MLPU: Twilight Sparkle: Princess of Thunder

Chapters

Diplomacy
Diplomacy Failed
Fall From Grace
Questions
Adjusting
Heritage
Rising
Storm Clouds
Unworthy
The World Unravels
Legends Reborn
Burning Bridges
The Search Begins
Epilogue
Prologue
Coronation
As Plans Unfold

Diplomacy

Twilight strode through the halls of her home with confidence, with Shining following close behind. She had the messengers of the palace ask each of her comrades to meet her in a dining hall reserved for their personal use.

“Twilight, I do not doubt that your intentions are noble, but I fear asking our friends to join you would be a grave insult to their loyalty,” Shining advised.

“They swore their loyalty to me. It is my choice what to do with it,” Twilight replied.

“Only while you have it,” Shining said. “Once they feel you have taken advantage of them, they may not be so kind to you.”

Twilight stopped for a second. “They are warriors of this realm. It is their duty to protect it as much as it is ours. They should be proud I have asked them to accompany us,” she told her brother.

Shining gave her a sad look. “That may be so, but mother doesn’t seem to think there is a threat. It was she who defeated Frostmourne all those centuries ago. If she believes we are not in danger then why do you question her?” he asked.

“Because she is wrong. The Windigos came into our realm somehow and if they did it once they will try again,” Twilight answered, as she started walking again. “And if mother refuses to see that, then it falls to us to stop them.”

“Twilight, I would follow you into any battle,” Shining began as they arrived at a pair of doors, “but this is madness,” he finished, the doors opening, revealing their comrades inside.

“What madness?” Blossomforth asked, a confused expression on her face.

Twilight stepped inside with a determined expression. “Two guards lost their lives today in defense of our home,”Twilight announced. Raindrop and Blossomforth looked at each other in surprise. “My mother would have us sit by and ignore the fact that the Windigos have found a way into Equinsgard without being detected,” she continued. “I tell you this is folly.”

“If the All-Mother does not fear them why should the rest of us?” Spike asked, everyone in the room looking at him.

“Because they pose a threat to us. Mother believes that simply because this invasion was stopped that this is the end of it, but common battle strategy dictates that the first few waves are only to test the enemies defenses,” Twilight said, logically.

The pegasi nodded in agreement and Spike didn’t seem to have anymore questions. Even so none of them seemed entirely convinced that this was the correct course of action. Twilight looked at her brother for a moment, sharing a look with him.

“You have all followed me into battle and given me your trust. You have all saved me and for that reason I trust you implicitly with my life. I ask that you trust me on this matter,” Twilight spoke, with confidence that seemed alien to her.

“I can not force you into this expedition with me, but it is my intent to travel to Jotunheim and find out exactly how those murderers got into our home and prevent it from happening again,” the alicorn spoke with authority.

“I will follow you,” Spike said, stepping forward.

“As will we,” Raindrop spoke, both she and Blossomforth sporting confident grins.

“Well far be it from me to let you all wander into battle without me,” Shining said stepping up to his sister’s side.

Twilight smiled. “Then it is settled. We are going to Jotunheim.”

/////////////////////////////////

Twilight and her companions marched through Equinsgard in full armor. They were mostly using the back streets to make sure no guards saw them and told Celestia. It didn’t take them long to reach the bridge extending out and leading to the Bifrost. Twilight cursed as she spotted two guards standing watch at the end.

“Do not worry little sister, I will handle this,” Shining said as he approached the guards. Twilight saw her brother exchange words with the soldiers and before long they walked away.

Twilight smiled and stepped out of hiding, the others close behind. “Good work brother,” she said smiling as she started walking out onto the bridge.

At the end of the bridge stood a spherical construct; the Bifrost. In front of the Bifrost stood the gate keeper. A massive, armored owl called Owlowiscious. The owl didn’t seem to be paying attention to the warriors approaching them until they stood before him. “You aren’t dressed warmly enough,” he said before Twilight or her companions could react, catching them off guard.

Twilight regained her confidence quickly. “We seek only to protect this realm before war breaks out,” Twilight informed.

Owlowiscious regarded Twilight for a moment. “In all my years serving your mother, never has an enemy evaded my sight. I wish to know how that happened,” he told them, seemingly agitated by the invasion.

Twilight smiled. “Then let us pass and do not inform my mother of our trip. We will find the answers to all our questions,” she assured.

Owlowiscious nodded and lead the group inside. “Understand that my duty as gatekeeper is to protect this realm from all who threaten its safety. If your return would put Equinsgard in danger I will not open the way home,” he told them as he flapped his powerful wings and landed on a pedestal in the middle, his talons fitting into several slots. The walls of the room began to spin and bolts of energy shot from the pedestal to the walls, powering the contraption.

“Couldn’t you just leave it open for us?” Blossomforth asked, slightly worried.

“And unleash the full power of the Bifrost, thus destroying Jotunheim with you upon it,” the great owl asked, curiously. Blossomforth gulped at this, but Shining gave the owl an interested look.

“We are not blazing a path of war. This expedition is to acquire answers only. Equinsgard will remain safe, so long as I have anything to say about it,” Twilight told the owl with conviction.

Owlowiscious regarded the mare for a moment. “Very well,” he said applying his full weight to the pedestal, activating the bridge and pulling all other occupants of the room to their destination.

/////////////////////////////////

Twilight felt the rush of wind through her outspread wings as she and her companions flew through the bridge. In mere seconds they arrived on the cold wastes of Jotunheim, the Bifrost’s energy dissipating around them as they landed.

“Alright,” Twilight called out to the others as they reoriented themselves,” we are officially in hostile territory,” she announced. “Blossomforth, Raindrop. I want the both of you to follow from a distance. Make sure you aren’t spotted. If things don’t go as planned I want to have a surprise for the Windigos,” she told the pegasi, who nodded in return.

“Understood Twilight. Should we knock out any guards that look troublesome?” Blossomforth asked.

“Only if they pose a threat to any of us. Other than that stay hidden. Spike, Shining you’re with me. Keep an eye out for hidden enemies. It wouldn’t do us any good to fall prey to an ambush,” Twilight told her brother and the dragon. “Let’s move,” she ordered.

Blossomforth and Raindrop slipped into the darkness, beyond Twilight’s sight. Twilight, Spike and Shining Armor began walking towards the only structure the world seemed to have. A massive frozen palace, that seemed to crumble every time the wind hit it.

Twilight kept her eyes on the blizzard around them and her ears open. The wind seemed to push against them, as though telling them not to press on and the faint sound heavy footsteps kept them alert.

The noises only grew as the alicorns and dragon grew closer to the desolate castle. The main doors appeared to be frozen shut, denying passage to visitors.

“Should we knock?” Spike asked, smoke trailing from his mouth. As soon as he finished his question a loud cracking sound could be heard and the doors creaked open.

“Seems somepony is expecting us,” Shining commented as Twilight pressed on. “Twilight, be careful. I don’t like that the Windigos are feeling hospitable. It’s unlike them,” he warned.

“And yet we seem to be invited,” Twilight replied as she looked above the inside of the door. A Windigo stood by a lever that she guessed opened and closed the door. Twilight’s suspicion was confirmed as the creature pulled the lever again and the doors shut behind them.

Spike tensed at the sight of the frosty giant, but relaxed when it made no move to attack them. It simply glared at them as they delved further into the castle. As they walked through the halls Windigos stepped out of the shadows, usually to block a passage and direct them to the throne room. However some seemed to simply sit in doorways along the passages eyeing the visitors. Spike and Shining kept an eye on the creatures, ready in case any of them decided to attack.

Twilight however kept her eyes on the path before them. Occasionally she would notice a shadow flit by the windows outside, assuring her Blossomforth and Raindrop were ready to turn the tide in case of an attack.

Spike looked to Twilight as the number of Windigo began to increase the further they went. “Twilight, maybe we should turn back. The odds are tipping out of our favor with every step,” he whispered.

“It’s too late now. We’re much too close to turn back now,” Twilight replied stoically. “Besides, it may be taken as an insult if we spit in the face of such kindness.”

“Kindness?” Shining sneered. “I feel like we’re being put on trial,” he finished, eyeing a particularly large Windigo.

“And considering how the war went for them, that may well be the case, but we will not leave until we have our answers. Let me hear no more on the matter,” Twilight told them as they turned another corner.

At the end of the hall was a large set of double doors, covered in ice and frost. “This must be it,” Twilight told them. “Let me do the talking,” she said to her companions.

“No complaints here,” Spike whispered to Shining as a pair of Windigos pushed the massive doors open.

A cold wind blasted the Equinsgardians, chilling them to the bone. The throne room was much like the rest of the palace. Cold, covered in ice and giving one the feeling it would fall apart at any moment.

“And what have we here?” a voice asked from the far end of the room. Sitting on a throne of ice was King Frostmourne, ruler of the Windigos. “Has the All-Mother sent her children to me as a gift?” he asked, grinning at the thought.

Twilight glared at the king. “We have come only to learn how a small force of your subjects came to be in our weapons vault,” Twilight answered.

Frostmourne gave a look of feigned shock. “Did they now? I’m afraid I haven’t the slightest clue as to how that happened. Perhaps not all of your subjects are as loyal as one would think,” Frostmourne mocked.

Twilight frowned at the insult. “Petty insults will not deter me. You know something about this incident. I demand you tell me,” Twilight said, with all the authority she could muster.

Shining stepped forward. “Forgive my sister, King Frostmourne. She only fears for the safety of our people,” he said, trying to placate the monarch before them. “Have care how you speak Twilight. We hold no authority here,” Shining advised.

Twilight glared at Shining for his intrusion on her conversation with the king. “I apologize for my bluntness King Frostmourne, but we only wish to know how your warriors came to be in our realm. Please cooperate so we can avoid a war before it starts,” Twilight said, more humbly than before.

Frostmourne smiled at the mare’s change in attitude. “You only came for answers?” he asked, receiving a nod from Twilight. Frostmourne waved a hoof to his right. A pair of his guards appeared from the shadows, shoving Raindrops and Blossomforth into the middle of the room.

Twilight glared at the pair. Dammit. They were supposed to stay out of sight. How could they let this happen? Twilight thought. “Forgive me. I was only trying to be cautious. I meant no disrespect,” Twilight said, bowing her head.

“Oh of course not,” Frostmourne replied as the pegasi joined their companions. “Why in all the realms would a member of the Equinsgardian royal family ever do anything to disrespect the defeated king of the hated and feared Windigos,” Frostmourne continued. “It’s not like you tell your foals stories of us to get them to behave is it?” he accused.

“Those are only stories for foals. The royal family does not condone their use,” Twilight defended.

“They don’t try to stop them either,” Frostmourne spat.

“Perhaps if you were kinder, we would have different stories to tell,” Raindrops said, glaring at the king.

“Be silent,” Twilight hissed at the pegasus.

“I was onl-” Raindrops was cut off.

“You were only making things worse,” Twilight, said angrily.

Frostmourne laughed. “Oh by all means, let your companion speak her mind. She may be right. If only we were kinder to the ponies that destroyed our home and robbed of us of our greatest treasure, than maybe they would tell good stories of us,” he sneered.

“You brought that on yourself,” Blossomforth spoke up. Twilight turned to reprimand her, but was interrupted.

“We did not strike a blow to any of your people until after they struck us. We were justified in our retaliation,” Frostmourne argued, beginning to grow angry.

“But your invasion of Midgard wasn’t,” Spike countered.

Twilight turned to the dragon and glared at him. “That world was made to be conquered!” Frostmourne shouted.

Twilight was fed up with this argument. “ENOUGH!” she shouted, gaining the attention of all present. “This is not what we came here to discuss,” she said, glaring at her comrades. She then turned to Frostmourne. “I apologize for my subjects disrespect. They forget their place,” Twilight told him, earning glares from the pegasi.

Frostmourne regarded the alicorn. “You wish to know how my warriors escaped the detection of your gatekeeper?” he asked. to which Twilight nodded. Frostmourne grinned at this. “Then it would benefit you to know that there is a traitor in your midst,” he said, with reserved glee.

Twilight glared at him. “Who then? Who is this traitor?” she asked.

Frostmourne chuckled. “I do not know, but they seem to sympathize with us a great deal,” he said happily.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“We were never asked for payment. Somepony in your realm gave us a free pass and a chance to reclaim what belongs to us,” Frostmourne informed.

Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise. Who would betray us in such a way? she thought, racking her brain for a suspect. “Thank you,” Twilight spoke. “I apologize for our intrusion. We will take our leave now,” she told the king as she turned around.

The doors at the end of the hall were slammed shut. “No. You had the audacity to come here, have your warriors sneak about my palace and to top it off you brought one of those fire breathing monstrosities with you,” Frostmourne accused, rising from his throne.

Twilight looked at Spike and cursed her own forgetfulness. She should have remembered that the Dragons and Windigos were natural enemies. “I apologize for my lack of foresight, but I promise you Spike means you no harm,” she spoke as a group of Windigos began to approach Spike. The rest of group formed a protective circle around the dragon. Smoke began to pour out from between Spike’s lips

“Oh I don’t doubt that, but what do you think your mother would be willing to give up in return for her children and most loyal warriors?” the cold king asked, with a frosty grin.

Twilight stood her ground. “I will not let you capture us. If you do not let us leave we will force our way out,” she threatened.

Frostmourne’s smile widened. “And then the war can begin anew. I’m sure your mother would be so proud of her arrogant little daughter following in her noble footsteps,” he taunted.

Twilight’s anger spiked at the mention of Celestia. “Have care how you speak of my mother. You may insult me as you wish, but it is my sworn duty to protect the All-Mothers honor,” Twilight said, dangerously.

Frostmourne’s smile faded. “You dare threaten me child? In my home? You are but a filly, trying to stand with the adults. Go back to your whore of a mother, before I send you back in pieces,” the king threatened, stepping closer to Twilight.

Twilight raised Mijolnir threateningly. “I will not warn you again. Do not insult my mother,” Twilight said between gritted teeth.

Shining approached his sister, his eyes on the advancing Windigos. “Sister I believe it best we make our exit hastily,” he advised. Twilight regarded him with a glare, but nodded and started backing slowly towards the door, the rest of her companions forming a circle.

The Windigos began clearing a path as the group made their way to the exit. Frostmourne watched them closely, searching for a good place to strike.

Just as the small band of warriors was nearing the door one of the Windigos smirked at them. “Cowardly little alicorns. Must have learned it from their mother,” he said, laughing.

Shining and Twilight both froze at the insult. “Damn,” Shining cursed quietly.

Twilight raised Mijolnir and swung, catching the offending Windigo in the jaw and sending him flying into the wall.

“Attack!” Frostmourne shouted as soon as Twilight had separated herself from the rest of the group.

Author's Note

sorry this took so long. I have no excuse. Anyway forgot to mention a few things last chapter. For starters the Inspiration for the names of the guards that met their end in vault last chapter were from a pair of yugioh cards. Quillbolt Hedghog and the Bright Star Dragon. Other than that, I'm kind of taking my time getting to the actual banishment of Twilight because I didn't want to move through the story to fast. However She'll be saying goodbye to her home by the end of the next chapter.

Diplomacy Failed

The first line of Windigos went down rather easily. Raindrops and Blossomforth whipped out their swords and cut down the the nearest enemies to them. Shining Armor’s horn lit up and he unleashed a wave of energy pushing back several Windigos and tripping up even more. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Twilight getting surrounded. “Spike!” he shouted to the dragon.

Spike drew in a deep breath. “Twilight, duck!” Shining yelled to his sister.

Twilight turned and dropped to the ground when she saw Spike. The dragon let out his breath, spewing fire everywhere, causing several Windigos to melt. Twilight pushed past the burning and screaming giants as she made her way back to the group.

“Sorry,” she said to Shining as she caught up to them, catching the glare he was giving her. “Spike clear the door!” she shouted, swiping Mjolnir into a few Windigos as they advanced on the group, their bodies shattering upon contact with the weapon.

Spike nodded and took another deep breath before flames billowed out of his mouth scorching every Windigo in the doorway and several in the hallway outside.

The group pushed their way out of the room and the Windigos down the hall started rushing Spike. "Blossomforth, Raindrops, cover Spike!” Twilight yelled, the pegasi nodded as they complied. The jumped to Spike’s sides and started hacking and slashing at any enemy that got too close, only drawing back when Spike had regained his breath.

As soon as they were out of the throne room Twilight lifted her hammer above her head. “Get back!” she shouted to her comrades, bringing the hammer down on the floor. The floor started falling away under the Windigos as they approached and the ceiling and walls around them began to collapse.

Twilight and Shining Armor spread their wings and jumped into the air as the floor fell from beneath them. Blossomforth and Raindrops grabbed Spike before they took off. The group flew through the floor as the hallway fell apart, dodging falling rocks and ice.

Twilight took a glance backwards and saw the Windigos jumping into the air and giving chase. Twilight twisted to avoid a chunk of stone and swung Mjolnir at it. The stone shattered and the debris collided with their pursuers, knocking several of them out of the air. “We have trouble!” she shouted to the rest of the group.

Shining glanced back for a second as they came to the end of the hallway. Shining’s horn lit up and a shimmering barrier grew from the walls, blocking the Windigos path. “We need to get out of here,” he said to the group.

“I think we’re all in agreement,” Raindrops said as she turned to Twilight. “Which way do we go?”

“That way,” Twilight answered, watching the Windigos as they attempted to break the barrier. “Spike lead the way. You two,” she said to the pegasi,” cover our sides. Me and Shining will cover the rear,” she ordered.

The group quickly got into formation and started moving through the castle. “I won’t be able to hold the barrier for long,” Shining informed.

“Just hold it as long as you can,” Twilight told him.

Raindrops looked at the walls as they ran. “Can’t you just tear down the walls?” she asked Twilight.

Twilight shook her head. “Only if you wish to be buried along with the Windigos,” she stated.

“I can’t hold the barrier any longer. We need to pick up the pace,” Shining said as the light faded from his horn. The sound of angry Windigos came from further down the hall.

“We need to get outside,” Twilight said as they started moving again.

After running through a mostly empty palace with the Windigos close behind the group came to the entryway and stopped. The exit was blocked by dozens of Windigos. Twilight turned back towards the hallway to see that the remaining Windigos had arrived behind them. They were trapped.

Twilight looked at the ceiling above them. “Shining can you open the ceiling?” she asked as their enemies slowly advanced.

Shining glanced at the ceiling. “Perhaps, but I’ll need a bit of time,” he replied.

Twilight looked at the rest of the group. “You’ll have it. Everyone cover my brother,” she said aloud as the Windigos moved into attack. Twilight swung Mjolnir at the first in line sending him flying backwards into the rest of the enemy ranks, showering nearby Windigos in shards of ice. Blossomforth and Raindrops moved around each other in a fluid motion. When one turned their back the other was there to take down any Windigos that had moved in to attack.

Shining’s horn began to glow as he charged energy into it. A Windigo ran into to attack him from behind and grabbed his arm. Before Shining could do anything his fur began to turn blue and cold. His eyes widened as the Windigo was met by a set of claws as Spike slammed the attacker into the ground and blew fire onto another advancing group. Shining watched as the blue faded. What in mothers name was that? Shining thought as his coat returned to white. His lapse in attention caused the spell to lose some power, which Spike noticed one he was finished with the Windigo.

“Finish your spell,” Spike shouted, tearing the stallion’s attention back to the problem at hand.

Twilight slammed her hammer into the back of one Windigo and turned to be faced with two more charging at her. She jumped over one, dropping Mjolnir and pinning him to the ground, and delivering a powerful kick to the second.

The Windigos continued to pour into the room and the warriors holding them off began to slow down as the onslaught kept up.

“We need a way out soon!” Raindrops shouted to Shining.

“Almost there. Just keep it up,” he responded as the glow on his horn became brighter.

“Keep fighting!” Twilight shouted as she threw Mjolnir, catching it when it came back. She started swinging in a rhythmic pattern sending one Windigo after another flying backwards.

“I’m ready! Get close!” Shining shouted as his horn shone a bright white. Twilight and the others got close to him just as a beam of magic shot from his horn, destroying the roof, but knocking the debris away from the group in the middle of the room. Stone roofing fell, crushing several Windigos as it did.

Once the dust settled Twilight could see Windigos scattered around them. Most were dead, but several were beginning to stir. She turned to her companions and noted that none of them seemed to be injured. “Let’s go,” she told them as she spread her wings. Almost immediately a dart made of ice pierced her left wing. “Gahh!” she shouted in pain. She turned to see Frostmourne approaching, his right hand covered in icy spikes.

“I invited you into my home and you destroy it. Typical Equinsgardian,” he sneered, shooting Twilight’s other wing with a dart.

“Twilight!” Spike shouted taking a step forward. Shining Armor extended a wing blocking his path. Spike glared at Shining, but then noticed dozens of Windigos climbing over the rubble.

Twilight assessed the situation and turned to the others. “Go,” she told them. Spike looked like he was about to protest.

“Fine, but make sure you’re close behind us,” Shining said receiving a nod from his sister. “Take Spike we’re leaving,” he said to the pegasi, who looked reluctant to leave Twilight behind.

“And why would I just let them fly out of here?” Frostmourne asked, a dangerous edge to his voice.

“Because I struck first,” Twilight said. “I insulted you and brought them here.”

Frostmourne smiled at this. “Fine let them go,” he said. Shining nodded to the pegasi and they each grabbed one of Spike’s hands in their own and jumped into the air. The stallion shared a look with his sister.

“Go,” Twilight said as she raised her hammer again. Shining nodded and took off after the others. Twilight turned back to Frostmourne. “Shall we finish this?” she asked.

Frostmourne continued smiling. “Yes we shall,” he said as he slammed a foot on the ground. The floor seemed to shake as something roared beneath them. After a moment the floor cracked open and a monstrous ice dragon pulled itself out of a pit beneath the floor. It turned to Twilight and growled at her. “Leave her to me,” Frostmourne spoke. “Her comrades are fleeing as we speak. Go after them,” Frostmourne ordered. The beast immediately took off into the air.

“NO! You said you’d let them go!” Twilight shouted at the frozen king.

“I lied,” Frostmourne said.

Twilight glared at him as the Windigos began to surround her.

////////////////////////////////////////

Shining Armor lead his companions through the frosty winds of Jotunheim when a piercing shriek reached his ears. he glanced behind them and saw the ice dragon approaching quickly.

“We have trouble!” Shining shouted to the others. They all glanced at their pursuer.

“What is that?!” Raindrops shouted.

“Looks like one of Spike’s relatives,” Blossomforth commented, looking to the dragon.

“It breaths frost. I breath fire. Where do you see a relation?” the purple dragon asked, offended.

“Then breath fire at that,” Shining said eyeing the monster.

Spike complied and let loose a streaming blaze from his lips. The ice dragon ducked beneath the fire and breathed a frosty wind at it’s quarry. The winged ponies could feel the ice building up between their feathers. “We need to land before we crash!” Raindrops shouted as she and Blossomforth turned towards the ground to land, Shining close behind.

The group landed and started running as fast as they could, hoping to make it back to the Bifrost site before the ice dragon caught up to them. Shining glanced above them and saw the beast land not far from them and started moving in their direction quickly.

“Run!” Shining shouted as he made a dash for their destination. Spike blew fire at the ground in front of the beast, causing it to stop and breath it’s own breath to counter.

“Spike we need to leave,” Blossomforth told the dragon, trying to push him away. Spike nodded and cut off the fire from his mouth, following the rest of his group away from the monster.

As soon as the heat was gone the ice dragon continued its pursuit.

/////////////////////////////////////////////

Twilight swung her hammer relentlessly as Windigos continued to attack her. Frostmourne watched the spectacle with amusement. “You stand against an army with no fear. I wonder how you would fare against myself,” he said as he slammed a foot on the ground, his forces stopping in their attack. The king stepped forward and Twilight readied herself.

Frostmourne whipped his arm forward and several shards of ice shot out at Twilight. The mare jumped out of the way and rolled towards her opponent swinging her hammer when she got close. Frostmourne jumped back, the ice on his arm reforming into a sword and making a counter attack.

Twilight ducked and swung Mjolnir at the king several times. Frostmourne ducked and weaved at every strike, occasionally making an attack of his own and putting Twilight on the defensive.

Twilight kept up her attacks until she spotted an opening and swung at Frostmourne’s legs and sparking a blinding light from her horn. Unable to defend himself Twilight’s hammer knocked his feet off the ground. Twilight swung again and knocked the king onto his back.

Twilight stepped on his chest and kept him from getting up. “Kill her!” he shouted, his warriors jumping back into the fray.

Twilight raised Mjolnir over her head, a bolt of lightning connecting it to the sky just as she brought it back to what was left of the floor. The ground itself fell away under her, opening up into the pit beneath her, taking dozens of Windigos with her.

Twilight attempted to flap her wings, but found they were still injured from before. What now? Twilight thought as she caught sight of Mjolnir connected to her wrist by a leather strap. Her eyes widened in realization.

Twilight started swinging the hammer in a circle before throwing it towards the sky and grabbing the strap before it got too far. The weight of the hammer carried her up and out of the pit.

After slowing down the hammer curved and pulled her just outside the castle. Twilight landed outside the destroyed doors and looked back to see Frostmourne pulling himself from the pit. Just as she was about to renew her attack a distant roar caught her attention. She glared at the king before turning away and swinging Mjolnir again, using the weight to fly through the air and her wings to direct her flight.

///////////////////////////////////////

Shining glanced over his shoulder to see how close the monster was only to realize it wasn’t anywhere in sight. “Where is it?” he shouted to the group. They all stopped and looked around.

A loud thud alerted them to the ice dragon landing in their path. “Now what?” Blossomforth asked, nervously.

Before any of them could answer the sound of rushing air met them and something landed on the dragons neck decapitating it.

The dust settled after a few seconds revealing Twilight standing over the dragon’s corpse.

Her companions and brother smiled as she turned towards them, but their happiness faded as they saw a look of fear in her eyes. Shining Armor turned around and his eyes widened as he saw the army of Windigos approaching them.

“I had you all followed from the moment you got here,” Frostmourne spoke as he moved to the front of his forces. “You came here to find answers, but you leave with a declaration of war. I wonder how long it will take Celestia to respond to the deaths of her children,” he said as he took a step forward.

Before he got much closer a blast of energy came down from the heavens. The light blinded all present, Twilight and her comrades shielded their eyes.

Before too long the light faded and all present laid eyes on a terrifying sight. Celestia, All-Mother of Equinsgard, was pissed. Twilight smiled at her mother’s arrival, but her glare put this to a quick end. She glanced at her children before looking at Frostmourne. “I apologize for my children’s intrusion of your lands,” she said, bowing to the king.

Frostmourne glared at her. “It’s too late for apologies All-Mother. The filly came here for war and she’ll get it,” he said, quietly.

“Please, King Frostmourne. We can end this now before any more blood is shed. Before war tears the realms apart again as it did so many centuries ago,” Celestia pleaded.

“No. I’ve been seeking a reason to continue our battle for so long and now I have it. The next time you see me will be in combat,” Frostmourne stated, as ice began to form on his arm.

“Then so be it,” Celestia said sadly as Frostmourne swung an icy blade at her.

A light erupted from Celestia’s horn and threw the king away from her. Then the beam shot out of the heavens again and sucked up the Equinsgardians before the Windigos could do anything about it.

Frostmourne watched as the light faded. “Prepare for war!” he shouted, getting a rousing cheer from his army.

///////////////////////////////////////

Twilight landed in the Bifrost rather jarringly, her friends and mother not far behind. Owlowiscious bowed his head in shame as Celestia turned to him. “Take them to the healing room and have them checked for frostbite” she ordered angrily, gesturing at Spike, Blossomforth and Raindrops.

Instead of arguing the owl nodded and lead the other warriors out. Spike looked back at Twilight as he was ushered out of the Bifrost.

Twilight made to follow, but Celestia held up a hoof to her. Twilight stopped and looked at her mother. Celestia’s face was a mask of mixed emotions, the most prominent being anger.

“I told you not to do anything,” Celestia spoke, the anger in her voice barely contained.

“How could I when my home was in danger?” Twilight asked.

“And this is your solution? Start a war?” Celestia asked.

“I only meant to find answers,” Twilight responded.

“Well now you have exposed the realms to the horrors of war. Endangered the lives of your loyal comrades,” Celestia said, her voice rising in volume.

Twilight was shocked and angry. “They gave their loyalty to me, and I used it to do what you refused to. Protect our home,” Twilight said angrily. “You would have me sit and wait for a siege before you got up to lift a finger against them,” she accused seething.

Celestia’s eyes widened. “You see Spike, Blossomforth and Raindrops as tools to do your bidding?” she asked.

Twilight met her mother’s stare. “That is why they follow me. To do my bidding,” she spoke with confidence

“Mother-” Shining Armor began, but was silenced by a glare from his mother.

Celestia turned back to Twilight. “You are not worthy of their loyalty,” she said as she ripped the cape from Twilight’s shoulders, surprising her daughter. “You are not worthy of the family you have put in danger!” she shouted, as the armor began to fall off of Twilight in tiny pieces. Twilight stared in horror as her mother spoke, but Celestia ignored her. “You are unworthy to protect these realms!” the All-Mother bellowed. She raised a hand. “I take from you your power,” she said, Mjolnir flying to her and yanking Twilight along the floor. Celestia slammed Gungnir on the ground, activating the Bifrost. “And I cast you out!” she shouted hitting Twilight with a bolt from her spear, sending the smaller mare into the portal. The light from Gungnir blinded Twilight, as a piercing pain engulfed her head and back. Her last sight was her mother standing there looking angry, but at the same time sad. And then her vision was filled with the light of the Bifrost’s energy.

/////////////////////////////////////////////

Celestia stood in the center of the Bifrost, her strength almost failing her. Shining Armor stood to the side of the chamber unable to process what had just happened.

“Mother, I know Twilight was being disobedient, but considering the Windigos have just declared war on us, this may not have been the best choice,” Shining pleaded to his mother.

Celestia lifted Mijolnir. “Your sister may return once she has learned the the value of her friends loyalty and the price of her own arrogance,” Celestia said as she brought the hammer to her lips. “Whosoever holds this hammer, should they be worthy, hold the power of Twilight,” she said softly. A symbol Shining had never seen before lit up on the side of the hammer. Celestia then reactivated the Bifrost with a slam of Gungnir and threw Mjolnir into the portal.

“Twilight must prove herself worthy to regain her place here,” Celestia said. Shining noticed that she looked tired as she walked away. He gave one last glance at the spot his sister stood just moments before. He knew he should be sad that she was gone, but some part of him understood that if she didn’t come back, he would be next in line for the throne. This chain of thought reminded him of when the Windigo had touched him.

“I have some reading to do,” he said to himself as he followed his mother out of the Bifrost.

Author's Note

And we're back again. First big actiony bit. Tell me what you guys think. And Next Chapter We Meet Our Cast From Midgard.

Stay Tuned.

Fall From Grace

Minuette looked at the night sky above her head with disappointment. "I don't understand. The buffalo legends said this area was highly spiritual," she said as she scanned the desert around her for any signs of... well anything. Instead she was faced with emptiness and sand.

"Soooo, does that mean we're done here? Because I'm really starting to get hungry," a pegasus stallion with a gray coat and lighter gray mane asked, his voice filled with disinterest. He was sitting in a large white van several yards from where Minuette was staring at the landscape.

"Just give me a second Steam Bolt," the unicorn replied, annoyed. "Honestly, if you were just gonna complain the whole time why did you even apply to be my assistant?" Minuette asked, rolling her eyes as she grabbed her journal from the back of the van.

Steam Bolt glared at the mare. "First off, I told you to just call me Bolt. Hearing my full name from anypony, but my mom is weird. And second, I applied, because your job offer mentioned traveling. If I knew we wouldn't be going further than Appleoosa I'd have just gotten a job on campus," the pegasus explained, mumbling the last bit.

"Well you're here, so there's no point in griping about it now," Minuette said as she started flipping through her notes.

"Oh, I'll gripe," Bolt said. "I have the right to. You basically lied to me," he continued, glancing at the mare's journal over her shoulder. "What is that anyway?" He asked, pointing at what looked to him like a really complex connect the dots. "Are those stars?" he asked, puzzled.

"I think so, but they've only been seen by the local buffalo tribes and this isn't tonights sky," Minuette explained not looking up from her notes.

"You sure? They look the same to me," Bolt said looking up into the sky.

Minuette sighed in frustration. "Yeah sure. It's not like this is your first prank right?" she asked rhetorically, as a light began to appear from above her. "Cut it out," she said annoyed with the pegasus' antics. When Bolt didn't answer she looked up at him. The first thing she noticed was her assistant staring open mouthed at the sky. She followed his gaze and her eyes widened at the brilliant light show in the sky.

"Does that normally happen around here?" Bolt asked, awestruck.

"No," Minuette replied as she dove into the back of the van and pulled out what looked like a camcorder. She turned it on and pointed it at the aurora. The screen displayed several readings telling Minuette that this wasn't a normal aurora. "We need to get closer," she said to Bolt, who nodded dumbly and jumped into the driver's seat.

Bolt quickly started the car and hit the gas as soon as Minuette was in, barely giving her time to close the door. Minuette kept her camcorder pointed at the aurora as they got closer. She saw the energies in the cloud of colors drastically change as they got closer.

Without warning a tornado like cloud sprang from the aurora and created a large dust cloud when it touched down. Minuette felt the van start to turn at this point and looked to her side at Bolt.

"Don't turn!" she shouted.

"Screw that!" Bolt shouted back. Minuette grabbed at the steering wheel and yanked it back towards the whirlwind.

Steam Bolt fought for control. "Stop! We're gonna hit something!" he warned as he struggled with the mare.

"There's nothing out here to hit!" Minuette replied angrily as they entered the cloud. Seconds later the pair saw a pony shaped figure rise up from the ground and Bolt hit the breaks hard. However it was too late. With a dull thud the van collided with the pony and sent them skidding several feet across the sand.

///////////////////////

Twilight squinted as she flew through the universe to an unknown destination. Then, almost as soon as her journey had begun, it ended. Twilight landed in an unceremonious heap with a grunt. "Where has mother sent me?" she groaned as she picked herself up, brushing off the clothes she wore under her armor. All the mare could see was the dust and sand the Bifrost had kicked up when it had dropped her. Just as she was about to take a step a pair of lights appeared through the swirling dust and she could just barely hear a low rumble. Twilight's eyes widened as a large dark shape began to appear. "Stop foul creature!" She shouted, barely audible over the wind, and held up a hand.

The creature seemed not to hear her and Twilight made to fly out if the way, jumping into the air only to fall back to the earth. Before she could move again the strange creature collided with her sending her back several yards.

Twilight groaned in pain as the creature stopped and the lights brightened. The wind began to die down and she heard panicked voices. "Holy crap we hit somepony," a masculine voice said, the scrambling of feet getting closer.

"Just get the first aid kit. We weren't going that fast they should be fine," a mare replied, noticeably calmer.

Twilight tried to sit up, but a hand pushed against her. "Don't move," the made from before said.

Twilight glared at the unicorn. "I do not take orders from the likes of you," she said angrily as she shoved the pony's hand away and sat up.

The unicorn looked baffled. "I wasn't trying to order you around, I just wanted to make sure you didn't have a concussion," she explained as the stallion, a pegasus came back with a small metal box.

"She seems fine to me," the stallion said, smiling and giving Twilight a once over. "I'm Steam Bolt, by the way. You can just call me Bolt though," he said introducing himself, trying to be suave.

"You really don't know how to flirt do you?" the Minuette said before Twilight could reply.

Bolt glared at the mare. "At least I introduced myself, miss mannerless," he replied, as Twilight seemed to notice something was missing and started searching the area.

"Where is my hammer? Mjolnir!" she called out as if to lost friend.

Minuette and Bolt were surprised at the outburst. "I'm Minuette," she said holding out a hand. "What exactly are you looking for?" she asked confused.

Twilight turned towards the desert, ignoring Minuette, searching for any sign of her weapon. "Where am I?" she asked, in a demanding tone.

Minuette gave Twilight a strange look. "Well we're about fifty miles from Appleoosa," she answered.

Twilight gave her a confused glare. "I meant what realm is this," she said forcefully.

"Not sure what you mean by realm, but this is Equestria, if that's what you mean," Bolt said stepping closer to the mare.

Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh. This is Midgard," she said, disappointedly, putting a hand on her aching forehead. She could tell something felt off but was unsure what.

Minuette gave Twilight an expectant look. "What's your name?" She asked after Twilight failed to introduce herself.

Twilight gave her a confused look. "You don't know of me?" She asked, almost shocked. Minuette shook her head. "I am Twilight Sparkle Celstiamaiden. Does that mean nothing to you?" She asked.

"No," Bolt said bluntly. Minuette smacked him on the back of the head. "Hey!" he shouted, annoyed.

"Be nice," she told him. "So Twilight," she said turning back to the mare," can I call you Twilight?" she asked.

Twilight nodded. "That will suffice, though most ponies of your standing call me mistress,"she stated.

Minuette quirked an eyebrow. "Right, so, Twilight, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here?" the unicorn asked.

"I was banished here," she said simply.

Bolt took a step away from the mare. "I think that warrants an explanation," he said, growing nervous.

Twilight glared at him. "If you must know, my mother banished me to this realm, for insubordination. At least that's how she would put it. She simply lacked the will to do what was needed and I did," Twilight explained angrily.

Bolt and Minuette stared at her open mouthed as he pushed Minuette away to talk quietly. "This looks like some kind of gang thing," Bolt whispered, fearful of the stranger.

Minuette gave him a flat look. "Right and how many gangs do you know of that speak like they're from the ninteenth century?" Minuette asked sarcastically.

"I'm just saying theres something weird about this," he argued.

"I'll agree on that, but Twilight doesn't strike me as dangerous," Minuette pointed out. "Besides, she may have a concussion because of us, the least we could do is give her a ride back to town so she can call her mom."

"You mean because of you. I was trying to move away from the storm," Bolt said. Minuette glared at him, looking at the ground, embarrassed. "Ugh, fine let's take her home with us," he conceded. Minuette wasn't paying attention though.

"What is this? she asked quietly staring at the sand. Bolt turned his head to the ground as well. The area they were standing on was covered in what looked like a maze except there didn't seem to be a way out. "I need to get this on camera," Minutes said as she raced to her van.

Bolt stared in shock as the mare started darting around the large circle, videotaping the whole thing. Minuette then noticed Twilight staring out into the distance as though searching for something and walked back over to Twilight. "Umm, hey do you need a place to spend the night?" She asked.

Twilight looked at the mare, turning away from the desert. She almost didn't seem to notice the two ponies whispering behind her. Twilight considered the offer. "I suppose what lodgings you posses will have to suffice," she replied. "Where are we going?"

Minuette seemed a little taken aback. "Umm... I have a place in Appleoosa," she said as Twilight got to her feet.

"And in which direction are we walking?" she asked, sounding a bit annoyed.

Bolt chuckled at this. "We aren't walking, we have the van," he said tilting his head in the vehicle's direction.

Twilight looked at the van, regarding it with interest. "What manner if transportation is this?" she asked curiously.

Minuette and Bolt shared a look. "Umm, well we ride in it," Minuette explained, unsure how to answer the question.

Twilight nodded. "Very well. Let us be off," she said in a slightly commanding tone.

Minuette opened the sliding door in the back and Twilight climbed in hesitantly. "Your van is rather cluttered," she observed from the many bags stacked in the back.

"That's Minuette's fault. She doesn't like unpacking in case of emergencies," Bolt said as he climbed in the drivers seat and started the engine, quickly followed by Minuette in the passengers seat.

Twilight seemed intrigued by how the van worked and asked many questions on the way back to Appleoosa.

//////////////////////////

Blossomforth winced as a healer put a salve on her shoulder to prevent what looked like frostbite. Spike and Raindrops were getting a similar treatment. They had tried to insist with the healers that these treatments were unnecessary, but their complaints were ignored. "This could have been avoided if The All-Mother had arrived sooner," Raindrops commented.

Spike nodded his head in agreement. "I wonder how she knew where we were," he inquired.

"I told a guard to inform her," a voice said as the doors across the room opened and Shining Armor strode in, a shocked look on his face. "Shining, what's wrong?" Spike asked, pushing the healer away from himself.

The alicorn looked at the other warriors in the room. "Mother has banished Twilight," he said, almost as though he himself didn't believe it.

Spike's eyes went wide. "Why? We are at war, we need her," the dragon said, trying to wrap his head around this. Blossom forth was speechless and Raindrops simply looked at the ground.

"It's what she deserves," the yellow pegasus said angrily.

The group looked at her in shock. "Raindrops, you can't mean that," Blossomforth tried to reason.

"Well I do," she said, not meeting the eyes of her friends.

Spike looked like he was ready to attack the offending pegasus. "How can you say that after all we've been through with her? After all she's done for us?" he asked angrily.

"Done for us? She never saw us as anything other than tools and you know it," Raindrops defended herself.

Spike was visibly shaking with anger. "Blossomforth, tell me you don't agree with this," he said looking to the mare who didn't seem able to meet his eyes. "Shining Armor?" Spike asked, looking to the alicorn for support.

Shining regarded the dragon for a moment. "Mother's decision may have been ill timed what with Frostmourne declaring war on us, but Twilight should have heeded her orders to leave the situation be," the stallion said looking Spike in the eye.

"She always thought she was smarter than the rest of us," Raindrops spoke, her voice low.

"She meant to protect her home," Spike defended.

"My sister should have been paying more attention to mother," Shining said laying a hand on Spike's shoulder to calm him. The others gave him quizzical looks. "Leave us," the alicorn said to the healers, who left the room hastily. Once they were alone Shining continued. "The All-Mother has seemed rather tired as of late and I believe the Solar Sleep is upon us," he informed them.

Spike and the pegasi in the room looked shocked. "Why did she not inform any pony of this?" Blossomforth asked curiously.

"More than likely to avoid a panic," Shining explained.

"But Twilight didn't know," Spike countered.

Raindrops scoffed. "She has seen what Celestia is like before the sleep more than once. She should have been able to see the signs," the mare argued.

Spike was about to fight back when Shining interrupted them. "It matters little now," he said, ending the argument. "For now we must prepare as best we can," he said, trying to motivate his friends.

"We would be more prepared with Twilight," Spike said walking past Shining Armor and out of the room.

//////////////////////

"And this will be your room while you're here," Minuette said as she finished giving Twilight a tour of the house she was renting.

Twilight inspected the barren room with disinterest. "This will do for now," Twilight said as she charged a small amount if energy to her horn to close the door and... nothing. Twilight glared at Minuette as she tried again.

"Is something wrong?" Minuette asked, not liking the look Twilight was giving her.

"What manner of trickery is this? Why is my magic not working?" she asked Minuette angrily.

Minuette was baffled at the question. "Umm... because you aren't a unicorn," she said unsure.

This seemed to make Twilight even angrier. "I know that. I am an alicorn. Now what manner of spell has been cast upon me?" Twilight shouted.

Minuette looked genuinely afraid now. "Those are just a myth. You don't have a horn or wings," she said, watching as Twilight's eyes widened in shock.

"I need a mirror," she stated.

"Ummm... the bathroom is down the hall on the left," the unicorn said as Twilight pushed past her. "Third door," she called as Steam Bolt came out from his room further down the hall.

"What the hay are you two doing out here?" he asked annoyed. Minuette just shrugged as she walked to the bathroom to check on Twilight, the pegasus close behind.

"Oh nonono! This can not be!" Twilight yelled in a panic as she felt at her forehead and back as though searching for something. "Why have you done this to me mother?" she asked as she sat in defeat.

"What did I miss?" Bolt asked bewildered.

"Same thing I did," Minuette told him, as she watched Twilight start to cry. Whatever had been done to her had finally gotten to her.

Author's Note

Well this was a bitch to post and format on a tablet, but here we are again. We are now introducing Minuette and my oc Steam Bolt. I kinda based him off myself in some aspects. Anyways if you didn't see the blog post I am now in the market for proofreaders. You can volunteer here or at the blog post. I will also accept applicants foe Iron Made, but this story is the priority. Stay tuned.

Questions

Shining Armor walked the halls of the palace in silence. The events of the last few hours were weighing heavily on his mind.

Did mother really do what was best? Or is she too tired to think logically? Shining asked himself these and many more questions on his way back to his room.

"Is it usually so easy to sneak up on you?" a voice said to the alicorn's right. Shining looked up from his pondering to see Cadence walking beside him, a soft smile on her face.

"Only when I'm distracted," Shining replied, forcing a smile.

Cadence frowned at the fake grin. "You are right to be troubled," she told him, his face returning to a brooding look. "You can not blame yourself for Twilight's choices. You showed great loyalty in accompanying her and even greater loyalty by informing your mother of Twilight's ill fated expedition," the princess said, attempting to ease Shining's mind. Cadence placed her arm around him, bringing him close.

Shining leaned into her ear. "I know, but with war on the horizon. I believe it may have been more prudent to give Twilight some other punishment," Shining said. The two drifted for a moment, with Cadence giving him a curious glance. "I know better than any pony that my sister needed a lesson in humility, but to send her away when we may need her the most? It seems impractical."

Cadence sighed. "I can not pretend to see the wisdom in the All-Mother's decision, but she has always acted in the best interest of her people. I think it best if we trust in her guidance,” she advised.

Shining thought for a moment, still unsure. "Perhaps," he answered. Shining smiled at Cadence. "Thank you for your company. I'll rest a little easier tonight," he said as they reached his room. "I do wonder though. What is your opinion of my sister's actions?" Shining asked, curious about his companion's thoughts.

"Oh it isn't my place to question the actions of a princess," Cadence replied, shaking her head, uncertain what she would say.

"Please. It would be good to hear your opinion of the matter," Shining Armor pressed.

Cadence loomed unsure, but answered. She turned away from Shining, almost ashamed of what she would say. "I think Twilight was much too rash in her decision. She should have heeded her mother. It is my belief that your sister is simply not suited for the duties she was chosen for," the pink alicorn explained.

Shining thought about this for a moment. "You may be on to something. Twilight was always more at home in a library than a battlefield," Shining agreed. "I do appreciate your honesty Cadence. And I thank you for your company."

"It was my pleasure," Cadence said, giving the stallion a kiss on the cheek before departing. Shining Armor could only blush as he watched the princess walk away, a sway in her hips.

/////////////////////////////

"Would it have killed you to be more understanding of Spike?" Blossomforth asked. "Twilight saved him from the poverty of his realm. She is important to him."

Raindrops rolled her eyes as she and her friend ate dinner. Raindrop bit into her celery stick with a crunch as she spoke. "I believe what I said. Is it not true that Twilight dragged us along on several campaigns into enemy territory? Yes, she always made it seem like we had a choice, but any time we wanted to back out, she'd guilt us into going anyway.” She swallowed her chunk of vegetable.

"That's not entirely true though. She let us be if we were injured or sick," Blossomforth pointed out. She hadn’t even touched her food, her mind was occupied on Twilight and Spike. Their relationship was a strong one, like the bond between a brother and sister. Or mother and son. Spike’s loyalty to Twilight was incorruptible.

Raindrops scowled as she took a bite of her salad. "Only because we would have been a hindrance to Her Royalness," she said mockingly through her mouthful as her teeth ripped into the celery.

Blossomforth wanted to argue, but couldn't. She honestly didn't know if Twilight considered them friends. There were times when Twilight was kind to them, but it was usually to manipulate them into getting what she wanted. They were not her friends, they were her slaves. However, Spike, on the other hand, was always the middle pony… or dragon in his case. He would always try to create peace with everyone and make a situation better for all. He would be their voice to persuade Twilight of her wrong doing. She felt a pit in her stomach. She felt as if she was using Spike, the way Twilight used them. "Well that may be, but Spike has always been there for us. We owe him a great deal," she said, causing Raindrops to lower her head in shame.

"Fine. I'll talk to him after dinner, but I still think Twilight needs to learn to treat us better. We may owe Spike, but she owes us," Raindrops replied before returning to her meal. She and Blossomforth finished their supper in silence.

//////////////////////////

Celestia entered her chambers after a long day in court hearing the woes of her people and helping them as best she could. It was exhausting, but today she felt more drained of energy than usual. "It's almost time," she said to herself.

"I suspected as much." Celestia turned, startled to see Luna sitting in a shadowy corner of the room.

"Luna! You should not sneak up on ponies," Celestia scolded.

"I would not have been able to if you were at full strength," Luna replied, giving her sister a disapproving look. "Why did you not inform me the Solar sleep was upon you?"

Celestia frowned. "I did not want to worry anypony. Especially with Twilight's coronation," she explained, looking down in sadness.

Luna shook her head. "You should have at least told me." Celestia couldn't meet her sister's eyes. Luna sighed before speaking again. "Why did you banish her? It's rather ill timed, is it not?" the blue alicorn inquired.

"She needs to learn the value of what she no longer has," Celestia said simply.

"She has already learned the consequences of misusing her power," Luna pointed out.

"It's not just that. She put the others in danger for no other reason than to prove me wrong. She is arrogant and treats Raindrops and Blossomforth as little more than tools. She needs to know the value of their loyalty," Celestia explained, her brow furrowing the more she spoke.

Luna could only look out into the distance. She had known that Twilight Sparkle had difficulties treating ponies as ponies instead of tools and servants to be used when she pleased. While Luna did agree with her sister that Twilight needs this lesson, she questioned the time and method. Luna gave her sister a hard look. "And what of the war? How are we supposed to fend off the Windigos with Twilight gone and you so exhausted?" the night Princess asked, her expression worried.

"You and Shining Armor are more than capable of leading our forces against Frostmourne. Equinsgard will be in good hands," Celestia assured her sister.

Luna shook her head. "It will not be the same. Our soldiers will be ill at ease without you. Not to mention the guards we will need to post for your protection. Our forces are spread thin as they are. We cannot afford to give the enemy any edge," Luna stated.

"I know," Celestia said, looking at the ceiling, glass roofing providing a clear view of the starry sky above. Luna looked at her sister expectantly. "And so does Twilight. It is up to her to overcome her faults. She can no longer act so commanding over her comrades. Otherwise she would suffer a fate much worse than banishment," Celestia continued. Luna looked unsure. "I have the fullest confidence that she will learn her lesson before it is too late. Now if you'll excuse me I must rest. We will be convening with our generals for a war council in the morning."

Luna walked towards the door. Luna wasn’t entirely convinced, but her sister was far wiser than she was. Celestia had been questioned in the past for various actions, but somehow, they would always work out in the end. Despite her anxiety, she put her faith in her sister. "Very well sister. I pray that you have acted in the best interest of our realm and not just in hopes that Twilight would be more tolerable," she said as she left.

"She will be more than tolerable. Once she returns there will be hardly any threat in the universe who would wish to oppose her," Celestia said as she crawled into bed. The doors closed as Luna departed and Celestia fell into a deep sleep.

////////////////////////////

Spike entered the Bifrost and found Owlowicious with his back turned towards the entrance.

"How may I be of service to you young drake?" the giant owl asked without turning his head to regard his visitor.

Spike puffed up his chest, trying to look as official as possible. "I have been sent for a report on the Windigo's activities. The All-Mother wishes to know how they are preparing for the war," he stated walking around the owl so they were face to face.

"I have already submitted my report and Celestia has just gone to bed," the gatekeeper said. "Why have you come to see me?" Owlowicious asked, turning to look the dragon in the eye.

Spike was unsettled that he had been found out so easily. He sighed before explaining. "I was wondering if you could see Twilight," he said, his face downcast.

The guardian regarded Spike for a moment before responding. "It is often simpler to state what you desire instead of seeking it in a roundabout way," Owlowicious advised, Spike looked up in surprise.

The great owl turned his gaze back to the stars at the edge of the horizon. "She has been sent to Midgard. She is in a land called Equestria," he stated.

"Is she safe?" Spike asked, his voice full of worry.

"Yes. She has been found by a pair of mortals and they have provided her shelter," the owl continued.

Spike smiled at this. "It must have been a surprise for them to meet an alicorn," he mused, trying to picture the reactions of the mortals.

Owlowicious looked troubled, which was rare and Spike noticed immediately. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"The All-Mother has stripped Princess Twilight of her power," Owlowicious stated. Spike's jaw dropped in astonishment.

"That's insane! How is Twilight to protect herself should the need arise?!" the young dragon shouted, smoke trailing from his mouth.

"I will not pretend I fully understand Celestia's motives myself, but perhaps Twilight is meant to learn to trust other ponies with her life," the owl guessed.

"She trusted her friends," Spike said angrily.

"Of which she had few. You are the only one outside of her family that she truly had faith in. She took your comrades trust for granted and they have begun to notice," Owlowicious explained.

Spike was about to make a retort but was interrupted. "Raindrops has been looking for you. She is headed here now. I suggest you restore her faith in Twilight before she loses it entirely," the guardian said, ending the conversation. Spike left without another word, seething at what he had learned. His mind recalling the day he met Twilight.

////////////////////

Spike sat on the ground in the marketplace of Nidavellir. It was the home of the Great Dragon Forges, where some of the most powerful weapons were created. The small purple dragon wasn't concerned by the quality of the weapons the leaders of his realm made. He was more worried about feeding himself for the day.

The day was a hot one, but then all days in Nidavellir were hot. Most creatures couldn’t stand the temperatures for long periods of time. Dragons, however, were accustomed to the heat. Spike slithered out of an alleyway as the crowd of dragons seemed to march on without giving him even a glance.

"What is this place?" said an almost disgusted voice. Spike looked up to see an unexpected sight. The Royal Equinsgardian family was walking through the marketplace of his humble home. The male alicorn almost looked as though he'd rather be someplace else. Spike’s mind went to work as he noted the royal garbs on the three alicorns. He smiled thinking that the garbs of the royal family of Equinsgard would be worth at least one, maybe two, gems. He snuck back into his alley way and watched as the alicorns came closer, following a dragon.

"This is the heart of our civilization. It isn't much to look at, but it is mostly the homeless that reside here," their guide explained. “But further are the great forges, these are where our greatest weapons are made.”

The younger mare in the group gave him a questioning look. “Why are so many here in poverty? They should be taken care of with food and shelter?” She looked around, taking note of dragons, young and old laying in the streets, moaning for either food or medicine.

The dragon snarled. "We do not support each other as well as you do in Equinsgard. Here, if a dragon cannot provide for themselves, they are shunned," said the large dragon leading the family. “Dragons are a proud race.” Spike noticed the purple alicorn looking at him with pity.

"Do you not care for your people?" the purple mare asked. “Why do you mistreat them like this?!” her voice raised to a near yell.

"Twilight, show some respect," the All-Mother said. Spike would recognize her anywhere. She was the subject of many stories he had heard when he was younger and had made several appearances since the war with the Windigos. Spike bit his lip and began to doubt stealing the garbs off them. If Celestia, the All-Mother, the most powerful alicorn in all of Equinsgard was here, and he stole from her… it would surely mean his end. He slunk back into his alleyway, laying in the dirt and ash beneath him.

"It is alright," the older dragon replied, smiling at Twilight's indignation. "We believed that to earn the care of others we must care for ourselves first. Selfishness is grown through greed. And greed is born of pride. A dragon must be willing to be humble and work hard for what they want. We do not accept charity or gifts instead prefer to earn what we desire. This philosophy has provided us with only the best smiths our realm has to offer," he explained.

Twilight didn't seem satisfied with the answer, but kept her thoughts to herself. She then looked at her surroundings and her eyes were almost immediately drawn to Spike. The alicorn approached him and Spike, unsure what to do, simply looked away from her.

"Are you lost?" she asked.

Spike gave her a quizzical look. "No. I know exactly where I am," he replied, unsure where this conversation was going. He started to back away slowly.

"Then why are you here all alone?" Twilight pressed.

Spike looked away in shame. "Because I have no marketable skills. I cannot care for myself," he explained, ashamed.

Twilight's eyes widened. "Even the children are left to fend for themselves?" she asked, seemingly outraged.

Spike would have been surprised by the alicorn's anger if he weren't offended. "I'm no child. I have survived on my own since the end of the war," he defended.

Twilight seemed even more shocked. "That was almost two decade ago. I cannot stand this. You deserve better," she stated, a determined look in her eye.

"Well I won't accept your charity. It’s demeaning. A dragon must earn what he wants," Spike replied, stating his belief in his pride.

Twilight thought for a moment. "What if I offered you a job then?" she asked catching Spike by surprise. "I was named as my mother's successor as All-Mother a few years ago. I was thinking of taking on an assistant," she offered.

Spike thought about this. "I suppose as long as it’s real work, it would still be honorable," he reasoned with himself. He smiled. It was uncommon for a dragon to serve a pony. Hela, even unheard of. However, this pony was offering him food and shelter in exchange for his services. Not even his own kind would do that. He was force to steal and rob others to survive, making him hated even more by his own kind.

"Then you'll take the job?" Twilight asked. Spike nodded. "Good. Then pack your things. You're coming home with me. I'm Twilight by the way. What may I call you?" the alicorn asked.

"I'm Spike," the young Dragon replied, following his new employer as she trotted to catch up with her family.

///////////////////////////

Spike arrived at the other end of the bridge leading to the Bifrost just as Raindrops and Blossomforth arrived. The dragon noticed Raindrops looking a little uncomfortable.

"What do you want?" Spike said coldly.

Blossomforth nudged her fellow pegasus forward. Raindrops looked Spike in the eye and sighed. "I'm sorry for what I said," she apologized. Spike gave her a skeptical look. "I believe what I said, but I was much too harsh in my wording. I guess I'm still a little angry for feeling like I was used so Twilight could prove herself," she explained.

Spike regarded the mare for a moment. "I know Twilight hasn't always been friendly with you, but you can't believe she would ever intentionally put you at risk," Spike told them.

"We know," Blossomforth said. "It’s just a bit difficult to follow a leader who never opened up to you," she continued.

Spike wanted to disagree, but had no argument. "I understand. Twilight has trouble letting others past her guard," the drake replied.

"She didn't seem to have a problem letting you in," Raindrops pointed out.

Spike scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "Well... that was... different. She saved me. I suspect that being saved by you made her feel she had to prove herself your superior," Spike said, sure of himself.

The two pegasi considered this. "Well, I suppose it isn't the strangest thing we've heard," Blossomforth replied. Raindrops still seemed unsure, but decided to let go of it for now.

"Well it's getting late. I suspect there will be a war council in the morning. We'd best be ready for it," Spike said as he walked past the mares. They all bade their goodbyes and retired for the night.

//////////////////////////

Shining Armor fired a blast of magic, shattering the Windigo as it charged him. Another icy horse snuck up behind him and tackled him to the ground. The Windigo pressed a hand to the alicorn's shoulder blade and Shining could see it turning the same shade of blue his hoof had the previous day.

"Release me you monster!" he snarled at the beast.

The Windigo lowered its head to his so that Shining could see his face. "Who's the real monster here?" it asked, placing it's other hand on the ground on the other side of the alicorn's head, freezing the ground beneath them. Shining Armor looked at the ice beneath himself, but instead of seeing his own reflection, he stared into the cold white eyes of one Windigo pinned down by another.

////////////////////////

Shining Armor woke with a start. His fur covered in a cold sweat, despite the heat of the fire on the other side of the room. The stallion climbed out of bed and walked over to the mirror he used to dress himself for battle. His coat was white and his mane the same two shades of blue he had always remembered. "It was just a dream," he told himself, unable to convince himself that there wasn't more to it.

Shining’s body shivered as his exposed flesh met the warm air. Shining walked closer to the fireplace to warm himself. However the closer he got the smaller the flames got. Once he was standing over the burning wood, the flames had died completely. "What is happening to me?" he asked himself. He stumbled back to his bed and collapsed into the sheets. No matter how much he covered himself he only felt colder as the night grew on. Eventually his exhaustion overtook him and he slept fitfully.

Author's Note

And here we are again. And great news abound. First Spideremblembrony has agreed to be my co writer on this story and I'm glad I asked him to help. He provided a great amount of detail to this chapter and gave me a lot of suggestions on scenes that could be added. This chapter was almost no more than 2000 words long, but through Spider's suggestions we kept pretty close to my usual quota without a bunch of useless scenes bogging things down. There is a link to His user page in the story summary along with the link to Avenging Hobbits page added. I'd also like a warm seldom to King Candy. He an I are currently discussing characters and plot for the upcoming Captain Equestria story. I'm just looking for so done to help on the next story, Flutterage now. And of course Anoone who helps me with these stories will be asked to help on the finale, The Harmonies. Stay tuned folks.

Adjusting

Minuette sat at the table in her temporary house, looking over the data from the previous night’s event while sipping a cup of coffee. The data was odd. It was filled with unexplained readings. The storm that occurred that night was unlike anything she had previously seen. And it came so suddenly. And what about the mare they found wondering around the area?

A loud thud from upstairs caught her attention. Before she could investigate the sound of footsteps came down the stairs and Twilight appeared, rubbing her forehead and wearing clothes that Minuette had set out for her the night before.

"Are you okay?" Minuette asked with concern.

Twilight regarded the mare for a moment before answering. "I shall live. I am simply not accustomed to living without magic," she explained, receiving a quizzical look from her host. "I hit my head on the door when attempting to leave my quarters."

Minuette suppressed a smile at the humorous story. Nothing about this pony made very much sense. She claimed she was an alicorn, but there was no such evidence. If anything, she was just crazy. "Nothing to be worried about we all make mistakes," the unicorn said dismissively. She turned her attention back to her notes, not giving the moment a second thought.

Twilight considered this for a moment. "Do you believe me?" she asked. Minuette looked up from her data, unsure what Twilight meant. "Do you believe that I'm a... that I was an alicorn?" Twilight asked, catching her mistake

Before Minuette could answer, Steam Bolt joined them from upstairs only wearing pajama pants. "Not really, but who am I but a simple Pegasus," he answered as he started rummaging through the kitchens contents for breakfast.

"Steam Bolt, be nice," Minuette said glaring at her assistant, before Twilight could argue back. "And put on a shirt, you have nothing to show off," she continued earning a glare from Bolt.

"Seriously, just Bolt. Stop using my full name," Bolt replied annoyed.

"Then stop being a dick," Minuette shot back.

Twilight watched the exchange curiously. "Are you two a couple?" she asked, making both Minuette and Bolt freeze in shock.

"No. I could do way better," the Pegasus replied.

Minuette rolled her eyes, trying not to let Steam Bolt’s response upset her. She turned her head towards Twilight.

"What made you the think that?" Minuette asked.

"You argue as if you have been together for a long time," Twilight told them.

"Well thankfully, Bolt has only been my assistant for a few weeks. Pretty sure I would have killed him by now if it had been longer," Minuette commented, earning a glare from the stallion. While Bolt did have his uses as an assistant, it was his constant need to get into trouble, rambling on about how boring everything was, and his endless appetite that would put a hole in her wallet that drove her insane.

"Don't let me stop you. It'd be better than having to lug all your crap around," Bolt shot back.

Before Minuette could reply Twilight interrupted. "Enough!" she shouted, catching a surprised look from the other ponies. "Your arguing was amusing at first, but it is quickly becoming irritating. I cannot force you to like one another, but could you please remain silent for a moment. I need to figure out how to get home," she told them in a very authoritative tone. Twilight started to pace back and forth, murmuring to herself.

Minuette couldn’t help but give a glance over to Bolt who simply shrugged.

"So where are you from?" the unicorn asked curiously.

Twilight regarded her host for a moment before answering. "Somewhere far away," she replied.

Bolt looked unconvinced. "Okay I'm officially uncomfortable having her around," he stated.

"Bolt!" Minuette scolded. Bolt also had a mouth that he couldn’t keep shut, which had gotten them into more trouble than he was worth. The only reason he was still around was because he was the most qualified. But Celestia, was he a pain in the flank.

"Oh no. Don't start with me. We find her stranded in the desert. She tells us her mom banished her from her home which she won't tell us the name of and she's giving me a death glare," Bolt finished giving Twilight a fearful look.

Bolt started to back away slowly, as Twilight continued to glare at him.

Minuette looked at her guest, who was staring daggers at her assistant.

Twilight scoffed. "I should have known better than to test the patience of mortals," she said getting up from her seat.

"Where are you going?" Minuette asked with concern.

"Somewhere I won't be interrogated," Twilight responded as she walked towards the door. She walked into the door face first. "Grrrr! Stupid mortal body," she grumbled to herself as she pushed the door open and walked out.

Steam Bolt looked on with surprise. "Wow. I thought she was gonna shank me," he joked, noticing his boss glaring at him.

"Wouldn't have blamed her. Do you always have to open your mouth and say something completely stupid?!" Minuette said angrily.

"Oh come on, she was definitely part of a gang or something. Besides, we patched her up. We did our part. As far as I’m concerned, we're square with her," Bolt defended.

Minuette rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just help go over the rest if this data," she said as Bolt took a seat at the table opposite of her and started looking at the sheets of paper. As much as she wanted to simply dismiss the pony who walked out the door, she couldn’t. There was just something off about her. And not just that she was crazy. But something else. She couldn’t’ put her hoof on it. Regardless, she doubled her efforts to unlock the secrets of the storm.

/////////////////////////////

Twilight had been wandering the town for nearly an hour. She didn't have a destination in mind. She had just been wandering. The sights of the city were unimpressive to her. There were no towers that stretched to the heavens. No walls to protect the city from invaders. A very poor city.

She had been trying to see if she could find Mjolnir through her mental link to the weapon, but her efforts had been fruitless so far. She growled under her breath something vulgar as her patience dried up.

She was crossing a street when she was met with the sound of screeching tires. Twilight looked up at the black vehicle as it skidded to a stop a few feet from her. She glared at its occupants for a moment before she continued walking. The driver poked her head out of the small window aside the mysterious car. “Hey! It’s green here!”

Twilight tilted her head and looked around her. She didn’t see anything green in the immediate area. She then glared at the pink pony once again. The car blared with a sound of a horn. “Get out of the road!” she shouted.

"Mortals. How rude," she said to herself as she continued on her way. "Now where was I? Ah, yes. If I can find Mjolnir, I'm sure it will restore my power. Mother wouldn't be able to leave me here then. A goddess among these mortal ponies would bring far too much attention," Twilight told herself. She then sighed in defeat. "A more difficult task than I presumed," she said, still unable to contact Mjolnir.

///////////////////////////////////

"Pinkie, I don't see what about this caught S.H.E.I.L.D.'s attention," a white unicorn mare with a pink and lavender mane asked.

"Cause Sweetie, it's a good way to keep me out of trouble for a few days," Pinkie responded. “The pair were riding in a black SUV, driving through the streets of Appleloosa looking for their hotel.”

Sweetie Belle quirked an eyebrow at the manila folder she was reading through in the passenger seat. There was something about a mysterious storm that appeared out of nowhere. It shouldn’t require two agents, especially one as highly trained as Pinkie Pie to investigate such a matter. Still, Pinkie was a tad energetic. And by a tad, she meant very energetic. "Okay, I understand that you're being punished, but why am I here?" she asked looking up from the folder.

"Well-Holy moly!" Pinkie shouted as she slammed on the brakes. Sweetie looked up from her file to see a purple earth pony standing in front of the car glaring at them. She poked her head out the window and screamed at the pony to finish crossing the road.

Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but slink in her seat, turning red. Pinkie Pie was always full of spirit and that more often than not got her into trouble. She would often make it out well enough, but it was never without consequence, as their boss would repeatedly tell her.

She reeled her head back inside the car. "I hope not everypony around here is like her," Pinkie said as the mare finished crossing the street. Pinkie Pie continued down the road, not seeming to be bothered by the pony. "Anyway, you're here because you need field experience. You probably won't get much on this assignment, but it'll be a good start on your file," Pinkie explained.

"I guess," Sweetie replied, unsure. "I was sort of hoping for a little more excitement for a first assignment though."

Pinkie giggled at this. "Don't worry about excitement right now. Just work on everything I teach you," she assured the younger mare. Pinkie looked at her companion and noticed a very bored expression. That’s when Pinkie Pie’s energetic brain went to work. "Pop quiz!” She shouted abruptly, causing Sweetie Belle to jump. “What’s the best way to pick a cover name on the fly?" she asked, gaining Sweetie's attention.

Sweetie Belle took a moment to gather herself, shaking her head in irritation. “Something similar to your real name, but using different words," the unicorn answered.

"Good. Now come up with a cover name," Pinkie said, as they pulled into their hotel's parking lot.

Sweetie thought for a moment. "Candy Chime?" she offered, unsure of her answer.

Pinkie thought about it for a moment. "Not bad. Could be better. Your homework is to go by that name for the duration of the assignment," Pinkie informed, getting a surprised look from Sweetie.

"Alright, but is that really necessary?" the unicorn asked.

"Of course it is. It's vital to your training," Pinkie answered. Sweetie raised an eyebrow. "Plus its lots of fun," Pinkie continued as she parked and turned off the car. "Ooh, maybe I'll use a cover name too," she said, putting a hand to her chin as she thought. "Oh, I know. Surprise Party!" she exclaimed. "That's my name from now on, okay?" Pinkie told Sweetie as they got out if the car.

"Okay," Sweetie responded, giggling at Pinkie's antics. "So what's Rarity up to? You never said why she couldn't come and she didn't tell me anything before she left," Sweetie inquired.

"Nuh-uh, kiddo. That's Level 6 classified info. Can't tell ya," Pinkie replied as she started towards the hotel's front desk, to get their key.

Sweetie Belle groaned as she was denied her sister's whereabouts. She worried about her a lot. She was gone all the time and even when she wasn’t she didn’t seem to have time for her little sister. Rarity seemed to be growing more distant. Sweetie remembered how close they once were. They would do each other’s manes, talk about the colts Rarity, and sometimes Sweetie Belle, liked, and just talk about each other. But everyday Rarity was off doing something important. Her heart sank as she followed Pinkie into their hotel room.

/////////////////////////////

A brown and green SUV drove through the desert. It's lone occupant, the local sheriff, scanning the horizon. After a few minutes he spotted a buffalo. The huge creature started waving a hoof at him. The sheriff smiled as he steered in its direction.

The earth pony pulled to a stop once he got close enough. He quickly hopped out and greeted the buffalo with a wave. "Bit far from the rez, ain't ya, Stone Runner?" he commented with a grin.

"Thanks for coming out here, Sheriff. I know it’s a long way from town, but trust me it's worth it," the buffalo said shaking hands with his friend. "This way," he said as he walked over a small hill.

The sheriff had received a call from his old friend Stone Runner early this morning. He said that something had happened just outside their town and that he should come see it right away. The sheriff wouldn’t have come himself, but there was a tone in Stone Runner’s voice that spoke of its urgency.

The sheriff followed and his jaw dropped once they reached the top. A huge crater, almost three hundred yards from the middle, spread out before them. "Dear Celestia, what did this?" he asked, awestruck.

"Not sure, but I think it’s still there," Stone Runner said, pointing to a small mound in the middle of the crater. The sheriff squinted his eyes to try and get a better look, but the object was too small to see at this distance.

"Have you gone near it?" the earth pony asked.

"No," the buffalo replied with a chuckle. "We thought it might be irradiated or something," he explained.

The sheriff nodded in agreement as he went back to his vehicle and started digging around in the back, eventually pulling out a pair of binoculars. He walked back over to the crater and put the binoculars to his eyes.

"Can you see it?" Stone Runner asked curiously.

"Yeah," the sheriff said confused. "It looks like some kinda hammer," he said. The buffalo quirked an eyebrow. "I reckon, whatever it is it’s safe to be near. Wanna help me check it out?" the sheriff asked with a smile.

"Sure," the buffalo said as they started walking out to the center of the crater. "Yeah that's definitely a hammer," Stone Runner confirmed once they were close enough. "Where'd it come from, a plane?"

"Not with this crater. I’m not sure how something that small could have made something like this," the sheriff countered, scanning the hole around him.

"Maybe we should take a closer look at it," the buffalo replied as he walked up to the hammer and laid a hand on it. He pulled with all his might, but the hammer wouldn't budge.

"Too heavy for ya," the sheriff chuckled as he stepped forward. Stone Runner gestured for his friend to try. The sheriff placed both hands on the hammer and pulled, yielding the same results. "Heavier than it looks," he said.

"There has to be some way to move it," Stone Runner said. "Maybe we can get everyone to give it a shot. Hold a little hammer in the stone competition," he suggested with a smile.

"Sounds good to me," the sheriff replied. "I'll make a few calls and get the word out."

"Tell everyone it’s a BYOB party," the buffalo said as the sheriff started back towards his car.

//////////////////////

"You find anything yet?" Minuette asked her assistant as they continued searching through the data for anything that seemed unusual about the event. Hours upon hours of work and still they came up dry.

"No. Then again I have no clue what I'm looking at," Bolt said, bored as he scanned the colorful pieces of atmospheric data.

"Just tell me if you see anything odd," Minuette said, wanting to avoid another argument.

Bolt nodded with a glazed look in his eyes. Then he found an odd shape in one of the images. "Hey did you spill coffee on any of these?" he asked.

Minuette rolled her eyes. "No. I figured I've proven myself careful with my life’s work," she said, a little huffily.

"Oh. Then I think I found something," Bolt replied, holding out the piece of paper he'd been looking at.

Minuette took the paper and scanned it. "What's abnormal about this?" she asked.

"The pony silhouette in the top right corner," Bolt stated, drawing Minuette's attention to the spot. Her jaw fell open as she looked at the shape. "You okay?" Bolt asked.

"I'm fine," the unicorn replied. "I think you owe Twilight an apology though," she continued. Bolt sighed in annoyance.

"Do we have to go find her now?" he asked, hoping they wouldn't.

"Yes," Minuette said as she started walking towards the door. She knew she wasn’t wrong. There was something odd about that pony. And the proof was in her hands.

Author's Note

I have bpnever been so happy not to need italics for a chapter. Anyways Oh no Twilight ran off, and S.H.I.E.L.D. is on the scene. Sorry but trying to find a pun acronym tthat I liked was too difficult. Pinkie will be playing a pretty important role in the coming battle, but will not be going to Equinsgard. Speaking of which next chapter we'll be jumping back to the rwaln eternal to check in on the morning of Shining Armor and company as he uncovers his true heritage....... he's a Windigo if you didn't guess. You did? Well sorry. Might not have been that obvious to everyone. Ha ha, I kid. Until next time stay tuned.

Heritage

Shining Armor awoke, feeling as rested as an insomniac. His dreams had been plagued with further nightmares. His journey to Jotunhiem had stained his mind with them. The dream would take him into the dark and cold abyss with nothing to surround him but shadow. Then from the dark would come the shape of the Windigo. Hundreds of the beasts would soar from the shadows engulfing him in their chilling touch. He screamed in pain as his body turned cold and still. He cried out as his face was encrusted in ice.

They were enough to still his breath and shake his heart. He crawled out of his bed and inspected himself in the mirror in the corner of his room. He couldn't spot anything different about himself, but he knew he didn't feel the same as he did before. He recalled the moment the Windigo had touched him on Jotunhiem, how his fur had changed from snowy white to pale blue.

Somepony knocking on the door startled Shining out of his wondering. "Enter," he said, magnifying his voice with magic.

The door swung open, revealing Cadence. The pink mare stepped into the room and smiled at the prince. "Good morning Prince Shining. Your Aunt Luna has sent me to retrieve you," Cadence said smiling as she stepped further into the room, her eyes wandering over the ornate walls, decorated in trophies of Shining's victories. “Something I was … most honored… to do.” She blushed, keeping her eyes away from him. Shining realized he only had pants on and quickly retrieved a shirt from his wardrobe.

"What for?" Shining asked simply as he put the shirt on, still somewhat distracted by his earlier train of thought. He kept his mind on the dreams and how they tormented him. He was not afraid of those creatures. Yet, still they insisted on driving him mad. He rubbed his head, cursing himself for not conjuring an answer.

Cadence returned her attention to him. "She and your mother have begun talking with the generals. They are making war preparations and Mistress Luna wishes for you to be present," Cadence explained.

Shining looked back to the mirror before speaking. "I see," he said, trying to think of an excuse not to go. He gave a smile and scoffed at his situation. All he wanted to do was lie in bed and forget about the Windigos. Yet, everywhere he turned it seemed that they continued to haunt him, leaving him without peace.

Cadence noted his distracted expression. "If I may be so bold?" she requested looking for permission to continue. Shining nodded. "The previous day’s events still seem to be weighing heavily on your mind. It would be wise to rest for today instead of aggravating your mental state," Cadence suggested, stepping closer to Shining Armor and attempting to look him in the eye.

The stallion turned towards Cadence, inspecting her worried expression. "Your wisdom is appreciated, dear princess.” He stepped towards her and placed his hand on her face. Cadence took a deep breath as his hand gently warmed her. She placed her hand over his. “If you would be so kind as to inform my Aunt I will be absent from today's proceedings," Shining said as he lit up his horn and his closet opened, a white tunic with blue trim flowing out surrounded by his magic aura. "There is a matter I must attend." Shining took a step away.

Cadence nodded as Shining's clothes swirled around his body, soon after leaving him appearing every bit the prince the ponies of Equinsgard saw him as. Cadence gave a smile, desperately trying to hide her embarrassment. She left the room soon after, Shining's eyes following her out. He smiled as he left his room following her. The pink princess entranced his mind with thoughts that he could only imagine. It was as if he had been enchanted. Like she had placed some spell upon him that made her irresistible. If it was a spell, he did not wished to be freed from it.

Once outside his room, he glanced around noticing the absence of a pink alicorn. Instead, his eyes came to rest on a purple dragon in full armor that stood about a head taller than himself, leaning against a wall a few yards away and grinning.

"Well, well Shining, not even royalty is safe from your bedroom it seems," Spike said chuckling at the implications.

Shining blushed at this. "She was only delivering a message, Spike," the Prince explained.

"Oh of course. And I assume the message was well received," Spike replied, nudging his friend.

Shining rolled his eyes at the innuendo. "Did you need me for something or were just planning following me around all day, making suggestive jokes?" the alicorn said, trying to ignore his own blush.

Spike smiled. "I was invited to the war council. I thought we could walk together," Spike suggested.

Shining frowned at this. He made a quick bow and started down the hall ahead of Spike. "I won't be joining you I'm afraid," he said, earning a quizzical look from the dragon.

"Why not?" Spike asked with concern.

Shining sighed in frustration. "I'm just not feeling up to it today," he explained.

Spike took notice of the alicorn's annoyed expression and shrugged. "I'll see you later then," he said as he turned around and started walking down the hall. Shining nodded as he started in the opposite direction.

Now to learn who I truly am, he thought to himself, almost afraid if what he might discover.

/////////////////////////////

Celestia listened intently as General Sky Strike outlined a defensive plan to keep the Windigos from making a second invasion undetected.

"It is of utmost importance that we keep all ballistaes loaded and ready at all times. Otherwise we're simply asking for another invasion," the smoky grey pegasus explained.

Luna looked over the map of the city, Sky Strike's points of interest glowing a bright gold. "And what of our troop placements in allied realms?" Luna asked turning to an old earth pony with a greying navy coat.

"I advise we concentrate forces in Vanaheim. Without the Bifrost, the Windigos will be forced to use the pathways between worlds to reach us. Vanaheim will be the most direct route," the field commander spoke.

Celestia listened intently as she turned her attention to others in the room. She quickly noticed Spike near the front of the crowd, smoke seeping from between his lips. "Is there something you wish to add Spike?" the alicorn asked, earning Spike the attention of the other occupants of the room.

Spike looked around a little surprised. "I believe Nidavellir will be a more likely target, All-Mother," the dragon said, bowing his head.

Sky Strike scoffed at the suggestion. "He only wishes to see his own home protected. He would see our home sacked to protect his!" the general accused.

Before anypony in the room could react Spike had leaped over the table and pinned the general to the ground. The guards in the room immediately pointed spears and swords at the dragon. "Enough!" Celestia shouted, slamming Gungnir on the ground. All eyes turned to the queen. "Spike please release the General," Celestia requested, once things had calmed.

Spike glared at the general before letting him up. "Equinsgard is my home," he said to the general, before turning to the rest of the council. "Nidavellir supplies us with the ammunition and weapons we would need to stave off an attack. If the Windigos were able to conquer the dragons, we would not be able to keep the ballistaes loaded for long," Spike explained. Sky Strike looked stunned.

Sky Strike stepped forward. “And you really think that dragons are in danger against the Windigos?!” He looked up to the giant beast. “Dragons are a powerful and strong race and they would decimate the Windigos!” He then turned to Celestia. “Why can’t we ask the dragons for aid.”

"Because even if we did, the dragons would not aid us.” Luna interjected. She rose up from the chair and glanced at the general. “The dragons are a mighty race yes, but that is where their skills in combat end. They would surely lose to the more tactical fighting style of the Windigos.” She then gazed toward Spike. “Young Spike makes a fair point General, If we lose Nidavellir, the Windigos could have access to the dragon’s greatest armory. Weapons forged since before time existed." Luna turned to Sky Strike. "How long would it take us to send support to Nidavellir?" the lunar alicorn asked.

Sky Strike glared at Spike before answering. "I can have troops deployed and ready within two days," he said.

"Very well. Begin-” Luna took note of her sister’s expression. She looked down at the ground as if something was there that could not be seen. “Celestia? Are you alright, sister?" Luna asked looking at her sister.

Celestia had gotten a familiar feeling in the back of her mind and she had an unsettled look on her face. "There is an intruder in the vault," she said, a light engulfing her for a few seconds. Once the light dissipated, Celestia was gone.

"We must send guards right away," Sky Strike said as he turned to the few in the room.

"That will not be necessary, General," Luna said. "My sister has protected this realm from the darkest evils the universe holds," Luna explained, only receiving an unsatisfied look from the general. Luna sighed. "Very well. You two," she said to a pair if guards who immediately stood straighter. "Head to the weapons vault and provide the All-Mother with support if she requires it."

The two guards left quickly and Luna turned back to the table. "Now Commander Stone Hoof, begin sending troops to Nidavellir right away," she told the earth pony who nodded before departing. "General, have your men move the ammo reserves from the armory to the ballistaes," she ordered as the General followed his colleague's example.

Luna then turned to Spike. "I would like you and your comrades to help Owlowiscious search this realm for any secret passages to the other realms. It is vital we learn where the Windigos entered from the first time," Luna spoke with authority.

"Yes your highness," Spike said, saluting before he departed as well.

Once she was alone Luna sighed, turning back to the map of her home. "I will not allow another evil to plague this realm," she told herself with confidence. She looked up at the moon above through the skylight making her silent vow.

///////////////////////////

Shining Armor quickly found himself at the weapons vault. He walked through the short hallway, his eyes on the small box, sitting on a pedestal at the end. Once he had reached it he placed a hand on the lid and watched in horror as his coat changed once more to pale blue.

"Shining Armor!" a voice behind the stallion shouted. He knew his mother meant to sound angry, but he could hear the concern in her voice.

"Am I cursed?" he asked, his voice emotionless trying to process what he had learned.

"No," Celestia answered. "You are my son," she continued, praying he would not ask anything else.

Shining Armor turned around, his eyes, mane and tail glowing pure white and his coat the same pale blue all over. This appearance began to fade as he stepped toward his mother. Shining could see the regret in his mother's eyes as she searched for an answer. "The casket wasn't the only thing you took that day was it?" he asked, growing impatient.

Celestia couldn’t help but look away. She sighed as Shining took a step towards her.

“Tell me the truth!” Shining shouted, his voice echoing through the halls of the armory.

Celestia took a deep breath and forced herself to stand straighter. "You were an … offspring... of Windigo. Those born as small as you were... are left to die in those frozen waste lands," she explained, a tear beginning to form in her eyes. Her voice began to grow weary. The once majestic and prestigious tone in her voice began to fade into a weak whimper.

Shining scoffed at this. "After lying to me all these years, do you expect me to believe you rescued me from my brethren?" he asked, anger seeping into his tone.

Celestia stumbled as her son drew closer. “I … only wanted you… to live a happy life…”

Shining shook his head violently. "Do you expect me to believe I'm not a trophy to shamelessly flaunt in your enemies face?!" he snarled.

Celestia fell into a sitting position, her fatigue starting to show. “My son… You don’t understand… I loved you…”

“Liar!” Shining spat as he watched Celestia sink into the ground. Shining pressed forward, his anger quickly growing. "Now everything makes sense! The reason I couldn't lift that blasted hammer is because you made it so only Twilight could! You couldn't risk having a Windigo on the throne!" he said, now only a few feet from Celestia.

"Shining please," she pleaded, her eyes beginning to droop. She could feel her son's icy hate piercing through her like a frozen dagger, chilling her to the bone. "I meant for you and Twilight to lead Equinsgard and Jotunhiem into an era of peace," she explained as she started fighting to stay awake. “I’m your mother… and I love you…”

"Lies!" Shining shouted, in disbelief. "I was never your son and you were never my mother!" the angry stallion shouted straight into the All-Mother's face.

Celestia, unable to take any more of the hate wafting off of Shining slumped to the cold floor of the vault unconscious.

Shining Armor looked horrified at what he had done. The image that was found before him felt like a knife stabbing into his flesh, straight into his heart. The blade seemed to slither down into the pit of his stomach as he helplessly watched his mother laying on the ground. She didn’t move, or speak. She was so still he couldn’t even tell if she was drawing breath. His breathing became rapid as the events replayed themselves in his mind. His anger, his rage, blinding him to the irreputible damage he had caused her.

"Guards!" he shouted desperately. "Somepony help!" he yelled. Two guards barged through the doors soon after and saw to the queen.

Shining Armor stepped away, not believing what he was seeing. What have I done? he thought to himself.

Author's Note

Alright next chapter, Twilight finds Mijolnir, Shining Armor finds a path for himself and Pinkie Pie gets in a fight with a sherrif.... maybe. There will be a little fight though, that I promise.

Okay gonna go start on Flutterage now.

Stay tuned.

Rising

Shining Armor stared at the still form of the mare who had raised him. He no longer felt comfortable referring to Celestia as his mother. The All-Mother was brought to her chambers immediately after she had fallen unconscious. The healers had wrapped her body in several restorative enchantments, leaving a layer of golden magic surrounding the queen.

The door at the far end of the room opened and Luna entered, a somber look on her face. Shining only looked up for a second. "Has the council reached a decision?" he asked, referring to the meeting of Equinsgard's military leaders deciding who would rule in Celestia's stead.

Luna gave her nephew a questioning gaze. "That should be the last thing on your mind," she told him, as Shining's gaze shifted back to the mare on the bed. "And it seems to be."

Luna stared at Shining in silence for a few minutes. "Did she tell you?" she asked. Shining's eyes shot up to her. They were full of confusion and betrayal.

"Did she tell me what?" Shining asked. "That I'm not her real son, or that I'm the monster parents tell their children about to make them behave?" Shining asked rhetorically, his gaze returning to Celestia.

Luna gave the stallion a sad look. "You are her son," she told him. Shining scoffed at this. "She raised you as her own. She gave you a mother's love," Luna explained, moving to the other side if her sister.

"And yet Twilight was chosen to success her," the stallion pointed out.

Luna glared at Shining. "That was not her decision. Twilight was chosen by tradition," Luna reasoned.

"She was chosen by a hammer," Shining shot back. "She was never comfortable in front of her subjects. Her loyal followers were as much than tools to her as Mjolnir was. Is that what Equinsgard needs in a ruler? Is that our future?" Shining inquired, almost angry.

Luna frowned at this. "Twilight has proven herself unworthy if her title," she informed. Shining gave his aunt a curious look. "The council has decided that it is in our best interest to leave her in exile and they have chosen a new successor," Luna said, looking Shining in the eye. "They have chosen you."

Shining Armor was shocked. After his discovery of his heritage he half expected to be thrown in the dungeon or simply murdered in his bed. But made king? The thought hadn't even crossed his mind. Where they mad? Was this some kind of joke? Or did no one know of his heritage but he, Luna, and Celestia?

"I need time to think," he said, walking towards the door of the room.

"Shining Armor," Luna called, the stallion stopping in the doorway. "Just remember that her first loyalty was to both of her children," she said. Shining Armor turned to see Luna gazing at her sister. He thought about her statement for a moment before continuing out of the room, closing the door with magic as he left.

/////////////////////////

Minuette and Bolt stopped on a street corner to catch their breath. They had set out looking for Twilight and had been at it for hours.

"Can we please stop and eat? I'm starving," Bolt complained, his stomach growling in protest.

"Not until we find Twilight. Ugh, it was stupid to let her leave in the first place. We found her in the middle if the event. How could she not be involved?" Minuette berated herself scanning the area around her, setting her blue saddle bag on the ground. The dusty shops didn't have much to hide. The town itself was rather small. Minuette feared Twilight may have simply left Appleloosa.

"Hey, you gotta pay for that!" an angry stallion shouted in the distance, catching the pairs attention. Bolt and Minuette ran around the corner to see what all the commotion was, Minuette grabbing her bag as they went.

"Take your hand off me mortal!" a familiar purple mare yelled. Minuette arrived on the scene just in time to see Twilight toss the stallion bodily several yards away. The stallion got up and stared at Twilight in shock. Minuette took note of the loaf of bread in her hand.

"That's it! I'm callin’ the cops," the stallion said as got up off the ground and reached for the phone in his orange vest.

Minuette ran forward to stop him. "Wait! I'm so sorry. My... uh... sister is from out of town," she said, earning a quizzical look from the stallion. Twilight was about to interject, but Minuette continued. "She's from... Hoofington. Stuff is just free there... I guess," the unicorn explained, hoping the stallion wouldn't question her flimsy lie.

The stallion gave Minuette a hard look. "Well here she has to pay," he countered.

"Of course. I'll pay for her," the unicorn said as she reached into her bag and pulled out a handful of bits. She held them out to the stallion who quickly counted them. The stallion smiled and took the payment.

"Thank you ma'am. You keep your sister outta trouble now," the stallion said as he returned to his store.

"Sure thing," Minuette answered before turning to Twilight. "Why did you steal that?" she asked, glaring and pointing a hoof at the loaf.

Twilight glared right back. "Is it a crime for me to feed myself? Where I come from, I would feast on more than a measly loaf of bread,” she said indignantly.

Bolt gave the mare an open mouthed stare. "Are we seriously bringing her back with us?" Bolt asked, unsure if this was a good idea.

"Yes we are," Minuette replied, glaring at the Pegasus.

Twilight's eyes widened in anger. "What gives you the impression I will return to your home after the treatment I received this morning?" she asked incredulously.

Minuette froze. She hadn't thought about what to do if Twilight didn't want to return. She took a deep breath and decided to be honest. "Look at this," she said pulling out a piece of paper for Twilight to see. It was the atmospheric data with the pony shaped silhouette. "This is proof you were in the event from last night. What I'm saying is..." Minuette trailed off, looking around to make sure nopony was listening to them. "I believe you are, or at least were, an alicorn," Minuette admitted, looking away from the mare.

Bolt looked at his boss with wide eyes. "Wait, what? This doesn't prove- OW!" Bolt shouted when Minuette stomped on his hand to silence him.

Minuette wasn’t sure if she was an alicorn or not, but there certainly was something odd about this mare and only she might have the answers she was desperately looking for. Minuette looked back to Twilight, who seemed interested. "I was wondering if you would explain what you experienced while you were in that event," Minuette explained hopefully.

Twilight ignored the pegasus, looking only at Minuette. "You believe me?" she questioned, not entirely believing the unicorn. Minuette nodded. Twilight took a moment to think, before an idea popped into her head. "I did not come to this realm alone," she admitted, earning quizzical looks from Bolt and Minuette. "My weapon, Mjolnir is somewhere in the realm. To restore my full power I must retrieve it," she explained.

Bolt looked skeptical. "And you're telling us this because?" he asked fearing the answer.

"Help me retrieve it and I will answer all your questions," she told them. Minuette's face lit up and Bolt groaned.

"Sure! What's it look like?" Minuette asked excitedly.

Twilight smiled at the unicorn's eagerness. "Before we search, I must eat. Where can we acquire sustenance?" she asked, her determination rekindled.

Bolt looked up at the mention of food. "I found a pretty good diner a few blocks from here. Best waffles in town. Follow me," the pegasus explained flying off down the street, Minuette and Twilight following after him.

////////////////////////

Pinkie Pie sat in her hotel room, staring out of the window as a truck drove by the building. Normally she wouldn't pay much attention to trucks in a rural town, but so far every truck had left in the same direction. She couldn't see the contents of the trucks, but she knew something was going on. Too many trucks off in one direction, for no apparent reason. Made no sense, but Pinkie knew there was a reason. Nothing was just random. Not even her. Although, she’s been called that many times.

She left the window and looked around the small hotel room. The two beds, one of which Sweetie Belle was using to study the file they'd been given on the events, were covered in a rather boring brown covers and white pillows. A door near the back of the room led to the tiny bathroom. Pinkie had been rather disappointed with the bland walls and boring decor. Pink was more her color. However, it was a bed so there was hardly reason to complain.

The pink pony started rummaging through her bags, next to the door. Sweetie Belle looked up from the file curiously. "What are you looking for?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Pinkie looked at her companion. "My bow. Something has the locals stirred up and it's probably that meteor. We have to check that out anyway, so I say we go now," Pinkie explained, returning to her search.

Sweetie held a look if genuine concern. "Why do you need your bow for that?"

"Just in case," Pinkie answered.

Sweetie looked at Pinkie with an eyebrow raised. What the hay did Pinkie pack with her? Why does she need all that stuff? She attempted to look over to Pinkie’s bags to see what they contained, but was unable to see anything, but a some files, a badge and a dozen knives. Why Pinkie carried so many knives was beyond her imagination.

After about ten minutes of searching she pulled a steel brief case out of the bag and set it on the bed.

Sweetie watched with fascination as Pinkie prepared the weapon. "So, what do I have to do to get a weapon like that for field work?" the unicorn asked. She hardly ever saw any other agents use nonstandard equipment. Only a handful, including Pinkie and Rarity, were even allowed to go on a mission without a firearm.

"Years of practice," Pinkie replied. "Now get ready. We need to hurry," she said, fitting the bow back in the case.

"What's the rush?" Sweetie asked as she started gathering her own equipment. A standard issue side arm and a taser.

"Because, the meteor might be some sort of alien mind control device and the aliens are enslaving the townsfolk to create an army of brain dead soldiers to take over our planet so they can make us harvest our own resources," Pinkie explained in a single breath. Sweetie looked slightly alarmed. "Either that or there's a big party going on and we don't wanna miss out on that now do we?" Pinkie asked rhetorically as she opened the door.

"Right," Sweetie answered, silently wondering what went on in Pinkie’s mind.

/////////////////////////////

Spike entered the dining hall and started scanning the ponies in the room, searching for Shining Armor. The prince was nowhere to be found, but the drake easily spotted Blossomforth and Raindrops near the center of the room, with Raindrops regaling a small audience with the story of their recent trip to Jotunheim.

"We were easily outnumbered, five to a hundred," Raindrops said dramatically, her listeners paying rapt attention.

"I recall facing a much larger army than that," Spike interrupted, the crowd parting to allow him through.

Raindrops scowled at him. "I was getting to that," she argued.

"Is something wrong?" Blossomforth asked, wondering why Spike would interrupt. He usually kept quiet during one of Raindrop’s tales, basking in the glory they shared.

"I have news. Can we speak in private?" Spike asked, earning a nod from the pegasi.

The three warriors left the dining hall and stopped in the deserted hallway. Spike turned to his friends. "The All-Mother has fallen into the Solar Sleep and Shining Armor has been named her successor," he informed them, earning slack jawed looms from the pair.

"That's terrible," Blossomforth said with worry.

"At least Shining Armor is taking her place. With him leading us into battle, we stand a good chance," Raindrops reasoned.

"That's only if he accepts the throne," Spike countered.

"Why wouldn't he?" Raindrops asked, furrowing her brow.

Spike shook his head. "I'm not sure. He's been different since we got back from Jotunheim. I can't say for sure what it is, but something has changed," he told them, not quite understanding his own observations of the stallion.

Blossomforth thought for a moment. "Then as his friends it is our duty to convince him to take the throne," she told her companions. Spike and Blossomforth looked up at this. "Equinsgard needs a leader. He's the only one who can fill that spot right now," she reasoned, earning a nod from each of them. "Good. Then let's go find him," she said flying off down the hall, Spike and Raindrops close behind.

/////////////////////////////////////////////

Pinkie and Sweetie Belle arrived at the crater site. A crowd had formed around the center where there seemed to be a line of stallions and buffalo trying to lift something.

"What are they doing?" Sweetie asked, quirking an eyebrow at the strange celebration.

"Not sure," Pinkie said, as the hopped out of the vehicle. "Get the scanner," she told Sweetie, who opened the back doors and started going through the equipment in their bags. She quickly produced a small device that looked like a PDA.

The agents started pushing their way through the crowd. Just as Pinkie got within sight of the center of the crater a stallion stepped in front of her. "Well, hello there little missy. Don't believe I've seen you around these parts. What's your name?" he asked.

Pinkie tried to get around the stallion, but he simply moved back in her path. Pinkie sighed in annoyance. "Look mister, I just wanna see what all the hullabaloo is. Can you get outta the way please?" she requested sternly. Sweetie Belle glared at the stallion as well.

The stallion chuckled. "Oh that's just a little competition for the guys. You wouldn't be interested in that," he assured laying a hand on Pinkie's shoulder. "How about you let me show ya a good time," he offered, smiling at the pink mare.

Pinkie glared at the stallion and looked at Sweetie Belle. "Here's your first practical lesson in self defense," she stated. Pinkie immediately grabbed the stallion's hand and flipped him onto his back, knocking the wind out of him.

Sweetie Belle went wide eyed at the display. "I was told not to attract attention to yourself in the field," she said, shaking her head.

Pinkie smiled as the stallion left, muttering curses to himself. "Eh, I like a good tussle once in a while," Pinkie reasoned as she continued towards the center.

Once they had reached the middle Pinkie noticed that the line was pretty much gone now, most of the competitors now watching their friends take a turn. Pinkie waited for the last contestant to fail before approaching the object.

"Get a reading," she told Sweetie. Sweetie raised the scanner and pointed it at the hammer. Pinkie looked at the screen over the unicorn’s shoulder and was shocked as the screen went haywire, a multitude if colors surrounding the hammer.

"Is this thing broken?" Sweetie asked, shaking the scanner.

"Don't think so," Pinkie answered, placing a hand on the handle and tugging on it with all her strength. She gave up after a few minutes. "Can't take it with us. Call this in. Tell them we're gonna need some help with this one," she said as she started walking back to their vehicle.

Sweetie pulled out her phone and started dialing.

/////////////////////////////

Shining Armor wandered the halls of the palace aimlessly. He cared little where he was going. His mind was plagued with what he had done.

"What am I to do?" he asked himself, uncertainly.

"You must take the throne," a familiar voice answered. Shining looked up to see Cadence approaching.

"How can I? After what I did to my mother, how could I possibly deserve to take her place?" Shining asked, the memory making him cringe. The sight of the mare who had raised him, lying on the floor helpless because of him. He blamed himself for Celestia’s suffering, but why keep the truth from him for so long? Was she ashamed? Was it truly for his benefit? Did she think him unable to cope with the truth? All these questions, and no answers.

"To rule a kingdom is not a privilege given to loyal soldiers. It is duty given to one the subjects need," Cadence replied catching the stallion's attention. Cadence placed her hand on his face. "It is not your right, but your responsibility to see us through these hard times. To guide us until your mother wakes," she explained calmly.

Shining thought about this. He gave a deep sigh as he placed his hand on Cadence’s. "So you’re saying I have no choice in the matter?" he asked.

Cadence smiled. She leaned in closer to him, resting her head against his shoulder. "You always have a choice. But would you really choose to abandon your home when it needs you?" she asked.

Shining nodded his head searching for a solution. "I could bring Twilight back from her exile," he said. He placed his handss on Cadence’s shoulders and lead her away from his body until their eyes met. "She was meant to rule not me," he informed his companion.

Cadence shook her head. "That would not be wise. Twilight is not ready. She does not accept responsibility when she is at fault," the mare said, glaring at the ground. "If you were to pass the throne to her you would be demonstrating that you are no different," she finished.

Shining was about to reply, but was cut off as Spike, Raindrops and Blossomforth came down the hall. "Shining Armor," Blossomforth began, landing in front of her friend. Shining and Cadence removed themselves from each other, their cheeks starting to turn red, but they hid them well. "We are at your service," she said as she and her friends bowed to him. Shining was shocked at the display.

Spike stood up and looked at Shining. "What are your orders All-Father?" he asked.

Shining looked at Cadence and smiled. "It would appear my choice has been made," he said earning smiles and cheers from the ponies near him. He then turned to Spike. "Continue your war preparations. I have a few personal matters to attend," he ordered. The three warriors saluted and quickly departed.

Cadence watched Shining Armor turn down a hallway. "Where are you going?" she asked, curiously.

"To ensure my home's safety," the newly crowned king answered, a plan forming in his mind.

Author's Note

Next chapter Twilight discover location of her hammer and goes to retrieve it.

Also check out my new Harmonies story, The Incredible Flutterage and Scootaloo's new adventure, Spider-Mare: Cat's Claws

Stay tuned.

Storm Clouds

Twilight inspected the strange drink in front of her. She, Minuette, and Steam Bolt had been sitting in a small diner for nearly half an hour. The diner was small and seemed like it could have had a forties theme, except the fabric on the chairs were faded and had holes in it. The rest of the diner seemed very clean though. Most of the diner was empty, save for a few ponies who sat in the corner booths and kept to themselves.

"So wait, we're looking for a hammer that could be anywhere?" Bolt asked drawing Twilight's attention back to their conversation.

"It is most likely close by. My mother would not be cruel enough to banish me here with no way home," Twilight said, more to reassure herself. "At least I hope so," she said sighing.

Minuette was tapping a finger to her chin, trying to think of someplace a mythical hammer with the power to control storms could be around Appleloosa. If it were found somepony would have said something, and in a small town like this news travels fast.

"I still think you're crazy," Bolt said, leaning back in his chair, accidentally bumping into a pair of stallions as they walked to the front of the diner. "Sorry," he apologized.

"No worries," one replied as they continued through the diner.

Twilight glared at the obnoxious pegasus, but ignored his comment, instead deciding to taste her drink, coffee the waitress had called it.

Twilight's eyes went wide at the bitter flavor, but she tasted something else in it as well. Whatever the taste was it had Twilight under its spell. "This drink, I like it," Twilight said, unable to voice a more complex sentence. She quickly drank the rest in huge gulps. "Another!" she shouted, smashing the cup on the floor as was customary in Equinsgard. Twilight hated doing it at first, but it was almost impossible to get a new drink from a serving maid otherwise and it had quickly become habitual.

Every patron in the diner was now staring at Twilight, who had just realized her mistake. Twilight blushed as she noticed everypony staring at her.

"The hell was that?" Bolt asked shocked, gaping at Twilight.

"Ummm... a bad habit from home," Twilight explained as the waitress came to their table with a broom and dustpan to clean the mess, glaring at Twilight.

Minuette gave the waitress an apologetic smile. "Well here we usually just ask," she explained, earning an understanding nod from Twilight.

"What's with all the crazy mares today?" Minuette heard one of the stallions that Bolt had bumped into say, a pegasus. They were seated at a table not far away. She couldn't help but eavesdrop at the mention of crazy mares.

The other stallion, a unicorn, chuckled. "You still sore about that filly that knocked you on your ass at the crater?" he laughed, gaining Minuette's full attention.

"She caught me off guard," the first stallion defended.

"Excuse me," Minuette called, catching the pairs' attention. "You mentioned a crater. Was there a meteor or something?" she asked, not recalling hearing about one.

The unicorn shook his head. "Looked more like a hammer," he informed. Twilight's head shot up. "Too heavy for any pony to lift though," he continued.

"Which way?" Twilight asked, standing up.

The stallions gave her a questioning look. "Uh.. west. Bout fifty miles or so," he said. Twilight smiled and started for the exit. "You won't get near it though. Some government goons chased everypony off the site," he called after her.

Twilight ignored them and continued outside, Bolt and Minuette close behind.

"Twilight, wait," Minuette called out once they had made it to the first street corner.

Twilight stopped and looked at her questioningly. "There is no time to waste. We must retrieve Mjolnir," she responded.

"Yeah sure, let's just raid some government operation. When they arrest us, we can just tell them you're an alicorn princess who got banished from her magical castle in the sky and traveled here on a cloud of rainbows," Bolt explained sarcastically.

Twilight was about to respond when Minuette jumped in. "Everypony, calm down," she said sternly. She turned to Twilight, unsure what to say. "Twilight-"

"I'll tell you anything you want to know, if you simply transport me to this crater," she promised, cutting Minuette off.

Minuette froze. All she wanted to know and all she had to do was drive someplace.

Bolt could see his boss’s hesitation. "Minuette, this is a bad idea," he told her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Minuette locked eyes with Twilight. "I'll drive you, but the rest is up to you," she clarified. Twilight nodded in affirmation and Bolt sighed in frustration.

/////////////////////////////

Pinkie Pie was in a rare mood and considering she was almost always happy, this was not a good thing. Almost an hour after Sweetie Belle had called in to headquarters about the strange hammer, a small command center had been set up and, to Pinkie's dismay, came complete with a commanding officer.

Most of the other agents and scientists on site avoided the pink mare as she marched through the cylindrical, plastic halls. She was on her way to meet the pony who had been put in charge, Sweetie Belle following closely.

"Is it really all that bad they put somepony else in charge?" the younger mare asked, hoping to calm Pinkie down.

"I was put in charge first. Now they want me to relinquish my operation over some weird energy in a hammer?" Pinkie asked incredulously. "Things haven't even gotten complicated and I'm already getting restricted," the earth pony complained.

Sweetie Belle cringed before she asked her next question. "Aren't you supposed to be under punishment?" she asked.

Pinkie stopped dead, Sweetie barely avoiding running into her. Pinkie turned around to face the unicorn. "But... I...," Pinkie tried to argue, before letting out a frustrated growl. "Okay, you have a point," she conceded, continuing on her path. "But I still wanna have a word with whoever has been put in charge," she stated.

It didn't take long to reach the main command center and as soon as Pinkie saw the highest ranking agent, her jaw dropped.

"Hoity Toity?!" she shouted in disbelief, catching the stallion's attention.

Hoity lowered his shades to give Pinkie a once over, seeming unimpressed. "Ah yes, Agent Pie. I'd heard you'd be here. Weather watching, wasn't it?" he asked almost mockingly as he turned back to the stallion's setting up the computers in the room. "Keep the main floor clear, we'll need space to walk through," he instructed a unicorn who had wheeled a large server unit into the middle of the floor.

Pinkie was having trouble forming a sentence so Sweetie spoke up. "It's an honor to meet you sir. My sister has told me a lot about you," she informed holding out a hoof to shake.

Hoity returned his attention to the pair and smiled. "Your sister?" he asked trying to figure out who he was speaking to. "Oh, you must be Sweetie Belle. I'd heard you'd just graduated from the academy. Top of your class, too," he praised. Sweetie was about to respond, but Hoity kept going. "It's amazing they'd put you under the tutelage of a below par agent," he commented.

Sweetie glared at the stallion. "I've been a great teacher!" Pinkie shouted angrily, stepping right in front of Hoity.

"Oh, I'm sure. Already teaching her how to get noticed easily," he said. "You've been here less than a day and already got into an altercation with the locals," he pointed out disapprovingly.

Pinkie didn't have an argument for that. She was seething which was starting to scare Sweetie Belle, who had never seen the pink pony angry.

"Well it was... interesting to meet you, but Pinkie and I should get back to work," Sweetie said, pushing her mentor towards the exit.

"What was that all about?" Sweetie asked once they were clear of the command center.

Pinkie glared at the floor as they walked. "Hoity was the agent that was sent for me and Rarity years ago. He didn't recommend me for recruitment, but the director had seen me in action and disagreed," Pinkie explained. "He's been breathing down my neck ever since," she finished, angrily clenching her fists.

Sweetie didn't know how to respond. She knew Pinkie got in trouble more than most other agents, but the pink pony also had a flawless record of success. The only reason she ever got in trouble was because she had trouble keeping her assignments quiet and out of the public eye.

"Maybe we should just stay here for a few more hours then," Sweetie suggested, earning a quizzical look from Pinkie. "If you stick around and show Hoity how competent you are, he might put in a good word for you and have your punishment lifted," she explained.

Pinkie seemed unsure, but didn't have anything else to do. "Alright, we'll stick around," she agreed, turning down another hallway. "But I'm keeping my bow ready," she finished, leaving no room for argument.

/////////////////////////////////

Twilight stared out of the van's window as the sun set behind the horizon.

"We should be there soon," Bolt called from the driver seat.

"Don't get too close. If we're spotted, we lose the element of surprise," Twilight informed, turning her gaze to the road in front of them.

Minuette turned to the supposed alicorn. "Those stallions at the diner said they couldn't lift the hammer," she pointed out, grabbing Twilight's attention. Twilight seemed unsure what the unicorn was getting at. "Sorry, but they seemed a bit more brawny than you," Minuette elaborated.

Twilight smiled as she realized what Minuette was getting at. "It is not a matter of strength. Only one who is worthy may lift Mjolnir," Twilight explained.

"But you got banished right?" Bolt asked without looking away from the road. "What if you aren't worthy anymore?"

Twilight's eyes widened at the suggestion. The thought hadn't even crossed her mind. No, she thought, shaking her head to clear it of doubt. "That won't be a problem," she assured. "How much longer?" she asked, beginning to become restless.

"Should only be about five minutes now," Bolt informed.

"We should walk the rest of the way then," Twilight suggested.

Bolt was about to argue when Minuette interrupted. "A little exercise won't kill you. Just pull over," she told him. Bolt sighed in defeat as he pulled the van off of the main road and parked.

////////////////////////////////

Walking had extended the time of the trip to almost half an hour. By the time the three ponies had arrived at the crater, the sun had dropped behind the horizon and night had fallen over the desert and storm clouds could be seen forming above them.

Twilight was the first to reach the crest of the hill and what she saw there baffled her. Bolt and Minuette gaped at the miniature base and a chain link fence surrounding it that had been set up in less than twelve hours. Several ponies scurried about the exterior of the makeshift compound, presumably guards on patrol.

"Who are these ponies?" Bolt asked, fearing life in prison for aiding Twilight.

"Not sure, but they're more organized than any group I've seen before," Minuette commented. Twilight stood silently at the top of the hill, keeping her body low as she surveyed the activity below.

"And you've met so many secret agents, right?" Bolt asked, earning a glare from Minuette.

"It makes little difference who they are. They have Mjolnir and I intend to get her back," Twilight said as she started down the hill, using the cover of darkness to hide.

"Twilight, wait," Minuette called, but the purple mare ignored her. "Oh this was a bad idea," she told herself, rubbing her forehead.

"Oh really? I bet it would have been helpful to have a trusty assistant to tell you that before we came," Bolt said, glaring at Minuette.

She was about to reply when a bolt of lightning crashed overhead, thunder rumbling soon after. "Maybe, we should go wait in the van," she suggested. Bolt nodded in agreement and the pair charged in the direction of their vehicle just as it started to rain.

//////////////////////////////

Twilight made it to the fence just as a guard walked past, a flashlight in his hand, illuminating the ground ahead of him. Twilight got her hand under the fence and pulled as hard as she could, bending the chain links and creating a space for herself to crawl underneath. The rain had turned the dirt into mud and Twilight used it to slide underneath the fence.

She didn't bother shaking off the mud that clung to her clothes, instead using it as camouflage as she moved through the shadows of the base.

Once she was close to the entrance, she noticed how well lit the interior was. She cursed under her breath and laid in wait near the door. After just a few minutes a pair of guards came out and Twilight sprang from her hiding place. She knocked both stallions onto their stomachs and then knocked their heads together. She then dragged the unconscious guards into the shadows and started removing some of their equipment and started dressing herself.

Now that she was passable as a guard she entered the still open front door and started down the hallway. It was difficult to maneuver through the unfamiliar corridors, but Twilight soon found herself navigating towards the center of the complex.

Just as she turned down a new hallway, she heard a siren blaring, telling her the guards she attacked had been found. As if a switch had been flipped armed guards started flooding the compound searching for the intruder.

Twilight was unable to avoid running into a group of guards heading down the hallway towards her.

"Halt! Identify yourself!" a unicorn shouted, raising his weapon.

Twilight had no idea how to respond. She knew they had some form of code for these situations, but she didn't know it so she responded in the only way she could.

Twilight sprang into the first pony and tackled him into the next.

"Intruder spotted in the detention hall!" a guard called into his radio. Twilight grabbed the arm of the next stallion and knocked him to the ground, kicking him in the head as she advanced on the last guard. He raised his weapon, but Twilight knocked it aside and headbutted him. The guard slumped to the floor unconscious and Twilight continued on her way.

////////////////////////////

"Pinkie, wait!" Sweetie called out over the alarm as her mentor charged through the complex.

"No time. We have an intruder. They need to be stopped," Pinkie responded as she rounded another corner. "Go back and tell Hoity I'm heading for the hammer," she told the younger mare.

Sweetie quirked an eyebrow as Pinkie reached the weapons vault. "Why are you going there?" she asked, watching Pinkie ready her bow and strap a quiver if arrows to her back.

"Because I don't believe in coincidence. Just chocolate cake," she answered, fitting an earpiece into her ear, a cord connecting it to a radio on her belt.

"What?" Sweetie asked, confused.

"Just go tell Hoity I've got things under control," Pinkie ordered as she exited the vault and ran off.

Sweetie shook her head in frustration as she started back in the direction of the command center.

////////////////////////////

Hoity Toity paced around the command center nervously. First the hammer started giving off strange energy pulses, then a storm rolled in over head and now they had an intruder.

"Can somepony give me a status report, please?" he requested, frustrated.

"Pinkie went after the intruder, sir," a voice spoke up from the door.

Hoity turned to see Sweetie entering the room. "Great. This just keeps getting better," he said as he took a breath, trying to calm down.

"Sir," a unicorn called from the far end of the room, grabbing Hoity's attention. "The storm appears to be getting worse the more the energy around the hammer fluxuates," he informed.

"Well, that's a start. Try to figure out what's causing it. In the mean time, I want eyes on that intruder," he ordered, turning to Sweetie. "Was Agent Pie wearing a radio?" he asked. Sweetie Belle nodded. "Good. Get a hold of her and tell her to take the intruder alive," he said to a stallion by the door. "Make sure everypony else understands that as well."

///////////////////////////////

Pinkie dodged by groups of guards as she made her way to the center of the compound. Just as she was starting to think the intruder might not be here for the hammer, she saw a familiar purple earth pony headed in the opposite direction of all the guards.

"Halt!" Pinkie shouted notching an arrow. The mare turned only for a second before continuing on her way.

Just as Pinkie was about to shoot her earpiece crackled to life. "To all personnel. The intruder must be taken alive. I repeat. The intruder is to be taken alive," a stallion said.

Pinkie cursed as she removed the arrow from her bow and ran after the intruder.

/////////////////////////////

Twilight knew she was getting close now. The storm outside was like a beacon, becoming more intense the closer she got to Mjolnir. She rounded one last corner and her eyes lit up at what she saw.

Mjolnir sat, partially encased in stone at the end of the corridor. The room it was in was full of strange devices and the ground around the hammer was left exposed.

Twilight approached the room slowly. She had made it this far and didn't feel like making a hasty mistake now. She reached the end of the corridor and was about to run to Mjolnir when she caught a flash of pink out if the corner of her eye.

"Surprise!" the mare from earlier shouted as she tackled Twilight back down the hallway she had come from.

The mare then attempted to hold Twilight down, but was interrupted by Twilight's elbow impacting her chest. Both mares jumped back to their feet and stared each other down.

Twilight made the first move, charging straight at her opponent who dodged to the left and then jumped onto Twilight's back, wrapping her arms around her neck. Twilight ran at the wall and used it as a spring board, twisting in the air and then falling backwards onto the pink mare who released her with a grunt of pain.

"That was a new one," the pink one said as she recovered only to see Twilight running for the hammer again. Just as she was about to grasp the handle the agent tackled Twilight to the ground again, this time intertwining her limbs with Twilight's body to keep a better grip. Determined to reclaim her weapon, Twilight began dragging herself and her passenger closer to Mjolnir.

///////////////////////

Hoity watched the computer monitor as Pinkie struggled to capture the intruder. He had quickly noticed how the storm got worse as the stranger drew closer to the hammer, which was now giving off energy signatures he had never seen before. "What to make of that?" he asked himself as he grabbed a radio from one of the guards. "Agent Pie, let her go, but stay close," he ordered.

//////////////////////////

Pinkie heard the order, but was reluctant to obey it. Instead she looked at the mare she was struggling to hold down. She saw a look of desperation on the mare's face that almost made Pinkie cry.

Pinkie sighed as she rolled off of the mare, who turned to give her a strange look. "All yours," Pinkie assured, stepping away.

The mare smiled as she stepped up to the hammer. She placed a hand on it and Pinkie watched the muscles in her arm flex as she visibly pulled on the weapon. Pinkie arched an eyebrow when nothing happened. The purple mare seemed just as confused. She placed both of her hands on the hammer and pulled as hard as she could.

When the hammer didn't budge the mare let go of it and sat on the ground a defeated look in her eyes. Pinkie felt bad for her.

"Take her," Hoity's voice said in her ear as more guards arrived. Pinkie took a pair of handcuffs from one and locked the intruder's arms behind her back.

"Take her to an interrogation room," she said to a guard. The stallion nodded and led the purple mare away, that sad look never leaving her eyes.

Author's Note

Hello once again. Sorry this took so long. The delay was due to a miscommunication on my part with Spiderembkembrony.

Anyways everyone welcome Hoity to the story. I'm gonna make you hate him.

Alright, next chapter we'll be moving into Twilight's devestation and Shining doing not so nice things.

Lastly. I hate coffee and do not condone the consumption of it. But I have an entire character that's basically me as a pony so I figured I could some more common tastes in the other characters.

Stay tuned.

Unworthy

Twilight sat in a room made of white walls, adorned only with a barren table and chairs on either side all made of polished steel. She had been brought here after her failed attempt to lift Mjolnir. Why didnt it work? she asked herself over and over again, unable to comprehend what had happened. She then recalled Steam Bolt's words from earlier.

“What if you aren't worthy?” he had asked.

"He is smarter than he seems," she told herself, a sad sigh escaping her. She had been so sure that this would be her way home. That all she had to do was lift her hammer, something she had done countless times before. What had changed? Twilight knew how to use the hammer. It has been my tool for so long, she thought, an idea slowly dawning on her.

A tool. An object one manipulates to accomplish a task. This is what Mjolnir had been to her. More than that, it had been what Raindrops and Blossomforth had been to her. They were her subjects and loyal comrades and she had used them to try and prove herself worthy of the throne. She had even used Minuette to a certain extent. Twilight had known the unicorn could get in trouble for aiding her and had used her desire for knowledge against her.

Mjolnir can only be held by a worthy ruler, she thought. "I am not worthy," she said out loud a tear falling from her eye.

Just then the door to the room opened and a stallion in an official looking suit walked in.

"I'm Agent Toity," he greeted. "How are you feeling?" he asked, in a cultured accent. His voice reminded Twilight of several nobles from her home. Even that made her ache to return home.

Twilight did not answer the question, instead she opted to simply stare at the floor in silence.

"Not feeling chatty?" the stallion asked. "That's fine I can do the talking," he continued. "You see, you broke into a secure facility, which normally wouldn't be all that strange. After all nopony notices when an unsecure facility is robbed. However, you attacked a facility that is currently being guarded by some of the most highly trained security in the world. Yet you made fools of them all," Hoity said, sounding mockingly impressed. "We barely even stopped you from reaching your goal. I suppose my only real question is where does one receive that sort of training?" he asked, ending his rant.

Twilight once again remained silent. Not that answering would have done much good. Agent Hoity would never believe that she had spent nearly two millennia training under the best tacticians and combat specialists in the nine realms. It had taken physical evidence just to convince Minuette that she was who she said she was. Steam Bolt still didn't seem entirely convinced.

Hoity sighed in annoyance when he still didn't get a response. "Well if you aren't going to talk, that's fine. We have every right to keep you here as long as we please," he announced as he made his way to the door. "Anytime you're ready to talk, just let the guard outside the room know and I'll be back," he said as he left shutting the door behind himself.

///////////////////////////////////

Minuette looked at the sky again, noting that the storm from earlier had dissipated. She glanced at the clock on the console of the van and noticed that it had been nearly three hours since Twilight had broken into that compound.

"She should have been back by now," she said, her worry growing every minute.

"She shouldn't have gone in the first place," Bolt countered from the driver's seat. "Come to think of it, we shouldn't have brought her here. That's like aiding a fugitive," he said, starting to panic at the thought of being locked up.

"Not helping," Minuette said angrily. "Oh geeze, what if she got caught?" Minuette asked as another thought occurred. "She doesn't even have an I.D. or anything. She doesn't exist to Equestria," she said as she started digging through the equipment in the back of the van.

"What are you doing?" Bolt asked, both curious and suspicious.

"We brought her here. She's kind of our responsibility, so we're gonna help her out," Minuette said as she pulled out a large black bag and opened it.

"Our responsibility?" Bolt asked in disbelief. "Pretty sure I said this was a bad idea from the get go," he argued, as Minuette pulled a laptop from the bag and turned it on.

"And yet you still drove the van," she countered, shoving the laptop into his grasp. "You said you were majoring in computer science right?" she asked earning a nod from her assistant. "Good. Now make yourself useful and make Twilight a fake identity," she told him as she started to exit the vehicle.

Bolt's eyes widened at the demand. "Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea how long I'd be in jail for fraud?" he asked, slightly shell shocked.

"Not much longer than aiding in a felony," Minuette countered as she started trotting back towards the facility.

Bolt was about to shout after her, but knew it was useless. "Yeah, I bet my parents would be so proud of me," he told himself sarcastically as he started working on the computer. "Whatever. Not like things could get worse," he commented.

////////////////////////////////////////////

Hoity Toity walked through the compound thoroughly annoyed by the nights events. The intruder had been annoyingly silent, almost as if she was ignoring him. Hoity hated to be ignored. He hadn't gotten to being in the Director's inner circle by being ignored.

"Hoity!" a familiar voice shouted. Hoity turned to see Pinkie marching towards him. Hoity groaned in frustration as the angry mare got closer. "How come I'm not allowed to talk to the intruder?" she asked annoyed.

Hoity rolled his eyes. "Because you haven't the slightest idea how to handle an interrogation properly," he answered, smiling as Pinkie's expression grew angrier.

"Oh and you do? Unless you're a telepath and forgot to tell anypony I'm pretty sure you didn't get any answers out of her," Pinkie shot back.

Hoity was about to reply when a guard approached them and saluted. "Sir, there's somepony here. Says the intruder is her sister," he informed.

Hoity nodded to the guard. "Aren't you supposed to be monitoring the weather or something. Why don't you get back to your own task and leave the important work to the adults," Hoity said as he walked away, leaving Pinkie seething in his wake.

//////////////////////////////////////

Twilight sat quietly in the room, as inactive as she had been before Hoity had attempted to interrogate her. She had nothing to do now except hope that she had not gotten Minuette and Steam Bolt in trouble as well.

She had quickly grown ignorant of her surroundings and therefore was startled when she heard a heavy sigh behind her. Twilight turned in her seat and her eyes widened.

"Should I even ask how you got yourself into this mess?" Shining Armor asked, smiling softly as he moved in front of Twilight, taking a seat on the opposite side of the table, wearing his formal robes.

"Shining, what are you doing here?" Twilight asked confused. Then a thought struck her. "Has mother sent you to get me?" she asked hopefully, a smile spreading across her face.

Shining's smile faded at the question. "I'm afraid not. I have only come to tell you the bad news," he said solemnly hanging his head.

Twilight looked at her brother with concern. "What bad news? Has something happened at home?" she asked, her worry growing.

Shining Armor looked his sister in the eye. "Mother has passed on from this life," he said sadly. Twilight was speechless, her mouth hanging open in shock as her eyes began to get misty. "The stress of the war preparations was too much for her. She waited too long to enter the Solar Sleep and she paid the price for it," he explained, to Twilight's dismay.

Twilight sat in stunned silence, struggling to accept what she was being told. "It's my fault," she said, her voice hollow with guilt.

Shining Armor seemed shocked. "No Twilight. None of us saw the signs. We all should have been more prepared," he said, reassuringly.

Twilight shook her head. "If I had done as she told me, if I had left the Windigos to themselves we would have had more time," she argued, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "Who is to succeed her?" Twilight asked, looking away from her brother.

Shining Armor stood up and looked away from his sister. "I was chosen," he said plainly, turning to face Twilight.

Twilight nodded her head as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Good. You'll make a better ruler than myself," she said.

Shining Armor smiled at his sister's praise. "I apologize, but I have to go now, before I'm missed," he said, receiving only a nod from his sister. "Goodbye Twilight and good luck," he said as he began to vanish, a cloaking spell Twilight guessed.

"Goodbye brother," she said, hanging her head in shame.

//////////////////////////

Hoity Toity sat at the desk in his office in the back of the command center. He had been going over a computer file, trying to find an identity for the intruder in the SHIELD database when a blue unicorn mare was escorted in by an armed guard.

"Ah, you must be the sister I was told about," he said, holding out a hoof to the mare and smiling. "I'm Agent Toity. Please have a seat," he said gesturing to the only other chair in the room.

"Thank you for seeing me, Agent Hoity. I'm Minuette, Twilight's sister," the unicorn said as she sat down.

Hoity raised an eyebrow. "Twilight? I take it that's the mare we have in custody?" he asked as he started searching the name on his computer.

Minuette smiled. "Yes. I apologize if she's been a problem. She's kind of an amateur astronomer and she was upset when she heard she'd missed out on all the fun earlier today. I guess she decided that wouldn't stop her though," she explained smiling.

Hoity looked at his computer as a file came up. "It says here she's a student currently," he commented as a warning flashed over the file he was looking at, telling him the information was falsified.

Minuette seemed lost for words for a moment. "Oh right... uh... She's attending Dodger City University I think," Minuette replied, visibly gulping.

Hoity knew she was lying, but he wanted to know why this mare was trying to protect Twilight. "Can you explain how she was able to best all of my guards?" he asked looking away from the computer, seeing nothing else of use there.

"She's into mixed martial arts," Minuette said as she started to sweat, wiping a hoof across her forehead.

Hoity glanced back at the screen for a second and smiled. "Well, everything seems to check out. You can go collect your sister if you'd like, just be sure to keep her out of trouble," Hoity said, earning a grin from the unicorn.

"Oh thank you so much Agent. I promise she won't be bothering you anymore," Minuette said as she stood up.

"Not a problem. The guard outside will show you the way," he told her as the guard entered the room. "Send for Agents Pie and Belle," he ordered, earning a nod from the guard who escorted Minuette out of the room, Leaving Hoity by himself, smiling. "Pie wants to be more involved? Not a problem," he told himself.

///////////////////////

Shining Armor watched as the Scientists scurried about the room trying to understand more about the hammer that sat in the middle still encased in stone. He shook his head in annoyance that he had to keep himself magically concealed for his second task on Midgard.

"Let's see if you truly do answer only to a ruler of Equinsgard," he said,placing a hoof on the handle and pulling as hard as he could. Mjolnir didn't budge. Shining placed both of his forehooves on the weapon and pulled harder, but to no avail. "Well, that answers that," he said releasing his grip. "I always had my doubts, but now I know it really is nothing more than hammer," he told himself as he vanished once more, this time teleporting himself far from the facility.

////////////////////////////

Twilight hadn't moved since her brother had departed and she suspected that another interrogator would be sent to try and glean something from her, so she wasn't surprised when the door opened. She was surprised by the voice that greeted her.

"I never should have left you alone," Minuette said as she entered the room and approached Twilight.

Twilight was confused, but didn't argue as Minuette helped her up. "You've been drinking again haven't you," the unicorn continued, further confusing Twilight. "Don't worry, we'll have you home and in bed in no time," Minuette continued before Twilight could respond.

On their way out of the door Twilight spotted the Pink mare she had fought earlier that night watching them as they left.

"Why did you return for me?" Twilight asked, turning to Minuette.

Minuette looked around before she answered, making sure nopony was listening. "I shouldn't have let you come in the first place. I guess I felt responsible for putting you in danger just so I could learn something new," she whispered.

Twilight was speechless. "Thank you," she said as she was lead out of the compound. Perhaps a life on Midgard won't be so bad after all, Twilight thought as she was lead to the exit, a small smile playing on her lips.

Author's Note

And here we are. This was actually ready to go up earlier today and I completely spaced. My bad.

Next chapter, Shining Armor put's his plan into action

Stay Tuned.

The World Unravels

Twilight woke up early the next morning feeling better somehow. She would have thought her failure to lift Mjolnir would have kept her depressed for awhile longer. Twilight pushed herself into a seated position on her bed, the covers falling away from her. She took a moment to look around the room that Minuette had set her up in. It was a guest room so the unicorn hadn't done much decorating.

The thought of her host brought a smile to Twilight's face. She came to get me at the risk of her own freedom. Even Steam Bolt helped to free me, Twilight thought as an idea started to form on her mind. "I need to repay the favor somehow," Twilight told herself as she climbed out of bed and got dressed for the day.

/////////////////////

Twilight walked into the kitchen with a pleased smile on her face. She had checked in on her hosts and had found them still asleep. I suppose all of the excitement last night was too much for them, Twilight thought, planning to use the time alone to prepare breakfast for Minuette and Steam Bolt.

The former alicorn looked around the kitchen and frowned. "I don't know what to make," she told herself as she started looking around the kitchen. She had been hoping there would be books with recipes in them like the cooks in Equinsgard had. Twilight started opening up cabinets, searching for some kind of instructions.

After almost a few minutes of frustrated searching Twilight opened the last cabinet and finally found the food. However, she still couldn't find anything that looked easy enough for her to make. She didn't even see anything familiar. Twilight picked up a yellow box with a picture of waffles on it, like the ones Steam Bolt had at the diner the day before.

"These mortals have strange customs indeed," Twilight said as she looked at the back of the box and smiled. On the back of the box she found a list of ingredients and instructions on how to make the pastries.

"How convenient," Twilight cheered as she read the instructions, her elation quickly turning to confusion. "Half a cup of flour?" she questioned. "What an odd ingredient. And spelled incorrectly as well," she said as she looked around, her attention drawn to a coffee mug on the dining room table. "This will be a challenge, but I accept it," she said as she grabbed the coffee mug and started walking towards the front door.

//////////////////////////

Minuette awoke to the scent of something burning. She leaped out of her bed in panic and almost crashed into her door as she left the room.

Steam Bolt came charging out of his room just as Minuette reached the stairs. "Get the extinguisher!" the unicorn shouted as the pair hurried downstairs, Bolt grabbing a fire extinguisher from the hall closet as they went.

Minuette arrived in the kitchen to find Twilight in a panic as a pot of something burned on the stove.

"I got it!" Steam Bolt shouted as he doused the burning concoction with white foam from the extinguisher.

With the danger over Minuette turned to Twilight. "What was that?!" she shouted, still trying to calm down.

Twilight looked away and nervously rubbed the back of her neck. "I was attempting to repay you both for your help last night and I thought breakfast would be easy enough to make," she explained.

Minuette and Steam Bolt looked at the pot, now covered in a generous layer of foam and then turned back to Twilight.

"What were you making?" Steam Bolt asked, confused.

"It was supposed to be waffles," Twilight answered an embarrassed blush on her face.

Minuette tried her best not to laugh while Bolt flew to the cabinet in a panic. "No! Not my waffle mix!" the Pegasus cried out in a defeated tone. Twilight's ears flattened as she got up and started walking to the door.

"Where are you going?" Minuette asked, concern in her voice.

Twilight turned to her a sad look in her eyes. "I have burdened you again. I think it would be best if I left," she said as she turned away.

"It's not that big of a deal," Minuette said. Twilight froze for a second before turning back to her host.

"I have burdened you," Twilight argued, her eyes wide at Minuette's dismissive attitude, like nothing had happened at all.

"No, you just messed up breakfast. Bolt messes up all the time and I haven't fired him yet," Minuette countered.

"I resent that," Bolt said as he turned to Twilight. "Anyway, no this isn't a big deal, but you still owe me a box of waffle mix. We'll get it later. For now, I'm making omelets," the pegasus said as he walked to fridge and retrieved a carton of eggs. "You ladies just wait at the table," he told the mares.

Twilight sat at the table, a smile on her face. "You owe me some answers by the way," Minuette said as she sat down next to the former alicorn. Twilight's eyes widened in shock.

"I apologize I had forgotten our deal. What do you wish to know?" Twilight asked.

Minuette grinned. "What was that storm we found you in? There was way too much fluctuating energy for it to just be a normal storm," she inquired, scooching closer to Twilight.

"That was the Bifrost or Rainbow Bridge," Twilight began as she launched into an explanation.

/////////////////////////

Owlowicious sat in the center of the Bifrost, his attention focused on the dragon and pegasi as they approached. "Twilight Sparkle has been exiled from this realm," he stated turning his gaze to the trio. They stared in awe at the great owl, this being the first time they had been able to look in his eyes. The black orbs seemed to reflect the cosmos the guardian watched at all times. "To seek her out for any reason would be an act of treason against Celestia's last command," Owlowicious warned.

Spike swallowed his fear before he spoke. "I believe Shining Armor may have already betrayed us, but we need to speak with Twilight to be sure," he stated, trying his best to look confident before the guardian. Blossomforth and Raindrops stepped up next to the dragon as support.

"Then we are in agreement," the bird of prey stated much to the warriors' surprise. "Once you have arrived on Midgard you will locate Twilight quickly. If Shining Armor has turned his back on us, he will send someone after you. Most likely Windigos," Owlowicious told them as he sank his talons into the slots on his pedestal, activating the bridge. "If he is not a traitor, than I'm sure your punishment won't be too severe," he finished. Raindrops was about to reply, but the group was pulled into the tunnel of light.

Owlowicious closed the portal as soon as he was sure the warriors were through. The sound of footsteps alerted the owl. He turned on his pedestal, his glare meeting only the empty bridge that lead back to the palace. We may have less time than I thought. And possibly more enemies in our ranks, the guardian thought as he prepared himself for a visit from the king.

/////////////////////////////////

"Shining Armor, you have no idea how difficult it has been to keep the peace in this realm. If word got out that the All-Father has been sneaking out without an escort," Luna lectured as she glared at her nephew. A knock at the door interrupted her speech much to Shining's relief. He'd been trying to think of a reason to leave for almost an hour.

"Enter," the king commanded, annoying Luna. A guard opened the door and gave Shining Armor a scroll before leaving. Shining Armor opened and quickly read the scroll.

"What does it say?" Luna asked, feeling ignored.

"I apologize Aunt Luna, but I must attend to something. I'll return as soon as I can and you can finish berating me," the stallion said smiling.

"And you can finish ignoring me?" Luna asked, clearly unhappy.

Shining's smile only grew. "You know me so well. Now, I'm sorry but I really must be going," he replied, leaving Luna alone in the room.

//////////////////////////

Hoity Toity walked into the command room annoyed. "Are we getting another surge from the hammer?" he asked the stallion that had reported the incedent.

"No sir. The hammer has stabilized since last night," the agent replied. "The signature we're getting now seems to be originating from another part of the desert. About fifty miles south east," the agent explained.

Hoity took a breath as he planned the next move. "Let's get a team together to investigate this new sight. Anyone not working on or guarding the hammer comes with me," he commanded, everyone in the room mobilizing to carry out the order. Hoity turned to the communications officer on the other side of the room. "Get in touch with Agent Pie. Tell her to be ready and keep Sparkle on surveillance. We can't afford to mess this up," he said as he left the room.

////////////////////////////

Spike landed on his feet and looked around as Blossomforth and Raindrops landed behind him.

"Why in all the realms would Celestia banish Twilight here?" he asked, shocked at the sight of the desert before him.

"It does seem a bit harsh," Blossomforth agreed scanning the horizon. The sound of footsteps behind her caught her attention and Blossomforth and Spike turned to see Raindrops walking away from them.

"Where are you going?" Spike asked, confused.

"That town," Raindrops replied, indicating several buildings in the distance. "It would be faster if we flew though," she reasoned as the others caught up with her. Raindrops and Blossomforth grabbed Spike's arms and took off.

/////////////////////////

After driving for nearly an hour, the convoy of S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles ground to a halt about twenty yards from where the energy signature had erupted. Hoity hopped out if the SUV and stopped as he looked at the ground.

"What on earth is this?" he asked as the other agents joined him, no one seeming to have any answers. "Get as many pictures of this as you can. Send them to the linguistics department at the Hub. Make sure they know how urgent this is," Hoity said as he took his phone out of his jacket and hit a few buttons. The stallion heard a click and started speaking. "The situation near Appleloosa is getting more complicated. I need another mobile outpost brought to my coordinates immediately," Hoity said as he looked over the markings adorning the desert sand.

/////////////////////////

Spike and the two pegasi had begun asking the locals about Twilight as soon as they had arrived at the town. It had taken all morning, but they had been told a mare matching her description had been seen digging in a garden on the other side of town.

"Why would she be digging through somepony's garden?" Blossomforth questioned as they walked in the middle of the street. That and their armor and weapons were earning them stares of confusion from the ponies around them.

"Perhaps living with mortals has cost Twilight her sanity," Raindrops suggested as the rounded another corner. Raindrops peered at the house at the end of the street. "Is that it?" she asked, surprised Twilight would stay in a building so small. It didn't even look like anyone lived in it.

"I think so," Spike replied, tasting the air to see if he could pick up Twilight's scent. "She's definitely been here," he said distractedly as a strange, but familiar scent caught his attention. The dragon looked to the rooftops and frowned. "You two go ahead. I'll catch up," he told his companions as he started walking towards a nearby alley.

"Be careful," Blossomforth called after her friend.

Spike entered the alley and used his claws to scale a building, peeking over the top. It didn't take long to spot the two ponies standing on the roof of the next building over, watching the house he believed Twilight was in.

///////////////////////////

Pinkie groaned in boredom as she and Sweetie sat on the roof watching Minuette's house. "Something better happen soon. All we've seen is Twilight picking flowers," the pink pony complained as she set her bow on the roof, getting tired of holding it.

"What about them?" Sweetie Belle asked staring down at the street below them in shock.

Pinkie leaned over the edge of the roof in interest. Two pegasi mares wearing old fashioned armor walked by, attracting the attention of the other ponies on the street.

"Did I miss a costume party?" Pinkie asked, frowning at the thought.

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes as she watched the mares. "They're headed for Minuette's house. Could be friends of Twilight's," she suggested.

Pinkie thought for a second. "Call it in. They wanted weird, well here it is," she replied. Sweetie Belle reached for the radio on her belt when a clawed hand, covered in purple scales grabbed her wrist. The agent slowly turned her head and came face to face with an angry dragon.

"Sweetie Call it- Whoa!" Pinkie shouted in surprise as she jumped for her bow only for the dragon to grab her ankle and hoist her into the air.

The reptile glared at the agents for a few more minutes. "I hate spies," he growled, earning an audible gulp from his captives.

///////////////////////////////

Shining Armor walked along the prismatic bridge leading to the Bifrost. As he drew closer to the domed building he spotted Owlowicious sitting outside the entrance.

"How did you get the Windigos into the vault?" Owlowicous asked bluntly, all pretense and formality gone.

Shining Armor smirked. "Unfortunately I can't take credit for that. It would appear I am not the only pony in this realm with the means to blind you," the alicorn replied smugly.

Shining Armor's smile faded after a few seconds. "I'll have you know that if you had simply minded your own business, I could have allowed my sister to live out her life in exile," the king stated solemnly.

"The protection of this realm is my business," the guardian replied stoically.

"Not anymore," Shining said glaring. "For your crime of disobeying my mother's last creed, I strip you of your position as guardian of this realm," he continued, standing tall.

"Than your safety is no longer my concern," Owlowisious replied before launching himself at his former ruler.

Shining Armor smirked as his horn began to glow. The Casket of Ancient Winters appeared before him, suspended by the king's magic, the lid opening and unleashing a torrential blizzard onto the owl. Shining Armor's coat shifted to a frosty blue and his eyes became white as snow as the bird slowed before his eyes. Seconds later. Owlowiscious was suspended in a column of ice that extended several yards behind him.

With the threat neutralized, Shining Armor shut the box and teleported it back to the weapons vault. He then walked around the frozen bird and into the Bifrost. His horn lit up and several tendrils of light extended from his horn and into the sockets that normally held the guardian's talons.

Once the Bifrost was active the air behind the alicorn shimmered and the Destroyer materialized as the cloaking spell was lifted. The armor stepped around its master and approached the tunnel of light.

"Destroy everything," Shining Armor commanded as his weapon was transported to Midgard.

/////////////////////////

Minuette and Twilight had been deep in conversation over breakfast when a knocking at the door interrupted them.

"I'll get it," Steam Bolt said as he got up, eager to escape the mares' discussion.

"Thanks," Minuette replied as the pegasus left. "So, this world tree, does it cover all worlds?" Minuette asked.

Twilight smiled as she thought. "Not quite. There are hundreds of thousands of worlds filled with life. Yggdrasil only represents the nine realms. The worlds protected by my home, Equinsgard," she explained as Bolt returned to the room, a shocked look on his face.

"It's for you," he said looking at Twilight in disbelief. Twilight and Minuette gave the pegasus confused looks.

"Who is it?" Minuette asked as she followed Twilight to the front door. The unicorn was worried the agents from last night had returned with knowledge Twilight wasn't from Hoofington.

Bolt didn't reply as he silently followed the mares. Once at the door, Twilight opened it and her jaw dropped. "Blossomforth? Raindrops?" she asked confused and a little shocked.

"It is good to see you too," greeted Blossomforth with a smile. Raindrops didn't seem as happy to be on Midgard.

"What are you doing here?" Twilight asked, her surprise fading a little.

"Ahem," Bolt cleared his throat clearly annoyed he and a surprised Minuette had been ignored. "You wanna introduce us?" he asked sarcastically.

Twilight smiled sheepishly at her lack of manners. "My apologies, Bolt. This is Blossomforth and Raindrops. Two of Equinsgards finest warriors and my former comrades," Twilight said gesturing to the pegasi warriors. "And this is Minuette and Steam Bolt," Twilight informed the armored mares. "They took me in upon my arrival," she explained.

"You can call me Bolt," the stallion added hesitantly, unsure how to speak to the warriors.

"And my name is Spike," a voice called from the street several yards away. Twilight's eyes widened and Minuette and Bolt's jaws dropped as they watched the dragon approach carrying two mares, one of which Twilight recognized from their fight last night.

"I...," Twilight had no idea what to say so she simply repeated her previous question. "What are you all doing here?" she asked again.

Spike frowned, unsure how to answer. He set down the two agents. "Stay here," he told them, earning nods from the pair. "We need to speak with you. It's about Shining Armor," he said, turning back to Twilight.

Twilight's heart stopped. "I see. Than I am the only survivor of my family," she reasoned, assuming they had come to tell her of her brother's death.

Spike took a step back in shock. "What!? No. Why would you think that?" he asked confused.

"Shining visited me last night and informed me of mother's passing," Twilight told them.

The three warriors exchanged shocked expressions. "Than our suspicions are confirmed," Raindrops said solemnly.

"Twilight," Blossomforth called, stepping towards the purple mare. "Your mother still lives."

These words hit Twilight like a brick. The realization that Shining Armor had lied to her, destroyed her self worth, was a heavy blow. "Why?" Twilight asked, tears forming in her eyes.

Before anyone could respond a loud boom could be heard from far away. The group turned their attention to the desert to see a cloud of dust and light spinning from the heavens.

"Was somepony else coming?" Bolt asked confused as the cloud connected with the desert sand.

Author's Note

What's this? Iron Brony posted something new? Yeah sorry for the long wait. I'm moving and that along with work and maintaining a life with friends and stuff is time consuming. The good news is Ive had all the time in the world to work out the details for the last few chapters of this story.

So yeah lots going on in this chapter. Pinkie was a little quiet, but that won't last long I promise. There's about three chapters left in this story and most of that is fighting so I'm hoping to be done by the end of the month.

Thanks for the patience and Stay Tuned.

Legends Reborn

Hoity shielded his eyes as the dust storm touched the sand. "Everypony get back!" he ordered as he ducked behind one of the vehicles. The other agents followed his lead. "Fall back! We'll wait for the storm to pass and come back!" Hoity shouted to his team as he opened the door to an SUV.

Then, as suddenly as the storm had appeared it began to dissipate, the roaring winds dying down as the dust settled. Hoity stepped away from the vehicle, confused by the strange weather. Hoity's eyes widened as the dust cleared, revealing what looked like a giant suit of armor standing where the storm had been.

Hoity cautiously stepped out from hiding and looked at the metal behemoth. "You are in possession of unregistered weapons technology. I'm going to have to ask you to step out of the armor and come with me!" Hoity shouted, doubting whoever was inside would comply.

The armor's head turned to the pony and several slats in the helmet slid out of place revealing the interior.

"That wasn't so hard," Hoity told himself, thinking that the pilot was about to exit the armor. His eyes widened as the opening began to glow like fire. "Retreat!" Hoity shouted as he dove out of the way, a blast of energy missing him by inches and blowing up the car that had been behind him.

The armor continued its assault as the agents started shooting at it, unleashing beams of energy that incinerated everything it touched.

////////////////////////

Twilight watched in horror as she and the others witnessed the distant battle. They couldn't see much other than the explosions, but it was instantly clear that Shining Armor hadn't sent any Windigos.

"What is that?" Minuette asked in shock as the citizens of Appleloosa seemed to take notice of the explosions in the desert.

"If I am correct, it is the Destroyer. A powerful weapon. My brother is taking no chances. He intends to leave no survivors," Twilight informed the others.

"Why is your brother so mean?" the pink S.H.I.E.L.D. agent asked, earning a glare from Spike.

"Stay quiet," the dragon told her menacingly, shoving his face into hers.

"No, no. We already played the quiet game, silly. Sweetie Belle won," the mare said with a smile. "Between you and me though, I think she cheated," she whispered loudly to the drake.

Before Spike could overcome his confusion, Twilight approached the agent. "What is your name pink one?" she asked, hoping the erratic mare could help them.

"Agent Pie," the mare said with a salute and a grimace. "But you can call me Pinkie," she continued, her smile returning in a flash.

"And I thought Twilight was crazy," Bolt said, shaking his head at the agent.

"This is Sweetie Belle," Pinkie said ignoring the stallion and gesturing at her companion. Sweetie Belle waved nervously.

Twilight looked Pinkie in the eye for a moment. "Can you get your comrades here? It would help to have as large a force as possible to distract the Destroyer while we evacuate the townsfolk," Twilight explained.

Pinkie thought for a moment. "I'll help however I can, but S.H.I.E.L.D. is stretched thin right now. Lottsa crazy in the world and secret organization's don't get a lot of wiggle room to begin with," Pinkie said, frowning.

"How do we know she speaks the truth?" Raindrops asked, giving Pinkie a suspicious look.

"Does it matter?" Minuette asked. "If she's lying or not, it doesn't look like the cavalry is coming," she explained. Raindrops seemed to think about this for a moment before silently agreeing.

"Lady, if I could drop a flying battleship on that thing I would, but I can't. What I can do is shoot it in the face with exploding arrows," Pinkie told the yellow pegasi, who looked at her in confusion.

"Your assistance will be appreciated," Twilight told her before anyone else could continue the argument. "Agent Pie, Spike, Blossomforth and Raindrops will keep the Destroyer's attention focused on them," Twilight said as she addressed the ponies and dragon around her. "They will buy time for the rest of us to evacuate the towns ponies," she finished.

"You aren't fighting with us?" Raindrops asked, suspiciously.

Spike glared at the mare as Twilight turned to her. "In my mortal form, I would only serve as a detriment in combat. If I fought, I'd only get one of you killed and that is something I could not live with," she told Raindrops. Raindrops seemed surprised by the answer, but smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

"Anypony else got something to say?" Pinkie asked the group. "Once this gets started there won't be anytime for chit chat."

"Yes actually," Sweetie Belle said, approaching Pinkie. "We aren't heroes, we're agents. We'll get in trouble if we get involved with this," she told her mentor, unsure how to feel about the situation.

Pinkie smiled before replying. "There's a lot more at stake here than our jobs. If we don't help and every pony in this town dies, than we have to live wondering what we could have done," she told the younger mare. "Or we help now, take the chance and even if we don't make it, we die knowing we did all we could," Pinkie finished.

Sweetie looked at her mentor in wonder. "Sounds good," she replied, smiling. "Any details in this plan?" she asked, looking to Twilight along with the rest of the group.

"We start at the south end of town and move the civilians north. Ask any that have large vehicles for assistance," Twilight said as she started walking into the street. "The combat team should try to get in positions of advantage before the Destroyer arrives."

"Sounds good to me. Let's get started," Bolt said, following Twilight.

Spike was about to follow as the group got moving, but Pinkie stepped in his way. "You left my arrows on the roof. Mind giving me a lift?" she asked with a smile.

"You can't retrieve them yourself?" Spike asked confused.

"I could, but I figure riding a dragon into battle will be more fun," she giggled. Spike couldn't help but smile as he picked the pink pony up.

//////////////////////////////

Shining Armor smiled as Frostmourne and a small force of Windigos landed in the Bifrost. "Welcome, my friends to the dawn of a new peace," he greeted as the icy king approached him.

"It would be wise to be quick All-Father. Cloak us so we may begin," Frostmourne demanded.

Shining frowned at the order. "I'm afraid an earlier encounter has left my magic drained," he explained, gesturing to the frozen owl outside of the dome. "It will take longer for us to reach the my mother, but the end result will be the same," he assured.

King Frostmourne smiled at the imprisoned owl. "The ice is a fitting touch," he commented as he exited the dome. "Let us be on our way then. You two stay here and keep an eye on the owl," the older king ordered two of his soldiers. The Windigos nodded in confirmation, taking up positions in either side of the owl.

Shining Armor smiled as he followed his allies, happy his plan had begun to come together.

////////////////////////////////

Spike stood at the edge of the small town, Raindrops and Blossomforth on his right and Pinkie on his left. The pegasi had drawn their swords and Pinkie had an arrow notched in her bow. The small group watched nervously as the Destroyer approached from the desert. At its current pace it would reach them in minutes

"How are the others doing?" Spike asked Pinkie, hoping that the Twilight and her team cleared enough of the civilians to be safe.

Pinkie put a finger to her ear. "How's it going, Sweetie?" she asked into her earpiece.

’The south end if town is clear. Twilight and Minuette are working in the east and me and Bolt are on the west. Words spreading quickly. The town should be clear in the next half hour," Sweetie Belle replied.

"You might wanna pick up the pace. It's almost here," Pinkie told her partner as she turned to Spike. "We got a defensive strategy?" she asked.

Spike looked at the surrounding buildings and the desert in front of them. "We need to block its path. We could....," Spike said trailing off as he watched the Destroyer change course. "It's going east," he said, confused.

The others looked at the armor confused. "Twilight and Minuette are in the east part of town," Pinkie told the group.

"Its targeting, Twilight," Raindrops said, no doubt in her voice. "We need to head it off," she suggested.

"Right, you two make a dust storm around it," Spike said to the two pegasi who jumped into the air. "Pinkie, keep it busy. Don't let it hit the other two," the dragon told the agent as they followed the pegasi on foot. Pinkie smiled and saluted as she took aim and launched the arrow at the Destroyer. The arrow stuck to it's target's head before exploding.

The Destroyer turned to it's attackers as Blossomforth and Raindrops started circling it creating a dust storm around the armor. The Destroyer began charging an energy blast only for another arrow to explode on its head, sending the beam shooting in a line across the desert and away from the pegasi.

It didn't take long for the dust storm to become an opaque mass of swirling sand, towering high above the Destroyer. Spike stepped forward, smoke billowing from his mouth as he approached the storm. "Retreat!" he shouted as he spewed fire at the airborne sand. Blossomforth and Raindrops abandoned the storm as the inferno arrived.

The group watched in awe as Spike melted the sand. The liquid glass seeped into the Destroyers joints and started to cool as Spike cut off his flames. The Destroyers joints groaned to a stop. Spike smiled at his handy work.

"Well done Spike. This should buy the others enough time," Blossomforth said, happily.

"Uh-oh," Pinkie said, catching the warriors attention. The glass in the Destroyers joints began to crack as more pressure was applied to it. After only a few seconds the obstructions shattered and the Destroyer continued on it's path.

"Damn!" Spike cursed. "Stopping it isn't an option. We're going to have to confront it," he told the others. "If we don't make it through this, I want you all to know it was an honor," the dragon said with a heavy tone.

Blossomforth and Raindrops smiled and nodded. "Don't be so dramatic," Pinkie replied, surprising the others. "I've fought reptiles that were scarier than that thing. So, let's get moving," the agent finished chasing after the Destroyer.

"That mare is strange, even by our standards," Blossomforth said with a confused look. Spike and Raindrops murmered their agreement.

/////////////////////////////

Twilight looked over the crowd of scurrying ponies as they all tried to pile onto vehicles, shouting in fear as they were told by Minuette which direction to drive. A cry for help caught her attention and Twilight spotted a young colt not far away. She rushed to the foal's side and picked him up.

"Where are your parents, little one?" she asked, trying to keep her tone calm. The explosions of the nearing battle didn't help.

"I dunno," the colt said sadly as he looked around. "Over there!" he shouted after a moment, jabbing his finger at a mare down the street. The mare was dodging through the crowd a look of panic on her face. Twilight cursed as she noticed the mare was moving towards the fight.

Twilight spotted Minuette not far away and trotted over to her. "Look after him!" she shouted as she ran to stop the mare. She quickly caught up and stood in the mare's path. "Your son is safe. He's with my friend over there," she told the frantic mother, pointing at Minuette and the colt. The mare turned and saw the pair, smiling in relief.

"Oh thank Celestia! Thank you so much," the mare gasped as she ran to her child.

They started to head back when a loud crash sounded behind Twilight. Twilight turned and saw Blossomforth picking herself off of a car she'd just landed on. Before Twilight could react the Destroyer came into sight and its opening began to glow. Twilight looked around and spotted a large rock on the ground. She picked up the rock and threw it at the Destroyer as hard as she could, creating a dinging sound when it hit.

The Destroyer and Blossomforth turned towards Twilight and the armor's opening began to glow again.

"Twilight! Run!" Blossomforth shouted as an arrow hit the side of the Destroyer. The arrow exploded, throwing off the armor's aim, but the beam hit the ground next to Twilight and the explosion threw her off her feet. She felt herself go numb as she hit the side of a building, falling to the ground with a dull thud. The world around her became a blur of color and the angry shouts of her friends sounded distant.

////////////////////////////////

Minuette watched in horror as Twilight's body hit the ground like a rag doll. "Twilight!" she shouted as Spike and his team appeared on a rooftop down the street. The rest of the towns ponies quickly vacated the area, some even running on foot just to get away.

"Raindrops, get Minuette out of here!" Spike shouted.

Raindrops swooped down and tried to push the frantic unicorn away from the fight, but Minuette resisted. "There's nothing you can do! Now, go!" the pegasi shouted as the Destroyer turned to them, it's opening glowing.

"Look out!" Pinkie shouted, shooting an arrow that exploded on the behemoth's head, throwing its aim off. The beam of energy cut off the top corner of the building next to Raindrops and Minuette. Raindrops pushed Minuette harder, clearing the unicorn of the debris, but getting her own wing trapped under a chunk of the roof while a brick smashed into the back of her head, disorienting her.

"Oh crap, don't move," Minuette told the pegasus as she tried to shift the stone holding her wing down. A shadow loomed over the pair and Minuette looked up in horror at the Destroyer.

///////////////////////////

Twilight's vision swam for a second as she tried to think past the pain. Her head rolled to the side to see the Destroyer standing over Minuette and Raindrops. No, she thought, feeling a familiar desire to protect her friends.

//////////////////////////////

At the S.H.I.E.L.D. base to the west, a stallion watched his monitor as the same strange energy from the night before fluctuated around the hammer. "Hey I got something here," he said turning to his superior. A loud booming sound startled every agent in the room and the stallion looked back to his screen in shock. The hammer was gone.

///////////////////////////////////

Minuette looked at the Destroyer in shock, before she remembered Raindrops. The unicorn started pushing on the debris as hard as she could, but couldn't move it.

"I'm out of arrows! Run!" Pinkie shouted at the unicorn. Minuette looked at the Destroyer as it charged another beam.

Just as it was about to fire a whistling sound from above caught everyone's attention as an object fell from the sky directly above Twilight. Right before it landed a purple hand shot up and caught the the hammer followed by a brilliant flash of lightning and a deafening crack of thunder.

The Destroyer turned away from Minuette only for a bright projectile to shoot out of the Lightning and take it off its feet. Minuette watched in shock as the Destroyer flew over her head and landed on its back further up the street. Before anyone could move a pony landed in front of Minuette. The unicorn's jaw dropped as she looked the pony over.

Twilight stood in full armor, wings spread on either side of her body. A horn glowed on her head and her cape billowed in a wind that was quickly growing stronger. Mjolnir flew back to her hand, electricity crackling along its surface as the sky darkened. "Do not attempt to hurt my friends," the alicorn princess said, in low dark tone.

After several moments of silence Minuette found her voice. "Holy mother of Celestia," she whispered.

"Daughter actually," Raindrops said, rubbing her head and shaking off the pain.

///////////////////////////

Twilight watched the Destroyer as it struggled to right itself.

"Well, that was shocking," a bubbly voice joked. Twilight turned to see Spike, Blossomforth and Pinkie arriving. Raindrops, no longer dazed, shoved the debris off of her wing and flexed the sore appendage. Minuette was the only one not moving at all.

"Are the two of you all right?" Twilight asked Raindrops and Minuette.

Raindrops shrugged. "I've been through worse," she replied, before smiling at Twilight. "This will be a good story back home," she finished, earning a smile from the princess.

Minuette seemed to shake off her shock as she responded. "Uh... I'll be fine... I think. Not really sure how I'm supposed to react to any of this, but I'll try to hold back an emotional breakdown until after all this," she explained with a nervous smile.

"I'm enjoying the touching moment, but that thing’s getting back up," Pinkie said, nervously as the Destroyer finally rolled off of its back.

"Everyone stand back. I'm not sure if even I am powerful enough to defeat the Destroyer, but I'll have to try," Twilight stated, readying herself for the coming fight.

Spike placed a hand on his friends shoulder. "It took four of us to slow it down and even then we were hardly effective," the dragon said. "I'm sorry Twilight, but I know you can't win, even with all your power restored," he finished.

Twilight knew her friend was right. "Then what would you have me do? There is no other choice," she replied.

"I can't believe that," Minuette argued. "You have a magic hammer and a rainbow bridge that can send you to any one of nine worlds. Don't tell me there's nothing we can do," the unicorn said defiantly.

Twilight was about to reply when an idea came to her. "The Bifrost," she said. "We don't need to kill it. We just need it gone," she stated. The warriors smiled in understanding while Pinkie tilted her head in confusion.

"I think I'm starting to see my superiors' problem with me. I have no clue what's going on right now," the pink made said, baffled.

Twilight turned back to the Destroyer as it stood up. "Spike, Blossomforth, Raindrops, get to the Bifrost sight and tell Owlowiscious to be ready. He should already know our plan," the princess told her comrades. The pegasi nodded, grabbing Spike's hands and leaping into the air. "Minuette, Pinkie, I need you to meet up with Steam Bolt and Sweetie Belle. Help them with the evacuation," she said.

"Roger dodger," Pinkie replied.

"What are you going to do?" Minuette asked, concerned.

Twilight watched as the Destroyer turned to them, it's opening glowing as it prepared to attack. "It is after me," she stated as she started swinging Miolnir. "Then it shall have me." Twilight threw her weapon, hitting the behemoth in the head and throwing off its aim. The beam cut through a building causing it to collapse as the hammer flew back to Twilight's hand. "Now go," Twilight told her friend.

"I think she'll be fine. Come on," Pinkie said, dragging a once more surprised Minuette away from the fight.

The Destroyer righted itself once more just as Minuette and Pinkie rounded the street corner. The alicorn stared at the Destroyer as it charged another beam. "There will be no holding back any longer," Twilight told it as she raised her hammer over her head, a bolt of lightning connecting it to the sky.

///////////////////////////////

Spike and the two pegasi arrived at the Bifrost site, shocked at the destroyed vehicles they found. The three approached the circle only for a stallion in a suit to get in their way.

"I'm Agent Toity of S.H.I.E.L.D. and I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave. This area is restricted," the stallion told them, not seeming the least bit surprised at the sight if Spike.

Spike leaned down until he was eye level with the pony. "Even if you hadn't already met the Destroyer, you still wouldn't have the means to stop me," Spike growled angrily. He was in no mood play games with this mortal.

Hoity gulped as smoke trailed from the dragon's mouth. "What business do you have here?" the stallion asked, as though trying to maintain control of the situation.

Spike walked past the stallion with Blossomforth and Raindrops in tow. "We intend to save your planet," he replied, confusing the agent.

"Are we sure Owlowiscious knows our plan?" Raindrops asked, uncertainly.

Spike thought for a moment. "He should, but it would be good to have a sign," he said as he cupped his claws around his mouth. "Owlowiscious, show us if you're listening send us a sign!" the dragon called out. Several minutes went by and nothing happened.

"That's not good," Raindrops said, staring at the sky, devoid of any other worldly disturbance.

A crack of thunder caught everyone's attention and they all looked back at the town where Twilight was luring the Destroyer to them. Bright lights flashed and lightning struck from the dark skies.

"Owlowiscious!" Spike called again. "We need your help! Owlowiscious!"

//////////////////////////////

Owlowiscious!

The Guardian heard the cry of his ally and he began struggling once more. He had given up the task, deciding it would be better to save his strength for when he was needed. Now he was needed.

The owl started flexing his talons against the ice, weakening it slowly. At the same time, Owlowiscious pushed his head forward as hard as he could, trying to force his beak through the ice in front of him. It didn't take long for a small crack to form in his prison, extending from the tip of his beak and down the right side if his head. The guardian pushed harder and the crack began to grow. The owl put more force into his efforts and finally the crack jolted through his prison and the owl broke through, surprising the Windigo guards.

Owlowiscious landed on his front, his wings too heavy with frost to be of use. The sound of feet pounding on the bridge brought him back to the moment and he flipped himself over just in time to catch the blade of the first Windigo in his talons. The owl pushed the blade to the side and into the other invader. With the two connected, Owlowiscious pushed them with all his might and sent the pair tumbling into the dark abyss below the bridge.

With that done, the owl struggled to his feet and began walking back to the Bifrost, his wings still in no shape to carry him there.

//////////////////////////

Twilight flew slowly down the streets of Appleoosa, being sure not to lose the Destroyer. She wanted to keep it in sight so she could minimize what damage it did. Whenever it began to charge an attack, she would fly higher and dodge the attack so it would shoot harmlessly into the sky.

Twilight checked the distance between her current position and the Bifrost sight. "At this rate it will take a day," she complained as she noted they were only now reaching the edge of the town. "I'm sorry, but I must hurry this along," she said turning back to the Destroyer and raising Mjolnir over her head. Twilight swung the hammer in a wide circle creating a vortex of wind that quickly turned into a miniature tornado. She directed the funnel cloud over the Destroyer and spun the hammer faster. Before long the wind became strong enough and the metal behemoth slowly rose from the ground.

With her package in tow Twilight began steering the tornado out of town. She had only made it half a mile before the Destroyer charged another shot. Twilight, deciding she was far enough from the town, let the tornado die away and dropped her opponent on the ground.

The Destroyer landed on its feet and fired it's shot. Twilight quickly threw her hammer into the beam, deflecting the destructive blast all around her, before connecting with the Destroyer and knocking it off of it's feet again.

"With the town no longer in danger, I no longer need to hold back," Twilight said as she caught Mjolnir. Without waiting for the Destroyer to stand, she threw her weapon again hammering the Destroyer several hundred more feet into the desert.

Twilight caught Mjolnir again and started swinging it again. Lightning danced along it's surface and when Twilight threw it again she caught hold of the leather strap, the force of her throw carrying her along for the ride. Twilight waited until she hit the Destroyer and then started flapping her wings with force, doing everything in her power to reach the Bifrost site quickly. Her horn began to glow and gale force winds pushed her and the Destroyer forward.

The Destroyer began charging another beam and Twilight peered around its side and noticed they were almost on top of their destination. "In coming!" Twilight shouted as she slowed herself down and separated from the Destroyer. The walking weapon flew over the heads of the surprised agents and the three warriors, landing with a thud in the sand several yards past the glyphs Twilight had been aiming for.

The Alicorn landed in the center of the circle and turned to her friends. "Are we ready?" she asked Spike as the dragon approached.

Spike shook his head. "We don't know. We tried to contact Owlowiscious, but he hasn't responded. We may need a new plan," the drake said as Hoity joined them.

"Ms. Sparkle," the stallion called, catching the mare's attention. "I don't think your sister was entirely honest with me last night," he said, interested in learning the truth.

Twilight glared at the stallion. "You have no need to fear me. I seek only to protect this world as you do. Now stand back, so I may do just that," Twilight told the agent before turning back to the Destroyer.

"We can't rely on Owlowiscious now," Raindrops stated, concerned.

Twilight smirked. "He will come through. First, we must put his target in his sights," she said as she watched the behemoth pick itself up once more. The alicorn turned to Hoity. "You and your comrades should take cover," she advised.

"Right, all agents fall back," Hoity shouted to his subordinates. The agents made a hasty retreat as Twilight swung her hammer in a circle again.

Dark clouds formed over head as Twilight summoned a storm. Lightning flashed from the sky and rain poured from above, turning the sandy desert to mud. Twilight took to the air and flew around the Destroyer as it fired a beam at her. Twilight waited until she was on the other side of the Destroyer before attacking. She threw her hammer once more knocking the behemoth towards the circle of glyphs. She pushed her adversary until it landed in the circle.

Once there, Twilight called Mjolnir back to her, raising the hammer as it connected with her hand. Lightning shot down from above, connecting with the top of the hammer. Mjolnir began to glow a bright blue color as it was charged with electricity. When she felt she had enough, Twilight severed the connection and pointed her weapon at the Destroyer as it stood. She unleashed a blast of electricity at the Destroyer, holding it down as long as she could.

After several minutes, Mjolnir ran out of power and the Destroyer stood once again. Just as it began to charge an attack, the sky lit up with color as the familiar vortex of the Bifrost encircled the Destroyer and just as quick vanished along with the walking weapon.

"Thank you my friend," Twilight said, breathing a sigh of relief.

//////////////////////////

Owlowiscious watched the Destroyer land in the dome of the Bifrost. "If you had a soul, I would consider your fate unfortunate," the owl said as he redirected the Bifrost to a new point in space. The Destroyer's opening began to light up, but Owlowiscious had already activated the portal and the Destroyer was launched through space.

"You may destroy everything safely in the barren wastes of Svartalfheim," Owlowiscious said as he watched the Destroyer land on the empty world.

Author's Note

Really running up on the end here quickly. I actually have something to say about thus chapter though. That might be a first. Not sure.

Anyways, when I first saw Thor I was a bit weirded out seeing Thor actually kill the Destroyer. To my knowledge Thor couldn't have done that so early in his career. He wasn't that powerful at the time. I also had a problem with the Asgardians leaving the remains of an extremely powerful weapon on earth and within SHIELD's reach. I figured that all needed to be rectified. So it was. Well that's all really.

Stay Tuned.

Burning Bridges

Twilight stood in the center of the Bifrost site, Spike, Blossomforth and Raindrops by her side, and looked back to Appleloosa. "I wish I had more time," she muttered, as she spotted Hoity. The stallion was trying to reorganize his agents after the attack. Twilight stepped out of the circle and approached the agent.

"Twilight, we need to go!" Raindrops shouted after her.

"I need only a moment," she replied. She walked up behind Hoity and tapped on his shoulder.

"What?!" Hoity shouted, clearly frustrated with all that had happened. "Oh, it's you. What do you want?" he asked, annoyed.

Twilight glared at the agent. "I need you to deliver a message for me and in return, you may count me as an ally," she said. Hoity glared at the alicorn, but said nothing. "Tell Minuette that I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye, but my home needs me and tell her I promise to return once I'm done," she told him.

Hoity glared at her for a moment. "Fine. I'll deliver your message, but S.H.I.E.L.D. is to be notified when you come back," he demanded.

"Deal," Twilight replied, returning Hoity's glare. She then hurried back to her companions and looked to the sky. "Owlowiscious, when you are ready," she said. Seconds later the bridge opened and Twilight was yanked off of the ground and sent hurtling through space.

/////////////////////////////

Luna sat by her sister's bed, something she found herself doing more and more as time went on. "Please, wake up soon, sister. Your children need you," she said softly as someone started knocking on the door. "Enter!" she commanded, the doors opening as she spoke.

Two guards stood in the doorway, looks of fear on their faces. Luna stood up and approached them, but the stallion on the left shook his head vigorously. Luna was about to ask what they wanted when a shard of ice pierced through the guard that had warned her and an icy club knocked the other unconscious. Luna gasped in shock as a pair of Windigos stepped into the doorway.

"I told you it wouldn't work," one of the Windigos said to his partner.

Luna glared at them as they began to circle around her, one to the left and the other to the right. "It was not wise to come here," she told the invaders as the Windigo on her left launched himself at her. Luna jumped into the air, spreading her wings, and shot a bolt if magic at the attacker, disintegrating the Windigo.

The other Windigo swung an arm at Luna, launching several ice daggers at her. Luna caught them all in her magic and launched them back. The invader dodged the return fire and jumped into the air, trying to tackle Luna. Luna dodged and fired another blast, shattering her enemy. With that done Luna landed on the floor.

"Aunt Luna!" Shining Armor shouted in fear from the throne room. Panic gripped the lunar princess’s heart as she ran to her nephews aid. She had only just left her sister's room when something cold slammed into the back of her head, quickly knocking her out.

////////////////////////////

King Frostmourne eyed the unconscious form of Luna. "This is what happens when you have loved ones," he stated, turning to the stallion next to him. Shining Armor looked at his aunt with remorse.

"She isn't part of our plan. She stays alive," Shining told the older king, glaring defiantly.

Frostmourne chuckled at his associate's protective nature. "Do not worry. I only wish to slay Celestia," he said as he approached the queen's room.

Before they'd made it very far they heard a familiar booming noise and looked out the nearest window. Frostmourne glared at the beam of light extending from the Bifrost.

"What is the meaning of this?" Frostmourne asked angrily, shooting an accusing glare at Shining Armor.

Shining growled as he watched the light dissipate. "The guardian has escaped. We must act quickly," Shining stated, a note of urgency in his voice. Frostmourne nodded and started for Celestia's room again.

Frostmourne entered the room and approached the bed at the far end, an icy blade forming on his arm. He reached the bed and raised the blade over it's occupant, smiling as he did.

"Know this, queen of the arrogant. Your deaths came by the hand of Frostmourne!" the frozen king shouted as he stabbed downward only to be blasted off of his feet. The king looked up and saw Shining Armor standing over him, Gungnir in his hand, glowing with energy.

"And yours came by the hand of the son of Celestia!" The alicorn shouted as he fired, an object flying through the window on the far side of the room knocking the spear aside.

Frostmourne and Shining Armor looked to the window as Twilight landed in the room, catching Mjolnir as it returned.

"There has been enough destruction for today. Nopony needs to die," the princess said, glaring at her brother.

/////////////////////

Twilight stared into her brother's shocked eyes, trying to accept what she was seeing.

"Twilight, Frostmourne has invaded," Shining Armor said quickly. "He-"

"Is working with you," Twilight interrupted. "Owlowiscious told me what he knew and is now resting in the infirmary because of you," she said looking to the bed in the center of the room. "And you lied about mother's death," she stated, barely keeping the anger out if her voice.

Frostmourne started laughing from the floor. "Nothing like a sibling rivalry to brighten a bad day," he said, enjoying the show.

Twilight glared at the king as she threw Mjolnir at him, only with enough force to knock him out cold. She then turned back to her brother as he raised Gungnir to attack. Twilight blocked the blast with her hammer.

"Well, if all is out in the open, then I have no need to pretend anymore. So if you'll excuse me I have a world to destroy," he said as he fired a blast of energy at Twilight's feet.

Twilight dodged to the left and watched Shining Armor escape through the unguarded window. Twilight moved to the window to follow him only to be hit with an energy beam, throwing her to the other side of the room and disorienting her.

////////////////////////

Shining Armor landed outside of the Bifrost and walked inside. He plunged Gungnir into the slot in the center of the pedestal. He then realigned it's aim and pointed it at Jotunhiem. The gate opened and he watched the tendrils of energy extend from the center of the Bifrost and connect to the walls around him.

"Now, for the finishing touch," he said as he summoned the Casket of Ancient Winters. Shining Armor opened the casket and unleashed a frozen torrent upon the room, freezing the controls in place, so no one could shut it off.

//////////////////////////

Twilight landed on the prismatic bridge outside of the Bifrost. She had recovered quickly, but she was too late to stop her brother. She looked on in horror as the energy poured out of the Bifrost. Twilight ran into the dome and glared at her brother as he turned to face her.

"What have you done?" Twilight asked in horror as she observed the frozen interior of the dome.

"What you and mother refused to," Shining replied. "I am taking preemptive steps to protect my home," he told his sister, confidence in his voice.

Twilight shook her head in disagreement. "No, this is not the way to protect Equinsgard. I will not let you destroy an entire race in an act of misguided loyalty," she argued, stepping towards her brother.

Shining Armor raised the casket and opened it, firing an icy blast at Twilight, making her dodge to the left. "I won't let you interfere. I've come too far," Shining said as he took his Windigo form. Twilight stared in shock at what she saw. "Oh, I guess you hadn't been told. We aren't even related. That should make this easier on us both."

Twilight hung her head. Her mind spinning at the revelation. She thought back to their childhood when they'd played together, and all the battles they had won together. Shining Armor's true heritage made no difference. "No, it won't," she said softly. She then hurled Mjolnir at her brother.

Shining Armor dodged the weapon and launched an icy spear at his sister. Twilight summoned a magic shield to protect herself. The spear shattered and Twilight lowered the shield as Mjolnir returned to her. Twilight's horn lit up as she summoned a storm cloud in the top of the dome and held Mjolnir over her head. Lightning connected the hammer and cloud, charging the hammer. Twilight redirected the blast at Shining Armor and he fired an icy blast from the casket. The attacks collided in mid air and exploded, the blast throwing Twilight backwards through the dome.

Twilight hit the bridge outside and picked herself up just in time to dodge another ice spear. Shining Armor followed his sister outside the dome and fully opened the casket, launching a full blizzard at Twilight. Twilight's horn glowed purple and she started flapping her wings at the storm, summoning gale force winds to drive the blizzard and her brother back.

Shining Armor quickly changed tactics, his horn glowing as he teleported away. "Where-" Twilight began to ask when she heard footsteps behind her. She whipped around and blocked an icy blade with Mjolnir. Shining Armor started using his greater strength to overpower her.

"You can't beat me Twilight. How can you hope to protect your friends when you don't even have the strength to push back?!" Shining Armor shouted.

Twilight pushed as hard as she could, but she knew she'd be pinned soon. Thinking quickly she fell onto her back, making Shining pitch forward in surprise and then kicked him over her. Twilight then threw Mjolnir before Shining hit the ground and the hammer hit him square in the stomach.

Shining Armor landed with a dull thud as Mjolnir flew back to Twilight. She approached her brother's still form and heard him wheezing after getting the wind knocked out of him. He tried to pick himself up, but Twilight set Mjolnir on his chest, knowing he wouldn't be able to move it. She then walked past him and stared at the Bifrost, trying to come up with a way to shut it down.

"It matters little now," Shining Armor wheezed as he lay on the bridge, unmoving. "You can not stop the Bifrost. You may have your hammer, but it does you no good now!" he shouted, happy he had been granted this victory.

Twilight looked back at her hammer and then at the bridge she stood on. She looked out into the vastness of space around her, a sad look in her eyes. "I'm sorry Minuette," she said as she held a hand out behind her, calling Mjolnir to her. As soon as the weapon connected with her hand she slammed it into the bridge, creating large cracks in the crystalline structure. Twilight raised the hammer again and struck a second time.

Shining Armor sat up in shock as he watched his sister strike the bridge again, lengthening the cracks. "What are you doing?! Stop!". he shouted as he charged his sister.

Twilight raised her hammer once more, Minuette's face flashing before her eyes. "I will keep my promise," she told herself as Shining Armor lunged at her. She brought Mjolnir down with a crack of lightning. The blast shattered the bridge and threw the siblings back, crystal shards piercing their wings. Twilight saw her brother go over the edge of the bridge as she landed and dove after him, catching his hand, but slipping off of the bridge at the same time. She was shocked when she felt a hand grab her tail and looked up to see Celestia standing on the bridge.

Shining Armor looked at his mother, trying and failing to read her expression. "I was trying to protect our home!" he shouted at her, hoping she would understand.

Celestia gave him a sad look. "This was an act of great evil," she replied.

Shining Armor shot her an angry look. "You're wrong! And I'll show you why!" he shouted as he ripped his hand from Twilight's grip, falling into the abyss of space.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Twilight shouted as she watched her brother shrink into the distance.

Author's Note

Okay this is the end... Well the beginning of the end. The Wrap up and Epilogue just need the finishing touches, indentation, centering and italics. That kind of thing. Now here's the big thing.

For those of you who were unaware, I am Anthromorphing my stories. Spider-Mare is done and I'm working on Iron Mare now. I will be posting the last chapters of this story in non anthro, so that anyone who is opposed to it can atleast finish this story. I will hopefully finish rewrites on Iron Mare by the end of today and tomorrow I will get to Flutterage, My Iron Mare one-shot and the Spider Mare short story. After that I will start on this story. You guys have until then to finish this story. For those of you who get to this too late, I am sorry.

Stay Tuned.

The Search Begins

Minuette smiled as she was brought back to town. Pinkie had commandeered a civilian's pick up after they had seen the Bifrost open up. Pinkie was sitting in the driver's seat next to Sweetie Belle. Steam Bolt was in the back with Minuette.

"I guess this is our stop," Pinkie said pointing at a line of S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles parked along the street. Hoity Toity was standing outside of one of the SUV's and looked like he was on the phone.

Pinkie parked the truck and Minuette jumped out and started looking around, expecting to see Twilight.

"Yes sir, we're packing up now," Hoity said, hanging up the phone and putting it in his coat. Minuette approached the agent as the others climbed out of the truck.

"Excuse me, is Twilight around?" Minuette asked, catching Hoity's attention.

"She left. She wanted me to tell you she'd be back, but that was several hours ago," the agent explained, hardly aware of the shocked expression on the unicorn's face. "Agent Pie! What happened? Why didn't you report to me when Twilight's friends arrived?" Hoity shouted at the pink pony who looked shocked.

"We had to act fast," she said simply.

Hoity glared at her. "Well, once again, you disobeyed orders. I'll be speaking with Agent DeLis about your punishment later," he said before turning away. Pinkie made faces at his back and sat on the curb.

"Shouldn't I be punished too?" Sweetie Belle asked confused.

Hoity sighed in frustration. "You are not ready for field work. You'll be sent back to training as soon as we leave," he told her.

Steam Bolt walked up to his boss, concerned. "You okay? He asked.

Minuette looked at him and smiled. "I'll be fine. She'll come back soon. I mean, she didn't even finish explaining how that space bridge worked," she told her assistant, putting on a brave face.

Hoity looked at the mare with interest. "Did you say space bridge?" he asked. Minuette shot him a distrusting look. "I only ask, because we have an artifact that has the potential energy to power something like that," he explained.

"Sounds like a powerful weapon in the wrong hands," Minuette countered.

Hoity chuckled. "S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't create weapons of mass destruction, we dismantle and destroy them," he explained. "I'd like to make an offer. We'll let you study the artifact and you tell us what you find," he said holding out his hand.

Minuette thought for a moment. "I want Pinkie Pie as a bodyguard," the unicorn started catching the archer's attention," and I'll need Steam Bolt as my assistant," she told him, making the pegasus smile.

Hoity sighed. "Fine. Deal?" he asked, still holding out his hand.

Minuette took a calming breath before shaking his hand. "Deal," she said.

"Good then let's get moving. We have a lot of procedure to go over," Hoity said with a smile.

"Thanks for the save," Pinkie said as she stood up.

Minuette smiled at her and looked at the sky. Just wait Twilight. I'll see you soon, the unicorn thought as she followed the agents, Steam Bolt walking after her.

////////////////////////

"How is she?" Twilight asked as she approached the owl standing at the end if the broken bridge.

"She searches for you," Owlowiscious replied. "She is a clever one. I suspect that may get her in trouble again," he continued, a hint of mirth in his voice.

"I'll need to make her search easy then," Twilight replied. "If you'll excuse me, mother has asked to speak with me," she said, tilting her head in respect to the guardian.

///////////////////////////////

Twilight entered the throne room and bowed to her mother, sitting on the throne.

"How may I help you All-Mother?" she asked, respectfully.

Celestia smiled at her daughter. "Rise Twilight. We will discuss business later. For now, I wish only to learn of the mare my daughter has become," the queen said, a note of pride in her voice.

Twilight smiled as she stood up. "I am sorry for all I did before my exile. I did not appreciate the peace we had and foolishly sacrificed it for knowledge that did not matter," Twilight said sadly. "However, the friends I made on Midgard helped me to see the error of my ways."

Celestia beamed at her daughter. "I can not give up the throne now, but I trust one day you will make a wise queen," she told her daughter as she stepped down from the throne.

"No wiser than you," Twilight replied smiling. Her smile faded as she contemplated her next question. "Has there been any news of Shining Armor?" she asked sadly.

Celestia frowned. "I'm afraid not. The loss of the Bifrost hinders our efforts, but if he lives, we will find him," she assured her daughter. "Now, why don't you join your friends in the festivities? I'm sure they are regaling the other warriors with the tale of your victory over the Destroyer as we speak," Celestia said, smiling at thought.

"And blowing it out of proportion I'm sure," Twilight replied, smiling as she walked to the door, closing it behind her.

Author's Note

TWILIGHT SPARKLE: PRINCESS OF THUNDER
By TheInvincibleIronBrony

Cowritten with Spideremblembrony and Avenging-Hobbits

Proofread by DarkDarsi and General Soarin

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Epilogue

"In here, Dr. Minuette," Agent Delis said as she led the blue unicorn into a room, full of steel vaults with a table in the center.

"Wow. Looks like you guys have a lot more than just one artifact," Minuette said as she looked around.

Fleur walked up to a vault and held her hand up to a scanner. "Agent Delis, clearance level 7," the agent said. Seconds later the door opened and Minuette peaked inside. A metal case sat on a shelf in the room.

Fleur grabbed the case and brought it to the table. "We aren't sure what it is, but every attempt to experiment on it with magic has failed. It simply absorbs everything that touches it," Fleur explained as she undid the clasps on the front of the case. "Comet Dash was our chief science officer after the Minotaur war and we believed it was the basis for the ARC Reactor his daughter is building at Dash industries headquarters in Canterlot."

Minuette gave the agent a confused look. "Why didn't you call her in for this than?" she asked curiously.

Fleur smiled. "Ms. Dash kept her identity as Iron Mare a secret for less than a day. It's hard to trust her with big secrets," she answered, earning a look of agreement from Minuette.

"Well let's see it then," Minuette said as Fleur opened the lid. Minuette stared at the contents in wonder. The artifact was a golden tiara with a glowing, purple stone in the shape of a starburst at the top. "Not what I expected. What are we calling it?" Minuette asked looking back to the agent.

Fleur closed the lid as she answered. "Well given its unique energy levels that seem to be pure magic, we've named it the Element of Magic."

Author's Note

Hello, everyone. My name is Spideremblembrony. I am the proofreader for my friend, The Invincible Iron Brony and I helped proofread and edit the story. I wanted to thank Iron Brony for allowing him to assist him on this project and for being patient in my chaotic routine and for putting up with my critiques. I look forward to working with him in the future. Also, if you enjoyed his work and would like to see more, check out his other projects like…

Iron Mare
FlutterRage
And Spider-Mare

Go check them out. They’re a lot of fun. And I hope you continue to read his work. I’ll catch you guys later. Until then, take care.

HEY!!! You are promoting my stories in my story! Two can play at that game! Here's some stories by my buddy Spideremblembrony you should check out. I've read them all and they are Incredible, Spectacular, Fantastic and Spell Binding... in both a descriptive and titular meaning.
The Incredible Flutterhulk
Spectacular Spider-Mare
The Fantastic Four
Princess Celestia: Sorceress Supreme

Anyways it's been great working with him.... And I shall continue working with him, cause he's also cowriting Flutterage and I'm one his many proofreaders. So there in your face audience.

And now... Coming soon...

Captain Equestria: The First Harmony - At the height of the Minotuar War, young Applejack is forced to watch from the sidelines as her younger sister is sent off to fight in the war. However Applejack isn't the kind of pony that just sits around when there's something she can do and she is quickly recruited into a government program after a failed attempt to join the Equestrian Army. With the help of Dr. Reinstien, a goat scientist trying to save his home from the Minotuar's, and the cocky young Comet Dash, Applejack intends to become the greatest Equestrian Hero: Captain Equestria! Will her new power be enough to stop the Infamous Red Skull and his brother Baron Flam? Cowritten with Billy Mischief.

that's all for now folks.

Stay Tuned.

Prologue

The nine realms have always had a connection that few can understand. However it was agreed millennia ago that Midgard would be left alone until it’s inhabitants had reached a level of understanding capable of comprehending the vastness of the universe the resided in. All were to abide by this unwritten law.

It was only fate that this law would be broken countless times. None of these occasions was as devastating as the invasion of the Windigos. They brought their frozen hate to the ponies of Midgard with the intent to rule them as slaves.

The mortal’s cries did not fall on deaf ears though. It was our force from the great Equinsgard that saved them from their tormentors, but at great cost. The blood of foes was spilled over top that of our friends that day. As is the way of war.

After countless battles and untold casualties the Windigos were pushed back to their home world Jotunheim. It’s icy crevices and glaciers were the sight of the final conflict of the great war. We pushed the enemy to their strong hold and laid siege unto them until they could no longer hold us at bay. I personally defeated their ruler, King Frostmourne, in single combat and took from him the source of the Windigos power. The Casket of Ancient Winters. With our enemy defeated and powerless we returned to our home and pulled out of the rest of the realms. But we are always watching for new signs of trouble.

/////////////////////////////////////////

Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor listened to their mother’s story with rapt attention as she guided them through the weapons vault, their eyes wandering to the many deadly treasures that adorned the hall. The pair of young alicorns were dressed in their best formal wear. Twilight's was a deep purple robe with a lavender trimming over a matching tunic and leggings. Shining Armor wore white leather armor with glimmering steel fastened to the shoulders. Both had their cutie marks emblazoned on their chests.

“It has been our duty to watch over the nine realms and stop anyone with evil intent,” Celestia finished, turning to see her children’s curious stares, directed at everything around them except their mother, dressed in a gown that looked like it had been sewn from gold.

Shining turned to his mother confused. “But mother, there haven’t been any great wars since the Windigos. What evil has been stopped since then?” the curious colt asked, catching his sister’s attention as well.

Celestia smiled at the question. She knew her son was a warrior at heart and hoped he would use his knowledge of combat to help others. Even at his young age, barely more than a decade old he showed great skill in combat.

“None. A fact we must always be thankful for. The Windigos especially have gone out of their way not to cause trouble,” she told them as she turned to her left to retrieve the weapon they had come to the vault for in the first place.

“When I’m king, I’ll hunt down those monsters and ensure they never harm another mortal,” Shining promised, smiling with confidence. Twilight looked at her brother with admiration. She had always been envious of his confidence.

Celestia however frowned at the proclamation. “A wise ruler must never seek out war,” she chided her son, who looked at the ground sheepishly. “But they must always be ready for it,” Celestia finished, unable to watch her son sulk for even a minute.

“Mother, which of us will rule after you?” Twilight inquired, speaking up for the first time.

Celestia smiled at her daughter. “That is not for me to decide and is exactly the reason I have brought you with me to this chamber,” she replied turning back to the weapon to her left. “This is Mjolnir and will be the companion of the next ruler,” Celestia told them as she lifted the hammer with her magic. “Only an Equinsgardian fit to rule our kingdom will be able to lift her.”

Shining looked at the weapon in awe as he reached for it. Celestia pushed his hand away as though he were reaching for the cookie jar. “Ah ah. This must be done by tradition. You will both be given a chance to lift Mjolnir and whoever does will spend the next few centuries preparing to take over the responsibility of the throne from me,” Celestia said.

Shining rubbed his hoof as his mother walked past him towards the entrance to the vault. “Come my children. Your aunt will have our subjects ready to view the event by now.”

Twilight froze. “View? We are to do this in public?” she asked, beginning to sweat.

“Of course,” her brother answered. “The ponies deserve to know who shall be leading them in the future,” he explained, grinning at the prospect of wielding the mighty hammer.

Twilight sighed. “I won’t be able to lift it though. It’s much too big for me. Mother must want you to rule in her stead,” she said, looking down trodden.

Shining frowned at his sister’s gloomy tone. “Oh, don’t be like that. You heard mother, it’s out of her hands. The hammer will decide who will be the next ruler of Equinsgard,”

Twilight cheered up a little. “I know it isn’t up to mother, but could you imagine me lugging that hammer around,” she said, eliciting a giggle from her brother.

“It is no laughing matter,” Celestia told them sternly. “Mjolnir is not swayed by the strength of body, but the strength of heart. Only a true ruler of the realm may hold her,” Celestia said to them as they walked. The siblings shared a quizzical glance, unsure what their mother meant.

Shining looked at his sister with curiosity. "If you were the next ruler, what would you do with Mjonir?" Shining asked. Twilight simply looked at the ground, a worried expression on her face. "What's wrong?" the colt asked.

Twilight looked to her brother. “Shining I’m worried that if I did lift Mjolnir then you won’t like me anymore,” she said sadly, hanging her head

Shining gave his sister a shocked look. “Twilight even if you lift the hammer and I can’t, I promise not to hold any grudge against you,” the colt promised, making his sister smile as all three alicorns left the vault.

/////////////////////////////////////

Celestia and her children walked the rest of the way to the throne room in silence. The walls of the room were solid gold and sported curtains of a deep red. The pillars holding the ceiling stretched high out of sight.

The foals had been pondering over the meaning of their mother’s words. Once they had entered the chambers that Celestia held counsel with the ponies of her realm. The middle was clear save for a golden pedestal that sat only a few inches above the ground. All around the pedestal the ponies that resided in Equinsgard watched as the royal family marched up the middle of the room.

Luna stood next to the pedestal, dressed in deep blue ceremonial robes, ready to preside over the event while her sister and Queen sat at her throne. Celestia laid Mjolnir in the middle of the golden slab, the head resting against the metal. She then proceeded past her sister. The pair shared a few hushed words before Celestia continued to her throne.

Twilight and Shining took their place a few feet away from the pedestal. Luna cleared her throat as she began the proceedings.

“Our great kingdom has seen the rule of many great and powerful rulers, all of whom held the protection of the nine realms above their own safety. Each has quelled a great threat from the banishment of the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony uncountable millennia ago to my own sister’s recent victory over the Windigos. However the time has come for a successor to be chosen, who shall be taught the mannerisms of a proper ruler until our honored All Mother deems fit to step down from the throne,” Luna spoke with great presence and all before could not help but to listen.

“As is customary we have turned to our allies the dragons to smith a weapon befitting a protector of the realms,” Luna continued, bringing everypony’s attention to the hammer next to her. “I give you the great hammer Mjolnir. It’s current powers are unknown to us, but we do know that only one worthy of ruling Equinsgard, the realm eternal, may lift this mighty tool.” Luna now turned to Twilight and Shining.

“I now give you the candidates for that rule. Twilight Sparkle Celestiamaiden and Shining Armor Celestiason, the foals of our esteemed All Mother. Each will be given a chance to lift Mjolnir. Which ever succeeds shall be named the successor of Queen Celestia,” Luna finished her speech and turned to the foals.

“Who will go first?” she asked. Shining nudged his sister offering her the first crack at the challenge placed before them.

Twilight shook her head. “No. I don’t want to waste anytime. The sooner we get done here the sooner I can get back to the library,” she said as she took a step back from the pedestal.

“Are you sure?” Shining asked. Twilight nodded. Not needing anymore confirmation the young colt stepped forward. “I will make the first attempt,” he announced as he stepped onto the the pedestal. Everyone in the room held the breath as the famous Shining Armor placed a hand on the hilt of the weapon.

Twilight knew her brother was the public favorite of the two, but held no ill will because of it. She preferred being left alone. Unlike her brother who seemed to thrive off of the attention the public gave him.

Shining looked to his aunt for the permission to continue. Luna gave a curt nod and Shining gave the hammer a light tug. Nothing happened. He pulled harder, but Mjolnir resisted. Shining gave one final yank and his hand slipped off of the handle causing him to fall off of the pedestal and onto his back. The crowd burst into laughter at the spectacle.

Celestai slammed Gungnir, her spear which was kept next to the throne when not in use, instantly quelling the noise the crowd made. She wore a scowl, obviously unamused by the public's mockery of her son. Once she was satisfied with the quiet she nodded to Luna to continue.

“Twilight Sparkle step forth,” Luna commanded.

Twilight, who had been helping her brother off of the floor looked to her aunt with surprise. She looked at Shining who simply stared at the ground unable to comprehend this turn of events and embarrassed by his failure.

“Twilight step forth,” Luna commanded again.

Without further ado Twilight joined her aunt on the pedestal. She slowly approached the hammer, looking to Luna before she made her attempt. Luna nodded and Twilight laid her hand on Mjolnir. She gave it a gentle tug and to the surprise of everypony in the room Mjolnir was raised above the head of it’s holder with ease.

Before anypony could react a bolt of lightning shot out of the end of the hammer, giving its approval of it’s wielder.

Shining looked up from the floor at the sudden roar of thunder and the roar of the crowd around him. He stared open mouthed as his mild mannered sister held the hammer aloft, seeming just as surprised herself.

“It appears that Mjolnir has chosen our next ruler,” Luna shouted above the crowd. “And revealed some of it’s hidden power as well,” she said in a low voice so only Twilight could hear.

At the far end of the room Celestia smiled. Perhaps she’ll finally break out from her shell, She thought, a hopeful smile on her face. Her attention was then turned to her son who seemed to be glaring at his sister. I only hope her brother approves.

Back at the pedestal Twilight was beginning to overcome her shock and turned around to show the crowd her new companion. Eventually she turned to Shining whose face face seemed to turn from a glare to a supportive grin. He walked over to his sister and hugged her.

“Way to go Twilight I knew you had it in you,” he cheered as Twilight returned the hug unaware of how her brother was seething internally.

Shining Armor had promised not to hold a grudge if his sister succeeded in lifting Mjolnir. Shining Armor lied.

Author's Note

And so begins my third tale here on FimFiction... or anywhere else for that matter. Enjoy.

Coronation

Twilight nervously paced back and forth across her chambers in her nightgown during the early hours of the morning. She had tried taking deep breaths and many other methods for calming one’s nerves, but nothing worked.

A knocking at the door, startled Twilight, but she quickly regained her composure. “Come in,” she called.

The doorknob turned and the door swung open revealing one of Twilight’s closest friends. Spike the dragon, wearing his steel plate armor held together with emerald green seams. It was just a few years after she had lifted Mjolnir, her mother had taken her and Shining Armor on a tour of the realms that had allied themselves to Equinsgard. The first stop was the home of the Dragon forges, Nidavellir.

They had been shown the many powerful weapons that the dragons had made, yet deemed too dangerous to be used. Shining Armor had seemed particularly interested in these. Twilight however was only interested in learning what she could about the impressive mechanics that made the forges work. During a part of the tour the group had passed a young drake that was begging for scraps of food.

Twilight was curious about the young dragon’s predicament and slipped away from her group to talk to him. She soon learned that Spike’s parents had been casualties in the Windigo War. It didn’t take Twilight any time at all to decide to take the drake under her wing and with the permission of her mother Spike returned with the Royal Family to Equinsgard.

He had since proven himself a valuable and trustworthy warrior after he had been met with much distrust from the citizens of his new home. He had defended Equinsgard from many attacks and every battle he had fought in with Twilight and Shining Armor was quickly won.

“Twilight, their almost ready for you,” Spike announced as he entered the room.

Twilight’s nerves began to fail her again. She was always more confident in combat or her studies. However these ceremonies were her weakness. She always felt like her subjects were judging her.

“So soon?” she asked, nervously.

Spike wore a confused look. “The citizens have been gathered for nearly an hour and I’m not sure if Raindrops can keep them entertained much longer. She’s already told them tales of our greatest victories,” Spike explained.

Twilight rolled her eyes at the mention of one of her comrades. “I understand. Make sure Raindrops knows I appreciate her... stalling,” she told Spike, although it seemed a bit forced, as she walked over to her closet and opened it. Spike only nodded and left as Twilight walked into the spacious closet and eyed the armor in the back.

The silver disks and plates covering the main body shone in the light from Twilights room. The chain mail sleeves and black leather pants hung with care and had a polished look. The red cape lay folded on a shelf next to the display and was Twilight’s favorite part of the ensemble. She had been self conscious about it at first, but quickly grew to appreciate the way it fluttered behind as she flew. Then came Twilight’s least favorite thing about the armor. The silver helm with the decorative wings on either side and a hole for her horn to fit through. She only ever wore it to ceremonial events.

Twilight removed her nightgown and took a deep breath as she used her magic to put on her armor, and mentally prepared herself for the event. Once she was fully clothed Twilight left her closet and walked towards the door leading to the halls of her home. She briefly held out her hoof and Mjolnir flew from it’s place next to her bed to it’s master. Twilight put it through a small loop of leather at her waist she had enchanted herself to hold the weight of her weapon.

Twilight took one more breath as she left her room.

//////////////////////////////////////

Twilight arrived at the doors leading to the throne room. She had regained some of her bravery on the trip from her room and was happy to see a familiar face waiting for her near the entrance.

Shining Armor, also dressed in his armor made of glimmering steel plates and a white cape, greeted his sister with a warm hug. “There she is,” he said smiling, as he pulled away. “Excited?”

“And nervous,” Twilight answered. “This is a big step from the simple training I have received,” she explained, gulping at the thought of the crowd beyond the doors.

“Do not worry, so much little sister. You’ll need to have more confidence if you are to rule this realm,” Shining encouraged, his smile faltering for a moment.

Twilight frowned. “You have told me this many times brother, but I fail to see how words can improve my nerves,” Twilight replied, slightly annoyed.

“And yet you have never heeded my advice. You instead choose to ignore someone who is wiser than you on the matter,” Shining countered, a smirk playing on his lips at the praise he’d given himself.

“Because it is rare to find a subject against whom I am not the wisest,” Twilight argued.

Shining gave her a look of mock hurt. “You wound me little sister,” he said with a chuckle. “Still, I urge you to have more faith in yourself. You always seem confident in battle,” the alicorn stallion pointed out.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Battle takes strategy. It’s much easier to find an enemies weaknesses than it is to memorize the wording to a several millennia old ceremony,” Twilight replied.

“Well then you just treat it as a battle. So what’s your strategy?” Shining asked, encouragingly.

Twilight thought for a moment. “Well, I must appear confident even if I’m not, so I’ll hold my head up and smile a lot,” she said, more for self-assurance than for her brother.

“That’s good,” Shining told her. “But what about your subjects. You can’t just pretend they don’t exist or you’ll offend them.”

“I’ll wave then,” Twilight said, finding her confidence. She started smiling as she contemplated the absurdity of needing a strategy at the moment.

“Very good. And show off a little,” Shining said, smiling. “You’ll be just fine. You’ll also have our friends and myself to encourage you,” Shining informed her.

Twilight huffed at the mention of her ‘friends’. “Raindrops and Blossomforth are more your friends than mine,” she said curtly.

Shining frowned at this. “As I recall you met them in the battle against the cave trolls on Nidavellir. They saved you from a particularly large enemy if I if memory serves,” he said as he remembered the battle.

“Oh yes they were very brave, but they were simply fulfilling their duty to the royal family and were awarded for their bravery. That is why mother appointed them to accompany me in any future endeavors,” Twilight explained.

Shining shook his head at his sister. “And yet you never requested them to be reassigned,” he argued.

“They are good soldiers and have proven their usefulness,” Twilight defended.

“Even so, you could be a little friendlier to them,” Shining told her.

“Why? They are at my side to serve,” Twilight said as though nothing else could make sense of the loyalty the two pegasi showed her.

Before Shining could argue further a trumpet blast from within the throne room announced that they were ready to begin. The doors opened and Twilight entered as her brother left to take his place at the other end of the throne room.

The room hadn’t changed at all since the day Twilight had first lifted Mjolnir and just like then, the hall was packed with ponies. Twilight looked down the hall to the end where her family was. Luna stood next to the throne where Celestia sat, both in their finest clothes. On the other side of the throne stood Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. Cadence wasn’t part of the royal family, but her devotion to helping the sick in the medical tents on the battlefield had earned her a place among the alicorns of the Royal Family.

Further down on the steps leading to the throne stood Blossomforth and Raindrops, both seemingly excited for Twilight, although Twilight found Spike’s presence mid way up the steps the most comforting.

Twilight waved at her subjects as she approached the throne, smiling and even shaking hands with some. She wasn’t as nervous as she was before, but she still felt ill at ease in front of the crowd. She believed that the simplest mistake would turn the cheering into laughter and that her mother would banish her from Equinsgard. Celestia had never done anything so harsh, but Twilight became irrational when nervous. Once Twilight reached the steps leading up to her mother’s throne she knelt.

Celestia looked at her daughter with pride as she hit Gungnir against the floor, silencing the cheering ponies. “Rise my daughter,” she said, in a commanding tone. Twilight stood up and looked her mother in the eyes.

Celestia stared at the younger alicorn for a moment, before speaking. “It is on this day we witness the beginning of a new era. Princess Twilight Sparkle has proven her loyalties to her family and home in many battles. She has also proven herself wise beyond her years. It is my honor to call her my daughter and successor,” Celestia spoke, more to her subjects than Twilight.

///////////////////////////////

Meanwhile deeper in the depths of Equinsgard a pair of guards patrolled the Weapons Vault.

“I can not believe we got assigned guard duty today,” the first, an earth pony, complained.

“I told you, you should have requested time off. The commander would have surely seen that your patrol was taken by somepony less vested in the ceremony,” the second guard, a unicorn, commented, getting a little tired of his companions constant complaints. “Unfortunately it is too late now. So stop your whining and keep an eye out.”

The earth pony rolled his eyes. “What for? No pony would be foolish enough to try and break in here. Not since the Windigos were beaten.”

“No matter. We must remain vigilant in case of any and all threats,” the unicorn explained.

“I understand what our duty is, but why do they even need guards down here, what with their sentry?” the earth pony asked.

The unicorn smiled at this. “Perhaps it’s punishment for the night you spent with the commander’s daughter,” he suggested.

His partner looked shocked. “Why does everypony know about that?”

“Probably because, nopony expected you to still be breathing. We were simply holding on to a fond memory of the brave young Quillbolt we once knew,” the unicorn joked.

“Very funny Bright Star,” Quillbolt replied, angrily.

Bright Star was about to poke more fun at his friend when he noticed something that looked like it was growing on the wall to his left. Moving closer to the oddity he touched it with a finger tip and yanked his hoand back at the icy feeling. “Frost?” he asked himself as a shadow loomed over him.

Bright Star turned thinking it was his companion. “What do you make of thi- Gahhh!” he grunted as an icy blade was shoved into his chest, pinning him to the wall. The guard looked into the eyes of a Windigo. The creature stood nearly two feet higher than himself. The creature smirked as it tossed the mortally wounded pony to the ground.

The last thing Bright Star saw, before he faded was two more Windigo’s standing over the body of Quillbolt.

//////////////////////////////////////

“Do you swear to uphold the peace in these realms?” Celestia asked Twilight, having finished her speech moments before.

“I swear,” Twilight answered, trying her best to ignore the onlookers in the crowd.

“Do you swear to protect our realm against any force which means us harm?” Celestia asked, her voice gaining volume.

“I swear,” Twilight repeated.

“Do you swear to uphold the treaties made with our allies?” Celestia asked.

“I swear,” Twilight answered.

Celestia smiled at her daughter. “Then by my right as Queen of this realm I name you…” she trailed off before she could finish. Twilight looked at her mother with concern at the pause in the proceedings. “The Vault,” Celestia said, barely above a whisper.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she realized what was happening.

///////////////////////////////////

In the Vault, the Windigos were approaching the treasure they had come to retrieve. The Casket of Ancient Winters. It stood on a lone pedestal at the end of the Vault in front of what looked like a large iron grate covering some sort of opaque white mist.

Without regards for any other defenses in the Vault the leader of the troop walked right up to the Casket and picked it up. A smile played on the creature’s lips as it turned to leave. Before he or his comrades had taken more than a step a dull thud sounded from behind them. The group turned and saw the grating behind the pedestal start to vanish as a hulking form stepped out of the mist.

The thing that came out of the mist looked like a suit of armor for some enormous pony. However the armor appeared not to need a wearer. The front of the helm opened and the armor leaned forward as a blast of energy shot out of the opening. The lead Windigo attempted to use the Casket to defend itself, but was dead before he had unlatched the lid.

Fearing for their lives the other two attempted to flee, but were quickly cut down by two more blasts from the armor.

It’s job done the armor stepped back into the mist and the grating reappeared.

///////////////////////////////////////

Twilight arrived at the entrance to the Vault, followed by her mother and Shining Armor.

“No,” she said in shock at the sight of the dead guards.

Shining put a hand on her shoulder. “They died an honorable death,” he said, attempting to alleviate his sister’s anguish. She had always disliked needless death.

Looking around Twilight quickly spotted the remains of the Windigos. “How did they get in here?” she asked, suspicious.

Celestia observed the scene before her. “It doesn’t matter,” she said, matter of factly.

Twilight looked at her in surprise. “How can you say that? Two of your guards died and you aren’t the least bit concerned as to how it came to be?” Twilight asked, angrily.

“They will be missed, but the attackers were stopped. The Destroyer did it’s job and all is well,” Celestia answered as she spotted the Casket lying next to one of the Windigos. She carefully picked it up.

“All is not well mother. The enemy has breached our borders and broken into our home,” Twilight argued. “I fear what might have happened had they succeeded in their mission.”

“But they did not succeed,” Celestia countered calmly as she set the Casket back on it’s pedestal.

“We must still know why the Windigos have broken your truce,” Twilight demanded.

“We don’t know that they did. King Frostmourne has not declared war on us, so I will assume he still values our treaty,” Celestia replied.

“Then we can go to him and ask him how this happened,” Twilight suggested.

Celestia sighed at her daughter’s desire to know what happened. “An accusation like this, should it prove false could offend Frostmourne to the point of declaring war,” Celestia informed her children.

Twilight looked to her brother, who had remained silent, for support. Shining simply looked on with interest. Twilight turned back to her mother. “This must be dealt with,” Twilight insisted.

“It has been dealt with,” Celestia pointed out.

“As Queen-” Twilight began.

“You are not Queen!” Celestia interrupted, in a commanding tone, quelling any argument from Twilight. “Perhaps it was too early for you to take the throne,” Celestia finished as she turned.

Twilight’s expression was filled with shock and hurt. Two millennia under her tutelage and she doesn’t think I’m ready? I’ll show her, Twilight thought.

“Return to your quarters and do not speak of this again,” Celestia told her children as she left the vault.

Shining and Twilight remained behind a moment longer, before walking back to the entrance.

Shining looked at his sister, sighing sadly. “Twilight as much as I agree with you, mother is also right. It’s best to just let this be,” he told her.

Twilight looked at him, her face full of determination. “No. Mother is wrong. And I’ll prove it,” she said as she exited the Vault a plan forming in her mind.

Author's Note

And now the story really starts. I'm a little nervous about this part mostly because of all of the formality. Never been very good with that sort of thing. Anywho, the next Iron Mare chapter should be done soon. And unfortunately I feel like there was something I wanted to say here, but I can't remember what it was.

Stay tuned.

As Plans Unfold

Shining Armor flew through the barren, icy wastelands of Jotunheim, the biting cold of the snowy storm barely bothering him. He had told Owlowicious that he was going to make one last attempt at peace with the Windigos before the war actually started. It wasn't entirely untrue either. However Shining's disappearance to Midgard had raised the guardian's suspicions. It didn't help that Owlowicious' sight had been blocked by a spell Shining Armor had learned several centuries ago.

King Frostmourne's decaying castle came into sight moments later and Shining wasn't surprised to see a small force of Windigos waiting at the front gate. "I hope you were sent as an escort. If not I'm prepared to fight my way to your king," the prince said as he landed in front of the icy behemoths.

Shining Armor stood in front of the largest of the group, calmly looking him in the eye. The pale giant grunted as he stepped aside, allowing Shining to enter. Shining smiled as he walked through the group, the Windigos following after.

Shining Armor glanced around at the ruins of the palace as he was escorted. It seemed as though no attempt had been made to repair the damage from his and Twilight's recent visit.

It didn't take long to reach Frostmourne's throne room, the doors opening to a less than regal sight. Pillars had been toppled and the walls were crumbling. A section of the ceiling had collapsed, allowing the ever present blizzard of Jotunheim inside the palace.

"What curse has brought another visitor from Equinsgard?" a low voice called from the far end if the room.

Shining Armor peered through the blizzard, the silhouette of King Frostmourne barely visible. "I have come to make peace with your realm, your majesty," the All-Father said.

Frostmourne growled at the thought. "You and that blasted sister of yours destroyed my home, killed my subjects, and you wish to make peace? And pray tell what have you to offer me for peace?" the Windigo asked, rising from his throne and approaching Shining Armor.

"It may interest you to know my sister has been banished to Midgard. A punishment for her crimes against you," the alicorn informed in a respectful tone.

Frostmourne chuckled darkly. "You expect me to believe your mother banished the heir to her throne?" he inquired, standing tall before Shining.

The All-Father thought for a moment. "No. My mother has fallen into the Solar Sleep. However she named me as her heir due to Twilight's obvious lack of respect for the peace of the nine realms. It was I who banished her, in hopes it may appease you," Shining lied, in hopes it would gain him favor with the Windigo.

Frostmourne tilted his head in interest. "That may be, but it was your mother who agreed to my declaration of war. I doubt she will back down when she wakes. How do you propose we keep this peace you speak of when that happens?" he asked, looking down at the alicorn.

Shining Armor pretended to be caught off guard. "I... you are right. What do you propose?" he asked, praying the Windigo made the right request.

Frostmourne smiled. "To prevent a threat to our treaty, your mother must die," he said calmly.

Shining's eyes widened. "You must be joking. There has to be another way," he pleaded.

"Nothing else will be enough," Frostmourne said, taking notice of the troubled look on Shining's face. "Perhaps it would be best to consider what is best for your people instead of your mother," he suggested.

Shining Armor made a show of gulping. "You... you are right," he said, sadly hanging his head. "For the protection of my home, I will do anything," he conceded solemnly, earning a grin from Frostmourne. "But it must be you who strikes her down," Shining continued, earning a glare from the Windigo. "If I were to be caught I would be thrown in the dungeons and peace would be but a dream," he explained.

Frostmourne scoffed. "And it would be any different for me?" he argued.

Shining rolled his eyes. "A simple spell to disguise your true form should be sufficient. Nopony will suspect it was you," Shining offered.

Frostmourne thought for a moment. "Than why must it be me? Why not hire an assassin from your own realm?" he asked curiously.

Shining Armor was quickly growing frustrated. "Nopony in Equinsgard could escape the wrath of our elite guardsman, but if the culprit were a Windigo in the guise of an Equine's guardian they wouldn't even be looking for the right pony," Shining answered. "I'll also need someone who wants the job done to do it," he finished.

Frostmourne sat back on the throne and thought for a moment. "Very well. We have a deal," Frostmourne agreed with a thin smile. "My guards will show you out."

Shining Armor bowed before he turned to leave. A smile spread across his face as the escorts guided him back to the door. All according to plan so far, he thought as he left.

///////////////////////////////////////

Shining Armor landed in the Bifrost moments later, a satisfied smile on his face. Owlowicious removed his talons from the pedestal in the center of the dome and eyed Shining suspiciously as the alicorn made for the exit.

"How did your expedition fair my lord?" the owl asked, not turning his gaze from the opening of the Bifrost.

Shining Froze at the question, but remained calm. "Very well. I have struck a deal with King Frostmourne that will ensure peace between our people," he explained with a smile.

Owlowicious tilted his head in interest. "Good news. I had to ask though as I found myself blind to your presence on Jotunheim," he informed. "Similar to the invaders who interrupted your sister's coronation, no?" the owl asked, nor betraying a hint of emotion.

Shining grimaced at the accusation. "That is curious. Perhaps the Windigos have discovered some way to hide themselves from us. I'll ask you to look into it for me," the alicorn ordered as he began walking towards the exit again.

"If it was the Windigos, then I must ask, why would they mask your presence on Midgard?" the giant bird of prey inquired, remaining calm as ever. The All-Father froze again, quickly losing his patience.

"Is there something you wish to ask me guardian?" Shining asked, an edge to his voice.

"I am only curious about the events I've missed. It would take one an exceptionally long time to learn to cover their presence from me," Owlowicious told his king.

Shining glared at the owl. "I see. You are at quite the formidable detective. It's a wonder my mother never feared you would expose her more... sordid affairs," the alicorn said, his smile returning.

Owlowicious' eyes narrowed. "I am honor bound to the All-Mother. She has no need to fear me," he said, wondering what Shining was getting at.

Shining's smile widened, inwardly celebrating his victory. "And now I am the All-Father and you are sworn to obey me. I advise you not to forget that," the alicorn said as he made his way from the Bifrost, leaving Owlowicious glaring in his wake.

///////////////////////

Spike grumbled as he walked the halls of the palace, searching for his missing ruler. "How could he have left without alerting even a single guard?" the dragon asked himself, subconsciously reminded of how the Windigos did the same just. Few days earlier.

Before his mind could wander further a pegasus guard approached Spike. "The All-Father requests your presence in the throne room," he said, turning in the direction of the throne room and leading a baffled Spike.

The pair reached the throne room after a few minutes and the guard stopped at the door as the dragon continued inside, finding Shining Armor sitting on the throne, Gungnir in hand.

"Spike, thank you for coming," the alicorn greeted happily. A little too happy for Spike's liking. Shining hadn't been this happy ever as far as Spike knew and the alicorn had seemed even more stressed than usual lately.

"I came as fast a I could. Where have you been? Disappearing in the middle of war preparations isn't becoming of a king," the drake inquired, his voice still full of the worry he'd felt earlier.

Shining Armor chuckled. "There is no need to worry about me or the war. I visited with King Frostmourne and we were able to come to an agreement that will end in everlasting peace," Shining informed.

Spike's jaw dropped. "You went to Jotunheim alone?!" he shouted in shock.

Shining rolled his eyes. "Yes, as we have a hundred times before," he reminded, amused at the drake's worry.

"This is different. You are king now. If we lost you to a careless mistake, war would be the least of our worries. Luna is already far too busy trying to keep the citizens from panicking. If she had to take on your duties as well, it would be too much," Spike argued, as he recalled what Shining had just said. "And what is this agreement you spoke of?" he asked, unable to keep the concern from his voice.

Shining smiled at the question. "We have made a deal that will ensure peace between out realms forever," he informed as he stood up from the throne.

Spike waited for him to continue. "What are the terms of this deal?" he asked when Shining simply began walking towards the door to his mothers room.

Shining turned to him, giving a sly smile. “Nothing that is more important than keeping the peace in our realm. A small price to pay, really.”

Spike narrowed his brow, “But All-father-”

"I apologize Spike,” Shining interrupted. “But, I must see to my mother. I only sent for you so you could spread the good news," the alicorn said as he opened the door to Celestia's chambers and entered, leaving Spike suspicious of his friends strange behavior.

///////////////////

"That's great news!" Blossomfort shouted in the private mead hall that was reserved for Royalty and those close to them.

Raindrops sipped her drink in disappointment. "I guess. I was hoping for another round with the Windigos, but at least the realms have been spared a great war," the pegasus conceded.

"I'm not so sure," Spike said, not being able to shake his concern. "Shining Armor didn't seem like himself," he told his friends.

"He was only recently crowned king. It's probably just stress," Raindrops reasoned.

Spike shook his head. "No, that's the problem. He seemed relaxed. As though he had nothing to worry about," Spike continued.

Blossomforth raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't he be? He just averted war. We should all be celebrating," she countered. "So what was the deal he made?"

Spike looked up. "He wouldn't tell me. He just kept saying it would bring peace. Everlasting peace at that," he told them.

"I don't know about everlasting, but peace for a time sounds good," Raindrops argued. "Well unless he's going to destroy them all," she added, laughing at the thought.

Spike's eyes widened. "The Bifrost has the power to do that," he said, swallowing a lump in his throat.

Blossomforth's jaw dropped. "You can't be serious? Shining Armor would never do that," she said angrily.

"I'm not sure about that," Raindrops said. "He's always been protective of his home. He'd do anything to protect it."

Spike took a moment to think. "There is only one who would know what Shining is up to if they knew what we knew," he told his comrades. Raindrops and Blossomforth looked at him curiously. "Twilight," Spike finished.

Raindrops dropped her drink, the cup clattering to the floor. "She is in exile. If anyone even suspected we were trying to contact her, we'd be imprisoned for life," she argued.

"We need answers," Spike countered.

Just as Raindrops was about to reply the door opened and a guard entered. "Owlowicious demands your presence," the guard stated as he left.

The trio stared at the open door with wide eyes. "We're doomed," Raindrops said, sounding defeated.

Author's Note

Okay I think I've got things back on track. Kind of a short chapter, but I think that's come to be expected. No use putting in stuff we don't need. I do want to keep these stories focused. I don't have much to announce this time around. So I'll leave you to your day.

Stay Tuned.