The Pendant and the Amulet

by Cerulean Voice

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Dark
Length: 34307

Newly arisen Keeper of the Crystal Heart, Princess Aura, must defend her fledgeling Empire from persecution with the aid of Celestia and Luna. A sequel to Keeper of the Crystal Heart.

ACT ONE:
Three months have passed since the foundation of the Crystal Empire, the changeling race's surrender and Crystal Princess Aura's ascension. The first Crystal Fair, held to commemorate the princess' birthday, has been planned as an Equestria-wide celebration in her honour.

Meanwhile, something stirs on the western border: a timeless evil that once cast itself into stasis. Princesses Celestia and Luna—new to the ruling of Canterlot Citadel—must work with their new Elements to contain the threat and prove that they belong on the highest seats of power.

Theme song by {Insomnia}.

Pre-read by HiddenUnderACouch, ChromeMyriad and NightWolf289. Edited by NightWolf289.

Rated teen for mild violence and… other things that will be declared when relevant.

Featured on Equestria Daily!

This story is 100% approved by Twilight's Library!

Currently on hiatus until the second editions of These Flowers Never Bloom and Keeper of the Crystal Heart are complete.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-24 15:53:07 UTC

Act One Chapter One: Old Friends, Older Foes

Darkness.

The world was darkness.

At least, until the newly-awakened being within it snapped its fingers, illuminating its vicinity with ethereal light. The world soon shrank to a cave filled with glittering crystals. Colossal tree roots snaked their way down into the depths of the cave, their owners residing much further above ground. The pungent smell of soil diffused throughout the confined area, inescapable.

Smiling, the draconequus examined his surroundings. The freshly broken cocoon at his feet caught his attention. Next time, I’ll buy a bigger bed, he thought, turning his attention instead to the obelisks that lit the cave.

As he stared at the giant crystals, stray thoughts began to cross his mind. Why were they there? What did they represent? Though he had no memory of how he’d even ended up in his current situation, the crystals’ familiarity would not leave him.

One for each colour of the rainbow…

With a loud guffaw, the draconequus proceeded to tear each crystal from the Earth’s foundations. The cave quaked with the sheer output of power as its supporting pillars were torn from each of their embedments. Were it not for the trunk-thick roots interwoven with the soil walls, the entire cave would have collapsed.

In theory, anyway. But what was theory to the Lord of Chaos?

As each spectrum crystal rotated around the draconequus, they slowly grew and changed, creaking and groaning while the warped magic twisted them into shape. The red crystal was the first to complete its transformation. As it snaked its way around the draconequus’ head, it let out a loud hiss. A tongue of flame shot out of its new mouth, singeing the draconequus’ eyebrows.

“Now that’s not very nice, Scarlet. Say you’re sorry!”

The newly-formed crystal dragon hissed once more, before coming to rest on his shoulder. As it did, the other colours began to catch up. A lithe, green dragon was the next to emerge complete. Larger than the red one, it screeched at the lack of space inside the cavern. As it waved its crystalline wings around, the draconequus realised his dilemma.

“Whoopsie. Better fix that before I become one with my creations.”

He spread his arms wide;the cave walls quaked, eliciting a loud groan from the Earth as he literally created more space. Where before it had been barely large enough to contain himself and the crystals, it now resembled an enormous cavern.

“Oh calm down, Verdant,” the draconequus said as the green dragon raged, “you can fly now. Don’t ever say I do nothing for you.”

The dragon roared and took flight, even as its brethren continued to grow. Sunset was next to join the weyr, belching the largest fireball the draconequus had ever seen. Saffron joined the others, a behemoth of a creature who almost necessitated further expansion of the cave. Azure followed, a runt of a lizard that would have been unremarkable, save for its gigantic wingspan. Midnight gave its final creak of creation and swished its indigo neck back and forth, its elongated head almost touching the cave’s ceiling.

The draconequus gazed at his prismatic dragons, pleased with the outcome of his experiment. As they twisted and coiled around each other, growling and fighting for non-existent territory, he let out a loud, shrill whistle. The dragons froze in place. With a smirk, he examined his handiwork.

“Gorgeous, simply divine!” he said, running a claw along Azure’s wings. “But of course, how could you not be? I made you, after all.”

He jumped up onto Saffron’s back, stroking its magnificent golden scales. “Why, just look at this expert craftsmanship!” With a pop, he appeared between the frozen jaws of Sunset. “Such elegance! Such finesse! Such—ouch!” He recoiled in surprise, having caught his paw on the edge of one of Sunset’s teeth. “Oh, you’re going to cause such a sensation when I unleash you all. I can’t wait!”

He snapped his fingers once more and the dragons returned to life; seemingly unaware of their temporary paralysis, they continued to bite and snarl at each other. With a shrug, the draconequus turned away from the cacophony and checked out the remains of his cocoon. Brimming with ideas, he began to alter the cocoon. It floated in midair horizontally, expanding much like the room had before. The split in the middle widened, revealing a rather accommodating gap to sit in. Splintered fragments on the ground re-attached themselves to the rear, erecting an ornamental pillar.

“Hmmm. Almost there, but something’s missing…”

An Earth-shattering roar from Saffron drew his attention. He turned to reprimand the yellow dragon, but had barely opened his mouth before he was engulfed in a searing, orange fireball. Scarlet—still perched on the draconequus’ shoulder—screeched his displeasure at the larger wyrm and took off, leaving a charred figure standing alone with a single talon still raised. With a single blink, he vigorously shook the soot from his body and placed his hands on his hips.

“Now, children, you can tear at each other all you like, but you play nice with your father. Understand?” He frowned as they continued to fight among themselves.

“I said, play nice!”

The draconequus swelled to three times his regular size. Each of the dragons froze in mid-fight, many sets of gaping jaws now focused on him, silent. “There, that’s better. Settle down—we’re about to have some real fun!”

Another snap later, the tree roots lining the walls began to tear themselves from their hosts. Twisting and writhing, they hardened to a dense black material, before looping themselves around each dragon’s neck. The entire spectrum bellowed their collective displeasure as the roots continued to slither towards the newly crafted cocoon-pod. As he jumped into the pod, the roots reached his paw and his claw. Taking them in like reins, the draconequus sucked in a deep breath and belched toward the ceiling.

Such was the force of this expulsion that the soundwaves shot right through the soil, carving out a tunnel to the surface. For the first time, high above them, the six rainbow crystal dragons witness the light of day. Roaring in blind fury, but intrigued by the new escape hole, they rocketed up out of the cave, even as the Earth quaked and the cavern began to collapse upon itself.

The draconequus grasped his reins tightly as the pod shot forward with sanity-defying acceleration. Flying vertically toward the sun, he relished the feel of the wind on his face and the euphoria of freedom, laughing all the while as his dragons embraced the sky for the first time.

“My little ponies, it’s high time I paid you all a visit.”

*  *  *  *  *

“Great to see you again, Princess! I missed you so much.”

Cirrus beamed as he landed on the gleaming balcony of the Crystal Palace. Folding in his cornflower-blue wings, he bowed slightly, then embraced his waiting friend eagerly. The pink filly returned the gesture with gusto, her own radiant smile gleaming in the morning sun.

“I missed you too, Cirrus. How’s the cleanup in Cloudsdale going?”

After breaking the hug, he shrugged. “Not so bad. I mean, clouds aren’t exactly the hardest stuff to work with; stratus clouds for the foundations and cumulus clouds for the buildings on top. The builders compact them together by ramming a bunch altogether at a time. They sort of sink into each other, actually. Cume says it ‘increases their density’ or something. Never mind Cloudsdale, though—have you heard from Valencia yet?”

Crystal Princess Aura shook her head. “I haven’t, actually. We should give her more time, though. They must have it so hard, having to replant their crops and rebuild their houses. It certainly sounds more difficult than simply pushing clouds back together.”

She paused, thinking about her Earth pony friend and the devastation that the southern homesteads had suffered. “Oh, no offense, Cirrus. I didn’t mean to word it like that.”

Cirrus smiled. “Of course you didn’t, silly filly,” he said, using her aunt’s pet name for her. Aura giggled. “That reminds me—how’s Clover doing?” He searched over her shoulder for any sign of the royal advisor.

“She’s busy with preparations for the Crystal Fair. I put her in charge of keeping an eye on security. She’s working closely with Mantissia, figuring out how best to ensure that everything goes smoothly.”

Aura sighed, then motioned for Cirrus to follow her inside off the balcony. “I keep telling her that she doesn’t need to worry, but I suppose I can’t blame her. I mean, I shouldn’t really expect everypony to just forget what she did.” Unbidden memories flickered in the back of her mind, memories she tried not to think about. “Mantissia may have sworn an oath of servitude to me, but for some ponies, nothing she ever does will make them forget her past sins.”

Cirrus frowned as he trotted inside after her. “You’re sure that Mantissia can be trusted? Don’t get me wrong, Princess—I want to trust them as much as you do—but I just have this feeling that something’s gonna go wrong at the Crystal Fair. Whether it’s the changelings who do something or an outsider, I dunno. But I can’t ignore my gut.”

The pink princess eyed her friend once more, resolve set in her eyes. “I am the Keeper of the Crystal Heart, Cirrus. I’ve seen the changes they’ve been through over the last month. They can’t hide anything from me. If even a single changeling allowed malice to build in their heart once more, I would know. I would feel it. There’s nothing at all to suggest that Mantissia or her children would betray me.”

Aura paused for a moment, inhaling and exhaling a deep breath. “They know the consequences if they do: eternal banishment from pony society. Even if we assume that their actions now are still completely selfish, the Crystal Heart provides them with more than enough free love to satisfy their urges. They have no reason to risk losing their one and only source of free food.”

Cirrus nodded. “All right, Princess. If you say so.” He laughed. “Hey, why are we talking about this anyway? You promised me a guided tour of the city when I returned. Let’s go!”

The excited colt dashed off, eager to explore the palace. Before he could get very far, a flash blinded him for a few seconds. Blinking rapidly, he came to a halt, the image of the smiling princess before him catching him off-guard.

“Come now, Cirrus, slow down! Take it easy. You’re here for a few days after all. How about we just go for a walk, or something?” Her grin widened mischievously as the glow from her horn faded. “Besides, you owe me some flying lessons first. I’m still having trouble getting used to these.”

She flapped her wings slightly, barely lifting off the ground before slumping down again. “I never thought learning to fly would be so difficult!”

“Ah, don’t worry so much. You’ll get there, Princess—”

“—And stop calling me that. You’re as much responsible for my new title as Valencia or Clover.”

Aura leaned forward and touched Cirrus’ shoulder, the Crystal Pendant flashing blue as she did so. “You are one of my best friends. I’ll not have you calling me that when you first knew me by my name only.”

“If you say so, Princess Aura.” Cirrus chortled, once again racing past her with his wings outstretched. He smiled to himself, even as he felt her condescending look upon his back.

*  *  *  *  *

There it is again. That familiar feeling. I don’t like it.

Far away in the newly christened city of Canterlot, Princess Luna leaned over the edge of her twilit balcony. Below her, the sprawling city glinted in the early light of her sister’s sun. Where once only unicorns roamed, ponies of all races were now welcome. The cleanup and restoration of the city had almost been wrapped up since the changeling invasion three months earlier. Pegasi and Earth ponies had joined with their unicorn brethren willing to lend their aid, erecting new shops and stalls to expand the trade market. With the influx of new materials, an abundance of foodstuffs and the extra helping hooves, the city would not be far off from thriving more than ever before.

Though for all of the positive feelings flowing through the city, relaxation eluded the moon princess. The regalia she wore kept sending her messages; Kindness pinged gently at her leg, while the tiara of Magic periodically sent a pulse through to her mind. The Elements know that something is happening, but I know it is not the changelings this time. So what isit?

Luna brushed a stray lock of her mane from her eyes and sighed. Rubbing her heavy eyelids with her forehoof, she let out a long, throaty yawn. The Elements were indiscriminate and unconscious to her personal well-being and body’s needs. Sometimes they feel more like a curse than a blessing. I just want a good day’s rest for a change—

A faint whoosh heralded the approach of her sister, jerking her from her musings. Celestia descended from the summit of Mount Canterlot, whereupon she raised the sun every morning. Celestia had accepted her ascension to co-ruler of Canterlot much easier than her younger sister. Everypony—and unicorn in particular— eagerly welcomed her dawn, knowing that she could easily shoulder the responsibility herself. Some still found it unbelievable that a single pony could perform a task that had previously required a quarter of the citizens to achieve, working in shifts every day.

There were certainly no complaints.

Landing on the balcony with the grace of a swan, Celestia sidled up to Luna and placed a wing over her. “What ails you, Luna? Do your Elements persist with impairing your slumber?”

Luna leaned in toward Celestia, resting her head against the snow-white alicorn’s chest.

“Y-yes.” Luna nuzzled into the comforting warmth of Celestia’s beating heart. “The tiara is especially cumbersome. I just wonder why it keeps reacting this way. Surely all of the danger perished with the queen’s pledge of allegiance? But it seems not so, for Magic continues to detect a faraway pulse of great power. I do not understand what in this world could be setting it off.”

She yawned once more. “All I know for sure is that I am beyond tired. I should have been asleep five hours ago, yet here I am.”

The elder pony smiled as she brought her wings around to Luna, lightly pulling her out of the embrace. “Don’t think I’m patronising you with this suggestion, but have you tried removing your regalia at all?”

Luna looked her sister in the eye and saw not sarcasm, but genuine curiosity.

“Yes, I’ve tried.” Luna brought a hoof to her forehead, rubbing gently. “Laughter generally lies dormant, but whenever I remove it, it hesitates only a moment or two before re-attaching itself to my leg. Kindness reacts in much the same way, while Magic refuses to even consider leaving its place atop my crown. Though it weighs next to nothing, the burden I bear is great indeed.” She sighed. “I only desire a decent sleep, Celestia. Is that so much to ask?”

Celestia pulled Luna close again. “I’m sorry for what you must endure, sister. Were there a way for me to ease this weight upon your mind, I would gladly share with you.”

She touched her horn to Luna’s, offering some of her power. “Here, this should help with your headache. I’ll take a trip to Cloudsdale and see if I can get them to schedule an overcast day. The shadows might help you drift off better.”

Luna accepted the energy, but shook her head regardless. “I can’t ask you to do that, Celestia. The plants that our Earth ponies grow need as much sun as they can get. Besides, I haven’t even been able to sleep through my own night. No amount of peace or darkness will help me sleep—not when Magic keeps sending me these accursed pulses direct to my brain.”

One final yawn. “I appreciate the generous offer, though. At least your Element serves you well.”

Luna slunk off the balcony, heading for her bedchamber. “Don’t worry about me. Maybe sometime soon I’ll pass out from sheer exhaustion and sleep through Magic’s infernal pestering.” She turned and smiled at Celestia. “And don’t you even think about raising the moon for me. That’s my job and my job alone, understand?”

“Of course, Luna.” Celestia offered a short, respectful bow. “I pray to Mother that you sleep well this day.”

As Luna’s lithe midnight-blue form disappeared into her personal grotto, Celestia shifted her gaze to stare out west. Luna may be feeling it worse, but I can feel it too. Something wicked exists in the world, and we’d better be ready for it when it strikes.

Celestia abandoned the balcony, leaving Luna to her solitude. She flew down across the gardens, where she witnessed her niece and her brand new nephew-in-law partaking in breakfast together. A warm smile crossed her face as she thought of the Duke and Duchess. Platinum, while previously eager to ascend the throne after her father Levitatus stepped down, had accepted the technicality of Celestia and Luna’s direct relation to her father as reason to succeed him in her place.

The Duke has to be the luckiest stallion in the world, Celestia thought. Not only had he not been punished for his secret liaisons with the former princess, but he had been accepted as her coltfriend and hailed as a hero to the ponies of Canterlot. A former royal guard, Edge Stalwart was completely devoted to his new bride and fully compliant with Levitatus’ decision to declare his sisters as rulers in his bride’s place.

To their great surprise, Celestia had offered the Duke and Duchess a place at her and Luna’s sides, allowing them to retain their royal lineage should either sister pass. Celestia had felt particularly old after the fight with Mantissia, but something about raising the sun just felt… invigorating.

I can only hope that Luna experiences the same sensation when she raises the moon. I don’t understand why the ponies of the world show her such little appreciation. I’ll have to hold a summit sometime to rectify that.

*  *  *  *  *

Valencia panted as she carried two final buckets of water from her homestead’s nearby stream. While the sunrise was nice, she had worked all through the night and was practically dead on her hooves. After pouring the final bucket over her carrot crop, she wiped a slick of built-up sweat from her brow. Celestia’s sun rose quickly over the horizon, bathing the land in its gentle morning glow. Valencia smiled, enjoying dawn’s gentle kiss before electing to turn in for the day.

Most ponies on the various farmsteads had almost completed the restoration process. Trees were growing well, crops were once again flourishing and only a few houses remained slightly damaged. Valencia had taken special care with her carrots and orange trees. Oddly, though she was not a nocturnal pony by nature, she found the night strangely comforting. It never seemed as dark anymore—not since her coat now possessed a faint glimmer of its own. Not only did her self-producing light aid her night vision, but ever since Luna had taken control of the night, the stars seemed more abundant and bright.

It was better to work in the cold, too. Just as her sister had taken beatiful charge of the night, Celestia seemed to have some effect on the sun since assuming stewardship over its cycle. The sun burned hotter and brighter than ever before; while this was fantastic news for the trees and crops, the ponies weren’t quite so thankful. Mercifully, the temperature seemed only a few degrees hotter on a regular basis, though random heat waves had occurred in the past while Celestia initially adjusted to her chosen task.

“Good morning, Valencia! Come on in, we’ll take it from here.”

Valencia lifted her head and saw her cousin Mulberry waving her home. Other ponies had also arisen and were leaving their houses. Grateful for her cousin’s words, Valencia trotted back home, two empty buckets in tow.

“Morning, Mulberry. What’s for breakfast?”

“Well—” a hint of slyness permeated her voice “—I thought since we finished fixing up the house yesterday, we all deserved a treat. Go on in and see for yourself.” The dark, curly-haired mare grinned broadly. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”

“I don’t doubt that for a minute, cuz. I’ll be sure to thank you when I wake up this evening.”

Valencia grinned and hugged Mulberry. “Y’all have a good day, now. There’s only a few small pests you gotta watch out for, like locusts and that. Shouldn’t be too much for you to handle, yeah?”

“Good morning, Valencia,” Mulberry pressed. “Go eat your surprise and pass out already!” They locked eyes for a moment, then simultaneously chortled.

“Righto, cuz. Have a good day then.”

Valencia turned and walked to the kitchen as the front door closed. A delicious scent filled her nostrils. Oh, she didn’t—

Mulberry grinned to herself as her cousin’s cry of “Crystal carrots!” rolled over the land. If everypony on the farm didn’t hear that, I’ll eat my mane.

A loud boom in the distance abruptly stole her attention. Concern replaced her momentary jubilation as other ponies around her looked to the west in tandem. While they all stared, Mulberry shuddered, the shadow of foreboding descending upon her heart.

That can’t be anything good…

Act One Chapter Two: Accents and Assumptions

There it is again, stronger than ever. I feel it growing closer.

For the umpteenth night in a row, Princess Luna lost a battle in her perpetual war against insomnia. Whenever she seemed to have the upper hoof, Magic upped the ante with its distracting spasms. Luna sighed as she put chin to hoof and leaned over her balcony, facing toward the southwest in the sun’s recent wake. Heavy bags lay under her eyes, her only spoils from night after night of hopeless battles.

“You summoned me, Princess?”

Her ears now erect, Luna turned quickly to her new arrival. Starshine stood motionless at the entrance to her balcony, having proceeded with unnecessary caution into Luna’s room. A tired smile graced her features for the first time in days.

“Yes. Please join me, I crave your advice.” Luna gestured to the stallion who lingered at the threshold.

Hesitantly, the silver unicorn approached the balcony where Luna stood, the star-spangled cloud on his flank reflecting the moonlight.

“Would you like some tea, or some kind of refreshment?”

“No thank you, Princess.” Starshine shook his head, his lengthy black mane waving slightly in the breeze.

“Come now, Starshine—call me Luna. You’ve known me for far too long to be formal in private.” She smiled at him, watching the stoic mask on his face melt into a far more relaxed-looking expression. “And before you start,” she added, “none of this aunt or auntie Luna business either. I know I was born before you, but you’ve technically existed longer than I have. It feels so weird to even think of you as my nephew.”

The stallion nodded. “You’ve got that right, Pr—I mean, Luna. How did I manage to overtake you in years, anyway? You don’t look a day older than when you left us.” He cocked his head, a single eyebrow raised.

“Perhaps that is a story for another time, Star?” Luna suggested. “There are other matters I wish to discuss with you. They say that you are the Dream Reader. I recall you having nightmares when you were younger. Nightmares of…” she trailed off, old guilt reawakening with her memories.

It was a past life. Don’t worry about it.

“The past is the past, Luna.” Starshine shot her a reassuring look. “Yes, that is my title here in Canterlot. I discovered it accidentally, not long after we were driven from the forest all those years ago. Uncle Star Swirl was having these… visions of a pair of ponies. He could just never remember who they were, exactly. He was certain they had existed, yet they only appeared as shadows in his mind.

“Then he remembered that you had… well, we know what happened there.” He fell silent, the unwelcome reminiscence passing silently between them. “So he came to me and asked if I could try to interpret anything from it. I sat there and concentrated for a little—a little too hard, as it turns out. I overbalanced while my eyes were closed and… I kinda hit him with my horn.

“It didn’t hurt him or anything, but in that moment I started seeing things. Images flashed through my mind that I’d never seen before. When I told him about it, he confirmed that they were the very same ones he’d seen. I just…” Starshine paused again. Rising from his position next to her, his eyes drifted off toward the moon, staring at its recent wane in luminosity. “It just... came to me. I can’t explain it, but I knew what happened. You and Prin—aunt Celestia; together you fought a terrible foe, one with frightening powers. Both of your strength combined was not enough to win the fight, yet somehow you prevailed… though at the cost of your lives.”

Starshine looked full into Luna’s face now. She flinched as she realised there would be no escape from his chilling gaze.

“How? How do you stand before me right now?”

Luna sighed in defeat. I have to tell him now. He’s truly as good as they said he is.

Starshine listened intently as Luna recounted her resurrection. She watched his face move from curious, to passive, coming to rest on awe. During her recap, Magic twinged her several more times. Often, she had to stop from the dull aches it generated.

“...So there you have it. Dimiourgia left us then, never to be seen again, while we took up the Elements of Harmony. It was then when we left the forest and came to the city, before the changeling invasion.”

Luna finished her tale, staring wistfully into the night sky. After a moment of silence, she turned to her contemplative nephew. “So, knowing all of that now, is your thirst for knowledge sated?”

The unicorn took but a moment longer before he nodded.

“As otherworldly as your situation sounds... I believe you. You’ve neither reason or incentive to lie to me, or Equestria.” He lowered his hooves off the balcony railing and trotted over to Luna. “Okay, you’ve filled me in on all I wanted to know. I suppose it’s my turn to help you out now.”

He placed a hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “Now relax. Let your mind go blank as best you can, thinking only of your feelings and your connection with Magic.”

“Don’t worry, Star. That’s not difficult.”

“Shhhh—” he moved his hoof to cover Luna’s mouth, drawing a cross-eyed expression out of her “—I work best in silence. Just connect with your feelings, nothing else matters. Lower your head gently, listen to my voice. Think internally, not externally. Lower your head, hear my voice.”

As Luna complied, Star’s horn grazed the tip of hers…

*  *  *  *  *

The glorious sun rose over the top of the Crystal Barrier, infiltrating the gloom of the royal suite. Princess Aura groaned at the otherwise-welcome sunrise as its rays pierced through her inadequate eyelids.

I don’t wanna get up yet. Five more minutes—

Knock, knock, knock!

Clearly, more sleep was not an option.

Aura sighed. “All right, Clover, I’ll be out soon!” Rescinding hoofsteps outside her door signalled their owner’s satisfaction. With a short groan, Aura rolled out of bed. It was an expansive, plushy thing, softer than the bed she’d had back home in former Unitopia. While it certainly allowed for an amazing night’s sleep, she couldn’t help but pine for her other bed. Back home…

Aura shook her head and dismissed the thought. I’m a Princess now. Not just by name anymore, but by official title. I must lead my people—especially today! Renewed vigor coursed through her as she pranced on the spot. The Crystal Fair is today!

Letting loose a high squeal, she hurriedly slipped on her royal slippers, silver crown and Crystal Pendant before magically flinging open her bedchamber doors and bounding down the steps to the dining hall.

“I’m here, everypony! Sorry I slept so long, Clover should have woken me earlier—”

Aura’s apology came to an abrupt end as she took in the scene before her. Fruit and grains of all kinds were presented on the table, a veritable smorgasbord. Clover, Cirrus and Free Spirit sat at the table, already anticipating her arrival. While she was surprised to see the wandering unicorn at her table, his presence was not unwelcome. However, her attention was utterly grabbed by the two other unicorns seated at the table:

The former king and queen of Unicornia—Portia and Star Swirl. “Happy thirteenth birthday, Aura,” they declared in unison.

For the second time that morning, Aura’s excitement levels leaped off the metaphorical charts. With another enthusiastic squeal, she ran to her parents, slowing down just enough to avoid knocking over her frail father.

“Daddy! Mother! I’m so happy to see you!”

The elderly stallion laughed as his youngest launched herself into one of his comforting hugs. “We missed you too, Aura,” Star Swirl said. “Come on, leave an old stallion be and go give your mother some love.”

Aura nodded and jumped down from his seat, only to leap up onto Portia’s adjacent one. “Thanks for coming, Mother. But I thought you and Daddy were on holiday, travelling around Equestria?”

Her mother broke the embrace and smiled at her youngest. “Oh, we can return to that anytime we like. There’s no way we would have missed the most important day of your princesshood yet! Of course we’ll be here to enjoy the fair, but we wanted to see you early before your adoring subjects swallow you up first."

Beaming, Portia hugged her filly once more before lightly nudging her off. “Wow, you’re growing up pretty fast now. How is being an alicorn treating you, sweetie?”

Aura nervously pawed at the floor, aware of all eyes on her. “Well, um, it’s all right, I guess. Everypony keeps expecting incredible things of me, though. I’m still only a filly. My magic has gotten stronger thanks to my new form and the Crystal Heart, but I still haven’t figured out how to fly yet. Cirrus was going to teach me, but he’s been busy until now.”

Her face brightened with a new smile. “Oh! I learned how to teleport! Watch this!”

Aura’s pink horn lit with her pale blue aura, before she flashed white and reappeared on her nearby empty chair. Her parents could only stare slack-jawed at each other for a minute, before they vigorously clopped their hooves together and cheered.

“Teleportation at her age, dear? Our filly is growing up so fast.” Star Swirl’s broad grin stretched from ear to ear.

Portia nodded vigorously, a golden shine in her eyes. She faced her daughter. “That spell took me years to master, Aura. Yet you’ve managed to do it in a matter of months! I’m so proud of you that I could just burst!”

Aura shrank a little into her seat. “It’s nothing, really. I had a tonne of help from Clover. She mastered it long before I did.” Aura glanced at her teacher, who returned her warm smile with a prideful one of her own.

“Let’s not make today all about me, please? It’s your birthday and your fair, after all.” Clover laughed. “There are other important ponies arriving from all over Equestria, just to be here for the Crystal Fair. There are lots of others coming who aren’t ponies, too!” Clover informed the table.

“Not ponies? You mean, like zebras and that?” Cirrus asked.

“Correct, Cirrus,” Clover confirmed. “A small tribe of zebras are coming to showcase their own natural remedies, unusual blends of magic and special, tribal rituals. In fact, there are other species coming as well. As it happens, there are even more equines in the world than we thought! For example—”

“—Ahem.”

Clover looked to the unicorn seated next to her. She broke off her explanation and nodded at a stallion with a chestnut coat and a wild, blonde mane, who sat up higher at the table.

“I apologise for the interruption, Miss Clover,” he began, “but I should very much like to be the one making this announcement. After all, it was I who went on a wild roam around the world after being trapped in stone for twenty years.”

Clover nodded in accord.

“Thank you, Clover. No disrespect meant, of course."

The stallion chleared his throat into a hoof again and sat taller on his seat. "“You all know about the zebra and the giraffes, yes? Well, there are many other kinds of equine; most are similar to us, while some others are completely different. These ‘different’ others will be a most unusual sight indeed, so I must ask you to be extra polite to them all, should you encounter them during the fair. They each have different customs and some are more easily offended than others.

“That said, let me tell you about some of them…”

*  *  *  *  *

“Now, those camels from Oatstralia, you’ve gotta pay them a decent amount of respect, otherwise they’ll be as likely to spit in your face as shake your hoof—”

“Thank you, Free Spirit, for those lovely gems of knowledge,” Clover interrupted, “but don’t you think we ought to start preparing for the ceremony now? Noon approaches faster than we would like.”

Free Spirit looked up from his lectures to see his ‘audience’ staring at him, hooves propping chins up all around. Sheepishly, he let his own head droop as he grabbed a few leftover quinces from the serving dish in front of him.

“Yes. Of course, Miss Clover. I shall be out overseeing preparations. I’ll check on the changelings first, before I pass over the other stalls.” After stuffing the quinces into his maw, he swiftly departed.

Clover’s eyes followed him out. That pony, always talking too much yet never really saying anything.

“Now, everypony,” she resumed once Free Spirit had left, “we’ve got a lot ahead of us today. We’ve stalls for various food, such as our own crystal berries. The library will be open and accepting donations of knowledge. Our musicians will be playing a slew of instruments for everypony’s entertainment, including one performer who talked us into letting him play a ‘flugelhorn’ or something. Some of our foreigners will be bringing their native fauna to showcase, so we’ll have pens and enclosures for them.”

Clover faded off. “What else…”

“Don’t forget the jousting! We pegasi do it all the time in Cloudsdale,” Cirrus piped up. “You’ll need padding, and rounded lances, and some painted targets to hit. You’ll also need some brave ponies, of course. But that’s all right—that’s where I come in!”

The crystal pegasus boldly flapped his wings and hovered before the herd. He placed a hoof upon his chest. “I, Sir Cirrus Spectrum of Cloudsdale, do hereby swear to defeat any and all foes that oppose me, and any who would threaten the safety and well-being of my Lady, the Crystal Princess Aura. On my honour as a knight, I make this vow in the presence of royalty!”

A giggle from the subject of his claim brought him back to Earth. “What? I mean it! I shall let none harm you, Lady Aura.”

“You have no idea how silly it sounds to hear you using such formal language, Cirrus!” Aura giggled again. The pegasus shrugged, then did a double take.

“Does my Lady imply that her most loyal knight lacks intelligence?” he smarmed, formality punctuating his sudden, regal tone. Finishing his sentence, he descended back into his seat and massaged his temple. “Ow, that really hurt. I sure hope ponies never talk that way normally. My brain might explode.”

He joined Aura’s raucous laughter, the two cackling madly.

An unusual warble permeated the room, interrupting the young ones’ loss of control.

“That’ll be the flugelhorn, I imagine. Our first guests are arriving!” Clover exclaimed. “Everypony, let’s go and meet our new arrivals—”

“Worry not how to welcome us—we arrive before you borne from dust.”

A deep, lilting voice echoed throughout the dining hall as a myriad of shadows materialised from within a growing cloud of smoke. Cirrus snapped to attention, rushing to guard Aura as a striped figure stepped out from within the opaque apparition. On legs of white and black—or were they black and white?—a pony-like being greeted their crystal company.

“Princess Aura, of crystalline stature,” said the zebra, “I hope you fear not our unusual nature?”

“Oh… Um, well to be honest, you did startle everypony in here with that display.” Aura poked her head around Cirrus’ wings, still outstretched in her defense. “Cirrus… Cirrus!” she cried, commanding the colt’s attention. “It’s all right, these are our zebra guests. They mean no harm.”

Cirrus raised an eyebrow.

“Stand down, Cirrus,” Aura commanded.

Cirrus reluctantly folded his wings and stepped aside, eyes now on the patient zebra. “I apologise, sir,” he offered, “but you did give us quite the surprise. I’m just doing my duty as Princess Aura’s personal knight—”

“A title you gave yourself all of a minute ago, if I recall,” Aura interrupted. “Seriously, Cirrus, it’s fine. I’m capable of looking after myself, although I do appreciate your dedication.” She placed her hoof on his shoulder.

The Crystal Pendant flashed blue.

“’Twould appear your consort’s heart is true. ’Tis obvious he cares deeply for you.” The zebra leered at Aura, inciting her to blush and lower her hoof as Cirrus turned his head aside.

“Oh… uh, we’re not exactly like that, sir,” Aura said. “We’re just friends.”

“For now your feelings you seem unwilling to chance, yet my heart tells me of a waiting romance.” Without warning, the zebra’s smile fell. “My gracious host, I fear I’ve been quite impolite. We’re not yet introduced—a most glaring oversight!”

He sank into a bow as two other like-patterned mares emerged from the dissipating smoke. “Zalia and Zanaya, my sisters two. As for me, I’m Zebedee, in service to you. We heard the whispers of your day of birth—from us to you, your tongue shall know great mirth!”

The shaman produced a bushel of a rather unusual-looking plant. Aura and Clover eyed it curiously. “Euphoria is what this crop of khat will produce, but beware, for an excess will result in its abuse.” He hoofed the small bundle to the princess as Clover approached for a closer look.

“Khat, is it? From what little I know of it, khat is an addictive leaf. No offence meant at all, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with my niece—a princess—accepting this gift.” she examined the bundle: a pile of leaves, some white-petaled flowers and a small amount of samaras. “Why would you offer this to the princess and not simply display its effects in the fair?”

“We have adequate quantities of this plant for a show, no doubts there—” the mare named Zanaya spoke this time “—yet we would hope for the princess to partake in our display at the fair.”

“’Twould be a great honour for our races to dance together.” Zalia added her silken voice to the conversation. “To solidify our hopeful new friendship forever.”

Aura looked to Cirrus, then to Clover, finally to her parents. “Well maybe just a little bit can’t hurt, right? That’s fine isn’t it?” She looked to her father, who wore a contemplative expression. Her mother looked instead to Clover, an obvious is it safe? in her eyes. Clover sighed.

“Yes, you may try this khat at the performance if you wish. But I shall control the dose; even a mild amount can send a full-grown stallion into a frenzy. I’d never forgive myself if you took too much and I’m sure your parents feel the same.” She eyed the former monarchs, a silent promise passing between them.

I will keep her safe.

“So…”

Everypony looked to Cirrus. “That’s all sorted, now can we go and meet some other new guests now? I wanna see all of these newcomers for myself—and challenge them to a joust for fair Aura’s heart.”

He glanced up and saw the princess’ normally pink hue turning a deep magenta. “Oh come on, surely you know I jest?” he asked as everyone laughed.

*  *  *  *  *

“Isn’t this all amazing, Cirrus?”

Aura dashed from stall to stall, watching everypony set up their exhibits. Cirrus, despite being one of Cloudsdale’s fastest pegasi, could barely keep up with the excited filly as she zipped between, underneath and above other curious ponies.

By Hurricane’s hooves, she doesn’t even need to fly to outspeed me when she’s hyper. “Wait up, Aura! I’m not a manticore out to get you. Yeesh!” Finally, Aura slowed down enough to enable Cirrus a breather.

“You really… should try out for the… racing team, filly.” He finally landed by her side, panting. “Either I’m getting slack—unlikely—or you’re growing faster and more powerful by the day.”

The filly blushed a furious red, staining her crystal coat. “Oh shush, Cirrus, I’m not that good. I still can’t fly properly—Hey!”

Aura jumped up unexpectedly, causing Cirrus to fly into a defensive hover over her head. “We can go and check out the races! Maybe we can do a few laps around the circuit from above?” She skipped lightly on the spot, then dashed off toward the city outskirts.

Cirrus brought a hoof to his brow and closed his eyes. Princess Aura, you are so much more trouble than you’re worth.

“Just… wait, for Pony’s sake, Aura! You’re making me look like a terrible knight!” Cirrus pelted after his charge, both of their hearty laughter drawing attention from crystal ponies all around:

“Happy birthday, Princess!”

“This fair is going to be perfect!”

“Slow down, kid—oh hello, Princess!”

Aura continued to dash through the marketplace, Cirrus in hot pursuit. As she rounded a final corner stall, the enormous, grassy field of Crystal Arena greeted her vision. Although the spectator stands were still under construction, the racetrack was perfectly accessible and ready for joyous hooves to thunder all over it.

Hooves, among other things.

Aura came to a sliding halt, just as she thought of spreading her small wings. Her mouth and eyes both wide open, Aura beheld a trio of strange creatures. They were tall, standing far higher than even Princess Celestia. Their thick, woolly brown fur covered their bodies, falling in flaps and folds around their strange, bendy necks. A giant sack rested atop their backs, further adding to their height. No mane adorned their heads, giving Aura the impression that they were old and bald like some of the elder ponies. Even their tails seemed unusual; thin, dangly strings of flesh with only a small tuft of brown fur on the tip.

“There you are, Aura. Seriously, you’ve—”

As he rounded the corner, Cirrus caught sight of the massive equines and halted, nearly skidding into the princess. “What the hay are those?”

“I don’t know, Cirrus. Let’s go and meet them!”

Before Cirrus could do anything else, he felt himself gripped in the pull of a light-blue magical glow. His limbs betrayed him as he fruitlessly tried to gallop in midair, floating after Aura as she approached the brown colossi.

“Greetings! Welcome to the Crystal Empire.”

At Aura’s voice, the small herd ceased their conversation, curious intent crossing their faces as they caught sight of the little princess at their padded feet. “My name is Aura, first Princess of the Crystal Empire and Keeper of the Crystal Heart. It’s such a pleasure to meet you all.” She glanced up at the creatures, meeting eyes with the largest of the collective.

“G’day there, young ankle biter! ’Owyagoin?”

The creature’s incredibly slimy accent was nothing like Aura had ever heard before. It seemed to blend multiple words into one; she could not be exactly certain what the male had said. “Don’t mind us, love, we don’t bite. Much.”

The creatures laughed among themselves, leaving a confused Aura to ponder what had just happened.

“Oi, you must be that young’un that old mate Free Spirit yarned about while ’e was with us,” the second one added. “You said ‘Princess,’ right?”

Aura nodded her head lightly. “Uh, yes? Yes, I did. Princess Aura. Might I inquire as to your names? And if I may be so bold, what exactly you are?”

“Ah, sorry about that, dear. Drome here’s a right dolt sometimes.”

A female stepped forward from the group, parting her peers. “Don’t even know how to recognise obvious royalty. Look alive, blokes, you’ve been addressed by a princess. Hop to it! smarten up!” The authoritative tone in the female’s voice cracked the other two into formation, retreating into a single line.

“Righto. Gents, we’ve been graced by the Crystal Princess herself, see? You gotta show proper respect now.”

“Greetings, Princess Aura.” As one, the beasts lowered their neck and front legs, sinking into a unified, graceful bow. Aura blushed at the attention, while Cirrus stood next to her, the blue glow having finally dissipated.

“Whoa, what are you guys?”

The female looked up at Cirrus’ inquiry. “We, little cobber, are camels from way beyond the black stump. Little place we like to call Oatstralia. Best country in the world, ain’t that right, brumbies?” A chorus of agreement flowed from the males’ mouths, each wearing a smug grin on their faces. “Come on, I’ll introduce ya to our rag-tag bunch. Let’s start with meself: I’m Bindii, the leader and obviously the smartest of the three of us.”

“Oh really? Ha, that’ll be the day.”

“Pipe down, Harold, you know you got nothin’ on me. Why d’you reckon I’m the leader?”

“’Cos you’ve got the ti—ooof!” Harold went down as Bindii dealt him a swift kick to the knee.

“Don’t mind him, Princess. Still haven’t drilled it into that codger when to keep his yapper shut. Anyway, we’ve come from a land far down under and we’ve traveled a long way to be here. Bloody chilly too, that last leg of the trip. Actually, we might have to wait a bit before intros, I’m parched as a bunyip out bush. Beg pardon, but d’you got a billabong anywhere around here?”

“Er… a billabong?”

“Ah, whoops. I mean, is there a local watering hole where we weary pilgrims may wet our parched throats?”

“Oh. Yes, we have a crystal lake not far from the palace.” Aura smiled at the cow, turning to Cirrus as she did so. “Hey, do you know where Free Spirit is? I haven’t seen him yet. Just between us—” she brought her mouth close to his ear “—I think I might need a translator.”

“Last I saw, he was headed off toward the changeling hive to check on Mantissia and her children. Shall I seek him out and beckon him to your side, fair Lady?”

“Yes please. Hey, wha—”

“Seeya!” Cirrus shot off, his heading to the western borders of the empire.

Aura shook her head, even as she suppressed a sly grin. That colt. He’s gonna get me in a lot of trouble, someday.

“Now, I’m no expert—” Aura started as Bindii approached her from behind “—but I reckon that fairy of a colt’s got a thing for you, Princess.”

“Oh, we’re only friends. We’ve just been through a lot together and we’re really close as a result.”

The cow fluttered her three pairs of eyelids and snaked her long neck down to Aura’s eye level. “We’ll see, darlin’. We’ll see.”

Act One Chapter Three: Meeting the Tourists

As he flew, the sun glinting off his crystalline cornflower coat, Cirrus scanned the marketplace for any sign of the wandering unicorn. Honestly, how hard can it be to spot a brown stallion in a sea of sparkling,brightly colouredcrystals?

Cirrus frowned and decided to fly higher. To his left, the southern mountain range separating the empire from Canterlot loomed high, casting its jagged shadow over the land. To his right, the crystal spire towered over the city, standing as tall as its mountain guardians. The tallest structure in the world loomed skyward, reaching for the heavens.

He noted that he’d never stopped to actually take a moment and stare at the palace. Momentarily forgetting his mission, Cirrus examined the way it shimmered in the sunlight, its sky-blue hulk reflecting its overbearing glow upon the surrounding city. The tower tops cast a tri-pronged shadow over a certain section of the city, acting as a sundial.

Who’d have thought? I knew the city was magical, but telling the time by design is just incredible. Cirrus grinned at the shadow. Not that I need a sundial to tell time anyway. He returned his gaze to the shadow’s origin, intrigued by the way the tower points tapered off.

If I think about it—he turned his head ninety degrees—the palace almost looks like a lance. He laughed aloud at a new image that came to mind: an image of him wielding the palace against a gigantic dragon.

“I’ll smite you, foul beast! Have at you!” Cirrus laughed as he mimed thrusting his weapon into the heart of his foe. “Take that! And that! Oh, you want more?” He flew backward, aiming to build up some momentum before his final charge—

“Oof!”

Seeing stars, Cirrus dipped a little in midair, catching himself after falling a few body lengths. “What the?”

He turned to look at the spot he’d fallen from. “Whoa! Where did you come from?”

The creature glared at Cirrus, its piercing eyes complementing its curved, cruel-looking beak. It was only a little larger than himself, though the entire front section of its body was covered in fluffy, white feathers. Its body from the chest down resembled a pony’s, somewhat; it had two strange-looking hooves, containing three grooves each that made them seem like four smaller, conjoined hooves. Its tail was considerably longer than Cirrus’ own, though much thinner, with a single white tuft on the tip.

“Why did you attack me, you stupid grass-eater?”

Slowly, Cirrus began to float away. “Er, sorry? I didn’t mean to, I was just—”

“You flew right into me! There’s an entire sky out there and you had to pick the single patch that I was passing through?” The creature rose its front legs and spread its appendages.

Cirrus swallowed as he eyed its claws, uncomfortably aware that each one matched his muzzle in length.

“Hey, look, I’m sorry! It was an accident, I swear.” Cirrus held his breath as the creature slowly approached. “Is there any way we can settle this that doesn’t end in bloodshed? Please?”

“Oh, but blood is just so tantalising…” A sneer replacing its vicious snarl, the creature further extended its front legs. “It’s been days since I had a decent feed—”

“Rend!”

Both turned to the powerful new voice, the creature still with its claws outstretched. “What did I tell you about flying ahead?”

“But, Father—”

“Don’t interrupt me, cub! You should know your place in this pecking order by now. Return to the others immediately.” The larger creature glared at his son, eliciting further retreat by Cirrus. With an exasperated cry, the smaller male shot a final dagger at Cirrus.

“Don’t think I’ll forget this, peasant! You’ll rue the day you infringed upon the honour of Prince Rend!” Reluctantly, he flapped his immense, tanned wings, streaking toward the southern horizon. Cirrus watched Rend retreat, his heart hammering in his chest.

“Did my son hurt you at all?”

The voice jerked Cirrus’ attention back to reality. The smaller one may have departed, but now he had to face its father. “No, sir. I mean, he did scare me, but I’m fine. I apologise for flying into him; I was caught up in a foalish illusion and not paying attention.”

A deep rumbling laugh erupted from the creature, rattling Cirrus’ very bones. Like his son, his beak and claws were rounded and sharp, but there the similarities ended. There was no trace of cruelty in this one’s eyes, no lingering resentment. His enormous black wings could have blotted out the sun at full stretch, his golden coat at odds with his massive, dark pinions.

“Apologise not, young pegasus. I saw the entire thing. Heard it too, I might add.” He motioned toward his golden ears. “You were playing a game by yourself. You fancy yourself a warrior, is that it?”

“Oh, you know, every colt my age wants to be a mighty dragon slayer when he grows up. Well not everypony, I guess. I’m just different like that. Sometimes, my brother—” Cirrus broke off, suddenly aware of his rambling “—I mean…”

He cleared his throat. “Good day, sir. My name is Cirrus Spectrum, son of Blaze. I am pleased to welcome you to the majestic Crystal Empire.” He sank into as best an airborne bow as he could manage.

“Cirrus Spectrum, I accept your welcome. I am King Sunder, ruler of the Griffon Kingdom far to the south-east.”

The king laughed once more. “You must pardon my son; I fear his mother has rather spoiled him whenever I’ve had to step away from the throne.”

Cirrus smiled with the king’s laugh, before he remembered Rend’s parting words. His smile drooped. “King Sunder, what did your son mean when he said I’d ‘infringed upon his honour’?”

The king eyed Cirrus with the mention. “There is something you need to know about our race, Cirrus Spectrum: we griffons value our honour above all else. Without our honour, we are nothing.”

Sunder sighed. “Rend, unfortunately, has developed an even higher sense of it than the rest of us. Although I know he overreacted, he does not see it as such. He will view this as a defeat of sorts. You would do well to keep away from him, especially if you’re alone.”

Cirrus nodded. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” His head shot up, the smile returning to his face. “That’s right! Please, follow me, I shall escort you to our princess.”

“My young colt, I assure you there is no need. I have my own companions, you see.” Sunder pointed a Cirrus-sized claw to the southern horizon. A cloud seemed to be approaching with alarming speed.

Squinting, Cirrus tracked the cloud’s progress. It grew ever larger, closer. Finally, he began to distinguish various shapes among it. No fewer than twenty griffons approached the Crystal Palace.

“I shall be off now. Thank you for the welcome, but I do believe your princess and her court are most eager to meet us. We should not keep them waiting.”

Cirrus bowed once more. “Of course. Please excuse me—I just remembered what I’m actually supposed to be doing.”

As Cirrus dropped altitude and scouted closer to the surface, the griffon king smiled. Yes, I should return to my subjects. Eyeing the cloud, the king beat his enormous wings and flew to regroup with his pryde.

*  *  *  *  *

“My, this is a dazzling city, Princess. A real far cry from what we’re used to, for sure.”

Aura smiled at Bindii’s compliment. “It is rather majestic, isn’t it? I’d love to tell you the story of how my friends and I discovered it sometime.”

As they drew closer to the palace, Aura noticed how many different vendors had already erected their own stalls. One presented a multitude of glittering gemstones, ranging from fiery rubies to the deepest blue sapphires. Many pilgrims from Canterlot and beyond milled around, marveling at the beauty on display.

“Will this yarn of yours also happen to include how a little tacker like yeself managed to become a princess of an entire empire?”

Aura blushed. “I-I’ve actually been a princess since birth... but when you put it that way, it does sound like quite an interesting tale from an outsider’s perspective.”

A few steps beyond the gem vendor, a tantilising scent wafted through the company’s nostrils. Next to a grassy pitch, the zebra trio had assembled their own stall already. Fragrant herbs and exotic spices permeated through the air, coercing Aura’s mouth to water. Nearing the stall, Aura could see the telltale purple of her advisor’s tail as she spoke with one of them.

“...the way you combine these flavours; oh, Goddess, it’s masterful. You know, as an aficionado of rare flora and complex tastes, I would certainly be willing to recommend any or all of you for a permanent position as Palace Chef—”

“Clover!” Aura bounded around the corner and beamed widely at her aunt. “We have company again, come and say hello!”

Clover and Zebedee’s heads peeked around the stall. Two sets of eyes widened at the sight of their Oatstralian guests.

“Ah, you must be the one Free referred to as ‘Bindii.’ Pleased to make your acquaintance and welcome to the Crystal Empire.” Clover lightly bowed; Bindii and her entourage returned the gesture.

“Zebedee, Zanaya and Zalia each welcome you graciously as friends.” The shaman and his sisters walked around the stall and offered their own short gestures. “As a token of our meeting, perhaps you wish to sample our delicious blends?”

Zebedee held out a hoof, balancing a small bowl of heavily fragrant soup that Aura could swear had not been there before.

Bindii grinned down at the strange, stripey creature. “Chuffed to meet you too, Zeb. You know, I might just take you up on that offer later, sunshine. But for now, my troopers and I are so darn parched. Our mouths are as dry as the desert we came from.”

Aura brought a hoof to her mouth. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I completely forgot! This way to the crystal lake, everyp… one.”

The four of them departed, Aura bounding ahead of the group and restarting her conversation. Clover’s eyes followed them, just one part of a multi-tiered smile. Ever the polite, considerate child. The Crystal Empire is in good hooves.

Her nostrils flared as the potent waft of Zebrican herbs teased her senses, jerking her from her thoughts. Now, to try some of that delicious-smelling soup...

*  *  *  *  *

The noonday sun beat down upon the crystal city, blazing hotter than recent times. Cirrus normally enjoyed the summer months; diving in and out of clouds with his friends back in Cloudsdale had long been a favourite way to cool off and have fun at the same time. Skies were usually clear over Equestria during the mid-year, where the pristine blue was complemented by rolling green fields. Earth ponies would be tending to their flourishing crops, readying them for late-summer and early-autumn harvest. Pegasi would be sweeping throughout the skies, attempting to extract any and all moisture out of the air in preparation for autumn and winter.

Unicorns… Cirrus had to wonder. What are the unicorns doing for summer? They’ve had their most important jobshouldered by the Royal Sisters.

He paused mid-flight to wipe away a hefty amount of sweat from his face. Being closer to direct sunlight was beginning to take its toll. Where the hay is Free Spirit, anyway? He can’t have disappeared… or maybe he can, I guess. Eh, I’ll look for him again in a bit, I’m parched. Cirrus looked to the east, smiling at the sight of the sparkling crystal lake on the other side of the palace.

Refreshment, here I come!

Cirrus soared through the air at top speed, relishing the wind whipping at his silver mane. Barely a minute later, he touched down at the verdant lake edge and lowered his head to take a sip. As he did, his eyes caught his shimmering reflection—

“Such a great day, wouldn’t you agree?”

Cirrus gasped as he stumbled backward, landing firmly on his flank. A brilliant pair of large, emerald eyes greeted him, accompanied by an amused, fanged smirk. “You! W-what are you doing here?”

Mantissia pulled her lips back into a teasing leer. “Why, quenching my thirst, you see. Surely one such as yourself understands the concept.”

The changeling queen continued to smirk. Taller than even Princess Celestia, the black-and-green imitation alicorn towered over Cirrus, her eyes seeming to bore into his own. “But please,” she continued in her dual-toned rasp, “do not let my own desires prevent you from fulfilling your own.”

Cirrus stood up, glancing at his company with narrowed eyes. The last time they’d met, both of them had narrowly escaped death. They had fought viciously, each dealing the other powerful blows.

“Oh, I know exactly how you feel, Cirrus.” Mantissia lowered her head to his level. “Very well, I shall be honest with you: I have no need of water at all, for the Crystal Heart supplies me with all the nourishment I desire. No, I actually saw you flying here and decided to join you. Since the day that Princess Aura… spared my life, I’ve been meaning to catch you alone.”

“Yeah?”

Cirrus stood his ground, memories of Cloudsdale’s almost-ruin taking centre stage in his mind. “And what is it that you want from me? What makes me so special?”

Mantissia sighed at Cirrus’ stance. Lightly buzzing her translucent wings, she fell to the lake edge and sat before him. “I can feel your mistrust of me. While it pains me that you hold it still, I acknowledge that your reasons are valid and warranted. The reality is, I have no hidden agenda.

“What I really want to say is… sorry.”

Cirrus’ ears perked up. He raised his head a little more, even as he lowered his own plot to the ground.

“Sorry for all of the things that my children and I did. I spoke with Princess Aura a while ago and she told me that your family were among the victims of my foolhardy invasion attempt. As a result, I came to the conclusion that since you seem close to the princess, I should apologise to you personally. I know that it will take a long time to make up for what we did, but I assure you, I have seen the light. Aura’s mercy has tempered our hearts. We seek only mutual love and to right our past wrongs.”

Cirrus shook his head. “Listen, Mantissia. I appreciate you coming to tell me this yourself, but really, it’s going to take a long time before anypony trusts you again. Aura may have the bleeding heart of a puritan, but you did some terrible things. It doesn’t matter what reasons you may have had for doing all you did, or what you may be doing for redemption.”

He rose and took a long drink from the lake’s edge, aware of the emerald orbs still fixed on his back. Wiping his mouth, he let out a satisfied gasp and faced Mantissia again. “For Aura’s sake, I will accept your apology. She believes in you, so I suppose I can too. But let me make one thing absolutely clear.”

He spread his wings and flapped up to her face. “Though I no longer consider you my enemy, I cannot ever consider you my friend. And as long as I live, if you, or any of your descendants dare to raise even a single hoof against my princess, I will personally bring ruin upon your race.”

Mantissia blinked. Once.

“Your loyalty to her knows no bounds, it seems. Very well, I will take your acceptance of us, even if it does not come paired with your friendship. But please listen to these words: stay near her. Be her guardian at all times. There are greater evils in this world than even what we demonstrated, and she will count on you more than you realise.”

Mantissia rose, once more casting her lengthy shadow over him. “There is no creature in this realm more in touch with the feelings and emotions of others. Trust me when I say that you would do well to remain by her side.”

Cirrus opened his mouth, but found his tongue wrapped around itself. He swallowed his unspoken words as Mantissia shot a final remark over her shoulder.

“If you seek Free Spirit, you should return to your princess. He finished his business with us not long ago.”

*  *  *  *  *

“What’s your home like, Bindii?”

Aura’s short legs trotted three steps to match every single length of her companions. As she, Bindii, Harold and Drome neared the palace, the cluster of early-bird tourists and other crystal ponies stopped to stare at the unusual passers-by. The bulls gazed around in wonder, moving their versatile necks around and soaking up the attention with smug grins on their faces.

“I’ll tell you right now, Missy, it’s most definitely nothing like this gorgeous realm of yours.” Bindii’s own head roamed like a furry serpent, taking in the sights. “Your entire city is smooth and polished. It looks like it was cut from the heart of some enormous rainbow-hued opal. It’s all sparkly and gorgeous. Everything back at the old sandbox is just… well, sandy. Everywhere you look, there’s mostly just that gritty nuisance beneath your feet and blowing through the air, a few patches of saltbush and spinifex grass littering the countryside.”

Bindii brought her head level with Aura and blinked her three sets of eyelids, grinning at the princess’ quick stumble. “Don’t even get me started on the sandstorms. That blizzard we passed through to get here? Water off a duck’s back to us by comparison. Blinding winds and snow might bring a few shivers, but a vicious, swirling, sandy twister could strip the fur from your little crystal bones.”

Aura shivered. She looked into Bindii’s dark-brown eyes and saw no lie within. “But how do you all manage to survive? Oatstralia sure sounds like a dangerous place.”

“Aye, it is,” Harold piped up, eliciting a slight misstep from Aura as she turned to face him. “Sandstorms aren’t all we have to contend with. Y’oughtta see some o’ the creatures and creepy-crawlies we got there. Most would attack you soon as flee and they can all move faster than you could blink.”

“Old mate Free told us about some of the creatures in the forest he used to live,” Drome added. “Timberwolves, cockatrices, manticores; no doubt they’re all dangerous. But they’s all bulky, easily avoided by our standards. The real danger is those small, slippery buggers. Redbacks, taipans, scorpions…”

The bull lowered his voice. “They won’t just kill you, they’ll make you suffer. Any o’ them gets you with their venom, you can pretty much say g’night and hope it takes you quickly.”

“Whoa… is it really that b-bad?”

“Oh yes, and that’s just the beginning!” Drome shared a chuckle with Harold, each fixing their gaze on Aura. “Wait ’til you hear what happens to your insides while the poison—”

“Are you blokes done terrifying our host?”

Bindii had stopped walking, her stony gaze freezing the entire group in place. “Save it for a spooky campfire night, you dolts. We’re supposed to be entertaining the princess, not making her quake in her hooves at the mere thought of our home.”

“Aw, we’re just havin’ a giggle. Don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud, Bindles.” Harold frowned and turned his head up. “’Sides,” he added, “’snot like she’ll ever visit anyway. You’re laughing if you think a princess would leave a glorious palace like this one for a trip out bush with us ragged folks.”

He leered down at Aura. “You’re a pretty little thing, Princess. Be a shame for any stray grain o’ sand to tarnish that lovely coat.”

A loud bwuit! and a stray fleck of moisture splattered upon Harold’s nose.

“Enough, Harold.” Bindii rose her neck and pulled her head back, licking a corner of her lips while the bull recoiled. “Keep your trap shut already. Are you such a dumb blighter that you don’t realise she’s not used to Oatsie banter?”

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Please forgive that horrid display, Princess. It’s not often I lose my temper like that, but those two really need to stop fart-arsing around in the presence of royalty.”

Aura would have opened her mouth to offer a petite pardon, had a great shadow not passed over them and temporarily blocked out the sunlight. A piercing cry filled the air, drawing the attention of the quartet and the surrounding ponies. Gasps and whispers passed back and forth as a large flock of unusual beasts zoomed overhead.

“Seems like you have more guests to welcome, Princess.”

Though she flicked her ear at Bindii’s words, Aura continued to stare after the hybrids. Their claws, their beaks, their sheer size… A quick shiver ran through her body before she turned back to address her escorts.

“Yes, I do believe we should.”

*  *  *  *  *

Free Spirit ambled back toward the palace, his meeting with Mantissia still fresh in his mind. He concentrated on his breathing, deeply inhaling and exhaling in a steady rhythm with the clop of his hooves. Thankfully, his heartbeat had finally slowed to normal.

Seeing the exterior of the changeling hive had filled his mind with many images, few of them welcome. Though he did not consider the tall, black spire on the city’s outskirts ugly by any means, its… unusual appearance had rather put him off entering. It was only Mantissia’s assurance of his safety and the knowledge of his duty that enabled him to cross her home’s eerie threshold.

Inside the hive was an enormous entrance hall—if one could call it that. A completely empty space stretched out and around a central, wide, winding staircase. Various hollowed-out niches and short passageways branched off everywhere, some filled with a sleeping drone, others missing their patrolling occupants. As Free breathed, a sickly sweet smell permeated through the room, though he had not been able to place the origin. The constant buzz of rustling wings and light changeling snores had filled his ears. A few drones had entered and departed while he debated with himself whether or not to actually ascend the heights of the staircase.

Despite the atmosphere, the meeting had gone rather well.

Free continued to breathe deeply in and out as he tried to think of anything other than Mantissia. The... mare had been gracious enough to offer him refreshment in her chamber. She'd proclaiming that he ought to relax and he was most certainly not about to be pounced on and drained. Although he could be if he wished, she’d added with a sly smirk.

No, don’t think about that, Free. That’s not happening, no way, not ev—

His heartbeat began to race again. Fortunately, a distraction arrived at that precise moment, in the form of his being unceremoniously lifted from the ground and held before an enormous, golden creature in its pony-sized talons. Free stared into the immense face of King Sunder, exerting the greatest of efforts to not shudder in the griffon’s grasp.

“Free Spirit! How do you fare on this glorious day?”

Sweet mother of creation, my heart knows no respite today. Closing his eyes for a second, Free inhaled and exhaled sharply. “A pleasure to meet you once more, Your Majesty. On behalf of Crystal Princess Aura, I bid you and your pryde welcome to our city.”

Feeling the pump slow in his chest once more, Free relaxed and met Sunder’s gaze. “Although I do hope that you all managed to arrive without terrifying our entire populace.”

Sunder’s booming guffaw blanketed the area as most of his pryde descended for a post-flight drink from the crystal lake. “Such a joker you are, my friend. A valid hope it remains, though. As far as I am aware, my son has only attempted to eat one of the princess’ subjects so far.” The ground drifted closer as he, too, lowered them back to solid Earth. “I’d say he’s doing rather well, actually.”

Unsure whether or not to believe the king, Free let out a short, diplomatic chuckle in response.

“Well, where did all you lot come from? Never seen your ilk before.”

Free immediately recognised Bindii’s husky tone. He and Sunder turned at her deep voice, eyeing their new acquaintances. Princess Aura had arrived at the lake, flanked by Bindii and two of her companions, who immediately stepped up to the water’s edge and began to slurp loudly. A slight whoosh overhead alerted him to the return of Cirrus, who landed and settled into step next to the princess. He shot her a smile and bent his knee to the king.

“King Sunder, it is my honour to present Crystal Princess Aura: Keeper of the Crystal Heart and ruler of this fine city,” Free announced. “The Princess’ acquaintances include fellow discoverer of the Crystal Heart, Cirrus Spectrum, Lady Bindii of Oatstralia and her companions, Harold and Drome.”

Bindii rose her head from the water. “Lady, huh? I suppose he’s never seen a gal spit before.”

A twitch developed at the corner of Aura’s mouth before she, too, bowed before the golden behemoth. “King Sunder, I welcome you to my kingdom. I am most pleased to meet you.”

She rose and analysed his golden frame and dark wings. “It appears that Free Spirit’s tales of your great stature were not exaggerated in the slightest.”

“You can say that again,” Cirrus whispered in her ear.

“His tales of your radiant beauty, likewise, prove factual in every sense.” Sunder sank into his own bow, though his size rendered the movement barely perceptible. “The stallion who successfully woos you is a fortunate one indeed, Princess.”

Aura blushed and turned her head. “Um… thank you?”

“Pardon me, everyone, but I think we’re good with pleasantries for now,” Bindii declared. The party’s attention now trained on her, she continued, “Nice to meet you all, g’day, howyagoin’ and all that, but don’t we have a fair to cobble together?”

While Free brought a hoof to his face and shook his head at the camel’s blunt statement, the king simply let out a screech of his own. “Aye, Lady Bindii has a point; the day marches on and time does not flow in reverse. Again, pleased to meet you all, but I must now assemble my pryde. Free Spirit, my friend—” the unicorn found himself upon the griffon’s back, clinging to the king’s fur “—would you kindly give us all the grand tour?”

While scrabbling for a hold on Sunder’s back, Free stammered out some sort of agreement.

“Excellent. Let us be off, then. Oh, how rude of me—” Sunder faced Aura once more “—congratulations are in order. Happy birthday, Princess.”

The sun hid from the group’s sight briefly as Sunder and Free ascended, the mighty griffon’s wingspan casting a lengthy shadow.

“Gotta say, that Sunder fella seems a top bloke, don’t he?” Bindii noted as Sunder’s huge form retreated.

Aura turned to Cirrus. “Well, there goes my translator again.” She giggled at his resultant sigh.

“So.” The group turned to Harold. “Now that we’ve had our intros, you lot reckon we oughta return to preparing for the festivities?”

“Yes, let’s.” Aura nodded as the camels turned south. “Cirrus, would you mind terribly just cruising around and keeping an eye on things for a while?”

Cirrus’ eyes glinted as he stiffened and wagged his shoulders. “Heh, like you even need to ask. I’ll keep everyone in line, you just watch!”

“Thanks so much. I’ll come find you later when things are in full swing. I want to see you in action as my great protector later. You’d better find a jousting opponent, or I’ll be most displeased.” She held his gaze for but a second before releasing her pent-up laughter. “Goodbye!”

The Crystal Pendant flashed blue.

Cirrus watched as Aura bounded after the furry beasts, lightly shaking his head as she continued to giggle. If it’s a joust she wants, it’s a joust she’s going to get! What better way to prove myself?

“Well, if it isn’t snack time already.”

Cirrus’ ears leapt skyward as he spun to face his new company. Prince Rend had flown on silent wings to land next to him. “That’s your princess, then? Pretty little thing. Be a shame if anything happened to her under your charge.” Rend’s beak curled into a vicious-looking grin.

“You leave her alone, Rend. Your quarrel is with me and me alone.” Cirrus lowered his stance and spread his wings. “I am her knight; nobody will ever get to her as long as I’m around.”

“Relax, you foal. I swear I’ll not harm a tuft of her precious little mane. You, however…” A feral gleam appeared in Rend’s eyes. “I overheard her speaking of a ‘joust,’ to prove your worth? What is this ‘joust?’ Does it involve a diplomatic way to tear the flesh from your bones for your earlier insult?”

A shiver ran through Cirrus at the yellow glimmer in the prince’s eyes. He forced himself to stare into those hungry orbs.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Your Highness, but it’s merely a combat simulation. We pegasi started it, actually. The competitors run at each other with long, blunted poles under their wings and aim for their opponent’s armour. Whoever’s aim is truest and legs are fastest will knock their opponent down and claim victory and honour.”

Cirrus smirked at Rend, standing a little taller as he did so. “Just so you know, I’ve never been defeated in my age bracket.”

Rend let out a derisive snort. “Never defeated, you say? If that’s not a challenge, I’m nothing more than an insignificant rooster.”

Before Cirrus could blink, he found himself face-to-face with his new adversary.

“I will take you down. I will destroy you in front of your friends. Then will I consider your insult forgiven.”

“Hey! You’re the one who—” Cirrus started to say, but the griffon had already dashed off back the way he came.

“You’d better be ready for me, pegasus. Embrace your final day on this planet, while you still can.”

Act One Chapter Four: Darkest Before the Dawn

Her first daily glimpse of Canterlot Citadel always left a content smile on Celestia’s face. She awoke every morning before moonset to the scent of flowers, carried up on the breeze from the valley many fathoms below. Summer was in full bloom: a delightful array of golds, reds and greens littered the countryside as far as she could see.

She would wake from her slumber and take a moment to gaze at the stubborn moon, before heading for the North Tower. Oftentimes she would find her sister there, a morning greeting and hug passing between them. Lately, Celestia had taken to waking earlier than usual and meeting Luna for a brief exchange. Though she did what she could to aid and comfort her sister, Luna’s insomnia had only worsened.

Celestia ascended the spiral steps, hearing the gentle echo of each hoofstep reverberate up the passageway. One particularly dark morning, Luna had been so jumpy when Celestia landed next to her that she’d swung out a hoof on instinct. Celestia chuckled to herself as she reminisced on her narrowly avoided bruised face. At least this way, Luna would know of her approach.

Reaching the end of the staircase, Celestia passed through the candlelit room and stepped out onto the balcony. A quick glance around revealed something different about the area, which resulted in a slight furrow of the princess’ brow.

Luna was nowhere to be seen.

Celestia scanned the darkened citadel, her stare aided by the soft light of the moon. Where could she be? She focused her energies inward, calling upon Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The jewels attached to her forelegs and neck glowed with their pink, red and orange hue while her horn glowed a deep gold.

Luna. Where did you go? Are you all right?

Seconds passed in silence, with no response from the Elements. Celestia tried again, concentrating harder.

Please, Luna. If you are capable, answer me.

A faint ping passed through the tip of her horn, into her mind. There was Magic’s response… from somewhere south… Celestia aimed her horn and shot a narrow beam of bright golden light into the sky. She waited, still as stone, her breath bated…

A full minute passed before a precise, narrow beam of violet light collided with the tip of her horn. Celestia exhaled deeply and released her focus. After the Elements’ glows each faded, she leapt off the balcony and flew south, embracing the way the cool morning air nipped at her coat and feathers. Her eyes roved across the sky and the surrounding countryside as she soared like an albatross through the air.

Her flight lasted a full five minutes before she eventually caught sight of a small, glowing beacon. Even in the gloom of early morn, the Element of Magic could be seen atop Luna’s head, emitting its bright purple light. Celestia stared into the dark, firing another beam of light overhead to illuminate Luna’s approaching form. There she is. Wait, what is that…?

“Luna, are you all right?” she called into the twilight. “I was worried about you. Tell me the next time you decide to gallivant about Equestria, please. The time draws near to raise the sun.”

Luna continued to fly closer to Celestia, her blank expression betraying nothing. As she closed the distance between them, the glow of her tiara faded. After a few seconds, she pulled up before Celestia and flapped her wings in place, gently rising and falling. Without a word, she lit her horn and levitated a mysterious bundle off her back, her face remaining passive.

Celestia’s eyes widened as she suppressed a gasp of horror, missing a beat of her wings while a hoof touched her lips.

A mare of orange coat and dual-toned mane floated before her. Her fur was patchy with blackened scorch marks. Most of her mane was missing. An acrid smell reached Celestia’s nose as she looked over the mare, forcing her to recoil. Where her fur was missing, angry red welts glowed in the presence of Celestia’s golden hornlight. One of her rear legs was crushed, fragments of reddened bone poking out from where her femur and tibia should have been… were the limb not an unrecognisable mess.

Only one identifying trait remained of the mare: the spherical cutie mark of an orange fruit on her right flank.

“By our great Mother… What happened, Luna? What did this to Valencia?”

Luna remained silent. She returned the immobile pony to her back, making for the city.

Celestia shook her head, blinking away the angry tears leaving her eyes. She deactivated her magic and beat her own immense wings in pursuit of her sister. “Luna, tell me what has transpired. You shall not leave me in the dark about this!”

She flew harder, yet even with Luna’s load, Celestia lagged behind. “Luna!”

Luna turned her head as she flew on. “I will explain back at the tower. You must not let this interrupt your solar duty.”

Celestia closed her eyes and breathed in as deep as she could. She held her breath for three seconds before releasing it. “As you wish, sister. But you will not leave my sight until I know everything you do.”

Ahead of her, Luna nodded and lowered her speed, allowing Celestia to draw level. “The situation is grave, Celestia. We will need to protect our little ponies once again.”

They flew together in silence, many thoughts racing through Celestia’s mind. What could have done this? Why? Is she the only casualty? Why would Luna not wake me? How did she even know?

Two minutes later, the pair landed atop the north tower’s balcony. Taking great care, Luna placed her bundle on the floor at Celestia’s hooves. She rose her head and lit her horn, the whites of her eyes eclipsing her irises. Gently, the moon completed its descent below the horizon.

Celestia did not raise the sun in kind. She continued to stare at the crystal corpse. After ten full seconds, she rose her head from the morbid sight.

“Explain.”

Luna finally met her gaze in the gloom. Her mask cracked, crumbled and shattered before Celestia as tears began to pour down her face. “I could have stopped this, sister! All this time, everything that Magic tried to warn me about. Every migraine, every pang I have felt these past nights… every one of them was a life lost that I could have prevented!”

“Luna, there is no way you could have kn—”

“No, Celestia, I should have known. I should have investigated when it first started happening, instead of trying to brush it off. Magic was warning me of this; it knew something was horribly wrong all this time, yet I remained inactive!”

Luna leapt toward Celestia and wrapped her forelegs around the latter’s neck, sobbing violently into her mane. “Wh-what good are our Elements if we-we do not use them?”

Celestia wrapped her wings around her blubbering sister, gently stroking her back. “Shhh, Luna. This wasn’t your fault. You are not the one behind this tragedy. Indeed, had you still not acted, who knows how long this… whatever this is could have persisted.” She squeezed Luna firmly, then released her. “Now tell me what happened. I’m not raising the sun until you do.”

“But, Celestia—”

“The night can last forever for all I care. You need to tell me everything, Luna. What happened?”

Luna released her grip from around Celestia’s throat and leaned back, still shaking slightly. “Two nights ago, I decided that enough was enough. I was not simply suffering with migraines and pangs anymore. Nightmares had begun to accompany them whenever I did manage to sleep: nightmares of our old home, of the horrible creatures that now inhabit it. Often I would find myself running from one or many, screaming at the top of my lungs. I was hornless, wingless, never fast enough.”

She took in a deep breath and let it out. “Yesterday, I summoned our nephew, Starshine. Among the talk of our subjects, I have heard that he possessed a most curious special talent. I brought him here to try it out on me… and what he found horrified him. I asked him to tell me…”

Luna closed her eyes as the tears began anew. Her voice trembled with a sudden, unbridled fury.

“He’s back, Celestia—more malicious and devastating than ever before.”

Celestia felt her blood run cold. “The chaotic one? Did we not silence him forever many years ago?”

“I…” Luna looked to the blackened body of Valencia. “I am not sure. My memories of that event are still… clouded.” She shook her head. “That is not the most pressing issue here! Vorjhan has returned. This time, he commands an army. An army… of dragons.”

“Dragons? Are you absolutely sure?” Gazing once more at Valencia’s body, Celestia had to admit that the mare’s injuries seemed to back Luna’s statement.

“Six of them, Celestia. Different sizes, different colours, different temperaments… but all of them vicious. It is they who have been terrorising Equestria, uncontested! The Whitetail Woods, the desert to the south, the far southeastern swamps… the Earth pony farms… Magic was trying to show me everything. And I didn’t listen.”

Celestia closed her eyes and held them shut, envisioning the serpentine creature who had returned to make existence his plaything; his mannerisms, his many different body parts, his apathetic laugh— “What of the others? What happened to the farmsteads? Did anypony else…”

Luna bowed her head, her mane falling flat. “As far as I could tell from the state of the scene… there were no survivors. The land is scorched, the houses burning. You could probably see the lingering smoke cloud from here if the sun were up. Our Earthen brethren would have stood no chance against six flame-spewing, winged behemoths.”

She rose her head, her cheeks glistening and her eyes bloodshot. “Celestia… I doubt even we could stand against them. If Vorjhan chooses to attack Canterlot, we might have a slim chance to repel him with everypony’s magic. But the pegasi in Cloudsdale, or the others in the Crystal Empire—”

“Aura!” Celestia’s face drained of colour as she sat back on her haunches. “The Crystal Fair starts today! We have to warn them of the danger!”

Celestia stood again immediately, so fast that Luna almost overbalanced with her recoil. She caught herself in time to hear the whoosh of Celestia’s wings and witness her sister lift off the balcony. Thinking fast, she activated her magic and enveloped Celestia in her aura.

“Just… wait… Celestia! We cannot simply rush off and leave Canterlot defenceless. Just… hold still for a while and… think!”

With much grunting and straining, Luna slowly forced Celestia back to the balcony floor, the elder resisting the entire time. “Let us pool our thoughts… ungh… and devise a plan. Remember how much difficulty we had with Mantissia? A single… changeling queen? What makes you think we have the power to stop not one but six dragons and our old nemesis?”

Celestia ceased her struggling and succumbed to Luna’s force. As the aura around her dissipated, she sighed and brought a wing to her face. “Of course. You are right, Luna. I just… could not bear to see anything happen to Aura or her new Empire. They will not know what is coming—the very real danger we all now face.”

“Your heart is in the right place, Celestia.” Luna walked back over to her and lightly nuzzled her chin. “But we know not the extent of his power, nor the limitations of our own. I think we should watch and wait, at least for the duration of the crystal fair. Let the princess and her people have their celebration, then inform her of the danger. The last thing we need is the entire populace running rampant in panic.

“Besides,” she continued, “speaking of changelings: you do remember that Aura has her own private army now? Every changeling in the land, including their queen, is at her immediate command. I should think that they could provide their own defensive stand, at the very least until we’ve formed some idea of a plan.”

“When did you become the wiser of us, Luna?” Celestia chuckled. “I should be the one with the level head here. If I am to continue leading our ponies toward a prosperous age, to be their beacon of light, I must be strong. I must be the master of my emotions.”

“To be their beacon, you must also raise the sun.”

“Ah. Yes, that too.”

Celestia stood. She walked a short way from Luna and rose above the balcony. Higher and higher she flapped, her eyes whitening and her horn shining with a brilliant golden hue. The darkness lifted as the sun crested over the eastern treetops. Seconds later, it had completed its journey into the sky. Already, Celestia could see a slow trickle of ponies emerging from their houses. She descended to the balcony and met with Luna. It was only in the new light of the sun that her sister’s fatigue became truly evident.

“Lulu, you should go to sleep. Hopefully you can catch a decent rest, now that we know the truth of the matter.”

Luna shook her head and held up a hoof. “There will be a time for sleep later. My first action this morning must be to plan a funeral. So many have died already…” She cast a glance of remorse in Valencia’s direction. “Her coat still shines with your early sunbeams. Beneath the devastation, even in death, she retains her gleaming light.”

“Valencia Orange will be given the proper respects, Luna. For now, we can only preserve her body until all who knew her can be present to see her farewelled. I will take care of the situation personally. You should get to bed,” Celestia urged. “Our country must have its leaders at full strength and attention if it is to stand a chance against this threat.”

“We will see if Magic permits me.” Luna’s mouth opened wide, expelling a long, drawn-out yawn. “Do take care of yourself today, Celestia. For now, I retire.”

She made her way across the balcony, back toward her chambers. She paused at the door and turned back. “But do not dare hesitate to awaken me if anything happens. Harmony cannot work at peak power without both of us present.”

“You will be the first to know. I will inform the Duke and Duchess of the situation. The Royal Guard must be mobilised.” With her final words, Celestia watched Luna depart. Once the door had closed, she turned back over the balcony and stared to the south, noticing the thinnest of dark, skyward trails heading up into the atmosphere. Her eyebrows converged as she pulled her lips into a snarl.

Vorjhan… for your blatant wanton destruction, you will be punished. We will find you and your foul creations. And we will stop you.

*  *  *  *  *

Cirrus fumed as he flew casually through the crystal streets to catch up with Aura and the camels. That Rend… How dare he even joke about harming the princess. I swear I’m gonna knock him down a few royal pegs. Preferably in front of everypony. He cast a glance back over his shoulder, eyeing the griffon pryde still visible over the far side of the lake. Why are you so arrogant? Your father seems friendly enough.

Cirrus huffed and turned his attention forward—

“Whoa!” He came to an abrupt halt in midair before he could collide with a pair of unicorns. “Please excuse me, Your Highnesses.”

Cirrus folded in his wings and dropped to the ground, bowing before the former monarchs. “I have got to stop bumping into others today. It’s going to get me into trouble.” Pfft, like it hasn’t already.

“Have no fear, young pegasus. There was no harm done in the end.” Star Swirl smiled down at Cirrus, then held a hoof next to his wife. “Portia and I have been seeing the sights of the fair. I have to say, this city has quite impressed us with its unique atmosphere.”

“It is truly a wonderful city, Cirrus,” Portia added. “You were one of its founders, were you not?”

Cirrus rubbed the back of his head with a hoof. “Well, I suppose you could say that. I mean, all our trio did was discover the Crystal Heart. It was completely unexpected and accidental. Really, the city kind of… unfolded around us of its own accord. Where we stand right now? This used to be a huge mountain—” he spread his forelegs and wings out, moving them in a circular motion “—until Aura—I mean, the princess—touched the Heart.”

“Aura has told us the story. It is truly remarkable, to be sure. I can only begin to imagine what life could have been like for our own people, had our city had been so easily created.”

Star Swirl ran a hoof through his lengthy silver beard, twirling it absent-mindedly. “Of course, the labour of love put into its creation over many years is a testament to the unity of our people. Especially now, with Celestia and Luna spearheading the rebuild and restoration, aided by ponies of all races.”

“Dear, do you remember what we were doing just before?” Portia nudged Star Swirl’s shoulder.

“Oh, yes, right.” Star Swirl shook his head and looked from his wife to Cirrus. “We were searching for our daughter. Perhaps you know where she is?”

Cirrus nodded and leapt into the air once more. “Sure thing, Your Highnesses, I was actually on my own way to rejoin her. She’s headed off to the south side with her camel entourage. Have you met them yet?”

Star Swirl and Portia looked at each other. “Why no, I cannot say we have,” Star Swirl said. “Would these be the same camels that Free Spirit mentioned earlier?”

“Yup. Come on, follow me.” Cirrus made to fly forward, but was halted by the sound of Star Swirl clearing his throat. He turned around. “Er, is there a problem?”

“Oh, no problem, per se. I only wish to tell you that you no longer need to address either of us as ‘Your Highness’ anymore. We willingly stepped down from the throne, remember?”

Cirrus opened his mouth, then paused, a hoof to his chin and his eyes skyward. “Well, if you insist… I was only saying it out of reverence, though, rather than necessity.”

Portia stepped forward. “Your manners are respectable, young one. Though you must realise that you have earned our admiration many times over as well. You accompanied our daughter in her most dangerous hours. You fought for her life when all seemed lost. Despite this, you never once asked for or demanded any form of compensation from anypony.”

She laid a hoof upon his airborne shoulder. “She owes you her life, whether you acknowledge that or not.”

Cirrus shrugged. “With all due respect, Your… Lady Portia, we all helped each other, really. If we didn’t work as a team, none of us would have survived. Besides, Valencia was far more like a guardian to her than I was. Honestly, I was just swept up along for the ride. She’s far more deserving of your gratitude.”

Portia lowered her hoof and stepped back as Star Swirl spoke again.

“That may be true, but you cannot deny that your role in those events was significant. In any case, Aura seemed to speak most highly of you in particular when recounting her adventure to us.” Star Swirl gave a wink to Cirrus, whose face flushed the palest shade of pink.

“W-well, naturally, when ponies are thrust into life-and-death situations, surely a… bond of sorts forming between them is inevitable?” He zipped back through the air. “Now, weren’t we on a quest to locate your missing heir?”

Star Swirl and Portia chuckled to each other. “Of course,” the mare said. “Lead on, gallant knight!”

*  *  *  *  *

Aura giggled and frolicked around with the lambs in the pen, watched on by Bindii and crew. “They’re so cute!” she squeaked as the tiny, fluffy creatures chased after her. She sat down and allowed them to bombard her, licking her face and bleating in their high voices. “Oooo, I want to keep one! I’ll give it love and attention and feed it our crystal berries and call it “Fluffles!”

Bindii, Harold and Drome looked at each other, laughing. “They’re just the beginning of our exhibit, Princess,” Harold said. “Wait’ll you get a load of our other goodies!”

He wandered over to their traveling wagon and grasped the handle of another cage in his mouth. “E’ve got fom’ rare fpec’mens in ’ere you n’t never gon’ fee ’nywhere elf.”

He returned and placed the cage on the ground outside the makeshift lamb enclosure. Aura fluttered over the guardrail and landed lightly on her hooves before the cage, leaving the lambs to bleat among themselves. She lowered her head to see its contents, letting out a short “Awww.” A tiny creature with a long snout, fluffy ears and beady eyes sniffed at her from within. “What is it?”

“That, Missy, is a very rare creature called a bilby. It’s incredibly difficult to find and more so to catch. This little bugger—” Drome pointed a padded foot at the cage “—took us the greater part of twelve hours to snare. We ended up baiting it into the cage with some bush apples.” He gave a nod to Harold, who returned it and wandered with him over to the wagon. “Bindii, would you kindly introduce this one?”

The cow grinned and lowered her head to Aura, who gaped in awe at the captive bilby. “You’re gonna fan over this big boy too, Princess. He’s a might slower than these other fuzzballs, but he’s built like a sandstone fortress.”

She rose her head again as Harold and Drome, straining, dropped another cage at her feet. “Come and check him out, but—” she started to whisper “—be very quiet. He’s rather timid and shy. Last thing we need is him gettin’ all rustled up.”

Aura nodded, sealing her lips. Bindii placed a foot down on top of the cage, allowing the released door to swing outward. Inside, a dense-looking bundle of fur stirred, moving its stubby legs ever-so-slightly. Its face was turned toward the back of the cage. Aura crouched down and reached out a slightly shaking hoof, brushing the creature’s fur. Far from the woolly texture of the lamb, it was coarse and spiky. Surprised, Aura withdrew her hoof as it gave a small start. She looked to Bindii. “What is this thing called?” she whispered.

“It’s a beast we call the wombat,” Bindii said. “He might be slow, heavy and shy but if he gets running, you don’t wanna be in his way; he’ll bowl you head over hoof and you’ll roll before you stop. Probably with a broken leg or couple of ribs, to add injury to insult. But if you treat him nice, he’ll be a gentle, low-maintenance companion.”

“Wow.” Aura rose from her crouch and allowed the cage to click shut.

“Aura! There you are!”

Aura’s ears perked up as Cirrus’ voice reached her from behind. She trotted over to him, rustling her wings. “Hi, Cirrus! Oh, hello, Mother and Father. How are you finding the city?”

“It’s absolutely gorgeous, darling.” Portia appeared next to Aura and wrapped a hoof around her. She turned and—with her other forehoof—pointed at Cirrus. “Cirrus here has been telling us about it. He’s quite the tour guide. Among other things.” She gave a cheeky smile to her daughter.

“Um… yeah, he is. Say, come and have a look at these, will you?” Aura ducked out from her mother’s embrace and flapped back over to the enclosure. “They’re so cute!”

She giggled as she was swarmed by the baby ewes. “Come and pat them, all of you! They love the attention and they’re so fluffy! I want to keep one so much, you don’t even know.”

Cirrus breezed over to the other cages. “Wow, these are cute little critters you guys have. Are they native to your country only?” He looked up at the tall, brown trio.

“Sure are, young’un.” Bindii looked from Cirrus to Aura’s parents and made her way over. “G’day, my fine ponies. You must be the former King Levitatus and Lady Portia. Ever so pleased to meet’cha.”

She offered a foot, which Star Swirl and Portia took one by one. “Harold and Drome, the rest of my crew. Anyway, we hope you enjoy the exhibit. We managed to snag a few native fauna and bring them here for everypony’s enjoyment. Why not come say g’day?”

While the elder unicorns strode over to examine the exotic animals, Aura flapped over to Cirrus. “This fair is going so well; everypony’s happy, the critters are so cute—” she clapped her forehooves together and beamed “—and it’s a beautiful day. This might be my best birthday ever!”

“Y-yeah…” Cirrus replied, brushing the ground with a hoof.

Aura’s smile fell. “What’s wrong, Cir?”

Cirrus looked into the concerned eyes of the Crystal Princess. Should I tell her? Does she need to know? “Uhhh…”

“Cirrus, spit it out. You can tell me.”

He looked into her eyes, feeling oddly transparent beneath her gaze. “Well, you know how you asked me to find a jousting partner?”

She nodded. “Don’t tell me you’re not going to go through with it? I really want to see your skills put to the test.”

“Oh, don’t worry, it’s not that I won’t do it. In fact, I already found an opponent.”

Aura frowned and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Is there a… problem with them at all?”

Cirrus closed his eyes. He breathed in deeply, then expelled his words with his breath: “It’s Prince Rend of the Griffon Kingdom and he seems to think I’ve insulted him and he wants to tear me limb from limb and he threatened to do the same to you while I watched—”

“Shhh, shhh, shhh…” Aura placed her other hoof over his lips. “The prince—you mean the son of King Sunder?—wants to rip you apart? Over an ‘insult’?”

Cirrus reached up a hoof and used it to lower hers from his muzzle. “Yes. All I did was run into him in midair about an hour ago—I had no idea he was there—and now he wants to more than repay the favour. He kept talking about his honour and how he must reclaim it.”

Aura stared into those crystalline, silver eyes. He’s actually frightened. I had no idea such a thing was possible…

“Cirrus, you don’t have to go through with this if you don’t wish to. I promise I’ll not think any less of you.”

With vehemence, he shook his head and released her hoof. “Aura, if he threatens you, I swear to Lady Dimiourgia he will not outlive the sunset.”

“No, Cirrus. I would die before I see you descend to that level of behaviour.” Aura reached out to him again, finding only empty air as he took flight. With a frown, she flapped her own wings and leveled with him. “Hey, don’t you worry about me, or anypony else. Surely the king would not permit anything to happen to either of us? It’s just a friendly competition, with friendly, non-lethal weapons, in the nature and presence of friendship. No matter who wins and loses, wouldn’t the fact that you both compete at all be enough to display your valiance?”

Cirrus sagged a few inches in hesitation. “...I suppose I could always throw the joust and let him win—” He found himself with Aura’s hoof at his lips once again.

“Cirrus, don’t you dare give that competition any less than your all. Even if you do go down, I will still respect you for trying your best. You hear me?” She dropped her own hoof this time and descended to the ground.

Cirrus slowly followed her lead. “You know what? You’re right, Princess.” He clucked his tongue at her huff and raised his right hoof, lifting it to his chest. “I will face Prince Rend. I, the undefeated pegasi lancer, Cirrus Spectrum, accept his challenge. I shall smite him to the ground… and offer my hoof in friendship afterward.” He chortled to himself at Aura’s small cheer.

“Thank you for reviving my courage, Princess.”

The Crystal Pendant flashed blue.

Act One Chapter Five: Royal Challenges

“What do you mean, ‘grave danger’?”

Duke Edge Stalwart walked beside Celestia through the streets of Canterlot, Duchess Platinum at his side. Everywhere around them, ponies of all races hustled back and forth, transporting building material, running foodstuffs and making a general cacophony throughout the resurrected Equestrian capitol. “We have you and Princess Luna,” Edge continued, “as well as a more proficient Royal Guard, to defend us all. The changelings have sworn fealty to Princess Aura in the north. What could so threaten our mountain sanctuary now?”

Celestia eyed a group of Earth ponies, busy pulling wagons laden with stone and wood. She hung her head, not wishing to make eye contact with any of them. They know nothing yet… How can I tell them they have no home to return to? No families?

She lifted her head once they had passed and eyed the duke. “I will declare a citywide announcement sometime soon in regards to the situation. In the meantime, take what I say as a direct order from the crown: mobilise the Royal Guard. They must be in place with a constant vigil. Around-the-clock shifts. I want a report from anypony who detects even the slightest inkling of unusual behaviour.”

Celestia looked to the sky to witness a pair of pegasi grasping a rope that was looped around a thick beam of wood. Two unicorns were aiding them with their magic. The red unicorn turned his head slightly and caught sight of the trio. “Princess Celestia! Pleasant day to you, my Lady.” The blue light around his horn flickered as he waved in their direction.

“Thank you and good morning to you too, Castor.” Celestia smiled and returned the gesture. “Although, you may want to return your focus to Pollux and your other friends.”

“Huh?” Castor looked to his brother and reignited his horn before the beam could collapse and crush the maroon stallion. “Sorry, guys!” he yelled up to the straining pegasi, who each threw him a dirty look.

Celestia smiled at the group and turned back to Edge. “It warms my heart to see everypony working together again.”

“That’s great and everything, Princess, but we have far more serious matters to attend to.” Edge waved an off hoof at the workers behind them. “As Captain of the Guard, it is my responsibility to know exactly what to say to my stallions. Tell me, what are we dealing with that is so dangerous?”

Celestia sighed and halted her walk. Edge and Platinum stopped a little in front of her and turned back, their eyes sharp and attentive.

Yes, they really are perfect for one another.

“I will tell you both, I promise. Though if you don’t mind, I would rather find a bite to eat and survey our subjects first. Where would you recommend a meal fit for a princess?”

“Oh, you definitely want the ‘Hearts and Horns’ restaurant,” Platinum said. “I used to sneak out of the castle and meet Edge there all the time.”

She sent a sly wink Edge’s way and magically flicked away a stray lock of her pale-blonde mane before continuing, “They make the most amazing oat and strawberry pancakes. Everything they create is done with ingredients delivered that morning. Their chefs are always the most courteous stallions. I’d say the food is magical, but it probably is, in reality.”

Celestia offered a petite laugh. “Very well, Duchess Platinum, lead onward to this fine establishment. A quality breakfast ought to loosen my tongue.”

*  *  *  *  *

Celestia’s gaze wandered about the interior of the cosy but inviting establishment. A small amount of ponies sat at assorted tables around the area. Twinkling lanterns of various hues hung from the ceiling, altogether projecting a rainbow effect around the inside. She noticed that the majority of mares and stallions present were seated in pairs, eyeing each other while they ate. She looked to her niece and nephew-in-law, a suppressed smile flitting across her mouth.

“Ah, my favourite nobles! And you even found one of our elusive princesses!”

A pale-green waiter stepped out from behind the reception booth and bowed, his darker mane restrained behind his ears. “Greetings, Princess Celestia. My name is Malachite. I will be your server this fine morning.” He rose and shifted his reverent eyes from Celestia to the smaller couple. “Your usual table, Mister and Missus Stalwart?”

“Aye, Malachite.” Edge flashed his blue eyes. “Our usual breakfast as well. Three servings… actually, make it four.” He eyed his wife and nodded.

Celestia caught a glimpse of what might have been offense in her eyes before it was replaced by their usual cheery light.

“As my Duke commands. Follow me, please.”

With another glance over the trio, Malachite used his light-green aura to lift a short rope barring access to the main dining area. He led them through past the other ponies—many of whom ceased their discussions and began whispering as Celestia passed them by—out onto a small alfresco area. “Please be seated,” he offered, pulling out three cushioned seats from beneath the umbrella-covered table. “As always, do enjoy the view. Might I add—” he turned and gave another short bow to Celestia “—that this morning’s sunrise was absolutely glorious. I could swear it was one of the more blood-red ones we’ve ever had.”

“Thank you, Malachite. I am pleased you enjoyed it. It was an afterthought to do with a certain… event that has transpired.” Celestia nodded to him and took her seat, Edge and Platinum mimicking her action. “May I ask how long the Royal Stomach must endure, before it is satisfied?”

“Fear not, Princess.” Malachite chuckled. “Berry Strudel will have your pancakes ready before you know it!” Again bowing to each pony present, he retreated toward the kitchens.

“Princess, you should have a look at this stunning view. I never tire of it.”

Platinum moved her seat a little to her left, enabling Celestia to stare out at the vast fields below. Though it was similar to her own view from the castle’s North Tower, the key difference happened to include the distant, tumbling waters of Neighagra Falls.

“I cannot see the Falls from the castle tower.” Celestia turned to Platinum. “Is this restaurant curved a little around the mountainside?”

“Yes,” Platinum said. “We are seated on a balcony as close to the edge of the city as possible. Many ponies do not like to sit out here for fear they will simply drop off the cliff-face. Yet I find the view worth whatever minimal ‘risk’ there may be.” She placed her chin on her hoof and leaned upon the table with a sigh.

“I do hate to interrupt your little sight-seeing tour, Princess.” Edge lightly coughed before resuming. “But are we not here for reasons other than pretty views and scrumptious food?”

Celestia turned to him with a straight face. “It can wait a few more moments, Captain. At least until after my meal. Secluded this place may be, yet still not private enough for my liking.” She lowered her voice. “This is a matter of life and death on a nation-wide scale, you understand?”

Edge stared into those intense, pink eyes and nodded. “Yes, Princess.” He relaxed back into his seat as Celestia did the same. “I promise to wait until your ‘Royal Stomach’ has had its fill.”

“Speaking of stomachs…” Celestia’s smile extended from ear to ear as she turned to Platinum. “Congratulations to the both of you.”

“Wh-what do you mean?” Platinum kept her face passive, though Celestia made no mistake recognising the way her pupils contracted slightly, the way she seemed to be holding her breath.

The light tingle that ran through Celestia’s right leg at that very moment confirmed it.

“Oh, I believe you know exactly why I am congratulating you, Platinum.” She shifted her gaze to Edge. “How far along is she?”

“...Eight weeks,” he muttered. “At least, we believe so.” He placed his front hooves on the table in front of him and brought his head closer, speaking in a low murmur. “We would appreciate it if this did not reach the commoners just yet. We want it to be a great surprise, though it is not the time yet—especially now.”

“My dear Edge, the more you keep ordering an extra meal when you go out, the more ponies will talk. ‘Your lovely wife surely cannot have that great an appetite,’ they will say.” Celestia smiled at her niece. “You tell ponies whenever you are ready.”

“Here we are!” Malachite returned to their table, bearing four dishes of oat-and-strawberry pancakes and a flask of water in his aura. “One for the Princess… one for the Duke…” He levitated the two remaining plates past Celestia’s head and settled them in front of Platinum. “And two for the lovely Duchess. We hope the four of you enjoy your breakfast.” With a wink at the blonde mare, Malachite bowed and returned to the welcoming booth.

Celestia grinned at Platinum’s dumbstruck face.

“Told you.”

*  *  *  *  *

With so many sights, stalls, ponies and other species in sight, it was all Mantissia could do to restrain herself from sucking up each and every positive feeling about the fair. She flittered from each end of the city to the other, Veliger and Zinger flanking either side. The remainder of her hive alternated between patrolling the immediate interior of the weather border and resting in the hive. Every so often, the groups would rotate depending on the commands of their queen, who passed them down through her lieutenants.

Mantissia held her emotions at an impasse with every lap, fighting the urge continuously. Though she never grew physically tired of her duty—not when the Crystal Heart was easily within extraction range—it quickly became a tedious chore. She licked her lips as she imagined all their love and merrymaking below her, the crowds never thinking to glance into the sky and witness their jealous sentinel on high.

It would be so easy… Nopony would miss a drop each…

She snarled at herself, chastising her errant mind for daring to entertain the possibility. Behind her, Veliger and Zinger exchanged glances.

Our Queen?

Mantissia hung in midair, the drones never breaking formation as they retained a perfect distance behind her.

You have nothing to fear, my blood. My will is greater than any temptation.

Yes, Our Queen.

Mantissia resumed her flight. We are lucky to be alive right now. All of us. What we do may seem like servitude sometimes, yet you must be grateful for our Mistress’ mercy. Never before have we had access to a near-limitless supply of nutrition. Thinking of…

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, picturing the gleaming cerulean heart beneath the palace. In her mind’s eye, she saw it begin to gyrate faster and faster until it became a blur. From within the heart, a beam of shimmering blue light shot out and flew in a direct line toward her own heart. In the half-second that the light enveloped her, Mantissia’s eyes glowed with the same hue.

She exhaled, diverting all but a scrap of the pent up energy to her children. Her eyes returned to their regular emerald while her own heart warmed, rejoicing at their gratitude. It was a process she repeated five times daily. Mantissia could feel her herd growing stronger on their new diet of artificial love—had felt it every day since their arrival and settlement in the Crystal Empire.

She sensed the being’s approach long before it had a chance to call out to her. With a cautionary order to remain on guard to Veliger and Zinger, Mantissia turned her head and stared down at the ascending figure. Her eyes glossed over its golden body while keeping sight of its enormous black wingspan. No introduction was necessary—not for a creature with two hundred eyes and ears.

“King Sunder of Griffonia. I trust your time in this glistening realm has been enjoyable?”

Sunder continued to rise, halting just short of his target. “Greetings to you and your kin. The Crystal Princess’ advisor has told me much about you… ‘My Queen’.” He extended a claw, holding it out open before her.

Meeting his eyes with her own, Mantissia placed a holey hoof between the talons. She lowered her head and watched the griffon king place a gentle peck upon it. No sooner had his beak left her chitin than she retracted her leg and once more fixed her green eyes upon his own gold. “I appreciate your sentiment—it is most delicious. So now that pleasantries are taken care of, I ask: what business does a griffon king have with a changeling queen?”

Sunder gave a low rumble, his eyes glinting. “There are many things I would be fascinated to learn about you, Mantissia. Some ponies say ‘The princess should not trust the changelings, she should banish them all.’ Yet there are also those who say ‘They are repenting as best they can, they deserve another chance.’ Opinions around the cityfolk I have asked appear to be evenly split. How does that make you feel?”

Mantissia scoffed and turned her head, her lieutenants flying ever-so-slightly forward. “Let them think what they want. I do not need anypony’s forgiveness or understanding. I have a royal pardon from Princess Aura herself. I serve her and her alone—in return, she keeps my children and I well-fed and nourished. That, ‘My King,’ is all that matters.”

Sunder’s beak curled upward, clear creases marring his cheeks. “Ah, spoken like a true loyalist and caring mother. You are a strong one.”

“I did almost successfully invade all of Equestria.”

“And you would give up on that goal so easily?” Sunder hovered to the side, beginning to gently circle Mantissia. “From what Lady Clover tells me—” he was behind her “—you came considerably close. Were it not for the… untimely appearance of two alicorn sisters—” he came to rest in front of her again “—surely all of Equestria would have fallen easily?”

“I am done thieving emotions to survive on the bones of my hindquarters,” she spat. “My only wish is for my children—and hopefully all of my descendants—to thrive. If that is only possible through subservience, then so be it.”

Sunder backed away with a large sweep of his wings. “Oh?” He ran a single talon along the width of his chest. “Has the almighty changeling queen lost her bark and her bite? Was I wrong about your strength?”

Barely had he time to blink before his vision filled with black and green.

“Trust me,” Mantissia hissed, her eyes boring into his, “you do not wish to feel my bite.”

For ten seconds, they stared at each other. The wind blew through Mantissia’s legholes, a comical yet eerie whistle emitting from them.

Sunder’s claws each gave an involuntary twitch. He closed and opened them repeatedly.

Mantissia’s green magic enveloped her horn. It swirled around her gnarled protrusion, slowly growing brighter.

Sunder’s tail swished to and fro. The tip nicked each side of his hindquarters after every motion.

Mantissia bared her fangs. Long, white and intimidating spikes, they promised ruin to any who would meet them. A stray glint of sunlight glinted off them.

Sunder narrowed his eyes. The gleam from within them had been witnessed by many a doomed morsel.

Veliger and Zinger shivered but did not falter.

A deep sound filled the air. Sunder blinked, breaking the pseudo-competition as his laugh rang out. Once more, he flapped his wings and retreated, putting a body length of his between them. He brought a claw to his face, the edges of his eyes crinkling slightly.

“So, the changeling at least has a bark after all!” He continued to chuckle until he saw that Mantissia had maintained her position, her horn still alight. Sunder cleared his throat into his left fist, which eliminated any remaining trace of humour. “In that case, I wish to make you an offer, My Queen.”

The glow dissipated three seconds later. “What… sort of offer do you mean, exactly?” Mantissia raised an eyebrow while continuing to hover in place. A second later, she let out her own two-toned bark. “Hah! What does the mighty griffon king present that could possibly tempt me? His love?” She continued to laugh—Zinger and Veliger joined in—eventually bringing a hoof to her mouth. “I see not what else I could want from you, Sunder. Please, humour me.”

“Actually, I would ‘love’ it if you faced me in one-on-one combat.”

Mantissia’s chuckles died in her throat. For the smallest instance, the constant buzz of the queen’s wings deepened. Though she kept her composure, her slight drop in altitude betrayed her. With a slight shake of her head, she regained her height and retrained her gaze on Sunder.

“Surely you must be joking. Do you truly believe you would stand a chance?” She bared her fangs, her tongue flickering out between them briefly.

“Oh, I most certainly do, my dear,” he said, his grin widening. “If there is anything we griffons cannot pass up, it is the thought of facing a worthy opponent. It is in our very nature; we love to fight. Long have I ran upon and flown over the lands of Griffonia, yet never have I found a suitable challenger. Never have I truly flexed my wings.”

With a solitary flap he ascended higher, staring down his target. “You, who so nearly enslaved this entire nation, who made a stand against two powerful princesses and tested even their limits alone… Queen Mantissia, would you do me the honour of a true test of might?”

My Queen?

Stand down, Veliger. You are in command of the western patrol. Return home. Zinger, I bestow authority upon you over the eastern patrol. Keep them moving.

Yes, My Queen.

As you wish, My Queen.

Sunder eyed the drones as they each fled in a separate direction, leaving his prey alone below him. “Am I to assume that you accept?”

“I shall speak with the Crystal Princess about the possibility of a public melee between us.” Mantissia slowed her wings and descended to the ground. She gently touched her hooves upon the city’s grassy outskirts. A shadow covered her, accompanied by a gust of wind, forcing her knees to buckle. She straightened and lifted her head, now level once again with Sunder’s chest. “It would benefit us both if we demonstrated our powers before the common ponyfolk. Indeed, it would benefit me especially to have my victory seen by as many as possible.”

“Confident.” Sunder sneered and crossed his forelegs. “I like that. I have no doubt that you will provide a sufficient challenge for me. Although I’m curious to know how you intend to reach your princess, when you lack permission to attend the fair yourself.”

Mantissia fluttered her eyelashes and sauntered toward Sunder, placing careful emphasis on her swaying hips. “A fair question. For my answer…” She came to a halt before him, close enough to place a hoof to his beak. “Close your eyes.”

Sunder raised an eyebrow, but acquiesced. Through his eyelids he saw the piercing green light, accompanied by the strangest sound he’d ever heard. The shock of the sound almost drove his eyes open; it could be likened to the chittering of a flock of small birds… if they were tweeting at many times their usual speed.

“Dare I ask what you are doing?”

“See for yourself, Your Majesty.”

A completely different voice tickled Sunder’s ears. Unlike the dual-toned rasp of the queen, this one sounded… musical, sweet like the smell of honeysuckle.

His eyes opened; his beak dropped. A moment of silence passed between them before Sunder closed his mouth. “That... would work. I see now where your true power lies. Clover neglected to mention you possess this ability.” His largest grin of the day filled his face.

The pink-maned alicorn held out a wing and fixed her equally pink eyes on her partner. “Come. Let us meet with Princess Aura.”

*  *  *  *  *

The mare opened her eyes. She made to stand. She collapsed, failing. Fire seared through her leg. Her head pounded. Her vision swam. She couldn’t move. She had to move. She tried again. Her leg screamed. She wobbled in place. Her heart raced. She stepped forward. She fell down again. She yelped, lying in agony. She contemplated defeat. No, she couldn’t give up. She would die. She shook her head. She rested her leg to the side. Her other legs pushed the ground. She crawled, slowly. The useless limb dragged behind. She struggled on.

They’re dead.

Adrenaline coursed through her. The smell lingered, smothering her. She coughed, once, twice, thrice. Her lungs screamed. The ground continued to spin. She crawled further. Her sight darkened. She raised her head. Shadows shielded her. Trees greeted her. Grass ceased scratching her belly. Cool soil smeared her fur. Heat was replaced by chill. Still, she crawled.

They’re all dead...

The trees blurred. Fragrant blooms tickled her nose. She sneezed. Her leg twitched, burning again. She hissed with the forced motion. The air grew heavy. The smoke subsided. She gasped and panted. So thirsty. A large tree ahead, surrounded by bushes. Perfect. Sanctuary. She continued to crawl. The fire spread. Her leg, her hip, her back. They all burned.

Everypony… burning.

She curled up. The shadow was comforting. She could lie there forever. No, not forever. That would be bad. Stay alive. Yes. Her eyes fluttered closed. She squinted with the relentless burn. Rest now.

I must live.

Act One Chapter Six: Wings of Deception

Celestia smiled and gently swept the last remnants of pancake from her lips. Platinum had not been wrong: the ‘Hearts and Horns’ restaurant certainly exceeded her expectations. Every few minutes, Malachite returned—with a bow each time—to refill their water glasses. He spoke at length about how honoured he was to be in the presence of greatness, also thanking Celestia multiple times for her takeover of the sun and overall happy feelings around the common ponyfolk.

“Do you know, I had such a hard time maintaining my job these last years before you returned,” he said while scooping up four plates in his aura. “Raising the moon was not so bad, but the sun took such an exhausting amount of energy out of my group and I, every morning of our shift. Yet you raise it effortlessly and appear to go about your day as normal. Truly, your power cannot be disputed, Your Highness. Canterlot owes you—will always owe you—a great debt.”

“Your words warm my heart, dear Malachite.” Celestia’s teeth glinted in the morning sun. “You simply must lower your praises of me, though. Without Princess Luna beside me, I would be no more useful to you all than anypony else.”

“Of course, Your Highness. I would never presume to doubt the equally great power possessed by the Princess of the Night.” He nodded to Celestia and turned his attention to Edge and Platinum. “My Duke and Duchess, you enjoyed your meal, I trust? I must inform you that our regular caravan is late this morning, so we had to use yesterday’s spares.”

“Assuage your concerns, Malachite. Breakfast was delicious as always.” Edge nodded and placed a leg around Platinum’s back. “It is ever a pleasure to dine on exquisite food with the best view in the city. Do pass on our compliments to Mr. Strudel as well.”

“Mine too, please,” Celestia added. “Be sure to tell him that the Royal Tongue and Royal Stomach are completely satisfied.”

“I shall, Your Highness.”

With a final bow, Malachite backed off the balcony then turned and headed for the kitchen, their four plates, three glasses and water jug in tow.

Celestia relaxed into her seat and sighed. “It is too bad that I am a generous mare. Were I not, I would summon Mr. Berry Strudel to the castle and have him bake my breakfast every morning. Alas, I should not deprive Canterlot’s citizens of such an outstanding cook.”

“I am sure he would jump at the opportunity, Princess.” Edge stifled his own sigh and leaned forward. “Now, about this danger…”

“Of course. I am a mare of my word, after all. Please, walk with me.” Celestia stood and used her magic to return her seat beneath the table. Edge did the same, also offering a hoof to Platinum, who wobbled as she stood with his support.

“Duchess Platinum, would you like further assistance?”

Platinum shook her head, her wavy blonde mane flying askew. “No, Auntie. I am only in my first term, I will be fine. Thank you for the offer, though.”

“As you wish.”

Together, Celestia, Edge and Platinum departed the restaurant, waving a final goodbye to Malachite as he returned from the kitchen. The sun sat two length’s higher in the sky than when they’d entered. Far more ponies mulled about the city, setting up their daily trading stalls and hawking their wares.

Celestia stopped briefly, a thought entering her head.

"Princess?" Platinum turned and faced her after walking three steps ahead.

“It just occurred to me that you did not give dear Malachite any of these ‘bits’ you ponies have come to use these days. Nor did he ask for any. I do hope it is not because of me.”

“Actually,” Edge interjected, “that would be the arrangement that the Royal Guard has with Berry’s restaurant. You see, the ‘Hearts and Horns’ uses only the freshest produce to create every meal. Each morning, a pair of my pegasus guards fly to the south, to escort the Earth ponies carrying the wagon with Berry Strudel’s daily order. They pass close by the Everfree Forest on their journey, so the guards are there to defend against any threats that may stalk them from the wood.

“In return for this service, Berry allows each member of the guard—and up to two immediate family members—a free meal once per week.” Edge beamed. “I just used up our weekly quota this morning. I am pleased that your Royal Body Parts approved.”

His ears perked up, like he’d heard an unusual sound. “That reminds me—I must greet my stallions for the morning round-up. There are reports to be made and a head-count to perform. May I meet you under the gazebo in the Royal Gardens in approximately half an hour?”

“That will be fine. Captain Stalwart, see to your stallions then return to us. In the meantime, I shall entertain my niece.” Celestia draped a wing over Platinum and gave a short nod to Edge, who offered a salute to Celestia and a wink to Platinum. He quickly walked over to his wife and planted a kiss on her muzzle before departing.

The mares turned on their hooves and trotted slowly toward the castle. As they walked, Platinum pointed out many ‘hidden’ areas of Canterlot: more restaurants, an indoor galloping center, a pampering spa…

“Canterlot truly has many hidden gems, Platinum,” Celestia said. “I will certainly be gracing the thresholds of these various establishments over time.” She halted at a sculptor’s stall, whose wares Platinum was eyeing. “However, perhaps we should make haste toward the castle? What I have to tell you and your husband is imperative to Canterlot’s security.”

“Oh. Yes, of course. There is just one thing, Auntie.” She beckoned Celestia’s head down. “I should not be running in my condition.”

“Hmmm…” The corner of Celestia’s mouth lifted slightly. “Platinum, how much do you trust me?”

“With my life, of course. You should know that.” Platinum lifted a leg. “Where are you going with this?” In that moment, her leg glowed a deep gold. “Whoa, hey, what—”

The glow extended from her leg to completely cover her in its aura. She was lifted up off the ground and floated into midair, behind Celestia’s shoulders, onto the princess’ back.

Celestia turned her head and viewed Platinum, trying to grasp the sides of her unexpected mount. “We will make better time if you allow me to escort you, my dear. I assume you have never flown before?” At Platinum’s rapid head shake, Celestia closed her eyes and concentrated. “I promise you will be perfectly fine. I will not let you fall. Now, let us fly to the castle!”

She spread her wings and lightly leapt into the air. With five great flaps, Celestia and Platinum found themselves soaring over the heads of their subjects, the airborne mares surveying the city from above.

Platinum clutched her aunt like she was her first-born, instead of the life already beginning to form inside her.

“Does the wind not exhilarate you, Platinum? Oh, what a joy it is to fly, truly. I find myself able to do so less and less, these days especially.” Celestia turned and headed for the Castle Gardens. All the while, she soared over rooftops and cast her shadow upon many other ponies in the streets. She heard various cries from civilians such as ‘Princess Celestia!’ and ‘The Princess and Duchess are out together’ from below.

“Urp… uh, A-Auntie? Can we p-please land soon? I feel a little… ill.”

Celestia hung in midair and studied Platinum’s face. The slightest of green tinges had appeared; the mare seemed to be having difficulty keeping her breakfast down. “Oh, I do apologise, Platinum,” she said. “I did not consider that you might get airsick. I shall land immediately. Luckily for us, the Gardens are right below. Hold on for just a few more seconds.”

With Platinum’s nod and tighter clench around her flanks, Celestia descended slowly toward the gazebo. The mid-morning breeze blew a gentle zephyr, inviting the delicious scents of the perfectly maintained flower beds to waft into her nose. Over rows of violets, roses and frangipani she soared, finally coming to rest before the tall, latticed structure. She wrapped Platinum once more in her magic and softly floated her toward the ground.

Platinum landed on shaking legs while swallowing down whatever threatened to rise from her stomach. “I ap-preciate the idea, Auntie,” she stammered, “although I m-must ask you to never do that again.”

“Have no fear, Platinum. I am sorry to have put you through that.” Celestia wrapped a wing around her and set about gently caressing her back. “In my defence, you are the first I have ever seen to ever display such a lack of bodily enthusiasm toward flight. Did you never dream that you might one day?”

“Um… well, sure. Everypony does. However, I would have been the one with the wings. It feels… different to how I imagined.” Platinum shook her head and steadied herself. She trotted out from underneath Celestia’s wing, up the short steps toward the modest setting beneath the gazebo. “Now that we are here, in any case, please join me. We can discuss this issue further.”

Celestia gave a short nod and followed Platinum up the steps. Being in the midst of Canterlot’s Royal Gardens, both of them took great pleasure inhaling the fragrances of multiple berries and flowers that surrounded the gazebo. Verdant green ivy snaked its way through, around and over the latticework and the slanted, wooden roof, creating its own variant of shade. A modest table and two cushioned benches sat in the centre, shadows dancing over it while the breeze kissed the ivy.

Platinum’s horn emitted a streak of gold, shooting off toward the castle’s side entryway roughly fifty paces away. It struck a small, equally golden bell, which tinkled briefly. She smiled at the sound and turned to face Celestia, who sat on the opposite bench, lightly crossed her hooves beneath her and lay on her stomach. Even with her own sitting pose, Platinum’s horn barely drew level with the tip of Celestia’s chin.

Before either could re-initiate conversation, a unicorn trotted out of the doorway toward them. Her silver mane shone with the sun, neatly tied back behind her pink coat, which bore two marks depicting a gilded crown atop a silver dish. She bore a platter with various sweet things, slices of bread, assorted plates, a teapot and four cups, all suspended in her rosy magical grasp.

“Good morning, Miladies,” she said, levitating the dish between them. “Please take anything you wish, or feel free to inform me if you desire anything different.”

“Thank you, Serra Grey.” Platinum lifted a buttered, cherry-encrusted scone and a strawberry cupcake from the tray and placed them upon a plate, then placed them in front of herself. “Auntie, anything?”

Celestia simply grasped the teapot and three of the cups in her own golden glow and placed them between herself and Platinum. “Just the tea for me, thank you, Serra Grey. Ahhh.” She closed her eyes and indulged in the smell of the soaking leaves. “Your specialty today, I see. I do quite enjoy this blend. Perhaps I should name it after you?”

Serra squeaked and offered a quick bow, the remaining sweets on the platter trembling slightly. “P-pleased you enjoy it, Princess. Are you sure there is nothing more I can fetch for you?”

“That will be quite all right, Serra. I am content for the immediate future. If we have future cravings, we will be sure to let you know.” Celestia chuckled on the inside at Platinum’s indignant glance, which Serra Grey fortunately overlooked. “Leave us in peace now, please. Though if you do see Captain Stalwart, inform him that we require his immediate attention.”

“Yes, Princess. Enjoy your tea and sweets, Princess, Duchess.” Serra offered a bow to each mare, then jogged back to the castle, the tray still held aloft in front of her by her magic.

Celestia followed Serra Grey’s retreat for a moment, then turned to face Platinum. She allowed her grin to unfurl at the look on her niece’s face. “Oh, lighten up, Platinum. It was simply a choice word. It meant nothing more to any pony than any other word.”

“With all due respects, Auntie—are you insane?” Platinum leaned over the table. “Serra loves to gossip. She’s always talking to the other staff about royal going-ons. Do you seriously think throwing out the word ‘craving’ in casual conversation won’t generate any chit-chat among the staff? Or that it won’t reach the common ears?”

Platinum stared at Celestia’s widening grin. Her eyes shriveled up as she watched the princess’ expression, a horrible thought dawning on her. “Wait…” She leaned back into her own seat and sucked in a breath. “Did you let that slip… intentionally?”

The smile covered Celestia’s face.

“No, Auntie! How could you? I told you we were keeping it a secret! We were waiting for the right time!” Platinum sagged until she lay on the bench in Celestia’s same pose.

“When I have explained our situation, you will know that now is indeed the right time, dear Platinum.” Celestia stood and fluttered over the table. She landed next to Platinum and brought her head down, while raising Platinum’s head with a hoof beneath her chin. “Believe me when I say that the ponies of Canterlot will need cheering up very soon.”

“That may be so—” Platinum shook herself from Celestia’s touch “—but Edge and I still wanted—”

“Princess!”

Celestia and Platinum looked up and saw the Duke running toward them. The clop of his hooves came within earshot as the cry left his lips. “Two of the guards…” he stopped before Celestia and panted for a few seconds. With a gulp, he looked into the pink eyes above him. “They… have not returned from escorting Berry Strudel’s cart. Nopony has seen any sign of them, or any Earth pony entering the citadel today at all.”

He took a deep breath and swallowed the intake. “Is this related to your news? What do you know about my stallions?”

Celestia closed her eyes and lit her horn. Immediately, Edge and Platinum found themselves hovering over Platinum’s bench. Gently, Celestia set them down together and took her own seat opposite them. Her aura left the couple and instead enveloped the cups and teapot. The steaming brown liquid poured out, filling each cup without spilling a drop. She then moved the cups in front of each pony accordingly.

“I need you both to remain calm while I tell you what I know,” Celestia began. She rose her cup to her lips, pursed them and blew lightly before taking a small sip. She lowered the cup back to the table and sighed, fighting a war within herself to hold back the moisture building behind her eyes.

“It’s about your friend, Valencia Orange…”

*  *  *  *  *

Cirrus held his head high and pumped a hoof into the air while the flugelhorn rang out over the arena. He hovered over his seat next to Clover, who sat on a small throne next to a larger, gem-encrusted pink one. He cast a quick glance at Princess Aura, who shot a side-long peek at him and nodded. A quick wink passed between them while more crystal citizens and other ponies filled the stands.

Star Swirl and Portia sat on Aura’s other side, also assessing the increasing crowds. Their eyes lifted above the bounds of the sparkling arena. Star Swirl quickly turned to Aura and whispered in her ear.

Her eyes widened when she also looked at the new arrivals. Abandoning her throne, she moved past Clover and settled in front of Cirrus. She pointed a hoof to the sky. “Hey, are those ponies up there your parents and your brother?”

Cirrus stopped at Aura’s voice and came to rest in midair, flapping only to maintain his altitude. He looked up into the sky and squinted for a second, then widened his eyes. “Aw yeah, they actually made it! I wasn’t sure if they were coming or not.” He flapped higher, then turned back down to Aura. He swung a leg up above his head. “Let’s go, I’ll take you to meet them!”

Aura shrank an inch or three. “Oh... Um, I don’t know, Cirrus. Is that really a good idea?”

“I think—” Cirrus and Aura both turned to face Clover “—that Aura should be seated on her throne when they do so. She is the Crystal Princess, after all. It would not do well to have her shepherded around like any regular filly. Do not forget that she has a tendency to be rather ‘eye-catching’.”

Aura nodded quickly and leapt over Clover. She took her place and settled into her seat once more.

“Well, suit yourselves. I’m going up to see them. I’ll introduce you later!” Cirrus turned tail and sped off through the air.

Aura watched him approach his family, a small smile on her face. She inclined her head toward her mentor. “Thanks for that, Clover. I’m just really shy meeting new ponies. Greeting foreign representatives of different nations is one thing but this is Cirrus’ family. They might want to get a little more… personal with me.”

Clover reached out a hoof and lightly stroked Aura’s mane. “I know, Princess. I thought the same thing. You are a ruler and leader, as well as a hero. It is only fitting that you be introduced as such, rather than simply a friend. Of course, there is no reason why you should not be able to socialise with them later if you wish, once formalities have passed.”

Aura nodded and turned back to survey the ever-increasing crowds. “Wow, there must be over a hundred ponies here.”

She scanned the various shining bodies and found a few darker figures. Other ponies from Cloudsdale, Canterlot and even the rural farm areas were in attendance. Bindii and her crew were absent. They’ll still be setting up and looking after their animals. Continuing around, she caught sight of King Sunder’s pryde entering the grounds. She looked on as the griffons easily parted the crowd and took their own positions in the stands, most ponies more than willing to give them a wide berth.

Where is the king?

As if in echo to her thoughts, Clover spoke. “I do not see the griffon king anywhere. I wonder where he is?”

Together with Aura, Clover took another look around, past the griffons and assorted other ponies. “We should not have any difficulty perceiving him; he is easily the most outstanding of them all.”

“Why, your words humble me, dear Clover.”

Both royals jumped at the deep voice from above. Sunder flew over from behind the throne and descended to face them, offering a quick bow and placing a claw to his chest. Aura and Clover repeated the gesture as best they could.

“King Sunder,” Aura began, “I’m amazed that such a… great creature like yourself can fly on such silent wings.”

“When one’s diet ranges from sweet berries and lemongrass, to the carrion flesh of the unlucky, one learns to adapt to his surroundings and utilise his gifts.” Sunder raised his head and chuckled at the expression on Aura’s, her parents’ and Clover’s faces. “Have no fear, everypony. None of you in this Empire are on our menu.”

“O-of course, I knew that. Still, it’s hard for me to imagine any creature consuming another.” Aura let her shock fall from her face. “In any case, it is good to see you here. Are any of your entourage partaking in the events today?”

“As far as I know, only my son has shown interest in a bout. The rest of us are mere spectators here. We feel that our size may provide an unfair advantage to any who would challenge us.”

Sunder stood on his hind legs and spread his wings. “Look at myself; I would consider combat with any of these flashy, yet tiny subjects of yours a no-contest. No offense, of course.” He lowered himself to his regular height, still managing to cast a shadow upon the royals.

“Your point is conceded, Your Majesty. I would never dream of letting any of these ponies face you.” Aura sat a little taller. “Also, no offense to you either.”

“Although…” Sunder leered over all of them. “There is one pony whom I would challenge, with your permission. Only because I do actually feel the fight would be fair. Not to mention, entertaining.” He looked to the sky over their heads.

Star Swirl’s eyes bulged at the sight of the pony descending toward them. Portia looked from her husband to the new pony and brought a hoof to her mouth. Aura and Clover stiffened on their thrones.

Her pink mane flowed around her shoulders. She folded her white wings in upon her landing and rested a gentle gaze over the smaller ponies before her. She closed her pink eyes and offered a bow, her horn protruding further from her forehead than all other unicorns present.

“It is good to see you all again,” Celestia said, raising her head to look upon everypony again. She turned to face the Crystal Princess. “May I have this bout, Your Highness? I promise to not rough your esteemed visitor up too much.”

Her eyes flashed green for a brief moment.

“Er… um…” Aura took a deep breath and turned to her advisor. “Clover, will you join me for a minute, please?”

“...Sure, Princess. Anything you ask.”

Aura nodded. “Princess Celestia, you too?”

The alicorn gave her own nod.

Aura then turned to her parents as she hopped down from her throne. “Mother, Father, please excuse us.”

Without waiting for a response, Aura stepped down next to Celestia and beckoned Clover over. When the mare came within reach, Aura placed a hoof upon each of her partners’ legs and lit her horn. With a flash, all three of them disappeared, materialising just outside the arena on the shadowed, southern end.

“Mantissia, what are you thinking?” Aura hissed. “You know you’re not supposed to be here. Not everypony trusts the changelings enough yet to allow you entry, as much as I hate to say it.”

With a flash of green, Mantissia resumed her usual form. “Forgive me for the deception, Your Highness.” She bowed again. “However, you must see why it was necessary.”

“All I see is a disobedient sentinel who should be back at her post,” Clover stated. She lit her own horn and stood in front of the princess.

“Ah, protective as ever, Miss Clever. Good. Have I ever told you how lucky Princess Aura is to have you nearby?”

“Save the flattery, Mantissia.”

“That’s enough, both of you.” Aura placed a hoof upon Clover’s shoulder. “Calm down, Clover. I’m sure Mantissia wouldn’t have come here without a good reason.” She held her hoof in place until she felt the muscles beneath it relax. Once Clover took a few steps back, she met Mantissia’s gaze. “Well, Mantissia? What drives you to abandon your duty, exactly?”

Mantissia sank into a low bow again. “Your Highness, you know I usually take my orders seriously, following them without argument. This day would have been no different. However…”

She rose and stood tall, dwarfing her little princess. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss having some excitement in my life. And when that source of excitement meets me in mid-air, then challenges me to a duel to see who is stronger, how could I possibly deny him?”

“Sunder? He and you, a melee?” Aura shook her head. “I don’t know if I can sanction that. He’s… a very daunting figure. Have you seen how long his talons are? Or that he’s almost twice your size?”

Mantissia snorted and placed a hoof to her mouth, though it failed to suppress the growing corners of her lips. “Please, Princess. Surely you remember how much trouble I gave you and your aunts, all by myself.”

Aura closed her eyes. Images of the past flew in and out of her mind’s forefront. She let out an involuntary shudder. “I would rather not, actually.”

“What are you trying to pull here, Mantissia?” Clover stepped back up to Aura and stood half a step in front of her. “Why would you remind us of that day?”

“I assure you, Clover, I am not proud of my past actions. I seek only to convince the princess of my power. A power which, I might add, has only grown with the passage of time.”

Mantissia’s eyes flashed emerald. “King Sunder claims he has never met a worthy opponent. I intend to break that flawless streak of his and show him that we ponies are not as defenceless as he may think.”

“‘We ponies,’ you say. When last I checked, I was speaking to a changeling.”

Mantissia sighed and placed her rump on the ground, her head bowed. “Oh, how I wish you would disperse that negative air surrounding you, Clover. It is most depressing, not to mention that my taste buds disagree with its presence.” She lolled her tongue around just outside of her lips. “But now we’re getting off topic.”

She lifted her head and looked Aura in the eyes. “Princess, I do humbly request that you grant me permission to accept King Sunder’s challenge. I wish to show him just how adamant your kingdom’s defences are, and that he does in fact have a match for power in this world. The fight will not be a malicious one—we do not seek to destroy one another.”

Aura took a deep breath. She turned and began to walk a short distance to her right, before reversing her direction and returning to her original position. She exhaled.

She says she wants to show the griffon king what power I command. Turn. Breathe in. But the fact remains that she has deserted her post. Turn. Breathe out. She must have left her children in charge, surely. Turn. Breathe in. How can I be sure her words are true, or her motives clear? Turn. Breathe out. She might get hurt—no, she will get hurt. Can I allow that? Turn. Breathe in. Then again, I know perfectly well what she’s capable of…

A final turn and exhale preceded Aura’s halt in front of Mantissia. “Can your children maintain Crystal City’s defence in your absence?”

“Yes, Princess.” Mantissia lowered and rose her head once.

“And can you promise that nopony will be injured if I let you do this, barring the blows that you’re sure to deal to your opponent?”

“Of course.”

“And after this fight is over, for better or for worse, can you swear to never disobey my commands again?”

Mantissia flickered her translucent wings, hovered above ground and dropped back onto her hooves. She placed a hoof over her chest. “Your authority is absolute, Your Highness. Although I do have one more request, if I may be so bold.”

A snort came from behind Aura. “Pah, you are in no position—”

Aura rose a hoof. “Please, Clover, let her speak.” Once the mare blinked and glowered before closing her mouth, Aura steeled herself. “What request would that be?”

“Only that I be allowed to feed off the Crystal Heart during the melee, should my need arise. I would rather not put my children through… what happened in our battle. I…” Mantissia faltered for a second, then resumed. “I honestly had no idea that my action would almost kill them.”

Aura turned back and faced Clover with her eyes swimming in her face. “Thoughts?”

“Your call, Princess. She is your servant.”

Aura smiled. “Mantissia, do you agree to uphold the terms of engagement?”

“I do, Princess.”

“In that case, I grant you permission to face King Sunder in an exhibition match after all of the jousting events are completed. You may take strength from the Heart only if you feel you need it. As a safety precaution, I will be projecting a magical barrier around the combat area that neither you or King Sunder will be able to pass through. Only upon the surrender of either competitor will the shield be removed.”

Aura ceased her speech and offered a hoof to both of her partners. “Come on, let’s get back to the others. Mantissia, resume your previous form.”

When the changeling’s green and black were once again replaced by white and pink, she grasped Aura’s hoof. Clover held onto Aura’s shoulder. With a quick flash, Aura teleported the three of them back into the Royal Box.

Act One Chapter Seven: "Enough Talk, Have At You!"

From a dreamless, dark sleep that felt like forever, the mare returned to the land of the living. Pain wracked her body; fire clamped down onto her leg with its piercing fangs. Her muscles resisted any and all efforts from her to move them, each heavy as a boulder weighing her down. A solitary ear flicked above her head, which proved that she should still be able to move.

The mare took a deep breath and summoned up her willpower. Gritting her teeth against the dragon’s jaws clamped on her rear leg, she fed all of her effort into moving her right foreleg. With her eyes still pressed tightly, she concentrated on each and every muscle, the tickle of short grass beneath her hoof, the texture of the ground the grass grew from. Agonising seconds later, she found purchase enough to press into the ground and push herself up a few inches. She raised her heavy eyelids enough to finally crack her sleep-encrusted lashes apart and absorb her unfamiliar surroundings.

The first thing she noticed was the light—rather, the lack of it. In the gloom of her immediate vision, she wondered if she had even opened her eyes at all. She blinked a few times, her pupils seeking any errant light rays they could. Seconds passed, gradually allowing her to make out different shades. There were solid blacks, lighter greys and even some dark brown smudges in the blurred tapestry before her.

She moved her left foreleg out from underneath her chest and grimaced at the intense tingling that accompanied the return of one’s blood flow. Her head pounded from the exertion of being lifted against its will. The pain of her rear leg intensified when an involuntary shudder ran through it. She let out a quick gasp and collapsed, clenching her teeth. Her breath escaped in short puffs while she willed away the unwelcome sensation.

“Move no more, ground-pony, lest thou be rendered lame evermore.”

The mare’s eyes flew open at the harsh voice. Her ears perked toward the darkened canopy. She blew a tuft of dark mane from her face and turned her head, the left side of her muzzle resting against the cool dirt.

The first thing she realised was that the pony must have been standing nearby since before she woke up. He had not made a single sound until his voice shocked her to attention. A set of greyed legs stretched up above her, inciting her to raise her eyes and her neck the smallest amount. What next caught her eye was the peculiar set of wings attached to his sides—they were like none she’d ever seen. She couldn’t be sure in the lingering gloom, but they appeared… Scaly? Webbed, even?

Her eyes resumed their ascension and came to rest upon the gaze of her company. A pair of glowing butterscotch eyes glared into her own. Another shiver ran through her, yet she couldn’t bring herself to look away. There was something hypnotic about that gaze: the way his slits for pupils pierced into hers, the way the hue of his irises seemed to shine like moonlight in her shadowed surroundings.

“For what purpose didst thou come here? What incentive hast led thou to trespass upon Our blackened sanctuary?”

Incentive? Trespass? Sanctuary?

With a groan, the mare let her head fall to the ground once more and closed her eyes. What is this… pony talking about? Her mind still very much in disarray, she attempted to string together a coherent sentence.

“Who… are you? What is this… place?”

The stallion snorted. He crouched before the mare, his front legs bending at the knees. He flared out his jagged wings and stared her full in the face. “Thou cometh into Our domain, yet knoweth not where thou lie? Art thou ignorant, nay, reckless?” He stood once more, again snorting. “Thou draggeth thyself upon shattered limbs into Our home. Pray tell, why dost thou attempt this?”

The unusual speech made the mare’s head pound even worse. What is he saying? I was wrong to come here?

“My home…” She coughed for a few seconds, the force upon her stomach muscles racking her body with new pains. “Please… we were attacked… dragons came and—and burned our houses all to the ground. I saw…”

She let out a whimper while prior-restrained liquid built in volume at the corners of her eyes. “They’re dead. The dragons took them and… and…”

Unable to continue, the mare wailed and buried her face into the ground. A small, salty puddle spread over the damp soil beneath her face.

“O Brother, be’th not so direct upon Our charge. Verily, she hath suffered through an ordeal of great magnitude.”

Another pony landed next to the first. Her coat matched that of her partner’s. Her dark-blue mane lay slung over her back and about her shoulders, accenting her own amber eyes. Lengthened lashes spread from the corners of her eyes.

“She hath invaded Our home, trespassed upon Our sacred land. Be it not reasonable to demand clarity?” the stallion asked.

“Surely thy subject’s condition ought be taken into account, ere you proceed to glean knowledge from her?”

While the dark ponies argued in their unusual dialect, the mare covered her ears and cowered. Memories flashed through her mind—memories of smoke, flame, ash and dust. The screams of her brethren and the roars of her oppressors took over her senses. Her heart began to race again.

“...Take this mare under thine own wing, then. I shall resume surveillance of the wood. Mayhap there be others of yon kin who seek to breach Our territory.” The stallion let out a final snort and sprang into the sky with a mighty leap. He unfurled his wings and flapped rapidly; soon he was beyond earshot of either mare.

“Thou wilt forgive mine brother—times art few and far between that We play host to a non-hostile visitor.”

The mare on the ground looked up at the pony and shuddered as those gleaming amber lights peered into her. She breathed in deeply, as much as her lungs would allow. She released the breath, glad for the sensation of her racing heart beginning to slow.

“I promise I’m friendly,” she said. “Please tell me—who are you ponies?”

The standing mare clapped her front hooves on the ground. She bent her knees and spread her wings. “I am clept as Clear Night. Thou just witnessed the departure of mine brother, Starwind. We art of the humble race of Thestral, in this darkened wood whereupon We dwell.”

She stood once again and tucked her wings away. “Anon, dear filly, pray betoken me thy own identity?”

Her head still swimming from the elaborate language, the mare scrunched up her eyes and propped her front legs against her forehead. After a moment, she lowered them and stared into the face of her guardian.

“Mulberry. ...My name is Mulberry Pie.”

*  *  *  *  *

The sun blazed high and bright over the crystal arena. Stands continued to fill with citizens and tourists alike. Pegasi soared overhead and settled down into their own positions above the others, at Princess Aura’s request. Unicorns and Earth ponies mingled in the lower stands, closer to the imminent action. Much chatter and general merriment roved around the air, which continued to increase in volume as more spectators arrived with every minute.

“Isn’t this exciting, Aura?”

Cirrus flitted down before the royal box and gave a bow to each pony within. He raised his head, adorned with a shining silver helmet. “I can’t wait to get out there and show what I’m made of!”

“I can’t wait to see you in action either, Cirrus. I’m so excited to see you fight without your life on the line for a change.”

Aura nodded to Cirrus and flashed him a pearly grin. Next to Aura, Star Swirl and Portia looked upon the eager pegasus in his full set of barding. Beside Clover, Celestia remained silent.

“Wherever did you obtain such attire, young colt?” Star Swirl asked. “Surely you did not bring that armour with you all the way from Cloudsdale by yourself?”

“No, sir,” Cirrus said. “That would be much too heavy. No, my parents and my brother brought it with them for me.” He straightened and held his head high. Sunlight glinted off his helmet, sitting above a series of segmented criniere about his neck. Draped over his back and extending down his sides was a peytral, guarding his chest, and a flanchard across his flanks.

“Do you really need all that, Cirrus?” Aura hopped down from her throne and took a stroll around him. “This all looks like it may have been more useful back… well, you know. I thought jousting was only supposed to be for show and fun?” She poked at the solid steel body plates, his strips of shoulder and neck protection, even eyeing the way the flanchard curled down around—

“Oh, sure, Aura.” Cirrus nodded and circled around to face her, jerking her vision up to his with a start. “But just because it’s a mostly harmless sport for entertainment, that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. Those poles can really hurt in the right spot. Far better to be safe than sorry, right?”

The princess giggled. “You, worrying about safe? Oh, you crack me up, Cirrus. Perhaps I should make you my jester instead of my knight.”

“H-hey!” Cirrus took a step back as everypony chuckled together. “I’ll show you that I’m serious! Where is Prince Rend?”

“Um, Cirrus—” Aura started.

“Let me at him—round one!”

“That eager to go, are you?”

Cirrus’ ears almost touched the sky as he stiffened. Everypony trained their eyes onto the newcomer, who had flown up behind Cirrus. He clamped his jaws together and turned slowly. Oh, don’t tell me…

The adolescent griffon landed upon the box’s edge and spread his forelegs.

“If you are so eager to meet your demise, why wait? Let us open the jousting with a bout that these ponies will never forget.” He drew a talon across his chest.

“My son,” Sunder rumbled, jerking the attention of the crystal box’s occupants back to himself. “I think it would be best if we allow the natives to demonstrate how exactly a joust is supposed to go down. You do not want to risk disqualification for incorrect manoeuvres, do you?”

Rend snorted at his father, his tail flicking from side to side. “Pah. How difficult can it be to hold a pole under my wing and charge my prey down?” He turned to Cirrus and took a step forward. “Besides, the colt wants it—he said as much a few seconds ago.”

Cirrus opened his mouth to retort—

“You will wait your turn, Prince of Griffonia, lest I forbid you myself from competing!” The voice of the king rolled over the arena like approaching thunder. A shadow covered the box as he spread his monstrous wings.

Rend made a sound in the back of his throat and took a solitary step back. His eyes roved over the three unicorns, the taller alicorn, the princess and his prey, all watching him intently.

“...As you wish, Father.” Rend gave the barest of imperceptible bows before leaping into the air and flapping his wings. He leered down at Cirrus; piercing yellow forced its way into Cirrus’ own silver. “Do not harbour any illusion of your safety. I will get my turn with you soon enough, pegasus.”

Cirrus matched his rival’s glare until he had departed, then lowered his head and let out a deep sigh. He looked up at the sound of approaching hoofsteps, then smiled as Aura draped a wing over him.

“Should I stymie my son’s involvement, Your Highness?”

Aura and Cirrus turned to the king. His golden eyes betrayed no emotion. “If he insists on being unsporting about his attitude, if it is your wish, I will embargo this engagement.”

Aura lowered her wing from Cirrus and stepped back. “What do you want, Cirrus? This is your decision. Rend seems determined to humiliate you at any cost.”

Cirrus stamped a hoof, stiffened and raised his head. “I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. If I can face a changeling horde, I can face the prince.” He jumped into the air and hovered a few feet above them. His pristine cornflower-blue coat and silver mane shone in the noonday sun beneath his armour. “I will match him in combat… and may the best of us win!”

Glances and nods were exchanged around the box.

“So it will be, then.” Clover walked up to the edge of the box and assessed the crowd. Most of the stands had filled, with pegasus ponies still flapping about, trying to find seats. She looked back around. “Are we ready to begin?”

Aura clopped two hooves together. “Yes, Clover. Onward to the action!”

*  *  *  *  *

The audience roared as ponies and griffons met two at a time in the arena’s centre. The fighting varied mostly between two pegasi or two griffons, though a number that could be counted with the horns in the royal box also occurred between a griffon and a pegasus. Every victor received raucous applause, though the vanquished were still rewarded with a more subdued acknowledgement of their participation.

Cirrus watched the fighting from his position on the jousting ground’s edge. As his duel drew ever closer, he could not restrain the butterflies that had decided to hatch within his stomach and flutter around. The latest duel had been a heart-pounder for him in particular; his father, Blaze, found himself up against a lithe, deadly looking female griffon. With wing use forbidden except to hold their lances, flying was out of the question for both parties.

Blaze had thundered toward his opponent with a ferocity that Cirrus had never seen in his father. The scarlet stallion seemed on fire as his mane whipped in the wind behind him. He might as well have not even been wearing his barding, for all it encumbered his rush. Yet his opponent also streaked completely undaunted toward him. Although fifty metres initially separated them, they converged within four seconds. Twin lances found purchase in each of their desired target’s chests and shattered, and a tie was called after both competitors lifted themselves from the ground and shook limbs.

Blaze went to stand with Cirrus and Cumulus, who had also fought but defeated his opponent, a crystal pegasus stallion roughly his own age. The father looked upon his two sons and smiled during his approach. A slight limp marred his steps, though his grin could not be wider.

“Father, are you all right?”

“Yes, Cume,” Blaze said as his son wrapped a hoof over his neck. “I’ll be a little sore for a day or so, though. Nothing serious, I promise.” He stepped back and broke the embrace. “Congratulations on your own victory, son. You do me proud. Cirrus—” he waved a hoof to his youngest while tilting his head to the side “—come over here for a moment.”

The pegasi trotted along the barrier’s inside as the flugelhorn announced the beginning of the next round. Blaze draped a wing over Cirrus and held it there while they walked. “I know you’ve done this a lot back home,” he said, “but today will be completely different. Running on solid ground is vastly different than running on clouds. You’ll find yourself able to grip the ground and push off harder as you run, so your speed will be greater. You’ll have greater balance overall too, so you can focus more on where exactly to land your lance.”

The crowd’s ensuing roar drowned out his next words. Both pegasi glanced over the barrier to see a yellow pegasus sailing through the air while a brown one bowed to the spectators.

Blaze resumed once the hubbub settled. “Since you’re going to be fighting a griffon as well, I thought I’d let you know something. I assume you’ve noticed how they don’t wear any armour?”

“Yeah.” Cirrus nodded. “I thought at first that they were just showing off, but now that I think about it… none of them have been limping away like you or any of the other pegasi, even though you’ve all been covered in barding.” He paused. “...Are they actually really that tough?”

“It appears so, son. You might knock a griffon down, but they won’t stay down for long.” Blaze reared up and places his hooves upon Cirrus’ shoulders. “Be exceptionally careful out there against your opponent—from what I hear, he has a fierce temper. Even if you defeat him, I want you to retreat immediately afterward, if only to save your mother’s heart.”

Blaze laughed and clapped Cirrus’ right flanchard. “I know you can take care of yourself—Hurricane knows you proved yourself against the changelings—but you’ll always be Dewdrop’s precious little colt. Now off you get. Steel yourself, keep focused, and you’ll come out on top.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Cirrus nuzzled his father, then immediately took off back to the loading gate. “Tell Mother not to worry about me!” he called over his shoulder.

Blaze grinned after Cirrus, then launched himself into the air to find and sit with his wife.

Seconds later, Cirrus landed at the eastern barrier gate, where Cumulus still waited. He offered Cirrus a smirk upon his brother’s landing. “You can do it, Cir. Put those times you’ve knocked me on my own flank to good use. ’Twould be embarrassing to lose this bout when you’ve defeated your victorious brother before. Unless you’re getting… soft?”

“Soft, you think?” Cirrus lowered his eyebrows as if to frown, though a playful grin of his own broke the illusion. “I am Princess Aura’s personal knight! I shan’t be beaten by the likes of that arrogant prince.”

“Better check yourself then, ’cause it looks like you’re up next!” Cumulus trotted over to a makeshift wooden rack, holding a variety of lances. He waved a hoof over the selection. “Take your pick. Choose wisely—if Father told you anything about griffons, now is the time to take his advice.”

Cirrus trotted up and scrutinised the selection of wooden poles. The grin beneath his helmet faded while he rubbed his chin. Their skin can’t be pierced… they can only be knocked down… they’re comparatively agile…

His eyes roved over a long, skinny lance, a well-rounded lance and a shorter, thicker one. Each sported a ball on the end. The skinny one had a simple, smaller grip, while the thicker ones had longer ends protruding out from behind the grips, as if to keep them balanced. He lifted the long lance, barely feeling it beneath his wing. This is too long and lightweight. At best, I’ll only annoy Rend.

He replaced the skinny pole and picked up the mid-sized lance instead. It had a decent width to it, fit snugly beneath his wing and had a lengthy amount of its shaft behind the wing-guard, which seemed to balance out the weapon. Cirrus considered it for a moment—swinging it around in his grip, trotting back and forth—before also replacing it on the rack.

That left the shortest one. After lifting it from its place, Cirrus felt gravity’s effect far more as he held it below his left wing. The thick pole was roughly an eighth as wide as it was long, and had close to half of its overall length situated behind the wing-guard. He moved his right wing in front of him and held the pole in both before him, instead of at his side. The remaining shaft behind the wing-guard, he braced against his chest. He gripped it tight, then ran forward a little, pivoted and ran back to his starting place.

“This one. Yes, this is the one.”

Cumulus’ eyes opened to the size of potatoes. “That one? Really?” He flew to Cirrus and place a hoof upon his shoulder. “But you need both wings and the support of your chest to wield that one! Why, it weighs almost as much as you do! Not even Father opted for it.”

“It might seem an odd choice,” Cirrus began, “but I have to use it. Dad told me—”

A loud blare pierced the air. Both pegasi jumped.

“Looks like you’re up, Cir.” Cumulus gave him a gentle slap on the peytral. “I hope you know what you’re doing with that thing.”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan.” Cirrus winked, then trotted up to the barrier gate. “Trust me.”

Holding the mighty wooden shaft with both hooves, Cirrus flapped his wings, exerting more force than normal to get off the ground. Into the middle he descended, landing at his post. The dirt depressed with his weight. Fifty metres ahead, Prince Rend of Griffonia landed at his own starting position. He stood on his hind legs and waved with a lengthy piece of extremely thin wood.

He must be thinking to get me based on range alone.Amateur. Cirrus shook his head and readied his weapon in front of him. He heard the crowd murmuring to themselves—saw Rend’s confused expression even at his distance. He blinked to clear his eyes and pawed the ground, then bent his knees. He glared at the armourless griffon ahead of him, also lowered as though ready to pounce, his lance tucked beneath his left wing.

Cirrus held his breath, his hooves pressed firmly into the ground. The lance gripped in both of his wings began to falter as his small muscles strained with the weight. His vision narrowed to a tunnel, containing nothing but Rend and the weapon in front of him. All noise ceased, leaving nothing but his pulse pounding in his ears.

Paaaaaaaaa—

Wait until the horn stops…

—aaaaaaaaaaaarp!

With a cheer from the audience, both Cirrus and Rend raced toward each other. Cirrus galloped as hard as he could, feeling each and every step plant the ground and ascend again. The lance lifted slightly with the breeze he generated, its weight forced back into his peytral further. He measured his speed at half the griffon’s; Rend closed the distance with unprecedented speed, his elongated, ball-pointed pole a twig to Cirrus’ log.

Cirrus looked into Rend’s eyes. Rend curled his beak upward as he thrust out—

At the last second, Cirrus flicked his lance down and to his right side.

Rend’s lance bounced off the thick, plank-like protrusion. He lost his grip as it slid through his wing, then fell to ground behind him while his momentum continued to carry him forward.

Cirrus grunted from the glancing blow, but continued his gallop until he reached the end where Rend had begun. He pivoted, lowered his lance and began to pant heavily, stopping to observe Rend reach his own opponent’s initial launch point.

The spectators cheered, snippets of yelling reaching Cirrus’ ears.

“Wow, neither of them fell down!”

“...hasn’t happened yet today…”

“Did you watch how he was holding that thing?”

“...prince looks a mite angry.”

Cirrus watched as Rend flapped back down the track and stooped to retrieve his weapon. He grasped it and twirled it around in the air above his head, before thrusting once more toward Cirrus. That cruel smile he’d worn when they’d met had all but vanished.

Cirrus leaned against his post and set down the lance. He brought a wing up to his face and wiped, extracting beads of sweat already dripping down from under his helmet.

You’d better do it this time, colt. He won’t fall for that a second time.

With a quick glance up at the crystal box, he met Aura’s gaze. The princess had her front hooves upon the railing. She raised one of them and waved at him, her teeth and coat almost blinding him. He returned the gesture quickly, then immediately reverted his attention to Rend; he was already in position, lance held at the read. Cirrus shook his head and again grasped his lance.

Paaaaaaaaa—

All or nothing, Cirrus.

—aaaaaaaaaaaarp!

For the second time, blue hooves rushed to meet twin claws and paws. The ground shook with the audience’s stamping—no encounter had been pushed to a second bout before.

The nerve endings in Cirrus’ wings screamed in protest as he held the mighty rod in front of him for a second time. His legs strained to propel him forward, once again heavily outmatched by Rend’s own powerful hind legs. The griffon was closing fast, his beak curling upward again—

Cirrus watched the lance bearing upon him extend, perpendicular to Rend’s body. His eyes widened beneath his helmet. Acting on instinct, he did the first thing that came to mind: he ducked, skidded on the dirt and thrust his lance sideways. The skinny lance sailed over the top of his head while his own weapon smashed into Rend’s hindquarters.

The thick, weighty lance shattered upon impact, sending reverberations flying up Cirrus’ wings, down his back and to his legs. With a yelp as though struck by lightning, Cirrus immediately dropped what remained of the splintered shaft and clasped his wings to his side. He trotted on the spot for a moment, before turning his head toward the sudden increase in volume.

All throughout the stands, ponies were on their hooves, stamping as hard as they could. Cheers pierced the air, along with whistles and other noises. It seemed that not a single member of the crowd remained seated.

As the applause continued to wash over the ground, Cirrus slowly turned to face his vanquished foe. Rend had dropped the lance again and come to rest a good five metres from the impact. His momentum had carried him forward even while the lance’s impact had sent him further off to the side of the running track. He raised himself up to his feet, spread his wings and snapped his head around to view Cirrus.

If looks could kill…

“That’s it! You’re mine!”

Rend’s screech pierced through the crowd’s continuous euphoria even as he leapt forward and beat his wings hard, right toward Cirrus. With talons open, he collided with the still-stunned pegasus and sent them both sprawling in a pile to the ground a short distance away.

Immediately, the audience’s elation vanished in a sea of gasps and strangled cries.

Cirrus gasped and widened his eyes. On his back with the shrieking griffon on top of him, he waved his wings and hooves wildly. Finding himself unable to move, he could do naught but raise his forelegs to cover his face as giant brown wings beat above him and lengthy talons slashed at him. He let out an agonised cry when one of them opened up his right leg from the top of his hoof to his armpit. Crimson liquid spurted over his face and rapidly began to pool beneath him. In desperation, he swung out his left hoof, connecting with the side of Rend’s head.

Shaking off the glancing blow, Rend quickly resumed his assault. His beak streaked toward Cirrus’ throat—

Bang!

Rend flew back away from his hapless victim. He rolled for a few metres and landed in a heap in the dust. He shook his head and looked around, then his own eyes widened.

The pink-maned alicorn from the royal box stood over him. Her pink eyes flashed a venomous shade of green. She bared her teeth, exposing sharpened canines.

“How dare you attack an honorary royal family member like that! He had you beaten!”

She lit her foot-long horn. More of that toxic colour enveloped Rend and lifted him from the ground. He struggled in her magical grip, then started to splutter as he felt his neck tighten.

“He… I-I… you—”

“Release my son. Now.”

A shadow fell upon the pair as they both looked up at the mighty griffon descending toward them. With a landing that shook the ground, he extended his wings again, dwarfing both. “I will decide how to punish my own flesh and blood,” he growled. “If there are no objections?”

The alicorn held his gaze for some time, then released her grip. Rend gasped as the acidic light dissipated and he fell to the ground. He lay there, quailing before his father and his oppressor.

“Leave us. Tend to your own wounded charge.”

The alicorn gave a short bow, shot a final glare at her small foe and departed.

Sunder watched her for a moment, then rounded on Rend.

“You, cub, have shamed and disrespected our noble and glorious race in the presence of those who have shown us only the kindest of hospitality.” His claws clenched around Rend’s body. “You shall be returned to Griffonia immediately. Upon my return, we will speak further of your future, and if you deserve to ever succeed me.”

He released a claw and waved behind him. Two other adult females flew up beside him.

“Escort my son home,” Sunder continued. “I want him out of my sight within a minute.”

The griffonesses bowed and each placed a claw upon Rend’s shoulders. He snarled and shook them off.

“I can fly by myself!” He spread his wings and turned back to Sunder. “Have fun playing with your food, Father.” With Sunder’s narrowed stare upon his back, Rend soared into the sky, over the arena and eastward out of sight, his escorts in hot pursuit.

Sunder breathed a drawn-out sigh, before turning to the growing gathering nearby. He folded in his wings and paced over to the colourful pile, crimson still spreading out from beneath it. He stopped short as the congregation turned to face him, fear in their eyes. He bowed his head and sank to his knees, his ears ringing with the audience’s hushed whispering.

“I cannot offer a great enough apology to any of you for my son’s brutal behaviour.” A clenched claw covered his golden chest. “I put too much trust in him to keep his emotions in check, it seems. If there is anything I or my pryde can do for you, name it and it shall be done.”

Seconds passed, in which nopony spoke. The only sound apart from the crowd’s continual mutterings was the feeble whimpering that continued to filter through the injured pegasus’ guardians.

Sunder looked up to meet two small, glistening sky-blue eyes.

“P-please… just let us be for a minute. C-can we discuss it l-later?”

Sunder nodded at Aura’s soft, shaky voice. He flapped into the air and—

“Hold it!”

Everypony looked up at Celestia as she flew in front of Sunder and barred his path, her horn alight once again.

“Do you think there will be no repercussions from this?” she hissed. “Your son—the prince of a foreign land—just tried to eviscerate one of his hosts. If he has been sent away, you should pay his apology!”

Sunder frowned, then a slow smile crept over his face.

“In the wake of this incident, I suggest that now would be an opportune moment for our own match to take place? We’re here, there’s a score to settle, the audience grows restless… How about it?”

Celestia hovered in place, her rosy eyes narrowed. After a moment, her horn’s light faded and she descended to the ground. She turned to Aura and bowed. “Princess Aura, I humbly request that the griffon king and I be permitted our duel at this time.” She shifted her gaze to Sunder. “If I win, he and his kin are indebted to you and your kingdom to aid in troubled times, should they ever arise.”

“And should I claim victory?” Sunder asked.

“Then we forgive you on your son’s behalf. And you still owe Princess Aura some smaller favour.”

“You would have me fight to restore my son’s honour, then?” Sunder let out a deep, thundering laugh. “Rend has no honour to fight for—that is clear to me now. No, we will fight purely to gauge the difference between our strength, My Queen, as we would have before. And I will acquiesce to any request that the Crystal Princess makes of me, regardless of the outcome.”

He glanced down at Clover, Star Swirl and Portia, now helping Cirrus to his hooves. Blood from his nasty gash continued to trickle down the ruined blue flesh.

“I must also make this up to young Cirrus somehow. He is a most unfortunate victim.”

*  *  *  *  *

“You know, dear colt, you remain admirably calm,” Zebedee said as he smeared a glob of thick brown paste over the gash in Cirrus’ leg. “Many would panic after suffering such harm.”

“Hey, it’s not so bad. At least I know I beat that—ouch!” Whatever insult about to leave Cirrus’ mouth was averted when the paste came into contact with the torn skin beneath his coat. He sucked in a sharp breath while his leg twitched in the zebra’s grasp “That stings! What’s in that stuff, anyway?”

“Flowers of yarrow and roots of mandrake—with this, your leg is freed of pain or ache. It will also shield against infection’s spread, so in fear of agony you need not tread.”

Zebedee finished the application and rose to face the others. “Cirrus’ leg will knit and mend in due time… yet never again will it be completely fine. Though he’ll again strut largely unfazed, a slight limp shall mar him the rest of his days.”

“The rest of my days…”

Half an hour later, a bandaged and splinted Cirrus sat in the crystal box with Aura and her family. “I guess I can’t be your knight anymore, can I, Aura?” He sighed and curled up in his seat, his right leg outstretched. “Well, it could be worse—it could have been one of my wings instead.”

“I’m just glad you’re safe, Cirrus.” Aura nuzzled his shoulder. “If Man—Celestia didn’t interfere when she did, you could be… you might…” She dropped her head and choked back a light sob.

“Yeah… you’re right. I’ll be sure to thank her when she’s finished tearing the king a new—”

“Aura, it’s time.”

From Aura’s other side, Clover tapped her on the shoulder. “You should raise the shield now. This is going to be quite a melee.”

Aura nodded and fluttered off her throne to float a metre above the royal box. Before her at ground level, the queen and the king stood twenty paces apart. Despite the stands once again full of apprehensive ponies, silence blanketed the arena. All eyes were fixed on Sunder and Celestia.

Aura lit her horn, shining with the pendant at her neck. A shimmering, transparent blue shield covered the ground and surrounded the combatants. To test the shield, Sunder flew up to a point and pressed a claw against it, then threw a balled-up fist at it. He smiled as his blow yielded no noticeable results, and gave a short bow to Aura before turning back to his opponent.

Celestia watched the shield go up and saw Sunder punch the hemispherical walls to no effect. She looked up to Aura and gave a single nod. With the princess’ return nod, she bared her fangs at Sunder and dropped her disguise in a flash of emerald flames. While a collective gasp arose from outside the shimmering dome, Mantissia heard none of it as she slowly paced toward Sunder.

“It is not too late to surrender.” She flicked her tongue across her fangs and spread her wings.

“Spare me the humour, changeling. I have awaited a challenge for too many years to back down from you.” Sunder lifted his own wings and clasped both claws together, stretching them out above his head. His shoulders rolled backward and emitted a loud pop each. “Now I shall know for sure if I am truly the apex predator of this world.”

Mantissia opened her mouth and belted out a short laugh. “Ah, I believe that title goes to my kind. As the ultimate parasite, I will show you how it feels to be preyed upon. Beware of overconfidence, for it may just bring about your downfall.”

They bent their knees and flicked their tails. Two sets of wings rose into the air. Narrowed gold met green.

Sunder beat his wings and rushed toward Mantissia with a screech that pierced her mind. Before she had sufficient time to react, one of his fists connected with her chest. She tumbled through the air for a second, then stretched her wings again and regained her bearings with a shake of the head. She looked up to see Sunder already upon her again, his talons ready to carve her head from her neck.

She ceased buzzing her wings and immediately dropped altitude. She glanced up and saw Sunder swipe the space where her head had been half a second earlier. Her wings buzzed again and she ascended right back up. Her twisted horn pressed against the behemoth’s skin, but glanced off the solid hide and sent her rolling away from him in midair. They quickly rotated to face each other, fangs bared and beak open.

Sunder rushed Mantissia again, both of his claws open to clasp her head. She leaned backward and felt the breeze as he shot over her, then lifted her rear legs and kicked his undercarriage. He flew up a short distance from the thrust, though he hardly appeared to have felt it at all as he bent his head and leered down at her. He shifted his weight and pressed his rear paws against the barrier’s ceiling, then kicked off. The extra force granted him enough speed to smash head-first into Mantissia, throwing her back toward the ground.

Rolling around quickly, Mantissia hit the ground hard on all four hooves. Her knees bent so far that her stomach touched the dirt, a cloud of dust poofing up around her. A fine layer clung to her abdomen as she rose and straightened, revealing a small crater. She jerked her head up to see the king curling his beak into a wide grin as he rushed to meet her. She leaned sideways, her wings blurring while she shot to the left.

Immediately in her wake, Sunder landed in Mantissia’s fresh crater, further deepening it and puffing up more dust. He frowned and turned his head, searching through the opaque air for his foe. His eyes widened as a black hoof smashed into his beak and thrust him off-balance. With a screech, he raised a single wing to steady himself, then brought all fours back to earth.

“You do not disappoint, my dear queen.”

Sunder shook off the blow and flicked his tongue across the tip of his beak. His eyebrows lowered as he found a flat spot where a previously sharp point had ended the curve. “You chipped my beak... no matter—I have neglected the whetstone for too long as it is. Now I have an excuse to sharpen it again.”

“More than your beak needs sharpening, Sunder.” Another hoof flew through the lingering plume of dust and slammed into his chest.

Sunder did not even flinch; he grabbed the offending hoof with his left claw and squeezed. Five pronged talons dug into the black chitin in his grasp, eliciting a hiss and a sharp grunt from its owner. “Indeed. How about these? Sharp enough for you?” He increased the pressure of his grip, then thrust out toward Mantissia and released.

She flew backward, clutching her hoof as the dust finally settled. She ran a quick glance over the damage, thin green gauzes lining the place where Sunder had dug in his talons.

“I see I am not the only one of us with natural armour. You may pose more of a challenge than I thought.”

Sunder guffawed. “Indeed. Your hoof should be in tatters right now. Colour me impressed.”

That’s it… keep laughing…

While the air rang with Sunder’s mirth, Mantissia focused on his heart. Her eyes flickered a deep red, her vision becoming shades of green. The outline of Sunder’s beating heart glowed a faint pink inside his light-green form. She drew upon her natural urges and inhaled. A thin, wavy ribbon left Sunder’s heart and connected with her own. She looked down at her scratched-up hoof, her teeth gleaming as the green scores lightened and faded. With a quick blink, her eyes reverted to their usual green and her sight returned to normal.

“What did you just do?”

Sunder clutched his chest and frowned at Mantissia. His eyes widened when he caught sight of her repaired chitin.

Mantissia looked back to Sunder and gasped a contented sigh. She waved a hoof in front of her. “I told you not to get overconfident, yes?”

Sunder snarled and leapt toward her, talons outstretched wide enough to wrap around her body. “Playtime is over!”

Mantissia’s wings shimmered as Sunder drew close. She took the smallest of instances to appreciate his speed before she thrust above the ground and catapulted her forehooves into his back while he passed beneath.

Sunder’s added momentum carried him further than he anticipated; he collided with the pulsing wall and let out a grunt, winded against the solid blue cage. He turned—

Mantissia’s full weight smashed into his exposed underbelly. The blow expelled Sunder’s remaining breath and forced him against the barrier once more. A series of cracks spread from the impact’s epicentre, expanding its reach like a web weaved by a hyperactive star spider.

Mantissia let out a puff of satisfaction and removed her shoulder from Sunder’s stomach. She zoomed out of range and, panting gently, lowered herself to the ground. She chuckled to herself and dusted a hoof over the dirt. Ahead of her, Sunder pulled himself off the wall and also dropped to the ground, chest heaving and breathing ragged.

“Not—guh—bad, Mantissia… you’re fast, I’ll give you—hah—that.” He sucked down a deep breath and rubbed his stomach before steadying his stance. “I see now why the princesses had such a hard time with you. But you will not take me by surprise again.”

“I would be disappointed if you let me, to be perfectly honest.” Mantissia sneered at Sunder and lowered her own stance. “Come on—” she waved her hoof toward herself “—show me the true ferocity of your kind.”

“You want true ferocity?” Sunder stood high on his paws and spread his wings, claws clenched to his chest. “So be it.” He inhaled a long, drawn-out breath, lifted his head, arched his back and closed his eyes.

A piercing screech echoed around inside the dome. Mantissia covered her ears and turned away, the sound ringing in her head, every nerve in her body vibrating. When the shriek finally subsided, Mantissia turned her head and eyed her adversary. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open.

Sunder’s body gleamed with a bright golden aura. He dropped back to all fours and opened his eyes. The same aura swirled around within them, smoking with a golden mist. With a great exhalation, he trained his gaze upon his stunned opponent.

“Prepare to meet your maker, My Queen. You’ve opened up the Lion’s Heart.”

Before Mantissia could so much as move, Sunder was in her face, his wings disorienting her while his claws blurred across her body. She could do naught but scream while she was battered back and forth; Sunder opened up wound after wound over her chest, legs, back and throat while he moved at unprecedented speeds. Green blood flowed from every gash in Mantissia’s chitin. Pain flared from every muscle beneath her natural armour.

With a loud cry, Mantissia lit her horn. A small green burst of light engulfed her and flashed in Sunder’s face while she collapsed at the other end of the arena. Angry tears leaked from her eyes as she shook all over. Pieces of her chitin had been shorn clean off her body, exposing sinew and wide emerald rivers that wasted no time staining the dirt beneath her.

A second later, a thump shook the ground. She looked up to see Sunder—now aura-less—extending a claw to her head. She trembled as he wrapped his talons around her throat and lifted her into the air. Though Sunder panted as though he’d flown for days on end, Mantissia saw the victory in his eyes.

“Do you... submit, Mantissia? Or shall I—hah—continue this torture?” He brought his other claw to her throat and pointed a single talon to its base.

“N-never…”

Sunder smirked. He puffed for a moment, then removed his second claw from her neck and held it out to the side. “Admirable resolve... but futile in the end. You will concede my victory!”

He swung his claw back to deliver the final blow. It rushed in, eager to take a green bath—

Mantissia raised a leg to defend. The hole above her hoof stretched its diameter, then retracted around the talons, inches from slitting her throat. She smiled at the way Sunder’s eyes widened while he comprehended her action. With a vicious scream, Mantissia twisted her leg.

A crack like thunder sounded.

Sunder’s own roar almost burst her eardrums. He threw her away and backed off, staring at his claw, then at the ground where all five talons lay.

“Y-you… my claw… h-how—”

Shimmering green enveloped the tip of Sunder’s tail. Feeling the strange sensation surrounding the tuft of hair, he glanced over his shoulder.

The tail shot underneath his body to below his chest before he felt the pull on his tailbone. His wings spread wildly while his paws were pulled out from under him. He slammed onto his back, pinning his wings. As he raised his head, he saw the glowing tip of his tail in the grasp of Mantissia’s leghole. It shrank slowly, until he had no hope of pulling it out.

Green fire blazed in the queen’s gaze while she surveyed her captive.

“I am the guardian of the Crystal Empire.”

She sealed the hole tighter. Sunder howled.

“I am a mother to one hundred children.”

Sunder’s body floated in front of her. His wings and paws were also surrounded by green, holding them back.

“And though you have pushed me to the absolute limit in this form, I will best you without even using my own ultimate power, for it is so great and terrible that even I fear to use it again.”

She tugged on his tail and brought her free forehoof forward to meet the approaching stomach. Black chitin met soft fur. Sunder gasped while he bounced back in midair from the impact, then felt the second pull. Again and again, Mantissia sunk her hoof into Sunder’s tender abdomen; again and again, she reeled him in and pulled him forward.

With a final cry, she tugged on the tail once more and sunk her forehead into his flesh. What went in black emerged a deep crimson. Her aura dissipated, allowing Sunder to fall to the ground, heaving and clutching at his gut.

Mantissia’s wings slowed to a faint buzz, then spluttered to a halt. Her hooves touched soft dirt and she bent her knees. With a colossal inhale, she pictured the Crystal Heart in her mind. Cerulean light enveloped her and spread over her wounds. Damaged chitin shed and re-grew over her numerous gashes. The blood staining her horn vanished.

She opened her shimmering blue eyes and directed the excess, freely flowing love over her opponent’s broken body. The puncture in his stomach closed up and healed—not even a scar remained.

Sunder sat up, his eyes and mouth agape at his undamaged body. In disbelief, he stared up at the one who had bested him, yet also saved his life.

“What is this… this… this miraculous force?” He took another moment to survey the rest of his wounds. His tongue found a familiar point on his beak. He glanced at his mangled claw, only to find all five talons as they were before the fight. He heard the buzz of wings and recoiled on the ground, though it was not a malicious green that greeted him.

“I can manipulate the power of love in any way I see fit. I have used it to end life before, when I was a desperate, insane fool. Now, like Princess Aura did to me, I use it instead to save you and offer mercy.”

Mantissia straightened and held her horn high. Her wings lifted, but did not buzz.

“With the power of love at my and my children’s disposal, we will keep this Empire safe from any and all threats. This is the promise I made to Princess Aura, on the day that she spared my life. Accept my mercy and admit defeat, King Sunder.”

She smiled and extended a hoof. Five full seconds passed before he held out his claw and grasped it… gently.

As Mantissia pulled Sunder to his feet, the shimmering blue shield around them faded. All around the combatants, the stands were silent. Ponies and griffons alike sat motionless. Every gaze rested on the pair.

Mantissia turned to Sunder. “You were a fine opponent, My King,” she said. “I underestimated just how much of a challenge you would put up.”

“And I most certainly underestimated you, My Queen. The Lion’s Heart has never failed me before.” He released her hoof and bent his front knees, wings spread. “I yield to your superiority. For your mercy, Princess Aura will always have an ally in Griffonia.”

“I am sure that she will graciously accept.” Mantissia returned the bow with a short curtsey. When they arose, the griffon and the changeling noted the eerie silence that lingered over everypony.

Mantissia brought a hoof to her mouth and chuckled. “We sure gave them one heck of a show, huh?”