Assassin of Kings and Queens

by phlamingsoul

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Anthro
Length: 19846

Ferrum Latet and Rainbow Dash must save old friends and new from an unknown evil...

Ferrum Latet, one of the few male alicorns, as well as master assassin, left Equestria along with his apprentice, Rainbow Dash, after the end of the Second Griffon War. Now they return home in hopes of saving it from an unknown evil.

WARNING: Thematic elements, sexual themes (never actually happens. Jeez, this isn't a Clopfic you guys!), and dry humor included. If any of these offend you, then DO NOT READ!

Constructive comments will be put to good use.
If you disliked, please leave a reason so I can improve!

Thank You for Your Cooperation!

[img]http://i.imgur.com/LROqhs1.png[/img]

Blood and Gore

Sensual themes

Thematic elements

Cliches

Language

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-10-11 04:08:15 UTC

Prologue: The Beginning of The End

Hello.

I am the Narrator. Or rather, that is the name given to me.

And I am here, that is, you are here, to hear a story.

I have many, though some are fiction, and others not.

It is up to those who hear the story to decide which is which.

Of course, this is a story about the worlds of Man and Pony, and exactly what happened after they met.

*aherm*

The world began, and will end, with Death. As the first of the Old Gods to form, he chose to create a world where he and his kind would be able to thrive and ply their respective crafts. This world later became the realms of Tartarus. The second of the Old Gods, Life, decided that her brother's world would not due for her creations, and created Elysium, better known to human and ponykind as the known universe. Life found her Elysium to be empty, and used her own ichorous blood to create the Worlds.

From this blood, too, came the New Gods, including Light and Darkness, Harmony and Discord, Fire and Ice, and so on. While many more Old Gods, such as Time, existed, their contributions merely added to Death and Life's works. Plus, they were rather snooty, and as such are undeserving of being given too much credit. I should also take this time to mention God, the truly nebulous being who created the Old Gods. Some say he is the only god in existence, but that seems rather silly, as God would have way too much busywork in the way of actually doing anything productive.

Anyway, back to the history lesson.

In the realms of Tartarus, Death cared for the souls of those creations Life cast aside, as well as Gods whose souls were rended from their "bodies," or rather, the physical construct within which the Gods stored their souls, though that only happened later.

I'll get to it, I promise.

Death took the souls of those cast aside, and crafted The Book. Guess what form it takes. I dare you. Anyway, within The Book, the story of all the journeys of all souls was stored, and kept within Death's Library. Personally, I find the place enchanting. In the meantime, magic spilled into Elysium and Tartarus. While no one truly knows the origins of magic, I can only assume that God felt like being a colossal dick, because the coming of magic marked the beginning of the downfall of most of the Gods. From this magic, Life crafted, er, life, and living creatures began to populate the worlds. The most notable worlds were those dubbed Equis and Earth.

On Earth, humans, with their natural creativity and curiosity, they crafted great spells to evolve themselves, and grew into a force to be reckoned with. A force to be feared. Had Harmony not sealed their magic, the humans most likely would have evolved into gods themselves. No capital "G," though. They just would have been really fucking powerful.

On Equis, Life crafted the first Alicorns with her new-found magic, creatures of flesh and blood who had the lifespans of Gods themselves. However, as is the norm in most creator-creation stories, the Alicorns grew jealous of the Gods apparent invulnerability, and began a great war against the Gods. Remember Death caring for Gods' souls? This is what I was talking about. The souls of Gods, Alicorns, and other living beings all fell to Death, who protected them and gave them a home in Tartarus.

It was around this time that ponies were created, the result of an Alicorn being magically rended apart. In this chaotic landscape, many horrible creatures were created, such as the first changelings, which were made when an Alicorn named Geranium had her love, a viable part of her soul, I kid you not, ripped from her, leaving her body horribly mutilated. She had the most beautiful violet eyes...

I'm getting off track.

It was also during this time that the Alicorns Celestia, Luna, Ferrum Latet, and Nocturne Mucrone were born. Celestia and Luna were born to Dusk and Aurora, the then Queen and King of Alicorns, respectively. Ferrum and Nocturne were born to Sun Shine and Night Fall, Generals in Their Majesties' Royal Army. These four colts and fillies would be the last surviving members of the Royal Family. This would be a good time to mention that Aurora and Shine were brothers, making Celestia and Luna cousins with Ferrum and Nocturne.

...I just realized, I haven't even gotten to the First Pony Age, the creation of the National Guild of Assassins and their rivals, the Order of Guardians, or even how Pinkie Pie got her powers! How silly of me, wasting time with exposition, when you obviously want to get to the real story! Or rather, the story you thought you were going to get.

Well, I guess this is as good a place as any to tell you about how the Equestria you knew ended...

Chapter 1: Reunion

Chapter 1

Reunion

Murder. Equicide. Killing. All lovely words to describe the act of taking someone else's life. For most Assassin's, killing is part of the job description. Being an Assassin, with that lovely capital "A," means that you are a member of what equates to a secret police. If your lucky, you'd get stuck with stuff like paperwork, or being a normal member of society. If you were terribly unlucky, or better yet, skilled, you went out into the world, find villains, evildoers, and other baddies, and send them into permanent retirement. Once more, should Luck smile upon you, the baddy wouldn't have to be offed, and could just take a couple years of therapy to become a productive member of society. I'm sure you're smart enough to figure out what happens when that doesn't happen.

Of course, should one of these Killers be caught, life in prison is their best hope.

The assassin bolted upright, flinging the entangled mass of blankets away from his trembling form. Shit... The pony rubbed his aching horn, and then glanced around, verifying his surroundings were familiar. The nightstand to his right was bare, considering it had been wiped clean of any objects when the blankets had flown past. A once-lovely glass vase lay in shatters on the hardwood floor, reflecting a broken rainbow on the ground. The window behind the bed was cracked open, letting in the warm, acrid smell of industry. Deciding that everything was in order, the pony relaxed. He stretched his wings, yawning widely. His bare chest shone in the morning light.

“I’m surprised no flies have entered that black maw of yours yet.” A cyan pony was leaning against the doorframe, giggling at her little joke. She was crossing her arms, wearing a plain white undershirt (no straps) and leather shorts, showing off her---She’s asking for it. SERIOUSLY! Who wears clothes that tight! He shook his head, glad the blue pony couldn't see the image that flashed through his head.

“And I’m surprised you’re awake,” the black alicorn retorted. “Since when do you wake up before noon?”

“Maybe when someone breaks a vase in the next room?” The cyan pony shook her rainbow main, shaking off the remaining dregs of sleep.

“Good. That means you can clean it up.” At the blue pony’s outraged gasp, he grinned mischievously. “After all, that is what loyal apprentices do, is it not? Help out their aging masters?”

“I… You… URGH!” The cyan pony stalked away, trudging back with a broom and pan. The black alicorn grinned again, sweetly this time, much to the chagrin of the rainbow pony. She started sweeping, grumbling something about geezers and senility. The black pony hopped out of bed and skipped towards the door.

“Aging my hoof,” the cyan pony muttered bitterly. The black alicorn paused in the doorway.

“Oh, and Rainbow Dash?” The rainbow pony paused her sweeping, worry creeping into her face. The assassin’s horn gleamed red, and the room began to rearrange itself. The blankets untangled themselves and flew to the bed, knocking Rainbow Dash over. The nightstand righted itself, and broken glass collected together on top, rearranging into its original form. It took a matter of five seconds for the room to be completely made over, with everything in its proper place and freshly dusted. The only thing disgruntled now was Rainbow Dash, who was struggling to her feet, hand rubbing a sore spot on her head.

“I really do appreciate the help.” He turned back and proceeded down the hall, towards a welcoming shower.

Rainbow Dash groaned loudly.

“What did you have in those blankets, rocks?!”

“Yes,” was the calm reply before the black pony’s voice was drowned out by the running water.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After the Great War, in which the dragon and griffon races had united against the pony kingdom of Equestria, had ended in pony victory, there had been a fragile peace between the pony and griffon kingdoms. The dragons had remained neutral throughout most of the conflict, but had eventually sided with the ponies later in the war. The black alicorn, Ferrum Latet, and a human, John Clark, had worked together to bring an end to what became known as the Second Griffon War. However, after it was revealed that Ferrum’s white alicorn brother, Nocturne Mucrone, had been controlling the new king of the griffons, John and Ferrum, together with Rainbow Dash, Alicorn Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkamena Diane Pie (better known as Pinkie Pie), hunted down Nocturne and put an end to his scheme of world domination. However, in order to defeat Nocturne, John unleashed the magic hidden within him and banished the two of them from that world. In doing so, not only did he banish Nocturne, he also spread some of his own essence throughout the world, turning some of the sentient beings into what are known as anthropomorphic beings, more commonly known as “anthros,” half-human, half-animal. This event, which became universally known as the Clark Incident, led to widespread panic and chaos, much to Discord’s amusement.

In order to prevent such an occurrence (referring once again to the Griffon Wars) from happening again, Princess Celestia, under the influence of a different evil, had decreed that all male alicorns were to be banished from Equestria, under pain of death. Ferrum fled, together with his new apprentice Rainbow Dash, to the griffon kingdoms to the east, where they remained in hiding, preparing for the time when they could return home…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rainbow Dash strolled into the small room that served as both a kitchen and dining area. Ferrum was sitting at the table, arms crossed. A black leather vest sat on his chest, small glints revealing the location of some of his many hidden knives.  He was reading The Daily Press with a stick of celery in his mouth, horn glowing duly, wet hair clinging to his obsidian fur. A red stripe in his black mane glistened in the morning light. Ferrum’s arms were crossed across his chest, giving him an angry appearance.

“Any news from Equestria?”

“Mm Mm.” Ferrum shook his head, spraying water everywhere. His horn grew a shade brighter as he turned the page, and then reverted to its previous state. This had been their arrangement since they had arrived: Mornings were spent looking for any news on Equestria’s current state, and afternoons were spent training. Up till that day, there had been no news on Equestria.

“Oh, O.K…” Rainbow trudged over to the ice box, hoping glumly that her teacher hadn’t eaten all the celery. Again.

“Vait a shecongh!” Ferrum exploded upwards, spraying pieces of celery all over the table. Rainbow leaped up and hovered near the ceiling, fur standing on end.

“Don’t…Do…That… Again…” Rainbow panted, slowly recovering from the scare as she drifted down. Ferrum ignored her, swallowed what was left of the food in his mouth, and then began to read.

“Princess Celestia has called for a series of games, known only as the Celestine Games, in order to keep the peace. These games will host a series of events, in which each of the anthro races will compete. ‘Such events,’ Celestia claims, ‘will help release pent-up aggression and hopefully keep tensions lower as a result.’ The Games will be held in three weeks’ time in the town of Ponyville.”

Ferrum’s eyebrows knitted together as he tried to comprehend all the implications of this turn of events.

“Is…Is that it?” Rainbow hovered closer, looking over Ferrum’s shoulder.

“Yeah, it was a small article. It seems the newspaper here doesn’t much care for Equestria.” Ferrum looked glumly at the remnants of the celery, now spread across the room. A quick spell fused the pieces back together, which he happily took a bite out of.

“That makes sense. After all, we fought two wars with them. Buck, even Discord helped us take down…” Rainbow’s voice drifted off as she remembered who Nocturne had been to Ferrum.

“No matter,” Ferrum concluded. He walked towards the door, sliding on his leather grieves and black cloak. He opened the door and paused.

“This could be our chance to go home. I don’t plan on letting this chance go.” He walked out, the door closing behind him. Rainbow Dash looked sadly at the door then returned her gaze to the ice box.

“He really needs to stop pausing in doorways.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ferrum walked calmly through the crowded city streets, avoiding eye-contact with any passerby. He knew where he was headed, and didn’t want to be stopped. Time was of the essence. If he’s not there when I arrive, he better have a good excuse. Or a death wish. The corners of Ferrum’s mouth twitched upward, though no mirth was revealed in his steely gaze. A cowl hung low over his head, but high enough such that he could scan his surroundings. The black leather pants he wore betrayed no sound, black tail flowing behind him. Soft hooves muffled his already near-silent footfalls. A miniature version of his cutie-mark, a knife embedded in a scroll, was imprinted on his right grieve.

A familiar shadow passed overhead.

“Ferrum! Watcha up to?!” Definitely a death wish Ferrum thought glumly as he turned into a deserted side street. A gray-brown griffon floated after him, still talking.

“Hey! Where are you going?!” *dramatic gasp*

“Are you on an assignment?! Do you have to kill someone?! Can I come?! I’m sure I----*gak*.”

Ferrum firmly clutched hold of the griffon’s throat, careful to only grip hard enough to keep the griffon from talking. With his other hand he rubbed the bridge of his nose, sighing. Back to the griffon, he inquired,

“Ironbeak…How…Many…Bucking…Times…Do I have to tell you?” He turned slowly, frustration and anger etched in every feature. Ironbeak’s beak snapped open and close, just like a fish gasping for air.

“Don’t… Call… Me… Out… In public!” Ferrum was now face to face with the griffon, whose green eyes silently begged for release. Ferrum relented, and released Ironbeak’s throat. He turned his back on the griffon again as Ironbeak collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. Time to change the subject, before I scare him to death thought Ferrum. He picked a question at random, and regretted it almost instantly.

“Isn’t your name kind of…” Ferrum waved his hand dramatically as he searched for the words he wanted. “…old fashioned?” Ferrum turned his head, observing Ironbeak’s reaction.

“My parents…Were kinda…Traditionalists…” Ironbeak panted. Good. He didn’t care. Ferrum relaxed slightly.

Ferrum turned back toward the griffon, mouth twitching upwards again. Maybe one last insult...

“You talk too much.”

“So…I’m…Told…” Ironbeak slowly got to his feet, shaking his head. Wow, THAT was the best I could come up with? Sheesh. I need more practice Ferrum thought to himself.

“So,” Ironbeak smirked slightly, clawed hand rubbing his throat, “are we going to verbally spar all day, or are you going to ask me a real question?” Ironbeak was Ferrum’s chief informant in New Griffland, and even though he was a bit talkative, he was very good at his job. Ferrum shrugged.

“What do you know about the Celestine Games?”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ferrum shambled back home. What he had learned troubled him greatly. Princess Celestia was still a pony. Not that this was a bad thing, but considering how every other intelligent being in the world had gone anthro, that Celestia hadn’t was…strange, to say the least. Also, Princess Luna had gone rogue, and was engaging in guerrilla warfare with Celestia’s guards, who were also still ponies. The fact that Luna had gone anthro didn’t help clear anything up. Unless…

Ferrum’s train of thought derailed when he collided with a griffon. The griffon shoved the black pony to the ground, towering over him, clawed hands on his hips.

“Hey, boys! Looky what we have here! A pony all by his lonesome!” At this, a group of four other griffons quickly surrounded Ferrum. Ferrum relaxed. I’m being mugged. This hasn't happened in a while. Hm. Ferrum got up and dusted himself off.

“Hey, pony!” Ferrum didn't look up, and proceeded to examine his greaves.

“Hey!” The biggest griffon, a big, brown hulking specimen, grabbed the front of Ferrum’s vest.

“Is for horses,” was the calm reply. Then Ferrum went into action. He jabbed the giant of a griffon in the throat, crushing his windpipe. He wheeled around and dispatched three more with a well-placed kick as the first griffon collapsed, choking. The last griffon stood there in a state of shock, lion’s tail twitching nervously, staring dumbly at the four griffons on the ground, all in varying states of consciousness. And life.

“Hey.” The griffon’s head jerked up, coming face to face with an angry looking alicorn.

“Here’s some advice. Run.” The griffon couldn't get away fast enough, flapping up towards the relative safety of the dark clouds above.

“That was too easy…” Ferrum murmured to himself as he continued home. “and quick…” He shoved his hands in his pockets, cold despite the blazing sun. Someone set this up…But who? Ferrum arrived at his house, chills creeping down his spine. He looked around, and seeing no one on the street, proceeded into the house.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ferrum’s house, even though somewhat bland, was rather big. On the right side, a set of large double oak doors led into Ferrum’s blacksmith shop, where he made a host of mechanical devices, as well as the odd weapon or two. On the left was Dash’s store, where she worked as an apothecary, mixing different healing droughts, as well as the occasional poison. Together, the two were able to afford the somewhat lavish estate. In between the two there was an apartment, which contained hundreds of rooms, most of which were designated for training and learning. Ferrum had even started a school for diplomats, which was held in the large living room. Many of his students also worked as informants, giving Ferrum information that could prove valuable. However, considering that it was the middle of June, school was out of session, so Ferrum had plenty of time to himself. However, he was in for a bigger surprise than even he bargained for.

Ferrum walked in, closing the door behind him with a near-silent thump. He paused in the entranceway, thinking to himself. A little squeak of protest caused his head to snap up. Rainbow Dash doesn't squeak he thought worriedly as he rushed to where the sound was coming from. He slid into the kitchen, careful not to make a sound.

Three griffons surrounded Dash, who was gagged and tied to a chair. Judging by the insignias on the griffons’ left arms, they were part of the King’s Royal Guard. Two male, one female. Shouldn’t be too difficult. Ferrum snuck behind the largest male, using the griffon’s considerable bulk to keep him out of sight.

“So, little pony,” The female griffon hissed into Dash’s ear, “where is the cashbox?”  Bucking THIEVES! I thought these bitches were supposed to PROTECT the people, not OPPRESS them! Dash mumbled something that sounded a lot like, “Buck off, Bitch.” Swearing will do you a lot of good, I’m sure.

“Wrong answer!” The female said cheerily, then nodded towards the smaller male. He started unbuttoning his pants, smirk forming on his scarred face.  Shit, I can’t let this go any farther! Knowing he had to do something, Ferrum flicked his hands up, extending the blades that were hidden in his grieves. Then he said aloud, anger laced in his voice,

“You know two ponies live here, right?”

Ferrum then proceeded to plunge both blades into the big griffon’s back, one into his heart, one in the small of his back. The giant’s wings twitched as Ferrum wrenched his knife from the griffon’s back. The giant stood there, mouth and eyes wide open in silent shock. Ferrum kicked the body, causing it to fall on the smaller griffon, who had wheeled around only to be crushed by the bigger one. This all happened in a span of several seconds.

The female had jumped behind Rainbow, and now clutched a curved knife up to her throat. She glared menacingly at Ferrum.

“Come any closer, and I’ll slit your mare-friend’s throat.” To make a point, she pushed the dagger against Dash’s throat. Rainbow Dash gasped as a single drop of crimson blood slid down her neck.

“Now why do I need to be closer than this?” Before the griffon could respond, Ferrum threw a knife, which had been hidden in his cloak. It embedded itself in the griffon’s knife hand, which was prompted dropped. The Griffon shrieked in pain and confusion, and was cut off by as another thrown blade embedding itself in her throat. The female gargled a bit, and then collapsed in a bloody mass of fur and feathers. Ferrum stood still, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He wheeled towards Rainbow Dash.

“HOW THE BUCK DID YOU GET CAPTURED SO EASILY!” He roared.

“IT’S AS IF…” he paused, then retracted the blades back into his grieves.

“You froze up, didn't you?” he said softly. Rainbow Dash nodded sullenly, tears streaming down her face. Ferrum sighed and walked over to the dead female, brown feathers now dyed red with blood. He squatted down and wrenched the knife from her throat, releasing a new gush of blood onto the wooden floor. Getting up, he walked over to Dash as he muttered, “This’ll never wash out, I just know it.” He stood over Rainbow Dash, head cocked to the right as an artist does when he observes a block of wood, pondering how to carve it up. As he lifted the knife up in the air, fear masked Dash’s features as she wondered what Ferrum was going to do. Slice. The rope fell away from Rainbow’s quivering form, collecting in a pile around the chair. The leather gag split, allowing Dash to spit it out, which she did promptly.

“You need to stop freezing up. This keeps on-” A crash is heard from upstairs, causing both of the ponies to look up.

“Targets upstairs?” Ferrum looked back at Rainbow Dash, then averted his gaze, blushing a deep crimson. Apparently he had cut through more than the rope.

“At least twelve left. Assuming you took out the five outside.”

“Excellent. I need the exercise.” He made towards the stairs, exiting the kitchen. When Rainbow started to follow, he paused and held up a hand, back turned towards Dash.

“You,” he pointed an accusing finger at Rainbow’s chest, back still turned, “need to put something else on.” Rainbow looked down, and then hastily covered her exposed chest, blushing deeper than Ferrum had done moments ago. How could I not realize MY SHIRT WAS GONE! Dash thought to herself in shock. Sweet Celestia,  he…Rainbow shuddered at the thought, and then darted towards her room, which was in the back of the Apothecary shop, to put on a new shirt.

Ferrum proceeded up the stairs. She had a nice rack said a voice in his head.

“Shut the buck up,” muttered Ferrum. A ghostly black silhouette materialized next to Ferrum, floating up the stairs as Ferrum climbed.

“Harsh,” replied the black figure, green eyes glowing mischievously.

“We haven't spoken in four years, and that’s how you talk to me?” The shadow of a figure shook its head, crossed its arms and leaned back against an invisible wall. Ferrum paused at the top of the stairs, then wheeled towards the ghostly apparition.

He pointed a stern finger at the figure, anger written in every feature.

“We’ll discuss this after I kill the buckers who broke into my house,” Ferrum growled.

He turned and stormed through the hallway, drawing an ornate silver knife out of its sheath as he went. The figure watched Ferrum enter the first door on the right. Much screaming ensued. A body flew out of the door, crashing into the opposite wall and collapsing in a bloody heap of fur and feathers. The figure shook his head sadly, then proceeded down the stairs.

“You haven't changed at all, Ferrum.” The black figure smiled sadly before vanishing. He had things to do before Ferrum and he had a talk.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ferrum limped towards the stairs. He had dispatched the thirteen thieves easily. There was a reason he had once been the Master of the Royal Guild of Assassins. However, it seemed he had gotten soft. He had tripped over one of the bodies on the way out of the room, and had twisted his ankle. Ferrum muttered to himself sourly. It is always the most dangerous directly after a victory. He had pounded that into the heads of all his students, and now HE was the one forgetting. He got to the top of the stairs, then spread his wings. He balanced on one leg, then hopped forward, gliding down the stairs, and then hovering at the bottom. He lowered himself slowly, careful to put the majority of weight on his left leg, which was unhurt. Folding his wings against the black leather of his vest, he made them virtually invisible. Ferrum then proceeded to limp into the kitchen. Seeing nobody in his immediate vicinity, he limped over to the table and plopped down into the nearest seat available. He leaned back and closed his eyes, sighing.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Ferrum groaned loudly.

“I’m gonna kill somepony…Again,” he muttered as he got up, wincing. He limped towards the large oak door, then stopped. He glanced at a mirror to his left and gazed at his blood-splattered coat.

“Well, somepony’s in for a surprise,” Ferrum said to himself as he turned back to the door. He opened the door, expecting one of those annoying door-to-door salesmen that so often came to his house. Directly outside was a black, ghostly figure with gleaming green eyes. It smiled gleefully once, and then vanished. Where the black figure had been stood a purple alicorn that Ferrum recognized all too well.

“Twilight,” he managed to gasp. Looks like that somepony is me.

Chapter 2: A Journey Begins...

Chapter 2

A Journey Begins…

             Ferrum leaned back in his chair, sighing inwardly. Four figures sat at his kitchen table, including himself, and he was none too happy with the company.

To his right, Rainbow Dash wiggled nervously, unsure how to react to the visitors. She was currently wearing her assassin’s grays, a simple gray outfit designed for maximum efficiency in combat. Only the masters got to wear black.

Twilight sat directly across from Ferrum, and was currently engrossed in her Dandelion Tea. In the middle of Griffon Territory, what in Equestria was a common commodity was now reserved for the richest in the land. Or the most persuasive. Ferrum was the latter. Twilight’s dress was simple yet effective, similar to assassin’s grays in design, but not in the violet coloration.

Ferrum allowed his gaze to steer itself toward the black figure to his left. The figure was enjoying the awkward silence, green eyes darting between the other occupants of the table. This silence has gone on long enough Ferrum decided. He turned back towards Rainbow Dash, who was now having a staring contest with the green-eyed creature.

“You meet him before?” Ferrum inquired. Rainbow glanced towards Ferrum, blinking as she comprehended what he was asking. The black figure pumped his arms in triumph, then reclined backward. Rainbow glared at the ghostly form, then turned her head back toward Ferrum.

“No, no I haven’t.” Twilight looked up from her tea, eyebrow raised. Rainbow bristled at this, starting to get angry.

“What, should I have?” Ferrum chuckled, which only infuriated Rainbow further.

“WHAT? SO WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS?” Rainbow was furious now. She hated being out of the know. Her wings flapped in irritation.

“I,” the black figure started casually, leaning forward, “am the reason any of you are still alive.”

Everyone turned towards the black figure.

“Well,” said Ferrum, “that’s interesting. You want to clarify HOW, exactly? Because, if I remember correctly, I was unconcious for this part.”

“Of course,” the figure replied. He turned back to Rainbow Dash, who had by now replaced her anger with raging curiosity.

“You see,” he gestured vaguely towards Ferrum, “he was unconscious because…” He paused.

“Oh, right. I was explaining how I saved the known world, not how our dear friend Ferrum got his ass handed to him by-”

“Please do,” interrupted Ferrum. He didn't enjoy anyone talking about that incident. The black figure looked at Ferrum, head tilted to the right.

“Are you going to interrupt again?” he inquired.

“No, he won't,” declared Twilight. She was staring into the dredges of her tea, horn glowing a soft violet. Ferrum’s throat began to glow the same color as Twilight’s horn, much to his alarm. Ferrum opened his mouth to protest, but no sound came out. He glared resentfully at the purple alicorn.

“Please continue,” said Twilight pleasantly. Jeez, I forgot how much of a total BITCH Twi can be thought Ferrum angrily. He leaned back, closing his eyes. At least it will be an interesting story.

“Let’s see,” said the figure thoughtfully, “first off, I think proper introductions are due. My name is Jerry, Demon Blade First Class, Lord of Death, Claimer of Souls, Assassin of Kings and Queens, Tamer of the Sacred Flame, Champion of the House of Cards…”

“House of Cards?” Rainbow chuckled to herself. Jerry cocked an eyebrow.

“I made the tallest house of cards in the known world, over nine kilometers tall. Problem?” Jerry’s voice took on a dangerous tone. He was getting tired of being interrupted.

“No, none at all. That’s cool, I guess…” Rainbow was getting nervous. Jerry didn't scare her, but he was…unnerving. His body kept shifting, as if it were made of actual darkness, held together only by sheer will. The only thing that didn’t move were those emerald eyes, cold, dangerous, but also warm and comforting. He was starting to creep Rainbow out, that’s all. Not scary at all.

Jerry broke his eye contact with Rainbow Dash, enjoying how she visibly relaxed.

He continued, “Anyway, so you all know how John Clark used magic to banish Nocturne from this plane, as well as to turn you into anthropomorphic beings. Now, I am the one who made it possible for our dear Jonathan to use magic.”

Twilight looked up, setting her tea down. Her academic interest was sparked, and she intended to pay attention to everything the demon had to say.

“You see,” Jerry said, tapping his head, “ humans are a fairly stupid race, capable of using only about three percent of their brains. Ponies like you,” he gestured at his audience,” can use about forty percent of your maximum brain capacity, allowing the use of magic.”

He looked pointedly at Rainbow Dash.

“Well, most of you, anyway.”

Rainbow glowered at Jerry. Everypony knew that pegasi had magic, which was used to make their bodies considerably lighter, allowing for flight. Unicorns and alicorns, however, could use their magic to manipulate their environment. Earth ponies…Yeah, they had no magical ability.

“So,” Jerry continued, “I taught John how to unlock the full potential of his brain. But, you know what happened. Such power ripped the fabric of reality, vaporizing both Nocturne and John. Nocturne’s essence, soul, whatever you want to call it, was hurled through the tear, sending him to parts unknown. John’s…” Jerry hesitated, guilt flashing through his shadowy features, then continued, “spread throughout the world, turning many into anthros, giving some creatures the ability to talk, etcetera.”

“And that,” Jerry finished with a grand flourish, “is how I changed the world.”

Twilight sat back in her chair, looking thoughtful. Rainbow looked disappointed.

“I thought you said that YOU saved the world,” grumbled Rainbow. Jerry bristled.

“Of course I did! If I hadn't done what I did…” He stopped. Sadness crept into his shifting features. Jerry shook his head to clear his thoughts, replacing his frown with a smirk.

“If I hadn't done what I did, Nocturne Mucrone would have taken over. So I did, in fact, save the world.” Jerry crossed his arms, nodding.

“Yeah, whatever,” Rainbow waved off Jerry’s comment. She turned towards Twilight, who was still deep in thought.

“So, Twi.” Twilight looked up, finishing her train of thought.

“Not to be rude or anything, but what are you doing in New Griffland?”

“Oh, of course.” Twilight pushed her chair back and stood up. She put her hands on her hips and declared, “I need the two of you to come back to Equestria with me!” She nodded her head in self-affirmation, deciding that it sounded just as good out loud as it did in her head.

Ferrum cracked open an eye.

“Why?” he inquired, the spell having timed out.

All sense of bravado faded from Twilight as she wilted under this withering response.

“Wha…What do you mean why?” Twilight slumped back into her chair, defeated.

“I mean,” Ferrum explained, leaning forward, “that, as you well know, male alicorns are forbidden from dwelling in the country of Equestria, a crime which,” he pointed out, “is punishable by death. So, I’m asking why I should put my life on the line. You know,” he said, leaning back, “because I like to stay as much alive as possible. You understand.”

“I…Well…” Twilight hadn't expected things to go this way. In her mind, Ferrum would have jumped at the opportunity to go home.

“Well, I'm going!” Everyone turned to Rainbow Dash, who declared again, “I'm going. There’s no law that said I had to leave the country. So I'm going with Twilight.”

The two beamed at each other, then turned to look at Ferrum.

“O.K. Have fun.” Ferrum had reclined as far as he could in the chair without tipping over, eyes closed, smirk plastered on his face.

“You…You're not coming?” Rainbow looked crestfallen, tears threatening to stream down her cyan face.

“No, I have better stuff to do than to throw my life away needlessly.” Ferrum didn’t move.

“Besides,” he continued, “technically, you are a certified assassin. You completed the assassin qualification test last week with flying colors.” He chuckled, then continued, “You don't need my guidance any more. You are free to go wherever, whenever you please.”

Rainbow Dash was dumbstruck. That was a test? She had simply gone to fetch some more scrolls for Ferrum, who had been writing about the history behind the Second Griffon War, as well as providing historical documentation on the pony race’s first contact with humans. Second, if what Ferrum said was true, then she'd been doing all those chores for no reason! Lastly, Ferrum was saying that Rainbow was being, for all intents and purposes, kicked out.

Rainbow Dash hung her head.

“I guess I'll go get packed.” She left the kitchen and walked towards her room, wings hanging limply on her back, leaving Twilight alone with Ferrum.

“Ferrum,” Twilight began, “surely you-“

“I've made my decision.”

Twilight sighed.

“Very well.” She got up, knowing she had no chance of persuading Ferrum to do anything he didn’t want to do. She trudged after Rainbow Dash to help her pack.

When Twilight was out of earshot, Jerry got up.

“You know what ship they’ll be taking?” He inquired, walking slowly towards the door.

“Freighter-class vessel 109, nicknamed The Flounder. Room number 762. Due to leave at 1800, Griffon Standard Time, in two hours’ time,” replied Ferrum nonchalantly. Jerry shook his head, smiling ruefully.

“Nice to know. See you later, then.” Jerry started towards the door.

“You know how to find me.” Jerry dissipated, leaving no trace that he had ever been there.

Twilight and Rainbow returned to find Jerry gone and Ferrum as they had left him. Rainbow was now sporting a large gray duffel bag, which clinked with every small movement. Twilight had a smaller, blue one. This one was meant for Rainbow’s clothes. They gave one last glance at Ferrum’s reclining form, and then made for the door.

“Oh, and Twilight?” The two turned back to face Ferrum, who was now smiling jovially.

“I have Rainbow’s credentials in my desk upstairs, first room on the right. Would you be a dear and get them for her? I twisted my ankle and don't want to hurt it anymore.”

“Of course.” Twilight strode up the stairs, leaving Rainbow to stare accusingly at Ferrum, who reached into his vest and handed her a stack of papers.

“Your credentials,” Ferrum said nonchalantly, massive grin plastered on his face. Then he started counting.

“Three…Two…One…”

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” A screech of sheer terror erupted from one of the upstairs rooms.

“Right on cue,” declared Ferrum, getting up, having cast a spell by then that healed almost all injuries on his ankle. He started up the stairs, curious to the effect thirteen dead and deformed griffons would have on an alicorn princess.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Twilight was in a state of shock the entire carriage ride to the port. They had left a jovial Ferrum behind, who waved after them, shouting, “Have a nice trip!” He had then proceeded into the house, closing the door behind him with magic.

“That…Pony…Is a menace.” Twilight shivered, recalling all the blood seeping into the floor.

“Oh, it’s not all bad,” said Rainbow. “He just doesn't like people to break into the house.”

Twilight shook her head. That didn't make her feel any better.

They arrived at the port an hour before the boat they were taking would be leaving. On its prow, The Flounder had been painted on in large, red letters. The two looked at their tickets to verify that this death trap was their ride home. Regrettably, it was. They made their way up the large wooden plank that connected the boat to the dock. That and about two tons of rope. Twilight led the way along the starboard side of the vessel, where their room was supposed to be located. Twilight counted off the room numbers.

“759…760…761…Here we are! 762!”

The two ponies made their way into the pitch black room, closing the door after themselves.

“Hey, Twi, turn on the light, would you?” Twilight fumbled along the walls, looking for the light switch.

“I can't find it. Hold on.” Twilight’s horn glowed a gentle purple, illuminating half the room in a gentle light.

“There isn't a lightswitch!” Twilight protested. A familiar voice cut through the dark half of the room.

“Please, allow me.” A massive orb of white light materialized, blinding the two ponies. They collapsed against the opposite wall, unable to see.

“Jerry, is that you?” asked Rainbow Dash, eyes screwed tight against the harsh light.

The light abated, allowing Twilight and Rainbow to peek at their new roommate. Green eyes twinkled with mirth.

“Who else would it be?” Jerry crossed arms, letting the glowing orb float up to the bare ceiling. It stayed there, giving off a now-gentle light that illuminated the whole room.

Rainbow looked down.

“I just thought…maybe…” A sharp knock on the door interrupted Rainbow Dash’s confession, causing all to look expectantly at the door. Jerry strode to the door, and opened it with a grand flourish.

“ROOM SERVICE!” called a voice from outside. Rainbow Dash’s face lit up, as did Twilight’s.

In the doorway, black tail swishing back and forth, red stripe glowing in the sunset, stood Ferrum Latet, clad in his assassin’s black armor and cloak, black duffel bag on his shoulder.

“You're late,” declared Jerry, moving aside.

“An assassin is neither late, nor early. He arrives exactly when he means to,” retorted Ferrum, smiling.

He took a step inside.

Chapter 4: "Sleep Well?"

Chapter 4

"Sleep Well?"

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes. A plain white ceiling filled her view, save for a single light bulb flickering in the center. She silently observed a moth fly up to the light, only to die upon contact, falling to land on the floor. Dead... Rainbow thought morosely, eyes still plastered on the ceiling. Rainbow realized that she was tucked into a bed, cream comforter pulled up to her chin, her wings tucked comfortably under her back.

“You’re awake.” Rainbow turned her head to the left at Andromeda’s voice. Andromeda was lying stoically in a bed next to Rainbow, also gazing up at the light bulb.

“Do you know where we are?” Rainbow asked, returning her attention to the ceiling.

“We're in a motel in Manehattan. After we passed out-”

“Wait, you blacked out too?”

“Our minds were linked. Hence the ability to use telepathy. Apparently, your body was unable to handle all of the physical augmentations I had provided for such an extended period of time, and you passed out. And because of our mental link, I followed suit.”

Rainbow frowned. Andromeda made it sound like it was her fault that the two of them had blacked out.

“Before we could fall into the ocean,” Andromeda continued,” Twilight used her magic to levitate us to the boat. We arrived at Manehattan two hours later. Jerry left to attend to personal matters. Twilight got us a room at a motel, such as to not acquire unwanted attention. When I awoke, Twilight explained to me what happened while we were unconscious. She went to the market to acquire food thirty minutes before you woke up. Any further questions?”

“...Is Ferrum really...?” Andromeda hesitated before answering.

“Twilight said that she saw his body fall into the ocean. She had been too far away to offer any meaningful kind of assistance.”

“I'm so sorry...” Rainbow said.

“Why? You had nothing to do with his demise." The two lay in silence, listening to the buzz of the light bulb.

They turned simultaneously at the sound of a door unlocking, observing Twilight as she walked inside, sporting two large brown paper bags.

“Hey, you two. Hungry?”

___________________________________~*~___________________________________

The trio ate in silence at a small, round, wooden table. Twilight had found some dandelion tea in the market, and had brewed everyone a cup. Rainbow, unable to take the silence any longer, spoke up.

“So, what are our plans for today?”

“Well...” began Twilight, who was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Andromeda looked up from her tea, her face an impassive mask, and stated monotonously,” It appears we have a visitor.” She got up and walked towards the door, wings hanging limply against her back.

She opened the freshly-painted brown door to reveal a familiar-looking griffon.

“Ironbeak?” Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle inquired simultaneously.

They seem to know him… hm...thought Andromeda as she returned to her seat.

“The one and only!” replied Ironbeak cheerfully, only to frown when he counted the number of ponies at the table.

“Say, where’s Ferrum? I'd hoped to meet up with him. You know, to talk business... Is he out? Should I come back later?” Ironbeak observed the reactions of the ponies closely. He wasn't an idiot (even though pretending to be one had several benefits), and he began to piece together a relatively accurate assumption of what happened based on the reactions to his question. Dash’s distraught face, Sparkle’s slouch, and that gray pegasus's...actually, her expression didn't change. He should play poker with her sometime.  Regardless, Rainbow Dash and the Twilight's reactions, stemming from the mention of Ferrum...

“He’s not coming, is he?” It was more of a statement than a question, but the trio nodded in response anyway.

The Ironbeak stood silently for a moment, grieving the only one whom he'd been willing to call “friend.” Ironbeak shook his head to clear his thoughts, then addressed the ponies.

“First off, introductions are needed.” He turned to Andromeda, who was staring into the dredges of her tea.

“My name is Ironbeak, General Informant Second Class, Captain of the Griffland branch of the National Assassin’s Guild, and former colleague of Ferrum Latet. Now, who might you be?”

“I am Andromeda, Demon Blade Third Class, assassin in partnership with Rainbow Dash, and the daughter of Ferrum Latet,” Andromeda replied impassively, eyes still fixed on her cup.

Ironbeak stood in flustered silence for a couple seconds, then managed to gasp,” Holy bucking shit! He had a daughter?!”

Twilight stiffened at the excessively vulgar language, while Rainbow smirked. Andromeda kept her mask of impassivity. Ironbeak coughed into his fist.

“Uh, sorry. I'm just sorta...surprised.”

“You don't say,” said Rainbow casually, still smirking.

“Well, Ferrum never mentioned a daughter,” Ironbeak, shifting nervously from paw to paw.

“He talked about a…” Understanding dawned on Ironbeak’s face.

“Oh. Never mind,” Ironbeak said hastily, eliciting raised eyebrows from his companions. Rubbing his hands together, he decided to change the subject.

"Let’s get down to business."

The ponies looked at Ironbeak with interest, even Andromeda.

“You're all going to the Games, I presume?”

Both Andromeda and Rainbow Dash looked expectantly at Twilight, who sighed in resignation.

“Yes...”

“Marvelous!” exclaimed Ironbeak, clapping his hands together.

“I think I shall accompany you!”

Twilight narrowed her eyes. As much as she…tolerated Ironbeak, and appreciated his help in finding Ferrum’s house, she was uncertain of the griffon’s motives.

“Why?” she asked innocently.

Ironbeak feigned insult.

“What, don’t you enjoy my company?”

“What?! No! It’s not that! I just-“

“Don't you find me useful?” Ironbeak smirked.

“NO!!”

“Well, if I’m not useful…”

Twilight paled. Things were quickly getting out of hand, and every word she uttered seemed to dig her grave a little deeper.

“We would be honored if you would accompany us to the Celestine Games,” interrupted Andromeda, who had gotten bored of the conversation.

Ironbeak turned to Andromeda, smiling pleasantly. He had enjoyed pestering Twilight, but he knew better than to get on a demon's bad side.

“As you wish.” He turned back to Twilight, who had regained her normal pallor.

“Any who,” Ironbeak continued,” I won’t pester you the whole time. After the Games, the Guild is holding a meeting to discuss…” He hesitated, obviously uncomfortable.

“New developments,” he finally said.

“What developments?” inquired Rainbow Dash. Andromeda remained silent, eyes fixated on Ironbeak’s face.

“Well, I guess you should know,” he sighed.

“We've had reports of an increase of changeling activity.”

Silence permeated the room, save for the buzz of the lightbulb.

“Say, Twilight, did you know about this?” Once more, Rainbow Dash looked expectantly at Twilight, who shifted.

“Yes. That’s why I wanted you and Ferrum to come back. I…thought I saw one. In Canterlot. I wanted to investigate, but the Princess forbade me from doing so. Then Luna left…I couldn't think of anyone else to turn to…” Twilight looked expectantly at Rainbow, who just shrugged.

“‘S OK. So what now?”

"Actually..." Ironbeak said, rubbing his hands together," I think there's someone you three should meet."

___________________________________~*~___________________________________

Ironbeak led the three ponies to the Town Hall, a large, majestic structure in the center of the city. White marble columns decorated the outside, a large red flag with Celestia's Cutie mark emblazoned on it hung over a pair of huge oaken doors. Royal Guards patrolled the streets, golden armor glistening in the evening sun, spears held at the ready.

"Even after the peace treaty was signed," Ironbeak explained to Rainbow Dash and Andromeda," many ponies were still hostile against us griffons. As such, the Guards were sent to all the major cities to preserve order."

"Why?" Rainbow Dash asked, confused.

"Weren't the griffons just under Nocturne's control? Why are most ponies still hostile?"

"You forget," replied Twilight," that Nocturne's involvement wasn't widely publicized. The order for all male alicorns to be banished was..." Twilight searched for the right way to put it, eventually deciding on,"...a covert operation. As such, many believe the griffons to be fully responsible for the war. Also, this is the second war we've fought with them, and in the first war, the griffons were one hundred percent responsible. Also, considering all the atrocities the griffons committed..."

"What atrocities?" inquired Andromeda impassively.

"The griffons responsible for the war were charged with murder, torture, and...rape," Twilight said quietly.

Andromeda nodded in understanding, then the four continued in silence.

Ironbeak led them into an alleyway just behind the Hall, explaining," The pony we're going to meet was an old friend of mine, as well as a reliable contact of Ferrum's."

He called out," Yo, Moe! You got company!"

A haggard, purple pony in a black trench coat crawled out from underneath a brown tarp, brushing his unkempt bright green hair from out of his face. He gazed fearfully at the ponies behind the griffon then turned back to Ironbeak.

"Yo, Ron, we had a deal. I said I'd only talk to you and Ferrum, and I meant it. I don't do well with the 'thorities, dude. I've already met my quota of getting the shit beaten out o' me. I'm pushing it as it is bein' here-"

"Moe, take it easy. These ponies can be trusted. Even the purple one," Ironbeak said reassuringly, taking into account Moe's panicked glances at Twilight.

Ironbeak whispered something in Moe's ear and he instantly sobered, almost as if the whole thing had been an act. He stood up, brushed himself off, and offered a grimy hand to the ponies.

"Mushroom Moe, at your service," he said.

Twilight put on her best poker face and shook his hand, but something must have shown, because he seemed to be smiling at her discomfort.

This process was repeated Rainbow Dash and Andromeda. Moe paused at Andromeda, then leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Andromeda reeled back, then stated flatly," I'll be at the motel." She wheeled around and flew into the smog-filled sky, eliciting exclamations of surprise from passerby.

Rainbow turned to Moe, frowning.

"What did you say?" she asked menacingly, eyes narrowed.

"I told her the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Just as I promised Ferrum," Moe stated calmly, smiling slightly.

"And now I must do the same to you." He raised a finger in warning at Rainbow's hand slowly reaching behind her back.

"No weapons, please. I'm allergic to being brutally murdered." Rainbow slowly brought her hand out from behind her back and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Before I begin, there's something you should know. First off, I'm a world renowned drug dealer. I provide drugs, both medicinal and not, to ponies around the globe. I am a necessary member of this nation's economy. Second, I don't do drugs. That would be bad for my reputation as a business pony. Three, I live on the streets by choice. I find it easier to relate to ponies after I've lived in their shoes. And lastly..."

Moe's body erupted into green flame, blinding everyone else in the alleyway. When the flames subsided, a pony-like creature stood where Moe had been moments before, chitinous skin carapace glistening as the last of the flames faded away, holes dotting it's arms and legs, emerald eyes gleaming with mischief.

"I'm a changeling." For a moment, nothing happened.

Rainbow's hand quickly made for the knife behind her back, only to realize too late that she had dropped it in the locker room in Tartarus. Before she could make a move to tackle the changeling, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Twilight smiling reassuringly at her.

"Twilight, don't you see?! He's a changeling!" Dash cried, exasperated.

"And Ironbeak trusts him, as did Ferrum," replied Twilight calmly. Moe laughed.

"Dash, you of all people should know that I can read emotions, especially if they pertain to me."

"How do you know my name?" Rainbow Dash growled, knowing full well she hadn't introduced herself.

"You are Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty, Ferrum's former apprentice, Andromeda's Partner, and the only pony in modern history to perform a Sonic Rainboom. I pride myself on being informed," said Moe calmly, arms crossed over his chest.

"Anyway," Moe continued," Twilight here would like nothing better than to crush my head under her hoof. But you guys came to me for information. So she's being a good little pony and holding back."

"Now, there's only so much that I'm willing to tell you, but I'm not gonna lie to you. I find that lying is bad for an informant's health." Moe paused to let his words sink in, then continued.

"The Celestine Games are a perversion. The whole basis that they're meant to keep the peace by 'releasing pent up aggression' is only a half truth. The contestants are actually war criminals, sent to fight each other to the death in the Everfree Forest. The winner gets to live out the rest of his or her life under permanent house arrest. The losers...don't get to go back to prison."

The four stood in silence for a time.

"Celestia...did this?" Twilight asked quietly.

"Yes, she commissioned the games, and even had the games named after her," said Moe in an even tone as her reverted to his pony form.

"Sorry, I gotta go. I'm pushing my luck as it is," Moe said quietly, walking out into the already-dark streets, disappearing into the gloom.

"Welp, that was enlightening," declared Ironbeak as he led the ponies out of the dark alleyway.

"Let's get to the motel," agreed Twilight. "We need to tell Andromeda all that we've learned. With more than two weeks left, maybe we can put a stop to this."

"Just as long as we don't have to deal with any more changelings," grumbled Rainbow Dash. Her companions chuckled as they made their way to the room.

___________________________________~*~___________________________________

A black pony opened his eyes, observing the elaborate gold chandelier swinging above his head. The chandelier is swinging, yet I'm not being affected by motion sickness...intriguing... He was lying comfortably in a king sized bed, though he noticed one of his wings was bandaged under the blankets, as well as the fact that his horn was throbbing painfully. His ruby eyes shifted around, contemplating how being electrocuted and falling eleven thousand feet into the ocean hadn't killed him. A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"I see you're awake. You took a rather nasty fall there. It's a miracle you didn't die, isn't it?" Ferrum's eyes widened as he searched quickly for the source of that all-too-familiar voice.

His eyes came to rest upon a pony leaning casually against the far wall, slacks and dress shirt obscuring much of the pony's ghostly white fur.  His white and blue mane was cropped short, save for a clump of white hair hanging over his right eye. His icy blue eyes sparkled as he smiled pleasantly at the alicorn in bed. Ferrum looked in horror at the figure's wings and horn, and cursed himself for being foolish enough to try to pacify the storm alone. Now he was face-to-face with one of the ponies he feared the most.

"Hello, brother," the white alicorn said pleasantly.

"Sleep well?"

Chapter 5: Some Catching Up To Do...

Ferrum didn't move. Nocturne Mucrone, the necromancer, his younger brother, the one responsible for the Second Griffon War, which resulted in the deaths of millions, the only pony to ever beat Ferrum in single combat, was standing not ten feet away. Ferrum's eyes darted to a chair next to Nocturne, where his weapons were thrown in a haphazard fashion. If I'm fast enough...maybe... Ferrum blinked. I'm not wearing pants... Four years ago, such a fact wouldn't have cause Ferrum pause, but ever since he'd gone anthro... well, it appeared that his transformation had not only changed his physical form, but also his perceptions of what was socially acceptable. His lack of a shirt changed nothing, but no pants... He would have to be very fast indeed.

Nocturne frowned.

"I take it you still don't trust me." Ferrum's steely look was enough to answer the question.

"Ouch," Nocturne deadpanned. He shrugged and turned toward the door, gesturing at Ferrum's gear as he did so.

"Whatever. Your stuff's on the chair. Clean clothes are in the closet on your right. Dinner's in ten. Join me if you want." The door, encased in an icy blue aura, opened before Nocturne, who strode through, hands in pockets. The door closed with an almost inaudible click.

Ferrum lay in bed, rubbing his throbbing horn gently. Terrifying dreams of his battle against Nocturne had plagued his sleep for the last month. Every time, right before Nocturne would land the finishing blow, his eyes would shift to a glowing emerald hue, and he would utter a single word.

"Soon."

His stomach rumbled loudly, eliciting a groan from Ferrum. Not eating for two days was starting to take it's toll.

Ferrum rolled out of bed, careful not to jerk his bandaged wing.

He walked slowly towards the closet, and snapped it open. Inside were three sets of clothing.

His battle gear hung on the far left. It was simple, a thick leather vest worn over an ornate tunic, with a plate of blackened iron strapped to the right shoulder. The suit was destroyed. The iron plate was scorched and melted in some places, due to a direct hit from the lightning. The vest and tunic were in worse condition, now torched scraps of clothe bearing only slight semblance to actual clothes. Ferrum noticed that his cloak was nowhere to be found. Considering how everything else had been salvaged, Ferrum assumed that it had been lost at sea.

In the middle hung a very posh suit, at least to Ferrum's standards. Black slacks, white collared shirt, black tie, and black jacket. The tie and jacket are just overkill... Ferrum said to himself as he turned to the third and final set of clothing.

On the far right hung... Ferrum stared in awe and horror. Four years ago, he'd left the Assassin's Guild to protect them from facing the consequences of harboring him. He'd turned in his old assassin outfit, and left with virtually nothing to his name. Ferrum now once again gazed upon his old gear, or rather, his old gear transformed to fit his new body. Ferrum ran his fingers over the front of the vest, were a massive gash appeared to have been stitched closed with great skill. Ferrum's ears flattened against his head as he drew his hand away. He'd gotten that wound fighting the pony who was now housing him, and who expected him to dine with him.

Ferrum donned the formal attire, minus the jacket and tie. If Nocturne wanted me dead, he would have left me in the ocean Ferrum told himself as he slipped his shirt on, carefully threading his wings through a pair of holes in the back. As he dressed, the room rocked slowly, verifying Ferrum's guess that he was on a boat. He pondered why his motion sickness wasn't acting up. What did Nocturne do? Ferrum decided he would ask Nocturne at dinner when he couldn't think of a logical answer.

Now fully dressed, Ferrum turned his attention to his weapons: a belt stuffed to bursting with assorted knives, his grieves with hidden blades, and lastly, an empty sheath. The sheath had once held Jerry in his sword form, but with Jerry absent, it lay empty. He donned them all and walked out the door. Can never be too careful he thought to himself. The hallway was fairly narrow, with only enough room for two ponies to walk abreast. Wall lights set two yards apart, filling the hallway with a soft yellow glow.

How big is this ship? Ferrum wondered as he passed dozens of rooms, which upon further inspection, were all empty barracks.

Did Nocturne use a pocket dimension just to house the inside of the ship?

A door on Ferrum's right swung inwards, revealing...an anthro earth pony's skeleton. It walked into the hall, then turned toward Ferrum. It's empty eyes observed Ferrum for several seconds, then spoke. It's voice appeared to be produced by the vibration of the bones in it's chest.

"Nocturne is expecting you," was all that it said. It then wheeled around and strode down the hall, away from Ferrum.

Ferrum shuddered. He'd seen, and fought, skeletal ponies before, but they never ceased to unsettle him. He turned into the open door and stopped.

He was in his kitchen. Or, at least, an exact replica, judging from the ocean surging in the dirty glass window. A simple iron chandelier hung over the table, at which Nocturne was reclining, gazing through the window.

Nocturne gestured toward the empty seat, which Ferrum slowly walked over to and sat down in. Ferrum winced as his bandaged wing caught on the back of the chair, which he quickly adjusted. Nocturne's gaze never left the ocean, which gleamed orange in the setting sun.

The two sat in silence. A skeletal pegasus arrived, carrying one plate, laden with fruits and vegetables, and set it in front of Ferrum. The skeleton then set a noxious looking green beverage in front of Nocturne. Ferrum raised an eyebrow, then dug into his meal. Nocturne gave Ferrum an envious look, then turned his attention to his...drink. He picked it up, and chugged it as fast as he could. He shuddered as he set the glass down, gagging at the awful taste.

"Taste bad?" inquired Ferrum innocently.

"You have no idea..." replied Nocturne. Ferrum smiled. His younger brother, though at one point an evil dictator, was still family. Ferrum had only been defeated because he'd been distracted. An explosion causing a wall to spontaneously burst into thousands of marble shards, with multiple shards hurtling toward him, can do that.

Ferrum's thoughts were interrupted by Nocturne saying," Anyway, I have something for you."

Ferrum raised a questioning eyebrow, and readied his hidden blades, as Nocturne motioned to a skeleton that was standing in the corner. Then again, this particular family member almost killed Ferrum before. It left the room, returning soon after bearing an ornate blade. The skeleton strode over to Ferrum and offered the alicorn the hilt.

Ferrum raised his other eyebrow as he grasped the hilt slowly and lifted the sword from the skeleton's hands. It was a hand-and-a-half sword, with a ruby embedded in the cross-guard. The silver blade gleamed in the setting sun.

"To fill that empty sheath of yours," explained Nocturne.

"...Thank you..." said Ferrum quietly. Ferrum turned to Nocturne, eyebrows knitting together.

"Why would you do this? I mean, save me from drowning, give me clothes and this sword, fix my motion sickness...?"

Nocturne sighed, smiling ruefully.

"Leave it to my brother to look for an ulterior motive. But yes, I have my reasons. I need you in top condition if you're to help me stop the Celestine Games and clear my name."

"Oh? You expect me to help you? Why should I?" Ferrum taunted.

Nocturne's eyes narrowed as he said," Because you owe me."

Ferrum remained silent for a couple minutes, glaring at Nocturne, who returned the gaze with equal intensity.

"I have a couple questions for you," Ferrum stated matter-of-factly, leaning back in his chair. Nocturne nodded for Ferrum to continue.

"First, how come I'm not feeling the affects of motion sickness?"

"Well," said Nocturne, going into lecture mode," Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear , the eyes, and other areas of the body that detect motion send unexpected or conflicting messages to the brain. One part of your balance-sensing system may sense that your body is moving, while the other parts do not sense motion. For example, if you are in the cabin of a moving ship, your inner ear may sense the motion of big waves, but your eyes don't see any movement. This leads to a conflict between the senses and results in motion sickness."

"Thanks for the biology lesson," said Ferrum dryly," but you didn't answer my question."

"I was getting to that. While you were unconscious, I kinda... did some neural surgery. I remembered your motion sickness, and how inconveniencing it was, so I... fixed it."

Ferrum glared at Nocturne.

"You messed with my comatose body... my BRAIN... just to fix my motion sickness?"

"What?" asked Nocturne indignantly. "It wasn't that intrusive. Plus, I didn't feel like having you puke all over my ship."

Ferrum's glare hardened, making Nocturne visibly flinch.

"Next question," growled Ferrum.

"Where were you for those four years, and how did you get back?"

Nocturne frowned.

"Back? Who said I ever left?"

At Ferrum's raised eyebrow, Nocturne said," As a matter of fact, I didn't really need to be sent anywhere. After your human did his whole 'power overload' thing, the Nightmare, the Demon that had corrupted me and increased my power, was flung into the deepest reaches of Tartarus. However, with it, the Demon took all my power, leaving me in a similar state to Princess Luna after her encounter with the Elements of Harmony. Though, to answer your question, I was teleported to an old shack in the Southern-most reaches of the Hayseed Swamps. Apparently, it once belonged to a necromancer that'd survived Celestia's Crusade against the Necromancer Guild. There, I discovered how to make a potion that would gradually give me my powers back, which you witnessed me drinking a couple minutes ago. The necromancer had both a graveyard and a personal dock at his disposal, which I thought was almost too convenient."

"Regardless, I reanimated some skeletons and had them repair the necromancer's ship, which had been rotting in the swamp for who-knows-how-many years. About a month ago, Death paid me a visit, and told me about the Games. He said if I stopped them, I might be able to redeem myself of past wrongs. And here we are, on my ship, sailing towards Horse Shoe Bay. We'll sail up the river, through the Everfree Forest, where we'll disembark in Froggy Bottom Bog, from which we'll walk straight to Ponyville."

Ferrum sat quietly for a minute. So the Nightmare is what made him so powerful... Still...

"What were you doing so far North for so long?" he asked Nocturne.

"Searching."

"For what, or whom?" asked Ferrum.

"That's none of your business," snapped Nocturne.

Silence once again reigned over the dinner table.

Nocturne shifted in his chair.

"So... What happens now?" Nocturne asked casually.

Ferrum narrowed his eyes at his brother.

"After this, we're square. Understood?"

Nocturne nodded respectfully as Ferrum stood and left the room.

Nocturne waited a couple minutes before turning to a skeleton that was standing in the corner.

"You may go."

The skeleton nodded and left the room, leaving Nocturne alone at the table.

Nocturne pulled a folded photo from his pocket and carefully opened it.

Three ponies were depicted sitting under a tree, shaded from the noon sun. On the right, Nocturne sat, caught in the act of laughing happily. To his left, was an earth pony mare with a dark gray mane and tail, a light gray coat and light purple eyes, smiling down at a filly between them. The filly was smiling as only a child full of innocence could. The filly looked like a miniature version of the mare, save for blue eyes, her mane being black with blue highlights, and wings. Nocturne was embracing the mare, and had a hoof on the filly's shoulder.

The corner of Nocturne's mouth twitch upwards as he reminisced the life he had once had. Then he frowned. He folded up the picture and put it back in his pocket.

There would be time to regain what he lost after he cleared his name. Nocturne got up and strode from the room. He needed to check how long it would take to reach Ponyville. He was growing tired of all the complications.

On the other side of the ship, the skeleton that had been dismissed by Nocturne approached an unlit lantern.

"Ferrum has accepted Nocturne's proposal," the skeleton told the lantern.

A wisp of dark energy escaped the lantern.

"That isss good newsss. Our massster will be pleasssed. Now, return to your possst. It would be a ssshame if we lossst you."

The skeleton nodded once and retreated down the hall, leaving the black wisp of energy alone, which slowly faded into nothingness.

The skeleton turned the corner, and Ferrum promptly punched the traitorous sack of bones in the face. The skeleton was hurled forcefully down the hall as Ferrum advanced on its fallen form. He grasped it by the neck- er, spine- and shook it violently.

"WHO IS YOUR MASTER?!" Ferrum roared.

The skeleton laughed, a shrill ringing that set Ferrum's teeth on edge.

"You know nothing, foolish colt! Your Guild will fall, and your world with it!" The skeleton cackled.

Ferrum stood, rage twisting his features, as he released the skeleton, which stayed lying on the floor. Ferrum lifted up his hoof, and crushed its skull into shards. The cackling was cut off, and the skeleton collapsed into dust.

Ferrum took a shaky breath, trying to calm down.

The demon which had inhabited the skeleton, a Shade, a being with no true soul, had been right. He had no idea what was going on, and he hated it.

Ferrum shook his head. Letting his anger control his actions had been disastrous in the past, and he needed a clear head if he was going to do anything. Ferrum kicked at the dust half-heartedly, and made his way back towards his room.

Andromeda sat on the edge of the bed, the sounds of the city doing nothing to distract her from her thoughts.

"Ferrum Latet is not your true father," the changeling had said. Andromeda had tried to commune with Death, but he had refused to heed her calls.

She looked at the item in her hands. Unbeknownst to her, it was identical to Nocturne's, save for dramatically fewer creases. She gazed at the picture, trying to memorize the faces depicted. Moe had slipped it into her jacket pocket when he was whispering to her, but it held no real answers to her. She recognized none of the ponies, save for the filly, which she took to be her. All Moe had done was fill her life with questions.

Who, and what, was her real father?

Why had he left her in Ferrum's care?

And why couldn't she remember anything before Ferrum smiling at her, telling her that she was his daughter, and that he would take care of her?

She sighed, before putting on a mask of indifference, just as Ferrum instructed.

"If you look like you doubt yourself, others will take advantage of it," Ferrum had said. "Lock away your emotions, your feelings, and you can be safe from the evils of the world."

She wondered what he had really been trying to say. Why wouldn't he want her to feel?

She stood up as her companions entered.

Twilight quickly strode to her side.

"Are you alright? Did Moe say something bad? Did-"

"I require no further assistance," Andromeda stated in a calming manner.

"Moe told me nothing that should have elicited such a response. I over-reacted. Nothing more."

Rainbow Dash didn't look convinced, but she crossed her arms and remained silence.

Ironbeak shrugged.

"Regardless, the train to Ponyville leaves in three days, so we might as well rest up 'till then."

Andromeda nodded.

Twilight suddenly clapped her hand together.

"Oh my gosh! We could have a slumber party!"

Everyone groaned.

Chapter 6: Knock-knock

5,720 years ago

A wizened old earth pony sat before an ebony colt, who shifted under the elder's milky-white gaze.

"I know what you are, and I know what you are not," stated the pony.

"Thou speaks in strange tongues, Prophet," the colt responded. The pony smiled, then convulsed as he coughed violently. Speckles of red fell upon the colt's jet black mane and fur, but he remained still.

"Your parents keep many secrets from you, Blade That Walks in Shadow," the pony wheezed.

"Mind thy tongue of mine elders, and mine name is Ferrum Latet. Don't thee forget it," the colt said through gritted teeth, his cheeks flushed, and his wings widening reflexively.

"You are blinded by your emotions, Blade. Even I can see as much. However, discussing your... situation... was not the reason for your coming here, correct?"

The colt nodded slowly after a minute, his horn horn glowing red as he pulled a roll of parchment, an inkwell, and a white feather from his saddlebags, which lay nearby.

"My guardians, Solaris and Noctis, asked of me to record thine words of prophesy," the colt said.

The pony smiled sadly.

"As you wish."

The pony's eyes began to glow a brilliant white, and he began to speak in a deep, rough voice that was not his own.

"He will fall when his world burns by his will,

When a world of ashes he must till.

He will rise once more among the dead,

When faces of loved are filled with dread.

Together with those of a world of war

They must find a way to close the Door

And one with many faces he must kill."

The pony collapsed, blood slowly oozing out of his mouth. The colt carefully put away his materials, his task complete, then went to check the old pony's pulse.

There was none.

"That was dramatic, even for you, Prophet," Ferrum remarked, bowing his head.

"May thou find peace in the Everlasting Glade."

As the colt strode out of the lean-to, the red in the blood coalesced onto a single strand of hair, permanently staining that part of his mane.

Outside, a young white stallion with stands of blue in his mane stood waiting.

"Did he say anything of interest?" The colt asked, falling into step next to Ferrum.

Ferrum sighed and floated the scroll over to the other foal, who caught it deftly in his bright blue glow.

A couple seconds later, he returned it.

"Sounds dramatic," the white foal remarked.

"Nocturne, if it didn't, the Prophet would have to give up his Gift. By the way, how are we to tell Solaris that the Prophet is dead?"

"Solaris? I believe he'll harbor no hard feelings against you, but I would wait to reveal the results of your task until Noctis leaves with Tia and Luna."

The two foals continued in silence, thunder in the distance foretelling an approaching storm.

Present day

"GET ON YOUR KNEES WITH YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD!"

The man sighed as he complied. He was in the middle of a decrepit building, rubble piled in corners of it's various rooms. An officer in a beige trench coat approached the kneeling man, smiling wickedly, pistol pointed an the man's head.

"Jonathan Clark," the officer said," you've led us on one hell of a goose chase. Any last words before we take you back?"

"Yeah," Clark said, looking the officer in the eye.

"Fuck off."

The officer tisked as he got closer, gun still leveled.

"Language," the officer said in an accusatory tone, pulling out a pair of handcuffs.

John Clark lept up and tackled the officer, sending the gun flying off into the darkness. Clark leapt away from the officer, sprinting out of the building... into a squad of police officers, guns all trained on Clark.

John chuckled darkly as he raised his hands once more.

"This day just keeps getting better and better..." he muttered darkly.

The officer he'd tackled strode out the building, sporting a bloody nose, a comically large bump on his head, and an unnaturally wide smile.

"Stand down, Clark. You've been on the run for months, and your superiors are eager to see you again."

One of the police officers, donned in full body armor, went to Clark and handcuffed him.

The officer in the trench coat led Clark to a waiting car and shoved him in the back seat.

After the door was closed, Clark peeked back at the building. In one of the windows of the top floor, John spotted someone watching the scene unfold, then quickly retreat from the window. Clark smiled as he relaxed in the back seat, the car slowly lifting off the cracked asphalt road, angling up towards the crowded skyways.

He needed to rest up if he was going to escape.

In the year 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I. As other countries entered the space race, the National Association for Space Exploration and Colonization slowly began to develop. Two hundred years after the Sputnik launch, N.A.S.E.C. rose from the shadows and waged a planet-wide civil war against the world superpowers at the time: China, Russia, France, Britain, Japan, India, Germany, Pakistan, Brazil, and the United States of America. N.A.S.E.C. defeated them all and instigated a plutocracy across the entire planet. In the year 2387, N.A.S.E.C. developed the first slipdrive, a device that allowed almost instantaneous travel through space, opening the vast expanse of space to exploration and colonization.

Ten months ago, in June of the year 2403, N.A.S.E.C. developed a prototype for a slipdrive that allowed travel to alternate dimensions. Johnathan Clark, captain of the vessel Black Hawk, had fled with the stolen device after a confrontation with his superiors at N.A.S.E.C., and ended up crash landing a planet later dubbed "Equis." As the only survivor of that fateful accident, John Clark instigated the first recorded contact with ponykind. John Clark ended up battling in a planet-wide war between ponies and griffons, which climaxed in a showdown against a corrupted necromancer. With the help of a Demon named Jerry, John Clark had managed to open a rift in space-time, and banished the necromancer, though the resulting energy flux had sent Clark back to Earth.

That was four months ago. Since then, Clark had led a band of revolutionaries in an attempt to bring down a corrupt N.A.S.E.C., which had been trying to locate the dimension that Clark had visited for unknown reasons. Now, Clark has been captured by the forces he'd been engaged with in a bloody guerrilla war...

John was roughly pulled out of the car. For a moment, Clark admired the N.A.S.E.C. Headquarters Building, located in Washington D.C., the last stand for the old superpowers. The building itself was built to resemble a strand of DNA, a glass double helix that reached into the heavens. Then Clark was shoved through the front doors. He briefly glanced to his left, where a woman in the black stealth armor of the N.A.S.E.C. Special Forces was engaged in a heated discussion with a man in a heavy Juggernaut suit, identifying him as a soldier in N.A.S.E.C.'s Mobile Infantry. The red-haired secretary at the white marble desk looked ill prepared to deal with the argument, especially when the words "missed" and  "anniversary" were the prime topics of discussion.

John smiled as he passed. His team was early. The police officer shoved him into one of the waiting glass elevators and pushed a button near the door. The door sealed shut, and the elevator shot upward.

The two stood in silence as the elevator rose up the double helix. At the thousandth floor, the elevator doors hissed open. Up here, oxygen had to be pumped up using a series of pumps and pipes.

The police officer roughly led Clark to a door, and after knocking three times, entered, shoving John into the room, almost sending him sprawling. Inside was a large, metal, semicircular desk, with thirteen people sitting at it, one for every district of the Earth. Each one had a personal army, each outnumbering Clark's a ten thousand to one.

The man in the center dismissed the officer, who saluted and left the room.

The man smiled.

"Hello, Mr. Clark. Long time, no see."

"Fuck you," Clark snapped.

The man frowned.

"We were hoping you might be more... cooperative. There-"

"There are only so many ways that I can dismiss you," John interrupted," and the rest of your bullshit organization. You have me, if that. What else do you want?"

The man's gaze became level.

"Let me put it this way," he said dangerously. "You stole something very valuable, and it is imperative that we find-"

"Over my dead fucking body," Clark interrupted for the second time.

A woman on the far right smirked.

"That can be arranged," she said as she stood up and pulled out a pistol from a hip-holster.

"Ambassador Davis, put away your firearm and sit down!" The man in the center yelled.

"Now, Clark," the man said, returning his attention to the handcuffed man in front of him," there are no need for such unpleasantness. Surely we can negotiate some-"

"There is nothing to negotiate!" snarled Clark.

The man's eyes narrowed, then he leaned back, smiling.

"Not even the lives of your teammates?"

Clark's eyes narrowed.

"Please, Mr. Clark. Did you really believe that you would be able to escape? Our security guards easily located your men, all of which are now in custody."

"How many?" Clark asked, a smirk slowly spreading across his face.

"I beg your pardon?" asked the man. The other men and women were beginning to look uneasy.

"How many people did you arrest?"

"Eight, of course. The standard number of subordinates in our military organizations."

Clark smiled winningly.

"You missed a couple," he stated matter-of-factly. Then he dived to the floor, the door being blasted open a split second later. On the other side, was the woman in the black stealth armor, wielding a none-too-stealthy shotgun. As she pumped the cocking mechanism, she took a step through the demolished doorway.

"Knock-knock!" she jeered as she leveled the shotgun with the desk. All the N.A.S.E.C. officials dived for cover as the women unleashed a storm of lead into the table.

"About time, Susan! Where's backup?" Clark said as the two of them raced out of the room, the world leaders already calling in "reinforcements."

"Jackson's covering our exit, and Sergeant Hope went to secure our evac," Susan said as they raced towards the elevators.

"What about the others?"

They stopped at the elevator. Susan refused to meet Clark's gaze.

"He wasn't lying about the arrests."

"We're going after them," Clark stated.

"Clark, that's not-"

"Susan, I'm not leaving them behind. Not this time."

"...Fine."

Susan slammed a fist into the "down" button, then brought a hand up to an earpiece.

"Hope, me, Jackson, and Clark are going after the others."

Susan listened carefully, frowning.

"Copy that. Johnson, signing out."

She turned to Clark.

"Hope says if we're not at the rendezvous point in thirty, she's bailing. She said the LZ is getting too hot."

Clark shrugged.

"We'll make do."

The elevator dinged as it arrived at there level. It opened to reveal David "Nuke" Jackson, his Juggernaut suit all but destroyed, blood and burn marks staining what was left of it. He tossed aside a crumpled mass of metal that looked suspiciously similar to a minigun as he exited.

"This elevator is out of order. We need a Plan B," he stated flatly.

"Plan B went to hell when ten of us got arrested! Same goes for Plans C though Z!" Susan retorted

"Then we improvise," David said as he tossed a couple primed grenades into the elevator, before running off down one of the corridors. Susan and John didn't hesitate to sprint after him, an explosion sounding behind them.

"The fuck happened to the gun?!" asked John as they ran.

"I ran out of bullets," Jackson replied stoically.

David charged towards the glass window at the end of the hallway, arms covering his face protectively.

He burst through in a shower of razor-sharp shards, hurling himself over the side.

John and Susan skidded to a halt at the shattered window.

"The fuck just happened?!" exclaimed Susan as John peered over the edge. John smiled wickedly.

"Clever," he stated as he leaped into the thin air, arms spread wide as he disappeared from view.

"The fuck is wrong with everyone today?!" Susan was standing stock still, having witnessed two of her teammates leap off the thousandth floor.

A Falcon class heli-jet lifted itself into view, twin jet engines lifting it so that it was level with the window.

Clark waved from the open side, Jackson having already taken a place at one of the side-turrets.

She smiled disbelievingly as she leapt aboard.

"Since when could we afford a chopper?" she shouted to Clark as they zoomed down towards the buildings below.

"N.A.S.E.C. was feeling quite generous, so I hear!" He shouted back.

The side-door of the aircraft snapped closed as he continued.

"I hate to ask," Susan shouted to Jackson," but who the hell is flying this bucket?!"

Rainbow Dash sighed heavily, her wings folded neatly against her back, as she trudged towards the train station.

"Go buy tickets, they said. It'll distract you, they said. Stay out of sight, they said. It probably won't rain, they said," she muttered darkly as she headed down the concrete sidewalk, fat raindrops soaking her trench coat and hoofball cap.

Ironbeak had told her to stay grounded, as flying through a storm is both dangerous and suspicious, leaving her no real other option than walking on hoof.

As a Guard patrol neared, she pulled her cap down lower over her face and trudged on, careful not to make eye contact with the ponies as they passed.

"Psst."

Dash nearly had a heart attack. Adrenaline pumping though her veins, she whirled around, intent on confronting the perpetrator.

Other than the quickly retreating patrol of guards, there was no one on the rain-slick road.

"Psst!" The voice came again, this time a bit more urgently.

Turning to a nearby alleyway, Dash spotted a pair of green eyes, shrouded by emerald hair, staring at her.

"What part of 'psst' don't you understand?" Moe asked, sounding slightly irritated..

"The lack of any discernible words, for one," Rainbow snipped back.

Moe chuckled.

"Anyway," he said, letting his voice drop to a low whisper, barely heard over the rain," I've come to give you a snippet of friendly advice."

"Advice?"

"Indubitably," Moe replied.

"No matter what you hear," Moe said," no matter who you meet, DON'T stay in Canterlot Station longer than you need to. It could be bad for your health."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

"...Whatever you say, bug," Rainbow Dash muttered as she continued on her trudge to the station, leaving Moe standing in the rain.

Chapter 3: Through the Rabbit Hole

Chapter 3

Through the Rabbit Hole

         Ferrum clutched the railing, his face a shade more green than usual. He leaned over the side of the boat, retching violently. During a pause in his convulsions, he collapsed onto the deck, shivering. I can fly through the middle of a tempest unfazed, but I’m reduced to a shivering wreck by a boat ride...Pinkie Pie would have a field day explaining this...

         “Motion sickness?” Ferrum looked up, gazing glumly at Twilight’s silhouette. Celestia had already begun her morning ritual, red sun rising steadily into the empty sky.

         Ferrum slowly pulled himself up, still shaking.

         “Yeah...” Ferrum suddenly lunged for the side again, vomiting everything left in his stomach into the sea below. A couple dry-heaves later, his body relaxed. He turned back to Twilight, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

         Twilight continued, unfazed by Ferrum’s condition.

         “I know a very handy spell for that.” Ferrum clutched the railing tighter, overcome by a bout of dizziness.

         “That’s nice,” mumble Ferrum. “You gonna tell me, or you just gonna watch?” Ferrum inquired sourly, knuckles white against the rusted metal. He didn't feel like falling on his face in front of a princess just yet.

         While Twilight explained to Ferrum the finer points of how to not vomit out his liver, Rainbow Dash was soaring through the sky, reveling in the crisp wind ruffling her cyan feathers. Training for four years with Ferrum in a dark, dusty room wasn’t much her style. Her heart had ached for the open sky, for the adrenaline rush of plunging toward the earth, for the freedom that was synonymous with flying.

         “You’re gonna catch your death of cold flying up so high,” said a calm voice right next to her ear. She screeched to a halt, whirling around.

         Jerry floated next to her, eyebrow raised.

         “I’m sorry,” he said tiredly,” did I scare you?” Mischief gleamed in his emerald eyes.

         “Who, me?” Rainbow scoffed at the ridiculousness of the question, not willing to give Jerry the satisfaction.

         “I’m not scared of anypony.”

         Jerry pondered this statement, then retorted,” What about Ferrum?”

         Rainbow’s wings paused in there flapping. She quickly resumed the activity, but Jerry had seen her falter. He shrugged.

         “You have good reason to be. He’s a dangerous pony, even in his current condition.”

         Both looked down, observing Ferrum’s failed attempts to walk normally on the gently rocking boat. Ferrum lost his balance, and was sent sprawling onto the deck. Rainbow and Jerry guffawed at this, unable to contain their laughter any longer.

         “Oh, yes, very scary!” laughed Rainbow. The two watched Ferrum crawl back to their cabin, giggling as he went. They heard the door slam faintly, muffled by the distance.

         Twilight looked up and, upon spotting Rainbow’s miniscule form, waved her over. Rainbow shrugged, and dived down towards the boat.

         Jerry stayed where he was, thinking. He was recalling an old griffon sailor’s rhyme. Red in the morning, sailors take warning. Red at night, sailors delight. Jerry’s eyes alighted upon the rising sun, as well as the bloodied sky. To warn or not to warn, that is the question thought Jerry. Maybe just the captain he decided finally.

He dissipated, then reappeared behind the aging captain. Gray feather’s dotted the griffin's head, claws gripped firmly on the wheel. Jerry noticed the captain’s paw tapping nervously on the ground, tail twitching. No need to warn the captain. He appears to know what is going on. Jerry then dissipated once more, heading towards parts unknown. He had business to attend to.

         Meanwhile, Twilight was scolding the sagging figure of Rainbow Dash.

         “We could hear you laughing from all the way down here!” Twilight said, frustrated.

         “You should have seen Ferrum’s face. He looked extremely disappointed. You know how he has motion sickness, and you just laughed when he fell.” Twilight shook her head, violet hair swaying with her head’s motion.

         “You really should go apologize to him. I’m going to talk to the captain. I want to know when we’ll reach Manehattan.” Twilight left Rainbow alone, walking stiffly up a set of rickety wooden stairs, heading towards the bridge.

         Rainbow stood sullenly. She knew she should apologize, but...She slowly made her way towards the room. She put her hand on the round door knob, pausing to collect her thoughts.

She opened the door, which creaked slightly. Rainbow peaked inside. Ferrum was nowhere to be seen. His duffel bag, however, was lying in the middle of the floor.

She checked every nook and cranny, but Ferrum was nowhere to be found. She gazed back at the black duffel bag. Maybe just one quick peek she thought excitedly. She rushed up to the bag, careful to be quiet, in case Ferrum really was in the room. She glanced around one last time, then diverted her full attention to the bag. Carefully, she unzipped the bag. She peeked inside and saw...nothing.

The inside was an inky black that appeared to continue for eternity. She sat down, thinking carefully. Ferrum had taught her about dimensional gates, but she had never believed they really existed. She inched her hand into the blackness.

         She jerked it out, shivering. It’s FREEZING! she thought shivering, but her curiosity was peaked. She wanted to know where this gate would lead, if anywhere. She slowly dipped her arm, then wrenched it out. She realized she would have to do it quickly, like diving into frigid water, observing the frost on her hand.

She stood up, thinking Well, here goes nothing! She jumped down into the icy depths, shutting her eyes tightly. After she had vanished, the duffel bag slowly closed itself, zipper removing any means of escape.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

         Rainbow raced through the icy black. Her wings were already frozen stiff, making it impossible to fly. She ran blindly, unable to even see her hands in front of her face. Every breath ached, icy gale blowing from her right. Wait a second! She skidded to a halt, slipping on what she hoped was ice, slowly turned till the wind was on her face, then sprinted in that direction.

         She tripped, falling painfully onto the all-too-solid ground. At least, it would be painful if her whole body wasn't numb with the cold. Rainbow struggled to stand, hooves slick against the ground. She collapsed, panting. She had been running for what felt like hours, and she had no energy left. Frost slowly encased Rainbow, who was too cold to feel anything and tired. She had been running for what seemed to be forever, with no sight of anything. She closed her eyes, tears running down her face. I can’t see...I can’t move...Am I dying?

         She tried to move her arm, but felt nothing. She cursed herself for being foolish enough to barge into the portal, not even knowing where it would lead. What is this place? Where is Ferrum?

“You’re Rainbow Dash, Ferrum’s apprentice.” A girl’s voice cut through the darkness, causing Rainbow’s eyes to burst open. Her eyes zipped around, but not even her eyes could penetrate the inky blackness. Am I hearing things? She tried harder to move, but her body was frozen to the ground.

         “This will not please father in the least...” The girl’s voice echoed through the darkness.

         “If you die before your time, he will not be happy. I believe I have no choice...”

         A glowing azure circle surrounded Rainbow. Her eyes grew wide, helpless to do anything but accept her fate. Mysterious symbols materialized at the edge of the circle, confusing Rainbow even more. Slowly, the markings rotated, inching towards Rainbow. Panic gripped Rainbow. She struggled against the ice clinging to her body, to no avail.

         “I wouldn’t struggle. Otherwise, your body may disintegrate,” pointed out the voice matter-of-factly. Rainbow glared in the direction of the voice, mouth too numb to do anything other than a grunt. A figure calmly strode toward the glowing circle. Rainbow gasped, marveling at the creature before her.

         The figure stood on two lanky legs, similarly to Jerry and John Clark, the only difference being hooves where feet should be. And fur. That’s a big one. Rainbow’s eyes made their way up toward the strange creature’s face, pausing momentarily on the figure’s chest. Definitely a woman...decided Rainbow as her eyes continued their voyage up the figure’s body. The figure’s face was cold, cold as the ice that still trapped Rainbow, ice that was slowly melting. Rainbow didn't dare move, recalling the figure’s words of warning.

The ice began dissipate, water hissing as it hit one of the blue symbols. Warmth began to spread throughout Rainbow’s body, returning feeling to all of Rainbow’s nerves. However, she was still uneasy about this strange figure.

Rainbow asked cautiously,” Who exactly are you?” Being Rainbow’s savior didn’t automatically make her Rainbow’s friend.

         The figure stared back with unfeeling, azure eyes.

         “I am Andromeda, Demon Blade Third Class,” She said. Rainbow averted her gaze, shivering. She had never heard a voice so devoid of emotion.

         “I am also Ferrum’s daughter,” Andromeda continued calmly.

         Rainbow’s eyes snapped back to the figure, whose obsidian black hair was beginning to frost over. Daughter? Ferrum has a demon for a daughter?!

         Suddenly, the glyphs disappeared, plunging the two into darkness before Rainbow could figure out what race the demon reminded her of.

         “You are free of the ice. I will now take you to Ferrum,” declared a voice in the blackness.

         “Wait, what?” Rainbow stood up and looked around, hoping to catch some glimpse of Andromeda again. She said she would take me to Ferrum, but how can I follow her if I can’t see her? She shivered, cold attempting to regain lost ground.

         “One moment.” Rainbow looked around trying to get a bead on where the voice was coming from. It appeared to be coming from all directions at once.

         A glowing tunnel materialized in the ground in front of Rainbow Dash, causing her to shy away. She stopped, then peered closer at the tunnel. The whole thing seemed to be made of blue fire, but no heat emanated from it. Curious, she glanced around, squatted down and poked the edge of the tunnel with a tentative finger.

A massive force sucked Rainbow screaming into the tunnel. The entrance of the tunnel quickly winked out of existence.

         A voice rang through the darkness.

         “See you soon...”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

         Rainbow was having an exceptionally good time. Zooming through a tunnel of living flames was almost as exciting than flying! She marveled at the glowing tube, blue flames licking her body harmlessly. Her euphoria was cut short by the tunnel ending, launching her into a gray stone wall. Rainbow crumpled onto the cold stone floor, only vaguely aware of the tunnel winking out of existence.

         “Ungh,” Rainbow groaned, rubbing her head. A massive headache had blossomed, and she had a feeling it wasn’t going to go away anytime soon.

         She gave herself a once over, verifying that nothing was broken. Satisfied that nothing was, she took in her surroundings.

         Rainbow was kneeling in what appeared to be a massive locker room. Metal doors divided the gray walls, the only light coming from a flickering light bulb in the middle of the ceiling. Rainbow stood up, hand still clamped firmly on her head. She gazed worriedly around her. The demon girl was nowhere to be seen, as was Ferrum. Rainbow decided to spend time looking at various names on the lockers. She stumbled past a large post in the middle of the pathway, lockers stretching forward as far as her keen eyes could see.

         “At least it’s warm...” Rainbow muttered, rubbing the sore spot on her head, which was forming into a comically large bump. A name on one of the lockers caught her attention, drawing her out of herself pity. “Latet and Jerry” was scrawled in cursive upon the metal locker, which appeared to be smeared with rust. She glanced to either side of herself, and upon seeing no one, reached a tentative hand toward the handle.

         “That locker is not yours,” declared Andromeda calmly. Rainbow wheeled around, drawing a knife from a sheath hidden in the small of her back. Seeing that there was no one around her, she slowly turned back toward the locker, knife still at the ready. A pair of blue  eyes stared levelly Rainbow Dash’s own magenta eyes.

Rainbow froze. The dagger clattered uselessly to the ground, Dash’s hands trembling violently. What the BUCK is going on?! Why can’t I move?! Rainbow struggled against her invisible bonds, glaring pointedly at Andromeda, who was standing casually, arms crossed.

         “Ferrum gets upset when other ponies get into his things. He tends to break them.”

         “What, the ponies or his things?” Andromeda cocked her head at the retort, then turned away. Rainbow’s body collapsed as the bonds melted away, letting her fall to her knees. Rainbow’s wings flapped weakly as she turned towards the retreating Andromeda.

         “What...Exactly...Did you just do?” Rainbow panted. Fighting the bonds had taken more out of her than she was willing to accept.

         “I did the same thing a snake does to its prey. Now, do you still wish to find Ferrum?”

         Rainbow Dash paused before answering. She had laughed at Ferrum, as well as jumped into his duffel bag...

         “Yeah, lead the way.” She wasn’t gonna chicken out now, not after all she’d been through. That headache might never go away!

         Rainbow got to her hooves, and flew after Andromeda.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

         As she flew behind Andromeda, Rainbow got a good view of her guide. Black hair billowed behind her, gray fur hugging her petite form. Her tail was the same color as her hair, save for a blue stripe down the middle. A cutie mark was imprinted on Andromeda’s black jeans, a sixteenth note engulfed in blue flame. A black-leather vest almost identical to Ferrum’s covered Andromeda’s chest, with two slits in the back for Andromeda’s silvery wings. For a demon, she looks a lot like a pegasus... Rainbow thought, puzzled.

         Andromeda stopped in front of another locker, pointing at it.

         “This one is ours.” Rainbow glided over, and sure enough, in the exact same format as Ferrum’s locker, Rainbow Dash and Andromeda’s names were scrawled in cursive upon the metal door.

         Rainbow landed and stood next to Andromeda, observing the rusty locker. She turned to Andromeda.

         “Why is your name there too?” Andromeda returned the gaze coolly. Rainbow took a step back, remembering the last time she had looked into Andromeda’s eyes. Nothing happened for a full minute.

         “Ferrum designated you to be my partner,” said Andromeda finally. Rainbow huffed.

         “What do you mean, partner?”

         “Ferrum believes that even though you are a qualified assassin, you still need training to become a master.”

         “But I-”

         “In case you have forgotten, you froze up when attacked by the Royal Guards that had gone rogue. If Ferrum had not intervened, you would be dead.” Andromeda turned once again to Rainbow Dash, who had paled considerably.

         “Or worse.” Rainbow looked down. As much as she hated to admit it, Andromeda had a point, the little bitch. She had frozen up when the-

         “Wait, did you say that those were rogues?”

         “Yes. Ferrum dispatched them and received a monetary reward for eliminating the rogues. Which you would know if you had chosen to remain with Ferrum on the boat instead of playing. In fact-”

         “Whatever,” Rainbow interrupted Andromeda, eliciting a raised eyebrow. Rainbow was unsure of how Andromeda knew so much, but she wasn't in the mood to be scolded by somepony she didn't even know.

         “Very well,” said Andromeda after a pause.

         “It is time to go to father.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

         The locker, Rainbow learned, was actually a door into a grand arena. She had never seen so many beings in one place, not even at the Summer Sun Celebration. It was a massive circle, with stands for viewers along the parameter. In the center was a massive structure made entirely of glass that was, as Rainbow observed, was in the process of being demolished.

         A black figure, whom Rainbow assumed to be Ferrum, was in the middle of a battle with a swarm of...things. They resembled dragons in their general body shape, except that they wore glistening golden armor and wielding massive swords, each easily the same size as their owners, who towered a full meter above Ferrum. Ferrum, to his credit, was dodging the swipes from his opponents, slicing through their armor with an obsidian blade that Rainbow didn’t recognize. However, blood flowed from multiple wounds upon Ferrum’s body, splattering blood upon the glass walls every time he moved. It was clear: Ferrum was fighting a losing battle.

         “Are you willing to help him?”

         Rainbow turned towards Andromeda, who was standing a couple feet to her left.

         “Of course I am! What, you think I’m just gonna watch him die?!”

         Andromeda, who had been observing the fight, turned toward Rainbow.

         “I need you to trust me.”

         “Wait, what?” Rainbow shifted nervously. She didn’t trust Andromeda much, especially after the whole hypnosis thing. Rainbow slumped. She knew if she didn’t do anything, Ferrum would die. She nodded glumly.

         “Fine.” Andromeda extended a hand towards Rainbow.

         “Then take my hand.”

         Rainbow Dash looked down at the hand, then back to Andromeda’s face, searching for any sign of deceit. Seeing none, she nodded to herself and grasped Andromeda’s hand firmly.

         Rainbow’s headache returned with a vengeance, leaving her struggling to remain conscience. Black dots appeared before her eyes, threatening to plunge the world into darkness. All at once, the pain disappeared. Rainbow realized that she was lying face down in the dirt.

Now pick me up ordered a voice in Rainbow’s head. Rainbow looked around. Andromeda was nowhere to be seen, but an azure blade lay on the ground next to Rainbow.

         “Sweet Celestia, is that you?”

No, I’m the rock by your hoof. Rainbow looked back, and indeed there was a pebble by her hoof. She made a move to grab it, but she hesitated.

I see your ability to detect sarcasm is lacking. I am the sword. And you had better move unless you wish to be a head shorter. Rainbow glanced back toward the glass castle, only to see a massive pile of glass rubble. That, and a dragon-warrior charging toward her, massive blade raised menacingly.

         Rainbow lunged for the sword, hoping she could dodge the dragon’s blow. Her hand clasped the black hilt of the azure blade.

         Of its own accord, her arm swung the blade around, deflecting the blow that would have surely decapitated her. Marveling at her suddenly accentuated reflexes, she lunged at the beast. Rainbow felt zero resistance as the blade sliced the warrior in half, spraying blood upon the sandy floor. She watched in fascinated horror as the dragon dropped its blade upon the ground and collapsed, blood exploding from its wound.

You didn’t freeze up. Congratulations. Now go help Ferrum. Rainbow hesitated, then launched herself upward, wings flapping as she gained altitude. She paused near the top of the Stadium’s walls, then darted down. A Sonic Rainboom exploded in her wake, drawing the attention of the rest of the dragons away from Ferrum’s bloodied form.

         She crashed into the ground, sending dozens of the warriors flying into the stadium walls hundreds of meters away. Rainbow Dash knelt in a massive crater, caused by the massive force of her dive into the ground. She got up slowly, once again marveling how Andromeda had increased her physical prowess.

Stupid, yet effective Andromeda commented dryly in Rainbow’s mind. Rainbow, unable to decide whether to acknowledge the comment, just shrugged. She started to make her way up the crater wall, only to stop upon seeing the wall of warriors standing on the lip of the crater. Rainbow counted quickly the number of adversaries.

         “Fifty six…” she observed glumly.

This’ll be interesting observed Andromeda. Rainbow readied herself, gripping the hilt of her sword firmly.

         “Let’s get going, partner,” Rainbow said, crouching low to the ground.

Agreed.

         Rainbow charged.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

             Rainbow knelt in the broken glass, ignoring the blood tingeing her cyan fur red. Her left wing jutted out of her shirt at an awkward angle. Andromeda hovered beside her, wings beating steadily.

             “That…was…Awesome…” panted Rainbow Dash.

             “You overexerted your body. You almost died uncountable times. You broke your left wing. How can that be described as ‘awesome?’” Andromeda inquired. Rainbow shrugged, then flinched. Moving caused bolts of pain to shoot through her broken wing. She sighed heavily. O.K., Andromeda has a point. Now I can’t fly even if I had the energy left… Rainbow looked around, suddenly remembering the whole reason that she had killed all the dragons, which, upon further observation, were changelings in disguise.

             “Say, where’s Ferrum?”

             “I’m over here,” called a familiar voice.

             Rainbow turned smiling happily toward Ferrum, only to gape at the sight she beheld. Ferrum was untouched, his battle gear untorn and bloodless. He was smiling mischievously, sidling over to the kneeling Rainbow. However this wasn’t what shocked her. Next to spick-and-span Ferrum strode another Ferrum, this one wearing decimated armor, obsidian blade in hand, blood still gushing from a multitude of wounds, and wearing a smile identical to the Ferrum next to him. The biggest difference, however, was the eyes of the wounded Ferrum, which glowed emerald.

             “…Jerry…Ferrum… What?” Rainbow looked over her shoulder, and to her surprise, Andromeda looked as shocked as he felt.

             The Jerry/Ferrum’s form shimmered and faded away, revealing Jerry’s smoky form within. The blade dissipated into black smoke, which was absorbed into Jerry’s body.

             “Yo, Dash!” Jerry called teasingly.

             “Whatcha doin’ in Tartarus?” Jerry smiled even wider at Rainbow’s horrified expression.

             “Tartarus?! As in, prison-of-the-most-evil-horrible-despicable-ugly-demons, THAT Tartarus?!”

             “Yup. And you didn’t answer my question.”

             “I hope you didn’t come to apologize for your insolence,” Ferrum said coldly,” because that won’t do anything to help you.” He stopped in front of Rainbow Dash, ruby eyes flashing dangerously.

             “You laughed at me, looked through my private belongings, used my Dimensional Gate without permission, you would have frozen to death if Andromeda had not intervened, you entered the Arena, AND,” Ferrum bellowed,” YOU MADE ME LOSE A BET TO JERRY!” Ferrum pointed a furious finger at Jerry, who shrugged innocently.

             Rainbow, to her credit, had followed everything up ‘til the whole “losing a bet to Jerry” part.

             “What bet?” Rainbow asked, confused.

             At this, both Ferrum and Jerry looked at eachother, then proceed to laugh as hard as physically possible. Rainbow bristled. Ferrum had yelled at her, and now he was laughing?! He’s almost as bad as Pinkie thought Rainbow angrily.

             Ferrum, paused in his guffawing and addressed the two mares in front of him.

             “The bet was,” Ferrum said, smiling,” that that you two would be able to work together and take down all the changelings. Therefore,” Ferrum continued, eyes twinkling,” I am proud to announce that the two of you will be working together from now on!”

             Rainbow sat stunned, letting the full meaning of the words sink in.

             “Dad, you suck.” Everyone turned to look at Andromeda, who was still hovering next to Rainbow Dash.

             “Andromeda…” began Ferrum, frowning slightly.

             “I thought that you were in danger. You deceived me. Why?”

             Before Ferrum could answer, Jerry piped in.

             “Because dear old daddy didn’t feel like getting hurt just for show, so he had me be his stunt double. Because friends put themselves in harms way to help each other out.”

             Everyone stared at Jerry in shock. Ferrum cleared his throat.

             “That’s…ahem…one way to put it.” Ferrum turned back to Andromeda, who was nodding slowly.

             “I wanted to make sure that you two would be the one’s who would do the fighting. Knowing me, I would kill everything and leave no way for the two of you to prove yourselves.”

             Andromeda sighed, then turned towards Rainbow Dash.

             “It appears that our performance was up to par.”

             Rainbow Dash just shrugged.

             “I’m still getting over the fact that Jerry can shapeshift, kinda like a changeling,” she said mockingly, to which Jerry winced.

             The edge of Andromeda’s lips twitched upward. Ferrum clasped a hand on both their shoulders.

             “Now that that’s over with, let’s go see what Twilight’s up to,” he declared.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

             Twilight was having a bad day. After both Ferrum and Rainbow Dash disappeared to Luna-knows-where, she had had a long talk with the captain, who had warned her of the impending tempest. She had cast several spells around the ship, but for once in her life she didn’t have the necessary knowledge. Something she planned to rectify when she got home.

Twilight frowned. She had never explained to Ferrum or Rainbow Dash the reason she wanted the two of them to return to Equestria after four years of exile. She waved off the thought, deciding to reveal her reasoning at the earliest opportune moment.

             When the storm hit, the whole boat threatened to shake apart from the sheer force of the waves crashing against the hull, despite Twilight’s efforts to keep the boat together. The captain steered the vessel through the breakers, years of experience combined with an insane amount of luck keeping the boat from going under.

             It was at this time that the four travelers returned from Tartarus. Twilight wasn’t surprised at the fact that Ferrum had a Dimensional Gate, just by the action of four figures covered in frost coming out of a duffel bag. Ferrum flew above the deck, refusing to place a single hoof upon the rocking frame. Everypony else clutched the rails, desperate to keep themselves on deck. Everypony except Jerry, who was standing valiantly on the prow, arms spread wide, shouting,” I’M THE KING OF THE WORLD!” much to his companion’s chagrin. Salt water drenched everyone, leaving behind a biting cold and, well, salty taste in everyone’s mouth.

             “I’m gonna go up and see if I can’t calm this storm a bit!” Ferrum shouted over the roaring wind.

             “What?!” Rainbow exclaimed.

             “No way! It’s too dangerous!” agreed Twilight. Andromeda had inherited her father’s inability to keep cool on a moving vehicle, and any argument she might have had was drowned out by her projectile-vomiting the contents of her stomach overboard.

“If I don’t, the ship will be ripped apart!”

             Ferrum ignored the protests of his companions and hurled himself into the storm. His black form vanished in the torrent of rain that had sprung from the blackened sky.

             “FERRUM!” called Rainbow Dash, but no response was heard.

             “Dammit. Andromeda!” Andromeda had followed her father’s example and had taken off, hovering above the deck the deck to keep herself from hurling, but she now turned to the soaked Rainbow Dash.

             “We need to help Ferrum!” Rainbow yelled above the storm. Andromeda nodded in agreement and extended a hand. Rainbow took it firmly, then suddenly realized that she had almost passed out last time. The same, thankfully, did not occur, but was replaced by a blinding blue light coming from Andromeda, forcing everypony to look away. When the light faded, Rainbow Dash looked back, and where Andromeda had been, Rainbow grasped the hilt of an azure blade firmly in her right hand. She nodded to herself, then moved to leap overboard.

             Before she could launch herself overboard, she was enveloped in a purple aura. She couldn’t move, again. This seems to be a recurring theme with you stated Andromeda. Twilight crawled into Rainbow’s view, wings hanging limply at her sides, horn glowing violet in the gloom.

             “I can’t let you do that!” shouted Twilight. Rainbow glared daggers at her old friend, unwilling to give up on Ferrum.

             “Not without a little more help!” The glow move to Rainbow’s wings, and sank into the cyan feathers. As the magic was soaked in, the water was expelled, leaving Rainbow’s wings completely dry despite the torrential rain. A massive tingling, similar to the feeling caused a limb had fallen asleep, erupted in Rainbow’s left wing as bones knitted back together. Rainbow nodded in thanks, blushing at her almost suicidal action, then leaped overboard, Andromeda in tow.

             Even with her sharp eyes, it was nearly impossible to see anything in the storm. Following an old instinct, Rainbow launched herself in the direction she assumed was up. Her massive acceleration, augmented by Andromeda, created a Sonic Rainboom in her wake, illuminating the sea around her in glorious light. Two in one day. Oh joy commented Andromeda dryly. Rainbow ignored her, instead pointing the tip of the blade toward the solid cloud-cover above her. She slammed into the cloud, punching a hole through the storm. She hovered above the cloud, relishing the warmth of the glowing sun above her.

             She looked around and frowned. Where is Ferrum? wondered Rainbow, to which Andromeda replied Most likely still fighting the storm. Rainbow gazed around the mass of clouds, which, upon close inspection, were peppered with holes. No doubt Ferrum’s doing Rainbow thought reproachfully. Maybe he doesn't need my help after all... She made a move to dive back to the boat, but froze in the motion. A dart of black in the clouds had caught her attention.

             “Hey!” Rainbow exclaimed, seeing Ferrum’s unmistakable obsidian fur in the sea of gray. She charged towards Ferrum, who had disappeared into a massive cloud, punching a hole as he went. RAINBOW, STOP! Andromeda screamed in Rainbow’s head. Rainbow stopped in her dive, looking reproachfully at the sword in her right hand.

             “What’s the big idea?! Ferrum’s right there, and-”

Don’t you recognize that sensation in air? Rainbow paused. She did indeed recognize the feeling, the charge of static in the air.

Oh no, Ferrum!

She charged toward the massive cloud again, but she was too late. The cloud lit up as it discharged, releasing hundreds of volts in a bolt of pure energy down toward the raging sea below, as well as electrocuting anything that had been within the cloud at the time.

             Rainbow’s vision clouded with tears.

             “No, no, it can’t be, he can’t…”

Rainbow…

             “DAMMIT, FERRUM!” Grief and rage tore through Rainbow’s mind, blocking out all rational thought. She dove down blindly, unwilling to believe it to be true. Something in her mind snapped, issuing an order for her body to shut down immediately for repairs. As she blacked out, falling towards the clouds below, only one thought came to Rainbow Dash.

Ferrum is dead.