The Quest.
By TDR
My body was battered. Flesh torn, hooves and bones cracked, I was also quite certain that one of my ears had been ripped off the side of my head along with sizable amount of skin and dark gray fur.
Yet despite all that. I was still standing.
Yay me......owchie......
The massive creature laying before me with my spear driven into it's chest had no name. It was a unholy spawn of a mad god and a eldritch abomination who name was long forgotten.
My name's Comet Trail by the way.
The creatures last breath echoed across the treasure chamber, the force of it sending a cascade of coins tumbling down some where in the distance.
I wouldn't have much time before the creature came back to life, things were banished to Tartarus because they couldn't be killed for good, not because it was easy. Still I was having difficulty moving at the moment to do anything about it.
The aforementioned damage if you recall, seriously I just said it , you must have a short attention span... or right the story.
My goal was brought back to the fore front of my mind as a lavender glow floated a crystal goblet before me. I didn’t need to look behind me to know my companion was there. I reached out with an intact leathery wing taking the cup from the air.
“I was not sure you were going to make it Comet. “ she states and I smile slightly.
“I was unsure of that myself Princess.” I stutter looking over to the beast as it's wounds begin to heal, forcing the gold plated spear from the wound. The weapon clattered to the piled coins under the creature. Before the wound closed fully I approached enough to shove the cup into the gaping wound, drawing it back soaked and filled with blood. I could feel the membrane of my wing start to burn from the acidic bile the creature called blood, but that pain was barely felt among the myriad amount of other injuries I had.
Seriously I was right bucked up.
I set the goblet down flicking as much of the cap from my wing as I could looking down at the roiling mess of greenish blue fluid that filled the cup. This things cavern had been hard enough to reach with two good wings, I didn't even want to think about how I would get back with barely half of one.
“I told you not to call me Princess. When this works you won't have a reason to do it any way.” she states .
I look back across the cave at the mare who had helped me get this far. Never directly getting involved in the quest, though always offering advice, whether I thought I needed it or not. I would not have even started the quest without her aid, and would have perished many times.
“If it works.” I correct.
“Well Comet. This is what you wanted. What this entire quest has been for, are you going to drink it and gain what you desired?”
I chuckle painfully feeling that a few ribs were broken and I decided laughing equaled bad for the time being. I was not worried, if this worked I should be healed completely, made a immortal like the goddesses that ruled the land. Or it could devour me whole and destroy me.
My companion had once suggested another way through magic, though being a Thestral, or bat pony as we were more commonly called, her suggestion would not have worked. Honestly for all the brains she claimed to have I don't really know why she suggested it.
“This is not what I desire Princess Sparkle. This is simply the way to achieve what I long for.” I sigh lifting the cup again with my wing and knocking my head back, draining the acidic blood from the chalice.
Wait wait... this is the end of the story... why am I telling this part first? Oh right drama.... any way I suppose I should really start at the beginning now.
======================================================
[A year ago, Canterlot Royal Gardens ]
“Major I am sorry, but no. I must refuse you affections. Tis nothing against you, but I do not wish for a doomed love. You would age and die while I would not change. Such is always what happens between gods and mortals. I am sure you can understand this.”
I wince inwardly, doing my best to make sure the Princess could not tell exactly how dejected her statement had made me. Even being prepared for rejection was not enough to ease the pain I felt.
It was rather foolish of me to try, but I couldn't help myself, I had to at least try, my whole carrier had been building to this point.
I had been smitten since the first day I saw her. I joined the Guard seeking to enter her service. I had devoted myself to her personal guard for years, climbing the ranks and pushing the limits of what was expected of a Royal Guard for no other reason then to get her to notice my existence.
Of course it was foolish, I even knew that myself. The scant few ponies I bothered to tell, tried to convince me to give it up. They even told me what she would say, almost word for word.
It seemed I was by no means the first to attempt to curry favor with the Princess of the Night since her return. I was not even the first Thestril to try since she came back thirty years ago. But I needed to try, I could not live with myself if I did not at least try.
I lowered the roses I had brought.
“I see. I apologize for taking your time then Princess. Please excuse me.”
I had tried, and failed. Everything I had worked for for the past ten years was nothing now. I had devoted myself soly to trying to Impress her, to be the best of her Guard that I could manage. I had a number of awards and commendations., a decorated officer of several conflicts. I was one of three ponies that had been awarded the Silver Crescent for actions above and beyond duty, and I was the only one of the three that was still alive. I had no social life, I had a few distant friends, I hadn't talked to my family in years. The only thing I had was my infatuation with Princess Luna to keep me going. Now.... well, now I had no idea what I was supposed to do.
The first thing however was to put a bit of distance between myself and my obsession. She winced slightly as I left, I managed to catch that much emotion, though I could tell she had been trying to spare my feelings at least. Still she did not try and stop my as I made my way out. She had worded everything very carefully, as if she had done this multiple times before. It was clear she realized what my reaction would be and I knew she was loathe to hurt any of her subjects, even the ones who had done something as stupid as I had, laying my heart out just for her to tenderly crush it under hoof.
How many stallions and mares before me had pledged their love to Princess Luna? How many managed to return to normal after her rejection? How many had found the tallest tower in Canterlot and thrown themselves from it?
While I certainly felt like doing the latter, I certainly would not being doing something so pathetically dramatic as that. Perhaps I should simply cash in all my unused sick and vacation days. I could find a nice tropical beach, maybe with towering palm trees and a nice view of the water. A perfect place to hang myself I would imagine. Quiet, discreet, and no fuss left to clean up after the gulls picked my bones clean.
I glance at the black roses tucked under my wing exhaling deeply and flinging the bouquet over a hedge as I sulked out of the garden plotting my own demise.
I had barely left the main archway of the garden when something smacked into the back of my head. I whirled, reflexes taking over as I dropped into a battle stance, blinking in surprise as the only thing behind me was the bundle of black roses.
I shift to a less combat oriented stance looking down at the floors in confusion then around for who might have thrown them. I couldn't see any pony around though a strange smell caught my attention and I took a closer look at the roses.
“Licorice?”
“I prefer red licorice to be honest, black licorice tends to make me a bit gassy. Twas a sweet thought though, but I’m afraid I’m just not into stallions.” some one states in a rather smooth if mocking tone.
I wince at the voice, both charming and highly annoying at the same time. Only one creature spoke like that and after the noodle incident, I had rather hoped he had been sealed back in stone. I snort and turn back continuing to walk away from the garden only to feel the weight of something sitting on my back as the creature appears.
I didn't even have to look at the weight to know what it was. The serpentine figure looked like some one had taken a dozen or so various creatures ,tossed them all in a blender and put what was left together in in a way that showed they only had the faintest idea of what they were doing. Thankfully only one being fit that description.
“Discord...........”
“Now now my boy no need for hostilities, why the dour face? Not a fan of black licorice either I take?” Discord chuckles As I pop my wings flinging the creature off my back , only to watch him float lazily in the air above me with that infuriating grin on his face..
The draconequus had supposedly reformed with the aid of one of the bearers of the Element's of Harmony. His percent for pranks however had not been curtailed in the slightest and his favorite targets always seemed to be what ever Guard was unlucky enough to be around when he was in the mood.
I had been the target far too many times myself, and while the jokes were occasionally amusing, they were almost always embarrassing or time consuming to correct.
“I am in no mood to deal with you Discord. I'm off duty, go bother the rookies stationed by the storerooms. I'm sure they haven't seen all your pranks yet.” I grumble moving to walk away from the annoying creature.
“MMMM, I see. Date with Luna not happen like you wanted?” Discord smirks smugly.
I freeze growling lightly.
“It is none of your concern.”
“Maybe it isn't and maybe it is. In either case we can agree that it is not the slightest bit pleasant a feeling is it? Having your heart ripped out and spat on by the one you care for most?”
I whirl around , about to tell the accursed beast exactly what I thought of his meddling and where he could shove his smug attitude when I see something that killed the threat in my throat.
Discord wasn't laughing or even smiling. His look was more of … pity?
“Trust me colt, you are not the only one to live through something like that. And I seriously doubt you will be the last either. Still.... I might be able to help you out a little.” Discord finally smiles.
“I know better to take one of your deals.”
“No deal my boy. Simply one heartbroken chap to another. Yon Princess claims to wish nothing to do with one who is a mortal? Well find a way to not be mortal any more. Simple, right?”
“Do not jest in this regard Discord. For a mortal to become a god is impossible.”
“I think the words you were looking to say were ' near impossible. After all Twilight Sparkle managed it quite nicely, growing that nice new set of fluffy wings, oh and she's taller now too, isn't it lovely? And it all happened in a way that totally was not some sort of silly mcguffin designed to sell toys to young girls and men far to old for that sort of thing.”
I ignored most of his rambling focusing on the important bits. It was the only way to deal with the draconequus short of ignoring him completely, which was a impossibility most of the time.
“Miss Sparkle is a unicorn. She transcended by being a powerful spell caster utilizing a closely guarded ritual that no one even though possible. I do not have that option.”
“Who says that is the only way? But don't take my word for it. Not like you would anyway. Go ask Sparkle butt herself about an artifact called the Glass Goblet. See what she says. “ Discord taps his claw against his chin. “ I think I will take you up on the offer to prank the rookies however. Just remember colt, when everything is said and done, don't blame me. It's always your choice.
Discord snaps his fingers and vanishes leaving me standing there with more concerns than before. But also a strange sense of hope, perhaps?
What if he was being truthful? What if there was a way? Could I bypass why Princess Luna would not return my affections? Only one mare would know for sure. And a visit to Equestria's newest Princess would be a far better use of my time that trying to judge how long of a length of rope I would need to swing from a palm tree.
=============================================
Princess Sparkle was a little surprised at my visit. Aside from her brother and a few of the Royal Guard that she had known from before she left Canterlot she really did not have much contact with any pony in the Guard. She had also flat out refused to be assigned her own personal division of the Guard, something that Princess Celestia had fretted over for some time.
Granted this was the mare that had, both with her friends and alone, faced down and defeated numerous threats to Equestria. If any pony could take care of themselves it was her.
She was a lot surprised however of what I was rather than who. It seems she had rarely seen any of Princess Luna's Night Guard, and judging by the rapid fire selection of questions and comments that followed, she was rather curious about us.
Rumors ran rampant about Thestrils. Everything from that we were all vampires who drank the blood of sleeping ponies, all the way up to that we didn't really exist. That we were just ponies in costume or with illusion cast on us.
The truth was some where in the middle. Thestrils were rare and we were an unnatural race, having been created not too long before Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon. I had never been much for the history of my kind so I was unable to give Princess Sparkle all the information that she wanted, and that mare wanted every detail. Still, I rather enjoyed speaking with her, it was a welcome distraction from my talk with Princess Luna the day before.
Eventually however the conversation did come to why I had come and I was forced to explain myself. I decided to not bother hiding anything, as there really was no point. If she didn't hear it from me one of the other Guards who had been present, or even Princess Luna herself would likely tell her.
She seemed to regard my infatuation with Princess Luna with some amusement, as if she had experienced something like that herself, or knew some one who had. She also was clearly upset for me when I informed her of the rejection. She however regarded the conversation with Discord with a little more seriousness, asking multiple questions regarding tone and his mood and exact wordings.
“The Glass Goblet?” Princess Sparkle sighs. “Did he tell you what it was, or what you needed to do to obtain it or even use it?”
“No Princess he did not. He did however suggest I speak with you.”
“I should have expected as much. And please call me Twilight.” She turns moving to a shelf and pulling a few books from it with her magic. She pushes her hoof between the space the books left pushing something. My ears perk hearing a click before another thicker book floats out of the empty space along with piles of notes.
“No offense Princess, but I believe I am more comfortable sticking with the honorific if it is all the same to you.”
“Suit yourself. Well Discord was right about one thing at least. I'm not sure how he knows, but I have been researching some things and I've come across the name Glass Goblet. Though I am not sure why he would send you my way.... unless..... no that would make too much sense for him , never mind.” Twilight states spreading out her notes.
I glance down at the papers she was spreading out on the desk, not understanding a bit of it . What wasn't written in mathematical equations was written in magic short hand or one of six other languages. There were only a few notes in normal pony and they seemed to be something about a cupcake recipe. The mix of writing gave me the impression that not only was it important. It was important enough for a Princess to keep it in code of some sort. Either that or Princess Sparkle had terrible hoof writing, and I wouldn't dream of suggesting that, within ear shot anyway.
“The Glass Goblet is an artifact from the third age and ties into several legends of the time. Most notably ones that are tied to the gods of the time. The goblet is involved in several legends about the creation of the gods of that era. I first came across the legend while digging through the books in the old castle library looking for something called the philosopher stone.”
“I've heard about that legend. The philosophers stone was supposed to contain great power and make it's wielder immortal.”
Twilight shivers. “Yes, however what is needed to make just one stone is far beyond anything any one should be willing to do. And if they are willing to do that then they should be executed or sealed in stone.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. Princess Sparkle was notoriously lax on punishments, actually attempting to do away with some of the harsher ones not long after she first became a Princess. The other Princesses denied the request of course, having seen what leniency could do with some crimes. But still that Princess Sparkle was suggesting two of the harsher sentences for seeking this stone made me curious, but not enough to dig further. It was clear that it was not something that should be discussed.
“What about the goblet then?” I question watching her brief flash of relief at the subject change.
“The goblet was linked to a number of trials that one would need to pass. If all the trials were passed one could achieve immortality.” Twilight states continuing on with a collection of other tales and stories that linked to this before trotting over to another book shelf looking over it as if searching for something.
“While all of this is interesting Princess Sparkle, I am unsure about this. I do not desire immortality, nor do I have an inkling to become a god. Besides, I would not even know where to begin looking for a goblet like that even if I wanted to.” I sigh, still not sure why the Princess had been telling me all this, perhaps she did simply like to hear herself lecture as was rumored.
“Well according to what you told me earlier, the fact you are mortal was all that was keeping Luna from returning your interest. This is a way that could remove that hurdle, it could make you immortal. As for the goblet....” Twilight mutters pulling three books out from various spots on the shelf. A soft click behind me causes me to turn to look back at a small table with a big wooden horse head in the middle of it.
I watch as a lavender aura grips the horses mouth tugging lightly and causing it to drop open to show a compartment in the statues head. A moment later a bundle of cloth is pulled free and the compartment closed.
She floats the wrapped object to the table and unfurls the cloth. A glimmering crystal chalice rests in the middle of the wrapping. The fluted chalice seemed carved from one incredibly clear piece of crystal, making it look like glass.
“Is that?”
“It is. I've done a number of tests and I am one hundred percent certain this is the fabled Glass Goblet of the third age.” Twilight states with a small sigh.
My full attention was on that goblet now, a small spark of hope filling my heart at her confirmation and the appearance of this cup.
“Where did you find it?”
“Pinkie Pie had a yard sale to clean out her closest.” Twilight grumbles.
“What?”
“Never mind. Just know that my having this is not something any one, but myself and now you know. And I suppose Discord knows too, though I have no idea why or how he knows.”Twilight taps her hoof to her chin pondering that.
“So how does it work? I gather it's simply not something any one can just drink from and have it work.”
“No Equestria would be full with gods if that was the case. There's a specific set of rules that have to be followed in order to get the goblet to work properly and that is where the problem lies.”
“As you said. If it was easy every pony would do it. Why do you have all this any way? Why would you need a way to be immortal twice Princess?” I question, noting her wince.
“I have my reasons, suffice to say if you do decide to go through with this, I will be accompanying you. I dislike putting it like this, but I would be using you as sort of a test subject.”
“Test subject?”
“To make sure it works as it is supposed to. For you this is a chance for what you want, for me it's another study and a full clarification of something. This is not going to be an easy journey, it will be full of dangers, and it could very well end with your death. I can provide direction, but I cannot offer any aid to you at all, or the quest will be considered a failure.” Twilight states flatly.
I raised an eyebrow at that. Victory or death, a classic choice to be sure. Well at least if I died it wouldn't be at my own hoof.
“So then Major Comet Trail. Now that you have an idea of what is required are you willing to give it a shot?”
“If I did not do everything in my power for her, how could I even consider myself worthy of Princesses Luna's affection?” I hear my self say with out even thinking on it. “ What do I need to do Princess?
================================================================
'The first task will be activating the Glass Goblet, to let it know you are on the quest.'
I curse to myself, stumbling over a hidden obstruction as I recall the Princesses words. My ears flatten tighter to my head as the howling wind drives snow against me, trying to fling me off the mountain. This place was insane not twenty minutes ago I had been climbing the mountain in sweltering heat and now I couldn't see my own hoof in front of my nose.
The San Palomino Desert, leagues and leagues of scorching sands, sun dried bones, heat, sand, scorpions, sand, cacti and did I mention sand? Seriously that crap gets into places sand does not belong and you are stuck for hours trying to figure out how.
Only one river ran through the entirety of the place, and it was so choked with toxic run off from the lone mountain the middle of the desert that the water was undrinkable and prone to catching fire. I mean it, you can't make this sort of crap up.
Still this was a relatively small challenge . With a bit of preparedness the desert was easily crossed and the mountain climbed. Despite the wind and the snow I made it to the top of the great unnamed peak without mishap.
The view up here would have been beyond impressive if not for the rolling gray clouds below me, still occasionally they broke and gave me a unobstructed view of ….well... sand...
I squinted looking around before spotting the the purple globe of energy floating not far from me, that housed Princess Sparkle as she watched my progress. I turned my attention back to the peak it was only about six pony lengths wide and all that was here was snow. I looked up at the bubble again shrugging lightly to the Princess, it was clear there was nothing here.
“The alter should be up here somewhere. It might be buried.” Twilight states her voice clearly sounding out of her bubble.
I sigh, and started to dig around in the snow at the top of the mountain, wishing I had thought to bring a shovel. My wings worked well enough to clear the light dusting on the top but I soon needed to use my hooves to crack into the harder packed snow and ice as I searched that small peak.
It wasn't long before I found it, a slab of what I thought was ice, yet would not crack under my hoof. I dug free the rest of it finding a smoothly carved table of crystal with one indention in the center just big enough to rest a cups base.
“I found it.” I state loudly, not sure the Princess could hear me, but she had already explained the next part required.
I dig through my saddle bag, glad to be down a bit into the snow and out of the wind. Still the occasional gale whipped my silver and black mane and tail around as I pulled out the cup, resting it in the depression in the table.
I blink noting the snow above me ceased falling. Looking up I saw the Princesses' bubble floating over me. I drew a small blade from my bag as well looking down at the cup one hoof lifted over the chalice's lip the blade placed lightly against my skin.
“You don't have to do this Comet. Once you start you can't stop, My research shows it will be like a geas that will only end in success or your death.” Twilight states. “This ritual is supposed to tell the universe you're going to play it's game. It won't let you stop once you start.”
I flinched a little as the blade dug into my foreleg, a few drops of blood ran from the wound and dripped from my fur into the cup. The goblet slowly turned a brilliant shade of crimson, the table it lay on doing the same changing color like dye dropped into water.
“I agreed to do this when you first told me Princess. Nothing has changed since then.”
================================================
'The second task will begin the forging of the weapon.'
Princess Twilight's words ring in my ears only slightly less loudly than the slorp and pop of my hooves through the muck of the swamp. I actually think I preferred the dessert to this.
I flapped my wings gliding over a deep pool of stagnant water, my head dipped down to avoid clipping it on one of the low hanging tree branches that made flight near impossible this close to the ground. The purple Princess with me following suit, though not as gracefully. Of course she had once been a unicorn, so it was no surprise she wasn't the best at flying. Honestly I had no idea what I would do if I got a horn from this quest.
She was not in her bubble this time ,though she had a spell going that kept the insects and other creatures from bothering her. Meanwhile I was forced to use my tail to drive them off. Which was far less effective. She still mentioned she wasn't supposed to help magically or physically against any of the challenges. Unfortunately she viewed the swamp as one which meant more bugs for me.
The heat had plastered my fur to my form and the annoying humidity made the entire swamp trek a nightmare for any creature with fur.
Princess Twilight had no idea where we were to go from the top of the mountain. There was no information on the where , just the what. It seems there was a reason for that, as soon as my blood drained into the table from the goblet and I was able to take the cup again I could feel a pull of something guiding me in a direction. That pull lead me to the Haysead Swamp and the pull grew stronger the deeper we went.
Princess Sparkle had stated that we were looking for something called a red oak. A tree with leaves the color of sunset with wood that was the color of the sea at night. The wood itself would be used to make the shaft of a spear.
I had received the usual Guard training in wielding a spear, though like most fliers I had switched over to training with wing blades when basic was over. Now that I knew I needed to use one I had set myself to training with them again. Going so far as carrying a few with me so I could practice on the journey.
Princess Sparkle was full of information about the creatures, history, and the plants of the Haysead Swamp. And she was more than willing to share that information, even without my asking. I let her talk, she seemed to enjoy it and it kept the trek from being too tedious. Though the lecture did seem to wear on after a few hours. It was interesting to note that quite a number of her informative rants turned into stories of the adventures she and the other Element Bearers had gone on. I found these bits of information more interesting than the book facts.
We finally came across what we were seeking as sunset was nearing. If not for the feeling guiding me I would have missed it completely. A small gap between two trees opened up into not to another mass of water as it looked from the outside, but a small clearing free of any plant life and covered in a thin layer of mud and sand with hard packed ground underneath.
At the back of the clearing was a midnight blue tree, with brilliant orange, yellow and gold leaves that looked to be displaying fall colors despite it being spring.
“I believe we found it Princess.” I stated pulling a hatchet from my saddlebags and looking for an appropriate branch in the tree that would work as a spear shaft.
The sound of movement drew my attention to the tree line around the clearing. The Princess did not seem to notice the sound though that was not surprising considering Thestril's hearing tended to be better than most ponies any way, plus she was on a rant about the qualities of the tree.
“This is amazing, I didn't think a plant could grow in this coloration. Do you see any seeds I want to take a few back with me.” Twilight states missing that I had put the hatchet away and pulled free a spear.
“Princess you may wish to fly. Something else is here.” I mutter my ears perked and swiveling as I heard something scrape against a tree to my right. The brush from my right side suddenly exploding in a shower of branches and leaves. I jump to the side, rolling through the mud clearly surprising the attacker who had snapped at the spot I would have been had I taken flight.
The form of a massive brown and green serpent shifts across the clearing to face me it's fangs gleaming as it hissed.
“SNAKE!!!!!!!” shrieked Princess Twilight, launching herself into the air and exploding through the canopy of branches over us with a high pitched scream.
Both the snake and I blinked watching her departure with some surprise and a bit embarrassment for her panic before we looked back at each other with a small shrug and readied our selves for combat.
=========================================================
“So snakes?” I questioned feeling the glare of the Princess from across the fire pit in our camp.
The snake battle had not lasted long. If any one asked it was due to my great skill and amazing fighting prowess. In truth, once the snake found I was not an easy meal and had been jabbed in the snout a few time it went off to find easier prey. It wasn't any sort of guardian like I had thought. Still I gathered a number of branches that could be suitable and took to the air out of the hole in the canopy Princess Twilight had made. I met up with her half way back to the camp site at the swamps edge and we had opted to stay here for the night.
“Shut up Major. Like you aren’t afraid of anything.”
I pondered that a moment.
“Raisins.”
“What?”
“They look like rabbit poops and one day I fear I’ll bite into one and it will be a rabbit poop.”
“You have got to be joking.”
“I am.” I smirked getting an annoyed look from her. “ Princess, I’m not sure why you should be afraid of anything. You're immortal and nigh invulnerable, there shouldn't be anything you are afraid of.”
“Major there are a great number of things I fear. More now than ever when I was just a unicorn.” she stated with a bit of sadness in her tone.
“Oh care to share so I might know what else you might flee from?”
It was clear that my lack of real interaction with ponies was showing as she simply turned away from me with a snort, not thinking my attempt at humor was funny.
“Stop talking and go to sleep Major. That is an order.”
========================
I let out a rather girlish yelp and shoot up into the air, wings beating franticly as I zip around the cavern. The massive metallic Diamond Dog I was dodging opened it's maw in a silent scream launching a blast of flame from it's jaws as it tried to roast me as I dodged around the stalactites dangling from the roof of the large cavern.
'Worked metal from the first age to form the spear blade.'
Princess Sparkle had told me that before we crossed the border into the Zebra lands yesterday. The pulling of fate, as I started calling it, had lead us to a set of ruins buried deep in a jungle. Traveling into it's depths we came across the giant golem. Before the Princess could even start a lecture on the craftsman ship of it, the thing awoke and tried to kill me.
The Princess sat on the far side of the cavern we came in from, ignored by the golem as it tried to destroy me. Granted I had tried to break a piece off it's massive form the moment I saw it and it was clearly not happy about my attempt to steal it's fingers.
The construct clanked and shifted below me searching in the forest of stone spikes looking for me, blue flame trickling from it's spiked muzzle. Still seeing it hadn't noticed me I came up with an idea.
I strained and pushed giving the thick stone spike I hid behind a hard buck with my rear hooves. I winced at the impact and the jolt of pain it sent through my back legs though the impact was enough.
The chunk of rock breaks free tumbling down towards the ancient golem, who nimbly steps out of the way of the falling rock, preventing it's destruction, though not quick enough to stop a number of it's metal shoulder spikes from being broken off by the cascading stone. The metal monster breaths another gout of flame into the forest of stalactites, though I had already left them and rocketed towards the ground. I paused just long enough to scoop up a few of the broken hunks of metal before racing towards the exit, flying as fast as I could manage with two forelegs full of metal parts.
================================================================
“Did you notice something in there Major?”
“Nothing past trying to not get my self roasted.” I respond to the Princess. A tad annoyed that she was riding in the cart of supplies I was pulling, but it was not like she weighed enough to be a issue, unless the hunks of metal and tree branches that filled the cart along with the other supplies.
“The golem had a good bit of damage all over it. Bits taken out of it's armor here and there. This wasn't the first time some one came to get this metal I expect.”
“Well if no one else had become a god you wouldn't have all those tales about ponies becoming gods now would you?”
“I suppose not. Still it is rather worrying that it may be the last source of first age metal that exists. That means in time this method will not be possible.”
“I wouldn't worry about that Princess. I don't expect a gold rush of ponies seeking to be deities running in to fight the golem....That thing was more than capable of handling itself. I got lucky that I could break that stalactite off.”
“I suppose your right, still I kinda feel sorry for it.”
“Empathy aside, would you still feel that way if it has succeeded in roasting me alive Princess?”
“Good point.”
=======================================
I wince as I hit the water with a massive splash, clinging tightly to the large barrel filled with stones as I rapidly sink into the depths of the ocean The weight of the barrel pulling me down towards the bottom of the sea, several thick ropes trailing out behind me, lifelines back to the ship.
A purple glow follows me down, the Princess and her bubble descending with me. This had been a hard thing to find, the notes the Princess had, only remarked about a waterfall falling under the water. Enough of this needed to be collected to quench the forged spear blade. Following the force guiding me we rented a ship and sailed into the middle of the Great Hooper Sea. I attempted a few dives down before realizing that while I could swim, I had no real skill at it and diving deep was out of the question.
The Princess had suggested the barrel and after a few tests some ear plugs, and a water skin filled with air I managed to reach the bottom of the sea.
We had thought to perhaps find a underground cavern or something that the sea drained into. Neither of us expected to find a river of freshwater flowing and cascading along the bottom of the sea.
My head felt like it was going to pop from the pressure and I drained another gulp of air from the water skin as the barrel I was riding dropped into the rapidly flowing dark river .
The barrel bounced a few times before pulling taught on the ropes wrapped around it. I clung on for dear life struggling to pull the lid off the barrel. Finally yanking the wooden top aside the current was enough to force itself into the open barrel pushing out the rocks and filling the barrel with fresh water instead. I struggled to re cap the lid before kicking off the barrel and swimming franticly up to the surface taking the last few gulps of air from the water skin.
Breaking the surface I gasp for air pulling myself up onto the ship ignoring the looks of amuse meant and interest from the vessels crew. I paused to take a breather before hauling up the third and hopefully last barrel I needed. I likely could have gotten away with just one, but Princess Twilight was rather insistent that I bring more up, though she wouldn't say why.
Dragging the heavy barrel onto the ship I checked it over for leaks and made sure it was properly sealed and secured.
The Princess came back up a little while later humming some little song to herself. I wasn't sure what the song was though it was catchy if vaguely disturbing. Still I couldn't help humming it lightly under my breath as the Princess Bride set sail back towards land.
“Shoo be doop shoop shoop be do be....Buck it, this is gonna be stuck in my head for days...”
===========================================================
I stared the dragon in the eye,
He stared back at me.
We both winced at another loud shout from the house behind us.
“I was under the impression that the Princess and Mrs Rarity were friends.” I stated.
“They are, my wife is just not fond of what you two are trying to do. She tends to be a bit dramatic and Twilight tends to go a bit over board as well. “ The dragon sighs reaching up to run a hand over his green spiked head. “So all you need is for me to do is breath fire into a forge?”
“The recipe calls for dragon fire to forge the blade of the weapon. I actually thought we would need to track down and bribe a dragon, not simply pay one a visit. Rather fortuitous that the Princess knows a dragon who is also a smith.”
“Yeah well, I only really forge jewelry with gemstones and softer metals, but I’ve done a little heavier work too so it's not that much of a deal. It's a rather easy job when you don't have to worry about burning yourself. Of course I still need to worry about Rarity throwing a fit if I’m covered in soot and try to come back into the house. As for how Twilight knows me well, I used to be her assistant. “ the pony sized dragon known as Spike explains.
“I see. I do not suppose you know what the argument is about?”
“Yeah, but... well no offense, it's not really any of your business.”Spike grumbles.
“Fair enough.”I shrug, not wanting to pry lest I anger the dragon sitting next to me. Friendly or not I had no plans to push it. Another shout causes me to flatten my ears to my head. Looking up at the back of the two story manor in the middle of Manehatten, something else crossed my mind to ask. “Err another question if you don't mind.“
“Depends on the question.” Spike sighs.
“How exactly did a dragon and a unicorn hook up, let alone have two children?” I query realizing this might be a bit personal but I was still curious.
“Persistence on the former and for the other do I really need to explain the birds and bees to you for the latter?” Spike chuckles.
“Err, no I’m good. Still if as strange a couple of you has worked out, my chances might be a little better with the Princess than I thought.” I sigh, my ears perking as Spike's eyes widen at that .” What?”
“You and Twilight? I didn't think she was into Thestrils. Though it's nice to see her getting out more and not being cooped up in the library still if you don't treat her right you are gonna have a lot worse than me coming down on you.........”
“Not that Princess.” I grumble cutting the dragon off mid threat.
====================================================
Steam hissed around the weapon as I lowered the blade into the water while Spike and Princess Sparkle looked on.
Before this I had no idea how to forge anything, nor did I have a interest in learning The Princess however seemed to anticipate that and arraigned for Spike to show me the ropes and then walk me through the steps of forging the spear head when he felt I was ready. Thankfully it was not difficult, though it was strenuous. I started with softer metals before working up to rework the strange metal retrieved from the golem. I had gathered enough to make three or four spears though thankfully I completed the weapon on my first try with a little reworking here and there.
I lift the cooled blade from the water looking over the black steel, veins of blue in the metal catch the light as Spike whistles softly .
“Not a bad job. Still not sure what that metal type is, but it would make some interesting designs I’ve been considering if you have extra.”
“No Spike. We might need the rest to do this one more time.” Twilight states.
“Just once?” Spike questions.
“Yes...... every one refused.” Twilight sighs watching as I move to attach the blade to the carved wooden shaft. While I was no expert in wood carving it was not hard to make a pole that was sturdy enough to be a spear haft.
“Knowing them did you really expect otherwise?”
“I had hoped.”
“Well I’ll keep the stuff here so if you do manage to convince someone it should be easier to get everything.”
“Thank you Spike.”
I listened into the conversation with out really trying, too though I was no closer to understanding the discussion than I had been before. Still, I had my own worries any way.
Once the spear was complete, the final stop was Tartarus.
=============================================================
[Present.]
It burned. By the stars and every god that ever existed did it burn.
The wounds I had suffered for this were nothing, the acid blood from the cup scorched my mouth charring my insides creating a blinding miasma of pain the likes of which I had never felt before.
I heard the Princess calling to me as I fell, felt her shaking me as I curled into a ball, not even able to utter a sound though the anguish gripping my body.
Then suddenly it was gone. The foul taste of the blood was still in my mouth, but there was no pain, nothing it all. I didn't feel numb, it simply felt like I was not injured. I hesitated to move for a moment afraid the pain would return, though when it didn't, I slowly rose to my hooves.
Princess Sparkle blinked watching me stand curiously.
“Comet... are you alright?” she questioned.
“I... I think so.”
“How do you feel?”
“Fine I guess. A little tired and in bad need of a drink or something, but otherwise I don't feel any different than I always do Princess.”
“What about your injuries?”
I blink having completely forgotten about them. I lift my hoof up touching the side of my head , where I was certain I had lost and ear feeling the furred length flick against my hoof. I move a little looking back at my self and checking over where my wounds had been. There was plenty of blood , but the injuries were gone.
“I … seems I do not have any Princess. Does this mean?”
I let the question die out as the Princess takes hold of my wing in her magic stretching the leather membrane out as she pokes it lightly. I flush a little at her fiddling with my wing. I turn my attention to something else noticing that my spear had melted into slag, the shaft of it splintered to tooth picks.
“So much for keeping that as a souvenir... AHHHH!”I yelp loudly as a sharp pain jabs my outstretched wing and I turn glaring at the Princess as she pulls back a small sewing need watching the blood well from the mark.
“Oh hush you big baby, you didn't even flinch from what was done to you earlier and this was just a little prick” the purple unicorn scolds.
“Well, excuse me Princess. I expected that attack, not getting shanked in the wing randomly.”
“Nothing more than a drop before the wound closes.... No horn though... I guess you are not going to become an alicorn.”
“I am content with that. I have heard stories about magical kindergarten, which is likely where I would have to start.” I muttered raising a brow at her sudden shudder.
Her eyes glow as she looks me over curiously. Her horn radiating energy.
“Ummm Something wrong?”
“No, There's just ….. nothing different about you. You're still a Thestril. I really can't detect any kind of change in you.“
“Yeah well I’m a healthy one at least, so something had to have worked. The spear melted as well. I look over at the Glass Goblet noting how clean it was despite having been filled with blood a moment before.
“I guess that was it then. I did expect a little more fan fair.” Princess Twilight sighs picking up the goblet and tucking it away.. “Maybe some glowy lights or a song.”
“If it helps I can hum most of Stallion Day and the Time's, Jungle Love.” I chuckled.
“Pass. I'm more of a Platinum Swan fan actually.” Twilight mutters, before smiling softly.
“The new Princess is a fan of classical, no surprise there I suppose.” I grinned. “So what now?”
“We need to leave before the creature gets back up. After that I expect you will want another talk with Luna.”
==================================================
This was not going as planned.
Princess Luna stared at me incredulously, shock, a bit of horror, and a definite sense of unease the only expressions that she displayed on her features.
Princess Celestia looked at me more with pity than anything else at the revelation, though she left the meeting room to leave Princess Luna and I alone, all but dragging Princess Twilight out with her by the purple mares wings.
“Why did you do this? How did you do this?” Princess Luna questions.
“The why is simple Princess. When I confessed my feelings for you I told you I would do anything for you. When you told me why you could not return my affections I sought a way to fix that. As Princess Sparkle informed you both. I sought to and accomplished becoming an immortal. You will not need to worry about outliving me now.”
“Major...” I wince as she lowers her voice speaking softly though eying me with worry.” If I had known what you did was even still possible, I would have used a different excuse than the one I gave you. I do not even know how to say this. While I am flattered that you would put yourself though what you did, for me. I regret to inform you it was in vain.”
I wince visibly noting her own expression clouded with worry at that reaction.
“Immortality was a convenient excuse Major. Neither my sister nor I consider any of you ponies as possible lovers. We did not become immortal as Twilight and now you have. We never were mortals, we came into being to watch over and protect our little ponies. That is made even worse with you being a Thestril, I helped to form and shape your race from it's infancy. Thestril’s more than any other race of ponies I consider my children. While I do love you, it is as a mother loves the foal she has raised. Celestia and I feel the same about all of you. We could not bring ourselves to care for any of you otherwise. It would be a rather disturbing perversion to even think such.”
My ears flatten. I saw her wince, I could feel my anger well up. I had done what was supposed to be impossible, risked my life, everything I was, for nothing?
“Why did you not tell me this before? Do you have any idea what I went though believing I had a chance?” I couldn't keep the anger from my voice and she clearly could hear it though I didn't care at this point. My hopes had been dashed , raised back up, and now they were in ruins once again.
“Everything you did, you did to yourself Major. I will apologize for my wording, but I will not apologize for what you put yourself through on false pretenses. I did not tell you to seek immortality, nor did I give you a hint it was even possible. In fact I am curious as to where you even got the notion. From my understanding Twilight told no one of her research, and yet you went to her directly. Why? Who told you to seek her out?”
I blink. A cascade of things finally clicking into place. I slap my face with my hoof , the hard impact resounding in the chamber and making the Princess of the night jump at the suddenness of it. My anger faded, blown out like a candle. She was afraid of me for some reason, afraid of what I might do. I exhale deeply working to calm myself. She was right this was all my own doing. I had no one to blame but myself for what I did.... well not entirely true I had one other I could blame... and I most certainly would.
“Discord.” I was not happy with the self proclaimed god of chaos. The bastard had played me... the only question was why.
“Discord?”
“He mentioned it after your first refusal... I was not in the frame of mind to question why he told me to find Princess Sparkle.”
“ I see. Somehow this does not surprise me. “ Princess Luna sighs. “ What does surprise me is the lengths ponies will go to for their desires. I had hoped when you left you would perhaps be upset for a while before moving on with your life. You did not strike me as the sort to claim your own life if I denied you. Still, I doubt there is anything that I may say that will ease what pain you are feeling. In fact what I say may make matters worse but it till needs to be done. Given your new condition as well as the reason why you are in this state I cannot in good conscience allow you to remain a part of my Royal Guard. I somehow doubt you would want to do that any way.”
“No Princess, you are correct in that.”
“I shall ensure that you receive a generous severance as well as a small retirement stipend. It will not be much, but you can easily live off of it for as long as you need.”
“Keep the bits Princess. I'll deal with money when I need it.” I snap turning to walk away not entirely certain what I was feeling any more.
“Comet Trail......” Luna states causing me to stop at my name being called. “ I do not wish for animosity despite everything. I do not want any issues to arise from this.”
I remain standing there for a time, I changed my entire life for this mare, likely broke the very laws of reality, fought fate and the universe for a goal that she simply yanked from me. And yet......
“Right now Princess I am not sure what I feel. Ask me again in a hundred years or so.” I state perhaps more coldly than I liked before storming out of the throne room.
===================================================================
“So it worked then? Excellent!”
I growl shoving another bit of gear in my bag, before whirling on the creature that had followed me from the castle to my apartment. Up until a few moments ago he had been silent. Now the draconequus wouldn't shut up.
“Go to Tartarus Discord.” I snap shoving the floating beast out of the way with a hoof and yanking open another drawer digging through it for anything I might want to bring.
“Been there done that and I have a lovely summer home there.” Discord responds waving a clawed finger in the air. “I would figure you would be happy. After all now you and Luna can have forever with each other........ unless she still refused you of course.”
I whirl growling and leaping at the floating figure, only to have him pop out of existence right before I reached him and instead I smash into the dresser.
“YOU KNEW?! YOU BASTARD!” I snarl.
“Do you really think you were the first to fall in love with one of the royal sisters?” Discord states from behind me as I wipe my own blood off my nose from where I smashed into the dresser. I still felt pain, but rage was over taken that bit of discomfort.
“Do you really think you were the first to seek and achieve immortality to impress them, so that you could always be with them? Hardly, there's even a number of us that keep popping up and reminding them how truly heartless a pair they really are. Of course I knew she would refuse you, I’ve seen them both do it for millennium. The important thing however, is not that they refused you, but that you showed Sparkle that it was possible.”
I glare at him and he gestures with his hand as if not even noticing my ire. “What the hell does it matter if it can be done? And why the buck is going on with Princess Sparkle that you even suggested I go to her. How did you know any of this?”
Discord stares at me adopting the same expression of remorse he had in the garden the first time I had seen him.
“ So she didn't tell you? I can understand that. Sparkle wants to make her friends all immortals as well,the same as her. It's been thirty years since they all met and with the exception of Pinkie Pie all of them are showing obvious signs of aging. She herself has become considerably more neurotic since she realized what was happening. It seems it took little miss lavender flanks a long time to make any friends and now that she has she can't stand the thought of losing any of them. I'm not sure a work oriented loner such as yourself could appreciate that. But that is the way of things.”
I turn starting to pack again realizing how much sense that made. “I take it her friends don't like the idea then?”
“Not all of them no. Applejack stopped talking to her for a month after Twilight got particularly insistent. The poor thing lost her grandmother and parents, I doubt she wants to live on watching the rest of her family die around her. Pinkie Pie ignores any comments about it as if they didn't happen, of course that mare worries me any way. Dash is at least moderately interested, though likely more that it sounds like a Daring Doo quest than anything else. Neither Rarity or Spike wish to outlive their children and sweet little Fluttershy.......” Discord's voice wavers a bit. “.... well she doesn't seem to like the idea either.”
“So you sent me to Princess Sparkle to let her use me as a test subject to see if it could even be done so that she could try and make her friends immortal the same as her?””
“Pretty much.”Discord shrugs.
I roll my eyes pulling my pack over my shoulder looking around the small apartment I had. There really was nothing of value here, no letters from home, no memorabilia. I had focused my entire life into being the best Guard I could be in my pointless infatuation. And now... there really wasn't anything left I really wanted to keep. A few books, some clothing and survival gear. I had my weapons and a unmarked suit of flight armor in my bag everything else, my uniforms, my medals, all of that was either strew about the room or in the trash, even my prized Silver Crescent. None of it seemed to have a point now.
“So what did you get out of this?”
“I really would rather not say.”
“Then I would really wish you would go off to bother some one else.”
“Fine. “ he lifts his hand to snap his fingers though he pauses. “I feel I should say something here. Something I am sure my little warden would want me to say.”
“Good bye, maybe.?” I snap.
“No...that's not it.. ahhh yes.... I’m...... “ his face contorts like he ate a lemon and I cannot help stare at the flailing form of Discord in confusion.
“I 'mmmmmmm sorry I put you through this........” Discord grumbles out finally, snapping his fingers and vanishing.
I stare at the spot for a few moments in shock.
“Well that was possibly the strangest thing I have seen.” I shake my head pushing open the door on my first steps to leave Canterlot.
=============================================================
[Two hundred years later.]
The crash of the waves barely drown out the creak of the rope dangling from the palm tree. The sun set bathed the sky over the ocean in golden and red hues. Not that I was paying any attention to it, but I’m sure it looked pretty.
I had lost track of how long I had been swinging there, dangling above the white sand beach, undying. A few of the locals occasionally came by to look at me, but most of them knew by now not to bother me when I was swinging from a tree.
Still I wouldn't mind too much if one or two of the mares decided to intruded. So long as they weren’t looking for a long term thing, a little roll in the hay was never off the table.
I shift in the hammock stretching my wings out a bit and take another sip of what ever strange concoction had been poured into the coconut mug this time.
It had taken me quite a while, but I finally gotten over Luna. Not to say I still didn't get a twinge of remorse every so often when I saw the moon at night, though alcohol and time were great aids in allowing one to forget.
A loud pop and the faint whiff of ozone was the only warning I received that I had company. Still if it was who I thought it was I didn't mind so much. I had expected her for a long while now.
“You are a very hard pony to find Mr. Trail. “ states an annoyed voice.
I lift a hoof in the air gesturing with my drink.”Not like I've been any where else for the last hundred or so years. Heck, Discord found me twice and even Celestia came to find me once. No idea why though.”
“Seems you are not the first spurned potential suitor that managed to become immortal. It also seems they have a tendency to go evil and try to destroy Equestra after a while.”
“I'm sure I have that on my to do list somewhere Princess.”
She trots over sitting down in the sand folding her wings across her back. I spare the lavender alicorn a glance noting she had grown a good bit taller and seemed more like the Princesses now than had before. She still didn't have the weird wavy hair yet though.
“ I'm sure it is right after sitting on the beach drinking and napping for years at a time. Seriously though if that stuff is on the list of things to do when you're evil, I’m on the wrong side.”
“Nah, I don't really plan to do anything. I did, just for a little bit mind you spend a couple of years coming up with a intricate and pointless revenge plot. Spent a few more years blaming myself and even longer moping about not seeing the forest for the trees. Course getting over everything took about a hundred years, but clearly times not so much an issue for me any more. So what brings you out my way Princess?”
“I suppose checking up on you. I didn't know what happened to you until the report on the hurricane came in. Imagine my surprise when I read the news that a single Thestril braves the worst of the storm and saves an entire ship full of ponies trapped in the middle of it.”
“All I did was fly out there and point them the right way to shore. Nothing big, even after this long I still consider myself a Guard. Still, at least that explains how you found me. If not the why.”
“I never got a chance to talk to you before you left. I kinda wanted to explain myself.”
“Uh oh one the infamous Princess Twilight explanation times. Do I have time to run to run to the bar and get another drink?”
“Humph no need to be rude.”
“I thought I was being funny.”
“You weren’t”
“Lack of socializing I suppose, or a terrible sense of humor. Or both. Sorry. Go on then.”
“I was going to tell you why I used you as a test subject for the Glass Goblet.”
“Discord already told me.” I butt in hoping to spare her a bit of anguish.”So did any of them accept the quest?”
“Just two.”
“Ouch.”
“You have no idea.” Twilight winces.” But at least the one I hoped would take it the most did. Cadence and my brother Shining Armor are not going to be parted any time soon.”
“Guard Captain Shining Armor? Heh maybe I should pay him a visit sometime. He still in the Empire?”
“Yes.....” Twilight sighs. I flinch a little cutting her off again before she continues.
“Look if you don't want to talk about this don't feel pressed to.”
“...I don't, I figure you just might have wanted an explanation.”
“Not if it's gonna hurt you to talk about it.”
She blinks softly and smiles a little before her ears droop again.
“I am sorry for forcing you go through all of that for nothing.”
“I didn't do it for nothing Princess. I had a reason, it just turned out to be a stupid one.”
“Still I am sorry.”
“Don't be, you didn't do anything wrong and like you said it helped somewhat didn't it? Princess Cadence has her husband and Discord gets his first friend to be with them forever. “
“You know about Fluttershy?”
“ And Pinkie Pie, though even Discord couldn't explain her when he visited. I did tell you he visited, me a few times. She came along the second time. A bit shy but she was nice enough. Not sure how she was convinced to go through what I did.”
Twilight sighs. “I'm not sure either, but Discord managed to convince her, so she went through it. With surprisingly less problems than you had. She just asked for what she needed and with the exception of the golem the creatures just gave her what she wanted. Including the creature in Tartarus.”
“Sounds like cheating to me.”
“Yes, well, any way, I came out here to see what you were up to.”
“Pretty much nothing. It's a bit boring, but you get used to that.”
“You could come back to Canterlot you know. You were never run out of town.”
“Maybe, but I’m not comfortable with the idea of meeting her again any time soon. I expect she could say the same. You never forget your first crush.”
“Yes … I am too well aware of that.” Twilight mutters a name to herself something that was either Dash or Flash I couldn't really tell and I didn't feel up to asking. Still I wince a little remembering that only three of those she knew still were alive. I was never close to my family, or had that many close friends so while their loss from time hurt, it was never something I dwelled on long.
“You could always come here again you know. Take a vacation without having to check up on me. Days and years tend to blur unchanging on the beach. It's calm and rather relaxing if a bit mind numbing with no one to talk to aside from the waves. And the occasional annoying seagull.”
“Really I couldn't, I wouldn't have the time....”
“Really? Princess, time is one thing we are not in short supply of. What is it you are doing that requires all of it?”
Twilight blinks as if pondering the question before she sits back down staring out at the water.
“Honestly, nothing I can think of.”
I smirk extending my wing offering her my mostly untouched drink. She takes I lightly with a spell as the pair of us watch the sun start to sink off in the distance.
Heartbreak, loss, and boredom. Oh the joys of being immortal. But at least there is the chance of some good company eventually.
Author's Note
This was just an idea that i needed to get out of my head so i could work on other things. It has no connection to the SiS universe.
