Chapter Four: Meanwhile, In A Magical Land Far, Far Away...

A world away, so far that light-years would not suffice, and yet so close, that the same held true for the thickness of a single electron...

Beyond the wale of infinity and all the possibilities it held, in a world both familiar and not...

Two creatures, both older than man have had iron, both fair and foul, both that had always done their best to hold true to their inner nature....

Stirred, awakened to a whisper in this girdle of impossibility, that surrounds all worlds...

The first, a serpent, both betrayer and betrayed, lifted His tear stained head from the ground in-front of the abandoned cottage he had been meditating beside.

All around Him, chaos danced, died and was reborn. The ruins of Ponyville, twisting in the air like marionettes neglected by their puppeteer, as chocolate milk flowed in a torrent from a broken sky, not even bothering to have clouds from which the brown curtain could fall sideways from.

He sniffed at the portend of raw possibility in the air, a dark part of Him that never grew or learned, giggled in delight at what He sensed on the wind...

But the rest of Him felt dead. As it had these long, long years of waiting since the anger had faded.

...So, my little plan is almost nearing fruition... The Creature thought, as His tears turned to wooden pennies and rolled laughingly towards the EverFree.

He looked at the cottage, standing on its rolling hills, so close to the wilderness of this world. The overgrown grass roof. The wooden walls, painted brown...

Her cottage.

A pang of pain tore at the blackened nub of a heart He still had left.

...But what point is there in check-mate, when the king has lost his queen?

For not the first time, He thought of waving his talons and removing the thing. So that there would be nothing reminding Him...

Of her, always of her.

With a heavy sigh, that for just a moment betrayed the eons of His age...

And then He waved His scared talon.

But destruction was not what followed, but its opposite.

The dulled windows sparkled as the dirt jumped from them, the faded and fallen paint rose up once more to the wall it had fled, the overgrown hills and roof once more carefully tended as the grass ungrew...

Just like it had looked, all those years ago.

For one beautiful moment, The Creature could imagine lights being turned on, and a sweet, beautiful face poking out the door...

Greeting Him with a smile.

Pain stabbed once more.

It was a lie, of course. If only others knew, how much of His power was. Not a soul had set hoof within the cottage for a decade and a half.

Not even He.

There are after all, pains that may destroy even immortals.

And this... center of His cyclone, His... shrine... the one place He had felt welcome, not hated and feared...

Such hallowed ground, was not for one such as He.

Not any more.

His mistake had seen to that.

A smaller Evil, but no less foul and wretched, came jumping towards Him.

The Creature smiled, despite himself and His mood. It humored him, that he was not the first monster, whose heart she had stolen.

“...Oh, Angel...” He said, voice cracked with misuse and neglect. “...do you think she will forgive me?”

The tiny white speck of a demon, rose to his miniscule height, fore-legs crossed... And gave Him a weary shrug.

The creature nodded, as slow as the movement of the continents. “...She only...” Pain, white and hot. The Creature had to close His eyes. “...begged...” The Creature whispered, before continuing in a more normal tone. “...to be sent to her friends. I could have positioned her, to be the ruler of... that world... But that was the only thing she wanted. “

The Demon hopped up and patted comfortingly at The Creature's side.

After all, not even he was dark and twisted enough, to twist the knife in the heart of his brother in grief.

“...She might be... anybody by now. Not even I know. I didn't tailor the curse for such things.” The Creature said, tears once more falling. “...I never thought I would find a worse torture than the millennia in rock, but these few paltry years of uncertainty have proven me wrong.”

He rubbed His mismatched claw and paw together, but no heat came for Him. “...Even if she returns with...” The Abomination had to swallow to moisten His dry mouth, for some concepts disturbed even Him. “...with hatred in her heart... At least then I will know what this foolish venture of mine, has cost me...”

“And whose fault is that?” A voice rang out, belonging to the youngest of Earth's immortals..

A note of pride, dark as it may have been, flared in The Creature's chest.

At least, the youngest left.

There was anger in Her voice, but seeing a creature in torment for so long, may tamper any heart.

“Hi, Luna. Long time no see...” The creature said, His voice sad and tired. “...how's the sun nag doing?”

For the briefest of moments, the lights of the moon and stars flared in the twisted sky, matching the anger in their mistress's eyes... then all was still once more, Her rage controlled.

“Tia is doing well.” She stated, voice flat.

The Abomination glanced at His guests hooves.

A ring of brown burned ice could be seen under them, where the cold and flames of infinity made manifest itself for the briefest of moments had stood on Earth's soil.

He merely sighted at the display. Not even Her greatest Nightmare had held a candle to the torment of his waking hours.

And Even It, had fallen easily to his curse.

He sighed.

But the glimpse at that torment, and that He could not bring Himself to even pretend to ravel in His ‘victory’ had made His two oldest enemies stay their hooves...

For now, and they All knew it.

He sighed once more. “I'm too tired for games. What do you want?”

A delicate eyebrow rose at His words. “Too tired for games? You?”

“There are more fatigues then of the flesh, Lulu... And yes, I feel too tired for games...”

The Alicorn shuddered at The Abomination's cold and tired words. Not a shred of his usual mirth had been in them.

Even His eyes, just looked dead and empty. Not but a single spark of hope, remained in them.

Emptiness, would have been less cruel... and She knew He knew that, as well as Her.

“Very well...” She said, steeling Herself, trying not to spit the next words. “...we need your help.”

The Creature just stared at The Alicorn. He found Her claim so ludicrous, not even a joke or laugh was needed.

“We have finally dragged together enough mages, to mount a rescue operation...” She continued.

The Abomination smirked, despite Himself. “Sweet little Lulu, always running to her people to help them... and never getting anything but grief, in turn...”

Memories, most of them bad, flooded over The Alicorn, as She tensed at the words.

“I pity you...”

The Alicorn almost reared back, as if stuck. To hear such words, so candidly, from Him? It was almost too much to bear, and tears stung at the edges of Her eyes.

“...but this one time, you are wrong. There is no need to save them.”

He chuckled, petting the demon at his side as He did. “You may need saving from them, however...”

The Alicorn glared at Him. “Explain yourself.”

“Did you really think me cruel or unoriginal enough to turn them into mice and drop them in a realm where ninety-nine percent of all animals are decedent from the common owl, or something? Please, I have standards. I even made sure that they all will have at least a chance at happiness and health. I am not heartless.”

The Mistress Of The Night glowered at the Abomination... but She had to relent, and give the bastard His dues.

Only once had She seen Him raise his talons in anger, and even then had He used that abominable curse, to save the.... mare, in question.

Her heart ached at the memory.

But She steeled Herself. But that did not mean She had to like it. “Then care to explain?”

“They werecreatures of Harmony...” The Alicorn paled at the words and their implications. What had He done? “...so I thought it would be hilarious if I turned them into humans.”

He frowned, as Her mind reeled from the revelation.

Humans. Legendary creatures of defiance, that aspect of them only rivaled by their cleverness and cruelty... and the two combined. That nature so strong in them, that they reeled and fought even against that.

Would there be anything left She would even recognize as such, of Her subjects after twenty-five of that?

“...When Fluttershy refused my offer, the joke wasn't so funny anymore...” He offered in a pained voice, drifting off towards the end.

The Mistress Of The Night sighed. Those flashes of regret and pain... Such a cliche, but She simply could not keep Her fury burning at the sight of it.

Even if She had... What was there left to do? What wound, to drive deeper?

It was ironic, but kindness in this case was both the right thing to do... and the grimmest cruelty.

What else, would offer more hope?

“Please,” She said, Her voice softer than She thought She would have ever used again towards The Abomination. “tell me how to find them.”

He sighed, before raising His talon... The Alicorn tensed, strengthening the defensive spells she had cast, with only a effort of will...

His dread implement snapped, like it had done so many times before... But no attack came rushing forth.

A scroll had appeared, hanging in the air in-front of The Alicorn.

No flash, no fanfare... She tasted the air around it for magic, but found none.

And yet, not a single brown drop touched it, as it hung in the air.

But she knew better than to simply trust The Abomination's gifts. “What is that?”

The Creature sighed, having clearly expected the hostility. “A copy of the curse, so that you will know I'm not bluffing... Including the dimensional coordinates.”

He waved His paw lazily in the air and just like that, the storm was not. Even the sky was mended, as if its gaping wounds had never been. Only a clear field of stars, crowned by its jewel, the moon remained.“Even somepony so utterly lost up their own plot as the sun nag, should have no problems following the instructions on that parchment.”

She sucked in a breath. This was exactly what they needed, to have a chance at least, to bring back her subjects where they belonged...

He pointed at Her and spoke, but a different, older sounding voice came out His lips. “Make it so, number one.”

Her face scrunched up in confusion. “I beg your pardon?”

He chuckled softly, his normal voice returned. “Sorry, sorry... Just a little joke for the readers, I have some reputation to live up to left, after all...”

Oh, if she only knew... Both how far I see, and how I just insulted her. But then again, that joke would have been crueler with Celestia's voice... If, less funny as well...

She stared at Him for a moment, before shrugging, clearly chalking it up to The Abomination's usual weirdness.

“Now...” He started, as He made himself comfortable on the ground again. “...I believe Celestia deserves to see that and its almost time for her to have a part of the story... Why don't you go and get that done? Chop-chop!”

She sighed at His antics as She put the parchment behind Her back... but as usual there was just enough wisdom in His words, that She dared not stop listening to Him...

No matter how hard She wished that She could.

“Thank you, for the gesture.”

He shrugged at Her forced politeness. “Just give her a chance to come back. That's all I ask in turn.”

The Mistress Of The Night raised an eyebrow. “A chance?”

He did not turn, but he did answer. “Have you forgotten? The curse involves a rebirth. She, and by the extension all the others, may wish nothing to do with this world...”

The words Or Me, hung in the air, but remained unsaid.

The Alicorn heard them anyway.

She steeled herself. “...You honestly think, they would chose a world of humans over Equestria?”

He turned His long neck and rolled His eyes at Her. They stayed in their sockets, but only barely. “Please. I picked one of the interesting ones, not one of the irradiated gravel pits or bloody tribal nightmares. One with both sweetness and light, as well as darkness and bitterness. All else is a matter of what they chose...”

He looked Her straight in the eyes. “...including what life and lands they chose to hold allegiance to. Remember that, if nothing else.”

She looked doubtfully at Him.

“Or do you intend to drag them all back, no matter their will or the cost? Human's may be defiant and care little for Harmony... but Loyalty? Oh, they have that alright, especially for kind and kin. If you do, they will never stop. Not until what they see as their kin as well, is returned to them... or you and Celly destroy them. They will simply use what knowledge they do have, to tear at the walls between world until they find the right one.”

She froze at His words. She had not seen it from that perspective... and it horrified her.

“Now of course...” He continued, a martini appearing in His talon. “...the ‘local’ batch are a mixed bunch. Some will cry for your blood, no matter how sweet and kind you appear... And the opposite, as well. I would strongly recommend the ‘We come in peace, take me to your leader!’ approach...”

He drank the olive and toothpick, before continuing.

“...that one might actually work.” He finished plainly, the drink and glass crunching between his teeth as he began to devour it.

The Alicorn thought it over. Yes, as much as the source of the wisdom troubled her, she could see it. They were looking for their ‘kind and kin...’ But would not any intelligent creature, with-even a shred of compassion, do the same for theirs?

And in such matter, who had first ‘dibs’ seldom get headed...

...And the Dragons still whisper tales, at what befalls those foolish enough to lay a single talon on any human, uninvited.

For they may be defiant and chaotic a species, but against others they move as one...

With singular and dread purpose.

And with neither mercy, nor respite.

The Mistress Of The Night, made a thoughtful sound.

But according to the tales, this held true to any they called friend, as well...

That possibility just might be a silver lining, to this near endless typhoon.

She nodded calmly to Herself. This was indeed a matter that would need the most delicate of touches. She could only hope She and Her sister, would live up to the challenge.

Her wayward subjects, no matter what they chose when They found them, deserved no less from Her or Her sister.

...But one matter remained, she thought, as she looked at the so helpful creature of chaos...

“I already told you my reason for helping. Heck, I told you my reason for this mess once before, right? If that isn't enough, go fly a kite.” He said, anger in his voice, but without any true venom.

As He turned, to once again stare at the cottage, like a dog looking longingly at the door... for a mistress that might never come, a thought snaked through Her mind.

What a subtle but dread power love is. I wish we still had Cadance here. She always knew how to raise our spirits...

The Creature glanced back at Her. “Do you really have time standing around feeling sorry for yourself or others? Get going already...”

The Alicorn hesitated, then gave The Creature a nod, before disappearing in a flash of cobalt blue.

The Creature sighed, before snapping his talon and willing some lettuce into existence for The Demon.

The Demon devoured the offering greedily, ignoring while The Abomination made himself comfortable once more, for he had long since accepted that only he and The Creature remained at this vigil, where once the entire forest had been...

But life moves on, no matter what one may will...

As the flash of light and rush of teleportation faded, I had to lock my knees and center myself, before continuing through the balcony door into my sisters room.

As practical Discord having chosen what remained of Ponyville as a mourning hall was...

Seeing the once proud town like that, a broken toy for a broken god...

I had to close my eyes, as memories old and sweet, as well as new and raw, flooded my mind...

-

Proud, honest Applejack... Always tending to her friends and trees...

Sweet Apple Acres, nothing but overgrown and abandoned ruin, so twisted by chaos, not even the EverFree would claim what little remained...

-

Fierce, but kind, Lady Rarity... Always with a smile, and offers of help to those in need...

Carousel Boutique, just a rotted marionette with broken strings, dancing and twitching in the sky... Not allowed to be unique in even that regard...

-

...Sweet Fluttershy. Both the center of this mess... and its greatest victim.

Gall rose in my mouth and I forced the image of Discord's shrine from my mind. To think, that the seemingly least rotted dwelling in Ponyville, what had once been a bastion of healing and sweetness... Now reduced to that.

My mind and heart darkened, and I contemplated not for the first time, to break my wow with Tia...

But a swift death would end the bastards suffering. He deserved to suffer, for all his mad plan had hurt. For all he had stolen.

Letting him live... was...

Good enough, for now.

-

Pinky, Pinky, Pinky... I still know not what to make of that mare and all her impossibilities, not even after all this time... but I still miss her antics.

Sugar-cube Corner... A black stain of soot and ashes, still there after so long... where untended ovens had finished what Pinkies fierce defiance as the Cake family fled had only begun... If she only knew how many lives she had saved from being shattered, that day.

-

...Oh, Trixie...

I fought that line of thought down. I have cried enough, for what might have been... She died well, at least.

-

...Twilight. My first friend, since my exile ended...

A part of the white marble crumbled to dust in my grip... but I barely noticed.

…and thanks to Discord's twisted insight, the one star denied me, the one I had hoped to claim as mine the most.

...But at least Spike's swift thinking, saved something of the mare's legacy. Even if it almost killed him.

I gazed down towards the courtyard, where a familiar tree stood. One with darkened windows, its sole occupant and guardian, asleep and...

I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat.

Dreaming of his mother and friends, safely returned.

In morbid curiosity, I expanded my awareness of the dreamlands, past mere vigilance against nightmares and other horrors.

...He was not alone in having that dream, even if details varied. I quickly dialed it back again.

I closed my eyes, willing myself not to cry.

Far, far too many had had that dream, these long decades.

So many of my subjects and far too few friends, lost in those horrible weeks...

I felt the light, but strangely comforting weight of the scroll, as it lay nestled in my shadow.

...But perhaps, just perhaps... as ironic it was for me to wish so, dawn was finally approaching.

I sighed, and passed my hoof over the rock my anger had marred, fixing it with a burst of magic. Giving my work a nod, my mind and heart cleared, I opened and walked through the doors...

Only to see my sister, already awake and with a troubled look on her face.

I averted my gaze from her too thin frame. Neither the volcano, Discord's betrayal, the stress of the crisis, nor her long recovery, had been kind to my sisters body.

We Alicorns may recover from most things, given time... But that does not mean, we look pretty while doing so.

Even after all these years, physically she was a shade of her former glory... But even such may be nurtured back from the brink.

But in her sunken face her eyes still sparkled with will and intelligence, even at an hour such as this. The sight made me smile, despite myself.

“What is it, sister?” I asked in a voice happy enough that it surprised even me, as I sat down on the bed with her. “You seem troubled... and frankly should be asleep.”

She shook her head, her mane a mundane pink. It had been near a worse battle then rounding up the ‘survivors’ and making things work once more, but I had managed to convince her that a swift true recovery, was ultimately of greater value than the appearance of one. Even politically.

“...I felt something. A... portend, if you will. But I'm not sure of what. It was strong, though.” She hesitatingly offered, her eyes unfocused with concentration.

That made my ears perk up. The foolish idea of astrology aside, Tia had always been the one of us most in tune with sensing the subtle ripples of what shall be, as they travel the aether.

Honestly... If I wanted my stars and night to be a overglorified noticeboard, I would move them like that.

Anyway... “Not even if it was of good or ill?”

She slowly gave me a shake of her head. “...I think it may have been a major event in another, but nearby, realm... Strange, that it echoed so strongly in ours, though...”

“...Oh, sweet harmony.” I whispered, as horrible realization dawned on me.

Tia tilted her head at me, making me very carefully not think of a olive almost falling off its toothpick. I simply must convince her, to eat more things with some actual fat in them. To make me follow this idiotic vegetarian trend to ward of rumors is one thing, but I shall not lose my sister to it. Not even if I have to force-feed her lard, myself...

I took the scroll from my shadow and behind my back, and offered it to Tia. My magic so shaky it almost fell to her, then floated.

She barely got a single paragraph in, before uttering a swear herself that would have unmade any notions of her as the pure one if any but I had heard it.

Anger rose in me, but I fought it down. “Even when he aids us, he still manages to rub in our noses what he has done...” I near growled the words, but managed to hold my composure.

Tia did not. For a moment flames rose from her, instantly reducing the covers and most of the bed to blackened ash... Then she winced and sagged, her strength drained.

I barely got the scroll away in time, even using a teleport spell.

The door to the chamber smashed open, and my sisters personal guard, rushed in. “My lady! Are you alright?”

Tia was still coughing, some of the obsidian from the magma she had almost drowned in, still giving her trouble. So I answered in her stead. “I just delivered some very mixed news. She is fine, but her temper flared.”

The guards gulped. No doubt, they had all heard stories of my usually calm sisters fury... And I could not blame them, for looking weary.

The times my sister had unleashed her full fury, may have been few and long ago, even for me... But most of my Nightmares, where lesser horrors. Such things do not easily fade from memory.

“I'm fine...” Tia croaked out. “...I just need a new bed and sheets. No harm was done.”

I delicately avoided the subject, that she almost cost us our best chance at returning our subjects... Thinking about the tiny and flammable scroll, once more tucked into my shadow.

I brushed some ash from myself. And that most messengers, would not have been so... Silent, at the moment.

Tia gave me a guilty look. Clearly having just had, more or less, the same thoughts I just had had.

The guards bowed, only a moments hesitation betraying their shock at my sisters rare outburst. “At once, your ladyships. I will send for your hoofmaidens i-”

“It can wait until morning. I have slept in far worse. Let them rest.”

The commander was just about to protests... but was interrupted by my sisters yelp, as I started levitating her. “Sister, for the last bucking time. You. Are. Not. Well. Do I have to chain you in my room and spoon feed you, to get you to realize this?”

Tia gave me a glare... before sighing in defeat.

I turned to the commander, whose eyes were near bulging out of his skull. “Escort us to the nearest unoccupied room. I care not which, as long as there's a bed for my overgrown foal of a sister...”

Tia rolled her eyes at me, before letting them close once more. She was gently snoring before even a taking another breath.

The commander nodded at me, obviously at a loss for words... But he did his duty and trotted off. I, my snoring sister and the other thoroughly disillusioned soldiers, following in the armored unicorns wake.

We traveled in silence... except for the rustle of my sisters wings. She was asleep again, so I don't think she noticed herself...

But she had spread her wings and had a big smile on her face.

I half amused smile came to me, even as my heart broke a bit. I needed no mastery of dreams, to tell what my sister dreamed of doing once more...

I noted how her hind-legs were twitching. A very good sign, after the foul blow that had crippled her. A year, or even less, and she should be able to walk without aid again, at least... Much would remain to do and heal, of course, but it would no doubt raise both her and others spirits, to have her walking the halls once more.

...Would such be the case, had I been the crippled one?

I shook my head and forced away the bitter thought. Now was not the time.

...Now is the time to show them all... By being better th-

I had to stop and center myself. Even harmony incarnate, may only subdue so much bitterness.

Luckily, we had made good time and my need for stillness was not noticed, as the commander stopped himself and our little group came to a halt...

...Right in-front of Twilight's old tower.

The place, an imposing and beautiful spire. A white marble spine tastefully covered with gilding, reaching towards the heavens.

Even after so long without its mistress, the place gleamed in the night.

“...Your joking. There is no other place?”

A quiet dread filled me, as the commander shook his head. “We are still sheltering to many refugees. From Ponyville, especially. The only reason Princess Twilight's tower is not taken, is by...” He nodded towards my sister. “...royal decree.”

I looked at my sister, floating peacefully in the glow of my magic... There was no way she would like this. I could almost hear her counter. “She'll be back. She always comes back...”

...Perhaps, but as what?

I sighed, knowing this would lead to drama I simply had no energy for...

But a bed is a bed.

No matter how long it has been empty.

“...Buck it.”

The commander nearly dropped from shock, right there... but I was too tired to find more than slight amusement in it.

“She torched her bed, if she wants to throw a hissy-fit over how I solve the problem... Then so be it. Inform the maids and cooks tomorrow...” I let my words linger, as to allow no misunderstandings. This particular bit of horse-apples needed not be kicked around. Especially not downhill like that. “...that my sister and I, had to move rooms temporarily. If anypony asks, tell them her room needed airing...”

...From ash and smoke, but still... technically true.

He saluted. “Anything else, your highness?”

“Send word tomorrow to Princess Rainbow Dash, Emperor Shining Armor, Beta Rover, Sir Spike, Archmage Scootaloo, Archmage Sweetie Belle and Archmage Apple Bloom. I need them gathered here, as soon as possible.”

The commander hesitated. “...Ma'am, should we tell Prince Blueblood, as well?”

I thought it over... And realized old habits die hard. The pompous twit I sadly still saw him as when I forgot to do otherwise, was no more.

This crisis had given him a rude wake-up call.

I sighed. But then, so it had to us all.

I nodded at the stallion. “Excellent reminder. He slipped my mind...”

I gritted my teeth.

“...And send word to General Umbra.”

The commander froze, and hesitated.

“As much as I don’t care for the... gentlecolt...” I had to spit, to get the taste of saying that word about him, but sadly politeness dictated I did. “... his presence is needed.”

“Luna... You wound me.” A dark, oily and infuriatingly calm, voice came drifting from the shades surrounding us. Ugh. Umbra and his bucking entries...

A changeling, pitch black and utterly unashamedly in his natural shape, a cruel mockery of the once proud flutters, stepped from the shades near one of the potted, decorative trees near the stairs to the tower...

He was not wearing the armor of his people, but the way he walked made it clear he was a warrior, even if I had not already known.

The wound in the swirling shadow, sealing behind him as quickly as it had appeared.

The guards tensed, as he came closer.

“At ease, gentlecolts. If I wanted you, or your charges dead, you would be.”

Strangely, this statement did nothing to ease the tension...

My eyes narrowed at the vermin.

He gave me a respectful nod, making his short, white ‘mane’ bob a bit...

He was tall and thin, nearly half his queen's height, with only a few of the strange holes that riddle a changeling's body... and he looked old. It near radiated from his wizened body, as if a stiff breeze might break his wings, or a light tap his crooked horn...

It struck me, that I didn't even know if this was his true appearance, or not.

I frankly did not care about his age, but I didn't buy the weakness he projected for a second. “Do not dare threaten anypony in my presence.”

The bastard gave of a chuckling laugh without a trace of joy in it, as his blue haws retracted to show my his yellow-green eyes. “Oh?And is that anyway to treat an ally? I can smell your anger, you know...”

It pained me, but I took a deep breath and found my center. As usual, he was a pain, a tug, a utter irritant...

...and right.

I let out a slow, frustrated breath.

But I need not like it.

The merriment faded from his eyes, and his mouth turned to a grim line. “Must we dance this dance again, Luna? It was tiresome the day we met.Nineteen,fifty-eight versus two, and one million four-hundred eleven thousand five hundred and six.”

I winced, and averted my eyes.

“...Forgive me, your highness...” The commander asked hesitatingly. “What is he talking about?”

I looked towards Umbra, but he only made a small gesture of invitation to me. Bastard.

“...Umbra buried nineteen, personally, from the starvation before their invasion...”

The guards paled, but Umbra just nodded. His eyes distant, and lost in thought.

“...that cost them 58 soldiers, compared to our two...”

Umbra shook his head, as the guards looked even more disturbed. “...Being smashed against buildings at a speed most pegasi can not fly... Such mercy.” He spat the last word.

I sighed, as the old dance truly was whirling anew. “...You could have negotiated with us.”

He somehow looked even older. “Please, your highness. Negotiate with the dreaded emotion eating changelings? Rumor was all it took, for you and your sister, to place this place under a shield.”

I felt a old familiar headache returning. “...Because they, and other sources, claimed a invasion was coming...”

He tilted his head, a strange look on his face. Strange... This part is new. “...What?”

He let out a long, sad sigh, filled with bitterness and longing. “My sweet little Chrissy wanted to try that.”

My blood ran cold. “Explain.”

The ancient looking changeling shrugged, producing a soft buzz with his wings. “I claimed it would be a foolish thing. That you would never listed, that our entire people are nothing but vermin and monsters, to you ponies. Not only that, but it would cost us both surprise and the tactical advantage of our shape-shifting...”

“...And she listened to you then?” I said, a note of anger clawing through my control.

The ancient general just... looked at me, for several moments to long.

“Not to start, she had heard about your Princess of Love and was so certain a deal could be struck... then she saw the shield.”

He looked wistfully into the distance, his eyes unfocused.

“...When she noticed that... that is was meant specificallyto keep our kind out.... ...Then she listened to me.”

I looked at him. He didn't look like a mighty wizard and general anymore.

More like a father or grandfather in mourning.

...My sister and I, had thought it so clear and easy.

Love eating monsters are coming.

Raise the defenses.

Wait for them to pass.

End story.

But it hadn't been.

I centered myself once more. No what if's, Luna. You know what madness lies that way. Focus on the now.

A bit of pity and understanding, rose in my chest. “...Shall we continue this inside?”

He froze slightly at, to my shame even for me, unexpected olive-branch... but he found himself quickly.

...And gave me a court bow. Oh, such manners. Far too rare, these days...

The commander started to protest, but I gave him my best glare. He wilted under it.

A simply adorable little sneeze reminded me that I was still levitating my sister like a sack of potatoes... in the rather crisp spring night. Oops.

I turned to General Umbra. “Would you be so kind as to go on ahead? I need to.. “ I simply could not stop a snort. “...tuck my sister in for the night.”

He tilted his head at me, ignoring the guards without enough decorum to fume without it being obvious. Seriously, even when dealing with empaths there is such a thing as good manners...

Doubly as important even, if you think about it.

“...Where, exactly?” Umbra asked carefully.

I almost face-hoofed... making the insufferable cot snicker. Bucking empaths... I fought back my annoyance. “Forgive my slip, this had been a long day.”

For a moment his uncovered eyes darted between me... and my sister, snoring in my magic. “Quite understandable... especially if the implications of that... guest-list, for a lack of better words, is as dire as they seem.”

I shook my head. “Good tidings... but ones that will require much work.”

The changeling general looked incredulous at me. “...And requiring all the major powers, that even pay lip-service to Equestria?”

I nodded.

His eyes widened.

Near burning with hope.

“Wait for me at my chambers...” I said, putting some extra emphasis on the part that followed. “I shan't be long. We may talk there.”

An old cot he may be... but he clearly knew politics. He bowed politely once more, before simply disappearing, as the shadows washed over him.

Hmm... Why use that way of teleportation? It's flashy, sure... Perhaps he simply have a affinity fo-

“Your highness...” The commander interrupted my thoughts by whispering. “...do you really intend to meet with him, at this hour?”

My eyes grew cold, but the young pony did not flinch this time. “Is there are reason I should not have a polite conversation with one of Equestria's strongest allies?”

The stallion shivered at my words... but made no reply. Him sagging in defeat said more, anyway.

I took some small amount of pity on him. It was clear that the world had turned upside down for this soldier... “I know that even after all these years... things are hardly the same.”

His head jerked up, a hard look in his eyes.

“But if we turn on allies that have done nothing but aid us for two and a half decades... How would that make things better?”

He didn't look happy at my words... but he seemed mollified, and gave me a sharp nod.

I nodded to him. “Let me just find that bed for my sister and then you can get back to your vigil.”

He nodded back, relieved that the politics were out of his mane... for now. I chuckled internally. Oh boy, did he get the wrong posting for that...

He lifted his head at me. “One last question, if I may.”

I motioned for him to ask.

“The last number...?”

A shiver snaked down my spine. “...Their losses when they tried to destroy Discord.”

His eyes, and the ones of a few other guards bulged, but he made no comment. Simply choosing to take positions instead.

I took advantage to quickly, and finally, get inside...

I carefully ignored everything, quickly going for the bed.

Luckily... for them, the maids had done their jobs. The tower was aired, cleaned and the beds in the place even had... clean sheets.

I had to pause mid motion at that.

Clean sheets... for twenty-five years.

As inspiring it was that my sister still held such hope... it was somewhat sad, as well.

Another thought, made me freeze again, just after having removed the blanket.

...My bucking sheets had been crisper than a hey-fry after...

I quickly shook my head, dislodging that thought. She had forewarning thanks to prophecy then, completely different...

A certain bastards little rhyme, echoed through my head.

...Note to self, bribe one of the older maids and ask, later.

I quickly finished my task after that. My sister had not even stirred during any of it.

I just had to look at her a little while. Perhaps she had gotten some hope from Discord's ‘gift’ after all. She just looked so... content.

I turned, intending to let her rest...

And then the place near floored me with nostalgia, as I stopped focusing on my sister.

Books, books, book-shelves, books, strange machinery, books, more books, books...

And then... more books.

The place was so, so... Twilight, it hurt.

I smiled. Bittersweetly, but still a smile.

As I ran a hoof along one of the near overflowing shelves... I couldn't help but think... Would she be expecting this? The room, or that it had been kept so flawlessly?

...Would she remember any of this?

I thought of the scroll... Its contents had implied a reawakening...

But after twenty-five years, a rebirth and that the curse itself was made with chaos magic?

I barely dared think the words, for fear of them coming true...

But even if the memories returned...

Would it do more, than frighten and confuse the... the po-

I took a breath, the smell of books and inc, calming me near instantly.

...The person they had become.

I let out my breath. There, I said it...

Now what?

The image of a certain moth-eaten would be scarecrow, flashed through my mind.

...Oh right, enough´reminiscing and worrying. I have a guest to entertain.

I quickly trotted out the door, so that the guard would see me leave. Then I gathered my magic and with a simple spell, teleported to my chambers.

I breathed a slight sigh of relief, as the flash of magic faded. A desk, some cushions, a bed... A simple room.

But it was mine and mine alone.

...And he was already inside, pacing back and forth.

I barely stopped myself from snarling. I had technically invited him in... I had simply expected him to wait outside until I or my guards could usher him in.

Umbra was as stoic as always, but he tilted his head at me and I felt him gather a bit of power. Not enough for a attack that would actually wound me, but certainly enough to flee.

I carefully fought the irritation down, now was not the time for it. “Forgive me, I expected you to have waited outside. May I ask how you bypassed my wards?”

He tilted his head at me again, but the other way. “Oh, I meant no offense, nor do I mean any... but this room has wards?”

I sucked in a breath through my mouth and slowly let it out through my nose. To calm myself.

He bowed his head slightly. “Judging from your... irritation I shall interpreter it as a yes... I would offer my own or my men's services, but I believe you would refuse such a offer. May I recommend a shadow mage you trust strengthen the wards in that case? I honestly just stepped through the shadows, I meant no insult to you, or your power.”

...My. Another olive-branch. Such a strange day it has been.

And I suspected the flaw. The room was warded amongstmany things, against both teleportation, my own signaturewithstanding, and shadow magic... But both? It seems prudent not to anger or insult the ally that had found such a flaw...

And that was not even counting the troubling concept that the general’s magic might be just different enough for my wards to not do anything.

I lowered my own head slightly. “Thank you, for your honesty. I should have been more precise, but for the record I consider this room a sanctuary of mine. In the future, please wait for me, before entering... I hope you understand?”

To my surprise, he froze slightly for a moment, before nodding slowly. “It was... to long since I had such a place myself. Forgive me, I thought this merely a place where you filed papers and entertained guests. I will endeavor to be more respectful to it in the future.”

“Your lodging is not to your liking? If so...”

He quickly shook his head. “It is more than fine... but it is a loaned thing. I simply cant feel as calm in such a place, as one of my own design and making.”

I gave him a slow nod. I could understand and respect that. Hospitality is a fine thing to experience and almost as rewarding to grant... but hardly the same as a home.

And I have had my own share of bastions over the years. It is never a good or easy thing, to see them fall.

Still... “May I offer any refreshments, before we begin?”

Umbra hesitated for a moment, before nodding. “I would not mind some tea... as long as it is no trouble, of course.”

I nodded, before levitating and ringing the enchanted bell marked with a crescent moon and a tea kettle, before replacing it on my desk with the others of the set. At the moment a similar bell would be ringing in the kitchen. At this time of night, only a skeleton staff would be there... but if they failed to make a cattle of tea because of that, then me and Tia would need to do some serious culling of the weak and unskilled...

I motioned towards the cushions. “I take it you already have guessed the geist if what I intend to tell... But let us speak of something else until our tea arrive.”

Umbra gave of a low chuckle, as he used his wings to buzz over to his seat. “And the help has departed, you mean?”

“Exactly. This is too delicate to reach the rumor mill,” I said, as I took my own spot.

The general had a strange expression on his face, as he felt the cushion underneath him. The soft and warm pillow beneath me was a treat, sure...

“Phoenix feathers,” I explained, having gotten that question before.

For a moment Umbra's jaw slacked slightly, as if it had almost fallen... then he had his normal blank expression once more. “Truly? Is that not quite the extravagance, even for a Princess?”

I gave out a low chuckle. “I believe you have forgotten my sisters pet. Philomena molts before being reborn... Why waste such a rare resource by throwing it in the dustbin?”

He tilted his head once more. “But... Pillows?”

I waved a hoof for emphasis. “We know they are useful and potent... But you can only go so many centuries before you've exhausted most of them. We have barrels of the stuff.”

Carefully stashed in the royal vault, in steel barrels chained to the floor and locked to all but me and Tia... but details.

The general sat still for a moment, expression unreadable. He seemed to be shifting his weight oddly, though. “...Huh, how about that.”

Oh, an opportunity... “We hardly hoard them, they simply have a tendency to pile up. If you or yours have use of them we would be happy to discuss a trade...”

He thought in silence for a minute, before shaking his head. “None comes to mind, but I will speak with my advisers on the matter. Perhaps they have ideas that escape me at the moment... Would you care to give a preliminary price?”

Hmm... playing hard to get, perhaps? “Many of our researchers have expressed an interest in the solidified emotions...”

He suddenly looked extremelyserious, almost grimly so. “Out of the question. And since a changeling is needed to shape or use them, they would be nothing but curiosities to you. To us, they are among other things food. I will not trade that for trinkets that may be useful.”

“No matter the exchange rate? Say, one feather for two ingots?”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “I will take it that that offer was out of ignorance, not insult. Ten for one, would be a bad deal...”

Bugger, but how about...? “Expertise, then? One volunteer to demonstrate how to make and help handle such material, for one feather per month, as long as they are needed?”

Umbra stroked his chin in thought. “...As much love as the volunteer can eat, plus normal food and lodging?”

I nodded, mouth slightly dry. That the researchers was interested, was like saying my moon was big... Twenty-five years of waiting and being needed on more pressing projects had done little to dull that. “And a salary, of course...”

He hummed lowly, letting his hoof drop. I tried very hard, not to be amused by the whistling sound it did while doing so. Judging from the raised eyebrow I got, I failed. Still, he just pressed on. “Any guess on the number of volunteers needed?”

I thought, As many as you may spare! Now! But I said...

“Thirty? To begin with?”

Umbra hummed again, deep in thought. “One whole feather, each? Per month?”

“I will take for granted you know that feathers vary in size, but Yes,” I said, rustling my own wings for emphasis. I felt a little offended, but I could see why he would ask that, as much as it pained me. “I could even arrange for the first payment to be only in primaries or tail-feathers, as a gesture of good faith.”

A dry smile flickered across his face, but was gone as soon as it had appeared. “And the ones after that?”

“Would you prefer a price in grams? That could also be arranged.”

He studied me for a long while... before finally shaking his head. “That will not be necessary... but I had to ask. I hope you see my reasons?”

I simply nodded. I would never fault a stallion for simply for-filling his obligations. He have his people, I have mine. Simple as that.

Just then, a low knock came from my door. “Princess Luna, your tea has arrived.”

...Which translated from ‘Guard’ to Equestrian as “Did you send for it, or should we start blasting?” “Send her in.” No reason to traumatize the help...

The door opened, and a young unicorn mare, little more than a filly, entered. Black fur and blood red mane... The poor dear, that combination must have been Tartarus to grow up with. She flinched slightly at the sight of Umbra and the tray floating in her magic wobbled once, before stabilizing...

She found herself quickly though and bowed. “Forgive me, your Highness. I was uninformed that you had a guest. I shall fe-”

“No need,” I said, levitating an old battered metal mug from my desk. “I have a extra here. You may leave.”

The mare tensed, as I snickered internally. Old ‘rusty’ was so far from a ‘proper’ mug for a princess as you could get without using the hollowed out skulls of your enemies.

...Well, the modern definition of a princess, anyway.

The ugly powter thing was dented, bent, stained... and the staff had tried to get rid of it since my return.

A silly game, perhaps. But it amused me. Not to mention, this mug actually held enough liquid to drench a flea...

If I ever find where the concept of thimble sized cups being ‘proper’ comes from, then I'm raising the creator as shambling mockery of his or her former form... just so I can punch their head off.

Not that I'm irritated, or anything...

Still, the mare must have know now was not the time, because she simply levitated the tray over, bowed once and then left. Aw...

“...Seriously?” Umbra asked, eyebrow raised. “I've felt ponies react with glee or disgust to many things... but why that mug?”

I quickly explained the little game the help and I had going. At the end of the admittedly short tale, he was just shaking his head. “Suck silly nonsense.”

I chuckled softly. “I completely agree... but it makes them feel important and makes me seem... Well, to be blunt, less abnormal. A win-win... and I find it mildly amusing.”

“So,” He said. Deciding to drop the subject. The earthenware teapot lifted in a pale green nimbus, as Umbra purred a cup each for us. “do I dare hope you have found whatever pit of Tartarus Discord sent everybody to?”

I tensed slightly, before just shrugging. “May I ask how you came to that conclusion?”

I levitated one of the cups over, grabbing some sugar and a pastry in the same sweep. Umbra followed my example, as I thought over his reply.

He added a slice of lemon and some milk to his cup, before setting it aside to cool a little. Hmm, interesting. I thought he would be more of a sugar or honey stallion...

“Actually, I used to be... But the bug jokes and stereotypes got a bit too much, so I started experimenting a bit...”

I glared a bit, but he just chuckled at me. “And I'm not reading your mind. But sensing emotions and experience is a close second.”

I carefully relaxed, but shot him a inquiring look. “I infer that you are versed in the art? Since you simply said you are not employing it at the moment?”

Suddenly, a thought not mine, echoed through my head. 'My, as wise and clever as the stories say... I'm flattered.'

'My,' He flinched slightly at the force of my thought in comparison, but simply donned a cryptic little smile, then show pain or outrage. 'a rare skill mind-speak... Or does that differ among changelings?'

He snorted slightly. 'I still can not grasp how few ponies learn the skill. Among us, it is one the same level as learning to read. It is not hard.'

'I agree, but most of my subjects value the privacy of their thoughts too much... backwards as that may be.'

He nodded sagely. 'Protecting yourself and knowing how to attack is tightly interwoven. Sad, but true...'

'Indeed,' I answered courtly, while adding some honey to my own cup and tasting it. 'but why did you recommend we wait, instead of simply informing me that you know this way to speak?'

He levitated his own cup to his lips, eyes closed and face content. Serene even.

To find such peace in a cup of tea... I wonder, just what life has this stallion lived?

He lowered his cup, dabbing at his lips with a napkin. “Well, for one I thought entering the mind of a Alicorn without even a implied invitation might be just a tad foolish...”

I grinned. He had that right.

He hesitated for but a moment, before pressing on. “...and I like speaking. I get to few chances for it among my own kind since most of them prefer mind-speak...”

Now there was a understatement and a half. A lot of patrols used to report that they found the quiet in the changeling dominated districts disconcerting...

Until I ordered them to get training so that they could actually listen for trouble, and then the complaint went to being about ‘noise’ levels, instead...

Can't win them all...

His head drifted slightly to the side. I couldn't see his eyes again, but it was clear he was staring into space. “...Perhaps I should not be so sentimental, but... I am also, reminded of...”

He shook his head, willing it clear. “Anyway, have you found anything?”

“...Did you lose somepony important to you?” I asked softly, trying not to remember my sisters blackened form as we dragged her from the volcano.

The moment was subtle, but he focused on me. “...Have we not all?”

A shudder swept me. I chased it away with a mouthful of hot, sweet tea. It worked somewhat and I continued to sip, as I hoofed over the parchment.

He gingerly took it.

And for the first time, I saw his eyes up close, as he opened his third eyelids. Old, wise... very tired.

And as they shone in triumph and hope... and was familiar. “...You spoke of “your little Chrissy...” He tensed at my word, eyes hard and his jaw set. “Just what wa-”

“She is m-,” He near snarled at me, before fighting the words down. Forcing himself calm. His glare intensified though. I calmly sipped my tea in response.

“...One condition. And only because you have already guessed and as a gesture of good faith.” He simply stated, an iron core to his words that left no room for negotiation.

“Name it then.”

“This does not leave this room. Not even for your sisters ears.”

I raised a eyebrow at him. “My sister and I have few secrets to each other...”

That made him chuckle softly. “So I've both heard and inferred...”

I sighed. “You know the burden of obligations. May I at least have permission to tell her?”

He stared at my unblinkingly for nearly a minute... before sighing in turn and sagging slightly. “Fine, it is a open secret, anyway...”

“I take it you are a blood relative of Queen Chrysalis? That was in part why the changeling's rallied behind you, so quickly?”

He shook his head slowly, before continuing. “Her military adviser, eldest general, battle-mage... And yes, her uncle.”

He smiled sadly, head resting on one hoof. “The dread Queen Chrysalis, scourge of Equestria and bane of love itself...

I tensed, as a dark part of me noted that not long ago, I had held similar titles.

”I held her when she was but a babe. She had her father's eyes, even then.” He held his front-hooves in-front of him, as if she still rested there. “...They were so innocent back then.”

I washed down the lump in my throat. Such an easy thing to forget, that few consider themselves wicked...

“I thought her, after her father died. To walk, to read, to fly, to change... Magic, both fair and foul, so that she would live long enough to no longer need the later...”

His smile never faltered in his remembrance, it simply grew sadder as he spoke.

“We were all so proud, the they she ascended. No changeling had done that in generations...”

“...May I ask, how that is done among Changelings?” I carefully asked.

He just chuckled at me. “Care to trade?”

His eyes widened slightly, as I seriously considered it...

But sadly, I had to shake my head. “That is not only my secret to share. Forgive me, but I can not in good conscience accept.”

A trickle of amusement danced through me, as the old cot started breathing again. “...Fair enough.”

I nibbled on my pasty, as I waited for him to continue. He took the respite as a chance to drain his own cup.

But a thought came to me, as I swallowed the last crumbs. “Until today, I had no idea you even had a sensitive side... Why show me?”

He hesitated, before speaking slowly and sounding very tired. “...Twenty-five years is a long time to wear a mask, even for a changeling. It slipped, nothing more.”

“Mask?”

He looked me straight in the eye. “You have spit in the face of fate to shape thing to your will, even if it cost you. I respect that.”

I shuddered, as memories of my battle and exile flooded through me. Of the sense of betrayal and the endless wait among seas of dust. Even filtered through my corruption and haze of memory as they where, they were unpleasant.

Umbra's shoulders sagged, and he let out a sigh fitting for a stallion twice his age. “My people, after our defeat... had need of a strong hoof, a iron one. What was left of us would have fallen to infighting, had I not... And your ponies would have neither believed nor respected a peace-bringer.”

I wanted to protest, but even in my own head the words sounded hollow. The general smirked slightly, at my frown and discomfort, before continuing. “But a old son of a nag, bowing only from necessity and not the slightest bit more? That rings true. It is a story both our people would believe.”

My mind flashed back two and half decade. The face in front of me, but in full armor. What was still a army even after being shattered, at his call and literal back. “We have need of each other. The bastard have taken enough from us both and I propose a alliance. Agree or I follow my Queens example but against you. We will not die starving.”

The cheer at his words had been deafening. Only outdone when I had agreed to negotiate terms.

And now I understood them, a bit better. “What would you have done, had I refused to negotiate all those years ago?”

He laughed, but it was dry and with not even a smidgen of humor in it. “Died on your horn, probably. Then as the one having bested the last of the current line in fair combat...”

I slowly took a sip, washing the dryness from my mouth. “...Would they have accepted me?”

Umbra just shrugged, as he nibbled on his own pasty. “Probably, but ‘What if?’ is a question that one should not ask often, if one values their sanity. Let's say I believed you would show mercy if my primary plan failed and leave it at that.”

At that moment I honestly did not know if I should smack him so hard he left a black imprint on my walls... or applaud.

It was not many times in my life I'd been had... for decades to pass before me noticing, doubly so.

I had thought this stallion dangerous... but not in quite that manner.

And to my twisted delight, he looked uncomfortable for the first time for as long as I had known him, as my intrigue of him soared.

Tia had been strongly against the alliance. Even now, she had doubts it would survive past these troubled times...

And po- people, knew this. It was seen as my mess...

Or potential pride.

A piece on the board without my sisters hoof on it... Tempting. Very tempting.

Sister may mean well, but her manipulations get tiring.

But a matter for the future, I believe... “Perhaps we should get to the business at hoof? It is late, after all...”

Umbra blinked, before swiftly floating over the parchment that was still floating, forgotten in the moment. “Indeed. What did you do to get this from him?”

I made a grimace of disgust. “Asked politely.”

Umbra did his jaw almost dropping thing again. “...You are serious?”

I let out a weary sigh, as I poured more tea for us. “He is... broken, plain and simple. When Fluttershy refused his offer...”

Umbra shook his head, as he accepted the cup and seasoned it once more. “So much pain and suffering... And it it could have all been avoided, had he but asked before setting his thrice damned plan in motion...”

“At this point...” A shudder swept me. Those empty eyes... “I honestly think only the hope of her forgiveness keeps him going. A fate most cruel...”

“Be that as it may...” Umbra said carefully, his tone all but screaming that he did not find it cruel enough. “...do you have a plan for that information?”

I nodded, adding sugar once more to my cup in the process. “Get everyp- body together, inform them, see what happens and if they have any ideas for how to continue.”

Umbras cup paused halfway to his lips.

I let out a merry laugh at his perplexed expression. “I received this only hours ago. Even Alicorns have limits.”

He blinked, the cup finishing its journey. He took another sip, before setting it down once more. “Fair enough...” He tilted his head, thinking. “...Slightest chance the rumors of Starswirl are true?”

“...What rumors?”

“That he ascended to become the Alicorn of time... But nobody sees him around because he spends most of it bucking those that would case paradoxes in the face.”

I smiled, as I sadly had to shake my head. “If my sister knows what happened to him in the end, she has not told me. Sorry, no four-dimensional plotkicking at the summit tomorrow...”

For a moment, his ears fell in disappointment... then he was his normal self again. “A pity. I've always wanted to meet him...”

“If he ever pops up again, I'll be sure to tell him he has a fan that wants his autograph...”

For just a moment Umbra's mask fell, and the squee from his grin echoed through the room. I just had to laugh, as the normally so stoic general blushed like a filly caught on her coltfriends bracers.

But my merriment was short lived, as a burst of magic and light flooded the room, coming from behind me. I tensed slightly, before seeing the colors of the magic.

Rainbow is not common shade, after all...

I was impressed by Umbra's reaction and reaction time though. In an instant, green fire that touched nothing but him swept over his form. But in a thin line, instead of the usual blaze. One it passed, he was not transformed, but rather had recolored himself to match the surroundings. Even when looking straight at him, I could barely see a outline in the air...

He had even adjusted the ‘image’ to show no indentation on the pillow. Only a few creases from besides his rump could be seen. “Most impressive...” I murmured. I saw the smirk, but the distortion from it lasted only a moment.

“Wha? Come on, Luna.” Princess Rainbow Dash's voice rang out, sounding a bit confused and irritated. “I've teleported tons of time by now. What's so impressive about that?”

Well, considering you do it from New Cloudsdale, it is still an achievement... Just not for a alicorn.

I swept my hoof towards Umbra, feeling a little mischievous. “I was referring to my other guest. Have you met?”

I snickered internally, as Rainbow harrumphed, but to her credit she trotted over and took a long look at the seemingly empty pillow. I must admit, the sight of pale, white teeth just appearing in a distortion was a little disconcerting... but Rainbow just blinked and chuckled. “How you doing, you wannabe ghost? Still hanging in there?”

I blinked, as Umbra chuckled and raised his cup. Not a drop disturbed his ‘cloak’ as he drank from the tiny cup. “You know each-other?”

Rainbow snorted, as she crashed down on the floor with her usual grace and dignity. “Well, duh.” She turned to Umbra. “Soooo... Does that mean you've finally dropped that tiresome act for at least one other pony?”

“My mask slipped. Luna is hardly a fool, so I informed her why as to not keep her guessing.” Umbra informed, finally dropping his cloak.

I gave Rainbow a look... but she was just smiling at me. “Come on. Alicorn of Loyalty...”

“...and awesome and cool. Never, ever forget the awesome.” Umbra said in a perfect imitation of Rainbow's voice. Rainbow stuck her tongue out at him, resulting in a... giggle from the general, now in his own voice.

My empty cup dropped with a clunk. You think you know somepony...

“Well, anyway...” Rainbow continued. “Loyalty.I could kinda tell, you know? The that he was doing it for his people, thing?”

I genuine smile was on Umbra's lips. He looked decades younger with it on. “It was most refreshing to meet a pony with some empathic skill... however limited.”

Rainbow nodded, scratching at something on her chest. “You should have seen the look on his face... but anyway, as fun as this is...” She stuck her chest out, revealing what she had been scratching at. “...I came about this.”

I swore under my breath and vaguely heard Umbra make a interested sound, as I saw what was gleaming in the light in her chest.

A red lightning bolt, made from what many would mistake for the purest of rubies.

“Made me scream like a filly having her cherry popped with a spiked baseball-bat when it appeared, just a few hours ago. Stung like the blazes. You know why it did it?”

The Element Of Loyalty.

And the flesh around it was still red and swollen. “...Are you in any pain?”

Both I and Umbra winced as she smacked it with a hoof. “Nope! Feels like it should be there even... but I thought it would be more than a bit stupid to just turn around and fall asleep. No idea then, huh?”

I swore again, also cursing that I had had such a day to require such language. I rose, the rest of the tea forgotten. I quickly snatched the scroll and stuffed it into the safety of my shadow. “Come, we need to check on the others.”

I almost felt the pang of pain from Rainbow's heart, as I said the words. Umbra in turn bit back a wince.

But Rainbow's face just hardened, and her rainbow colored aura just formed and slammed the doors open. Two surprised yelps rang out, as my guards jumped from the sudden noise. She marched out the room without another word.

I turned to Umbra. “Care to aid us? We might need magical assistance.”

He shrugged, making his insect-like wings buzz slightly from the gesture... but he stood in the same movement. “No idea what aid I can grant two alicorns, but sure. Sounds more interesting than dying in bed, anyway...” His words were grim, but he was smiling as he said them.

I gave a nod, before cantering after Rainbow. My guards and Umbra followed, using their wings rather than keep up on hoof with my longer legs. I soon reached and drew up alongside Rainbow.

Then I heard the grinding of teeth. “Calm and slow, Dash. Rushing in will do no good...”

She slowed to a trot, but didn't stop. “I just need to know, OK?”

I gave her a smile, but I am unsure if she noticed. She was that focused. I frowned, but just kept up. We were heading the right was, anyway...

The vaults.

One of the safest places in the castle, protected with magic both of mine and my sisters making... A constant guard presence. Metal walls and doors, so thick and strong they had taken some of the greatest earth-pony rock-farmers that had ever-lived decades to grow and shape...

And since this meant that it was a known place, where we kept the things too useful to hide away, but too dangerous or valuable to be left in the open.

For all else... It is a grim truth, but as the gryphons say: “Three may keep a secret, if two talons have drawn heart-blood...”

We had made this known with carefully leaked rumors, as well.

And then Celestia had leaked even more rumors, that that was only a smoke-screen...

And then that even that was just rumor.

I sometimes wondered just how far my sister's skills and manipulations extended, because my head had started swimming at the level of they-know-we-know-they-know-we-know-they-know-but-they-don't-even-suspect-we-planted-the-information-in-the-first-place!

...And, to my shame, how far her tendrils most did not even suspect, reached.

But would I know, unless she wanted me? That she truly trusted me?

Or was that what I was supposed to think?

...More than one sleepless day had been lost to me, in such doubts. But now was not the time.

The guards on duty were already glaring at us as we drew near. “Freeze!”

Umbra raised an eyebrow and Rainbow fumed, but both stopped. I simply stood still, waiting for the next step.

The chief-guard on duty, a unicorn, trotted forward. His horn glowing. Rainbow tensed, but I put a hoof on her shoulder. The unicorns magic flowed over us, and he gave a nod at the result of his scan.

Only then, did he and the others bow. I made a gesture for them to rise. “To what do we owe the late visit from you and Princess Rainbow, your Highness?”

Umbra gave off a polite cough. The guard blinked, and added. “Oh sorry, General Umbra. A pleasant night to you to, of course. Forgive me, I was simply distracted, I meant no disrespect.”

Umbra smiled one of his rare public smiles, from what I had gathered. “My, my... such politeness... A pleasant eve to you and your men, as well.” He murmured, his head slightly tilted in respect.

The guard bowed his head in kind, before turning to me. Awaiting my orders. “We need to excess the Vaults.”

He simply turned and bellowed: “You heard her Highness! Get to it!”

Two guards took keys, enchanted and glowing faintly with a light that pulsed in tandem with their hearts. That enchantment would destroy the key if their hearts ceased beating, from within their armor. They took position on both massive double doors... and with clicks so soft I barely heard them, the gates started swinging open.

The corridor was almost instantly bathed in blinding yellow light, from the massive shield covering the room. Like a bubble, blown in a bottle.

I lowered my head, giving it the sequence of magical frequency only I and my sister know. The light dimmed, but did not fade.

Rainbow gave off a low whistle. “Impressive. How come you two didn't keep the elements here all those years ago?”

“Because if my sister and I would fall, it would be many millennia before this shield fell. My sister and I made it with the Elements, many years ago...”

“...And that would be unwise in combination with the only things that might save the day, in that case...” Umbra murmured, a impressed note in his voice. Rainbow hummed in a similar fashion.

“Exactly.” I stated, not adding that the Elements was little more than fancy jewelry, without their chosen wielders...

Wielders absent, but not dead. And the Elements somehow knew this.

I gave glances to both Umbra and Rainbow. Judging from their solemn faces, they needed no reminder of this. My glance shifted, to the jewel thrumming with magic embedded in her flesh.

And apparently, they had a plan...

As hopeless a thing it might have been to expect, it was strange and a bit... unwelcome, that the shield had done nothing to stop the Elements.

I was not used to be humbled, even if it was to be expected from magic made manifest.

I turned to the guards, both mine and the others. “Wait here until we have inspected the Elements. Retreat immediately if anything happens. Any questions?”

A roaring “Sir! No, Sir!” answered me. I gave a nod, then strode forward.

It was granted, a slim hope, if anything was wrong... but it had to be said, just in case.

I ignored the knick-knacks and mementos of mine and Tia's long life. The barrels of feathers, both Philomena's, my own, Tia's...

And every other alicorn and the odd champion lost before such could be granted, that had fallen in Equestria's service.

They disappeared into the gloom, turning into rows of shades, as they grew nearer the edge of the shield.

Mine and Tia's cutie-mark marked something of a small majority... in number of barrels.

But most were only tiny kegs. Stapled high in pyramids, as cruel necessity having had taken way for the reverence they truly deserved.

Far too many... Mighty warriors, fallen in defense against horrors...

Scholars that reached too far, or simply made mistakes not even a alicorn could survive...

Even a few artists, whose delicate hooves had taken them further than they ever dreamed off...

A bittersweet smile came to me.

...even to when those hooves had had to be shooed and armed, for war and conflict by cruel, cruel necessity...

I blinked away the tears that almost always came to me in this place.

And yet... they had. Willingly and even with smiles, most of them.

No matter what path had led them... this was the final place for what remained of them rested. Umbra and Rainbow must have guessed at the contents, judging from their quiet reverence... if nothing else, when Rainbow gulped at the sight of seven casks in colors she recognized.

Only the ones sculpted from mist-stone dyed with rainbow essence and the hollowed out amethysts filled with dragon scales, could be counted with more than one wing.

I pressed on.

My tears for this room had been shed long ago, now it was simply a place of remembrance...

I did not stop, but I took a deep breath.

Because like all mausoleum... even this, had a place of honor.

Three shelves, to be exacts. As far in and as best protected as my sister and I could make them. One gilded with gold, the other in silver, both older than the name Equestria for these lands...

We quickly trotted over to the spot where chest for the Elements stood, the showcase that had been the pride of the Golden Oak's library long since smashed and sent ahead by Spike, to be certain they would not fall into Discord's claws.

I unceremoniously yanked it open. As I had suspected, only the golden necklaces remained, their fittings gaping empty.

Of the Elements themselves, only a sign was left... and it was sitting in Rainbow Dash.

I slammed it shut. “It seems the Elements have tired of waiting for their wielders...”

Dash cleared her throat. “Is that... good?”

I shook my head. “I don't know. To my knowledge, this has never happened before.” I turned to her, with a small smirk. “I guess they really like you six.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes at me. “Oh goody. I get clingy and abusive bling of ultimate power stuck in my chest! The possibilities!”

Umbra chuckled softly a twinkle in his eyes. “Tell you what, if you truly don't want it... I can take it.”

The image of the wizened old changeling wearing all the Elements, declaring himself the prettiest princess of them all, forced itself into my mind. I had to bite my lip... but Rainbow showed no such restraint, and was rolling on the floor as a result.

Umbra was just smiling.

I shall admit, it felt good... but I had another small thing to do in this place.

The chest with the Elements stood in-between, in the shelf clad in both silver and gold... but I could not simply pass such hallowed ground by without offering my respects.

I steeled myself, even as I turned to the others and silently gestured for them to stop. A small smile came to me, as I saw them already on their haunches, waiting for me.

I stood before my place of remembrance, head bowed. Lovers gone to fast, students dearly missed, champions long lost, pets that had given and received much love, allies fierce and proud, even a few worthy foes...

And off all, only fragments of bone, feathers long since faded, frayed locks of hair or pelt, tiny scraps of cloth or other such trinkets, remained. Clothed in so many preservative charms and spell, that they seemed nearly underwater from the shimmer of them all.

Even history had not remembered nearly enough off and about them.

As always, a fartoo small keg, made of rosewood bleached white, drew my eyes to the snowflake headed flower on it first...

...Would you have accepted, had I had the chance to offer you Ascension? I never got the chance, my corruption saw to that... and sister had so much grief and things to do, that it slipped her by as you grew old...

Next, a diary bound in leather and a sealed bottle, filled with sand dancing as caught in a storm...

...Oh, love... What would you think, could you see me now? What would you have thought, of all others that followed you? Both in my bed, and to join you? You told me not to mourn, but the heart does as it will...

One of my mother's feathers and locks of father's mane, the later one of the few artifacts with a match on my sisters shelf, rather than a single thing sitting in our shared space...

But she had refused to acknowledge what father had turned himself into, so the splinters of his phylactery rested on my shelf alone.

...I miss you.

I might have stood there for... far too long, to be honest...

Had my eye not caught a light, that should not be there. “What the...?”

I leaned in, towards one of the more recent heartbreaks on this archive of them.

A horn, floating in a glass jar, enchanted such that anything in it would last as long as my moon did. The horn was both longer and wider than average, clearly belonging to a caster of note and must have been a pride of its owner...

My latest apprentice...

One of the finest illusionist I had ever seen...

My last... I could not bring myself to think it. My heart stung too much at doing so.

The horn of Trixie Lulamoon.

But it was cracked and warped from combat, and darkened by a loathsomely familiar corruption. It had once been a proud, brilliant azure... but was now a blue so dark, it was nearly black.

And two magic fields where coiled around it, rising and spiraling around the horn, the streams of power rising towards its tip. One, a pale magenta that made my heart ache...

The other... a darker twin of the first. The purple of a bruise so deep it has reached bone.

At first, I wanted to scream. For her to have survived, only to be consumed by the corruption she had foolishly invited in and in a place, where my aid would not reach her?

The bastard had known exactly what he did, when he left her horn behind, as a torture of hope most fowl.

But the frustrated scream died in my throat, as I noticed the important bit.

The darkness was not consuming Trixie's magic.

The two fields where rising together.

In harmony with each-other.

According to all I knew, all I had ever dared both dream and fear...

That should be impossible.

With a shaking hoof, I reached out, to get a good feel for what was happening.

There was power in that tiny bit of bone, almost, but not quite, on the level of a alicorn... but I recognized not the spells woven. It was more like... power drawn in, but not yet used... and yet, the... ghost of a spell was there. So faint I could not make it out. It was like trying to see shapes drawn in the sand, after a hoof had been drawn over them.

Trixie's part of the magic was near aglow with mirth, hope and... love, burning so bright it almost drove me to my stomach...

The... darker one was... amused, fierce, proud, with a thirst for... something, that almost drowned the other sensations...

But it and the other sensations was being held back by a will of steel... all except a similar love...

And a sense of fatigue and pain that might have made me weep during other circumstances...

But the two together, had already seen to that.

There was a note of corruption to the tiny symphony... but it was a old thing. Faded and scabbed over. A scar of it, if you will.

My two companions draw nearer to see what had made me cry, but stopped with soft little gasps as they saw the horn.

And then I drew in a breath and my tears stopped, as realized what I was seeing.

There is a very rare phenomena, mostly seen in identical unicorn twins.

Spell resonance. Even I have only seen it a few wingful of times.

When one casts a spell, the others horn will glow. It may not seen as much, but according to legend it means a soul was born twice, and is a mark of great potential...

But Discord had taken Trixie's horn during their fight... which meant...

“She's... she's...” The words died in my throat, as the real implications dawned.

She was... alive. Not some human wearing her face... but she, she was still alive, somehow!

And I vaguely felt my plot hit the shielded floor, as the further implications sank in.

She'd not only tamed the Nightmare corruption, something I thought beyond even me... even if I had cared to try again.

But she was also resonating, not only with it, but herself.

...Which meant Trixie was performing magic without her horn.

A unashamed grin split my face, as tears of pure joy streaming down to the floor. I turned my head towards Umbra and Rainbow who where looking at the horn with similar expressions of awe, and near whispered.

“She's alive. Not only that, but she's done the impossible twice over past that.”

I jumped to my hooves, prancing like a filly and so utterly not caring who saw it! And I shouted wordlessly, with pride, with joy! Not giving a flying buck over the strange looks Umbra and Rainbow was giving me.

I heard him whisper to Rainbow. “Is she her lover, or something?”

I pounced the old cot, giving him a kiss before he had time to even yelp. He looked a bit weary when I held him at hooveslenght, but he gave me a hesitant smile as I grinned at him. “Do you know what this means?”

He carefully shook his head.

“Trixie lives! My darling apprentice have done the impossible in exile! Trice!”

I unceremoniously dropped him, vaguely hearing a buzz as his wings found the air, and a snicker from Rainbow.

But I had more important things on my mind. I turned back to my shelf, my eyes drawn not to the horn, but to the diary of my first love and his wedding gift to me.

Did you hear that, Star Gazer? She isn't dead!

I sank down on my haunches with my front-hooves pressed over my pounding heart, tears still streaming.

Our line isn't dead! The last of the Lunar heard still lives!

Author's Note

Bit of trivia for those that care about such. This and Chapter Three was originally one, but I thought it flowed better like this.

Oh, and everything past "on her coltfriends bracers" was added in a rewrite because I thought it lacked "punch." I hope the new one does better in that regard.