.

“What in Sevella’s name are you talking about?” he demanded. “What did you hear?!”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about, general. I heard every word in that letter.” Twilight replied. “You must be off your rocker if you think I’m going to let you, or anyone else in the Griffon Kingdom to get away with it!”

General Swiftfeather looked as though Twilight had just smacked him across the face.

“How dare you spy on me! That did not concern you!”

“With all due respect, general, I think it does. It’s one thing to want to invade my country, but kidnapping my friends?!”

Twilight’s horn began to charge even more. General Swiftfeather opened his mouth to speak, but Twilight quickly cut him off.

“You’ve messed with the wrong pony.” she voiced venomously. “Unless you want to end up worse that your guards out there-”

She pointed to the unconscious griffons lying on the floor.

“-or worse, then you will tell me exactly what you did with my friends.”

Twilight was sure to put extra emphasis on those last words.

“Your friends?” General Swiftfeather questioned in surprise. “What are you going on about now?! You’re insane! What would the Griffons want with the other Element Bearers?”

“That’s what you are going to tell me.” Twilight replied, stepping forward in a challenge.

Twilight saw General Swiftfeather tense his muscles.

“With all due respect, your highness, I may be old, but I can make sure that you don’t get out of this room in one piece.” he taunted.

Twilight had enough. With a yell, she lunged forward head first, charging up her magic even more. As she got close, Swiftfeather jumped to the side with a grunt, landing on his side. The battle-set alicorn landed gracefully, and swung her head to aim at the downed griffon.

With what sounded like a high pitched whine, Twilight let loose her attack. Within a millisecond, Swiftfeather was struck squarely in the chest by a powerful bolt of magic and sent crashing into the bed, which scooted back from the force.

Miraculously, the general quickly stood back up, but looked extremely disoriented. He looked at Twilight, who was charging another attack. With a powerful burst of his wings, Twilight saw him maneuver away from her second bolt.

Before she could react, Swiftfeather jumped toward her exposed side, the sharp dagger and claw gleaming in the dim light. Twilight skirted the the side, but suddenly felt the tip of the dagger draw itself across her flank.

“Aaah!” she cried out.

However, the searing pain only made her more angry. She faced him once more, her eyes now glowing white and spots of red blood dripping on the floor.

“Had enough?” Swiftfeather taunted.

Instead of replying, Twilight focused on the griffon’s figure, and encased him in a purple outline of magic. She slowly approached him and began lifting him up into the air.

        “Hey- What is this?!” he struggled to say. “Release me!”

        Despite the general’s age, his muscular limbs put up a power protest against Twilight’s spell. The more she tried to suppress him, the harder he fought to get out. She managed to dislodge his firm grip on the bloody dagger, and held it close to his face, but his struggles did not cease. In fact, he only grew more bold.

“I did not -ungh- realise you ponies liked it so rough.” Swiftfeather spat, though he was quickly growing weary. “Perhaps- uh- I could show a pretty face like you a thing or two sometime.”

Despite his brave words, Twilight could see the effects of her spell as she applied more and more pressure. Grunts of pain escaped his mouth, and his menacing eyes began to close on the brink of unconsciousness.

“Where. Are. My. Friends.” Twilight demanded, voice echoing of hundreds more, and eyes glowing like the sun.

“Twilight! NO!” someone yelled behind her.

Twilight whirled around, just in time to feel her own body become encased in a yellow aura. Before she could get a clear look at the new attacker, she was flung across the room effortlessly.

“No!” She yelled in protest.

Her back hit the wall first, knocking the wind out of her and causing her to wheeze and cough as she attempted to catch her breath.

When she finally looked up, Twilight saw Princess Celestia helping up a nearly unconscious General Swiftfeather. He coughed and gasped for breath as well, and looked at Twilight with a fiery hate.

“General, are you alright?” Celestia asked.

“I-”

He nearly collapsed into a coughing fit. Celestia quickly levitated a cup of water over from the bathroom and gave it to the general to drink. He took it graciously, and downed the liquid slowly.

“I will be.” Swiftfeather said between coughs. “I may be old, but I’m not too fragile, yet.”

Celestia nodded in acknowledgement, and swung around to face Twilight, approaching her with a deep look of disappointment and anger in her eyes.

Twilight braced herself.

“Just what in Equestria are you doing?!” she demanded. “You could have killed General Swiftfeather!”

“Were it so easy.” Swiftfeather muttered as he continued to collect himself.

“You attacked guests of the royal castle! Guests! What were you thinking?!”

Twilight, though still slightly dazed from the gash in her side and Celestia’s attack, gathered up her bravery and looked her former mentor in the eye.

“He knows where my friends are!” she accused. “The griffons captured them to prepare for a preemptive strike, leaving us defenseless! I was right about it all!”

With pure fury beaming from her eyes, she flung her head around to stare General Swiftfeather directly in the eyes.

“And, I have proof.”

She glanced over at the General’s nightstand, and levitated a scroll over to herself. She unfolded it and held it up for Celestia to see.

“Here.” Twilight stated, a bit of a smirk in her voice. “The General received this from a griffon messenger who snuck into the castle. It tells of an impending all-out war with Equestria!”

At first, Twilight felt proud of herself as she exposed the contents of the letter for Celestia to see. She felt that she had genuinely stopped a national crisis before it even started. She began to fill with hope that her friends would be returned from their Griffon captors soon... Yet, those feelings quickly faded as she noticed that Celestia did not even look at the letter, and continued to hold her gaze at Twilight.

        “Twilight... did you not hear the guards’ report from when they were to retrieve your friends? They did not say there was an attack. They saw a bright flash, and your friends were gone. How could the griffons have done something like that?”

        “Who knows!” Twilight insisted, shocked that Celestia would dismiss her accusation so easily. “Everypony knows that they are a warmongering nation. They probably have countless powerful weapons we don’t know about! I doubt it would be hard for them to make a ‘bright flash’!”

Celestia stared at Twilight as if she did not know her anymore.

“Words have failed, Twilight.” The angry white alicorn commented, almost to herself. “I taught you better than this. I was wrong this whole time... I didn’t wish for it to come to this...”

Her last sentence sent a sudden confusion through Twilight.

Wrong? Wrong about what? she thought to herself. Come to what?

Before she could ask, Celestia cut her off.

“Canterlot library. Now.” Celestia commanded.

“I’m not your student anymore. You can’t order me-”

Before Twilight could finish, Celestia swiftly grabbed her in a rough winghold and held tight.

“General, I am sorry for all this. Medical assistance will be here shortly to treat your guards. I will be back soon as well.” Celestia apologized ruefully.

With that, Celestia teleported the two of them out of the General’s quarters.

*        *

        The quiet library was suddenly lit up in a flash of white, and two figures appeared in the middle. Celestia released Twilight from her winghold and walked over to a large window overlooking canterlot as the last of the Grand Galloping Gala was shut down for the night.

        “This is not you, Twilight.” she commented as Twilight attempted to pick herself off the ground. “You are beyond reason, now.”

        “Why did you take Swiftfeather’s word over mine?” the smaller alicorn demanded. “I overheard him talking about invasion! The Griffons are planning to invade Equestria!”

        For some time, Celestia did not respond. To Twilight, she looked as stiff as one of the many marble statues that lined the castle halls.

        “I had proof!” she continued. “The letter-”

        “Why does it have to be this way?!” Celestia suddenly yelled toward the ceiling. “I can’t do this!”

        Twilight was taken aback. Out of nowhere, Celestia dropped to the ground into a sobbing fit. Her cries were muffled, but they were many and filled to the brim with emotions that Twilight did not understand.

        “Celestia? Ar- Are you okay?” Twilight asked, slowly approaching.

        As soon as she got close, Celestia stopped her sobbing. Twilight was about to touch her with her forehoof when-

“This is the way it must be.”

        The voice came from Celestia’s mouth, but it was not hers. Twilight scurried backwards defensively. The white alicorn was now glowing; not just her eyes, but her entire body. She spread her wings, and suddenly became suspended in mid air. Shockingly, her wings did not flap.

Twilight was at a loss of what to do, and suddenly became very frightened. She turned to run, but felt her own self lifted up into the air, and brought toward Celestia.

        “C-Celestia! What are you doing to me?!” she cried out in fear.

        Celestia replied, and this time it was in her own voice, yet it was accompanied by a chorus of a thousand voices.

“What I am about to do, Twilight, is for your own good; and for the good of not just Equestria, but the entire world.”

        Each word penetrated Twilight’s very soul. Each syllable was painful to register.

“I did not want this for you, Twilight. I thought you had proven to me time and time again that you were ready for your place as ruler over Equestria.”

Twilight cried out in surprise as, suddenly, her wings were unfurled against her will. Then the real pain started. An agonizing scream left her lips as an electrifying force pulled at the feathery appendages, overwhelming her.

“But there is more you must learn. I did not want to believe it at first, but your actions tonight show your immaturity; as a princess, and an alicorn.”

“No... It hurts!” Twilight managed to yell. “Stop, please!”

“And now there is a greater evil on its way as we speak that you alone will be able to stop. An evil beyond the scope of imagination.”

“Uuugghhh!... What are you- gah- talking about?!” Twilight called out, her pain now seeping through every vein and nerve in her body. “What evil?!”

“The true time to fulfill your destiny has come, Twilight Sparkle.”

“AAAAAH! You told me I had fulfilled my destiny! Why now- AAARRRGH!”

        The agony was too great for Twilight to even speak anymore. She knew she was on the verge of blacking out. Through the pain, her eyes now saw that Celestia had tears running down the length of her illuminated face.

“I was wrong.”

Nothing registered to Twilight’s senses anymore. With a final, agonized breath, Twilight surrendered to the darkness.

*        *

“What have I done... Twilight...”

“You know it had to be done. Do not fear. I will guide her from now on. Your mission is complete.”

“But.. It all seems unreal to me. I feel as though I have abandoned her...”

“No. From this, I will help Twilight, and you, bring about a greater good.”

“Please... Just protect her. Guard her every step. Let her know that she does not face this alone.”

“You know I will. Remember what I told you before, Celestia. Twilight will not face this journey alone, just as you did not. All this has happened before, and will happen again, even if a bit differently.”

“May I have a moment with her?”

“Hmm... I suppose.”

“Twilight, I don’t know if you can hear me, but I am sorry. I’m sorry that I could not foresee this. Sorry that you were dragged from the life you knew. Sorry that there is so much confusion that has shrouded your mind. And above all, I’m sorry that I will not be there for you. Be strong. Never give up... This path is yours.”

“Time to leave, Celestia.”

“Goodbye... My friend.”

Twilight opened her eyes into an endless dark...

*        *        *