Surge

Chapters

Look Before You Leap
Fair Weather Friends
A Bird in the Hand
Feeling Peachy Keen
Putting Your Foot Down
Games People Play
Sonic Boom
All's Well That Ends Well
Storm of the Century
Friendship is Magic

Look Before You Leap

When I had first laid eyes on the White Room I was entranced by its simplicity, its elegance; its beauty. I wouldn’t have been anywhere else but here, solving mysteries, reconstructing events, evaluating physiological patterns and deviations. I was again discovering the library I had been given as residence, during my first steps into Ponyville.

But the magic soured, and the pure, curious room I once knew was gone. In its stead was a prison, sickening me with its cleanliness, as I knew just how dirty the work waiting for me would always be. Rarely, however, did I receive news as grim as today’s.

I lifted my gaze from the evidence to my mentor, eyeing her blank expression.

“We can’t keep the past buried. Sooner or later, someone would have opened it.”

Celestia seemed dissatisfied with my answer, turning her head towards the wall.

“...They found the gun laying on the floor, just next to the body... they suspect the killer panicked after firing it, and fled the scene.”

“Adrenaline usually leaves you careless. Has the lab seen this?”

The pauses between the Princess’ responses worried me.

“They have.”

I took a moment to assess the conversation, then cautiously tread ahead.

“This isn’t going to be easy. We both knew that when we lifted the veil. But it’s the right thing to do. In time, this will all—”

“That seems largely subjective.”

Her words surprised me.

“Princess, you have been lying to a nation for, millennia!”

“I have been keeping a truth from them, one obviously far more sinister than a simple facade.”

“I think calling it ‘simple’ is a bit of an understatement—”

“I put my people before all else. It is my duty.”

I couldn’t believe Celestia’s words! It wasn’t often she was like this, so I was led to believe that something was wrong. I focused my attention back on the weapon in the center of the room.

“I thought the White Room was used exclusively for the big picture? Why bring up an isolated case like this?”

I lifted a hoof at the gun. Celestia’s response was dreadfully slow.

“...I knew the victim... well.”

I was pained to admit it, but I had already assumed as much.

“I’m sorry for your loss... We don’t have to work today.”

“No, I’m sorry.”

Words I hadn’t predicted.

“Princess?”

“Few knew her as well as you did.”

My heart began to race as she continued.

“It’s not your fault.”

“...Who was she?”

I stumbled back from Celestia in a cold sweat, as she slowly began to approach me.

“Twilight—”

“WHO WAS SHE?”

Surge

Chapter One

Look Before You Leap

I found Rainbow Dash pacing outside of his house. She was still in her brigade uniform, so I could infer that she had flown here directly from Cloudsdale. Applejack was there with her, assumingly trying to talk Dash out of it. Now was my chance.

“Rainbow! I need to talk to you.”

She turned her head to AJ.

“You dragged HER into this?”

Before Applejack could retort I continued.

“I came here because I was worried, not because anyone told me to come.”

“Well then where were you when I watched my city burn? Where was the Royal Guard then?”

This was going to be difficult.

“You know that wouldn’t have done anything, this wasn’t a battle—it was a message.”

“I don’t care what it is! Chestnut is FINISHED.”

Rainbow Dash started towards the door, as I placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“If you do this, I won’t be able to protect you. You will face the High Court, and you WILL be found guilty. Please...”

I took this moment to look into my friend’s eyes. Often I could find more there than words could ever tell, and for a minute, I thought I had won. Then a muffled voice came from within the house.

“YOU’RE THAT BITCH FROM THE CITY! WHATCHA THINK OF THE REMODELING?”

Dash wasted no time shaking off my grasp, and approaching the door. At a similar pace, I weaved a new plan to stop her.

“Applejack, wait by the plaza.”

“There ain’t no wa—”

“That’s an official order from Canterlot.”

At the cost of an angry look, I was able to keep AJ away from the scene. I placed a conjured guise over my body then moved next to the door as Rainbow bucked into its flimsy frame. It wasn’t going to hold long.

“You’ve worked awfully hard for your rank. It’s a lot to throw away.”

The door buckled under Dash’s fourth kick, sending shrapnel into the Living Room. I could see Chestnut duck behind the kitchen bar, another crude remark leaving his lips.

“FUCKIN' CUNT!”

Just as Dash and I slid into cover behind a wardrobe, the degenerate actually fired several shots at us. I got a brief glimpse of the weapon: a hoof–mounted revolver; by the sounds of it, likely .357 caliber or higher. Regardless, he was now down three cartridges in what was most likely a six-round cylinder.

My analytical pause had drawn my attention from Rainbow Dash, who was already charging the bar. Chestnut took the opportunity to stand above cover and take a shot at Rainbow; but not before I could cast a quick spell on his gun.

He pushed back on the elongated trigger hanging from the weapon with the tip of his hoof, and a hard click played prelude to a cloud of ash rolling out of the barrel. That’s when Dash made contact.

I watched as Rainbow Dash beat the colt within an inch of his life, every hit further defacing Chestnut. I watched as my friend finally stood up from her victim, hooves caked in blood, and eyes glazed with tears. I watched as she recoiled back, and turned her hopeless gaze to me. And I watched as the Element of Loyalty was reduced to a whimpering mess.

I knew it was going to torture Dash for the rest of her life. And because I simply let it happen, I knew that I would be tortured longer.

* * *

“...Your lips have been alarmingly still, Princess Sparkle, considering how alive your thoughts must be.”

Lifting my head, I found the entire board staring back at me. Light was bleeding through the windows, and showering half of the individuals.

“Rainbow Dash is...”

I looked closely into the inquiring gaze of the drake at the opposite end of the table.

“The law of Equestria is absolute, and no one is exempt from its grasp. But why do we have a code?”

I tactfully left a pause in my response. A short, young pegasus took the bait.

“To stop criminals!”

“To correct them; assimilation.”

I noticed a few curious looks around me.

“We want, more than anything in the world, to live in an ideal society... and we take the ones that don’t, and throw them in prison. It is in their grief that they... ‘wake up’.”

The area just behind my ear became unbearingly itchy as I considered my next words.

“So we opened the Vault. And now, at the cost of calamity, we have freedom. This is radical change, and not all of us will adjust well. ...I believe we all need a splash of reality. And maybe, one bad day is what it takes.”

One of the board members interjected. “And what ‘woke you up’?”

I froze at the question.

An older unicorn with a deep, violet coat spoke out.

“...You’re suggesting we just turn the other way on this because Rainbow Dash—needed to do it?”

“We—we are comparing the hero of numerous battles with the suspected mind behind the Cloudsdale bombings; I don’t think Rainbow Dash should be able to just fly out of Canterlot legally unscathed, but we should consider alternatives to what the code mandates in this scenario...”

The vocal young pegasus from before stated what the room was collectively thinking.

“Banishment.”

After a moment, the amber dragon at the other end of the room spoke while adjusting his position.

“What punishment do you believe is sufficient?”

I dipped my head in a thoughtful pause.

“Clear her rank. Strip her title, replace her as colonel, but she remains the bearer of the Element of Loyalty, and a resident of Equestria.”

At this, the room burst into discussion. Through the chaos, I could discern several arguments.

“Personal relationships should never be involved in these debates, this is why!”

“—what of an Equestria guided by only five of the six elements?”

“—the code is Equestria! I won’t tolerate this!”

The room was lost. All were engaging in an intense verbal battle, save the princesses and Dominus Temporis who, from his spot at the other end of the table, was still looking firmly into my own image, an amused smile creeping onto his face. Before I could regain my footing, Princess Luna stepped in from behind me.

“SILENCE.”

...And the room fell into just that. With a stern look upon her face, she continued boldly.

“We’re gathered here to diligently and decisively conclude the case of one of the most important crimes in Equestria, and yet here you are squabbling about like a bunch of fillies and colts on a playground. Now I personally know Rainbow Dash, and I can confirm that she is a crucial part of this nation and its people. And so, starting with my own, we will let our votes determine the outcome.”

Luna then conjured a red letter next to her, folded a blank, golden sheet of paper into it, and hovered the entire thing to the table.

“We’re deciding the fate of Rainbow Dash. Slanted charges, or banishment.”

I watched as she placed her right hoof atop it, eying the rest of the board members. After a moment, she then slid the envelope and its contents to me, where I followed suit. This went on for several minutes, as each individual passed the enchanted object to the next, after first resting a palm on it. Finally, it was back in Luna’s telekinetic grasp, as she tore the letter open. Luna pulled the sheet out, looked emotionlessly at it, then turned it to face the board.

for against

|||| ||||

I took the opportunity to finally get around to that itch.

“Well that’s perfect.”

I looked at a shaggy, abrupt, brown haired earth pony. My gaze then drifted to the others; it was clear that tensions were high. Celestia, who had been abnormally quiet, finally commented.

“The draw is carried over to the judgement of the Princesses. Luna, Twilight, please step back with me.”

Together we approached a sun and moon pattern on the floor, equidistant from one another. We shared a few glances, then I boldly placed my hoof in the center of the design. I watched the two sisters stare into each other. Luna had a seemingly sad expression. Celestia’s was not so easily discerned. The Princess of the Night lifted her hoof next to mine, shortly after, Celestia did the same. I heard a plethora of reactions from the table behind me as my mentor concluded the session.

“As in accordance with the Scarlet Vote, and the laws governing it, it has been decided that Rainbow Dash, holder of the Element of Loyalty and Colonel of the Equestrian Police Brigade, will be stripped of her rank, while remaining a legal citizen of Equestria and Element bearer.”

I was visibly delighted with the news. Luna and I shared a few gleeful expressions, and then I turned to Celestia. She was already looking in my direction, and when our eyes met she offered a small smile. I cautiously returned the favor, then turned to face a window. My relief started to fade, as I began inevitably recalling the evening’s events.

Celestia’s silence was worrying, and rarely did her visage tell any truths.

* * *

Later that night I found myself in the White Room alone with Celestia, conversing over the trial. I couldn’t help but notice how distracted the Princess appeared.

“Celestia, if it were up to you, what would have happened to Rainbow Dash?”

“It doesn’t matter, I’m not the only one making decisions for Equestria.”

“...I’d like to think that we made the right one.”

Celestia closed her eyes and turned towards the ceiling which, like the rest of the room, was sickeningly plain. When her head came back down, she spoke.

“Where were you on the night of Chestnut’s misfortune?”

Over the course of the past few days, I had readied several answers for that question.

“...I was there.”

...Apparently my preparations were wasted.

“You didn’t stop her?”

“I tried.”

Not entirely untrue.

“This is my mistake.”

I couldn’t believe that Celestia would take the blame for this, although her words were often cryptic. I then watched as my mentor’s horn was set ablaze with light, just as she stepped towards me.

“Come close. There’s work to be done.”

Fair Weather Friends

Chapter Two

Fair Weather Friends

Few places felt as calm as Fluttershy’s cottage. The home felt less like a house and more of an extension of the outside world, brimming with life. I took a sip from my tea as my quiet yellow friend cautiously corralled her animals into their beds. I was often amazed how tender Fluttershy’s nature remained, a tree continuing to sprout while the land around it burned; consequently, I was often worried how close the flames would have to be before the entire thing was ablaze.

“Do you read a lot of news, Fluttershy?”

“Um… well, yesterday I did just hear about the push for tobacco to be made legal; although I can’t imagine anyone would want to purposely poison themselves!”

I was growing tired of easing the water into a boil.

“So then, you haven’t heard about the bombings?”

“Wh-what?”

“There was a terrorist group that bombed Cloudsdale a few weeks back; we couldn’t get to it in time.”

“Oh my goodness! Why would they ever do such a thing?”

I started to notice the animals growing louder in commotion.

“They’re still looking into it, but I’m starting to think it was a deliberate attack on Canterlot.”

“Canterlot…?”

“If you can’t siege a castle, you may as well attack its villages.”

Fluttershy’s eyes only widened with shock, as her animals amplified their efforts to disturb the peace and quiet.

“Regardless, Rainbow Dash got a hold of their leader, and… well to be honest I think I made a mistake as Princess. I’ve been trying to find Dash ever since.”

“She hasn’t been visiting me, either… Have you checked with Zecora?”

I couldn’t ignore the noise a moment longer. I lifted a hoof while giving my host a quizzical look.

“Do they need fed or something?”

Fluttershy made a soft, indistinguishable noise before turning to her pets.

“I just gave them food. They don’t normally get like this...”

Her words were barely audible over the noise.

“You have no idea what it is?”

“It—could be a storm... or...”

Fluttershy appeared no longer confident enough to finish.

“...Or?”

“It’s silly, but I think all creatures are connected with magic, and some are much better about sensing it.”

I pondered the probability of her conjecture; after all, the storm schedule was dry.

“Is something here?”

* * *

I tread softly along the beaten path towards Everfree, as the sun lazily continued its rise into the heavens. I couldn’t find Rainbow Dash anywhere near Canterlot, and searching The Everfree Forest in its entirety could take days; fortunately, I had a friend who was far more connected with it than I.

As I removed one last branch from my vision, Zecora’s hut was finally revealed. The small cabin was surrounded in a thick fog, unnaturally rolling over the earth. I was hoping this would be my last stop on my hunt for a friend.

“A bit early in the day, for Twilight to come this way.”

I had assumed Zecora would sense my presence before I announced it.

“Zecora, I need your help…”

“Finding a friend, no doubt. I am aware of her whereabouts.”

My ears perked up in excitement.

“She’s here?”

I watched impatiently as Zecora grabbed the bamboo her head had been balancing on, and lowered herself to the ground.

“Come with me, my friend. We have a meal to attend.”

* * *

I lifted the bowl of soup to my lips, while studying Rainbow Dash closely. She hadn’t said much; nor had she shared my excitement about being reunited. In fact, I found myself struggling to read any of my friend’s thoughts at all. This wouldn’t do.

“So, Rainbow Dash. How long have you been here?”

The room was silent, save Zecora’s soft chewing of bread.

“When do you think you’ll be heading back?”

No response.

“...Your friends miss you, Dash. And a nation still needs you.”

My ears perked up as I saw her first words begin to take shape.

“Doesn’t really seem like it.”

Not what I was hoping for.

“Rainbow, you know that you can’t just, abandon this. As much as you may want to…”

“How am I supposed to defend a country, if I can’t defend it from myself?”

“You’re exaggerating. Chestnut was a criminal who took the lives of several ponies. I should have stopped you, yes, but even if it was the right way, he’d be spending the rest of his life behind bars.”

“Easy for you to say, you weren’t the one who nearly killed him.”

The tension in the house amplified. Zecora very audibly and deliberately took the opportunity to clear her throat.

“I believe it is time for me to check on the garden, it is about now that the crops—pardon…”

Zecora left the cabin in a steady canter. I turned my head back to Rainbow Dash, and sunk my tone into a level perched just above a whisper.

“...You can’t carry that weight. If anyone should have to bear it… I feel... accountable.”

“Cut the crap, Twilight. I nearly killed him, I’m to blame… and you can forget about me returning to Ponyville. I’m done.”

Her words began eating away at my tolerance, an acidic burn leaving its mark.

“I fought for your freedom.”

“...I didn’t ask for you to do that.”

In frustration, I ran a hoof through my mane while dropping my muzzle.

“NO ONE ASKS TO BE AN ELEMENT OF HARMONY!”

I was shaking now, and I felt as shocked at my own words as Rainbow Dash appeared to be. I shut my eyes tight, and shook my head, suppressing the tears that were quickly emerging.

“...You know that.”

* * *

I had spent most of the night now digging through the Canterlot Archives, briefly gliding over a few mildly interesting scripts. This was relaxing the only way I knew how. Lifting my head from my leisure, I found the moon to be settled just a tad from the apex of the glass dome housing the room; marginally further than its last position, I noted. I released a sigh, then dropped the book I was holding into the messy collection upon the desk.

Then there was a creak. I quickly spun around to see a magnificent azure mane float into view, followed shortly by its owner.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle, it’s an honor. And a rather interesting time to do research.”

I turned back to the pile in front of me.

“It’s not the first time.”

I was shocked at my own voice, as it stumbled out of my mouth in an ugly, hoarse tone.

“...Well, since you’re here; I just read a rather interesting article on the pony mind. A new study suggests that there may actually be a connection between our memories and the ethereal energy that our magic uses.”

I heard her hoofsteps stop, and turned to her form, just on my right.

“Yeah I… I heard something about that…”

There was a quiet moment when Princess Luna considered me and my surroundings.

“Life of a Princess more jarring than you’d like, I presume.”

I quietly sighed and again looked upon the table. Or what bits of it I could see through the chaos.

“I’m torn, Princess. I’m trying to adapt to my new life, and rule a nation… but I want to help my friends just as much; this is too much for me!”

Luna levitated a tarnished tome with an alicorn sigil from the pile.

“Perhaps you’re criticizing yourself too harshly. It wasn’t a month ago, and you concluded one of the largest cases of the past decade, while salvaging a friend’s career in the same meeting.”

Yeah, I thought so too…

Luna began flipping through the pages of the aging book, as dust was highlighted in the moonlight pouring down from the ceiling. A sudden realization passed through my thoughts.

“...The humans didn’t need the Elements of Harmony…”

“If I remember correctly, the humans also extinguished their own race.”

I took a moment to think about Luna’s rebuttal.

“It wasn’t until we closed those vault doors the humans really died.”

“They did leave a rather remarkable legacy. But you seem to have forgotten the greatest of their creations: us.”

I gave my heavy eyelids a moment to rest. It was pretty amazing to think about it.

“‘...Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: The Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon, and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.’”

Luna enjoyed a quiet chuckle while placing the book back on the table. I was curious.

“What was funny?”

“It has an interesting narrative direction, is all. I love my sister, and I understand that everything she did, she did with good reason.”

My tired body seemed weightless as I waited for her explanation.

“...But I can’t think of another soul in this world that deserves the pain I sustained that night.”

* * *

I had drifted without sleep into the next day. My friends were having a picnic, not unlike the ones we used to share prior to my duties in Canterlot, and they insisted that I showed up. I was excited to hear this, and accepted the invite with what little consciousness I had left.

“Hey look! Twilight’s here!”

My entrance highlighted by my pink friend, I watched as three smiling faces turned to greet me. I strained to compose an acceptable salutation.

“Hey.”

Very nice.

“I’m so glad you could make it, Darling.”

I approached my friends in a fragile trot, trying desperately to conceal the lethargic shamble my body was directing me to perform.

“There’s no way I’d miss out on an opportunity to hang out with you guys.”

“I’d hope so! What can possibly be more exciting than a picnic in Ponyville; WITH A BICYCLE, NO LESS?”

The latter part of Pinkie’s question was punctuated by her usual animation, as she grabbed and mounted a bicycle from seemingly empty space.

“Those are on the consumer market now?”

“Nooooope!”

Pinkie was riding in the distance by the time I gave up on thinking about it. I instead turned to Applejack, who seemed just a tad distraught.

“Fluttershy?”

“I did try to get ‘er to come, but… well, you know…”

I did; just as I knew there was no reason to even ask about Rainbow Dash.

“Did ya talk with Rainbow Dash?”

“...Yes.”

My eyes began to wander to the horizon, where the library’s lush canopy was rustling in the wind. I felt my grasp on our conversation melt away.

I stepped back in shock, realizing the floor was covered in shattered glass.

Applejack gave me a curious look, and I was preparing a fabricated explanation when Rarity stepped between the two of us.

“Now girls, I think we all have plenty of worries and concerns for our friend, but I think they should be saved until after our meal—you know, the one under a magnificent azure sky, and held together with light, contented conversation?”

I took a moment to observe that magnificent azure sky, hoping to lose myself in its expanse.

‘Gryphon Sympathizer’ was barely legible on the wall just beneath the stairs, drawn crudely with white spray paint.

“That sounds perfect.”

A Bird in the Hand

Chapter Three

A Bird in the Hand

“My loyal subjects! How great it is to again see your bright faces staring back at me; the Summer Sun Celebration is once more upon us!”

The crowd cheered and stomped in response to the Princesses’ introduction, as I watched from the ivory alcove above. A soft but honest smile rested upon my muzzle.

“Just four years ago, we were in this very hall to celebrate the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration. As we know, it was also a time of brief conflict, as we stood in the shadow of Nightmare Moon. But our nation had always prevailed—as it did that night! Equestria stood united, and we remain united today!”

Again the crowd burst into rambunctious cheer. I turned to observe the four of my friends, all of whom were wearing faces not unlike my own.

I wondered which ones were real.

* * *

The Summer Sun Celebration left me drained; subsequently, I decided to spend the evening in one of the most interesting wings of the ancient archives: that of the World Wide Web.

The room was filled front to back with data stores, proclaimed “Solid-state drives” by the humans, encompassing roughly fifty cubic meters of space, and reaching heights of about sixteen meters. The room produced a consistent, barely audible hum—a soft orchestra narrating man’s technical prowess. It was beautiful.

“You’d be surprised how often I come here, even if it’s only to find you.”

I turned around to find Princess Celestia walking slowly through the alleys of data.

“Sorry Princess; I should have come to see you after the Celebration.”

Celestia shrugged before lifting a hoof to one of the nearby drives.

“It’s a holiday. You deserve a break.”

I smiled weakly at her comment.

“Although, I don’t think I’d be spending my free time in a place like this.”

“Oh Princess, the information you can find here—it’s staggering! I can’t believe the humans actually created an entire web of data that virtually anyone could access!”

Celestia turned her attention from the solid-state back to me again.

“Ninety percent of that data ‘anyone could access’ was illegal content, including drug trafficking and child pornography.”

It was a somewhat predictable response from Celestia. No less disappointing, however.

“I don’t recognize the humans as gods, Princess, and I’m well aware the majority of their legacy is riddled with darkness…”

Celestia’s expression remained serene but cold.

“But the past has already happened, we can’t change it—only observe it.”

Celestia began walking towards the door while sharing one last piece of wisdom.

“You’re right; but the present is happening now, and it needs desperately for ponies like us to guide it. Meet me in my chamber when you wish to pursue that vocation.”

And then she was gone. I turned back again to the monitor in the center of the room, and released my telekinetic grasp from the input peripheral. Slowly, I edged a hoof onto its sibling, the keyboard, and watched the screen closely.

“jmhnk”

A long sigh preluded my thoughts on the Princesses’ words.

* * *

“What do you think is going to happen to Rainbow Dash?”

Princess Celestia turned from the window, and offered me an understanding smile.

“She’s a strong mare. I can’t imagine she’s in any danger, and I’m sure she’ll show up eventually.”

Celestia seemed confident. I wished I was as sure.

“Now, there’s a situation we need to speak of—but not here.”

I knew what that meant. A short nod later, and I stood in the center of Celestia’s chamber, just next to her. Her horn began glowing an intense shade of gold, and the chilling screams of unadulterated ethereal energies filled the room.

And then there was nothing. Well, almost nothing.

“These last few years have been incredibly taxing on Equestria; but I never expected terrorist organizations to reach the magnitudes they have now.”

Celestia slid a folder loaded with documents across the plain white table. I lifted it into my telekinesis, flipping through its contents as the Princess continued.

“The E.R.G has been handling this for awhile, but after the attack on Cloudsdale we’re not sure how much more of it we can take. These self-proclaimed ‘purists’ could be planning another major attack right under our noses.”

The folder I was going through was indeed frightening; many of the conflicts I found difficult to even believe.

“Twilight, we need to assist as no one else can. We need to use our power.”

I looked up from the grim documents to the solemn face of my mentor.

“I’m not sure that will be enough, Princess. I think most of this is in the hooves of the ponies.”

“My people are strong, but powerless without a leader. They need certainty.”

She refers to them as ‘people’...

“Our presence at the Summer Sun Celebration seemed to elicit a positive response. Maybe we should stage more appearances similar to it?”

Celestia seemed to pause to consider my suggestion, as I began pondering the bigger picture.

“Princess, what kind of state is the rest of the world in? I’m up to date with current events, but they’re surely not printing the whole truth.”

“...The rest of the world is closely monitored by the most powerful entities of the modern age; and besides, Equestria is the one that’s dealing with an ancient and powerful threat. This deserves our attention.”

“I agree. Which is why we’ll need all the support we can get. Our relationship with the Crystal Empire, for example, is bound by mere threads. If our closest ally won’t assist us in a time of crisis, who will?”

Celestia closed her eyes in distress.

“The White Room is singular in purpose. We can discuss the issue of international relationships at another time.”

I fell back onto my haunches, lifting the folder with my telekinesis as I did so.

“You’re right; I guess I just don’t want to think about it… but suppose—”

Suddenly, the Princess appeared noticeably distraught. Before I had time to ask why, the small room around me began to dissipate, and in its place stood Celestia’s chambers.

There was a knock on the door.

“Sister! It’s an emergency!”

Celestia spoke quickly to me as her magic enveloped the lock.

“Do not forget our conversation, Twilight.”

The doors swung to their apex as Princess Luna rushed into the room. She appeared stressed, and her attire, or lack thereof, further revealed her anxiety.

“Celestia, Las Pegasus is under attack!”

Princess Celestia maintained the expression I had become uncomfortably familiar with.

“And you’re certain of this?”

“We received a distress call just a moment ago.”

Celestia turned from the conversation, and began walking towards her window. I seized the moment.

“Have you spoken to the council, Luna?”

“I did; they want to send a team of pegasi... Celestia, what should we do?”

The Princess faced the horizon, as the sun sank into the earth. The alcove she stood on was obscured partially by the door’s curtains, blowing softly in the breeze.

“You should both go to the main hall. I’ll meet you in a moment.”

I took a step towards Celestia, genuinely concerned.

“Do you think this is related…?”

“...We’ll talk later.”

I admit defeat, and began to leave the room with Princess Luna. I stood in the archway for a long moment, eventually deciding to attempt a rekindling of the conversation. As I turned, the door was caught by the breeze, closing slowly as I had a final glimpse of my mentor; and in that fleeting moment of time, I was met with a torrent of shock and confusion.

Princess Celestia was lighting a cigarette.

Feeling Peachy Keen

Chapter Four

Feeling Peachy Keen

The smell. That was the first sense that really reminded me where I was, and what I had been missing. The sun was well on its way to its earthly resting spot, and making a valiant effort to create the most alluring scene in all of Equestria.

I was entering Sweet Apple Acres.

“Howdy Twilight! What brings ya down here?”

I lifted a hoof above my eyes to defend them from that alluring scene. Doing so revealed both AJ’s companion and Pinkie Pie to be standing with the farm mare.

“Hey! I had some time off, thought I’d stop by.”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle! It’s a great honor.”

Applejack rolled her eyes as her companion knelt before me.

“Please Julep, I’ve been a friend of AJ’s longer than I’ve been a princess. Just call me Twilight.”

The colt stammered a bit as he stood back up.

“I’m—not quite sure I can get used to that. You’re the first new princess we’ve had since before, well, before any of us were around.”

Applejack turned to Mint Julep.

“You’ve known her for six months now, when will ya get used to it?”

As the two fell into a playful argument, I looked over to the Element of Laughter.

“How have you been, Pinkie Pie?”

There was a surprisingly analytical expression on her face.

“Did you re-style your mane?”

I took a moment to feel my bangs with the edge of my hoof.

“No…”

“Your eyes! It’s your eyes! They’re purple!”

“My eyes have always been purple.”

I looked back at the couple stuck somewhere between a conversation and an argument, and back to Pinkie again. Who was still staring at me.

“Well… anyways, I better—”

“Shoot Twilight, why not stay for a bit t’night! ‘Less you’ve got business…”

I was surprised and, admittingly, relieved at how quickly Applejack changed gears. My thoughts began lingering back to the recent attack, but…

“I’d love to stay for a while!”

* * *

I enjoyed a pleasant meal with my friends for most of the evening, Pinkie returning home after, and Mint, lingering for a few hours, returned after her. AJ gave him a soft, verbal cue to leave (one I expect I wasn’t supposed to decode). I sat alone in the dining room with Applejack for a while, talked briefly, before she suggested we finish the night on the porch, watching the sun sink beneath the horizon.

On our way out, AJ gave me a fleeting alert before tossing an object towards me from her muzzle. I instinctually threw a hoof up, but the shock left me clumsy, and I could barely save the bottle with the grasp of my magic.

“Sorry; couldn’t give much of uh warning.”

I rotated the bottle in front of me, noticing the lack of a label.

“Homemade cider?”

“Yeah—and not the kind I’d be givin’ Apple Bloom, neither.”

I snickered at the comment.

“I can’t imagine Celestia would approve of this.”

“Then it’s a good thing she won’t be findin’ out.”

I took a moment to mull it over. An image of Celestia flashed through my mind; her mane flowing softly in the breeze that carried the curtains, the smoke rising from her lips—

“I’ll stay for a few.”

“Knew ya would. Besides, don’t you have one of those fancy chariots to get you around?”

“It’s only supposed to be used for emergencies and public appearances… but yeah, I could totally call it in.”

We spent the evening bouncing back and forth between several subjects, and sharing stories of the mostly mundane happenings in our lives; a huge relief for me, but I could tell my friend was interested in more than the last great novel I had read.

“So… your plate’s been rather full lately.”

“Oh Applejack, I get so tired sometimes. With the attack on Las Pegasus, and the Cloudsdale bombings still in recent memory… It’s terrible what some ponies will do.”

“Still leaning t’wards the ponies themselves, huh; not the ancient weapon technology we found?”

I snickered while looking down at my drink. Applejack took only a moment.

“Ya don’t wanna be talkin’ politics right now.”

“I see an awful lot of it.”

AJ took a drink before moving on.

“So—what do ya wanna talk about?”

“How’s Apple Bloom been; I mean, did she get that job?”

“Aheh…”

Applejack laid her empty bottle on the ground next to her.

“Yeah my lil’ sis is all grown up and gettin’ into construction… mom n’ dad probably should’ve left more ambiguity in her name...”

I laughed at the comment before enjoying another sip; a dry, distinguished apple bite, trailed by a more subdued aftertaste.

“She’ll be okay. She’s got a pretty good role model.”

Applejack gave me a smirk before sharing a silent break in our conversation with me. I became lost in its embrace—so lost, in fact, that I had to ask for AJ to repeat herself when she ended the silence.

“...I just got ta thinkin’ about your transition Twilight. Seems like only yesterday we were introduced at the Summer Sun Celebration; now you’re up and runnin’ a country.”

“I’m still reeling.”

A quick glance at the bottle revealed what little of its contents were left.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m not even ready for what’s coming.”

“...You’ve been through a lot, Twilight. More’n anybody should have to go through. For me, it’s times like these that keep stuff together. The—simplicity of it all. And remember that we’ll always be here, when things get too fast, n’ too complex.”

I hadn’t realized I was smiling until after Applejack finished her words. I turned to the setting sun, and reflected on the evening.

I liked simple.

* * *

“...Who was she?”

I stumbled back from Celestia in a cold sweat, as she slowly began to approach me.

“Twilight—”

"WHO WAS SHE?"

Celestia delivered her answer in a grave tone.

“They found Pinkie Pie in her home, suffering from an apparent bullet wound. She didn’t make it to the hospital.”

In the long, silent seconds that followed, I fell through a plethora of emotions. Most of them were foreign. After a while, I regained composure, and remembered the attributes that so tightly held my life together: logic, perseverance, certainty.

“Show me the body…”

“Twilight. I know this is sudden—”

“Show me.”

Celestia knew I wasn’t going to budge.

“Very well.”

* * *

And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went ‘I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville!’ See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!

I couldn’t believe it. Just before me, the lifeless body of my friend. Celestia remained still as I began to approach Pinkie, lifting a hoof to the edge of the table she was lying on.

“I… I just saw her, yesterday…”

I observed the wound lodged almost symmetrically between Pinkie’s eyes.

A clean shape—likely an entrance wound—

I hung my head and closed my eyes as hard as I could, as if the reality would change when I opened them again. Tears began clawing their way to the surface, and I did nothing to stop it.

I retreated to the warm embrace of my mentor, and for several moments, that was enough. Then a final foreign emotion began to grow deep inside of me. Twisted and grotesque, its form cast a shadow over my diminutive logic, and stirred me to action.

I was livid.

Putting Your Foot Down

Chapter Five

Putting Your Foot Down

Recent discoveries of dragon remains within the Blank Expanse have led scientists to believe the beasts’ territorial reach was much larger than originally predicted. There are plans for a return to the site...

...the curious doe fell into a crawl, inching closer to the scene. She lift a hoof to splay the grass in front of her, but stopped when a third set of hoofsteps sounded from...

...zeph•yr n. a gentle, mild breeze: The newsmare warned of a hurricane, and yet a zephyr was the only thing the village was met with...

In frustration, I thrust the books away from the desk and out of my sight. My attempt to relax before bed would be in vain, it appeared.

Nor should you be relaxed; you should be getting the bottom of your friend’s murder.

I gently corrected my frazzled mane and checked the clock. Celestia would be waking in a few hours, but I found it hard to believe even a conscious Celestia would be willing to take the necessary steps to find resolution. Under normal circumstances, neither would I. But these circumstances were far from normal.

I quietly left the room.

During this hour, the castle was at its stillest. There were several guards patrolling the halls outside my chamber, and not one of them flinched at my surprise presence. I pushed through the set of doors at the end of the hall, then exited the building onto a nearby balcony.

Outside, I was greeted by a vast obsidian expanse. The stars shone brightly through the darkness, and for a moment, I thought of simply flying towards their light, and leaving everything else behind. Then my eyes drifted down from the heavens, and combed the quiet streets for one building in particular…

CANTERLOT POLICE HEADQUARTERS

I spread my wings and flew off into the night, keeping my gaze firmly on the ground.

* * *

“I’m sick of all this human shit. Hasn’t done anything good for us.”

“What, can’t find anything to spend all these extra bits on?”

“Bits mean bullshit when criminals suddenly have access to Hoof Cannons.”

“Ya know I heard they have plans to drop us some guns... prob’ly sitting on the Sisters’ desk right now.”

“Don’t you mean Spatium Sororum?”

“Come on. Twilight hasn’t made any sort of effort since she ascended. She’d be more use to us back as ringleader of the Elements.”

I tipped my head back as I finished off the water in the small plastic cup, deciding that eavesdropping wasn’t getting me anywhere. I crumpled the cup and dropped in the trash bin, before making my way to the door. Only a fourth voice stopped me.

“We got her: ’Honeysuckle’, West Ponyville. They think it was a contract.”

“Sure, but why Pinkie?”

“No fucking clue, but you can ask her yourself when our team gets back.”

“Damn, I wish I was on assault.”

I cantered out of the building and back on to the streets. The cold air stung against my disguised coat. I murmured several curses before checking around the back of the HQ; I could see a chariot, and several pegasi grabbing their equipment.

Again, I swore as I trot back onto the street.

One count of murder… political assassination...

My heart began to throb as I finished the prediction.

Council goes for answers, maybe offer a shorter sentence, but there’s no way she’ll talk. If someone’s aiming as high as the Elements, the pay has to be equally ridiculous…

I looked up to the chamber of my mentor.

“I’m sorry.”

I left for Ponyville.

* * *

Morning had come. Few ponies were up at this time, fewer were on the streets. I’d spoken shortly with an elderly earth pony, and he was able to locate Honeysuckle’s house for me. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for a Ponyville residence; cream cottage with pink highlights, and a thatched roof. It was, however, the only house on the street with all of the blinds down. I found it difficult to doubt the old stallion’s claim.

I approached the door and knocked.

“This is the police; I’m going to need a few words with you.”

...No answer.

“This’ll be a lot easier if you come out now. Resist, and I’ll be back with a warrant.”

...Nothing.

I turned from the door and stepped down off of the porch. There was a foreign impulse telling me to do otherwise, but too much rode on this.

And so I waited.

The sun began to creep further and further above the earth, as more ponies gathered in the streets. I recalled seeing the police chariot being prepped for attack, and small arcane arcs occasionally striking against my fabricated coat reminded me of my magic’s finite nature. Time was of the essence here, and so far I had done a pretty good job of wasting it.

I should have changed my guise before I got here—it probably doesn’t look inviting to Honeysuckle with a cop posted around her house. Who’s to say she’ll even arrive before the real police do, or that she’s even outside of her house at all…

I cautiously observed my surroundings. I noticed a few passersby sending me confused glances.

I can do this.

I stepped back up to the door and knocked one last time.

“This is the Police, I have a warrant and I’m entering the premises.”

Sweat began to outline my brow as I telekinetically groped the inside of the lock. I lifted the pins as quickly as possible, while applying as much torque my remaining energy would allow. After a few moments, the handle clicked, and the door pushed forward a full ten centimeters, before a chain lock grew taught.

Those aren’t standard in Ponyville—

It only took me a moment to realize the pin was crafted from, or enhanced with some sort of anti-magic material. I risked a glance over my shoulder; several ponies were now looking my way, mumbling between each other. I turned back to the door and shut my eyes. My legs were shaking.

I can’t back out…

Dropping my head to conceal the magic, I shot a small beam of intense energy onto the chain itself, until it glowed a bright orange. I then backed up from the door, pulling it nearly shut as I did so. Finally, with as much force as I could muster, I slammed against the door. Its metallic leash stretched unnaturally at the apex of the door’s swing, but held none the less.

Behind me, many of the citizens were now gasping at the scene, some cantering away in fear.

Tears edged my eyes as I went back to charging the door, each push further stretching the resilient chain. Finally, I fell through the entrance, as near molten metal scattered across the room before me. Immediately after regaining balance, I pushed the door shut and took the time to regain my composure.

Cadence’s voice sounded throughout my head. Stepping forward off of the door, I lifted my right hoof to my chest, while embracing a deep inhale. After a moment of holding my breath, I released it, and my anxieties seemed to dissipate as well. Now the real work began.

The front door fell straight into the living room. There were a few pieces of tearing furniture, and a stained coffee table in the center of the room. A fan spun slowly overhead, and the off-white blinds in the windows projected bars of dim light upon the entire scene. Appropriately, the house didn’t feel very inviting.

I moved on to the kitchen, treading softly on the linoleum floor. The room was in a condition similar to the last, with the additional scent of rotting food emanating from the sink. I didn’t stay long, instead maneuvering into the hallway.

Immediately, I was forced to step over a mess spilling out of the closet on my right. I took a second to comb the pile—shirts, hats, a couple jackets—mundane apparel. I was looking for answers, and right now the place seemed pretty devoid of them.

The bathroom was next. It was a crowded space, with a shower in the back, and a sink up front. I reached up above the sink and pressed the mirror in, finding fairly standard household medicine behind it—except for the small plastic bag shoved behind several bottles. I lifted it from its hiding spot and read its label closely.

Diazepam
Tablets 10mg

A human drug; how could she have even obtained this?

I shelved the thought as I remembered my limited time frame.

After placing the tablets back in the cabinet, and closing the mirror, I stared quietly at my reflection. My pupils appeared to be their original violet color.

Before I had time to even worry about my magic, I could hear the front door open. I stood, paralyzed with fear, as I heard hoofsteps tread the living room carpet. It wasn’t until I realized they were headed for the bedroom that I snapped out of my trance. Quietly, I backpedaled to the kitchen.

I rested gently against the pantry as my heart rate began to climb. I noticed the hoofsteps stop—and feared that even my breathing might have been too loud. After several painful seconds, the steps continued into what I imagined was the bedroom. The pony soon became too difficult to hear, and I took that as an opportunity to shakily exhale my breath.

Keeping low, I slunk into the living room again, eyeing the door left partially open. I could hear Honeysuckle rummaging around in her room, and found myself locked between getting closer to her, and moving towards the door. My forelegs were violently shaking as I made up my mind.

I stepped towards the door, lifting up a hoof to pull it open. But before I could do so, a voice stung me from behind.

“Don’t move.”

I froze with my hoof on the door, cringing as a steel barrel prodded the back of my neck.

“Close the door.”

I addressed the pony with a faltering voice.

“Honeysuckle, we know what you’ve—”

“Close the door.”

I nearly choked as I swallowed. Daylight bled into the room from the door, carrying the scent of comfort and nostalgia; and I snuffed it all out with the push of my hoof.

“Now slowly walk into the hall.”

I didn’t waste time obeying, and kept my movements as slow and predictable as possible. After our walk across the living room, I stopped at the edge of the hall, and gave my head a barely noticeable cock to the right.

“Second room.”

Walking down the hall, I desperately eyed my surroundings for an escape.

“Go in.”

I stood a moment, looking at the open bathroom before me. Honeysuckle again prodded me with the long gun.

“Walk.”

I slowly moved to the edge of the room, before stopping against the shower curtain. A pale yellow telekinetic field grabbed the curtains and pulled them back, exposing the shower behind. My heart dropped.

“Get in.”

I gently turned my head to see the hallway. I had never used a silent cast in practice before.

“Y-you don’t have to do this…”

Honeysuckle’s expression was cold and painted with spite.

“Canterlot obviously has more on me than I’d like. This is the only thing I can do.”

Fighting back the urge to sob, I focused my attention on a painting of a sailboat.

“Now get in there before I drag this out.”

I turned back towards the wall, and lifted my foreleg to step over the edge of the bathtub.

Then I heard Honeysuckle sniff, and I held my hoof over the ledge.

“What—”

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

I swung my hovering hoof back over my shoulder in an attempt to knock the barrel of the shotgun out of the way. Shortly after hitting it, there was a deafening explosion, and a shot of pain sprouted at the edge of my other hoof. Disregarding my health, my arm’s spin carried the rest of my body with it, allowing me to come face-to-face with the shooter. I could see the shock, and more predominantly, the malice in her eyes as she attempted to use her magic to pump the forearm of her gun back.

The empty shell never released. I was able to land a clean strike with my hoof into Honeysuckle’s eye, blinding her. The attack made her stumble back, landing next to the sink. Her gun dropped from her magic, and fell into the doorway.

I was enraged. It was without thought when I lifted the shotgun into my telekinesis, and brought the stock down several times onto her face. After she no longer exhibited an ability to retaliate, I stood above her, and stumbled to the doorway.

The pile of clothes in the hall was now burning alarmingly bright. I extinguished the flames, and dropped the batteries out of the smoke alarm. Only after its chirping had ceased was I made aware of the ringing in my ears. I slumped against the doorway, and stared down at Honeysuckle.

I held my breath as the mare writhed in pain, a short strand of blood dangling from her mouth. Her left eye was forced shut by the bruising surrounding it, and several teeth lay just beneath her head. The gun dropped from my telekinetic grasp.

I stumbled back, colliding with the wall behind me. I began to lift my hoof, its ascent punctuated with violent shakes. The sprinkling of blood still felt warm against my face.

Losing the battle for my body’s control, I shambled to the island in the kitchen, leaning on its cool surface for support. I buried my head in my arm, hoping to suppress the panic. Wisdom from a friend echoed faintly in the distance.

Breath in...

My spinning vision focused on my arm, violet in hue.

Breathe in...

Violet—which meant my cloak was faltering. With my free hoof, I shakily grasped the counter opposite the island, hanging my head between the two of them.

Breath in...

It felt as if I was gravity’s highest priority.

Breath—

Darkness.

Games People Play

Chapter Six

Games People Play

I woke to a silent room with little light. My dream still lingered, its presence bleeding out of reality; and what a peculiar dream it was.

I rolled onto my side, and stared at the small picture atop my desk, unable to escape its grasp. After lying in bed for several minutes, and failing to fall once again into a peaceful slumber, I drifted to the doorway. Upon opening it, a pegasus guard turned his attention to me.

“Your majesty?”

“Evening, Slate—or good morning, rather. I think I’d like to see Princess Luna.”

The doors to Luna’s Chamber were already open when I arrived. Nearly transparent bed curtains flowed softly in the breeze, their reach drawing my attention to their owner. The Princess herself was in the room’s center, observing the night sky through a Refracting Telescope. I knocked my right hoof on the dark wood of the door arch.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle! How pleasant it is to see you; have you come to discuss the stars? Hopefully it’s at least not politics.”

I gave Luna a warm smile.

“No, I actually came here to discuss a dream; one I just had, actually.”

At this, Princess Luna began to the collapse the viewing appendages on the telescope, and rotated the device to the side.

“Ah! I know a thing or two about those. Please, take a seat, and tell me of this dream.”

And I did. I recalled the events of the dream in vivid detail; I described the creature as if I were describing it to a painter, who would turn a blank canvas into its bizarre image. I could see it; and if her expression was any indicator, Luna could see it as well.

Before a word was said between the two of us, a second Princess Luna stepped in through the doorway.

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I had to know.”

I glanced back at the original Princess, noting the shock in her eyes. After making an inference, I addressed the time travelling doppelganger.

“You walked my dream.”

The second Luna furrowed her brow.

“Twilight, this was a vision.”

* * *

“Princess Twilight Sparkle. Let me know how much of this is true. You dreamt of a farmland…”

The Aging Earth Pony looked down at me from the podium, waiting for permission to continue. I nodded.

“...In it, there was a bipedal creature who was fully dressed, and held, in his hand, a pitchfork…”

Bipedal—to constantly have access to two open hands... such a creature could create; and without the use of magic.

I again gave the pony a nod.

“...with him, were several equine-like creatures, all with a brownish coat…”

Yes, equine, not pony. These creatures looked sturdy, resilient—inanimate—why did they look so inanimate?

Once more, I nodded.

“...and close to the group, was some sort of… locomotive?”

I took a moment to recall the bizarre engine.

“Yes, it appeared so.”

The earth pony turned to the Luna who had breached my dream. She gave him a silent nod. An aging unicorn mare stepped forward, her eyes alighted with concern.

“Was the locomotive on tracks?”

A rather specific question…

“No… no it wasn’t.”

Many of the Council members began exchanging grave looks—save Celestia—who stared lifelessly at the stained glass mural of my alicorination.

* * *

“Were you recently using any sort of chemical, substance, or drug?”

“No.”

“You’re not on any prescription medication?”

“No.”

“Were you recently performing any sort of magic you wouldn’t perform on an average day?”

“Not that I can recall.”

The doctor’s silence drew my attention from the small window in the room to his visage. He was staring behind me.

“Thank you doctor. Now, if you would, please give Princess Twilight and me some time alone.”

A short verbal acceptance, and the small white unicorn scurried past Celestia’s flowing tail. There was a lingering moment after, where the two of us simply stared, and the only sound in the room was that of the rain, colliding softly against the window.

“I know you have questions; I’m here to answer them.”

Where do I even begin?

“Who were they?”

Celestia stepped past me, facing the wall at the back of the room.

“It’s a lot to take in…”

I turned towards the Princess, my curiosity piqued.

“Tell me everything.”

“...They were a powerful, and brilliant race. The first to claim this planet as their own. They built vast cities and incredible architectural wonders—and they destroyed many as well. The collective sum of all hatred shared by living sentient life today would not compare to the division the single race of humanity faced. This was not realized by the humans until their hatred, and affinity for war had already consumed them, and their fate was determined.”

I had only realized my mouth was agape after Celestia had paused.

“How… how are we involved?”

Celestia turned to face me, her muzzle basked in the light from the window. Silhouette rain ran down her face.

“As I said, the humans were a race of intellect, and stopped at nothing to expand their legacy. Several centuries before their demise, they began to toy with mortality itself—”

On impulse, I predicted the epilogue.

“...You’re saying they created us.”

There was a moment of silence between the two of us. That was enough.

“Who knows?”

“Luna. The High Council. And if we’ve done our job correctly, no one else.”

I stepped back from Celestia, placing a hoof behind my head. It was a struggle to even pick my questions.

“Why bury this? We’ve had wars before.”

“This information has been kept secret since before the founding of Equestria, retained only by the Council and its precursors. We know what the humans were capable of—what we’re capable of as well—the decision to keep man’s legacy a secret was one made to protect future generations.”

“Seems like a lot of work for just concealing a memory. There’s something more tangible you’ve kept hidden, isn’t there?”

Celestia seemed to consider her answer.

“...Man’s greatest accolade was written in his own blood. I had no intentions of following in those footsteps.”

“You don’t want to take any chances; you fear we’re too much like them.”

“Twilight, I believe our natures are identical.”

I stood rigidly, silently fighting the torrent of thought my mind faced. I couldn’t help but laugh, inducing a look of confusion on my mentor.

“I’m sorry, but this all seems a little too difficult to believe. You’re saying that we’ve been standing atop the burial ground of an ancient sentient race, one that actually created our very existence, then they… destroyed themselves?”

“...You were right. We’ve saved more than their memory. Perhaps you’d like to see it?”

The smile faded from my lips.

* * *

I was awestruck. We stood nearly a kilometer underneath Canterlot, in a tomb housing the thousands of pieces left from a shattered civilization. I walked down a titanic hall with my mentor, the surrounding pillars reaching more than thirty meters into the air, and arching into the deep blue ceiling. The ceiling itself was adorned with small white lights, star-like in appearance, and rimmed with a cyan hue. Celestia told me it was enchanted to accurately reflect the real time of day, as to alert wanderers of the great halls of their time spent down here. I could already imagine walking under it for several cycles.

Eventually, we reached the end of the hall, and stood before unlabeled double doors—the only ones unlabeled, I noticed. Princess Celestia addressed me before grabbing the doors with her magic.

“I’ve been speaking with the High Council. They think what you saw was a sign. It’s possible these halls will soon be known by most of Equestria. I wanted to show you first, however, considering you’re now as much of a Princess of this land as Luna or I am. Perhaps I should have showed you even sooner.”

I slid a hoof up against Celestia’s. The cold of her golden bracer shocked me.

“It’s okay; that couldn’t have been an easy decision to make.”

I treasured the small smile Celestia gave me in response; then prodded the door with the tip of my hoof.

“So, what’s in here?”

“I think it would be best if I just showed you.”

And with that, she pushed the doors open, and revealed the room’s content. Compared to the hall, the room was tiny, its ceiling sprawling out approximately three meters above the floor. In the center of the room, however, was a glass case, displaying a foreign skeletal structure. It stood vertically, reaching a height of about two meters. Its skull was incredibly flat, a gaping hole where the nose likely was. I could barely hear Celestia’s words as I stepped closer.

“It’s the only complete one we have.”

I gasped as a shock entered my horn, and quickly passed through my entire body.

“Sorry; the entire room is blanketed with a magic dampening field.”

“No harm done, just…”

I couldn’t stop scanning every inch of the remains.

“...just surprising is all...”

After several minutes of observing the minute details of the skeleton, I returned to walking the halls with Celestia. There were many doors I had the urge to enter, but Princess Celestia had us find one in particular. Next to the entrance was a label that read ‘Library’. My heart leapt in excitement.

“I imagine you’ll become incredibly comfortable with this room.”

The door opened into a void. Celestia stepped past me, her arcane light following. I could see several shelves worth of books, and the silhouettes of many more. Then Celestia’s horn glowed an intense white, and she shot the orb of illumination into the darkness. The room that formed before me took my breath away.

There were rows upon rows of book-filled shelves, relatively short ones near the center, and some stacked ten high near the edges of the room. Stone statues of individuals were placed throughout the library, and in the center of all of it, hanging just above Celestia’s light, was a large, intricate chandelier, adorned with many shapes and patterns too distant and small to be properly observed. Celestia began walking towards the right wall while speaking with me.

“You’ll have plenty of time to browse through these many tales, but for now I’d like to give you one in particular.”

I watched as she lifted a block of a white, unnatural looking material, and brought it with her up to one of the higher shelves. She then slipped a book out of its spot, and held it close to the odd material. There was a flash of light from her horn, and the white block had disappeared—in its place, a seemingly identical copy of the book she had pulled. Celestia re-approached me, and levitated the copy into my own field of magic.

“This was a famous title among the humans.”

I smiled, knowing I wouldn’t be going back to sleep anytime soon.

“And you’re free to write in it, if you’d like. We have plenty of Mimic Bricks.”

I held the book tightly against my chest. It was still warm from the transformation.

“Thank you for showing me this, Princess Celestia. I believe I will become quite acquainted with our Homo Sapien friends.”

“I have no doubts that you will. Just don’t forget about our Equus friends.”

I smirked at the comment before Celestia’s horn again came to life with energy.

“Now, I imagine we’re going to have a busy morning. Perhaps it’s time to return to the surface.”

I hovered the fabricated book back into my telekinesis, then stepped to my mentor’s side.

“Of course.”

I closed my eyes as Celestia prepared the jump. When I opened them again, I was in my room, alone with my novel. I hurriedly brushed the other books out of the way on my desk, and gently placed the new one upon its surface. Struggling to contain my excitement, I opened the tome to the first page, and began my journey.

Frankenstein

By Mary Shelley

Sonic Boom

Chapter Seven

Sonic Boom

My head throbbed with pain. Groggily, I propped myself up with my forearms, and observed my surroundings. A light haze, potions and concoctions, a cauldron; I relaxed back against the cot when I realized where I was. Before I could muster the strength to get up, a figure pushed through the door.

“I feared you’d stay asleep for days, but apparently, patience pays.”

I rubbed the back of my head with my hoof, and whimpered in pain. I looked at the hoof, and the bandages that wrapped around it.

“You took quite a grisly shot; I suggest you drink that potion while it is hot.”

Zecora pointed to a vial on the desk next to me. I couldn’t remember a time when Zecora led me astray, so I drank down the vile liquid without question. I couldn’t help but cringe at its bite.

“It’s not known for its taste, but it will heal that wound with haste.”

I placed the empty vial on the desk, and turned to my caretaker.

“Thanks Zecora. But, how did you get me out of Honeysuckle’s house?”

“That would have been something to talk about, but it wasn’t me who got you out.”

“Who—”

Zecora walked back through the door, and let a cyan hoof catch it from closing again. Its owner came through the doorway, and left me struggling to find words.

“Hey Twilight.”

“Rainbow Dash? I thought your title was stripped?”

Rainbow gently nodded her head.

“It was, but Celestia let me work with the Canterlot Police instead.”

The events of the night before suddenly flashed through my mind.

“Did anyone else see me?”

Dash began removing her police utilities.

“No, I was the scout. I got you out before the team came in—you’re welcome by the way.”

Certainty.

“And Honeysuckle? What happened to her?”

There was a stifling silence in the room.

“I… took care of it. Honeysuckle won’t be a problem anymore—”

“You ‘took care of it’? What does that mean?”

“I was pressed for time, Twilight, I couldn’t just—”

“Is she alive?”

Rainbow froze with her mouth hanging open. I didn’t like the look in her eyes.

“Twilight; she was already dead when I got there. I checked for a pulse...”

I leaned back into my cot and slowly closed my eyes. The night’s events unfurled once more before me.

Certainty.

“...Where is the body?”

Dash took a long time to answer.

“They’ve got it.”

“And what did you tell them?”

I could hear Rainbow’s breath grow ragged.

“I—I told them that she attacked me, and that I disarmed her and—”

I opened my eyes again, and turned towards my friend.

“Do you know what she did?”

Rainbow Dash, with tear-glazed eyes, nodded her head. I extended my healthy arm, and held Dash closely against my coat as she fought back the urge to cry, whispering gently over her shoulder.

“It’s over… we’ll be alright...”

We stayed there for a lengthy period of time, until Rainbow’s sniffling ceased, and I released her from my grasp. After wiping her eyes with her forearm, and briefly attempting to fix her mane, Dash began to walk towards the doorway.

“Oh… and I found this on the floor next to you back in Ponyville…”

After rummaging through her bag, Rainbow Dash removed my crown, and placed it on the table next to me. I looked from the crown to my friend.

“Thank you, Dash.”

Rainbow gave me a small nod, then turned and left the room. I sat alone on my cot, staring into my reflection from the star-shaped jewel embedded into the crown. My anger towards Honeysuckle still lingered, and I was upset at myself for not being more bothered by all of this.

I buried the pain, and placed the crown atop my head.

* * *

The chilling wind hit hard against my coat, as I made my way back over Ponyville to Canterlot. I watched the blur of life beneath me, including a glimpse of the raid’s aftermath. I only ever had to avert my eyes of the events below when I flew over the library.

After reaching the castle, I landed on my balcony and pushed through the doors. Inside, I paced feverishly, trying to formulate a plan, and get to the bottom of it all. I was interrupted by the guard peeking into my room.

“Princess Sparkle…”

I stayed facing away from him, and kept my bandaged hoof up against my chest.

“Yes?”

“You have quite a few letters waiting for you.”

I exhaled and stared up at the ceiling.

“Yes I’ll get to those soon; first some time alone please.”

The earth pony grabbed the door and began closing it.

“Of course.”

I walked to the large window overlooking most of the castle, and peered through its glass. Honeysuckle’s misfortune replayed in the back of my mind, and nothing could stop the mental agony that accompanied it. Then another memory took precedence; a discovery I made while in the killer’s house.

With newfound energy, I cantered out of the room.

* * *

The room was uncomfortably bright, with only the pony behind the desk and me to endure it. The unicorn straightened her stance when she saw me walk in, and gave me a cheerful smile with her greeting.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle! What can I help you with?”

I approached the desk with a well practiced display of formality, eyeing a few of the framed photos of famous humans around the room.

“I’d like to see the records for the Medicinary Department. Who, and what came out.”

The young mare began to sort through several stacks of paper on her desk.

“The… Medicinary Department—here it is. How far back do want to know about?”

I leaned back to consider.

“Past two months.”

The unicorn looked to the files then back to me.

“There are a lot of check-ins—”

“Past week, then.”

The mare flipped through several sheets.

“Luna retrieved some documents on the 18th, Celestia did the same, a day later; Velvet came in—”

“You don’t have the specifics on the documents?”

“I’m sorry Princess, I just have retrievals and drop-offs. I can inform someone of your request, if need be?”

“No—no, that won’t be necessary. Just, send a copy of the full two months up to my chamber, I’ll look over it then.”

“Right away. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, thank you, that’ll be all.”

I turned from the desk and towards the door, thankful my bangs shielded my eyes from most of the light.

Upon re-entering my room, I pulled the newspapers sitting atop the pile of mail waiting for me. Once in my bed, I slowly unraveled the bandages on my hoof, and stared in amazement at the nearly healed skin underneath. It would probably be impossible to tell there was ever a wound in the first place, by tomorrow.

I fell back against my pillows and telekinetically unfolded the newspaper. It was nice to see some perspective on events every now and then, especially considering how limited mine was at the top of Canterlot.

A Revival of Humanity’s ‘Internet’ Service?

If sources in Canterlot are to be believed, ponies may have access to one of the humans’ most impressive technological feats in just a few years. The internet, an invisible communications web connecting machines within a large region, grew significantly from its conception into a mass social and commercial portal, with the development of the “World Wide Web”. A quote from anthropologist Dr. Trowel offers more insight into the push for reviving such a technology:

“The manner in which you would see the Internet and its many daughter projects resurrected would accurately reflect our society today, and the changes it has gone through since the demise of man. But this isn’t to say it’s unrealistic to be able to access services from the Internet less than a decade from now.”

Trowel went on to draw comparisons between this unearthing, and the one of firearms, a heated source of debate.

“It’s unfortunate that the simpler technologies, the ones easier to refit for our standards, were the weapons the humans developed. But I’m confident that in due time, the High Council will have an unshakable grasp on that situation.”

Unsurprisingly, most of the news delivered after the vault was opened pertained to the many pieces the humans left behind. I only skimmed the rest of the passage, already well aware of the issue the Council faced. The next header my eyes stopped at was a small block off to the side of an article on the relentless fight on guns.

Good news from Las Pegasus

Many of us are still shocked from the attack on Pegasus, but now that the dust has settled, the lack of a death toll can put many ponies at ease. Two individuals have been seriously harmed during the attack, both of which are apparently on a speedy road to recovery. And although the bill from the damage is not as uplifting, it’s nevertheless nice to see a lack of fatalities.

This seemed strange to me. I could remember the panic in Luna’s eyes as she rushed into the room to announce the attack; the Royal Guard was effective, that was certain, but this was a surprise attack. We’d suffered more devastating repercussions before ponies even knew what a firearm was. I placed the paper on the bed next to me, and dug through the older issues. After a minute of flipping through pages, I found the article I was searching for.

Cloudsdale Damage Recoverable; no Deaths

Equestria collectively breathes a sigh of relief today, as results of the investigations into the attack on Cloudsdale reveal minimum damage. The coliseum, a cultural icon for the city, has been defaced, but is already undergoing repair.

I sat up in the bed, and placed the paper on top of the other.

How could things this far out of hoof conclude this smoothly?

I rotated around and looked out the window. Memories rushed back of my confrontation with Chestnut, and I cringed when they concluded with me standing over a broken colt and an enraged friend.

At least her rage didn’t cost him his life…

I flexed my wings as I walked out onto the balcony. I could see the lights from Ponyville in the distance.

...No, Chestnut is still very much alive…

All's Well That Ends Well

Chapter Eight

All’s Well That Ends Well

I watched patiently as the nurse coddled the stallion with encouraging yet empty words. After, she lifted the tray with her magic, and addressed me on her way out.“I’ll be back in thirty minutes for a checkup; otherwise you can buzz me in if I’m needed, Princess.”

I watched the nurse’s hoof hover just above a button next to the patient’s bed.

“Thank you for letting me see him.”

The mare smiled at me as she pushed through the door and trot into the hall. After the door closed, I turned towards the sickly stallion lying in the bed, staring lifelessly at the outside world, only a thin sheet of glass keeping him from experiencing it. My hoofsteps seemed significantly louder than they normally did, as I approached the earth pony slowly.

“Hello Chestnut. I’ve come to talk.”

Chestnut remained silent.

“...Your assault on Cloudsdale; that wasn’t a spontaneous impulse at all, was it?”

The stallion turned his head to face me, but remained quiet.

“I want the other names.”

Chestnut submit.

“There weren’t no other names… don’t take a genius to make a couple explosives.”

“I know that. I also know that the city of Cloudsdale is enchanted to only be accessible to pegasi…”

The earth pony narrowed his eyes as I went on.

“Which means you either attacked the stadium with a proxy agent, or you were using a counter-enchantment. Either way, it’s not possible that you did this alone.”

“I ain’t tellin’ you shit, and you’re a loose screw if you thought coming here would change that.”

“No? Well how about this. Shortly after getting out of the hospital you’ll be transported to a correctional facility, on account of the act of terrorism you performed, in addition to the attempted murder of two Royal Guards. I can alleviate your fate; for the right information.”

Chestnut laid back in his bed and chuckled. My patience dwindled.

“Look at me. It don’t matter if they send me to prison or let me go scot-free; the rest of my life’s gonna be miserable… your friend made sure of that.”

It was unbelievable how stubborn the stallion was. I placed my left hoof on Chestnut’s desk.

“Let’s try a different approach.”

I cast a field of energy around the two of us, then slowly moved the emergency buzzer to the back edge of the desk.

“Who were you working with?”

Chestnut jerked his arm up, only to be restricted by the finite length of hoofcuffs. He made no comment. I stared coldly into his eyes, hoping the fear would be enough.

But it wasn’t. I laid a telekinetic blanket on the pony’s throat.

“If what you said is true, it’d be mercy for me to end your life here.”

The stallion began to struggle in his bed.

“Don’t—”

I pressed down, and watched as the monitor’s pulse climbed. Chestnut attempted to reach for me with his free hoof, but I stood just centimeters away from his grasp. It was like this for several short moments, before I relaxed my magic, and again confronted him.

“Who?”

Chestnut recovered in panicked bursts of breathing, burying his free hoof into the sheets. He grimaced, then began screaming intolerably.

“HELP! PLEASE!”

I again applied pressure on his throat. He returned to thrashing maniacally, as I felt my own heart rate increase.

“Don’t bother screaming. You’d have to cause a small explosion to be heard outside of the field.”

I averted my eyes as the torture began to take a more visual toll on Chestnut, tears rolling down the side of his face. I drowned out the pony’s suffering, and instead imagined myself back at the library, casually reading through the many tomes. Eventually, I again silenced my magic. Chestnut took several seconds to regain his breath.

“You can make this easier; just give me a name.”

The stallion faced me with bloodshot eyes, mouth hanging open. I laid a hoof on the edge of Chestnut’s bed, and hoped desperately that he had broken. He seemed so close.

My horn began to glow once more.

“Well we’ve got about twenty more minutes before the nurse comes back, so we—”

“NO! No, no, no… don’t…”

I snuffed out the magic, and let him talk between sobs.

“...T-the enchantment was from a c-charm… I never saw the enchanter…”

“Who gave you the charm?”

“...A unicorn… Honeysuckle, was her name…”

I leaned back from the bed, and furrowed my brow.

“Honeysuckle?”

Chestnut violently nodded his head.

“She gave me the charm and some bits… said there was more for me when the job was done…”

I leaned in close to the earth pony.

“Is she in charge? Is she with the Purists?”

The stallion looked confused.

“Purists? No, Honeysuckle works alone…”

I was conflicted. Chestnut seemed to genuinely not know about the Purists, but it was impossible for Honeysuckle to have been working alone, or at least without connections. Was this just an entirely isolated case, as Chestnut was suggesting?

“T-that’s all I know, I promise… that’s all I know…”

I stared down at the form on the bed, blanketed in fear. It was evident that he was at his limit. I reached into my pouch, and obtained a small vial I had ‘borrowed’ from Zecora. I held the potion next to my chest, and watched the restless pony as a sense of sympathy snuck up on me.

“Rainbow Dash feels terrible about what happened, you know.”

Chestnut continued to silently watch me with wide eyes. Before he could muster a word, I forced the pony’s mouth open with my magic, and poured the contents of the vial into his throat. He struggled for a little while, then eventually fell into a deep sleep.

I lifted my hoof to my chest, and steadied my breath. I hadn’t gotten as many answers as I had hoped for, but this was a step in the right direction nonetheless. The field around us dissipated, and I pushed the buzzer back within reach of Chestnut’s arm. When I felt everything was again in perfect order, I quietly left the room.

* * *

The stillness of my chamber allowed my mind to rest easy. Natural light flooded the room, and a soft breeze kept the place at the perfect temperature. I rested on the bed, ready to push forward with my investigation. I gasped as I sat up, a grand figure standing at the foot of my bed.

“My apologies, Twilight. I did not mean to scare.”

I began correcting my mane on impulse.

“Not a problem Princess, I’ve just been a little on edge lately.”

Celestia nodded gently before eying my mane.

“Where is your crown?”

I instinctually lifted my hoof to my head, groping for the metal.

“Ah, I must have left it in the library again.”

The Princess tactfully moved on.

“Things have been moving a lot faster, as of late. Are you aware of the recent events involving Rainbow Dash?”

More aware than you could know…

“Yes, I heard. What did the Council think?”

“There was no need for this to go that high up, I’m sure her actions will be found justifiable.”

An uncomfortable silence settled between the two of us, before Celestia went where I hoped she wouldn’t.

“Why don’t we enter the White Room, and look into it?”

I had no intentions of returning there.

“I’d prefer if we just talked here.”

Part of me expected Celestia to push it. Part of me wanted her to. An understanding look was all I received.

“Very well. Do you think Rainbow Dash’s actions were justified?”

“She was threatened, it was self-defense.”

“And killing the mare, was that appropriate?”

A loaded question.

“You know that wasn’t her intention—and why do you have to prod like this, right after the fact?”

“I care for you, I only wish to see you grow; in the right direction.”

“And why is it that you decide what the ‘right direction’ is? I’m not your student anymore, I’m as much of a ruler as you are.”

“You don’t trust me?”

“I trust you will always do what you believe is right, even if it means withholding truths.”

“I’ve been as honest with you as I could.”

“Disregarding the truth about our nation being a—parody of a dead one.”

“Would it be better for ponies to always have the ability to destroy everything we’ve built towards?”

“It would be better for ponies to choose for themselves.”

Celestia seemed genuinely upset, quite the accomplishment.

“Why are you so defensive of a race you’ve never met? You don’t know them…”

“I know us. I’ve seen it up close.”

Celestia’s expression returned to its neutral pose. I knew she understood.

“You’re talking about that night, before you came to Canterlot…”

I walked to the edge of my bed, and looked down at the framed photo on my desk. I gingerly placed a hoof against its surface, while responding to Celestia.

“...I am.”

Princess Celestia made a large stride towards me, her mane occasionally colliding with my back. I allowed my hoof to slide back to the floor as I explained further.

“We didn’t need the ‘evils’ of the vault. Nature can not be buried, nor bent.”

I heard Celestia turn around slowly.

“No; it would seem it can’t be bent at all.”

And with that, she walked proudly out of the door. I watched the wild hues of her tail shrink into the distance, her hoofsteps resounding throughout the hall. Once she was out of sight, I closed the doors to my chamber, and turned back towards my room. I was offput by the conversation’s resolution, and carefully analyzed Celestia’s words as I stared at the sad pony in the mirror. Then I returned to the desk, and lifted the picture frame with my magic.

In the frame was a faded picture of a younger Twilight, hugging a small purple dragon.

* * * * *

Long, dark, clouds loomed over the town. I was aware there was a storm being produced that day, but until then, I had no comprehension of its magnitude. I turned my head to again face the gravel, and continued my trot to the top of the hill.

Just as it was getting dark, I reached the library. The lights were all out, which was strange considering the time of day. I found my key and unlocked the door; only to discover the library in utter ruins. Books had been shredded and strewn across the floor, and curtains hanging over a broken window rose and fell softly with the wind. I stepped back in shock, realizing the floor was covered in shattered glass. My gaze rose from the floor to the end of the room. ‘Gryphon Sympathizer’ was barely legible on the wall just beneath the stairs, drawn crudely with white spray paint.

There was a crashing sound coming from upstairs. I ran up to the second story to investigate, nearly falling as I pushed through the wooden door to my bedroom. It was entirely still, except for the figure in the center of the room. Upon my entrance, the pony turned to face me, a sliver of metal in her mouth shining in the small amount of light that was leaking into the room.

My heart sank when I realized she wasn’t alone, but instead holding Spike tightly against her chest, the metal pressed up against his neck. My legs began to tremble.

“...I understand that you dislike me, but this doesn’t involve him…”

The pale mare spat her response around the crude weapon in her mouth.

“I despise you.”

I was fixated on Spike’s eyes.

“We can work something out, I’m sure… just let him go and—”

“DO YOU EVEN REMEMBER ME?”

I finally looked up from Spike to the mare behind him.

“I…”

The unicorn nodded her head. I could catch glimpses of her horn in the dim light; it appeared to be cut straight through, halfway down.

“Why would you? Celestia liked you from the moment you met her, all the way up through the moment you placed that crown on your head, eager to ruin our country,”

“I can help you—I can look the other way…”

“I DON’T WANT YOUR FUCKING HELP!”

Tears began to impede my vision.

“How is it fair? How is it fair that you’ve lived the life you have, and I was left crawling in the mud like everyone else. I’ve been through hell—you haven’t even tasted it...”

Spike whimpered as the mare tightened her grasp on him.

“P-please, just—”

“I want you to say that it’s your fault; tell me you believe it.”

Blood seeped around the edges of the mare’s weapon. I reached to the furthest corners of my memory for a name, but simply couldn’t place the unicorn.

“FUCKING SAY IT!”

I hung my head as tears began to pour uncontrollably down my coat. Staring into the wooden flooring helped ground my spinning vision, and slowly my tremors ceased. I then raised my head to again face the mare, and spoke softly.

“...It’s my fault.”

“Louder.”

I clung desperately to the calm appearance I presented.

“It’s my fault.”

The unicorn stared at me for a short while, before nodding, and replying.

“That’s right…”

I straightened my posture.

“Now, please let—”

The blade sunk into Spike’s neck with a sickening noise. I froze with my mouth open as he fell to the ground, and the unicorn began sprinting towards the window. I fired several concussive spells at her, the third hitting her in the back of the neck as she fell through the window.

I rushed over to Spike as he flailed sporadically on the floor, blood pouring into a pool around him. Instinctually, I attempted to stop the bleeding with my levitation, but the wound was great. I pulled Spike close.

“Spike, look at me; look at me Spike…”

His small glazed eyes focused on my own. I could feel his claws pressing into my skin. Panicking, I clumsily pressed as much telekinetic wrap against the wound as my magic would allow.

Don’t...

“I love you… Spike I’m so sorry…”

His grasp slowly relaxed as I continued to rock him steadily back and forth.

Don’t do this.

“Please…”

I sobbed uncontrollably as I struggled to again feel the tiny beating of his heart. I desperately applied shocks to his chest, amplifying the pulses of electricity until smoke began to curl from my horn, and a searing pain began to make its way throughout my head. All the while, tears fell relentlessly down onto the small form I cradled.

“I’m so sorry…”

I couldn’t remember how long I stayed down on that floor.

Storm of the Century

Chapter Nine

Storm of the Century

“Dominus?”

I knocked once more on the metal door, admiring the incredible display of dragons and ponies and all manner of creatures carved into its surface. Above them all was a glass circle, swirling energies held within. Its glow highlighted all of the entities on the slab.

The door opened slowly, but without a creak to be heard.

“Princess Sparkle! What can I do for you?”

I was immediately drawn to the fascinating display of lights behind the amber dragon.

“Just wanted to talk about something; I think you’re somewhat of an expert in the area.”

Dominus Temporis opened the door fully, exposing the dazzling array of magic the room housed.

“Then talk we shall.”

Once inside, I approached the orb of energy in the center of the room, amazed by its presentation. Dominus must have noticed.

“Splendid, isn’t it?”

It spanned at least four meters in diameter, and showed thousands of light clusters, some as large as my head. I had studied similar magic before.

“What’s it tracing?”

Dominus Temporis approached me from the right, watching the lights as I was.

“Magic. All of it in Equestria, actually.”

I turned back to the map.

“All magic?”

Dominus smirked.

“That’s right; ponies often forget the global effect of magic. It resides within us all, whether we have a conduit for it or not.”

Temporis pointed at my horn during the latter part of his explanation. The dragon continued before I had a chance to intervene.

“In fact, it’s better to look at magic as part of a universal energy; one shared with emotion, nature; time, even.”

I turned again from the lights, and towards Dominus.

“That’s why I’m here, actually. No one’s more acquainted with the element of time than you are, and I had some… questions about its rigidity...”

Dominus Temporis began digging through the heap of documents and books on his desk, all the while presenting an answer for me.

“Your curiosity reminds me of another’s; Starswirl the Bearded shared your desire to fill the unknown with known, and was no stranger to the mysteries of time.”

Temporis momentarily ceased his searching to elaborate on the story.

“Yes, he was certainly passionate about his work… and in ways the Council often didn’t see fit. I can’t say I cared too much for his mannerisms either. Nearly burned this lab down…”

For the lord of time, he was unusually prone to wasting it.

“Regardless, all of High Canterlot would agree Starswirl was extraordinarily gifted, and yet he eventually came to the same terms I have with time: you can’t change it.”

I gently kicked with my forehoof in dissatisfaction. Dominus resumed his search.

“I’m sorry, Twilight, but it really is a black-and-white subject. If I had enough power to change the past; well, I’m fairly certain that it would be me wearing the crown.”

I mustered a voice that wasn’t riddled with disappointment.

“I understand.”

I could hear Dominus mumble several curses under his breath as he began looking through the chests under the tables. I felt defeated; and narrated as much aloud.

“I spend a lot of time thinking about my vision. How things would have been different if I hadn’t seen it… Everytime I get to thinking about it, I always end up with the same question: ‘why?’”

At that, Dominus Temporis rose from the floor, and began to scratch his scaley chin.

“...You’ve taken an interest in the humans. It’s interesting to think that their entire existence is owed to chance; an astronomical accident. Sometimes, the greatest events are born from a collection of the smallest conditions.”

I watched patiently as the dragon stepped closer to me.

“Sometimes… things just are.”

The room remained silent for a moment, as I looked down at my hooves and the cobblestone beneath them. I could hear Dominus return to digging through the room’s contents, while expressing his frustration.

“I watch over thousands of lives, and yet I can never seem to remember where I put that bloody key…”

I straightened up and flexed my wings.

“Do you want help?”

Temporis turned towards me.

“I appreciate it, Princess, but I don’t think there’s much we can do at this—”

Hunched over the table, Dominus squinted his eyes and reached for a golden key laying on an envelope.

“Of course; it’s always right under your nose, isn’t it?”

A warm smile.

The dragon made his way over to a large metallic chest against the wall, and unlocked it with the newfound key. My curiosity grew when I saw the open chest cast a green light against Temporis’ face, and he began to reach for the glowing item.

“I’ve been meaning to give you this for awhile now; but, well, you know what it’s been like here in Canterlot as of late.”

The item was now fully removed from the chest, and in the hands of Dominus Temporis. It was a green flame, flailing wildly inside of a small jar. I continued to stare into it even as its carrier began to explain.

“Quite some time ago, while I was studying the flame’s magic, Spike offered to conjure a sample for me.”

Dominus extended his arms, and I lifted the jar into the air with my levitation. I was unable to find words.

“I just recently cooked up a new seal, it should retain the flame and its magic for more than a decade.”

I studied the flame closely, as it licked the glass walls of its prison. After I broke free of the fire’s trance, I looked back to Dominus Temporis.

“...Thank you.”

The Lord of Time gave me a comforting smile, then began to reposition all of the items he had moved in his search.

“Now, I don’t mean to offend, but I do have work to do today.”

I held the jar next to my flank and cleared my throat.

“Of Course; I’ll get out of your way.”

With my back to the magic tracer, I weaved through the devices and furnishings of the room, until I could reach the metal door with a forehoof. Before I did, however, I turned towards Dominus once more, who was leaning against a table with his arms outstretched. He appeared distraught.

“I’ll see you around, then.”

I began to walk through the doorway, admiring the metallic design once more.

“Twilight—”

Dominus’ voice led me to turn around. I had never seen the Lord of Time display as much concern in his face as it now did.

“...You know as well as I do, the laws and restrictions that bind me to secrecy about what I see. But I refuse to keep what I see before you hidden.”

I stepped back into the room, forcing the door to follow me with my magic.

“What do you see?”

“...You’re not safe, Princess. I think it’d be most wise if you left Equestria, perhaps to the Gryphon Kingdoms or beyond.”

It felt as if I had just fallen into the freezing ocean waters.

“What—what is it that threatens me?”

“Please Twilight; I’m not often wrong about these kind of things…”

* * *

Dominus’ words lingered over me even as I returned to my room. I was mulling over them so thoroughly it was a wonder I could hear the commotion coming from down the halls of Canterlot. I made my way cautiously to the main doors, and pushed through them to find hundreds of vivid colors moving violently amongst each other.

A mob was forming in the town square. I turned to one of the guards posted in the hall, and levitated the green flame towards him.

“Return this to my chamber, and do not let any harm fall upon it.”

Without question, the pony nodded and took a hold of the jar with his own magic. With his leave, I flew down to the square below me, intending to disperse the gathering.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle approaches!”

The four guards stationed there all kneeled at my presence. I quickly approached the nearest, and referred to him with a voice only just audible over the crowd.

“What is going on here? Where is Celestia?”

The earth pony stood before leaning towards me to respond.

“Princess Celestia has been speaking with the council; she’s ordered us to maintain the gate until they reach a decision.”

I looked into the rambunctious crowd, disheartened by the many enraged ponies that looked back.

“I’m going to talk to them.”

Ignoring the guard’s warning, I flew up onto a makeshift barricade separating the civilians and the castle. The crowd grew louder with my approach, their hoofmade signs about the horrors of the vault highlighted in the sun.

“Citizens of Canterlot, please, let me help you…”

Even I struggled to hear my voice. As I continued, I neared shouting.

“Please, just let me talk…”

The mob showed no signs of quieting, but I hadn’t yet exhausted all of my options. My horn began to glow dimly as I casted on myself and minimalised a cough triggered by the burn that made its way through my throat. When I spoke again, however, my voice had expanded tenfold.

“ENOUGH.”

The crowd slowly embraced a reasonable volume, and I wasted no time taking advantage of it.

“I know you’re tired, hurt, and enraged; but know that not long ago, I too was a mere resident of Equestria, living peacefully within its borders...”

I began to walk cautiously along the edge of the barrier.

“...and I have dedicated several years of my life to study the humans, and their creations… know this, citizens: Mankind is not your enemy!”

I raised my voice further to combat the mob’s response.

“YOUR ENEMY LIVES AMONG YOU, IN SHADOW.”

There was a hint of interest brewing in the many faces before me.

“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE UPSET; BUT DIRECT YOUR ANGER NOT AT THE HUMANS, OR THE WEAPONS THEY’VE CREATED, DIRECT IT AT THE MARE WHO WOULD DARE POINT THOSE WEAPONS AT YOU.”

The ponies began to talk between themselves.

“I HAVE DEFEATED BEHEMOTHS FOR YOU—I WILL NOT TURN MY BACK NOW.”

Several of the signs withdrew into the crowd, as the outrage I had stepped into began to drown in a thunderous collision of hooves and earth. The many colors before me moved in an almost rhythmic pattern, save the expanding ball of orange in my peripherals—

I squinted my eyes as the light exploded just before me, throwing a wave of heat against my coat. When the roaring noise it created was gone, and I again opened my eyes, I saw the ponies frantically attempt to escape the square, and the uniform hoof-stomping of before degraded into panicked stampeding.

Flame still clung to the hastily cast arcane shield before me, and as I turned around, I found its creator.

“Guards, arrest that fleeing unicorn.”

The stallions nodded towards their ruler, then quickly made their way over the barrier I still stood on. I exhaled panicked breaths as Celestia approached me.

“Are you okay?”

I climbed down off of the barrier and stepped over the broken glass and flames that accumulated around me.

“I’m fine…”

Celestia nodded ever so slightly, then walked past me with her wings unfurled. Shortly after, two guards from the castle rushed to me, and asked that I leave immediately. I had no intentions of ignoring their suggestion, but took one last look over my shoulder at the chaos behind me.

Celestia stood in the midst of it all, guiding the civilians to safety.

* * *

They tried to kill you.

Even in the comfort of my own room, my nerves continued get the better of me. Images flashed in my mind, of the flames, the crowd; and most often, of Celestia. Her appearance further complicated the cloudy sentiments I already had for her. Strangely enough, however, it was getting easier to stop any of these feelings from bothering me as time went on.

So I acted as a composed princess would, and began to sort through the mail that had been accumulating on my desk; at least until I had the chance to speak with Celestia again.

Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I have been a resident of Equestria for ten years now, so I feel comfortable in claiming that the state of our nation has only been worsening since the vault was opened...

Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, we’ve lived in peace for so long now, it boggles my mind how badly things must have slipped up there to reach this level of chaos...

Dear Twilight, what are you honestly doing at Canterlot? Because it’s clear you’re not ruling...

My expectations had certainly been met. I pushed aside the criticism in favor of a bright pink envelope that caught my eye. It had a sweet scent lingering over it, so faint I would have denied its existence, were it not for the hastily scribbled return address that read “6440 Sugarcube Corner”.

For a moment, I could only stare at the envelope; unwilling to reveal its contents. It was troubling to think this had sat unopened for over two weeks now. Eventually, I mustered my strength, and carefully opened the pink envelope with my magic. Inside was folded sheet of paper, adorned with images of confetti and ribbons. I read its words slowly.

Twilight! Do you know what’s coming up? Gummy’s birthday party! And MY birthday party! We’re gonna celebrate on May 2nd and 3rd, at good ol’ Sugarcube Corner of course! I’d love to see you!

P.S. I know you’re really busy at Canterlot so if you can’t make it, don’t worry. There’s always next year!

My legs began to shake as I looked over the letter again and again. Every word pierced a little deeper than the last.

You’re a Princess.

I started to fold the paper back up with my telekinesis, blinking often to clear my vision.

Princesses don’t cry.

I threw my forearms up onto the desk and my head collapsed into them. Once my sobbing had begun, any attempts to silence it would be in vain, as the façade I had so rigorously worked towards collapsed under pressure. This was the edge; I had no doubt about that.

It must have been at least ten minutes before I could recover, but once I had, I placed the jar Dominus had given me in my satchel, and slung it around my back. One last check of the room, and I pushed open the doors leading out. It was time to recover the things I’d sacrificed. I had made it not even a meter out of the doorway before remembering one last thing; I turned around and took care of it, then finally made my way down the hall.

Left on my bed was my crown, placed neatly in the center.

Friendship is Magic

Chapter Ten

Friendship is Magic

There was a gentle rain on my way back to Ponyville. Water droplets would occasionally collide with me, and the wind blew past me in chilling bursts. I couldn’t care less. My eyes remained forward, searching for the distant silhouette of a barn peeking just above the horizon.

My destination appeared just as the sun began to rest behind it. Now that it was safe to do so, I ceased my flying, and projected myself onto the farm with teleportation. The exit was rough, forcing me to recover from a stumble among the mud and rocks. I wasted no time catching my breath, however, and instead broke into a sprint towards the house, with poisonous thoughts plaguing my mind.

You’re a failure. They were depending on you, and you failed them.

I ran to the front door and knocked with urgency. After only a few seconds, Applejack pulled the door open, and stared at me with a confused look on her face.

“...Twilight?”

My muzzle twitched as I tried to form words, but none escaped my lips. It didn’t matter. She had seen it, and beckoned for me to come inside her home.

Once there, I found Rainbow Dash sitting at the end of the dining room table. She had a concerned look on her face, and stood at my presence, as if to help me walk across the room.

“What happened?”

I looked between the two faces staring at me, back and forth.

“I… I can’t go back.”

The unfamiliar touch of another’s hoof sent shivers down my spine.

“Take a seat, Twilight. I’ll heat up some tea, and get us all together.”

* * *

The quiet room of before had transformed into one bustling with activity, as all of my closest friends filed in. I embraced every single one of them before we all sat down and began to talk. They deserved an explanation.

“Night after night in that tower; I felt as if it was changing me. And the things I’ve done...”

I noticed Rainbow Dash momentarily look away from the table.

“I never meant to abandon you guys…”

Rarity leaned forward to intervene.

“Nonsense, Twilight. You’ve had to deal with a national crisis; no one blames you for anything.”

“We’ll always be here for ya Twi’. No matter how tall the castle between us.”

Fluttershy placed her cup gently down onto the table before chiming in.

“I’m just glad you’re here.”

I watched the subtle movements of the tea in my cup.

“Thank you guys.”

Rainbow, who had been mostly a listener until now, broke the silence that started to form.

“What are you gonna do now?”

I took a short sip of my drink before responding.

“I have to tell Celestia. Then, I’ll inform the Council of my intentions of stepping down from my position, reducing my status to the Element of Magic once more.”

A fading memory of a peculiar dream I once had began to creep up on me.

“For tonight, though, I think I’ll remain here.”

Applejack placed the hat that had been resting on the table atop her head.

“Couldn’t think of a better plan myself.”

That night we didn’t speak of the future or even the present, but exclusively of days past. Days when our troubles weren’t delivered to us on a desk, but from a scroll delivered from the Princess. Manticores, Hydras, Changeling hordes; every conquest strengthened our bond, brought us closer together.

We spoke of these times until the sun faded behind the mountains, and our beds beckoned us to embrace them. I hugged my friends tightly once more, and wished them all a goodnight, before stepping out onto the farm alone.

It was time for me to return home; my real home.

* * *

The wind rustled the many leaves of the oak tree softly, as I stood in front of its thick trunk. No light emitted through any of the windows, as I had expected. After taking in the scene, and tightening the strap on my satchel, I began my steady approach to the door. Again, my expectations were met when I discovered it was locked. I tilted my head back to see the vegetation on the arch that had been growing uncontrollably over the last few years. After digging through it with my telekinesis, I was able to locate a small metal compartment that held a silver key.

The interior of the library was even darker than the outside. A part of me expected the lights to flick on at any moment, revealing a friend and her surprise party. Instead, I was forced to blindly make my way to the second story.

At the top of the stairs stood the door to my old bedroom; his as well. I opened the door slowly, noticing the silhouette of the room’s general layout. I found my place in the center of the room, and gently placed the satchel on the floor, opening the pouch as I did so. Green light poured over my face, and a subtle wave of heat washed over me. Once removed completely, the glowing jar lit the room ablaze.

Every plant, book, drawer and crevice in the carved walls suddenly came to life. I turned away from the flame for the first time, basking in all of the memories the sight brought back to me now. I made nearly a full rotation, before stopping at the sight of my old bed. I climbed the stairs leading up to it, and fell into its warmth. With the blankets pulled to my chin, and my eyelids slowly closing, I watched the sun pattern on the ceiling fade into blackness, a smile lingering on my muzzle.

A knock on the door flung my eyes back wide open, the design on the ceiling holding my stare.

I sat up in the bed, wondering if what I heard was a dream or reality; a second knock confirmed the latter. Confused, I walked to the bedroom door, taking one last look at the flame.

Once downstairs, I approached the door with caution, and opened it slowly. The first thing I saw was a stunning, enchanted mane.

“May I come in?”

Without a word, I stepped out of the way of Princess Celestia, and she entered the home. Even with everything I had planned on telling the Princess, I found it difficult to utter a single word.

“Princess; I know I have a lot to say—”

The room grew much colder. My mouth hung open, frozen from the last word it delivered. My hoof instinctually felt out the metal before my eyes dropped slowly to see it.

I had a brief glimpse of the crudely fashioned blade protruding from my neck, as Celestia’s magic gently closed the door behind me, snuffing out the miniscule light it leaked in. There was a strong taste of copper in my mouth, and my legs gave out from under me. The Princess grabbed me with her forehooves, cradling my head. Screaming light and energies from her horn began to swirl above me, and the library faded into all but an echo.

The room that took its place was painfully bright.

* * *

“Am I… dead?”

Celestia approached the opposite end of the table from me, her coat blending nearly seamlessly with the rest of the room.

“You will be shortly.”

I brought my hoof up to my neck, searching for the weapon. I found none.

“I don’t understand…”

“The White Room is much more than it seems, Twilight. I brought you here because it will give us time.”

I shook my head.

“But why?”

I could barely look at Celestia, due to the intensity of the light above her.

“You presented a threat to Equestria, and when I failed to properly correct you, I was left with only one option.”

I shut my eyes tightly as Celestia went on.

“It’s that simple. It’s always been about Equestria.”

I wasn’t sure why I even asked.

“You’ll be the last Equestrian on Earth, Celestia. Even then I suspect you’d kill for the corpses surrounding you.”

The Princess turned so only her profile was visible. With newfound evidence, I began to backtrack.

“Pinkie Pie… was that you too?”

Celestia turned to again face me, seemingly hesitant to answer.

“My plans up to this point were overly complex, and hearing them now would only cause further harm, Twilight.”

“Start from the beginning.”

I deserved as much. The Princess was silent for a moment, but eventually submit.

“Twilight; I’ve groomed you from the moment we met.”

I did nothing but stare as she continued.

“I released the parasites. I told Rarity of a diamond field, nestled directly above the Diamond Dog’s lair. I sabotaged the Gala, led Trixie to the Alicorn Amulet, conjured the Windigos, tipped off the Changeling Horde... “

I shook my head in denial, on the verge of tears.

“...and I didn’t stop when you came to Canterlot. I enchanted your crown, to track your every move…”

This is impossible.

“Tapped into your own consciousness to create The White Room, magic not unlike my sister’s dream-walking; I hired Honeysuckle to eliminate Pinkie Pie...”

She can’t—

“...and I framed an insane mare responsible for the death of a young dragon years ago, released from prison under the flimsy laws you emplaced, for the murder of Twilight Sparkle.”

I grabbed the back of my head with my hooves, and dropped my muzzle. It was all so disgustingly clean.

“...and where would we be if I hadn’t done these things. Squabbling about in the dark ages, refusing to coexist?”

Opening my eyes, I found my vision to be obscured by tears.

“...You really feel like your actions were justified, don’t you?”

Celestia tilted her head.

“I’m far from perfect, I realize that—”

“I had nothing but faith in you, Princess!”

“You know I didn’t want it to come to this.”

I raised my voice as sudden energy began to course through me.

“Why would I assume that about someone who’s betrayed me since the day we met?”

I mistakenly saw a tear escape from Celestia’s eye; it must have been the lights.

“I’m—I’m sorry.”

Hearing those words made more of an impact than her entire confession. I fell back onto my haunches, and dried my eyes.

“You’re sorry…”

Celestia looked down at the table between us, just as the lights began to dim.

“You don’t have long now…”

I rested my head on the table, refusing to respond. I wouldn’t waste my last breath arguing with Princess Celestia.

Darkness continued to surround the room as I heard Celestia’s wings unfurl, and her slow steps away from the table; and just then, I made an interesting realization.

“Celestia—”

She turned towards me, looking down at my sad, defeated form.

“I never told you about my vision.”

“You dreamt of a farmland, with a human and several horses standing together.”

I slid my head back and forth against the table.

“I didn’t understand until now. The horses were sick… and the truck was there to transport them to a slaughter house...”

A Farewell to Mankind; Canterlot Closing the Vault

The High Council has decided against leaving the Vault open, in wake of Twilight Sparkle’s recent assassination. No word on how long the doors will be closed yet, but if the Vault’s history is any indication, most will never again lay eyes on any human technologies.

It had been nearly a decade, and yet the words on the paper were as much of a relief now, as they were when it was printed. It had ended. And even after its conclusion, after everything had returned to normal, I saw no pride in the tired eyes of the princess looking at me from the glass of the casing. There was no joy. I was determined, that much seemed clear. And I would remain determined until the last Equestrian fell to the earth and the elements tore away the castle walls; or until Time would finally have me.

The latter never seemed more distant.

“Ah, sister! They’re ready now.”

I pushed the drawer close, the musings buried with the news article.

“Thank you, Luna. I’ll be out in just a moment.”

Luna smiled gently, then made her way down the hall. I was well acquainted with the Summer Sun Celebration, and needed little time to prepare. I walked slowly to the door arch, nearly forgetting my crown as I crossed the room. As I placed it in front of my horn, the metal rested awkwardly.

In fact, the crown hadn’t sat comfortably for almost ten years now.