Those Distant Sisters

by Rettro

Rating: teen
Tags: Random, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 34616

Far across the ocean from any land known to Equestria sits the volcanic island nation of Hearth. It's ponies live a good life of technological and military sophistication - a land on the verge of change as two ponies get lost and wind up in Eque

Far across the ocean from any land known to Equestria sits the volcanic island nation of Hearth. It's ponies live a good life benefited by advanced technologies and metal flying machines that can carry any pony or cargo across the island in an instant, and watched over by the ever caring Hearth's Core military air force.

Big changes are coming to Hearth soon, and even the ponies responsible may have to change their plans when a routine flight gets lost in the fog and winds up over the magical land of Equestria. The sisters on board try to find a way home as they struggle first with survival, then life in a strange new land, then something none of them could have seen coming.

Note: Each chapter is told from a different point of view.

Published 2013-12-30 04:40:07 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-30 04:40:07 UTC

Chapter 1

Thick dark clouds spread in every direction around the airborne sisters, carrying political edicts from their leaders to the far reaches of the Hearth’s empire. Or, at least, that’s what they thought they were doing. The younger unicorn sister stood at a systems console onboard the HCC Thunder Hawk, her older earth pony sister’s ship. She practically hid behind the readout, having grown tired of staring at miles and miles of dark cloud in every possible direction.

“Come on, Resonance.” The older sister’s voice rang into her ears, forcing her to look up and acknowledge the lone golden iris peeking out from behind her sister’s azure mane. “I know it’s a little bleak, but that doesn’t mean we’re lost.” The older sister raised a steel gray hoof, pulling her mane from in front of her eyes and put on an award winning smile. The effect was not immediate after years of use, but not long after the oppositely colored sister let out a soft chuckle.

“That’s not fair, Evanescence.” The azure unicorn reached up to toss her sister’s mane back into its place. “You know I’m a hopeless pessimist and you know I can’t stand that little smile of yours.” What little bit of happiness that had crept its way onto her face disappeared as she continued. “We’ve been flying over the ocean for flames know how long and we’ve turned around some dozen times. We’ve been flying long enough to get past our landing zone four times already. How much fuel do we even have?”

The azure mare paced the cockpit during her tirade, eventually turning back to her sister. She was expecting the same patient smile she had turned away from, but instead practically trotted face-first into her sister’s flank.

“Jeeze Evvy, that’s your thing not mine.” She laughed openly, somewhat wondering if her sister set herself up for a joke just to lift her spirits. Resonance put a hoof on her sister’s winged heart cutie mark and pushed it aside, forcing her sister to turn around.

“Doesn’t matter anymore Resonance. I see land.” The earth pony’s smile lit up the cockpit of the cargo vessel just long enough before she added “and do NOT call me Evvy. You know I hate that.” Evanescence punctuated her point with a quick jab at her sister’s chest, then another that pushed her to the floor of the ship.

“Hey! No need to be so rough sis!” Resonance looked up and noticed her sister had joined her on the floor, looking quite confused. Before she could add another comment, the ship shook again with a low loud rumble. Both sisters scrambled to their hooves and ran to consoles, desperate to find the source of their troubles.

“Core engine offline, looks like we sprung a leak in the main fuel line. Tertiary engines can only keep us up for about 5 minutes. Call the landing site, we need to get priority on that strip.” Resonance turned away from the readout to see her sister abandon her post and slide a headset over her slick mane.

“This is the HCC Thunder Hawk flying over… wait, what? Where’s the strip?” Resonance joined her sister at the front window, and was greeted by miles and miles of rolling hills, marred only by a small town underneath and another larger town seemingly built out of a nearby cliff side. Evanescence pushed the communications controls again and began a different message.

“Mayday, mayday, come in Hearth’s Core, this is the HCC Thunder Hawk going down over an unknown population center. We have less than 5 minutes to find a suitable landing zone or this bird’s going down with a year’s worth of the president’s personal political stockpile on board! Code four-eight-six-three-delta.” Both sisters stood in the window, waiting for a reply. None came.

“Resonance, where are we?” The two sisters stared out into the pristine rolling hills, looking for any landmark they could identify. “I’ve flown every inch of Hearth a dozen times. I have never seen this place before.” The older sister’s voice faltered a bit at the revelation.

“Want me to go zap things out there and find out where we are, Evvy?” The younger sister asked, poking at her horn.

“Okay, Resonance, I was like, 5. I know how magic works now. And stop calling me Evvy. I swear this whole trip has been one big excuse for you to poke fun at me. I mean, we’re crashing, sis. Be serious.” Another rumble shook the ship, prompting a response from the younger sister.

“Hey, I’m supposed to be the pessimist here. You’re supposed to fly the ship. Wanna try that some?” Both sisters knew the effort was useless. There was no landing strip in view any direction, and the rolling hills would destroy any airplane foolish enough to try and land on them. The older sister let out a sigh as more and more lights began to blink on the front console. Four minutes down, one to go; time to abandon ship. Both sisters trotted to the only door on the plane that would open while in flight, and the steel gray sister began to help her younger counterpart into a parachute.

“I can put on a parachute, Evanescence. It’s like the first thing you ever taught me how to do with a plane.” The older sister didn’t stop, instead tugging each of the limb-straps tighter before standing back to admire her work. Resonance began to search the shelves, her hooves moving more and more franticly. “I don’t get it, where’s the other chute? Don’t we have two parachutes for a two-mare crew?” Evanescence smiled at her sister.

“I’m a pilot, Resonance. You’re a musician. You’re only up there because I need your help. Now, it’s my turn to help you. Don’t try to stop me.” With that, Evanescence stepped out of the plane.

She’s always been so strong for me, it’s finally my turn to do something right for her. Sure, she’s gonna be mad. I can deal with that, because she’s gonna be alive.

I can hear her behind me, sounds like the chute unfolded right. I got her in there so tight she can’t get loose if she wants to. Probably does, silly pony. She’s tugging at me with her magic. I know she can’t stop me, she’s only ever had to lift a few bows at once.

It’s fitting actually, falling like this. I’m finally flying all on my own.

They said I wasn’t meant to fly. That if I was, I’d have been born with wings. But that’s silly. Nopony’s born with wings. Wings are for angels.

I wonder if I’ll get a pair of my own when I hit the ground? Shouldn’t be long now. I can watch over my little Resonance from up on high, warm in hearth’s glow.

Stop yelling sis, I can’t hear a word you’re saying. The wind is too loud.

Here comes the ground, let’s count it down… 10, 9, 8, 7…

Author's Note

Chapters will often be short like this, and some come with images viewable on my deviantArt page (linked from my account). Chapter 1 has one such image, but it's just the cover art :)

Chapter 2

Sounds beneath the tarmac at Hearth’s Core were thunderous during normal operations. The sound of a single plane taking off overhead was enough to make anypony stuck in the maintenance tunnels go deaf. For this reason, among others, only a single colt was cleared to work there during the day.

The cream colored unicorn stallion trotted down the dank passageway, ignoring the now common sensation of the ground beneath his hooves shaking so violently that he should by all rights fall. There was a small malfunction in the fuel pump array for the back three runway, probably just a popped cable from all the shaking.

He approached the suspect junction, lying on his stomach to get a better look at the connections. The colt stifled a giggle as the reverberations shook through his body. Funny thing, how such a simple idea as a rapid shake could make ponies mad with pain and agony, when he could so easily just shut it off. Flip of a switch, just as he was doing on the panel in front of him. One, two, three, fuel pumps back online, time to get up and get out.

Five minutes later head engineer Sonority climbed out from under the tarmac and started towards the control tower. He made it halfway there when he was interrupted by a sharp pull on his tail. He turned to find a bright green mare in a reflective jacket, seemingly calling to him.

“Oh, sorry, sorry, sometimes I forget myself coming out of the tunnels there.” The stallion reached up, pushed back a lock of light brown mane, and tapped the device permanently attached to the right side of his head. In a rush, a world of sound returned to him. The roar of engines, the chatter of nearby personnel, and above it all the voice of the mare in front of him, brought to the forefront of his mind.

“Sonority, sir, they need you in the control tower, now! There’s some signal coming in but it’s too weak to hear. Priority one, it’s a distress signal!” The mare yelled over the nearby noise, but received no reaction from the stallion in front of her.

“If the signal’s weak, they must be far out. We’re at the heart of the country, lass, let a strip on the shore handle it.” The advice was sound – the receivers at Hearth’s Core terminal were the strongest in the land, if a signal was weak then the plane must be offshore and closer to another airstrip. The mare hung her head in front of her superior, her voice low enough to barely be heard over the roar of a nearby jet.

“Sir, it’s the Thunder Hawk. Your wife, her sister. They need you.”

Despite her best efforts, the runway mare was left in the dust by the stallion galloping towards the control tower.

Sonority reached the tower, bursting through the door at the top of the stairwell and immediately throwing himself underneath the radio control panel, having worked out a way to boost the signal whilst running over. The young colt working the radio barely managed a squeak as he flew to the floor nearby. After a frantic moment of pulling and reconnecting wires, the voice of an incoming plane’s pilot on the intercom doubled in volume. Sonority lifted himself to the main controls, changing the receiving station to that of his sister-in-law’s cargo ship. After a moment, a familiar voice appeared.

“Mayday, mayday, come in Hearth’s Core, this … going down over an unknown population center. We … suitable landing zone or this bird’s going down … political stockpile on board! Code four-eight-six-three-delta.” Evanescence’s voice trailed for a moment, before a more mechanical voice added “Priority one message. Message repeats.”

The colt who until now lay dazed on the floor pushed himself to his hooves and began manipulating the radio controls.

“That signal’s about ten minutes old, coming in from five degrees south of east, distance… really far.” Sonority’s head slipped down, but his eyes stayed locked on the small speaker that moments before held a link to his love. “Sir, what do you plan to do about it? I don’t think any of our planes can make it that far and back.” The head engineer relinquished the radio seat to the younger colt, turning to slowly walk out of the tower room. Without turning his head, Sonority spoke to the younger officer.

“She said they’re over a population center somewhere out there. That means I don’t have to worry about making it back yet. I’m going to get them. If anyone asks, tell them I’m following the guidelines of four-eight-six-three-delta. Nopony here knows what that means anyway.” With that, Sonority left the tower, destined for a nearby hanger owned by somepony who owed him a favor or two.

An excerpt from the Hearth’s Core guide to aviation:
Code 4863D: Cargo containing official copies of political edicts, typically en route to public halls or libraries to be used as reference. Insensitive copy data, receives lowest priority of cargo recovery in case of emergency.

Chapter 5

Five of the six friends from Ponyville library trotted urgently towards the spot where the sixth was flying up and down, once, twice again. In the head of the herd was an orange earth pony mare with straw blonde hair. The pony in the rear, a stark white unicorn with a flowing purple mane, called out to her.

“Applejack, darling, must we gallop so quickly? Surely Rainbow Dash has already handled whatever situation has arisen.” The comment earned a stern glare from the mare out front.

“I ain’t waitin’ around fer somepony else to tell me what’s goin’ on. Somepony could be hurt up there, so quit yer jawin’ and gallop, Rarity!” The entire herd ran just a tad quicker after the exchange, much to the chagrin of Rarity, and soon arrived to find their friend annoyedly answering the questions of two confused mares.

“For the last time, yes, I have wings. Yes, I was born with them. Yes, that’s a perfectly normal thing, and no, you’re not dead, and I don’t know anything about your big metal bird or why you’re both so clueless!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity managed to finish a bout of coughing and wheezing just in time to step in and scold her friend, who shrunk down just the smallest bit ashamed of herself before springing back up and hovering a few feet off the ground.

“Hey guys…” Dash sheepishly said before gladly letting the focus of the group shift to the two gray and azure ponies that had just fallen from the sky. They were sitting in the grass, each with a forehoof around the other, staring at the group of Ponyville mares before them. Twilight stepped forward, extending a hoof towards them.

“Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. And you are?” Silence reigned for a moment, during which Twilight’s genuine smile grew into an awkward grimace as she stood, hoof out, waiting for a response. After a moment, Rainbow Dash touched down from her post hovering over the rest, and the two sisters snapped back to reality.

“Hi… I’m Resonance, and this is my sister Evanescence.” Somewhere in the back of the crowd a low cheer was heard, called it. Applejack walked up to the pair, slowly making her way around them in a circle. She saw Evanescence as a fairly plain mare until she saw her cutie mark.

“A winged heart? You love to fly? But ain’t you an earth pony like me?” Applejack stretched her neck out to look at Evanescence’s back, double-checking her assertion. “In fact, I don’t see wings on either a y’all. How’d you get up there?” Applejack was now standing directly in front of Evanescence, staring at her.

“We were in a plane.” The azure maned pony said after a moment. Applejack looked around, confused.

“We’re all in a plain now, that don’t explain how you flew. You got somepony else up there we didn’t see?” The assertion annoyed Evanescence, surely these ponies knew what planes were.

“Not a plain, a plane, you know, a big metal bird-lookin’ thing, carries ponies and stuff around the country, they’re in the sky every day over Hearth.” Nopony in the crowd seemed to understand the explanation, but Twilight was most willing to play along – after her previous experiences with unexplainable things.

“So you have a plane?” Twilight said, again approaching the two mares. Just before reaching them, a bright flash appeared in the distant hillside, followed by a low rumble and column of smoke.

“I had a plane.”

Applejack again began moving around the sisters, this time focusing on Resonance. Her coat and mane were the exact same color as her sister’s, except switched. Applejack was reminded of the sisters who ran the spa, Aloe and Lotus, I think, and was willing to believe that sisters just looked like that sometimes. What made much less sense to her was the stuff Resonance was carrying, and her cutie mark. She decided to start with the former.

“What’s this big tarp lookin’ thing you got tied to yerself?” Applejack asked while trying to collect and fold the item in question.

“It’s a parachute, it keeps you from -” Resonance stopped mid-sentence to jab a hoof at her sister, eliciting a pained squeal. “It keeps you from falling too fast so you don’t die when you jump out of a plane.” The group looked at the sisters, slightly concerned, until Applejack asked the question on everypony’s mind.

“Then why didn’t both of y’all…” She was cut off by Evanescence shoving a hoof into her snout.

“We only had one. It was either me, or her, and I for one think she has more to live for.” The response again earned Evanescence a jab from her sister, followed by a tackling hug which put them both on the ground, finally free of the parachute.

“Hmm, it would be nice to have one of those when I’m flying in my balloon, mind if I take a look?” Twilight took the cloth with her magic as another quiet cheer rang out in the background, oh yeah two for two! Applejack, ignoring the exchange, continued her questioning.

“Okay, touchy subject, I get it. How ‘bout this thing?” Applejack continued to push, this time pointing at the bag on Resonance’s back. It was an angular pack made of a hard material and was connected to a band that went almost completely around her neck. Resonance reached a hoof over her shoulder, tapping on a small panel in one of the pack’s corners, and pulling out a large red stick. A smile grew on her face as the device unfolded, revealing a six-armed ribcage with strings of various lengths and thicknesses stretched across the arms. The crimson outline of it was perfectly mirrored on her flank.

“Heeeere we go…” Evanescence said jokingly. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, I give you Resonance and… well I give you Resonance.” The comment earned a small glare from the younger sister before she swung the instrument around, nestling it snugly under her chin and against her neck piece. Resonance’s horn began to glow with a bright golden magic as three bows were lifted from another section of the pack, one she took in hoof leaving the others to hover.

“It’s a violin?” Rarity asked, perplexed by the complexity of the device.

“The electric tri-bow ribcage violin, my sister’s pride and very, very special talent.” Evanescence beamed the compliment as Resonance began to put bow to string. The current carried visibly – a thin blue line streaking across her necklace down to the back of her pack signaling a large built-in speaker to rumble, soon producing low, slow, sorrowful notes. None of the mares, except for Resonance and Evanescence of course, could pick out what instrument they were actually listening to. The three bows seemed to be playing different things at the same time, making the pony in front of them a one-mare orchestra. The song soon finished, having made the mood of the entire meeting more somber.

“Why so sad?” Pinkie asked, hair slightly less vibrant than usual.

“The flames only know where we are now… we may never be able to go home again. I may never see him again… Dangit Evvy, why’d you have to remind me?” Evanescence looked annoyed for a moment, but crushed her comment when Resonance slumped down against her, quietly crying.

Chapter 6

The sun was just setting over Ponyville as the eight mares entered the town. The world was blanketed in the blues and purples of twilight, but had yet to take on the chill of night. As the group approached Twilight Sparkle’s library home, the door swung open and a small purple figure appeared.

“What took you guys so long? You all just ran out without saying anything!” Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie filed past the doorman before he caught sight of the new arrivals. “Oh, I see you brought home some new friends. I’m Spike. What..” Spike was interrupted by a scream from the two new arrivals as they both dove into the nearby bushes. Twilight pulled apart the foliage with a tug of magic and stuck her snout in to check on the sisters.

“What’s wr…ah!” Twilight wasn’t able to utter two words before she was hauled bodily into the bushes.

“There is a whelp in your house Twilight! How do we know a whole brood hasn’t set up shop in this town by now?” Twilight couldn’t tell which of the sisters was speaking due to the darkness of the underbrush and the harsh whisper they spoke in. Considering her options, she decided to pull the entirety of the bush apart, They needed replanting anyway, revealing the trio hidden there to the young dragon.

“This is Spike. He lives here, with me. No brood to speak of.” Twilight’s matter-of-fact tone combined with Spike’s smile convinced the sisters to (reluctantly) agree to enter the library - dragon and all. The two immediately sat down in front of the fireplace which Spike had lit in anticipation of the coming night.

“Aha! You lot act like you don’t know anything about the hearth but here it is right in your own home! Now why would you have a fireplace if you didn’t believe?” Resonance seemed rejuvenated by the flame, temporarily forgetting her woes over being essentially trapped in a foreign land.

“Uh, it gets pretty cold at night, for one.” The sisters looked at Rainbow Dash inquisitively, for the moment more interested in what she had said than the fact that she was hovering just above the floor. “You know, sun goes down, nothing to warm us up anymore, so it… gets… colder?” The sisters exchanged glances, then returned to staring blankly at Dash. “Well the ground isn’t just gonna warm itself up!” Dash exclaimed, slightly annoyed at the confusion over something every foal learned in school – the sun is hot the moon is not.

“Why not?” Evanescence chimed in, earning an equally confused expression from the Ponyville residents of the crowd, Spike included. She continued, “In Hearth at least, and I’m guessing it’s a little different here by the way you all are staring at me… Uh, the ground keeps itself warm. There’s big pockets of lava trapped under thick sheets of incredibly dense stone under most of the country - a gift from the flame to us to keep us safe and warm no matter where we are.” A wayward breeze chose that moment to enter through the still open balcony window where the telescopes lay, causing Resonance and Evanescence to both shiver.

“We really are a long way from home if the gifts of the flames have left us…” This time Resonance spoke, the somber tone returning to her voice. Spike yawned.

“I think it will do us all some good to get some rest.” Twilight said, earning the attention of everyone in the crowd. “You two are welcome to stay upstairs with us; I have enough bedding to make everypony comfortable.” The two declined the offer, choosing instead to stay by the hearth for the night. After showing them where the library’s stock of firewood was kept, Twilight led her friends upstairs. “Spike, can you come with us for a minute? I need to write a letter to the princess.” Evanescence began to question who Twilight was intent on writing to, but was silenced with a short “don’t worry about it” as the purple mare carried Spike up the stairs. One by one the other ponies followed, with Rainbow Dash taking up the rear, floating gingerly up the risers.

“Six mares, maybe the one they’re writing a letter to will be the seventh sis-” Resonance began to ask her sister before turning around and catching a glimpse of her eyes trailing Dash up the steps and out of sight. When Evanescence’s attention finally set back on her sister, she was greeted with a smile spread from ear to ear across the azure mare’s muzzle. “You think she’s hot don’tcha?” Evanescence shrunk down behind a forehoof, trying to hide her blush.

“That mare saved my life today, it’s perfectly reasonable for me to appreciate her efforts.” Evanescence was speaking into her leg, making her exceptionally well-chosen words sound muffled and rushed. The odd exchange would have seemed downright cruel to anypony who was an only child, but between close siblings such exchanges were easily understood. The sisters were so close, in fact, that Resonance thought she could push even further.

“I bet that’s not all you appreciate about her, huh Evvy? Some flank eh?” The comment elicited a shrill squeak from the older mare, who chose to hide herself even more behind her mane and forehooves.Gotcha sis, let’s see how far I can take it… “Not my fault you like her, Evvy. I have a colt and flames know I tried to find one for you too before you told me what you really want.” Resonance laid down beside her sister in front of the fireplace, playfully nudging at her exposed shoulder.

“I think we should just go to bed for now, okay? Big day tomorrow, new land new ponies new everything right?” Evanescence squeaked out before pretending to fall fast asleep in front of the fire. Resonance chuckled before cuddling up against her sister, preparing for a night colder than either of them had ever felt, yet somehow completely unremarkable to the magical land of Equestria.

Chapter 7

Luna’s moon hung high overhead as the familiar drone of the ocean’s waves faded from the hearing of a certain cream colored colt. Sonority was sitting practically blind in the pilot’s seat of a two-colt fighter plane. The second seat was filled with an oversized fuel tank, which put his small craft on-par with his lost wife’s massive cargo ship. The clouds over whatever land he had discovered were so thick that he could only see the faint glow of the moon through the thinner banks above. He didn’t dare fly any lower for fear of hitting some unknown mountain, but desperately wanted to get some landmark through the clouds.

Sonority tried to come up with some way to get his bearings. He earned his position in Hearth through unique tactics and unique physical abilities, and he needed something unique. After musing for a moment, he heard a faint rumble from below. Believing something to be amiss with his plane, Sonority pitched up slightly and cut his engines, gliding along through the skies. The rumbling continued. Intrigued, Sonority reached up and cranked the microphones built into his skull at high as he could, hoping to gleam some insight. The rumble itself was unremarkable, but after a moment something else appeared through the noise.

”Fall. Fall like so many others. Fall and leave this land free.”

Confused for a moment, Sonority stared forward into the cloudy sky trying to understand what he was listening to. Before he could completely understand, he had to re-ignite his engines, having glided as far as he could without losing altitude. After returning his hearing to normal, he turned the key to start his engines. Within a second, the plane was rocked by an explosion. Unlike his wife, Sonority was flying a military grade fighter which, while less able to fly with no engines, was more equipped to protect the pilots in an emergency. The plane began a nosedive towards what was quickly becoming a forest canopy through the thick clouds, and both pilot’s seats were rocketed away to float slowly to the dark mysterious land below. One seat landed just barely above the ground, parachute hooked in the high branches of a wild oak. The other disappeared, as if pulled from the sky by some unseen force.

Chapter 8

Oh my, they really weren’t kidding about the cold… The soft-spoken yellow pegasus made her way down the library steps, quiet as a bunny. Or rather quieter, as the unannounced arrival of her pet bunny Angel shortly earlier had proven. The soft sound of her hoofsteps was drowned out entirely by the bunny’s shoring emanating from the bedroom upstairs. Fluttershy busied herself tending to the guests, adding wood to the fire and piling blankets on the restlessly sleeping pair. Satisfied that they would soon be warm enough, Fluttershy allowed her mind to wander.

I can’t imagine being stuck like they are. So far away from home, constantly reminded of everything they’ve left behind… Fluttershy smiled sadly at the pile of blankets set in front of the fire as she moved toward a nearby window. Looking out, she saw Luna’s moon hanging over the Everfree forest in the distance. Forever reminded of everything left behind… Before the thought could take root in her mind, the moon was obscured by a thick bank of clouds. She continued to stare out over the Everfree, its dark visage reminding her of every terrible thing she had ever seen locked beyond the trees – and the sound of sleeping ponies nearby reminding her of the reason she had survived each encounter.

The shroud over the moon lifted, revealing the night’s brightest light once again over Equestria, providing clear view of every aspect of the world, including a bright red light in the sky that wasn’t there before. The light flashed bright, then turned toward the ground trailing smoke. Fluttershy screamed, instantly remembering the dark bird that brought Resonance and Evanescence from the sky.

“Fluttershy, what’s wrong?” Evanescence shook the cowering mare’s shoulder, trying to get some response from the face hidden behind long pink locks. Fluttershy raised a quivering hoof to point out the window. Resonance jumped to the window, leaving her sister to comfort the frightened pegasus. In the distance, over the forest and towards her home, she caught sight of the last dying flame of a wrecked jet fighter.

Chapter 9

“Everypony up, NOW!” The azure mare threw herself about the library’s bedroom, shaking everypony to wake them whether her call had awoken them or not. “We have got a serious problem!” Resonance bounced about the room with an energy rivaling Pinkie Pie after a day of cupcake baking, even going so far as waking Spike by flipping his entire bed over. The bleary-eyed whelp crawled from under the jumble of sheets and bedding, mumbling irately.

“Let me guess, something here is different then something where you came from? Ugh, I’m still gettin’ used to Zecora, and she doesn’t come in here and wake me up in the middle of the night!” Spike worked to repair his bedspread while he raved, ignoring the growing pandemonium around him. As he began to tuck his sheets back into place, weaving around Evanescence still sitting upright on the floor where she had planted herself immediately after coming in, unsure why her sister was so anxious. After a moment Resonance finally calmed enough to sit and explain.

“My husband is here.” Resonance sat still in the middle of room, and a moment later nearly everypony berated her with questions – Who? You’re married? How do you know? Where? You woke me up for this? Eventually she stood, raised a hoof, and tried to answer. “My husband, Sonority. I saw him crash, over in that forest over there, and plane crash bad? Can we go now, he could be hurt!” Ignoring numerous protests, Resonance stormed out of the library, seven mares in tow. Spike went back to bed.

As the crowd followed Resonance towards the Everfree forest, making progress despite numerous protests from Fluttershy and warnings from Twilight, a very different conversation took form in the back of the pack. Rainbow Dash was unused to being in the back of any pack, but kept her speed low so she could talk to Evanescence.

“I just can’t imagine what it’s like to be able to fly under your own power. I’m a pilot, we have the most freedom of anypony in all of Hearth, but it’s just a totally different – I ride through the sky in a plane, you just go. Anytime, anyplace, I mean, you’re flying right now!” Evanescence bounced along the path while she spoke, occasionally gaining enough height to be eye-to-eye with Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool being able to go anywhere anytime, but it’s really nothing special around here. There’s plenty of pegasus, and the unicorns and earth ponies around aren’t jealous of us or anything. We aren’t jealous of them either, we just all do our own thing. I’m sure being an earth pony has worked out pretty well for you so far, right?” Rainbow had never been known for eloquence, but she managed to get all the key points across.

“Yeah, it works, but I can’t help but think that I would have been a pegasus if I had been born here. I mean, I was literally born to fly.” Evanescence calmed her bouncing a bit, letting Dash pick up that she was genuinely annoyed at not being a pegasus.

“Oh yeah right, nopony’s born to do anything. You gotta grow up first, get your cutie mark, find out what you’re good at, then you know what you’re born to do.” Dash lowered herself to the floor, trotting alongside Evanescence and behind the other mares as they entered the Everfree. Evanescence looked at her – more specifically at her cutie mark – and began to survey the other mares in front of her. After a moment, she spoke again.

“Things are definitely different here. Your special talent doesn’t even seem to matter honestly. I mean, you’re all about speed right? So why are you a weathermare? That one over there…” Evanescence pointed a hoof at Rarity, trotting carefully in front of them, trying not to land in any mud puddles “… She’s got some talent with gems, so why is she a dressmaker and not a jeweler? And Twilight runs a library, that’s hardly super-magical. In fact, I think only the farmer and the vet over there have talents remotely related to their jobs.” Dash thought about it for a moment. Sure they weren’t doing the perfect jobs for their talent, but everypony used their special talent in their work, even Pinkie at the bakery. She looked back to the mare she was walking with, unsure what to say. “Thought so, you’ve never even considered it before have you?” Dash shook her head no. Evanescence sighed. “When I say I was born to fly, I mean it. Hearth is a small country, and we have too many ponies already. My parents only got a license to breed because the government said we needed more pilots.”

“No way!” Dash exclaimed, earning the attention of Rarity and Fluttershy, who were walking just ahead. “You cannot be telling me some government told you what your special talent was gonna be before you were even born!” Dash and Rarity looked to Evanescence, incredulous. Fluttershy meeped.

“No, they just thought it was more likely. I mean, how about Applejack here? Every member of her family is apple something, apple farmer, apple baker, apple seller, if you needed something apple you’d go to that family, right? Well, my mom is a mechanic, and my dad’s a pilot, so they thought their kid would be a pilot too.” The answer seemed to satisfy Rarity and Fluttershy, who raced ahead to catch the increasingly distant Resonance and company. Dash stayed with Evanescence.

“Well, what about your sister? She’s not a pilot.” Dash said, sounding rather irate. Evanescence chuckled.

“Nopony knows what makes a musician. There are a few theories though – the one that makes the most sense to me at least has to do with unplanned children. I mean, nopony knew my mother would have twins, and besides, everypony loves a musician. It’s a very celebrated profession in Hearth.” Dash once again took to the air, leaving Evanescence to trot carefully through the mud puddles and other unpleasant things dotting what could less and less be called a ‘path’ through the Everfree. Ignoring the complaining sounds from up ahead (I’m not whining, I’m complaining.), Dash pushed on.

“Well, what about your sister’s husband? What was he born to do?” Evanescence stopped dead in her tracks, forcing Dash to spin around in midair to hear her reply.

“I was born to fly. He was born for something else.”

Chapter 10

Resonance continued through the Everfree, blind to the creatures around her and indignant to the constant blathering of the ponies behind her. They were just like her sister; they didn’t understand the bond that two ponies could share over music. Sure Sonority wasn’t a professional musician, but his talent was sound itself so what else could he do? That colt was amazing in every way. In fact, Resonance was sure they would find him sitting in the middle of his own make-shift campsite, probably even interrupt him cooking wild flowers and get to stay for a midnight snack before heading back to town. Or, as mounting evidence would suggest, he could be hanging from a tree by his parachute.

Resonance made a half-circle about the pony hanging before her as he split his time between spastically pulling at parachute chord and hanging limp, defeated. After one such bout, he finally bothered to look down his muzzle at the mare before him.

“Oh laugh it up Ress. Big colt stuck in a tree. Wanna help me out?” Sonority stared irately at his wife for a moment before actually realizing who he was talking to. “Ress! You’re alive! I mean, I got the distress signal but after seeing why you crashed first hoof I almost didn’t think…” Sonority was silenced by a hoof jammed halfway down his throat as Resonance lifted him from his harness and dropped him down barely a foot to the forest floor.

“I understand you’re excited to see me, but you should know my sister can handle any sort of mechanical failure. She is the best non-military pilot in Hearth. I’m a little more concerned about what took you down. Same spot, that’s a little suspicious isn’t it?” Resonance removed her hoof from her husband’s jaw, allowing him to respond.

“Ress, I was shot down. There’s something in this forest. Something like…” This time Sonority was interrupted by something resembling a monstrous pink cannonball, knocking him to the ground.

“Oh my gosh you’re from Hearth just like the sisters? I bet you do all sorts of funny stuff like them too, have you ever jumped around and blamed stuff on fire? I wonder what you’re special talent is? Huh, what is it? Circles? Is your special talent circles? No, that’s silly, even I wouldn’t come up with that. What gave you such a silly idea, that your special talent is circles?” The creature resting atop Sonority finally took a moment to catch its breath and allow for response. Sonority simply stared dumbfounded, trying to catch up to the conversation.

“You’ll have to excuse Pinkie Pie. She can be a little… excitable… around new ponies.” Twilight said, stepping towards the entangled duo and less than subtly pushing Pinkie Pie off the new arrival. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. We’ve been caring for your wife and her sister since they arrived. I must say, I’m quite excited to learn more about your culture, it seems so different to what we have here in Equestria.” Seemingly enjoying the slower change of pace, Sonority volunteered some information.

“Oh, um… Where to begin… Well, that one…” Sonority said, gesturing towards Pinkie Pie who sat grinning like a madmare where Twilight had deposited her “… she wanted to know about my cutie mark. I guess we can start there.” Looking closely, Twilight could see that the colt’s cutie mark was of three stacked gold-rimmed white plates. “Those rings represent sound waves. Technically I’m a sonic engineer, but I make my living flying for Hearth’s Core Air Force.”

“I thought you all were supposed to have jobs depending on what your special talents were?” Twilight asked, inquisitively.

“Well typically yes, but a sonic engineer isn’t exactly a job that’s required year-round. I mean, it’s not every day someone looks at something and thinks ‘oh this could be more sonic!” Sonority chuckled at his own joke before continuing. “Honestly I just work with sound systems - speakers, microphones, stuff like that. It’s not a lot to…” Once again, Sonority was interrupted by an outburst from Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, can I try on your hat? It looks so shiney-rific and cool!” Pinkie exclaimed, bouncing around the surprised colt.

“I’m not wearing a hat. Am I?” Sonority felt all around his head with his forehooves. “Horn, Cochlear, nope, no hat.” Pinkie bounded up to his side, poking at the metallic instrument on the side of the colt’s head.

“This silly! How do you get it to stay like that, doesn’t it fall off?”

“That’s not a hat, that’s a Cochlear implant. I’m deaf.” No sooner did the word’s leave his muzzle than the group of Ponyvillians around him erupt with sound. Most gasped, shocked. Fluttershy dove behind Rarity, hiding from nopony knows what, and Pinkie Pie jumped ever so slightly higher than usual, and began…

“Oh my gosh! How can you hear me if you’re deaf? Can you read my muzzle? I bet you can!” Pinkie threw her hooves up, covering her mouth. “La la la la la! You can’t understand a word I’m saying! Hey guys, how can a sound engie-whatsit be deaf? Do you think that’s why he flies planes instead?” Pinkie quickly found herself pulled to the ground by a strong yank on her tail.

“I can hear every word you’re saying lady. I’m deaf, that doesn’t mean I can’t hear.” Sonority stared angrily at the confused pink mare, who only offered a short ‘yuh-huh’ in response. “Anypony whose born deaf can be fitted with a Cochlear implant as soon as they’re near the age to earn their cutie mark, when their head is done growing. Everypony knows that, everypony can hear. Science.” Sonority ranted, punctuating the last word with a tap on Pinkie’s chest. “Now, if you don’t mind, we have slightly more important things to worry about.” Sonority stood on all fours, grabbing the saddlebag from his abandoned chair and taking a few confident strides towards the deepest part of the Everfree. Resonance fell quickly into line behind him, as if she had been doing it every day of her life. “Something just took down two Hearth aircraft, and if what I heard is any indication, its been doing it for years and does not intend to stop any time soon.”

On that ominous note, the military colt lead eight mares deeper into the Everfree than any of them had ever traveled before.

Chapter 11

Dear Princess Celestia,

Events have unfolded dramatically quickly since my last letter. A third foreigner has been found after he crashed some form of military combat aircraft over the Everfree. He goes by ‘Sonority’, and claims to be Resonance’s husband. However their relationship just seems odd – at times they are friendly if not distant, and at times they seem more like brothers in arms. Sonority claims that his craft was taken down by some creature in the Everfree, and has insisted that we go to investigate. Well, it’s more that he’s going and he doesn’t care if we follow him or not.

The things they say about their home country, Hearth, are increasingly bizarre. They appear to have no neighbors, but their military force is strong, perhaps even superior to ours. What could they possibly need all that force for? Sonority has some form of technological device he calls a ‘Cochlear’ implanted in his head. He says he was born deaf, and the device repairs that condition. I’m not sure how to react to this. Surely they have similar magical medical systems to us; their nation is deprived of pegasus not unicorns. Why do they need to resort to something so… barbaric?

There are many questions I need answers to, with more surfacing every minute. For now, I believe it is important that we find the creature responsible for leaving these three stranded here; but I fear what will happen when we do. For now, I will try to trust our new companions. I know my friends here can help me through anything.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

Twilight passed the letter off to her dragon assistant, who vaporized it without a word. She secretly hoped that the letter would encourage her teacher to act to protect her, although she was unsure if she was actually in danger or not. She could tell her friends were uneasy as well - the way Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched her wings at just the right time to hide Spike’s flaming breath, the way Rarity continuously checked the straps of her saddlebags, and the way Fluttershy and Applejack… well they were just easy to read.

“Don’t fall behind you lot, we’ll need to stick together to maintain a tactical advantage over something this powerful. We barely have any equipment after all.” Sonority’s voice boomed across the Everfree, drawing every eye to him as he rummaged through the scant items in his saddlebag. Eleven sets of eyes, all trained on the cream colored colt leading the pack of nine ponies, and Spike.

Chapter 12

Rarity tugged on her saddlebag strap for the eighth time since entering the Everfree. She had been rushed in packing her things as she was pushed ever so rudely into the night air, almost going on the trip without a proper scarf. She was yet to dawn her cold weather gear however, as her constant worry about the trio now leading them through the forest kept her busy.

What could they possibly be searching for this far into these dark, dirty, woods? It’s not like any creature here could take out somepony flying that high up, or the pegasus wouldn’t have a trade route overhead! Nothing short of some sort of hideously tacky ladder monster or a…

“Hydra!” Rarity was knocked from her thoughts by Twilight’s scream as everypony dove for cover in the bushes nearby. A second set of screams rang out as Pinkie and Spike landed in a thick bramble bush, causing Pinkie to bounce into another set of bushes and holding Spike down as the barbs wedged between his scales. A high-pitched roar pierced the ensuing silence as one pony stood apart from the others, before the hydra. Rarity stuck her snout ever so slightly out of her hiding spot and saw Sonority standing tall before a three-headed hydra. Two of the heads were staring at the apparently suicidal colt, while the other busied itself off to the side, gnawing on something that was… Oh goddess no… oozing a dark red liquid onto the forest floor. Rarity suddenly felt quite ill.

“Hydra eh?” Sonority finally said, breaking the brief intense silence. “I’ve seen prettier lookin’ things crawl out from under the waste disposal plant back home.” The hydra did not respond to the jab, but Resonance could not help but chuckle despite the tense situation, recalling that Sonority had briefly dated a mare who worked maintenance at that plant before they met. Prettier things indeed.

“You are from the far side.” The first great maw of the hydra spoke, surprising the ponies hiding in the brush, who had assumed the creature was just some mindless evil. “I do not know how you survived the trip here, little pony, but I can assure that coming back to me was the biggest mistake of your now quite short life.” The two unoccupied heads of the hydra split to surround Sonority. The second then spoke, “I thought something had escaped from that last plane. I told you two there was no way one pony was able to make it all this way in that craft. It’s no matter now though, we have already… captured… your co-pilot, little pony.” The beast made a wide gesture to the third head, which continued to gnaw at the gnarled contents of the co-pilot’s chair, completely uninterested in the exchange.

“Why have you attacked us?” Sonority demanded of the beasts, setting them somewhat aback. They were not used to their food speaking with such authority. “What possible purpose could there be for keeping my ponies and these ponies separate?” Sonority whipped his head back and forth as he spoke, making sure to yell at each of the heads equally.

“Well, little pony, or should I say ponies…” The first head spoke as the second stretched its neck to knock all the hiding mares from the bushes to stand beside Sonority. Spike remained trapped in the bramble bush. “It has been so long since I’ve had the chance to tell such a delightful story. I suppose a little lesson won’t hurt before dinner.” The two heads smiled alarmingly large smiles and he first began his story, satisfied that his captives were unable and unwilling to attempt escape with the second head lying behind them and thick brush on either side.

“Nearly one thousand years ago, nine-hundred and sixty-three years actually, the ponies of Hearth first came to Equestria. Their diplomatic team consisted of four unicorn colts, while the majority of Equestria’s rulings were being done by a team of three earth pony mares and three pegasus mares. Celestia had recently banished her sister to the moon, recently of course being a relative term, and was largely withdrawn from international affairs. The visiting unicorns were bewildered by the Equestrian success and freedom, considering that their leadership was some sniveling old mare whom cared more about what every foalish little pony that bothered her had to say than the politics of running her nation. It was not long before the peaceful talks between both nations broke down, due largely to the fact that the ponies from Hearth studied the stars and the moon so extensively, and Celestia refused to acknowledge the recent drastic change in the appearance of the moon, likely due to her grief. Eventually the unicorn ponies grew tired of the ramblings of some old ‘sun goddess’, and began to tell stories of how Equestria was an evil and unnatural place, which turned its back on the stars and in turn was abandoned by them.” The hydra began to chuckle, saying “They even made up some ridiculous story about sky ponies they called ‘windigos’, that the stars had sent down to make the nights in Equestria especially cold! What absolutely delightful nonsense!” After a few moments of rousing laughter which put every shiny tooth on the two great mouths on display, the second head continued the tale.

“Needless to say, when Celestia found out what tales the ponies of Hearth were spreading about her kingdom, given that she was already feeling guilty about having had banished her sister to the moon, she gave these visitors an ultimatum. They were either to willingly accept her and her people as children of the sun, or leave Equestria forever. I believe you know which choice they made.” The second head staring menacingly at Sonority, allowing the first head to finish the story.

“After some time, both nations forgot about the issue. In Equestria they forgot about a lot of things, and soon Celestia was able to rule again without the heavy weight on her soul. She did not, however, forget as all her subjects did. One night, she came to the Everfree, to the old palace where she had grown up, and began preparations to defy the things that weighed so heavily on her. She found me, young and abandoned, living on the ruins. She told me this tale, of her suffering, and went further inside the ruins, searching for some stone orbs I don’t believe she ever found.”

“I don’t believe you. Celestia would never have told you to ruthlessly attack anyone who tried to enter Equestria!” Twilight interrupted the trailing end of the tale, angered and eager to defend her teacher.

“Kill, little pony. We kill the ponies who try to enter Equestria. And she did not have to tell us. We could feel the pain in her heart, and the kindness it crushed. We took it upon ourselves to enforce the eternity-long ban of Hearth’s ponies on Equestria.” All three heads of the monster gathered in front of the ponies, the third dropping his quarry just in front of the beast’s belly. “We intend to continue my quest, little ponies. It’s dinner time.”

“Sounds as if you’re pretty sure of yourself, beast.” Sonority again defied the creature by speaking out of turn. “What you say about the past may be true, but what you claim to know about the present sure as the flames isn’t. I did fly here on my own. I came to rescue my wife, and I’m not about to fail now. Know how?” The beast simply snarled as it prepared to chomp on the three closest ponies. “Well, if I didn’t bring anypony with me, then that’s not the blood of some hidden meal oozing from that tank.” All three heads turned their attention to the gnawed seat at their feet as Sonority carefully lifted something from his saddlebag with his magic. “It’s jet fuel.”

Sonority fired his flare gun directly at the tank, engulfing it quickly in flames. The three heads of the hydra jostled for position, desperately attempting to pick up the tank and throw it while the ponies began to run.

“Help!” Twilight spun around, hearing Spike’s quiet cry from the bush where he was still trapped. She rushed over, trying desperately to pull him loose with her magic. After a moment, she gave up, electing instead to hop down beside him and erect a small shield around them. She looked up just as the hydra managed to wrap its enormous mouth around the tank, crying as the flames licked its lips and scorched its throat. Then, before the beast could throw the tank, it exploded. The full force of a half-tank of jet fuel, held closed by the jaws of a terrible beast, erupted out in every direction. Twilight threw a hoof over Spikes face, sparing him from the horror that played out before her. What remained of the great beast fell limp upon the now blood soaked ground, and all was quiet.

“Twilight?” Spike barely whispered, failing to gain her attention. “Twilight? What happened?” The baby dragon didn’t dare move, taking what little comfort he could from his friend’s hoof blocking his vision.

“Spike, it’s okay.” Twilight’s voice was shaky, and after a moment her hooves were shaking too. “Close your eyes, Spike.” The whelp nodded, and Twilight lifted him carefully out of the brush and onto her back where he clung like a scared child. Twilight carefully removed the quick shield she had placed around the two, and began to walk slowly toward her friends who stood nearby, silent. For the next few moments, before she was with them, the only sound was the soft squish of her hooves on wet, red, earth.

Chapter 13

A crowd had formed in Ponyville, awaiting the return of the six mares they believed had run off into the Everfree. Not much was known, other than that sometime in the night the earth had shook and the animals of the Everfree ran scared from the tree line… and that Twilight and her friends were missing. Under normal circumstances, life would have gone on unimpeded. These six mares had saved Equestria on at least two occasions, and were undoubtedly off doing something heroic to preserve the everyday life of a pony in a small town. This event, however, was different. In among the crowd waiting by the edge of the Everfree was a stark white mare who stood tall, wings folded and horn humming with a quiet spell searching for something.

Where are you, Twilight? I’ve never lost you like this before. It’s like your magic isn’t even there anymore. She can’t… No, she’s not dead. This feels different, like when Luna was…

“Princess, there!” One of the guards flanking Celestia yelled, pointing towards the tree line. A cream colored colt lead two oppositely colored mares out of the forest, almost immediately yelling at the assembled crowds to return to their jobs instead of wasting time loitering. As the trio reached the princess, the Ponyville mares emerged from the forest. Celestia took a step forward from the crowd, eager to see why she had such a feeling of dread about her student when she was interrupted.

“Wow you’re tall!” Looking quickly down, Celestia saw a young steel gray mare with a slick azure mane looking back up at her. Taking just a moment to think, Celestia considered how to best respond to the pony she believed to be one of Twilight’s foreign visitors.

“We all grow larger as we grow older, my little pony. I have been in this land for many years.” Satisfied that she had answered the half-question, Celestia again turned her attention towards her student and her friends. Twilight was walking towards her with a blank stare, seemingly focused on her home deep in the town behind Celestia. As her varied friends walked around her, occasionally offering unheard words to her, Celestia gleamed details of her appearance. Spike, her constant companion, clung silently to her back, hiding himself in her mane. Her coat was horribly ruffled, occasionally revealing small cuts along her belly. Her hooves were stained dark – almost black against her deep purple coat. A deeper note of horror struck Celestia as she remembered wars seemingly so long ago, realizing what had stained her student’s hooves. As she watched them grow closer, she became aware that the gray mare next to her had continued speaking.

“I guess you can grow a bit more if you’re both a unicorn and a pegasus, right? I kinda thought only earth ponies could be born with wings, but I’m still new to it so maybe unicorns can too.” Evanescence was interrupted when one of the royal guards moved to stand just a bit too close to her. Celestia was certain she had not let her annoyance show, but the guards had been at her side so long they knew when she was low on patience.

“My name is Princess Celestia, goddess of the sun and co-ruler of the land of Equestria, and I am several thousand years old. As interested as I am to speak with you about your lands and your leaders, I feel I have more pressing issues to attend to.” With that, Celestia turned and began to trot towards her student, leaving Evanescence and one of the guards behind. As she approached the group of returning mares, Celestia knelt down to better speak with her student. Twilight walked up to her, stopping a few paces back without breaking her stare. The other five mares bowed briefly, then formed a silent circle around the two.

“Twilight?” Celestia asked, nervous. After a moment, Twilight turned toward her. “Twilight, what has happened to you?” Again, no response. “Come with me, Twilight. Let’s get you cleaned up a bit.” Celestia rose and began to walk towards town, Twilight and friends in tow. After a few moments, Spike lifted his head.

“Princess?” he spoke softly, prompting Celestia to fall to Twilight’s side and lower her head to hear. “We went to find Resonance’s husband. We found him, in a tree… then he… he lead us farther into the forest. We found a hydra… it said such terrible things about you, about the past, and… and…” Spike again hid his head in Twilight’s mane, trying to maintain some dignity as he hid his tears. “He killed it. Sonority killed the hydra. I was trapped, Twilight saved me. She hid it from me, but I know what happened. She saw it, princess. She saw it all…”

The group passed through the crowd of still present Ponyville residents. Celestia stepped aside, just for a moment before continuing with her student, to speak with her guards.

“Guards, escort these three…” Celestia made a broad gesture towards Resonance, Evanescence, and Sonority “…to the grand hall of Canterlot castle. I should like to begin more civil diplomatic talks when I have finished here in Ponyville. Both of you can go, I don’t need guards for this.” Celestia received a curt nod from the two guards before they began to hurriedly push the trio towards a waiting chariot. Celestia pushed her way through the confused crowd, choosing to steer her student towards her home. If she was right, the traumatized mare needed a familiar safe environment more than she needed a hospital.

Chapter 14

Canterlot castle was at times a very divided place. By far, the largest and most quickly dissipating divide regarded the returned ruler, Princess Luna. By all accounts Luna has been reformed, freed of the influence that caused her thousand year exile; and everypony who had spent any length of time with her agreed. Canterlot however was a large town, and even in the castle there was a significant portion of the staff that had yet to meet the new ruler. Two such ponies, members of Celestia’s personal guard, were standing guard over the grand hall, denying entrance to anypony who passed.

Luna had awoken from a pleasant day’s sleep, and was casually trotting the halls of the castle, searching for her sister. They spent the twilight hours together usually, catching up on the lost years or simply playing in the garden like when they were younger. When she was younger anyway Luna noted mentally, well aware that she had not aged a day while entrapped on the moon. Having not found her sister in any of her usual post-duty spots, Luna happened by the grand hall, noticing the two tired and confused looking guards. She walked casually up to them, noting with some disdain that they cringed at her appearance.

“Am I to assume that my sister is hiding away in there?” Luna asked. A logical question, since it was Celestia’s personal guard who kept the doors shut. One of the guards stepped in front of the princess, whom had begun to reach for the door.

“No, Princess Luna. Princess Celestia is in Ponyville on business. I cannot allow you into this room.” The colt trembled slightly before the imposing figure. Noting this, Luna knelt down, trying to put her and the guard on equal ground while still maintaining her authority.

“I am the co-ruler of this land, my little pony. I can go where I wish, especially now that the sun has set upon this land and the night rules the sky. Now, should I bother the captain of the guard to relay my authority or will you simply let me pass?” Luna kept a smile through the entire exchange, taking care to seem kind to the clearly uneasy ponies. She did not want to make enemies of anypony at the castle, but her curiosity was as ravenous as ever.

“Shining Armor is in Ponyville, with Princess Celestia.” The other guard spoke, giving the first a reprieve from Luna’s immediate presence. Luna was surprised. She knew that her sister had left the castle before dawn, bound for Ponyville, but did not think she had taken the captain of the guard with her. She did not know why her sister had left so abruptly, but it was not unusual for Celestia to leave on business with little to no warning. Luna asked the guard why Celestia felt the need to bring Shining Armor with her. The guard shook his head and replied “The captain did not go with her, he went later. Family business.” Luna pounced, unintentionally, right up next to the second guard. She knew Shining Armor only had one family member in Ponyville, and if both he and her sister were together there, it must have meant…

“Has something happened to Twilight Sparkle?” The colt jumped back, accidentally knocking the door to the grand hall open. Despite there being only two entrances to the room, one of which being locked and one under guard, the room seemed empty. The guards quickly ran into the room, stopping halfway through the room with a sigh of relief, noticing their ‘guests’ had simply chosen, for some reason, to hide behind a curtain hanging before one of the great windows in the room.

“Could you not hide behind that, you three? We’re supposed to be keeping an eye on you and it’s not that easy if you hide.” One of the guards said, drawing the curtains and revealing the three ponies, who squinted in the light of the many hanging chandeliers.

“Well it’s entirely too bright in here to see the night sky properly, and you haven’t exactly given us much to do all day. We’re supposed to be important foreign dignitaries, right? How long is this Princess Celestia planning on keeping us waiting?” The azure mare complained, earning her a supporting (if not a bit too friendly) hug from the cream colored colt, and a harsh glare from the steely gray mare. Luna assessed the situation with the same cold calculation she had put toward first designing the night sky. The azure mare and the colt were likely dating, if not married, since she did not seem to even notice his embrace. The other mare glared at the azure mare, not the colt, so she was annoyed at her for speaking out of turn, not for him for his actions. They were clearly friends, but the gray mare had more of a caretaker position. Judging by their colors, they may have even been related; sisters. All three seemed interested in her sky, and – as cruel as it sounds – typically ponies annoyed at her sister were kinder to her. To Luna, it was clear these three could make good friends.

“If you wish to see the stars, I can oblige you.” Luna spoke before the guard could reply to the slight against Celestia that was just delivered. Satisfied that all eyes were on her, Luna continued as she slowly extinguished the lights in the room by magic. “My name is Princess Luna, goddess of the moon and co-ruler of the land of Equestria. Thousands and thousands of years ago, my sister and I created the sun and the moon to aid our parent’s land and sea.” As the final lights went out, Luna led the group to the window, drawing the curtains back to reveal the starry sky. “Since then, my sister has focused her attention on growing the ponies and the nation of Equestria during the day, and I have focused on maintaining the natural world; designing the seasons, teaching early pegasus how to control the weather, and plotting the stars at night.”

Luna had kept her eyes trained on the night sky while she spoke; only turning towards the other ponies when she had finished. The three potential friends in the group were all sitting a tad too close to her, staring intently at her and following the flow of the stars in her mane. After a slightly awkward moment, the azure mare spoke up.

“My name is Resonance. This is my husband, Sonority, and my sister Evanescence.” She did not gesture towards the other ponies as she spoke, instead mesmerized by the princess’s flowing mane. It made Luna uncomfortable, which made the following silence feel even longer. Evanescence spoke next, breaking the silence.

“Our nation tells stories of a mare, centuries old, dark as the night and warm as the earth. She rules the night and set every guiding star in place, first with the whimsy of a foal, then with the wisdom of an old mare. Some say she is real, but hasn’t been seen among the stars for a thousand years, instead her visage laid across the moon.” The gray mare looked Luna dead in the eye, demanding an answer to the next question. “That visage disappeared nearly two years ago, at the height of the summer season. Nothing has changed except that, and… you?”

Luna thought a moment, preparing an answer, but was interrupted by a puff of smoke and a letter falling at her hooves. Excusing herself briefly, Luna opened the letter which bore her sister’s seal.
My sister,

Odd things have begun in our land, and I am afraid I must stay in Ponyville to care for my student, Twilight Sparkle. I know you will worry for her, as she is your first true friend since your return, but I and her brother are here to care for her and you have more pressing duties. I realize you have only just begun to study modern politics, but there is a trio of ponies from a foreign land called Hearth in the grand hall that I have kept waiting entirely too long already. I need for you to meet with them, apologize for my absence, and tell them the history of our land. Leave nothing out, complete truth is necessary in such things. I hope that the truth does not scare them, but I believe in your ability to make friends.

I will return to Canterlot as soon as I can, but for now my sister, you are the face of Equestria.

-P.C.

Luna sent the letter away to her study with a soft blue flash, and turned again to her guests.

“I am that mare in the moon, and the story seems true. My sister apologizes for keeping you waiting, but I should be able to keep you entertained until her return.” Luna laid before the grand window, getting comfortable and gazing at the stars, unsure how she or her guests would react to her recounting of the tale of Nightmare Moon. “Let me begin before my time, at the creation of Equestria…”

Chapter 15

Rich orange and red light bathed the Canterlot gardens as the sun rose slowly across the nation of Equestria. The tranquil moment was interrupted by a loud yawn from the princess of the moon. Luna, unlike her guests, was unused to staying up past her bed time – typically just after dawn. Celestia had yet to return, but she continued to perform her duties from Ponyville.

Evanescence, along with her sister and brother-in-law, had heard the entirety of the history of Equestria (abridged of course), and were wandering the gardens of Canterlot in order to think about what they had heard. They had surprised Luna with their willingness to accept her past, citing that in Hearth, the ponies who presents themselves as free of flaw typically have the largest, hidden from the world but still influential. If anything, the stories made the three foreigners more suspicious of Celestia, since her only fault they saw in her was that she had let her combat training lax in the past three hundred or so years.

Leaving the others to their own thoughts, Evanescence wandered towards a more public part of the garden. She took a seat on a park bench, watching several other ponies come and go, some electing to stay and watch the passersby with her. After a time, the sun rose past the tree line in that part of the garden, and Evanescence began to get up, intending to rejoin her sister. When she spun around however, something caught her eye. Somepony, rather.

A pair of mares were walking along the path – one a cream colored earth pony with a curly pink and blue mane, the other a minty green unicorn with a sleek teal and white mane. Evanescence noticed the two were talking as they came towards her, but something in the way they looked at each other seemed very… familiar… to her. As they got a little closer, she was able to make out their conversation.

“Okay Bon Bon, I admit this may not have been the most fun of vacations, but I grew up here, it’s an important place to me!” The conversation seemed innocent enough, but…

“Lyra, it’s not that I’m having a bad time, this place is just so… boring.” With that last exasperated word, Evanescence finally understood. She hadn’t seen that look before, she had given that look. Before she had learned to hide her emotions – before she learned just what the ponies of Hearth thought about mares who –

“Oh I know what’ll make this less boring.” Before Bon Bon could even raise a curious eyebrow, Lyra swept her up in her forehooves, giving her a big kiss. In the middle of the road… Evanescence launched herself at the duo, knocking them behind the bushes that lined the walkway.

“Are you two crazy!?” Evanescence demanded, not waiting for a reply. “What if somepony saw you? That sort of social exile doesn’t just go away you know!” Evanescence peeked over the bushes, hiding again when she saw a few strange looks from the ponies who had previously been sitting next to her.

“Uh… What?” The two spoke nearly in unison, causing Bon Bon to giggle uncontrollably.

“I learned a long time ago that ponies like us aren’t just accepted. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but… you two can’t be together out in the open.” Evanescence put a hoof on Lyra’s shoulder, trying to comfort her. “If you’re lucky none of the ponies here recognize you. You said you’re from out of town right?” The two gave Evanescence a blank stare, leading to a few moments of some of the most awkward silence she had ever felt.

“What.” Bon Bon said, not really asking a question.

“It’s like she’s never even been outside her house before.” Lyra said, turning towards her marefriend but not taking her eyes of Evanescence. “We can do whatever we want.” She continued, turning back to Evanescence and wrapping a leg around Bon Bon. “We’re married.” Evanescence let her mouth hang open. “Seriously, have you ever even been outside before? Who exactly is it that wouldn’t accept us?”

“I uh… Well, I’m not from around here. Things are… different.” Evanescence replied, poking anxiously at the dirt before her.

“Well, as long as you’re here, you’re free to be yourself. You did say ‘ponies like us’ right? Go out and have a ball.” With that, the two tackled mares climbed from the bushes and continued on their way, leaving Evanescence to sit in the bushes, alone.

“Wow, she’s weird.” Bon Bon casually remarked. Lyra jumped back, pretending to be hurt.

“I thought you liked weird!” She hopped up next to Bon Bon, wrapping her hooves around her.

“Well, I like you, so I guess I do.”

Chapter 17

Standing in the shadow of Canterlot’s historic Lunar Observation Tower, Sonority observed his new scientist ‘friend’ and his assistants at work. The scrawny white colt had told him about Equestria’s experiments with radio communication, but they hadn’t keyed into the idea that size and power were both important to transmission range. With his guidance, the science team had begun the relatively simple transformation from massive metallic tower to radio transmitter. The tower had been designed by Luna herself before her banishment, and included many devices and intricate yet ultimately useless pieces of metal left over from her own scientific experiments. All this made work very simple for those involved, although regrettably no pegasus ponies were involved for work higher up on the tower.

“Mind lending a hoof with this generator? It’s a tad out of my… physical ability.” The scientist stuck his horned head out of the tower’s front door, beckoning Sonority. Figures somepony like him would be more trained in fine motions then strong ones, Sonority thought to himself as he walked into the tower. With a quick twist of his neck, Sonority lifted the generator and began walking alongside the much smaller scientist, taking care not to knock into any of the scaffolding support that his two assistants ran back and forth across.

“Anypony in particular you’d like to be at the receiving end of this call, Sonority? Previously we’ve only been able to communicate within Canterlot.” The scientist spoke casually, but Sonority took the question very seriously. After a moment, he responded.

“Covenant Truth.” The scientist gave him a quizzical look. “He’s an officer in Hearth’s Core. As a soldier it’s my duty to report in as soon as possible whenever I’m off the radar. Coming here, I am definitely off the radar.”

“Do you think we can reach that far? However far that is?” The scientist asked, more interested in the spirit of scientific inquiry than Sonority’s military standing. The pair reached the base of the metallic spike in the tower’s center where Sonority laid the generator on a smooth patch of ground.

“It took me less than a day to reach here flying in a straight line. Granted I was flying one of the fastest ships in Hearth, it should put us well within range of a transmitter this big.” Sonority and the scientist continued to work in various parts of the tower through the day. He occasionally caught sight of Resonance and Evanescence strolling the streets or napping in a corner of the tower.

“Ya know…” Sonority said to nopony in particular, “…I don’t think I’ve ever seen Evanescence without my wife with her. I know they’re twins but you’d think they could spend more time apart.”

“Why would they ever want to be apart?” Sonority jumped at the sound of the scientist’s voice. “Those two seem to be the best of friends - and, if the recent history of Equestria is any indication, friendship is a very, very important thing.”

Before Sonority could respond, another call rang out from the scaffolding above.

“Hey guys!” An earth pony colt called down, hanging on a thick rope of wires, “It’s ready.” Sonority began to fiddle with the frequency knob as the scientist levitated a small microphone over to him.

“Let’s give this a go, shall we?”

Chapter 18

Several ponies lounged around a small café, none daring to go inside. Hearth’s warming stone foundation often made any building with a professional kitchen unbearable in the summer. One bright coated unicorn colt sat on the periphery of the site, trying in vain to read his newspaper as the sun reflected his lime colored coat against the page. Another pony approached him from behind, clearing her throat to get his attention.

“Well, that was fast.” Covenant Truth dropped his paper unceremoniously on the table and turned about in his seat, expecting to see a waitress with his lunch. He was greeted instead by a young mare wearing a ringed flame pendant – the official symbol of the hearth’s core military. His expression quickly turned sour as he threw his front hooves into the air. “It’s my day off, can I just have lunch in peace?” The mare smirked and shook her head, offering him a similar pendant – and a radio.

“Good afternoon, sir.” A static laden voice appeared over the radio as Covenant Truth dawned his on-duty pendant shooed away the real waitress whom had just appeared with a daffodil on rye sandwich. “Don’t bother checking the radio sir, we are being patched through the main system. I imagine the signal’s still pretty poor though.” I hate it when they do that, Covenant thought as he closed the back panel of the radio. Recognizing the voice through the static, he responded.

“Sonority… I should have you court marshaled just for making me work today. Where in the flame’s name have you been hiding these past few days? Don’t tell me HQ sent you out on some op without my permission.” The colt put on a good clip heading towards his office, recognizing that he was clear across town. He knew the answer, having read the report of Sonority leaving to chase after his wife, but wanted to hear what excuse the rogue officer would come up with.

“No sir, I left to rescue my wife. Found her too” Sonority’s voice calmly replied.

“Not even a joke? What’s going on out there Sonority? How did you manage to pick up your wife in the fighter jet you stole, by the way?” Covenant trotted briskly along, trying to emphasize the trouble Sonority was in across the magically floating radio.

“Yeeeeeeeah… I may have crashed that jet, sir.” Covenant missed a step, nearly falling flat on his face and launching the radio a few lengths in front of him. Again lifting it with his magic, he tried to restrain his anger with his response.

“I was not kidding about that court martial soldier. You had better have a damn good reason for stealing and destroying a damn expensive fighter jet.” Silence reigned for a moment before Covenant thought of something else to add. “How are you contacting me? I doubt you’re in Hearth with this poor a connection. Did you land on an island?”

“More of a continent. Quite a bit larger and more populated than Hearth too. Oh, and some of the ponies here can fly.” A moment later Covenant awoke, absent mindedly munching on the dirt that filled his muzzle after his missed lunch and second, less successful, attempt to keep his footing after shocking news. “Sir, are you still there?” the disembodied voice of Sonority rang into Covenant’s head, forcing him to lift the radio and grunt in response. “I probably shouldn’t mention how the mare of the moon lives here too. Nice lady. Her sister was a little curt though.”

“Alright, joke’s over. Where are you really, soldier?” Covenant laughed to himself, hoping that the ‘I crashed’ part was a joke too. A different voice came over the radio.

“This is no joke, Mr. Truth. My princesses and all my fellow ponies are quite real, quite capable of flight in the case of the pegasus, and more importantly – quite eager to meet you.” Covenant sighed, not recognizing the voice as that of Sonority or either of the first craft’s two-mare crew.

“I suppose I must entertain you’re claims, Sonority. If this is all some sham, I reserve the right to shoot you myself.” Covenant again began trotting towards the command center when another errant thought entered his mind. “Why did you crash?”

“Third party interference. It’s been handled, you’re safe to approach. We’ll have a strip made for you, but given that these ponies never had any need for aircraft… Why don’t you nab one of the HC-382s, the ones with the big treaded tires?” Covenant agreed, listening carefully to the flight path instructions Sonority gave him. He turned the radio off, preparing to settle into his new role as ambassador. Or surprised birthday colt – that’s possible right? A surprise party? My birthday is only two months off after all.

Chapter 19

Resonance meandered absent mindedly along a low scaffold, trying to avoid her husband’s nonsensical (at least to her) rantings about wires and science. A call from up above got her attention, and she turned to see a young earth pony colt hanging from a rope of wires. He called down ‘it’s ready’ to the ponies on the floor before receiving a curt tail-yank from another pony on the scaffolding behind him, placing him on more solid footing. Enjoying the exchange, Resonance plopped herself down on the scaffolding content to watch the show on a backdrop of insane science and the distant town of Ponyville.

“Would you stop that, man? The last thing we need is you falling off this thing and getting yourself hurt.” Resonance could make out the voice of the earth pony mare as she scolded her coworker. He didn’t seem to take her seriously though.

“Comon Sunspot, I’m not gonna get hurt doin’ this. I’m a pro.” The colt gave his partner an overwhelmingly fake smile. She rolled her eyes and left him standing near the edge. Sunspot, that’s a nice name for somepony like that. She kinda does look like the sun, a big orange ball with puffs of red a yellow coming from… Wait big ball? She’s skinnier than I am! Resonance frowned, turning her attention to her own belly and contemplating going on a diet. I should ask Evvy. She’d tell me if I wasn’t looking my best. If I ask her anyway. Resonance was pulled from her thoughts by another call from above. She looked to see the colt once again hanging from the rope wires.

“I’m fine, Sunspot. I’m just trying to get a better look at the -” the colt turned around halfway through his sentence, so Resonance couldn’t make out the last few words. After a moment he spun around again, jerking awkwardly along the rope. All at once, his back hooves slid off the scaffolding as he desperately grabbed for the wires above him. Resonance leapt to her hooves, unsure what to do. Before she could think of anything, the orange mare launched herself toward the barely hanging colt. In one swift motion, she jumped from the edge and pushed him back towards the relative safety of the scaffolding. Resonance raced to the edge of her platform as the mare flew past.

“Evvy! Help!” She watched helplessly as the orange mare fell. Her eyes were closed, and she had the faintest smile on her face. Resonance froze. She had seen this before, on another pony. Below her the two moved closer and closer together, until one fell squarely into the other’s hooves. The fallen mare’s eyes shot open in shock, revealing midnight blue irises that instantly locked with Evanescence’s gilded pupils. When she regained control of her legs, Resonance ran down the scaffolding to see how the fallen mare was doing. When she arrived Evanescence was just setting the other mare down.

“Hey, thanks. That was certainly… interesting.” Sunspot rose to her rear hooves and used her front ones to wipe dust off her coat. Resonance galloped up to her, stopping just short of knocking her to the floor.

“What were you thinking lady!?” Resonance yelled quite loudly in Sunspot’s ear. “You… Both of you!” she continued to yell, gesturing wildly to both Sunspot and her sister. “I don’t care who it’s for, you can’t just go jumping off of stuff! How… I mean…” Resonance finally realized that both mares were staring blankly at her. She fell to her haunches. “How many ponies can there possibly be waiting to catch you?” Her voice trailed off and she hung her head low. Evanescence moved over to lay a hoof on her shoulder.

“What did she mean, both of us?” Sunspot asked, dipping her head to be in Evanescence’s view.

“I may have jumped out of a plane for her.” She got a confused look. “Uh, like a pegasus chariot but with no pegasus. Pretty cool stuff. I fly them.” Evanescence pivoted around, showing off her cutie mark to Sunspot. “I imagine it’s much the same as you jumping there to save your coltfriend.” She nodded toward the colt desperately climbing down the scaffolding – although he had slowed once he saw Sunspot safe on the ground.

“Coltfriend?” Sunspot chuckled. “I don’t even know his name.” Evanescence looked up to her, confused. “He was assigned to work under me for this project. Just started today.” Sunspot looked into Evanescence’s eyes, suddenly very serious. “So long as I am alive, nopony dies on my watch.” They spent a moment staring at one another, neither really sure what to say. Then Sunspot made a move. “He’s not really my type anyway. I’m more into somepony more… Feminine.” She stood tall, slowly trotting around Resonance and Evanescence. “Normally, I’d find somepony that I have something in common with, and see how things go from there. And apparently, if she’s to be believed,” Sunspot nodded toward Resonance, still sitting head hung low on the ground, “you and I have a few things in common.” She stopped next to Evanescence, throwing a hoof over her shoulder. “So how about it, lunch at my place tomorrow? I can meet you here around noon.” Sunspot smiled, waiting patiently for Evanescence to process the question.

“Bwuh?” A very eloquent first reply. “I… uh, yeah! Sure, meet you here.” With that, Sunspot smiled and began to trot off – clearly done working for the day no matter what the clock had to say.

Wait, did that mare just ask Evvy out? Resonance perked up, turning around to see the other mare leaving the room. She caught sight of her cutie mark – a large wing shading three ponies from the sun. She’s an Earth pony though, the wing must mean something else… She turned and saw her sister also watching Sunspot leave.

“What do you make of that flank?” The question made Evanescence choke, instantly sending her into a coughing fit. Resonance rolled her eyes and continued, “Ugh… I mean her cutie mark.” Evanescence blushed wildly, trying desperately to hide her face.

“I… uh… wasn’t exactly looking at that…”

Resonance sighed.

“It was a wing, shading three ponies from the sun. I guess… it’s because she’s called sunspot?” Resonance was admittedly grasping at straws. Evanescence smiled and giggled.

“She’s an angel.” Resonance sighed loudly, rolling her eyes. “No, no, hear me out. She said ‘nopony dies on my watch’, so she’s a protector. That’s an angel’s wing protecting those other ponies.”

Really? They don’t even know what angels are here, it’s all pegasus this and pegasus that, besides… Wait, did she just ask you out!? Resonance’s mind finally made it back to the original point, which surfaced somewhat explosively as she jumped to her hooves and grabbed her sister.

“Did she just ask you out!?” Resonance nodded giddily in reply. “And you said yes!?” Again Resonance nodded excitedly. Evanescence stepped back, slightly quieter. “Why?” Evanescence thought for a moment, then replied:

“Do you remember back about a year ago, when Sonority was trying to set me up with some of his military buddies?” Resonance nodded. “He told me about when you two met. He had literally just gotten the implant so he could hear, and you were playing in the lobby of the hospital. He told me that when he heard that music he felt like he just had to follow it, and when he saw you everything else in the world faded away.” She was staring at the distant town of Ponyville, speaking loudly so her sister behind her could hear. “She fell, a cool fireball from the heavens right into my hooves. The world got… Hazy. It’s just like what Sonority said – true love.”

“Did I hear my name?” Both mares jumped at the sound of Sonority’s voice behind them.

“Just wondering what’s taking you so long, hon.” Resonance said shakily, not wanting to reveal even the slightest detail of her sister’s newfound affection to the strictly enforced moral scrutiny of a Hearth’s Core pilot, and perhaps more importantly the natural mindset of her husband.

“It took a while to explain to Covenant how to get here. Not exactly on the map you know. It may take him a few days to get here, so until then we can have a bit of time off I suppose.” Sonority seemed oblivious to the previous exchange, or any of the harrowing events of the day. Resonance decided to step in and give her sister a chance.

“How about you and I go out, hon? It’s been a while since we’ve had a day off.” Resonance turned to her sister and winked. “I’m sure you can find something to do tomorrow, can’t you Evvy?” Resonance and Sonority began trotting merrily away, leaving Evanescence to herself.

“Yeah, I think I can find something to do.”

Chapter 20

Dark empty cabinets stared meaninglessly at the tired mare’s face before them. Sunspot yawned, reaching instead for a half-empty bag of oats that lay open on the counter. I really should go shopping before lunch. She plopped down on her sofa, casually tossing a hooffull of oats into her mouth and immediately biting down hard on her own tongue. She jumped up, throwing a hoof over her mouth and her oats on the floor.

“Okay, defimitely meed to buy somfin for lunch.” Now thoroughly awake, Sunspot carefully repositioned her tongue in her mouth and began searching for something to write her shopping list on. “Hmm, I should get some new oats, some apples, some milk and bread…” She stopped searching, giving up on finding any paper at all let alone a quill. “I wonder what Evanescence likes? Uh… the last thing I wanna do is give her something she doesn’t like…” Sunspot paced the floor, abandoning her usual overconfident attitude. She was at home with all the curtains drawn and the doors locked so nopony could see her. “That’s it. We’ll just go out somewhere. I did get a good bit of hazard pay from that old miser at the observatory yesterday. That’ll work great.” Sunspot threw open her front door, walking out mid-sentence.

“Talkin’ to yourself again 138?” A voice from behind her made Sunspot jump around, once again nipping at her own tongue. A bright-eyed gray mare floated inches above the mailbox nailed to her front porch, letters in hoof. “Got your mail for ya, or should I leave it in the box?” Sunspot reached a hoof towards the mare, taking the few ads that had come in for her.

“Thanks Derpy. And yes, I was talking to myself, nopony else around here.” The gray mare put her hooves on the ground, looking down dejected. Also up, but that was likely unintentional.

“How do you always remember my name? I know everypony in this town and I still can’t get anypony’s name right.” Sunspot laughed, tossing her opened mail in her front door and locking it again.

“You said it yourself, you know everypony in town. I don’t see the difference between learning somepony’s name and learning their house number. If anything your way is more useful – you never forget where somepony lives.” Sunspot put a hoof on Derpy’s shoulder, forcing her to look up. “Besides, what about your nice doctor friend?” Derpy blushed.

“Doctor isn’t a name, it’s just what everypony calls him. Including himself… Okay maybe I do know one name.” Derpy smiled, again lifting slightly off the ground. “You never bring him up unless you’re thinking romance, 138. What’s her name?” Sunspot turned around, trotting a little too quickly down the walk towards town.

“I’ll tell you if it works out, Derpy. Count on that.” She yelled over her shoulder.

Derpy flew off towards the next house, smiling to herself. “Probably something silly… like seven…”

Sunspot raced down the streets of Canterlot, making her way towards the castle. She was hoping to look at the listings for work around town before finding something nice to wear for her date. Working with scientists was beginning to get difficult. When she got near the outer walls, the city clock tower began to gong. Five… Six… Seven… Eight… Nine … Ugh, this is what I get for sleeping with all the blinds closed. Derpy isn’t that early anymore either since she delivers to Ponyville first. Wait, was that twelve? Panicked, she moved to get a clear view of the clock tower; reading twelve noon. She squeaked, earning irate stares from several of the upper-class ponies milling about Canterlot. Dodging the slowly moving hoof traffic, Sunspot dashed towards the former observatory tower. She arrived minutes later, cursing herself for sleeping in. Great, instead of some hot young mare in a pretty skirt Evanescence gets to go out with a sweaty, lazy, out of breath…

“There you are.” Sunspot froze, taking a moment to compose herself before turning to the steel gray mare she had come there to meet. “Ya know, every pony I passed on the way in today was wearing something fancy. I was half afraid you’d show up wearing something worth more than I am.” Evanescence chuckled, giving Sunspot a chance to look her over, noting a complete lack of any ‘trying to make an impression’ clothing… or any clothing at all. “So, you said lunch at your place?”

“Slight change of plans. I know this great little place just on the edge of the city.” Sunspot turned, heading towards the restaurant she had in mind and hoping the other mare would follow. They usually did whenever she acted tough. After a moment, she heard a voice from behind. She kept walking.

“Funny, if I said something like that it’d really just mean I forgot to go shopping or woke up late. Or both.” Caught. “Ooooh, don’t hide that from me. Doesn’t work.” Sunspot stopped and turned back to her accuser. “My sister learned a long while ago that you can’t lie to me just by acting tough. It doesn’t work.”

Sunspot began walking back towards Evanescence. She smiled as sincerely as she could, which was admirable considering her experience. Don’t make this more difficult than it has to be, let’s just go to this stupid restaurant, have some terrible overpriced food an talk about nothing of any great importance then decide we have nothing in common. She stopped for a moment. Wow I am being really cynical today.

She took a step forward, casting a challenging glance at the gray mare. Evanescence accepted the challenge, lowering her brow and dawning a slight smirk. Sunspot slowly approached her, suspicious of her glare. As she reached a point just outside of a hoof’s reach of the other mare Evanescence sprung into action, shifting her flank to reflect the sun against her coat – transforming herself into a shining steel slate and burning the image of a winged heart into Sunspot’s eyes.

“Gyah!” Sunspot took a rather uncoordinated step back, shielding her eyes. “No fair, you practiced that!” She fell back to her hooves, laughing to herself and blinking furiously. When she looked back up, the image of wings still hung ghostly around the mare in front of her.

“Imagine doing that in a place where nopony’s seen wings on a pony before. I can really make an impression if I need to.” Evanescence trotted over to the other mare, resting a hoof on her shoulder and waiting for her eyes to stop tearing. “We’re on a date remember, I’m sure you have a few moves too.”

“Well…” Evanescence looked at the mare curiously. “I do have one, but it’s silly.” Stepping back, Evanescence stared blankly at Sunspot.

“Yeah, because turning my butt into a mirror doesn’t sound silly on paper.” Sunspot smiled then gently pushed Evanescence down, prompting her to wait as she walked around the observatory. As she made her way around the building she ran faster and faster, finally moving at a full gallop as she passed Evanescence again. Sunspot jumped into a midair summersault, wrapping her fluffy red and yellow mane and tail around her orange coat, creating a perfect visage of the sun and landing squarely on her back.

“Ugh…” Sunspot moaned as the air was knocked out of her lungs. After a moment of catching her breath Sunspot spoke shakily, trying to ignore the muffled laughter around her. “Yeah… Usually do that on grass, not concrete. A whole twice actually.”

“Ooh, showing off for another mare behind my back?” Evanescence pulled Sunspot up, standing close so the other mare wouldn’t wobble.

“Just Derpy. And she’s pining after a colt so... I don’t think it counts.” The two stayed standing braced against each other long after Sunspot was finished speaking. Eventually Evanescence gave her a little nudge. “Aww… I don’t wanna move. Your coat’s so soft.” Evanescence chuckled, pushing the brighter mare off.

“Well, I do bathe every once in a while.” Sunspot gasped, faking hurt feelings.

“And what exactly are you trying to imply there missy?” Sunspot yelled at the mare who was by that time walking away from her.

“I’m trying to say you still have no groceries. Come on, I got forty bucks in my bags over here. That’ll get us a nice meal.”

“Forty what now?” Sunspot asked, examining the blue paper hanging from Evanescence’s muzzle. She had four slips, each with the image of a ten-point buck and some fancy lettering.

“Oh… Um…” Evanescence dropped the bills back in her bag, freeing herself to speak. “I guess you don’t use that kind of money here, do you? Looks like you get to pay for lunch after all.” Sunspot gave a triumphant smile, caring more that she won than that it cost her. “I still get to haggle though! I love seeing how much I can get out of somepony.” Another challenge. I once got a dozen apples off that farmer chick Applejack for two bits. I can totally win this one. The pair trotted happily towards the town’s center as the clock tower rang once, signaling a half hour since they had met for the day. That long already? I… Well I guess I really am having fun. I haven’t met a mare that cared enough to challenge me in….

“Race ya!” Sunspot snapped out of her thoughts as a passing silvery gray streak yelled in her direction and tore off into the distance, cackling madly. Oh yeah, this is gonna be fun.

Chapter 21

As the sun set over Equestria, the center of life in Canterlot moved from the streets to into the castle’s walls. Princess Luna emerged from her bed chamber with purpose, knowing that tonight she would once again become a true leader of Equestria when, as she had done once before with admittedly mixed results, she would speak for the nation as a leader. Luna began her night with a good-night letter to her sister, unwilling to give up the meager connection she had forged since her return. The letters she received from her sister in Ponyville were always short and typically troubling, revealing details of the sun goddess’ worry for her only student. She had suffered a great mental strife at the hands of the foreigners, which Luna was able to forgive. However, it seemed that the young Twilight had actually learned nothing from the experience. Luna knew from her own time on Earth, and elsewhere, that Twilight had actually learned the importance of her young companion, Spike, and what she would occasionally have to do to protect him. From the brief letters it was clear both that Twilight was unaware of this lesson and that Celestia would not return until she was.

Luna stood on a balcony over the city, watching the last vestiges of the sun’s light disappear from the sky, her sky, and watching closely for the strange metal bird that would mark the beginning of the day’s events. A number of guards and politicians passed by, seeking her orders or advice as she waited. With the ruler of the day gone, many of the mundane tasks about the castle were falling on Luna’s shoulders. She did not mind. Between the common runnings of the kingdom, Luna had time to contemplate her near future.

This ambassador, Covenant Truth, what should I expect of him? Covenant, a pact or treaty… fitting for one who would speak for his nation. Truth however… are not all treaties based in truth? What need is there for the repeated title unless to reinforce a false promise?

Celestia had taught Luna early in her life that a pony’s name is important. In her youth Luna dismissed the argument, believing instead that names were more the whim of the parent then the fate of the child. However, Luna had more recently embraced the idea thanks to her sister and the bridge between them – Twilight.

Luna’s attention snapped back over the city. A new star had appeared in the sky without her permission. The night’s sky had never defied her before, and as she felt out toward the new star she realized it had not defied her yet.

“Guard! Inform any others whom seek my presence that I am not to be disturbed. Matters of the kingdom are at hoof.” With that, Luna removed herself from her perch, gliding effortlessly toward the runway that had been constructed according to the visiting dignitary’s wishes. Within moments of her arrival bright lights ran two lines along the longest street in Canterlot, ushering away the ponies that still milled about at the late hour, and welcoming in the strange flying machine that approached not unlike a shooting star. Luna’s mind calmed as the plane grew closer. At first it seemed to be a star, flying against her wishes. As it grew closer and larger it became clear that it was under somepony’s control.

We cannot allow the stars to manage themselves, after all. The results in the past have been less than impressive. Luna watched the plane approach, growing in sight and in form as it sprouted wheels and reared back in preparation for leaving the sky. The landing was graceful, but long. Luna awaited the craft at the end of the runway, standing fast against the imposingly large shape slowing towards her.

As the plane stopped a seam along the side split open, revealing the contents of the tin box. A single unicorn colt stepped from the craft, revealing heavy saddle bags and a flaming scroll mark burdening lime green coat. The colt approached the goddess of the night, reaching a hoof out in greeting.

“For a moment I was hoping Sonority was joking about the wings. You however are exactly as described.” The colt appeared frightened, but acted secure. His tail was low and his ears were held tightly down against his head, but the air of a diplomat required he be confident. Many ponies had gathered about the strange craft to see what goings on had required the personal appearance of the night goddess. Every pegasus that Covenant Truth saw made him less and less easy.

“Allow me to see you inside, Covenant Truth. The night’s air does not seem to be kind to you.” Covenant began to agree, then perked up, visibly showing his shock at having been found out. “I have been handling diplomacy for longer than you have been alive, young one. You have every right to be nervous. I think no less of you.”

“Thank you, your highness. I admit the existence of another nation, especially one filled with ponies of such… apparently utterly typical ability… is a bit much to handle all at once.”

“Our ability to fly should be no shock to you. Here only the pegasus may fly, yet every pony I have seen from your land has lived in the sky. Did you bring any others with you?” Luna asked, unsure as to the contents of the metal bird that had brought her guest.

“No, I flew myself. I suppose that does make us more alike than different as a populous.” The colt smiled warmly, beginning toward the castle.

“I shall set you to a bed, ambassador. We may meet with the Equestrian dignitaries in the morning.” Before following him, Luna gave a meaningful nod toward a waiting guard. Immediately after the two disappeared into the building, a swarm of guards and scientists began to explore the strange craft.

Chapter 22

Covenant Truth lay awake in the bed he had been given. He was uneasy, as the princess who greeted him had noticed, but his orders were clear. A unique opportunity had been given to the nation of Hearth. This Luna, goddess of the night, could be the key to everything he and the leaders of his nation had been preparing for years. Relieving himself of his uncomfortable position on the mattress, Covenant Truth set out toward the Princess’s chambers. If he could not ensure her return with him, he was not sure he would be allowed to return himself. Four lives lost in the defense of the nation is well within the ability of Hearth’s Core.

The lime colored colt wandered the halls of the castle, having found nopony in Luna’s chambers, or any of the open areas he had passed. The night was calm, but its chill nipped at him. Eventually, he happened across a high balcony in the tower and found his bounty. Luna stood overlooking the city, seemingly ignoring his approach. He stood behind her for some time before she sighed and spoke.

“As always, I shall guard the night.” Luna turned to face the smaller colt. “That is what I told my sister the last time our nation needed me. I served as I could but at the end, I was not there.” Covenant took the chance to make his point.

“Princess, if what I’ve been told is true, you are often not there when this nation wants you. And when it wants you to not be there, you are in force.” Luna looked sadly at the young pony, who returned her gaze with what he hoped was confidence. “Is it possible, Luna, that you are not where you should be?” Luna looked puzzled, returning her gaze to the night’s sky.

“I have tried being elsewhere, young one. You know of my time on the moon, when I cast this nation aside for my own desires.” Luna’s horn glowed gently as a star shot across the sky. Her voice was softer as she continued “We are lucky they have accepted us back at all after what we did.”

“There are places other than Equestria and the moon.” Covenant said, careful to mimic the lunar goddess’ hushed tones. “My nation is out there, across the sea, and it would not take luck for us to welcome you.”

Luna turned toward him and smiled, once again speaking at a more traditional volume. “Your nation has gotten along fine without me, Covenant Truth. Why exactly should I come to them now?” Covenant turned his head, unwittingly revealing his concern. “Covenant Truth, what reason do you have to ask me to leave Equestria?” Luna asked again, gracefully lowering herself to lie on the ground so that she could look the smaller pony in the eye.

“My nation is in turmoil. The ponies there do not yet know it, but the powers of this Earth that supply us with our very lives are quite literally growing cold and dying.” Covenant joined Luna lying on the balcony, shivering softly from the cold of the stone floor. “I’m sure you’ve heard that our nation is kept warm by a sheet of magma under the whole of the island, yes?” Luna nodded. “The heat does more than that. Every machine in Hearth is powered by geothermal energy – every light, every home, every school and hospital and office and refinery. We could in theory survive by converting every power and heat system in the nation to the same liquid fuel that operates our aircraft, but it would take years to enact such change.” Luna, who had turned her full attention to the visiting dignitary, finally responded.

“The ponies of your land do not know it? How is this possible?”

“We…” Covenant struggled to find a nicer term, but couldn’t. “We have lied to them. For years. There is a team of unicorns in Hearth’s Core that lends their magic to the magma sheet every day, to warm it. But the size of this group continues to grow and we cannot maintain it on our own for much longer. We fear what the ponies will do when they discover our deceit and lose their way of life all at once.” Covenant looked back toward the princess, practically pleading with her. “If you are willing to join us, if you can convince your friends who bear these great elements of harmony to join us, you may well save our nation as the seven sisters of the night. We have been grooming a populous that loves the stars, and if you return with me I can assure you that every pony in the nation you rule will want you to be there.” Luna looked into his eyes, seeing that he was in fact quite serious.

“The bearers of the elements have not exactly been unaffected by the members of the nation you are asking us to lead.” Covenant nearly growled his reply.

“What Sonority did was what any pony in Hearth would have done to end that debacle as quickly as possible. Death is a part of what it means to be alive, not some plague to be avoided at the cost of valuable time.”

“I see.” Luna closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts. “I see what you are, Covenant Truth. I see what kind of creatures inhabit your land and what kind of leaders claim to control them. Disloyalty, oppression, selfishness, control, abuse, lies.” Luna’s voice became harsh to match her glare towards the now shrinking Covenant Truth. “You claim to be familiar with the force to which we owe our freedom, but your proposition defies every element of Harmony. If your nation is doomed it is not because of the change in the world around you – it is because you have lost sight of what is important in this world.” Luna rose above Covenant Truth, returning to her perch above the city. “You had best return to your quarters, ambassador. The nights here are quite colder than you are used to.”

Luna glared angrily at Covenant Truth, fixing him to the floor in fear. Sonority’s tale of her past great anger was quite vivid in his mind as an eternity passed on the cold castle balcony. Luna’s gaze eventually left him, meeting instead with a scroll that had appeared in front of her. She read it, giving Covenant a moment to rise to his hooves and back slowly to the door.

“My sister is coming home. You had best prepare - negotiations will be… tense.”

With that, Covenant Truth galloped back to his room. He briefly considered fleeing, but caught sight of his craft being explored on the runway. He would have to face what he had proposed either here or at home. Hopefully he would survive the ordeal.

Chapter 23

A pair of pegasus guards pulled hard at their cargo – a chariot bearing the princess of the sun. It was late in the night when Celesta’s student had finally begun acting somewhat normal again – and more importantly was able to think about what had happened and what she could learn from it. Celestia left, trusting that Twilight’s friends would be able to help her back to her old self while she went back to running the nation of Equestria. Looking east, her horn glowed gently, begging the sun to rise above the horizon and greet her. It did not disappoint.

“Princess?” One of the guards spoke up, catching Celestia’s attention. “Where in Canterlot would you like us to take you? You were more eager to say goodbye than give us any real direction when we left.” Celestia chuckled.

“I wish to see my sister, she will want to know first-hoof of the progress in Ponyville. She should be attending a meeting in the grand hall.” The pegasus guard nodded and the two began to bank slowly left toward the balcony of the grand hall. After a short while, the chariot came to rest and Celestia departed.

She entered the hall from a high balcony, looking down to see what preparations or talks she may be interrupting by entering. Seeing only her sister and two very busy looking catering staff, she stepped over the railing and glided down to Luna’s side. As soon as she landed, the lunar goddess spun around toward her, grabbing her in a big hug.

“I have missed you too, sister.” Celestia said, not used to Luna showing emotion in front of the staff. She was still a very old-fashioned leader, with good reason.

“I take it young Twilight has recovered?” Luna said, releasing her sister and taking a cautious step back. “Tell me, does she consider the hatching Spike to be her brother, or son?”

“I see you have been paying attention to my letters, sister. I apologize for not writing more, but the past few days have been stressful.” Luna smiled impatiently. “Yes, Twilight has accepted Spike into her family once and for all – as her son. She felt it proper, since she had a hand in his hatching.”

“I am happy for her, and him too. I know Spike has always seen Twilight as his protector and friend, now he can stop complaining about her treating him as a servant.” Celestia subdued a chuckle at her sister’s joke. “Yes, I read all the letters that come in addressed to ‘the princess’, not just the friendship reports. That little purple fiend can be quite the tattle-tale sometimes.” Celestia sighed, watching the other ponies in the room prepare for the meeting with Covenant Truth.

“I wish I was as happy as I usually am after spending time with my student. What these ponies of Hearth have done to her is… quite unfortunate.” She held her tongue against her true feelings, knowing the caterers like to gossip. “I do hope that the talks with this Covenant Truth go well. A first impression is important.” Luna visibly shrunk at the comment. “Luna?” Celestia asked, ushering her sister to a side room away from prying ears. “Luna, has something happened?”

“No, no sister. We do not wish to interfere with the negotiations. It is important for us to allow dignitaries to begin anew with our sister.” Celestia lifted a hoof to her sister’s chin, pulling her up to look into her eyes.

“Luna, it is more important for you to tell me when you are troubled. We have to be open about our worries, you know this.” Luna pulled away, acting offended.

“We do not have worries of the ambassador, for what reason are you suspicious of us?” Luna’s attention was pulled away by a painting on the far wall falling with a heavy thud.

“Well, for one, you always speak in the royal Canterlot voice when you’re nervous. Now calm down and tell me what has happened – preferably without the rest of the castle being able to hear, okay Luna?” Celestia stepped toward her sister, resting her head on Luna’s shoulder. The lunar goddess sighed, agreeing to detail the events of the prior night to her sister. Celestia’s gaze did not waiver through the entire telling, but her mind quickly did.

Theses ponies have done things to my student that I would gladly beat them senseless for if I could get them alone, and now this? The one they send as a chosen representative of their entire nation comes in and on his first night in Equestria tries to rip the royal family in two?

“Sister? Are you alright?” Luna asked. Her story had ended and Celestia had not given any indication she knew. “Sister?” Luna repeated. Celestia slowly rose to her hooves.

“I believe it is time for us to meet Covenant Truth, is it not?” Celestia began for the door, making it wholly into the grand hall before Luna was able to mentally catch up and chase after her. In the hall Covenant Truth sat to the left of the table’s head, the traditional seat of a visiting dignitary. Celestia sat at the head, and Luna took the seat at her right hoof. Luna’s worry was apparent on her face, but Celestia maintained the calm that comes with thousands of years of rule. “Negotiations for the friendly relation between the nations of Equestria and Hearth are set to begin. Representing Equestria are myself, Princess Celestia, and my sister Princess Luna. Representing Hearth?” The lime coated unicorn took his cue.

“Covenant Truth, ambassador of the nation of Hearth.” There was the slightest worry in his voice, although he masked it beautifully in his posture.

“Negotiations have now begun.” Celestia placed her forehooves on the table and took a deep breath. “Negotiations have now ended.”

“Eh, I… What?” Covenant blurted out. Celestia fixed her gaze on him.

“My first encounter with your nation was in the aftermath of a murder in the Everfree, for which one of your soldiers was responsible and by which my student has been permanently scarred. Now, it comes to my attention that the pony your nation has chosen as the ideal representative of their nation has tried to usurp our rule by convincing my sister to abandon us and run away with you, in the name of maintaining a lie you use to control the innocent ponies that live in your nation? I thank only that she trusts me and her ponies enough to turn you down. You are no longer welcome in this castle, or this nation.” Celestia rose, calling the attention of the posted guards. Her face briefly flashed anger when her back was turned to the ambassador – but Luna saw it.

I won’t lose her again.

“I want all the ponies from the nation of Hearth found and brought to the runway outside, they will be leaving shortly.” The guard passed the order to another outside, then moved to escort Covenant Truth out. He called out to the solar goddess:

“Wait! I don’t understand, is there nothing I can do to convince you that what we need is just?” Celestia turned to face him, not hiding her anger any longer.

“I have seen what the ponies of your nation are. ‘Just’ is not the word I would use.”

Celestia left on that remark, trailing a very worried Luna and a defeated Covenant – escorted by royal guard.

Chapter 24

Evanescence lay awake under a mountain of blankets in a guest room at the castle. Everypony from Hearth had been allowed to stay there, given that they were technically dignitaries and definitely had no money to rent a room anywhere else. She wasn’t feeling particularly lazy – but refused to leave the warmth of her bed until she was sure the sun had risen. Her past nights in Equestria had been cold, but this one was the worst.

“Comon Evanescence, rise and shine.” Resonance called from what seemed like some distance away, although she was probably closer given the muffling of the sheets. “I wanna go with Sonority to see his C.O. after they meet with the princesses. You should come, it’ll do you some good to see a familiar face.” Covenant’s face wasn’t exactly familiar – Evanescence barely knew Sonority’s friends let alone his boss. She got up anyway, remembering that she had to be careful not to earn the suspicion of the strict military colt’s moral standards.

Evanescence made a grand sweeping motion, intent on throwing the sheets off the bed and making a grand entrance. Instead the mass of fabrics folded and fell haphazardly over the side of the bed in a big pile, easily large enough to be a bed itself.

“Jeeze, little cold last night?” Resonance asked sarcastically. “Pretty warm with somepony there beside you ya know…” The recently awoken mare cast a wry glare at her sister. She could have been spending the night with somepony if she wanted to. I don’t though, do I? Sure she’s hot but… I don’t really think of her like I do some of those mares back home. I wanna be with her, not get with her. Pushing the thought aside she began towards her sister, waiting at the door. In a haze of gray magic, the door opened.

“You two, come with me.” A tall uniformed unicorn colt stood in the doorway, casting a menacing glare.

“Ooh, a private escort. How fan-cy.” Resonance’s attempt at humor was lost in the guard’s icy stare. He sidestepped, leaving enough room in the doorway for the two to step through. His demeanor did not change as he led them through the castle, passing the grand meeting hall where the two had expected to be going.

“Hey, where exactly are you leading us? I thought Covenant was supposed to be meeting the princesses in there.” Resonance asked, somewhat irate at the unexpected change.

“Negotiations broke down. You two and all your friends have been ordered to leave Equestria.” Evanescence froze, leaving her sister to verbally assault the guard. She wasn’t still a moment before another armored stallion came up behind her, nudging her along. Leave Equestria? What in the flames could have happened in that meeting? Sonority soon appeared out of a side hall, escorted by two more royal guard. He gave a curt nod to Evanescence before returning to his previous position – staring stony-eyed ahead and marching in rhythm with the guards. The group walked largely in silence to the castle’s gate with the occasional exception of Resonance coming up with some new insult to fling at the guard who now angrily hauled her toward the exit.

Outside the castle a few ponies had gathered around the aircraft and the two waiting Princesses – along with the majority of the royal guard. Most of the faces in the crowd stuck their snouts up at the now shamed dignitaries, although they likely had no idea what was actually going on. One face however was familiar.

“Evanescence!” the name called out by a fiery orange mare as she hopped past the near wall of upper class snobs in front. A guard moved in front of her, but was unable to impede her progress thanks to a very carefully placed hoof. A wave from the princess of the moon prevented any other guards from trying to stop her. “What’s going on?” Sunspot demanded, standing defiantly between the procession and the waiting aircraft.

“We’ve been kicked out. Seems you lot don’t like us too much.” Sonority said, using the comment more to jab at the nearby princesses than to answer the questions of some mare.

“What? But… you can’t go!” Sunspot lost her composure for a moment, exposing the caring pony hidden underneath. She jumped into the crowd, grabbing Evanescence away from the guard next to her. “I can’t let you go…” she trailed off, staring at the gray mare before her. Evanescence tried to think of what to do, but couldn’t. Sonority was looking at her confused. Resonance was silently begging her to just let Sunspot go and get on the plane. The guards didn’t seem to care either way. Sunspot’s expression was far more interesting. She looked lost - as if for the first time since they had met she was completely unsure what to do or what would happen if she did. She looked like she was afraid to lose something, and Evanescence had never seen her scared.

Evanescence, however, knew exactly what to do.

Pushing her way past the guards, the steel gray mare set a determined look at the two princesses standing on the edge of the runway. Celestia stood tall and emotionless, in complete contrast to Luna who watched the events unfold before her with increasing amounts of worry. Guards moved to stop the mare from approaching the alicorns, but again Luna waived a hoof and events proceeded.

“I want to stay.” Evanescence declared loud enough for Sunspot to hear her from back in the crowd of guards. Celestia looked down at her without moving, intent on appearing as superior as possible as she began to speak. She was interrupted however by her sister.

“On what grounds, young one?” the lunar goddess asked.

“I… I don’t want to have to hide anymore.” Evanescence’s comment earned curious looks from everypony gathered – except of course Celestia who remained stone-faced. “I’ve done something here that I cannot do in Hearth. It is forbidden, the fact that I even acknowledge it has happened will likely earn me persecution for the rest of my life if I return home.” Evanescence turned to face her sister, brother-in-law, and the bright orange mare that had jumped the guards to see her. “I’ve fallen in love with a mare.”

A moment of silence followed the comment. Sunspot’s face lit up, happy that the mare she loved was willing to fight to stay with her. The princesses turned to one another, silently agreeing that Luna was to make the final decision in this case. The crowd of Equestrian ponies around remained confused, unsure why falling in love at all would be forbidden. Resonance looked on in horror as the final member of the group slowly boiled over.

“You did what!?” Sonority barreled through the two guards who had stayed by his side the entire walk in, charging towards Evanescence. “How dare you even say such a thing! All our nation has done for you and you turn on us? You become this twisted, perverted…” His rant was cut short by the squadron of pegasus and unicorn guards that descended upon him. Luna made no motion to stop them. Pulling him back towards the aircraft, Sonority again began yelling, this time towards the orange mare that until now he failed to recognize. “You! You’ve done this to her! You took my innocent sister and twisted her into this! Your whole nation is full of these perverse little…” again he was cut off by the guards dragging him onboard the plane. A dark murmur echoed through the crowd as Sunspot walked slowly towards Evanescence, leaving Resonance relatively alone on the landing strip.

“I believe a decision has been made.” Luna stepped forward, lowering her head to the level of the two mares. “From what I know of your land, the ponies there are cruel and hateful. You however are not. You are free, you are kind, and you would not survive amongst them forever. Or even for a short period, now that your true nature is known. You will be allowed to stay in Equestria, but I cannot allow any others. Your sister, her husband, and the ambassador must go.” Evanescence looked back toward her sister, unsure what to do. The thought of leaving her constant companion behind was terrible, but the thought of going with her was worse.

“Go.” Resonance finally spoke. “I can take care of Sonority back home. You don’t have anything there to go back to but me, and I’m telling you now – you should be here.” Resonance turned and started walking toward the plane, not wanting to give her sister time to convince her otherwise, or let her see the tears welling in her eyes. Both could feel the end of an era as the azure mare followed her husband onto the airship and the great beast roared to life.

Chapter 25

The plane had long since gone when the crowd in Canterlot’s streets finally dispersed. Celestia stayed as the scene calmed down, watching her sister go to the castle to sleep and the majority of her guards return to their post. After a while, Celestia thought herself alone on the street. She sighed.

“Princess?” A quiet voice caught her attention, urging her to turn around. She saw Evanescence, the mare that stayed, sitting blankly in the street staring off in the direction of her home. The orange mare Sunspot lay at her feet. “Princess, are… are we gonna be alright?” Sunspot asked, looking toward her marefriend’s blank expression. To her it must have seemed like the steely gray mare’s mind was a complete blank, but Celestia understood what was happening. She had seen it before a thousand years ago - In a mirror.

“Sunspot…” Celestia said, slowly trotting towards the pair. The named mare looked up slightly surprised that the princess even knew her name. “There is little in this world that cannot be healed with time. I feel however, that this is not a wound to be healed but a change to be embraced.” The goddess sat next to the pair, slowly stretching a wing over them to block the mid-day sun. “Tell me, either of you, have you ever met a pony named Resonance or Evanescence before these two came into being?” Both looked at the princess and shook their heads, unsure what she intended to say. “There is a great power that comes from a name. I’m sure you have both met ponies whose names fit their lives or their special talents perfectly. This is no coincidence.” The princess leaned in close, intent to give the message it had taken her years to understand after her own struggle.

“Resonance is the quality of sounds to mix, becoming strong as a thunderous tornado or weak as silence. The sound itself does not change, but how it acts does. Your sister has met her husband, Sonority the strong sound, and appears to have changed because of it. She will always be the mare you know and love, Evanescence. No matter how she appears.” The steel gray mare looked at the princess hopeful while the orange mare at her hooves sank to the ground.

“Evanescence is similar, but importantly different. It is a reaction of light on metal, creating waves of bright and dark light as it bounces off of whatever it has hit. The key difference is that over time, Evanescence fades. The dark portions stay dark while the light portions dim. To the outside world it seems the light dies, but it doesn’t. It simply can’t be seen anymore.” Celestia nuzzled Evanescence, hopeful that her message was getting through. “You have not become dark, my little pony. You have simply become something you were not before. What you are now is free. Free to live and love, although you will be sad for now.” The princess stood up, looking down on the barely smiling mare. Sunspot however was less convinced.

“Bunk.” The flat objection was muffled by the ground as Sunspot lay on the cobblestone street. “How can a name mean so much? A pony gets their name before they’re even born. Forget about knowing what their special talent is, most parents don’t know what color their kid’s coat will be before naming them!” Sunspot rose to her feet, staring angrily at the princess. “And you. Celestia. Luna I get, that’s the same name as the moon, but last time I checked the sun’s name was Sol. Didn’t your parents get the memo or are you just trying to go against your nature here?” The snarling mare’s anger was met with cool understanding by the sun princess.

“Someday ponies will understand how the world truly works. Until then there will be times when we must wander the darkness with no sun, no moon, no stars to light our way. Trust that your heart knows the path, my little pony.” Celestia turned and left the two alone. She did not want to have to explain her own story, although in all right she should. Celestia, the many heavenly bodies. If only the ponies understood what power they ask of me, and how little I can actually do. I do not know how I survived without my sister to aid me. I hope her freedom does not cost this pony the same heartache mine did.

Chapter 27

Evanescence,

I do not want you to believe that your life in Equestria is simply a happenstance, so that you are constantly shocked by what you have gained and saddened by what you have lost. I know first-hoof what troubles can come from a sudden change in one’s life, and despite what my sister may believe I wish to learn more about you and the nation you are from. There may yet be a day when our populous mingles with theirs as one may speak with a cow or zebra – different yet wholly equal.

I see that you are saddened by your sister’s missing, while you hide your emotion from the most of the world I have known it for too long to miss the signs. There are ponies here who care for you, young one. Do not hide your feelings from them. When you feel it is appropriate, my door will be open to you. I can wait as long as is necessary.

Her Royal Highness
Princess of the Moon
Luna

The scroll lay sealed at the bottom of a saddlebag, flying about the city of Canterlot by way of a blonde pegasus mare. 138 West Trotter Street was not the farthest house on her route, it wasn’t even the last house on its road, but Derpy saved this house for last with a special conversation in mind. It was well past noon when the last scroll was the only message left in her mailbag and the gray mare’s hooves landed on the front stoop of her target. Rather than simply leaving the message in its box and fly away, Derpy knocked on the door and waited patiently for the bright orange mare inside to answer. After a moment, the door swung open.

“Gooood afternoon… Evanescence.” Derpy’s skull-splitting smile was met with a cold blank stare from the deceptively brightly colored mare.

“Derpy… My name’s Sunspot.” The mare’s smile suddenly deformed into an angry scowl.

“No!” Derpy protested, pulling the last scroll out of her mail bag. “See here? Evanescence, 138 West Trotter Street, Canterlot. You’re the only one who has ever lived here, how is that not your name?” As she protested, a shining steel-grey figure appeared from behind Sunspot, reaching out to take the scroll.

“She’s got a houseguest. Nice try though, A for effort.” Evanescence walked back into the recesses of the home, oblivious to the conversation between the two mares in front.

“A? A what?” Derpy inquisitively watched the steel gray mare walk somberly away until she was out of sight. Then, struck with a sudden realization, she bounced up into the air, knocking Sunspot down and pinning her to the floor. She leaned in close, once again dawning a gigantic smile. “Four days ago you said you were going on a date with some mare, and you’d tell me her name if it went well.” Sunspot tried to push Derpy off, beginning to swear under what seemed like a bizzarly happy interrogation. “Well… There’s a new mare in your house, so I think things went well. And I had to learn her name was Effervescent all by my self.”

“Evanescence.” The curt response took Derpy off guard. She blinked, accidentally letting her eyes drift apart. Sunspot took the moment of weakness to throw Derpy aside – although not to the ground thanks to her winged nature. “My marefriend’s name is Evanescence, and things are not going great for her right now.”

Derpy sat, listening to Sunspot’s recollection of the past few days – Evanescence coming to Equestria, some vague details of trouble in Ponyville, their meeting, then the banishment. Derpy listened to every detail, quietly considering the tale as a reflection of her own experience growing up. When Sunspot was done, Derpy got up to leave. Before setting a hoof outside, she turned back.

“In my life, I have learned that with time, and if ponies care about you, any wound can be healed.” She took another step out the door, quietly continuing to herself, “so long as nothing pulls too hard at the stitches.”

Chapter 28

Lone hoofbeats echoed across the sun goddess’ chambers, met only with their own echo as Celestia paced in the moonlight. She had gained some time away from her guard now that the immediate ‘threat to Equestria’ was over. The guard had a way of making even the slightest event sound disastrous. But it was disastrous, Celestia thought to herself. I do not wish to lose my sister again, but could I be pushing her away with all this control? Celestia had been tormenting herself over the past week’s events. She tried to sleep, trusting her sister to control the kingdom for the night, but her mind would not stay calm.

The tall white mare approached her chamber door, intent on pacing the halls of the castle. She stopped just short of placing her hoof on the handle at some sound beyond it. That guard will never give up will he? I suppose he’s just trying to protect me in light of recent events but does my opinion mean nothing?Celestia stood silent for a moment. How can I ask this of him when I act for Luna without asking her... With that, the goddess of the sun took flight from her window, careful to approach her sister without her guard becoming suspicious.

Celestia’s hoofbeats rang out into Luna’s observatory. The dark goddess paid her no heed, instead alternating her telescope between the vacant streets of Canterlot and the starry sky above.

“I am glad they still sleep through the night, sister.” Luna’s voice cast loud through the night air. “Those who are awake simply add number to the stars I must watch. You may not see them shine when all is bathed in the light of the sun, but now… everypony in Equestria shines so brightly.” Celestia walked toward her sister, confused by the comment. “Not just Equestria either. I have been well aware of the light on the horizon for some time now. I had always thought that those lights belonged to the griffin, or the zebra, or one of the dozens of other nations which we relate with. Now I see that there is more to this world than we could possibly believe before.” Luna turned away from her telescope and toward her sister. “Why have you come here sister, should you not be sleeping?”

“I thought you’d be happy to see me.” Celestia said. Luna’s only response was to return to her telescope. “I have been thinking of the events of the past few days. I believed it was my duty to protect this nation by protecting you. I see now that I may have been wrong.” Luna did not speak. “Luna, I do not want to lose you again. I fear that in my efforts to protect you, I may be doing just that.” Celestia stood next to Luna, watching the city. Luna stood with a cool conviction while Celestia stared blankly. As time passed, she began to sweat. “Luna… please tell me I’m wrong. I don’t want to lose you.”

“But you will.” Celestia nearly fell over.

“What? No!” Celestia jumped forward, grabbing her sister. “I can’t lose you again, Luna. What do I have to do to keep you here?” Luna, seeing that her sister was on the verge of tears, finaly returned her embrace.

“It’s getting dark.” Celestia looked around. It was already the dead of night and the moon shone brightly overhead. When she looked back Luna had returned to her telescope. “The light on the horizon, in the direction they flew. It’s been dimming for a while now.” Luna stepped away from her telescope, sighing deeply. “You don’t want to lose me, and I don’t want to lose them.”

The two met eyes.

“We have to fix this.”

Chapter 29

A hush fell over the gathered ponies as an electric hum rose with the moon over the city square. Resonance, Sonority, and Covenant Truth had returned to little fanfare thanks to some governmental fudging of flight records and the couple took their place as citizens of Hearth once again.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, attention will be had! ”The call that roared from the surrounding speakers was completely unnecessary. The crowd had long since silenced, but every public address in Hearth’s storied career had begun the same way as long as anypony could remember. “I appreciate you all coming out at such a late hour. The events I am about to address are quite recent, and it seemed more appropriate to hold this conference now, under the guiding stars.” Very few ponies in the crowd could actually see the speaker, leaving most to watch the speakers set along the edges of the crowd. Sonority stood opposed, his military training teaching him to show respect by facing the distant dot of a pony even if he was listening to something on the side. Resonance stood next to him, careful that she could not be heard by anypony around.

“Sonority… you’ve got to know what this is about already, right? What’ve they called us all out so late for?” Resonance asked quietly. She was already tired and did not want to spend time trying to understand the speaker as the crowd cheered or booed – whatever was appropriate. Sonority sighed.

“Well…” He started quietly, careful to not be overheard. “Since we couldn’t get Luna to come with us, the old plans for the nation must move forward.” A muted murmur flowed through the crowd, hushed by the voice on the speakers. “Right now, he’s explaining that the president has taken up a new understudy. The colt will be appointed to a high position in the government, and act as our version of Princess Luna. He’s even got a cosmic cutie mark. I think it-” Sonority’s voice was drowned out in a cheer of the crowd, which quickly subsided. “The government’s been at a bit of a standstill lately. Not really, but that’s what’s been out there. In reality, the solutions we have to the nation’s current problems have been being saved. He will use his position of power and these plans to gain favor in the public eye. The president is the warm hearth, but he is the cool night sky. Oh, here he is now.” The crowd again erupted in a roar of hoof beats, quieted by a voice coming over the speakers.

“Thank you, thank you all. I am Falling Comet, and as you’ve just heard, I am the latest advisor to the madam President. She has appointed me after some moderate success in West Paddock over the last year.” A small selection of ponies began to cheer near Resonance. She could see the seal of the city of Paddock on one of their saddlebags. It was clear that the government had been grooming this colt to take power for some time.

“I don’t feel right about this.” Resonance barely spoke, not sure she even wanted to tell Sonority what she thought.

“Now’s not the best time to have doubts, Resonance.” Sonority responded harshly enough that a pair of ponies next to them sent concerned glares their way. “Let’s go. We can talk about this somewhere a bit more private, hon.” With that he made his way out of the crowd. They parted for him in recognition either of his military status or simply his glare, but quickly returned to where they were. It took Resonance a minute longer to escape.

The speaker’s voice was muffled in the alleyway where Resonance found her husband. He stood with his back to the wall, fiddling with the military charm around his neck. His expression was troubled, and he seemed deep in thought when Resonance finally wandered near him.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Sonority said calmly, without opening his eyes. “Your sister doesn’t believe in what we’re doing here.” He opened his eyes, instantly finding Resonance and locking her down with a cold stare. “You were close to her. I have to think you knew or at least suspected she wasn’t interested in men. What you have to understand is that those thoughts corrupted her. She isn’t interested in what’s good for this nation – only what’s good for herself. She stayed behind, hon. You’ve been the best of friends and the closest of allies since you were born and she stayed behind. She abandoned this nation and she abandoned you and you can’t let her thoughts influence…”

“She did not abandon me.” A misleading quiet fell. Sonority was surprised by Resonance’s volume and anger, and so was Resonance. A thousand torrid thoughts raced through her mind as she tried to remember the last time she stood up to her husband. Never that’s when. But she had started now, and she couldn’t back down. Evanescence wouldn’t.

“I told her to stay. We were in that land because of her. We were leaving because of your commander. She was afraid because of you. She stayed because of me.” With every emphasis she took another step closer to Sonority, ever narrowing her gaze. “My sister is perfect the way she is. The best thing I ever did for her was telling her to stay there and be happy.” Resonance could feel tears begin to well up, but she fought them back. “She only ever wanted me to be happy too. But here I am, back in our dying land. Back without my best friend. Back with you.” Her hot breath broke against Sonority’s dirty cream colored coat by the time she stopped long enough for him to respond.

“You…” Sonority took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “You’re angry. But you can’t let her twisted world view become your own. What she is made her”

“It made her alive!”

“It made her a monster!” Sonority yelled as loud as he could, rearing up on his hind legs. Resonance shrunk back, trying to hide her face behind her forehooves but it was too late. Two cracks rang out into the lonely alleyway. The first when Sonority’s hoof met Resonance’s skull, and the second when her skull hit the pavement.

The overwhelming taste of cupric and bile woke the azure mare. She saw a murky figure standing beside her, immobile. The ringing in her ears was deafening and every muscle ached but the injured mare pulled herself to her hooves. She stumbled along a wall as the world around her swayed wildly, but the lone figure did not move. Every step took all her concentration and sent shuts of pain from her hooves to her ears, but she had to get away. As she approached the road her vision began to clear and the sounds of the world began to punch through the ringing in her head – and Resonance was able to think.

I can’t stay with him, but where can I go?

Chapter 30

A lone purple ear pressed against the door of Sunspot’s house. The blinds had been drawn and the doors bolted – something the neighbors said was far from strange even when the home’s owner was in. The unicorn mare outside could make out the faintest of conversation inside, hoping to gain some insight or simply delay her eventual entrance to the home.

“They’ve almost got the radio antenna in Hoofswell built. Seems a little odd though since the only other one in the whole country was built out of spare parts.” The familiar sound of rustling papers could be heard, calming the eavesdropper slightly. She must be reading a letter. “Oh, looks like the runway extensions to that old Wonderbolt training yard in Canterlot are done too. Now they need some aircraft…” The door to the house suddenly opened, causing the mare leaning on it to fall in and land on Sunspot with a shriek. Sunspot did not seem dazed.

“I have got to find new ways of meeting ponies. I mean, the whole ‘catching’ thing is just worn out by now.” A light giggle responded from farther in the house as Evanescence came into the front room. When she saw the newcomer, she immediately galloped up and grabbed her.

“Twilight!” She yelled, delivering a monstrous hug before realizing the icy stare of her marefriend and putting her friend down. “I haven’t seen you since I came to Canterlot, what brings you here? I mean, I know you’re Celestia’s student and all but why did you come here?”

Sunspot raised an eyebrow at the name. Personal student to the sun goddess, and twice-over savior of the country (as she knew from the ceremonies and memorial windows in the castle), and she knew Evanescence? The purple mare stood slightly shrunken, as if afraid to be seen. An odd posture for such a supposedly awesome figure, but in the end even heroes are just normal ponies most of the time.

“Well, I…” Twilight started, gathering her nerve. “I’ve been reading a lot… I mean even more than usual… about what a pony should do when something traumatic happens in their lives.” Evanescence’s smile faded. “I’ve gotten better with my friend’s help, but I don’t think that I’m fine yet. All the books say that I need to confront whatever caused the trauma.”

The conversation seemed deeply personal, and Sunspot couldn’t help but feel like she was missing some rather important parts. Looking to Evanescence for what to do and getting no response at all, she decided to quietly slip out of the room.

“The way I see it, the hydra is long since dead so there’s no way to confront it about this. Sonority has left the country, and… as much as I don’t blame you, you’re the only one left for me to try to ‘confront’ in any sort of meaningful way.”

Evanescence heaved a deep sigh, then invited Twilight to sit by the fireplace. It was still summer, but her body hadn’t acclimated to the cool Equestrian climate yet, and the fire was almost always lit.

“This isn’t the first time Sonority’s ‘quick thinking’ and ‘decisive action’ have gotten someone else hurt.” Evanescence stared into the flames, remembering years before. “The same things that make him such an asset to the military make him a terrible pony. I know I shouldn’t speak ill of my sister’s husband, but… Well I’m sure you’ve heard how he acted when they left and I stayed.” Twilight nodded, unsure how deeply damaged their relationship was. “My sister loves Sonority, just as much as she loves me. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that she does, given how completely different we are, but she always stands by him and I know she doesn’t love me any less.” Evanescence rose from her seat, taken to pace the room. Twilight’s eyes stayed on her. “I’m not saying they’re perfect. In fact, a few years ago, I was almost certain that they’d get a divorce.” She stopped facing the wall, and muttered “… or kill each other. Whichever is easier.” Despite the fireplace and the mid-summer’s heat, Twilight felt a chill run down her spine.

“What happened?” She was hoping to be more eloquent, but it was the only question that came to mind. The books had been very explicit about saying what you think in these situations.

“Well, Sonority was out on a military training exercise. They were always training back then, like they expected some huge war to break out, but the country’s been united for hundreds of years. We simply didn’t have any enemies back then. Anyway, he was on a training mission leading a squad of six soldiers through the woods when they were attacked by a bear.” Twilight thought back to the bear Fluttershy had befriended, but was forced to assume that creatures in Hearth were a little more aggressive. “He only had a split second to make any kind of decision. The whole squad was armed with wooden weapons, but one of the colts in the group had a small knife he kept with him, just to use as a tool. Sonority ordered him to distract the bear while the rest escaped.” Evanescence again took a seat by the fire, electing to fiddle with her hooves instead of pacing the room. “Shadow… at least that’s what everypony I knew called him. He was Sonority’s only real friend in the group. He thought the world of that poor guy, but even he couldn’t fight a bear.” Evanescence looked up, for the first time looking Twilight in the eye. “Shadow died in the woods, alone. Sonority blamed himself for a long time, and the more ponies tried to console him the more he lashed out. I can’t say I ever saw him hit my sister, but I know he did. She should have left him then. If she had, we wouldn’t be in this mess. We would have never gone into the woods that night, and no hydra would be fertilizing the trees for a mile and a half.” Twilight’s stomach knotted up at the image, but she swallowed the feeling and tried to respond.

“If that creature hadn’t been stopped, it would have destroyed every attempt your ponies and mine make to communicate. You heard its speech as much as I did, and you know it’s true. I just wish there could have been a less… violent… solution.” Twilight got up, walking over to the other mare and placing a hoof on her shoulder. “I’m not about to defend him, and it sounds like Sonority was a bad pony long before he came here. But he recovered from Shadow’s death. He will recover from your ‘betrayal’, and both of us will recover from what happened while he was here.” Evanescence smiled.

“I hope you’re right. And I hope my sister can stand up to him now that I’m not there. There is only one thing that I’m really sure of these days…” She got up, throwing off Twilight’s touch and slamming her hoof into the wooden floor. “If he hurts her, I’ll hurt him.”

Chapter 31

Shhhhh… click.

A light blue mare turned off the radio, unleashing silence into the camp of ‘rebellious fire worshipers’, as the news liked to call them. It had been a little over a week since Resonance ran away from Sonority that fateful night, and five days since the country fell into chaos. Nopony in Hearth’s Core had really liked the idea of Falling Comet coming in as some godsend and preaching the way of the night, but none of them were willing to admit it out loud. If it hadn’t been for what they now knew was an accident, the transition probably would have happened seamlessly.

“It was an accident…” the mare at the radio echoed what everypony was thinking. Five days prior, Falling Comet met with the president behind closed doors to discuss ‘something big.’ there was speculation that the president would hand complete control over to him, but none of the now fire loyalists believed it. About ten minutes later, there was a loud explosion and a fire. Both parties, the fire and the night, believed the other had tried to assassinate their leader. The reality, which had just come in over the radio, was that an electrical malfunction sparked near a tank of gasoline, and the room was so tightly sealed to protect the conversation inside that nopony was able to get out alive. The two crowds, now without leaders, quickly turned to mobs.

“So what?” A colt in the back of the room spoke up, gathering everypony’s attention. “So what if it was an accident, since then those damn Night Hawks have been launching constant raids against anyone who so much as strikes a match in public! Even if the trigger isn’t real, the crimes since then are!” His point was punctuated with the roar of a low flying fighter jet. The Night Hawks, Resonance thought to herself, they gathered up every talented pilot loyal to the government and made them our enemies. Sonority is probably up there right now. A low echo rumbled through their basement hideout, signaling a bomb dropped in the distance. Trying to kill us.

“Are you alright, hon?” Resonance looked up and saw the outline of a white-coated unicorn mare through the film gathering on her eyes. “I know it’s bad, but there’s no need to cry.” The mare sat next to her, allowing the rest of the room to continue their discussion of what to do next. “Or maybe there is. You still haven’t told us why you’re here, with nothing but the clothes on your back… So to speak.” Resonance hadn’t told anypony what Sonority had done to her, or where he probably was now and she wasn’t going to start any time soon. She knew she could save him somehow, they he still loved her and she certainly still loved him.

“I have a plan.” Resonance’s voice was surprisingly sharp considering how little she used it in the past week. Still, nopony in the crowd turned to look at her. She stood up on her hind legs and repeated herself. “I have a plan!” This time she got the attention she was looking for. She did her best to remember how Sonority talked in front of his troops, and began slowly walking to the center of the crowd while she spoke. “There is somepony out there who will help us. No, not another pocket of resistance, I mean somepony with real, tangible, power.” A murmur broke across the crowd. “My family was privy to certain secrets our government kept. We knew about the split to the moon before it even started” and it tore us apart… “There is a pony whose help the government tried to get, as a symbol of the night. She turned them down.” Another murmur crossed the room, accompanied by shouts of ‘why?’ and ‘who cares?’ Resonance continued, “Luna, co-ruler of a nation far far across the sea. I’ve been there.” Her voice softened slightly, having recaptured the crowd’s attention. “I left my sister there. Luna did not like what our government was doing. What’s more she, even though she is the very symbol of the night in her country, is sympathetic to our cause.” Resonance finally settled to all fours, approaching the radio set in the corner. “And now, thanks to us, she has a radio. If we can call her, and tell her what happened, she can help us.”

“Even if you’re telling the truth –“, the same colt who spoke up before shouted out, “How can we contact someone so far away? There isn’t a booster in all of Hearth designed to hit distances offshore.”

“I am telling the truth!” Resonance shouted back, surprising the colt to a small degree. “There is a fire outpost in the old aviation district, isn’t there? We came back through that airport, our C.O. filed a report when he got back. It should still be on file there. Call them and ask.” She turned again to the radio, poking it pitifully with her hoof. “As for the signal, something like this would be terrible to use. We called home once before though, and they talked back. All we need to do…” she turned to the crowd’s informal leader, the light blue mare who had been working the radio previously “… is take the central broadcast tower in Hearth’s Core.”

The crowd was silent for a moment, then a mix of humor and disbelief billowed out. Laughter mixed with satirical impressions of ‘oh let’s go fight the military head on!’ and ‘Yeah, we can totally do this’ until the mare in charge stomped her forehooves together.

“Hey!” She got everypony’s attention, then turned back to Resonance. “If you’re story checks out, I say we do it. Sitting in this hole isn’t helping anypony.” She turned back to the crowd and started barking orders to various ponies. Resonance turned to walk away when she heard her name called out. “Hey Resonance.” The lead mare had turned to talk to her – “thanks for speaking up. Hang around for a few minutes, once we get those records I’ll want to hear all there is to hear about this Luna character.”

For the first time in a week, Resonance felt hopeful.

Chapter 32

The chattering of teeth formed a subtle addition to the typical chirping of crickets around the broadcast tower overlooking Hearth’s Core. Hearth had slowly been cooling since the government’s squad of unicorns keeping the magma warm had retired. Thirty fire sympathizers, including Resonance, were spread around the tower. They had forgone their warming fires for the sake of secrecy, choosing instead to dawn thick layers of wool and cotton in a vain attempt to keep themselves warm.

“The mare with the banana cutie mark is on the third floor balcony again.” Resonance commented, hoping that talking would keep her warm. It didn’t. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of another pony approaching from along the ridge. When he arrived, the new pony immediately held out his forehoof, revealing a watch.

“Make sure your time’s right.” Resonance pulled out her watch and checked while he continued. “There’s a colt with a shield mark on the first floor, a colt with a microphone mark on the second, and a mare with a banana mark on the third. We’ve been out here for hours and we haven’t seen anypony else.” The colt pointed to the right of the tower. “None of them patrol the south side. We all gather there, stay spread, and move in on the south entrance at exactly 5:23. I got three more to find, so get goin’.” The colt disappeared in a different direction than he came, leaving Resonance with her new orders and her thoughts.

She gathered up the folds of her clothing and started moving to the south side of the tower. She had just over twenty minutes to travel a half mile – a difficult task when creeping slowly but she was able to gallop across open ground thanks to what they had learned about the patrol times. She found herself at a barbed wire fence, forty feet and ten minutes short of the south entrance. She sat, shivering, watching for other eyes in the woods. There were several. As time passed, she stayed perfectly still behind the wire fence, thinking about the ponies inside. We don’t kill. That’s not what the flames do. We take them alive or we don’t take them at all.

The eyes in the woods started blinking out. Resonance looked at her watch: 5:21. Peeling off her outermost layer she covered the barbs of the fence and climbed over, joining two other ponies at the door. The mare beside her had a knife on her belt, loosely tied and within reach of her teeth. Resonance put a hoof on her shoulder.

“No deaths tonight. Either side.” She said in a harsh whisper. The other mare agreed and as the clocks ticked over to 5:23, they broke in. Resonance pushed her way to the top floor, being one of the few in the group who actually knew where to go. Occasionally she would hear a scuffle in a room off to the side, but the night staff seemed to be just as light as they had hoped. There wasn’t even anypony in the radio room on the top floor.

Resonance scanned through the radio stations across hearth, catching bits and pieces of government intelligence as she tuned manually to the station Equestria had been built on. The blue mare from her bunker came into the room, marveling at the information they could get as soon as they were done what they had come to do. Finally, Resonance settled on the correct frequency. She couldn’t recall if it was 8.419 or 8.194… or 8.941… but she found it eventually.

“Hello? This is Resonance. Remember me? Anypony out there? We… We need your help.” There was silence. Definitely on the right channel, anything occupied by a Hearth citizen would have answered by now. “Come in Equestria. This is Resonance in Hearth. We need your help.” Resonance looked at the other mare in the room, silently praying for a response to break through the silence. A familiar voice entered the room, somewhat torn by static.

“Hello?”

Chapter 33

Every door was open for the first informal tour of the Canterlot Radio Array. Evanescence, Sunspot, and a few important society ponies and scientists were being lead around the facility by a very young colt with a series of waves above a dark circle as his cutie mark. Evanescence recognized it as the symbol for radio, and had spent the entire tour so far wondering how old the colt had been before earning his cutie mark. He was either a scientist vastly ahead of his time, or a very late bloomer. As they entered an observation room, she settled on the later.

“Mornin’ son. It’s barely past seven, who’se all these folks?” The elderly scientist was not the first on the tour to call their guide ‘son’, reinforcing Evanescence’s idea that the colt was new to science. As the tour was explained and the older scientist began to explain what the room was for, Evanescence began to wander around. The Equestrians were monitoring a wide range of frequencies, with each monitor sweeping a ten or twenty point band. As she moved along, she noticed one machine set permanently to 8.149 short – the line home.

I wonder if Hearth is watching Equestria too? Just listening for the moment when they try to reach out. I wonder if they even know by now… of if it’s just one lone mare in the back holding the channel… She reached out to grab the headset attached to the machine, but was interrupted halfway through putting it on.

“Hold on there miss, probably shouldn’t be messin’ with something you don’t understand.” The colt leading the group was standing beside her, bearing a wide smile but holding the headset against the table forcefully. Evanescence looked at him annoyed, then shot a glance toward another of the scientists. He stepped up, pulling the young colt back.

“That mare knows more about radio and avionics than the whole of the Equestrian scientific community put together. She’s a pilot, and she had a hand in building this place when it first went up.” The colt seemed incredulous, but agreed to leave Evanescence alone when the other members of his tour group began needing his attention.

Evanescence finally put the headset over her ears, not really expecting anything past static or a Morris code repeat. What she did hear froze her in her tracks – hoof on one ear, three on the ground, staring at the frequency indicator. One lone mare, holding the channel. Resonance. Her sister’s voice flowed from the headset, prompting Evanescence to reach for the microphone. She almost interrupted the conversation when she finally heard what was being said.

“Thirty-eight dead in that attack - the whole East Paddock refuge. We’ve got less than seven hundred confirmed sympathizers left alive, scattered across the country.” The second voice was also familiar – Luna, co-ruler of Equestria.

“Is there any way that you can collect yourselves in one location safely? I realize the need for secrecy but we cannot help you if you blend in with the enemy.” What enemy?

“Not safely, no. But we can gather. There is a system in place to signal every fire sympathizer in the nation, and we can gather at the great thin spot. It’s the place in Hearth with the thinnest crust, so the magma is closest to the surface there. It’s a little obvious, but all of us in one place would be obvious no matter where it was. The trick is coordinating your arrival with ours so as to minimize the time the Night Hawks have to react.” Evanescence wanted to interrupt, but the conversation was passing too quickly. Resonance had barely stopped to breathe when Luna questioned her.

“What great threat do these Night Hawks pose?”

“They’re the best pilots in Hearth, in the best war planes in Hearth, with the best weapons in Hearth, and a deep desire to see us dead. Even if my husband flies the mission against us…” Resonance stopped for a moment, but Evanescence still did not interrupt. Sonority is flying in a death squad? What’s happened to Hearth? Wait, he’s flying a death squad against Resonance!? Has that bigoted bastard finally lost his mind? “He won’t hesitate to kill us all.” Yeah. He has. I have to step in. I can’t let Resonance or Luna know… they both put a lot on the line to let me stay here. As the conversation continued, Evanescence became engrossed by the details of when and where Luna would prepare what few aircraft they had to try to pick up the so-called ‘fire worshipers’ that her sister was in deep with. She silently begged for details on how the fighting started, either between Resonance and Sonority or the country at large, but that part of the conversation was long since over.

“Something good?” Evanescence didn’t hear the comment, but let out a mighty squeak when Sunspot put a hoof on her shoulder. “Jeeze, you act like you saw a ghost. Put those headphones on any tighter and you wouldn’t hear the world ending!” Evanescence’s mood dropped even further at the comment. She pulled Sunspot in close and spoke quietly.

“The world is ending. My world at least. I just heard my sister talking to Luna, Hearth’s in the middle of a civil war. I can’t tell why, but Resonance and Sonority are on opposite sides, and Resonance’s side is losing. Luna agreed to send help, but just transport planes. I think they’re going to evacuate whoever’s left and let the whole place freeze.” She pulled Sunspot in even closer, catching a glimpse of the tour guide through her hair. Somepony had whispered something in his ear and he was staring at them, blushing. “We can’t talk about this here, but I need to know. Can I count on you to help get me on one of those planes so I can get my sister here, safe?”

Sunspot took a step back, looking into Evanescence’s eyes. Evanescence was scared, but determined. She hoped it showed. After a moment Sunspot jumped her, wrapping her hooves around her and knocking the headset off.

“I don’t have family, but I do have you. I would die if you were over there and I had to count on someone else to save you.” The two mares excused themselves from the tour, moving off towards the airfield just outside Canterlot.

“What was that all about?” The tour guide asked aloud after the pair had left.

“Young love, makes you do crazy things.” One of the working scientists responded.

“They’re twice my age, does it still count as ‘young love’?” The colt retorted.

“Just how young are you, son?” The colt left before answering, moving the tour forward toward the radio tower base.

Chapter 34

I have no idea what’s going on. What else is new . Sunspot chased behind her marefriend, jumping between scattered buildings and stones as they approached the airstrip just outside of town. The strip had been built alongside the length of the mountain ridge Canterlot was built into so that planes taking off and landing could all travel in the same direction without facing a cliff or a wall. This meant of course that Evanescence wanted to jump down onto the airfield from the cliff to one side. Sunspot was too busy running to argue with her out loud, but the celestial and lunar guards posted at the road into the strip made her point quite valid. As she reached the edge of the ridge overlooking the runway, Sunspot fell on her belly next to Evanescence.

“Jeeze, hon, I didn’t even have to say ‘race ya’ for you to kick my flank all the way up here…” Sunspot panted between words, eventually pushing her head over the ridge to look out below. Five rather large transport planes were being inspected on the runway below by a group of scientists. They were moving from the first plane to the second, leaving the others completely unguarded.

“You guys have made some monster engines for these. I guess you just don’t have the technology yet to make them much smaller. It’s not a bad thing, means you can get bigger birds in the air. They’ll just be really slow.” Evanescence was looking at the planes with one hoof over her eyes, blocking out the sun. “Five planes. Maybe 80 ponies can fit in each. That does not add up to 700 survivors.” She sighed, putting her snout in the dirt and pushing up a tiny puff of brown. “If the government is fighting against them, 400 may be optimistic.”

Sunspot put a hoof over Evanescence’s shoulders, watching the scientists below as they poked and prodded panels and wires in the second plane. She looked around, making note of any place that looked like they could get down the cliff easily. She could feel Evanescence breathing under her hoof, quietly blowing loose dirt around the cliff’s edge. She seemed sad, but she wasn’t crying. Atta girl… Strong as an ox and soft as a vixen. You deserve to save her, and I’m gonna help. The scientists continued to poke and prod at things too far away to see, occasionally with a puff of magic or solid thump with a hoof. They were very methodical, exorcizing the same maneuvers on every panel of a plane’s underbelly. Four, five, six times on each side as the guards paced predictable paths across the main access road, ready to turn back any pony that wandered up.

“Let’s go.” Evanescence got to her hooves, leaving Sunspot somewhat confused next to her.

“Wait, what’s the plan? You’ve been staring at dirt for ten minutes, how could you possibly have come up with something to get down there?” Sunspot got to her hooves as she spoke, being careful of the edge standing less than a step away. Evanescence closed her eyes.

“Close the blinds. Lock the door. Shut out the mailmare even. When the world’s gone, that’s when it’s easiest to think.” She opened her eyes, smiling slightly at Sunspot. “There’s a set of outcroppings just over by that shed at the bottom. If we hop down, we can land behind the shed then sneak into one of the planes they’ve already inspected. They’re in a hurry, so they won’t check the same plane twice.” Sunspot was surprised, but the plan was sound. “Did you really expect me to be near you this long without learning anything? It’s been a month, Sunspot. If I was that kind of mare I could be getting an anniversary gift out of you.”

Evanescence started towards the cliff’s edge she planned to jump, leaving Sunspot to carefully follow her tracks. They leapt less than a story at a time, careful to pick spots large enough that if they were to slip they wouldn’t fall the rest of the way. Twice on the way they had tried to hide from the wandering eyes of the guards by flattening themselves against the ground as far from the edge as they could manage. They never heard any voices calling to them, so they assumed they had not been spotted. They pressed downward, approaching the apparently derelict shed that would soon serve as their hiding spot and launch platform for the next phase of their plan. As soon as they put hooves on the ground, Sunspot heard a voice.

“I’m sorry, I just can’t shake the feeling we’re being watched. Can you check around the strip again?” The voice was not answered, but two sets of heavy hoofbeats began in their direction. Sunspot pushed Evanescence into a pile of scrap metal behind the shed. It didn’t cover her completely, but the steel gray of her coat blended in.

“They’re coming, and they probably won’t stop snooping around until they find somepony. Call this your anniversary gift.” Evanescence tried to protest, but Sunspot pushed her head down, hiding her azure locks under a sheet of rusted metal. “Don’t give me that ‘I’m not that kind of mare’ bit again. You have to do this… I just have to make sure you don’t fail on this side of the ocean.” Her harsh whisper was drowned out by a call from behind.

“Hey, you! Airfield’s closed, what are you doing back here?” Sunspot kicked the pile her accomplice was hiding in, forcing her to stay perfectly still or be seen.

“Just doing a bit of scrap hunting. What’s with all the guards all of a sudden?” The two continued talking – more of an argument really – as Sunspot was led from the airstrip. Evanescence sat as quiet as she could as one by one the sources of sound around her dropped off. When things were finally quiet, she carefully shook off the debris around her and peeked out toward the runway. The group of inspectors had moved to the final plane, and ponies wearing heavy jackets and headsets were walking out from a nearby building, one to each plane. Evanescence watched as the pilot of the second plane shifted nervously, sticking to the crowd as long as possible before splitting toward her craft. She decided to try to stow away on that plane, sure that the pilot would be so concerned with flying that they wouldn’t notice her sitting in the back.

Between sweeps of seemingly random crew and scientists, Evanescence crept into the cargo hold of the second plane. She found a spot just behind the cockpit where she could hide behind a crate of supplies until they were on the ground again. She could hear the pilot clearly, and just make out the voice on the other side of the open radio as the fleet prepared to take off.

“Everypony, this is a very important mission. We would not have chosen you if we did not believe you were able to succeed.” The calm, airy voice of Princess Celestia whispered into the cramped space. It was then replaced by the crisper voice of Princess Luna.

“You will be flying to the nation of Hearth, a previously unknown land across the sea. We have received information on its exact whereabouts from recent visitors, who are now in desperate need of our assistance. You are to head to Hearth, land in a potentially hostile area, pick up as many friendly ponies as you can hold, and return to Equestria. We have no reason to believe you will be followed as the ponies we are trying to save are no longer desired in their own land.” Luna’s voice broke slightly towards the end of her brief. She knew all too well what it meant to not be wanted. Several other smaller voices appeared over the radio, slowly counting up to the mare shaking in the cockpit Evanescence shared.

“This is Equestria four, engines primed and final checks passed. Ready for takeoff.” Her voice was surprisingly solid, but she broke spirit as soon as her hoof was off the transmit button. “Earth ponies are not meant to fly. I should be on the ground. I am not a pegasus…” The mare muttered to herself nervously, shifting her heavy jacket from shoulder to shoulder. “They picked us for a reason. Act under pressure, think fast, adapt. You’ve done this sort of thing before. Nopony needs to know just how scared you are.”

At first Evanescence wanted to jump out and comfort the mare. Flying wasn’t an easy thing for somepony who wasn’t born to do it. Her nervous ranting wore on as the massive engines came to life and the craft taxied into position. She continued as the call went out for Equestria one to launch, then Equestria two, then Equestria three. By the time they were cleared to take off, Evanescence was more ready to throttle the other mare than comfort her.

“Equestria four, in position. Beginning ascent.” The mare held her breath during the transmission, letting out a huge breath as soon as the channel closed. She continued to rant as the engines roared, pulling the craft shakily into the air. It was definitely a first generation aircraft, but had all the technical knowledge Evanescence herself could give to the Equestrian government. The plane began for the horizon, shaking and jumping as the plane rammed into minor pockets of turbulent air. Each rumble brought another slew of paranoid raving from the mare in the pilot’s seat.

“Enough!” Evanescence wasn’t prepared to hear such a loud sound. She hadn’t consciously decided to yell, but once her voice filled the cabin there was no turning back. “The plane practically flies itself once you’re off the ground, just avoid the rough air and enjoy the ride for once!” She crawled out from her hiding spot, closing the gap between her and the scared mare up front. “If you really don’t think you can handle this, then step aside and man the radio. I can fly. I was born for it, I’ve done it all my life. You clearly aren’t ready.” The two were inches apart when Evanescence finally stopped. She was afraid the mare might do something drastic – pull a weapon or throw her out mid-flight. Instead, the mare silently slipped from her chair, dragging the radio microphone with her to a new seat on the floor. Evanescence took the pilot’s seat and familiarized herself with the controls.

The rest of the flight was smooth and markedly quieter.

Chapter 35

Evanescence flew silently at the far left of a triangle formation, destined for her homeland. She watched the stars as they peeked past the slew of orange and red that bled from the last moments of sunshine, made ever so slightly longer by their flying directly into it. According to the position of the Centaur’s tail, they were nearly at Hearth. She began scanning the horizon, quietly telling the Equestrian who formerly piloted the craft what to look for. After a moment, the light glow of Hearth’s typical electronics graced the horizon – joined by the eerie red of a distant fire and the cool black of the night sky.

“This is Equestria Four, we’ve spotted land. Bearing three degrees to port and approximately five minutes out.” The mare squinted toward the horizon. “You sure? I still don’t see it.” The darted her head back and forth, trying to divine some extra sight on the horizon. Evanescence chuckled. It’s amazing what you can do with a few years practice…

A colt’s voice came over the intercom.

“This is Equestria One, Equestria Four take point. Find us a nice place to land.” Evanescence geared up the engines until the former pilot cringed from the noise – then back down a notch. Need to put a muzzle on this thing. Doubt I’ll have to the time when we’re on the ground though. Telling the other pilots to stay back, Evanescence began to fly in a wide high circle around the campfires adding spots to the great thin spot’s constant glow. A year ago the fires would barely be visible from this high, but the nation’s little secret was out now, and there was no need to keep up appearances.

“I’m not sure what sort of positioning you use, so I can’t tell you where exactly to land. We do want all the birds on the ground at once though.” Evanescence began telling her cowering co-pilot what to say over the radio. The fire sympathizers, her sister included she assumed, had placed themselves at the center of a large patch of roughly flat ground. Evanescence didn’t trust the other pilots to all land at once, so she marked out six sections of the easiest land to tackle, and told the other planes to land first so she could monitor them. “What’s your name, by the way?” The question caught the other mare off guard.

“Me? Um… I’m a pear. Adept Pear. I’m the mechanic at my family’s farm.” The mare seemed to calm a bit, but tensed up again when she was called on the radio. Shoulda tried this hours ago, might have been a nicer flight. Oh well, too late now.

“Alright, Adept. Stay with the plane when we land. I’ll help pull a hold full of refugees in, but… There’s one mare I’m looking for. My sister, Resonance. If she gets in this plane, I don’t care if I’m not with her. Get her safe.” The other mare nodded silently as the last plane began its descent to the waiting mass of ponies below. The first three had already begun boarding, but a thin line of ponies stayed on the edges of the camp. Evanescence had been watching them, they were the guards and probably had a tie into the Hearth’s Core radio signals to know if anything was coming.

Something was.

All at once, the right side of the guard began running across the field, pushing through the thinning mass of ponies as the left began casting an array of spells and fire toward the sky. The Night Hawks had arrived.

The plane shook violently as a Hearth’s Core jet flew below them, tearing the air and causing the plane to dip towards the ground. Evanescence had been through worse, and desperately tried to ignore the fight below and above as she dove towards the ground. It would be uncomfortable, but she would land well enough to take off again. Adept was screaming.

As the tires touched the ground, a plume of smoke erupted from the soft earth. It mixed quietly with the similar clouds made by bombs and fire dropped from above, losing its relatively peaceful roots altogether. Evanescence cut the engines just enough to stop the plane from rolling, but left them on to aid Adept in taking off quickly.

“Stay here, I’ll be back if I can. Remember what I told you.” Evanescence stared seriously at the other mare until she nodded in agreement and took the pilot’s seat. Then, she left the plane.

The outside world was filled. Filled with the sights of smoke and dust, filled with the sounds of engines and screams, filled with the smells of fire and death. Evanescence paused at the top of the plane’s ramp, scanning the crowds for the azure coat and ragged steel gray mane that complimented her own. She picked out a blue mare, but she had a black mane. She saw a gray mane, but that mare had an orange coat. She seemed frozen in place trying to pick an ant out of a crowd, but eventually she succeeded. Azure coat, steel gray mane. Evanescence ran through the crowd to a small pile of wood near the center, apparently being used as a stage. As she got closer, she saw her sister standing beside another mare. Both were covered in layers of cuts and blood and soot and dirt. Both were alive.

Resonance turned away, barking orders in the other direction as Evanescence stormed the stage. She screamed as Evanescence spun her around and wrapped her hooves around her in a big bear hug.

“What in the… Evvy?” Resonance blurted out, not really believing what she saw. “Evvy! What are… how?” Seeing that her sister was unable to put a solid thought together, Evanescence began.

“I’m sneaky. Did you really think you could call for help, from anywhere on this Earth, and I wouldn’t come running? I…” As Evanescence began to gesture towards to the plane she had landed in, a huge plume of smoke blocked the view. All three mares were thrown from the makeshift stage, leaving Evanescence lying on her back. There was a strong ringing in her ears as she tried to get up. She couldn’t at first, but rolled her head to one side to see her sister. Resonance had landed on her side, and wasn’t moving. The other mare was nowhere to be seen. Evanescence could make out faint yelling on her other side, and managed to roll her head over just in time to see a colt fire a bolt of magic at a passing jet. The plane fizzled and turned yellow as it slowly fell from the sky. A moment later, the pilot ejected. These ponies don’t know how to fight. I don’t even know what that spell was for, but it certainly wasn’t made to take down planes by turning them yellow.

Evanescence struggled to her hooves, and limply made her way toward her sister. She charged out four steps, each more sturdy and confident than the last. By the time she reached her sister lying in the dirt, adrenaline had taken the soreness out of her legs and back, and the ringing in her ears was almost gone. She knelt down, placing an ear next to Resonance’s mouth. A very faint sound accompanied by tiny puffs of warm air brushed against her ear drum. Resonance was alive.

A dark cloud swept over her as Evanescence stood back up. She followed the cloud as it shrank and shrank, becoming a perfect circle next to her. The ground under the shadow moved slightly as a set of heavy hooves touched down onto them, leaving the parachute to fall gently to the side and cover the shadow forever. The colt stumbled slightly as he unsnapped the parachute with magic. His cream colored coat was stained with blood dripping slowly from a gash on the side of his head, barely covered by soft light brown hair. His eyes burned with hatred as they wandered slowly between the two mares.

“My dear sister in law… I thought you had left for good.”

Chapter 36

Without thinking, Evanescence charged at her sister’s husband. Sonority had been injured, she had a chance to take him down if she could get him by surprise. As she got within spitting distance of the colt, he reared up, bearing his teeth. A hoof, sheathed in the thick haze of magic, swung forward toward Evanescence. Neither made contact. Evanescence stood behind Sonority, not sure if she was expecting her head to meet Sonority’s gut or his hoof to meet her face. A wave of dizziness washed over her from tail to snout, knocking her back to the ground.

From her position there, she could see Sonority in a similar state. His wild haymaker had knocked him off balance, and his other injuries convinced him to stay on the ground. Evanescence lifted herself with her front hooves, but found her hind legs unwilling to respond. She snarled, letting out an animal grunt. One hoof in front of the other, she began to drag herself toward Sonority.

You hurt my sister. I know it. She wouldn’t leave your side for anyone, not even me. You had to drive her away. She could feel the dirt and soot tangling into her coat as she pulled, hoof over hoof, through the battlefield around her. Crowds in the distance thinned as the roar of combat pulled away. With every grain of dirt she passed the world around her faded, leaving only the cream colored lump of fur before her and the seemingly endless stretch of dirt between them. The light brown coat, the dark brown and black dirt, even her own gray hooves sucked the color from what little remained in the world until Evanescence could finally reach out and touch Sonority. She reached out, closing her eyes. What she felt was soft and warm. She could barely believe that the colt could be warm with a soul so cold.

“Cold.” Evanescence eeked her eyes open, and was greeted by a brilliant blue. She hadn’t reached Sonority – somepony had gotten in the way. “So… here we are.” Resonance had a hoof on Sonority’s chest, gently waiting for a response. “You hurt me, Sonority. Worse yet, you gave up on me. My sister has never given up on me. She saw me find you, she saw us happen. She held her tongue as you spouted your garbage about ponies like her. I love her, and I love you too.” Her hoof never moved. “But she’s twice the pony you are… and twice the soldier too.”

Evanescence watched as her sister knelt down, softly kissing Sonority’s forehead, and closing his eyes. A small metallic ting rang out as she pulled the hearth military pendant from his neck. She turned around, lifting Resonance up to help her walk. They were the last two to board Equestria Four, earning a place to rest on the floor by their blood matted fur and broken bodies. The crowd was silent, allowing the voices in the cockpit to fill the craft.

“This is Equestria Four. We are the last ship out of Hearth. It appears we are not being followed. You were right.” The cabin was quiet for a moment, then Luna’s voice appeared over the radio.

“The nation of Hearth is lost. Your craft bear its only survivors. It may be painful, but we must all consider this issue ended. Any creatures left in Hearth have made their decision, and will be left to their fate.” Her voice was softer than Evanescence could remember, but was still harsh in comparison to the next voice to come over the radio.

“This is Princess Celestia, addressing everypony in our air convoy. You are all good ponies. You may not be wanted in your homeland, but you are in ours. You will find a home here in Equestria, under the protection of my sister and I.” She paused for a moment, and Luna could be heard muttering in the distance.

“Everypony… Welcome home.”

Chapter 3

Even with a full complement of friends, the Ponyville library was far from crowded. Six mares lay around a large window flanked by two forlorn telescopes. The world outside was dim, ignoring the bright sunlight that shone from the orb still flying high in the sky – assuming it was there, at least, hidden behind the thick cloud cover.

“Sorry girls, we can’t control storms out over the Everfree” the rainbow maned pegasus mare said, “best way to get rid of this storm is to just let it burn itself out.” This bit of information elicited a moan from most of the crowd.

“It’s not your fault Rainbow Dash, “the purple mare spoke next, releasing a small sigh. “Oh well, I guess our little stargazing party will have to reschedule. Shame, the seven sisters were supposed to be especially bright tonight.” She rose to pack up her telescopes, but was pushed aside by an energetic pink mare.

“Well Twilight, we can’t have the stargazing party, but how about we have a big-angry-bird-gazing party instead?” The earth pony mare was staring through a telescope – quite a feat considering her curly mane hovered over the other end. While the other ponies in the room looked at the pink mare confused, a quiet butter yellow pegasus took to the other telescope.

“Um… Pinkie?” Her tiny voice barely carried over the sound of wind outside, but the others knew to listen for her and soon all eyes were on her. She shied away from the eyepiece. “That’s not really a bird. It’s not moving its wings at all and I can’t see any feathers.”

The mares took turns at the telescopes, trying to guess what sort of creature could be out there. Theories ranged from an ancient storm-breeding bird, since the creature was trailing dark clouds, to the friendly spirit of free sweets. The former was more accurate, while still quite off. The bird flew between Ponyville and Canterlot, tilting further and further towards the ground. After a minute, two dark figures fell from the creature.

“Look, look! It’s laying eggs!” Pinkie yelled excitedly, only to be pushed aside by the formerly quiet yellow pegasus. “Ouch, Fluttershy! Whatcha do that for?”

“Those look like…”The shy pegasus was interrupted by a gasp from the rainbow maned pegasus who was moments ago looking through the other telescope. Fluttershy’s last word was almost lost in the flurry of sound from Dash flying out the window.

“Ponies…”

Chapter 4

Even slowed by the parachute, the sound of the wind was so loud Resonance could barely hear herself screaming. All forms of shouts were cast into the cool afternoon air; some in despair, some anger, some praying for a miracle, some with no words at all. None had effect however, as Resonance watched her sister plummet down farther and farther away, pushing her way through clouds and a rainbow on her way towards her doom. Then, she couldn’t see her sister at all.

What!?

Resonance was sure she would at least be able to look at her sister for a few moments longer before she was gone – but instead, just as she passed by a just forming rainbow, she disappeared. Resonance instead found herself following the form of that rainbow as the streaks of light bent towards the ground, eventually making contact. Resonance closed her eyes and sighed, her throat hoarse from her yelling and the whipping of the winds. When she re-opened them, what she saw confused her. There was another rainbow, this time moving in her direction.

Wait a second, doesn’t there need to be sunlight for a rainbow to form?

Resonance peered up, but every inch of sky that wasn’t obscured by her parachute was covered in clouds. When she looked down, the rainbow had nearly reached her – lead by a bright blue ball of fuzz. Resonance watched as it grew closer at incredible speeds, and was able to make out the form of a stocky female pony, complete with a blindingly prismatic mane… and wings.

The new arrival soon caught up to Resonance. She floated as if by magic (No, I know magic, this is something… different) a short distance in front of Resonance, examining closely the parachute that was easing her descent.

“That’s pretty cool, I bet Twilight would like to have one of those when she goes up in her balloon. Or, her for that matter…” The flying mare gestured towards the approaching ground, where Resonance could just barely make out the form of a gray pony pacing across the grass.

She’s alive! But how? This girl saved her? How can she do that? Nopony can fly like that except

“Angels…” The last word of Resonance’s thought escaped from her lips. The cyan mare floating before her rolled her eyes.

“Jeeze where are you from lady? Your sister over there said the same thing! I…” The winged figure said, striking a pose and exposing a multi-colored lightning bolt cutie mark “…am Rainbow Dash, pegasus. That’s p-e-g-a-s-u-s. Now, you fine getting down from here or you need a lift?” Resonance nodded slowly, still quite confused but wanting to reunite with her sister as quickly as possible and give her a hug… or maybe a buck to the head.

Chapter 16

Resonance sighed as she watched her husband chatting excitedly with a scrawny white-coated colt. Sonority has managed to find the one scientist wandering the gardens at this hour, and was talking about doing something with a radio and an observatory tower. Resonance couldn’t really follow all that technobabble, so she was especially happy to see her sister trotting up beside her, bearing an immense grin.

“Somepony’s happy. I’m guessing it’s not the sleepless nights and explosions in the woods though.” Resonance joked, managing to express her own stresses while complimenting her sister on getting over hers. Evanescence shook her head and chuckled.

“Oh, I just met the most interesting couple.” She took a seat next to her sister, oblivious to Sonority and the scientist walking off towards the now napping princess. “They went by Lyra and Bon Bon, and they taught me something very interesting about life in this country.” She went on smiling like a giddy schoolfilly as Evanescence thought about what she had just said.

“Hmm… There are a lot of genderless names in Hearth… including both of ours I may add… but that’s still odd. Aren’t those both mare’s names?” Resonance turned towards her sister and caught a strange look in her eye.

“Exactly.” Resonance was a bit taken aback. “Lyra and Bon Bon are a pair of gay, married mares. And, to top it all off, nopony even noticed! That sort of thing is so common here, they didn’t get a single odd glance from anypony but me. They told me that as long as I’m here, I can be myself. Isn’t that amazing?”

Resonance frowned, looking down at the ground beneath her. Her sister didn’t seem to notice the change in her mood, but she couldn’t help but worry.

“Evvy… That’s great and all, but you know we’re going back home at some point.” Her sister finally looked her in the eye. “And we’re not completely separated from Hearth anyway.” Resonance got up, placing a hoof on her sister’s shoulder.

“Oh. Him.” The sisters may have been happy, but they had kept Evanescence’s mindset a secret even from those closest to them.

“Speaking of… we should find where he’s gone off to. That colt can really get himself into trouble when he wants to and I’m fairly certain our princess escort has gone to bed.” Resonance led her sister toward the castle, the sudden reality check having dampened her mood to a more normal level as the summer sun’s bright rays began to heat the gardens.

Chapter 26

Scritch. Scratch. Scritch. Scratch. The sound was nothing next to the roar of the small plane’s engines, yet everypony on board heard it. The citizens of Hearth have all learned to tune out the sound of an engine, but the scratch of Resonance’s violin pierced the air. It symbolized all the failures of their mission.

Scritch. Scratch. Scritch. Scratch. The azure mare ran her bow against the metallic strings mindlessly – eyes closed.

“Is that really necessary?” Covenant Truth’s voice called back from the cockpit, knocking Resonance back to her senses. She sighed.

“I haven’t been able to play since our first night here, Covenant.” She turned to her instrument, running her hoof along the worn bowstring and muttering to herself “You try keeping skill with an electric instrument in a place with no electricity.”

Scritch. Scratch. Scritch. Scratch. Sonority rose from his seat, moving slowly towards his wife in the cargo hold.

“When we get back, things are gonna be real busy. Since we failed to convince Luna to come with us, Hearth is gonna have to move forward alone. The ponies at home won’t be so quick to convert to their new lifestyle, and as a military family we will have to be on the front line against anypony who fights back.” Resonance shrugged her husband’s hoof off her shoulder, looking forlorn out a small side window.

“So in a day I’ve lost my sister, we’ve split ties with the only other nation we’ve ever seen, and we’re flying towards a home that will soon be locked in a potentially violent struggle between reform and counter-reform.” She dropped her violin, burying her face in her hooves. “By the flames, isn’t the world just a wonderful place?”

“No. No it’s not, and no amount of dry sarcasm will fix it. All we can hope to do is help the ponies of Hearth toward the future.” Sonority got up, quietly collecting Resonance’s bows as he returned to the copilot’s seat.

The remainder of the flight passed quietly.