Rite to Live

Chapters

Prologue - Letter of Defeat
ch. 1 Leaving Home Arc - Waking up in Carousel Boutique
ch. 3 Leaving Home Arc - The Mechanic's Game/Color of Heroes (RAW)
ch. 4 Leaving Home Arc - Lesson/Farewell Birthday Party
ch. 5 Dragon City Arc - Divide
Author notes
ch. 2 Leaving Home Arc - Ponyville Expanded/Animal Lovers Cottage

Prologue - Letter of Defeat

Prologue

3 Years in the Future

Dear Princess Celestia,

The fortified area’s surrounding Canterlot have all fallen to Animus. I’m severely wounded and Applejack has been captured, nearly all of the regiments under my command have been wiped out. I’d have never thought the coward would show up on the battlefield in person and alone, we never stood a chance against him.

Since this letter will arrive ahead of me I will inform you of the most critical information so that my recovery sessions can go uninterrupted:

Froggy Bottom Bog: A smoldering wasteland, now running red with magma.

Ghastly Gorge: Closed. He simply clapped his hands together and closed the gorge on the entire base situated there.

Whitetail Wood: Once so beautiful, now it’s a crater over a kilometer wide and deeper than any diamond dog burrow and edged with ash from the incinerated flora.

He did this all by himself Princess, just what the hell is Animus?

We’ve set up a temporary camp at the edges of the Everfree Forest as we retreat to tend to our wounded. Celestia, the moment you get this put all stationed regiments on high alert as I write this very letter Animus marches on Cant……………………………

[INK STAIN]

[BLOOD SMEAR]

Princess Celestia, I’m sorry I cut your “most precious student’s” report short but what I have to say is quite a bit more important don’t you think?

Your student is correct; I will be upon Canterlot in two days bringing the full force of my army to bear down on your doorstep. I give you this time to evacuate the city, and if you so chose – surrender yourself to me otherwise I wish for the best for both out sides.

Why did it have to come to this?

Signed,

Lord Animus

+-+-

The sky was beginning to run red, as if in complete alarm at Animus' approach. The dread that hung in the air of Canterlot that day felt more like a stench, the smell of dead things that lingered about, forever. The buildings had all blackened in the fading daylight, and from Celestia's height, they might as well have been chess pieces awaiting to be knocked off the board by her calculating enemy.

On her balcony did she stand, that awesome creature known as Celestia. The first alicorn, the Sun-Raiser, the beautiful Goddess of the Sun. Her slender figure and great height accented her godly eyes and mystical hair, which whipped and twirled in the air as if dancing, its colors reminiscent of the ocean waves at sunset.

This evening, however, Celestia did not feel majestic. No. In all her righteous majesty, her queenly disguise was beginning to slip. Her guards present with her could see it, but said nothing.

Celestia, their goddess, was beginning to panic.

Celestia read, re-read, and re-re-read the message that she held in her telekinetic grip. She hated this. This feeling of helplessness. It wrapped itself around her, like a cloak, and she wore it as if it were suffocating her. How she wanted to throw it off--but like the unwelcome guest it was, Helplessness clung to her emotions, feeding from her like a parasite.

Helplessness was not an emotion fit for goddesses or for princesses. There was still time, thought Celestia. There was still hope, even with her beloved pupil gone.

Her royal guard, resplendent in their armor and tightly disciplined, stood at attention. With a majestic turn, her wings unfurled, Celestia swept at the air around her. With this one awesome gesture, Helplessness was flung from her back, replaced by Resolve. The guards could see her righteous indignation now, her eyes seethed with it. Something awful happened, they all knew--and Celestia would not stand for this. Any of this.

Celestia stomped a hoof to put her guards on alert, they stood straight up at attention causing the plates of their armor to make a slight rattle from the sudden shift in stance.

"Princess!" Her guards declaimed in unison.

A hoof stomp from the royal sisters was their call to arms; they were prepared to throw their lives away at that moment if Celestia wished it so.

"Orders your majesty?" They should perfectly still, eyes fixated and the Sun Goddess.

Celestia waved raised a hoof to the Golden armored duo, "Rain Storm" the ash grey pegasus stallion standing to the right of the balcony perked his head up to the sound of his name, "Serenity", the white and mint green pegasus mare standing to the left of the balcony nodded at Celestia. Their attention was met by the zealous gaze of the princess.

"Send word to 8th Regiments support battalion to move towards the Everfree Forest to look for survivors and bring them back, priority care is to be given to the Arch Mage if she still lives." Rain Storm and Serenity unfurled their wings and prepared to take to the skies. "Accompany the 8th." Celestia ended.

The two saluted their princess and took off with a sonic boom towards Keystone, the 8th base of operations in Canterlot. Their departure rattled the entire balcony and several castle windows.

Celestia closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, allowing the high mountain air a chance to soothe her bubbling emotions, her hair rippled through the breeze twisting and turning with a unparalleled majesty. Her guards had left and the balcony was vacant save for the Sun Goddess, yet she was not without company.

“I thought I’ve told you that it’s rude to eavesdrop?” Celestia said not even taking the time to shift her gaze or examine her surroundings. “”

Shadows snaked from every dip, corner and crevice of the balcony, hundreds of tiny black and midnight blue tendrils all began to converge on a singular point behind Celestia. They pooled together and crept upwards spiraling like twine until the completed the entity which Celestia had addressed, Luna. In the years since Discord’s defeat the Moon Goddess had regained both her stature and her power, she now stood eye to eye with her elder sister. As Luna’s mane billowed in the mountain drafts it seemed to mimic the reflection of the night sky on a settling pond. Piercing icicle blue eyes completed her image all to well; Luna’s form evoked both fear and beauty equally.

What Luna had just seen and heard transpire didn’t sit well with her at all, she wouldn’t let herself go unheard.

"Sister, that message was sent by dragonfire," Luna was truly concerned, "How? Spike was killed little over a year ago and there are no dragon messengers among Twilight's ranks."

"Animus sent it himself apparently," The goddess hissing was now audible, her panting painfully obvious, her face clearly distressed despite the facade she used for the guards just a moment ago.

“Sister!?” Luna screamed attempting to snap Celestia to her senses, “W-what was written in Twilight's report, how can Animus dragonfire letters directly to you?”

Celestia stopped venting on the note to face her younger sibling. A sigh broke her lips and the goddess began to speak, “Twilight and Applejack have fallen in battle at the hands of Animus, he marches on Canterlot as we speak.” Another heavy sigh escapes Celestia’s lips “and I honestly don’t know how he's sending letters, but it's obviously a taunt.” She knew how he was doing it, but that information was not for Luna.

“Course of action sister?” Luna said dutifully, “We know he’s coming, we should fortify accordingly. We still out pony his forces three-to-one.”

“Quick as always I see Luna.” Celestia replied with false enthusiasm. “Very well, summon the generals and have them act as you see fit. When you are satisfied with the fortification of Canterlot meet me in the War Chamber, you've got 2 days. I have a plan to ensure that the siege backfires.”

With those words the white alicorn’s horn began to glow with a blinding golden glow, the crackle of magical energies filled the air around her and in a flash of warm sunlight she had vanished from the balcony leaving Luna there to gather her thoughts.

ch. 1 Leaving Home Arc - Waking up in Carousel Boutique

Waking up in Carousel Boutique

The sun rose several hours ago, yet hadn't reached a position where it could peek into the window of the Carousel Boutique’s upstairs bedroom. The huge glowing orb slowly began to sneak its warm rays through the portal closest to the young one's bed and lightly began placing the warm kisses of morning on his cheek.

“Um..hmmhuh..” nonsensical syllables poured out from the child's gaping maw as he tried to ignore the light lapping at his face. The young one’s endeavor at keeping the waking world away crumbled away. A soft patting on his muzzle saw to it that his dreams were ended.

“Unity.” the large intruder said, clearly addressing the half asleep youth. “Son, wake up your mom’s calling you and I can’t cover for you this time.”.

Unity’s hazy vision began to focus on the figure bearing down on him. The creature was at least six feet tall, reptilian in nature, and covered in dull lavender scales. The figure had a scaled underbelly that stretched from its bottom jaw down past his chest. Unity looked up to the figure’s face and it responded with its own look, two emerald green eyes peered back softly as the figure scratched the crown of its head near a chipped green spike.

“Well come on, as much as I know you’d like to lie there you've got things to do.”

“Spike! Is that boy up yet?” An accented female voice called from the lower recesses of the Boutique. The voice was proper and ladylike, yet resounded with as much power as Princess Luna’s Royal Canterlot Voice.

“He’s up.” Spike called back.

Spike threw up a dismissive gesture with his clawed hands as he turned towards the door to Unity’s room.

“I’ll do my part to keep your mother from giving you another speech, just make sure you’re down here so she doesn’t give the speech to me instead.” Spike said while making a shrugging motion.

“Yea, yea.” Unity replied as he sat up and rubbed the memories of his sweet dreams from his eyes.

Unity sat up slowly and swiveled his neck around in an attempt to work out the kinks. He groaned - almost a roar - then began popping his shoulders and clawed extremities to loosen up his stiff body. Turning sideways, he stretched his hind legs down to the floor of his room and grasped at the annoying sheets still clinging to his body. Slowly, he pulled them removed them and laid them off to the side of his bed. His form was exposed to the light that invaded his quarters. He was no pony, nor was he dragon, but the parallels in anatomy between himself, pony, and wyrmkin were undeniable.

Unity’s coat was stark white and as wild as the Everfree Forest and covered all but his underside. A tan scaly underbelly, like his fathers, reached from his chin to the base of his tail. His was truly something to behold, it was thick and strong like his father but covered in white fur like the rest of his body, the entire appendage was nearly as long as his body.

The sun moved up to his face forcing Unity to involuntary shield his eyes from the sensation. The forelimb that guarded from the intrusive light was no hoof, though still white and furry like the rest of his coat. The body part that guarded his eye had three claws present, each fully articulate.

His eyes struggled to adjust to the light, causing Unity to tilt his face, exposing himself to the unforgiving rays of the sun. The child’s eyes were as teal as a tropical sea and was complemented by his rustled mulberry mane. Unity had a single horn, not unlike that of a unicorn, that jutted through his mop top mane style. Unlike a pony though, his mane didn't simply end at the base of his neck, rather it thinned out into a single strip that traveled the length of his body and ended as a thick bushel at the tip of his tail.

Unity mustered up the strength to fully step his limp, lazy body out of his bed. He stumbled slightly and caught his balance on the wall. He raised his head to take a deep breath of the crisp morning air, and was suddenly smacked by the heavenly smell of buttermilk waffles and honey. Suddenly, Unity felt as if he had been hit with a massive surge of energy and his internal power switch had been flipped to the “ON” position. With his new found vigor, Unity darted out of his room and down the stair of Carousel Boutique. He slammed into a table that held a porcine vase and toppled the fragile piece, but a quick tail and quicker thinking saved the imported décor from an untimely meeting with the floor. He rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs with such speed that he had to grip the wall to avoid flying off on some leftward tangent and out of an adjacent window. Unity put everything he had into his hind legs in preparation for a leap. The kitchen table was now in sight and sweet sustenance was sitting there waiting for him. He released the pinned up energy and sailed through the air towards that which he desired so, but something was odd he was moving through the air but not towards his breakfast.

“Wha...What!?” Unity squeezed out meekly, his mouth agape from confusion.

As he floated helplessly pass his waffles he racked his brain for an answer to the phenomenon. The mind searching was completely redundant though, he knew from the beginning what was happening. The young hybrid reached out at his waffles in vain. Unity held his head low bearing an expression of absolute despair as his limp body continued on its course words escaped from under his breath.

“Of all the things that could have happened this morning. This is THE WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!” Unity yelled as he flailed his legs.

The sound of sad, muffled sniffling could be heard from in front of him.

Unity raised his head to meet with the origin of the sound. His eyes traveled across the glossy, white kitchen floor and finally locked on to a set of hooves. The youth’s eyes continued upward as he inspected the pony that was keeping him from what he wanted. The mare’s coat was a pearlescent white that gave off a healthy shine and it was perfectly groomed with not a single hair out of place. Her flank carried the brand of all pony kind, the cutie mark; unique to each individual, the purpose of which is to convey one’s special passion, hers, three bluish white diamonds. A deep indigo and mulberry gave her mane and tail both color and depth. Her tail was combed, pressed, and curled leaving it in a bouncy curl and her mane was styled similarly except instead of one curl there were three swept over to the right of her head. She sat the levitated youth next to her and turned giving him a piercing glare; a single curl migrated across her azure eyes.

“The worst possible thing, is that what you think of talking to your mother?” she said in a smooth Trans – Atlantic dialect.

“Mom,” Unity said with a sigh of exasperation. “you know that’s not what I meant.”

“It makes mommy glad to hear you say that. I’m off in Canterlot handling larger orders so much lately that I can rarely come back here to visit you.”

“You needn’t worry about something so trivial mother, I understand you need to guide your career.” Unity said in the same speech pattern as his mother, he knew she’d like to hear it.

His mother’s eyes began to tear up and her body began to shiver a little. There was moment of silence between the two that became awkwardly painful and right when Unity felt that the situation was unbearable and he should leave the white mare locked eyes with him..

“I……” She started.

She stumbled on her words as she wrapped her forelimbs around his neck in a tight, loving embrace. They held the pose for what felt like an eternity, Unity felt heavy, then it dawned on him….when was the last time he was with his mother like this? He returned the gesture, even adding in a caring nuzzle.

His mother's coat was comforting, soft like the feather stuffing of a pillow. She smelled of plums, the sweet scent helped him relax and removed the tension from his muscles. He could feel her heartbeat, the steady pulse and heat from her body made his prior disappointment melt away. Unity gripped tightly closing both eyes. All these details, he’d commit to memory.

She released her vice on unity and gently laid a hoof on his shoulder.

“You and your father have grown so close in the past two years and..I …I’ve been on the sidelines far too long, but NO MORE!” The mare exclaimed dramatically. “Now go along and eat so you can head out and finish your errands. I want us to have as much free time together on your birthday as possible tomorrow.”

She didn’t have to tell him twice, before she had even finished her heart felt speech Unity was shoving honey glazed waffles down his gullet. The mother and son looked at each other strangely for a moment before they let out a light chuckle at the situation.

“I’ll finish as fast as I can, maybe I’ll be back in time for tea.” A piece of waffle fell from his mouth.

A pair of claws gripped the doorway to the kitchen pulling the serpentine head of a dragon into view.

“Have fun catching up with our son Rarity?” A rhetorical question obviously. “Well anyway, Unity has an extra stop today so the sooner he can get out there the better” Spike released a smoky sigh. “And if I know anything its that somepony is gonna try and make it harder then it needs to be.”

Spike gestured for Unity to come with him. The youth quickly swallowed the last morsels of the waffle and complied.

“We’ll Talk later.” Rarity called to them.

Both Spike and Unity threw a claw up in a cool dismissive gesture to signal their goodbyes.

The front door of the Carousel Boutique lurched open with the father son duo appearing from the building shortly after.

“Mornin Spike, Mornin Unity.” Somepony called out.

“G’mornin.” They replied in unison.

Spike snapped towards his, the sudden movement startled him. He took his sons claws in his own and turned them upward in preparation to place something into his clutches. Unity looked up at his father’s face, the dragon’s expression looked as if his heart had been ripped out, but at the same time brimmed with happiness and satisfaction. Spike looked up at the sky and spoke sound more serious than the usual tone that Unity could remember.

“We go to Cloudsdale every year to pay respects and as you know they’ve been building a very special display for one of our closest friends. Celestia has sent word to me that the Memorial of Heroes has been completed and that we are allowed a private visit before it officially opens to the public. Your mother and I can’t make it at the moment, but I’d like for you to have Pinkie Pie take you up there to see it without us.” Spike said.

The dragon reached behind his back and searched under his wing revealing a large ornate bouquet of zap apple blossoms. The polychromatic flowers were charged with power and electricity of every color surged across their petals. He placed the bundle gently in his son’s hands.

“These are from AJ and the rest of us, lay them at the base of her statue.” He slowly closed Unity’s claws around the precious cargo. Father and son nodded at each other in silent understanding. Unity pressed the bouquet close to his chest and started to walk away in a purposeful stride.

Spike watched his son fade into the crowd of Ponyville’s busy streets. His emerald eyes drifted up to the sky, he inhaled strongly then released the breath slowly letting a smirk creep across his face.

“And you were afraid history would forget you?”

ch. 3 Leaving Home Arc - The Mechanic's Game/Color of Heroes (RAW)

The Mechanic’s Game

The visit to Fluttershy was a draining one not physically, but emotionally. Seeing a pony mourn and cry over the loss of a friend is normal, expected even. The weight of Unity’s exchange with Applejack was sinking in deeply now, this was the first time he had ever had to shoulder somepony else's pain and anger. He was completely unprepared for the type of backlash sharing hearts could bring, the emotional supercharge was too much. Seeing, scratch that. Feeling AJ in that state was more than Unity could handle. After their exchange his mind auto piloted him off the protected grounds and back out towards the city.

The fur under Unity’s eyes was matted from where he’d shed tears earlier. This made him as visibly despaired as he was inside from the series of recent events. Not Fifteen minutes ago he was told that Pinkie Pie was at her shop, Party Tech. Unity decided he could really use some cheering up now but there was no telling where the party pony was now, her status as Arch Machinist hadn’t seemed to hinder her prior habits in the least. However it was the only lead that the dragon-pony hybrid had on her, so he’d have to take it.

Party Tech was situated in the recreational area of town, a part of New Ponyville Unity didn’t mind. Unlike the business sections, this place was fairly calming. The air here was filled with a myriad of smells from the many restaurant chains posted up along the streets, ranging from the common (Hayfries) the exquisite (roasted tropical vegetable platters). The vibrant laughs of fillies and colts playing in the park rang out within the suburban area, echoing off the colorful small businesses and homes of the area. He took this all in and allowed the upbeat tone of the surrounding area to lift his spirits.

Still slightly drained from his exchange with Applejack Unity figured that he needed to find a place to where he could feed his head, he wondered on the outskirts of the area until he found Ponyville's waterway. The young hybrid trotted over to the ledge of the canal and placed his fore claws on the cool grass lining artificial channel. He pushed his weight over and slid downward as if skating on the grass never harming a single blade as he went. He stepped onto the concrete sidewalk and peered over into the crystal clear waters below. Unity dropped down onto his belly and let a single fore claw dangle over sidewalk; his claws skirted the surface of the water sending his mind into a state of serenity. He let his mind drift off into reflection once again.

Like everything in the world, this place was not perfect. This area becoming residential is a fairly new development though. The entire area sprang up in a few short years after Pinkie moved out here, hence why most ponies who live here work at her business (the only big business Unity respected). Being fairly new it lacked hustle and bustle, quite the double edged sword for the young hybrid. Without masses of preoccupied zombie ponies, methodically focused on a singular goal to stifle his presence he really stood out and drew attention.

Most of it was harmless and went no further than the occasional off handed quizzical look, complete with an awkward stumble and cocked head and the occasional apology. Sometimes Unity got icy glares, accompanied by mares and stallions backing away from him or parting ahead of him like he was some sort of vicious monster. Those always ended the same, theyd back up then once everypony thought they were out of eyeshot they’d ask whisper into each other’s ears:

“What is that? Keep the foals close!”

“I heard he’s the child of a pony and a dragon!”

“Disgusting, Celestia should burn such horrible abominations.”

“Why is that freak allowed to walk free? Shouldn’t it be studied in a lab?”

Ponykind could be cruel, but he knew that it was simply ignorance...ignorance he could deal with; the problem is that ignorance can breed fear and fear can breed irrationality.

He rarely had to deal with that though, but it wasn't unheard of for the “bolder” ponies to push him, spit at him, or attempt to chase him away with threats of violence. Even the colts his age around the area seemed to have some sort of animosity towards him. He’s had his fair share of scuffles with the youth, and every encounter only worsened the the ponies views on him. If he defended himself and came out victorious the public would sympathize with the offenders by chiding in with remarks of - “They walked into a slaughter, it was terrible”, or “How can you really expect a pony to defend themselves against that sort of monster” ; if he lost the local ponies just made two faced remarks like - “He keeps coming back, what does he want here” or “No matter how much our boys fuck him up he always shows up again in perfect condition, the freak”. Unity was at a complete lose on the last comment though since no one has ever seriously injured him during a fight.

Even rarer still were those that welcomed him with open arms and legitimately liked him. Old Miss Caramel Chip loved to just sit and shot the breeze with Unity, and when she figured he’d had his ear full for the day she gave him free taffy from her shop. Then there were the twins Bonny Love and Barry Love, the two pegasi who ran the Sugarcube Corner in this area. When he was having a sour day Unity could always count on them to bring up, whether it was Barry’s dry humor or Bonny’s perpetual smile - It didn't matter after being with those two he was always full of cupcakes and happiness.

Unity snapped back to reality when he felt a sudden warm splash of water. Remembering his assigned duty he committed himself to shuffling back up the grassy incline and back into the city.

Party Tech was the largest building in the area, it towered over everything else by several stories so it was easy enough to spot. His little trek had been quite the peaceful one, actually he was quite relaxed - a party for him tonight complete with a special gift. He was ready to have these errands complete.

Unity trotted around the corner with his eyes closed and his head held high, a gleeful song in his heart.

The white child slammed face first into something plush, the impact knocked him onto his haunches prompting a slight grunt from him. He put a hand over his face where he impacted and let his eye creep open to scan for what he had hit.

“Yo, da fuck you look’n at freak?”, the teenage unicorn colt barked.

“Drakmire?” Unity asked, mock stupidly in his voice. “Damn, I was hoping it was some cute filly thang by how soft that flank was but its just you.”

“Aye Cherry, Milo the abomination’s got jokes.” He said while pointing a hoof at Unity and talking over his shoulder.

With Drakmire’s address two more teenage ponies emerged from behind him, a unicorn filly and an earth pony colt. Cherry was pretty average as far as fillies went, slim build deep red coat with a light red and green mane and pink eyes. Milo was a strange one though, he was pretty skinny for a colt, his coat was a tan color, a single brown strand of hair for a mane sat atop his head pointing skyward defiantly, and his left eye was larger than his right.

“Jokes BAHH, he is the joke.” Cherry chimed in.

“Right, no one in their right mind would come outside if they were a....umm, him.” Milo stated matter-of-factly whilst gesturing at Unity.

Yeah, real smart Unity thought to himself as he rolled his eyes. “Do we really have to do this today ?!”

Applejack and Luna had always taught him that the best way to deal with idiots was to ignore them, but these three were utterly insufferable, every time he came to this part of town they pestered him. No matter how he played it this would end in a physical altercation, so he might as well have fun with it. A small smirk crossed his face.

“What you smile’n at faggot? Don’t nopony here see noth’n funny.” Drakmire.

“Hmph. I do, say Cherry you must cry a lot what with your name reminding you of that thing or yours you lost to an idiot like Drakmire.” Cherry’s face contorted in anger, Unity’s smile grew three sizes. “What kind of game did he spit on you, i must know.”

At this comment Drakmire stepped up towards the young target of their bullying. He was almost large enough to be considered a stallion, definitely larger than Unity and quite intimidating to. Drakmire leered at him, red eyes ablaze with a feral hate. The unicorn’s coat was midnight black to the point that it gave off an eerie shine. His mane was a dark crimson as if it soaked by somepony’s life essence drooped over his right eye. Unity felt twinge run through his body, the all too familiar sensation of magic being woven. Just as he had ascertained its origin he was telekinetically flung into a alleyway.

Unity flailed through the air, he’d never been hit with such force in his life. The magic blast sent him careening through several wooden boxes causing each to splinter into a thousand shards. Unity mumbled under his breath, head spinning from the sudden lost of ground.

The three teenagers funneled into the alleyway with him.

“At first we were just going to push you around, hurt you a little you know.” The dark unicorn said smoothly. “But now, I think my filly needs some compensation for those mean words.” Drakmire’s entire personality had changed, he’d dropped the street dialect and replaced it with cool calculating speech patterns.

“So are you going to apologize?” Cherry said hovering in front of Unity’s face. Her smiled reached from ear to ear; did she really expect him to say I'm sorry?

Unity had taken to reclining in the shattered crates as if it were a throne. “I’ll think about it”

Another wave of force lashed across his face, knocking loose a canine and drawing blood.

“APOLOGIZE FREAK!!”

Unity’s body was raised into the air and slammed into a wall with enough force to rattle the side of the building. He slumped down onto the ground like a rag doll, only to triumphantly pull himself up to a bipedal stance. Using a forelimb he wiped the blood from the bottom of his jaw, his other arm (?) reaching behind him to protect the zap apple blossoms

Drakemire cocked his noticing for the first time what was strapped to his targets back.

“Milo” He called, making a gesture toward the cornered prey. “See what hes got.”

The tan earth pony stepped up, and began his approach. Unity couldn't really fight against a unicorn, but an earth pony was fair game; however, hoof-on-claw he could handle.

Milo leapt at unity like a wild predator.

Patience is a virtue....

Once the flying pony was within arms reach Unity stiffened his claw and lashed out with a strike aimed at Milo’s throat. The blow connected right beneath the jaw line causing him to immediate drop to his knees and began hacking like habitual smoker. Unity wasn’t done yet, he was going to take Milo out of this fight. He took a wide step towards the choking earth pony all the while raising a leg and locking his muscles for the upcoming strike. Unity spun on his heels, a white blur delivering a terrible roundhouse to the earth pony’s side. Milo was sent flying back through an adjacent side door - he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.

“*Gasp* Sweet Celestia, MILO!!”, Cherry’s hooves were at her mouth in an attempt hold her slack jaw up.

“Go, take Milo and get out of here.” Drakmire spat.

“But....”

“JUST GO!!!”

Cherry nodded unwilling to argue it further, she quickly flew through the doorway where Milo had been knocked through. A few seconds later she flew out full speed dragging the limb unconscious earth pony.

Drakmire looked over his shoulder to make sure his comrades were long gone, he didn't want them here for this part.

Drakmire’s horn flared up, a deep crimson aura took hold of the zap apple blossoms retching them free from Unity’s clutches.

“NO!” Unity pled, as a wave of telekinetic force slammed his back into the stone wall, knocking the wind from his lungs.

“You embarrass my filly, and mess my boy up.....oh I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life and make you eat these fucking flowers.” The threat wasn’t menacing, the tone was. Drakmire spat the phrase as if were acid. Unity was never more certain that someone was going to do what they said as he was now.

Drakmire planted his hooves in the ground, bracing himself as his horn flare and sparked wildly. He focused on Unity’s face, a wave of pure anger was expelled crashing against his targets face slamming his head against the wall drawing blood from unity’s nose. Two more blasts came, one aimed at the gut and the other at the knee. The knee shot landed with bone shattering force causing him to fall into the gut shot. It felt as if his stomach had been pushed above his lungs, he released his breakfast all over the concrete ground of the alley.

Unity found some strength, between the shallow gasping breaths his assailant took. “Stop.......I..I” His speech was weak and ragged, he was barely standing.

“No, i won’t stop.” He said cooly.

Drakmire unleashed hell on him, a flurry of red hot magic coils began to whip at Unity searing off his fur and lacerating his flesh.

“Trash, you don’t deserve to live. My father says you are just an abomination born from the curse of a monster. He says your parents and friends are who they are only because they are friends with Celestia’s student.” A dark smile crept up on his mug. “He says you’re all just over privileged, hicks who turned a backwater town into something with ill deserved opportunities.” Drakmire floated the zap apples across unity’s face, the beaten hybrid’s eyes followed his precious cargo until it was rested at his assailants hooves. Red eyes glared at the bouquet, “Especially that dike Applejack.”

Drakmire used his telekinesis to lift Unity to his feet and pin him to the wall.

“D-don’t..........” Unity choked, on blood he cleared his throat then spat on the ground. “Bad mouth, Applejack....”

The coils wrapped around all of his extremities and neck pulling Unity’s face to the ground next to the zap apple blossom. A black hoof came down on a single flower grinding it into the pavement. Another flower met its demise in the same manner, then another. With each flower crushed an ethereal pain shot through Unity, coupled with the burning whips which resumed beating him he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold out. He was bleeding profusely from his wrists and mouth, and he had been burned to the muscle in several places. Unity felt himself slipping into unconsciousness.......

Weak....Disgrace to all Wyrmkin

Fight......Survive.....Kill.....

****************************************************************************************************

His senses failed him and the world around went dark and silent.

A warm breeze flowed over Unity’s resting body rustling his coat. A single forelimb draped over into the district’s waterway, his black claws slicing the water as it rushed past. The white hybrid lay there serenely in the peace of his dream. His ears twitched slightly as they picked up a sound that drew ever closer.

“....ey”

“.....nity!”

It was a voice.

“ HEY, UNITY!!!” Yelled the mare.

Unity’s eyes slowly crawled open and blinked wearily a few times before he realized that a pair of eyes, one light blue and one amber, peered back at him. The pink earth pony was standing over him with her face mere inches from his.

His teal eyes immediately shot open and he released heavy breathed yelp in surprise as what he believed to be memories flooded his mind. He shuffled back in a frightened attempt to get from under the pony, with each frantic movement of his limbs he sent up a small cloud of dust into the mare’s face.

He stood drowsily on all four and sunk low into a defensive stance. “DRAKMIRE!?” he roared in confusion.

The pink mare looked on in understanding; she realized that his mind hadn’t yet caught up to his body yet. She looked to where he had been asleep and found a bouquet of zap apple blossoms though some of the flowers were crusted. She leaned down and took them in a hoof and began to slowly approach the child in an attempt to break him out of his reverie.

“Unity, it’s me Pinkie. Your friend, do you remember?” She said in the most comforting voice she could muster. A pink left hoof met with the ground then an amber and black steel right hoof followed as she slowly advanced.

Unity’s body dropped its stance at the mention of a friendly name, his eyes stopped darting about, and his breathing became less frantic. “Pinkie?”

“Finally awake, i thought mister sleepy face was going to stay in dwream world forever!” Pinkie exclaimed suddenly hopping filled with a jubilant energy that was absent just a moment ago.

“Wha....what happened?” Unity said squinting and cocking his head.

Pinkie plopped down on her haunches. Her mouth curled up as she sucked the side of her bottom lip and tapped a hoof on her chin to aid in her thought she began speaking. “Hmmm...well I was thinking that i should probably skip over to a sugar cube corner for my cupcake fix but i got SWARMED by those annoying suit ponies trying to get interviews, and comments from me. I tried to invite them all to back to my house for a party, but they said they didn’t have time...can you believe THAT! No time of a Pinkie Pie party don't they know I thr-”

Unity pinched her lips shut. “Pinkie, when i say what happened i mean, from maybe a few minutes ago at most.”

She had her forelimbs crossed across her chest in contempt. “Well, if you had let me finish i would’ve gotten to that.” She mock cleared her throat. “Like i was saying, after i got swarmed they simply cut me off at every turn until i had nowhere to go. I jumped up to the roof of the buildings and skipped over towards the waterway, i thought if i travelled down near its bank they wouldn't find me. That’s when i found you here sleeping and decided to wake you up.” Her smile was spread from ear to ear like waking Unity was some great accomplishment.

“Oh and when I woke you, you totally flipped out, and was all like “RAGH!!! DRAKMIRE!!!” Pinkie said as she stood on her hind legs with fore legs above her head waving around like some sort of beast. Pinkie’s face suddenly became pensive as she formed her next sentence. “It would’ve been funny, if the look in your eyes didn't scream bloody murder.” she said in deadpan.

Unity stared at the pink party mare quizzically, in all his years he’d never seen her with an expression or tone of voice that matched what he just experienced.

Pinkie couldn't hold it in she put both her hooves up to her mouth in attempt extinguish the forming laugh, she failed gloriously. “You should see your face!!” Pinkie was laid out on the grass near the bank of the waterway, legs flailing wildly as she cackled. “You were like HUH!! How do I respond to that?” She sat up and wiped a tear from her eye. “But seriously, some must be bothering you to have you so loopy. So who’s Drakmire and what happened in that dream?”

Pinkie grabbed the zap apple blossoms in her mouth and walked up to Unity gesturing that they begin walking back towards Party Tech. Unity let out a low sigh, he really didn’t want to dig into his mind to recall what happened. Something told him it wasn’t a thing anypony would want to hear about.

“Drakmire is a colt about my age, he tries to hassle me every time we meet. I know him and his little trio with Milo and Cherry from around the area, real jerks the lot of ‘em. Anyway, we fight basically anytime we see each other and that’s exactly what happened in the dream, except something went wrong. I pushed Drakmire’s buttons a bit too hard this time and kept pushing my luck. He used magic to throw me into an alley where he and Milo tried to jump me and take the zap apple blossoms. I handled Milo pretty easy, but that only riled Drakmire up even further. He used his magic; there wasn’t much i could do. I.....I...was hurt pretty bad; i think he tried to kill me. I was pretty sure that he had killed me - then I heard a voice.”

Pinkie threw a hoof up in the air. “OH, OH that was me!!” she exclaimed proudly.

“No before you, something else.....definitely not a pony.” He released a breath of relief. “Whatever, it was just a dream I obviously just dozed off while i was slacking sitting near the waterway.”

After a few minutes traversing the streets Unity finally remembered why he was even on over here in the first place.

“Oh yeah, Pinkie do-” The pink mare cut him off this time, revenge for earlier no doubt.

“Do I mind using the balloon to take you up to Cloudsdale so that you can place those flowers at the Memorial of Heroes? Nope, not at all. I was going myself.”

“Ok, that’s solved -” Cut off again.

“Not done talking! Sheesh, such an antsy McAntspants.” She said giggling. “Let’s play a game.”

Unity gave Pinkie an exasperated look “What kind of game?”

“A race to Party Tech’s roof.” Pinkie reached her steel amber hoof into the left pocket of her black leather vest, revealing a pair of goggles. “If I win we simply go to Cloudsdale. If you win you get to fly the balloon.” She slipped the goggle on over her head and lowered them into place, she looked to Unity with a self confident grin. “You game?”

“Mare you might as well have dangled the sweetest taboo in my face, revealed it, and left a do not look sign on it. Heck yeah I’m game, like I’ll let this chance pass me up.” Unity began popping his claws and shoulders wincing a little at the phantom pains that shot through his wrist and neck.

Pinkie’s building could be seen towering over the surrounding buildings several blocks away.

“So when do we start?”

Pinkie’s eyes darted from rooftop to rooftop “NOW!!” she yelled surprising her friend.

“Wha-” Unity barely finished the word before his mouth went slack at the sight of Pinkie launching herself to the top of an adjacent 2 story building with a single casual hop. A few clouds of dust and some loose papers rushed to the stop Pinkie occupied not even 2 seconds ago, drawn in by the sudden displacement of air.

The Pinkie party pony called back over her shoulder to the youth as he stood there flabbergasted at what had happened. “ HEY, YOU’RE LOSING!!”

Unity snapped out of funk quickly realizing that his prize was slowly slipping out of his hands. He took off on all for in a mad sprint blazing a trail through the streets.

He was starting to catch up to Pinkie but he’d never overtake her from the streets, too many obstacles. He bobbed and weaved nimbly between ponies as he attempted to keep sight of Pinkie and avoid the occasional pole or trash can. Passing a pole, he suddenly lost sight of his flamboyant opponent his mind labor itself with questions of her disappearance. Unity’s moment of off track though shattered his focus, he was headed right for a random fruit stand jutting out from an alley way. He way too close to jump around it or even stop to avoid a collision, he swallowed a bulge in his throat as a third option hit his mind.

Barely any time to plan it out he leapt at the small clearing between the shelf and the canopy of the stand. He extending his left claw out he gripped at the threshold of the clearing, using all his might and the momentum he had he pulled his entire body clean through the one pony sized opening in a single fluid motion. Landing on his hind leg he continued his stride in bipedal fashion before falling to all fours again.

Unity caught sight of Pinkie again, he wasn't far behind. He crossed the street quickly dodging a few magic transports as he went. After that little stunt he pulled he felt somewhat confident and thought he’d try a little something to level his chances of winning.

He eyed a crate propped up on a wall adjacent to a balcony when he had crossed the street. Resuming his sprint he reached the alley he where he saw the boxes. He threw himself on top of the boxes then jumped with all his might to onto the wall. He dug his claws into the wood for traction; he looked to the balcony behind him as he slowly began to slide down the wall. Putting all his strength into his legs he pushed off the wall flew towards balcony railing. His landing was nearly flawless but he wasn't done quite yet, one more leap. He dipped his head down as he lowered his entire body into ready position and breathed deep releasing the pent up power in his legs. He soared higher than he expected easily clearing the side of the building and landing squarely on the rooftop.

Pinkie was standing several buildings ahead of him looking on as if she expected his actions. She stood on her hind legs and placed her forelegs over her head and let them droop lazily in a gesture meant to mock bunny ears. “C’mon, much to slow. That all you got?” she said right before she sped off.

He focused on Pinkie and took off, several strides later he had to jump over an alley. He threw his weight out and easily cleared the gap. Unity neither noticed how fast he was crossing rooftops nor how easy it was to make several meter jumps between buildings, he was completely focused. His vision tunneled as he concentrated on goal of overtaking the mare, he was giving it everything he had but no ground was being gained. Pinkie was impossibly fast.

“Dammit! C’mon, C’mon gotta move faster, FASTER!!” He tilted his head down as he focused letting the rushing air blow his lavender mane back.

He gripped the ground fiercely desperate for more traction while at the same time forcing his legs to pump harder and harder. The force he put into his legs caused him to rip up chunks of wood, concrete, and plaster with each stride.

Pinkie was getting closer, he was gaining on her. Unity didn’t quit, he cleared another alleyway with a nimble leap landing right beside his opponent.

“Hi.” he said panting heavily as he raced neck and neck with her.

“Hiya.” She replied, eyes closed and smiling from perked ear to ear. Her ears sank and she took on a serious tone “Last stretch.”

He looked ahead of them and sure enough they were coming up on Party Tech fast, extraordinarily fast. His eyes shot around quickly and he noticed an open window level with him on Party Tech’s second floor. He and Pinkie reached the edge of the last building both tied currently tied.

Unity put all his might into his hind legs and launched himself at the window. He threw his weight to the side causing a spin, when he was facing where Pinkie should’ve been he raised his claw to his forehead and gave the empty space a sayonara salute.

To the surprise of a few employees a very confused looking white pony-dragon thing had come flying through the window, before anyone could even question the event he was but a blur headed towards a door labeled “stairs”.

****************************************************************************************************

Unity violently burst through the door that opened out to Party Tech’s landing pad. He came skidding to a stop.

“HA! I beat....Pinkie Pie? ” His eyes fell to the floor, a dejected look formed on his face.

“Well, you can't win em all unless you're me that is. And well that’d be impossible i mean you're Unity and I’m Pinkie, and you're over there and I’m over here-”

“Pinkie....”

“And then there was that time when dragon smoke threatened Ponyville and I beat your mom 35 times in a row-”

“Pin......” Unity stumbled over his own legs and fell nose first into the pebbles on the roof.

She rushed over to him in a pink streak and sat next to him on her haunches, placing his head in her lap.

“Whoa, what happened? You ok?” She asked.

“I'm so tired, but i don't understand how. That run wasn’t particularly far.”

Tired was an understatement, what he had done finally began to catch up with his body. His muscles felt as if someone stretched them like taffy and lit them on fire and he gasped for air in short labored breaths. He lay there cradled by Pinkie until his breathing returned to normal and he regained his composure.

Unity stood up, patted his face a little and gave a small sigh.

He turned to Pinkie and gestured for her to board the balloon. “My mom was right, always be the same. That’s something we can count on.” he said reflecting on Pinkie’s earlier ramblings.

The look she shot him was like a knife to the heart, she was angry hurt and saddened a t the same time and it was all being projected directly at Unity.

The pink mare let out a heavy sigh and looked down into the pebbles. She began to sadly paw at the loose rocks as if something important might be trapped underneath.

The voice came out as barely a whisper. “No.....I’m not the same as i was back then, I can never be like I was back then.” Her eyes were glossed over and unmoving, locked in remembrance of some great tragedy. The air between them was suddenly heavy and devoid of sound.

Unity trotted over to her softly and took her fore hooves in his claws and helped her up. Her head was still held low, eyes still fixated on the pebbles under her hooves. He put a claw under her chin and lifted her head barely level with his. He touched his forehead to hers; he parted his lips. The voice came out gentle and calming like the waters of a hot spring.

“The you, you are today is good enough Pinkie. None of your friends want you to be any other way. The events in your life, everything you’ve had to do, everything you’ve had to suffer......It’s molded a strong mare. One that can look to the horrors of the past and the tragedies of the present and still smile because she knows there’s always a chance for a brighter future. You are an Inspiration across Equestria.”

Her ears perked at his encouragement and her eyes loss their gloss. She stared him in the eyes for a moment. “Thanks. Sometimes...sometimes I just need to hear that I’m worth something.”

“Doesn't everyone need to feel validated sometimes?” he asked rhetorically. “C’mon some air will help clear your mind.” Pinkie smiled weakly and nodded.

They stepped up to the landing platform, and Unity opened the small side door of the balloon.

“Mares first.” The white knight said cheesily.

She gave him a hearty chuckle and stepped inside the wicker cockpit. He came in directly afterward and closed the door, securing it into place. Pinkie fired up the burner and pulled down on a handle that dangled over head. The vehicle slowly began to gain altitude until the buildings in Ponyville became no more than tiny specks. She gave Unity a small tap on the shoulder and relinquished control of the balloon to the youth. He pointed the balloon towards Cloudsdale and sailed them off over the clouds.

As they rose Unity caught a glimpse of a blue and red blur of light speeding down a street a few blocks from Party Tech. What happened there?

Color of Heroes

Unity guided the fuchsia hot air balloon over a thin layer of stratus clouds, he breathed in the humid air and let the wind whip through his mane. He loved it up here in the clouds where nature still reigned supreme and ponies couldn’t defile the beauty.

Pinkie was leaned over the basket taking in the sites from their birds eye view of Equestria. Occasionally the party pony would tug at his fur, give him a huge smile and direct his attention towards some great majestic wonder.

“Isn’t it all so beautiful?” Pinkie said pulling Unity’s attention to the vista before them.

The sun in front of them hung low in the sky casting a dull orange light across all of Equestria. It was magnificent every lake and river ran gold like honey and flocks of birds in all colors began their flights home for the night. The mountain ranges in front of the sun cast their shadow over the world beneath them, softly embracing the land into the soon to come night. All of Equestria tinted butterscotch by the dusk hours.

A slightly distant look formed on the mare, the folds of her face and the way she view the world under them betrayed how far in thought she was.

“Whenever I look upon Equestria like this....I...I see that everything that led up to this point was worth it. Me, your mom, Twilight, AJ, Dashie, and Fluttershy all sacrificed a little of themselves to make sure the sun rises and sets everyday on a Equestria and that it remains happy and peaceful like this forever; there’s a hole in my heart where the things that we lose once were, but it’ll fill with new things. I wouldn’t change a single thing that happened.”

Her demeanor perplexed Unity Pinkie wore a face the exhibited happiness and pride, not just in herself but in all of her friends. A motherly grin formed across her face as she looked down at her child from the balloon.

“Well when you say it like that, Equestria is a lot more beautiful then I give it credit for.” He said solemnly, every time he heard something like this it hurt the child to his heart.

He hated the ponies’ technological accomplishments and how they pushed nature around. But why did he hate it? He didn’t know, and that unfounded hatred made it feel as though he was undermining the sacrifices of his parents and friends with every negative thought about Ponyville that crossed his young mind.

Pinkie turned her warm glow to Unity the moment she saw the grimaced look her wore. “C’mon that wasn’t meant to make anypony sad.” She nudged his side softly with a hoof prompting a childish giggle from him. “Cloudsdale! We’re here!” She said with her usual hyperactive energy. She prepared a small hop of joy but opted out of it (probably remembering how that went last time).

A massive Cumulonimbus floated ahead of the balloon, it’s was easily 20 or more square miles Cloudsdale like Ponyville had grown. Unity directed the transport into the giant white mass, The cloud was incredibly dense causing immediate drag the moment they made contact with it.

They exited the city’s cloudveil. Cloudsdale’s architecture was breathtaking and like nothing in the rest of Equestria massive cathedrals adorned by painstakingly crafted buttress dotted the city. Homes businesses and schools built in the style of their warrior ancestors, all hand crafted and accented by grand columns flowing fountains and falls of water and rainbows. Polychromatic smoke rose from the rainbow factory as its alluring product pooled into massive reservoirs. At the center of the city stood the coliseum, stark white it was symbol of times since past of what the pegasi were. Warriors. In modern times it’s where they held competitions like The Best Young Flier and various martial arts tournaments. Unlike the other pony denizens of Equestria who hide their warrior heritage and like to pretend it never was, the pegasi embraced it as a part of them and it shows.

“Over there Unity.” Pinkie said pointing towards a clearing near a massive structure.

Unity tugged on the controls of the balloon to steer them towards their destination. The structure was a large cathedral but it was different than the others it was on its own plot set aside by almost an entire parks worth of space. A sidewalk surrounded on both sides by short columns topped off by bowl torches lead up to the it. The grounds surrounding it were littered with cloud sculpted statues some depicted pegasi defeating mighty enemies including foes such as dragons and hydra others were sculptures of ponies with items representing new technological advances. The entire plot of land was encircled by the raging rapids of a rainbow river that poured out from the building. The balloon came around to the front of the grounds and touched down on a landing pad outside of the circle made by the river.

Unity and Pinkie stepped out onto the the clouds that made up the entire city. Pinkie able to do so because of Twilight’s spell (who’d have known it was a permanent enchantment?) Unity could naturally cloud walk like the pegasi so he needn’t have bothered Twilight for the enchantment.

The two walked side by side before now they never had any reason to visit this place. Unity pointed to a sign that floated above their heads labeled “Historyscape”. They started down the path set off by the columns, each torch exploded to life in rainbow flames in tandem with their progress. After a five minute walk they reached the massive Cathedral, Unity walked stepped slightly in front of Pinkie to read the plaque on the top of the entrance archway.

“Hall of Legends.” He said matter-of-factly.

He pushed the doors open and let Pinkie walk inside, he followed shortly. The innards of the place was colossal to say the least, by Unity’s estimate the entire Carousel Boutique could fit within what appeared to be the forward lounge. The duo trotted up to the receptionist desk, no one was there and the swing doors to the exhibits section were closed and locked all harboring a “under renovation” sign.

Pinkie eyed a bell on the desk with suspicion, the bell was label “ring for assistance” but the look on Pinkie’s face said she had more planned for the small device. She pressed the bell once, it made a resounding ding that instantly filled the space and echoed from behind the swing door. The crazy mare let out a delighted giggle and went on a pressing spree, the sharp sound from the bell providing her with what seemed like infinite amounts of enjoyment.

“Who in the hell is ringing that bell so damn much I swear when I get my hands of them I’ll - Arch Machinist Pinkamena Pie!! ” The pistachio pegasus stallion almost swallowed his tongue at the sight of one the most famous mare’s on the planet in the Cathedral.

“That’s me!” She said still enjoying the sound of the bell much to the displeasure of Unity the pegasus. “We’re here for our private visit to Memorial of Heroes before opens.”

“Oh, but of course” he said as he walked over to his desk. “Um may I ask you who’s your friend, sorry, but only a few people are privileged to see the memorial early.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper on a clipboard.

“Oh that’s Unity, he’s Rarity and Spike’s son.” The mechanic mare said still frantically ringing the bell.

The receptionists jaw dropped, “As in Grand Fashionista Rarity and Comms Master Spike?” He looked over the list in awe and placed a check mark by each of their names. Most of the names had been filled in by those who took their shifts before him, he so wished that he could’ve been there. He knew who would be coming to see the memorial, and he had missed most of them.

“Look at this all star line up: Pinkamena Diane Pie, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, Rarity, Spike, Unity, Twilight Sparkle, Celestia and Luna. Every name except Applejack, Rarity, and Spike has been checked out. Twilight Sparkle...Arch Mage Sparkle and the Princesses were here and I freaking missed it!!!” the receptionist thought to himself.

“Ok, everything checks out. Follow me please and Ms. Pie why don't you just keep the bell?” He said placing the small golden object in her hooves. “The way my name is Price.” Price lifted the barricade off the swinging door and led the two visitors into the viewing floor.

On either side of the party the massive walls of the cathedral were sheathed in massive stained cloud murals depicting the history of pegasi, the rise of Equestria, and the many other challenges that have been trumped in the past.

Unity was legitimately interested and hung close to the receptionist. Price noticed the youth’s curiosity as took it upon himself to explain some of the more important pieces in the collection.

The pistachio pegasus raised a hoof and pointed to a mural detailing a horde of pegasi all either clad in armor and wielding a variety of weapons or using their natural gift of weather control for combat. They were pitted against an equally massive horde of dragons several of which had fire or lightning erupting from their gaping maw. The bottom of the mural showed several injured pegasi soldiers holding up a dragon horns and scales triumphantly.

“After the Princesses wretched control of the world from Discord the dragons thought to invade Equestria and claim its lands for themselves. Dragons slaughtered the helpless earth ponies that were bound to the ground, few unicorns possessed the skill in magic to fly and the Princesses were severely weakened after they defeated Discord. It fell solely on the wings of the pegasi to defend our newly formed nation from the draconic invaders. Obviously we succeeded.” A twinge of undeserved arrogance slipped into Price’s tone.

The three of them continued that way for several minutes with Pinkie trailing a ways behind the two males, Price continued to point out and explain several historic murals. The Shadow Campaign (when Luna began her fall to the nightmare and began to weaken Equestria through espionage and cold warfare), and Darkest Night (The moment Luna announced herself as Nightmare moon and the Nightguard broke off from the Solguard and the following war), were all touched on in this hall.

They were nearing their destination, but one final mural interested the Unity. He called out to the pony in front of him.

“Mr. Price, what’s that one about? I haven’t seen anything like that in any material i’ve read.” The intrigue in his voice was unmistakable.

“Ah, i'm not surprised” the receptionist replied “That mural there shows the Eve of the Cleaving Sun. A piece of history all but forgotten, but preserved here for all eternity.”

Unity and Price stared at the beautifully colored mural, Price held a smug grin as he shifted his glace between the scene of history and the amazed look on the child’s face.

What was on the mural was both fascinating and unbelievable, not to mention this one was proportionally larger then most of the others. It showed a the sun surrounded by the pitch black of the void, the massive star bore a dark pattern across it that reminded one of a dragon wing. A few feet from the sun was the earth, but what was amazing was what was between the two. A large orange solar flare blazed forth from the massive star arched directly at the planet. In the path of the million degree Inferno was Celestia; She was holding back wave with her magical blade Solis Cor, the cold of space not affecting her resolve. The second part of the mural was just as grand. With a swipe of her sword Celestia split the terrible conflagration in two sending it almost perfectly pass the earth. Some of it still struck the earth, burning a massive gash in Equestria’s lands.

“A terrible catastrophe that was. The best way to describe it would be that the sun lashed out with its infinite fury at our humble planet, something even its mistress didn't see coming. See saved the planet, but Equestria was still hit.” He said voice taking on a glum tone. “Anyway here we are, Memorial of Heroes.”

“Thank you” Unity said giving a small bow of respect.

“Thanks!” Pinkie finally chirped after her long uncharacteristic silence.

Price bowed and took his leave, allowing the two their privacy.

The memorial was inspiring to say the least, it had taken years to construct and install. They stood right outside of the exhibit cut off by a small bridge that rose over the rainbow river which amazingly seemed to originate from the memorial. Pinkie and Unity stood there in awe at what they saw, a stark white cloud statue nearly two stories tall in the visage Rainbow Dash. The sculpture had a polychromatic mane and tail made of pure enchanted rainbow styled in her signature unkept tomboy fashion, even the statues flanks were christened by the image of her cutie mark, a storm cloud firing off a bolt of lightning colored red yellow and blue, which had become a sign of loyalty across Equestria. The base of the statue had RAINBOW DASH written out proudly in a cool baby blue, and right below it flowed the rainbow liquid that feed the river around the grounds all pooling in a multicolored grotto of remembrance.

Behind the statue the hall ended in a semi circular wall, three murals playing out the Second Nightmare War, the Return of Discord, and the Changeling Invasion complete with the new element wielders occupied area. The space under the depictions had cloud plaques placed under them each one bordered by a different color in the spectrum, their purpose - list the names of those who gave their lives for Equestria in during those dark times.

However, the most impressive thing sat directly in front Pinkie and Unity. Right in front of the statue was white casket embroidered by yellow, blue, and red designs. This casket maybe the most important object in the entire cathedral for it housed the body of Rainbow Dash, both casket and corpse preserved eternally by a stasis spell cast on them by the princesses.

Dash always wanted everyone to remember her and she’ll have that wish, this display made sure of that.

Pinkie and Unity trotted slowly over the small bridge into the memorial, they took in the elegant designs of the exhibit as the smell of cinnamon candy permeated their nostrils. They approached the casket suddenly halting a few feet away as if being to close were some sort of taboo.

Pinkie reached on to her back producing the zap apple blossoms, turning to her friend she attempted to present to him the exotic flowers. He calmly pushed the bouquet back to the pinkie mare.

“I didn’t know Rainbow dash but what I do know is that you two were the best of friends, that you two shared a relationship like no other, and that you were affected the most by her lose. You should place the flowers.” He slowly removed his claws from the wrapped parcel and gave her an approving nod.

Slowly but surely she took a step forward, and then another inching her way ever closer to Dash’s final bed. She took a deep breath and leaned over the casket, placing a warm kiss on the cold, glossed casket. She stroked the top softly with a hoof and placed the rainbow colored flowers on her casket right below the image of her cutie mark. Pinkie turned to face Unity, sadness clearly present but not overwhelmingly so she took a few steps towards him.

“Are you ready?” He asked.

“Yea- NO! I forgot something!” Pinkie said excitedly. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small metal object, carrying it in her mouth she pranced back over and placed it on the floor in front of the casket. She gave the top of the device a few hard twists with her hooves, satisfied she stepped back to her position next to Unity.

“Now i’m ready” she said confidently.

Pinkie resumed her usual style of locomotion in tandem with Unity’s quick strides as the two headed back towards the exit of the Cathedral. They walked passed the receptionist desk, Price waved the duo a farewell and they to him. The building was exited without another word.

The walk back to the balloon didn’t seem to take nearly as long as the one to get there. Finally back aboard their transport, Unity asked the question had been pondering for the past few minutes.

“So Pinkie, what was that device you put near Rainbow Dash’s casket?” He eyed her waiting for a response, but on never came he’d began to believe that he, in some way, hurt or offended her. He pulled the controls on the balloon and they gently took off. Just as Unity was about to apologize Pinkie’s voice came as chipper as ever though somehow mellow.

“It was self winding a music box, I made it from that bell the receptionist gave me.”

The fuschia balloon slowly floated away from the structure and backtracked over the grand city of Cloudsdale. Pinkie took a final fleeting look back at the Hall of Legends.

“It’ll play her favorite lullaby eternally.”

A/N: Phew, this was a long chapter but I had fun with it I especially had fun trying to find a good mix between old canon Pinkie Pie and my Pinkie Pie. Luna help me press through the Slice of Life chapters of this story!!

ch. 4 Leaving Home Arc - Lesson/Farewell Birthday Party

Lesson

“Just drop me off at the library Pinkie.” Unity said pointing at the huge tree in the center of Old Ponyville.

“Gotcha!” The exuberant mare gave unity mocking salute as she tugged on the controls of the hot air balloon.

The balloon drifted lazily down towards the library, a few of the newer residents of the classical area looked up slack jawed at the airship hovering above them. Once close enough to one of the tree’s balconies he lept from Pinkie’s company. Unity landed with a clack as his claws impacted wood, causing the balcony to sway.

“Whoa!” He said. “Well see ya later Pinkie Pie!” He waved a claw at her.

He moved to open the upstairs door, Twilight was facing away from him and appeared to be focused heavily on something. Crafty as ever, he cracked the door to the library open and attempted to sneak in unnoticed.

Twilight was engrossed in a telepathic conversation with Celestia, she didn’t even notice the fleeting footsteps behind her. The lavender unicorn sat at her magical conduit channeling her magic to maintain the connection between her and her mentor. The technology was truly amazing, one of Pinkie’s better inventions in Twilights eyes. It was essentially a podium that enhanced whatever magic was channeled into it and mainly used for long distance telepathic communication and teleportation.

Of course princess.

Any minute now.

Um, yes prin - I mean Celestia, goodbye. Twilight cut the mental connection.

Unity abused Twilight’s inattentiveness to sneak into the lower recesses of her library and look about in an attempt to act like he had made it there on time. He walked around the circular lower room of the library running his claw along the spines of books as he tried to spot something that might be relevant to his interests.

The interior of the library hadn’t changed in the past years. A few knew sections with more advanced reading material were added, the children’s section had been expanded, and more leisure material like adventure stories and sci fi novels were also added. Twilight had also taken to lighting the candles that illuminated her home with her own magic, that way she could remotely control how bright the candles burned with little effort, other than that it was the same as it always was.

Herbology. Nope.

Marine Biology. Nope.

Advanced Magical Theory and Spell Weaving Processes. “Oh yes.” He quickly hushed himself.

His face lit up in excitement as if he’d stumbled upon the best thing in the world. He flipped the book open and began to simply absorb all its words, the pages began to blur as he picked up the pace. The smile on his face reached from ear to ear and every so often he would let out a little giggle coltish giggle.

“Ah, so that’s how it’s done.” Unity said under his breath, he was trying to hide his excitement at the things he read but, he was failing hard.

“Ha, as I expected all polyhedron based spell weaves CAN be strengthened exponentially by weaving them instead as an antiprism.” A smile crept across his face.

“Interesting, mobius based weaves are uncounterable spells because they aren’t orientable.”

Just as he began to get really deep into the book a purple glow lifted it from his hands, Unity knew what was about to happen next. Defeated, he simply hang his head low and watched the book as it was carefully replaced on the shelf whence it came. Abruptly his vision became a blur of purples and whites as he was teleported to face his mentor.

The lavender unicorn peered at him over the dark pink frames of her glasses. She sat on her haunches and stared at him quizzically, she leaned slightly to her right as to take some weight off of her braced left front leg. She flicked her head to the side as to toss her finger-waved mane out of her eyes before addressing her late student.

“Tardy.” Twilight said.

“Nah uh, I was down stairs reading about advanced magical theories, you were talking to Celestia so i didn’t want to disturb you.” He said as he gestured to her downstairs.

“Really?” Twilight raised a single eyebrow. time for a test. she thought.

“What is this?” She said as her horn began to glow a bright orange at the tip. A flame exploded to life at the tip her horn, it burned furiously and was fueled by pure aether.

“Flame spell, a pretty basic one. Why?” He asked.

“Weave shape.” She demanded of him, in a teasing tone. Unity wasn’t on her level of understanding but other than a university professor or one of her peers he was the most learned person she talked to, and unlike a professor or a Magi mage he was open minded and inventive with his answers.

“Polyhedron based.”

Twilight’s face showed minimal effort as gathered more aether and began augmenting her spell, in a feat that to anyone learned in magic would’ve thought to be impossible if it were not happening. Unity could feel the magic being drawn into the flame and reinforcing its weave. The tip of his horn tingled from the massive amount of energy in the room, Twilights mastery of magic was such that nothing outside of the tree would be able to sense the large amount of magic she had gathered, had this amount of magic coalesced naturally every unicorn in Ponyville would be able to feel it. The flame instantly shifted colors from orange to bluish-white.

“What about now?” She said smugly.

Unity’s jaw was almost touching the floor. “That flame is burning as if it were fueled by cyanogen, it burns hot enough to completely annihilate all the soot it creates, that’s why the entire flame is naturally blue.” “That flame must be pushing four thousand five hundred celsius. How...how’d you do this?” He choked out, the flame was consuming massive amounts of oxygen.

“The antiprism theory, i proposed it almost thirteen years ago, been using it for the same amount of time. Guess the Council of Magi finally decided to take it seriously.” Twilight cut the spell.

“It’s amazing that taking the weave of a aetheral weave of a fire spell, duplicating it, then weaving it together with interconnecting triangle lacing could boost a spell this much.” Unity was always impressed with Twilight’s power, he swore, that if he could do magic he would try his best to surpass her. Arch Mage or not.

“Now all i need is to find an equally effective method of boosting hypocycloid based spells.”

“Have you tried layering rational with irrational value hypocycloids and lacing them together with an astroid type weave?” He said as he tapped a claw to his chin.

“Hmm...Unity, it’s research time! I’ll experiment with your idea once we’ve gather enough data that says it could work.”

The mare teleported them both down to her basement where he research materials were held. The two spent a few hours pouring over text on spell creation, spell augmentation, and what weave patterns made what effects. Pages turned, and both sighed as they searched fruitlessly through every book she had in her study.

“So, what have you learned?” Twilight asked.

“That it may be possible, but we wouldn’t be able to figure it out with these materials. We’d need Celestia’s private library to crack this puzzle.” He said as he rubbed fatigue from his eyes.

“Same thoughts here.” She shook her head in disappointment. She lifted her head and looked at the sky. “Shame, our time is almost up; however, I have one question for you, then you can leave answer it truthfully?”

“Um, ok?” Unity was kind of afraid of the question

“Why won’t you join a magical university in Canterlot?” She was staring at him fiercely as if trying to ascertain if his answer was true through observation.

“Twi, I can’t do magic. In any form or fashion, how would i make it in a school for gifted unicorns?” He sighed. “They don’t care how much mumbo jumbo I know, because i can never do any of it, I can’t backup my knowledge. I don’t have the confidence to get up there and tell when i can’t show.”

Twilight looked at him with a pained expression, she knew how he felt all too well.

“I know, bad.”

“Of course it's bad!! Don’t sell yourself short, knowledge is powerful, You also have an extremely keen mind, really good problem solving skills, and a healthy imagination. Heck i took you as a student.” She said as she rested a hoof on his shoulder. “Well you answered my question so you are free to do pretty much whatever you wa - scratch that Unity, Rarity told me to make sure you were at Sweet Apple Acres by ten o'clock, and it’s *gasp* nine fifty five! We’ll never make it on hoof so-”

“Wait, why Sweet Apple ...”

Her horn flared up with it’s usual purple glow as effortlessly tossed them throw space.

****************************************************************************************************

Farewell Birthday Party

Sweet Apple Acres.

“...Acres...” Unity’s vision was once again was filled by a swirling mass of colors, he should really be used to teleporting by now.

After their lesson Twilight teleported Unity right in front of the farm’s old barn, it was well into the night now. He appeared near the structure with a loud pop alerting everypony outside to his presence, heads turned and several ponies began to trot over to greet the guest of honor.

“Hey Unity.” Lyra called out.

“Happy birthday kid.” Doctor Whooves added.

“There you go, perfect! Happy birthday!” Rose said as she placed a purple carnation behind Unity’s ear.

Unity was beginning to get swarmed by the overzealous citizens of old Ponyville, his arms crossed and flailed randomly as he returned hoof shakes and hugs. A dark cream colored pegasus stallion with a dark brown mane styled similarly to a clover circled overhead a few times while cackling to himself at the sight. The pegasus had decided that maybe his friend had had enough of being in the spotlight for now, he quickly dive bombed into the crowd ponies and snatched Unity up in a single fluid maneuver.

“Pound Cake!?” Unity said still confused after his ordeal.

“Happy birthday bro.” Pound Cake smiled down at his friend as he flew them over the crowd. “Pumpkin figured this would happen so she sent me to get you……..but I just had to let it spin outta control for a quick second so I get some laughs in.”

Unity scowled at Pound, but only got a face full of chest and bottom jaw because of how he was being carried. No matter how scrunched up the face he made he found that he just couldn’t become angry at the pegasus, not even a little irritated. Unity could only giggle at his friend’s antics. He, Pound Cake, and Pumpkin Cake had been friends since he could walk and whenever they three had free time they use to go on all sorts of crazy adventures in the up and coming city. They were like siblings.

They glided through the air above the barn for a few minutes; from up there Unity caught the smells of delicious baked goods carried on the warm, moist air. Apple pies and apple fritters mingled with the cupcakes smell of vanilla and strawberry cupcakes, many more scents were mixed in but he couldn’t distinguish them from each other.

Pound Cake flew them over to where a unicorn mare with a coat color similar to his, but with blue eyes an orange mane and tail.

“Hey! Yo, Pumpkin!!” Pound yelled down at his sister.

They had brought a portable kitchen so that Pumpkin could keep pumping out baked sweets in real time, she couldn’t hear her brother calling to her from the air above the mare was too enthralled by the art of baking. She was in her element. Her horn was lit up signifying the use of her magic. Pumpkin had six bowls of batter being mixed and several trays of muffins and cupcakes coming out of the oven all controlled perfectly by her telekinesis.

Pound and Unity landed behind Pumpkin with a loud thud in an attempt to get the attention of the bake happy mare. She looked over her shoulder and gasped loudly as she saw her brother and Unity standing there like they had nothing better to do.

“Pum-” The venomous voice of his sister cut him off.

“Pound Cake, you are supposed to be helping to distribute these,” she made a wide gesture with her hooves across all the cupcakes and muffins. “Not getting into mischief with Unity.” She fumed at the two as they simply sat there looking between each other and then back to her with frightened expressions on their faces. Pumpkin soon cracked and fell back in a fit of laughter, no longer able to hold the mask of false anger up any longer she lay there on her back waving her hooves wildly in the air desperately trying to breathe in between her fits of laughter.

“You thought I was actually any sort of angry? BAWAHAHA!!”

“Yea!” Unity and Pound said in unison.

“Well you are sort of a demo--” Unity began, but his sentence was cut short due to him suddenly catching a severe case of wooden spoon to the face syndrome.

“Like I was saying, I’m not angry, but Pound you really should be taking these to the tables inside the…” She face hoofed once she noticed that not only were they not listening, but they were also gone. “I was looking at them, how...how do they do that?” She tapped her hoof on her chin as she pondered the question.

Pumpkin was deep in thought about what just happened. Just as she had come to the conclusion that her brother and Unity were breaking the laws of physics she noticed a large round wavy shadow creeping up over her. She turned around only to let out a muffled squeal as an entire bowl of punch emptied on her. She had emptied that bag of flour on Unity and Pound after they fell into the canal last week, now they had revenge. The mare slowly peaked over the counter, her mane and coat dripping wet with fruit punch.

“Touché boys, touché.” She said with a sly grin.

Unity and Pound looked at each other with ear to ear grins while Pumpkin dried herself off with a towel from under the counter.

You’ll both get yours. She thought.

“Well Unity, I’ve had my fun I should probably get back to delivering that stuff, you know my job.” He gave Unity a nod as he picked up a few trays and began to hover off, he looked over his shoulder every so often in case his sister tried something.

Surprisingly, Pound Cake was a really crappy baker, despite being born to the cakes who are likely the best bakers in all of Equestria. Instead he found that he had a talent for remembering, organizing and finding things which led to the way all newer Sugar Cube corners are run. Chefs and pegasus runners.

“Ahem,” Pumpkin Cake cleared her throat. “Happy birthday Unity, let it be known that if it wasn’t your birthday I’d toss a cake at your face.” She gave him a big huge and they smiled about what had just happen.

“Now get into that barn, your parents are waiting for you.”

Unity gave Pumpkin a stupid little soldier salute and quickly trotted off towards the barn. Applejack’s older brother Big Macintosh was standing outside barn doors like some sort of club bouncer.

“Hey Big Mac, comin’ through.” Unity said to the large red stallion. He swore the guy could probably pull a building if he tried.

Mac opened the red doors into their barn and Unity rushed into the darkness. The moment the hybrid noticed that he couldn’t see anything he was picked up and placed high upon something cool and slick.

“I see you made it son.” The voice boomed. Spike began chuckling as Unity came to the realization of who it was that had snatched him up.

“Really dear, must you be late for everything? This is your party.” Rarity argued in a playful tone.

“AND WHAT A PARTY IT IS!!! MIGHT BE THE BESTEST I’VE EVER PLANNED!!” yelled Pinkie, at some point she had gotten on top of several stacked up barrels behind Rarity, Spike and Unity.

“You must be slipping then Ms. Pie, I don’t see anything but darkness. I don’t even hear anypony breathing in here.” Unity said from on his dad’s shoulders.

Just as Unity finished talking, a brilliant golden yellow light erupted on his left and a beautiful purple light erupted on his right. Princess Celestia was casting an expanding sphere of light on her side of the room illuminating the left half of the barn and revealing many seated ponies and half of a large stage complete with speakers. Luna’s sphere of light was doing the same thing, it bathed the right side of the barn in a glorious purple glow as it revealed more seated ponies and the rest of the stage. The two spheres collided in the middle of the barn and mingled with each other. Celestia’s energy began to overtake and push Luna’s magic back. The moon princess winced as she tried to combat her sister’s power, Celestia saw her younger sibling pained expression and toned down her power allowing her magic to be pushed back so that they were equal. Celestia gave Luna a loving wink; Luna hid a hateful scowl.

“Princess Celestia and Luna! Pinkie how did you manage this?” Unity asked.

He didn’t receive an answer, Unity turned to look for the pinky party mare but only empty space occupied where she had been before. Suddenly the stage lit up and Pinkie appeared from behind the curtains, she hopped along the stage in her usual goofy fashion until she made a full stop at the microphone.

“HOW YOU DOING TONIGHT EVERYPONY!” she yelled into the mic. “As you all know, it’s Rarity and Spike’s son Unity’s birthday!”

The crowd broke out in cheers, everypony there was yelling “Unity” at the top of their lungs; everyone in the barn was from old Ponyville so they were all familiar, like distant family even.

“But what you don’t know is who I brought to town to perform for us!” Pinkie started to bounce uncontrollably.

The pink pony stood on her back legs and broke out some dance moves at random. “Spinning our tracks for the evening, daughter of Vinyl Scratch aka DJ-Pon3, the up and coming Dual Scratch aka DJ-Fill3!” Pinkie pointed her hoof off to the right side of the stage, at her gesture the DJ booth lit up revealing a white pegasus pony with a wild red mane with black stripes, bright orange eyes and black and orange headphones. DJ-Fill3 hit her hoof against her chest twice then air hoofed the audience.

Everypony was in an uproar again.

“And singing for us to night, a group I know Rarity and Applebloom will appreciate seeing, Glam-Rok!” Pinkie threw her forelegs over her head when she announced the name signaling for the curtains to start rising up.

Slowly two mares and three stallions came into view. One of the mares was an orange pegasus with a dark fuchsia mane and tail and light purple eyes, The other was a chalk white unicorn with a cotton candy pink and lavender mane and sea green eyes. The Pegasus’ cutie mark was of a microphone and several bolts of lightning whereas the unicorn’s cutie mark was of a microphone shining light through diamonds.

“Auntie Sweetie and Scootaloo!” Unity screamed totally out of character. He really couldn’t help it; he hadn’t seen Sweetie Belle since she started her concert tour earlier in the year.

“Hello Ponyville!” Scootaloo and Sweetie yelled through the mic. “It’s been awhile since we’ve been in town, and even longer since we’ve been at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“You know we grew up in Ponyville. I see a lot of familiar faces here, Cheerilee, Lyra.” Sweetie belle said as she pointed at the elevated Unity and motioned for him to come up on stage with her.

The teenager leaped off his father and scampered through the ponies until he was up on stage. He looked around the barn and locked eyes with Luna. She gave him a wink, Unity almost buckled and fell face first onto the stage.

“Now, we didn’t bring you anything for your birthday Unity, but we can teach you and Ponyville something cool.” Scootaloo said as she brought Unity closer.

“What?” He asked. He couldn’t believe he stupidly responded like that.

Sweetie Belle’s horn flared up causing a lasers light show and Scootaloo reached up into a cloud that had been hovering above her head and pulled out a rainbow colored guitar. Scoots strummed a simple chord on her axe. “HOW. TO. ROCK!”

Sweetie Belle began plucking the strings of her guitar, soon the drums entered, and finally. Scootaloo took in a breath and let her voice flow through the mic.

Falling to my knees before you,

So ashamed to see my weakness fill your eyes,

Needlessly, I let myself stray before you,

Now I face the consequence of my betrayal.

My paradigm, my sweet love I breathe,

It's you I rely on,

Shelter me from cold, I die in paradigm.

Do we sacrifice, let our story die?

Blissful lullabies return again,

If we still a while, let love survive,

Delicately crawling to your grave.

My paradigm, my sweet love I breathe,

It's you I rely on,

Shelter me from cold, I die in paradigm.

Perfect sky, shadow find my lies,

Good enough for always wanting mine

Replaced all your love with pain

So afraid to face the world alone.

My paradigm, my sweet love I breathe

My paradigm, my sweet love I breathe,

It's you I rely on,

Shelter me from cold, and die in paradigm.

(Die in paradigm, die in paradigm, die in paradigm, die in paradigm)

After the song ended Sweetie grabbed the mic from Scoots with her magic and began calming the crowd.

“While it’s true we didn’t actually bring you anything solid for your birthday,” Sweetie said with mock sadness, “We aren’t empty hooved. Isn’t that right.” she said as she tossed the mic back to Scoots.

“Yeah, Unity, you are a unique individual and you're definitely gonna go far kid. So to aid you in unlocking your talents you’ve been invited by Princess Celestia to Equestria’s Hybrid Ability Training Camp! Best part is you leave tonight after the party, and according to Celestia you don’t need to take a single thing with you!” She screamed.

The crowded roared and cheered with happiness for the him. Everypony knew of the hybrid children being born after discord was defeated and everypony knew of the special facility that Celestia had set up to teach them how to control their unusual and strange powers.

“Now everpony, an improvised version of a classic, just for the birthday boy!” Sweetie pointed to one of the stallions behind her, he cracked his fetlocks and started to play a familiar tune on the electric keyboard.

All the ponies began to sing out loud and out from what seemed like thin air Pinkie appeared behind Sweetie, Scoots, and Unity with a huge grin across her face as she passed them pieces of birthday cake and sang with the crowd.Sweetie and Scoots even joined in the tune with their guitars.

****************************************************************************************************

Soon Unity chose to let the music thump away in the back of his mind and become background noise, DJ-Fill3 ‘s beats were fantastic she was truly Vinyl’s daughter, but Unity’s head wasn’t really in the music at the moment. Pinkie was all over the place as usual, Twilight (when did she get here?) was off chatting with his mother and Princess Celestia, and His father was leaning against the wall talking with Pound Cake (who was no doubt slacking again). The birthday boy scanned the barn, eagerly searching for his closest friend. After a few passes he came to the conclusion that she no longer in the barn, if she was he definitely would’ve spotted her, Luna stood out in a noticeable way and there was no chance he simply overlooked her. The thought of her just leaving the party without really talking to him seemed to sap his energy away and no amount of sugar filled treats or icing covered snacks could perk him up. He hung his head low as he sat at a table all alone, he hadn’t taken a single bit out of his piece of cake, he simply sat there with a half lidded expression painted on his face.

Pinkie was high above the floor of the barn, she had taken to swinging from a party light and spraying confetti down on the partying ponies with the cannon built into her prosthetic front limb. She glided through the air letting out occasional yells and squeals of pure foalish joy; however, her fun was cut short when the mopey visage of Unity flashed across her sight. Sensing sadness the smiling pink mare instinctively shifted her weight causing the party light to swing her towards her target, she leapt off and soared over the crowd, performing several elegant flips and spins as she hung in the air. Pinkie landed on her back right metal leg, she performed a graceful pirouette which ended with her facing away from Unity and back bending until she could touch his nose with her front hooves.

“Why are you sitting here alone looking like a grumpy MacGrumperton?” She said as she wiped rubbed some of Unity’s cake frosting on her hoof.

“I didn’t even get to talk to Luna before she left; I’m supposed to be leaving in a few hours. Doesn’t she want to at least say goodbye?” He sighed before pushing his piece of cake over to Pinkie.

“Don’t be silly, of course she wants to say goodbye! And what are you talking about, Luna’s on the roof, making the same grumpy face as you.” As soon as her sentence was done Pinkie shoved the piece of cake that Unity gave her into her mouth. Goddamn glutton.

“Get me to the roof.” He said coolly.

“Okie Dokie Loki!” Pinkie, somehow managed to get back on the party light she had been swinging on. She swooped down and snatched up the youth in her hooves.

****************************************************************************************************

Sitting there atop the red apple barn was the princess of the night, Luna. She sat there staring at the velvety azure sky intensely. Tears stained her face and caused her fur to mat under her eyes, soon her best friend...no her son would be leaving her for who knows how long. She just couldn’t stand to face Unity much longer in the barn, her little ponies didn’t need to see their princess cry.

Unity and Luna’s bond had been forming since the day they first saw each other, at first the young hybrid child was afraid of his princess, but his curiosity was apparent. One day he caught her in the most vulnerable state she ever permitted herself to be in. Luna had come to Ponyville to visit Twilight, but the unicorn had to leave on urgent matters and left the moon princess alone in the library. That night Unity had thought it funny to sneak out of the Carousel Boutique and into Twilight’s tree. Luna sat on her haunches on one of the outside balconies content with star gazing. She stared at the moon, now void of the mare in the moon scar, and how good it was to be back with her sister again, no matter little they saw each other. She sat there reminiscing on the past until she couldn’t contain her feelings anymore, she let the words flow from her mouth naturally as what could only be described as the voice of the heavens began to permeate Twilight’s home.

Unity heard the beautiful tune and gladly followed it to its source, he was completely enamored with the sound. He cantered up the stair and pushed open a window and what he saw forever changed his view of Luna, he saw the black witch, crying. All of a sudden she wasn’t scary to him anymore, just a lonely pony. He trotted up to her side and nestled himself into a comfortable position on her fur. Luna looked down at the child, her eyes shone with tears; the lunar princess looked back up to the moon with eyes that beamed with pure happiness. The night sky always listened when she spoke, and it always provided when she asked; tonight it provided her with a friend.

After that night, the two became inseparable.

And here they were again, on a starry night, Luna alone stargazing and Unity seeking her out. He appeared on the roof of the barn as silently as possible, slowly he trotted over to Luna and sat beside her. He rested his head shoulder and nuzzled her coat softly.

“I thought you left” Unity said softly, the hurt was obvious from his tone. “I wanted to see you before I left.”

“So did I.” Luna said flatly, it had no effect though. Unity was one of the few creatures she couldn’t hide her feelings from.

“So why didn’t you stay at the party where I could see you?”

“I couldn’t let Celestia and the others see me like this.” She said motioning at herself. “Besides, I knew you’d find me.” Luna said teasingly. “I’ll miss you, you know. No one knows how long it’ll take you to master whatever special gifts you have.”

“Lulu,” He hadn’t used that nickname for her since he was nine. “do you remember the night we learned that I could walk on clouds?” He attempted to move the conversation from the present.

She let out a small chuckle “Yeah...”

The moon princess fell deep into her memories.

****************************************************************************************************

10 years ago

The moon hung low in the sky filling the void of night with it beautiful, ghostly glow. This night the moon was a special gift-one that all of Equestria would marvel over, both common pony and stargazer alike would look to the illuminated sphere and remember that Luna: Princess of the Moon watched over and protected them. Luna didn’t care about any of that though, the state of the moon wasn’t for them they merely shared the sight with the gift’s true recipient.

Luna darted across the night sky, wings sprawled out giving the occasional flap to combat the force of gravity. Long night flights had always helped to calm her down when the stresses of her duties took their toll her mind.

Normally the alicorn would be engaged in all sorts of feats of acrobatic wonder, barrel rolls, somersaults, and free falls were all within her ability to perform but tonight wasn’t the night for any of that lest she risk the life of her young charge.

Little Unity was situated on Luna’s back gripping her star speckled mane as a lifeline. He had no fear of this height, not out of ignorance but out of trust, his well being was completely in his keeper’s hands and he had absolute faith in her ability protect him.

The sky wore a thick veil of clouds-one Luna had the pegasus weather teams leave for the purpose of concealing her gift. She picked up the pace and flew upwards towards the veil, the air becoming cooler and drier as they climbed. She peeked over her shoulder and gave unity a look that screamed “hold on tight”. Luna turned on her side and allowed her powerful wing to cut into the cloud, the clouds parted in the same manner as water in a boat's wake. The slice caused the clouds to spray moisture onto them. They both winced as the icy droplets peppered their faces.

Luna righted herself allowing Unity to reach up into the clouds and let his claws slice the veil. His face bore a grin of unparalleled satisfaction; Luna looked back and gave him an acknowledging smiling.

“Unity, I need you to hold on as tight as you can. Promise me that you won't let go, don’t even loosen your grip.” Luna’s voice was stern, caring, and concerned all at the same time. “I have something special to show you, but you have to promise not to let go.”

“Kay, I promise Lulu.” The child said in a cooing tone.

The night princess nodded and pierced the cloud veil above them. Unity was sprayed by chilly mist - the air inside the cloud was so saturated with moisture it felt as if he was going to drown. Just as the droplets had started to collect on his coat Luna outstretched her wings, they began to take on a faint silver glow and the air began to smell of ozone. With a single massive flap of her mighty wings she all but cleared the sky, leaving only a few straggling clouds behind.

The Night Princess had told Unity that this night would be beautiful, but when they flew out of the castle earlier all he had seen were dreary clouds. He’d know better then to doubt her standards of beauty again after the scene he viewed painted on the night sky.

It was perfect-every constellation of the season in sight with the naked eye, nothing between them but open air. The moon was large and full, never in his life had Unity seen the body give off such a joyous light it felt as if it wanted to reach down and embrace him, a gesture he would gladly reciprocate.

Luna’s powerful wings continued to pull them higher and higher, she added a slow spin to the climb so that Unity could see all nearly all of Equestria under the light of moon, from Canterlot to Manehattan.

The young hybrid was awe stricken, his mouth was agape as he searched for words to describe the feelings racing through him. In his bliss he reached towards the moon it was so close…..

Weightlessness………

Unity yelled with all his might as he plummeted towards the earth gaining distance from Luna with each passing moment.

It was as if time had slowed to a crawl as she watched her friend’s child drop through the sky. She attempted to use telekinesis to catch the falling child in her magical clutches, her eyes widened in horror as the spell failed. The breath left her lungs, she was out of magic. She would not let this happen, she didn’t care if she caught him an inch from the ground and slammed into the earth with the force of a meteor, and she’d save him even if it killed her. Luna tucked her wings tightly and dropped into the most frantic dive of her life.

Fifty feet...Just a little more

Thirty feet…So close

Ten feet...”Unity I’ve got YOU!!!” She shouted with outstretched hooves, Unity reached out with his claws in desperation.

They both hit a patch of straggling clouds, Luna broke through. But where was Unity?

She looked around desperately using all of her senses to try and locate the child. “No…” she whispered quietly to herself, “no no no no no no no no no!! I’m such a foal, how…how could I let this happen.”

She floated there in the night sky her wings beating just enough to keep her aloft. Her head was held low, disappointed that she’d have to bear such bad news, disappointed that such a beautiful night was ruined by tragedy, but most of all she was disappointed in herself because she let this happen.

Luna began her slow descent towards Canterlot castle. Just as she was about to pick up speed she thought she heard giggling. This perplexed her to no end, was her night sky mocking her failure? She heard the cackle again, it was so familiar; however, time she had an idea of where it originated from. She took off towards the cloud they fell through.

She hovered over the dark murky cloud and reached a hoof out to manipulate its puffy form. Sure enough, as she parted the body there was a small equine/draconic form tumbling and giggling within its innards, forming the cloud into fun shapes.

Luna put a hoof over her mouth and bit her bottom lip in an attempt to fight back the tears that welled up and threatened to overtake her. The youth turned and looked in her direction.

“LuLu” Unity cried excitedly, “Everything was amazing, the moon the stars, everything!!” He met her in a warm hug and gave her an innocent smile. “Why are you crying?”

She held him tightly, stroking his coat and mane. She brushed his mane off his forehead and gave him kiss. “You…..you’re amazing.”

****************************************************************************************************

The present came back to Luna, washing over her eyes and flooding the memories out of her head as Unity broke the silence.

“Never tell my mom about that.” He said holding in a laugh.

“Agreed.”

“Luna,” he said as her snuggled closer.

“Yes little one?”

“Sing to me, the same song you sang out on Twilight’s balcony.” The things children remember.

Luna took a breath of warm night air and began to let the song pour from her lips, allowing it to soothe the warm body pressed against hers. She closed her eyes, and began running a hoof through his mane. “For all those times you stood by me...”

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream you made come true

For all the love I found in you

I'll be forever thankful baby

You're the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly

You touched my hand I could touch the sky

I lost my faith, you gave it back to me

You said no star was out of reach

You stood by me and I stood tall

I had your love I had it all

I'm grateful for each day you gave me

Maybe I don't know that much

But I know this much is true

I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

You were always there for me

The tender wind that carried me

A light in the dark shining your love into my life

You've been my inspiration

Through the lies you were the truth

My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

They stayed like that for Celestia knows how long, but they didn’t care. Time seemed to melt away, between the sweet honey that was Luna’s voice and the euphoric state they were in just from each others company an eternity could’ve passed while they sat on that rooftop. Like all good things the song ended, and the time for Unity to prepare to depart drew near. The child had fallen asleep curled up by Luna’s side and slept through his own party. Luna looked to the stars as she ran a hoof through Unity’s coat wild coat, the night sky always listened and always provided for her. She reflected on the song she had shared with Unity (it reflected on how she felt about her sister and their relationship before her banishment), and prayed to the darkness for an answer to a question she’d had since her return. Why do I hate Celestia?

The party was beginning to wind down, the music became mellower and ponies began funneling out of the barn, some laughing and giggling wildly, while others simply conversed about the night’s events. Celestia, Twilight, and Pinkie escorted most of the ponies out, giving as many faces as possible warm and sincere farewells; student and pupil in their calm regal fashion which included nice words of parting and a bow or hug and Pinkie in a way only Pinkie could, which included everything from firing off confetti and bottle rockets from her prosthetic limb to personal farewell hoof shakes to anypony she knew by name (which was everypony).

Once the party had officially fizzled out, Unity’s family and friends stood outside the barn as they awaited the royal carriage that would carry the birthday boy off to his future. The beating of several sets of wings could be heard even before the five Equestrian pegasi soldiers came into view, carriage in tow. The pegasi landed in sync, and obvious sign of their rigorous training, they paced in place for a moment as they checked their footing then an older looking stallion fluttered over to Celestia. He was a grey pony, much like Luna’s night guard, his eyes were a deep red color and his tail was silver and black; Unlike the rest of the pegasi that came who were adorned in plain grey armor (aside from identifying marks), he wore a polished red variant with several decorations and medals. His face wore the mask of stoicism, but his eyes betrayed the heart of an old stallion ready to rest. He stopped and hovered mere feet away from his god princess, stared her in the eyes, then stiffened into a powerful salute.

“Milady, transport for one Unity is prepared to leave the moment he is ready.”

“At ease Wing Commander Surge.” The stallion began to hover casually at her words before landing gently on the ground in front of her.

As if on queue Luna came gliding down from atop the barn with Unity who was now awake and perched on her back. She landed beside Spike with a light thud causing a puff of dirt to flow up flow where her hooves struck the earth. He slowly slid off of Luna’s back and walked over to Celestia and Surge, he looked them both in the eyes and gave a strong nod.

“Are you ready son?” Surge asked Unity in a monotone voice.

“Well Celestia said I don’t need anything so yeah, I guess I am.” Unity replied in a fashion that was a little too chipper for the old soldier.

Everyone huddled up near the each other so they could give out the final goodbyes, no one knew how long the camp would session would last, could be weeks, months, or even years so they just threw out whatever they had to say on a whim.

“Learn as much as you can, I want to see what kind of cool special powers my son has.” Spike blew a small spout of flame and flexed his right arm as he spoke.

“While you’re gone do learn how to clean yourself up, I do say it’s a shame to see such handsome young thing without a fillyfriend.” Rarity said while pointing a hoof at Unity’s mane.

“Don’t forget to study, oh and write me about the books they have there. I can help coordinate your studies!” Twilight let of a nasally laugh.

“Whatever you learn out there it’ll be awesome,” Scootaloo started, “Ahmazin’,” Applebloom said, “Special!” Sweetie Belle chirped. The former CMC all shared a giggle as Scoots ran up and gave Unity a solid noogy to the top of his skull.

“Remember little one, even if you don’t discover some secret magic power this is still an important growing experience for you. All we can ask of you is that you do your best.” Celestia threw her bit in.

Unity trotted over to the carriage, and reached up but was surprised when one of the grey armored pegasi opened the door for him. He climbed inside and the door began closing behind him, as his old life disappeared before his eyes, a single thought ran through his mind.

So, this is the beginning of my grand adventure...

ch. 5 Dragon City Arc - Divide

Divide

1 Year Later

Well at least I thought it was a grand new beginning. Oh it was "grand" and "new" and it was definitely a "beginning". Fuck where my adventure has brought me...

Animus leaned his back against the wall and held his head low, he’d become more accustomed to bipedal stance in the past year due to his recent line of work . “...That's pretty much my story up until I met Rias, you know how everything went after that.” His voice was low and drawled in a wary fashion.

The sun was beginning to peek over the mountains to the west of the Outer Regions Syndicate base. Its light poured into the room that the three teammates had taken to that morning. It wasn’t an exceptionally large or lavish space, but it was cozy. The room’s floor was covered in a dark red carpet made of soft wool, perfect for sleeping on.

“That story is full of more shit than an Appalosan outhouse.” chided Wyzern. The wendigo had heard some tall tales in his day, but the shit Animus was pushing as his life story was too much. “So I’m supposed to believe that you basically grew up with the Princesses and the Arch Mage for fifteen years...” He said in deadpan “That Luna was basically like your mother, Twilight and Celestia were two of your best friends, and they could just send you off to your death without batting an eyelash?” Wyzern didn’t even attempt to hide his snarky tone as he spoke. “If I believe you, I can’t say what's worse. That they stole from you then sent you to die in class or that they lied to you your whole life just to keep the oppressive, genocidal Equestrian ways away from your eyes.”

Air seemed to hang heavy as silence overcame the room. The cloaked figure of Animus glared daggers back at Wyzern, his furious teal eyes burned with raw aether illuminating his hooded face. The wendigo tensed up at the sudden flare of anger that his comrade exhibited.

“ Twilight and Luna would never lie to me! ” He roared out. His voice was laced with magic, causing it to take on the volume of Canterlot royalty and adopt a sound like that of a hundred overlain conversations. The entire idea of his life being a lie was like a stab to his soul. Memories of his old life were almost all he had left to hold on to, and a return to normalcy was what kept him going. His chest rose and fell slowly as his breathing steadied and he calmed himself.

“I don’t think they knew.” He said in a hushed tone.

Animus crossed his arms across his chest and resumed leaning against the wall, he began staring out of the adjacent window in the direction of Equestria; deep in thought, he ran a claw down the glass, he was genuinely angry with himself for what he was likely to bring upon the nation in the near future. That’s the future, but this is now, and for now he was done with Wyzern’s conversation.

Rias had been lounging on the floor in the same room content to keep quiet during Wyzern’s outbursts lest they argue for all eternity; however, this time she felt a small twinge of guilt for not speaking up and stopping him. She had known Animus since the kid was naive and fresh from home, she knew that questioning his past would no doubt cause his emotions to flare, but she hoped that Wyzern was smart enough to figure it out. She couldn't have been more wrong. She could only look at Wyzern and shake her head at him. “Fool.” she muttered under her breath.

The three inhabitants of the room looked in different directions each seeking to avoid eye contact with the others, Rias being the exception looked to Animus ever so often.

The broker stepped into the room with all the ignorance of a new born foal utterly breaking the stifling barrier that was forming between the teammates. Her presence breathed much needed life into air of the room and was exactly what was needed to break the tension between the allies. She could smell the burnt carpet from where Animus’ anger had allowed his magic to coat him with its furious heat. Luckily the hybrid had calmed down.

“Glad to see I’m not interrupting anything.” The broker said mockingly.

Wyzern motioned to make a comment but The Broker gave him a death glare straight from Tartarus instantly shutting the jokester up. Animus noticed the manila envelope held under pegasus’ right wing. The teal fire in his eyes subsided as he began to focus on what he knew was about to come next.

“You’ve got a mission for us.” Animus said dryly.

Rias looked over her shoulders enticed by what Animus said. “Oh really, bout time I was getting tired of sitting on my haunches all day.” The hippogriff stood and stretched out her wings and talons.

“Well yes and no. I’ve got missions more specifically a mission for you,” she said, pointing a hoof at Animus. “And one for Rias.”

“Wait, you mean solo missions?” Animus cocked his head at The Broker, the confusion obvious from his tone. “You know we don’t do that because of-”

“Yeah I know, but these two missions are top priority.” She said sternly.

“Well why not just send us at one and when we finish send us to the other?” Rias asked.

“Both situations are basically on opposite ends of the globe and happening simultaneously, you’d never finish fast enough that way. I know you two always work together, s-sorry......” The expression of disappointment could be seen through The Broker’s mask, and her voice drove home that the emotion was legitimate.

“Well, we can’t control every circumstance...” He said with a heavy sigh.

Animus walked over to the pegasus , ready to hear what she had to say. She handed him two photos and a map. She motioned to Rias to pick up her briefing material, Rias obliged and received a three photos and a map.

“Oh come on! Nothing for me?” Wyzern cried.

“These missions require their talents, I doubt you’d be much help on either of them, you know the drill Wyzern. I need you to leave so I can brief them on their missions.” A single swing of her hoof directed him to the door.

The wendigo mumbled something under his breath and floated lazily out the door leaving an icy trail in his wake.

“Okay, I’ll start with you Rias.” The Broker had Rias unfold her map and lay it on the table. She pointed to a decent sized town that had been circled on the map.

“Adamas. It’s a mining town that’s just barely touching Equestria’s outer region borders southeast of here; they trade precious metals and gems with Equestria. Adamas is perhaps their third largest source of enchantable gems and metals.”

“Yeah so what’s the problem?” Rias said flatly.

“They want to remain independent and expand their trade outward, which means higher prices and less material for Equestria. So Equestria offered them a place in their nation, as expected Adamas refused. Equestria’s council didn’t like that very much, so they pulled back all of the Equestrian soldiers that offered protection to the town in a not so quiet way .” The Broker traced a larger circle around the city with her hoof. “This entire area is diamond dog bandit territory, and without the guard to protect the town they were sitting ducks. About the time we started our little escapades we also increased Outer Regions Syndicate presence there to help protect everyone. About three months ago Equestria caught wind of Adamas’ increasing security despite their lack of involvement in the town’s protection." She tapped four spots on the larger circle she had made.

“They’ve blockaded the town, refusing to allow any goods in or out unless a hefty tariff is paid. So pretty much they are cut off from any kind of support. They are running out of food and our agents are in bad shape, Equestrian troops are randomly sacking houses in search of O.R.S. members and when we are found they execute us.” The pegasus

“Why not assault ‘em directly? If they were getting bullied into hiding, putting pressure on the Equestrian Army that way they wouldn’t have to worry about ‘em backing ‘em into a corner.” Rias said throwing a claw up like it was the obvious solution.

“We tried that, and the E.A. was held back for quite a while which is way the town’s situation just became critical.”

“Eventually the lack of incoming goods would cause a shortage of food, causing fewer rations for the O.R.S. and the townsfolk. That coupled with the fear of random house raids has likely lowered morale. Unfocused, scared, tired and hungry they get cut down at every fight. Dreadfully efficient, their commanding officer must be quite the strategist.” Animus said coldly.

“Exactly,” The Broker said nodding. Even though they’ve known each other for almost a year, she’s still surprised by the kid’s perceptiveness. “Anyway, the commanding officer for the E.A. presence in Adamas is a pegasus of master general rank.” The Broker took a photo from Rias’ grasp with her mouth and threw it down on the map. A cyan pegasus mare with an egg shell colored mane and pale yellow highlights was circled. Her mane was slicked back to keep it out of her face and braided to make sure it didn’t cause a fuss in combat. Her tinted goggles and armor blocked her cutie mark and eyes from view but enough visual information was present to identify the pony. “Master General Diosa Dela Lanzas, wielder of the Ten Commandments.” Everyone in the room scowled at that information as if it was painful to hear.

Wide eyed, Animus turned to face the pegasus. “You can’t be serious, you don’t expect Rias to confront her do you?!”

“You don’t think I can handle a single pegasus? She doesn’t look that tough.” Rias lifted the photo off of the table and squinted at it while running a talon through her rainbow tipped crest feathers.

“No, I don’t think you can. Actually, I know you can’t, but I digress, she’s irrelevant to the operation, just stay out of her path.” The Broker said dryly. “What I need from you, Rias, is for you to meet up with Rosevine in our safe house at Adamas,” She instructed Rias to drop her last two photos on the table, one depicting an earth pony mare and the other a dilapidated building. “then from a secure location curse the city with undeath and maintain it until the E.A. realize that they are going to be outnumbered, Lanzas is no fool, she’ll call the retreat. Do that and these people should remain independent for at least a while longer."

“Damn, so I’ll have to raincheck getting my claws dirty this time. That’s fine, I get to flex my grave calling skills instead.” The hippogriff let out a grim laugh, one bordering on insanity.

“Okay, so now that I’ve got you briefed you know the deal, good luck Rias.” They took each other’s hoof/talon shook on it and gave each other a stern nod of approval. Rias rolled up all her material and placed into a cylindrical container on her harness.

“Seven thousand, one hundred miles away. I can get there in about 9 hours.” Rias said as she exited the room, on her way out she gave Animus a slight nod.

The Broker motioned for Animus to lay his materials out the same way Rias had. He unrolled his map and laid out his two photos as instructed. She tapped on a circle area obstructed by clouds on the west side of the world. The circled area was labeled Nagus.

“Nagus?” He asked puzzled.

“Nation of the Dragons.” Was The Broker’s simple reply.

“I thought they were allied with Equestria.”

“No. Well, not officially. King Ansgar doesn’t want anything to do with the ponies, but his son Prince Alrik is strongly tied with Equestrian politics and international relations.” The Broker pointed to the picture of a red dragon about 7 feet tall as she spoke about the prince. The dragon had two horns that grew straight back out of his skull and curled at the ends like those of a goat.

“Ok, so why am I going there?” Animus stated uninterested.

“Ansgar’s daughter Princess Astrid is our greatest supporter and heaviest investor and she requires your protection.”

“Me specifically?” He raised an eyebrow at the thought of someone asking for him by name.

“Yes. You are quite the celebrity out there in civilization.” The Broker teased.

“What does she need protection from?” He perked up a little after he learned that he was requested for a mission by name.

“Her brother, like in most monarchies succession of the throne is based on the eldest heir or next of kin. The father is stepping down completely and giving up all his power. Ansgar is going to turn Nagus into a diarchy by splitting power between Astrid and Alrik. The coronation will be in about 5 days.”

“I’m starting to see the problem.” Animus said, getting slightly irritated by the predictable story.

The Broker nodded and continued her explanation. “Alrik wants an alliance with Equestria, similar to the one the Griffin nation has. Astrid, however, wants to accept any outer providence into Nagus for the purpose of building an empire that’s competitive with Equestria which is why she supports the O.R.S. They both have half a nation’s worth of military, and thousands of radicals backing them.” The Broker pointed to all the small, independent nations, cities, and towns around the outer regions as she spoke about Astrid. “As you can suspect with the two siblings at polar opposites of the world in terms of the direction they want to take the nation, there's bad blood between them. But until now they never had any reason to personally oversee hostilities towards each other because their father held absolute power the final say was in his hands.” She elucidated.

“And let me guess, now that the father is passing on his position to both his children they each hold equal power and because they hold equal power they are effectively blocking each other from their respective goals on what direction to take the country in.” Animus closed his eyes as he thought about it. “So basically all I need to do is deter any attempts on the princess’ life until she feels the tensions have boiled over.”

“Basically that's all you’re doing, oh and don’t let her get killed either,” She said as she nodded her.

“Other than not letting this nation join Equestria in the near future what kind of compensation are we getting for this?” Animus asked.

“She has information that likely leads to another gem containing more of your powers.” Her lips pursed up into a sly grin.

“Exquisite.” Animus said with a toothy grin. He rolled up the map and photos then placed them in a slot on his left armored gauntlet. “The sooner I leave for this, the better I can do my job as assassin repellant.” Animus dropped down to all fours and began to trot towards door.

“Wait!” The Broker yelled suddenly as she threw a hoof out into the hybrids path. “There’s....one more thing.” The Broker’s voice was quieted and she held her head low, something was off.

The pegasus walked over to the window that Animus had been leaning on earlier, she started staring off into the distance and took a deep breath. “It’s almost certain that you’ll fight the brother’s radicals.” She stopped talking, obviously not wanting to continue. “If...if you kill any of them, steal their treasures...” She was looking away from animus not willing to face what she knew was to come.

“Excuse me?” He said coolly.

She looked over her shoulders just barely meeting his gaze with hers. “Steal. Their. Treasures.”

Animus’ face contorted in a mish mash of anger, sadness, and disappointment, he gritted his teeth until one broke with a barely audible crunch. The tooth was replaced in a heartbeat and Animus wiped the blood off of his his muzzle.

“After what I’ve told you...how, how can you ask this of me?” He said sadly.

“Animus--” The Broker started, but she was swiftly interrupted.

“ HOW?!” He roared at her, his voice permeated the air with burning aether, slightly charring the surface of everything in the room. The Broker remained still and unfazed.

“Look, I understand your aversion--” She eked out.

“ YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND A DAMN THING! ” He bellowed, enraged. Animus took a few deep breaths to calm himself.

“I guess I expected too much from you. You didn’t feel it and you never will so you couldn't have possibly understood what it was like when it almost happened to me from the scarce amount of details I was willing to share.” He walked up to the window next to her and grabbed her by the shoulders, pulling her to face him. He wanted her to really hear what he was about to say. She tried to shy away, but he gripped her shoulders tighter.

“A dragon’s treasure is their special talent, like a pony’s talent and cutie mark it’s a large part of who they are,” He explained “and just like the magic that makes the cutie mark appear on your flank, the magic that makes a dragon’s treasure is a part of their soul,” He said as he ran a claw across her chest.

“Imagine being in a dreamlike state and connected to someone else, body, mind, and spirit to the point where you two might as well be one. Then rip out everything that makes you, you. Imagine it all being there, but slowly moving to your other half and then you realize too late that the other you was a parasite stealing all that you are. Now shock yourself awake and imagine seeing someone else standing above you drawing out your birth given gifts as you slowly slip into deaths arms, there’s no pain. Just the emptiest feeling you’ll ever experience in your life.”

His claws were around her throat which prompted a spell of shivering from The Broker. “And you ask me to do this to another? What would you be without your special talent?”

“I'm sorry. Unity, I had no right to ask something like that of you.” She felt completely defeated like the energy had been sapped straight out of her body.

“Nine thousand and four hundred miles away....I can teleport half way there from here and from there get there in about two hours if I run.” He said as he turned away from her.

Animus walked to the door in preparation to leave; suddenly he stopped at the threshold and turned his attention to The Broker. “I’ll do it, not because you told me to, but because I’m committed to your cause and my goals. If I lose some of myself on the way, so be it, just as long as some of me is still here by the time everything is over and I can see my family and friends again. And sadly, I need to become more than what I am now to see those goals through.” With those words her left her alone in that room.

The Broker fell to her knees, she removed her mask and her mane draped across her face and down to the floor. Tears began to pour out from her cyan eyes in a way they hadn’t in years. When had she become so callous?

She allowed her mind to wander...........back to that day.

****************************************************************************************************

Several Years Ago

She had abandoned her friends years ago in search of the truth behind a set of events that tore her social circle apart, now after finally having found the answers she was face to face with one of the mares she once called friend. Fires blazed around them, consuming the stone structure and weakening its integrity with each passing moment and filling the air with lethal amounts of ash and smoke. Their magic was the only reason they were still alive amidst this inferno. The Broker was protected by a spiritual turtle shell summoned from the aether that completely surrounded her and her friend by bodily enhancements, fire and its heat were simply absorbed as it came to her while ash and smoke never entered her lungs.

The Broker’s form fitting leather bodysuit was scorched and torn in some places and her mask was barely holding together even if was still doing its job of concealing her features from her opponent. She stared powerfully at her friend turned foe, cyan eyes drilled into the Unicorn that stood before her.

And she stared back from under her hooded cloak with, eyes aflame with white aether. Her cloak had been frayed, and burned. Her armor had huge indentations and gashes on it from her bout with The Broker, but other than that the mare was physically fine.

A loud crackle followed by the snapping sounds of failing support beams rang out through the air. One huge piece of wood swung down between the two and passed between their lines of sight like a massive pendulum before falling down to the floor.

“Why fight us? We just want everyone to have a chance at equality and independence!” The Broker yelled out over the roaring blaze. “Is it too much to ask that Equestria leave the Outer Regions to their own devices?”

“Don’t lie to me terrorist. You ponies just want to steal resources away from Equestria’s main cities and leech off our prosperity all the while trying to push that Sun Tyrant Celestia crap!” She fumed, in a magically enhanced voice.

“Open your eyes, can’t you see what Equestria is doing?” The Broker pleaded. “With your status and authority it shouldn’t be that hard to find out the truth for yourself if you dig a little!” She could just tell her everything, but things had escalated much too far by this point and the kindness in her heart knew that the information in her head would break her friends mind into a million pieces.

“I trust my princesses, they wouldn’t lie to me, I don’t need to dig!” The unicorn shouted out over the roaring flames. “What I do see however, is the terrorist headquarters burning and its leader at my mercy.” The mage Arch Mage wore an accomplished smile on her face.

She held her head back and began weaving a spell. Suddenly all of the air and fire in the building was being absorbed by the unicorn and formed into a glowing yellow orb at the tip of her horn. The orb began to grow and pulse at an increasing rate and even seemed to generate its own gravity. Boards and chairs started flying towards the point, only to be annihilated by the orb of superheat. The unicorn raised her head high into the air and giggled like a school filly.

“She’ll be so proud of me,” She said to herself as she dropped the miniature sun.

The Brokers eyes grew three sizes as she gasped in horror.

It was an event like no other, the explosion was so loud that it rattled the very heavens and could have awoken slumbering gods, the flash, so bright that it blinded creatures for miles, and the force, so great that it vaporized the entire left side of the mountain they were on and leveled the forest below. Half of Equestria saw it, all of Equestria felt it.

Out from the smoke and falling rubble from the explosion something jetted upward into the sky at breakneck speed. It was carried away by silver wings that trailed ash clouds behind it. The Broker had survived.

The Broker looked over her shoulder as she flew through the air at supersonic speeds aided by her magical hawk wings. It was now official, she was in a war. She had chosen her side, but it was against her friends. She could never return to them now, not as long as things were as they are. For now, she was alone. She clenched her eyes shut fighting back tears and memories that they shared throughout the years, she took a few heavy breathes and did her best to lock them away in the recesses of her mind. She focused on her spirit gem and willed more magic into the hawk wings to give herself a speed boost. Her responsibilities came first, she had no more time for friendship.

****************************************************************************************************

Animus trotted out of the structure that was the Outer Region Syndicate’s main base of operations. The building was far off in the middle of nowhere and situated in a small, out of the way town as to not look conspicuous. They were thousands of miles away from Equestria and separated by a vast ocean, Equestrian forces wouldn’t stumble upon this place anytime soon.

Rias noticed Animus as he came out of the building and called him over. The light of the setting sun cast on her comely steel grayish blue feathers gave her an aura that made her form look as pristine as master crafted gems. She sat there on her haunches, staring at him with her magenta eyes, as he trotted closer. Animus sat down close beside her and they watched in silence as the sun began to creep slowly towards the horizon.

“Our first solo missions.” She said “We can’t rely on each other for this one...” She shifted a little, a knot the size of boulder began to form in her throat as she fumbled through her mind for something not awkward and less mushy to say.

Rias was trying her damndest to maintain her cool nonchalant demeanor. She stared up at the dull sun, attempting to keep her gaze off of Animus. “Unity, I’m not there to make sure you don’t get in over your head,” she gave a small forced chuckle. “Don’t...don’t die out there. Come back.”

Silence took over, her heart raced and her face burned during the awkward moments while she awaited his response. Just as she felt the urge to speak up and break the painful silence, she felt something wrap around her neck and press tightly against her chest. Unity held on to her as if he would sink away into some terrible place, as if she were his only lifeline out here.

Rias moved her hand to caress his face, but stopped herself upon realizing how out of character that was for her, she instead opted to gently push him off of her and hold him at arm’s length. They hippogriff stared at his face for a bit before opening her mouth.

“Whoa there Cas, don’t get all lovey dovey on me...” she said as her face turned a deep red. She unfurled her wings and performed a few powerful flaps to lift herself into the air, Unity’s claws drug across her neck, down her arms and across her talons as she rose out of his grasp.

Unity was left on the ground staring at the dirt. “How do you deal with it, the death that has become us?” He said staring up at her.

“I became death when my father murdered my mother and the soldiers slaughtered my father. The circumstances of my life haven’t allowed me to be anything else.” Rias looked down on her friend, her one friend. “I’ve been shattered by this harsh world, but you...you help me pick up some of the pieces of me and hold them together.” She turned away from him so the he couldn't see her face. “The night we first saw each other, I was trying to die.” She gave him a sly look over her shoulder. “I’m glad I didn’t.”

“Rias...”

She took off straight up into the sky, causing a huge displacement of air that nearly suck Animus up with her, once she became a tiny spec in his vision she jetted off in the direction of Adamas instantly breaking the sound barrier, causing a resounding roar that echoed for miles. The air quivered in her wake causing a widespread shudder across the small town as the stone buildings rattled. The signature rainboom propagated for miles coloring the entire sky in a myriad of hues as its light dissipated near the horizons.

Animus watched her rainbow trail until it fully vanished from the sky.

He clenched the fur on his chest right over his heart and closed his eyes. Ever since he first began unlocking the true depth of his powers these prayers had started to come to him naturally.

Earth,

You know the secrets of all hearts

For you know who is just and you forgive the repentant sinner

Hear my prayer in the midst of destruction;

Give me patience and hope

So that under your protection and with you as my guide

I may one day be reunited with my family and friends

In peace, tranquility, and love

As Animus stood there praying he wove his spell, the threads of aether obeying his whim as if they were a part of his body. White magical energy began to spark around him arcing and jumping randomly. As he focused the pearl lightning started to settle down, becoming less random and more focused, it began to hug his body and surge through him. A dull white bubble formed around him. The light grew in intensity and the magic field began to pulse slightly. It pulsed outward one last time before collapsing in on itself fully with a thunderous CRACK. Nothing was left behind save for glassed sand and the smell of ozone.

****************************************************************************************************

In Canterlot

Luna stood on the balcony of her private quarters, staring out towards the forest that separated Equestria from the outer regions. Her mind raced with questions, most of which about how her sister had become so incompetent. The moon princess understood the importance of allowing the ponies to mostly rule themselves, but allowing them so much power in matters of inter kingdom relationships was foolish. She reran the entire court meeting in her head over and over again, before Celestia had “banished” her for having even humored such a dangerous course of action...but this newer Celestia, this for the ponies Celestia seemed to allow the ponies to make foalish decisions and even support them.

The night princess closed her eyes and took in the world around her, she stood there, allowing her mane to wave gracefully in the warm, humid breeze of the spring evening. The breeze brought with it the sweet, citrus smell of lilacs from the castle garden; Luna loved the purple blossom, every aspect of them took her to a calmer place and allowed her mind to wander.

Sure there were gaps in her memory. Luna couldn’t remember why she went to war with Celestia, or when the Nightmare corrupted her. Over one thousand years of nothing drifted through her mind, but it didn’t matter. She remembered what she needed to; she remembered a decisive Celestia, a Celestia who loved her ponies dearly, and allowed them to form Equestria as they saw fit, but would steer them away from ruin with her own two hooves if necessary. Current Celestia seemed to welcome, even embrace ruin and this Luna hated.

“How could Celestia allow the council to proceed with such actions?” Luna said quietly to herself.

As if summoned, she appeared, the exalted princess of the sun, Celestia. Her mane bellowed gracefully in a preternatural, never present breeze. The Princesses form radiated warmth and love, and commanded the same in return. Luna cared for her, but since her return she hasn’t been able to eye her and return the warmth that Celestia gave her; all she had for her beloved sister was disdain...why?

“Something wrong sister?” Celestia asked, innocent as a newborn foal.

“Nothing.” Luna said. She put on her prettiest little sister smirk, yet barely managed to reply in a tone that wasn’t obviously deadpan.

Celestia eyed Luna with a worried expression. “If you’re sure, I’ll retire to my chambers for the night. Today’s council meeting was pretty tiring.” She let out small yawn.

Yeah, tiring...It’s so hard to let the bureaucrats dig Equestria into a hole . Luna thought. “Goodnight Celly.” The nickname burned her throat like acid... why?

Light bathed Luna’s backside as Celestia teleported away, leaving her sister alone as suddenly as she had graced her.

Luna stared into the deep crimson dusk sky and watched as the sun began to sink below the horizon. The night princess closed her eyes and took in the world around her.

Nagus, City of Dragons, what has Celestia entangled you in?

****************************************************************************************************

The absolute silence of the barren dunes was broken by the unexpected crack of lightning, and the sound of displaced air. Animus appeared in the deserts between Nagus and headquarters in the exact moment his existence outside of the safe house ended. He stumbled over his legs slightly and almost fell into the soft, white sands. Quickly, he regained his balance and began inspecting his surrounding in an attempt to get his bearings.

“Calcii Dunes,” He whispered under his breath. “They truly are beautiful,” He said solemnly as he watched a bone scorpion crawl across the top of his claw. He held his claw up and examined the arachnid, it looked exactly like a regular scorpion except it was white as chalk, would live for three centuries and grow to be the size of a house. For all intents and purposes it was a monster in the making, but Animus only saw another one of earth’s creatures, a kindred spirit whose right to live should be respected. He lowered his claw back to the sands and let the creature continue on its way and for a brief moment, he felt like himself again. These calm moments helped keep Animus, Unity and he’d hold on to himself as long as possible.

“I can’t dawdle here.” Animus let out a loud sigh, thoughts of rolling in the sand had to be pushed aside so that he could focus on the task at hand. He rolled his shoulders and took off in a powerful stride, gathering aether as he went. The magic was naturally woven into every fiber of his being; it needed no spell to do its job. As the energy inside him grew he began to pick up speed, suddenly he dashed off in a blur. He began to pump his legs harder, urging them to carry him faster until he surpassed the speed of sound several times over, causing a deafening boom and violent displacement of air. The friction between his clawed feet and the sand left a path of molten glass in his wake.

Two hours.................

Author notes

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ch. 2 Leaving Home Arc - Ponyville Expanded/Animal Lovers Cottage

Ponyville Expanded

His daily errands in his mind as he left the boutique, Unity looked about, as if lost in the sunlight. The extra task his father gave him was no inconvenience to him…Heck, it was an honor being the first person to see the Heroes’ Memorial. This would be the highlight of his week. He could easily work his schedule around in a way that he could get to Cloudsdale in time for his one-on-one with the display.

But first he decided that he needed to stop by Fluttershy’s cottage—it was nearly noon, and Unity was absolutely sure that the animals who couldn’t feed themselves were likely belly up crying in the small cottage, or randomly scavenging the ground outside.

It was quite the walk to Fluttershy’s cottage from the boutique (a little over 2 kilometers). Ponyville’s expanding borders had encroached and overtaken her domicile by this point, but in relation to Old Ponyville that cottage was extremely “outskirty”. He knew Fluttershy was rather introverted, but it still seemed a bit much to him.

He had about a thirty minute trek ahead of him, and with nothing to make the walk more enjoyable, his mind began to slowly drift off into thought…

Ponyville.

I was born here, and here I’ve lived for as long as I could take care of myself. It’s strange really… as I grew, so has this humble town. Once dotted with cottages and family-owned businesses, Ponyville is now a bustling city: nearly six kilometers in radius complete with multistory business offices, popular franchises, hotel chains, and prominent visitors nearly every week.

The more I think back on this town’s history, the more surprised I am that it took this long for Ponyville to become “the place to be”. One would think that with my mother and her friends living here ponies would be flocking to Ponyville in droves. I mean, they’re the Elements of Harmony— in the flesh! They saved the world from Discord and led the year-long war against Nightmare moon, threats that Celestia herself couldn’t deal with.

You’d think that would be enough, but nope—the small one-pony town still needed more prestige.

It wasn’t until I was five or six years old, the year when Twilight Sparkle was deemed Arch Mage and Pinkamena Diane Pie deemed Arch Machinist by both the Princesses that the swarms of mouth-breathing, brown-nosing ponies acknowledged Ponyville as a place to live, rather than just a labeled drawing on the map. So they flooded into our little town to gawk at Twilight and Pinkie Pie, and with them came change.

But whatever. It is what it is. Still, the rate of expansion was quite startling: in a mere ten years, the town’s borders have expanded to just outside the Everfree Forest. When I was a kid, the roads were dirt or a simple cobblestone, not very advanced or impressive or even smooth—but it had heart, dammit. They had stories and history.

I wasn’t there for that history, but everypony knows about the dirt road to Sweet Apple Acres. Ponies lining up as far as the eyes can see for cider and zap apple jam, then the year when the Flim Flam Brothers showed up to show out with their cider machine just to get shut down by AJ, her family, my mom and their friends.

And who can forget about the main road out of Ponyville? The road Pinkie Pie used to draw the parasprites away and save the town, yeah… nopony will forget that. Alas, all things change in time, as Pinkie Pie’s magic powered vehicles started to gain popularity those roads were paved over, funded by Equestria’s infrastructure council in Canterlot.

They said it made trade and travel easier, but I’m not sure sacrificing character for convenience is really worth it.

Unity had been deep in thought for nearly twenty minutes; he had trotted through the city streets mostly on mental autopilot, and had it not been for a random butchered spot on the streets pavement he’d still be absorbed in his mental machinations. He soon found that his foot struck the pothole, surprising him and bringing him down onto one knee.

Unity yelped as a sharp pain raced through his ankle and knee. What was that gut-wrenching crunch?

He felt moisture build up in his coat around his knee.

He could’ve sworn that he heard something snap, and that intense burning sensation a split second ago…

Unity’s mind raced: he was certain that he was hurt pretty badly and that he’d spend the rest of the month with his ankle bound and elevated. He instinctively grasped at his knee, images of a giant blood pulsing gash and claws pointing in totally incorrect angles flooded his mind. His coat was stained crimson and matted at the joint as expected, he hastily brushed the fur to the side…no gash, no cut, no wound whatsoever.

“Not out of the woods yet,” he mumbled to himself, beads of sweat starting to form on his forehead.

Continuing his inspection he ran his hands down his right leg, until he reached his ankle; he already had it in his mind to expect his foot on backwards—or worse, dangling by a single tendon.

Nothing.

He hadn’t twisted his ankle at all. He was rewarded for his worries with wasted time and a self-induced headache.

Then whose blood is this on the concrete, and for the love of Celestia what was that bone crunching snap!? He just couldn’t shake the thoughts for a minute, eventually he just decided that perhaps somepony else had tripped as well but wasn’t as fortunate as he, and that was their blood on his coat, and the crunch could’ve been anything in this city.

The trip and subsequent panic had taken Unity out of his mental world and allowed him to take in the city like he had learned not to years ago. He would’ve been within visual range of Fluttershy’s cottage had a huge obnoxious building not been in his face, jutting up from the ground like it owned the sky.

Its glowing green neon sign read “Canterlot International Banking”. The building was a dirty beige, and stood 6 stories high. Its shape was like a half-donut, and in its center, a courtyard of false grass and trees implying fake serenity.

He watched as the monkey-suited ponies walked in and out of its spinning doors as if that’s all they were programmed to do. So many ponies, so little heart. So much concrete—but at least the city hadn’t lost its color, since the structures came in every color conceivable. Every color, except character.

“Sometimes I really hate what this town has become.” Unity shook his head in disappointment at the building and groaned.

This was a well-travelled area of Ponyville, ripe with traffic from magic bikes and scooters; there was also a hub for the large twenty pony transport to and from Canterlot a few blocks from where he stood. The vehicles vented charged magic into the air, and with so many running at a time, it made the area smell as if one was boiling fur and skin flakes. Anyone used to a city wouldn’t even notice—hell, asking them to care would be like trying to get someone concerned that a glacier was moving too fast.

The entirety of New Ponyville was completely opposite to his nature. Sure, Unity didn’t consider himself a pushover in any way, but he definitely didn’t make unnecessary noise, encroach on people, or force his ideals on others—this city did all of that. Most of the new parts of the city all had the sound of clopping hooves, clanking machinery and hissing, venting magic propagating through the streets at all hours like an obnoxious couple arguing at the top of their lungs, completely ignorant of sleeping neighbors, tranquility all but gone.

This town steals everything. Soul was being replaced by efficiency; every fresh-faced hopeful pulled into this place was soon transformed into a suited robo-pony within weeks as they try to make a living. As they transformed, their hearts began to shrink until finally, it faded away.

This town steals everything.

Leaving the noise and pollution behind him, Unity finally entered the clearing that signaled his arrival at Fluttershy’s. As per Celestia’s orders, the area one hundred yards in all directions from the cottage had remained completely untouched and fenced-in. Twilight even used a spell to diminish the sounds from the city within the fence.

The natural beauty here always made the journey worth it to Unity, despite being so close to the city. The trees and grass always gave it the smell of an untouched forest. It was a small self enclosed ecosystem, a single living heart in a body of machines. It was Unity’s home away from home. As he unlatched the gate and walked into this miniature utopia, he tilted his head to take a quick peep over the top of the cottage.

Buildings. More buildings. Unity remembered that this place use to border the Everfree Forest, but where had that gone? Along with everything else this selfish creature called New Ponyville had devoured, respect for nature was gone.

This town steals everything.

Animal Lovers Cottage

Fluttershy’s cottage was a paradise to Unity: green grass, wildlife, the smell of wind blowing through foliage, birds chirping, it was all just perfect. Besides Celestia, Luna, and himself, only Fluttershy’s closest friends were permitted to enter this place and partake in its splendor.

He began to slowly trot through the lush grass and beds of flowers. He knew he could stride over them and not harm a single blade of grass or precious petal—an ability his mother called “gentleness”, an ability he took great pride in.

The young dragon slowly began to approach the stone bridge that crossed the small brook on the grounds. The bridge, once new and pristine, was now covered in moss. The city ponies would have looked down upon it, but the fact that nature was merely reclaiming what it lost would be over their heads.

As he crossed the bridge, Unity stopped in the middle. Standing on his back legs he peered over the side of the archway and into the crisp blue water below. The stones of the bridge felt cool on the bottoms of his forefeet, not having been victim to the body warmth of the city’s hordes.

His reflection peered back with an identical and equally lazy gaze. A sudden movement in the water distorted his image; he leaned over a bit more to see what rippled his reflection.

The zap apples would have to be set down for a moment, as Unity didn’t want to risk dropping them into the water; he was curious but not irresponsible. He placed his precious cargo down gently on the bridge next to him.

“This will only take a second,” he thought as he turned around to continue peering over the bridge. “Uhh, quit fooling around under there... hmph… ” He thought he saw the reflection of bird feathers in the water.

Unity was now so far over the side of the bridge that he could reach under its arch (he even had to grip the bridge with his knees to keep from going complete over). There, on a little ledge under the bridge, was a duck’s nest, a single duckling preening in the waters while another was asleep in the straw nest.

“Hey little one,” Unity said softly, “where’s your mo-”

A loud noise erupted from behind him, like a horn being bleated to break the tranquil silence.

He yelped like a scared little foal as he flipped tail-over-head into the brook—making quite the splash.

He sat up in the river, coat soaked through and through; his mane, now flat on his head and drooped over his eyes, dripping with water.

“Irene! You think that’s funny?” he called, looking up at the perpetrator.

A small brown and grey feathered duck looked down on him from the bridge with a conceited looked as it cackled almost villainously.

“I bet it’d be real funny if I stopped bringing you that special oil that you like to use in your feathers,” he said, folding his arms and glaring at her accusingly.

“QUACK!”

Unity opened his mouth to respond but didn’t have time to get any words out before he got a face full of abdominal feathers. The force that the fowl had leapt at him with was astounding; the big, strong dragon was utterly flattened by tiny Irene. He lay on his back in the water of the little brook as Irene had made herself comfortable on his scaly belly. He stroked her back and mumbled to himself.

“Seriously! I don’t know who’s worse with the jokes, you or Pinkie Pie.” He gave the duck a hardy pat and sat up. “Well come on girl, let’s get to the cottage so I can feed everyone.”

If he had time, he would’ve stayed in the cool, refreshing place all day, but he had things to do and places to be. As he stepped out of the brook he shook himself vigorously, evacuating any freeloading water hoping to get a free ride from his coat. His head and back felt strangely heavy…

“Really? You two?” he inquired. Irene and her duckling had decided that Unity would be their taxi. He groaned, knowing Irene too well: her mind was made up, and there would be no vetoes or recounts. “So you’re gonna just be lazy and ride me up to the cottage. Fine.” He rolled his eyes in disbelief.

Unity took the short trot back up to the cottage, carefully swiping up the zap apple blossom bouquet as he crossed the bridge to the cottage. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the figure of somepony… familiar.

He squinted a little to make out the features: an orange mare with blonde hair, she was standing near a white marble headstone looking down with a Stetson held over her chest. It suddenly clicked in his mind who she was. He came over the crest on the small hill after the bridge and gently let the ducklings down at the front door of Fluttershy’s grass-roofed cottage. He then made his way to the mare by the headstone.

“Hey, Applejack,” he called out happily, “Long time no see!”

The orange earth pony met his emerald eyes with her own forest greens. She was slightly taller than his mother and definitely more toned. Years of apple-bucking had done wonders for her: the mare was built like a world-class athlete, yet still extremely feminine in figure. Her mane now hung free, and her tail was fully braided.

Applejack’s outfit just screamed of Rarity’s work: the Stetson she wore on her head was dark brown, adorned with an image of a sliced apple on it, and embroidered around the base and rims with golden twine. She also wore a vest of the same brown as the hat, with green lapels also embroidered at the seams with gold twine. It complimented her natural colors perfectly.

“Unity?” she asked, peering at him more closely. “Gosh, it’s been months since Ah seen ya. Seems like y’git two times bigger ever’ time we meet.” She gave him a warm smile. “Well what ya waitn’ fer? Gitcherself ov’r here and gimme a hug!” Like Unity was going to decline that offer!

The two were locked in a powerful embrace for a moment; the warmth of two friends who missed each other deeply. Few things could match the feeling in the air around them. Eventually, Applejack broke away.

“So? Have ya b’n keepin’ yerself outta trouble wit’ hard work? Ah see th’ place Ponyville is now, an’ Ah’d rath’r not see ya hangin’ ‘round without no purpose,” she said with a slightly concerned smirk.

Unity returned her smirk, his more wily and playful than hers. “Hard work? HA! Have you MET my parents? Mom’s idea of hard work is walking up stairs. Heck, if it’s not fashion-related, it’s ‘hard work’—and with Dad, anything that’s not eating every type of exotic gem within arm’s reach is considered hard work.”

Applejack laughed a little, as if she knew she shouldn’t be laughing about her friends’ shortcomings. “Well Ah ‘spose yerright, but Ah also know that they ain’t th’ ones who watched ov’r you since childhood, otherwise you’d be juss as prissy an’ overbearin’, or lazy and cocky. Qualities that Princess Luna don’t got—and might Ah say she rubbed off on you som’n’ fierce.”

“I guess so, but I don’t see it,” said Unity. It was true Luna was like a second mother to him, but her regal and powerful presence was a tough act to compare to. “Anyway, what brings you around Ponyville? I thought you were out in Appleloosa with Braeburn, overseeing a joint harvest of apples and oranges?”

“Yer dad dragon-fired me a message about them pegasi finishin’ the Heroes’ Memorial in Cloudsdale. Ah thought Ah might go have a look at it ‘n pay respects, but when Ah got here I knew I wouldn’t have time to git there. So I sentcher dad that zap apple blossom bouquet.” She wasn’t looking directly at Unity anymore, and her words came out heavy and quiet, like something weighed on her mind.

“Well you’re here right now…” Unity fidgeted. Even though he was comfortable around Applejack, he knew his next sentence sounded weird. It was as if he were asking her out on a date. “Why not just come with me?”

Applejack didn’t seem to construe Unity’s sentence as an offer. “Ah have to git back in time to manage the harvest, an’ th’ only transport that’ll git me there’ll be leavin’ in about a half-hour.”

Slowly, her eyes, green and kind, looked aside to meet his. “Thanks f’r th’ offer…” A clever grin spread across her face, her adorable freckles almost dancing around her eyes. “… Handsome.”

Unity’s face flushed and he looked away, embarrassed. Applejack giggled. Couldn’t help it, Unity was just too cute sometimes.

Unity tried to get the conversation back on track. “You don’t sound like you have it in you to leave, what’s on your mind?”

Applejack turned around to the marble headstone in the ground. It had been naturally overgrown by wild flowers (Again, nature taking back what it lost) but all the writing remained in view and untouched by corrosion. Her head hang low as she and Unity looked at what was written. A heavy silence overtook the two, slowly squashing their playful moods.

“Y’know,” Applejack said after some time had passed, “Ah never told nopony this, but…Ah just can’t accept that she’s gawn. She left so long ago, an’ without no body, ‘r any sort o’ confirmation, she’s juss declared dead?” At this last word, Unity shivered. It was one thing for somepony like Applejack to be unsure, but another thing to hear her speak in heartbroken anger. It just wasn’t right.

“Ah juss don’t accept it! Until Ah see a body Ah will always believe th’t thur’s a chance she’ll come back t’ us. Don’t tell th’ others, Ah don’t want ‘em worryin’.” She had her Stetson pressed to her chest again, and whether AJ knew it or not, she had started to cry.

Unity absorbed all Applejack had said, deeply drawing in her spilled heart. It hurt to know how badly this was breaking her, and Unity, for a few seconds, had nothing to say.

“That’s a pretty heavy thought to carry alone,” he finally said, his voice almost a whisper. “I’m happy you shared it with me. It must feel good to say it out loud and tell someone. I’ll keep it to myself.” He patted Applejack’s shoulder and turned around. A few animals had gathered around them. They all appeared much better off than he expected.

“Since you weren’t here yet, Ah fed em,” Applejack said, knowingly.

“Thanks for picking up my slack,” Unity chuckled. He turned to look Applejack in the eye, so suddenly that Applejack fought the urge to take a step back. “By the way,” he asked, “have you seen Pinkie?”

“Yeah sugarcube, Ah stopped by Party Tech earlier t’day; she should still be aroun’ thur, workin’ on s’me crazy gizmo she’s gonna us t’ change life as we know it. Ag’in.”

“Thanks for the heads-up, AJ.” Unity turned to leave. At least, that’s what he hoped Applejack would think; he had really turned to hide the fact that he was crying. Dragons don’t cry. Not even in memory of friends they’d never see again, not even when the world was changing around them much too quickly. “Remember, the offer’s still on the table if you want to come… otherwise I’m off to get Pinkie to take me up to Cloudsdale.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout me, Ah’m fine.” Applejack’s face softened. She knew Unity was crying. He was still only a child (At least, for a dragon), and trying to grow up, and a big boy, and not let girls catch him crying. But sometimes…

… just sometimes…

… she wished he’d let his tears cleanse him, that he’d realize tears weren’t a sign of weakness, that he’d eventually realize it was okay to cry in front of those who shared his pain. Instead of saying any of this, Applejack respected Unity’s desire to appear macho, and merely said, “Thanks f’r listenin’.”

Unity started to walk off towards the front gate. After a few minutes, Applejack was alone again in this field, this lonely piece of the past. Applejack turned to face the stone once more, a solemn expression painted her face as she stared upon that marker and read its engraving, one more time.

Here Lies Fluttershy, Element of Kindness

Ponies and Animals alike flocked to her

As if she were a Beacon of Hope and Love

Her Deeds helped to bring the World from the Brink of Oblivion to Salvation

All of Nature Mourns her Loss, Earth, take her into your Gentle Embrace

Hold and Warm her forevermore

Here Lies Fluttershy

Element of Kindness

Friend