The multiverse loves throwing curveballs, and god don't I hate them. So after a long talk with Cadence, I got pretty much scowled for fighting with her husband. I finally got to the point of all this, a solid clue about the whereabouts of the sword. Something I really did not like finding out. After the sword appeared here, this universes Starswirl decide to lock it within a magical tome. One that was then split in half. One half was given to the crystal ponies and the other half kept in the archives in Canterlot. Which was the rub, I had to go back and avoid getting captured. On top of that, it seems that Cadence watched the fight and had asked me for a very serious favor.

“Does she really expect you to take Celestia down when she's hopped up on a power trip?” Moon asked angrily.

“I wouldn't be surprised,” I said looking at another book in the archives. As I have been looking for their half of the book. “I mean look at it from their perspective. It's clear that Celestia has gone off the deep end.”

“Obviously.” Shadow shot back.

“And I've shown that I can handle myself in a stacked against the odds kind of fight.”

“Again obviously.”

“This pretty much makes me the wildcard and I don't have an affiliate to any ruling party. So if anyone could do it without a political dumpster fire, it would be me.” I said.

“You do make a pretty good wildcard,” Shadow said.

“Tell me about it,” Moon commented and I could just hear the eyes rolling on that one.

“We just did.” Shadow shot back.

“Oh bite me Shadow.”

“Where at?”

“I'm I going to have to put a wall between you two?” I shot back because I did not need where that was going to go in my head right now.

“No...” Both of them said as I continued to look over another book.

“That being said, I need to figure out how to get into the castle again,” I said with a sigh as I put the book back as I didn't even really look at it.

“What about the key you got from our universe Celestia,” Moon commented and I blinked for a few moments.

“I don't know if it will work here.” With a wave of my hand, I reached into the pocket space and pulled out the golden key I got. Walking to the closest door, I slipped the key into the lock and with a click, the door opened into a vastly different room. Namely the archives, instead of the Crystal Empire hallway. That leaves one other question. “Shadow go check to see who is around.”

“Roger Roger.” He said before a small black blob shot from my shadow and darted from shadow to shadow. Staying by the door I began to form a plan. Part of the problem last time was that the other guards were around and they caught me. Granted I didn't put up a resistance and if the guards remember. They may be hard to con into leaving their posts. Which makes sense to me. Daybreaker as she likes to call herself so far as shown to be the big bad here. So I would have to make it where I was a worse pony then her. That didn't leave me many options and all of them were not good. I would have to go with someone high up, that way a lot of the underlings will follow orders. But that doesn't account for a hothead hot shot that could be hiding in the ranks. “This is Canterlot and by the look of it, they upped the number of guards.”

“Ah, shit. Well, at least this gives me something to go off of.” With that, I shut a door and reopened it back to the Crystal Empire hall. Slowly making my way to the Empires war room. A room that Shining and I had used one time for planning. Looking at the guard I had asked one of them to get Cadence for a talk and that I would meet her in here. Stepping into the room I saw the room was more used as a war room. Unlike the Equestria I'm used too, this one had monitors and screens with maps and data. A good chunk of it was about Canterlot and I took some time as I waited to look over them. They had a lot of intel, including the placement of the guards and high-level targets. With a grin, I began to form a plan in my head. Losing track of time, I almost failed to notice the door was opening. Standing there in what looked like casual clothes stood Cadence. Instead of her dress, she had blue jeans and a pink shirt on. She did keep her crown on as the one in my universe did. “Hello, Princess Cadence,” I said with a bow.

“That's Princess Mi Amore Cadenza to you Nerada.” She growled.

“Fair enough. I will help you deal with Celestia, but it won't be for free.” I answered.

“Very rarely do mercenaries do it for free. So what's the prices?” She asked crossing her arms under her chest.

“I want your half of the book.” That got her to look at me in surprise.

“Why do you want it?” She asked as her gaze secularize me.

“Because it houses an artifact I need to save my home.” That got her stance to loosen up.

“I will consider it.” She said coming over to the table. “Only if you tell me the truth. Who are you really?”

“Why do you want to know?” I asked taking a seat across from her.

“Because if I am going to trust my half of a supposed powerful artifact, I don't want it to fall into the hands of somepony worse then Celestia.” That was a fair point. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I would have asked for the same thing. Never put your faith into someone you've never met without knowing about their character.

“I will, but what I say never leaves this room.” She stared at me for a few moments as the gears in her head turned.

“Agreed.” She said and I just nodded. Slowly reaching up, I slide the mask off completely and placed it on the table. Cadence gave a look as she expected it, then I reached up to the clasp on the cloak. With a click, the cloak itself slid down to show my massive wings. That's when her eyes shot wide and she stood up knocking the chair back. Right then the door began to swing open, but before anyone could stop me. I forced the door shut magically.

“Princess are you alright in there?!” Yelled one of the guards through the door.

“I-I'm fine. Stand down.” She ordered as the door stopped being raddled from the guards trying to force it open through my magic.

“W-who are you?” She asked as I could tell she was unnerved at the sight of me. Which I don't blame her. Outside of Celestia, Luna, and herself, there weren't any other alicorns.

“My name is Ryhn Firestorm. I am a dralicorn from a different universe.”

“Dralicorn?”

“Dragon Alicorn, I'm a hybrid of a dragon and alicorn.”

“That would explain the ice breath when you fought my husband.”

“He was a tough fight, I will admit.” She slowly picked up her seat and sat back down.

“Is this how you know our names?”

“Yes, I've met your counterparts in my universe, and in fact, we are related there.” She eyed me.

“How?”

“A technical adoption, the Celestia and Luna in my universe are my aunts which makes us cousins there and before you ask. Yes, that is why I know the layout of your castle. For the most part, the castles are one for one. The rest of Equestria not so much since this version of it is underwater.”

“Did your Celestia never turned into Daybreaker?” She asked.

“No, it was our Luna and she became Nightmare Moon. I suspect the same version of events happened here. Celestia got jealous of Luna so in turn she became Daybreaker and tried to put an end to her. But still being her sister she put her in the ocean because she couldn't kill her, herself. She still loved her. But since that day everything went belly up. Celestia kept the sun out longer which melted the ice around the Crystal Empire, you and Shining Armor used your magic to grow the Crystals under it so you could save the empire. Since then you've been trying to find a way to deal with Daybreaker.”

“For someone who isn't from this universe as they say. You know a hell of a lot of what happened here.” She said eyeing me.

“It comes from reading between the lines and making some broad guesses.”

“Then why do you want this artifact?”

“As I said, to save my home. From what I can tell there is a lot of prophecies that say the 'Dark one' will come and destroy my universe. I've seen a memory of the first time the 'Dark one' attacked and it was during the time of Starswirl and both Celestia and Luna's mother. From there the artifact was part of a set called the Artifacts of Harmony which created the Elements of Harmony. I have found all of them but one.”

“And that's one in the book?”

“Yes.”

“Then why did you get involved in our fight with Daybreaker?”

“That ended up by accident, when I arrived which was in the slums. I ended up talking to a mare there who gave me a lowdown of the area. She explained the disappearance of Luna and if Celestia was close to the one I know of. If I was caught I would have to play a card and lucky for me it panned out.”

“What card?”

“I brought up Luna and it was so she would link her feelings for her to me. So she had me 'drowned' near her and I will admit part of me wanted to know what happened. I just didn't expect to find her alive. From there I had to save her and you know how that song and dance goes.” She nodded with as she took both hands together and placed it on her forehead as she leaned down, with her elbows on the table.

“So it was all by chance?”

“The universe works in weird ways,” I said with a smirk.

“Tell me about it.” She said looking at me in disbelief.

“So do we have a deal?” I asked standing up and walking around to hold out my left hand. She looked at me for a moment before standing up and grabbing it.

“Yes. So what's your plan?” She asked looking me in the face.

“Well Princess Mi Amore Cadenza-”

“Cadence, you can call me Princess Cadence.” She said interrupting me.

“Alright Princess Cadence, I plan to con one of the higher guards of Canterlot to persuade the lower staff to abandon their posts.” That got her to look at me in surprise.

“How do you plan to do that?”

“To become much scarier then Daybreaker.”

“How?”

“Let's just say, the devil is in the details.” With that, my eyes turned red as I could see the look in Cadence's eye.

“W-what do you need?” I heard the shake in her voice.

“I just need a room and two guards,” I said grinning like the devil himself.

***---***

The halls of Canterlot were quiet, especially in the wake of the stranger that can stir up trouble. After breaking into the castle and the archives themselves, just to anger their queen it left echos throughout the halls of the castle. They had finally died down after Queen Daybreaker sent one of her fleet after The Royal Blue. But so far nothing was heard from the ship after the three days. This had angered the Queen and every guard was on edge because this wasn't her normal kind of anger. This was silent and the last time she had gone quite was the day she went from the radiant Celestia to the tyrannical Daybreaker. At this time the guards in the hall had been doubled to the point that there was always one guard almost every five yards and a few extra walking up and down the halls. At this very moment, a guard named Southern Wing was making his rounds. His brown mane and tail bobbed as he took his time checking each room. For the most part, he was trying to just make it through his day. For the most part, it was rather tame considering that they were on red alert from Storm's infiltration of the castle. Walking into the next empty guest room, that's when everything turned pear-shaped. As Southern Wing did his sweep of the room. A small tap could be heard coming from the bathroom. Making sure he took slow steps to quiet them approaching the door. He reached the handle with his AK-47 at the ready.

Suddenly from his own shadow, a blackened mass shot up and grabbed the gun from his grip holding it out of his reach. A second hand shot up and grabbed the stallion. Suddenly a third arm reached up and grabbed Southern Wing by the muzzle. In seconds the stallion began to sink into his own shadow. Inside fear was raising as he was doing his best to not show it as he was swallowed up leaving him in complete inkiness. His senses swam and blurred as he lost track of where he was. After what felt like minutes he found himself in a blackened room in a solo wooden chair. Coming to his senses, he looked around to see a glowing creepy smile floating in the blackened room.

"Hello, Southern Wing." Said the dark creepy voice as it moved like it was floating on an invisible ethereal wind.

"Depends on who's asking." Wing said giving a flat look.

"Let's just say someone who rathers have a helpful hand deal with a problem." The face said as it floated around more.

"And why would I do that?" Southern said standing up as he used his hands to feel around for one of his weapons.

"Because Daybreaker needs to go."

"And why should I go against the Queen?” He said taking a defensive stance against the floating face.

“Because some dogs need to be put down before they do more harm than good and you know what I mean.” Said the figure as he formed into a full-body figure in a blackened cloak. “Don't bother looking for your weapons I have removed them from you.”

Southern Wing rushed the figure to deliver a blow to the sternum in hopes of cracking it. This, however, wasn't the outcome he got. The figure reached up its rather massive claw to catch the fist and applied pressure to it almost breaking the bones in Southern's hand. He then pulled his hand back still holding onto Southern's and then forced it forward smashing into his face. Sending him flying back and over the chair. The figured stood there watching Southern's dazed look as his word was sent spinning from the massive blow to his head. Once the world stopped spinning, Southern got to his hooves and with a kick, sent the wooden chair flying at the figure. With a flick of his head, the chair stopped in midair covered in a burning orange aura before it was sent to the left. The sounds of snapping and splintering wood were heard as the chair broke into pieces upon impact with the wall. Taking the distraction of the chair Southern ducked down and tried to go for a tackle. The figure jumped up and as Southern was right under him, the figure stomped down upon his head crushing his head into the ground. Not enough to do permanent damage, but left Southern Wing unconscious.

What happened next was a surprise to the figure. As soon as any awareness left Southern Wing, his body began to be engulfed in a red magical flame. In seconds it died away to show that the once brown maned pegasus stallion was now a red-maned changeling.

“Did not see that one coming.” Said the figure it reached down and picked up the figure. With a snap of his other hands claw, the chair reformed and Southern was placed upon it.

“So they have Changelings here too.” said a second male voice.

“It seems so, disgusting little things.” said a third female voice. “but why is it red? Aren't changelings greener to blue colored?”

“Could be this universes Changelings are red.” Said the figure looking over the body as chains began to form through the holes in Southern's arm that attached to the chair itself. He looked over the body as it flipped his wrist and a green card appeared in its hand. Setting it upon Southern's head, he focused magic into it as Southern begins to stir again. Fading back into the darkness so only his face was showing the figure waited for Southern to fully wake up that only took a few minutes. “Did anyone get the number of that pony cart?”

“I believe it was 'sore ass'” The figured said with mirth in its voice.

“You...” Southern said eyeing the figure. “What did you need me to do?”

“A little forthcoming this time Changeling.” Said the figure as it stepped back out. “What I need you to do is get every castle staff out of the castle within the next two hours without alerting Daybreaker.” Southern looked the figure over slowly before nodding.

“I can do that.” The figure stood there quietly.

“Make sure you do, because any pony left in the castle, they will be killed if they get in my way.”

“Noted.” The figure snapped his fingers and the chains disappeared like they were made of smoke.

“I will return you back to where I grabbed you.” The figured say before a blackened mass spread out from the figure's shadow before both Southern and itself sank into it. Seconds later they reappeared within the empty guest room in Canterlot Castle. “Your guns are in the bathroom, and remember two hours.”

“Understood.” He said with a bow as the figure sunk back into the shadow before it slipped away out of the room. “Time to get to work,” Southern said as his body was engulfed in flames taking back his normal form.

***---***

“Do you think he did it?” Shadow asked as Storm made his way to a door.

“I can only hope.” Storm said adjusting the mask on his face before pulling out the magical gate key. Sliding the key into the nearby door forming to fit the door's lock. Turning the handle the door opened up into the archive once again. Stepping through, Storm looked around to see if anypony was nearby. “So far, so good.” Storm said walking towards the main door of the archives. Getting to it, Storm slowly turned the knob and slowly peered out into the castles interior hallway.

Empty.

It was completely and utterly empty of any staff. Not a guard, maid, or normal staff that would be running around at this time. Either being the mages doing spell research, or the standard guards doing their patrol rounds. His gaze looked around the other direction and more of the same. With a nod of his head, shadow shot out of Storm's shadow and shot down the hall. Stepping out, Storm slowly moved towards one of the many armories throughout the castle to grab some supplies. Almost completely emptying it into his pocket space he stepped back out with a new set of armor and loaded to the teeth. In his hand was a short sword as he made his way towards the throne room.

“Are you ready for this?” Nightmare Moon asked sounding worried.

“Ready as I'm going to be.” Storm answered as he was scanning the halls as he walked down them. Each one empty as the last. Pulling out a yellow card he placed it onto the blade and waiting till he got to the main hall. Each step echoing throughout the castle as if the hallowed nature of it sounded like the ticking of a clock. Each step leading up to the moment where two beings are about to clash. With a wash of magic, the card began to spark up and down the blade turning the steel gray blade into a bright red. Right there in front of him stood the door to the throne room. Three quick slashes through the air sent swipes of magic towards and through the door and slams around the throne where Daybreaker sat by herself. The doors to the throne room fell in pieces from the magical slashes that sliced through it like a hot knife through butter. Firestorm slowly walked in completely concealed in his cloak and white and red smiley face mask while leaving a small pile of melted slag from the once short sword. Daybreaker watched from her throne as he did feeling the rage and contempt coming from her.

“I see you survived your water burial,” Daybreaker said as she took a lax position on her throne.

“What can I say, I'm a survivor.” He said with a shrug. Daybreaker didn't look amused by his comment before sitting back up straight.

“Well sadly for you, that won't happen twice.” She said before raising her voice yelling “Guards!” with her voice echoed throughout the castle. In a few seconds, a black box with a white outline appeared next to Firestorm with the words 'But no one came.' “Guards!” she repeated only for a second box to appear before the first. She repeated it one last time and as the third box appeared. She summoned her large golden poleaxe with a spear tip and used it to focus magic into a beam, shattered all three text windows. “Enough!”

“Something wrong Celestia?”

“Do not call me that you cur!” She said firing a second beam at him with him only jumping above the attack and floats down back.

“Something wrong?” Firestorm grinned behind his mask as he touched down gently. “I thought you liked to be called by your name.”

“My name is Daybreaker!”

“More like Daybroken.”

“You dare think you can defeat me.” She growled pointing her blade towards him. Storm just stood there before sliding his arm out of the cloak. With a swipe of his hand to the right, a small flat transparent screen appeared looking like an over futuristic media player.

“Here's the thing Celes-” was all he got out before she tried blasting him again only for the screen to move and intercept it. “As I was saying, here's the thing...” He said before pressing play as a version of 'Megalo Strikes Back' begins to play. “You're not dealing with a normal pony.” He said reaching up to the clasp that held his cloak in place. With a quick flip on it, the whole thing began to slide down to show the full covering armor underneath it that seemed heavier then any normal pony could wear as he spread his large orange feathered wings with their red-scaled crest. He then raised his hand up and grabbed the mask. Gently and slowly he pulled the mask forwards as the music grew to a crescendo. All before shattering it into pieces that fell and disappeared to show his horn. “It's alright to be scared, Celestia.” He continued as Daybreaker took a small step back in shock at seeing what looked like to her another alicorn. “I have done this countless times.” Raising his left hand to his right, a small pool of magic appeared and within it a handle of a sword. With a swift motion, he drew the blade leaving the sound of metal scraping metal as Daybreaker saw the Moon Cleaver once again. This time in the hands of Storm. “I will make this quick.” He finished before giving a dark chuckle.

“How did you get that sword?” Daybreaker growled.

“Sorry, Classified.” He said grinning as this was the breaking point for Daybreaker, who flew forward stabbing at Firestorm. Who in turn jumped up and landed on her polearm as if he was lightweight. She growled more as she pulled back her weapon and ready to swing it. He on the other hand jumped and landed a few feet away. “I guess you lost your little pranking mood.” With a snap of his fingers, a ripple of magic shot throughout the castle.

“What did you do?” She asked as a flick of magic readied a shield spell.

“Took control of the space.” He said as he waved his arm and the already spacious throne room began to morph into an arena-sized space. “Don't want to fight in such a confined area after all.” With another snap, the music began to change into a metal version of Axel F from Beverly hill cops. He grinned as readied himself taking a familiar one-handed stance. Daybreaker however rushed Storm using her wings to propel herself forward with tremendous speed. Within a few feet, she pulled her arms back and swung at Storm, who in turn jumped back. She predicted this and with a flip her ax around to swing back for a second swipe. Storm grinned as he flatted the blade against his right arm to take the brunt of the force. Then he raised his palm towards Daybreaker as a blast of magic shot out, and set her back.

“Your tricks aren't going to save you.” She growled as her horn lit up and she sent a beam of magic at Storm. He smirked and turned the sword on the flat side like a cricket bat. With a powerful swing, he met her beam head-on and returned it back to sender. She sidestepped it to avoid it as focused on her magic again and in a flash disappeared. Storm smirked as Daybreaker appeared behind him to find the tip of his sword already trusted at her. In the seconds to react, she bent back to avoid. What she didn't see was his draconic tail slithering around her leg before it constructed. Storm began to turn and took the now unprepared Daybreaker a ride. Flicking his tail, she was released and flung right into one of the standing pillars.

“Did you really think I didn't expect the whole pop up behind trick?” He said smirking. “I guess the saying is true. Can't teach an old bitch, new tricks.” Daybreaker growled as she pulled herself off the pillar.

“You think your funny huh?” She said as her snare turned into a smirk. “Here's a question, do you think you can keep up that snark under fire?” With a flick of magic, a pillar of fire erupted underneath Storm. She then began to laugh at the defeat of her foe. Suddenly she felt a tap behind her, she turned to see Storm standing there.

“Surprise bitch!” He said before punching the regent in the back, right into the sensitive spot right between her wings. The force of the blow sent her flying with no way to aerially recover. A blow like that sent ripples of pain through her wings. Storm grinned as he faded into the ground before appearing a few feet in front of her. Swinging back his right leg, he waiting for her to get close enough before planting it squarely into Daybreaker's chin with enough force that sent her flying straight into the mile-high ceiling. She then began to full after the impact.

“Enough of these games.” She said regaining control of her wings. Turning to see Firestorm grinning up at her with his arms crossed. She held her hand out to the right as her horn began to over glow twice. Within her palm what looked like a miniature sun began to form. “I hope you can enjoy this. It's not often I get to get serious with my prayers.” With that, she threw the burning ball of energy at him. He just stood there as a shield formed around him of orange magic. What he didn't expect was for the ball of magic stopping a few feet before him. “It's not that simple.” She snapped her fingers as the ball rapidly enlarged engulfing Storm and his shield within itself. Landing with a soft thump, she watched the ball of fire char the once pristine white marble to a now charred and soot black. Letting a deep and throaty laugh at her victory.

Truth was she hadn't faced anyone that could really hurt her since she had defeated her sister. This was enough to get her blood pumping again, enough that she was tempted to finally deal with her niece's kingdom to the north. Something that has been a rather annoying torn in her side. She turned to try and take the space back over.

“It's not going to be that easy.” She heard coming from the burning orb. Daybreaker turned to see the orb began to rise up with Storm holding it from the bottom. “Sorry to say, this wasn't hot enough.” With that his own magic began to wrap around it as the large red ball of fire began to turn yellow, then white before the air around it began to spark. “Funny thing about fire or I should say what comes from it.”

“And what's that?” She said taking a stance waiting for his throw of the ball of flames.

“The fourth state of matter.” He said as the ball began to shrink and condense as space was taken up with sparks. “And all I have to do is turn up the heat.” He said as he reached forward with his right hand and grabbed the ball as the air around it heated up. In mere seconds, the air turned into plasma or as most ponies and people know it as... Lightning. Spark began to run through his body as it began to smoke.

“No pony can take that much lightning and survive,” Daybreaker commented with a smirk as her stance relaxed. What she didn't see coming was Storm moving in a flash, nailing her in the face with his fist. Right as Ron Wasserman's Go Green Ranger Go instrumental began to play. Daybreaker tried to recover using her wings but was too slow as Storm flew up behind her and sent her flying forward with a well-placed kick. Flipping into the air, she landed on a pillar and jumped off trying to avoid his next strike. With a little luck, she did, as the pillar shattered from the impact of his kick. She was able to catch a glimpse of him, and what shook her was his eyes. The once whites of his eyes turned black leaving only the piercing red eyes to stab into her soul. It was a moment before he flew at her, tackling her in the air. With a resonating crash, she hit the floor tearing up the stone as she slid across the room. She shook to get up onto her feet as Storm landing at the beginning of her trail of destruction.

“What's wrong Celestia?” He said with a slight tilt to his head. She turned to see that his mane was nothing more than lightning sparking in every direction and the spine of his tail was arcing bolts down the length. “What happened to that bravado you had a few seconds ago?” Daybreaker growled and sent a bolt of magic at him, and he swatted it away with the back of his hand like it was nothing.

“What do you want?” She said as she was trying to formulate a plan.

“What I want is you to stand down.” He said slowly walking closer. “You spent years turning a wonderful land into nothing more than a giant ocean. Where people have to scrounge by to live, where every day that remaining land dwindles down to nothing. Where in your very own city, ponies have homes one moment and a watery grave the next. All because you couldn't handle being second best.”

“You know nothing about me!” She yelled as her temper raised and her mane began to burn brighter.

“I know well enough Celestia. You let your own jealousy turn you into a monster.” He said stopping only a few feet away as the once energetic music began to turn into the music box version of Broken Promise, from the Dark Cloud soundtrack.

“Then what does that make you?” She growled. “You came here, disrupted my capital-” She continued before Storm interrupted.

“I'm a monster of a different sort. One that's seen this play out too many times to count. I saw what happened when a sister couldn't be in the spotlight anymore. I saw a teacher get rid of her student in hopes to learn a lesson without that least tether to her own well being.” He said before taking a long breath. Daybreaker taking that moment to teleport behind him with a hidden knife in her hand. What she didn't count on was that he already was turned around when she appeared with two guns in hand. “Checkmate.” He said before firing sending each round into her wings, effectively grounding her. She let out a scream of pain as her once pristine white wings were now covered in crimson. Before she was sent flying again with another kick to her gut. She slid across the floor leaving a trail of blood in her wake. Storm only shook his head as he began walking towards her.

“What do you plan to do now?” She asked as she tried to slide back away from him.

“You should have picked a different host.” Storm said confusing Daybreaker.

“What do you mean?” She asked confused.

“You picked someone who you could control, not someone to would know you better.” He said before darkly chuckling. “It's funny, the very same thing happened to her sister and look where that got her. Destroyed, because she took control and played her hand. What you need is someone that you can agree with. Someone with real power in their hands.” He said as his eyes focused directly on her eyes. “So Daybreaker, do you want to make a deal?” Standing before her, he grabbed her collar and began dragging her up to his eye level.

“You do make a convincing argument, and it seems that this body is no longer of use to me as you easily bested her.” She continued as a red aura began to form around her body. It flickered and wavered as if it was a flame itself as it began to rise off her body. In those moments Daybreakers mane began to turn back into the pastel four tone mane of Celestia and her horn began to look less sharp then it before. The rising aura began to turn into the upper body of Daybreaker. “I think I will take you up on that- Ugch” Was all she got out before a large blacken shadow shot out from Storm's shadow and pinned Daybreaker to the wall behind her. “What's the meaning of this?”

“This would be the end of Daybreaker.” Storm said with a grin.

“What, why? I thought you wanted to work with me?!” Daybreaker said panicking as she tried to thrash herself out of the claws hold.

“Oh, I was lying through my teeth. I knew you would jump at the chance to take control of someone stronger then Celestia and all I had to do was pin you outside of her body.”

“You can't keep me trapped here, sooner or later your grip is going to wane. As soon as I'm free, I'm going to just take over again.” She said with a grin on her face like she will one regardless.

“That would be the case if it wasn't one thing.” Storm said returning her grin with one of his own as she saw her sharp teeth. “When you're like that, your just a soul using it's remaining magic to sustain yourself. But souls have a limit to the amount of magic he can hold. While the bigger the soul the more magic it can hold.” His horn began to glow black as he placed his prosthetic claws into the arm of the black arm holding Daybreaker in place. “The only thing that can disrupt that is a special school of magic.” As soon as those words left his mouth Daybreaker's look turned from over confident to worried almost into the realm of scared.

“Necromancy.” She said with a slight quiver to her voice.

“Precisely, and out of all the beings that came to face you. Take a guess who has knowledge of the said school.” Right then her face turned into one of manic.

“Can we talk about this? I mean if you let me go I can assure you that you will have anything your hearts desire.”

“And why would I do that? Please you would double-cross me any chance you get. Na, it's easier to just deal with you now.” He said as the aura slowly slides down the side of his face and up his arm and into the blackened limb.

“Please just let me live!” She began to beg.

“Nope, it's time to for this Day to turn tonight for the last time.” He said as he blinked and his blood-red eyes turned teal as Daybreaker wailed in pain as the aura reached up to her. Slowly her body began to dissolve as if she was nothing but a film reel melting till there was nothing left. Storm pulled his arm back as the blackened arm retreated back into the shadows. “Shadow go send word to Cadence.”

“Alright,” Shadow said shooting out of his shadow and down the hall. Reaching into his pocket space he pulled out a large medical bag with a large red cross on it.

“I did a number here.” He said as he opened up and set himself to fixing this mess.

***---***

Several hours have passed since the fight as the castle itself had a different feel about it. It was abuzz with activity. From the maids running around cleaning up the mess, the guards making sure everything was secure, and the medical staff rushing in and out of the throne room. In that time Princess Cadence made her way form the archives, accompanied by her husband Shining Armor, Princess Luna, and the crew of The Royal Blue. Slowly making their way they watched the guards stop and salute to both Cadence and Shining Armor.

“This feels weird,” Shining said as he was adjusted his dress armor while keeping his hand on the small saber attached to his belt.

“It is, but Nerada told me that everything will be alright,” Cadence said back as she was in her royal garb. Unlike her normal dress, this one was much more slimming and trimmed with golden lace.

“I can't believe you trust that stallion.” Rainbow Dash commented.

“I'm with Dash on this one,” Shining commented as he kept his guard up the whole way to the throne room. “There is something around that stallion that just rubs me the wrong way.”

“Nerada has shown he has a good head on his shoulders given the circumstances,” Luna said as they get to the throne room where they see a bandaged Celestia sitting on the steps to the throne with Nerada standing next to her back in his cloak and mask. They both turned to look at the newcomers. Celestia seeing her sister she turned her head down in shame. Luna slowly made here way over to her sister and stood before her. Seconds past that turned into minutes as the two sisters stood there. The moment broke when Luna hugged her sister as Nerada stepped back and leaned against a nearby column. “Sister it's been too long,” Luna said in her embrace of her sister.

“Luna, I am so sorry for what I did to you,” Celestia said as she began to cry. A set of tears that talked about years of pent up pain being an observer in her own body. She saw everything Daybreaker was making her do. Even both times she saw Nerada, and she was praying that he would be the one to finally put her down. She never imagined that he would be the one to save her from the entity that was born from her own jealousy of her sister.

“I don't blame you, one-bit sister, you weren't you at the time.”

“Auntie Celestia?” Cadence said slowly walked up and joined in with the hug. Nerada watching this only nodded and left leaving the group of them to have their emotional reunion.

“Where do you think you're going?” Shining and Dash both commented at the same time.

“Leave him alone,” Celestia commented looking up at both of them.

“And why should we listen to you?” Dash commented with a flat look.

“Lay off her Dash, she wasn't in control here,” Nerada said walking up to her and hands back her gun. “Let them have their moment.” With that, he left again.

“What does he mean that you weren't in control here?” Shining asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“I was possessed by a being called Daybreaker. It... fed on my jealousy and when it was strong enough, it took over. First, it dealt with my sister and then changed everything.” Celestia said slowly sitting back down.

“How is that even possible?” Cadence inquired.

“Sometimes there are magics in plays that are beyond our understanding,” Luna explained as she sat next to her sister.

“Especially when it comes to fear,” Nerada said appearing behind Shining. This caused all of them to jump at the sudden appearance of Nerada.

“How in Tartarus did you appear like that after just leaving?” Dash said pointing her gun at him.

“All I was doing was returning the weapons I grabbed so I dropped them off and came back.” He said with a grin behind his mask. “Plus that gun doesn't have any ammo.” With a click from Dash pulling the trigger. She growled and put the gun back in her holster. At that moment Shining drew his saber and had it pointed at Nerada's neck. “I would put down the sharp toy before somepony gets hurt again.”

“No more games. Who are you really and what did you do to my wife to get her to go along with all this?” He growled.

“Shining Armor!” Cadence said stepping forward only to stop at Nerada's hand raising to stop her.

“If you must know.” He said as magic began to spark off him. In seconds Shining Armor found himself on the ground with his saber pointed at him with Nerada's hoof planted on his chest. “All you have to do is ask nicely. So let's hear it correctly this time.”

“Can you... please... tell us who you are?” Shining said with a shake to his voice. He never expected to be so outdone in seconds that it threw him off. He watched as Nerada reached up and undo the clasp on his cloak. Dropping to the floor like a river of cloth, it showed his large orange wings. In turn, he waved a hand over the mask as it disappeared as if it was turned to dust showing the large orange horn on his head.

“Does this answer your question?” That got everyone but Cadence, Celestia, and Luna to look at him in surprise.

“How is this possible?” Twilight said in shock.

“Because out of everypony here, I keep myself hidden.” He said with a snap of his fingers and his cloak and mask reappeared on him. Stepping off Shining, Nerada reached down with his left hand and offered to help him up. Shining not taking it got back up to his hooves as he stared at Nerada the whole time. With a flip, Nerada held out his sword by the blade itself. Taking the blade and returning it to its sheave, Shining turned around and left leaving everypony else to watch.

“Nerada, what do you plan to do next?” Luna asked.

“After I get both halves of the book, I will be returning home barring anything else happening.” He answered.

“Could I make one request?” Celestia asked looking at him.

“Within reason.” He shot back.

“I would like you to accompany me into a diplomatic meeting.” He looked at her for a few moments before signing.

“Fine but, I get both halves of the book directly afterward. Anything beyond that and I will find it myself. Am I clear?” He said in a way where no one would refuse him.

“Crystal,” Celestia said standing up slowly.

***---***

I fucking hate this... I seriously fucking hate this. I thought this would be closer to the whole royal submit, but without me in one of the seats. Course it is like that but what I didn't expect that the other seats would be taken up by six different fucking changeling Queens. Including the queen bitch herself Chrysalis as she is standing there in a mixture of elegant and a bit ratty. Most of the queens are wearing about the same thing. A very slim dress of their main color. Chrysalis in her green, as well as Chiton the Queen of the red changelings. Next to her is Caprica in purple, and her sister Lucana in white. There is the last two Costa in orange, and finally Scara in Blue. Now the latter five I don't know anything about, but Chrysalis is a beast of another story. If she is anything like the one in my world, she is one I have to keep my eye on.

“Thank you for meeting me,” Celestia said standing before them on one side of the round table. She started with a sweeping hand gesture to welcome it. Now all but Chrysalis gave a welcoming nod. The queen bitch bug herself just gave Celestia a shooing wave of her hand as all of them sat down in the chairs.

“Shall we skip the pleasantries and get to the heart of the matter?” Said Scara who had this whole Egyptian vibe coming from her as her main heavily reminded me of a scarab beetle.

“I agree with my sister,” Costa commented as she had a more modern look to her as she held herself in a business sense. “Because of the flooding, most of our hives had to abandon our homes and had to scramble together to survive.”

“I'm sorry to hear that. Is there any way I can help?” Celestia started.

“How about dealing with the water that you caused,” Chrysalis stated.

“Sister, we agreed to be civil about this.” Said Chiton with an annoyed tone to her voice. Out of the six, this one took a more regal stance. As her legs weren't crossed like Chrysalis' was as she had her legs closed and slightly angled almost as if she was going to sit on her knees if it wasn't for the seat in the way.

“And why should we? From the reports, I'm getting Canterlot is currently at it's weakest. Why should we just take it over and- ark!” Was all I let her get out before I appeared before her and was holding her by her throat a few feet in the air. She was trying to use her wings to keep herself aloft so gravity wasn't adding to it.

“Say that one more time and I will make sure there are only five queens left. Am I clear?” I growled at her. The look of anger in her eyes.

“You bast- ahk!” I gave her throat a little squeeze. “I get it, please stop!” She said finally as I let her go and she dropped to the table.

“I believe you got your answer to why. They may be at their weakest but, even that is overpowering.” Said Scara with a smirk.

“I will make you regret that,” Chrysalis commented as she slid back into her seat.

“Not likely.” He said with a smug in his voice.

“I apologize for our sister. She has issues that we are trying to deal with. Chiton commented giving her sister the stink eye.

“It's quite alright. I want to apologize for my friend here. He's very... blunt and has a hair-trigger.” She said with a wave of her hand. She did not just toss my ass under the bus like that.

“I think she did,” Shadow commented sounding just as annoyed as me.

“But back to the topic, is there anything I can do to help?” Celestia said as I fumed in anger.

“At this point, a bit of a merger of sorts would be the best way,” Caprica answered as she sat there in a more cross-legged style.

“How would we do something like that.” Celestia inquired.

“Rather easily, have them help with the rebuild project of the low quarter to help reinforce it to last longer. In doing so will help set things right and help ponies getting used to them being around. Moving on from there have them help businesses and expand to the point that they are intermingled into everyday life. Going even further have them also help deal with trade between the Crystal Empire.” I said butting in at this point.

“That would do it the fastest,” Scara commented.

“But coming from the Daybreaker empire, I could see a lot of hesitation in a new group coming into everyday life like that,” Caprica commented.

“Right now would be a perfect time, as Daybreaker is now not in power. Since Canterlot is in the middle of a power shift back to the old guard. This would be the perfect time for adding a new element to help prevent the last guard from being in power again. Since Canterlot will be under two rulers so there will be a balance to it all. Plus if you all agree to have monthly meetings barring major events going on. Then you can keep this all in check. As a means to help things in line while always expanding each nation. But do limit yourselves to just those in the room. Have Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire and those in the Dragon Empire.” I once again tacked in. “The fact of the matter here is that if you want this world to turn for the better, you all need to work together. No power struggle, or ways to rule them all. Work together and everyone wins.” They all looked at each other and then back to me. All of them slowly nodded at this. “Alright, I would say take the next few days to explore the city and think about what your hive needs the most to get its footing. Then come back here and discuss what your willing to put on the table in return for the help.”

With that, the meeting was done, which I don't understand why none of them could think of this themselves. Like most of the political bullshit would be cut if most of the beings would use the brains they had. Like seriously, if that did happen then Celestia and Luna in my universe would have less bullshit to deal with in their respective courts if the ponies coming for 'advice' would think for once. They wouldn't have so busy days dealing with the stupid. It seems to be something multi-universal. That being said, I was so glad that this was a short meeting. Now I can finally leave and get back to my universe. We watched the other queens left as their respective guards waiting for them just outside of the door. One of them included Southern Wing who looked at me and gave a bow before the door closed behind them.

“Now that is out of the way. Shall we get our business done?” I asked as I waved my hand over my face so the mask would disappear.

“Yes, but first,” Celestia said holding her hand out as I watched her pull her polearm from a magical portal, much as I had with The Moon Cleaver. “This here is my Piercing Sun.” She said handing it to me. Gently taking it I watched as her horn began to glow brightly. That was followed by the wind around me started to kick up. In seconds it felt like a whirlwind around me that could pull me from the ground but didn't. That was stopped for a second before I was slammed in the chest that sent me flying onto the table. Did she just...

“Why did you bind Piercing Sun to me?” I asked bringing my feet up into the air where I brought it close to my head. Before using the momentum of kicking to bring myself up to my feet.

“It was the only way I could think of thanking you for saving me. Even though you did it so you could get these.” Celestia said as her horn glowed brighter as two halves of a massive book appeared in her hands. Magically lifting it up into the air and over to me. Using my own magic, I took it from her and placed them both in my spacial storage.

“You know what, I'm done questioning it. Well as this was all I was here for. I'm out.” I said clapping my hands and turned away from Celestia.

“Will, I ever see you again?” That got me to stop for a moment. “You may see A me,” I said turning around. “But not the me.”

“What do you mean by that?” She asked.

“I'm from a different universe completely. So there stands to reason that there is a version of me here. But it won't be the same one as me. If I were you, I would try to find him but with caution. As I don't know his life here was like.” I said as I focused chaotic magic into my right claw.

“I will take that into advisement. But thank you again for saving my sister and I and it has been a pleasure knowing you Nevada.” She said with a bow.

“Storm, Firestorm,” I said as she looked up at me. “My name is Firestorm. Don't forget it.” With that, I turned and slashed through the air creating a tear through space and time. On the other side looked like the Castle of the two pony sisters.”

“Alright, I wish you luck with your travels.” She said as I waved goodbye and stepped through my portal. Once I was through I turned around to see the water world Celestia watching me as I gave her a two-finger send off and snapped my fingers. With that, my portal disappeared in a shine. Leaving me to stand alone on the main floor of the castle ruins. Looking around I found my little beacon that I made out of a ruby. Picking it up, I began to draw the magic I placed in it back into myself. With that, I opened my mouth and began to bite into the apple-sized gem. Almost as if it was the fruit it was the size of, my teeth sank through it with the same ease as the real thing.

“I know your there Nightling, you can come out,” I said before taking another bite. In seconds I felt a figure drop down behind me. Turning around I saw Nightling in her Wyvern armor bowing to me.

“It's nice seeing you again your highness, it's been a while.” She said before standing back up looking at me.

“How long has it been since I disappeared?”

“It's been almost five months.” She said looking up at me. That left me to say two words.

“Well... shit.”

[End of Chapter]

Author's Note

With that, we come to the end of the Codex Arc. Now I know these chapters have been shorter than my normal size, but I didn't want to dump a whole arc into one chapter. So I decided to split it up into four. Now for those wondering if Storm is ever going to go back to this universe. Well, time will tell. But it has left a lot of food for thought. Is there a Southern Wing in his universe and what about the other Changeling Queens? That my friends will be for another time.

But speaking of Southern Wing, he is from another set of stories from a friend of mine Southern Wing If you want to know more I would recommend reading a few of his. Especially Imprisonment Of A Changeling You never know, you may see ponies that are familiar.

That out of the way. It had been Five Months since Storm left to find a way to the magical sword. Now, what had he missed at that time?

Find out in the next chapter... possibly.
Stay Frosty My Friends