The Giant that holds up the Sky

Chapters

Stratos
A Shy Encounter
A Sparkling Conundrum
A Celestial Intervention

Stratos

Stratos took a long whiff of the night air, smiling at its vast aurora colours that made it all the much more attractive as the moonlight shone on his azure eyes, glowing oh-so-vibrantly. Though this was practically the only thing that appeared to be noticeable on his greyscale figure, white cloud-like mane, and a shade darker of a coat color.

He walked, keeping a glowing wisp of blue light to guide him through the pitch-black forest. He never liked the forests, it was always dangerous, too many surprises, too many things that wanted to bring his being the harm he really would not deserve.

But he had to get through, and that brought out a deep, rather humble sigh. He looked at his wisp he had made and gave it a gentle look.

“Are we almost there? I believe that last clearing was what made me want out of here and experience the open land all the much more.” He said, looking around almost fearfully.

The wisp slowed for a moment and seemed to give off a more subtle flow of its light, wavy and flowing, like strands of a fine mist of water. It flowed around him, giving off a brighter glow then back to its normal luminescence as though it were telling him just a bit farther. Stratos gave out a long, immature groan, like a foal asking their parents constantly if they were there yet. He wanted out of here.

The wisp glowed a brighter colour from its normal blue. Like the sky. It began to pick up speed, and Stratos followed with a smile, his trot turning into a canter. He huffed forth as that canter turned to a gallop, following that noticeable blue ball of light until it shot upwards into the flowing meadow of tall grass. He had a wide smile and laughed out with glee, his youth finally showing as he rolled about, it was so nice, so beautiful.

So not deadly. That forest was way too cramped, closing in on him, shame on those trees. He still constantly refused to believe he was claustrophobic. He wasn’t, he was a fearless unicorn. A unicorn that would one day be the coolest, most interesting pony alive in the cosmos of the small world he lived on.

He looked at his wisp, its sky like light glowing against the ground as though it were day. He squinted with a look of realization, and he stood up immediately, he finally found a name for the wonderful ball of high adequency. He looked at it, and called it over.

“Wisp, I have finally come up with a name for you.” He said enthusiastically.

The wisp just floated there. As though unimpressed.

He chuckled and glared at it. “Now now, its not like the others, give me a break, you’re the first magical being I’ve ever had, Its not like naming a pet….or is it-“

The wisp glowed an angry orange.

Stratos put up his hooves in defense, “Not a pet, not a pet, companion.”

It simmered back to a light blue, swaying left and right in a slight valley dip.

“I have put the much 8 seconds of thought into this, and have come up with the name-“ He paused for dramatic affect.

The wisp was unamused.

He sighed, ears falling back, “You are such a downer sometimes…” He stood up proudly, “I dub thee, ‘Skylight’”

Skylight seemed to stop for a moment, and sped around him in a spiral, happy with the name. He chuckled and began walking.

“Come along now, we have to get back home. I want to show you to everypony.”

He had his back turned as he walked and realized the glow of his wisp was missing, he turned around and called out, “Skylight…?” he looked up and watched as ice began to spread along the ground, snow falling from nothingness. The stars disappearing, the moon becoming ethereal. It was almost as though everything was turning into a nightmare.

Stratos didn't realize this, but he did realize he was scared, and began running from the shadows, his height beginning to grow with each step, panting and heaving as he slowly began to age. He watched as memories began to pass by. Whizzing past him, all his companions of his magic, his friends. Running by and calling out to him all muffled and unable to be made out. He looked ahead and tried to stop, skidding on his haunches as the end of his path began to show, though he was too late, and fell, falling. Unseen.

As he fell he felt the drag of something on his back and forgot of his wings. He flapped them, harder and harder. He could see his path coming back up, but a force began to suck him down. Deeper and deeper into an invisible abyss.

He let out a final scream until his azure eyes were no longer seen.

__________________________________________________________________

Stratos woke up with a jolt, panting heavily on his cloud. He looked at himself, his hooves, his wings, and even tapped his horn as though to check to see if he were all there. He sighed a heavy sigh. Another nightmare, always about his past, but they never seemed to happen during the day, only night. He pondered at this; this was probably why he was nocturnal.

He looked over the edge of his cloud, high in the sky, down upon Ponyville. A village that was soon going to see a massive catastrophe rather shortly that he had to fix and with this he stood up, and hopped off his little piece of luxury. He fell and fell before letting his wings flap out with the quickly coming up ground and glided a few meters about it before dropping and skidding with a slight canter to a trot. He looked about the empty streets of Ponyville, his still vibrant azure eyes piercing the darkness (Save the moonlight), and went to the outskirts, along the edges of the Everfree Forest.

He looked about, and actually sighed. He looked behind him to see a face that had been practically stalking him for the past several weeks.

“Oh for goodness sakes, would you please stop following me?” He said, rather annoyed.

She stepped out, later to be seen in full detail. Her evergreen eyes staring at him from the tall mare silhouette. She shook her head and was about to say something before shying away from the thought.

He gave her a slight frown, feeling bad, and decided to ignore her for the time being. He took a pose of proper footing and closed his eyes, the night slowly beginning to turn to dawn. His horn began to glow to a brilliant sky blue. It swirled about itself and slowly concentrated itself into a floating ball of light, the floated down to his chest height. He stood back and flinched in surprise to see that darn mare sitting right there, staring softly at him then at the ball of light, morphing itself into that of a practically ethereal version of a pony. It just stood there, looking at him, and the mare, waiting.

Stratos cleared his throat, “Hello there, can you hear me alright? Anything wrong?”

The pony shook its head and trotted in place.

He smiled, “Wonderful, I need your help, is that alright? We are going to do a job that is very important, and I need your help.”

The pony showed a sense of happiness through its glowing pure white eyes and hopped around him, he smiled at its enthusiastic attitude. Though it stopped and looked at the mare curiously, who looked back with wide eyes, leaning back at its personal space invasion.

“Can you talk…?” She asked, her voice mature, the light glowing off her rustic brown coat and horn, wavy charcoal mane.

It shook its head in a happy manner and Stratos looked at her with a smile, she took this quite well, he never really made sentient beings around her before save a few wisps. “I don’t very much know how to give them mouths yet… but they don’t seem to mind” he rubbed his chin, “We need to give it a name…”

The mare seemed to glow her enthusiasm at the sentence, “Awww~ like our baby!”

Stratos almost choked at the thought and coughed, shaking his head, “n-no no! Not anything like that at all…”

“I’ll call you Glowball.” She said, right after Stratos finished.

He stared at her, “Why Glowball…?”

“Because he was a glowing ball when he was born.” She huffed

He sighed and looked at his newest companion, who seemed to like the name, “You really like that name huh?”

Glowball nodded happily, but it seemed to be happy about pretty much everything.

Stratos sighed, “Okay…” He turned back to the mare, “Miss Dust, I need you to find a hotel or something, this next portion will take place without you.

Dust crossed her hooves and huffed again. “And how will I know that you won’t run out from me again?”

Stratos sighed again and let his head hang low, “I have already given up on loosing you…please…. Just go find a place to stay…”

She nuzzled up against him and smiled, trotting off, and waved back at him, “If I find that you ditched me again, I’ll hunt you down~!” She kissed a hoof and blew it at him, disappearing towards Ponyville.

She scared him. He traveled halfway across Equestria to lose her, even setting up decoys and losing her in caves. She still somehow found him. She was relentless, though… her company wasn’t really all that bad, she was nice, she wasn't TOO clingy, and she gave him actual space when he needed it, she was a sensible….companion he guessed, stalker seemed a bit rude even if she followed him everywhere.

He looked at Glowball and waved him to begin walking by his side, walking into the cramped confines of the forest, “Now, here’s what we need to do, and what you are going to do. Also, I’m changing your name. First, there’s going to be this huge explosion…” He trailed off as he went deeper into the forest with his newest companion.

Dust watched him go into the forest, it seems there was much more to him than she realized. She bet that even the Princesses of Equestria couldn’t do what he did, not even Twilight Sparkle. This was all the much more importance for her to get close to him.

She was about to enter the hotel in Ponyville before she heard a very loud crackling noise above her. She looked up to see a literal darkening crack form across the sky, massive portions breaking off and dissipating into the shiny gleaming shards of magic. Her eyes grew wider, looking around her as it began to snow. The hole ended with a massive, though soft-

*Bwooooooo- blshkwaa*

That.

Soon after that epic sound reverberating among the clouds and what was left of the sky over Ponyville, the hole began to close up, a bright blue outline until it meshed back together as though nothing ever happened. Dust just kept staring, even with a thin sheet of snow covering everything in the middle of July; she just kept looking at what use to be a hole in the sky

A Shy Encounter

Stratos rubbed his head, shaking it quickly, “Uhg….. I swear, these things never get any easier…” He turned around, staring at his glowing companion. “Alright Lentic! Work time is finished for tonight.”

He looked almost shocked, his ethereal ears flopping down.

Stratos tilted his head, “What?”

Lentic shook his head and made some rather rude gestures, shaking his hooves as though challenging Stratos.

Stratos chuckled, “You can’t really touch things. But since you are so persistent about wanting to stay around, I will let you stay around. Though I did say ‘for tonight’, so you would be here for a while anyways.”

Lentic lunged in the air in victory.

“But.” Stratos watched as he fell back to the ground, looking back at him. “You can’t be wandering around looking like a pony ghost. Several things are wrong with that. We need to change your appearance.”

Lentic looked at himself then nodded.

“Good. Everythings settled, now stand still.” Stratos’ horn glowed an eerie blue magic, enveloping his trusty companion before he began to spin around quickly, being concentrated to a glowing light. A puff of smoke surrounded the two and when it cleared, Stratos had no choice but to laugh at what he saw.

Lentic was now a small cloud, no bigger than his ear.

“OOOOH~! Oh, good heavens you are so TINY! Priceless!” He called out, though his fit of laughter was stopped by a small bolt of lightning shooting just above him. Looking up he saw the tiny cloud turn to a dark gray, static flowing around it.

He also took note of the scent of what smelled like burnt mane. “You are so mean.”

Another bolt of lightning shot out at him. “Okay! Sorry. Though be careful, the clouds here are rather large so stick to them, since you’re-“ He snorted, “Fun-sized.”

Lentic began to charge another salvo before Stratos shook his hooves, “I couldn’t help myself, I had to do it, no more!” He covers his mouth, holding back another laugh.

He watched Lentic calm down before flying off towards the sky. Stratos then looked around, the forest looked rather confined now without him, no room to move… or take deep breaths… as though the trees were growing around him, trying to block him off.

Stratos shook his head; he didn’t realize his breathing had sped up to the point of hyperventilation. He also appeared to be huddled on the ground shivering, how embarrassing. He got up and calmed himself. ‘Be fearless, amazing! You aren't scared of the closing walls, the shrinking flora… the lack of space…’

Oh it was staring all over again. His horn glowed and a small ball of light was emitted from it, making him feel a little better. But what would REALLY make him feel better is if he could get out into the open space again.

He began walking, being sure to keep a close eye out. He knew all about the Everfree Forest, and all the animals that reside in it. Timberwolves were a rather large threat, he even heard about the appearance of Manticores, Cockitrice, even an Ursa Major.

And what would you know, sounds of cracking twigs and branches. Stratos made a quick turn of his head, aiming the magical light in the direction of the sound. He squinted his eyes since there were too many trees to make a complete picture of what he was looking at, though a perceiving guess was made, since these moving shadows sharing growls, size, and eerie green eyes, not to mention the absolute worse scent he has come across for quite some time.

Timberwolves, the only explanation. Proving his theory correct he watched the branch composed wolves come out of the bushes and trees, showing their teeth in a vicious snarl. Stratos fixed his posture, shaking in pride of his guess, he was right.

He was right.

He was… right.

Stratos’ ears fell back as he realized how painfully wrong it was to be right in this form of situation. Should he fight them? ‘No’ he thought, ‘That would attract attention…. And I could get hurt…’. Should he fly away? ‘No, ponies could see me’ he shook off the many ideas that breifly popped in his mind.

That left only one option, and that option is perfect, the best, absolutely original.

Stratos slowly began to back up as they walked towards him, eyes shrinking to the size of needles, pebbles and blades of grass giving way to their set path. He then turned around and lunged forward, running as fast as he could. Behind him he could hear the cracks and howls of the pack animals giving chase to him, and a peak back at them showed they were gaining on him. He was too slow, he wasn’t an athlete, and their bodies, though made of wood, were incredibly agile. He thought for a moment, what did he have to help him? He didn’t have any spells in mind that could increase his speed, and teleportation was only limited to his field of vision. All that was left were his wings, though thinking a little more about it, maybe he didn’t have to use them to fly….

It was his best shot; he gave a mental shrug and prepared himself. His wings opened while he was in a full sprint, and with the next step forward he used his wings to propel himself forward. It took him a few staggering hops, avoidances of incoming trees, and dodging the several branches that suddenly appear in front of him, but he slowly, and surely, got the hang of it, practically gliding over the ground. They were still on his tail though, almost literally, feeling their wooden jaws just barely missing his tail and their terrible, horrifyingly terrible, breath still fouling the air. It made him want to lose his dinner, gagging at the scent.

“HUUUOOoooh my gosh. HRK, HUAH…” It was so bad, like sweaty socks filled with moldy cheese that was left out in the sun for weeks.

The Timberwolves didn’t seem to care about their awful sense of hygiene though, they just kept chasing him. Even with his now difficult to retain speed, they were still keeping a pace on him.

He dodged another tree, feeling his ear brushing against a branch that connected to the trunk. Behind him he heard the sound of branches breaking, and the whining sound of a dog.

His head popped up, realizing they did that. Timberwolves were just a bunch of branches and sticks and leaves. Well… living ones that is. How could he forget.

He squinted those azure eyes; he swore he saw something that didn’t quite fit in. It looked like a fence. As he got closer he realized it was in fact a fence, he could even see a cottage! Or at least some of it, wooden door, windows, things houses have. Save the moss covered roof, flowers blooming all around, and the incredibly large amount of rather impressive bird houses.

The wonderful style of naturist architecture was the last thing on his mind though. The wolves were still behind him, trying to make him their really early breakfast. All or nothing.

Branches broke, leaves fell through the air, twigs and branches cracked and hit the ground, and a cloud themed stallion shot out of the foliage like a bullet. He lunged over the fence, and almost lightning fast opened, entered, and closed the door to the cozy cottage, blocking the door with his body. He peeked out through the little door window and saw the Timberwolves pacing around, outside of the fence before howling and running back into the forest.

He wiped his forehead with a grin, “Whoo! That was much too close…”

Turning his head back towards the room his ears fell.

He was being watched.

By way too many animals, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, beavers, a dozen varieties of birds, including a flamingo.

And a small little rabbit that seemed to be angry at the new guest.

He rubbed his chin, “So this place IS abandoned….” He looked to his left and saw a wall of fur. A little higher and he saw the face of a bear.

A bear…

It just wasn’t his day.

Stratos screamed and jumped behind the couch, peaking his eyes out. They all just continued to watch him, staring, little malevolent ideas forming on what to do with him. His mind thought for the worst.

Meanwhile.

Fluttershy woke up with a soft yawn, stretching her body and wings. It was still rather early, but the animals need their breakfast. She hopped out of bed and stretched again, this one a bit more brief before looking in a mirror. Her long pink mane was unchanged, no need for brushing, though she did have a bit of drool on the edge of her mouth and a blush of embarrassment appeared over her muzzle as she wiped it off. She was glad nopony else was here.

Upon the short time for personal grooming, she softly walked down the stairs and-

“DON’T EAT ME! I AM TOO STRINGY! I wouldn’t taste good. I’m OLD!!”

Fluttershy’s eyes opened wide and she ran down the stairs and let out a gasp.

There was a stallion in her living room, on his head a pot, and a straining spoon extended out with magic, he must have gotten into her kitchen.

“Oh my goodness!” She gasped, hooves being brought to her lips. He looked terrible, twigs and leaves were stuck in his mane, mud and dirt covering him, a look of fear over his eyes.

He looked at her, he seemed to be a little sleep deprived and exhausted, this may explain as to why he screamed he was too old, he actually looked quite young, maybe he ate something.

His fear seemed to disappear though, and it turned to panic. “You!” He pointed at Fluttershy, who cringed and seemed to shrink in fright at the words, “It’s too dangerous! There are dangerous animals in here!”

Fluttershys head perked back up, “E-excuse me..?” She looked rather confused.

He looked at her with the same confusion, hooves regarding the entire room, “House full of vicious animals…?

Fluttershy looked about the room to see just all of her cute little animals staring up at her, unknowing what to do. She looked at the stallion, “Oh they’re not vicious, they’re just a bunch of sweetie pie’s.” She nuzzled up against the bear, which seemed to nuzzle back.

He looked shocked.

“A-are you alright?” She seemed worried about him.

Stratos slowly looked around and noticed that all the animals had the same look of confusion he had, if not more.

He slowly took the pot off his head with a large blush of embarrassment, “Very much so….Yes…Merely bruises and maybe a couple cuts…”

She let out a sigh of relief, “Thank goodness….” She normally was hesitant with guests, especially stallions, but this one seemed to have been through quite the hassle. She let out a soft, kind smile, “Stay right there.”

He stared at the bear, who stared back at him. “Bear….”

Fluttershy left the room, going into another to fetch her first aid kit. She came back to see him still behind the couch, though cookware-less.

“U-uhm… c-could you please come out from behind my couch….?” She asked.

Stratos looked behind him, looked back at her, and shook his head.

Her eyes narrowed, he was hiding something. Maybe it was more than just a few cuts.

“Please~?” She strained the word, hoping he would come out.

Again, a shake of the head.

She glared at him, her eyes staring directly into his, “You need to have your injuries treated.”

Stratos shuddered, he felt himself grow cold, as though some force was taking hold of him, breaking his mental barriers. He could feel a wave of submission washing over him. So cold… He shook his head quickly, trying to get the invasive feeling out of his head.

“You know, I don’t think the cuts are honestly that bad-“

Her stare intensified. It was felt like she was cutting into the very essence of his soul. His ears fell back and he slowly went below the couch until his eyes and horn were the only things showing.

“Stop! Please…. Just… no more!” He watched her stare slowly subside, her shy look coming back as she held that First-Aid kit in her mouth.

She was just trying to help him he knew that… maybe she wouldn’t….completely….freak out.

“Just promise me you won’t try and bow or do anything drastsic…” He said straight forward. Everytime he met a pony they thought he was some royal uptight prince, he never wanted to be a part of that, it brings far too much attention.

Fluttershy nodded slowly with a raised eyebrow, “I…promise…” She was confused by what he meant until she saw him walk out from behind the couch, and that is when she realized what he meant. She watched as wings seemed to sprout from his back.

The kit fell to the floor before she squeaked and rapidly picked it up, almost dropping it and picking it up again, “S-sorry…” She gave a hesitant smile, trying not to make any sudden movements.

He tilted his head, she wasn’t bowing, or making any grace flattering gestures, which was good. But she was still rather intimidated, and he wasn’t all that good with comforting mares.

In his train of deep though he jumped and yelped in pain when he felt a burning sensation on his left shoulder, “YEOW!!”

“Sorry!” Fluttershy flinched, applying the cloth a bit more gently on his cuts.

He didn’t even notice her, he must have not been paying attention… He watched her carefully, though, after a few moments of silence and several eyes watching him, he tried to do something he had never tried doing before.

Start a petty conversation.

Stratos tried to remember when the last time he had spoken to a mare that wasn’t the….he wouldn’t say psycho-mare, but rather a devoted stalker, Love Dust will be looking for him soon, though she did teach him a few things that he had never tried with her in the first few weeks of trying to lose her.

Share names. *Cue awkward flute music*

Stratos took a big gulp and looked about as she cared for his cuts and bruises, “S…..”

Fluttershy looked up at him, “D-did you say something…?” Curiosity got the better of her.

Stratos coughed, head looking around as he tried jumping out of his comfort zone, way out of it. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath, “Straaa….nge day?”

Way to go.

Fluttershy looked a bit uncomfortable, not answering as she hid a bit in her mane.

Stratos began to mentally condition himself, practically beating himself up over his blunder. He made rather strange noises in the process of his quick conditioning and this only made Fluttershy lean back in an awkward stare, wondering if he was having a reaction to the medicine. “Stra…Stratooos…. Stratos.”

She looked at him, Stratos? Her head perked up, he was trying to say his name! Stratos. She nodded her head, wondering why it was so hard for him to just give off a name, though she had no room to talk.

“I’m….Fluttershy….” She whispered.

Stratos only got half of that, leaning down a bit, “I-I’m sorry…. Flutter…what?”

She quickly, quietly said her name again, “Fluttershy…”

Stratos perked up triumphantly, he rules at this whole socializing thing. “What a swell name…”

Get to know each other.

‘This is a bit harder than sharing names’, Stratos though.

“It….” He paused, he was seizing up again. He hadn’t spoken- well, he hadn’t really gotten to know a pony for a very long time. He took another deep breath, wincing as she moved her medicine soaked cloth to the next injury.

“Sorry!” She said quietly, noticing his wince.

Wow, even her yells were soft and quiet.

“I-it’s very much okay…. “ He felt light headed from all this, though she seemed very nice. And she wasn’t trying to rat him out to the locals. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine a situation that made him feels a bit….comfortable.

“So… Miss Flutter-“ He saw her shrink down, maybe it was the honorific… “F-Fluttershy… Is it alright to ask why you keep so many…. Animals…?” He looked at a bunny, who seemed a bit annoyed at the attention he was getting from their caretaker.

Apparently it wasn’t time for that question as all he received in response was an awkward silence.

He let out a soft sigh.

Physical sign of appreciation!

No…. just. No.

Stratos let out a soft yawn before Fluttershy stood up and stepped back, he looked down to see cleaned areas where he was hurt, though, another look at himself and a look at her looking at him he realized, he was extraordinarily filthy. He had clumps of dirt stuck in his feathers, mane, and tail. Another gander had shown mud creating mats in his fur.

Fluttershy seemed to understand what he was thinking. She pointed upstairs, “B-bathroom is upstairs….” She said in her usual quiet tone.

Stratos looked upstairs then back at her, so kind. “Thank you very much” He gave a perky smile, walking up the stairs before being halted by a thought. He turned around, leaning his head down between the rails and spoke up a bit, “Uhm… Fluttershy… Would it be alright for you to help guide me out of Ponyville without really being…. Noticed?”

He watched her twiddle her hooves, looking down at the wood floor, slightly to the right. “W-well…. No… But I know somepony who can help! I’ll go get her.”

Stratos’ eyes flew open wide, staggering to get down the stairs before realizing he could just teleport. But before he could surround himself in his blue magic to teleport himself down the stairs to her, he watched her already leave the cottage in a huff, closing the door behind her.

Stratos began to panic. She was getting another pony. He found her incredibly kind so he had high hopes she would stay true to her words. But maybe this next mare couldn’t be so trusting, she would tell everypony about him.

He began to plot plans in his head. Maybe he could fly out of Ponyville… No, said to be light overcast, he would be spotted by the Pegasi. Maybe bit-by-bit teleportation… Again, no, Ponyville was too open to find proper hiding spots…

He really was stuck in a corner… he let out a long, low grunt before letting his head fall. He was only left with the trust in Fluttershy. He grumbled and began to walk back up the stairs. He should at least be presentable to this new pony. He looked through each room, finding a guest bedroom, the master bedroom, rather unkept though…. He looked at the last door and entered, smiling to find the bathtub, a large half barrel with a shower-top.

He turned on the water, switched it to shower, and stepped in, his flowing cloud mane straightening out under the water along with all the dirt that had since dried in it. He saw soap, and two shampoo bottles.

‘How odd…. Why are there two?’, He thought to himself as he picked up the bottles. He found out they were actually different! One was labeled, ‘Shampoo’ and the other was labeled ‘Conditioner’.

Should he use both? Maybe… they WERE here after all. He began reading the instructions, finding out which to use first.

A Sparkling Conundrum

Fluttershy walked down the streets of Ponyville with only one destination in mind, trying her best to stay away from everypony. Stratos said he didn’t want to be noticed and she had guessed the reason why, well… almost why. Why would he be hiding?

The top of a crystal tree castle could be seen rising over the horizon, glimmering against the morning sunlight. Ponies all about, beginning their days with a happy smile, though she kept walking, only wanted to get to her friend Twilight Sparkle. If anypony knew anything it was her. She was just too shy around Stratos to actually do anything to help him, with that and him being an Alicorn, he attracted too much attention.

She began to pick up her pace, passing by an Inn, unknowing to a rather rusty colored unicorn mare with a wavy black mane and vibrant green eyes that followed each pony who passed by. Fluttershy just kept walking, eventually reaching the crystal castle. She pushed against one of the massive doors, hearing it creak open as she bared all her weight against it. She huffed past the entrance, looking up to see the 6 crystal thrones, empty, though still filling the room. Echoing inside the Castle, she could hear Twilight saying something to Spike.

Fluttershy slowly walked up the stairs to the library, where the commotion was loudest, and peeked her head halfway around the corner to see Twilight pacing back and forth across the room.

“That explains how it was fixed, but it doesn’t explain where it came from.” Twilight stated, her mind in obvious deep thought.

“What if it was the Tree of Harmony? I mean, it gave you guys that box and it was unbelievable, what if something like that fixed the problem with its magic?” Spike said, trying to give Twilight some foundation to her persisting conundrum.

Fluttershy found herself leaning into the heat of the conversation, not realizing she was about to fall over. She slipped and, with a squeak, fell onto the floor, getting up quickly and hiding behind the corner, hoping Twilight or Spike hadn’t seen her.

“Fluttershy? Is that you?” She heard Twilights voice echo around the corner.

Fluttershy slowly walked out from her hiding place and nodded, “I-I’m sorry… I didn’t want to intrude…”

“It’s fine Fluttershy, we were just discussing about last night’s events.” Twilight stated. Behind her, Fluttershy could see at least two dozen books stacked on top of each other, several of them scattered about one of the tables, open.

“What events?”, Fluttershy was curious, she didn’t know anything happened. This caused her to blush a little, she was always a bit of a heavy sleeper…

“You didn’t see it?” Twilight tilted her head.

Fluttershy shook her head, “I didn’t….”

“I don’t think anypony really knows about what happened, Twilight, I mean, all it was was light and a small sound… I mean, you only saw it because you were having one of your late night cram sessions.”

Twilight shot a malevolent glare at Spike, who held his claws up in defense. She then turned back to Fluttershy, “Last night there was a fissure in the atmosphere that grew to vast proportions before being mended with a sudden and greater beam of mysterious and incredibly vast levels of magic.”

Fluttershy looked at Spike.

“There was a big hole in the sky and a big beam of magic fixed it.” He said, understanding Fluttershy’s confusion. Fluttershy made a silent ‘Oooooh’, nodding her head as Spike received an annoyed glare from Twilight. Her eyes widened when she remembered her ‘Guest’, most likely still at her Cottage. Did he have something to do with it?

She looked at Twilight, who began to ponder the situation they had just recited over in her mind. Fluttershy was about to tell Twilight about Stratos before she began to speak to herself.

“Maybe it was one of the Princesses, but they would have told me…. and there would be a reason to be in the Everfree to do it….”

“Uhm… Twilight…?” Fluttershy watched as Twilight began to go back to her pacing.

“Maybe because of its mysterious properties?” She ranted.

“…Twilight…?”

“Maybe Spike was right, what if it WAS the Tree of Harmony…”

Fluttershy poked Twilight, “Twilight…?”

Twilight snapped out of her possessive self-argument and turned to Fluttershy, “Hm? I’m sorry… Yes?”

“There’s a guest… at my home…”

“A guest?” Twilight raised an eyebrow, Fluttershy nodded her head, “I’m sorry, but why are you telling me?”

“Well…. He wants to get out of Ponyville un-noticed and I didn’t think I could help him, then you told me about last night and…” Fluttershy paused, trying to find a way not to be rude about him.

Twilight leaned in, curious now.

“I think he may be responsible….” She hid in her mane.

Twilight leaned back and looked at Spike, “Why would you think that, Fluttershy…?”

“He’s… well…” Fluttershy began, pausing again.

“He’s what?” Now Spike was wondering what she had to say.

“An Alicorn.”

Twilight’s eyes widened and she moved uncomfortably close, picking her up to her huanches, “For real? Wings, Horn, everything?”

Fluttershy nodded her head.

“I knew there were boys!” Spike snapped.

“Where is he? Right. Now.” Twilight continued to lean forward as Fluttershy leaned back to keep her space.

“He’s at my house… C-could you please put me down….?”

Twilight blinked and realized what she was doing, she gently let go of Fluttershy and regained her calm and focused composure. “Sorry… Sorry…” A blush appeared on her lavender cheeks, she looked at the yellow mare and shuddered, trying to keep her excitement contained. “We need to get to your home, Fluttershy. I think it would be faster to teleport there and not cause any suspicion or unnecessary attention.”

Fluttershy was about to ask why Twilight would think that before she saw herself enveloped in the bright essence of fuchsia magic. Before the instantaneous teleportation, she heard Twilight call out to Spike.

“Watch over the Castle for me, Spike!”

Spike watched as the two of them disappeared, he crossed his arms and huffed, “They never let me in on the really cool stuff anymore….” He walked over to the table and opened the latest Edition of ‘Power Ponies’, immediately getting drawn into the action.

Meanwhile, with Twilight and Fluttershy

Twilight and Fluttershy materialized outside of the Cottage, just in front of the front door. Fluttershy took a few moments to catch her breath, scared over the teleportation. Twilight noticed and scratched the back of her head,

“Sorry…” She said.

Fluttershy nodded softly, accepting the apology before opening the door, only to see a rather angry white bunny, thumping his foot on the wooden floor.

Fluttershy immediately picked up the bunny and rushed inside, “Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! Momma forgot to feed you! I’ll get right on it!” Fluttershy rushed into the kitchen, leaving Twilight alone in the Living Room. She could see many animals outside, enjoying the day, a pot and strainer spoon on the floor, a first aid kit, and more mud, twigs and leaves than she could count.

She began to explore, looking for Fluttershy’s Alicorn ‘Guest’. She didn’t mention a name, but it was fine since there were only three ponies in the Cottage; her, Fluttershy, and the stallion.

Downstairs was completely void of any stallions, which only left upstairs. She slowly walked up the stairs, peeking her head through the first of three doors, this one was the Guest bedroom, clean and tidy. The next was Fluttershy’s room, with the same status, save some ruffled sheets and a bent up pillow that Twilight quickly fixed up to perfection.

That only left one room, the bathroom. She was so excited she forgot her manners and was about to barge right in before the door handle glowed a sky blue. The door opened with a soft hum behind it.

Twilight watched as first a light gray horn came out the door first, followed by a muzzle, and a pair of Azure blue eyes that didn’t quite seem to notice her yet.

“That ‘Conditioner’ was absolutely wondrous for my mane, I have never felt it so soft before!” She watched him dry off his mane a bit more before twisting his tail dry, allowing them to go back to their cloud-like selves of pure white. He evenly folded up the towel and placed it in the laundry bin. “No need to be rude and untidy for Miss Fluttershy and her friend- “

He paused, meeting eyes with Twilights, whose were in response, shrunken down to the size of a hayseed.

The awkward staring contest seemed to have lasted for minutes before Stratos’ eyes broke from her gaze, looking left and right with a sigh to break the tension. “You must be Fluttershy’s friend I presume?” He looked incredibly uncomfortable.

Twilight shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.

“You aren’t? Oh dear….”

“No no! I am, I most certainly am, I’m sorry, I am just trying to comprehend this situation…” Twilight rubbed her head.

Stratos tilted his head, “I apologize….”

Twilight shook her head again, “No! You don’t need to apologize either…. I just never thought there would be another Alicorn….”

She heard him sigh as he walked by her, “I do not believe a bathroom is exactly the best place for discussion.” He seemed to have avoided her statement.

Twilight stayed close to him, watching his every move. His posture was perfect, though something seemed off about him, he didn’t seem all that regal… maybe he was new too. She shook her head, trying to clear the now infinite amount of questions forming in her head about him. She had to get back to why she initially wanted to speak to him.

Upon reach down stairs she watched him sit on the floor, looking at her, though his casual expression seemed to have changed when he finally took notice to the fact that she, too, was an Alicorn. He let out another of those sighs that he seemed to always give off when he was placed in an awkward situation now that she thought about it.

She wondered why he was so uncomfortable.

But first, names. She was absolutely pestered by the lack of a decent foundation of knowledge on each other. She cleared her throat, which caught his attention, and spoke in a clear and rather intelligent toned manner. “My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle. May I ask what your name is?”

Stratos nodded his head, at least he wasn’t starting the conversation, it would be more trouble than it’s worth. “My name is Stratos Fallstreak.”

Twilight thought about his name, recalling in her memory all the knowledge she could compare with his name. Nothing came up though, but something was unique about it, both portions of his name were relative to the sky. And with what happened this morning, and his sudden appearance, he must be the one responsible as Fluttershy had guessed. She smiled, proud of herself for deducing it so easily, the only way to prove it now was one of her favorite activities.

Questions and Answers.

She sat down just as him and stared at him, watching his eye movements for the questions to come to see if he would be lying or not.

“Stratos…” She began. He was already shifty, probably relative with him not wanting to be known by anypony else, “Would you happen to know about the events that took place last night, involving a giant fracture in the sky and a massive beam of magic that came soon after to quote, unquote, ‘Repair’ it?”

She watched as his body immediately stiffened, eyes growing wide and small beads of sweat beginning to form. Well that solved that. “I-i… Do not know what you are talking about.”

She now just wanted him to admit it. So she would keep asking questions. “Where were you last night? Fluttershy claimed you were injured and from the looks of it, she was not lying” She noted all the scratched and bruises lightly covering his body, he must have been running through the forest, the twigs and leaves, along with the dirt towards the backdoor, he must have been at the Everfree Forest, another strong clue that added to the already inevitable answer she WILL receive.

Stratos let out a huff, still shaking, he didn’t know how to answer it. She could see it, she knew, she was just waiting for him to break, to tell her his secrets. He couldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t, he took a deep breath “I was in the Everfree Forest…” He guessed he would only tell her PARTS of the truth.

He seemed to have finally cracked, “And why were you in the Everfree Forest?”

Stratos looked up, his humble appearance replaced with a look of duty, “To do my job.”

He only gave her a part of what she was expecting, though saying it was his job caught her off guard. “What would your job be?”

She wanted him to say it.

Stratos gave her a look of annoyance, realizing she already knew, she just wanted to rub it in his face for lying to her. “Oh for goodness sake, you already know, you don’t need me to say it.”

“Say what?” Twilight gave an innocent look and a tilt of the head.

“That I was the one who fixed that massive hole in the sky- “ He paused. She used the pressure and stress he was already experiencing to catch him off guard. She was good, that was clever. “You are good.”

“I just needed to be absolutely certain that it was you. Now I have only one question left to ask you” She stood up.

“Ask me your question then”, It couldn’t possibly get any worse than it already was.

He watched as his vision filled with the face of the mare that was once a few meters away from him, looking as though she had not eaten in days and a feast was laid out in front of her, and he was the feast. “Is it possible to teach me that form of magic? I have never seen anything like it before! I MUST know.” She was practically drooling on him. He took a quick step back and watched as she began to fall before catching her and gently sitting her back up.

He smiled at her, and said with calm clarity, “Absolutely not.”

Her ears fell back and she gasped, “B-but! It’s undocumented!”

“Then it will have to stay that way. I apologize, Princess Sparkle.”

“Not even a little bit?”

“No.”

“Please???”

“No.”

“Come on!” He could hear her getting closer.

“Please respect me declining your wish. I understand it is hard for you to accept the loss of potential knowledge.”

‘Loss of potential knowledge’, he may not have meant it, but those words clung to her mind and continued to echo, repeating dozens of times. Twilight found herself growing furious, how dare he. Knowledge was the most important virtue to hold, without it, there would be nothing, and to deny knowledge is just….just… it’s just preposterous.

Stratos was about to ask if she was able to keep her promise of safe passage while remaining incognito before feeling his mane build a static charge. He looked behind him to see Twilight’s horn glowing violently and a very annoyed expression on her face.

“Loss of potential knowledge.” She clung to those words like a foal to their mother. She was finding it difficult to let go of it.

Stratos realized he just made a mistake, he should have thought about it, not immediately come out with what he was thinking. He just pulled the trigger to Twilight Sparkles anger, and she was about to unleash a point blank shot upon him.

He acted quickly and opened the door, watching the first beam of magic shoot past him and outside. He turned his head back to Twilight to see her charging at him just before Fluttershy walked back into her Living Room to see them both leave the Cottage.

“U-uhm…. Goodbye?” She looked around, maybe they were going somewhere else to discuss what to do.

Stratos felt the barrage of the charge imbued with magical energy and tumbled down the path towards Ponyville. He quickly recovered and found himself in dire need to get as far away from the Alicorn Princess as possible, apologies were just too late now. He began to run, hearing the Princess call out to him in fury.

“Stop right there!” She ordered him, quickly flying towards him.

He didn’t answer back, in fear that would slow him down. He remembered early this morning what he did to get away from the Timberwolves and his wings slowly began to extend out, stretching as they prepared to be used.

Twilight watched as his wings extended out and was about to tackle him where she THOUGHT he was going to fly. But she instead hit empty air, watching as he lunged forwards and propelled himself to a greater speed. She couldn’t keep up with him. She would need help, and up ahead she saw just the mare for the job.

Meanwhile

Rainbow Dash was busy. Well she was before she decided to take a break, snuggled in on a cloud. A nap wasn’t so bad, this would help her out with the rest of the day. Cloud busting was SERIOUS business.

“RAINBOW DASH!!”

Rainbow Dash rustled up, looking about while rubbing her eyes, “Huh? What’s up?” She saw Twilight rush by, almost causing her to fall off her cloud. She quickly regained her composure and chased after Twilight, wondering what has got her in such a hurry. She easily caught up with her and flew next to her, “Uh, Twilight? What’s the rush?”

Twilight pointed down at the streets where she could see a white blur rushing down them. “I need your help to catch him, he is of great importance.” She wasn’t lying, he was, in fact, important. His mind could be holding more knowledge than he seems to let off, a living library of untold history and magic.

Rainbow Dash didn’t question Twilights request and gave Twilight a quick salute, “On it!” She halted and flew down towards the streets to catch up to him. It wasn’t that difficult for her, as she was only the fastest, most awesome Pegasus ever, nopony could beat her in speed.

Stratos found himself beginning to breathe a bit quicker, last night took a lot out of him and he was far past his curfew for rest. And just to add again, he wasn’t an athlete, he didn’t have the stamina to keep this up for long. Of course, he apparently didn’t as he saw a cyan mare with a rainbow mane slowly creep up beside him, dodging food carts.

And she was doing it upside down with her hooves behind her head too. Now that was just cruel.

“Hey bud, I am going to have to ask you to stop running.” She peeked an eye open before they both shot open to see an Alicorn staring back at her. “What??”

Stratos didn’t have time for another pony to ask him questions, he replied to her none-the-less though, “I apologize but I do not wish to die today.”

Rainbow Dash paused, letting him gain ground, “Die?” Was that why he was running from Twilight? She began to laugh as she flew back up beside him, “Listen pal, she isn’t going to hurt you.”

Stratos looked at her like she was psychotic and shook his head, “I do not trust your-“

“STRAAATOOOOOOOS~!! <3” His eyes went to pebbles, there was only one pony who called his name like that. She truly was relentless.

Love Dust.

It hasn’t even been half a day and she was already looking for him. Two options fell into mind. Get cuddled way too romantically and smothered by Love Dust or face the wrath of Twilight.

It felt more one-sided really.

“Twilight it is!” Stratos turned around, leaving Rainbow Dash as he began to run back to Twilight. She would have caught him anyways, he was just too tired, and he could already feel the fatigue setting in as he began to slow down. He really needed to sleep, best get the quickest one was the best. Maybe if he taught Twilight one of his spells she would stop bothering him and let him take a wonderful nap.

He could see her, flying towards him, the rainbow maned mare with her. He was astounded with her speed. Twilight didn’t seem to be angry anymore, so maybe the colorful one told her about him coming back to her.

“Stratos~! Where are you going??”

“Twilight!! I promise to teach you something! Please! Get me somewhere isolated so I can do it!” She was so close he could feel her energetic optimism for learning.

“Straaaatos~! <3”

“Please! NOW!” He watched himself get surrounded with magic and just about to be teleported, almost there, come on.

“Gotcha!” He felt a pair of hooves hug around him and snuggling, causing him to tumble with her on his back.

“NooooOOOO!!!” And with that, they disappeared, his pleads echoing in the pony filled street wondering who and or what they just saw.

Seconds Later

Stratos and Dust tumbled onto an ornate floor, skidding for a moment before Stratos sat up, rubbing his head. He looked around, staring at the crystal columns that seemed to compliment the deep purplish blue walls. It was laid out in a dome, a set of doors to the east and west of the room, a stained window pane to the north, and in the center, 6 impressive thrones.

He was admiring the architecture, finding it in good taste before a tingle ran up his spine, feeling a familiar presence nuzzling into his mane.

“Oh my gosh! You’re mane is so soft now! And it smells like tangerines!” Love Dust snuggled into him giggling as he grumbled on the floor.

Another sound echoed through the main foyer as Twilight materialized a few feet away. “Sorry about the long wait, I had to explain to Rainbow Dash what was going on, now, since I did what you asked and took you to someplace isolated, how about that spell?” He looked up to see her looking back at him with a wide, closed smile, optimistic eyes, and a waggling tail.

He honestly wanted the isolation to get away from Love Dust, but he was a stallion of his word and got up, her still on his back, “I will teach you after I get my sleep. You wouldn’t happen to have a spare bedroom perhaps?”

Twilight stared at Stratos, though she did notice his eyes, they were half open, almost ready to fall closed. She sighed, it would have to wait. She pointed to one of the doors, “Go up the stairs, down the main hall, turn right at the end and it will be the 4th door on your left.”

Stratos smiled and nodded, walking towards the door. Twilight watched him go and saw the mare that seemed to know him turn around, and proceeded to glare at her until the door closed behind the two.

A Celestial Intervention

It had been almost 12 hours since the now dubbed ‘Fallstreak Effect’ had happened. And yet, everypony went on their merry way, doing their jobs. The sun had melted the snow before anyone noticed and this was good, there would be no questions, no panic, and this meant a day to think with what to do with this stallion; with Stratos.

Twilight did not know very much about him besides the fact he was an incredibly paranoid, humble, introvert. He didn’t like ponies bowing in front of him, which she could relate to, and based on what she already does know, his talent is relative with the sky in some form of magic she has yet heard of.

Which was incredibly exciting.

It was so exciting, in fact, that she began to search up everything she could on anything related to the male Alicorn. Upon him falling asleep, she was already on her way to the library; wall to wall the vast quantities of information graced its shelves. And with last weeks ‘re-shelving’ day, she knew exactly where to look for anything ‘sky’ related.

Her magic took down book after book, so carefully alphabetized, and began to lay them down on the table in front of her; everything about the sky, clouds, alicorn history, and the atmosphere itself were contained in these books. She opened the first set and began to quickly read each page, seeing if she could spot anything she didn’t already know.

Page after page, word after word, her expression began to grow more and more grim. He didn’t seem to be appearing anywhere in these books. There was nothing similar to the sky breaking apart, nothing about any anomalies in magic suggested towards massive beams of white light. With each passing page it just grew more and more into the Pegasus side of how they controlled the seasons and the fundamentals of cloud creation.

It was like he didn’t exist, he was never around to make a scene. Even the books she had received from Princess Celestias Library held no information. Or maybe they just haven’t been delivered yet… She ran a hoof under her chin, her curiosity growing more and more. Stratos Fallstreak. He didn’t seem all that old, but Alicorns did seem to age incredibly slowly; and with his knowledge on magic, she made a heavily judged assumption that he MAY have come from the same generation as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

It was incredibly far-fetched, but maybe they personally knew something about him. She bit her lower lip, thinking on how to approach this. He seemed incredibly set on his

choice of remaining hidden, but she couldn’t just let him go. From what she saw, his magic could be incredibly beneficial as it could be just as equally be detrimental.

She had to take the risk. He would understand what position she was forced in when he arrived.

“SPIKE!” She called out.

She heard the sound of little feet jogging on the floor and turned her head to see the purple dragon skid to a halt beside her, “Here!”

“I need you to write a letter to Princess Celestia.” She stated.

“Is it about the new guy?”

Twilight nodded, “I can’t find anything in my books about him, I am wondering if they happen to know anything about him.”

Spike nodded in understanding, “You got it.” He pulled out a quill and scroll, each table in the Library had one.

“Ready?”

“Ready.” He pressed the quill to the paper.

Twilight cleared her throat, “Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, I am sure you have heard of or even seen the events that had taken place over Ponyville. I am having this letter written in the find of a new Alicorn. He claims to go by the name of ‘Stratos Fallstreak’ though I can’t find anything about him. Would you happen to know anything about him? Please write back if you do, at your earliest convenience. –Twilight.”

Spike rolled the scroll and tied it together, holding it up and blowing it away in smoke and green fire as it was whisked away to Princess Celestia.

Twilight watched as the smoke left, a feeling in her stomach making her wonder if it was in excitement, or if she made the wrong decision to tell them. She immediately covered this feeling when she heard hoofsteps enter the Library.

“Stratos!” Twilight reflexively began to try and make herself seem preoccupied “You’re up early!”

He seemed confused, staring at her with a raised eyebrow, “It is… the late afternoon though…” He looked out the large window at the end of the library, the sun past the peak point of the afternoon.

“Oh… So it is…” She ran a hoof behind her head, laughing nervously.

“Are you feeling alright? You seem more… jittery than usual.”

Just looking at him made her feel worse about sending that letter. But she couldn’t let him know, “Oh… you know, a lot has happened today…” She didn’t technically lie, a lot really HAD happened today, and it was enough to ease off any suspicion.

And it worked. Stratos actually seemed to be embarrassed, looking off at the floor, “That is true…” He gave off his now signature sigh, and walked up to her. “I wish to make up for that; with what I promised you earlier in fact.”

This caught Twilights attention, he had only made one promise, and she felt a rush of optimism course through her, “You mean…”

Stratos smiled and nodded, finishing her sentence, “Yes, the spell I promised to teach you.” Though in his mind, he was thinking exactly which of his spells he should teach her. She had made it certain that she wanted to learn one of HIS spells, and not any other.

His thoughts were stopped with the sound of glee from a happy mare as he watched Twilight hop up from her seat into the air, “Woo~!” her optimism was surely something; it really showed her pursuit of knowledge.

Twilight ran up to him, “So what kind of magic is it? I want to know EVERYTHING.”

“That you do…” He muttered under his breath before taking a step back for personal space and giving her a casual glance, “Though that was not a part of the promise, I only stated that I would teach you a spell and that was it.”

Twilight frowned and gave him a glare, “You also said you would do ‘Anything’”.

“Which was the spell that I originally didn’t want to teach you.” He smiled, leaning in and giving her the returning glare, purple against blue. He realized he had won the argument when he watched Twilight huff and cross her hooves in frustration, turning her head away from him. “Though you will learn what kind of magic the spell is anyways so it is a win win situation.”

Twilight proceeded to give Stratos the most soul freezing glare he had received since his first attempt of trying to lose Love Dust. He shivered, his mane gaining volume as it stood on end and a small static charge dissipating from it so it returned back to normal.

“Then why did you argue you wouldn’t tell me?” She grunted.

“Because I did not appreciate your cruel need to get me to tell you why I was in the Everfree Forest.” He huffed.

Twilight grumbled, she had mixed feelings about it and decided to give him this one. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind of the stress caused by his point and looked back at him, “Let’s get back on subject. The spell.”

He nodded and looked around, “You wouldn’t happen to have a training area or large spacious room by any chance, would you?”

Twilight gave him a perky smile, “As a matter of fact, I do! I’ll take us there.” With that finished sentence, the two of them began to be surrounded by a bubble of Twilights magic, pulsating as a link was made and they both teleported to a room two stories up; just as Stratos had requested.

Though he seemed to be a little shaken by the teleporting, causing Twilight to realize she hadn’t given a warning, again. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to scare you.”

He shook his head and rubbed his temple, looking about and then his hooves, “Even the new ones are masters of it…”

“Masters of what?” Twilight stared at him in curiosity.

“Teleportation.” He put great emphasis on the word, practically hissing it.

“What? But it is so eas-“ She stopped herself as his head seemed to droop down along with his self-esteem, his mane turning to a dark gray. It seemed to be a touchy subject around him… Though if he really WAS that hurt just by the thought of it…

“Stratos… Would you like to learn how to Teleport better?“

“I would love to learn it better, but I am very short on time… I can only teach you the spell I promised.” She watched him turn and walk to the center of the room, turning around and staring at her with his azure eyes.

“Why would you be short on ti-“ She started.

“Now, the first thing you want to do is concentrate” He stopped her, his eyes closing and his horn glowing a sky blue, “Slowly begin the spell to form a barrier.” His magic slowly started to surround him, the shining bubble of a barrier beginning to form. “But when it begins to take shape, break the bonds and layer it.” The barrier began to grow fuzzy and seem to drift away from him though still retain its spherical form. “Can you do this for me?”

“But it is just a regular barrier. And from what you said, it seems incredibly weak too.” Twilight continued to watch as the barrier seemed to disappear from him.

Stratos smiled, “That is true when it comes to physical hits, but try to hit the barrier with magic. It doesn’t have to be anything grand, just… magic, a beam of some sort will do.”

“But I don’t want to hurt you…”

“You won’t! Now. Attack me. A simple paralyzing spell or something of the other, it doesn’t matter which.” He stood at the ready, head held high.

Twilight didn’t feel too certain of this, but he seemed to be quite confident that this… barrier… would work. “If you say so…” Her horn began to glow its vibrant lavender glow, intensifying with each second as she conjured a spell to use on him. She slowly tilted her head down and aimed, directly at the center of his chest, and fired. A precise beam shot from her horn at a blinding pace, and as she raised her head, she could have sworn Stratos’s ears fell back as he truly braced for an oncoming attack.

But it never happened; the beam seemed to slow down a foot before it would have hit him and seemed to trail around and slowly get absorbed by an invisible force. He opened his eyes and looked as the fuchsia magic disappeared and he stood triumphantly, “S-see? Absolutely nothing to worry about.” He let out a sigh of relief. “It can block most magical attacks.”

Twilight stared; unlike the solid barriers, that can break under a beam of precision magic, this barrier just seemed to redirect it and absorb it. It was a wondrous use of improvising common magic into something more. “Why most?” She asked at the end of his explanation.

“Magic is graded in power, levels, as you know. One to Five. Depending on the power of the unicorn, or…” He looked her up then down, “Alicorn. It can be a little bit...Shifty”

“Shifty?”

“Unstable. It was created with magic and absorbs any magic that hits against its shell, and can break down if it isn't maintained properly.”

“Why would you need such a spell though?”

Stratos looked up at the ceiling, “It is rather important, you look at this spell every day and every night.”

It took Twilight a moment or two to realize what he was talking about before she realized his obvious gesture. The sky, it made sense now, an invisible force that protected from the outside.

He just taught her how to create an atmosphere. But it was so easy to learn she almost couldn’t believe it.

“I am afraid I can’t clarify it anymore though.” He stated.

*BANG*

This brought Twilight out of her thoughts, staring at him as he sat in the middle of the room. “What do you mean?”

“Well. It would not take very long for that letter you sent to the Princesses to reach them and come and take me.” He stared at her, “But I am sure you meant no harm towards me when you wanted to know more about me.”

Twilight’s heart skipped a beat as she turned her head to see two of Canterlots Royal Guards rush through, donned in heavy gold armor, followed by another two, and another. She turned back to him, not believing what was going on. “Y-you heard?”

He nodded, looking at each guard as they aimed their pikes at him, “I was about to enter the room when I heard you recite the letter to your dragon. I realized that I could no longer escape once it was sent.” The pair of hoofsteps could be heard down the hallway, “I have already sent Love Dust away so she wouldn’t get involved in this…” He sighed, “Which she probably will….”

The familiar body of the Princess of the Night walked in the room, giving Stratos a cold look. Behind her, Princess Celestia walked in, staring at Stratos with the same glare.

Twilight almost couldn’t handle this, and looked at her former teacher, “P-princess Celestia, what is going on?”

Princess Luna stepped ahead and cleared her throat, “Stratos Fallstreak, you are hereby under arrest for the aid and escape of King Sombra, the disappearance of the Crystal Empire, and freezing the entire artic hemisphere, 1000 years ago.”

Stratos looked down at the ground in sorrow as Twilight stared at him in shock. Aiding King Sombra? The King of Darkness, the tyrannical and brutal dictator that threatened the Crystal Empire more than once that had almost succeeded in taking it again? She shook her head and took a few steps back.

Stratos looked up at Luna and gave her a frown, “You know I never did that inten-“

“Quiet.” She ordered, without looking at him. “Guards, take him.” She waited for the guards to escort him out of the room before she followed them out, keeping a close eye on the cloud maned stallion.

Twilight walked up to Princess Celestia, “Princess… How could he…”

She looked down at her with a soft and warming smile, “It will all be explained in time, Princess. For now, we need to take him to Canterlot and be sure he won’t escape before he explains himself.”

“B-but how could he commit such evil?” Twilight exclaimed; from when she first met Stratos she knew he was a bit of an introvert, but his personality was always kind and humble, with the respect of wanting to keep secrets, secrets. But to think he was one to aid King Sombra; one with no good in his heart, one of pure darkness. You would have to be just as evil as him to help him.

“We will all be hearing that from the stallion himself.” Princess Celestia turned to Twilight and looked down upon her with a more stern facial expression, “I request that you bring your friends with you, as we may need you if he decides to make an escape.”

Twilight hesitantly nodded her head as she followed Princess Celestia out of her castle. Upon exiting the main foyer to the castle grounds, she could see a crowd of ponies watch from a distance as a group of guards and Princess Luna escorted Stratos to a chariot, though he seemed to be calm about all of this.

Until he stopped.

Princess Luna stared at Stratos and her horn glowed, “We request that you walk forward to the chariot. We would not like to make any additional scenes, would we?”

Stratos held up a hoof, closing his eyes, “One moment.”

“There will be no moments!” Luna bellowed, pushing him forward. It was hard to see, but Twilight could have sworn the moment he was pushed, his horn pulsed its blue magic. Though it didn’t seem to register to anypony else as he was pushed to the cart where two guards bound his hooves and placed a magic restraint around his horn. Upon the restraints being placed, the air around him shimmered and broke outward in swirling magical residue as his spell was cancelled. He was then placed in the chariot where two guards sat to either side of him, looking forward.

Luna smiled at this and walked to her chariot, where she awaited the signal from her sister.

Princess Celestia proceeded to walk over to her chariot and stepped on, where she turned to Twilight, “We will see you at the castle. Do not worry Twilight, everything will be explained.” She nodded to her sister where they both took flight, with Stratos’s chariot in the middle where he didn’t move, didn’t speak, or do anything of the sort besides sit there.

Which made the guards uneasy.

Stratos closed his eyes and pretended to fall asleep, taking a deep inhale, then exhale. While the restraint made it difficult to do anything, he could faintly see a little cloud that was following close behind the chariot.

Twilight watched as they left and as the dust settled from where they once were, revealing five silhouettes that cleared into five familiar mares. They all walked up to Twilight, each with the same look of confusion at what just happened.

The orange one with a loosely tied mane walked up first, staring up at the 3 now dwindling chariots as they flew off to Canterlot. She turned back to Twilight and gave her a confused look as she motioned back at where the Chariots had been flying, “Uhm… Care to explain Sugarcube?”

Twilight had been watching as well before her attention was drawn back to the group of waiting silence and confusion. She had nodded and began to explain, “Basically, that was another Alicorn.”

The group gasped, all except Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who seemed to be a bit more casual about the surprising news. Though Rainbow Dash did manage to pipe up, “He really didn’t seem all that special; did you see how slow he runs?”

Twilight could understand the speed issue, ever since she had become an alicorn she found the wings to be heavy and slowing and flying for too long tended to exhaust her. “Not all ponies are athletes Rainbow Dash. Though back on subject, yes, he is an Alicorn, and based off of his magic, he is either incredibly powerful, or he is incredibly resourceful. But now… I am not sure what to think of him.”

“Whatever do you mean darling?” Rarity inquired.

“Yeah! Aren’t Alicorns supposed to be around for some ‘higher purpose’?” Rainbow stated, the group now growing closer.

They all wanted to know what was going on. And they deserved to know, just as much as she did. Twilight took a deep breath and cleared her thoughts so she could explain with utmost clarity from the moment she met him, to where he was arrested. “His name is Stratos Fallstreak. And yes Rainbow Dash, he has a purpose just like Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Cadence and I. From what I have gathered, he controls the sky. The one who maintains it”

They all looked up towards the sky, Pinkie Pie jumping, “Wow! That’s amazing!”

“I agree, and with such colors spreading through day and night in the most wonderful shades of blue, red, and yellow, I find it very inspiring.” Rarity lifted the primary curl of her mane.

“When you say ‘Maintains it’ it makes him sound like a janitor.” Rainbow Dash laughed, imagining the cloudy Alicorn squeegeeing the sky with a spray bottle and rag.

Applejack stepped up, “This conversation is gettin’ off track.” She looked at Twilight with a firm, yet gentle gaze, “Why was he taken away bound in chains, Twilight?”

Twilights ears fell back, the words Luna recited to Stratos before he was arrested echoing in her head. To add to the pressure, all five of them were expecting an answer, and by no means did they want anything else but what she knew.

She looked at each of her friends, “Stratos was arrested for the aid and escape of King Sombra before the disappearance of the Crystal Empire.” Her eyes gazed upon the dirt.

Everone gasped, this was surprising news. “How!?” They all said in unison.

Twilight retreated a few steps back from the deafening question. She could see their mixed emotions, curiosity intertwined with each facial expression, they still awaited the next answer.

One she could not give.

“I am actually heading off to Canterlot to find out now.” Twilight sat up straight and held her head high, “And I am going to need each of you to come with me. I know not all of you personally got to know him, though you will be able to when he explains how he could have committed such a crime. He will surely give his side as well to a thorough explanation of what the Princesses saw.”

“Ah have a feelin’ this’ll be a bit one sided…” Applejack spoke up, lowering her hat, “Ah don’t really think the Princesses’ll give him much room to make a defendin’ statement worth their while. This IS King Sombra we’re talkin’ about, the one who terrorized the Crystal Empire ah’n almost took it over again before Spike saved the day?”

Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy seemed to agree with Applejack, nodding sadly. Though Pinkie Pie looked at them and shook her head.

“No waaay. From what Twilight said, he has a supermundo important job! The Princesses will definitely give him a chance!” She hopped around the group, “It’ll be fair.”

They each mumbled to themselves, half and half towards him being forgiven. Though it never settled right with Twilight, Stratos was always keeping his distance, would this be why? Could he have been friends with King Sombra, or was it a mistake and he wanted to stay away not to let it ever happen again? There were many possibilities running through her mind, and it was about time she and her friends get to Canterlot to learn it.

“Pack your bags girls; we’re getting on the next train to Canterlot.” Twilight said. After hearing a sequence of ‘Woo’s from them she watched as each of them went away to their homes. She went back into her castle foyer to gather a few books that may help him. She felt Applejack may be right and this entire prosecution may be one sided. It was only fair to make it fair.

Stratos watched as the castle came into view, it hasn’t changed since his last nonformal visit. The massive engraved towers that graced the sun so carefully, the gold leaf that was embroidered into the trim; it complimented itself.

Magestic. That was the word he liked to use. He watched the castle grounds come up, each blade of grass pristine and cut evenly. He took a deep breath of the fresh air, leaning back with a smile. It was enlightening, and it made him feel like his old self again. He turned his head to the guard on his left, a white Pegasus stallion, then on his right, a white Pegasus mare, both with golden manes.

They didn’t move a muscle, stared straight ahead, and didn’t bat an eye. He shifted slightly in discomfort and looked down at the chains that were welded down to the floor of the chariot, not allowing him much room to move. He began to clink them around, trying to release some of the tension. He began to make a little beat in his head before the rattling was stopped by two pikes being locked into the chains and preventing them from moving anymore.

He stared up to see the two guards staring at him, their military discipline showing through their eyes as though they were born as soldiers.

“So you aren’t statues after all.” He smiled at the two of them. “I apologize, I didn’t mean to bother you two at all. It just seemed unnaturally quiet and it is such a beautiful day that there should be smiles and joy.”

The mare looked about, as though just now noticing the sunny day and the blue skies. She turned her head to the stallion and motioned him to look, “It is a good day out today.”

“He is trying to trick you into lowering your guard. You remember what the Princesses said.” He whispered to her, barely audible over the wind.

“R-right.” She sat up straight and went back to looking ahead

Stratos frowned, he almost started a proper conversation. It was the first time in a long while he could actually interact with ponies and feel comfortable about it.

Of course, being arrested shouldn’t have anything comforting about it… maybe it was because he no longer had to run and hide from everypony. He felt that was the closest reason to his unveiling emotions, as though a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

It felt relieving.

He looked back ahead and watched as the Princesses chariots landed first, ever so gently landing on the grass and crumpling each blade beneath it. Each of their heads turned and waited for his to land on the ground. They grew closer and closer until his chariot landed with a heafty thud, which was a bit heavier than intended, causing Stratos and the two guards to fall over on top of one another. It was awkward as the chains prevented him from falling over completely; his upper body at a 30 degree angle and tugging at his restraints. The weight from the two guards landing on his back made it worse for him and he winced.

As the guards got up and fixed their armor, Stratos let out a happy, relieving exhale. He couldn’t rub his hooves in attempt to ease the now throbbing pain, but it was better than having them feel like they were going to break.

Princess Luna walked past the drivers who seemed to be embarrassed at the more than subtle landing, looking at the two guards, “Escort him inside.”

The guards nodded, saluted, and unlatched the chains holding him to the chariot. As they were about to push him forward, he ruffled his feathers and walked forward to show his complete acceptance to the order and not risk making any more trouble than he already made with Luna and the discomfort relative to the guards. He followed the stallion in front of him, the mare behind him, and proceeded to walk inside the castle.

Luna and Celestia stared at him, both curious as to why he has yet to make any attempt to escape. Maybe he was planning something. They looked at eachother and nodded, turning to the guards that were dismounting from the chariots to go back to their stations.

“Lieutenant Thunderhoof.” Celestia spoke up, a bit demanding.

A gray unicorn turned around immediately and gave the two Princesses and salute, “Yes Princess?”

“We are placing you and two of your guards in charge of Stratos and to assist the others guarding him, make sure he doesn’t do anything until he is taken to court.”

Thunderhoof nodded and turned to two other guards who were collecting harnesses and rope that were tied to the chariot, “You two, once you are done with your job, come with me.”

“Yes, sir!” They spoke in unison.