War of the Moon (or Thanks MA Larson for the inspiration

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 4
Chapter 19

Chapter 1

Three years.

A blink in the eye of an alicorn. So why did the clock seem to slow, as if stalled by a discordian paw?

A star-filled sky did not supply the answers to an exiled alicorn lost to legend. Lapis Umbral, the Shadow of the Moon.

He had been watching Canterlot as sweeping changes had been done. A new guard structure, a relaunch of Luna's guard complement, the release and capture (then re-release?!) of Discord, the swarming hive of the Changelings, even the return of the majestic Crystal Empire. Canterlot, and most of Equestria, had weathered this onslaught, but the black and gray alicorn still had strong unease.

He'd sensed something like discordian magic a day or two ago, a spark of confusion that settled, then pulsed, then faded. "With Discord loose," he mused, "what nonsense is he up to...."

"Master Lapis....?"

The alicorn slowly turned from the window to see one of his students, Night Ash, standing politely just outside his room. "Did you sense that, coming from the northeast? it was strange magic....."

"Those foals in Canterlot released Discord recently- I wonder if he is indeed up to something. I've been waiting for the dancing buffalo and chocolate rain, I found that especially clever."

"It faded fairly quickly," she 'observed' despite her blindness. "since it faded, and not just 'stop', are you sure it was Discord?"

Lapis needed a moment to think about that. "Discord doesn't tend to let his magic fade, you're right. He's work was sudden, I recall our difficulties - "

A piercing scream from the library startled them both. The two galloped to Librem Noctem, horns aglow and ready to attack. They arrived to--- nothing.

There was no combat, no blood. No one in the library but Morning Star, her eyes riveted to a scrying sphere her teacher had given her as a gift for her recruiting efforts. Ears flat, nostrils flared and a stare of death told the alicorn more than he needed to ask. He walked to her carefully, expecting an outburst.

"FAVORITISM!!" She screamed like an angry teenager, shaking the sphere. "HOW DARE CELESTIA!! WHY!? HOW!?!"

Her protest halted abruptly as different magic gathered the scryer from her. "Morning Star!" Lapis ordered. "I thought you had left all of this business with my sisters behind!"

"They...." she knew she wasn't allowed to cry, not in front of her teacher. "They did something to one of my former classmates! see for yourself! I almost broke that when I saw .... "

Curious to the usually unflappable unicorn's frustrations, he pulled the crystal closer to his face. He spotted Celestia immediately, standing with five other ponies and a tiny dragon. All focused their attention to a lavender unicorn whose expressions of reverence to Celestia were unmistakeable. He then saw his sister- an alicorn! - bowing to a common unicorn, the others following suit.

The other five ponies were adorned with the Elements of Harmony. Mares, all of them, wearing a gemstone that belonged to the Alicorn family. Solaris' stone soiled by a shy, pastel-colored pegasus; Aphelion's beacon of truth adorning an apple farmer! Cepheid's Ruby of loyalty around the neck of a multi-colored pegasus, Luna's amethyst of generosity thankfully decorating a beautiful blue-white unicorn. He scoured for his Element, but the necklace of a bright pink earth pony wore a slightly different stone. Had it changed? Evolved? Frowning, he glanced to the purple unicorn, who looked around a moment in confusion, ruffling her wings-

Her wings?

"See!" Morning Star demanded. "See what they've done!"

Lapis wasn't listening. He was trembling, not in fear, but a rage unfelt in a thousand years. Many others, including the rest of Wildforce, had been peeking into the library to see what the commotion had been about. They saw their master's wings uncurling slowly and deliberately, head lowering. All the while the trembling intensified.

"Leave me," Umbral growled.

"Scatter!!!" Dustmite shouted. Everyone in the hall fell over each other in a panic. Morning Star decided to teleport elsewhere.

"How.....dare...she...." Umbral rumbled. His wings arced.

"HOW DARE THEY~!!!" He erupted, shouting in the Royal Canterlot voice, shaking the entire compound. Magic exploded all around him, the scryer smashed unceremoniously against a far wall. "THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO CREATE AN ALICORN! THEY HAVE NO PRIDE FOR ROYALTY!!"

The angry tirade continued in ancient Equestrian, a thousand angry epithets shaking the compound in a violent sonic earthquake. Untamed energies blasted through the facility, tearing the spike from the top of their complex and roaring like a new volcano. His eyes had turned solid blue, his entire coat turning black in his fury. The wild magic washed over the entire complex in a cold wave, shattering furniture, scattering books and scolls, and sundering his galactic clock. Everyone - even the earth ponies - could feel the magic pouring out of Lapis Umbral and washing through the entire complex in a flood of rage.

"AN ARMY OF CURSES TO SUN AND MOON FOR THIS TRAVESTY! ALICORNS TO RULE, THE OTHERS TO SERVE! THIS IS EQUESTRIA'S BALANCE! BY WHAT RIGHT DO THE ELEMENTS HAVE TO GRACE COMMONERS WITH OUR POWERS! WE, WHO MOVE THE VERY HEAVENS ABOVE! WE, WHO SET THE SEASONS AND RAISE THE TIDES! WE ARE DESTINED TO RULE EQUESTRIA, WE DO NOT WELCOME AN OUTSIDER WHO HAD NOT SEEN THE KINGDOM ESTABLISHED!! SISTERS, HEAR OUR PARENTS WEEP AT YOUR DESPERATION!!!"

Outside was no less chaotic, his magics spawning dozens of storms in the valley. Rain and wind, hail and lightning. The clouds above were solid black, seen only in the arcs of lightning that clawed at the ground and shattered some of the other steep mountains. None inside had ever seen such a demonstration! This fury was truly untamed, many of the inhabitants trembling in time with the facility.

The doors to the Libram Noctem slammed shut and locked in place. The storm would continue to rage, though Umbral himself had ceased his verbal vitriol.

Twilight was finally getting a moment of peace after gaining her wings. It had been a whirlwind few days - her coronation, honors for her brother and parents, visiting with the nobility and guard corps, and so many other princess-oriented duties had worn her out. Her friends had given her a wonderful welcome home with the "Alicorn Party~!!!" Pinkie had threatened, all of Ponyville in attendance. She was finally getting back to the library after thanking all of them and seeing them get back to the routine. She walked in to see Celestia and Luna awaiting her.

"So how are you adjusting, Twilight?" Celestia asked proudly.

"Princesses, while I don't think I could be any more grateful for such a gift and privilege...." she tenatively began.

"You are no different from before, Twilight," Celestia suggested. "There is nothing different about you than your wings."

"I know, it's just..... I saw the looks on their faces...."

The images flashed through Twilight's mind in snapshots - Applejack was impressed but constantly stood nearby holding her hat against her chest with a hoof; Rainbow Dash and Rarity looking more at the wings than to Twilight herself when they talked; Fluttershy congratulating Twilight but saying so little else; and Pinkie Pie - only Pinkie Pie - acting no different, bouncing around Twilight trying to make up a new song for her. "I don't think my friends think the same way.... are you sure?"

"As was explained, tis been centuries since alicorns have been seen in numbers," Luna replied. "They know little else than us, and perhaps Cadance, and even she was seldom seen outside of Canterlot."

"And now that she is ruling the Crystal Kingdom with your brother, you would have been seen as royalty by association," Celestia finished. Twilight just sighed and fussed with the new wings, still not quite used to moving them around. Her horn glimmered, bringing a pale yellow dress shirt for her to pull over them. "As you're getting used to this, so will those around you. Give yourself, and the others, time. Friendship got you this far, it will continue to do so."

Twilight hung her head. "I hope so....."

"Tis a heavy weight on your heart, Twilight Sparkle," Luna observed. "Thy time in thy new status will blossom, as will your friendships renew."

Spike bounded down the stairs, seeing the princesses talking. "Twilight, you're home!" He slid to a stop in front of her and bowed.

"Spike....."

"What? you're a princess now-"

"I'm still Twilight Sparkle."

"PRINCESS Twilight Sparkle!" Spike corrected and bowed again.

"UNGH~!!!" Twilight stormed upstairs to her room and magicked the door shut. Celestia and Luna exchanged concerned glances.

Spike looked up from his bow. "Was it something I said?"

"Spike," Celestia asked gently, "Please treat Twilight as if she was still a unicorn. It will mean a lot to her."

"Oh," Spike deflated a little. "I thought she LIKED becoming a princess."

"Just give her time," Celestia whispered. "Please contact me if she needs to talk. Right now, Luna and I must return to Canterlot for a meeting regarding our militia."

Canterlot was finally calming down after the huge celebration of Princess Twilight's coronation. Her parents were being constantly hounded with questions from the populace, and even Shining Armor was being further distracted by many asking him about his little sister.

"It hasn't been this crazy since the wedding," he remarked to his bride. Cadance offered a faint smile of encouragement as he continued to answer questions as best he could. She knew it would be difficult on his family for the first few months, but as things return to normal in Canterlot, so too will they all through Equestria. She loved her new post in the Crystal Kingdom and while it kept her away from Canterlot, the talk now was to help strengthen both communications and travel to the mystical land, especially with the Equestria games coming up.

"Fillies and gentlecolts," she interrupted the interrogation, "you'll have to excuse us both, as we have an urgent meeting with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."

Without so much as a complaint, the rabble backed away. Shining Armor offered them a slightly embarrassed salute and apology before trotting to Cadance's side. "Thanks, Cadance, I was running out of answers."

"Sudden celebrity can do that," she reassured. "We have a little time yet, but I didn't want to rush to the meeting."

"So not so 'urgent'?" The white unicorn suggested with a wink.

"'Urgent' is a nice way of saying 'we have other things to attend to than to answer questions.' It's not rude, it's just more polite."

"Nope, h'ain't seen Twilight all day."

Minty thanked Applejack and turned back to her shopping. AJ had more questions about Twilight than sales, and that was honestly (pun fully intended) bothering her. Good for Twilight and all, but more ponies were curious than hungry. She wondered if Spike had been hounded with questions all morning, waking him up too early.

"Applejack~~!!!"

The pink puff of happiness known as Pinkie Pie bounced up to her counter, dropping six bits. "Some of your best! Going to bring Twilight lunch today!"

"Awful nice of ya, Pinkie, tell 'er I said hello," AJ said flatly as she placed a half-dozen of her best apples on the table. "She could at least send Spike over here to buy somethin."

"She's been inside her library all day because there's a buncha ponies outside her door!" Pinkie cheerfully replied. "She's got even MORE friends now! We should have a party for her!"

"We'd done that already, I don't think the Town Hall could take havin another round of the whole town and a buncha guests in there. It'd be a heck of a turnout, tho." Applejack's ears were drooping. More gab about Twilight....

"...aren't you happy for her?" Pinkie had finally stopped bouncing enough to see the farmpony frowning.

"Ah can't say I ain't jealous," Applejack sighed, "but more people askin me about her than askin her themselves just gets kinda old."

"but she hasn't changed!!" Pinkie exclaimed.

o/True true friends stay by each others' side helping each other, taking turns as a guide True true friends help out each other out to see the light -and that's why she's STILL MY FRIEND. o/

AJ's head tilted at the song, she should be used to this.

o/`Twlight got made into a princess
I'm sure she's learning as much as she can,
and I'm sure she's trying at her hardest,
but this is what I understand

o/She's a true true friend but for us this time we gotta step back cause her future's on the line True true friends know when things aren't like before Cause now she's AN ALICORN o/

Rarity trotted up when she saw Pinkie's histrionics. "Really, Pinkie, Twilight has new duties now...."

Pinkie's music became a little more insistent.

o/' "Princess" is just Twilight's title
like her all our destinies are planned
But we gotta still stand up and support her
Because each of us just have to understand

o/True true friends stay by each others' side helping each other, taking turns as a guide True true friends help out each other to see the light -and that's why she's STILL MY FRIEND. o/

Rarity's counterpoint disagreed.

o/` Twilight is now seen as Royal
The title "Princess" is added to her name
Her status remains going forward
the world around her changes with her fame

o/True true friends won't say unkind words About each other, no matter where they are True true friends don't show jealousy or scorn because She's AN ALICORN. o/

Pinke feverishly rebutted:

o/` Celestia showed us it was her destiny
doesn't make her different from you or you or me!
We just have to get in and really share how much it really means
to see that she has finally realized her dreams!

o/True true friends stay by each others' side helping each other, taking turns as a guide True true friends help out each other to see the light -and that's why she's STILL MY FRIEND. o/

"Well of course we're still friends," Rarity affirmed, "but we're required to treat her per her station."

"You don't understand!!!!!" Pinkie shrieked. "She's STILL Twlight Sparkle! she still reads books and makes Spike do chores and lets Owlowlicious help her at night and runs the library and writes letters to Princess Celestia ---"

"An' now Princess Celestia writes her back like they're sisters an' somethin' - she's on their level now."

"No, no, no!!!" Pinkie bounced up and down for emphasis.

"I'm afraid it's something we can't avoid, Pinkie dear," Rarity tried to calm the exciteable pony. "She's a Princess now, so we should give her Princess treatment."

"You can treat her like a princess!" Pinkie snapped. "I'm gonna treat her like TWILIGHT."

Almost mocking Rarity, Pinkie turned up her nose and trotted off.

Rarity blinked. "Well, that escalated quickly."

"Pinkie Pie just doesn't get it - Twilight's a princess, now she's gonna be like my Aunt and Uncle Orange up in Manehatten."

"Or just like Celestia, Luna and Cadance," Rarity added. "Royalty," she dreamily finished.

Gallant Lionheart, clad in mere officer armor, heaved a sigh of frustration. He was thankful, deep down, that he even still had a job - a reprimand for his (non)role in the attempted takeover of Canterlot as Shining Armor was promoted to Captain of all the guards. In that time, Shining Armor married into royalty, and had been splitting duties between Canterlot and the Crystal Kingdom. Talk was out that a new captain would be needed. He mentioned as much to Lapis, who told him to wait.

To keep himself visible, the brown unicorn had volunteered for a variety of tasks so he could walk the entire castle grounds. This week was "dungeon duty" off a suggestion from an "ally". There were very few prisoners in Canterlot Castle, making the errand a long but easy one. He was informed by the regular there (Silver Key, a Solar Guard) that only three prisoners were housed there, and one had been recently moved. He made note of the three cell numbers before beginning his indoor patrol.

His first stop would be in the eastern corridor, which held a member of the Royal Family. Celestia and Luna did not speak of him, but the guards whispered his name... Cepheid. Those whispers told that he was incarcerated for treason against the crown. The First Officer wondered why he wasn't banished to the moon over it, a quip he dared not say out loud.

He peered surreptitiously into the cell, spotting a pale yellow alicorn stallion nose-deep in a book. So that is another of the Family, Lionheart thought to himself. He watched as the alicorn would carefully flip pages with magic, still straining a bit from the effort. The alicorn's mane was an odd shade of yellow-green, with a gray-violet stripe in it. His eyes were bronzy, and riveted to the tome. The wings were neatly folded at his sides, a host of feathers scattered on the floor in varying shades of gray, white and yellow.

~~Master Lapis, were you aware of yet another alicorn in Canterlot?~~

Lapis paused in his tantrum. ~~I am WELL aware of Twilight Sparkle~~

~~Not her, master... I'm sure the "celebrations" angered you~~

~~but there is yet ANOTHER alicorn? show me~~

Lionheart looked in the cell again, just long enough so that his master could see.

~~Cepheid.... what have they done to him?~~

~~he was charged with treason against the crown,... the name "Prince Hellstorm" came up....~~

Cepheid looked up from his reading. "Is someone there?" he asked quietly. Lionheart slipped away from the cell.

~~Do be careful with this gift,~~ Lapis reminded Lionheart, ~~while the Voice of the Mind is something that few spellcasters know, it does radiate magic. Some with strong magical attunation can "hear" another conversation.~~

Lionheart walked quietly away from the cell. ~~I will be more cautious.~~

~~What other duties are you tasked with?~~

~~I've also taken curfew detail and armor preparations as you requested. I was granted permission to attend the next Militia forum,~~ the unicorn reported. ~~Celestia, Luna, and possibly Cadance will be in attendance, along with Shining Armor~~

~~See if my dear sister Luna is going to have more than glorified chariot stallions.... I will be listening.~~

~~I've another stop to make, Master Lapis.... there are two others being held here.~~

Twilight had returned to her studies after yet ANOTHER "ooh" and "Ahh" session from some of the Ponyville locals. Despite her insistence - which some called a "Royal decree" - to be treated as herself were falling on deaf ears, she had Spike "screening calls" so she could actually get some work done.

She had returned to Star Swirl's book, looking if any of his spells had been omitted from the Canterlot archives. She could feel in his writings how dedicated he was to his craft, and wondered what he would have accomplished if he indeed had friends like hers. The question faded as the room she was reading in suddenly darkened. Grumbling that some nosy pegasi were peeking in her window from the observatory, she stomped to the window and flung it open-

to a deluge. And laughter.

"Rainbow Dash~!!!" Twilight groused. "You're NOT helping!"

The sky-blue pegasus stifled her giggles and dissipated the rain cloud. "Just thought I'd drop by and see if you wanted to stretch those wings out. see if you can keep up with me?"

"Or are you here because 'Daring-Do and the Timberwolf Torch' just came out?"

"I thought I read that one already...." Dash pretended to think, then grinned. "I'm trying to get permission to write one myself - 'Daring Do and the First Wonderbolt'!"

Twilight already knew where that story was going. "you said something about stretching my wings? Maybe I HAVE been cooped up too long.."

"C'mon Twilight!!" Dash winged backward to give her friend room. "I cleared the whole sky for this!"

Twilight brightened - the sky was a deeper blue than Dash, and the sun shone down as a second invitation. Twilight spread her new-found appendages and followed Rainbow Dash into the sky.

The alicorn still thrilled at being in the air without magic. Levitation just wasn't the same - the concentration and limited movement was nothing compared to this! Her wings threw the air around her and she kept pace with her rainbow-maned friend, who seemed to be holding back just a bit on her speed so that Twilight could keep up. Just before the alicorn could increase her speed a bright flash stopped her in her tracks. Several more followed, along with a ruckus from below.

"Gooooo Twilight~~~!!" They heard Pinkie Pie cheering from the ground, half of Ponyville cheering along. Several other pegasi had gained on the pair, snapping dozens of pictures of the New Princess, guaranteed to sell more papers! Even Featherweight from the school was taking them! Startled and partially blinded from the sudden lights, Twilight's altitude started to drop.

Rainbow swooped under her and caught her with enough time for her to clear her vision and get air under her wings. More flashes followed, more cheers. Twilight's ears flattened and she teleported away. Dash boggled at her friend's reaction... then promptly forgot as she soaked in the adulation for saving a Princess from falling out of the sky.

Dash swooped down and landed next to Pinkie. "Didja have to bring ALL of Ponyville to watch? Not that I mind...." Dash posed for a few remaining shots as the crowd dispersed.

"You got Twilight to leave the library and get some fresh air! That's more than anypony has been able to do for days and days! Why did she leave? She looked so happy......

"o/True true friends stay by each others' side helping each other, taking turns as a guide True true friends help out each other out to see the light -and that's why she's STILL MY FRIEND. o/ "

Dash smirked, recalling the tune.

o/` Twilight is still a nerdy bookworm
reading about history and other lands
She needs to come enjoy the weather
that way she will come to understand

That true true friends do as much as they can
Praise and recognition part of the plan
She's my friend but it's so much different than before -
Now that SHE'S AN ALICORN. o/`

Pinkie glared at Rainbow Dash. "You're just as bad as Rarity and Applejack!" she shrieked before galloping off.

"....was it something I sang?"

Twilight reappeared not at the library- this time she was aiming for Fluttershy's front porch. In her frustration came a slight miscalculation and she appeared directly over the duck pond. Without footing, she unceremoniously splashed in, scattering the waterfowl and alerting their caretaker.

"Oh dear," came Fluttershy's whispery voice. "Twilight, are you all right?"

Twilight dragged herself out of the pond, soaked to the skin and a frog perched on her back. "I was hoping you'd be home, Fluttershy. Do you have a few minutes.... and maybe a towel?"

Fluttershy hurried back inside for towels while the new alicorn shook the loose water out of her coat. She opened her eyes to the curious looks of the local fauna, all the animals Fluttershy cared for. They looked at her, then to each other, as though wondering what they should do in her presence. Twilight hastily folded her wings to her side in a vain attempt to get them to recognize her as a mere unicorn. Even Harry, Fluttershy's bear companion, had stopped what he was doing to look her over. Twilight once again felt a little uncomfortable, ears drooping with her sopping wet mane.

Fluttershy finally returned, burdened with dozens of towels. "I made sure I brought every last one out for you, Twilight - take as many as you need."

Twilight sighed and took the topmost two from the stack. "I didn't need ALL of your towels, Fluttershy. Let's go inside...."

"I was just trying to be helpful..."

The two wandered into the cottage, where Twilight finished drying herself off and helping Fluttershy put the rest of the towels away. "We talked about this, Fluttershy. Just because I have the title 'Princess' doesn't mean you HAVE to treat me like one."

"but I'm not doing anything different..." Fluttershy replied innocently as she added another cushion to Twilight's seat.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'm the same Twilight Sparkle that tried to help you with Philomena, remember? The same unicorn who took good care of your animal friends when we were entertaining the Saddle Arabians?"

"but... that was 'then'....."

"'Then' and 'now' aren't so different, Fluttershy....

o/` Even though many call me "Princess"
It's a title I didn't earn alone
if it wasn't for you help and kindness
Ponyville would not have been my home

A true true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true true friend helps a friend in need to see the light
That shines from a true true friend. o/`"

Fluttershy lowered her head.

"o/` I was happy when I saw it happen
and I try hard, I really really am
to see you as the Twilight who helped me
tried to get me to understand

That true true friends help their friends in need
and friends share their hearts, and so I see
Your new gifts are a blessing and rewarded rightfully
and I'm proud that I'm still your friend. o/`

"Why do you think that way? if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have learned compassion - and this," Twilight wiggled one wing, "wouldn't have happened."

"I'm sorry....."

"No. I don't want you to be sorry. Just keep being my friend. Please?"

Fluttershy looked up from her long pink hair and could see Twilight looking despondent despite her gentle request. Fluttershy walked slowly up to her friend and embraced her. Relieved, Twilight returned the hug, mindful to not use her wings to further the embrace...

Chapter 2

Lionheart continued walking through the halls of the dungeon to his next stop, where a dark green earth pony had been chained. He'd shout many an epithet to the unicorn and pegasus guards, and had to be constantly rechained because of his strength. Lionheart watched and listened with interest unstil Strife spotted him.

"I've nothing to say to you," he spat at Gallant Lionheart. The first officer didn't flinch.

"Strife, the traitor and sunderer of Ponyville.... Still racist as ever I see," Lionheart spoke with some resignation in his voice. "Grumbling because all your strength can break chain but not enchanted stone and metal. There's ways around that, I'm sure."

"....And what makes you think I'll listen to anything you say?" The earth pony flatly replied.

"Forget him!" A voice called from down the hall. "If he won't listen, I will!"

Lionheart strode to the other cell, where a gray-white female pegasus was angrily pacing, wings flared. "Anything to get my hooves on that... that...." the pegasus threatened.

Lionheart dared a smirk. "I've perked your wings, pegasus...? then hear me out. let's just say I have a 'Friend' who is similarly dissatisfied with the order of things. There's power to be had for it."

The pegasus tried to launch toward the door to hear more, but her restraints held firm. "Tell me more! TELL! ME! MORE!"

"Having fun baiting Cloud Slayer?" grumbled the earth pony. "and what would your 'friend' know about the order of things? and why are you telling us this?"

Lionheart's gaze (and a quick spell) ensured their solitude. "He knows," the unicorn whispered, "that stories, like moons, have two sides."

The earth pony glowered at the guard. "You still don't believe me?" posited the unicorn. "Perhaps another voice can persuade you."

He gathered his magic and opened the earth pony's cell door. "Step closer, prisoner....."

"I don't have to tell you anything! And there's no one else down here!" He reared and snorted, chains straining from the load. Gallant Lionheart lunged and caught Strife between the eyes with the flat of his horn. Cursing and smarting, the earth pony staggered back as the guard took his leave.

The contact was all that was needed -Umbral had followed Lionheart's motions up to that moment, transferring Voice of the Mind to the dark green earth pony.

~~Greetings, sunderer of pony races~~ a dark voice whispered in Strife's head, sounding as if he stood just behind him. ~~your reputation precedes you~~

"Huh? Who's there?" Strife paced in a circle, having to turn back to untangle his chains. "Who is this? WHY is this?"

~~Calm yourself~~ the voice ordered. Strife stopped pacing, but was still searching the room. ~~Better. It seems Dustmite was correct, the Voice of the Mind does echo in the heads of earth ponies.~~

Strife reared again. "Another prank from a race who disrespects earth ponies!!"

~~"disrespect"?~~ the voice repeated. ~~None of the sort. Consider my words a blessing. They say the path to true enlightenment starts with a friendly ear. My ear is open if you choose to use it.~~

Strife seated himself, grumbling under his breath. "I am but a simple Earth Pony who believes that my race has been spat on for generations, and I'm the only one who sees it."

The alicorn was more than intrigued with this point of view. ~~Your race thrives as farmers, yet you believe they can be more, is that correct?~~

"Even not respected as simple farmers!" Strife nearly shouted. "Ridiculed as poor folk who need the assistance of the other two races to subsist!"

~~And where is this ridicule you speak of?~~

"It's everywhere!!!" The green earth pony snarled. "I can see it in their eyes! They look down their snouts at earth ponies, from the sky or even face to face. It sickens me."

~~Is it their arrogance...~~ Lapis inquired, ~~or your jealousy? And what price, dear Strife, would you pay for such vengeance?~~

"I would give anything," Strife pleaded. "especially to personally destroy Twilight Sparkle and her family."

~~"anything".... hmm, that gives ME options.~~ Umbral knew he had Strife, now to reel him in. ~~Are you willing to do this under my guidance? Either as a soldier of war, or perhaps even "beating them at their own game"?~~

"If it means bringing respect to my race...ANYTHING!"

Umbral was inwardly amused now. ~~Very well... your options could require you to be more than just an earth stallion with the gift of uniting your "race" under your hoof. It could be done by force, with the might of the Phalanx as your weapon.... or if you are so inclined, match your skills with Twilight Sparkle on an even playing field. I detest that my Sisters have stained my race by "adopting" her, then I will show them the price.~~

"Sisters?" Strife's anger snapped to confusion.

~~You followed an alicorn before. Would you follow one again....?~~ Umbral had used the conversation to search Strife's memories, discovering a "Prince Hellstorm", who indeed looked like a dark version of Cepheid.

"Your offerings sound more promising, yes." Strife conceeded.

Banging from elsewhere in the compound interrupted the conversation. "WHAT'S GOING ON!? WHAT ABOUT ME?!" The gray pegasus could hear talking, even if she could not hear what was said.

"SILENCE!" Gallant Lionheart boomed through the halls.

~~Lionheart, silence her - or see if she wants "in"....~~

"DON'T SHUSH ME YOU GELDED-"

"Silence you featherhead, you'll bring more guards!" Lionheart harrumphed and turned back to the earth pony. "A 'friend' of yours?"

"just an accomplice," he quickly muttered.

~~Silence her or you endanger your future,~~ Umbral ordered.

"QUIET DOWN IN THERE!" Lionheart barked.

"THEN LET ME HEAR THIS!!" She nearly screamed.

The unicorn had had enough. He charged to her cell, magicking the door open. "YOU WILL BE SILENT!" punctuating the order by striking her in the forehead with his horn, transferring the Voice of the Mind spell.

~~and quiet down you must!~~ Umbral hissed in her mind. The pegasus froze.

"What? Who are you?" She looked around her cell, only seeing the unicorn guard leaving and locking the door.

The alicorn drew all three into one conversation. ~~My risk increases as I speak to you... this is very simple. Join me, and I will aid you in your revenge. But you must be truly loyal to me. Otherwise, your minds will be wiped so clean it will erase your cutie mark.~~

~~Is that even possible?~~ Lionheart had never heard such a threat.

~~Shall I demonstrate?~~

Lionheart stiffened. ~~no sir~~

"Give me any chance to kill Rainbow Dash, and I will serve you from now till eternity," Cloud Slayer swore.

~~You are not saying that because the walls close in on you, pegasus..?~~ He'd heard such oaths before. ~~and what of you, "Strife"? have we a deal?~~

"No, it is truth. I will always follow you if you give me this chance." Cloud Slayer knelt to the voice.

"Yes, I will follow you." Strife finally replied.

~~You will receive further orders another time. Look to this guard for answers, but ask where there are no other ears to hear.....~~ The voice retreated.

"You two better stay quiet until I get back," Lionheart huffed, "I've a meeting to attend."

Cepheid looked up from his reading again to let the sun wash over his body. He was starting to see his summer golds come back, both in his coat and his mane. Celestia and Luna told him it would be at least a year until he would be ready to roam the grounds; so be it, his punishment just for the crime of turning his back on his own Family.

His mind wandered to memories of the rest of the Family. Solaris their eldest and patriarch, training Tia on everything. Cepheid recalled how they would both hunt him down and make SURE everything was written, as the seasons were as important as the sun and moon. His calculations took time, but every number would be worth it if Equestria prospered. He was proud of his sisters, but saddened that they knew nothing of Aphelion or Solaris' whereabouts. He then thought about Umbral, wondering why he wouldn't just return to the castle to celebrate the family's partial reunion. Judging from the tale Tia and Luna told him, Umbral is more than just reluctant.

"We will be restored as a Family," he said to himself. "even you, little brother, need to come home."

In Canterlot castle proper, an assembly of the top militia and advisors gathered. Celestia and Luna both had heard some ... unpleasant rumors about the advisors, and wished to clear the air before anything else could happen. The two alicorns strode into the meeting hall, where a table had assembled several of their military's finest. Guard Captain Shining Armor, stood at one place to the right of Celestia's seat; Advisor Count Solaris (no relation to the alicorns' elder brother) sat to Luna's left. First Officer Gallant Lionheart, Advisor Thunder Arrow, and strategist Flank Attack(promoted on Silver Bardiche's retirement) rounded out the table. All bowed to the alicorns, who took their places.

"All of you are my eyes and ears to Equestria and run one of the most powerful militias in recent memory," Celestia began authoritatively. "There are whispers of discontent among you, I do not wish this to escalate. This is an open forum, please state your issues. I will start with the most senior here, Count Solaris."

The blue unicorn stood and cleared his throat. "Our kingdom, in the last few years alone, has found itself victim to more attacks and disasters than has been seen in centuries. The brief return of Nightmare Moon and her damage to the throne room, the unsealing of Discord, renewed parasprite infestations in the metropolitan areas, and now the worry of changelings. Something, your majesty, is amiss. While the Elements of Harmony have been most helpful, the attacks and disruptions of Equestria's harmony have only increased. Are the two somehow related?"

"Unsealing the Elements of Harmony is what restored peace to Equestria," Luna surprisingly admitted.

"That was true a millenia ago," Gallant Lionheart broke in, "but what of now? In that time we have expanded our range and learned so much."

"We should re-institute full contact combat," Flank Attack interjected. "Our efforts were futile in protecting this place from a Changeling invasion...."

"No thanks to our 'captain'," Lionheart snorted derisively.

Celestia raised a hoof to calm the table. "Shining Armor, is splitting your time between the Canterlot Militia and the Crystal Kingdom an issue?"

"Not until recently, princess," the young white unicorn replied. "I would hope it's not seen as a lack of experience on my part. We were well aware that something was going to happen on the wedding day. Cadence never did tell me when she was... 'abducted'......" he lowered his head with a slight blush.

Thunder Arrow was smirking, but Flank Attack remained all business. "It was still an endangerment to the Kingdom! The damage that WAS caused, and the potential damage that followed..."

"How do you ask your WIFE about something that traumatic?" Shining Armor demanded. "Between this and protecting the Crystal Kingdom, she's done more for Equestria than-"

"And you 'Protecting' her like throwing her at King Sombra?" Thunder Arrow snarked.

Celestia motioned again for calm. "Changelings are alicorn in their own right, and are very dangerous creatures. While I agree we were ill-prepared for their invasion, you must admit their method was sound."

Flank Attack glowered, but did not respond. "We had not prepared for an internal threat," she continued, "And we are very fortunate that we even had a warning. Even I failed in defending Canterlot, so there is plenty of blame to go around."

"We are currently working on a detection spell to find changelings," Luna reported. "their magic is particular and unique enough that we may be able to locate them should they attempt again."

"And what of the troop complement, Princess Luna?" Gallant Lionheart asked a little too quickly. The Moon Princess took note of that.

"The Phalanx is in a slow process of rebuilding," Luna informed everyone. "I will be posting information in Canterlot proper for new recruits.... and in the Solar guard barracks." A look was exchanged between the two princesses. "This will ensure we have security to Canterlot at all times."

"Is that going to be Canterlot only?" Flank Attack asked. "The larger cities could also use a strong night patrol."

"It will be considered," Luna responded carefully. "But many of the Phalanx require very strict supervision, because of the nature of the recruiting and the enchantments of the armor." She turned to her sister. "Would Golden Silver and his team have time enough for Phalanx armor as well as Solar Guard armor? Should I recruit a separate smith?"

Celestia took a moment to remember what she knew of the armor. "You may wish to find an additional smith, sister. Golden Silver and his two contemporaries are very talented but if there is strong recruiting they will not be able to keep up with demand." Celestia then turned back to the table. "While we work on the changeling detection spell, I would like announcements posted for recruiting to the Solar Guard and Lunar Phalanx. We will have proper tryouts in a week's time. Also, as no disrespect to you, Shining Armor, I will have to consider a new Guard Captain with your duties to the Crystal Kingdom expanding."

The tone of Celestia's voice was enough to end the meeting. As everyone dispersed, the two princesses exchanged curious looks.

"When will you tell them of Cepheid?" Luna whispered.

"The dungeon guards know and are sworn to secrecy," Celestia whispered back. "I hope he will be well by the next Summer Sun festival. He was moved recently to the east hall, so he has sunlight to his side."

Luna still seemed preoccupied, taking a breath before speaking. "Gallant Lionheart has been asking much about the Phalanx. I wonder- why would a unicorn want to go through such a ritual?"

"He is trying to save face, sister. His demotion and reprimand weigh heavier on him than the armor he now dons. He volunteers for many other duties in penance, perhaps... perhaps he needs this."

"I will see if that is indeed his intention." Luna summoned a courier to invite Lionheart to speak to her directly about the Phalanx.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER ALICORNS YAY!"

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom had spent their afternoon in the treehouse making alicorn costumes for each other and trying them on. Sweetie Belle was practically dancing at the cardboard wings they'd drowned in glitter. Scootaloo kept fussing with the cone horn they made, and Applebloom had double trouble handling both.

"How does Twilight walk around with these on her back?" Apple Bloom pondered as she'd shrug her shoulders. The wings flapped lazily.

"So what kinda cutie mark are we getting out of this? I don't think you can get a real cutie mark out of being a fake alicorn." Scootaloo poked Sweetie Belle with the "horn", bending it.

"We might get one for making great costumes!" Sweetie Belle nearly sang as she made her wings flap.

One of Apple Bloom's wings slid off her back, the glitter flying everywhere. "I don't think it's workin."

Scootaloo noted her bent horn. "Yeah, we need to think of something more action-packed."

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack called from outside. "Better start headin home, supper'll be ready soon."

The bright yellow earth pony bounded out the door without removing the rest of her costume. "Coming!!"

Applejack's expression went from expectant to apathy when she saw her baby sister wearing a horn and one wing. "Costumes? it's summer, Nightmare Night's a few months off."

"We were just tryin to make alicorn costumes...." Apple Bloom explained, voice trailing off as she saw her older sister's expression.

"Yeah, I saw. Come on....."

The little filly wondered if she was in trouble now....

Flank Attack and Thunder Arrow walked side-by-side on their way back to the barracks. "Nice of her to at least admit she was wrong too," Flank Attack grumbled.

"A lot of people were wrong that night," Thunder Arrow agreed. "Things are getting better, though - Shining Armor is learning fast, but he's got too much on his plate."

"That's why we needed the multiple commanders over each group," Flank Attack replied. "Then those leaders answer directly to Celestia!"

"That's where our problem was before. We weren't communicating. Shining Armor has to be informed, then he consolidates it for the Princess. She's an alicorn but I don't think even she can be in two places at once!"

"And if she could have," The dour earth pony postulated, "Then Silver Bardiche wouldn't have had to retire."

"Silver Bardiche is one of the toughest Earth ponies I've known," Thunder Arrow informed the new earth pony officer. "He told me what he had to deal with that particular night. He's lucky to still be here."

"Whatcha think about this 'Phalanx' business?"

Thunder Arrow shrugged. "Don't like the schedule. Some say ponies barely survive the tryouts, and if they do the armor might try to kill em. Not my thing."

"Kills em? Dead-dead, kills em?"

The former Pegasus guardcaptain nodded. "Luna doesn't mess around when it comes to her soldiers. Then again, that's only what I've heard."

Umbral himself had some planning to do. He'd scoured the Libram Noctem for anything he had on ancient artefacts, wondering if he could replicate somehow the means of which Twilight Sparkle had become an alicorn. He thought it to be the perfect present for his bride-to-be, Desert Sun, but no such materials truly existed. Alicorns were born, not made, but here it had happened. His sisters would be punished by his hoof for this atrocity.

Already in a foul mood over the ascension of Twilight and the sight of his brother incarcerated, he magically threw the books and scrolls around the room, snarling curses in ancient Equestrian. One randomly tossed book knocked a few more off the shelf, then showered him in scrolls. He weathered the storm of paper and resisted the urge to set it all on fire. One last book flopped on his head, nestled between his ears and his horn like a new hat. Another frustrated snort and he removed the book, spotting an image he had not seen in centuries.

The image - a drawing, by a talented artisan - showed two ghastly looking guards, each in purple armor. Their eyes glowed even on the page, along with the faint light from a moonstone embedded in the chestplate. Their coats were a wooden brown, wings looking much like his - leathery and sharp, and nearly identical in color to the armor. The image was annotated:

"Starwatch and Tower Shield, two officers of the Lunar Phalanx."

From that image, Umbral got an idea.

An AWFUL idea!

A wonderfully AWFUL idea....... if this could make him laugh he would, but instead he galloped from the Libram Noctem to the forges.

The last place anyone would expect Rainbow Dash would be in the glitz and formality of the Carousel Boutique. The mulitcolor-haired pegasus dropped by, Pinkie's complaint still fresh. She peeked inside to see Rarity "in the zone", working away on another masterpiece to be photographed in the coming weeks. The white unicorn was a little surprised at her guest, implements nearly falling from her magical grasp.

"This is rare surprise," she stammered as she gathered up the bits she nearly dropped. "Anything I can do for you dear?"

"Uh... yeah.. but it doesn't have anything to do with-" Dash cringed at a frilly, lacy creation- "a dress."

"You know the rules, Rainbow Dash. If I made you a Wonderbolt uniform that would be counterfeiting." Her warning came across more playful than stern.

"It's not that either..... It's Pinkie Pie."

"I thought you rather enjoyed her randomness."

"She said something to me this afternoon while I was out flying with Twilight-"

The unicorn looked up from her work, this time the implements spilling everywhere. "YOU went FLYING with TWILIGHT?" Rarity then descended into dramatic euphoria. "That would be so amazing to do! She should really stop by so that I can make her a proper princess gown! That magenta and yellow - SO unflattering! perhaps then she'll show off her designs to -"

Rainbow Dash blinked as Rarity's histrionics continued in glorious detail. "Uh, Rarity...."

The unicorn had completely forgotten about her pegasus guest.

"This would be such a step ahead
the ideas wheeling in my head
Dresses made for Royalty
something for all the world to see

I'd be blown away-
Fame would absolutely make my day!

Hoity Toity and Fancy Pants
Raising eyebrows at a glance
of the fashions trending globally
Both shouting out "Oh Rarity!"

What could I say?
Fame would absolutely make my day!"

Rainbow facehoofed. "That's what Pinkie's talking about!"

Rarity paused in her song. "What about Pinkie?"

"When Twilight and I were flying, every newspony in ponyville chased us and took pictures! She almost fell out of the sky from the flashes! I had to save her (because I'm that awesome) but she took off once she was able to fly again."

"She 'took off'?"

"She Teleported away! That way the newsponies wouldn't follow her!"

"Tish tosh," Rarity dismissed. "Twilight's not used to the spotlight. Fluttershy reacted the exact same way."

"She wasn't scared, though."

"She shouldn't be - those MAJESTIC wings....."

Rainbow couldn't dispute the wings. She looked at her own appendages, wondering how they would actually match up.

"Honestly, Rainbow Dash, you're worrying about nothing. Twilight's finally where she wants to be, and there's always a drawback to fame. Should I ever become famous enough that I can't do all the work myself, I would have to.... oh dear... expand and hire an assistant!"

The pegasus rolled her eyes. "Yeah, tough stuff there.... but yeah, maybe Pinkie's right."

"She is, sometimes," Rarity agreed. "But a princess is a princess is a princess. It was going to happen eventually. Even if she didn't get wings, her brother is married to a princess, making her princess by default."

"But Pinkie said - "

"She says a lot of things, and sometimes she actually makes sense. Not this time, my dear. Now please, I've got to finish this dress by tomorrow."

Dash walked out of the boutique shaking her head. Another glance back at her wings just added to the down mood. With a sigh she took off for home.

Morning Star was flopped in her room, looking out her one window, which faced basically toward Canterlot. Her placement was a request to Master Lapis - this way she could communicate with her friend Aurora using the Voice of the Mind. The two of them had remained friends all this time, despite Aurora not quite aligning to the cause as of yet. With Twilight out of the classes and on to new training, Aurora has placed as head of the class almost every month for a year, trying to take more and more advanced courses in hopes of completely eclipsing any records that Twilight Sparkle had set in her time in class. She bragged to Morning Star about her progress until the day of Twilight's coronation. When the two "Met" to talk about it, there was frustration in her mind.

~~I still want to know how she did it," Aurora groused. ~~If anyone in that class was to become a princess, it should have been me or you~~

~~Master Lapis was furious when he found out. I'm surprised our fortress is still standing.~~

~~He's ALWAYS grumpy,~~ Aurora observed. ~~does he even smile?~~

~~He smiles... not big cheesy ones, just subtle, little smiles. He can't laugh.~~

~~Everyone can laugh -just cast a spell,~~ Aurora changed her voice a little ~~Heffalumpha cucmber delicatessen archimediation~~

Morning Star giggled. ~~Seriously, he can't laugh - he's forgotten how. Even when he comes up with evil plans, we never hear him laugh~~

~~Weird, I thought evil geniuses, especially alicorns, were required~~

~~Maybe when he takes over Equestria.... or Desert Sun will do it for him, muwahahahaha~~

It was Aurora's turn to giggle, which was then followed by a sigh. ~~It's not fair. I KNOW I'd be a great alicorn! Much better than "Twilight Suck-up!~~

~~So would I - but I'll take 'favored student' if I can get it.~~

~~I'm gonna find out how she did it! I know it's gotta be written down someplace...~~

This piqued Morning Star's interest. ~~Let me know. We could use the info, I think Master Lapis is still trying to figure it out himself.~~

"I see that your heart is clearly torn, with this gift of alicorn."

Zecora quietly sipped her tea as Twilight moped in front of her. The zebra mystic always had an open door for the Ponyville locals, not just for Twilight. They had finally embraced her ways, thanks to her wonders with herbs and potions - as well as her surprisingly strong storytelling skills. She would get visits almost weekly, trading her skills for food or fresh grass, and the occasional ornamental tribute to her heritage. Deep down, the zebra shared a similar teacher/student relationship with Twilight that the alicorn did with Celestia. Zecora had helped Twilight think through her problems and not always resort to magic. Magic never solved everything, the mind was the much better tool.

"They don't understand," Twilight sighed. "I haven't changed on the inside."

"Recall the ponies in Ponyville feared, even my visage when I appeared. Time and peace will pave the way till you once more have normal days."

"But how long will that be?" Twilight worried as she looked down at her teacup, absently stirring it with her magic.

"Clocks of time do not know change, your mind and heart will set that range. The days will wander the harder you ponder, so forget how or why and let time fly."

"Even if my closest friends are... standing off a bit?"

The zebra's expression remained calm and warm as she met Twilight's gaze. "Change is feared, alicorns revered, Princesses distant, let your friends draw near. They will decide when the time is right to rejoin your friendship before that night."

That lifted Twilight's spirits a little. "Thank you Zecora, that helps."

"Any advice that you should seek, please come by any day, any week."

Twilight relaxed and finally sipped at her tea.

Chapter 3

Gallant Lionheart strode through the halls of Canterlot Castle, brimming with confidence. He had been summoned by Princess Luna herself regarding the Phalanx, the guards specific to Luna as the Solar Guard were to Celestia. He had heard some stories, sure, but his query was deliberate. While it was known that there were a few ponies who had been added to her contingent, the Phalanx roster was incomplete compared to the Solar Guard. Perhaps the interview could gauge how Luna felt about having so few to defend her honor. This would be a chance to gather more information about the troop complement and perhaps a glimpse at who would be replacing Shining Armor.

The moon was still fairly low in the sky, suggesting that Luna had only just completed her task. She'd likely be still watching from a parapet, or looking through a telescope at particular stars. He trotted up the stairs with purpose, forming the questions in his mind. He wished he could "talk" to Umbral about this but he was under orders to not contact his master until the interview was over and he was elsewhere in Canterlot, alone. Cover must be maintained.

He slowed when he saw two Phalanx guards eying his approach. Their visage would be horrifying to a commoner - gray-brown stallions in dark purple, spined armor, glowering with yellow eyes that seemed to glow in the dim halls. Their ears completely forward, shaggy and tufted more like a wild animals. Their wings were folded neatly over the jagged barding, blending in with the color and patterns. At first glance, some would think Luna had earth pony(monster) guards instead of pegasi. Lionheart refused to be intimidated, even if the "eye" on the chestplate stared along with its bearer. If all this display wasn't enough, the rumbling growl from them as he neared would be his sole warning.

He stopped several feet from them and saluted. "First Officer Gallant Lionheart reporting - I have an audience with Princess Luna."

The two guards each opened a wing, hooking a looped handle to open the doors to her office with the outermost bone of their membraned appendages.

"Enter at your peril," one snarled in a deep, feral voice.

"Survive only on her blessing!" the other threatened, baritone similarly low.

Lionheart did not submit to the intimidation. He nodded to both guards as he entered the chamber.

The Princess of the Night did have a spacious office for her regular activities - thick plush couches and cushions to relax as she would write, read, or study the designs of her night skies. Her furniture otherwise had been hammered out of wrought iron, shaped like winter trees, weathered boulders or enormous spiders. The walls were mostly bare, save an art piece covered with a deep purple curtain. The walls themselves painted midnight blue, with silver spatterings to re-create "stars" in the night sky of her room.

She had more duties now, slowly easing into doing the work her sister did for the last thousand or so years. She was studying tides that evening, ensuring that the moon would be properly positioned for safe travels for ponies at sea. Moon cycles were routine to her now, and the timetables were easily shared between her and her sister. Lionheart felt a touch of pride that the Moon princess was back to her duties despite the disagreements in her family.

Luna herself had gained much of her original, regal visage since her return. Her aquamarine eyes glimmered in the moonlight, and her mane carried the night winds by itself, reflecting like a mirror pointed to the night sky. Her wings neatly folded at her sides, her horn glowing over a couple of scrolls. She had not acknowledged her guest yet. The First Officer thought about announcing himself, stopping because he knew his current rank did not allow such.

The scroll snapped itself shut and drifted back to a desk with a thought from the Moon Princess. She then slowly rose, her mane still waving like a midnight flag. She stretched her wings a few beats before facing her guest.

"ANNOUNCE THY NAME, THY RANK AND THY BUSINESS!" Luna proclaimed in the Royal Canterlot voice. That, indeed, intimidated.

He cleared his throat. "FIRST OFFICER GALLANT LIONHEART, UNICORN BATTALION! I AM HERE AT YOUR BEHEST!" He hastily saluted.

Princess Luna nodded, satisfied. "Speak."

"Princess Luna, my inquiry is into the history of the Phalanx and your requirements for transferral."

"THOU REQUESTS JOINING MY LEIGON OF THE NIGHT!?" She thundered.

"Your guards outside are truly frightening," Lionheart admitted.

Luna managed a smile. "Hard for thou to believe that their names are Snapdragon and Emerald Charm."

Gallant Lionheart blinked, shocked. "A common gardener and a jewelcrafter? In the Phalanx?"

"That which qualifies one for the Phalanx is not what they did in the day," her explanation began. "Just as the day consists of both light and darkness, so too do the hearts of ponies. While others use the night to hide themselves, it is in the darkness that The Phalanx reveal who they truly are. One qualifies when they understand that what they do is in a place few ponies tread, and those that do..... rarely have good intention."

"War can take place day OR night, Princess Luna."

"But in the Night, WE are at an advantage! That is why The Phalanx' eyes glow like a manticore's! 'Tis why their wings are leathered like a bat! Tis why their armor's spines are sharp as a dragon's! They see you, they hear you, they will stop you before you're even aware they are present."

"What is your current complement? Princess Celestia boasts a Solar Guard of over a hundred."

"Her guard is ornamental," she snorted playfully. "The Phalanx has slowly grown since its re-inception. Mostly Earth ponies and pegasi, mind."

"Not an even distribution?"

"The Phalanx relies on speed and strength. Magic is rarely called upon, and the rigors of initiation to the Phalanx may be.... taxing to a unicorn. A unicorn applies for the Phalanx at his own peril."

"Then the boasts of your guards-"

"Is a true warning," she finished for the First Officer. "Are you volunteering to the Phalanx? Or sating curiosity of its ways?"

"Princess Luna, I felt you would be the sole resource. There are few texts in the Canterlot Library-"

"Because the secrets of the Phalanx are guarded by the Lunar side of the Family. These methods are seen by the Solar side as dark, sometimes cruel. They do not understand the toll the Lunars require for admission into their ranks. Unless you commit, under Oath of the Moon, then I can tell you very little more."

Lionheart knelt before her. "My curiosity thus sated, Princess Luna. I trouble you no further."

"Thou did not answer my question. Are you volunteering?"

Lionheart snapped to attention. "I would be grateful of the opportunity if it is formally requested."

Luna took a moment to look the veteran over. Despite being a unicorn, Gallant Lionheart had a solid build, a thick mane, and a well-trimmed beard. His current armor looked out of place on the body of what would pass for nobility. He held his breath briefly as she circled him twice, appraising every line, every hair, every twitch or motion. She finished her inspection and faced Lionheart.

"Officer Gallant Lionheart, you will make your oath here tonight."

"My....oath?"

"THOU SHALT SWEAR ON THE VERY MOON IN THE SKY THAT THOU SHALT HOLD THE HONOR AS ONE OF THE PHALANX OVER EVERYTHING ELSE IN YOUR LIFE!"

A glance out the window gave him his answer - the moon was not full, but waxing, and a trace of the moon's shadow could be seen. He cleared his throat authoritatively.

"I SWEAR UPON THE VERY MOON IN THE SKY THAT I WILL HONOR THE PHALANX NO MATTER MY PLACE WITHIN IT!"

"Thou shalt report in six days' time with the other recruits. Then you will know the next step."

Metal ringing against metal, the hiss of steam from the cooling baths. The roar of the fire furnace, the silence of the frost furnace. The rumble of the hammering rig. This was all music to Hatchet's sharp ears.

o/` Dark of War, dark of night
through the battle and blight!
Warriors armed to strike!!

Dreams of War
Dreams of Blood
Dreams of Dragon's fire
and of blades that will bite!

No one sleeps in battle
keep your weapons sharp!

Exit light,
War in the Night!
Battles begin,
Send them to Oblivion! o/`

"I wonder if you ever sleep, Hatchet."

The smithy slowed his rig, spotting Umbral just outside the forges. "Can't be the best armorer and weaponsmith without the practice."

"Your enthusiasm to the cause flatter me regardless." The dark alicorn entered, looking at the scattered mess of armor parts. "Experimenting, or just boredom?"

"I ain't bored," Hatchet grinned. "Just trying stuff. Yer gettin new people in here every day, gonna make sure everyone can suit up."

"Your variety and creativity know no bounds, and you've learned much since crafting my and your associates' armors. But this request will be a bit of a challenge for you."

"Bring it, boss!"

"I will need identical sets of armor, its only variations for sex."

"heheh, you said 'sex'....."

"They will also need proper variations by breed."

"heheh, you said 'breed'....."

Umbral cleared his throat, the armorer still grinning. "Tell me Hatchet, you're good at original design, but have you taken commissions? This would be a very thorough challenge for you."

"Whatcha got?"

"Phalanx armor."

"Heheh, you said phal- PHALANX ARMOR??!?!" The shock snapped Hatchet's wings open. Umbral smirked. "Phalanx armor like the old Lunar guard wore?" Hatchet continued animatedly, "I've seen some drawings of it, That barding's the stuff o' nightmares! Spikes and evil eyes and dragon crests! Lacquered moon metals and no buckles! Shoes that look like they was carved outta quartz!"

"You sound.... intimidated?"

"Intimidated??" Hatchet repeated. "I'd have given my left wing for the metal forging recipie! That's the featherin' GRAIL in the armor biz."

Two scrolls dangled playfully around the pegasus. "Your grail runneth over, armorer."

Hatchet knelt before his "boss", head low and wings opened on the ground. He tensed when Umbral's hoof deliberately scraped from the ground, hovering menacingly over one wing. "What have I told you about groveling?" the impatient query from the alicorn.

Hatchet dared a peek upward. "Boss?"

"What have I told you about groveling?"

Hatchet snapped to all four hooves and saluted. "Better." The scrolls landed on a table and rolled open. "Now, there's a lot to these armors, not just their look......."

"Citizens of Meadowson, hear my words! Canterlot calls you! Hear my words!"

The villa of Meadowson had welcomed the blue earth pony to their town, and had gathered with the mayor's blessing to hear her "story". She had been traveling to cities and townships at the princess' request, as part of the new recruiting initiative. It was more for Luna's team than Celestia's, but currently the Solar Guard was assisting in the Crystal Empire.

"I am Crescent Dawn, she who faces the night without fear! I do this for the beauty of the stars! I do this for the call of the Sunrise! Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are seeking able-bodied ponies to fortify their respective ranks! In a few days' time, a transport will bring all who qualify to Canterlot, travel expense to and from will be paid by Canterlot proper! Openings for the Solar Guard and the Lunar Phalanx are limited, but please step forward those who wish to defend Equestria!"

Several stallions and a couple of mares came forward as volunteers. Mostly Earth ponies, but a couple of pegasi and one unicorn. Crescent Dawn nodded. "Before you ask questions, I will give you the general qualifications:

"Regardless of stallion or mare, you are required to relocate to Canterlot if chosen. You will be given all the time you need and a stipend for transport of family and posessions.

"As a Royal guard, this will be your occupation. You will have to leave behind any duties, as mandated by your relocation.

"You must be fit and at least of independent age to try out.

"You will have a physical evaluation to your fitness, including your strength and endurance. Some medical conditions would be counterproductive to the duty, but this will be evaluated case-by-case.

"You will be given a reading and writing test, as many guard duties are not combat-related.

"Regardless of your cutie mark, everyone will be considered if they meet these minimum guidelines."

That satisfied a lot of the questions. With a nod Crescent Dawn continued.

"Many are aware of the qualifications for the Solar Guard, but for the Lunar Phalanx there are some exceptions:

"A second physical exam as the duty is especially demanding due to limited complement; this may change in the future.

"Unmated recruits only, as the schedule is a permanent night schedule. If you are fortunate enough to have a family working to your schedule, we will evaluate case-by-case;

"You will be required to fill out some extra forms before your tryouts as this is a much harsher duty." She looked up from her notes. "Any stories you have ever heard about the dangers of the Phalanx are NOT exaggerated."

A collective GASP! from the crowd inwardly pleased Crescent Dawn. "Forms will be available at your Town hall. You have til the end of the week to apply. Good Luck to those who step forward." She bowed to the crowd and trotted off.

Sandstone was back in the mines again, bucking at the walls for gems and metal. He'd almost missed the work, as his master had spent so much time studying, researching, and repairing the Librem Noctem. Dustmite was on an errand for Lapis and would be gone for a few days. The big earth zebra kicked at each wall, but less and less was coming from its riches.

~~Boss, the mine's pretty cleared out,~~ Sandstone reported.

~~Get what you can, I know there are other places to get the metals and gems we need~~

Sandstone tossed what little had had found in the carts and pushed them outside. His timing was pretty good- the steady flap of Slurry's wings caught his ears, and he watched her glide past him before landing next to the carts.

"You're by yourself," Slurry noted. "Where's Night Ash? or even that brat Morning Star?"

"Studyin, probly," Sandstone panted. "It's ok, just gettin some of the loose stuff into the carts takes a bit."

The bat-winged pegasus positioned her saddlebag next to the cart. "So what is he having you dig out?"

"More iron, and lookin for moonstones. Blue ones he said."

Slurry peeked into the mine, unable to see how far down it went. "Any luck with the moonstones?"

"Not yet. Dustmite's on the road to get some so they all match. Found this, though...."

Sandstone rummaged through the second cart and scooped out another gem. "Boss can't use it, can you?"

Slurry gave Sandstone a strange look before she saw the gem. A sapphire, a dark blue one, the same color as-

"Made me think of ya," Sandstone explained.

"...you saw it, didn't you?"

"Saw what?"

Slurry flew off in a huff. Sandstone looked at the sapphire. "but that's your color, isn't it...?" he asked too quietly for her to hear.

Lapis had returned to the Librem Noctem to finish cleaning up the mess that he made. He'd put the Phalanx book to the side, wishing to peruse it further. His ears twitched curiously as Hatchet's raucous laughter echoed from the forges downstairs. He stacked the scrolls that buried him earlier and started re-shelving the books.

"Safe to come in?" a cheery voice called from the entranceway.

"Desert Sun, you are always safe in my presence."

The red and gold unicorn trotted in, her silver eyes beaming from under her unruly mane. "So now that you're done wrecking Drakengard, have you thought about what's to be done about it?"

"About...?"

"Shy one, aren't ya?" She gathered a book with her magic and "accidentally" swatted Lapis with it before it found a shelf. "Morning Star told me everything. This 'alicorn' business - worried that someone is stepping in your place?"

Lapis took a very deep breath before speaking. "Commoners were not meant to be alicorns. There is a lot they don't know or understand. They will learn some of the harsher lessons that in time will crush them."

Desert Sun grew slightly nervous as she asked the next question. "It's about what Celestia said, isn't it? About the Elements?"

"I've not told the story because of what Celestia said. I am no longer capable of laughter. Even the grandest of schemes rarely bring a smile. It's troubling."

"So all this is some sort of gambit so you can laugh again?"

"That's oversimplifying it," Lapis snapped. "I - my brothers - we were all erased from history. Our parents are erased from history. Remembered in the hearts of the Family, but none outside the Family knew of Father and Mother."

"So where do the Elements fit in?" She asked.

"The alicorns have lost these Elements to commoners... Celestia nor Luna see this as a slight."

"So can you make new ones?"

"The Elements themselves are spirits, they too were not 'made' in the traditional sense."

Desert Sun playfully poked Lapis with her horn. "There's a thing to do - see if you can make some."

"A welcome challenge."

The red and gold unicorn stepped closer. "I want to hear this 'laugh' you had before all this happened."

"I promise you, Desert Sun, when we rule Equestria, I will laugh for you - every Summer Sun, every Winter Moon, and every day in between, I will laugh for you."

The two crossed horns for a moment before beginning to research.

Pinkie Pie bounced through the throng just outside of the library, ready to deliver some snacks made especially for Twilight by the Cakes. Even the twins helped out messily, so there was extra frosting everywhere in the saddlebag. It didn't matter to the pink earth pony. The treats were made as a gift to be given!

She paused in mid-hop when the crowd glared in her direction. "What?? I'm here to see Twilight."

"Get in line," one stallion ordered.

"Silly, there's no line - I'm her friend and I can see her whenever I want."

"We've got appointments!" One mare called from the crowd.

"And I've got CAKE!" Pinkie proclaimed as she finished her hop to the door and knocked with her forehead.

The crowd wasn't dispersing. In fact, it closed on her as the 'click' of the door signaled Spike answering to ANOTHER gawking pony.

"Yeah, what d'ya want?" Spike asked tiredly.

The response came from the charging townsponies as they flooded the library, eagerly looking for their new celebrity. Pinkie crowd-surfed into the library, holding her package over her head squealing happily. The horde slid to a stop and looked every which way, seeking out the famous occupant, noisily asking for her.

Spike needed a moment to peel himself off the floor, rubbing his head and straightening his spikes. "Pinkie, what th-"

"SPIKE!!!"

The little dragon cringed as a furious voice echoed down the stairs. Twilight had been studying in bed before the invasion, and she'd heard the thunder of two dozen ponies stampeding in her library, the din enough to interrupt her concentration. She marched down two or three steps until the collective gasp of the audience stopped her, followed by them kneeling. Pinkie looked around at the group, confused. "Uhm...." Pinkie offered a weak grin. "Hi, Twilight?"

"What are all these ponies doing in here??" Twilight demanded. "Pinkie, did you let them in?"

"No, they kinda let themselves in...." she quickly held up her package. "I brought cake!"

A pony next to her grabbed a bit of her curly mane and tried to pull her to a kneel. She didn't budge. She could see that her offering wasn't calming Twilight down. The slowly darkening expression on her friend's face did get the gears spinning in a different direction. Just as Twilight's new wings snapped open, Pinkie shrieked:

"AAAAAA!!!!! SHE'S GONNA TURN US ALL INTO TURNIPS!"

The audience, as one, fled the building, leaving Pinkie to land face-first into the cake. Twilight boggled at the sudden exodus, then realized that Pinkie's "Scare tactic" cleaned out the library faster than her spells could have. She nodded to Spike, and the little dragon closed and locked the door.

Twilight closed her wings, a little embarrassed at the flare-up to begin with. She walked downstairs as Pinkie popped up from her sudden confectionary facial. "Hi, Twilight!" Pinkie said as if nothing had just happened.

"Pinkie," Twilight began, "You brought half the town in here just to give me a squashed cake?"

"Well, it wasn't squashed when I got here! I wanted to give you a cake because you're still one of my bestest friends in Equestria and even if the rest of the town wants to treat you like a 'Princess' and not treat you like you doesn't mean I'm gonna treat you like a 'Princess'...." the spiking of sarcasm at the title as Pinkie rambled on felt like a poke at Twilight, who lowered her head in resignation. Pinkie didn't notice as she continued to explain herself.

"So I know that it's a big job and all but it's just a word - 'Princess'! I mean, it's pretty and it's important so I know it HAS to be pretty important!"

"Pinkie.....?"

"And for someone that's pretty important, I know it's pretty important to be nice to them but not too too nice because then you think we're doing it because 'oh! she's a princess now, we HAVE to be nice to her'!"

"Pinkie...."

"So I thought that since you wanted someone to be nice to you but not talk about the 'princess' thing because everyone in Ponyville is talking about it and wants to see a Princess in person just like when Celestia or Luna comes to Ponyville-"

"PINKIE~!!!!"

The pink earth pony snapped out of her monologue. "I just wanted to come see you, Twilight."

Twilight softened at the sincerity. "Well, as long as it's just you this time."

Pinkie hopped up. "But it's not a party without-"

"It's a visit, Pinkie. If you want to throw a party, let me know."

Pinkie blinked. "Okay...." the worry disappeared with a thought. "CAKE!" She declared, holding up the sloppy mess that was her gift.

Chapter 5

The howling echoed through the Everfree Forest, the cacophony only adding to the dark and dank of the wild woods. Desert Sun tread carefully, flanked by two pegasi. "You sure it's safe?" she asked nervously. "Such a haunting sound....."

"Timberwolves would rather chase than pounce," Violet Force explained to the nervous unicorn. "And they'd only try to chase you if you were alone."

"We'll get you out of here before the Timberwolves cause you any trouble," Silver Shimmer reassured.

"Still a bit dangerous," Desert Sun's worried reply. "Timberwolves eat ponies, do they not?"

"First they gotta catch us," Violet Force smirked. "You've got two of Equestria's best flyers covering your flank." He hovered to ensure said flank was covered, only to have his sister swat him with her tail.

"Focus!"

"Oh, I am...."

Desert Sun peeked through her shaggy mane. "I'm taken, mind."

Silver Shimmer landed next to Desert Sun. "Don't mind him, he hasn't had much luck finding a proper-"

'Shh..."

Violet Force had also landed, ears perked and nostrils flared. "Smell that?"

"Smell what?" Desert Sun's confusion at least kept her still. Violet Force shushed her again, carefully sniffing at the air.

Silver Shimmer caught it first. "That... almost smells like.. compost...." Violet shushed her too.

grrrrrr.....

Both pegasi were off the ground at the sound.

grrrRRRRrr.....

Desert Sun's silvery eyes widened. She desperately kept her horn dark, though her mind demanded to see---

HOOOOWWWWWWWLLLLLLLLLLL~~~!!!

Desert Sun nearly bolted at the sound - and froze when she saw the glimmers of yellow in pairs. The howls increased, some distant, some too near. The unicorn backed away from the pinpricks of evil, fear overriding all of her senses and her horn glowing.

"Turn out that light!!" Violet Force demanded. "They'll hone in on it!"

Silver Shimmer continued to backwing. "Too late!"

And even the statement could have come too late as three forms burst from a dark corner of the canopy. Large beasts, completely made of sticks and branches, with sharp teeth and sharp claws. Unable to pursue the pegasi, their attention locked on the panicked Desert Sun.

"Remember the plan!!" Silver Shimmer called to the distressed unicorn.

Violet Force had already flown ahead of them, seeking a low branch. Finding one low enough for an earth pony (or timberwolf) to jump, he bent it back as far as he dared, staying clear of the small path. "This way, Desert Sun!" he shouted, mindful that there might be other timberwolves nearby.

The unicorn heard Violet and quickly changed direction. The wolves remained a few feet behind her, baying and snarling, snapping at her tail. She glanced back only once, then picked up speed. A glimpse of Violet's purple wing had caught her eye.

"JUMP!" he shouted. Desert Sun was instantly airborne.

The timberwolves slowed when they saw their prey leave the ground, completely ignoring the branch snapping back in their direction, splintering two of them and damaging a third.

Desert sun landed gracefully and cast, the bits of the shattered timberwolves catching fire. The third timberwolf barked and glowered in protest, but refused to come closer as two of his brothers were burned away. She walked closer to the impromptu bonfire, horn sparking at the lone wolf as a warning. Crouching, the timberwolf continued to threaten, but a second plume of flames sent it scampering back into the dark of the forest. Exhaling in relief, the unicorn waved down her friends to extinguish the flames and help her put the ashes in a bottle to bring back to Drakengard.

"Counfound these numbers ain't addin up t' diddly!" Granny Smith creaked as she added up the market money. "Are you sure this is all you got t'day?"

"Eeeyup." Big Macintosh answered simply.

The matriarch of the Apple family stumbled through the totals one last time. Her sight may be going, her hip might not be quite right, but she knows a low number when it comes up. The little green earth pony offered an apologetic look to her husky grandson, who solemnly returned it. He'd worked the market that day in Applejack's place (she'd asked if he would go while she took care of some other things at the farm) and he wasn't quite as boisterous as she was. He'd seen what Applejack had seen in her days working at the market. People would ask him about Twilight, he'd tell them "Nnope," because he hadn't seen her since the coronation, and watched as they walked away without a purchase.

"It's gonna be a lean month for the Apple family." Granny added with a sigh.

The wind outside continued to howl, leaves scattering about the orchard. Black clouds started to roll in, shrouding the entire orchard and casting shadows everywhere. Applejack lazily looked out a window from her bedroom, her big brother watching from the kitchen. The howling increased, not just in volume but in voices, a dark chorus echoing through the night. Granny's dim memories snapped to clarity, and Applebloom cheered along.

"TIMBERWOLVES!" Granny Smith crooned. Applebloom bounded back to the kitchen for the soup ladle and some pans. "THE TIMBERWOLVES'RE COMIN, THE TIMBERWOLVES'RE COMIN~!!!"

Applebloom hurried back with pans balanced on her back and the soup ladle in her mouth. Granny quickly gathered two of the pans and started hastily banging them together, shooing any nosey timberwolves from the orchards. Applebloom proudly hopped outside, slamming the ladle against a cauldron of a pot, adding to the ruckus. The timberwolves seemed to howl in protest to the noise; howling that carried on the wind, and on one side of the farm, trees flickering to life.....

"Zap apples," Applejack whispered to herself before drifting off to sleep.

"THOU SHALT TRAIN UNTIL THOU CAN TRAIN NO MORE - THEN THOU SHALT CONTINUE! IF YOU DO NOT, FEAR MY WRATH TO YOUR EXHAUSTED BODY!"

Luna's Royal Canterlot Voice snapped over the recuits' heads like a barbed whip, spurring each of them on in their tasks. Earth ponies pulling loaded carts or solid blocks of stone, Pegasi racing or being flung from a Dizzitron, and two unicorns sparring with other ponies waiting their turn. The tests were essential, according to the Moon Princess. Each applicant must be able to haul a certain load, run a certain speed and distance, and hold his own in a fight, regardless of opponent. To increase the difficulty, each member did the drills in a heavy mockup of the Phalanx armor.

"TIS REQUIRED ALL MUST TRAIN IN THY ARMOR! PROVE THAT THE WEIGHT OF THIS PRIVILEGE IS EARNED!" She commanded, stirring them to pushing themselves harder. The threat of "the stories" that each of these applicants heard spurred them to push harder, push farther. They would not be among the body count of those who applied for Phalanx and failed!

Gallant Lionheart was at least keeping up with Snapdragon as they sparred. "Pretty good hooves for a spellcaster," the veteran Phalanx guard joked.

"VERY good hooves for a former guard captain," Gallant Lionheart growled, getting a shot in. "And when I win my armor I will be Guard Captain again!"

"Where's all your buddies, then?" the stallion snarked as he shook the blow off.

"They wouldn't last a day here!" Lionheart insisted, perhaps a little too loud. Several nearby combats stopped.

"What would you do if Silver Bardiche or Thunder Arrow heard that?" One earth pony protested.

"Let them hear! I'd bet my old helmet that half of you won't make it through the week!"

"Like you cared before?" One pegasus mocked.

"You had the cushy job of pushing people around!" the second unicorn complained.

Lionheart turned to the throng, head lowered. "Need I prove my point?"

The others charged. Lionheart charged to them.

Elsewhere on the Canterlot grounds, Flank Attack and Thunder Arrow oversaw a much less chaotic scene: dozens of ponies from all over Equestria had arrived for the Solar Guard tryouts. Some had been rejected for the Phalanx, but still welcomed here. Many took their turns in combat, dressage, and protocols.

"Not a bad crop this time around," Thunder Arrow admitted to the earth pony. "We should be able to keep at least half."

"The half that actually know what they're doing," Flank Attack grumbled, "explain to me again why we're expanding?"

"The Crystal Empire has been using Solar Guard since their kingdom didn't keep much of a militia, as I understood it. Shining Armor is going to oversee a group sent there. I'm hoping they're doing tryouts as well."

"Crystal ponies in combat...." Flank Attack thought out loud.“They might look pretty but when the pressure is on will they hold like diamond or shatter like glass?”

Thunder Arrow shook his head. "Slaves for centuries.... they knew how to fight, once. Now they supposedly do it mostly through magic." Flank Attack snorted in disgust. "Gotta be worth something if we've got a unicorn in charge," Thunder Arrow added.

"We're gonna need another Guard Captain - Shining Armor doesn't have the experience or time to be covering two separate militias."

“Shining Armor doesn’t have the skill to lead ONE militia”, Flank Attack said gruffly. “I understand after the return of Nightmare Moon restructure was required but to give the duty of Guard Captain to an upstart unicorn. One who then allowed his wife to be kidnapped and himself to be enthralled by a Changeling impostor. And how was he punished for this blunder? Captain of the Guard and Castellan of the Crystal Empire. One can only hope Shining Armor is relieved of some of his duties and the position passed to someone better suited to the responsibility it requires. Yourself or I, it'd be a sight better than Shining Armor.”

“And what about Lionheart?”, smirked Thunder Arrow.

“Then I would look to see where that cursed draconequus was as the world no longer makes sense!”

The Friendship Express chugged its way through the new falling snow of the Frozen North, following its one route to the Crystal Empire. Cadance and Shining Armor had a car to themselves, but romance was far from either of their minds.

"I'm getting worried that the Security Council's not interested in letting me be Captain," Shining Armor confessed to his mate. "They commented about the little 'wife-tossing' incident...." he blushed, ears drooping.

"That's all part of the position, unfortunately. Politics is just another form of battle, with its offenses and defenses." Cadance replied reassuringly. "You've got a lot of different projects on your plate, and I know you want to succeed. Your sister told me so many stories about your dream of working for the Solar Guard, and now you've even surpassed that."

"Thunder Arrow might have been joking, but that new earth pony - Flank Attack? - I swear, did someone just dye Silver Bardiche's fur?" Cadance giggled but let her husband continue. "The whole fiasco with the changelings was just so.... weird. It was something that we couldn't have prepared for, and it almost cost me, personally....."

Cadance gently crossed horns with him. "Someone saw the difference."

"But I didn't...."

"You're just jealous that your little sister saved your flank," she giggled again as she poked him with a hoof. "You saved Celestia herself. You told me that story."

"That was three years ago.... what have I done for Equestria lately?"

She poked at him again. "You got the Crystal Empire the Games, and you've finally got Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to help us with the railroad lines. The Empire spent a lot of time and bits on building the new stadium, they can't really afford to pay for the railroad work. Canterlot can."

"Then there's everything else I help you handle with the Crystal Empire...."

"I'm bringing help this time, dear. Some of my friends from Canterlot have been dying to see the Empire, and want to relocate. They're going to help with a new medical center and a newspaper. I'm hoping to get both up and running before the end of the year."

Shining Armor's expression finally relaxed. "Thanks Cadance. I just hope we can keep the Empire and Cantlerlot safe against the next threat that comes through."As if his own words acted as a trigger, concern returned to Shining Armor, "Whatever that will be."

Rainbow Dash had cleared the sky before lunch and was enjoying her sunshine from the one cloud she saved for herself. The sun was warm for autumn, but the trees hadn't started changing color. She pondered this year's Running of the Leaves and if she might even be going. The Grand Galloping Gala was around the same time, and she wanted to go back....

This year, though, as a Cadet Wonderbolt.

She remembered that Spitfire and Soarin' let a couple of extras work the Gala the first year she went. Despite the disaster of the event, she still daydreamed of flying with them. Her showing at the Academy was very promising (and record-breaking!) so she knew as long as she kept up her practice she would get the call.

She flopped face first, sighing wistfully at the chance. She glanced below to see her cloud wasn't far from the library, and as usual a crowd was outside glimpsing in at poor egghead Twilight trying to get work done. Getting her out of the library would likely cause another Ponyville-wide stampede, so maybe a simpler distraction was in order.

With a grin Dash leaped off her cloud and power-dived at the crowd, banking hard and clearing the tallest stallions' heads by mere inches. She pulled up and started swirling in loops at top speed, waiting for the cheers and chants and maybe a few chasers. Higher and higher she climbed, soaking in the sunshine and adrenaline. Finishing with a slice through her cloud and the patented Super-Speed Strut, she finished her routine not 30 feet from the library. "Ta-da~!!!"

Nothing. Well, she had some attention; irritated glares, rolled eyes, apathetic commentary. Almost as if she had interrupted something more important than her multicolored acrobatics. With drooping ears and wings she launched away as to not further disturb the throng.

Luna had spent the last hour of the day's training session breaking up a huge fight that Snapdragon or Gallant Lionheart started. Injuries were minor but tempers still flared. She dismissed many of the recruits as the story was pieced together - the former Guard Captain's bravado getting the better of him. Snapdragon was also detained for participating in the fight and not trying to stop it. While he was at the center of the conflict, this is NOT how the training works!

Lionheart and Snapdragon now stood at attention before Princess Luna, bandaged from the row they started. "Have thou nothing to say of your actions?" She demanded.

Snapdragon bowed, splaying his wings on the floor. "He spoke poorly of the recruits, Princess Luna. I was merely teaching him-" his apology ended abruptly as a hoof struck his wing.

"You battled recruits - potential allies! Shall insults be enough to sunder the Phalanx before it is truly rebuilt?"

Snapdragon remained bowed, smarting from the blow to his wing. "Princess Luna, I merely - " a strike to his other wing silenced him.

"You acted without thought or consequence! No lives were at stake! The Armor's voice can trick you into acting on lesser threats!" She stomped Snapdragon's wing before he spoke. "You know the punishment for such rash actions!" Her head snapped in Gallant Lionheart's direction. "What of you? You have not even earned your armor, yet you acted rashly!"

"Princess Luna, I merely acted in self-defense. However, if it is your wont to punish, I accept."

The Moon Princess blinked at the admission; she already had one wing half-opened to swat him if he attempted to apologize. The wing closed. "Very well. Your punishment will begin during tomorrow's training.

"The Phalanx Soldier Tower Shield would report an hour early and drag a 50-stone block on the west side of the pegasus track back and forth twenty-eight times. He would then sprint for 28 laps, in full training armor." She nodded to the mockup Gallant Lionheart wore. "He would then return to the 50-stone block and kick it until it fell into rubble. THEN he would be permitted breakfast."

Snapdragon, still bowed, looked up in confusion. "Tower Shield was an Earth Pony!" His wings struck once again.

"THOU SHALT REPORT FOR TOWER SHIELD'S TRIAL!" Came the edict, punctuated with a powerful swat of her wing to Gallant Lionheart. The unicorn stumbled, only to be struck by the other wing. "THOU SHALT SHOW ME HOW TRULY DEDICATED YOU ARE TO THE PHALANX AND WHAT I REQUIRE!"

"Twilight! The crowd's finally starting to leave!" Spike cheered as he saw ponies moving away from the windows.

"Finally..." she groused as she trotted down the stairs with another pile of reference books. "I'll need another reference on Animomorphic spellcasting, as well as a book of enchanting objects. Since my Element was in a new tiara, I wanted to see if StarSwirl was the one who crafted the necklaces that my friends wear."

"I'm on it!"

Before Spike could even reach the ladder, there was a sharp knock on the door. Twilight groaned. "I thought you said everyone was leaving...."

Spike proudly held up one clawed hand. "I got this!" he promised and marched for the door.

The little dragon pretended to roll up sleeves as he approached the door, another insistent knock only angering Twilight. Spike purposefully reached for the door and flung it open. "I'm sorry, but the Head Librarian is not in, and besides, we sent your organization a donation last week!" he wound up to slam the door.

"Spike, NO!"

The dragon then took a moment to look at who he just insulted - meet with a sullen, piercing gaze that appraised the hired help with practiced disdain. A gray stallion with a perfectly coiffed mane, dressed sharply and glowering past a pair of very expensive sunglasses. "This wouldn't be the standard 'royal treatment' given here, I would imagine."

"Hoity Toity?" Twilight puzzled. "I'm afraid you have the wrong address. Carousel Boutique is a few doors down."

"Nonsense, my dear. You were one of Rarity's models before this fine promotion! I came directly from Canterlot to personally request your permission to sponsor a line of dresses that Rarity would design. A 'New Princess' line, one that will sell all over Equestria, as did many of the dresses created for the Royal Wedding! It is only the commonest of courtesies that I grace you with my presence to gain your permission to use your image as part of this new line."

"I am not a PLAYTHING for Equestria's markets!" Twilight protested.

"Nothing of the sort," Hoity Toity insisted. "But as a new celebrity you would be making your friend a great deal of money for expanding her line. So many more ponies know of you than they do of the majestic and glorious work of Rarity's."

Twlight lost her next protest. If she said no, it would squash Rarity's dream of fame that she's sought - and it would be with Hoity Toity's backing. If she said yes..... would it still be the right thing? Her mind raced as Hoity Toity slowly pushed his sunglasses back into place.

"I will need time to give you a proper answer," Twilight finally replied with as much authority in voice as she could muster.

"Pardon?"

"I don't feel that my fame should be something that will make others money. I would like time to consider your offer."

There was no immediate response. Curious, Twilight risked opening one eye.

Hoity Toity was frozen in complete shock. "There are others that would BEG for this recognition!"

"I do not NEED any more recognition. Good day." She trotted up the stairs, nose back in the air.

Hoity Toity shook his head clear and turned to leave.... only to have half of Ponyville running him over as the door opened.

Chapter 6

Drakengard had become a sea of activity - Morning Star and the Sand brothers researching a new mining site, Desert Sun helping Hatchet at the forges, Night Ash touring the Crystal Empire, Violet Force and Silver Shimmer assisting Slurry with the cloud cover, all bringing the bustle of a castle to the ears of its current ruler, Lapis Umbral.

The Shadow of the Moon savored the background noise as he prepared a small back room for a transport ritual. He had told everypony he would only be gone a few hours, even if the trip to and from would be instantaneous. The preparations, alas, were not.

Following a tattered scroll uncovered in the mess he made during his inspirations, he traced out a circle on the floor with chalk. He then carefully drew a pentagram inside the circle, all five points touching the circle. He then added sigils inside each point, coordinates for a very different journey. He wrote two names in the center of the pentagram - his own, and his target's. As a final focus, to the right of the names he drew a triangular symbol - the mark of Cerberus. The circle was then dusted with charcoal and ashes from the forges. Ensuring all inscriptions correct, he then centered himself within the circle, a hoof on four of the points. Whispering a few words, he closed his eyes and began casting with his horn.

The circle glowed an ominous, deep red, the pentagram a silvery blue. The sigils each had a name to be spoken aloud, only making the lights brighter. He then lowered his head, permitting the tip of his horn to connect to the fifth point of the pentagram......

And with this all in place, a gout of blue and red flames swept him to his destination... a place few ponies would ever dare to venture, and even fewer to do so willingly. The realm of Tarterus.

He stood before the magnificent wrought-iron gates, molded to look like thorned ivy coating a manor fence. Cerberus, the giant three-headed bulldog guarding the gates, snoozed peacefully as the alicorn approached, not sensing Lapis as any form of threat. One eye from the nearest head opened and looked him over; it blinked once before closing again, the hound returning to all three of its dreams. Umbral then launched over the gates, the guardian none the wiser or concerned.

Tarterus held dangers that even alicorns feared - monsters mutated by the ambient evil, devils dancing and setting things aflame, and denizens terrorizing new arrivals. Anypony who ended up here would be subject to tortures of whatever grand sins tipped their internal balance to darkness; even someone as long-lived as Umbral could not fathom his fate should he be sent here. He'd hoped he could follow Father and Mother to the stars....

His wandering thoughts halted when he found his target. In an open field ahead he could see a huge stallion and a minotaur whipping a gray unicorn, shouting orders as it strained to pull a rusted plow across a dry plain. The plow would inch forward, the unicorn would strain, then be whipped savagely by his handlers. The rusty, rotted harness clung to him like a diseased barnacle, the plow brown and pocked. The unicorn tried desperately to catch his breath but only felt the bite of the whips anew. Lapis dipped a wing and swooped down to the field, startling all three to a halt.

"Goz, Mez.... I see you have yourselves a new toy."

The stallion smirked. "Umbral of the shadows - you haven't been by lately. Thought we were friends, right Mez?"

The minotaur nodded. "So we're breaking this unicorn in- boss told us he enslaved ponies for millenia. So we get to 'slave' him for a millineum!" he whipped the unicorn, who reared and...snarled at them.

"Sombra," Umbral said simply.

"Yeah, that's his name," Goz affirmed. "Strange that he doesn't talk. Growls like a wolf, snarls like a panther, grumbles at us calling him 'slave'....."

"I'll make you two a deal.... I can make him speak."

"You know how to fix that? Seems that's how he was in life." Mez looked at the unicorn, who snarled in protest.

"Oh, he knows some words, just none that apply to his new vocation."

Goz frowned, skeptical. "you're not gonna help him with his punishment, are you?"

"Of course not. Two minutes is all I ask. I promise I will not fix the plow or the harness."

The two demons looked at each other and shrugged. "Yeah, sure. Couldn't hurt." Goz admitted before backing off. Mez leaned on the plow to watch and listen.

The Shadow of the Moon then slipped away from the two oni to face the former King of Shadows and tyrant of the Crystal Empire. He had heard many stories of how insane Sombra was, but he also knew that Sombra was a very intelligent mage. This king would not have ruled as long as he did had he not put so many contingencies, trips and safeguards in place! The alicorn stifled a curse toward the new hierarchy as he stood before Sombra, who raged that this pony did not bow before him like an obedient lackey.

"Sombra, former King of the Crystal Empire and traveller of shadows, I have come to speak with you."

Sombra snarled and pawed the ground.

"Your mind is at war with the shadows you once embraced so that you could subdue thousands, some of whom still have nightmares of you."

Sombra growled in irritation.

"I shall 'get on with it'. You have something you no longer need, something that does not aid you in your new duties. I will take those shadows back under my control and you will have your mind back. Have we a deal?"

Sombra roared possessively. No intention of surrendering what he had earned in life.

"Pity," Umbral said after Sombra stopped protesting. "You really didn't have a choice in the matter."

Sombra's horn sparked, and his eyes began to glow. Umbral did not move. "Your powers are worthless here."

Sombra roared again, straining to cast. Lapis simply reached out with his own magic and encased the mad unicorn's horn. "You mastered the magic of shadows. Used their power in ways no-one thought possible," The alicorn commented, siphoning the shadows and magic away. Sombra bucked and spasmed, his whinnies and screams echoing across the field. "Enslaved a civilization for thousands of years. Hid it. You made the shadows your own.” Goz and Mez shrugged at each other as Lapis continued to drain, eyes locked on the doomed soul as he continued to thrash and resist. No mere unicorn - even one with such strong intellect and magical controls - could resist the magical might wielded by an alicorn, even the youngest of the Royal Family. “But they are not yours, anymore."

The Shadow of the moon closed his eyes and "watched" the shadows enter his mind. The pulsing sphere of darkness hovered in his mind's eye, though waiting instructions.

"Black is the Night," Umbral began in Ancient Equestrian. "Blacker than the Night. Blacker than the scorched walls of a Tarterus Tomb on a shadowmoon midnight."

The sphere materialized before him and split itself into six pieces, each blob circling him in curiosity. "I am your Master now!" The Shadow of the Moon announced. "Reveal yourselves to me!"

The first blob lunged for his face, shaping itself into a pony-sized dragon. Its bite snapped at his horn and clawed at his mane, but its very nature made every strike pass through him. He did not flinch. "Feral shadow, rage and might, passion, Bloodlust, the call to fight." The shadow stopped its raging and lost form, flowing over his body like a fog.

The second blob darted around his head, making no sound and staying toward the edges of his vision. He did not worry. "Stealth and silence, hide from their eyes, Can they find you? Let them try." The shadow stopped in midair and lost form, sweeping over his body like mist.

Another blob hovered directly before him, morphing into a monstrous beast and roaring in his face. He did not spook. "Spawn of nightmares, unknown, unclear - touch all who oppose you with their darkest Fear." The shadow burst into a thousand tiny spiders and clambered onto his body.

The fourth blob hovered a moment before charging. It swept over the alicorn's face, stinging his ears and eyes. He did not sneeze or cough when it swept past his snout and he "Tasted" the shadow - the taste of dewdrops before sunrise. "Senses strengthened, be my guide, none shall be lost, nor can they hide." The shadow melted over him.

The fifth one bounced about in the air, first as a bird, then a frog, then a butterfly, then a scorpion. It then formed a small pony, alternating between each race, amusing itself as it stopped as a tiny shadow image of Umbral. The alicorn was amused but unmoved. "Of Changeling skill, bending perception, fool every sense, as my Deception." The shadow spread itself like a giant blanket over his shoulders.

The final shadow loomed above, slowly dropping into reach of the Shadow of the Moon. It unexpectedly burst, bits of it bouncing all around. Umbral did not react. "What once was whole, split it asunder! Destruction through fire, anger, thunder!" The last shadow gathered itself only to explode again, falling over Lapis like shattered glass.

Sombra finally slumped, spent. Umbral paused to savor the shadows that now roamed within him. It felt familiar, correct. He took a single, deep breath, and the grays of his coat darkened anew. He remembered now. These were some of his duties, likely stripped of him when he left Canterlot. Luna controlled the light of the moon and the mysteries of the night. Umbral, however, was her darkened mirror.

The shadows of the night. The darkness of the night. The reason that Equestria feared the night. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

His gaze returned to Sombra, who could barely raise his head. Mez raised his whip to strike, but an icy glare from Lapis halted him. The alicorn returned his eyes to Sombra, who was almost to all four hooves. "What... happened...." he whispered.

"It seems that a common unicorn who thought he could control the Shadows learned that the Shadows came to control him," Umbral explained quietly. "This power was not meant for you, though I will compliment you on how well you wielded it, even if crazed into megalomania over such."

"My Empire....." Sombra said simply.

"Was yours - you even took it away from the Family for a thousand years. Slaves lost in stasis as you were banished to frozen wastes to fester."

"My.... Empire...." he repeated.

"No longer yours - you were shattered like a sculpture at the hooves of an alicorn, two unicorns, and an infant dragon."

Goz and Mez laughed at the demise. Sombra lowered his head. "I...."

"You have a new career here, Sombra. Plenty of time to remember what you have done. The judgment may feel harsh, but someday you will embrace your deeds."

Umbral nodded to Goz and Mez before leaping into the stormy skies of Tarterus. Sombra said nothing more until the whip called him back to the plow. From there, the eloquent and elaborate curses from the prisoner only made Umbral proud. Circling the field so that Sombra could swear more venom and destruction, the alicorn merely flaunted his restored ability by dissipating in a scatter of shadows.

Twilight teleported herself outside of the library, draped in the disguise that Fluttershy had brought her. The drape easily covered her unwieldy wings and the hat even flopped over her horn. She hated that she would have to sneak through her adopted town just to get an errand or two run, but until that crowd dispersed.....

She took a very deep breath and let the fresh air invigorate her. Perhaps that's something she gained with her new form - what stories that are written of alicorns is that they possess traits of all three ponies. Being outside must bring out the earth pony in her. She took a few moments to savor the fresh grass behind the library before moving on.

She wanted to wander the market that morning, just to take in the conversations and get some variety in the pantry. Spike could prepare all manner of meals, but sometimes he just lacked the imagination. A not-so-subtle hint of some cookbooks on the counter might help. Then again, he's usually the one to remind her to eat.

To further disguise herself, she purposely memorized her shopping list and practiced putting things in her saddlebags with her mouth instead of her magic. She deliberately ordered a set of plain saddlebags for this occasion. Everything would be perfect!

"Hey Twilight!" Pinkie Pie bounced right by her, completely seeing through the disguise.

"PINKIE~!!!" Twilight protested, her enormous sunglasses falling away.

Heads turned, Twilight's name catching attention. The poor alicorn stood there with the hat still on her head, but once again faced with half the town bowing to her and a few trying to sing "Behold, Behold" on her behalf. Pinkie turned back to her friend with a bright smile, not realizing what she had done. Twilight just gave her happy friend a disapproving glance before teleporting home, leaving the disguise in the middle of the street for the others to fight over.

Rarity and Fluttershy kept a regular routine - one afternoon a week at the spa. Fluttershy always needed time to relax away from all her animals, Rarity a break from her dressmaking. The two didn't have to chat as Lotus and Aloe worked on the two ponies' backs, including Fluttershy's fragile wings. Both sighed in contentment as they were pampered, giggling at the simultaneous relief.

"I can never get enough of this," Rarity sighed again as Lotus pushed deeper on the unicorn's shoulders. "and it's good to have company when I'm here."

"It's no problem," Fluttershy replied with an audible smile. "Thank you for asking me to come with you."

"You're always so terribly busy with your menagerie - how do you keep track of them all?"

"Most of them have names," she quietly replied, "and many of them just appreciate the attention. They get food, shelter, and if someone is hurt or gets sick, they know they have someone to turn to. If they lived in the Everfree Forest, it would be a lot harder for them."

"I'd also like to say you keep everything around your cottage so clean otherwise, even with so many creatures. I only have Sweetie Belle and she's a walking disaster."

"The animals understand that if it stays clean, they'll be happier. It's not that hard, really."

The two relaxed as the twins continued the massage. Fluttershy had gotten quiet, so Rarity's ears lazily swiveled about for gossip.

"... Hoity Toity was in town, wonder what Rarity cooked up for him..."

"Saw him at the Library, probably wanted a Royal favor....."

"He likes Rarity's work, why wouldn't he stop there? Just ask her...."

"Maybe he just wanted to gawk at the Princess."

Rarity frowned. She didn't even know Hoity Toity was in Ponyville, much less at-

"Hey Twilight!" Shouted a voice from outside.

Rarity rolled off her couch and bounded for the door, Fluttershy right behind. As they shook the cucumber out of their eyes they spotted their friend glaring in their direction before teleporting away. The continuing commotion only confused the two.

"Why did she leave?" Fluttershy whispered.

"Well, she had time to see Hoity Toity....." The unicorn's eyes narrowed.

Despite the dark sunglasses covering her blind eyes, Night Ash could still "see" much of the breathtaking architecture of the Crystal Empire. Every building, every spire - she could "feel" the cool of each crystalline structure, the voices chiming off each facet like busy music. Her ears twitched in time with the sounds, her heart making up lyrics. What a beautiful place! She would be sure to thank Lapis for his suggestion to come here.

Her cloak kept most of her stripes hidden, but no need to hide her horn. She preferred the simpler disguise. It was enough to keep the natives from asking questions, and keep any identifiers of her to a minimum. She had lodging in place and received a recommendation of a jeweller in the Empire whose expertise covered exactly what she needed - six ornate silver necklaces.

The inn had recommended her to Malachite Braid, a talented jeweller who had picked up her trade once the Empire was free. Her storefront glittered with all manner of accessory, stones set in gold, silver, platinum, and sometimes in other crystals. Night Ash "marveled" at the complexity of work, just in what patterns her senses could bring. She trotted into the store to place her custom order.

The store itself bustled with tourists, ponies from many other towns or cities. This would be perfect cover for the zebra, she would not stand out! She hoped she carried enough barter for the necklaces, knowing that the price tag for these will be steep, but Master Lapis promised it would be well worth the price.

A red-headed non-native earth pony trotted up to Night Ash. "Welcome to Malachite Braid's jewellry! I'm Fire Ruby, how may I help you?"

Night Ash mentally gathered her rhymes. "I've traveled far to this crystal spire, seeking an experienced jeweller for hire! A custom craft of high expectation so my lovely land can make dedication."

Fire Ruby noted that she was indeed talking to a zebra. "Wow, I didn't realize zebras had their own land! Tell me more."

"Farasipunda is my homeland, one that ponies and zebras planned! Stare not at my stripes nor at my horn, your eyes see correctly, I am unicorn."

"Farasipunda... I'll have to look it up," Fire Ruby responded. "But you were interested in a custom piece?"

"Six custom designs, quality silver mined, and diamonds of bluish gray inlined. Silver traced with patterns and hints, a simple tribute to the Elements."

"'Elements'?" Fire Ruby queried, "As in a tribute to the Elements of Harmony? Wouldn't you want more color, or at least clearer diamonds? Or gold for the necklaces?"

"My request specific and clearly made - or must I speak with Malachite Braid?"

Fire Ruby paused. "Of course, I shouldn't question a customer request. I'll have her over here in a moment." The red-headed mare hurried off.

Night Ash didn't mind the questions, but Master Lapis said this wouldn't be too much of a chore. Guessing this "Fire Ruby" was an apprentice, the unicorn zebra awaited Malachite's attention.

Chapter 7

Twilight paced in the main library, magicking the curtains closed to the outside world. "I can't believe even all that disguise didn't work!" She complained loudly, tail and wings ruffling in further frustration.

"Maybe changing the colors on it..." Spike uneasily suggested. "Or adding a Mustache!"

"Or telling Pinkie Pie that I'm not supposed to be seen!" Twilight insisted. "I finally get out of the library without being mobbed, and was almost to Golden Harvest's when Pinkie comes bouncing by as if I wasn't wearing anything! Next thing I know all of Ponyville is kneeling! Spike, some of them were SINGING! UNGH~~!!!" Twilight banished herself under one of the library tables to sulk.

"Twilight, you know they're just doing it because-"

"I KNOW why they're doing it," Twilight grumbled. "I'm just ME, okay?? I'm just the same librarian who wasn't even born in this town!"

Spike offered to comment but stopped short as something caught in his throat. He gagged, then belched out a mouthful of green flame, materializing into a scroll at Twilight's feet. She magically gathered the scroll to read it.

"My faithful Student Twilight Sparkle,

I would like to request your presence in Canterlot in three days' time to witness the initiations of the new members of the Solar Guard. Your brother, Prince Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance will also be attending the festivities. Please expect to stay overnight as there is someone else I would like you to meet. I await your response.

Princess Celestia"

"Solar Guard?" Spike queried.

"My brother is going to be there- and I can talk to Cadance. Start packing things up, Spike, given our 'warm reception' in Ponyville it might take a day or two just to get to the train station!" Twilight sighed and just flopped under the table. Spike offered a sympathetic look before preparing her saddlebags.

Fire Ruby did indeed bring Malachite Braid to the mysterious zebra, but had to hurry to the storeroom before she forgot.

She quickly wrote down a few simple words: "Unicorn zebra", "Farasipunda", "Silver" "gray diamonds". She added "Elements" and left the scroll on a table near an open window. Once she was back in the store proper, a hoof scooped the scroll away and was swiftly carried to the Crystal Castle.

Gallant Lionheart and Snapdragon glared at each other from opposite sides of the pegasus track. Both had completed the first two parts of the Tower Shield test, but neither stood steady as they tried to buck their 50-stone block apart. The first few strikes hurt Gallant Lionheart's hind legs, and he took a moment to catch his breath as he saw Snapdragon stumble from his efforts. Lionheart glowered across the track at his rival, finally seeing Snapdragon's actual colors - mostly a deep magenta with a yellow and orange mane cropped short. In that form, Snapdragon did not look anywhere near as intimidating! Lionheart forced a smirk before he returned to bucking at the stone.

Snapdragon locked gazes with Lionheart and kicked his stone harder, a tacit comment to what would happen should they cross paths. The brown unicorn responded with a similar strong kick, an unspoken dare to try. They continued kicking away at their stones as though trading insults with each action.

Princess Luna sat a short distance away, watching the nonverbal contest. Emerald Charm glanced over as well. "Princess Luna, will they fight again during this trial?"

"They shan't - though they somewhat are at the moment, learning that some arguments aren't resolved with hooves, but with accomplishments. They try to top each other in every task, channeling all of their ability to goals and not each other. Some of their aggressions will be sated in mock combat, and once they are both in true Phalanx armor it will be a treat to watch."

"A strange lesson," Emerald Charm admitted. "Given the nature of true Phalanx armor."

"But one ingrained nonetheless. How fare the other trainees?"

"We are down to forty-five recruits, the others too injured or resigned."

"Those that are out of the training, check with every able-bodied recruit that remains. Princess Celestia is doing the same. They will have work outside our militias. When you have completed such, report to Golden Silver and inspect the new armors."

Emerald Charm saluted and winged off.

Hatchet marveled at his completed creation - his first suit of Phalanx Armor! Lapis requested a large suit constructed first, in hopes of putting Sandstone in said barding. The pegasus had reveled in the process. Despite the strictest structure and almost ceremonial construction of said armors, the process brought very pleasing results. He wished he could have made a suit for himself, first, but would certainly add it to the list.

The scrolls that "boss" had written out for him covered the entire process - one scroll unfurled halfway across the room in its detail! Hatchet never thought he'd take to something so... regimented. He read both scrolls thoroughly, trying to memorize them so he wouldn't delay or endanger any point of the process. His mind understood the process, but his heart BEGGED to innovate with it! Double the amount of ash and moonstone, fold it in sharper edges, mold wing-blades in with the designs! And on the wing-blades, small "catches" to sling bladed weapons at other pegasi or ground based enemies! Maybe even add "tusks" to the helmet so he could rake at an opponent's face in close combat! Oh, the possibilities! He knew he had enough extra parts to make such a suit, but was unsure Lapis would allow him the time.

He gathered a pencil in his mouth and hastily sketched out his idea, adding underneath the steps he would alter. He put questions around the design as well - is purple the mandatory color? Can he use something other than a blue moonstone? Can other gems/ash be added to the formula? What more could he do to make this armor SO scary that he might even be cheated out of a fight? The pegasus cackled at the notion; he would never be cheated out of a fight, he would just make sure his opponent died tired.

"Fascinating work, Hatchet."

The poor pegasus launched into the ceiling at the sudden appearance of Umbral. He landed on the desk facing his master. "Oh, hey boss.... heheh.... just playin with the design."

The Shadow of the Moon looked over the design, comparing the notes. "I would be VERY careful about increasing the dosages of ash and moonstone," he critiqued. "While I have no issue with the additional weapons and offensive capabilities, adding more of the enchantment could be extremely dangerous."

"Yeah, but you WANT dangerous, doncha?"

"I have an upper limit of 'dangerous'," Lapis replied with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. "Something you might not know about the armor, Hatchet, is that it, in itself, is alive. It WANTS an owner, and sometimes it wants to own its wearer. I'm sure you have heard the stories of the armor rituals."

"Oh yeah!!!" Hatchet eagerly responded. "This armor likes to beat its wearers up or kill em - or sometimes the new soldiers kill each other! Izzat really true? Sounds like a good time to break out the popcorn and watch."

"This magic is like fire. You can harness it it, you can bend it your uses. But, let it grow too strong, control is lost and it shall consume you. Even I do not wish death on an ally," Umbral responded evenly. "But I will make you a deal. Finish up a few more suits, and you may make one to your design. However, do NOT increase the dosage of the enchantment material."

"No?"

"I don't wish to lose a good armorer over his own creation."

Hatchet glanced back at the suit he made for Sandstone. "So what if Sandstone loses his mind in that thing? None of us can slow him down as he is now."

"Leave that to me."

Gallant Lionheart hurt. He hurt a lot. It hurt to walk, it hurt to breathe, it hurt sometimes to blink his eyes.

But he, along with Snapdragon, had completed the trial of Tower Shield. Nowhere near as fast as the legendary earth pony soldier, but it was done. Lionheart wobbled through the halls of Canterlot Castle, still in his training armor. Princess Luna had reprimanded them again after the trial completed for taking too long. While inwardly savoring Snapdragon's wings getting stomped, he shuddered at how hard she could strike with her wings. He pondered for a moment if Master Lapis hit even harder since there were no feathers pulling that punch.....

He still had to take care of his dungeon duty, so he carefully walked down the stairs into the area, stopping only briefly at Cepheid's cell. The alicorn lay asleep, still in irons, but his color seemed brighter. His body was darker yellow now, and the streaks in his hair were turning red. Maybe there was something to what had happened to him as Prince Hellstorm. The unicorn shrugged and continued to Strife's cell.

The dark green earth pony was awake, glowering out the window on the door of his cell. ~~About time!~~ he managed, the Voice of the Mind still hard for him to completely grasp.

~~Good, you've got this part figured out. The armor ceremonies are in a few days, so I've assembled a good time for your escape.~~ Lionheart dropped an envelope out of his heavy armor and slid it under the door. ~~Open this as you hear the crowds at Celestia's Armor ceremony. I don't believe anyone will be down here.~~

~~what's in this?~~

~~Your freedom.~~

Strife glanced at the envelope before kicking it back towards his bedding and covering it with hay. Satisfied, the unicorn then visited the pegasus prisoner.

Cloud Slayer was still sound asleep, thrashing about on her bed in some active dream. Lionheart chose not to wake her this time but sent the envelope under the door as hard as he could. He saw it skid across the floor before sticking to her bedding. Good enough.

~~When Cloud Slayer wakes, Strife, tell her not to open that envelope until she is told.~~

~~I make no guarantees. She's a pegasus, and very impulsive~~

~~Try to make this a guarantee. Master Lapis will not be pleased if his company shows up early.~~

Elsewhere on the grounds, Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack continued their overview of the Solar Guard tryouts. Count Solaris attended that day, standing in for Shining Armor. They had divided the recruits into their three respective groups to continue their testing, only to bring them together late in the day for mixed combat. All three understood the need to face other races after the fiasco of dealing with the Changelings. Princess Celestia had assured them that between the surprise of the attack, the abilities of the creatures and that they do vaguely resemble alicorns, it still was a tremendous blow to morale for much of the established militia. With many volunteering as temporary militia in the Crystal Kingdom, there would be an increased need for soldiers in both areas.

"Not a bad crop," Thunder Arrow observed as a courier brought the flight test results. "Most of the pegasi here are coming in at a minimum of 7.8 WP. Couple of stragglers, probably dropping out soon enough." He peered to Flank Attack's checklist, which the earth pony kept close to his broad chest.

"Some of these farmers are getting soft," he snorted as he read over his numbers. "You'd think a 30 stone drag and a 70 stone cart would be foal's play for them. Not impressed."

"All I've seen is a lack of strategic ability amongst the newcomers," Solaris added. "Many leap into combat readily. That is not how the Solar guard works."

"How many of em washed out of Phalanx camp?" Thunder Arrow asked. "I heard they've dropped half of the applicants already."

"Maybe we should look at their tactics, that would actually get us some soldiers...."

"Flank Attack, their methods can be TOO harsh," Solaris scolded the earth pony captain. "Are you aware that applicants die in their tryouts?"

"I thought it was just at the armor ceremony," came Thunder Arrow's surprised response. "I know those they've lost either failed the second physical, got hurt over-training or just quit."

Flank Attack just shook his head. "No one should say 'too harsh' when it comes to militia."

A commotion erupted in the pegasus soldiers' camp as a smaller white pegasus rocketed from the group, several in pursuit. "STAND DOWN!!" Thunder Arrow demanded. A few slowed, but that white pegasus had too much of a head start. "WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT, SOLDIER?"

A silver pegasus swooped back toward the captains. "Hot Head is at it again, sir."

"He doesn't come back, he's out. Should he come back, he'll be reporting to all of us."

Princess Cadance and Shining Armor finally had some time to not think about the Empire or Canterlot. They chose an afternoon to walk through a lustrous garden made by the natives. They marveled at quartz orchids, ruby roses and violets of varying shades of amethyst. The deep emerald stems had the glow of summer grass, and the breeze over them brought faint chiming music to their ears. Shining Armor, lost for words, simply took in the mysterious music. Cadance, with permission of the jewel-gardener, selected a pale ruby rose for her mane.

"Never seen anything like this," Shining Armor finally observed, "Much less heard." His ears continued to twitch to catch every note.

"Ornamental, but still gorgeous," Cadance admitted. "So many things about this empire lost in time... I'm almost surprised your little sister hasn't moved up here to our library."

"Don't say that too loud - Twily would get lost in there. I wouldn't see her for a decade!"

Giggling, Cadance looked around the garden - perhaps at all the Empire she could see. "I'm still so looking forward to the Games," she sighed. "So much preparation still to be made. The stadium is perfect and you said the teams were coming along?"

"Princess Cadance!"

The couple turned to spot a bright red earth pony cantering up to them, a scroll sticking out of his saddlebag. He slid to a stop before them and knelt. "Forgive the intrusion, Princess Cadance, but we have intel of a stranger in town."

"Trailblaze, this close to the Games I would think we would have visitors from all over Equestria. Why is this any different?"

The earth pony grinned and tossed the scroll to her. "There was a lot of bits involved, raised some red flags. And the order is pretty specific."

Cadance looked over the scroll. "Shame that these notes aren't."

"She likely had little time, where she is currently working. I was unable to ask questions."

Cadance showed the note to Shining Armor. "I don't even know what a 'Farasipunda' is."

"Some kind of bear?"

Cadance re-read the notes out loud. " 'Unicorn zebra', 'Farasipunda', 'Silver' 'gray diamonds','elements'.... what does it mean?"

Trailblaze lowered his head. "I just got it here quick."

"Elements..." Shining Armor repeated. "The Elements of Harmony?"

"We'll have to bring this along when we go back to Canterlot. Your sister will be there, maybe she can decipher all of this."

Emerald Charm had finished the first half of his errand - of the 55 out of the Phalanx tryouts, some went back to the Solar Guard, some were injured. About two dozen would be available for whatever other purpose the Princesses had for them. It didn't mean a lot to the lunar soldier; nothing meant much since he had been awake for so long. Allowing one long, laborious yawn to relax himself, he glided in toward the royal forges, where the activity was loud and constant.

The forges had several ponies - most of them unicorns - in the process of hammering out armor pieces for Solar and Lunar guard. The process was very efficient - under the tutelage of master smith Golden Silver, the armor pieces were stamped out and molded by the apprentices to be enchanted later. The only standout was one enormous, solid black earth pony stallion wearing a wrought iron hoof guard, stomping out the pieces without the use of a tool. Each impact rang louder than the apprentices', a tower bell among wind chimes. The sparks only highlighted his musculature, and his iron-gray eyes looking to nothing else. The stallion's mark - a gray anvil - told everyone he was bred for this duty. His concentration broken by the arrival of the lunar guard, he lowered his iron-shod hoof to the floor authoritatively, casting sparks toward the new arrival. "The princess sent you?" He asked simply, a voice deeper than even a Lunar guard's.

Emerald Charm almost saluted the smith. "Princess Luna ordered me here, Iron Forge. Do you or Golden Silver have an update on the new armors?"

Iron Forge snorted in frustration, steam from his nostrils despite the warmth of the room. "This takes time. The apprentices are fearful of the Phalanx armor, so only Golden Silver and I have been working on them. The armors will still be ready for Ceremony as ordered. There has been a delay on moonstones from Fillydelphia, they were low on stock." The stallion's glare reflected his impatience.

"Carry on," Emerald Charm tried to reply, but could taste the nervousness in his own voice. He flew off before his unease cost him some reputation.

A tan unicorn trotted out as the Lunar guard left. "More questions? Why do they interrupt you and not me?"

"You hide too much, Golden Silver."

"Perhaps my duties keep me elsewhere in the forges."

Iron Forge smirked only briefly. He had work to do.

Chapter 8

hapter 8

The Crystal Empire Library's maze of histories would easily occupy Night Ash while the custom Elements were crafted. She could "see" most titles if the ink was thick on the bindings, or if any of the ornamentation was raised. The librarian had been more than helpful in showing where the unicorn could read about Equestrian history, as told by this kingdom a thousand years prior. It surprised her that a tyrant such as Sombra would allow a library to exist, as informed warriors are usually more successful ones.

Lapis had requested she look in their history section to see if she could find anything regarding him or the rest of his "family". He had explained to her that the Family were the first bearers of the Elements, his brother Cepheid the one who brought them home to help end the Discord war. She couldn't ask, but felt so confused by her master claiming to be the bearer of the Element of Laughter, but can no longer laugh. Was that night so traumatizing to him? He still did not tell the entire tale, only that his sister was banished, he fled before he faced the same fate, seeking solitude and researching many means of getting back at Celestia. When he came across the information about the Star Compass, he felt his victory almost assured. With that plan ruined, and the news of Twilight Sparkle's "Ascendance" he is slowly losing his grip on what sanity remained. She worried for him, and her words quiet and simple to Desert Sun.

Her research was quickly rewarded - thanks to the preservation of the Crystal Empire, their history books covered many things that the Canterlot Archives did not have (per Morning Star) and Lapis Umbral himself had lost. She poured over old maps, read journals from the Discord wars and before, journals of all sorts of spellcasters, and architectural logs covering most of the major construction of the empire. Fascinated but a touch confused, she continued reading, wondering where all the crystal unicorns had gone. She hadn't recalled "seeing" one in the entirety of her travels in the Empire. Would that have been Sombra's doing, once the Empire had been completed? Was the slave work so hard that the unicorns the first to go? That information wasn't in the texts.

Her best discovery came from one journal that discussed the magics of the empire's crystals - a full explanation of how each stone's internal magics helped form and sustain the empire, as the gems themselves had their own "Life" and could stave off the cold. Those ponies that lived here communed with these crystals, creating a strange symbiotic relationship that allowed these earth ponies to keep their kingdom alive and intact. The notes spoke of some conflict when it came to expansion, but those that left took a few of their own crystals along. So could there be another crystal kingdom out there? Her curiosities quickly brought her to taking notes, impressed that an earth pony colony would have this sort of magical access.... perhaps if this sort of "culturing" could be done elsewhere (perhaps in Drakengard?) even the earth ponies would have some touches of magic to them. She knew that Lapis would be pleased to hear this, and would certainly investigate it.

Sadly, what she had actually come for was barely referenced - much of the history did not speak of alicorns, as if this kingdom itself started as exiled. That would be a shame were that true, but mere speculation to this unicorn. She wrote quickly, knowing that she would have to return to Malachite Braid's to check on the new necklaces.

Spike had received a second letter from Princess Celestia to pick up a few things for Twilight before they traveled to Canterlot. It was a short list but would likely take up a good part of his morning, as he was frequently stopped by the locals to ask after Twilight. He wasn't allowed to talk about her trip to Canterlot so remembering what Twilight told him (and the mountain of notes he had to memorize before she would even let him leave) he kept his answers brief, general, but cordial. He didn't mind the attention at all, but he also didn't want to be running errands all day!

He decided to head out of town first and visit Sweet Apple Acres. The farm was abuzz with a group of locals helping with the Zap Apple harvest. Apparently this was bucking day, and dozens of ponies were hurrying through the orchards to get the apples down before they vanished. Applejack was running hard, hauling carts and passing out buckets, not doing any of the bucking that day. Spike wondered why Big Macintosh wasn't doing the hauling that day.

Spike then spotted the big red stallion bucking at the trees - usually just a stiff kick with one hind leg - bringing all the apples down. He'd trot from tree to tree, give it one or two solid shots, then keep moving. Applejack was in place quickly to gather the bushels to bring back to the house so they could start on the Zap Apple Jam, which Granny Smith and Applebloom were well underway.

Spike tried to frantically wave down Applejack, but the farm-mare just galloped past. "Cain't stop now, Spike!" she called over her shoulder. "We're on the clock!"

"But I needed to talk to you about - Hurk, ack~~!" Spike's request ended with him hacking out a scroll. Confused, he picked it up to read.

"Dearest Applejack,

I would hope that you would have time after Zap Apple Harvest to bring some of your product to Canterlot as part of the Armoring Celebration. Please ensure your customers are cared for, but even one jar of Zap Apple Jam would be welcomed in our hallowed halls.

Princess Celestia"

"APPLEJACK!!" Spike frantically called after her. "It's from the Princess!"

She slid to a halt at that revelation, two bushels scattering all over the place. "SPIKE~!!" She shouted. "I gotta keep the crop movin! We gotta harvest TODAY or - "

Flashes behind Spike had him wheel around, seeing a few of the trees' apples vanishing. A chorus of farm complaints rang in the air, including Applejack walking her cart right up to Spike.

"TARNATION, SPIKE, IT COULDN'T WAIT ANOTHER HOUR??"

Spike looked around helplessly, the letter and the list in his hands. "But... I .... "

A hail of loose farm implements shooed Spike out of Sweet Apple Acres. The letter from the princess slipped from Spike's hands and flapped in the breeze, landing in Applejack's cart. Spotting it, the farm pony read it over. "Ain't gonna have any Jam to bring t' Canterlot. Barely gonna fill Filthy Rich's order..." she glowered in the direction of the retreating dragon. "An' I've had my fill of 'princesses' fer now," she wanted to shout after Spike but kept that opinion to herself.

Fire Ruby had permission to watch Malachite work on the special order that the unicorn zebra had made. She knew that this jeweler, despite all that time enslaved, had quickly picked up where she had left off in her work, already turning heads with her signature "braid-celets" - soft gold headdresses that could actually be braided into a mane. The central part of the tiara could be set in any spectrum of stones, and filling those requests had Malachite scrambling for extra hooves for those. Demand was escalating, but the master jeweller knew that her new apprentice wished to atone for nearly losing such a large sale.

"You found the order 'too' specific?" she asked Fire Ruby as she folded the heated silver with a tool around a mannequin neck. "Ceremonial jewellery will always be pretty specific."

"She called them 'tributes' and I thought that was a lot of bits for a tribute."

"Wherever Farasipunda is, maybe silver is more valuable to them than gold.... or maybe gray is a national color? Do we even know what their flag looks like?"

Fire Ruby lowered her head. "I just thought it was odd.... and I'd never heard of gray diamonds."

"Those, I can tell you, are exceptionally rare. I only have one base stone that will be cut for the six necklaces." She hammered the silver band shut. "Just be careful how many questions you ask a customer, many get defensive. Once I calmed her down, she was so pleased with my offer she didn't negotiate."

Fire Ruby nodded. "So you're going to do well on this sale?"

"Going to get more than I could ask for just on the gray diamond alone, never mind the silver. And before you ask THAT question, she gave me half up front."

Spike moped back into Ponyville, scraped up a bit from the tool tirade at Sweet Apple Acres. He decided to cheer himself up by stopping to see the apple of HIS eye next - the Carousel Boutique, and the lovely filly Rarity. His heart skipped a beat or two as his mind drifted away from Sweet Apple Acres to him rescuing her from a horrific fire started by an EVIL dragon, who he'd fight tooth and claw to assure her safety, then split his hoard with her. The daydream kept him wandering toward the building before another scroll caught in his throat. The lack of air interrupting his reverie and the scroll bouncing to the doorstep of the Boutique, coming to rest leaning on the door. The little dragon hurried to retrieve it, falling forward just as the door opened and the scroll dropping to the ground.

"Well, Hello, Spike," the lilting tones of the white unicorn's voice tickled his senses. "I wasn't expecting company, do come in."

Spike staggered through the threshold, tripping over his words, his tail and the scroll in one sloppy cartwheel. The scroll bounced into the air, where the seamstress pony caught it with a delicate touch of her own magic. "Is this for me?"

"Of course," Spike replied dreamily, "Anything for you, Rarity......"

She offered a small smile as she opened the scroll.

"Dearest Rarity,

I am extending an invitation on behalf of Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity to the Armor Ceremonies in the coming days. Your travel and hotel arrangments are paid. I only ask that you bring some of your finest creations, perhaps something new for Princess Twilight Sparkle. Have Spike contact me if you need anything.

Princess Celestia"

"Hoity Toity can't invite me himself?" She sniffed, rolling up the scroll and dropping it on Spike. "While it IS a trip to Canterlot and Fancy Pants will be there, I'm sure Hoity Toity will have nothing to do with me." She froze. "Goodness! If Hoity Toity has that much influence, what has he told Fancy Pants? Or Jet Set and Upper Crust? Or even-" she shuddered. "Photo Finish???"

She began frantically running around the boutique, material and implements swirling around her in similar panic. "New dresses in THREE DAYS??? And walking in with my reputation tarnished..... oh, Twilight, WHY have you done this to me?"

"Huh?" Spike was slowly recovering from his reverie.

"I've too much to do Spike, please be off."

"But I came here to - "

"No time!! Out~!!" Her magic hastily pushed the poor lovestruck dragon out the door.

"Why you makin me do this, Dusty?"

"Because boss doesn't have anything for either of us to do!" Dustmite scolded his older brother. "Since the first mine's cleaned out, Boss told us to give the new one a once-over."

"Not like you're gonna do anythin but watch," Sandstone muttered.

"I'll be supervising and keeping Boss informed!"

"Yeah, whatever...."

The two continued exploring the newly-carved mine, Dustmite bounding along with two flashlights strapped to his tiny shoulders. "I'm guessing he started a new mine since Hatchet didn't have enough iron for armor...."

"Dunno, hadn't heard nothin....."

"Think there's anything else down here? Gems? Gold? Ghosts?"

"Don't even start, Dusty....."

Dustmite faced his brother, shining the flashlights in his eyes. "Aw come on - you ain't afraid of ghosts anymore, areya? Thought Boss knocked that out of ya."

Sandstone blinked hard and looked away. "Just not funny anymore."

"Wow, who stepped in your bowl of oats this morning?" The larger stallion mumbled a reply. "What what? Speak up, big pony, big voice." another mutter. "huh? Huh? speak up, my ears are kinda small."

"SLURRY!" Sandstone bellowed, echoing through the mine. Dustmite's initial reaction was laughter, knowing he could still get under his big brother's skin. The laugh stopped when a low rumble was heard.

"You're not that mad, are ya?" Dustmite asked nervously as the sound grew louder.

"Not me..."

The rumbling started an echoing chain reaction, the ground under their hooves shaking and adding to the reverberations. "You started a cave-in!" Sandstone exclaimed before launching for the exit, Dustmite right behind. The two stallions bounded through the narrow passageways, avoiding rocks that shook loose from the ceiling or crumbled from the walls. Sandstone shrugged off a couple of direct hits while his little brother dodged around the debris. A rush of air from deeper in the tunnel thrust them outside.

Dustmite never quite got his footing once into the valley, his trajectory only stopped by his much larger brother landing on him.

~~What was all that noise?~~ Umbral demanded in both of their heads.

~~Cave-in,~~ Sandstone reported. ~~sorry 'bout that.~~

~~Are you both unharmed?~~

~~I'm under something right now!~~ Dustmite protested.

Sandstone stumbled to all four hooves. ~~sorry 'bout that, too.~~

~~Is the entryway still accessible? I need you to go back in there.~~

Sandstone looked back to the entrance, which still had dust settling. ~~Think so. Why go back in there? Kinda dangerous....~~

~~I'm detecting traces of magic from inside. If you'd like I can send Desert Sun or Morning Star down to help you.~~

~~Desert Sun!~~ Dustmite eagerly suggested. ~~...since we don't know what we're lookin for....~~

~~She will be along shortly.~~

"You've got a lot to answer for, Hot Head."

Thunder Arrow stood before the white pegasus colt, who didn't look the least bit repentant for his actions. "Care to tell me what you were doing out there?" Thunder Arrow continued. "Disruptions like that are expected at the Phalanx tryouts, but not for the Solar guard!"

"I was defending myself!" the colt insisted. "'Shorty' this and 'tiny' that.... so I told some of em they were gelding. Not MY fault they took offense."

"I don't mind banter on the grounds when you're training, but picking fights isn't how we do things around here anymore."

"You didn't stop Violet Force or Silver Shimmer," Hot Head jeered.

The pegasus officer chose not to answer how he truly felt. "They've made their own bed and have left Canterlot for darker pastures. Should I start questioning your loyalties too?"

"I was defending myself!" Hot Head repeated.

"I heard you the first time," Thunder Arrow smirked. "You'll have extra combat up to the Ceremonies. I catch you running away and you can forget becoming a Solar Guard."

"What, are you Flank Attack now?"

"Admittedly it was his idea. Mine was to strap you to the Dizzitron for a full minute and launch you over Cloudsdale. Solaris just wanted us to remove you from the guard tryouts entirely."

"That's not fair!!"

"Neither is a soldier running from a fight," Thunder Arrow replied in his most serious tone. "Dismissed."

The little white pegasus stomped out of the pegasus captain's quarters, seething from the reprimand. He took wing to find a rooftop to cool off..... and let someone know about his wayward flight.

~~No guards will be on dungeon duty. You were right, Lionheart.~~

Spike walked through the streets of Ponyville, ignoring the stares and whispers of the local ponies. He knew they were talking more about Twilight than him, but his tie to Twilight launched many a hushed conversation. He trod to Sugar Cube Corner, hoping that at least Pinkie would listen. A glance over his shoulder reminded him, however, that he didn't even get what he originally set off to Sweet Apple Acres or to Carousel Boutique. His list requested a small bushel of regular apples and a more elaborate "disguise" outfit so that Twilight could walk through town without drawing attention. Spike wasn't sure if it'd fool Pinkie Pie, so going back was out of the question.

The instant he was through the threshold to the confectionery store he was gathered up by magic and dragged over to the two youngsters - Pumpkin Cake doing the dragging and Pound Cake celebrating by pounding the floor with his forehooves. The twins hugged the new visitor - just their size! Spike gagged a bit from how tight Pound Cake could embrace. A slightly frazzled Cup Cake hurried out to shoo her twins from their guest. "I'm sorry, Spike, they've been doing this to other foals all week!"

Spike offered a weak smile to the twins' mother as another coughing fit caught him off-guard, the scroll launching across the room and sticking into a half-finished cake. Spike covered his mouth too late. "Sorry, Mrs. Cake," he replied sheepishly. "I was actually here to order some of Twilight's favorite treats to bring back to cheer her up."

"ooh! ooh! I can do that!!!" Pinkie cartwheeled into the room, landing between the twins. She spotted the scroll sticking in the other cake and gingerly retrieved it. "Is this the recipe?" She asked excitedly.

Spike rubbed the back of his head. "I dunno, that just showed up too."

Pinkie flipped open the scroll.

"To Pinkie Pie and Mr. and Mrs. Cake:

I would be honored if you would supply the dessert buffet for the Armor ceremonies in the coming days. Canterlot has invited chefs from all over Equestria to create a complete dining experience for not only the new soldiers, but for another group who are to be recruited for duties in the Crystal Empire. Transport of confections can be arranged as necessary, and care will also be available for your little ones.

Princess Celesta"

Pinkie bounded over to Cup Cake and hugged her. "See? The princess LOVES cake! We'll make all kinds of desserts for everypony in Canterlot!"

Mrs. Cake offered a worried smile. "We only have a couple of days to put something together, and we've still got orders to fill....."

"Okey dokey Lokey!" Pinkie bounded for the kitchen. "Let's get dessert-ing!"

Before any of them could react, a thunderous crash shook the store. Mrs. Cake, followed quickly by her husband, dashed to the kitchen to find Pinkie under a mass of spilled flour, eggs, sugar and cinnamon. The twins cheered the chaos while Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked on in dismay. Spike decided to sneak out in case anything fell in his direction.

~~The plan continues as promised, Master Lapis. There will be no guards in the dungeons during either ceremony. I have received confirmation~~

~~Thank you, Lionheart, this is pleasing news.~~

The alicorn felt like he was directing traffic in one of the bustling cities - so many reports coming in from everywhere.

~~Looks like your two zebras made a mess of the new mine,~~ Desert Sun called in. ~~Only odd thing I've found is a rotted old whip, but I think that's the magic you sought~~

~~Bring it- and the brothers - back here, and we'll see if it can be useful.~~

~~my research continues,~~ Night Ash sent, ~~I have found plenty of historical documents dating back to the Discord wars and some information about the construction of the Empire~~

~~Take as many notes as you can. When will you be picking up the necklaces?~~

~~I paid the asked price, they should be ready in two days' time.~~

~~Do confirm that, just so that I'll have all the armors ready to complement the necklaces.~~

Thinking of the armors reminded Umbral.... he needed to check in on his eager armorer.

Spike was thankful for escaping at least one errand unscathed - though he guessed that there wouldn't be any sapphire cupcakes waiting for him on his next visit. His stomach growled a protest, but he decided not to eat until he had finished his errands. His green eyes scanned the skies, hoping that Rainbow Dash was either out practicing or napping on a low cloud. He recalled that the couple of times he'd been "Fully grown" he never had wings so he couldn't just launch up there and look for her.

He was in luck that afternoon - Rainbow Dash chose a low-hanging branch in the park to doze, Tank all tucked in at the base of the tree. The little dragon used Tank's shell to hop up with a chance of swatting Dash's tail to try and wake her up. His short leap did manage to catch her tail- but one claw hooked into a small tangle, sending both of them to the ground in a heap.

The rainbow-maned pegasus was back in the air once she realized what happened. "Spike~!" She complained. "Do you mind? I'm between practices, I need my rest!"

Spike pulled himself out of the dirt, finding himself eye-to-eye with Tank. "Well, it was kinda important, I was sent over here to -gach, kah~!!" Another scroll popped up, bouncing off the tortoise's shell.

"For what? To deliver a scroll?" She swooped down and scooped up the parchment, opening it with a couple taps from her hoof.

"Dearest Rainbow Dash,

The Armor celebrations are only a couple of days away! I request your presence to the ceremonies and celebrations. I would also recommend you pack your Wonderbolt uniform... just in case. I await your reply on behalf of Spitfire and the Wonderbolt team.

Princess Celestia"

Dash read the scroll over a few more times. "Bring my Wonderbolt gear 'just in case'? Huh, can't guarantee me another tryout, I guess..." She rolled her eyes and dropped the scroll on Spike's head.

"Does that mean you're going?"

"Of COURSE I'm going!" Rainbow Dash snapped, suddenly snout-to-snout with Spike. "Can't ignore a royal decree, can I?"

"You didn't sound all that happy about it....."

"'Just in case'? 'JUST IN CASE'?" Dash protested. "Did Princess Celestia even SEE my Academy numbers? Does she even talk to Spitfire? I bring my gear and I'll be sitting in the stands watching Midnight Strike or Star Hunter flying with the team!" The pegasus hovered in the air with her forehooves crossed. "If I don't get a look at this ceremony, I'll likely not get a look for the Gala."

"So bring your gear- you're not gonna know til you get there, right?"

"Already got a pretty good guess - so did 'Princess' Twilight put you up to this?"

Spike glared back at Dash. "That message was from Princess CELESTIA! I was also coming over here because the OTHER note I had from Princess Celestia had to do with assisting weather patrols over the train line, but you're not interested in that EITHER, are you?"

Rainbow Dash's expression dropped from anger to incomprehension. "Over the train line? From Ponyville to Canterlot?"

"AND to the far north for the railway expansion!!" Spike finished for her. "I've had stuff thrown at me, been thrown out of Carousel Boutique, and almost got kicked out of Sugar Cube Corner trying to run these stupid errands! So get it over with and buck me in the direction of Fluttershy's!"

The pegasus didn't have an answer for that. Spike stormed off, leaving Dash hovering, dumbfounded.

~~There's really no easy way to ask about it, Morning Star.~~

The white unicorn sighed as the report from her friend Aurora was news she could have guessed. ~~If Twilight Suck-up became an alicorn, then there's gotta be a way to make it happen~~

~~Would someone actually write that down?~~ Aurora pondered. ~~That would be dangerous in the wrong hooves~~

~~Someone HAD to have written it down.... maybe Star Swirl the Bearded?~~

Morning Star hopped to her feet. ~~Can you get to that book? Would they even allow you to TOUCH it, now that you-know-who is a you-know-what?~~

~~THAT,~~ Aurora replied proudly, ~~I know I can get my hooves on~~

Spike stomped up to Fluttershy's cottage, glaring at each animal outside as he approached. This had been too long an errand already, and he wondered if the shy pegasus would even answer her door if he knocked. He stood on the doorstep for a moment, reluctant to raise his hand to knock.

He counted to himself, and sure enough he coughed out another scroll. He decided to read it over first before knocking.

"Dearest Fluttershy,

While I know you have little interest in the Royal Guard, I would still like to extend an invitation to you and any of your animal friends to attend the Armor ceremonies and celebrations thereafter. The music your bird friends provide would be a lovely counterpoint to the Canterlot orchestra that will also be attending. I would hope you would attend in either case.

Princess Celestia"

Spike softened. Even he liked Fluttershy's birds. He continued to look over the scroll as he reached up to knock...

Only to once again have the door opened and him landing in a heap in the threshold. Angel, Fluttershy's white bunny, stood over the dragon tapping his foot impatiently. "What?" Spike grumbled. "I was getting ready to knock....."

Fluttershy put aside the book she was reading. "Don't worry about Angel bunny, Spike, he probably heard you coming and didn't want to wait until you knocked."

Spike clambered to his feet and brushed himself off. "I'm here for a couple of things, Fluttershy - first, would your bees be able to spare some honey for a cooking project?"

Fluttershy beamed. "Of course they can spare some! They always make extra because they know that so many people love honey."

Spike then handed her the scroll. "I also bring a formal request from the Princess."

Her aquamarine eyes widened. "The Princess? Oh, my...." she carefully gathered the scroll in her hooves and read it quietly. "oh.... oh dear... uhm, Spike, I don't know if I can convince the birds to leave Ponyville. I mean, they would love to sing for the ponies in Canterlot... but that's a LOT of ponies... and they'll make a LOT of noise......"

Spike sighed. "So no birds."

"No, I'm sorry, I just don't think they could handle it."

"Will you at least go to Canterlot?"

"Who will take care of my birds and all my other animals...?"

"You've got time," Spike assured her. "I think all the rest of the gang are going, so you should too."

"uhm...yes.... of course.... can I get back to you tomorrow? I have.... to ... uhm.... "

"Just come by when you've got a few minutes," Spike replied with resignation. He mechanically turned and walked out of the cottage, Angel slamming the door behind him.

Chapter 9

hapter 9

Princess Luna was awake before sunset to run an errand or two before raising the moon. She and her sister had already planned their end of the Ceremonies - this would be one of the rare days the sun and moon would both be visible in the sky. Simple enough task for Princesses of the sun and moon! Her concern now was the Phalanx armor, as Emerald Charm's report worried her about the timing. She landed outside the forge, where Golden Silver was placing completed Solar Guard armor on mannequins in preparation for Armoring day. Spotting the princess, the tan unicorn bowed in respect. "Princess Luna, you are always welcome here."

"I see thou hast completed Solar guard armor," she responded with mild disdain. "Where are the Phalanx armors?"

"That would be Iron Forge's duty," Golden Silver replied from his kneel. "We've only just received moonstones, so with your permission we will need a full moon tonight to complete the remaining armors."

The loud clanking of Forge's iron hoof-tool caught the Moon Princess' ear. She turned to the large stallion, who stood at stoic attention.

"Is this true, Iron Forge? Thou needs a full moon this very evening?"

"Moonstones took too long out of Fillydelphia," he replied simply. "Got some from Seaddle, they arrived this morning. They'll be set tonight per instructions as long as there is a full moon."

"You throw the tide schedule off with this request."

"I can inconvenience the sea for the sake of the safety of Canterlot."

"Because thou aren't a pony of the sea," she remarked, noting his tool and his cutie mark.

"I am your armorer, princess," his deep voice echoed in the forges. "You wished Phalanx armor but none here show the bravery to face it."

"Their fear is warranted. Will these be ready for the Ceremony?"

"Two dozen suits if we can enchant them tonight. We need a full moon. The ponies of the sea can adjust for one errant full moon."

Luna looked Iron Forge up and down. "Were it not for your gift of craft I would have you in the Phalanx."

"War is not my calling. Mine is to ensure that those called to war, live to see beyond it."

Luna offered a nod of respect. "Complete thy work, Iron Forge. I look forward to seeing the completed armors tomorrow."

Hatchet mopped his brow with a cloth he balanced on one wing. He was finally done with the armors that "Boss" wanted. He even had the base of his own suit done, hanging on a mannequin. The folding process was the most tedious part, but he proudly looked over each suit. His gaze continued to lock back on "His" armor, as if it whispered directly to his heart. Boss warned him these armors were already alive, but Boss hadn't done anything to them yet. And the timberwolf ash was "dead" timberwolf ash, right...?

Again the barding called to him, a siren song from a bleeding mandolin. He grinned at the suit in question, wanting to suit up so badly. He knew he had weapons to work on, start on the modifications, but that armor.... a romance born in Tarterus, iron that warmed his heart. Trotting closer to it, he inspected the lines of the chestplate, the curves of the helm. It seemed to appreciate the attention from the smithy, continuing to tickle his curiosity and call to chaos. "I gotta try you on sometime," he said quietly, looking the historic design over with proud reverence. He still had the cloth on his wing and he carefully polished the helm with it, getting a strange tingle back up his wing. "Tease," he quipped as he continued to wipe the armor down. The longer he polished, the stronger the sensation, as though an invisible wing dragged him closer, to embrace the suit. The helm bounced a bit on the head of the mannequin when Hatchet shrunk back from the odd sensation, but the hypnotic call was melting his resolve. His curiosity, his pride, his time - all demanding that this armor be wrapped around him like a winter blanket. He knew Lapis would skin him alive and hang it on a cave wall as decoration if he suited up before he approved the work, but the song this armor sang to him threatened to make him beat up the mannequin for the right. Unable to stand the suspense any longer, he head-butted the mannequin, letting his re-creation spill to the floor.

He pawed each piece with a hoof and shuffled it in place with his shoulders and wings. He paused, surprised at how lightweight the armor felt despite the amount of iron involved. Rocking his shoulders and wings a bit, the chestplate settled properly. Giving his wings a couple of good hard flaps to get the blood pumping, he then gathered the helm and slammed it in place.

"Yeah," he said to himself. "This feels ri-"

His spoken thoughts vanished with the entire room. Wherever he was, it was no place he had been before. Nothing but silence. Nothing but blinding white. He squinted hard, trying to make out any details around him. Nothing. Just whiteness. And silence. He raised a hoof to start walking, but hesitated when a sound did finally catch his ear- A deep, low, predatory growl.

Hatchet wheeled, wings wide open and ready for a fight. He came snout-to-snout with an amorphous creature, roughly his size and vaguely shaped like a pony. It snarled an unfriendly welcome to Hatchet. He wasn't fazed. "yeah yeah, I've stepped in scarier stuff than you."

"Ahrrhl Maruurr..."

"Say what?" Hatchet teased.

"Yarrarhhll mmahhurr..."

"Ya fatha's mustache!"

"Yahyr maighain..."

"I Ain't Nopony's!"

"MINE~!!" it roared and lunged for Hatchet. He met the creature head-on, wings nad hooves swinging. The two tumbled around the bright void, landing blows and exchanging curses. Wings finally separated the two, only for Hatchet to lunge again, sending the two tumbling heads over hooves in feral combat. The two fought on even terms, perhaps enjoying the combat too much. Hatchet couldn't stop grinning when he wasn't biting at the shadow, which grinned back in similar confidence. They locked up again and again, pushing each other's limits and reveling in the sport of it all. Hatchet didn't care. He hadn't been in a fight this hard since -

"CEASE THIS POINTLESS BATTLE~!!!" A voice echoed through the dimension like an angry god. The two somehow forcibly separated and slammed into steel domed cages. Breathing hard but still grinning, Hatchet looked to the shadow in the other cage.

"Truce?" He panted questioningly.

"Truhcsee.." the shadow managed, and the dimension spun on Hatchet again. He was back in Drakengard, slammed into the frostforges and buried in tools and blanks, a much different shadow looming over him. "that you, boss...?" he groaned.

Lapis gathered him in a sheath of magic and forcibly pulled him from the pile of debris. "Were my warnings not enough for you? I told you what this armor would do if you attempted to wear it. Count your blessings I arrived before you were injured, or worse..."

Hatchet couldn't hide his grin. "But that fight was the best I've ever been in - what was that thing? I wanna fight it some more!"

"Before you engage in more unnecessary combat, do you even understand WHAT just happened?"

"I don't care, boss!" Hatchet growled and struggled. "I wanna fight that thing again! Kick the everlovin buck out of it!"

The alicorn sighed. ".....were you at least winning?"

"Didn't matter, it was a fight!" Hatchet flailed his hooves and wings in anticipation of another round.

"I've two things to show you before you get back to that." Lapis' tone less than playful. He carried the pegasus to another chamber and held up a large mirror for Hatchet to see himself.

The pegasus blinked at the reflection a few times, not understanding the view. He saw another pegasus there - one that wasn't red and gray but a distinct, dusky brown. His blood-red eyes were now a glowing gold, flickering like candles. He arced each wing, seeing that all the feathers were gone! The wings were a leathered black, looking larger for some reason. Umbral watched as Hatchet's consternation morphed into twisted glee. "Ain't YOU somethin?" Hatchet said to his reflection. The pegasus grinned and looked over himself multiple times before Lapis yanked him away.

"It won't be permanent," the alicorn informed the smith. "You'll only look like that when properly suited up. So thankfully, you survived the trial without any coaching. That's more than I can say for the forge."

"What're you talkin about? We were fightin... someplace... else?"

Lapis had dragged Hatchet back to the forges, which looked even messier than Hatchet typically left it. One of the crafting tables snapped in two, assorted tools and metal blanks embedded in the walls, and a crack in the frostforge where Hatchet had been forcibly thrown into it. "Your 'fight' happened here, too. While the battle was mostly in that hollow of your mind, your body still reacted to it as if he were directly in front of you. THIS is one of the dangers of the armor." Lapis used his magic to peel it off from Hatchet. "You will get your chance to play, but work comes first. Clean your room." He dropped Hatchet and placed the armor on the mannequin.

"Aw, boss...."

"I'm not your mother - that was an ORDER!"

Celestia's afternoon duties comprised mostly of diplomatic affairs - more recently, assurances from cities and far-flung kingdoms alike that her Armoring Ceremonies were not a display of escalation. She had dictated a standard response to each group - from Manehatten to Saddle Arabia - that the increase in militia was partially for the Crystal Empire's benefit and an understanding of the greater threats, referencing the Changeling incident at the Royal Wedding. She sighed as yet another protest of her ceremonies arrived, leaving her to have the standard note being sent back. Before another complaint was brought to her, two scrolls materialized in wisps of green flame. Spike had completed his errands, and her surprise for Twilight at the Ceremony should be all in place.

She opened the first scroll - his initial errands - to find only Fluttershy's actually checked as complete. Puzzled, she opened the second scroll, expecting a summary of her "additional" work for Spike to handle during the errands.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm writing this to you today because I have likely failed in all of the errands you have asked me to do. Please understand the circumstances with each one, but I'm pretty sure there won't be Zap Apple Jam, new dresses, singing birds, good weather or even a good choice of desserts from Sugar Cube Corner. A lot of the additional duties you sent weren't taken too well, and let's just say another seven hour bubble bath is in order!

Spike

PS - Twilight still doesn't know about all this"

Celestia sighed, putting the two scrolls aside as Count Solaris entered the chambers. "Princess, I bring some good news. The Solar Guard armors are complete and will be ready for the event two days' hence."

"I needed some good news, Solaris, thank you."

"Princess...?"

"Too many other kingdoms worry that we are preparing for war," she said tiredly. "The reassurances I have sent may not be enough. There will be many dignitaries who have turned down my invitation because of what they see is an escalation. Don't they remember what almost happened in Canterlot at the Wedding?"

"Their sensitivity is warranted, your majesty. Despite our alliance with the Crystal Empire, should it not be their responsibility to raise their own militia? Many of our allies see us using the northern kingdom as a potential secondary stronghold, despite no military construction there."

"And the Games?"

"Again, the Empire should be supplying their own militia and security for the occasion. Perhaps we are doing too much for them?"

"Princess Cadance and Shining Armor will be here for the ceremonies, I will discuss this with them in private." She looked to the pile of responses to be sent to other kingdoms. "This probably isn't the best time to be asking this, but do you know how many will be added to both regiments?"

Solaris gathered his notes from his small saddlebag. "There will be nearly 40 new members of the Solar guard added, but less than two dozen for the Phalanx. Surprisingly, the two unicorns who tried out for the Phalanx are still training."

"One of which is Gallant Lionheart," Celestia recalled. "I fully expected him to complete the training, my only concern is with the armor."

"Lionheart did not earn his post from backing down from any battle, princess. You have said so yourself, he has something to prove."

"Do you feel he should return to a senior post?"

"I do not. However, your majesty, we will need a proper captain for the unicorn complement as Shining Armor's duties must be solely to the Crystal Empire."

"Is it a duty you would be able to fulfill, Count Solaris? And would the unicorn soldiers listen to you?"

"I believe anyone would be an improvement over Gallant Lionheart at said post, but you will need one commander for the Solar Guard at some point. Shining Armor has done more for the camraderie of the Guard than has been done for it in centuries."

"Would it be a duty that interests you?"

"I respectfully decline, your majesty, for Flank Attack's tactical prowess is much stronger than mine. Have we confirmed it's simply not Silver Bardiche dying his coat a new color?"

The statement brought a smile to the princess' face. "I think both of them would see that at as a compliment. Thank you for your honest counsel."

Twilight scoured checklist after checklist of what she would need in her journey to Canterlot. She would need to continue her history and hierarchy research to appear competent in court; she needed formal wear for any meetings she might attend; she needed snacks for the train, and hoped to Celestia she was getting a train car to herself with shades on the windows! Bundles of scrolls and a dozen quills lay on her bed, along with her coronation outfit. Spike had been gone most of the day, and when he returned he went straight to bed. He didn't seem to have anything else with him, either. What sort of errands did he run, then? She chose not to wake him.

Sneaking back downstairs, she saw a used quill and extra paperwork next to him as he slept, likely dreaming about Rarity and a mountain of gems. For the first time in a few days she smiled. At least one friend hadn't changed. She slipped one piece of parchment from his pile and gathered a quill of her own.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

I am in the process of organizing what I will need for my journey to Canterlot for the Armoring ceremonies. I need some more information about dressage for the event, and if anything will be provided for this other meeting you have mentioned. Will this 'meeting' also be a formal affair? I admit I still do not own a lot of fancier clothing and have been unable to contact Rarity on the matter.

"My travel, as I understand, is covered. I don't wish to be rude to anyone, but has a private car been arranged for me? Even a couple of hours without ponies staring at me will be a relief.

"I have 'Hierarchal histories of Equestria' and 'Ascendence and Armory: a history of the Guards' as part of my required reading for the upcoming festivities. Please advise if I will need any other references to review during my journey.

"I hope to have some one-on-one time with you during my stay, I have so many more questions to ask without having to use a second sheet of parchment. I await your response.

"Still your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle"

Her magic carefully rolled up the scroll and left for Spike to deliver in the morning. She crept back upstairs, mind and heart heavy.

(song is"humas" from Rita and Runt, Animaniacs)

o/` never asked to be royalty
thought it'd mean so much to me
now, not much at all......

The first few days
I was blown away
but now it's sunk in,
It's not like back then
It's "Your majesty this"
And "O Princess that"
If they speak to you at all
Kneel, or take off your hat...

never asked to be royalty
Thought it'd mean so much to me
now, not much at all....

But for now, it's so quiet
I try hard to fight it
But I dream of then,
spending time with my friends....
Enjoying the sun or sharing a meal
Nowadays such simple things so surreal....

Not allowed to complain
I've answered the Call
didn't ask to be Royalty
but I must give my all.... o/`

With a tired sigh she flopped into bed, falling asleep without a further thought.

Dustmite tossed the rotten leather whip on Lapis' desk. "That's all that we found, boss," he confirmed. "What's so special about it, besides that it's old?"

"It radiates an unfamiliar magic," the alicorn explained. "I recognize unicorn magic, alicorn magic, sometimes traces from pegasus weather control, but this is neither."

"Doesn't look magic," Sandstone nosed at the whip. "Just smells old."

Lapis attempted to gather the worn weapon with his magic. As it left the desk a strange wisp of dark red magic surrounded the weapon, causing it to uncurl on its own. The brothers backed up but Lapis held firm. "It seems to know it's being handled. Intelligent weapons are indeed rare."

The whip raised itself from Umbral's grasp, somehow severing his magical grip. The red aura intensified, its attentions focused on the alicorn who dared touch it with magic. As if held by an unseen hand it reared and snapped forward, attempting to strike the Shadow of the Moon across the face. Lapis hissed in protest and backed away, the whip "following" him and preparing a second strike.

Desert Sun tried to distract the enchanted weapon, but her flames fizzled around it. Casting again, the whip spun itself clear of the blast and aimed for her with its next swing. Lapis intercepted that shot with a wing, the membrane whipped clean through. Stifling some choice curses Umbral backed himself and Desert Sun away from the weapon. "Apparently it's not on 'our' side."

Sandstone lunged forward and snatched the whip out of the air in his mouth. The red aura faded, the rest of it drooping down lifeless. Puzzled, Sandstone returned it to the desk. "All I did was grab it..."

Umbral was confused as well. "Perhaps it has a preference of handlers. Something we will need to keep in mind. It does not like myself or Desert Sun...." he glanced to the fiery-colored unicorn. "You didn't touch it at all, did you?"

"None at all," she replied. "Dustmite insisted on carrying it back up here. I wanted a look but now I think we're better off with that locked away."

Umbral approached the whip one last time, not using his magic to touch the weapon. He examined it very closely, not just the braiding of the leather but the thick wrap of the handle, the hoof-hoop wide enough to wrap more than twice, and finally a logo. In the center of an uncolored circle, a unicorn horn with jagged lines all over it. Lightning? He would need to research it further. "Dustmite, please put this someplace where no one will bother it. Including you. My dear Desert Sun, please accompany me to the library once I get something on my blasted wing...."

Chapter 10

The full moon was a welcome sight for Gallant Lionheart. He preferred more visibility after dark. He looked forward to wearing that armor for the first time, after he had had a small chat with Lapis about it. He repeated the mantra to himself. "The armor is what you could be.... with eyes that see in the dark... hooves that make no sound. Ears that can hear the wind in its lairs. Some even suggest... sharp white teeth." The unicorn unconsciously grinned at the thought and visage of it all. He also entertained the thought of finally showing up Snapdragon at the armor ceremonies.

Lionheart's evening walk helped adjust himself to the now evening schedules. He would only see the sun before and after duty, and on the rare day occasion. For now, he continued his walk back into Canterlot Castle, and soon down to the dungeon area.

He didn't even bother to stop at Cepheid's cell- the alicorn was usually asleep once it was full dark, without fail. This would make the second part of his task much easier. Seeing no one else about, he tapped lightly on Strife's cell door.

~~The time draws near, sunderer of races.~~

~~I WAS sleeping,~~ Strife grumbled through the static in his mind. ~~what do you want?~~

~~Merely giving you an update. The Armor Ceremonies are in two days. You and your "Partner" will use what is in the envelopes to get you out of your cells as the crowd cheers their new soldiers. Report immediately to Lapis when you arrive~~

~~You're apparently bored, anypony would know this~~

~~Very well. Lapis wishes to speak to you personally about some earth pony history and an artefact he found. He says you might be able to answer some questions.~~

~~...fine. And Cloud Slayer?~~

~~The pegasus? We have someone insane enough in Drakengard to make armor for her.~~

~~Make me what???~~ Cloud Slayer's mindvoice cut in, startling the two males.

Lionheart composed himself. ~~Something that will make sure that the next time you see Rainbow Dash.... let's say it'll be the last time anyone sees Rainbow Dash~~

~~ooo...~~ Her Voice of the mind faded but laughter could be heard from her cell.

~~And what does Lapis need from me?~~ Strife pulled the subject back.

~~A weapon was discovered in the new mine being constructed in Drakengard. The weapon appears sapient, and has an outright hatred for spellcasters that mirrors your own hatred. Perhaps there is a correlation?~~

Strife didn't answer immediately. ~~I think you DO know something,~~ Lionheart accused.

~~Not your business, and I can't answer that question until I see it with my own eyes!~~

~~Very well. I have delivered my orders. Once Equestria is ours, you will have the honor of disposing of Twilight Sparkle. Cloud Slayer, the same for Rainbow Dash. Two Elements thus removed. I look forward to it.~~ One ear caught hoofsteps. ~~Remember your orders~~ The unicorn trotted away as another guard approached.

Strife was left for a few moments with his own thoughts. A weapon that actually hates spellcasters? He "knew", but would not admit anything until he was before Lapis Umbral himself to explain.

Princess Celestia hadn't completely settled in to sleep that evening, too much on her mind. The Armor Ceremonies were not meant to create such a stir! messages from Stalliongrad, Hoofington, La Cheval, Hoshiba, Saddle Arabia, and dozens of other small kingdoms and townships sending complaint after complaint of this "escalation" - she had written and duplicated the explanation so many times already the statement flowed through her mind like a mantra. She caught herself writing it when attempting to add an entry to her journal after sunset, a single candle and the moon -

A full moon? Celestia took a moment to run the calendar through her mind. There was just a full moon a few evenings ago. She could write no further. With a thought she teleported from her quarters to Princess Luna's, who was already preparing for other evening activities.

"Sister, you're disrupting the calendar," Celestia began sternly. "We have enough tension outside Canterlot to cause issue with other allies."

"Twas necessary if there were to be ceremonies for the Phalanx soldiers. The smiths requested a full moon to complete the enchantments in time, as there was a delay in gathering the proper moonstones for the chestplates."

"Our outside allies are already clambering over the thought we are preparing for war, and now this?"

"There would be no time to notify all of Equestria of this necessity. It would have been misinterpreted regardless! I will not have Armoring day soiled with a lack of completed work."

"You did this at the request of the Canterlot smiths, then?" Celestia tiredly realized. "There will be a lot of questions come Armoring day."

"There are always questions, sister, when it comes to the Phalanx. The Soldiers of the Night have very strict requirements and each regimen has specific conditions. That was established long before the Discord wars, and traditions that must be maintained. Improper forgings of the Armor could lead to... very improper soldiers." Luna looked away at that realization.

"And sometimes you consider Solar Guard traditions stolid and old-fashioned? Some see the Phalanx traditions as sadistic and draconian."

"Let them think thus!" Luna protested. "They will be grateful of our methods when the walls of Canterlot are beseiged by monsters that can see us in the dark!"

"You should have at least consulted me before doing this, Luna. Had I been already asleep when you raised this full moon, I would not have been able to explain such to the dignitaries."

"It would be MY explanation to give, sister. They barely accept your words- consider how well mine will be received."

Celestia lowered her head. "These are stressful times, sister. This is not how I wanted Twilight Sparkle to enter her newest duties."

"Trial by fire is the method used before my return, sister," Luna reminded Celestia. "Twilight Sparkle still needs to learn one very valuable lesson, that not all answers are in books or scrolls. She will see that the answers to Equestria's dilemmas are not so night and day."

The two sisters sat together to calm each other's stresses. They could not show weakness to all those who would be attending the upcoming ceremonies.

Hatchet grumbled to himself as he continued to clean the forges. He'd piled his test armors in one corner, completed armors to the mannequins. Water was brought to "patch" the frostforge's cracks, and many of the tools still unaccounted for. He looked again at his Phalanx creations, especially his own. The rush had been incredible, as if he had been charged by a lightning bolt from the sky. His muttered complaints muted at the memory, he resumed his cleanup, shoveling some of the dust out the one available window to his forge.

The evening was clear despite his and Slurry's work at covering Drakengard. He needed moonlight while he had been forging, as per the process of setting the moonstones on the chestplates. It was unusually bright that evening; weren't they on a waning crescent? A second glance outside confirmed it - the moon was full tonight!

"I'm not wastin THIS!" he shouted, gathering some of the leftover iron, powdered moonstone, and timberwolf ash. "I'm gonna make this thing scare boss out of his hooves when I'm done!" Dropping the implements at the only good table close to the window, he cantered back to the mannequin with his iron ally.

Night Ash trotted from Malachite Braid's shop, saddlebags filled with the completed necklaces. She paid extra for the rush work, and tipped generously per Lapis' orders. Thankfully that nosy Fire Ruby was with other customers! She had the necklaces, she had the notes, she needed now only board the train and return to Drakengard. Ignoring the curious glances from the locals, she trotted proudly to the train station.

Her pace slowed as a chill washed past her. The borders of the Empire weren't solid, so the frozen wastes occasionally seeped into the kingdom proper. The winds past the barrier had picked up, and she could "see" that the snow was coming down much harder. Concerned, she approached the ticket office to inquire.

"Sorry ma'am," the conductor explained. "All trains are cancelled until the storm subsides."

The unicorn knew she couldn't remain in the Empire too much longer. "Time is short, the event is near, where I need to be far south of here! Past San Palomino and Macintosh hills, and from there further south still!"

The conductor nodded. "I understand that, ma'am, but there was snow on the schedule today to keep the tracks open for tomorrow. I can control the train schedule, but I'm just a crystal earth pony, can't control the weather."

"You lack pegasi to clear the snow and continue your constact traffic flow?"

"The snow's going to be worse than that. Area's Been declared a no flight zone until she's done." The conductor nodded to an ice-blue unicorn who seemed to be controlling the fresh snowfall. Night Ash nodded curtly to the conductor before approaching the other unicorn.

The pale blue unicorn savored her snow - and proudly showed it in her snowflake of hearts cutie mark. She conjured freely, whipping the winds about and pouring thick white snow all around the borders of the empire. Her red and pink mane flowed slightly with the seeping winter winds, her blue eyes closing for a moment to savor the breeze like a fresh round of spring flowers.

"Your timing is poor, stirring up such storms!" Night Ash's normally calm demeanor had faded. "Save for after the travel, not before! Your winter winds blow at a bad time - clear your snows from the travel lines!"

The unicorn eyed the bespectacled zebra, unimpressed. "My name is Snowcatcher," She informed the complaining pony, "And schedules are schedules. There was no major travel until tomorrow, and the lines will be clear in the monring. Please don't disturb my work." To emphasize her point, an errant blast of winter wind made the zebra stumble.

"If this poorly you treat a guest, perhaps someone should cancel your Pony Games request!" Night Ash's horn lit in a challenge. Snowcatcher wasn't impressed.

"I know you Zebra aren't used to this weather where you're from, but I have a schedule to keep here per Captain Skystrider, the head Weather Pegasus from Canterlot, and I intend to keep it. Now let me get back to work!"

Night Ash refused to back down- stirring the winds herself, she pushed some of the snowstorm through the barrier and let a drift wash over Snowcatcher like a wave. "Snow for you in a closer view, and I cleared the train tracks too. Farasipunda calls me home, enjoy your snow out here alone!" She brusquely turned back toward the train station for her ride out of the kingdom.

Twilight Sparkle slipped out the front door of the library while Spike slept. The sun had not risen, but a full moon would be more than enough light. She wanted to get to the train station unbothered, and purposefully scheduled to be out on the first train to Canterlot. While she should wait until Spike woke up to send her last letter, any other literature she may need should be in the Canterlot archives. She could read the other two tomes at her leisure on the train, as long as she was sitting alone.

She'd even contemplated teleporting or flying on her own to Canterlot, but was unsure of her upper limits of endurance, even in this new form. The train ride would only be a couple of hours, the flight likely much longer. Not even Rainbow Dash flew to Canterlot alone. Adjusting her cloak under her saddlebags, she took a deep breath and started her walk to the train station.

Her wings itched under the thick cloak, begging to spread. She wanted to fly again, but at the same time keep her hooves in the grass. There again, she could teleport to the train station, it isn't far.... why all these emotions all at once? Her confusion slowed her walk, a breath escaping as she tried to clear her mind. She had to walk to the train station and be ready to board the first train to Canterlot, hopefully for some rest before her all-important meeting. Dignitaries? Militia leaders? Who would she encounter on her arrival....?

Even the ticket office hadn't opened yet. Twilight found a bench and settled in with one of her books. This will be a long day...

"..... 93, 94, 95, 96. Sorry, Mr. Rich, that was all we were able to get this season."

Applejack's apology to the tycoon pony was heartfelt. He had watched her count almost with defeat, as though she already had the number in her head. Filthy Rich offered a small smile in gratitude regardless. "Not every year gets you the full 100 jars, Miss Applejack. I know that you still provide a quality product."

"There were circumstances-" Applejack attempted to continue the apology but she caught Big Macintosh shaking his head to her. She took a breath and started over. "Things have been hectic here at the farm. Tryin to finish the harvest and get some of our regular applebuckin done before we pack up for Canterlot."

"Canterlot??" The normally unflappable business pony was taken aback at the name. "You have an invitation to the Armoring Ceremonies tomorrow? You must be very proud."

"Ah guess," the farmpony sighed. "We had a request for Zap Apple Jam but you're always our first customer. Couldn't even fill that." Her mind flashed briefly back to Spike interrupting the harvest.

"But it's still Canterlot," Filthy Rich insisted. He turned back to his loaded wagon and gave one box back to them.

"Now hold on a second, we don't want no charity!" Applejack protested. "You paid us for 100 jars of Zap Apple Jam-"

"And I got my order," The tycoon pony replied smoothly. "Since I will not be able to attend the Armor Ceremonies in person, I would like Sweet Apple Acres to represent me at the ceremonies with these six jars. Given the limited quantities this season, payment has been adjusted for inflation due to scarcity. Of course, there's always loss and damage in transport of product, so 90 of the 100 jars will arrive at my warehouses safely."

Big Macintosh brightened but didn't have to say anything. Applejack was about to speak but was nudged aside by Granny Smith. "You learned quite a bit from your family, didn'cha, you sly talker? If we gotta product that's scarce, I think you should be payin more than a 'scarce' price!"

Applejack was lost to the conversation, head jerking back and forth between the businesspony and her grandmare.

"You're absolutely right," Filthy rich agreed. "an extra two bits per box should cover the 'scarcity' fee."

"Two bits per what?" Granny Smith leered, leaning in to the stallion.

"Two bits per jar, I misspoke. That will also cover the sponsoring fee if you will place my labels on the jars next to yours."

"Granny, that's -"

"That's how business is done!" The elder pony finished for her grandaughter. "Now git these jars in our wagon, we're gonna be at the station first thing in the mornin!"

Rarity hadn't slept or eaten since Spike's visit, still frantically assembling dresses and accessories for the ceremonies. She made some simple modifications to one of her dresses from when she visited last with Fancy Pants, hoping that would do for the train trip. She would need a completely new ensemble for herself AND Twilight with no time for her to model anything. Hoping against hope that Twilight's new post hadn't made her "taller" she read over a few designs, hastily penciling in adjustments at the shoulders for her new wings. She had some odds and ends from a few days before but many of those were incomplete. She had just placed an emerald on one outfit when she heard a THUMP! at her door. Startled out of her "zone" and already short on patience, she stomped to the door to see who would be disturbing her.

"Good afternoon and wel-aAAA~!!!" Her attempt at a pleasant greeting ended with the heap of a crosseyed pegasus pony on her doorstep, holding up one envelope with her rename on it. "uhm... thank you?" She shakily added as she magicked the letter from the carrier, who stumbled to her feet and ambled off as though nothing had happened.

The letter, she observed, was addressed to her "Care of the Carousel Boutique". Curious, she opened the note to see that it was not from any of her usual clientele.

"To Rarity:

Please accept this as a formal invitation to be a spokespony for up and coming fashionistas at a Canterlot seminar the day after the Armoring event. We were made aware you would be in town for the ceremonies and hope to meet with you once the festivities have ended. Please bring some of your materials and sketches to inspire a whole new generation of artisans!

Macey Sacks"

"MACEY SACKS!! THE MACEY SACKS OF SACKS FIFTH FURLONG???? How did she know? Who told her? I'll need more samples! More dresses! More accessories! My Sketchbook!"

The swirl of her mind sent the room in motion as she spun and fainted away. Opal padded past her unconscious master and curled up on the invitation.

Strife paced nervously in his cell. In a couple of days he would be back under the hoof of an alicorn, but one that had something that he knew he needed to see. He knew that time would be short, guessing that his new employer planned an offensive shortly after the grandiose ceremonies. He knew that whatever the "artifact" was, the description that Gallant Lionheart gave him stirred a memory that he refused to share. His previous failure already on his record, but what he could do next could potentially backfire. Time was of the essence, forgiveness before permission.

He deliberately faced east, the hope that the Voice of his Mind would be heard and not rejected.

~~Brothers, I bring news.....~~

Rainbow Dash's cloud-clearing duties failed to take three words out of her mind... "Just in case". Why shouldn't she be just escorted in to work with the Wonderbolts at the ceremonies? She's progressed a lot since the Best Young Flyers competitions (saved some lives!). She excelled at Academy and even had a captain's badge to show for it. Yet she had been asked to pack her gear "Just in case"? It made no sense. Did that mean she was going just to be "volunteered" for winter cloud duties over the railways to the Crystal Empire? Or relegated to sitting in the stands while Star Hunter or Midnight Strike got to fly with the famed aeronautics team? Maybe they were saving her for the Equestria games? She hadn't heard anything about that either. She kicked the clouds harder as her frustration mounted, her busy mind steering her off course -

"OW~! Hey, stay out of my vector! You're not the only one clearing today!"

Dash winged back, spotting a slightly smarting Thunderlane shaking out a hind leg. "Already daydreaming about the Wonderbolts stuff tomorrow at the Armoring Ceremony?"

"I don't have to daydream," Dash blustered. "I'm a guaranteed shoo-in to work with the team!"

"That's not what *I* heard," the dark pegasus bragged. "There's a few spots open, but they haven't picked anypony yet. I'm gettin my hoof in the door!"

"For what? Getting sick on Tornado day? Getting a hoof-load of Rarity at Academy?"

"Is she gonna be there?" The stallion ran a hoof through his pale mohawk. "I need another hoof-full of her, heheh....."

"YOU," Dash retorted, "have as much chance with Rarity as you do of working with the Wonderbolts, and have as much chance of working with the Wonderbolts as your little brother Rumble does!"

"Oh yeah? Rumble's gonna be doing YOUR job while you're sitting in the stands!" Thunderlane dipped a wing to get back to work. "Remember, Spitfire doesn't play favorites...."

That left Dash's wings drooping. Was he right...?

Fluttershy paced back and forth in her bedroom, placing things in a saddlebag then taking them right back out. There would be a huge crowd in Canterlot for the cermonies, and she wasn't fond of crowds. There would be a lot of noise, and she wasn't fond of that, either. She would at least be with her friends. That was something to focus on - her friends would be there. Would Twilight be sitting with them? That means the other Princesses would be sitting with them! Oh, dear, it only felt worse for the pale pegasus. She sat herself on the bed to ponder how she could possibly get through all that noise, music and crowds. Her wings were already locked from the thought of it all!

Her indecision paused for a knock at the door. She wasn't expecting company the day before such an important event, and the mailpony knows that she has a box for letters. She quietly tread down the stairs and peeked through the top half of her door.

The guest stood proudly on her doorstep - a dark brown unicorn with a shaggy darker brown and gray mane and goatee. His tail had red and white streaks in it, but stranger still were his eyes. Despite his stature of absolute calm, the yellowed eyes and red pupils darted playfully about until he recognized he had an audience. "Ah, Fluttershy!" The unicorn proclaimed with a royal bow. "Permit me to be your escort to tomorrow's festivities. I worry that you would be so frightened traveling alone."

"I- I'm sorry," Fluttershy replied in a squeaky whisper. "I've never seen you before."

The unicorn smirked and magicked the front door open. "Nonsense, my dear, I've been here before! You were gracious enough to keep an eye on me for a few days while other Royal business was attended. So now I am here to return the favor." A glance to the front door and the unicorn closed them. "Now then, I-"

Fluttershy was already under a a table, trembling. "Please leave... I don't know who you are and I didn't ask anyone to be my escort."

The unicorn's confidence melted with the fear in her eyes. "Oh, I thought we had been properly introduced."

His horn flashed a brilliant white for an instant, the unicorn vanishing from her view. She remained under the table, waiting a few seconds to make sure whoever that was, was gone. She peeked up from her mane to lock stares with those same red and yellow eyes on a much different creature. She crawled out from under the table to see that it wasn't a unicorn visiting - far from it! Curled up on the confines of the table she had hidden under coiled a rather monstrous sort. The creature himself had the head of a grotesque pony, but his head was adorned with one horn and one antler. One paw leonine, the other a bony set of eagle talons. His bat wing and bird wing flapped playfully, his hind hoof maintaining tenuous balance as his dragon-clawed hind leg grasped the side of the table. The chaotic creature offered the slightest of smiles, his jutting fang harmlessly adding to his odd visage. He playfully leaped from the table so she could see him completely.

"SURPRISE! I didn't want to scare you, but I see that my disguise will be so perfect...."

"Discord???" Fluttershy finally said. "but .. but why did you scare me like that?"

"Again, NOT my intention," the monster reminded her. "I'm here to do a favor as a friend. You see, I know how scary and loud such events can be, and you have such fragile, tender ears..." this mentioning placed a pair of very soft earmuffs in place. The chaos creature gently pulled one back so she could continue to hear his explanation. "I'm well aware that this is much too important an event for you to miss, so I came up with a brilliant plan of my own! Other ponies would be scared to tears if I were to show up looking like this, but the Princesses didn't wish for me to miss out! I told them 'oh, but if all they could see was a pony, there should not be a problem, right?' and Celestia replied -" Discord's lionpaw suddenly a Celestia puppet - "'Discord, you may do so but you will be under Fluttershy's constant supervision. She will be the judge of your behavior.' As though I would misbehave?" A halo materialized over his head, only to ring around a horn at Fluttershy's stern mother-gaze. "They're too good at this, " he deflated as the puppet disappeared.

"But if you do behave yourself," Fluttershy reassured him, "then everyone can have fun at the ceremonies tomorrow."

"Of course!!" he exclaimed, saluting her and then bowing once more. "We shall be on the train in the morning with your friends."

"Do they know?"

"Absolutely not! And they shouldn't, to maintain my disguise." He was instantly a unicorn again. "You will call me Wild Card. I'm a family friend from Las Pegasus who needed someone to escort him. That way you yourself are not being escorted."

She brightened, then hugged "Wild Card". "You'll have so much fun tomorrow...."

"WE will have so much fun tomorrow, dear. I promise."

Mrs. Cake hadn't been in the kitchen for most of the afternoon, leaving a frazzled Mr. Cake trying to keep up with Pinkie's bouncing about. Only a few desserts were complete, and the delay in getting fresh cooking supplies only slowed him further. Once another round of treats sat in the ovens, he tiptoed upstairs to check on her.

Mrs. Cake paced around the room, peering back at her little twins. Both were being fussy but not loud. Pumpkin cake whimpered from under a couple of blankets while brother Pound Cake leaned against the cool wood of the crib. He wasn't flapping his wings or pounding the mattress, and sister Pumpkin wasn't chewing the blanket. "They're both feverish," Cup Cake told her husband. "I'll have to have Nurse Redheart stop by tomorrow."

"What are we going to do about the dessert order for the ceremonies?" Carrot asked his wife. "Pinkie's been helping but you know her brand of help...."

Mrs. Cake looked back at the little ones. "Pinkie will be more than helpful with the desserts. I'm not going to travel with these two and give everyone whatever's bothering them."

'Aww, the twins are sick..?" Pinkie appeared seemingly from nowhere, startling the parents. "We should let them try some of the treats we're bringing to Canterlot! They'll smile and giggle again just like they did when Spike was here!"

Carrot was about to scold Pinkie, but his wife spoke first. "Pinkie, whatever's gotten them sick can't be fixed with a treat."

Pinkie stoped to think. "but... o/a spoonfull of sugar - o/"

"No, Pinkie," Mrs. Cakequickly replied. "You two finish up what you can. I need to make sure that these two feel better and rest until Nurse Redheart drops by in the morning. Princess Celestia would have loved to see the twins, but they can't travel if they're ill."

Pinkie saluted. "You can count on me!"

Mr. Cake wheeled. "The new batch is burning!" He galloped downstairs.

Pinkie blinked at the revelation. "Next batch!" she announced and tumbled away.

Before Mrs. Cake could shush the silly pink pony, she heard a faint giggle from the twins. She turned back to them, seeing they had both been watching. "You two need sleep," she cooed, quietly humming a lullaby to them.

Chapter 11

Twilight had savored the privacy on the train, knowing how much attention she would get upon arrival to Canterlot. A crowd and chariot were waiting, so with a couple of waves she was whisked away to Canterlot castle proper, and escorted to a room to put her luggage aside. She was to speak with Celestia once she had arrived and settled. Stifling a yawn, the young alicorn carefully dressed, adjusted her tiara already in place, then followed two Solar guards to Celestia's private quarters.

She heard the din outside of the castle - preparations for the Armoring event in full swing. Caterers, families of the new soldiers sightseeing, musicians, Wonderbolts. Celestia wanted this to be a formal showcase, not a military formal. The arena in Canterlot would be filled to capacity to see this event, one that Twilight herself only recalled one other time. She had attended her brother's initiation, which was a much more subdued ceremony than this. Her curiosity grew as she entered her teacher's room, where Celestia had been patiently waiting.

"Twilight Sparkle, I would hope your journey was uneventful?"

"Almost all of Canterlot turned out for my arrival," Twilight noted with some reservation. "I get a lot of that in Ponyville, too. It's overwhelming."

"It is something that only time can really help. Hopefully this little meeting will aid you in how you will handle this post."

"That was something else I was wondering, Princess...."

"You don't have to address me as 'princess' anymore, you know," Celestia playfully reminded her student.

Twilight's ears drooped. "Habit."

"Please come with me, Twilight. This meeting will be private, and hopefully brief."

The two quietly began their walk through the halls of Canterlot castle. Celestia watched her student, guessing at the thousands of questions burdening her. The Sun Princess decided it would be more interesting to test her student even before the new alicorn's test truly began.

"Have you considered what duties you would be undertaking as a princess?" She asked her student nonchalantly.

"Magic can be a great benefit, but as we have seen with beings like Discord, Nightmare Moon, the Changeling Queen, and Trixie with the Alicorn Amulet, it can be dangerous in the wrong hooves. I would like to establish a Counsulate of Magic, based here in Canterlot. This council would be made to help monitor magic usage, determining possible threats in the mystical side of things to Equestria."

Celestia nodded, impressed. "Tempering magic usage is a slippery slope, Twilight... but it is something that has been on the minds of many ponies. Perhaps this council could be a central knowledge base for magicians?"

"That was part of it," Twilight agreed. "I would like to have Zecora as a member of this council."

"Zecora's knowledge of herbalism and alchemy would be welcome knowledge to all of Equestria," Celestia admitted. "Some of her secrets are things lost to Equestria at large. Did you have anyone else specifically in mind for this 'council'?"

"I would like to speak to some of your current students to see if anyone would like it as an independent study. A student representative on the Council would be a unique perspective."

"You will have access to my current students and all the records you will need to make an informed decision. Would you like to talk to whom we are meeting about this?"

"You haven't even told me who we're going to meet."

"He's someone you've met before, but he might be a little more civil to you now."

Twilight puzzled the comment as they descended a lonely staircase deeper into the castle. The ruckus of the ceremonies faded, unable to penetrate the stone that surrounded them now. Celestia noted her student's unease. She restarted the conversation.

"Have you ever wondered why you had an alicorn for a foalsitter?" Celestia finally asked.

Twilight blinked. "I never thought of Cadence as an alicorn. She was a big sister when my parents or my brother weren't around. I thought it was a lesson in humility for Cadance, but it looks like it was for something... else."

This brought a smile to the Sun Princess' face. "It's something that few ponies can do, Twilight Sparkle. Many feel insignificant and powerless in the presence of an alicorn, but you have been around them so much you understand."

"I still feel that way even now," Twilight shyly admitted. "Ponies only see you and Luna as moving the sun and moon - something nopony could ever hope to achieve with their magic or talents. All life on Equestria depends on you."

"Yet you speak to me as a teacher and not a goddess. And that is something I deeply treasure."

"You'll be my teacher no matter what I become."

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Twilight could sense they were outside of any main castle traffic. No one around, and their hoofsteps rang against unpainted walls. No other sound followed them, torchlight their only guide to a single iron door, where a Solar Guard unicorn stood. He saluted crisply.

"We are here to see a prisoner," Celestia informed the guard.

The soldier tacitly acknowledged the order. The door rang open, scraping on the stones and bouncing sparks about. Twilight cringed at the grating sound, a hoof leaving the ground when a spark struck her. It didn't burn. Celestia entered without another word, but had to coax Twilight to enter as well. The guard remained at his post, looking slightly worried that Celestia herself had come down here!

"You have faced two of the Family in combat," Celestia continued. "so you do understand how much power an alicorn can wield... and that many ponies will fear you based on your own knowledge."

Twilight sighed, recalling the past few days. "Yeah, I'm seeing that already..."

The Sun princess guided her student to a single chamber, one that had only one outside window. She tapped the lock with her horn, allowing golden magic to unlock and open the cell. Twilight peered inside, expecting some dark horror to be staring back at her.

Instead, her eyes met with a sad, fearful expression- from a muddy yellow alicorn stallion in chains.

"Cepheid....." Twilight breathed.

The stallion did look better than their last encounter. His coat was starting to return to its proper golden shade, his eyes gray but flecked with green. His mane and tail were still white, but faint stripes of yellow and red had started appearing. He cowed slightly at her arrival. "Aye," he replied quietly. "My sisters are right to put me away for what I have done to you... to your home....."

She approached him carefully, despite him being chained in place. "But all you can do down here is reflect on what you did. There are many other things you can do to atone-"

"Isn't taking me from the full force of the blessed sun enough?" He tried to snap, but there was little power to his voice. "Even with the sun waking me each morning, I only feel those rays a couple of hours at a time."

"I've been studying ancient Equestrian history... did the 'Family' consider having an independent council of Magic? Starswirl hinted toward the idea in his spellbook, and 'Hierarchal Histories' makes mention...."

"There was talk of it," the stallion recalled. "At the time the Family could not agree on a means.

"I worked mostly with brother Aphelion on the seasons and the tides, so my strength was understanding the weather. He and I laid a great deal of groundwork for the likes of Commander Hurricane and the Pegasus armies. That's why weather teams are so regimented even to this day."

"While I am in Canterlot," Twilight announced to Cepheid, "I am planning on gathering members to start this Council."

"A council of magicians?" Twilight nodded. "Is that wise? Unicorns in general are very proud creatures....."

"I know. But...in my experiences, I think a governing body on how magic should be used is needed. Dealing with the Lord of Chaos, an evil queen with powerful magic, the younger of the Cosmic Sisters with corrupted powers, and the power of the Alicorn Amulet.."

"That amulet...." the stallion snorted. "This is why I suggest caution. That amulet in the wrong hooves....."

"It almost did when it was found recently. The amulet is now well hidden."

"Star Swirl was full of ideas, but not all of them were good ones....." Cepheid's brusque statement distant, bitter.

Twilight blinked at the revelation, but didn't want to stray from her purpose here. "Still though, to better keep control over such items, I think such a council would be needed. ...would you like to be a part of it?"

"I'm not sure how much use I would be to you for it. But it seems that since the seasons are now assisted by ponies all over Equestria I might need a new purpose."

Twilight smiled at him. "Sometimes," she suggested as she trotted toward the east-facing window, "Destiny can take an interesting turn."

She deliberately stood in the full light pouring in from that window and made sure she was looking into Cepheid's gray green eyes. Finally comfortable in front of a former foe, she spread her wings majestically, arcing them up before stretching them out fully. She left them open as she watched Cepheid bolt to his feet, tripping over the leg irons' chains.

"You're ... you're an alicorn!"

Twilight's smile broadened with pride. "Celestia said it was my destiny...and I achieved it by completing Starswirl's unfinished spell."

"His final spell....." Cepheid pondered that a moment. "If that's true, that you do have quite the destiny... you should be leading that council."

"I'm... still new at all this 'princess' business...."

Cepheid looked her up and down a few times, emboldened somewhat from her hesitation. "I will make you a deal, then.... I will assist in mentoring you for this Council as a figurehead, and when you're ready, I will step down. In return, I want my old quarters back, the Atrium. Tia knows of what I speak ."

"So you two have worked something out?" Celestia inquired as she finally entered the cell. "I didn't feel any magic cast in here, so it looks like a civil meeting happened."

"A council of magic is something I can assist while this one gets used to her wings. I just want the Atrium."

"That can be arranged," Cepheid's sister promised. "Twilight's destiny is directly tied to magic, and this very well could be a necessary step forward."

The stallion looked back to Twilight. "You have a strong future, Twilight Sparkle. Let the path lead you, do not force it." He lowered his head in shame. "Force makes one do terrible things......"

His next thought faded as the chains dropped from his legs. He hesitated, noting the spell was purple and not golden. Stepping away from the irons, he raised his head in Twilight's direction. "You're quite forgiving for someone who faced me in such a terrible state. You forgive Prince Hellstorm?"

"Just as I forgave Nightmare Moon and forgave the pony who tried to harness the Alicorn Amulet. Like them, You weren't thinking straight."

"As the former Element of Loyalty, I do not deserve any more than what I have now," he solemnly replied. "It's all such an evil dream... but it happened... it was real... what I have done..."

Again Twilight silenced the despondent alicorn- this time with an embrace. Not just a forehoof over his shoulder, but even bringing her wings forward and draping them across his back like a pair of giant, feathery gloves. He visibly relaxed, letting his head sink into the feathers as a gift of a new pillow. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Celestia and Luna forgave you. That was all I needed to know."

The train to Canterlot the following morning filled to capacity with many from Ponyville and had quite a few from south of the area. Normally, all of Twilight's friends would be chatting up the morning as they boarded, their subdued reactions to each other lost to the rest of the train. Rarity hadn't slept, her invite from Macey Sacks in her saddlebag. Applejack was still a little grouchy, but Applebloom and Granny Smith got one small smile out of her before boarding. Rainbow Dash almost missed the train herself; she was the last to board, looking like she had just fallen off a cloud to fly there. Pinkie Pie wasn't bouncing, trying to keep composed and help poor Mr. Cake with all the treats they had been up most of the night preparing. Fluttershy boarded with her "escort", which turned a few heads and only made her shyer for the trip. Their train car was crowded enough with so many others on board, so sitting together would have taken some persuasion from the other passengers.

As they pondered the day and the ceremony to come, each of them overheard other ponies talking about Twilight. Applejack even heard a couple of ponies wondering if she was already there. The farmpony sighed, hearing the faint *clink* of the Zap apple jam jars she had with her.

Rarity frantically sketched away, trying to get a few more designs in place for her seminar. Purchasing some of the materials in Canterlot would be necessary; was she to do an actual demonstration? Would the students even listen to her, now that Hoity Toity had been scorned from his interactions with Twilight? It was a wonder she slept at all before this morning. Spike and Sweetie Belle had been such dears to help her bring her luggage to the station.

Rainbow Dash decided on an extra nap for the trip, finding a corner bench to prop up her saddlebags to lean on while she dozed. She noticed a sleeve from her Wonderbolt uniform poking out from her hasty packing. Rolling her eyes to herself, she crammed the suit deep into her bag and placed two Daring Do books on top.

Fluttershy sat close to the window, effectively using Wild Card as a shield from the rest of the train car. He glanced down to her, making sure his crazed eyes were now a more "natural" shade of dark gray to match his mane. "Everything's going to be just fine," he reassured her. To anyone else, these words would be a taunt.

"A-are you sure?" she whispered back.

"Everypony on this train is thinking about the Ceremonies," he told the pegasus. "your friends seem concerned about other things."

Fluttershy took a short breath. "Are you reading their minds?"

"That's against the rules," he huffed. "Just look at them! None of them are even talking to each other, much less anypony else."

"Are they worried about today...?"

Another glance in their direction by the disguised draconoequus didn't require telepathy. "They're more worried about what has led to this day, and not so much the day itself. Once we get to Canterlot and the ceremonies are underway - oh, there will be smiles and laughter!"

Fluttershy turned back to the window. Wild Card sighed and stayed close.

Lapis awoke to the sting of a brilliant sun on a clear day. A "perfect" day for his sister's armoring ceremonies. His morning would also be quite busy, orchestrating the escape of two prisoners, armoring one of them along with hopefully two others, getting more intel from Canterlot and after the sun sets, completing the enchantments on the necklaces Night Ash commissioned for him in the Crystal Empire. He gave his wings a lazy stretch open, wincing slightly at the mended tear from the whip he would show Strife. So much to do today! He was thankful any sleep an alicorn needed was luxury at best.

He was surprised to find Slurry heading for his chambers as he emerged. "Master Lapis, I know I should have asked sooner, but will I be one who will be in your Phalanx?"

"Hatchet made several armors, Slurry, Your participation is optional, but your strength and purpose in combat would be most welcome. I trust you have a small... objection to some of what the armor does?"

"More what it might do to me... or Sandstone."

This pleased the alicorn that his solitary pegasus may yet have a friend. "I will be monitoring the ceremony personally. Unlike my sister Luna, I am willing to explain what will happen to increase his chances of succeeding. You fear the rampage he will be on once armored?"

"And what of my 'rampage'?"

"I would think you more offended with the physical change of pegasi wings to something more like ours."

"Was that your idea?" She growled.

"Not in spite of you, Slurry. When the Phalanx armors were devised over a millenia ago, we chose several night predator tendencies to enhance a soldier's ability in combat where most ponies fear to tread. A bat's wings are silent and more durable than a feathered wing; while the nocturnal owl's feathered wings make no sound, the leathered wing continues to do so despite damage." He demonstrated by spreading his damaged wing and flapping it a few times.

"I want Hatchet to customize my armor."

"How so?"

"If the Phalanx armor is going to be my regular armor, I want the wing-shields added."

"That might hamper your flight movements in the new armor, and it would take time."

Slurry frowned. "I don't make many requests, Lapis."

"And your primary request will be resolved somewhat outside of the armors." The Shadow of the Moon closed his eyes and allowed one of the six trapped shadows to escape. "Show her," he ordered.

The shadow appeared before her and changed into a small pegasus pony, then a frog, then a bird, then a tiny version of her, back to a tiny version of Lapis. She flinched as it closed on her. "What IS that?"

"One of many Gifted Shadows that I once bore during my time with the Family. Stripped from me by them, stolen by the unicorn mage Sombra, who rots in Tarterus under a devil's whip, I took them back. This one is 'deception', one who changes its form at will. His gift will be yours, a necklace that will enhance your armor."

She gave him a very skeptical look. "Imagine walking into a village fully armored with none the wiser.... Summerstorm."

An expectant glance to the shadow made it instantly popped into a silhouette bearing that name. "It's not a complete cure," Lapis apologized. "But your loyalty deserves a gift. You said you wanted to be cured, so I will let you be anypony at all."

"It's not permanent," she groused.

"But it will be effortless. And not so limiting."

"....fine. I would still like the wing-shields taken off my other gear to be added to my Phalanx armor."

"Done."

Rainbow Dash nearly flew out a window of the train once it stopped in Canterlot. Saddlebags barely secured, she rocketed over the growing crowds to find her way to the Wonderbolt locker rooms. She knew she wouldn't be first in line, but at least anyone in front of her didn't have much of a chance once she was suited up!

Dodging banners and the occasional balloon, Dash zipped past a couple of guards by the Wonderbolt locker room areas, halted quickly by a sheath of magic.

"Sorry, you still need to check in." The unicorn guard announced flatly as he placed the pegasus in front of him.

"Aw come ON, you know why I'm here!!"

The guard gathered a clipboard. "A lot of pegasi have already been through. Name?"

"Rain. Bow. Dash!! I'm sure you've heard of me!"

The guard didn't even look up from his clipboard. "Coming from?"

"Ponyville!"

"Are you carrying any memorabilia for the purpose of autographs?"

"No sir." The only autograph she wanted was Spitfire's on a Wonderbolt contract!

"All right then. Destination?"

"Wonderbolt locker rooms for tryouts!" Dash's exasperation was only mounting.

"Anything else we should know?"

"This.... is...... annoying!"

"I get that a lot. Proceed."

Dash blew past the guards again and nearly crashed into a crowd of over two dozen pegasi, some already in gear, standing outside of Spitfire's locker room area. She landed, recognizing way too many ponies from Academy. Star Hunter, Midnight Strike, Thunderlane, Lightning Bolt, Cloudchaser (or was it Flitter?) and a bunch of hopefuls who had flown in from Cloudsdale. She paced around the back of the crowd, wondering if Spitfire had spoken to anyone yet. What little she could hear from the group over the rest of the festival, Spitfire was in the building, as was Soarin and maybe Fleetfoot or Misty. No one knew if there'd be spots open for extras or if a formal tryout would even be happening at the event. The buzz erupted in a minor roar as Spitfire poked her head out the door. Dash was airborne to get a look at the Captain, who was partially into her Wonderbolt uniform. She emotionlessly scanned the crowd as frantic waves of hooves and wings desperately called to attention.

"NO ONE REMEMBERS ACADEMY!?" She barked.

The entire group snapped to attention. "YES MA'AM!"

"That's better." She trotted out the door and walked around the crowd a few times. Rainbow Dash was in the last row, standing at attention but feeling her saddlebags slipping. If she moved, she'd hear about it; if she didn't move, her bags would spill open.....

Thankfully the bags remained intact until Spitfire had completed her rounds. "I'm guessing you all want a tryout today?"

"YES MA'AM!"

"Flying with the Wonderbolts on the second-most important event outside of the Grand Galloping Gala itself?"

"YES MA'AM!"

She looked the group over, skeptical. "All you wanna-bes and never wills that came here but weren't at Academy, DISMISSED! You didn't get into Academy, what makes you think I'm gonna give you a Wonderbolt uniform today?"

Several pegasi departed without a word. Spitfire took another lap around the remaining arrivals. "So for those of you pastel pansies don't want to soil your spiffy new outfits, you might want to step back. Otherwise you'll be following me inside. This is 'make your papa proud' time if you got the wings for it!"

"I LOVE MY PAPA~!!!" Cloudchaser exclaimed.

"Good, go sit with him!" Spitfire ordered. The pegasus departed.

The Wonderbolt captain gave the group one more walkthrough. The handful that remained dismissed at a glance until only three pegasi remained. She paused in front of Rainbow Dash, Star Hunter and Thunderlane. The two stallions straightened as they were scrutinized. "So we have a night flyer," she said to Star Hunter, "and loverboy here," she added to Thunderlane, "who want tryouts today? I think I'd rather watch you two squaring off in a preliminary race. Since I'm the only one around here who's earned her stripes, I'll be overseeing you two in action."

Rainbow Dash noted the stripes in her mane and tail, but had to stop pondering as Spitfire walked right up to her. "As for you...."

"YES MA'AM!"

"I'll be paying more attention to their speed and technique, so I'm going to need someone to evaluate. There'll be a seat right next to me with a clipboard - where you can write anything you want about these two."

"Anything... I want...?"

"Anything pertaining to the race."

"Can I wear my gear?"

"I'll even give you time to suit up!"

"I'M IN!" Dash launched inside, books tumbling out of her saddlebags.

"DASH!"

The rainbow-maned pegasus hurtled back out. "Yeah?"

"One more thing. You'll need to signal the start, should be a whistle over there."

"Bonus?"

"Bonus. Now SUIT UP!"

~~I wish you were here to see this, Morning Star! Half of Equestria came to Canterlot for Armoring day!~~

Aurora was on her balcony watching thousands of ponies crowding through the streets below. ~~Anypony who is anypony will be at this event! Dignitaries from all over Equestria will be in attendance! I've seen ponies from the Crystal Empire! City ponies from Manehatten and Seaddle! It wasn't this busy for the Wedding!~~

~~Any sign of the new princess?~~ Morning Star queried.

~Not yet, but I'm sure she's here.~~

~~Master will be asking soon enough about Star Swirl's book~~

~~I couldn't find a copy or the original in the Canterlot Archives! I bet Twilight Suck-Up got to keep the original and everypony in Canterlot is looking at transcribed copies of it.~~

~~Wanna bet bookworm didn't bring it with her?~~

Aurora agreed. ~~The book might be back in Ponyville. Maybe a little "Hit-and-run"...."~~

~~No such thing,~~ Lapis interrupted. ~~If there is no access to the book at this time, we will have to formulate another plan.~~

~~Princess is coming!~~ Aurora quickly disconnected.

Lapis turned to his student. "Let me know immediately if anything comes of her conversation with Celestia." He resumed his walk to the forges.

"I'm surprised you haven't joined in the festivites as yet, Aurora."

Princess Celestia saw that one of her curret students had been gazing out the window, watching the event fill the streets. "Even a student needs a day away from her books."

Aurora ducked her head a little in apology. "Sorry, Princess Celestia, was daydreaming before the ceremonies. There’s so much going on today, more than just a militia graduation."

"Indeed it is," Celestia affirmed. "I have spoken with one of the other princesses and she asked me to take time with some of my best students. I needed to talk to you about a new Council that will be established in Canterlot."

"New council?" She queried. "But I don't graduate until winter."

"This council is being established by many unicorns and other magic practitioners," The Sun Princess explained. "I won't be in charge of the council personally, but a former student of mine will be overseeing its establishment with some assistance from others in my Family. We all thought that a student perspective would be welcomed, as new ideas are sometimes some of the best ones."

"Me?" Aurora blinked.

"You have some of the highest scores in the entire school of Gifted Unicorns," Celestia's proud response, "And I would like to consider you among the student candidates once we establish this council."

Aurora's mind raced at the possibilities - both good and bad intentions whirling about in a gray jumble in her mind. "I... I don't know what to say, Princess..."

"I just wanted to make you aware of this opportunity. For now, Please, enjoy today's festivities. Go out there and celebrate with everypony else." They exchanged smiles before Celestia took her leave.

The pink unicorn remained seated, baffled. She was just handed the greatest opportunity since being accepted to the school! She definitely would time to think about it.

Fluttershy and Wild Card managed to sidestep much of the crowds to get to the castle proper. The unicorn in disguise kept his friend close, seeing her flinch at all the noise and music. "This is a happy occasion, my dear," He assured her as best he could. "If there were something going on I'm sure we would have sensed it by now."

"But, it's so loud.... and why so much for their military?"

"Celestia does have some unique ideas when it comes to her military academy graduates. This will be much more enjoyable to watch than Luna's. Your poor little heart wouldn't be able to take that."

"Why...?" Fluttershy queried. "I didn't even know Princess Luna had her own guards....I thought those two pegasi who came with her at Nightmare Night were in costume."

"I know that your forte is dealing with creatures of all types, Fluttershy. But what you might see done to other ponies is very startling. She learned that perhaps making them more beastial would be the key. The formula can be ... flawed, at times, but it's a time-honored tradition that she assemble so many and so few actually become soldiers under her."

"What happens to the rest...?" she nervously whispered.

"Many don't even remember what happened after their training. Some are hurt and some are- " Wild Card wasn't about to make her cry! "Some are returned to their families. Not everyone can be in a military."

The two had entered the castle, only passing glances from the guards as they walked. "We will have seats far from the rowdy row of spectators and a wondrous view of how Princess Celestia brings her soldiers into the fold. Luna prefers her ceremony to be a bit more... private."

"So where are we going, then? Isn't the stadium-"

"My dear, I'm taking you someplace you need to visit first. Some other friends of ours made the specific request." He walked the pale yellow pegasus to a small set of double doors. "Please go in. I've other matters to handle. I'll drop by this evening afterwards."

"You're not coming in with me?" Fluttershy sounded disappointed.

"You won't need me in there," he winked. " I will come back later."

Gathering herself, Fluttershy pushed the double doors open. The room itself wasn't very large, only a few tables and some wide open windows. Two tables bumped up against the wall, covered with all sorts of desserts and specialties. The faint scent of apples caught her nose, and two steps in rewarded her with a shower of confetti.

"YOU MADE IT~!!" Pinkie cheered, hugging her shy friend. "Applejack and I found out we were brought here not just to see the shiny shiny new armors - cause they're REALLY shiny, just like Shining Armor's - but we're gonna have a big little surprise!! party for Twilight after the ceremonies are over! Just the six of us! It's gonna be so! much!! Fun!!! Oh, it's just six of us because Mr. Cake was going to be here too! But apparently he was really really tired so they found him someplace to rest and helped me get all the treats up here! All the soliders are gonna miss out and so is Mr. Cake is going to be soooo unhappy....."

Applejack looked up from securing a tablecloth. "Pinkie an' I thought we'd be up here sellin treats and makin some money, but the guards brought us up here," the farmpony replied with a hint of frustration. "But ah guess a party for a good friend couldn't hurt."

"Is she going to have time? There's so many dignataries here...."

"Yeah, about that... who was that unicorn you're hobnobbin with? Never seen him in Ponyville before."

"Oh, Wild Card? He's a....friend."

"ooOOooo," Pinkie leaned in even closer, "you found that one special pony?? What's he like? Does he like parties? He can come with you if you want him to."

"No no, he's just a ... friend.. "

"No pushin buttons, Pinkie," Applejack chided the party pony. "Just hopin Twilight actually shows up for this little shindig, hate to miss out on seein her and puttin bits in the coffers."

"She wouldn't miss a party we're throwing for her, would she?" A concerned Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, that's the best part!! It's a - shhhhh - surprise.... don't tell anyone..... " Pinkie bounced off, trying to make up another song for Twilight.

Fluttershy glanced over at Applejack, whose expression didn't suggest a festive mood. "It'll be quiet up here til the ceremonies. Me 'n Pinkie'll walk ya'll down."

Twilight hurried back to her new quarters so she could get properly prepared for the ceremonies. She expected to be on the main balcony with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and -

"Twily~!!"

The alicorn wheeled, only to be nearly tackled by her brother, Prince Shining Armor. The familiar embrace (complete with hoof-noogie) halted only by Princess Cadance clearing her throat. Armor backed up next to his wife sheepishly. "She's family, how am I not supposed to greet her like that?"

"This is a formal occasion," she replied mock-officially, "we do not engage in such common gestures." She and Twilight locked eyes, then hurried up to each other.

"o/Sunshine, Sunshine Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves And do a little Shake! o/"

The two princesses embraced, confusing Shining Armor. "But you just said-"

"Security measure," Cadance interrupted. "But I'm so glad you're here, Twilight."

"I've already been so busy," Twilight replied excitedly. "Princess Celestia is already allowing me to set up a new Council! I've talked with her and-"

"A new Council?" Cadance beamed. "And you said you were worried about a Princess’ duties."

Twilight's ears flopped a little in embarrassment. "Well, I don't know all the protocols for setting one up. And even then, being new I don't know if anyone would listen to me."

"You've saved Equestria how many times?" Shining Armor rhetorically queried.

"More than you have," she smugly replied, "But you've got Cadance on your side."

"I'm gonna fix that soon enough," her brother promised. "Then Cadance and I can be as revered as the Elements are, right Twily?"

"I don't know if you'd want that," she replied honestly. "I've barely been able to leave my library to get anything done."

The royal couple looked at each other. "Twily, you should have had Spike send a note to Princess Celestia."

"I don't want it to be a royal decree," she said sadly. "Much of what I say there is taken like that. I don't want that part of all this."

"You're not the only one trying to get used to all this," Shining Armor told his little sister. "Cadance has been saving my flank from the ponyrazzi for the last month both here and in the Crystal Empire."

"The only time any of my friends can visit me is after dark," she sighed. "I can't walk through Ponyville without ponies bowing, scraping, SINGING!"

"I know it's overwhelming," Cadance told Twilight, "for all of you - not just you. Shining Armor, your parents... so much has happened since the wedding. Even if you hadn't become an alicorn, this would have been inevitable."

"Mom and Dad have been pretty much speechless for most of this," Shining Armor added.

"They're no less proud of either of you for where you are today," Candance finished. "It's a life-changer, but it will be worth it in the long run."

She saw that Twilight was still not convinced. "We've got a surprise for you after the Ceremonies today. I promise it will help you through all of this. I know there's a lot going on today, but tonight will be a lot more comfortable than all this. I promise, No crowds, no ponyrazzi."

Twilight relaxed only briefly. "Waiiiit a minute....This isn't some special 'Royalty Hazing Ritual' all princes and princesses go through, is it?" She mostly asked her brother. "You told me stories when you first joined the Solar Guard...."

"Yeah, but that's the Solar guard stuff," Shining Armor reminded her. "It got worse until I was promoted to Captain. I've never had to clean so much peanut butter and chewing gum out of my gear!"

Twilight giggled at the image. Her brother's frustration played into a smirk. "So once I was officially Catpain, I made THEM scrub all that peanut butter and chewing gum out of my gear!" The three of them laughed at the thought.

"Oh, before I forget, Twilight...." Cadance gathered a scroll from a small saddlebag that blended into her gown. "I got something from a courier before I came to Canterlot that raised some questions."

"It's your favorite kind of thing, Twily... something you'll have to figure out!" Shining Armor smirked before the scroll in question swatted him. He "snatched" the scroll from Cadance with his magic and dangled it over Twilight's horn. "Look, HOMEWORK!"

Cadance "Gathered" the scroll from her husband. "She has more important duties before she starts reading this!"

The magical tug-of-war between the couple stalled as a purple glow interrupted the blending pale blue and paler purple auras. "How would you know about homework?" Twilight scolded her brother. "I saw you run off so many times to go spar with your classmates, leaving all your studies behind, it's a wonder you had the grades for Academy."

"Mom and Dad never found out, did they?"

"If they did," Twilight's sly response, "They never said anything." She opened the scroll to peruse. Her expression went from smug confidence to confusion of the jumble of words at the top. "'Unicorn Zebra'.... I've never seen one... 'Farasipunda', that's a place if I recall right.... 'silver', 'gray diamonds', 'elements'... well yes, the last two ARE elements, Silver and purified carbon....." She decided to come back to that as she read the rest of the notation, a summary of a guard report from a weather pony also speaking of a brown and green unicorn zebra being rude and used air magic to move snow away from the tracks. "...'in violation of weather code 235-sb, forbidding citizens from obstructing or manipulating sanctioned weather.' “

Twilight thought the whole thing over. "Regular zebras are rare enough, but a unicorn zebra? Is that even possible?"

"Is any of that ringing familiar, Twilight?" Cadance asked.

She looked up from the scroll. "I don't suppose either of you have ever met a Unicorn Zebra before, have you?"

Shining Armor gave it some thought. "There were zebras that invaded Canterlot three years ago..."

"'Farasipunda' is a lead I can research." Twilight rolled the scroll up and tucked it under her wing. "I'll look into it after your.... 'surprise' tonight."

Gallant Lionheart volunteered one last sweep of the dungeons before the ceremonies. He didn't have the training armor or his old armor handy, so trotting downstairs wasn't so noisy. No other guards were about save one at the entryway, who let him in to do one last lap before heading to the Phalanx ceremony.

He stopped briefly at Cepheid's cell, to discover the alicorn gone. ~~Strife, did you hear other activity down here this morning?~~

~~Princess Celestia was down here earlier with Twilight Sparkle,~~ the earth pony mentally snarled. ~~They were talking to Cepheid, and an hour later guards took him away. "Good behavior" or "Family favor"?~~

~~Actually, this is a good thing. You and Cloud Slayer will have even less of an issue leaving here.~~

~~Can we leave NOW?~~ Cloud Slayer interjected.

~~No. You must not attempt so until the ceremony is underway. When you hear the roar of the crowds, THEN you can open the envelopes. I have an envelope of my own to open.~~ He did a cursory jog through the area before heading upstairs to his quarters.

He hastily opened the letter as he prepared himself for the ceremony. He read it once with a proud smile, then magicked the parchment over a candle to erase itself from existence.

------------------------------------------------\

Chapter 12

Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie arrived to their private skybox to see only Rarity in her seat frantically sketching. Many of the other chairs were covered in papers, cloth samples, thread, and other odds and ends. Snacks provided by the facility sat untouched, including one tall glass of ice water at the end of the table. The unicorn didn't even realize she had company; her presentation with Macey Sacks had her complete attention before the ceremonies would start. Pinkie bounced away from the others to her frantic friend. "HI RARITY~!!!"

Startled, everything that Rarity had in a magical grip shot through the room, bouncing off walls or falling on the food. One length of cloth landed on top of Pinkie and the unicorn, confusing both until Applejack could get through the crossfire to pull it away. "Wonderin where y'all been, Rarity."

The unicorn was completely flummoxed. "I've been trying to put together a proper portfolio for my presentation tomorrow! Sweetie Belle promised to pack all of my recent work but all I have are older designs and some of her own drawings! She's learning well, but I certainly doubt that these 'Cutie Mark Crusaders Gala Gown Makers' will be ANY help! I've barely had a moment to relax since I got the note-"

"What note?" Pinkie queried.

"MACEY SACKS OF SACKS FIFTH FURLONG!" Rarity frantically announced. "Only one of the most influential distributors of high fashions in Manehatten! She wants me to give a seminar tomorrow and I'm hardly prepared for it."

"You'll be fine," Fluttershy tried to assure her friend. "You always put a good hoof forward..."

"I'll be working uphill if Hoity Toity has had anything to say about it - he visited Twilight and not ME? And apparently she shooed him away! I have reputation to reclaim!"

"What about Fancy Pants?" Applejack interrupted. "He likes your stuff just fine."

"Oh, if he were here," Rarity fluttered her blue eyes, "I would be so much more reassured."

"Everypony who's ANYpony is here!" Pinkie cheered. "...wait, where's Rainbow Dash?"

Her question immediately answered with a roar of the Wonderbolts buzzing the skyboxes, the windows rattling hard before being washed over with sparking stormclouds, misty rain and a multicolored contrail. The force of the flyby sent ponies and paperwork scattering again through the room, upsetting the snack table on Rarity's artwork and leaving Fluttershy no place to hide.

"THERE she is!" Pinkie laughed, waving out the window at the clouds and contrails. "HI RAINBOW DASH!! HAVE FUN OUT THERE!! TAKE ME WITH YOU~!!!"

"She cain't hear ya, Pinkie...." Applejack groused as she gathered her hat and plunked it back into place. "If ah had a rope I'd be draggin a Wonderbolt out o' the sky..."

"A little TOO close to the skyboxes, Dash!"

"My friends were in there, Spitfire, we HAD to!"

"No buzzing the Princesses' skybox, that one's open!"

"Not even for a closer look?"

"I heard that, Thunderlane. NO!"

Princess Celestia loved, even preferred, the pageantry and spectacle of Armoring day more than she did with the Grand Galloping Gala. She, along with Cadance and Twilight Sparkle had the perfect view over the entire stadium as announcements and awards were presented. Medals to Junior academy recruits; a salute to the smithing Corps, complete with Wonderbolt flyby. Next came the unveiling of a new statue for Canterlot Gardens - A Solar Guard and a Phalanx Guard, rearing but not facing each other, with space on the frame of the statue (per the artisan himself) when the Crystal Empire chooses a name for their militia and a design for their armors. The two soldiers, carved from polished granite, had replica armors custom-painted and fit to the statues. The eyes were set with sapphires and tigereye gems to give them more presence. The crowd saluted the statues as though they were two new recruits themselves. Celestia watched with her own private pride at how many ponies worked so hard to make Canterlot - and Equestria as a whole - such a harmonious place. She didn't want the credit; this was the rare day that others would be rewarded.

The steady roar of the crowd and thunderous stomping of hooves only increased as a familiar blare of trumpets announced the arrival of the Solar Guard. The trumpets were then joined by strong percussion, reverberating along with the rest of the crowd as the established soldiers would enter first. Led by Shining Armor, Thunder Arrow, Count Solaris and Flank Attack, over a hundred mares and stallions in their brightest armor and dressage entered the packed arena. With long-practiced precision they marched to the center of the open field and stood to attention. Each captain barked orders, and the soldiers would then march to a new formation - one of Celestia's symbol, one of Cadance's, and one of Twilight's. Returning to standard formation, Shining Armor could not hide his satisfaction that unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies marched together and not in three distinct regiments. He shouted a final order, and the pegasi flew over the coliseum while the unicorns shot magic and fireworks from their horns. The earth pony soldiers marched in place, turning as one to face the Princess' skybox, the unicorns turning next, the pegasi landing in place. As one, they knelt, followed shortly by their captains. Celestia graciously returned the bow, a cue to Cadance and Twilight to do likewise. The youngest there felt awkward bowing to her older brother. Then again, he bowed first...

"This is all part of the formalities," Cadance whispered to Twilight as the Solar Guard continued marching.

"It's just so awkward to me," Twilight whispered back. "You're bowing to your husband... you're the princess."

"You're bowing to your older brother, and YOU'RE a Princess...."

"He's also older than me, so he has seniority...."

The two giggled, Celestia enjoying the conversation but not acknowledging it. She was proud of both young alicorns - Cadance had accepted her new post with grace and enthusiasm, Twilight with nervous reservation. The Crystal Princess wanted to help Twilight as much as she could, knowing that Celestia would only step in by request. Twilight herself knew a lot about royal protocols, but this is one case where reading about them and doing them are two completely different things. Still flustered by everything going on at once, Twilight cautiously stepped up to Celestia's left, Cadance to the Sun Princess' right.

The music started again, the current militia timed to the drumbeats as they took their place on the far end of the field. As the trumpets once again shouted out an anthem, another 40 soldiers marched in, all in their brand new armor and added dressage for the occasion. Pegasi soldiers flew in formation over a checkerboard of earth ponies and unicorns, all "in step" as they approached the officers and established Guard. Once in position, the unicorns and earth ponies spread the ranks to give their pegasus compatriots spots to land. Once all were in position, a shouted order put them all to attention, eyes forward to the commanding officers.Cadance winked to Twilight as Celestia spread her wings, as if conducting the cheers of the crowd. The two younger alicorns stepped further to either side of Celestia and replicated the motion, apparently as some sort of royal "Salute". Twilight would look that up later, she had to maintain her face forward, chin slightly tilted, and wings open and arced slightly upward. She could feel her wings twitching from the position, hoping they were far enough from the crowd to notice the slight motion. She could clearly see Celestia's wings moving only to the breeze in their skybox. She couldn't even glance to Cadance. Hopefully her angles were right, doing the math in her head. She eased them a little higher and hoped that looked better.

The newcomers still had their variety of colors - a jumbled rainbow of fresh faces under the golden armor. Each newcomer standing at excited attention, trying not to raise a hoof, shake out the armor or even swing their tail in anticipation of their initiation to the Solar Guard. This was another aspect of the event Celestia loved - this moment, this anticipation, this fulfilling of dreams for ponies. In a way she didn't wish it to end, but what follows is a revelry that rivals the Summer Sun Celebrations of years past.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts of all Equestria!" The princess began in full Royal Voice. "Today we witness the arrival of forty new guardians of the peace and Harmony that our world has enjoyed for centuries on end! This is a peace that has been maintained through the hearts and minds of all ponies as Equestria has grown, hooves reaching out to new kingdoms, new homes, new families! We stand proudly under the light of day to face any danger from within and without! We do not wish a day that the full might of our forces would be wielded against anypony, any kingdom - but as a Hoof of Trust, held firm with a Strength and Purpose that is a tradition for any militia!

"Each of you have faced many trials to make it to this day! For some, this was a dream from the day they could run! For others, a hope for a brighter future for themselves and those that depend on them! For Canterlot, you are now part of a Family that continues to grow. Never forget this moment. Never allow this moment to be forgotten!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Celestia smiled to the crowd, noting the new soldiers getting even more excited. "I welcome all of you as new members of the Solar Guard, and so shall all of Equestria!"

In one swift motion she was airborne, a gasp of surprise and awe following her into the air. Silhouetted by the sun she swooped down toward the field, soaking in the cheers of the crowd and the anticipation on the new recruits' faces. She circled, awaiting a signal from the Captains, who commanded the recruits to shift formation. The march was brief, leaving a large circular space in the center of the group. She circled once more before she gracefully touched down in the center of the group. As one they faced her, then all carefully knelt before her. She raised her head above the throng and her horn glimmered to life, first its traditional gold, then to a searing, pure white light, a pure beam that washed out the colors around it until all turned white from its glow. She closed her eyes and focused on that light as it blossomed into separate points, each falling to a new recruit and turning their coats white or dark gray. The Light, nor Celestia, made this choice; merely the chance of magic that chose for them. Celestia's eyes remained closed a few moments longer until the blinding gleam had finished its work. When she finally looked to the newcomers, all were standing in fascinated reverence of what had just happened. To keep the crowd focused on the soldiers, she teleported back to her skybox and signaled the music to start anew, and end all this formality for a proper celebration!

Night Ash levitated herself to the main ledge of Drakengard. It had been a long and worthwhile journey; she had time to visit the legendary Crystal Empire, she lost herself for a few days in their cavernous library, even a moment to mock a citizen! A complete trip for her. Her mind still wandered to the music of the new necklaces chiming in her saddlebags as she walked quietly into the fortress to her all manner of chatter and excitement. She recognized all of the voices, a warmth of home to her.

"And how was your journey?" Lapis asked her in as pleasant a tone as he could muster. "I know that you have the new 'elements' I requested, do you also have your notes handy?"

"I do," she replied proudly. "I would hope that all of this information will be of some use."

The alicorn carefully removed the necklaces and scrolls from her saddlebags, sorting them on a nearby table. "This will be enchanted tonight. Meantime, we should have visitors momen-"

He did not need to finish the statement as a green earth pony and a silver pegasus appeared in the room. "Ah, they're here. So the ceremonies were well underway?"

"The sound was deafening in the dungeons," Strife grumbled. "What they see in that ceremony I'll never understand."

Cloud Slayer looked around the room, fascinated. "Whoa, that charm can take me anywhere? Sweet!" she tapped at it again. "Take me to wherever Rainbow Dash is!! NOW!!" The futile tapping frustrated her quickly.

"Now now, Cloud Slayer," the Shadow of the Moon assured her. "There will be time for that. But now that you are here, I can continue my preparations. Night Ash, do you require rest from your journey?"

"A day's rest, but allow me to further refine my notes in the meantime."

"Do so. Have Morning Star assist you."

With a slight nod Night Ash took her leave. He then turned to the earth pony. "Strife, you said you had some business of your own to attend?"

Strife reluctantly knelt. "I have allies to meet that may help in your mission."

"Do not kneel to me, Strife. We are allies, you are not my subject."

"He's not your student, either," Morning Star commented from the hallway.

"Typical unicorn," Strife snorted at her, "too arrogant to even stop to listen to the message conveyed."

"Aren't you here to make sure there's food in the coffers?" She retaliated.

"Don't assume that is all that an Earth pony can do- we can be a lot more than mere farmers. Yes, we grow all the food that you unicorns love to eat in a way only WE can. The tasteless slop your race makes....."

"You couldn't make that food without our help," Silver Shimmer interrupted. "No good weather makes bad crops."

"Trying my patience as all other races do," Strife grumbled.

Lapis motioned for calm. "Earth ponies are not only good farmers, but many are excellent chefs. There's more to food than just raising it. Pegasi help the earth ponies by regulating the weather so that there is enough food for all. Unicorns have long memories and analytical minds, able to understand what makes something taste that way... or assist if a rogue weather pattern hits a field. Some have even been called to accelerate plant growth for that new town or rare famine. I may not support my sisters in how they rule, but I do understand the Balance. Being all three, I see all sides to it."

"I've always understood the balance," Strife responded first, "I just do not appreciate the earth ponies being seen as a least common denominator."

"Listen to your four-bit words!" Silver Shimmer snickered.

"Whatever," Morning Star added, "You've worked for an alicorn before, didn't you? This is your second time in this spot. You sound too proud to accept ANY help. Door's over there."

The green stallion marched right up to the unicorn, looming over her in defiance. "Not. Another. Word. From you. Unicorn." The last word shot out of his mouth like a curse.

Morning Star was about to respond, but noted Lapis impatiently watching the argument. She turned abruptly and walked out of the room. A glance at Silver Shimmer sent her on her way as well for other preparations. "Your name is well earned, Strife," Lapis finally said. "I think I was about to lose my temper over this pettiness."

"Are all of your students like her?"

"Of course not. Desert Sun is quite friendly. Night Ash would be one of intelligent conversation and her handicap seems to temper her judgment of other ponies. Aurora, unfortunately, is a great deal like Morning Star - very proud of her heritage and ability, as both are talented general magic practitioners. Keep in mind you and those two unicorns do share a common goal - a deep hatred for the unworthy Twilight Sparkle."

This did give the earth pony pause. Unfortunately, he could still hear the arrogance in Lapis' voice, the same arrogance he had heard from Prince Hellstorm and from other unicorns and pegasi. Perhaps this was not as good an idea as originally pondered.

"Now as to business, Strife. Please look at this for me." Lapis gestured toward a table where a coiled whip lay. "It resists magic, and has done me some harm." The alicorn showed Strife a gash in one of his wings, only partially healed. "Intriguing that it not only cleanly cut through my wing, but it had some sort of anti-magic 'cauterizing' that does not allow me to heal it properly."

Strife already knew the answer but approached the weapon anyway. Scanning the handle, he spotted the insignia he had known for many years. "Spellbreak," he said simply. "The symbol is a cracked unicorn horn."

"Spellbreak?" Lapis repeated. "I recall them as an anti-magic cult that either disappeared or likely stamped out some centuries ago..."

"History is always not what it seems," Strife continued as he stared at the weapon. "They are the allies I speak of...That whip you found bears their symbol, and this whip is not 'centuries' old."

"I am surprised they have not shown their hand given the increase of magic at work in recent years. I'm sure they'd prefer hammering my hide to the wall than to offer an alicorn assistance. Offer to them that under my regime there would be amnesty. They would not have to hide from the world, as anti-magic has its place, much as necromancy and the Unspell, which might even have Spellbreak origins. The Unspell was a component in freeing Nightmare Moon."

"Master, if there is ANYONE who is able to convince them to fight for you, it's me. I know the Commander and his knights, and I'm sure they know that at least one alicorn has to rule in order to maintain balance and control of the lands as well as the sun and moon..."

Lapis was dutifully impressed. "Can you get to them quickly? You may take the whip with you as an offering. Their anti-magic would be most useful."

"I can leave immediately."

"Be on your way. There is still much to be done."

While the Solar Guard celebrations echoed through the coliseum and melted into all of Canterlot, a dark corner had a much quieter ritual beginning with the setting sun. An open, seemingly abandoned training field on the southwest corner of Canterlot castle had some activity - Of the 100 recruits that came to Phalanx camp, only twenty-one remained. Eleven pegasi, eight earth ponies, and two unicorns, one of which the strangely successful Gallant Lionheart. He and the others had taken everything Princess Luna had thrown at them, from hauling stones to running miles to working in darkness to full-on combat. They entered the field cautiously, seeing that Luna had taken her place on a makeshift stage, resting on a black cushion. To her left a long, low structure covered with a midnight blue tarp drew eyes away from her, if only for a moment. Her expression was one of distance and quiet, much like a moonlit night. The waning moon, rare in a daylight sky, also watched over the event. The soldiers looked back and forth to each other, wondering if this armoring was just another test - or story - that only perpetuates the legends.

Gallant Lionheart stood near the front of the group proudly. The others whispered behind him - why should he be so happy? Is he just satisfied he got this far? Is there favor there? One of the pegasi decided to approach the unicorn.

"You're still treating this like some sort of game," the pegasus told Lionheart.

"This is no game, Dreamcarver. I've accomplished far more than anyone in either regiment thought possible. You think I've not heard the whispers of my being 'lazy', 'disinterested', 'uninspired'? Pay attention- those words can be said of anyone here."

He would have said further, but Luna stood and spread her wings to get their attention. They quickly snapped to ranks, Gallant Lionheart moving but one step to his place.

"Thou hast made me proud," Luna proclaimed, "that as many of you made it this far! Today marks a special but private occasion for each of you as you face your final trial."

Two Phalanx guards entered the area, pulling a cart filled with armor. "Thou hast trained with basic armor shaped like that you will don today," she explained, gesturing to the cart with one of her wings. "Every physical and mental trial has brought you to this last test. "You have heard throughout the day celebrations at the Coliseum, before thousands and thousands of citizens, my sister Celestia shows the world her new soldiers as she baptizes them with the light of the sun to welcome them to the Solar Guard. We do not accept such showy formalities! Thou art warriors, not ornaments! And to prove it, you face your greatest foe.... that which will make or break you as one of the Phalanx! Unlike the Solar Guard, IN THE PHALANX THINE ARMOR WEARS THOU!"

The ponies whispered amonst themselves to what that meant. Her horn sparked to life, revealing twenty-one cells, hewn from stone and stocked with leg irons. "Each of you will be sealed in these chambers for five minutes. You will be secured, then armored. The doors will close, and in five minutes we will open them again. This is where the stories come to fruition! There are two ways you will emerge from this test - on all four hooves like a true warrior of the Phalanx.... or bagged like refuse. And it will take only one bag to remove your refuse."

Some of the ponies' ears drooped. "The stories, as stated before, are NOT mere exageration! WHAT YOU LEARN HERE, UNDER OATH OF THE MOON, WILL NEVER BE SPOKEN OF AGAIN~!"

She turned to each potential soldier in turn, each proclaiming an oath from their heart of loyalty and servitude in the name of the Moon. The other unicorn mentioned Celestia as well; Princess Luna simply listened, not reacting to any of the oaths stated to her. Gallant Lionheart volunteered his, not changing a single word.

"You have all proven worthy to this point," Luna concluded as she stood. "Now prove yourself to your own bardings!"

The ponies each trotted to a cell and faced outward. Lionheart deliberately chose the final cell, fully confident of his chances thanks to the letter from Umbral. He was saddened that it had to be burned, it would have been wonderful to show that to Luna at Lapis' coronation. He flinched only slightly as the leg irons were fastened, remaining still and head high as the armor was placed. Snapdragon glared at Lionheart before slamming the helm in place.

"Savor your last five minutes," he snarled and slammed the stone door shut.

The darkness and silence did not bother Gallant Lionheart. The leg irons held him fast, and it took effort to raise any leg. He stretched his back and shook his head a little to settle the armor better. There. With a nod he closed his eyes despite the darkness.....

... when they opened again, he was truly "elsewhere". He stood in a white void, the leg irons suddenly vanished. The silence within bothered his ears and the light hurt his eyes. The ground under his hooves felt firm, and looked unbroken like a full sheet of marble. He started walking, waiting to see this "test" begin.

He would not have to wait long, as the shadow he cast skirted away from underneath and took form. It hissed and screeched, arching its back and rearing, swinging its forehooves wildly. Lionheart remembered Master Lapis' words. Do not attack! It can understand you! Speak to it! The unicorn stood firm.

"You will listen to me!" he ordered. The shadow crouched, emitting a shrieking whinny in defiance. "Oh, you will listen no matter your protests. I'm saving myself - and whatever you are - the time and trouble. There should not be conflict here. You are here for me and NOT the other way round, no matter what Princess Luna says!"

The creature rose to a neutral position, and its outline gave Gallant Lionheart a strange vibe. Whatever it was, it had reptilian eyes, tufted ears, sharp hooves...."So you ARE the armor. I understand now." The shadowy creature leaned forward, nostrils flared. "But you are MY armor. So I make you this deal:

"Do not try to lead, I will not follow." The shadow roared at him in protest.

"You can walk with me, for we can be allies." The shadow hissed, not trusting the offer.

"But if you follow me, I will guarantee you glorious battle and eternal victory. We will trample Equestria and stomp on its backbone. We will rule the night and sleep under the ignorant sun. Join me."

The shadow pondered Lionheart's words. "It is my only offer. Choose."

The shadow creature slowly walked around Lionheart, much as Luna did in their meeting. It watched his movements, noting that Lionheart did not show a hint of fear. The soulless eyes of the creature occasionally met the officer's, a dare to strike. The shadow creature studied, periodically threatening; Lionheart waited patiently, his offer shielding him from what might be certain death.

The shadow then stood before him, intact. It then pounced, letting loose a joyful, haunting scream as it tackled Lionheart. Well, lunged through Lionheart, sheathing him in its energy.

As the creature wrapped around him like a black cocoon, he could feel the energy seeping into him... like snow seeping through a winter coat. Twitches of energy, crackles of electricity prickled under his skin, sliding up and down his legs and burrowing into the sinews. His muscles drew taut as the energy surged, but the sensation was not painful. Not this time.

Euphoria. Dark, angry, maddening Euphoria. The armor was embracing him.

"Yes...." he whispered, the energies racing down his back.

"Yes," he growled as the light around him grew ever brighter, the silence around him ever louder.

"YES~!" He boomed, his voice suddenly rising from the very depths of the night!! This power... oh, this power, his body suddenly lighter than air. He reared proudly, roaring in furious victory!

*Clink*

Another proud roar, sounding much more like a lion's than a soldier's!

*Clank*

There was thunder in his heart, murder on his mind, lightning in his hooves and the moon in his eyes!

*Clunk*

The final sound snapped him out of the reverie. He was still in that tiny room, but now, he could see the walls clearly. With a twitch of his ear he could hear the soldiers outside. There were shouts of victory and moans of pain, frantic calls for assistance. The mixed reactions did not surprise Lionheart. All he knew is that he lived, and Snapdragon will BOW to him for it!

The door cracked open, the light blinding Lionheart for a second. A low growl tickled his throat when he heard Snapdragon's voice.

"You alive in here?" came the dark chuckle. "I brought you a medic for-"

Snapdragon gawked as his reptilian eyes met reptilian eyes, horn lowered and pointing toward his throat! Not only was this unicorn not injured, but his shackles were all broken! Snapdragon stumbled backward as Lionheart lunged forward.

"YOU DARE ASSUME MY DEATH??" he bellowed. "PERHAPS SOMEONE ELSE SHOULD FALL THIS DAY!"

Luna suddenly appeared between them. "No!" she ordered. "I will not lose able-bodied warriors over petty grudges. The armors have garnered their share - only sixteen walk away, and you, Gallant Lionheart, only one of three who have come through unscathed."

Snapdragon unwillingly backed away. Lionheart turned to the rest of the field, where some of the newly-minted Phalanx had been roped or chained as they continued to thrash, others being tended to by medics. The doubter Dreamcarver galloped madly about the field, other soliders trying to slow him down. One recruit was mostly covered in a blanket, and that one was very still.

Lionheart's euphoria tempered at the sight. Indeed, the stories weren't exaggerated.

Celestia, Cadance and Twilight walked back into the castle complex as the ceremonies concluded. Twilight's head a little low, disappointed she wouldn't be enjoying the celebrations with her older brother.

"We'll get to see him tomorrow morning," Cadance reassured Twilight. "I don't think you want to be around a large group of crazy soldiers at this point."

"I just wanted to see my brother... I was going to ask him how it felt to see the Ceremony from where he was standing."

"We'll have plenty of time to talk to him tomorrow," Celestia offered. "Two more things this evening, Twilight, and this long day will be over."

"Two things, Princess?"

"The first one will be a brief meeting with some delegates. They're eager to meet you. Don't be afraid of any of them. Show your confidence and you'll earn respect very quickly."

"Think of it as meeting a bunch of new teachers," Cadance suggested.

"That just makes me think of magic kindergarten..." this had the Crystal princess giggling. Celestia paused before opening the double doors to the meeting hall. "Confidence, calm, and mutual respect," she told the other two. Her expression saddened. "Even if there is a chance the respect may not be returned today."

Cadance and Twilight looked at each other. The youngest had to erase the fear from her face as Celestia's magic slowly pushed the doors open.

The room itself was immense, all that adorned the room were a multitude of banners from other kingdoms, cities and countries. Centering the room stood a thick oaken table, freshly painted with a circle showing Celestia and Luna in their eternal cycle of sun and moon, a re-creation of the illustration in a book Twilight read some time ago. Around the table sat a few dignitaries - representing Saddle Arabia, the Griffon Kingdoms, Caninina(Diamond Dogs) Minotaurus, and two zebras.

"Farasipunda," Celestia announced as she made the round of introductions. Cadance's ears twitched at the name, as did Twilight's. She hoped the opportunity would present itself....

One of the grand halls in Drakengard echoed with anticipation as many of Lapis' associates assembled there for the Armoring ceremony he would be holding for some of those who volunteered. Several armors were displayed on mannequins for those not being initiated to admire. Desert Sun traced the lines of the new armors, fascinated at the precision of the work. She had hassled Hatchet in the past over his work, but his handling of metals would rival that of a royal smith's.

She counted up the armors, noting that there would not be enough. "So did Hatchet run out of time?"

"My dear Desert Sun," Lapis explained, "why would I cover you in such things? You have your other armor, which I will adorn with a trinket to focus your magic. I would not be so rude as to have you wearing these."

As he gestured toward the armors, two pegasi already in gear tromped in and saluted. "Violet Force and Silver Shimmer have dealt with these wondrous armors in the past, so they knew what to expect."

The red and gold unicorn looked over the two pegasi, only knowing one male and one female. Nothing remained of Violet Force's handsome face or Silver Shimmer's trademark smirk. Much scarier, in that she had two creatures vaguely resembling ponies in the spiny, shadowy armor. Her confusion clear to the two pegasi.

"This is not for a strong magic-user's use," Violet began, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Your strength lay in your fire magic. We don't want to cloud your mind."

"Recall the Timberwolf ash," Lapis continued. "The infusion of such bestial passions permeates the armor, and its wearer. You'll see such an example in a moment."

Slurry, Cloud Slayer, and Sandstone were suiting up as the four approached. "To further explain, what will follow is a trial for these three. Hatchet couldn't resist trying his on...."

On cue, Hatchet proudly marched in, modified armor and all. 'which once he fixed the forges he was thoroughly inspired. How do you get in and out of that, Hatchet?"

"Very carefully," he growled with a sick grin. Desert Sun shuddered.

"I'd... rather not know, actually...."

"You may stay and watch, or assist Night Ash. I'd rather you stay. Morning Star will also be here to assist."

Slurry shrugged into her armor, getting her wings tucked into the wing-shields. "What do we need her for?"

"Let's just say I expect this to be a bit... exciting." The alicorn cast, dragging three sets of heavy leg irons into the room.

Only then did Cloud Slayer even notice anyone else. "Armor? Then tying me down? I'm going willingly, Master."

"Don't misunderstand, Cloud Slayer. It's all part of the ritual."

Sandstone had most of his armor on, and looked very uncomfortable with the idea. "Don' wanna hurt anypony like this," he mumbled.

"Would it help if you saw what happens out here?" Lapis queried. "watching Slurry and Cloud Slayer as they are initiated might give you some clues."

He turned briefly to Slurry, who only glared back in blatant annoyance. He wilted and looked back to the Shadow of the Moon. "I'm goin," he stated.

"Very well. Before you don your helmets, I ask one last thing of the three of you. Swear an oath on the moon or in my name, it does not matter, but your loyalties declared before we move on to the next step."

Cloud Slayer simply burst into hers. "I fight for the Moon in Lapis' name! I ride into battle for Lapis...um...and...the Moon. The Moon is my ally, and Lapis is the true leader of Equestria!!" She was still grinning. "That good?"

"That will do."

Sandstone thought for a moment. "I fight in the name of the Shadow of the Moon, who gave me strength and a purpose." This pleased Umbral. He then turned to Slurry, who did not look happy about this part.

"The oath does not have to be to me directly, Slurry."

She thought a few moments more. "I will fight inside the Shadow of the Moon where none will see my coming or going, only darkness." He offered the jaded pegasus a look of gratitude. She didn't seem too comfortable otherwise.

"The ceremony can now commence," Lapis announced, the leg irons snapping in place. "The irons are for your safety, and perhaps ours. Once the helmets are in place, fear not where you will go. Just find your way back. Each of you face a different direction, and close your eyes. Prepare."

Cloud Slayer cackled to herself. "Bring it."

Sandstone had nervously shut his eyes, but was inwardly thankful that Slurry could not see him. She was too absorbed into what was about to happen. The three of them stood motionless as Lapis carefully levitated their helmets in place. Once settled, he turned to the others. "Now, WE prepare."

"Prepare for what?" Hatchet snarked. "They're all chained down, they can't do noth-"

Cloud Slayer's shrieking stopped the conversation dead. Hatchet was airborne immediately, Violet and Silver slowly circling the trio. Slurry was growling; Sandstone's eyes widened, looking at nothing in panic. The Shadow of the Moon stood firm, savoring the crazed visions each new recruit explored. The motions of each pony intensified as they faced something in their minds, whether it be friend, foe or fear. Each ticking second the armor permeated their bodies, browning their fur, recoloring their eyes. Cloud Slayer lunged off the ground, shrieking at her unseen enemy, pulling hard on her restraints. Hatchet's shock curled into a more feral grin.

"Shoulda brought popcorn," he joked as the three continued to kick and protest.

"This is what you were doing," Lapis explained. "They're seeing something that will trigger their fight or flight instincts. Facing them, fighting them, fearing them. Their choices and reactions will decide their fate."

Desert Sun, while fascinated, was slowly inching behind her mate. "Intriguing...." she stammered.

The intrigue changed with a snap of the leg irons. "Sandstone's loose!" Violet Force reported.

A second snap had all in attendance backing up. "Slurry's loose!" Silver Shimmer exclaimed.

Lapis' attention turned to Cloud Slayer, whose shrieks changed from panic to rage. Whatever was before her, she flailed violently with her hooves and wings, even swinging her head forward at whatever she fought. Noting her secured, his concern turned to Slurry and Sandstone, who had locked stares.

"They're gonna tear into each other?" Hatchet anticipated.

"Violet, Silver, stay back from Slurry and Sandstone. Just a hunch. Be ready to catch Cloud Slayer, though."

The two larger ponies had already finished their physical transformations - trademark gray-brown fur bristled, reptilian eyes narrowed at each other before lunging into combat, Sandstone with an angry roar and Slurry with a menacing shriek. Kicking, biting, flailing at each other as though mortal enemies. Slurry's wings opened , the wing-shields snapping away and exposing her purplish-black bat wings. Sandstone took the buffeting of wings, snapping at the membranes with feral fervor. She snarled back at him, pushing him away for the moment. Sandstone pulled to his full height and roared at her, and the two locked up again.

"Oh yeah, that's more like it!" Hatchet cheered on the battle. "Needs more biting tho!"

"Focused on the wrong thing as usual....." Lapis groused as he continued to watch the fight.

Slurry was gaining ground, only by advantage of her long-reaching wings. Sandstone was getting better at gauging her sweeping attacks, thrusting forward as she backwinged, or snapping at the bone of the wing as it closed in on him. Three flaps and she was airborne, her snarls starting to form coherent words. Lapis nodded in approval, though Sandstone still growled in feral frustration.

"STAY BACK!" She hissed at the beast in front of her. Hatchet gawked.

Sandstone reared again, roaring at her in challenge. She swooped down at him, slamming his head with her hooves. Grunting in protest, Sandstone turned and gave chase. She snarled back at him, but his cries after her were suddenly.... pleading? Confused, the pegasus landed to face him. The hulking stallion's pace slowed noticeably, and instead of attacking he brushed his head against her neck, almost a purr rumbling out of his throat. Slurry's wings spread in surprise, but her gestures ignored with another playful growl. Silver Shimmer trotted over, seeing that Slurry's slitted eyes wide in consternation.

"Savor it," Silver told Slurry. "Raw emotions. Animal passions. He's not fighting, he'll come around."

"He's crowding me," Slurry growled. Sandstone contentedly growled back.

Lapis' amused stare turned to Cloud Slayer, who happily pulled herself from her restraints with Violet Force's help. "YESS~!!!!" She screamed. "THIS is what I've needed. THIS is better than anything I could have ever been given!" She knelt to Umbral in gratitude. "You've given me power I could have only dreamed of!"

Hatchet landed next to his boss. "Holy Hot nights," he breathed as he looked her over. Reptilian eyes met reptilian eyes.

"Like what you see?" she taunted. The two matched sadistic grins.

"I appreciate it," came Umbral's unexpected reply. "Tell me, what did you 'see' that had you so animated?"

"It was crazy! First I was fighting..... 'myself', I guess. It looked like me but it was all shadow!" Her excitement deafened her from her gravelly voice. "We fought a bit and then that whatever it was turned into..." her expression steeled. "....Rainbow Dash."

"Do go on."

"I let her have it! Rainbow Dash isn't allowed to survive even in my head!" Off the ground she went, wings beating and hooves flailing. "I couldn't put her through the floor, so I beat her INTO the floor until she was nothing but a black smear under me! I made her nothing but a smooshed nothing of a shadow! Then I woke up."

Lapis nodded in approval. "And you, Slurry?"

The larger pegasus tried to shrug Sandstone off. "Shadows came for me, all right... all of them were unicorns. They tried casting magic to pin me to the ground, bend my wings the wrong way, or... or...." her rage told him the rest of the story. She bumped at Sandstone a couple more times, the big lump not moving. "So what did YOU see?" She demanded the lovesick soldier leaning on her.

"you safe now," was all he managed. "Safe... you safe.... with me...." Slurry expression teetered between confusion and helplessness.

"I'll translate," Silver Shimmer offered. "I think Sandstone saw the shadows attack you."

"Then he attacked me!"

"Because what he 'saw' was done attacking you and he chased it away. Then he could 'see' again, and recognized you, probably by scent."

"That'll make him pretty useless fighting if all he's going to do is stand here and drool on me."

"That, too, will pass," the alicorn informed her. "Sandstone, she's okay now."

The stallion turned away from her and snapped to attention before Lapis. "See? No harm done. He'll just need time to let the fog lift from all the rocks in his head. To all three of you, welcome to my Phalanx."

All of the Phalanx present knelt before him, even a reluctant Slurry. "You're gonna fix my wing-shields, you stupid imp," she snarled at Hatchet.

Celestia, Twilight and Cadance finally emerged from the meeting hall. The discussion for the evening had been spirited, sometimes intense, but nothing out of the ordinary for such a meeting. While the Sun Princess and the Crystal Princess walked out with calm confidence, Twilight was still trembling some from the off-putting stares of some of the delegates.

"That went well," Celestia finally said once they had rounded a corner from that hall. "A few too many questions, Twilight, but you handled yourself with surprising poise."

Twilight exhaled in relief, wings flopping off her shoulders. Celestia smiled. "Now to the other plan for this evening."

"Something else, Princess?" Twilight asked tiredly. "It's late for anything else, isn't it? I mean, Luna's already raised the moon."

Cadance hurried up next to Twilight. "This won't take long, and it's not formal at all! I promise."

Stifling a yawn, Twilight chose not to say anything else as they continued through the halls to yet another set of double doors. With a nod to Cadance, she and Celestia flung the doors open for the new princess to see -

"SURPRISE!!!"

Twilight wilted. Pinkie Pie stood alone in a messy, otherwise empty room.

"Wait, where is everypony?" Cadance asked. "You were supposed to wait for us."

"Oh, we did!" Pinkie happily replied, "But Rarity said she had to be up early tomorrow for her seminar and Rainbow Dash had to go sign autographs at a Wonderbolts Afterparty and Applejack left right after Fluttershy, who was still super super scared from all the noise at the ceremonies so ran back to her room! Oh, and Mr. Cake is already asleep because he's been up too late worrying about the twins!" Pinkie bounced over to the one remaining intact snack table. "Zap Apple jam on cold toast?"

Twilight looked at the offering, sighed and walked out of the room. "Oh, I was hoping she'd stay," Pinkie whined. "I wanted to tell her about Fluttershy's new friend...."

"No, Pinkie Pie," Celestia stopped her, "Let her go. This is my fault. I should not have had her attend that dignitaries' meeting, we should have come right up. The evening is ruined."

Cadance watched Twilight continue down the hall, not even looking back to say something to Pinkie.

Chapter 13

Rarity, normally one of great poise or wild histrionics, was now leaning a bit toward the latter. She realized she had not brought a single dress for the ceremonies, and her notes and sketches still jumbled up from how Sweetie Belle had packed them.Her concerns briefly went to Opalescence once she saw an illustrated plan for "Cutie Mark Crusader Veterinarians". That thought quickly flew from her head much like the many papers she carried began to flap away from her as she carried the pile of sundries to the seminar. Her mind still raced incessantly, still trying to decide how to even start the seminar!

"o/` I wish I could have stayed in bed
a pillow wrapped around my head
instead of waking up to find
a disaster of another kind

Why did I say....
"Fame would absolutely make my day"?

Scattered mess of old designs
Materials knotted in a bind
little to no time to prepare
Cannot fail, I wouldn't dare

Oh, not this way.....
Fame would absolutely make my day.

Why, oh why,
how lost am I?
Why in the world did I even say....
"Fame would absolutely make my day"? o/`

She galloped through the halls, the tune hardly soothing.

o/` My whole world is upside-down
even before I left my town
Such a pity, the shape I'm in
To get my reputation fixed again

Back on my way....
Fame would absolutely make my day o/`"

Her careening through the hallways ended in a pony pile-up, designs and materials exploding through the intersection. Rarity didn't get up right away, fearing that her luck would have only continued to spiral. "Pardon me...?" she sighed.

"Oh no, dear Rarity, pardon ME. I seem to be delaying you this fine morning?"

Rarity scrabbled to her feet, only scattering more materials. "Fancy Pants!" She cried. "I am SO sorry...."

The sharp-dressed unicorn offered a comforting smile. "Nonsense! Your seminar is starting shortly. Please allow me to at least assist you getting there." He had not waited for an answer from his frazzled friend - a spark from his horn and everything returned to her in neat piles or stacked smartly in her saddlebags. "There, now. Let me walk with you."

Rarity caught her breath, expression still apologetic to the Canterlot native. He never showed her the disdain of some of the other high-society locals, preferring her company even perhaps over walking with trophy mare Fleur de Lis. Dressed up for any occasion, neat to his monocle, and seemingly unflappable manner calmed her considerably. "You're staring," he teased. "I'm not about to have you late for this presentation."

"O... of course," she finally replied, walking with him.

"Pinata~!! Pinata~!! Pinata~!!!"

Rainbow Dash awoke to a flurry of wing-swats. Startled, she flapped and flailed about, only getting tangled up further in ropes that had been tethered to a branch on a tree in the Canterlot garden. The cloud she passed out on was gone; she had the rest of the Wonderbolts - even Thunderlane - swatting at her for the prank. "Pinata~!! Pinata~~!! Pinata~!!" They laughed, watching her contort herself even more tangled.

"What's the big idea~!?!" She protested as she flailed.

"Lightweight," Spitfire responded smugly. "You didn't last two hours into the afterparty. We signed autographs, then you fell asleep face-first in dessert."

"I don't remember that!"

"Of course you don't," Thunderlane taunted. "We tried to wake you up, then you stumbled out a window. Misty caught you with a cloud."

"I remember the cloud- hey, where is it?" More thrashing, more tangling.

"Looks like you have some endurance training ahead," Spitfire's tone stopped the prank.

"Why are you guys picking on me, though? I thought I did great out there!"

"All of the rookies got 'got'," Soarin chuckled. "Someone put neon food coloring on one of Star Hunter's desserts, and Thunderlane's alarm clock was a hail cloud at dawn." Thunderlane rubbed his head indignantly.

Dash finally stopped thrashing. "Right...."

"Your first duty this morning is to get yourself out of that knot," Spitfire ordered. "Debriefing in 10 minutes!" The rest of the pegasi departed, leaving Rainbow to undo her mess.

Celestia raised the sun to a larger audience than usual, but would have settled for one pony standing with her during the ritual. She knew that Twilight Sparkle remained in bed, covers pulled over her like a shroud. She didn't want to be disturbed; she probably just wanted to go back to Ponyville now that the armoring ceremonies were over. She didn't get to see her brother after the meeting last night, and her parents were already in bed when the three princesses arrived at the abandoned party. Not the homecoming the Sun Princess had planned for her most talented student, or for her friends.

The cheering crowd outside left made Twilight pull the covers even further over herself in frustration. Breakfast remained untouched on the stand next to the bed. Her saddlebags already packed, no outfit in place for the day's activities. Not even her tiara would be left behind. Celestia sighed and approached Twilight's bed.

"The sun is up before you this time, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia announced with slightly forced enthusiasm. "There's much to do, and you're already late for breakfast."

"Ungh," the muffled reply.

"The oats are hoof-cut and Zap Apple Jam available for the toast."

"I don't want anything, princess," Twilight grumped from beneath her blanket. Celestia casually magicked the blanket away, only to have it yanked magically back in place. "I came here to see family! Royal duties can wait until the crowds have died down! Unless I'm meeting my brother and my parents, I'm not getting up until an hour before the train to Ponyville arrives!"

The blanket gently folded back with a touch of golden magic. "Twilight," Celestia apologized, "One of the pitfalls of being a Princess is the constant schedule. It's something you've always adhered to before now, so I would think that this would not be as much of a problem."

"My schedule wasn't adhered to, though." She rolled out of bed, shaking out her wings. "The dignitaries' meeting went more than an extra hour with all the questions and tension. My friends couldn't even stay awake for the party you planned for me. Now I'll have to rush off on MORE errands and likely miss my family again before I have to go back to being worshipped in Ponyville."

Celestia nodded. "We were going to be talking to my current students today about the Council that you're planning."

Twilight's mood wasn't changing much. "Right. More papers to sort through, more ponies to talk to....."

"Take what time you need," The Sun Princess replied gently. "I will gather the student records so we can narrow down the number of students to offer this opportunity."

The younger alicorn's frustration dropped sharply to guilt. "No, you're right. You told me-"

"And as Princess, you're allowed the options. I can no longer 'tell' you anything... except that you might want to get to your breakfast before it gets cold."

Twilight levitated the tray away from her nightstand to another table to eat.

Strife slowed his gait as he approached the Appleloosa train station. He'd kept a strong pace this far, thankfully the train ride would allow him rest and time to collect his thoughts on the matter. Thankful for his freedom but wary of his new employer, this would truly be a hard sell to the Spellbreak group.

The anger and vitriol he received in his mental transmissions may have already soured the opportunity. These earth ponies, they had no taste or interest in magic of ANY form. They condemned the unicorns roundly for shaping the world to their will, but surprisingly disregarded the pegasus' weather control abilities as intrusive. Strife braved a smirk at the look on their faces at the mere mention of alicorns! They claim to have the means to strike one down, and have survived without any sort of assistance from the other two races. They spoke of the Everfree Forest as holy ground, and have traveled it to harvest wild plants for their use.

He pondered the whip that Lapis gave him to bring along - all the alicorn said was that it attacked him on its own. The question arose, then; if they are so against magic, what power animated it? The slight scarring on Umbral's wings would be a welcome image to Spellbreak. Maybe that story will smooth things over tremendously. Hoping that tale would be enough, he approached the train station for his long ride.

"Where to, stranger?" twanged the voice behind the counter.

"Baltimare," he said simply. "Nonstop, if possible."

"Hope you packed a lunch, there's no non-stop. But we can get ya there."

Strife sighed. He added a few more bits. "And two meals for the ride."

"I'd think you'd wanna stretch yer legs a bit. Good eats in Ponyville, expensive ones in Canterlot."

"Let's just say I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'll have plenty of time to 'stretch my legs' once I arrive."

"Suit yerself," the clerk flatly replied and slid him his ticket.

Strife strode quickly to the train, finding a corner by himself on one end of the regular passenger cars. Settling to a bench, he could then lose himself in his thoughts as the train made its journey.

His exile in the dungeons of Canterlot had given him many many hours to replay everything in his head - how Prince Hellstorm, whom he later learned was alicorn Prince Cepheid, had latched on to his mission of sundering the races in hopes that the segregations would initiate some sort of balance to the world. The interaction of the different types brought about abominations. He dared not speak before Umbral of the blind zebra unicorn that worked in Drakengard, and saw exactly the issue when confronted by Morning Star and Silver Shimmer. Thinking he was only there to count grain and harvest potatoes! All his anger then focused on a certain purple unicorn... who had somehow become an alicorn. Prince Hellstorm abandoned a student because of Twilight Sparkle! Turned his mind from Strife's mission and had the gall to call it a "game"?

The earth pony realized he'd been rushed out of Drakengard less than an hour after his arrival. This will be an interesting conversation when he meets his true allies.

A morning military debriefing would be the rare chance that Celestia and Luna would see each other that day. Luna had spent her evening with the new Phalanx soldiers, calming many of them down and getting assistance for those injured in the process. She had Emerald Charm with her but only as a formality. Thunder Arrow, Flank Attack and Shining Armor were each in attendance, and the mood was hardly celebratory.

"I understand that there was a prison escape during the ceremonies yesterday," Celestia began. "There were no guards posted during the afternoon or the early evening, and Silver Key notified me of this with his early rounds."

"Everyone was expected to attend their ceremonies," Shining Armor's tentative excuse.

"Still doesn't mean that SOMEpony should have been down there!" Flank Attack snapped. "Thankfully the word of all this has not gotten to the dignitaries, or we'd have an even larger problem on our hands." He turned to Princess Luna. "No disrespect, but was this not Gallant Lionheart's duty?"

"Lionheart told me he had visited the dungeons earlier in the day, knowing that he would be wrapped up in the Phalanx armor ceremonies. He was aware that one prisoner had already been moved, thus no concern of three missing." she glanced to Emerald Charm. "Tell them of the ceremonies."

Emerald Charm took a moment to clear his throat, knowing his voice would still be raspy. "21 recruits, 16 added to the Phalanx. Others injured, one lost. Much of the evening spent calming those that remained. One who did NOT need the assistance was Gallant Lionheart." This impressed everyone at the table.

"Where is Gallant Lionheart now, sister?"

"He rests, as the sun is now up. Emerald Charm volunteered to attend this meeting. I am considering Lionheart to lead the Phalanx, for a unicorn in Phalanx armor with a clear mind is quite valuable to my militia."

"A clear mind is great, Princess Luna, but can he be trusted given his prior record with the Solar guard?"

"I understand he was not well liked, Thunder Arrow," Luna readily replied. "But he has not only shown a clear mind in his armors, but strong purpose in his training. He walked away from the trial of Tower Shield after an altercation with Snapdragon."

Thunder Arrow blinked in surprise. "We did most of his work for him, but since he had dungeon duty this would have ultimately been his responsibility."

"Silver Key could have walked the dungeons himself," Celestia reminded the table. "But this will be investigated to see how our two prisoners escaped. The doors were still locked, so they likely had magical assistance."

"Has anyone been down there yet?"

"Not as yet, Shining Armor. Too many of you recovering from your celebrations the prior evening." This lightened the mood at the table. "None of you are to speak of this to the delegates on this matter. Information will be distributed to neighboring cities and kingdoms so that this can be settled quickly.

"To other business- I understand we have sixty ponies from both tryouts who did not make the respective militias, but had not dropped out due to injury?"
][
Flank Attack and Emerald Charm each placed a list on the table. "You'd think we could get more able-bodied ponies to earn their armor," Flank Attack grumbled.

"They will still be rewarded for their volunteer efforts." Celestia nodded to Shining Armor. "Here is at least half of the pony-power you will need to expand the rail lines between Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. If the Empire can match up, that's at least 120 ponies assisting in the labor of the railroad expansion. The Empire would supply all earth ponies, but there would be a mix of ponies to help with weather clearance, lighting and supplies. We have plenty of time until the games to complete this, then perhaps they can all have another tryout for a regiment under you, Shining Armor?"

"I.... hadn't given it much thought," he admitted. "I've been so focused on the railroad stuff. But yeah, I'd like to set up something similar. Cadance and I will have something for you before we return to the Crystal Empire."

"That will certainly keep you very busy," Celestia continued. "I would like to lessen your burden and transfer your captainship of the Solar Guard to Flank Attack. You would automatically be guardcaptain of what you choose for your soldiers there."

Thunder Arrow gave an approving nod to the earth pony, whose expression did not change. "Understood. Will I be working with Gallant Lionheart at all?"

"The occasions will be rare," Luna answered for her sister. "Any concerns should be brought to us directly."

Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack exchanged uneasy looks. Their concerns were many but they knew from Luna’s tone now was not the time to broach them. They hoped Princess Luna was making the right decision.

Morning Star dropped in on her Master that morning. The alicorn himself looked to be taking a breather from the past day. The chaos from last night's Armoring ceremonies, while brief and not terribly damaging, was still an intense ritual she would remember for a long time after. Her arrival was not to inquire of that, but for something she had forgotten to speak with Lapis the previous day.

"Have you word from Canterlot?" Lapis guessed, not even looking up from his notes.

"Somewhat," she replied in as formal voice as she could muster. "Aurora was approached by Princess Celestia herself regarding a Magic Cousulate. Apparently they want student input as well as seasoned spellcasters."

"Has she given Celestia an answer?"

"Not yet," the white unicorn replied. "Aurora told me that Celestia might visit her later this morning with more information. Apparently Celestia herself won't be in charge, but one of her 'former students'......."

Lapis bristled at the title. He had a very strong guess already. "If Aurora wishes to assist us, have her tell Celestia and that upstart usurper she will need another day or two to consider. Perhaps we can garner some other 'insights'. I will need you to teleport to Canterlot briefly to drop something off should she choose to assist us."

Morning Star caught the terse response of her master. "What are you going to do?"

"We'll be learning from someone as well, soon enough."

Twilight finished breakfast and sighed at her itinerary. She still hadn't seen her parents and her brother was in yet another meeting. Her schedule was actually open for an hour or two, but she fully expected another "Mob scene" if she dared leave her room. She knew that her friends would all be staying in Canterlot, but had almost no idea where.

Still tired from the long day, she looked back to the books she had brought from the library when she couldn't drop off to sleep. She had an atlas of Equestria and a general spellbook that had caught her eye. She quickly flipped through the atlas first, recalling why the book had even followed her back to the room.

The Atlas not only covered most of what she already knew of Equestria, but some of the dignitaries had piqued her curiosity, especially the Farasipundans. The griffon Czarina sneered at her much like Gilda had in her visit to Ponyville; the Diamond dogs acted bored through the whole meeting, since nothing really concerned them; the Minotaurs constantly interrupted Celestia, though cowed a bit to Luna. She guessed Cadance had stayed quiet in case the disagreements got too out of hand. Twilight had been ill at ease just walking into this meeting, then recalled the bombardment of questions - a second full moon in three days, the increase in militia for Canterlot- despite Celestia answering the questions once before, she reiterated for the entire table so that they could clearly see her consistent answer. She has no intention of going to war with anyone there; rather, she would assist the Crystal Empire with a guard complement that she had been sending back and forth since the Games were announced. Her practiced diplomacy connected this to the railroad situation, which eased the mounting tensions. All were in favor of expanded railroad service, but few felt it would fit in their budgets. Twilight guessed that that was more of a power play on the other kingdoms, a counter to the expanded military. If Canterlot could afford soldiers, they could certainly afford railroads!

Twilight rolled her eyes at the whole mess. She slammed the atlas shut and started rummaging through the spellbook for a proper, low-powered disguise spell. It had to be strong enough to hide her appearance but not so strong as to set off magic alarms.. Finding a basic one, she turned to a full-length mirror in the room to attempt to better blend in. Closing her eyes, she focused carefully on a new "Look" that didn't involve wings.... she was a unicorn before, she may as well be one again. She smiled briefly to herself as she felt the magic wash down her body like rain, painting herself an eggshell white and turning her simple mane-cut to a slightly curly, longer style. She didn't alter her tail much, but the "Magic" of her cutie mark certainly needed a new look. A few moment's thought, and all the stars were covered by a open-mouthed sun leaning on a cloud. She opened her normally-violet eyes, seeing she'd turn them a sunrise orange. "Perfect."

The door to her room opened unexpectedly, causing the disguised alicorn to jump but not lose her focus. "Twilight?" A female voice came from the entryway. "Celestia told me you were in here."

Twilight exhaled, relieved. "Cadance? Come in."

The Crystal Empire alicorn happily entered, stopping abruptly at the sight of this other unicorn. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought Twilight Sparkle was i-" The unicorn's hoof quickly covered Cadance's.

"Shhh - I'm hoping to go out there incognito."

Cadance recognized the voice immediately and smiled under the hoof covering her snout. "You still sound like Twilight Sparkle," she muffled past the hoof.

"Oh, right....." Twilight cleared her throat a couple of times before speaking in a deeper voice. "Will this work?"

Cadance quickly shook her head no. "You sound like you should be wearing a dark blue cloak and casting spells on everypony. Too deep, too spooky."

Twilight took a moment to think. Clearing her throat again, she simply tried to make herself sound a little older. "How's this?" The alicorn nodded in approval. "Now all I need is a name and I'll be ready to go out there."

"So why are you disguised? The crowds are mostly gone from the ceremonies."

"Something more than that, Cadance." Twilight magically gathered a scroll and quill. "I'm going out to try to do some investigating about those notes you showed me last night before the dignitaries' meeting. We got so involved in the military matters and the railroads I didn't get a chance to ask about our mystery zebra."

"Will you be ok walking the grounds? I could tag along....."

"I want to be as inconspicuous as possible. I also want to drop in on some of my friends after I'm done with this."

Cadance lowered her head in apology. "I think some of your friends have already returned to Ponyville."

"WHAT? We still could have met up today. Oh, this isn't working.... who is still here?"

Cadance thought a moment. "Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Mr. Cake took the first train out. Rainbow Dash left on the next one. I haven't seen Fluttershy all morning and Rarity had her presentation......"

"I might still be able to catch Fluttershy after I finish my inquiring... or should I do that first?" Twilight started pacing in her indecision.

"You should probably go find the dignitaries first. They're walking the grounds today now that most of the crowds are gone." Cadance looked Twilight's disguise over. "So... what SHOULD I call you?"

Twilight thought a moment, glancing back at her fabricated cutie mark. She then magicked over two quills and several scroll sheets. "Morning Voice, from the FillyDelphia Recorder."

Cadance nodded in approval. "Good luck, 'Morning Voice'."

Twilight eagerly trotted out the door to begin her errand.

Most of Drakengard slept well into the morning, but Lapis had yet to close his eyes. The Phalanx ritual was successful and not terribly destructive; Slurry was bruised and embarrassed at worst. Cloud Slayer had some abrasions from the leg irons, but they were scars she displayed with pride! She thanked him repeatedly until she finally removed her gear, and collapsed someplace to sleep.

He would once again seat himself in solitude in one windowless room of Drakengard. He used this room to visit Tarterus, and realized someday he should drop by again. Not for any sort of business, but he did owe Goz and Mez the favor of allowing him to talk to Sombra. Thanks to that little chat, this next ritual would now be possible. He was about to imbed the Shadows into the Element necklaces Night Ash purchased in the Crystal Empire.

For this ritual, he dutifully drew out a "Hexaring" - seven conjoined circles, the largest in the center where he would stand. Within this eldritch flower he carefully placed each necklace on a "Petal", each jewel facing him. Checking his work twice over, he then settled in to the ritual.

The familiar mantra started the ceremony: "Black as Night. Blacker than the night......"

The room somehow darkened as the words were intoned. "Blacker than the Shadows within me," he continued. "Emerge, and each find a home within these treasures before me. Bend the metal holding each gem to your will, show me who you are. I have allies who will work with you. We will make this Darkness more than just one Night."

Bears, owls, manticores, chameleons, dragons and timberwolves on each such necklace gave each Shadow its clue. A brief dispute between Bloodlust, Destruction and Fear for their places, providing the dark alicorn entertainment in his ritual.

Stealth slipped past each one and settled in the owl charm, a faint yellowish glow to the birds on the necklace.

Senses found a place on the timberwolf necklace, adding faint brownish tincture to the adornments.

Deception found its place with the chameleon charm, coloring both reptiles seperate.

Destruction pushed back to take its place on the dragon charm, adding a fiery glow to the gray diamond.

Fear settled to the manticore necklace, the eyes of the beast flashing brilliant red.

Bloodlust finally settled in the bear charm, darkening the already gray gem.

Umbral's horn sparked again, the necklaces leaving their places and swirling around him like curious moths. "You will have your bearers and your orders," he told them. "Defiance will be dealt with swiftly. I still hold a trace of each of you, so I 'feel' your work. Your only warning."

The necklaces then landed gently on a nearby table. Umbral chose to remain in the darkness a little longer, savoring his work.

"You ask me of Farasipunda?" The Czarina Griffonness said to the unicorn reporter. "We are allies, though we differ in humor... They disliked my jokes about hunting there. Diverse place, very warm, too warm for me."

Morning Voice nodded and continued writing. "Did you meet any interesting characters when you were last there?"

The Czarina smiled. "Oh, I've met a few - the town likes its people and they like their town... even the volcano doesn't scare them a lot. You know they live by one? Strange thing."

"I was aware," Morning Voice recalled from what she saw in the atlas. "But it's not an active one, is it?"

"It is! I see one crazy zebra there - with wings and weird mane - he liked to fly up to the top and then glide back down in loop the loops. He'd howl like a timberwolf and laugh, all a game to him."

That further sparked the unicorn's interest. "There are pegasi zebra? Only an earth zebra has ever been seen in nearby Ponyville. And are there unicorn zebra?"

"yes, and yes yes," Czarina responded. "Zebra, ponies - they all work there together. Not expert, I. Why not ask him?" She nodded over the reporter's shoulder, catching the eye of a brown and black earth pony zebra wearing a brightly colored drape.

Morning Voice bowed to the Czarina. "You have still helped me a great deal, thank you."

The Czarina gave her a curious look before taking flight.

Morning Voice then turned to bow to the Zebra. "I apologize, I didn't hear you approach, Prince....?" her politeness as formal as possible, but unsure if she should know his name. She glanced up to his dark eyes and almost patchwork of stripes, black arcs and rings around his limbs and swooping across his forehead, just under a short black mane. His expression warmed to the reporter, much like Zecora would welcome Twilight when they met up to chat.

The zebra formally returned the bow. "Zathias Prince, Farasipunda my home. Understood that I might not be well-known. Questions I hear, I can reply! My land is always open, do drop by!" His smooth baritone voice carried the zebra "dialect" like an oboe. Deep down she loved listening to the singsongy wisdom, wishing she could even remotely emulate it.

She gathered herself for her next question. "Hopefully someday my reporting job will allow me to get a chance to get there. So, I was getting a general idea from the Griffonness Czarina about your land, but I would like to get it from...pardon the expression, the Zebra's mouth."

The prince laughed heartily. "Though my home is distant land, it thrives despite the heat and sand! We grow fine fruit and precious herbs that we trade for hay and words. A story well told can suffice and sometimes better than a money price."

"So how similar is it to life here in Equestria?"

"We are a humble village, all family! Princess Celestia loves our Harmony!" He proudly flourished the drape he wore. "Zebras and ponies side by side, sharing lives so simplified."

"So the ponies and the zebras interbreed? And there hasn't been any tension with winged or horned zebras then?" The prince merely laughed again.

"Conflict is rare, words exchanged, but little in the way of blame! We have bigger troubles, you know, as our home thrives near a volcano. I recall a unicorn, proud of both her stripes and horn! Stirred the winds with her mind, saved us from ash but she'd gone blind." The joy of his story was tempered by such a sad ending. "She'd say that's why her cutie mark was a cloud of ashes, so very dark."

"That's an incredible story," Morning Voice remarked, still writing all this down. "Do you know what ever happened to her? My editor may want me to try to get an interview with her."

Prince Zathias shook his head. "She spoke with me some years past, apologizing for her magic blasts! Her control was not so strong, her blindness she felt she did not belong. I offered her friends and magic aid, but the little mare's mind already made! She chose to walk away from home, to learn more of our world alone."

"Do you remember her name, just in case?"

"Night Ash her name, her magic sand and wind. Would wish that someday we will meet again."

Morning Voice quickly finished her notes. "Thank you, now..." her next question lost from the chimes of a Canterlot clock. "Oh ponyfeathers, I'm running late. I'm sorry my Prince. Perhaps we can continue this talk another time?"

The Prince's smile returned. "Castle Canterlot is where I stay - I will be here at least one more day."

Twilight gave a formal thank you and bow to the zebra before she galloped back to her room.

Flank Attack nearly shoved the new recruit down the stairs. "Maybe a cold dungeon will keep you out of trouble."

Hot Head caught himself and hovered over the stairs. "Hey, if Silver Key and Goofus Lionhead can't do it, why did I get stuck with it?"

"I heard how many fights you started after the Ceremonies. This should be easy enough for you, the whole dungeon is empty, no thanks to no one being on duty. This is what happens when you miss one perimeter check."

"Nopony's dead over it!"

"YET," Flank Attack's voice echoed through the dungeon. "You would do well to know that Gallant Lionheart is a Captain of the Lunar Phalanx and therefore your superior. Whatever you may think of Captain Lionheart, you will refer to him with the respect his rank affords. I will not stand for insubordination within my ranks!" The earth pony captain himself held no regard for Lionheart nonetheless the chain of command had to be maintained. "Now I suggest you get to work or I'll find something you'll like even less." The earth pony captain stomped off.

The little pegasus glided down and made a show of bucking open the main door. Once inside, he casually walked through the dungeon area alone. ~~Just a head's up, Master, they figured out those two escaped. They're still trying to figure out how.~~

Fluttershy had locked herself in her guestroom since early last evening, sleeping with the blanket over her head to continue to mute the noise from all around the castle. One perked ear caught the sound of hoofsteps, and they sounded a bit too close. A nervous peek out spotted Wild Card gathering her dirty breakfast dishes.

"Good morning," he said warmly. "I'm sorry that you were left alone all night. I thought the party would have gone better."

"I thought I was going to be okay too," she apologized, "but it was soo noisy from all the other celebrations... then it was getting late..."

"You showed a great deal more courage than many would expect of you," he reminded her. "Even in my absence I know you stayed at the party longer than some of your other friends."

"But I didn't see Twilight," the pale pony's disappointed reply.

"Hm, that will change momentarily, she's going to be stopping by just about.. Oh, and I wasn't here!" and Wild Card vanished in a quick flash of white. Seconds later the doors opened to Fluttershy's room despite her "DO NOT DISTURB.. please?" sign.

"Fluttershy? I would think you'd be out of bed by now."

The pegasus peeked out to see her friend magically closing the door behind her. "Twilight!" She exclaimed, leaping out from under the blanket. Her exuberance ended abruptly. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there last night.... it was getting late and it was so noisy.....Even if I had brought my birds with me I don't think anyone could have heard them...."

Twilight embraced her shy friend and the two settled on the bed to chat. "I appreciate that you tried to see me there, anyway."

"Did... did everything go all right with you....? Did something happen last night...." Worry began to well up in her voice.

Twilight deflected the question with a gentle smile. "Let's not worry about that right now. I just wanted to make sure you were all right."

"Are you going to be in Canterlot much longer? In case you need me to tell Spike. He was nice enough to watch my animals while we were here."

"I do have one more meeting, with my luck two," Twilight rolled her eyes "then I'm going to try to get back to Ponyville. I haven't seen you guys in so long, I've missed you."

"You know you're always welcome to come over, Twilight. My door is always open. And the ducks told me it was okay when you landed in the pond the other day...."

Twilight recalled that with a slight blush. "I'll be dropping by. Just let me know if Discord is there. No offense but...not sure I'm ready to talk to him again just yet, all things considered."

"Discord?" Fluttershy repeated. "Oh, he doesn't visit often..."

"I didn't see him anywhere in Canterlot during the ceremonies."

"Oh, he's not here," Fluttershy's nervous reassurance. The two hugged again. "I hope they're not making you too busy here, Twilight.... being a Princess is a huge responsibility."

"I'm getting that a lot," Twilight half-grumbled, "But Princess Celestia believes I'm able to do it...I don't want to disappoint her."

"Princess Celestia is always proud of you," Fluttershy affirmed. "And so are your friends."

Feeling better about it, Twilight hugged her friend once more before taking her leave..... and getting mobbed by the ponyrazzi herself. Muttering to herself for not putting her disguise back up, she tried to walk quickly, getting bombarded with questions about the ceremonies, the diplomatic meeting last night, how she was accepted by the other dignitaries. She couldn't get a word between questions and her frustration got her wings starting to open.

"She has no comment at this time. Princess Celestia can answer all your questions," a stallion's voice boomed over the crowd.

"Captain, we were just-"

"Pestering my little sister? Yeah you were. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have something a little more important to announce. Go talk to them!"

The reporters hurried back down the hallway. Shining Armor then took his royal privilege of giving said little sister a great big hoof-noogie. "You're welcome, Twily."

Twlight gave her brother a knowing look. "And how long were you going to let that last?"

"Until your horn started glowing, but I was warned about that." He winked to her. "Come on, let's get back to another room before they change their minds."

"We cannot tell them of the escapees, sister, much as we cannot say anything of Cepheid."

"We won't, Luna. But we need to give them something, and this will be news they would rather hear."

The two alicorns emerged to the crowd of ponyrazzi, who the pricesses heard galloping in a few moments ago. Cameras flashed and questions showered them for a few moments, neither moving until the entire group calmed down before Celestia herself began.

"We have heard the multitude of concerns regarding the expansions of our respective militias," Celestia began confidently. "Those that were unable to qualify for these duties will not be walking away with empty hooves. As stated in our recruiting, we paid transportation to all volunteers both to and from training."

Luna then stepped forward. "Those who are uninjured from their trials but still interested in work outside of their home residence, we are requesting those to assist in what will eventually turn into an Equestria-wide project. While not discussed at length last evening in lieu of other business, we would hope that the dignitaries would also be interested in expanding the railroad lines between kingdoms, starting with the route from Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. As hosts to the Equestria games, they are well aware of the increase in traffic for such a momentous event. All volunteers will be paid a fair rate for their time and efforts, and once work is complete there will be an open invitation for all to apply once more for the Solar Guard, the Lunar Phalanx, or for the Crystal Empire Guard, whatever title Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor have chosen."

"All volunteers have one week to apply and meet here in Canterlot. Facilities will be provided at both ends of the route. Any and all assistance will be appreciated and welcomed. Thank you."

The fusillade of questions began again, but this time the two princess did not heed them. There was still much to do.

Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor exhaled in relief as the door to his private quarters locked. Two Solar Guards standing outside would keep it quiet so the two could compare notes about the last day or so.

Twilight went first, showing her older brother the notes she took while she was talking to Prince Zathias. They compared it to Snowcatcher's report, but they couldn't confirm the cutie mark since the zebra wore a long cloak. There was no mention of her being blind, so it wasn't going to get them very far.

"It's still worth investigating," Twilight pushed. "Or at least putting an All Pony Bulletin out for, right?"

"Yeah," Shining Armor stammered. "Another one....."

"Wait, a Second one?"

"During the militia debriefing this morning, word came back that the only two prisoners in the Canterlot dungeons escaped during the Armor ceremonies yesterday. No one was posted for dungeon duty because of the need for so many ponies for the Ceremonies. I could tell that Flank Attack really wanted to pin this on Gallant Lionheart but he was at the Phalanx Ceremony. He says they were both there when he checked in the morning, so they escaped sometime yesterday afternoon or last night."

Twilight didn't speak for a moment, recalling her meeting with Cepheid. "Who else was down there?And has anypony been down there to investigate? Maybe I can detect something magic wise that may have led to their escape."

Shining Armor checked his report. "A female pegasus named Cloud Slayer and a male earth pony named Strife."

"STRIFE~!!" Twilight shouted, wings snapping open more in panic. "He's going to be looking for me! and Cloud Slayer?! She wants Rainbow Dash's head for a trophy! This is bad, this is bad...... we have to find them!" She turned to gallop out one window, only to have her brother catch her in his forcefield.

"Twily, the dignitaries don't even know about this. We go down to the dungeon levels and the word gets around pretty quick. It was a big deal when Strife and Cloud Slayer were incarcerated, that's one of the few times in the last decade they've even had to use the prisons for anything other than gross insubordination in the Guard..... or a prank." He gently placed her facing him and released the force field. "I'm open to ideas for getting down there, because word is that they just put one of the rookies there to watch so nopony just wanders inside."

Twilight thought a moment, her panic tamed. "Dismiss the guards outside, first."

"What? When we leave we'll just get mobbed again!"

"No you won't - or at least you won't because of me." She closed her eyes and conjured up her reporter disguise anew. "Morning Voice from the FillyDelphia Recorder. I'll just interview you while we 'wander' down there."

Shining Armor looked the disguise over. "Hope it works. What are you going to interview me about, though?"

"Just to keep character, I'll ask some general questions about your position. Stuff you probably answered after the wedding. But, don't be surprised if I ask you some questions about you and Cadence. Feel free to lie if they get embarrassing."

"No 'pantaloons' jokes!"

"Of course not," Morning Voice replied wryly. "we all know you wear tights." Her brother simply responded with an amused snort.

"Fine, I'll get the guards out of here, wait a minute or two, then get on with the interview."

While Shining Armor spoke to the guards outside, Twilight stifled a very strong yawn. She hadn't slept well, or very much since coming to Canterlot. So much going on at once! She hoped she'd still be conscious enough to talk to Princess Celestia after this errand was run. She quietly gathered quill and scroll as her brother trotted back to make sure he was "presentable" for his "interview".

Luna would be late to bed that morning but she did have her final stop, to address her troops. Most had calmed from their initiation, though a few still struggled with the fog in their heads. She saw they had all assembled, a couple of them still sparring or chasing. She smiled at this; the power of the Phalanx Armor was well translated. She would have to find a way to thank Iron Forge for his work.

Eighteen Phalanx soldiers, all with the piercing stares of the Night. All able to protect Canterlot when the sun goes down. She could see the honor not lost on any of the soldiers as the formed ranks in her presence. Emerald Charm, Snapdragon, Dreamcarver, Gallant Lionheart, Ember Kiln, Thunderspark, Lancer, Rosethorn, Misty Dusk, Sawgrass, Dirge Chord, Cloud Seeker, Iron Vine, Shadow Tracker, Ivory Wreath, Oakroot, Backdraft, and Hazard Watch. She was proud of all of them - regardless of where they came, what they had done before. They had faced their greatest fears to stand before her, they would fear nothing more in their lives.

"Let your past remain a treasured memory," she began, "for your future awaits after every sunset. The sun will be a stranger to you forevermore. Outside of your armors, no one would know that you are one of the Phalanx. In your heart, in your mind, no matter what you did in the day.... you now belong to the Night." She paced before her troops, feeling almost naked without armor herself. "Your prior careers will be helpful to Canterlot, so do not forget what talent you were born with; I offer you the chance to continue with your craft when you are not defending Canterlot. Without the armor, you are still weather keepers, crafters, gardeners, protectors. You are still earth pony, pegasus, unicorn."

The unit bowed as one. "I have but one order of business before I dismiss you for the day. Now that your are truly a unit of soldiers and not merely a pair, I am required to choose a proper captain."

Each of the soldiers looked to Snapdragon and Emerald Charm. Luna's announcement surprised all but one in the ranks. A name was spoken. Luna's announcement surprised all but one in the ranks. And each of the soldiers looked to Snapdragon and Emerald Charm to see their reaction.

"Gallant Lionheart, for you impressive control of the armors and surviving even the Trial of Tower Shield, I shall grant you post as Captain of the Phalanx."

Lionheart straightened, then bowed again. Smiling deeply to himself, Lionheart began the humble acceptance speech he'd prepared especially for this moment. "Princess Luna, I am honored and flattered-"

"HIM~?!" Snapdragon snarled. "Given his 'captainship' prior, we're doomed already!"

"Know your place," Lionheart growled back, smug smile vanishing for the moment. "You wished me DEAD when you locked me away. Does that still tear at you?"

Snapdragon's wings whipped open. "Only way I'd follow you is if I could buck you off a cliff!"

"STAND DOWN, SNAPDRAGON! MY DECISION IS FINAL!"

Snapdragon nearly tumbled from the force of Luna's voice. "Any other objections?" she snapped to the unit, who all returned to attention. "I thought not. Dismissed."

Shining Armor walked through the emptier halls of Canterlot castle with his disguised sister, still keeping up the appearance of an interview. "Morning Voice" had been asking pretty innocuous questions, diligently writing down his answers and occasionally exchanging knowing looks. He guessed that Twilight was not only using the disguise to keep other ponies from bothering her, but indirectly quizzing him on how she should be handling her new post. Both had been so overwhelmed since the wedding, and their interactions otherwise few and far between. He also filled her in about the railroad situation as part of the "story", which she added notes between yawns.

They had managed to "wander" down to the dungeon area, Shining Armor taking the lead. "I don't think Flank Attack sent any his troops down here yet. I'll show you Strife's cell, there's no way he could have escaped on his own."

Twilight nodded tiredly as they walked through the halls. "Just keep a lookout for anypony approaching. Say "So Morning Star, that's why...' if you see somepony so I can redisguise myself." Her horn sparked to life, and her disguise vanished.

"Uh, Twily....? Morning Star or Morning Voice?" He asked her as he magicked the cell door open.

"I'm sorry," she replied tiredly, "Morning VOICE." She crept into the empty cell to see if she could trace down some magic, even if Strife was only an earth pony.

The cell itself was still clean and dry, almost unused. The hay-bed needed changing and the food and water troughs could use some cleaning, but otherwise nopony would think anypony had been kept there. She trotted up to the leg irons, still neatly arranged as if somepony still stood in them. She noted some cracking in the walls where the irons were fastened. "He certainly wasn't happy when he was down here," she remarked.

"Would anypony be happy in a dungeon?"

"Probably not...." her absent reply as her magic detection caught the faintest traces of a travel dwoemer. She recognized it as teleportation, being one of her stronger abilities. But how could an earth pony, or even a pegasus, accomplish what was only a unicorn ability, and a rare one at that? She followed the trace away from the leg irons to the hay-bed, where bits of white paper peeked up to her. The paper had the same traces, so likely an envelope or a paper "wrap" to hide an item with a transport spell on it? She made a few notes about the paper before hearing hoofsteps outside the cell.

Shining Armor pulled the cell door almost completely closed, a signal to Twilight to stay clear of it. She braced against a wall to listen to the conversation.

"Down here to check on me, too?" a grating voice demanded.

"If you're one of the new recruits, and we're fresh off a security breach, then yes I AM down here to check on you!"

"Flank Attack already tried to put the fear of Celestia in me," the voice snarked back.

"You're gonna address me by my RANK, soldier!"

"So sorry, is it 'Captain' or 'Prince' Shining Armor this time?"

"You've got the insubordination thing down already. No wonder he's got you guarding an empty dungeon. As you were."

She'd held her breath until she could no longer hear the gripes from that scratchy voice. Re-casting her disguise, she awaited her brother to open the cell door again.

"I'm still kinda wondering who would want to bust Strife out of here. Nopony liked him and he hated the guards. Silver Key couldn't even get a good word out of him."

"Whoever did this," Twilight realized. "it was someone with close access to the guard chambers. Or is there record of visitors?"

"We've never kept track of visitors because we barely had any prisoners," Shining Armor admitted. "as to access down here.... that's a pretty short list, and Gallant Lionheart's on it."

"We can't prove anything off what I've found so far," she warned him. "Unless it's known that he can teleport others, it's still innocent until proven guilty. Until I know more, I don't think Princess Celestia or Princess Luna need to know. They already have so much on their minds as it is."

"I almost wish you hadn't moved Cepheid to the Atrium. He could have heard something."

"Morning Voice"'s ears drooped. "I hope I wasn't wrong about him..." she said quietly.

"I hope not either. The last thing we need is conflict with another alicorn. You've been through that too many times already."

Morning Voice had a reply that was quickly lost in a yawn. Shining Armor paused in their walk back to the common area. "Lemme guess.... you were up late last night partying like the rest of us?"

"I wish I could have. Meetings galore, shaking hooves with delegates...then I go to see my friends at a party, find out they all went to bed early. Well, Pinkie Pie was still there... Sounds like I would have been better off going straight to bed after the delegates' meeting."

"I knew Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were busy last night," the unicorn guard captain explained. "I didn't see Cadance until I woke up this morning... she was pretty beat, I thought it was from the party she and the other princesses-"

Twilight blinked. "Are we talking about the same party?"

"Uh, yeah, that party," Shining Armor's embarrassed reply. "Cadance knew you were gonna be all nervous about the ceremonies and protocols and stuff, so Princess Celestia tried to get your friends together so you guys could have a private party last night."

"And that party involved...."

"Zap Apple Jam, custom desserts, a hoof-made dress - so yeah...." Shining Armor's expression slipped from embarrassment to apology. "I knew about it but wasn't allowed to say anything."

"I was surprised, all right....and I can't go back and apologize to them yet either." she mumbled as she rubbed her temple with one of her forehooves. "I need to sleep on all of this."

"You gonna be able to hold up your disguise til we get back to your room?"

Twilight's expression steeled, and she teleported the two of them back to her room.

Their sudden arrival scared the cleaning staff out of the room. With a smirk, Shining Armor hefted his exhausted princess sister into bed. "You didn't have to do that," she mumbled.

"You got us back to the room," he joked to her. "You gonna be ok, Twily? Anything BBBFF can do for you?" he offered with a wink and salute.

'Never change around me, OK? Just stay my BBBFF...." one wing shook off the blankets and flopped on Shining Armor like a lazy hug. She started to say something else but was already asleep. Gingerly, the unicorn captain magicked the wing back in place so she could rest.

Chapter 14

The grand hall of Drakengard was empty for the day, still reverberating from the noise of the Phalanx ceremonies the prior evening. Desert Sun shivered a little at the thought of her allies as those.... monsters! Master Lapis said she would not be getting Phalanx armor, and witnessing the transformation that had befallen the others, for this she was grateful. He had promised her something more appropriate. He had trained her in her magic, told her tales of the world... promised his life to her. What more could she ever want? She playfully glanced to her own back, wondering if Lapis would find a way to give her wings. The little fantasy tickled her heart, her walk now a playful prance. She giggled at the simple impossibility of it all.

"Laughter is a music I will always listen to," The Shadow of the Moon's voice whispered all around her. "Someday, I promise you, we will share a song."

"Why are you hiding from me, of all ponies?" she asked the empty room.

Her silver eyes caught a shadow sliding off the wall, bluish black ink spilling away from the dark of the room to pool before her. Lapis blossomed from the pool, draconine wings wide and blue eyes appraising her like rare art. "I am everywhere you are," he responded. "I Am The shadow under your hooves, the darkness behind every door. Every shadow cast by your brilliant light, you will find me."

"So if you did cast the world into Eternal Night," she queried. "There will be no light to cast shadows."

"The moon casts shadows, below and beside. I will ensure there are plenty of shadows for me and light to find your way. And when Equestria is ours to share, the moon and sun will move to our whim."

"I can't move the sun any more than you can."

"That, my dear Desert Sun, I hope to change."

Their horns crossed, Desert Sun losing her breath for a moment. "A sun to my moon...." he whispered.

Her eyes closed, her body leaning into the alicorn's. "That's not possible...." she whispered back.

"Not yet," Lapis' confident reply.

Strife had watched Equestria go by in his travels, wishing his errand didn't take so long. It was usually 2-3 days from Appleloosa to Manehatten, and this required more expediency. He had tried to contact them using Voice of the Mind, but they nearly told him not to come once they heard his voice in their heads.

The train hissed to a halt in Ponyville, another stop that he probably could have skipped if he just ran the distance himself. Perhaps that would have been the better option....

"Is anyone sitting here?"

Strife looked to his left, seeing a fiery red earth pony smiling at him. "You look like you could use some company."

He grumbled absently and gestured to the bench. "Won't be much for conversation."

She made a show of seating herself, displaying the heart-shaped pie on her flank. "Just sitting with someone can be good enough," she assured him. Strife simply rolled his eyes. "So where are you headed?"

"North."

"Northeast or northwest?"

"Northeast. It's business related."

"Let me guess - you can't tell me."

"You're perceptive," Strife admitted, "but expected from an earth pony."

"You probably say that to unicorns and pegasi mares, too," she responded sweetly.

"No. Only earth ponies truly 'see' the world for what it is. Pegasi and unicorns merely shape it."

Her voice lost the playful tone when she saw Strife wasn't interested. "I saw you looking out the window... more like you had lost something than just enjoying the scenery."

"I've lost a lot in the last year...." his distant reply. He didn't turn away from the window.

"Anything I can do, even if I'm just listening?"

"I don't think you'll understand," he replied curtly.

"Did you lose family? Friends? Employment? If it's work you're seeking, they're looking for ponies to help with the railway expansion...."

"What I've lost," he sighed, "was you."

"ME?" the red earth mare responded. "But we've hardly met!"

Strife finally turned on his bench. "Not you specifically." He looked around the train for the first time, nodding to each earth pony he saw. "Him. Her. That one. Earth ponies in general, they don't understand they're oppressed by a ruling minority of unicorns and alicorns."

"'Oppressed'?" she giggled. "Earth Ponies are called many things, but not 'oppressed'. We're the most individual and versatile of the pony races, how could we be 'oppressed'?" She lifted a hoof to check it for chains.

"Have you ever seen an Earth Pony ruler? All of our rulers are Unicorns with Alicorns above them! Their magic keeping their posts, the pegasi controlling the skies. We are nothing under them. We are just ants, moving the food along, being kept busy in the dirt, and you don't see that."

She rolled her eyes at the negative sentiment. "They can have their bureaucracy. And the pegasi are all bluster! At the end of the day they still need us; even without their magic and weather controls, we still get to eat."

"What's to stop the alicorns from conjuring food to feed the masses? What of the earth ponies then?" Strife snapped.

"Because I've never heard of an alicorn farmer," she shot back. "If they help with their magic and weather control, everyone eats. They don't, the earth ponies get all the food." Sensing the tension, she tried turning the subject. "Have you ever met an alicorn?"

"I've had that misfortune."

"You are a strange pony. Some live their entire lives without even seeing an alicorn in person. I hope that won't be my fate."

"You're not missing anything."

"But you've had the honor," she observed. "What was it like?"

"You ask too many questions," Strife ended the conversation.

Papers flung about the room, a flapping alarm clock for poor Twilight Sparkle. She ducked under her pillow at the deluge, not expecting such a strange wake up call. She peeked out once to see the paper hovering, sheathed in golden magic.

"I thought we were going to look over school records this afternoon?" Celestia's cheery voice called from outside her view. "you wanted a student representative for the Magic Council, remember?"

Twilight slipped out of bed, trying to not to yawn in her teacher's presence. "I'm sorry, I just needed a few minutes...."

"You've been out for two hours, according to your brother," the Sun Princess gently chided. "But this has been a very busy few days. For all of us. So I only brought a handful of papers, about two dozen students' worth." The papers sorted themselves into four neat stacks, representing the four classes Celestia taught in a regular rotation. "Many of these ponies are close to graduation, but I think this as a starting duty would be a great honor for one of them."

Twilight gathered one stack to sort through while Celestia placed the rest on a nearby table. "I was going through old records, saw a lot of names from your classes. Did you know Archer is in the Solar Guard now?" She could see that Twilight had focused completely on the papers, but decided to chat on. "I recognized another name in the old records, what was her last name... 'Lulamoon'. She was dismissed after her first semester, you might not remember her too well....."

Twilight's ears drooped. She knew exactly who Celestia referenced. "She's ... still around."

"I'm well aware. And the alicorn amulet has been stored for safekeeping. It will not get out again."

Twilight nodded absently as she finished the first stack of paperwork. Most of the unicorns were strong in one field or another, she was hoping somepony would have a broader base. "Is specializing becoming more common?"

"Many of my students are already arriving with a cutie mark, so they don't always expand on their studies. I've encouraged a few to look further into their talents." This surprised the younger princess. "Many don't believe that they would have anything past their specialty, though I do have a senior student who might be what you're looking for."

Twilight glanced up to the record in question. "Aurora....?" she read. "That name sounds familiar...."

"While her grades were slipping early on, apparently the tales of your adventures have inspired her. She's taken many advanced classes and individual studies. She reminds me a lot of you. I think she would be honored to work with you."

"I wo..." Twilight lost her response in a poorly disguised yawn. "I'm sorry, I didn't..."

"Are you still not rested?" Celestia queried.

"With so much to do, who has time to sleep?" Twilight managed between yawns.

"I do understand, Twilight. I have the luxury of sleep now that Luna has resumed her duties."

"'Luxury', Princess? I mean... Celestia?"

"Raising the sun and moon took much of my time and power. Thankfully ponies assist with the seasons. I also had to work with the tides, court, and many other things."

"So...before Luna returned," Twilight puzzled, "you never slept?"

"A few hours here and there, but rarely a full night. Now, with Luna caring for the moon and the tides, I can rest."

"I wish I had your strength in that regard...."

"And you don't even have any formal duties yet," Celestia poked at her former student. "And I always made time for my students, because it was very important to me. It gave time for me to not think of my duties. That will help you in the future."

Twilight steadied herself and placed all the school records on the table. "Then I'd like to make a request. For now, I wish to be allowed to return to Ponyville."

"I can talk to Aurora for you if you wish. She'll be excited to know you're interested in her work."

"Please do...let her know that as soon as I take care of something in Ponyville, I want her to visit. I don't know if she's ever been out of Canterlot."

Celestia nodded in understanding. "This has been very hectic and I wish we had had time to more than just formal affairs.... Sleeping in your own bed will be a relief, I'm sure."

"Who said anything about sleep?" Twilight replied proudly. "There'll be time for that on the train home. For now, there are 5 ponies I want to see who could help me not think of my duties. After all, without them, I wouldn't be here with you like this, right?"

The Sun Princess' smile faded. "I was hoping that the celebration last night would have gone much better... the delegates' meeting was a lot of information at once, and a lot of concerns to burden you in your first interaction."

"I believe that you told me once, when I was just starting 'Not everything will go the way you want it to. But it will go the way it needs to, and you will be better for it in the end.'"

"There are so many things that are not in books to learn, Twilight Sparkle... and it's a lesson you're learning remarkably well."

"I had the perfect teacher to guide me on them." Twilight could not hide her happiness of the statement as she brushed herself against Celestia's shoulder.

"And I have a perfect student to learn what I have learned," Celestia replied, returning the gesture by curling her neck over Twilight's back. "Do not let me keep you."

Twilight gathered her saddlebags, pausing a moment at the door. "Are there still delegates and visitors?"

"There are still a lot of ponies around the castle, dear."

With a nod Twilight cast once with her horn, reprising her "Morning Voice" disguise. "Thank you."

She then began her run from the castle to the train station.

Gallant Lionheart had never enjoyed sleeping a day away in his life. Technically, he would sleep every day. The window to his quarters deliberately left open, the sun nothing more than his blanket! One eye briefly opened to gaze on the Phalanx armor before him, which would soon be outfitted with heavier shoulder guards to show his rank as Captain! The proud smile wouldn't leave his face. Between his survival of the trials - especially the Tower Shield trial - only made it a greater victory to rub in Snapdragon's face.

Emerald Charm had made his report before getting some sleep. Now Gallant Lionheart dozed, eyes admiring the armor like a lost lover. "So much a miracle..." he said to himself.

~~you're welcome~~

~~Master Lapis, my gratitude~~

~~Rest, my ally. You will know the call to action~~

The unicorn's pride carried him back to sleep.

The train conductor at Canterlot station gave "Morning Voice" a strange look when she presented her VIP pass. "This is a pretty high honor for a Fillydelphia reporter," he remarked.

"Morning Voice" dismissed the suspicion with a chuckle. "It was provided to me through family. I'm Fancy Pants' second cousin twice removed, and I'm working on a biography of Princess Celestia."

The conductor wasn't convinced, but the crowd of ponies behind her helped make his decision. "....alright, I don't need to hold up the line any more than you already have."

"Thank you, sir," she gave a slight bow of respect before boarding the train and slipping to her private car. Once the door quietly closed behind her, she pulled every shade down to the outside windows and hung a "Do Not Disturb til destination" sign on the door. As she happily flopped on a padded bench, 'Morning Voice" vanished, allowing Twilight Sparkle to return and drift off to sleep.

Further back in the train line, a weary but relieved Rarity quietly awaited her chance to board the train. The presentation wasn't the disaster she feared. Apparently her frazzled demeanor and scattered papers served as a touch of reality to an otherwise glamorous profession. Fancy Pants helped her along gently, keeping the spotlight to her as she slowly regained her confidence before the aspiring crowd. She told them of fashion triumphs and disasters, placating clientele and trying not to cross the invisible line between customer service and spectacular fashion. Macey Sacks praised her after the presentation and insisted on buying her lunch in Canterlot. The white unicorn could only pinch herself as she watched Macey Sacks - Macey "Sacks Fifth Furlong" Sacks - arguing formally with Fancy Pants on what would be a month's sales worth on the lunch check. Both enjoyed her work (and Sweetie Belle's "innocent beginnings" sketches), Macey hoping to see new work from her soon. In haste Rarity DID promise Macey a new line within the week, but where to even start....?

Her ear caught the name "Fancy Pants" further up in line. Glancing ahead, Rarity saw an unfamiliar unicorn drop the name and allowed to board. Properly piqued, she listened to the gossip drift back to her. Whoever that unicorn was, she was related to Fancy Pants! If that's so, then Rarity must reciprocate his generosity to one of his family.

She settled on a bench and kept her ears open. Apparently this "relation" had a car to herself elsewhere on the train. Still excited at the prospect, Rarity waited for the train to be on its way before accidentally on purpose walking in on this celebrity to shower with proper compliments. To pass the time, she chatted with other passengers, who gave her even more information than the slight gossip that seeped through the line. Apparently this unicorn was a reporter from Fillydelphia who had been interviewing delegates for an up and coming article about Princess Celestia.

Perhaps, Rarity thought, this reporter would like a scoop on an up-and-coming designer from a small town called Ponyville. That was the perfect excuse to drop in! With a mental pat on the back she left the comfort of her bench to "stumble" upon the private car.

The red earth pony strode from the train at her stop in Canterlot. The stallion she had struck up conversation with still weighed in her mind. He was so bitter, so cold. He had it etched into his mind that earth ponies overall were nothing more than a bunch of ignorant farmers, sheep of the pony world. He refused to discuss further when the topic of alicorns had come up, as if Princess Celestia or Princess Luna had personally wronged him. It made no sense! Earth ponies weren't limited in their abilities. Pegasi mostly worked the weather, only a few doing much else. Unicorns found their talents in magic and learned ways to apply them. Earth ponies didn't need those luxuries! Earth ponies were self-sufficient, strong, and understood the ground beneath them like a sibling. It was earth ponies who understood the seasons, and do well without the controls of an alicorn to change them! Winter Wrap-up, the Running of the Leaves, the Summer Sun Celebration - all earth pony inventions that unicorns and pegasi participate, adding their own touches. She shook her head sadly, taking in some fresh air as she casually walked to Canterlot castle.

A stray flyer flapped against a post in Canterlot city proper, the sound and the splash of color catching her eye. She paused, discovering it as a rare sight- a "Wanted" poster, something she'd seen in Manehatten, Fillydelphia, all the large cities. But here? That was pause enough.

Then she saw the stallion's face on the poster. Her heart skipped a beat; she was just talking to him!

Tearing the poster down with her mouth, she galloped toward the castle. Someone must know where he's headed!

Rarity was relieved to see that no guards or stewards stopped her as she approached the private car. Her timing was perfect, her plan even more so. One ear to the door told her no one else had disturbed her, so a gentle touch of magic slowly pushed the door open. Her brilliant blue eyes scanned the car, not seeing the reporter but Twilight Sparkle sound asleep on the padded bench, mumbling something about libraries and infinite wisdom. Disappointed for not finding the reporter, she started to close the door...

...only to fling it back open when she realized that her friend was the only one in that private car! "TWILIGHT~!" she gasped, sending her poor alicorn friend into a half-conscious airborne tumble toward the ceiling. She instantly regretted her outburst as Twilight landed awkwardly before her.

"Oh! I am SO sorry, I didn't realize you were -"

"Rarity...?" Twilight's sleepily queried as she rubbed her head, "What are you doing here? I thought you and the others would have been back in Ponyville already."

This confused Rarity. "I'm not sure about the others, I'm guessing they had left this morning. I had a presentation this morning that I wasn't exactly organized... Let's just say I am SO glad Fancy Pants decided to attend! Otherwise it was a disaster in the making!" She pressed one hoof to her forehead dramatically. "And after YOU talking to Hoity Toity I had to make this presentation absolutely PERFECT! I walked in there an absolute mess - thank goodness Fancy Pants was able to assist!"

Twilight's confusion only mounted. "Hoity Toity never mentioned anything about a presentation to me that you were going to host."

The white unicorn's nose turned distinctly upward. "Well of course HE wasn't there! Macey Sacks sent me a personal invitation to do a presentation for future fashionistas... which distracted me from the dresses I was supposed to finish and bring to Canterlot because my reputation was already at stake...." her snobbish response dropped abruptly when she realized what had been forgotten. "I... so I hope you had something suitable."

"What I had was fine, Rarity," Twilight reassured her, "while I would have liked something from you, I understand you were busy. But..." the young alicorn shook her head. "All because I said no to him."

"Why in the name of Equestria would you say 'No' to something that -- that- that--"

Twilight raised a hoof to quiet her friend. "Rarity, he wanted to use my likeness for your line of work. I didn't want you to get credit just because my face was on something. I wanted you to get credit for your own merits, your own skills in dressmaking and fashion."

"You're an absolute SENSATION right now!" Rarity protested. "Your name ALONE provokes emotions in any community!"

"And this 'sensation' that you're talking to is also trying to be just another pony like you. A pony who doesn't want it to always be about her, even if she is a princess."

Rarity still did not understand."Cashing on that sensation - such a limited window... I don't know if Hoity Toity will speak to me further on this, Macey said she would 'Be in touch' with me soon." She dared not tell Twilight about the deal she made.

"Rarity," Twilight exhaled, "you are quite possibly the most creative pony I know in fashion. You already have your name out there as it is. If somepony can't see that for who YOU are without having my name on it, then they obviously don't see the real greatness of your work for what it truly is."

This gave Rarity pause. "Well, even if I don't use you per se for the line, would you be offended if I called it a 'Princess' line?" Her expression brightened. "I~DEA~!!! 'Princess!' by Rarity! I could even have some pictures made in that Princess Platinum costume from the Hearth's Warming Eve play!"

Twilight's expression brightened as well. "Now that's the creative ideas Rarity I know and call my friend."

"BUT," Rarity continued, "you MUST try on some of the dresses! I insist! There will be no ponyrazzi in the boutique if I can help it!" A sly smile crossed her face. "and if you don't.... I'll make Spikey-wikey drag you through town so that EVERYPONY can see you, and they'll sing and they'll bow...."

Twilight's expression soured at the prospect. "Are you sure you're not the Element of Blackmail?"

"How could you make such an insinuation, Twilight!" She mock-gasped. "It would merely be expanding my generosity more creatively." She fluttered her blue eyes and flipped her slightly mussed mane. Twilight rolled her eyes, but smiled back.

"Well, I'll try them on, on one condition. I do have a few outfits back home that need alterations." She opened one wing for emphasis. "You won't charge me too much for that, right?"

Twilight's question missed Rarity completely as she was already in the "zone" taking a few mental measurements of her friend. "Wing openings, of course," she said absently. "We'll have to check some of the dress lengths, too, dear."

"Will you also work on my Winter Wrap Up vest?"

"Your Winter wrap-up vest?" Rarity repeated. "Why ever for? You would be excluded from the activities as necessary by your-"

"I'm still me, Rarity. And I want to help however I can, so I still want to be the all-team coordinator like before. Besides, now I might be able to help the Pegasi with bird guiding or cloud removal duties." Twilight blushed a bit, recalling offering to help Rainbow Dash long before she knew she would have wings.

"Ponyville certainly WILL listen!"

Twilight sighed, her ears drooping. "Hopefully I can get them to listen to me as a fellow pony and not as Princess Twilight." She glanced up at Rarity. "Don't tell anyone else on the train I'm here. When we get to Ponyville, I'm teleporting home. I've got a lot of time to make up with you and the others."

"My head still hurts, Dusty...."

"Didn't think there was anything up there TO hurt, Stoney, but you looked awesome!"

"Don't remember much..."

Dustmite snickered and bounced around his larger brother. "You broke some pretty thick chains! You were fighting like you were in somepony else's body! You were a MACHINE in there!"

Sandstone's head dropped. "So I looked ok? Was Slurry mad?"

"Only when you started 'necking' with her!"

The big zebra blushed deeply. "She probly wasn't ready for that, was she?"

"Stoney, if she's that special somepony for ya, it'll happen. Don't be afraid of her. Just keep tryin. Heck, if boss can get a gal, why can't you?"

"Cuz he's an alicorn....?"

Dustmite face-hoofed. "Mares ain't ALL gold-diggers! You really think that?"

"If I had wings an a horn, I could get any mare I wanted."

"EXCEPT me," interrupted a very irritated voice.

Dustmite whipped his head toward the door. "Oh, HI there!" The little zebra faked.

"Get out. Now."

The colt was gone without further orders. Slurry marched up to the brute of a zebra, wings loosening from her back. "That is the MOST ridiculous thing I've ever heard you say."

"I'm..... good at it....?" Sandstone replied shakily.

"No, normally you say stupid stuff. That is just plain ridiculous. Why would you want either of those? What's wrong with the way you look? Or how you looked in armor?"

Sandstone looked down at his hooves, then up at his mane. "I don't have stallion colors like this. If I was an alicorn, I'd just trade colors with ya."

"You've said that before, and it's still stupid."

"Can't help it."

She angrily shook her head. "It's not the color of the stallion that counts, you oaf. At least I understand why you have your name. Look like a rock, crumble under anypony's hooves."

"I do not."

"You let that blue flea order you around. I can understand why you listen to Umbral. That little bug of a brother has you on tight reins."

"He's my brother."

"Your older brother, right?"

Sandstone looked away. "The only color you've got is yellow down your back," she spat as she left the room.

Aurora hurried to Celestia's quarters, saddlebags filled with recent paperwork and a couple of books. She had been summoned by one of the veteran Solar Guards, so she knew that this was no simple discussion over tea. She worried that perhaps Celestia had "heard" Umbral's Voice of the Mind. She worried that she had forgotten an assignment. She then slowed her pace, realizing she had nothing to worry about at all. What could Celestia prove? Why would Celestia dishonor her most prized student? She calmed herself with her own thoughts as she approached the chamber, two of the fresh-faced Solar Guards awaiting her.

"I am here at the behest of Princess Celestia," she announced.

The two guards attempted to remain stoic as they stepped away to allow her inside. She winked to one of them, deliberately making him blush. "Rookie," she whispered in his direction. The soldier slumped.

Aurora had been here before, primarily to turn in her assignments if she completed them early. She still couldn't hide her awe at the sheer force of magic within the room, flickers and sparks of it woven into the walls. East-facing balconies and one west-facing window flooded the room with light, warming the sheets of a luxurious bed and an assortment of pale colored cushions, each traced with silver threads and pure white tassels on the corners. Celestia herself stacked scrolls with her magic before turning to Aurora.

"You asked to see me, Princess Celestia?"

"I did, Aurora. I apologize that I have not been available as much during the Ceremonies, I hope you enjoyed yourself."

"It was kind of you to have seats reserved for the senior class. We had an amazing view, and cheered for those who have chosen to serve your military forces."

"You're being much too formal," Celestia demurred. "I actually had you come here to congratulate you."

Aurora tensed. "Congratulate me?"

Celestia nodded proudly. "You were hoof-picked from among two dozen seniors at the school to be its student representative. We will evaluate not only magic complements throughout Equestria, but a cataloguing of magical artifacts as they are encountered. It will also be a forum to share all forms of magic, as there are types developed in every allied nation. A fresh pair of eyes will be welcome among delegates from everywhere."

"Princess, I ... I don't know what to say."

"I would hope that you say 'yes'. One of my former students will be in charge of the Council once we have a structure in place. She will have assistance for the first few months, then this will be one of her primary duties."

Aurora added all this up in her mind. "Twilight Sparkle?"

"This was her idea," Celestia beamed. "While attempts have been made in the past, I am confident that her organizational skills and her already expansive knowledge of magic will set the tone for a greater peace throughout Equestria. She asked me to speak to you directly."

Aurora shifted uncomfortably. Of all the things she’d thought this meeting would be about, this was never something she considered. "This is a huge responsibility.... I am interested, but I find it weird that Twilight didn't speak to me herself."

"She was needed in Ponyville, but I can get a message to her with your answer."

"Princess? If it's okay, I'd like to think this over for a few days. I can deliver my answer to Twilight in Ponyville. I am interested, but I really want to let this sink in."

"Take all the time you need. I am also here if you need more insights. Your ability and dedication would be most welcome to the Council."

Aurora bowed, even though she wasn't required. "Thank you."

Chapter 15

Lapis Umbral sat before his team of six, who were seated in a semicircle before him. Dustmite rested on his larger brother's back; Slurry to Sandstone's left, Desert Sun facing her lover directly. Hatchet sat still for once, attention riveted to his employer. Night Ash to Lapis' immediate right, still puzzling the meeting.

"Cloud Slayer, Violet Force and Silver Shimmer are taking care of the exterior weather for a few hours while I have you here, my Wildforce. Morning Star and I will be having a private discussion later regarding our next course of action.

"I have made many promises to all of you these few years; most I have kept. A few I feel I have not." His gaze stopped on Slurry. "However, you and Desert Sun both inspired me in hopes of helping all of you become more effective in the field of battle, and right some wrongs." The alicorn nodded to a weathered saddlebag, magicking it open to reveal the six necklaces. "To all of you I have had these crafted. Night Ash braved the world and spent time in the Crystal Empire to have these custom crafted. Each one is enchanted with an individual Shadow, an essence of Night lost to me centuries ago." He placed each one before its correct bearer, gem facing them. "These Shadows will obey your mental command, activated with a simple tap to the gemstone or one of the totem animals next to it.

"Slurry, I have made you too many promises, so I would hope that this necklace of Deception will compensate. You said you just wanted to be 'you' again, but with this you can be anyone you wish.

"Sandstone, you show enormous courage under the right circumstances, and yours will help bring that out. It will fit with your Phalanx armor, as will Hatchet's...." he turned to the armorsmith. "Depending on how much 'modification' you've done."

The red and gray pegasus offered a nervous grin. "Nothin I can't retrofit."

"You'll not modify the necklace, its design is essential."

"Aw boss, I just finished -"

"Hatchet!"

"Yeah boss...." Hatchet's mope lasted exactly three seconds. "Manticores! I don't need t' modify THAT! That's awesome, boss!"

"Just listen carefully to your new gift, each one has a voice all its own."

"Wouldn't Night Ash be the only one who can 'hear' em, boss?"

Night Ash's ears twitched playfully.

"o/' Oh I can hear its tiny voice allaying all my fears
It says it doesn't want to replace my eyes or my ears
It wants to show me the entire world, a new reality!
That's something I truly want to see,
that's what this shadow's whispering to me. o/`"

"Hey, I can hear mine too!" Hatchet's grin only widened.

"o/yeah it's the volume of a whisper but it should really be a scream Stories of distant Tartarus and every demon's dream The stuff I hear it sayin, yeah it's scarin even ME! Looks like our ideas, yeah we agree About what this shadow's whispering to me. o/"

"Can you hear yours yet, Stony?"

Sandstone physically put his ear on the necklace.

"o/I can kinda hear it but its voice is really low Says to wear my armor with it everywhere we go It'll help me when I'm fightin, wow how did it know? So it'll give me bravery.... I think that's what the shadow says to me. o/

"Listen to yours, Dusty."

Dustmite nosed at his necklace.

"o/It's voice is really quiet, ain't got much to say just that I would be hidden well and out of ponies' way No sound when I am walking, no shadow cast in day Simply invisibility... That's all that the shadow says to me.o/"

Lapis' expectant gaze fell on Desert Sun, who held the new trinket with her magic.

o/It laughs about my fire, would rather see a 'boom' that could take a single flame and burn the entire room Setting off my fires suddenly, says our enemies are doomed Magically, explosively, Is that what this shadow whispers to me? o/"

While Lapis was inwardly happy, he made one caveat: "These 'Shadow Elements' are for your use in missions and in battle. It is not a decoration to wear and show off. They are covered in shadows once wielded by Sombra but were birthed in Tartarus. Wear these with pride and caution. But they will help us since we have so few in number."

Slurry sighed to herself. She knew there'd be a catch.

As the evening train slowed in the chill of the forest evening, most ponies dreamt away the time as they awaited arrival at sunrise in Manehatten or Fillydelphia. Only two ponies had their eyes open at this hour - the night conductor, and one dark green earth pony. Strife knew the train slowed through this area in case something had fallen on the tracks, or if a wild animal happened through. The woods here had similar stories as Everfree, where magic rarely rose against the denizens. Whispers of traces of remaining magic around the Foal mountain range and the stray woods west of Baltimare were dismissed as lost history or incorrect mapping. Untapped and wild, this is where Strife would find who he sought.

A glance out one window showed him Neighagra falls receding in the distance. They had passed the switch station where he would have been the only one to depart the train. He crept out a door between cars, making absolutely sure no one would see or hear him abandon the train. Most would think nothing of it in the morning, as the tickets are paid for before boarding. As long as you had a ticket with a destination, you would be taken there. His ticket did not reveal his true destination: Hollow Shades.

The landing wasn't the smoothest, but he had his hooves under him quickly. No standing still in this darkness! The sky would be his compass as he cantered through the brush, pausing at the sudden slope that kept the village out of view of most of Equestria. Yes, they had a train line. But the visits were fewer and fewer, as the reputation of the town haunted many a traveler. He expected to be spotted by the patrols soon enough, so stealth would be of little use.

He paused a few moments longer at the top of the slope to look at the tiny village. A dozen buildings total, hoof-hewn by earth ponies from all over Equestria. Not a horn or a wing among them. They had chosen this way, believing that no magic was needed to make the world work. No real "crops" grown there, but enough to sustain those that choose this life. The dark green earth pony lowered his head, slightly ashamed that he had been tempted with magic, given the chance to reach out to his "brothers" in Spellbreak with the Voice of the Mind, and gifted with a Hearth charm to free himself. The leaders would not be pleased, but Strife knew he was out of options. Pulling himself to his full height, he slid down the long slope with enough scraping to alert a patrol to approach.

The small patrol - six in all - quickly encircled Strife, leaving him backed against the slope. The captain recognized him immediately, but there would be no hoof-shake, no greeting. Just questions. "Why have you come?" The rust-colored earth pony asked. "Should you not be in the Canterlot Dungeons after your last escapade fell apart?"

"I escaped," Strife began, "and had to come here once I was clear of Canterlot. War is brewing in Equestria. I'm here to warn you, and to suggest we prepare."

"You contacted Silverback via some sort of telepathy," the leader accused, backed with growls from the rest of the patrol. "Their attitude towards you is not a pleasurable one. I suggest you cease any further tomfoolery and just go to the hotel for a simple visit and leave the next morning. Consider yourself lucky I have some respect for you, for the rest of the leaders would probably not hesitate to whip you unconscious and pin your carcass to the wall with swords!"

"You have to take me to them," Strife pleaded. "Silverback - Belmonte - Salvino - if THEY want to kill me, that’s their choice, but I want them to hear my plea first! I come with knowledge. I come knowing of a way to insert ourselves in the war, and I have brought proof that the Lyrium weapons are as deadly as foretold." Strife opened his saddlebag and showed them the whip Lapis gave him. "This was found in a mine, southwest of here. The Lyrium dusting it received is still potent! I saw it carve into the wing of an alicorn!"

"I can't just walk you into the main quarters no matter how impressive your story."

"Please!" Strife begged again. "This could be our chance to show just WHAT Spellbreak can do!"

The leader locked stares with Strife, watching the green earth pony hold his ground. A stomp from one of the soldiers did not spook Strife, and the glow of the torches revealed his resolve. "Fine," the leader said finally. "I'll bring you to them, but don't expect my protection." the unit grumbled in agreement.

"I know I'm taking my life into my own hooves. Salvino MUST hear my tale!"

The patrol leader said nothing more, nodding to the others as they walked the perimeter of Hollow Shades. The patrol herded Strife directly toward the rock wall, even if he showed no interest in escaping. He wouldn't make it far up the hill before that patrol would haul him down, slashed and tied down with Lyrium-soaked weapons. He kept to their deliberate pace around half the villa before the leader paused at a seemingly arbitrary place in the wall. He pawed at a spot before finding solid purchase, rapping his hoof against it authoritatively. All turned to the wall to watch as a crack etched up the wall and arced, pulling back to show a well-hidden door. A faint bluish glow gave its only hint as a light green pony peered out. "You're back early," he grumbled.

The patrol leader and his men parted, allowing Strife to approach the door. "Belmonte!" Strife called.

"STRIFE~!" The response was not friendly. Belmonte threw the door open with one hoof and raised the other, uncoiling a blue-black whip that rested across his shoulders. Strife saw it an instant too late, reeling from the attack. Strife wanted to gather his artifact whip to counter, but Belmonte was already upon him, whip already coiled like a metal spring. "How DARE you show yourself here!"

The soldiers shoulderd Strife inside, Belmonte kicking the door shut. "First, you use forbidden magic to contact us!" He snarled, now that he could raise his voice. "What sorcery did you use to escape?"

"You're the one who chose not to respond, so I clicked my hooves together three times and said your name!"

Belmonte's temper- and his whip- hurtled toward Strife in a shower of curses. The darker green earth pony was ready this time, flourishing the old whip and tangling the two together. Belmonte froze, then fumed.

"You are not worthy of carrying this sacred weapon! How dare you even raise it -"

"It was found in an old mine. It's tasted alicorn flesh, despite not being used for a century or more! NOW will you take me to Silverback and Salvino?"

"I am their equal, you don't wish to speak to me?"

"There's too much TO explain, and I don't want to explain it more than once."

Belmonte pulled his whip free. "No one escapes the Canterlot dungeons unless they had magical means! Let's see if I can beat THAT out of you!"

"Belmonte, Do you honestly wish more bad publicity for us than what we already have?" A new voice interrupted the impending battle. The two green ponies turned to a hallway, where a mottled red and white earth pony emerged.

"Sliverback," Belmonte protested, "do not tell me you’re growing soft! He could be an imposter!"

The newcomer shook his head no, eying the whip Strife carried. "If he can hold one, he can take one...."

Strife didn't budge. Belmonte raised his whip to strike. "But ONLY one!" Silverback warned.

"'Just' one? Salvino would not be pleased." Belmonte reared, making sure that if he can only strike once, he will strike with everything he had! Gritting his teeth through the swing, the scowl locked in place as Strife did indeed stagger from the blow, a bluish haze smoking from the wound on his shoulder. The lighter green earth pony was hoping Strife would collapse in a heap from the blow, but only the slightest buckling of his legs would have to do. He turned his attention to Silverback, who had not taken his eyes off Strife.

"You seek to come back To Hollow Shades after you contact us through magical means?" Silverback inquired darkly. "Why would you think that was a good idea? Have you forgotten our Way?"

"I was taught," Strife impatiently replied, "that in a desperate situation, any tool should be used. This was the case in contacting you. I was freed by an enemy of the crown. The alicorn Lapis Umbral thought I had potential to assist his overthrowing of Canterlot after I sundered Ponyville. So he recruited me, rescued me, and gave me a gift to reach out into the minds of ponies I knew. I fear that even if he does overthrow Celestia and Luna, nothing will change. His overconfidence, along with his magic followers will do nothing but twist the land to their own liking, while we still not get the proper respect we deserve. That’s why I came to you. Lapis seeks to attack Canterlot, and when the alicorns are at war, if we were to give a false alliance to Lapis, we could begin the purging of the magic users early, and strike the alicorns when they are at their weakest! I can make that happen, you have to believe me…This is our only chance…"

Strife continued to walk with Belmonte and Silverback as they descended into the Spellbreak complex. The two soldiers wanted to believe Strife, but there was too much risk. More questioning was required.

"Why would an alicorn seek an alliance with ponies who would kill him at first sight, and even if we did ally with him, what does he have to offer us?!" Belmonte demanded.

"I made him promise our freedom to do whatever we want. Purge. Destroy. Erase all magic, except for his followers, and Canterlot."

The mottled pony shook his head no. "Again, little sense is made! Spellbreak exists to purge ALL magic! Why would he think we would make ANY exception!?"

"An alicorn, is an alicorn, is an alicorn," Strife replied definitively. "That’s why this is our chance to right the wrongs of Equestria! Let the world shape it the way it’s meant to be shaped. This is what Spellbreak has been yearning for after all these years…has it not?"

"Incompetent rulers…" Belmonte grumbled.

So what’s stopping you from turning on us? How do we know you’re on our side?"

"Silverback, I know Spellbreak. Do you honestly think I’d willfully ally myself with magic users against my own brethren? And what you would do to me if you found as such?" Strife held up the whip. "As I mentioned, this was found in a mine in Drakengard, where this dark alicorn resides. He wanted me to return it as a sign of 'friendship'."

Belmonte snorted in disgust. "We don’t need a broken down whip. And there is definitely no friendship here."

"I saw the scar on Lapis' leathery wing," Strife smirked, "the Lyrium is still potent in this item. I think his returning it to Spellbreak as a symbol of an 'Alliance'?"

"You'll talk to Salvino in the morning," Silverback ordered. He nodded to a bare room in their facility. "Rest here. You'll see Salvino after sunrise."

The roosters at Sweet Apple Acres had orders to crow at first light, not even to wait for the sunrise. That would give Applejack, Big Macintosh, and some of the local hands time for breakfast and be on the field when Celestia brought the sun up from the eastern horizon. Granny Smith and Applebloom cooked up a hearty breakfast and served fresh-squeezed apple juice or milk with the morning repast. Applejack was eating quickly, eager to get back to her chores. Two days of being on the road, not a sale to be had in Canterlot, one jar of Zap apple jam wasted from the party, and sales in Ponyville still too light because many of the locals went to the Armoring Ceremonies. She wasn't talking during the meal, just focusing on the food and figuring out how much they'd have to earn from the regular harvest just to get to Cider season. She barely excused herself as she bounded outside to get started on the harvesting.

Big Macintosh sighed, looking back to Granny Smith. She simply shook her head and sent the stallion on his way. He hauled out a stack of baskets, watching his sister vent her aggressions with every buck to the trees. He could almost hear her saying it as she kicked... "THAT kick is for Spike interrupting the Zap Apple Harvest! THAT kick is for bits lost because nopony wants to buy at the stand! THAT kick is for not being able to sell anything in Canterlot! AGAIN! THAT kick -"

Another kick heard nearby distracted him. Applejack kept kicking away at trees, not even realizing someone was trying to help, awkwardly.

Twilight Sparkle, sans crown and finery, reeled some from her first attempts at actual applebucking. She had an apple impaled on her horn and several scattered at her hooves, likely from poor positioning. She shook the stray apple off and gathered one basketful with her mouth, trying to swing it on her back.

Applejack heard apples spilling nearby but didn't look away from her tasks. "Applebloom, I told you to stay inside and help Granny."

Twilight wasn't paying attention. She managed to settle the basket on her back, wings instinctively balancing it before quickly folding back in place. "Morning Applejack," she said simply as she trotted by.

Applejack stopped kicking. Everyone else had seen Twilight making the attempt, but the orange farmpony's frustration needed an extra minute to register that they had some unexpected company. Wheeling to face the princess, she steadied the bushel on her own back before removing her hat. "Pardon, wasn't expectin company t'day."

"Company? I'm here to help!" Twilight half-protested as she felt the bushel on her back removed. "There's gotta be something I can do to help here at the farm. I promise, unless an emergency I won't use my wings or magic."

"You can supervise," Applejack replied humbly as she gathered apples that Twilight had missed on the ground. She called back to the house as well. "APPLEBLOOM! BRING OUT A PILLOW AND SOME ICED APPLE JUICE FOR A GUEST!"

"Supervise? Applejack, I'm here to work." Twilight walked back to the tree she had previously bucked, trying to scoop apples into another bushel. Applejack stepped in front of her to finish.
"Please, let me help you catch up," Twilight continued as she followed her farmpony friend, "I know you lost time with your recent trip to Canterlot."

Applejack kept moving, bucking trees and gathering bushels. "Ah wouldn't be so behind if ah hadn't had 'help' from Canterlot," she groused. "Ah have had plenty of charity an royalty this growin season."

"'Charity?'" Twilight repeated in confusion. "'Royalty..?'" she repeated with resignation. "Are things that bad here?"

"We been losin money for a while now," Applejack confirmed, still bucking away. "So I got catchin up to do."

"Wait, What about your stand in Ponyville? Isn't that-"

Applejack wheeled to face Twilight eye-to-eye. "If ah had TWO BITS for every pony askin about YOU, ah could buy out Filthy Rich!!!" She slammed her hat to the ground and shrugged the bushel off her back. "Every day ah been in town, when Mac's in town, when Applebloom's in town, it's 'how's TWILIGHT?' An 'Where's TWILIGHT?' An 'Have ya talked to TWILIGHT today?' " She backed Twilight up to a tree and continued to stare her down. "Ah Don' need no more o' your CHARITY!"

"I never wanted something like this to happen..." Twilight apologized, looking away from her friend's angry glower.

Applejack backed off, picking her hat up from the ground, anger faded now that what she honestly felt had been said. "You got a promotion... cain't be mad about that, should be mindin my farm."

"There's nothing I can do to help? I want to do something besides staying cooped up with no chance to talk to my friends without being swarmed."

"I ain't acceptin handouts from nopony, not even a friend an' especially no princess," AJ announced. "If ah learned anythin from Aunt an Uncle Orange, it's 'mind yer place'." She kicked a handful of bushels in place under another tree. "Somepony sees you here, we get all of Ponyville runnin' in to watch and that's another day's harvest gone."

Twilight thought all this over. "Then can I at least make a suggestion? Advice isn't charity."

"Some kinda 'royal decree'?"

The alicorn rolled her eyes. "Applejack, if you're not going to let me physically help, at least let me make a suggestion that might help you make money with your stand. Do you know how long some ponies wait outside of the library to even catch the slightest glimpse of me?"

AJ snorted derisively. "Ah got a front row seat for it."

"So why not move your stand across the street? Set up outside the library."

"Won't they complain about me blockin the view?"

"If your stand was near the library, they'd be able to smell your treats better, and they'll get a better look at those while they're waiting to look at me. Since you'd be right there, they'd probably want to purchase from you."

"Now why didn't ah think of that...? Ah'll just move everythin over there today." She hefted the previously discarded bushel to her shoulders. "You probably got other work t' do, we got it."

"Are you sure you won't let me lend a hoof to the harvest?"

"Aint'cha a bit too royal for the farm?"

Twilight glanced back at herself, then grinned back to her friend. "Fine. *I* won't...." her horn shimmered, bathing the alicorn in purplish magic. The glow faded to reveal a reddish-brown pony with trailing light green braids and glittering sugar on her rump. "Myh Nahme is Mahple Sap," she introduced in a horrible facsimile of a farmer's "twang". Applejack finally smiled.

"Only thing you gotta work on is that accent!"

Strife awakened to a blue gleam throughout the room. His body ached. His head stung. Blearily he looked around to find the "door" to his room now bars. He also spotted Belmote glaring at him. "Awake yet?" he asked dryly. "And likely cleansed. Simple procedure before we bring you to Salvino."

Strife stifled a groan, sitting up slowly on the bunk. "The room....."

"Lyrium traced," the Spellbreak soldier explained. "The taint of magic on you might make Salvino ill. You're lucky you made it through the night. Since you did, NOW we can bring you to him."

Silverback nosed the unlocked cell door open. "Those 'curses' bestowed on you are gone. Tell the alicorn that it was a requirement to speak to us. Conventional communications from here on, Strife."

"What next? Lyrium shackles to walk me to him?"

"We're not slavers," Silverback sniped. "You'll walk with us to the main chamber. When you are presented, you will drop to your knees and you will not look him in the eye. Speak ONLY when Salvino tells you to. You will tell your story, and forget no details. He will judge you from there."

Strife staggered out of the cell, Belmonte and Silverback flanking him. Belmonte reluctantly returned Strife's saddlebags to him. "Show him the whip if you think it'll help. But only in turn."

They started a slow walk to the main chambers of the Spellbreak compound. Strife noted that the walls had splatterings of the blue energy, an angry abstract shouting silent curses at all things magic. Each pillar had the insignia carved into it - the broken unicorn horn- which was highlighted also with the Lyrium's anti-magic properties. The few others in the compound wore full shrouds, only their eyes and snouts shown to even the few here. The two soldiers offered Strife no explanation; he guessed they were acolytes to the order, training either to work with the Lyrium or to become more soldiers. Like many things in Spellbreak, it mattered little as long as it was not magic.

The irony of this puzzled the dark green pony. If they are so anti-magic, why do they lean so hard on this element? Magic in its own right? Something of this odd power occurring naturally.....

"We are here." Silverback halted the trio before Salvino's chamber, closed off by two hoof-hewn cedar doors, traced with more of the crystal's dust. The Spellbreak symbol split with the doors opening, the mottled pony's thick shoulders heaving to open them.

The chamber gleamed a silvery blue of its own, chilled with the absence of anything but a united cause. The black carpet glimmered blue from Lyrium dusting, the walls almost a solid Lyrium azure. Eight guards to either side of the room, heavy barding obscuring all but the threat of death. Before them, on a black lacquered bench with a dark blue cushion, sat the undisputed leader of Spellbreak, the earth pony Salvino.

His coat, while naturally a pale gray, glimmered sky blue from the glow of the room. The green in his mane looked almost aqua, the white streaks like crystals growing within. Draped over his back lay a thick felt cloak, stamped with the Spellbreak insignia where his cutie mark would be. His gaze distant, his manner statuesque as the trio walked to the center of the room. Belmonte and Silverback sandwiched Strife, knocking the wind from him briefly and forcing him to a kneel. They then joined him, eyes closed.

"Convince me why I shouldn’t kill all three of you for bringing him here," A voice as cold as winter began.

"He offers us a chance to begin our ultimate dream, the purging of the magic users," Silverback explained.

"Strife....?"

"Lord Salvino, the alliance I have forged can bring the alicorns together, in battle." Strife re-told his tale. "Were we to strike when the alicorns are facing off, or better still, when the fighting has ended and they are already drained, the purging can begin at the epicenter of Canterlot. We erase their magic! The Lyrium will cleanse the land, and it will grow again, much like the Everfree forest does to this day. It will thrive like the seas abroad and the mountains around us. Equestria will belong to the earth ponies once more."

Salvino rose from his seat, stretching his back before speaking. "The mission of Spellbreak is to balance the scales of Equestria. Those without magic still toil under those that possess it. The fallacy of 'equality' amongst the pony races is long ignored, especially by the ruling alicorns. Princess Celestia has abused her gifts, leaving those of us without such abilities to grovel in the dirt at her hooves. This will not be tolerated for much longer.

"For centuries, Spellbreak has cultivated Lyrium, a gift of our ancestors, to undo the magic of the world so that we may resonate to the harmony of the planet, not to the beat of a magic drum. The Everfree forest, our living temple, is proof that no magic is needed to survive. All of Equestria shall be made thus, by our hooves and under the ghostly glow of Lyrium.

"Earth ponies freed once more. The Lyrium will fill the very air and allow nature its true path. That is our Way. No alicorn, no unicorn, no pegasus will ever understand this."

Strife trembled, both in anger of the truth Salvino spoke and the fear of a further consequence. "The fact you even took the temptations bothers me, Strife. Who are you truly working for in this? The fact you have touched magic in such a way that you HAD to be cleansed." He turned to Belmonte and Silverback. "What say you?"

Belmonte's gaze turned more toward Strife. "His punishment should linger much longer, commander. But he DOES present us an opportunity."

"The stars align for us," Silverback continued.

The commander paced around his bench, seemingly lost in thought. Strife used the distraction to open his saddlebag and remove the whip. "This was found in a mine in Drakengard. It still radiates Lyrium, and stood up against Belmonte's."

"What should I do with it?" Salvino asked distantly. "I am relieved you handle it without pain."

"It is proof that Spellbreak endures even when we return to the earth. Lapis Umbral left it to me to bring to you. An offering for this 'alliance'."

"What does he seek in return?"

"One set of Lyrium shackles, with plain iron grips so that he may place them."

"No soldiers? No weapons? No potions?"

"He seems comfortable with the request he makes, as he understands your reluctance."

Salvino almost chuckled. "He knows not what he is doing, thinking that Spellbreak aligns with any sort of magic using pony. We'll play along for now. You'll have your shackles, but I want your very word that your hooves stay on the ground..... with us."

"As you wish, Commander."

A solar guard stopped the red earth pony outside the royal chambers. "State your business."

She flapped the wanted poster at him. "I have info," she managed through her clenched teeth.

The guard magicked the door open immediately.

The chamber itself was quiet for the first time in several days. Celestia was preparing thank you correspondence to the delegates who attended the Armoring Ceremonies, as well as invitations to the Magic Council. She did look up to see her visitor. "Love Flare? I wasn't expecting you here."

She galloped to the base of the throne, stopping in a quick kneel before dropping the poster. "I ran into Strife on the train. He's heading northeast, I'm guessing to Manehatten or Baltimare."

Celestia blinked. "Are you sure it was - "

"I know anti-unicorn rhetoric when I hear it, Princess. Forgive my bluntness, but if what he did to Ponyville was an issue, imagine if he started rallies in larger cities."

The Sun Princess agreed. "I'll have Hazard Watch contact his allies in Manehatten to keep their eyes open. I'll also send missives to Fillydelphia and Baltimare. Hopefully we can stop him before he starts something new."

Rainbow Dash snoozed in the late afternoon sun, glad for a easy cloud-clearing day. The only one floating about would be the one she dozed in, lost in another Wonderbolts dream. The last couple of days had been hectic for the rainbow-maned athlete and weatherpony, but the calm into the next week or so would help her rest and practice for a potential invite to the Gala.

The dream replayed from the one she had had some years ago of her leading the Wonderbolts through a display where they performed a flyby so close it would muss all the high-class ponies' manes and evening wear. They wouldn't be angry over the close pass, either - they would cheer, chant her name--

"Rainbow Dash?"

"Hm... Twilight? Do I have to kneel....?" the pegasus was still lost in her dream. Twilight decided she needed some cloud clearing practice of her own, casually bucking the cloud out from under her friend.

"WHOAA~!!!" Dash dropped a dozen feet or so before catching herself with her wings. She rocketed back up to where Twilight was standing on her own cloud. "What's the big idea~?!"

"You told me to be here at 4 o'clock for more flight training."

Dash's anger vanished quickly to a proud smile. "Oh yeah - wasn't sure if you were gonna make it since your schedule keeps you everywhere but where we need you."

Twilight frowned. "Are you saying that you're not going to teach me today? Breaking a promise could be ground to send you to the moon."

"THEY ALREADY TAUGHT YOU THAT~!?" Dash backwinged in panic, looking for an escape. "You wouldn't do that.... to a ... friend, right?"

The young alicorn shook her head at Rainbow's histrionics. "I was kidding... I'm not THAT powerful."

"Well, you ARE a princess now, isn't that part of the training? And why you were in Canterlot an extra day? Magic's your 'thing', so how hard would it be for you now?"

Twilight's smile slowly returned. "Maybe someday, I don't know. Right now, I'm supposed to be learning more on how to use these." She wiggled her wings playfully. "As for scheduling - Princess Celestia and I had a nice long talk about that."

"So why WERE you in Canterlot an extra day?"

"Seeing if Spitfire would train me since you don't seem AS interested," Twilight snarked back.

"Spitfire doesn't work with beginners," Dash responded with pride. "And since I've saved her flank a couple of times she OWES me."

"'Owes' you?"

"Making me panic all the way to Canterlot! Or should I try blaming Princess Celestia and see if you can get me off light, maybe a 1000 days on the moon?"

Twilight erupted with laughter at the thought. "Rainbow, why on Equestria were you so worried? You are probably the most amazing flier I know...outside of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, of course, but still..."

"YOU can say that," Dash grumped back "but when you get an invite to the second-biggest Wonderbolt tryout outside of the Grand Galloping Gala ITSELF and it's only a 'Maybe' how would you feel? If I'm as good as you say I am (and you're right), then there shouldn't have been a 'maybe' in the first place!"

"That's what you were all worked up about?"

"I also thought you were the one putting the 'maybe' on it. Spike got mad when I said something like that...."

"Looks like I have someone else to talk to. But lessons first - actually, no, a request first."

Rainbow Dash snapped to attention and saluted. "YES MA'AM!" she declared in her best Academy voice.

"A request, not an order. I'm not Spitfire. I'm still me. Actually, this is more of a request to help Equestria. You know about the plans to expand train lines from the Crystal Empire?"

"Spike mentioned it to me before the ceremonies..."

"There are plans to expand the lines. But you know how the weather outside the Empire can get, right? Remember running through that when we were helping my brother?"

"Didn't Canterlot cover that? I thought they had a bunch of 'specialists' out there since the snow and wind are so rough. Some unicorn and a couple of higher-ups from the Cloudsdale Bureau."

"If they're going to be building in more train lines from all over Equestria to get to the Empire, they'll need a weather expert with amazing flying skills to help them keep things clear long enough to lay down tracks. They've already got the pony-power to build the track, but we're going to need a lot of experienced weather ponies."

"Sounds like a lot of work... it'll cut into my practice time!"

"But it would look good on your resume, controlling some of the most dangerous weather on Equestria."

"Grunt pony work doesn't look good on a-" Dash stopped herself, recalling Spitfire's critique.

"Even if it's the MOST dangerous weather on Equestria? Conditions you trained for at academy?"

"Dangerous?" Dash dismissed, "I could turn any stretch of that trainline to beach weather in -"

"Ten. Seconds. Flat," Twilight finished for her. "Will you do it? I'm asking you as a friend...please help lead the weather team for this? For me?"

"I know you're asking me as a friend, otherwise there'd be this long scroll and Spike dressed up all Frou-frou and making-" Dash paused for dramatic effect - "A ROYAL PROCLAMATION!"

"I could make it that, and just aim Spike at your stories..."

"At least let me finish 'Daring Do and the Cloud Ruins of Stratusfear'!"

"Another one?" Twilight queried. "What about the one where you said Daring Do would be rescued by a mare with a shimmering rainbow mane, calling herself 'The Wonderbolt'?"

"Nope! This one's gonna be full of zombie skeleton pegasi and an angel trapped inside an abandoned ruin in the clouds!"

The alicorn rolled her eyes again, only to be interrupted with a bright flash. Leaping off the cloud, she turned to face another crowd of ponyrazzi taking pictures of her. "RAINBOW!?! Did you set this up?"

She felt a hoof over her shoulder. "You stood still, that's all I needed!" Dash posed as Twilight facehoofed. "Thank you, thank you, Everypony~!"

Twilight sighed and poked Dash with a wing. "You better not back out on the railroad deal!" She ordered before teleporting away.

Dash didn't hear her over the cameras and questions.

Cadance and Shining Armor arrived at the Crystal Empire train station under heavy guard. The soldiers, loaned from Canterlot, had volunteered to be a part of this huge "Project" announced after the armoring ceremonies, knowing that the royal couple would also have their hooves involved. Thankful for the almost unnecessary escort, the couple still chatted as they awaited the train.

"Remember, these are all soldiers who didn't quite make into the Solar Guard or the Phalanx," she reminded her husband.

"That doesn't mean they can't be made into soldiers. I think what I'm offering them would be great incentive. It would give Princess Celestia her soldiers back, and we would be seen as a lot more independent. We just need an armorer up here."

"I can see if Golden Silver is available now that recruiting is over. Any work on armor would be repairs and any of his apprentices can take care of that."

"Perfect. You ok with me making the announcement?"

Cadance was caught off-guard with the question. "Why wouldn't I?"

"They listen to ponies who CAN save the Empire," he replied with a wink.

"You saved Canterlot," she winked back. "You first." she assured him as the train slid to a stop.

Locals and soldiers alike cheered as dozens of ponies from all over Equestria poured from the trains. Many had only been to Canterlot from their native homes, and now twice as awestruck to such a legendary place. Eyes wide at the sights and adulation, widening still at being greeted by the current rulers. Excited glances turned into bows and kneels, making Shining Armor very uncomfortable. Cadance nudged him with a wing to remember his station. Nodding, he took a breath before making his announcement.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, I am Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire and former Captain of the Royal Guard. My duties have brought me here, much as the requests of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna bring you here today. You've come from a rough couple of weeks, attempting to join the elite under the Canterlot Princesses to defend them against any threat. While you are not soldiers there, you are still able-bodied ponies who are being given a second chance!

"Today, and over the next few months, we will be expanding the Crystal Empire's rail lines, so that we can accommodate as much of Equestria as possible for the Games. We are offering fair wage, meals and residence here during the entire process. When the work is complete - doubling the lines between the Empire and Canterlot - I offer each and every one of you a choice. All are welcome to stay here, as we are always in need for more specialists and new families into our new home. However, I offer you, upon completion of this task, a second chance at military service, as we will be forming our own military so that the Solar Guard will not be stretched so thin! Anyone with armoring knowledge, I would like you to report to the local jewelcrafter Malachite Braid! Everypony else, please follow us to your new homes for the course of the project. Thank you for assisting the Empire in such an enormous endeavor!"

The newcomers cheered and the local soldiers barely hid impressed glances to Shining Armor. "That was perfect," she whispered to him. "You're better at this than you think."

"Still not the most comfortable," he whispered back. "How does Twily even do this?"

"About the same as you."

He relaxed, glad it wasn't just him.

Twilight Sparkle exhaled in relief at teleporting home. She had worked at Sweet Apple Acres through the morning, trained with Rainbow Dash, checked in again with Rarity and Fluttershy, and was more than ready for a good night's sleep. Her fatigue cost her some of her concentration, and she appeared directly above poor Spike and the books he just finished organizing. Books scattered like bowling pins as the poor little dragon squished under the alicorn's weight. She gingerly gathered herself before helping Spike to his feet. "Sorry, Spike, it's been a long day."

"S'okay," he muttered, rubbing his head and reaching for the spilled books. He startled a bit when he saw Twilight's magic start organizing the pile agains for him. "should be used to it, I guess...."

Twilight didn't quite hear her friend, so she trotted closer. "Are you sure you're okay?" Spike grumbled an answer. "I don't mean just from this. We haven't had a chance to talk since I've been gone."

Spike shrugged. "So you were gone a couple of days... looks like you survived it."

"Are you upset that I wasn't home?"

"No...."

"you're not mad that you didn't get to come along, right?"

"No...."

"Did you have another argument with Owlowlicious?"

"No...."

"then what-"

Spike whipped around to face her. "I had a GREAT couple of days before you left! Rainbow Dash thought YOU put me up to telling her to pack Wonderbolt gear to the armoring ceremonies! Top that with getting clobbered with farm tools, almost getting bucked out of sugarcube corner, and then I get THROWN OUT OF THE CAROSEL BOUTIQUE!"

Twilight staggered backward from his anger. "I was trying to get YOUR stuff done on top of some errands that Princess Celestia sent me personally, and I can't even get THAT Right!" He groaned in frustration and kicked a stray book on the floor. He found a spot to just stop and sulk, and sat himself facing away from Twilight.

"Spike...?" the little dragon didn't move to Twilight's query. She walked forward, head lowered. "Spike, I never wanted you to get this stressed out in your life. This has been a trying time for everypony...so I'll understand if you start thinking that your workload is too much, and you wish to take time off to rest."

"That's not the point, Twilight! I tried to get all this stuff done for you, and then for Celestia because she wanted to do something nice for YOU and I couldn't even get that right!" He took a couple of deep breaths before speaking again. "I heard the party was a complete bust, anyway."

"That wasn't your fault, Spike. I do want to thank you for trying your best, all things considered. It was very sweet of you."

"But it didn't work!" Spike repeated. "I couldn't get anything ready, and even if I HAD you didn't get there until late that night, and Pinkie Pie was the only one left!" He crossed his arms and looked away.

"Oh, it worked," she confirmed for her assistant, "just in a different way. It made me realize that I need to better balance my time as a princess with time with my friends. ALL of my friends."

"ALL of your friends?" Spike asked emotionlessly, not turning back around. His frustration faded when he felt Twilight rest her chin on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," he softened, "just... it was supposed to be special..."

"It was," she replied as he turned to hug her. "Just in a Grand Galloping Gala trainwreck sort of 'special'." That relaxed Spike completely, and he hugged Twilight a little tighter in gratitude.

"Normally I wouldn't let you snack this late," Twilight offered as the two separated. "I've got something special I've been saving for you... I was saving it for your next birthday, but given the day you've had, you've earned it." Her horn flashed to life, and an apple-sized sapphire leapt from behind some books on a high shelf. Spike's eyes bugged out at its deep blue shine, tender facets, and that it would take more than two bites from the tiny dragon to finish! His forked tongue dribbled in anticipation. Twilight hovered it within reach. "Go ahead. It's properly aged and kept out of sunlight. I did my research on this one."

Spike greedily snatched it out of her magic with both hands and licked at it like a giant lollipop. She left him to his treasured snack so that she could get some rest.

With Strife back in confinement, Salvino addressed Belmonte and Silverback in his private quarters. The elder earth pony stood before his two lieutenants, measuring their reactions to the meeting.

"You two see more of the world than I do anymore," Salvino began. "Do we trust Strife? CAN we trust Strife? The possibility of alicorns in our control is too good to be true."

"Word on the wind is that many other nations around Equestria are already nervous," Silverback began. "Canterlot recently had a recruitment drive for their militia, and a lot of movement between there and the Crystal Empire. The right words in the right order could continue to stir unrest."

Salvino then turned to Belmonte. "If we give him the shackles, does this mean we are allying with an alicorn?"

"I see it as assisting a stray from our herd, Lord Salvino. This will bring him back to us, completely."

"I did examine the whip he brought," Silverback said quietly. "It belonged to a guardsman named Richter. From the records, this is from an outpost far south of San Palomino that Spellbreak abandoned . If this whip was close to this alicorn's lair, what's to stop us from just going after him?"

"Strife may not always walk Our path," Salvino observed, "but he sees what I see. He is correct that we should strike once the alicorns are in range of each other or when the fighting is over, but I don't want our hoof shown just yet.

"Send him back with the shackles, a potion, and dust all of his gear. He will NOT stray again. He will leave under the cover of night, I'm sure all of Canterlot will be looking for him."

Chapter 16

It would be a rare morning that Twilight would actually sleep in. Spike was awake even before her, tidying up the library and re-shelving books. A peek out the window told the little dragon that Twilight's suggestion of moving the apple stand was paying its dividends already. Ponies were jumbled around between the stand and the library, Applejack happily trying to keep up. There were still a few ponies peeking back at him, but most had their attentions that morning on fresh apple juice and still-warm apple turnovers. Applejack caught Spike watching, and she replied with a swift wink before turning to the throng anew.

Upstairs, Twilight had slept a little better, her wings calming through the nights. She still wasn't accustomed to sleeping with them, and the occasional night twitch would rouse her or toss her blanket across the room. She'd worked physically hard the previous day, so the wings had no interest in waking her.

Her dreams occupied the night and well into the morning, one of her walking through a vast library, larger than Canterlot's and the Crystal Empire's combined. Bookshelves with no ladders, old oaken tables, racks of scrolls - more history and knowledge then she could ever want to read and research. Row after row of information - seasons, the tides, the sun, the moon, the flora and fauna of Equestria. Everything she ever wanted to know at her hooves! She paused at a shadow around one bookcase, looking up to see -

"SURPRISE~!!"

Twilight unceremoniously bounced out of bed by a bright pink alarm clock armed with confetti and streamers. "That was better than the other surprise!" Pinkie Pie cheered. "Were you surprised?? I hope so, this one had to be SUPER SUPER Special to make up for the other one where it was just me and not the others cause it was so late and since it had gotten late so the toast was cold and all the ice for the drinks had melted and and the others were wondering where you were and I kept telling em 'Twilight's coming, don't worry!' and I was right!"

The alicorn couldn't remain angry, despite the startling. "Pinkie, never stop being you, OK?"

Pinkie paused in the air in mid-bounce. "I have to, I don't really know how to be anypony else. I could try but I like being ME so much I don't try very hard!" She resumed her bouncing, thrice on the bed before landing next to Twilight.

"Wait, how did you get past everypony this morning?"

"I wasn't sure if I could have anypony else over after I was here with CAKE and half of Ponyville followed me inside! You were kinda upset because you didn't want everypony in the library and I didn't have enough cake to go around so Applejack has everypony distracted and I tiptoed around to this side of the library and bounced on my trampoline til I could come in your window!"

"Applejack's stand is really busy?" Pinkie nodded. "Good. I'm sure between that and Sugarcube Corner - wait, aren't the Cakes out of town today?"

"They left this morning and I miss em already! The twins are alllllllll better, so the Cakes took the twins to see granponies in Baltimare for a few days! Don't worry, I remembered to lock the front door and put a 'Back soon' sign on it so nopony thinks we're closed-closed!"

This gave Twilight the perfect idea. "How fast can you whip up a quick little party back at Sugercube Corner? Just in case have enough ready for quite a few guests, including yourself."

"OOOH!" Pinkie accepted. "I can have a party together faster than you can say -"

"Purple pickled pincushion planted on a pine tree?"

Pinkie only bounced higher. "YOU KNEW!! I'm gonna make this party even MORE specialer than the one we tried to have in Canterlot! Wait, who should I invite?"

"I'll take care of the invitations, you just get Sugarcube corner ready."

"Okey dokey lokey!" Pinkie bounced out the window, a familiar "boing" sound outside signaling her safe arrival on said trampoline. Satisfied, Twilight trotted downstairs to see Spike still tidying up.

"Spike, I need some parchment and a fresh quill," she announced. "I have invitations to prepare."

"You don't want me to write it?"

"It would look like you were inviting yourself," she smiled, "But I'll make sure you get one."

Spike understood and quickly produced the requested items. Just so Spike understood what she was up to, she dictated herself as the quill hurried across the page. "You are cordially invited to Sugar Cube Corner for a special Friendship Party in one hour. If you are unable to attend, I understand. Know that I do appreciate you still. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle." She used her magic to make six copies, one of which plunked itself into Spike's hands.

"So I get to go, too?" Spike brightened. "What about everypony outside?"

"We don't have to go anywhere, Spike. I can 'send' these to the others, and that will give them all time to get there. Applejack can get Big Macintosh to run her stand, and I'm sure everypony else will find their way there."

"Need me to do anything before we head over?"

"Only if you want to - but this is a Pinkie Pie party we're talking about." She trotted back upstairs. "I probably don't need to dress up for it, but just in case...."

Spike watched Twilight trot back to her room. "This party needs a few more guests," he decided, adding some names to the invite and sending it out a ground floor window in a flutter of green fire.

Lapis Umbral had his Wildforce split up to practice with their new trinkets. Night Ash and Morning Star paired up to help here with her necklace of Senses. The unicorn zebra giggled to herself as she walked with her ally, piquing the younger's curiosity. "You're really excited about this," Morning Star observed.

"This necklace that was made for me is going to let me see again!" she laughed. "I've not seen anything in many years, I'm ready to see the world before me!"

"We have to test more than just sight, though....."

"Oh, we will. I want to start with Sight. The rest I have, and probably still better than what the necklace gives me."

Morning Star's ears twitched about. "Actually.... start with Hearing."

"Oh?" Night Ash tapped the gemstone, carefully swivelling her ears. The world's volume turned up around her in a cacophony of stories. She could hear Hatchet and Cloud Slayer talking to Umbral; she could hear Slurry talking to herself in her room; outside, she heard wild birds, the rush of wind through the valley, and the near-silent thrum of a colt's footsteps.....

"Dustmite, is that you?"

Morning Star looked around the room. "What? he's in here with us?"

Dustmite appeared, hoof over his charm and shock on his face. "Wow, you even heard me with this thing running?"

Night Ash turned toward Dustmite's voice. "Spying on us? That's not nice of you."

"But this thing really works! I've been in Slurry's room while she was trying hers out - she really CAN be anything she wants, dunno why she's still mad. Stony's with Boss, Hatchet and Cloud Slayer, not sure what's up with that....."

"Where's Desert Sun? Is she not with Lapis?"

"Nah, she said she had to practice outside. She took Violet and Silver with her to -"

A rumble from outside the valley startled the three ponies. Night Ash staggered from the noise. "That...works.... TOO well," she managed as she "shut off" the hearing enhancement.

The colt bounded toward the window, looking south. "Whoa, that's a pretty big fire. Now I get why she took those two with her."

Night Ash joined him at the window and tapped the stone again. "This time I WANT to see it!"

She could already smell the burning fauna yet couldn't hear their voices over the roar of the flames. She slowly opened her eyes, the light of the day initially hurting them. The world in her vision swirled in a variety of colors, as if trying different "Modes" - simple outlines, then heat signatures, then the color around her settling to crisp afternoon outdoors, where some distance into the valley she could see two pegasi. One, a colt of deep purple, the other, a mare with a coat of gray so pale it seemed to shine. Both hastened to bring rainclouds in to put out a large blaze suddenly started by their unicorn friend. She blinked, memories of her home coming back in a rainbow flood, reminding her of what colors and shapes would be. She could even she the rippling flag of lustrous red and shocking yellow of Desert Sun's mane from this distance! With a little more focus, she could count feathers on a moving pegasus wing! She looked back into the room, where Dustmite and Morning Star looked back at her in fascination.

"Your eyes are light green," Morning Star noted.

"And you're pure white!" she responded proudly. "And you, little one, a blue reserved only for star sapphires! Is that a BUG for your cutie mark?" She looked around the room. "The spire of Drakengard - like many of the spires in this valley, magically constructed....." She concentrated on the wall. "dragon magic. It's likely that a colony of dragons wanted to settle here before they found their Caldera to the north."

"Wow, that's some sight."

"Dustmite, it's more than sight! I don't just see colors and shapes like I did before the volcano - I see history, I see chemistry, I see....." she glanced again the two. "I see magic. Dustmite's necklace sparkling, and you, Morning Star, looking much like your namesake."

"Remember what Master Lapis said," Morning Star reminded her. "you can't have that 'on' ALL the time."

"Oh certainly not! but I can 'see' why the temptation is there!" A reluctant tap to the necklace and the shadowy world surrounded her again. "Intoxicating indeed."

"I know, right?" Dustmite bounced around them excitedly. "I've been able to get everywhere in Drakengard! Hopin this means I actually get to go out and do something, there's only so many times - "

"That you've been getting your jollies spying on everypony?" Morning Star finished flatly.

The colt's ears dropped. "Can I help it if I haven't found the right mare yet?"

"Spying on your teammates is NOT what that's for!" Night Ash scolded.

"So I'm not allowed to watch?"

The two mares chased him out of the room, Dustmite turning himself invisible once halfway down the hall. "Creepy little......" Morning Star grumped.

"At least I'll be able to catch him the next time," Night Ash beamed. "I better take this off before I get any more ideas."

Lapis escorted Sandstone, Hatchet and Cloud Slayer back into the grand hall, making sure they had their Phalanx armor secured."It's a simple thing," he explained. "Sandstone, your charm is to take away your fear. Hatchet's is to scare. I'm unsure how the necklaces will interact with your armor, this has never been attempted before."

"So this is gonna be dangerous..?" Sandstone mumbled.

"My kinda trainin," Hatchet leered. He watched the big zebra recoil. Cloud Slayer cackled.

"Now, each of you place yourselves in the room, separate from each other. When I give the signal, Cloud Slayer and Hatchet will go after Sandstone. Hatchet, you may use your charm at any time. Sandstone, do not use yours until you do not feel you have any other options."

Sandstone's hoof had already left the ground. "Not yet," Lapis warned.

"2 on 1 ain't fair, even if I'm bigger...."

"Larger, stronger, and much more confident even when we first met. And the battles we'll be fighting, there won't be much 'fair'," Umbral reassured. "but if you do tap yours before Hatchet does, then Hatchet will use his immediately. Understood?"

The three ponies nodded, each finding a place in the grand hall so they could see each other. The alicorn raised a wing; the two pegasi crouched, Sandstone tried to steel himself. With a small nod Umbral whipped the wing downward.

He barely saw Cloud Slayer cross the room, pummeling Sandstone and shouting unladylike epithets. Hatchet was there a second later, not even bothering to taunt as he poured on the abuse. Their speed was too much for the big stallion, and he could only retreat, growling nervously. Umbral's typically neutral expression soured. "You're not even trying, Sandstone!"

The big zebra continued to be pushed back by the assault, raising a hoof in a strange debate of whether or not he should tap his necklace. Hatchet had not touched his yet, and was still enjoying that he hadn't needed it so far. Cloud Slayer hovered in Sandstone's face and buffeted him about the ears with her wings. "All that size and no 'stones'," she shrieked at the much larger Sandstone. "You're not gonna last long out there!"

"He ain't," Hatchet agreed, playfully shouldering her aside to get in the big lug's face. "BOO!"

The big zebra found his resolve on that basic taunt and headbutted Hatchet. The growling was a little more confident now, enough for the pegasus to raise a hoof toward the charm. "Don't make me use this!"

"Don' make me use THIS," Sandstone roared back. That only made the two pegasi laugh.

"Me first, just like boss said!!" Hatchet pawed the gem just above the moonstone.

In that instant Lapis' attention focused on the two stallions, comparing as the magics interacted. The Fear charm blazed to life and the armor did not resist. Hatchet wasn't sure what was happening at first, but the nightmarish duet played loud and clear in the armorsmith's mind- the armor welcoming a chance to scare somepony even more than it already could! Laughter erupted around the music as the spell took hold of Sandstone to try and scare him with his absolute worst nightmare.

With some concentration Lapis could see the magic radiating off Hatchet, blossoming into a fearsome image of a large-mouthed beast covered in thorny tentacles. Cloud Slayer apparently could not see it - the form would not alert allies to its presence. The alicorn traced the outline in his own mind, savoring Hatchet's delight as he pressed his illusion down on Sandstone. The larger pony reared, eyes wide at the new threat, staving it off with his forehooves as he thought the creature ready to use him for food.

Sandstone's armor protested - lightning in the fog of his mind erupted as his mind begged to flee while the armor demanded battle.The big zebra flailed helplessly in his own armor, losing control of his resolve and legs shaking from the crossed signals. His desperation finally made it to one foreleg, tamping the gem as a plea to shut off his fear.

Lapis watched closer, fearing a mental standoff would paralyze the pony. He was unable to see inside Sandstone's head, where the armor's demands were defied. The necklace's shadow joined the debate, ending it seemingly by wrapping itself completely around both.

~~Fight~~ the only word spoken in Sandstone's mind, a request, an order and demand all at once. Sandstone's movements briefly slowed.

"Get yer head in the game!" Cloud Slayer taunted, landing a kick to the side of the earth pony's face. Hatchet followed it up by grazing him with a wingblade.

~~blood~~ the voice asked and confirmed at the same time, and the resolve inside Sandstone blossomed in a red haze. Sandstone roared in defiance, eyes darkening from gold to a blood red. The magic permeated the armor, turning the moonstone red and flecking the armor as if sprayed with blood. Before the first real drop had fallen from the cut on Sandstone's face, a forehoof caught Hatchet full and sent him careening into the wall. Before Cloud Slayer could scream out his name, Sandstone smashed her away as well. His vision now a red blur, nothing mattered anymore. Something hurt, something must be hurt back.

Lapis startled at the sudden rage and speed of the earth pony as he plowed forward, pushing Hatchet deeper into the wall. Cloud Slayer had recovered from the initial blow, but somehow Sandstone knew she was coming. Even her speed wasn't enough to catch him off-guard as he bucked her back into the wall, incomprehensible protests to stay away from him until he finished his first victim! Wheeling back to Hatchet, he saw the pegasus Phalanx soldier peeling himself from the debris, keeping a sharp wing forward. "BACK!" Hatchet demanded, "I actually felt that -you want some more o' this?" The other wing opened, slowly. "You need some red stripes for that~"

Sandstone silenced him with a hoof over Hatchet's back, flooring the pegasus. Cloud Slayer was up again but moving slower from the attack. Though unsteadily airborne, she tried to distract Sandstone from his chosen target, only to be brutally slammed to the ground once Sandstone grabbed a hind leg in his teeth. The alicorn cursed under his breath and magically split the three from each other. "Enough!"

The two pegasi weren't resisting. Sandstone thrashed and bellowed at the trap - he wasn't done yet! The armor and the necklace begging for more, Sandstone somewhere inside pleading Lapis to help him. Lapis answered the plea with a second spell that calmed the Shadow within, allowing Sandstone to return to control. "ow..." he whispered before his legs finally gave.

The alicorn puzzled his lack of satisfaction. The necklaces worked well with the armors - perhaps a little TOO well. A telepathic summons to Morning Star sent so that the combatants could be properly healed. Lapis then settled himself between Hatchet and Sandstone so that the fighting would not erupt again. Cloud Slayer wobbled over to her master, half-bowing and half-flopping before him.

"As it was said," he whispered unsteadily. "This will not be 'fair'....."

~~Have you decided what you're going to do when it comes to the magic council?~~ Morning Star thought to her friend in Canterlot, Night Ash permitted to "listen".

~~I'm still not sure what I should do - I want to help Equestria and I'm overqualified for it. I should be running that Council, Princess Suck-up can go back to ruling libraries!~~

The white unicorn nodded to herself. ~~Maybe you should tell her you want to be in charge of it - just for the look on her face!~~

Aurora sighed. ~~It's just a huge opportunity.... but it's Twilight.....~~

~~I won't be mad if you say "Yes".... Master Lapis probably wants you to accept. I know you'd be under Twilight Suck-up, but this way you can show her up to her face~~

~~I still haven't decided,~~ Aurora resigned. ~~If I can outscore her I should have wings, too. I bet there's something about THAT in the Archives if I look hard enough!~~

~~The only book you should seek is Star Swirl's,~~ Lapis interrupted. ~~Morning Star, please come to the grand hall and assist in healing some of our complement.~~

~~Is it ok if I "Help"?~~ Aurora offered. ~~I know Morning Star can heal, but she might want another pair of eyes on this~~

~~That would be most welcome, Aurora. I'll leave it to you to strengthen the connection so that you may "watch"~~

Morning Star hurried to the Grand Hall. ~~Can you see where I'm going? It might help if you close your eyes~~

Aurora did so, and the dark of Drakengard surrounded her in her mind. ~~That's such a dreary place. No wonder Lapis can't laugh~~

~~That's not why - I bet Luna's quarters are almost as dark~~

~~Dunno, I've never been.....~~ Aurora's voice soured. ~~Twilight Suck-up has though! Grrrr.......~~

Strife had little trouble navigating the woods between Hollow Shades and the Badlands, and thankfully did not have to stop at Dodge Junction for more supplies. His pace slowed by startling a wild stag in the woods, then the splitting headache that followed. He shouldered his bag off near a large tree and settled in to try to get his headache to dissipate.

He noted a faint twinkling of blue on his gear - had Belmonte soaked it in Lyrium? Maybe his body experienced withdrawal after being exposed to so much of it at once! Checking through his bag, the old whip had been returned to him with a note from Silverback:

"This old whip belonged to a proud Spellbreak Soldier. Let's see if you can live up to Richter! -Silverback"

The dark green earth pony had to mentally research that. Richter was the leader of a Spellbreak contingent near San Palomino, whose base was abandoned over a century before when Richter himself was thought lost searching the valley for more allies. He recalled that one of Lapis' cronies found it in the mines they had been using, perhaps there was more to that area? That gave him something to think about and ignore the migraine that followed him out of Hollow Shades.

"Doubt this will calm you down, but let's see if you can sit still for 5 minutes!"

Thunder Arrow shoved Hot Head behind a desk stacked high with papers. "Paperwork can't fight back," he told the new recruit. "you can't argue with text. Read ALL of that over, and report to me when you're done." The pegasus captain turned to leave, but paused a moment. "Oh, and if you're not up to THIS - I'm sure Flank Attack would be happy to find something else for you to do."

"Only because Flank Attack probably can't read," Hot Head muttered.

"I heard that!" Thunder Arrow rebuked. "You're about five words or wingbeats away from getting kicked out of the Guard. Flank Attack would have done it by now if it weren't for your times and wingpower readings."

Hot Head clamped his mouth shut until he could no longer hear his superior's hoof-steps. The little one relaxed, reading over the paperwork.

~~Master Lapis, got some info for you - gotta read all this crap over, you might get something from it~~

~~Good, I shall do so~~

Hot Head then shuffled the papers two at a time, allowing his true master to see what most soldiers would see as "Boring correspondence", "work schedules" and other basic seat work that marked one of the harshest punishments given to a Solar Guard. The little one had secured his dungeon duty so he could talk to Master Lapis any time he was down there; guard rotations and running commentary from the newly-minted soldier spoke volumes to the alicorn.

~~How much more of this stuff you gonna need? I can't sit here all day!~~

~~No, but you will have to. I have one other request - see if you can be placed on a later shift so that your relief will be a Phalanx soldier. Clear it with Gallant Lionheart as well~~

~~That lazy - ~~

~~who is leading the Phalanx and is aiding me in our cause~~

~~really?????? whoa, you got it~~

In the hour from when the invites appeared to Twilight's friends, Twilight herself took a little time before teleporting over. Pinkie would want her to slip in the back door to Sugarcube corner, just so the rest of Ponyville won't crash it. The young alicorn thought of throwing on her birthday dress for the occasion, but Pinkie preferred "Come as you are" parties - just to get them started even quicker.

Twilight smiled to herself before checking the time. One more minute. Just enough time for her to soak in the last few days and how much she missed just hanging out with her friends. She lowered her head at not getting to see her parents, much less spend quiet time with her brother or Princess Celestia. Even Spike had been neglected over these ceremonies! Shaking her head clear, she used that fifty-ninth second to teleport to Sugarcube Corner.

She stood a moment at the back door, one hoof off the ground. Pinkie always told Twilight about the "Secret Knock" to get in the backdoor to the shop but never really implemented. After all, why would Twilight sneak into Sugarcube corner? Well, before the wings, anyway. She rapped out a "Shave and a haircut" knock, expecting a response.

"Nope," Pinkie's voice came from inside. "Try again, Twilight."

"Pinkie, you KNOW it's me, just let me in!"

"Nope, you gotta do the Secret Knock - 'Shave and a Haircut' is one everypony knows!"

Twilight didn't think Pinkie could resist a simple thing. Shaking her head, she tapped out another rhythm on the door, thinking Pinkie's patience would run out first.

"Nope," Pinkie repeated, "it's like this!" And she quickly rapped out the code on the door from the inside. Using her head, of course.

Twilight then repeated the knock with her hoof, thinking how much of a "secret" this knock really could be.

The door finally creaked open, the inside of the store surprisingly dark. The normally bouncing pink pony peered around the door, wearing dark sunglasses and expression stern. "What's the password?"

"Purple pickled pincushion planted on a pine tree," Twilight carefully repeated from their conversation.

"That works," Pinkie gleefully replied as she yanked her friend inside.

The store remained dark despite Pinkie's sudden change of attitude. "Why is it still dark in here?" Twilight protested. "I gave you exactly an hour to set up, that's usually longer than-"

"SURPRISE~!!!!!!"

The shades on the windows flapped up, pouring sunshine into the shop and surrounding Twilight with her dearest friends. Rainbow Dash hovered over the group with a mischevious grin; Rarity gave a royal nod but didn't bow this time. Fluttershy peeked out from behind Applejack, who coaxed her out into the open.

"Twilight Party, take 2!" Pinkie announced, clapping her hooves twice. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, ACTION~!"

Twilight crouched to leap for her friends but something caught her from behind. She stumbled from the embrace, one hoof around her shoulders and the other suddenly planted next to her horn. "HOOFNOOGIE!" Pinkie cheered.

Twilight wiggled free, wings and eyes wide open in shock. "Brother??"

Shining Armor saluted. "I heard something about a disturbance at Sugar Cube Corner so I had to investigate. Since this was a Royal matter, I brought reinforcements."

"But I only set this up an hour ago! How did you -"

"You might have a snitch in your ranks," Shining Armor's official reply.

"And there was apparently a princess in the center of it all, so there was a security issue," a gentle voice added.

"The disturbance could last well into the evening," another voice added. "So I was requested to attend as well."

Twilight wheeled again. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood proudly before her. At least now she knew how her brother got to Ponyville so quickly! But that still couldn't summon a proper reply from her.

"This was the sort of celebration I attempted to arrange," Celestia explained to her speechless student, "but events within events within events kept getting in the way."

Pinkie randomly swung through the scene, tossing streamers with a free hoof. "ALICORN PARTY~~~!!!"

Another alicorn slipped up beside Twilight and gently pushed her mouth shut. "Someone told me if you gawk too long, someone will fill your mouth with candy or cake."

"Candy and CAKE and marshmallows and cookies~!" Pinkie listed as she presented tables full of each, and treats from Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight finally found her voice.

"Cadence!" She hugged her sister in law before the two of them dropped happily into their "security measure".

"This is what we tried to do in Canterlot," Cadance apologetically added.

"But...how? I mean, I had sent invitations out just an hour ago-"

"An it don't take long for me to drag Big Macintosh into town to work the stand!" Applejack announced.

"It's an informal formal gathering, otherwise I might have needed another hour," Rarity admitted.

"Caught me with one hoof out the door to the Crystal Empire," Dash bragged. "But I wasn't gonna miss this!"

"I... I had to come too," Fluttershy cooed.

"But how did-"

Spike finally chimed in from his seat in a corner of the store, feet up on a table and happily downing a turquoise sprinkles cupcake. "Oh, sorry Twilight. Guess the word got out." He playfully winked before tucking back into the cupcake.

Pinkie marched to the center of the room. "But enough talk!" She demanded. "THIS IS A PARTY!"

Chapter 17

Morning Star sat herself across from Lapis in a small windowless room that had been shut off to everyone else in Drakengard. The Shadow of the Moon explained that this was where he would meditate or prepare spells that required the utmost concentration, focus and accuracy. Desert Sun might not have even seen this room yet! She tried not to bow to Lapis as his midnight-blue eyes focused on her.

"What I am about to show you is a spell that I have taught no other pony," he began. "My signature spell of Absolute night, and what can be done with it."

"You never cast that around anypony," Morning Star said with bewilderment. "You said it was dangerous."

"It can be and it WILL be, once you truly understand it. You see, ponies fear darkness and shadows because of all the tales of creatures that can see in the dark. Stories spread by so many after what had been done because of Nightmare Moon, so ponies still miss the spectacle that is the Night.

"I created this spell as means to show ponies the difference of what night can be - quiet, peaceful, serene. Most run into their home and lock their doors, fearing what is out there. Night has its dangers, but so does the day! If a pony needs something to truly fear, it is a Night without a moon or stars. Do you trust me in this demonstration?"

"Of course."

"Then follow my words.... close your eyes."

Morning Star did so, awaiting more instructions. "Do not peek, leave your eyes closed as though the sun was blinding you. Sit as still as you can. Breathe slowly. Breathe deeply. Even. Simple. Breaths. A rising and falling wave of air...."

She continued the slow breaths, the silence allowing her to focus her magic. "Now," he whispered, "the incantation to bring forth this darkness...... are you prepared?"

"I am prepared," she responded.

"HAASSKEEKAH~~!!!"

Morning Star shrieked, instinctively firing energy from her horn at the sound. Her screams and the mysterious jabbering of the new voice echoed hard across the bare stone walls. Lapis' orders only added to the confusion as the new voice laughed over the panicked pony, mocking her in a foreign and evil tongue. This new creature apparently the only one amused as the Shadow of Moon verbally struck back.

"T'SHEAHY SHOHKA~!" Lapis thundered, silencing the creature's laugher. Once the racket stopped rebounding off the walls, the alicorn felt comfortable to speak again. "Morning Star, compose yourself before you open your eyes. We have.... unexpected company."

Uneasy laughter met her ears, but opening her eyes beheld a horrific creature, larger than her, looking every bit like a shambling corpse of a vulture. What little skin remained on its bones stretched tight where sinew should be, and a haphazard covering of scales and feathers the more unsettling. Its wings looked more like bony arms, ending in sharp talons that pointed at her with malicious intent.

"Ehvista dii," Lapis barked at the monstrosity, who withered at the words.

The white unicorn continued to back away from it, flank touching the wall and spooking her anew. "What...what IS that thing?"

"Apparently someone let him out of Tarterus for a reason. Speak common, Nightwake, she does not understand your native tongue."

"Goz, Mez send," the creature cawed, pointing to itself. "bring message! bring help! Thank you for their talking toy!"

"They were very pleased with my giving Sombra the means to speak, I see."

"Learn many words, curses, insults! Things better than 'Targh' and 'ghalaran'...."

"Your language curbed in my presence, Nightwake. Ponies do not need to know these words. Now why are you REALLY here?"

"Found help, Goz, Mez! Sense it near? Somepony woke them, maybe after you move bad magic?"

"You're speaking of the Spellbreak whip."

"Hunters' whips, they tear and maim. Told of scars on many kin from them. Some die for good." The creature lowered its ugly head, sad or ashamed of such things.

"The whip is not here, but with somepony who can wield it-"

"Mah'trai raghaa tiyi!" Nightwake hissed.

"Mind your tongue! The original wielder is dead and the weapon shown to the owners. If they choose to assist, they will assist. If they do not, nothing of value is lost."

"Strife apparently needs a hug or something- what's he got against unicorns, anyway?"

"It's.....complicated. Nightwake, can you show me where this other potential ally might be?"

"Show! Tell! Reward for help yes?"

"You have told me already. Now you will show me. Your reward will depend on what transpires."

Twilight Sparkle awoke to the shuffling sound of Spike's feet in her bedroom. The little dragon was balancing a huge framed picture on his head, trying to leave the gift on one of her dressers for when she chose to fall out of bed. The past few days had been restful, the crowds still bustling (but well-fed), and the respects doled to the young alicorn becoming less and less formal. She sighed happily; Zecora was right, all that was needed was time. She peeked to the little dragon as he precariously settled the picture in place, frowning as he had placed it upside-down. Before he could reach for it, the purplish magic from Twilight's horn righted the gift into place.

"Aww, you were already awake..."

"You don't tiptoe very well, Spike, but thank you for bringing that up here. I didn't want to hang it in the library proper." Her magic gathered the image gently and replaced another picture on her wall. While she loved the older pic of her family the day Shining Armor left for Academy, she needed something to demonstrate how much her "family" had grown in the intervening years. Pinkie Pie's camera captured a rare image of Twilight with her family and her closest friends all in one place, genuine smiles and love flowing from it like rays from the very sun. Everyone in this picture had their own copy; Pinkie turned it into a game with the alicorns, each trying to duplicate the image with their magic. Cadance struggled with the task but admitted that magic outside her forte needed more work. Luna's copy unsurprisingly came out too dark, but she corrected the coloring with a second cast. Celestia's added details to the image more out of appreciation of the picture than for a mere show of power. Twilight made five duplicates all at once, matching exactly to the original. Everyone left that party with a loving memory of being together and holding that memory in place.

"That's how a party SHOULD work!" Spike remarked as the picture found its place.

"Putting Pinkie in charge of it helped it out the most," Twilight's sleepy response. "But it was wonderful to have everyone together for a few hours so that we could catch up."

"So what's the plan for today? Book reorganizing? A letter to Princess Celestia? Researching more spells?"

Twilight slid herself from under the covers, stretching her wings. "Actually, yes, take a letter."

Spike gathered his quill and scroll. "Dear Princess Celestia..." she began.

"Do you even have to use 'Princess' for her anymore?"

"It's her title," Twilight replied. "I have to."

"Okay...." Spike quickly added the honorific.

"Dear Princess Celestia, I have not received an answer from Aurora regarding her interest in the Magic Council. I would like to formally invite her to the Ponyville Library to discuss any issues she might have with the post and any questions she would have regarding her responsibilities and schedules. Please speak with her as time allows and notify me if she is coming to visit. She is welcome regardless of her answer." Twilight paused, realizing she was unsure of how to sign the letter. "I can't say 'your faithful student' anymore, can I?"

"You can just put 'sincerely', and yes I know how to spell it."

"It just doesn't sound as personal. It's fine. Send it as soon as it's ready."

Spike did so. "So now what?"

The little dragon realized he didn't even have to ask. Twilight had already gathered a familiar black book and settled back on her bed to read.

The final leg of Strife's journey would be a rare time for him to rest - he had made it as far as Appaloosa, but the delays and detours made a long walk much longer. He offered a few bits to a prospecting couple who were surveying the railroad tracks that dead-ended south of the small town.

"Tumbleweed and I know almost ev'ry inch of the area south of here, all th' way to the mountain range," the light brown mare explained to their passenger. "Railroad's been built if they ever decide on a minin town that way, ain't that right hun?" She nodded to her husband, who was pulling the cart for this leg of the trip.

"That's right, Sandspur," the shaggy brown stallion replied over his shoulder. "The wife and I are hopin to have all that mapped out so when they're ready to get to buildin we can show em where t' start. Appaloosa and Dodge City could use the jobs."

Strife nodded, wishing that they wouldn't talk to him at the moment. His head still stung and his hooves were sore from the travel, but at least they were Earth ponies that weren't asking him questions. "So Tell me," he began as cordially as he could, "you've seen some unique characters around in your travels, haven't you?"

"Oh, we do!" Sandspur happily replied, "we get all kinds out this way. Buffalo are explorin this way, there's been mules in town of late. We've had visitors from all over thanks to the Apple Family."

"Any.... odd visitors?"

"Ah bet he's talkin bout them weird mares that meet out here ev'ry now & agin," Tumbleweed shouted back. "They meet southwest o' here. don't talk to nopony, usually."

"What about that multicolored mare? The one in the poncho? She ain't friendly at all!"

"So is she connected to these other 'weird mares' you mentioned?"

Tumbleweed glanced back again. "I seen em from time t' time. Don't talk too much to no pony, just do their business an leave. Sometimes we see em out by the west edge of the Macintosh hills. Guess somepony's got a place set up there. That where you wanna go? We don't know much past the valley entrance there."

"If it's not too much trouble. You know this leg of it well."

Tumbleweed slowed the cart to a halt, shrugging off the harness. "Don't you worry none, we'll get you out there. Sandy, you pull from here so I can keep lookout." The puzzled look on Strife's face caught his eye. "We're just Takin turns, we cover a lot more ground this way."

Strife nodded in approval. "Seems like a good business practice to me."

Sandspur easily shouldered the cart yoke and continued the journey. "Now these mares," Tumbleweed started as the cart picked up speed, "h'ain't seen em too often in recent months, but apparently there's gotta be some zebras with a camp out here....seen a unicorn zebra, usually just wearin a cloak when she gets here. Pays for full price fare. 'parently there's a colt they let travel alone, too."

"Zebras?" Strife feigned surprise. "This is a warm enough area for them, given the Farasipundans."

"The Funsy-who-ins?"

"Where most zebras are from, but that's not important right now. When was the last time you saw any of these mares? Or even the colt?"

"Just a day or two ago. Unicorn zebra, darndest sight I'd ever seen. She came in with two big saddlebags, didn't ask no questions and galloped on her merry way. I had some boys from Dodge Junction in town wantin a tour cause they're thinkin about startin a cactus farm out their way. I told em prob'ly so, but who buys cactus anymore? He tells me 'Son, you carry a cactus with you, you got water, you got a weapon, and sometimes you'll get a cactus blossom for your pretty wife'."

Strife nodded, wearied further by the stallion straying off the subject.

"So we're out this way prospectin cactus and we see that zebra headin out toward the pass. I tell them cactus farmers 'ain't nothin out that way - where she goin?' He tells me that there gotta be zebras out this way cause he gets a couple o' normal zebras in town once a month for their cherry crop. I ask em if they know any names, he says 'Can barely talk to em, they don't speak our language right'. All that rhymin - Can't they speak normal to other ponies? They get the words right, just all that rhymin... ain't nat'ral."

Strife shook his head, willing to cover for his tenuous allies. "That would be like asking a pegasus not to fly. Or a unicorn not to use her magic. Or an Earth Pony not to be strong. Or Celestia not to raise the sun."

"Mercy, you'd think I was some sort of ponyphobe!" Tumbleweed verbally backpedaled. "Anyhoo, I ask him if he knows any of their names and he says 'I just call em bits because they got a lot of em'. Some kinda rich, never hagglin prices, just get what they want, full fare."

"Interesting," was all Strife could muster.

"I got no manners, so pardon my askin.... what's so big about them zebras anyway?"

"It's a favor from another zebra friend of mine. He'd asked me to find out more about their settlement, and deliver a few messages."

"Ask him about the pegasus!" Sandspur called back to her husband.

"Pegasus?" Stife masked his disdain.

"There's this other mare, she'll come into Appleoosa now an again and buy oats and apples and other supplies. She ain't no zebra! Tallest mare I ever met, color of the desert... clays an dark yellows, wears a poncho cause she got such big wings bet she could flood out a town on her own."

Strife already guessed the characters in question. Night Ash, Sandstone, Dustmite and Slurry. Perhaps they're a little TOO conspicuous despite the remote location. "They've done nothing hostile, correct?"

"Yeah, but they gotta be t'gether - that zebra come out here where they don' thank anypony goes and meets up with that pegasus.. I think that pegasus must be doin weather for that zebra camp yer lookin for."

The cart slowed once more, just outside a gaping valley. Tumbleweed pointed ahead. "River runs right through it, so they got water. Figured they'd want more sun than shade, hope they c'n grow anythin we ain't got. This's far as we go, we gotta be back in Appaloosa by sundown."

Strife leapt from the cart as Tumbleweed dragged his saddlebags into reach. "You've been most informative." He nosed open his saddlebag and tossed a bag of bits up to the driver.

Tumbleweed heard the *thunk* of the bag, doing some math in his head from the weight of the bag. "You sure 'bout that? Aincha gonna need train fare goin home?"

"I have friends in.... 'high places'," Strife responded as he shouldered the saddlebags back on. "Keep this journey our secret. This was rest I certainly needed."

Sandspur beamed at their now former passenger. "That's mighty kind of ya."

"I won't keep you any longer, I think I can find them from here." He galloped west, not a single glance back.

"Ain't he a piece o' work!" Sandspur told her husband as they traded places.

"Prob'ly works for the gov'ment, they all are."

Rainbow Dash perched on a cloud drifting north, following the trail of the railroad tracks. This trip was to be her biggest weather job to date - clearing the snowy areas around the Crystal Empire so that a hundred or so ponies could double the tracks! She grinned at the sight of pouring bright sun down on the workers so that the snows wouldn't slow their work. A month or two out of Ponyville sounded like forever when she got the details, but Fluttershy promised to care for Tank and check on Rainbow's cloud-house at least once a week. It would be worth every minute if the report goes back to Spitfire! Dash dove off the cloud at the thought, swooping at the wandering northwest tracks.

From the west side of the Unicorn range, Dash could see a junction of the tracks, splitting north and west. She knew that the west track led to Vanhoover, and the north track turned back east and into the bitter cold that surrounded the Empire. She purposely declined a train ticket to test her own endurance. Recalling Spitfire's words, she accelerated along the track line, hoping to reach the Crystal Mountain range before nightfall. Sailing over the treeline between the tracks and Galloping Gorge, she fell back to her daydreaming about the Wonderbolts.....

A shrill whistle caught her ear, snapping her out of the reverie. A train, loaded with ponies heading the empire, likely spotted the mare and tried to catch her attention. Dash banked hard, a rainbow contrail following her to the roof of one of the passenger cars. A red female earth pony poked her head out the window.

"You overshot the academy!" the earth pony joked.

"I'm following you guys- you need a good weather crew!"

The earth pony slipped back into the train car, and within moments a "Rainbow Dash~!" chant broke out from the inside. The multicolored mare dramatically swooped through an open window, where cheers followed as several other Ponyville pegasi pounced her.

"We'd heard you weren't coming," Thunderlane groused as he untangled from the pony pile.

"And miss this??" Dash retorted. "I was trying to fly there myself, so there'd be an extra seat on the train!"

"Which means you'll probably be wiped out when we get there," he taunted.

The red earth pony mare stepped between them. "And you'll both be tired from blustering."

"So why'd you flag me down?" Dash recognized the mare.

"Star Hunter spotted you first. He wanted to make sure you did get plenty of rest since there'll be day and night shifts for the railroad work."

"....have we met?"

The red pony offered a hoof. "Red Embers. I'm going to be one of the cooks for the field teams. I've never been to the Crystal Empire, and really nopony else has had a chance...."

Dash grinned. "Well, let me tell you about some of the sights you're gonna see there!"

Thunderlane and Star Hunter exchanged knowing looks. Their female rival won't stay quiet until they get to the Empire.

~~I thought you were training with Master Lapis,~~ Aurora puzzled as her friend poked into her mind.

~~Well, I WAS, but then this weird little imp appeared... looked like a shaved vulture carcass, it was really gross!~~

Aurora changed the subject abruptly. ~~Princess Celestia approached me again about the Magic Council. I'm going to have to give them an answer soon.~~

~~You told her you wanted to tell Twilight Suck-up in person, right?~~

~~Yes, but-~~

~~Leave that to Master Lapis and I. You might not have to give an answer at all!~~

Aurora puzzled that answer. ~~I don't understand what you mean.~~

~~When he's done with this, he's going to show me his Absolute Night incantations! I'm gonna make you something to give to the "Princess" as a "Gift"!~~

"Show! Show you! Yes, I show!"

Lapis glided down from the spire with Nightwake on his back. The imp continued to jabber as the alicorn closed on the new mine. "Show you! Not hear?? Little laugh, angry moan! Hide here, yes?"

"There was nothing in this mine when Sandstone and Dustmite came to explore it," Lapis insisted. "Though if it was the whip that kept them in place, perhaps now they are exploring their new surroundings. Why have they not been 'gathered'?"

"One STRONG! Not leave, made sure before he die! Other with him, he STRONG! Not want to be alone! go see! Go see!"

"You will accompany me, Nightwake. No reason to split up now."

The little demon hesitated before settling on Lapis' back. "Magic trace, still there! Feel it? Targh...."

"Quiet," Lapis hissed. "Whatever's down here might not be as forthcoming when they hear your blathering."

The two peered into the mine, where most of the entranceway had been blocked by the giant rockslide the zebra brothers accidentally started. The debris didn't block passage, but the alicorn knew he would not fit. Sending Nightwake ahead would only stir the imp's urges to cause his own chaos. "Move the smaller stones," the whispered order. "I will clear what I can with magic. Make as little sound as possible."

"WHAT~!!?" the imp screeched, causing another rumble through the entranceway.

"QUIET~!!" Lapis growled back.

"Quiet as you!" Nightwake laughed. The alicorn swatted the creature into the wall.

"I said be silent," the dark alicorn demanded in as loud a whisper as he dared, "or we'll both be taking a much shorter route back to Tarterus. Are you that stupid or lazy?"

Nightwake clambered back on Umbral's shoulder. "Stories and rumors," it buzzed, "the Sister -one thought you dead. Many ask, we show. Goz, Mez, ask when-"

"I'm not in any hurry to BE dead," the irritated reply as Lapis continued to clear a path. "how does such nonsense get to your nonexistant ears?"

"Many work for sister. Some ask we tell them. Sister hide you from Equestria, yes? She want you forgotten, yes?" Umbral's demeanor could not become much darker. Nightwake finally shushed, peering into the darkness ahead.

The alicorn's ears turned slowly, listening for the rattling of dust and the occasional bouncing stone. A glimmer of magic from his horn reflected off many surfaces ahead, revealing gemstones and metal ore. Had he come for those, he would have been inwardly satisfied at his choice. Instead, he stepped warily forward, eyes soaking in the darkness and making sense of the hallway ahead. He had come to see what an emaciated bird-demon yammered about in the middle of an important and private lesson.

He magically scanned the walls - iron, copper, osmium? He'd have to have a word with Hatchet on their return. That idea quickly forgotten as a strange howling sound - an echo of ages, certainly not the wind - whisked past the odd duo, the howl being chased by a crackling squeal. Umbral turned to rebuke Nightwake, who already had both bony hands over his beak, he had not laughed at this sound! The Shadow of the Moon turned back down the hallway, where the chorus repeated, drawn out to make sure the message was understood.

"Not alone," Nightwake stammered quietly.

"Hush..... who's there?"

The mournful sound repeated once again, followed by a trebled tumble of a child's voice. Umbral attempted to brighten the area, only for a second cloak of shadows to sweep over him. "Darkness may be your shield, but I wield the night as my weapon," he warned, "I am the Shadow of the moon itself, your darkness means little to one who carries it within."

The shadows swirled away and settled before them as a ghostly creature, a unicorn with blackened eyes and smoky mane. Its body a horror of swampy greens and dark grays, standing at the edge of the living and the dead. The scent of death hovered with its mane, and its infernal speech garbled as it attempted to address its guests. The creature's head lowered, nosing at what looked to be a filly with vacant eyes and unsettling smile.

"LICH!" Nightwake vanished in a puff of brimstone. Umbral ignored the shriek.

"I see that you are not alone in here. Your story, lich, and tell me of the rotten leaf that follows you in the shadow's wind." With a nod to the little one the alicorn cast, giving the creature a voice. "Speak! How did you come to this place? Was it my shadows that called you?"

The lich opened its mouth once more, voice distant as its own past. "Your magic does this... you choose not to destroy me? Or my daughter?"

"'Daughter'....?" Umbral looked to the filly, who shambled up to him to get a closer look. Cowed by the empty but innocent gaze, Lapis peeled some shadows from the walls and shaped them into a black apple, which he lowered within the little one's reach. She babbled and clumsily reached for it. "So young, and doomed to wander in this state."

"She is safe with me," the undead warned. "You'll not harm her."

"No, I will not," the alicorn reassured as the apple floated carefully to the floor, where it sprung legs and scuttled toward the filly.

o/"blackened spider apple crawling through the black! Gnaw on its legs, stopping its attack! Poison your nectar, savoring the taste, Never let a spider apple ever go to waste." o/

The little one giggled and moaned, falling on the apple. "Uooohhahaannkuhah~!"

"We were locked here by that evil whip. Little Sweet Pea said she could touch it, but I could not let her, no matter what. Its magic grips the heart and the brain, and she would forget me."

"Ahnoooanoghna~!!" the little creature stumbled back to her father and slumped at his leg.

"You have freed us," he continued. "But the living world has no interest in our kind. You are not one of those."

"I have walked Tarterus alone," Lapis admitted, "and I have stood on either side of the Gates. Cerberus knows me by scent and lets me walk past without another glance. I am the very Shadow of the Moon, Lapis Umbral, ruler of Absolute Night and future KING of Equestria. My sisters would hunt your kind to extinction if they knew you were here."

"I will speak the only language they know against me," the lich growled, stomping a hoof in the dirt. A deep portal swirled open, not shaking the walls or moving dust from the ceiling. The crack widened, and a torrent of bones poured out, scattered at their feet like defeated foes. "Against me, they only know battle," he stomped again, and the bones formed four standing pony skeletons. "And they will join my side, soon enough."

"Have you a name?"

"It is long forgotten."

"I dub you 'Ichor' for the green of your remaining coat. You have safe haven in this valley, but you would be much safer in the abandoned mine near here. I give you amnesty, you give me your army. Such is the way of things in Tarterus?"

Ichor knelt before Umbral. "My army is your army, these creatures follow your order." Sweet Pea babbled up at her father. Ichor’s face moved slightly, a shadow of a shadow of a smile."And she already calls you 'uncle'."

"Before you leave here, or perhaps just 'on your way out', have the troops strip out the iron and osmium. The abandoned mine is not far from here."

Princess Celestia had caught up with much of her mundane tasks since the Ceremonies and the party, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her generals and her two best smiths. Word had already arrived from Princess Cadance that with so many ponies going to the Empire that there might be call for supplies and actual militia backup. The Sun Princess worried that the gesture would once again set Equestria grumbling about it, so perhaps a compromise could be struck.

Her smile proud as Flank Attack and Thunder Arrow arrived first, shortly followed by Golden Silver and Iron Forge. Gallant Lionheart strode in a couple of minutes late, but the meeting itself was not pressing. Luna had left this duty to her sister and was likely already asleep. Gallant Lionheart looked like he wished he was doing the same.

"Now that the railroad crew is on its way to the Crystal Empire, I have received roster estimates from Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. The team has nearly two hundred volunteers, not just those who had tried out for the militias. There are questions and concerns when it comes to such a large 'civilian' group, so I chose to speak to you five directly."

"Even if the washouts aren't formal soldiers, I don't recall too many that couldn't be trusted completely," Flank Attack began. "Then again, there are some still in the militia....." he reined that thought in quickly. "Issues should be minimal."

Thunder Arrow quickly changed the subject, understanding his contemporary's issue. "I heard you had Rainbow Dash sent out there along with some Academy stallions. I thought your weather expert up there would be enough."

"Her weather skills are very polished and she will take the lead for the weather team with Snowcatcher. They might not get along, but they can get the job done."

"How do we figure into this equation?" Golden Silver queried. "We're not military ponies, we just outfit them."

Celestia levitated several scrolls to the two smithys. "We've had many artisans donate their time to design armors for the Crystal Empire militia. The bardings will be easy enough to manufacture, but I have a very specific request."

"Anything for the good of Equestria," Golden Silver beamed.

"There's a craftspony there named Malachite Braid who does amazing work, and I'd like the Empire's soldiers to have some of the inherent magic of the locale incorporated. Her insights would be useful in the designs and enchantments, which I know you can duplicate in your sleep." She glanced to Iron Forge, who scrutinized some of the designs. "Are you interested?"

The black earth pony pulled his hooves from the scrolls and nodded to his partner. "Golden Silver will be adequate for the needs of the Crystal Empire. I have no desire to travel there at this time." This surprised Golden Silver as much as it did Celestia.

"You don't want to go?"

"Apologies if this is not your plan, Princess Celestia. I will go if ordered."

Golden Silver nervously smiled. "But.... Forge, we'll need your strength in the fashioning of armors..."

"This is all 'finesse' work," he snorted. "Forgive my bluntness, Princess, but I need to remain here to continue working with the apprentices."

"I understand," she replied with a hint of disappointment. "If you change your mind, I can make the necessary arrangements."

"And the night guards?" Gallant Lionheart yawned.

"A lot of the Phalanx dropouts are still on night schedules. I know your team is small, but perhaps a couple of them would like to go there and help survey and protect?"

"I'm afraid," he said tiredly, "that because of our small numbers it would be best to remain in Canterlot. Princess Luna might agree were she awake." This darkened the mood. "We still are sorting out who works where in the castle, I cannot respectfully commit troops to this endeavor until we have our own consistency and continuity."

"I... see," Celestia finally responded with resignation. "Though this will minimize questions from outside Canterlot and the Empire. We're still getting too much attention about 'escalating'...."

"Couldn't we just use the word 'expansion'?" Thunder Arrow queried.

"No, it's still too confrontational. But perhaps there's wisdom in not sending troops. Maybe now things will quiet down again."

Slurry met Strife at the base of Drakengard. "Took your sweet time getting back."

"I had to take alternate routes if Canterlot is looking for me."

Despite the lack of humor in her voice, the muddy colored pegasus relaxed. "I'm half-joking. I'm just sick and tired of listening to Morning Star whine that Lapis is taking too long to teach her anything. Guess 'patience' wasn't on the list, either."

"So you're not a fan of her either."

"I get it that YOU don't like her," Slurry snapped, "but I've heard some of your 'talk' - what do you have against pegasi controlling the weather? It's not 'magic', it's an ability we have."

"It's still the imposing of will on nature itself," he protested, "and a pegasus ego needs routine deflating."

"Ego? I don't flaunt what I can do, I know what I can do. I certainly don't flaunt the looks-" she uneasily opened a wing - "but I'll give it to you for every feathering unicorn who was bored or arrogant enough to use me as a magical practice dummy."

"I had known that wasn't your natural look. Why did you let them do this?"

"I didn't 'let' anyone do this to me. Just arrogant unicorns showing off their abilities and scaring the townsponies by zapping the stranger as a 'warning' if they get out of line."

"Every town?"

"Well, no...." Slurry looked away. "but it was either 'let's make her look weirder' or 'I can't fix that'."

"So unicorns thought you nothing but a plaything." Slurry rolled her eyes.

"They were too busy ga-gaaing over me to realize that I'm actually very good at my job. You know that old saying, 'hate the weather? give it five minutes and it'll change!'? That's what I could do, drop a storm anywhere, any time, as needed, and make it disappear just as fast. Unfortunately, the only 'talent' a male unicorn looks at....."

"They were too busy looking at you."

The pegasus sighed. "Same story over and over.... once I graduated from Academy with honors, I went to various larger villages to get more experience before I walked into a City weather job. The unicorns would warmly welcome me, thinking with their OTHER horn at first..... some did it as humiliation, some did it as demonstration, the last one can still hear the town square's bell ringing in his ears when he was done. Once Lapis takes over Equestria I'm going to find every last one of those villages and throw a tornado or two through them, see how THEY liked ruining a life."

"But you said nothing, and did nothing at the time?"

"Oh, I reported it," she snarked, "I'd never hear back, because by the time it got to anyone important it was 'she's blowing all this out of proportion' and 'let the village deal with their idiot leader....'"

Strife nodded curtly. "Nothing more than the unicorns' one true talent, bureaucracy."

"So you're not keen about what I can do for a living.... what would you suggest? Most ponies aren't keen on drought and flooding if we can stop it."

"There's the issue - you don't have to! Look no further than the Everfree Forest. The whole of Equestria sees it as a creepy and terrible place. But I - as well as Spellbreak in general - see it as a holy ground, a perfect example of what this earth is capable of without interference. That's what unicorns and pegasi are so blissfully ignorant of because they are not close to the earth as my race and I are! You make your own clouds for Equestria but the Everfree makes its own! The unicorns and alicorns shape the land as they see fit but the Everfree can do it by itself! I'm even convinced the Sun and Moon have a mind of their own without being thrown around by those... Princesses," the last word spat out of his mouth. "The whole of Equestria cries out because of this manipulation, yet neither the pegasi or the unicorns can hear it!"

"Blah blah blah, you didn't answer my question. Besides, if the planet is so upset wouldn't it rebel a little harder?"

"I should ask YOU the same question. Why didn’t you rebel harder against the unicorns who did this to you? Or were you not upset enough?" Slurry looked away. "But the planet keeps trying to speak! Volcanoes, earthquakes, disease - these are signs that the planet wants equal voice!"

"Okay, so the pegasi stop controlling the weather. Now you have thousands of unemployed pegasi."

"You could all sign up for militia duty, courier service, and explorers."

Slurry blinked in surprise at the answer. "So you don't want to string up the pegasi and cut all their wings off."

"No... and yet...." he trembled, mostly in anger. "Wings that now adorn Twilight Sparkle's back, only showing once again that unicorns wish to take over by making each other more powerful. No one with Spellbreak was pleased at this news."

"Now you're sounding like Lapis. Hopefully whatever magic-cancelling stuff you brought works on her, because if she can teleport out, this would all be for nothing."

"What I have brought is more than adequate. And Lapis Umbral wishes he hated her as much as I do."

"How do you figure?"

Strife continued to tremble with unkepmt rage. "It's .. personal. We have clashed in the past. I'll say no more. We both have our horror stories of our pasts, but yet you are still here with this alicorn?"

"Lapis promised me that he would undo all these curses, but he's so wrapped up in his takeover it's likely on the back burner. At least I have work out here - fog, storms, snow and ice for the frostforges. I don't pay for food or a roof over my head, but it's a living."

"Yet he baits you with this potential cure. You've been down his road before."

"He's gotten me a temporary solution, but at some point I just want to be 'me' again." Slurry sighed and shook her head. "Come on, I'm sure Lapis is ready to speak to you about your trip."

As Strife rode up to the entranceway to Drakengard, he surveyed the open valley, and glared up at the artificial storms. A second glance through the valley locked on activity in one of the mines. He couldn't see clearly, but he saw several gaunt ponies hauling ore out of a freshly dug mine. He chose not to ask Slurry, but this would give him more reason to get word back to Spellbreak....

"Bwooosh! Splat!! Take that, you ruffians! No, no, not the Lemon Meringue..."

Tiny pony toys battled to and fro before the amused Discord, as he provided his own commentary and sound effects. "'We shall never surrender! What say you?' 'Our bakers will double the sugar to see your kingdom fall!'" he argued with himself as more tiny pies launched back and forth. The tiny soldiers held the draconequus' attention since he had nothing better to do, since "causing chaos" wasn't permitted. Pestering the princesses also verboten, and his toys were indeed nothing but toys. It was a lovely game, better than solitaire, but less fun than what makes a Discord tick.

"And still you play," a mare's voice interrupted the battle as a dark blue hoof split the battlefield. The toy soldiers took several steps back, watching in horror as their pies splashed across the giant's foreleg. Discord himself, however, remained unfazed at Princess Luna's arrival. Aqua eyes glanced only a moment at the splattering of meringue, simply magicking it all off for an afternoon snack. "Still toying with ponies for your amusement," she remarked.

"Incorrect! These are toys that I am permitted to play with, something about the rules....." a scroll materialized, unrolling over the soldiers and down the hall, nearly tripping a guard. "I forget what rule it was.... #42? #86? #1,004?" He made a show of it, donning bifocals to read the list over.

"Somewhere in those rules mentions you reporting regularly to myself or to Princess Celestia," Luna commanded. "You have missed two check-ins in the last five days. Should I be concerned?"

Discord peered over the bifocals and the list of rules. "Was I? Oh dear, one loses track of time in their boredom......" he raised the unfurled scroll and the soldiers galloped to the end of it to roll the list back together for him. "You know, all this 'behave yourself' business doesn't pass the time nearly as well as the many things I could be doing to - I mean, FOR - Canterlot...."

"You are lucky that Princess Celestia is so compassionate. Were it my decision alone you would already be back in the Royal Gardens. I would have also chosen your pose...."

"You've taken away much of what I like to do to pass the time. No pranks, no games, no magic tricks.... why, if your youngest brother was here, he'd be quite cross with you over all these rules!"

Luna looked away. "Lapis is not here....."

"I miss the little troublemaker," he goaded. "He was so impressed with what I could do for mere amusement... making flowers sing, turning frogs into key lime pie... oh and the cotton candy clouds full of chocolate rain!"

"Enough. You have not answered the question. Where hast thou been hiding in the days since the Ceremonies?"

"I kept an eye on Fluttershy through the ceremonies as you ordered!" his left eye popped free and hovered in her face. Again she looked away. "I did join her for a lovely casual picnic a day or two ago, but other than that....." his body floated up to her face and he placed the wandering eye in its socket. "I've just been hanging around the castle." His serpentine body elongated through the room, hastening the toy soldiers to finish their errand. "Surely you would have something better for a creature of chaos to do than just 'oh, beHAVE....' "

"I have yet to understand my sister's interest in having you around. Perhaps tis your countenance that reminds her of Starswirl from ages past. You act nothing like him."

"StarSwirl WISHES he was this powerful!!" Discord's body snapped back before Luna, bulging with muscles. "Were that silly rumor true, I would likely be following Twilight Sparkle all over Equestria as her bodyguard!" he conjured up a black suit and sunglasses and stood officially before Luna. The Moon Princess remained unmoved by his antics. She ended his display by conjuring a deep puddle under the creature, amused by his unceremonious landing.

"You are a master of Chaos, tis well known," Luna warned. "But until that chaos is truly tamed, you are still not to be completely trusted."

The sopping wet draconequus surfaced, coughing. "Control, control, control...." he rolled his eyes. "BORING! And you wonder why I'd make the castle statues dance, I'm not allowed to touch anything else in the castle!"

"Perhaps you need a proper distraction to understand what considered 'fun' and what is considered 'serious' in Canterlot."

He leapt out of the puddle, zipping it closed on the floor. "Indeed. Perhaps I could LEARN something in your library!" A snap of his fingers and he teleported away.

"THOU SHALL NOT EAT THE ARCHIVES, DISCORD~!!" The Night Alicorn hurried in that direction to make sure.

"Boss'll be out in a minute."

Sandstone stood outside of the Libram Noctem, doors closed for the moment. Strife shrugged off his saddlebags to wait. "Hopefully he's not angry that it took longer than expected. I was not permitted to keep the gift given me."

"So you don't have the voice in your head no more?"

"No, I do not. Among other things. Small sacrifice since I feared they would disown me for using any sort of magic." Strife nosed open one saddlebag and dragged the shackles out. "These will keep the Princess safe and sound in your dungeons. They're coated with a magic-cancelling agent that affects any magic-using pony."

"So it'd hurt unicorns an alicorns, but not a pegasus or an earth pony?"

"They are not designed to hurt those who crafted it. The shackles respect those who respect the ground beneath their feet."

"You make it sound like Boss don't..."

"I work for him much as you do," Strife explained evenly. "But he is well above the common struggle. What work do you do for him, exactly? Are you a leader under him?"

"He wants me to be guardcaptain when we get Canterlot, does that count?"

"No, because you're not a guardcaptain now. Why is that?"

"Violet Force and Silver Shimmer's got tenure....."

"Because they're pegasi?"

"No, because they - "

"Because you LET them. Then again, you also allow your strength to be augmented with that dark armor and...." only now did Strife notice the collar - "that. What exactly does 'that' do for you?"

"It makes sure I don't get scared when I'm fightin," Sandstone replied with a touch of shame. "I'm strong, but fightin isn't what I like doin. I liked workin in the mines for boss, findin stuff that he needs...."

"No more than a slave, then," Strife interrupted. "Wearing a fancy jewelled collar as your chain."

"No, I WANT to work in the mines. Beats takin random work from town to town."

"You have no aspirations to lead?"

"Not til Boss gets Canterlot. Never lead nothin before, so I gotta learn."

The doors to the Libram Noctem opened, stifling Strife's next complaint. Lapis emerged first, Morning Star trailing behind. Strife didn't miss the exasperated expression of the white unicorn as Umbral addressed Strife directly. "What did Spellbreak say to my offer? I could not contact you for several days."

"A condition to even discuss the matter," Strife explained once more. "The Voice of the Mind has been removed. Communications must be done more conventionally, with messenger birds."

Lapis tried not to show frustration. "So again, what did they say?"

"They are considering your offer, and allowed me to keep the weapon. They identified it to a hunter from over a century ago. There might have been a Spellbreak outpost in this area at one time, but Hollow Shades appears to be the only remaining fortification."

The Shadow of the Moon looked suspiciously at the shackles. "And these will tame even an alicorn's magic?"

"It has the same magic as the whip, so yes. I would suggest that you not touch the leg irons with hoof or magic."

"Can they be handled by a non-earth pony?" Lapis refused to touch them after his encounter with the enchanted whip.

"With minimal damage, a pegasus can also manipulate them. It's unicorns and alicorns that cannot handle these."

Umbral nodded. "Very well. You and Sandstone take these down to the dungeons, I have a place especially carved out for our soon to arrive 'guest'. Strife, you may wish to find yourself a messenger bird to ask that they begin their assembly if they are assisting us."

Morning Star followed Umbral as they stepped away from the library. "Or is it too long a walk?" she verbally jabbed as she passed the dark green earth pony.

Strife refused to grace that with a rebuttal. He gathered the shackles and made sure to brush against her as he brusquely hurried to the dungeons. Her shuddering cries of pain enough for his ears.

Hot Head circled Canterlot one last time on his afternoon shift. He'd had more than enough desk duty to last him a while, no matter how much it helps Lapis' cause! Looping around the spires, he could peek into the windows where he saw Princess Celestia talking to her sister, guard shifts changing out, and the locals going about their business. He couldn't wait for the day Lapis would return to take his rightful place! The thought of battle sped his flight, scenarios continuing to conjure through his imagination. Maybe he'd finally get a hoof on Thunder Arrow? Better yet, two hooves on Flank Attack's stone face! "And even then," the little pegasus grumbled, "he couldn't even crack a smile."

His perch had two Phalanx soldiers awaiting him as he swept past. He recognized Gallant Lionheart immediately, but the pegasus with him wasn't Emerald Charm this time. This one was leaner, a little younger. They all otherwise looked alike, except for male to female. A signal from the captain summoned Hot Head back to his roost, saluting the pair.

"Dreamcarver will be your relief tonight, Hot Head," Gallant Lionheart announced. "You'll walk with me once he is on his way."

The two pegasi locked stares briefly before the Phalanx soldier winged into the rapidly approaching night, The captain appraised the departure before facing the small guard.

"So whatcha want?" Hot head blustered. "Gonna get Thunder Arrow or Flank Attack to reprimand me for something stupid?"

"Have you done something to make me do so?"

"Not yet," he sneered.

"I am not your actual superior, so no. But you'll be seeing more of me as the days grow shorter."

~~So what's the word?~~

Gallant Lionheart startled at Hot Head's voice in his mind. ~~Soon enough, is all I can tell you. Rest.~~

~~Can't wait for the fireworks~~ The little pegasus winged off to quarters.

~~Dare I repeat caution to you in using this gift?~~ Umbral chided them both. ~~Somepony may yet hear you.~~

The connection closed abruptly. Lionheart shook his head and began his evening patrol.

Umbral's frustration only mounted with the haphazard use of his gifts and Strife - well, being Strife. Morning Star's flank wound could only be soothed with a physical balm, as magic healing only made the burn sear and glow brighter. It would interfere with her concentration and shortened his patience. He was thankful that her injury was not serious and that she could still walk. Night Ash assisted Morning Star in preparing the balm for it while he dealt with his over-reacting pegasi.

Cloud Slayer and Hatchet ordered around the "skeleton crew" Ichor was providing, demanding them to keep bringing things from the mine. Cloud Slayer rummaged through everything while Hatchet inspected the ores. He recognized the iron immediately, but flew into his own mad histrionics when he smelled the traces of osmium within. Tackling the alicorn when he entered the forge, the force of the impact sent the pair into the line of boneponies, knocking several apart.

"BOSS!! THERE'S OSMIUM IN THAT ORE!! THAT STUFF IS RARER THAN RARE! WHERE'D YA FIND IT! MORE!! GONNA NEED ALL YA GOT-" The red and gray pegasus silenced as he was magically thrown back into the forges.

"Yes I KNOW there's osmium in the ore," Lapis' impatient response. "That's why I'm having it delivered directly. Do you have the facilities to safely work it? I need new armor."

"What's so dangerous about it - besides that it smells like dead timberwolf...." Cloud Slayer backwinged, looking to the smithy.

"Ya can't just forge it," Hatchet explained as he shook himself out. "I gotta work with it like a powder, like I did with the moonstones."

"Precisely, Hatchet. The iron and osmium will work well together when powdered, sponged, and probably flash-forged for proper melding."

"Flash-forging?" The dark pegasus looked back to the forges. "Gonna need a couple of days just to make the iron 'sponge'. Might need to make a custom hammer for the powder... and a split-bath for part of the flash-forging.... and a little lightning for the sintering..." the pegasus lost himself in a cloud of preparations.

"Get what you need, use what you have, including-" Lapis leaned in very close - "Your imagination."

Hatchet's ponderings melted into a sinister, twisted grin that Umbral only dreamed of emulating. "Three days, boss, and it's yours, starting - now!" He leapt out the window to purchase supplies. Cloud Slayer wasn't far behind.

"He wasn't spooked by the skeleton ponies?" Morning Star queried.

"He would accept gifts from a hungry dragon. Now come, we have some work of our own to do."

Chapter 18

"You've constructed another beautiful night, Luna," Cepheid approved as his sister put the finishing touches on the new evening. Most nights she would embrace her taller brother, but tonight her heart weighed heavy. A shy glance to him acknowledged and appreciated the compliment.

"'Tis my duty to create this every night. A duty I carry for my sister."

"Perhaps I should have at least waited an hour or two after sunsets to see for myself. Just that Tia's work has been my clock for as long as I can remember."

"It is not your lack of attention in the past, brother. It is another piece of said past that troubles me."

"The past is what it will always be, Luna - the past. The present is fleeting, and the future is never fixed. You're restored yourself and your reputation. It'll be my turn at the Summer Sun festival next year."

"Do you think of our brothers when you are up here, Cepheid?"

"Aphelion is too tough to die. Solaris may still wander the world. I do not know, our paths never crossed again after....."

"Lapis is alive."

"Of all the family.... why hasn't he come home? He's a snotty little brat, but I've never held a grudge."

"He does."

"Want me to talk some sense into him?"

"I fear it will only escalate things. Though it was clearly not his intent, it is because of Lapis that myself and Celestia have reunited. Something still troubles him deeply. Very deeply."

"It troubles me as well," the male alicorn responded. "You know how hard it is for me to see our family like this?"

"You of all would want us in the same room no matter what, just to see if this wound can be healed."

"My hope is that our remaining brothers are around to have this reunion.

musical interlude

o/All this time, far apart, reaching out into the distance... Holding hope, since I don't know, it's troubling me This sundered family o/

o/Will we be okay? I breathe in, wondering if they're out there I've been holding back the fear too long I don't want us to be alone. o/

Luna glanced up to her brother's sorrowful song.

o/We're just glad that you're back here, facing the future without fear Stay by our side as Seasons' Guide. We don't want to be alone. o/

Cepheid nodded to her.

o/My greatest fear is losing you, never wanna be the one to fail you. I see it's true, you miss them too, they should be here and it haunts you. o/

o/I believe in them, I believe in them... I know, I know I KNOW that they're out there. We've been holding back our fears as well I don't want us to be alone o/

Cepheid's expression morphed from worry to hope.

o/I'm just glad I came back here, facing the future with you near As you pull the tides and tend this sky. You don't think that we're alone.... o/

o/` For you know I cannot wait, to see that crowning day
As if not a day had passed.

It's the reason I won't break, and why I always say,
That they'll come home to be, more than just memories ... o/`

Luna's surprised glance gave Cepheid pause; she finished the ballad, eyes glistening with emotion.

o/Yes, It hurts that it's this way, I hear your words, and I do pray This truth is right, neither day nor night Will stop them from coming home. o/

They repeated the refrain together, a plea into the evening sky. Celestia could hear them, a single tear shed in her sleep.

The sad song did not penetrate the walls of Drakengard that evening. Even if Lapis Umbral had heard the words, he would not have believed them. Luna chose to return to Canterlot and leave him behind, then Cepheid locked away from the sun.... not a single word from anypony in Canterlot about him, not even from Gallant Lionheart. All that the dark alicorn knew was his brother remained in Canterlot someplace, hopefully not in chains and the sun giving him life again.

"Master Lapis? I said I was ready."

"Apologies, Morning Star. Let us begin."

The two met once more in the windowless room where he had done much of his dark magic. It had been many years since he attempted to teach another pony his signature spell, but he was confident that Morning Star would not only learn, but master it quickly. To test her, he brought her to the room to see how she'd respond to not seeing outside. She was unfazed, and that calmed him.

"So we shall begin," he finally exhaled. "What I am about to show you is magic that will NEVER be taught in Celestia's school. Be warned that shadows are dangerous to play with and your focus must be complete. I will accompany you on this journey. Do not fear the dark, not even the dark of Absolute Night. Fear is their nectar, face this darkness with me."

"Yes, Master Lapis."

"The mantra is simple, three phrases that bring the darkness forward. First, 'Black as the night.', which is the darkness of evening, and all can still see. Second, 'Blacker than the night.' this is where the darkness will close in around you. Do not fear it; lacking true ears it must be close to hear your voice. Third, proclaim something that is blacker still, but never invoke the Absolute Night. What is blacker than the night, that would bring the Absolute Night to you?" She nodded in understanding. "Begin."

"Black as the Night," she breathed, eyes closed. Lapis watched closely as the room did darken to her command. "Blacker than the Night," she continued, blackness seeping into the room and swirling around him before investigating the new voice. They paused for the third line. "Blacker than Canterlot should Twilight Sparkle ever rule it."

The room instantly brightened, blinding Lapis momentarily. "Not.... quite... like.. that," he half-growled, "a PLACE, not a concept. Start again, and quickly!"

"Canterlot IS a place-"

"But you describe a CONCEPT, and you anger more than the shadows!" His ire more from the invoking of a name than the disruption of the spell. "Begin. Again!"

Morning Star trembled as she tried to calm her mind and steady her voice. "Black as the Night," this time more authoritatively. The darkness crept back toward her as her confidence kept her focused. "Blacker than the Night!" she announced, and the darkness complied. "Blacker than the hallows of Tarterus itself!" she finished, and indeed the darkness deepened.

"Very good," Lapis whispered to his student. "You did this without demonstration. Now in this darkness nopony can see you, perhaps they can hear you or sense your magic.... but they cannot be sure of your presence. That is how darkness creates fear. Take this darkness, take the fear of the night and plant it like a seed at your feet. See what grows from there."

Morning Star focused again, coalescing magic into one black seed in the darkness and pushing it through the stone at her feet. "Can the Shadows still hear me when planted in the ground?"

"They will know your voice if they have graced you in this darkness."

"Shadows, aid me in my cause," she intoned, "The force of Light threatens your existance. I know their ways, I know one of their 'knights'. I can help you. Come to me."

The small groove from her planted "seed" cracked the floor audibly. She flinched, noting a bluish glow before her. Eyes still closed, she repeated her plea, until something hovered near her.

"It has heard you. Continue to control your breathing. Open your eyes and face this creature without fear. This will be the beast that tames the Unworthy, and she will be helpless at your hooves."

She dared a peek, a bluish vine swaying near her like an expectant cobra. She steeled as the tip of the vine erupted in eldritch magic, the tip blossoming into the shadowy head of a fanged, sightless pony screeching in her face. Sparks from her horn cowed it. Their voices kept its attention.

"You are here at my choosing," she said to the creature. "I am Master to you as Lapis is master to me. Hear my very words. I have brought you to life to tame one pony - one pony whose shadow is not dark, and is worshipped because of favoritism over talent. Too many ponies have suffered as one has been chosen above all others because she was favored over more powerful casters. She is to suffer at your fangs, and will in turn leave two Princesses powerless as their 'chosen' slowly fades away..... by OUR doing."

The creature roared in agreement, siphoning all of the darkness of the room into itself while locking eyes with the white unicorn. She watched as the vine and the beast grew spherical from the shadows closing together, dusting her with blackness and frosting her coat. A glance at her coat changed to one of approval as the sphere shattered into the shape of a large, grayish-black rose in full bloom. She nosed it gently. "Blair.... you will be the catalyst that brings Canterlot to its knees."

Lapis' pride blossomed with the rose, savoring her triumph. "Your boasts are not misplaced, Morning Star. You understand this magic even wihtout a demonstration by me. And it suits you well."

Her gaze peeled from the rose to her master. "Thank you. What next for Blair?"

"We'll need to deliver that to Aurora, and I have two ponies that can take care of such errands..."

Violet Force and Silver Shimmer pushed more fog clouds and cover through the area, trying to further obscure Drakengard. No patrols had followed up on their original "work" before they left Canterlot; both very relieved at this news. Who knows what Luna would do to them now! They settled on top of the cloud cover, looking northeast toward Canterlot.

"It's weird," Violet mused to his sister. "I almost miss Thunder Arrow some days."

"Why? All he did was give us boring work since we didn't have enough to do otherwise, so we did our own thing."

"Not that, really. Yeah, the work was stupid, it was just fun to watch him steam."

"Silver Bardiche was much better for that. I heard he's retired now."

Violet sighed. "But our current boss - he doesn't do much of anything with us, does he?"

"We're his Phalanx co-captains," Silver said proudly. "We get to order these ponies around!"

"Well, yeah, that's cool, too. But that's only recently. All we did was crappy weather duty and some occasional scouting....."

"You weren't with me when I got chased around Canterlot a few times by the Pegasus corps last winter."

"Why the hay did you do THAT?"

She shrugged. "I was bored."

"You could have been followed back here! And if Luna HAD caught you-"

Silver smirked. "She would have 'forgiven' me. Otherwise she'd be out here with us."

Twilight Sparkle gazed out the window from her bedroom - another beautiful day. Why was she inside, again? The book in front of her still had much to tell her, but something tugged at her hooves and wings to bring her back outside. Leaving the library weighed more on her mind as the days had passed, debating a new disguise to sneak outside and help with cloud-shaping. With half of Ponyville's weather patrol going to the Crystal Empire, things would be fairly quiet. She turned back to her book to discover a scroll had landed there, Spike covering his mouth in mild embarrassment.

"It's ok, Spike," she comforted the little dragon. "I was expecting a message from Canterlot. I didn't even hear you come in."

"I wasn't expecting it," Spike coughed. Twilight smiled to him as she magically opened the scroll to read.

"Dear Princess Twilight,

I am bringing you advance news that Aurora will be visiting Ponyville in the next couple of days to give you her answer about the Magic Council. She is currently awaiting delivery of a gift that she will be presenting in celebration of her answer. The rest, she will only tell me, is a surprise! I look forward to hearing from you when she - and the gift - arrives. Sincerely, Princess Celestia."

"Aurora's coming all the way from Canterlot just to answer a question? That's just weird."

"I understand, Spike. Remember, face-to-face communication is still the best communication. I'm glad she's making the trip, I don't know if she's even been to Ponyville before."

"Hope she brings ME something."

"You might have to go talk to Pinkie about 'gifts'," Twilight gently replied. "But it sounds like Aurora is going to join the council. I'm looking forward to this meeting."

"You've picked a poor time to be asking me this, Slurry."

"Every time I've asked is a 'poor time'. I said the necklace was fine but it still wasn't what I asked for."

Lapis turned away from the copied layouts of Canterlot he was studying before her arrival. "Everything is about to start and you're still asking about the curses? The necklace is more than adequate."

She snorted in frustration. "It's STILL not permanent! I'm still going to wake up in the morning with five unicorns still laughing at me. Including one that strung me along.... Just. Like. This." She dared walk up to Lapis' face. "I've done way too much for you to walk out now, and I have a feeling at this point I CAN'T leave."

"The choice is always yours, Slurry. But I will need the necklace back."

The pegasus glared at him, perhaps considering giving it back and starting again. "You've given me work and reassurances but I need an answer. Are you going to fix this permanently or not?"

The dark alicorn put down the rest of his paperwork. "Again, this is not the time-"

"ANSWER THE QUESTION!" She snarled, expression as dark as her employer's.

"The necklace makes you look normal. You did not specify permanent. As for what you've done for me, I've done much more for you. Once I have taken care of this nasty little business, then we will round up those five unicorns and I will let you deal with them as you see fit. Once they've cleaned up all that they did or did not do to you, will we then be settled?"

"You're stringing me along."

His response was lost to screams and laughter outside. "We WILL talk about this again," she spat before launching out the window.

The screams and laughter echoed from the base of Drakengard, where Cloud Slayer, Violet Force, Silver Shimmer and Hatchet enjoyed a laugh at Sandstone's expense. Backed against the spire in fear, trembling as the skeleton ponies continued to load up carts and stare him down. Slurry frowned even harder as the lich-pony watched from a short distance, disinterested in interference. The little zombie filly flopped about like a ragdoll, joining the others in their laughter. She landed solidly next to Ichor first. "And you're not going to stop this?" she demanded. Ichor didn't move.

"Why should I? Fear is the food of the undead. That large earth pony is a feast, and your winged friends are serving me with larger helpings from him. Eventually he will learn not to cower before them and we will search again for nourishment."

Sweetpea gazed way up at Slurry, the tiny earth pony falling to rest on her back. "Duagaseee...." she giggled.

"What did she call me?"

"Sweet Pea 'sees' things differently than you do. It was not an insult, but a small memory."

"What I'm seeing over there is an insult," she shot back to the creature before launching toward the others. The laughter trailed off as she challenged the four of them.

"Here t' save yer boyfriend?" Hatchet mocked.

"Kiss all his little boo-boos," Cloud Slayer added.

"You're holding up your own work just for a laugh?" Slurry's incredulous question. "You want that ore back up at the forges, right? You've got armor to make."

"Sure, but even I need a laugh.... and these two had a great idea!" He pointed a wing back at Violet Force and Silver Shimmer, who stood behind him wiping their eyes with their wings. "B'sides, you said it yerself- he needs to grow a backbone!"

The mud-colored pegasus backed up to Sandstone, who remained paralyzed against the wall. His pinkish eyes flicked back and forth between the skeleton ponies, Ichor, and the pegasi. His jaw flopped as though disconnected, no words able to find their way out of his mouth. Seeing Slurry might have only made things worse; his body withered before her in shame and apology.

"GET UP!" She yelled at him, "DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!" Sandstone only curled up tighter. The pegasi laughed even harder. Already frustrated with her talk with Lapis, she would have to force Sandstone to "do something about this".

One hoof reached in to his curled forelegs, forcing one loose. "Don't make me do this," she hissed at him.

"NOW KISS!" Cloud Slayer shouted, only increasing the laughter.

Sandstone helplessly locked eyes with Slurry. Again his mouth moved, but all that came out were mousy squeaks. "This time you ARE going to do something about it!" she growled at him. He shook his head no in absolute surrender. "Ok, I warned you......"

One swing of the sharp tip of her bat wings left a small but clean cut directly under his nostrils. She then tightened her hoof over his and slammed it into his necklace. "Sic em," she whispered before shouldering the carts and launching clear.

Within moments the laughter switched abruptly to screams and roars. Slurry dumped the carts of ore through the window of the forges and sailed into the cloud cover, more than satisfied.

Aurora made sure to touch base with Morning Star as she packed for her ride to Ponyville late the following day. ~~Is it ready?~~

~~I've even wrapped it!~~ Morning Star mentally giggled. ~~How would you like it.... "delivered"?~~

~~Might be too risky to bring it into Canterlot proper..... can you get it to the Ponyville train station?~~

~~Have Dustmite meet her there,~~ Lapis tapped into the line. ~~He can give her the package without anyone's notice~~

~~Ooo, I like that~~

~~Master, how fast can Dustmite get to Ponyville?~~

~~I will have him on his way shortly. He will wait at the Ponyville train station until you arrive, and he will track you with Voice of the Mind. You understand what needs to be done?~~

~~I do,~~ Aurora responded hesitantly.

~~I assure your safety. The Shadowbane will see you as a friend. Have something of Morning Star's on you when you get that package. Follow it here.~~

~~Of course.~~ the unicorns felt Lapis disconnect.

~~The password is "Blair",~~ Morning Star told her friend. ~~You don't necessarily have to use 'Blair' as a name, either....~~

~~Perfect. I will see you soon~~

The tracks near the Crystal Empire now bustled with multiple activities - ponies checking in for duty at the train station proper to be designated for every branch of the operation. Many were locals, but their numbers easily matched by the militia washouts and a small group of volunteers from the far south. The arriving pegasi cleared the tracks and several feet to either side of the blowing snow, Rainbow Dash helping with a "dead space" of wind so that work could continue uninterrupted. It was late morning and most ponies were taking a few minutes to get acquainted, learning much about their neighbors. Rainbow Dash and Snowcatcher, however, seemed to already know each other too well.

The multi-colored pegasus swooped past the cold unicorn, seeing a snow sculpture nearly completed and standing at the artificial weather border. Snowcatcher's artistry matched her weather control, and Dash recognized herself as the icy statue. The pose was of the stature completely neutral, to the pegasus' dismay. Dash hesitated approaching Snowcatcher at first, but felt a lot more compelled when a hoof was raised threateningly toward it.

"So explain something to me," she began as she appraised the sculpture. "The first thing you did when I stepped off the train was to tell me not to goof off. What's this for, then? I mean, it's not bad, but this isn't gonna help with the railroad project."

Snowcatcher lowered the threatening hoof, feigning disinterest to the question. She magicked up a clipboard and started a headcount. Rainbow frowned. "Hey, I'm talking to you!!"

"Shouldn't you be breaking up that crowd so we can get started?" She flatly responded, nodding to the ponies all talking with each other, especially to a green earth pony.

"I will when you explain to me why you get to make snowponies while some of us are actually working!"

"Not what I'm seeing," Snowcatcher responded, gaze not leaving the clipboard. "I'm using that as a temperature comparison. You didn't notice how it was positioned, since it was a statue of you."

"Why should I care where you put it? If you were gonna do THAT, I'd have modeled for it!" The multi-colored pegasus snapped through several poses and maneuvers, still not pulling Snowcatcher's attention away.

"I have it facing inward to remind you to keep working." She nodded toward the posterior that slowly gathered snow. "Given the temperature I have to keep in the work area, I get to watch your face slowly melt away....." she then nodded to the statue's posterior. "Watch your flank get bigger as the normal weather continues outside."

Dash gritted her teeth and resisted every last urge to swoop at the unicorn. She knew all too well that Snowcatcher was a high-ranked offical with the Canterlot Weather Bureau, who knows what stories she'd spread! Her wings pumped a few times in frustration until she could respond rationally.

"Wouldn't it have made more sense if I was straddled on the weather line?"

"And only see half your face melting?"

"Whatever, I got more important things to worry about!" the sky-blue pegasus rocketed over to the gathered earth ponies, breaking up their gazes on a recent arrival from the far south. "Clock's ticking, everypony! We've got work to do! Earth pony teams, start getting the supplies distributed. Weather team, keep the winds minimal over the tracks and try to get some sunshine down this way! Unicorns, uh...... magic up whatever the other two teams can't do!"

Snowcatcher simply continued to write on her clipboard.

"It was nice speaking to everypony, but I think we should get to work now," The newcomer agreed to the orders from the multicolored streak of a pegasus. Most of the earth pony stallions groaned before turning to their chores. She savored their gazes as her lime-green hair caught a few stray snowflakes and her deeper green coat set off ice-blue eyes filled with secrets. She made sure to report to the grumbly unicorn who stood in the snow for no other reason than to get everypony else to leave her alone. "New arrival," she announced.

Snowcatcher remained unfazed. "Name?"

"Siren Song."

"Earth pony?"

"Correct."

"You okay with hauling stuff? Sounds like you're more an entertainer than a worker."

"My duty is to Equestria," Siren demurred. "I'll do whatever is needed. However I do manage to hold some attention with the stallions."

"Don't distract em from the work, just keep them moving and out of my mane."

Siren mock-bowed to Snowcatcher. "As you command."

Snowcatcher wanted to roll her eyes. "Just get to it. I've got you here, and you brought someone for night shift?"

"Night Watch is resting at the temporary quarters, she will be my relief."

"Whatever. Get back to work."

Sun, rain or snow, Hollow Shades hid in its own gloom. A dark cloud of solitude domed the tiny village, the rail station nothing more than an empty and poorly maintained platform, and a dirt slope into this pit of sanctuary for those against magic. Its long standing tradition rarely allowed a pegasus or unicorn to stay; one born to a family would usually be sent for adoption, never to know of their past. Every earth pony born, however, is raised with the belief that nature alone is the master of one's fate, not some distant pony wearing a crown! Foals are trained in combat and educated in the use of weapons and Lyrium, considered a miraculous mineral brought by their forebears and cultivated in the cold, dark caverns of the Spellbreak HQ. Some, once they come of age, are sent into the world to see what all the fuss was about. Many understand, some stray from their teachings, but most continue to speak of their education and try to bring new blood to their cause.

The danger, many know, is that word will eventually reach the crown of their existence; yet for four centuries, Spellbreak has remained hidden from the wary eyes of Princess Celestia, their village prospering and producing earth ponies built for other things in life than simple farming. None of this history had been lost on Belmonte, who spent the day walking the village with Silverback, Strife still hanging in the back of their minds. Some of the other patrols walked the upper perimeter nodded to the two senior officers as they watched and listened to the rest of the world go by.

"It's not been a week yet," Silverback mused. "I still think we would have heard something...."

"If the alicorn knows better, he will play by our rules. Salvino chose to reach out, I look forward to when we reach back.... with our whips."

"So eager to fight. I would have hoped for something less.... angry."

"No taste for bloodshed, hm?" Belmonte smirked. "Salvino's taken too much out of you. We ran out of words for Canterlot. And we have no patience for -"

Belmonte snapped his whip upward, catching what looked to be messenger bird out of the sky. "Tricks," he finished as he slammed the bird to the ground. Silverback had little chance to register what Belmonte did.

"You're even more paranoid than Salvino. That's just a messenger bird."

"Look with more than your eyes, Silverback!" Belmonte rebuked as he dragged the "bird" closer. "Is it a messenger bird? Or a flying curse?"

"Looks more like a messenger bird to me....."Silverback's voice trailed as the bird's feathers began to smolder under the confines of the whip. "Still, it bears a message."

"Take the message from it, I'll keep it still." A shake from the whip and it looped around the bill of the bird. It's muffled cries of pain still gathered some attention as others looked on. Belmonte closed in on the creature, expression stern. "What 'message', I wonder, did you bring? A curse? a threat?" The light green pony looked closer. "Just a note. I'm almost disappointed."

Silverback carefully pawed the anklet from the bird's leg and gathered the message. "Let's see who sends us such bad tidings."

Belmonte leaned in on the creature some more. "You might be spared if your message is truly for us." The bird squirmed even harder, feathers melting from under the weapon's grip.

Silverback opened the scroll and read it carefully to himself.

"Brothers, forgive the use of this putrid beast to send news but the alicorn childishly insisted. Our time is coming, but only on your word that you will back Lapis Umbral's forces against Canterlot. Much as I would'vefer you to dissect this creature for your amusement, it must have the return message at the alicorn's order. Things will begin the following morning, which should give you four to five days to prepare and march to Canterlot. Your safety otherwise is not guaranteed. With your word, we shall have this child and three of his siblings in proximity, with the two newest to be dealt with as needed."

Silverback let the scroll snap itself shut. "The would-be future King of Equestria cannot guarantee OUR safety unless we agree to send troops and soon."

"Does he have any clue who he's talking to!? We shouldn't have to agree to anything."

"This is just a formal 'pretty please' that the alicorn didn't read. Salvino will be required to respond."

"What about this... thing?" Belmonte deliberately dragged the whip across the ground and raised, letting the creature thrash and burn.

"Much as I'm sure our scientists would like to cut it open to see what color its organs are, the note is very specific. It's coming with us."

The two stallions dragged the little beast through the town, letting it flail and muffle its curses openly. The villagers jeered and spat, not intimidated as the feathers dropped off in clumps to reveal the bird as some infernal beast. Wracked by the Lyrium in the whip, it could do nothing but convulse, unable to scream or protest. Belmonte snapped the little thing through the door of a meeting hall, unspooling it so it slumped before Salvino in a burned a bloodied heap.

"Sickly bird you've hunted, Belmonte," Salvino observed. "Why is this here?"

Silverback followed Belmonte into the hall. "A messenger 'bird' from Strife's alicorn. He's asking for troop complement from us."

"He insults us by sending this thing? Very well." Salvino's cold gaze settled on the creature. "Silverback, have a message of compliance completed immediately. Belmonte, you and Sonia will watch the creature until the message is completed."

Silverback bowed and hurried to task. The female soldier stepped away from Salvino to stand next to Belmonte, one hoof hovering over the creature. "Watch this creature carefully, I have some preparations of my own to attend." The leader turned and tapped one hoof on a panel in the meeting hall, opening a secret staircase back to his chambers.

Sonia's dark brown eyes turned away from the thing in Belmonte's whip to the wielder. "So what did they send? It looks more like a vulture carcass."

"Whatever it is, I don't want it breathing much longer." The creature struggled even harder, finally freeing its beak.

"TARGH~!! GHALARAN~!!! ALARISEY, ALARISEY!!! Call me monster, call Master monster!! Here faster, call to war! Wanted war? Come!"

"'Alarisey'?" Belmonte snorted. "You're no ally of mine or of Spellbreak's. You're a toy."

"Sh, Belmonte. If he's a toy, we're 'playing along'."

"No play! Hurts, burns!! Alarisey, ghan'tao shrangha......"

"I'm not about to release you. I hope Silverback writes very slowly."

Sonia sat herself next to the creature. "Little toy, let's play a game."

"Games? Gameses, but all pain! hurt, sleepy, dying? free me."

"Oh, you're dying?" Belmonte mocked. "Blame your master for sending you to us."

"I think it's a test."

"Sonia, whatever this alicorn wants with us, he continues to disrespect Spellbreak by sending magical items or spells here. How long before Hollow Shades is over-run with the Royal guard if we keep allowing this?"

"Test, yes, test!" it shrieked. "Note say no kill Nightwake...."

"So that's the monster's name," Sonia mused. "Nightwake, do you wish to live?"

"Live on, note says so! Do for ponys nice things! promise no magic til gone. Live?"

"Then you'll be a good 'bird' and take Silverback's message to Strife?"

"Yes, take quickly! live? Nightwake live?? Nightwake faster than birds...."

"That's all I need," Sonia stood. "I'll start gathering the troops, join me once this thing is on its way back."

"But - "

"And DON'T kill it." she nosed the creature carefully. "Alarisey." She trotted out the door, leaving Belmonte disgusted.

Aurora breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped off the train into Ponyville. It had been a strange few days, "talking" to Morning Star about this bizarre plan, stalling to Princess Celestia and hoping that she could maintain her facade. She wandered slowly through the station, saddlebags half-filled with books and notes.

~~You're here~~

Aurora startled at the voice, since she had been lost in her own thoughts. ~~I am. Where are you?~~

~~Closer than you think~~ she felt a slight tug on her saddlebag.

~~I can barely detect you,~~ she mentally noted, ~~But it's better this way, we couldn't take any chances in Canterlot.~~

Dustmite carefully slid the package into her saddlebag. ~~Good luck. Morning Star's pulling for ya~~

One more deep breath and the unicorn trotted off to Ponyville proper. ~~Still with me?~~

~~Sorry, mission accomplished, sneaking a train back. Morning Star said you're more than ready for this~~

Another deep breath. Why was she having second thoughts? Maybe it was how beautiful the autumn day was; maybe it was the gentle peace that settled in the small village, almost unaware of the fame it had gathered in the recent years. She walked past a cafe, seeing two ponies sharing lunch and conversation. She paused near a store that sold writing quills and comfy couches. Each humble building with its own story, and ponies of all types passing the time as though nothing important was happening that day. She found it almost comforting, even the elaborate boutique that shimmered like its own jewel in the midst of a quiet town.

Her goal closed in as she admired the town, hearing squealing laughter from a sweets shop and children galloping through the streets. A buzz of conversation and the calls of a farmpony finally turned her attentions to a sprawling oak, carefully carved and shaped into a residence and library. Just outside, a few dozen ponies walked back and forth from the ground level windows to a hoof-built stand, where a bright orange pony hawked all sorts of fresh-made apple treats and drinks. Only a dozen or so there, making Aurora feel a little better. The plan had to work a specific way......

As she approached the door, one of the locals gave her an odd look. "She's in, but is she expecting you?"

"I sent word through Princess Celestia herself that I would be arriving today," she responded smugly. "This is important Canterlot business."

She ignored the increase of annoyed looks as she tapped politely on the door. She took one more deep breath to maintain her composure, knowing this would be the most important "performance" within the plan. Her eyes followed the edge of the slightly opened door to see a short purple dragon peeking out.

"You must be Spike," she started as formally as she could muster. "My name's Aurora, you might remember me from Canterlot...."

The door pushed open wider, and the little dragon stepped to the threshold to look the unicorn over. His memory of Aurora wasn't too clear, only in passing when he would meet Twilight after her classes and occasionally at the library. He'd heard Twilight mention her name in the last couple of days, and the recognition registered in a blink of his green eyes. "Twilight's expecting you, come on in."

Spike held the door wide open for her as she trotted inside. She expected the library to actually be even more organized than Canterlot's, if Twilight Suck-up had the free time to work here. Most of the books were in place, save one haphazard pile of atlases and history books sitting on the center table. Twilight herself browsed a shelf, pulling another tome or two down before turning to her visitor. "Hello Aurora."

"Uhm, hi. I'm sorry that I took so much time in trying to decide."

"It's okay, Aurora. This is a very big decision and I know you still had classes to take. The Council would meet regularly but not so often to disrupt your studies. Besides, you're grades are so exceptional I'm surprised you've not graduated already."

The pink unicorn froze for a second. Was that meant as a jab at her? It was said with such sincerity that she didn’t believe it was. Could that be right? Was she talking to the same pony who never talked to anypony else in class? "I...."

"I'll have Spike make something to drink while we talk. How was your trip from Canterlot?"

"It was... fine," Aurora managed. "It was nice outside. I had to stop somewhere and pick up a gift to go along with my answer."

"You didn't have to do that," Twilight demurred, "Your answer was all I was really expecting. I'm just glad you took some time to consider it."

"So, about the gift.... " Aurora nervously removed it from her saddlebags with her magic and placed it on the table. "It's something unusual that I thought you might want to study."

"Oh???" The alicorn started nosing at the lid. "The letter Princess Celestia sent said there would be a surprise."

Aurora took a step back to allow Twilight to see the gift inside. As the lid was magicked away, the alicorn's anticipation slowly deepened to confusion. "A stone rose?"

"It's a Midnight Rose," Aurora announced. "I found someone who grows them, and thought it would be an unique enough gift. Everything ELSE you've been given, I didn't think you had one of these."

"Thank you, Aurora, I've never seen a real one, only pictures." She sniffed at the rose, taking in the scent of evening dew and night breezes. "I can't wait to research this further. So you were going to tell me if you were interested in the council?"

"Yes.... and I am going to decline your offer."

"What? This is an almost guaranteed career for you!" Confused, Twilight's attention now focused on her guest. "The knowledge you would bring to the table, the diplomatic relations you could improve for all of Equestria - "

"All still under YOU, where we walk in to silence and you get the fanfare! The flag bearers, the kneeling masses, the BLARE of trumpets - "

What happened next was too fast for Aurora or Twilight to comprehend. Spike returned with drinks.... to an empty room.

Chapter 20

Princess Celestia reminded Thunder Arrow and Lionheart the following day that all pegasus patrols should only report to her if any sign of Twilight or Aurora were found. Knowing that any other soldier's arrival in the Great Hall may not raise eyebrows, she minimized the traffic for the sake of maintaining order. There would be critique either way: if she told Canterlot now, they would demand immediate action which she wouldn't permit, yet once the word was out there would be complaints that information was not shared. To her, this was an internal matter, albeit a little too personal; two of the best students in Canterlot's School for Gifted Unicorns had been kidnapped. The reports of Strife on the loose gave her an immediate suspect, though word from Manehatten and Fillydelphia had no answers for her.

Luna chose not to sleep that day and continued her own means of searching. She asked for volunteers to rise early to assist in the later afternoon patrols, perhaps cover more ground. Flank Attack grumbled to them both about spreading out their forces, and Celestia's assurances came less and less hopeful. Luna simply sent the guardcaptain to increase perimeter patrols to keep him otherwise occupied. All actions had to be discreet but the tension was already palpable around Canterlot proper.

"Words travel faster than the wind," Count Solaris reminded Celestia. "It is only a matter of time before we have inquiries from within and without."

"I worry which words will carry faster," Celestia's distant response. "Rumors run faster than truth, making them harder to stop."

"You have held this kingdom on your shoulders for so long, Princess. You really should delegate more responsibilities."

The words resounded in Celestia's ears, and her voice slightly wavered. "I should..... but I can't...."

Count Solaris kneeled in apology. She waved him off with a wing. "No, it's not you that's causing this. My worry and a lack of rest in recent weeks only compound the problem. We still don't know if Strife is indeed behind this, and if he is not, who COULD be so cruel? Canterlot has not had an uprising in centuries, and those nations who did not attend the Armoring Ceremonies would not stoop this low. I cannot speak openly of this until I know more, and that news is slow to come."

"But hope is never lost."

"No..." her reply less than convincing.

Count Solaris could not think of any other means to console the Princess, so the outside world beat him to it with the melody of a songbird perched on a window to the Great Hall. Celestia heard the song and relaxed, knowing that Equestria still stands, regardless of her own troubles. She gracefully raised her head to listen to the bird's song, a proud and slightly dissonant tune befitting Canterlot. A simple gesture with her wing and the bird sailed through the Great Hall, landing carefully before her.

"It seems the inquiries begin already," Solaris posited as he examined the purple and silver bird. The noble was suitably impressed; the bird's lavender plumage complemented silver and grey striped wings, and a "mask" of darker gray across its eyes. The crest trailed down the back in a light cascade of white feathers, the tail neatly folded behind. "A customized breed," he appraised. "So this will be important."

He nodded at a gold band around its left leg. He carefully magicked the band from around its leg, listening to it chirruping to both of them in importance. Solaris then presented it to the Princess, as her eyes should read such important correspondence first. She nodded and brought the band closer to examine where it may have come from.... and froze.

"Count Solaris, have my sister meet me in the Atrium. No others to disturb us for the next hour." She abruptly teleported away with the bird in tow. The blue unicorn blinked, then dashed off to seek Luna.

Twilight awoke from her rest seemingly alone. Faint traces of the brightly colored unicorn's warmth remained, staving off the chill of the room. She stood and stretched her wings, not at all rested from leaning on a stone wall and sleeping on a stone floor. Even if she would only be here a few days, they would be very long ones. To pass a little time, she thought about Spike, who was likely in a panic over her disappearance; Fluttershy and Rarity likely worried over where she'd been taken; Applejack probably having everyone scouring Ponyville and the near area for her. As for Rainbow Dash.... her friend was in the Crystal Empire with Cadance and Shining Armor. Her eyes closed, a sigh and a wish already forming in her mind. The shackles objected, dragging her back to her knees.

"I know they'll come for me.... or I'll find a way ou-" reflexive casting only silenced her quiet pep-talk as the shackles once again stung her. The crackling of the anti-magic and her stifled cries almost hid a high-pitched chuckle nearby. "Who's there...?" She asked to no one in particular. Without a reply, perhaps she was already hearing things in her current confinement.

"Boy do YOU look lost," the imaginary voice blurted out next to her. She tried to stand too quickly, fumbling over hooves and wings and chains all at once, nearly landing on her snout. She managed to keep her balance without casting. She stumbled again when something other than the shackles brushed against her back leg. "Ooops, 'scuse me," it giggled. "I'd watch where I was going if someone could see me."

Twilight kicked out at the voice irritably. Nothing.

"Over here," the voice taunted from her left. A wing-sweep caught nothing.

"Or is it here?" The voice whispered behind her. Bucking back toward it, she again almost lost her balance.

"Oh wait," the voice materialized in front of her, "I'm right..... here~!" and a tiny zebra appeared from the dark. Twilight lunged, stopping just short of where he stood. He smirked down at her. "Boss wanted me to make sure you weren't gonna try anything."

Her anger allowed her to focus on the little tormentor. Definitely a zebra,dark blue with dark gray stripes. His close-cut light gray mane well out of his huge eyes, and fitting that there was a bug stamped on his flank. He was doing too good of a job "bugging" her. She flailed at the colt with her forehooves and wings. "Get... me.... out of... here!" She demanded.

"Nnnnope," the colt replied as he danced in and out of her range. "You're stuck here for a bit - don't worry, boss still needs you intact."

"So I'm just his 'ransom pony'?" The colt shrugged. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna aren't going to give in to some petty demands!"

"How do YOU know?" he vanished but continued to talk. "You're here because boss wanted you here. So why didn't those Royal Pony sisters DO something? You didn't even have guards! I bet we coulda stole you at the Armoring Ceremonies and none of the other Princesses would have batted an eyelash!"

"I'm one of Princess Celestia's best students - "

"Blah blah blah, brag to yer mom when and if we let you go." She felt tugs on the chains. "Yep, good and secure. You're not going anywhere, heheheheh."

Flustered and frustrated, Twilight kicked and swung each limb in hopes of getting a shot in on the invisible zebra. "Nyah nyah, yer no fighter - no earth pony in ya! Just a fancy little pretty princess who should be in a fancy little princess dress, wearing your fancy little princess tiara and sprinkling Happy Dust on everything around you!"

Again she attempted to cast, shackles reining her in. "You get one hit on me and I'd probably be down," he mocked. "so I'm making sure that doesn't happen. I'm not stupid like my brother - then again, rocks could fall on his head and he wouldn't notice!"

"If MY brother was here, he'd - "

"He'd what? Beg? Cry? Say 'pretty please with alfalfa sprouts'?" Dustmite laughed at his own joke. "He's some fancy prince in a shiny castle halfway across Equestria with a trophy wife!"

Twilight's horn flashed, the shackles responding in kind. Staggered once more, she could hear the colt dancing around her in her helplessness. His laughter rang off the walls and tore at her ears, and the insults tore at her mind. Every muscle ached from the drain of the shackles, gripping her legs ever tighter as she tried to pull free. His laughter only increased with her anger, the echoes losing his position to Twilight. She stomped and fumed, attacking again when he reappeared almost in range.

The room darkened. Confused she started to buck and thrash again, only making the colt laugh even harder. "Look at her go!" he jeered, "that's the most fun I've had giving someone a blanket since Stony was a colt!"

She finally stopped flailing when she realized the darkness was nothing more than a makeshift blanket that Dustmite had thrown at her. She remained standing there steaming as the laughter faded up the stairs and back into the compound.

"TRAIN~!"

Rainbow Dash remained ahead of the arriving vehicle, calling all the workers away from the tracks. They had to allow for the continued traffic; the secondary line assembled nearby, the main line bringing more visitors and assistance from other cities. Thankfully the interruptions came close to lunchtime, so the pegasus normally had everyone head back to camp for food and rest. She'd join everypony else soon. Curiosity needed to be sated first, as the train pulled in twenty minutes ahead of schedule. The pegasus swooped into the train station to witness only a few arrivals, including a dark yellow unicorn with gray eyes.

"Anypony here for railway work please report at the west end of the train station for assignments!" She announced with as much authority as she could muster. Some of the arrivals gave her strange looks before heading into the Empire, while the unicorn carefully magicked his saddlebags into place.

"You must be Rainbow Dash," The unicorn observed as he gathered himself.

"Yeah! Have ya heard of me?" She posed for the unicorn's amusement.

"Who hasn't heard of the ponies that saved Equestria time and again? The miracles you work fascinate me."

"All in a day's work!" Dash declared. "Saving Equestria one kingdom at a time. Ponyville, Canterlot, the Empire - heck, we might get called to Manehatten after all this is over with!" She looped around the unicorn a few times before falling in step next to him. "So- are you here to help with the railroad stuff? We can always use a helping horn or hoof."

"Let's back up just a bit. My name is Golden Silver, and I was sent from Canterlot by Princess Celestia personally."

"'Golden Silver'.... are you a merchant?"

"I'm a metal-worker, actually. I'm not on the railroad project but will be involved in something else for the Crystal Empire. Could you at least walk with me to the castle? I'll explain on the way."

Dash grinned and suddenly dashed away, returning to the unicorn's side in ten seconds flat. "Ok, just had to let someone know where I was. So what kinda project?"

"I understand that a jeweler named Malachite Braid has a shop here. She and I will be collaborating on an armor project for the Empire's new guards. I have several rough ideas that will need some fine-tuneing, between Malachite and myself I hope to have assembled armors that rival the Solars and Phalanx."

"Cool! Do you do custom armor? I got some ideas....."

"As I said, I'm a metal-worker, not a weaver. I've been told you would give your left wing for a proper Wonderbolt uniform."

"I didn't even-"

"Tsk," Golden Silver chuckled. "Merely a vain attempt at humor. I do wish my partner Iron Forge would have attended as well, he has a sure hoof in his metalworks."

"I haven't met Malachite Braid yet, but I've seen some ponies wearing her stuff. Wouldn't her work be a little.... delicate for armor?"

"Not at all! She's done adornments similar to what Princess Celestia herself wears. She might have some secrets that were lost with time and the Empire. I'm VERY excited for this project."

Dash followed the unicorn to Crystal Heart Plaza before turning back toward the railroad. "Just head straight in there, tell em I sent ya. I gotta get back."

Cepheid admitted to the start given him of his sisters just appearing in his favorite sunny spot. Sadly, the fading rays of daylight felt warmer than their expressions. "This must be pretty important, since you aren't having me involved in much else."

"Your strength is more important than diplomacy," Celestia began unsteadily. "It seems our captor has shown his hoof." She levitated the band and tiny scroll case toward him. "And given your place in our Family, I thought you should see this as well."

The stallion peered closely at the crafted band. "It's well-made, so I see it's from a high office. The bird is exotic, that was more Solly's thing anyway. So why did you...." his voice trailed off when he recognized the insignia on the scroll case. "...Lapis...? Not like him at all."

"He is still bitter, still angry, even after all this time," Celestia almost apologized. "He stormed castle Canterlot three years ago."

"He brought me back from the moon," Luna added, "...or Nightmare Moon back to Equestria...."

"Family is still family," Cepheid retorted impatiently. "That little brat needs to get off his own high horse about what happened. That filly - Twilight? - She doesn't have anything to do with this! What's he trying to prove...." he angrily ripped open the case with his magic.

The scroll pulled itself free of its casing, spreading before them like a new rug.

"Peace" . "Harmony", ... they, like rainbows and shadows, are all illusions. You think you maintained a thousand years of peace as only once since then have the shadows erupted in anger, righting a wrong. A wrong that gave you all this "peace"... you don't even consider as the moon rose every night, the forlorn face that looked down, still asking you "why?".... And in the shadows the question asked again, "why?".... Why did she leave me there for so long? Why did she not come for me? Why must someone cry a thousand years before such a prayer is answered? It's your turn now - will there be a thousand years of alicorn tears and heavy shackles that bind the seasons, invisible ones that you wrapped around the Moon? Simply take back the wings you gave an unworthy unicorn and place them back on our lost brother, how hard is this? Then let the sun slowly fade, as a new "peace" arrives.... the peace and quiet of a Shadow and the Night. Where is the Sun, they ask? Oh, it will return.... once uncovered and tamed by the Shadow of the Moon. You will watch your illusion of "peace" with much less light... and every shadow will watch you decide."

Cepheid's frown only deepened. "I don't even know where he's going with this. I don't need another pair of wings."

"It's figurative," Luna offered. "He is still angry, after all this time... I had hoped my return would have been enough."

"He was very proud to have brought you home," Celestia added. "Yet angered that there's another alicorn...? Has he not seen Princess Cadance if he's seen Twilight?"

"And her giving me her wings?" Cepheid flapped his in annoyance. "Got a perfectly good pair, two more would be a mess."

"Perhaps he thinks you incarcerated."

"How would he even KNOW that? Sure he was around but nowhere near where it all went down...."

"All that confirms is that he has eyes and ears here," Celestia realized. "He wants the throne, he wants Twilight changed back. Why does he think threats like this would be met with anything but refusal?"

"Is it a 'test' of his?" Luna pondered. "This entire threat is more a riddle."

"For Twilight's safety I don't think we can take that chance."

The Crystal Empire's railroad crews knew that putting down the lines took time, and having to stop every time a train came in made for a lot of stop-and-go processes. The pegasi grouped together near Snowcatcher's post to compare notes while the unicorns and earth ponies chatted over snacks. Red Embers brought warm cocoa out for everypony so she could eavesdrop.

One conversation touted the unicorn that had just arrived - something about custom armors and working in the Empire. Definitely from Canterlot.

Another chat from the pegasi talking to Snowcatcher about updrafts and cloud positioning. They were likely fascinated that a grounded unicorn had any sort of weather control ability. While cold-mannered, Snowcatcher was quite the expert in the weather outside of the Empire.

It wasn't until she placed her tray at the earth ponies' table that she first felt a strange twinge. She couldn't put her hoof on it, just a rush of emotions out of nowhere. Her ears swiveled in curiosity.

"....we don't need Sugar Rush up there leading all of this. We're doing the heavy work, aren't we?" one mare queried.

"Rainbow Dash," an earth pony stallion corrected, "is one of the best weather ponies out there."

"Not according to her school records," the first voice disagreed. "She can break all the Wonderbolt Academy records she wants, they'll never take her."

Red Embers absently pulled one mug of cocoa for herself so she could listen in. Strange that an earth pony wouldn't appreciate one of the Elements in charge of the operation. Perhaps there was some resentment that Shining Armor and Cadance weren't out there? This wasn't a place for royalty anyway.

"Being in charge of the weather in Ponyville is important enough, this is even bigger, isn't it Siren?"

"Not really," the mare's lilting voice dismissed. "She likes to look important and think she's important, but she's not. The fact that a unicorn does a better job with the weather than this supposed 'talented' weather pony says a lot."

"That unicorn's from the Cloudsdale Weather Council. She was appointed by Princess Celestia herself."

The mare was not impressed. "And while she's showing off how well her horn contrasts against the snow, we're doing all the heavy lifting. I'm sure she's smart enough to multitask."

Red Embers hesitated. While nowhere near as frustrated as the speaker, she felt more and more inclined to agree. Why weren't the unicorns and pegasi helping with positioning? It's not like pegasi can't carry loads and unicorns can't finesse something into place. Settling to steam with her cocoa, she thought about how she would discuss this further with Snowcatcher.

Twilight did her best to keep her mind occupied. The solitude deafening, the cell itself dank. Another soupy bowl of oatmeal dropped off while she slipped in and out of consciousness, the blanket barely a comfort. She wondered if that colt was still flitting nearby, invisible; she almost cast to see for herself. A glance at the shackles and a long sigh all she could do.

"Do you not appreciate this roof over your head and adequate food?" A dark voice asked emotionlessly. "There are worse fates. I can prove this."

"Just tell me what you want - from me, from Princess Celestia, from Princess Luna - what do you want from us??" she pleaded, just relieved that someone was speaking to her. "You're not that invisible colt from before- what do you-"

Her cries shuddered to a halt as the midnight blue eyes materialized in a shadow. The body of the alicorn stallion slowly focused into view in the stairwell, surprisingly alone. "There are many things worse than just being imprisoned. You yet live."

"I... I still don't understand...."

"The explanation is a simple one, really. You were given wings, taken away from Family. Return them, and resume your life as a unicorn."

"It's not like these come off," she grumbled as she waved each in turn.

"Not by request or a spell, anyway," he continued. "I am disappointed in one who is renowned for her intelligence and wisdom to not know the whole of history. I will tell you merely what you need to know.

"The Discord War was much worse than anything you and your 'allies' ever faced - all of Equestria turned upside down, days and nights at Discord's whim. Buildings balanced impossibly on their rooftops or doors, ponies forced to dance themselves unconscious or utterly brainwashed and driven mad by this monster. It took more than two alicorns to put him away, yet he now roams Equestria anew.

"Since the banishment of Nightmare Moon, many other ponies were punished by this edict, and history erased to cover her tracks. The Phalanx disbanded, and many of those soldier ponies left Canterlot, never to be seen or heard from again. Only now, Princess Luna desperately attempts to restore her reputation after a thousand years of lore and lies of her ways!"

"I helped Princess Luna break the curse of Nightmare Moon!" Twilight protested.

"And *I* brought her home so you could TRY~!!" The alicorn thundered. "She was to finish up our remaining business in Canterlot so that we could rule. We were to take back Equestria and see how Celestia enjoyed a thousand years without the duty of the sunrise, the adoration of the populous. We'd spead sorry stories about her and perhaps a rumor that she had died, just to see how Luna felt. How I've felt, all this time.

"One thousand years is a very, VERY long time, and sometimes history gets altered by winners of wars. But the complete omission is inexcusable, unpardonable." He raised a hoof before Twilight interrupted him. "'Oh, but you should go to her and tell her you want to talk'. No; there is no more talking. She imprisoned Luna for a year after her return, and once Cepheid reappeared he too was imprisoned. It is now your turn, just to see if Celestia understands what she has done."

"She hasn't done ANYTHING to you!" Twilight nearly screamed. "Cepheid isn't even in the dungeon anymore! Luna needed the year to recuperate and adjust. What have YOU done for them?"

"I Remembered them. I Remembered the entire Family, but no book nor scroll in Celestia's hooves remembers us. So therein is a price to pay."

"Then let me go back - I'll explain everything - then my friends and I-"

"'Friends'?" Umbral repeated. "I have some friends too. Would you like to meet a couple of them?"

Twilight gulped. She worried about the dark calm in Umbral's voice as he made the offer in the most friend-less way possible. "Okay... "

"He's mostly harmless.... and this will be VERY educational."

Some of the shadows around Lapis coalesced into a gaunt unicorn, mane wavering much like Celestia's or Luna's. Within that mane flowed more shadows, black as the ones on the walls and black as its sightless eyes. A strange doll lay on its back, gazing lovingly at nothing. "This is the prisoner....?" the unicorn asked slowly, head motioning slowly toward Twilight.

"She is the one I spoke of, Ichor. This is Twilight Sparkle, one gifted her wings."

"I still don't understand why this is such a big deal to you," Twilight protested. "You say I'm not 'worthy' of these wings- wait, is Ichor a wraith?"

"Ichor is a ponylich," Umbral explained, knowing that the new sight would calm her down. "He was trapped in a mine by anti-magic. Much like you are trapped now."

Gurgling sounds interrupted the dark alicorn, and a garbled little voice made itself known. "Uhhnakah Dahagosee," it babbled.

"My apologies, Sweet Pea. Can you see her? Can you see how she's trapped like daddy was?"

Only now did Twilight note that the ragged stuffed animal on Ichor's back was actually alive. "A golem?"

"She is zombified, alas," the undead unicorn told her. "Choosing to remain with me for eternity than living a life without me. She just called our host 'uncle....' something." He slowly turned his head. "Why do you use that word, Sweetpea?"

"Dahagosseeee!" Sweet Pea repeated, pointing at Umbral.

"You called one of the other pegasi that. I doubt they're related."

Twilight cocked her head. "What is she saying?"

"Dah!! ahgo! see!" she insisted.

"She remembers Phalanx soldiers, many of which left after that fateful night..." Ichor clarified. Twilight wasn't convinced. Umbral's expression could darken no further.

"Now I have given you some education, perhaps that will keep you better sated than...." Umbral looked at the bowl. "That might be closer to oatmeal, I don't have a proficient cook." He and Ichor melted into the shadows, Sweet Pea giggling all the way. Twilight sat once again alone, with more questions than answers.

Dreamcarver hated being up before sunset, but would never refuse a request from Princess Luna. Word from around the castle spoke of missing students, one of them Princess Twilight Sparkle. He'd only caught glimpses of the new Princess after the Armoring ceremonies, but had been otherwise distracted by Phalanx ritual. He'd been sent far south to explore an open waste between Appaloosa and San Palomino, since city leads hadn't brought any new information. Hazard Watch had turned in a box found in Ponyville, and Shadow Tracker would look that over once they could get that unicorn guard out of bed. Maybe a Solar guard unicorn could look, too; but what did he know, he was just a grunt animal of a soldier.

Scoffing at the stereotype added from his new post, he landed a short distance from a paler spot on the ground. Landing too close might spook the target. With the sun setting and the shadows lengthening, at least his eyes could adjust quickly to the coming dark. They stung from the sunset.

He walked closer, wings closed and eyes scanning the ground. A glance up had his eyes catch Luna's crescent moon ascending with the new night. Comforting to him, but what of who he had found? He was at least relieved to find the pink unicorn under a scavanged blanket, preparing for the cold of a desert night. She was alive.

Aurora heard his approach, curling up tighter and eyes squeezed shut. Perhaps she feared a predator approaching? Dreamcarver worried he would scare her with his visage, and even moreso his deep voice. The unicorn already shivered, though the full cold of night had not settled. The pegasus stopped a few feet from her and cleared his throat, a rumble of distant thunder to Aurora's ears.

"Aurora, student of Celestia?" Dreamcarver asked with as little malice as his armor allowed. "I'm here to take you back to Canterlot. Are you injured?"

She stirred, shivering some more at the chill of the coming night. Her eyes wide, trying to see around her, but with no fire to curl up beside, all she had was the rainbow of dusk to guide her, ears swiveling toward Dreamcarver. She startled a bit at seeing a Phalanx soldier, worried that it might be one of Lapis' guards. The questioning convinced her otherwise. "I am unharmed," she replied, nervous timbre to her voice.

"Please do not fear me, Aurora," Dreamcarver continued after a moment. "Princess Luna requested her guards, as well as the Solars, to search for you and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Do you know where she is?"

The unicorn shook her head sadly. Keeping the blanket around her, she trudged up to him. "I'm still not sure what happened," she told him. "One moment we were talking, the next everything was black."

Dreamcarver nosed her toward his back. "Please climb aboard, we will talk on the way back to Canterlot. Others are still searching for the Princess. I am thankful that you are okay."

Aurora shivered as she clambered onto the dark pegasus' back. "I just want to go home."

"To Canterlot, then. Use the blanket to keep you on my back. Fold it diagonally....."

Faint magic from Aurora completed his request. The blanket folded to its corners, a makeshift bundle for her to stay in while he flew. With a nod he launched northward, knowing that for this little unicorn, it would be a very long night.

Chapter 21

Spike huddled in the empty library, wondering about Twilight. No word from Canterlot, but encouragement from her friends- well, his friends, too. He knew the investigation would take time, but even a brief message from Princess Celestia would be welcome. Rarity and Pinkie visited regularly, the unicorn offering encouragement while Pinkie brought gem-encrusted sweets. Nice enough, but they could not stay.

He tidied up what he could and prepared to settle in for the night. Owlowlicious stoically remained at his post, unconcerned and unmoving. "You better hope she comes home," he whispered, "or I should just let you out and not let you back inside."

The owl didn't respond to his words; shifting in his perch, he looked out the window to another crisp evening. "Yeah, Princess Luna can't be too worried if she can still put together a night like this...." he yawned and crawled into his basket. "Hope I hear something in the morning...."

His rest not peaceful, Twilight still heavy on his mind......

Twilight's dreams only added to the gloom of her predicament. She knew it was a dream, even if it felt all the more real with the lead weights on her hooves and a stone brace on her wings.

The world around her no longer just a solitary dungeon but a bleak, moonless plain, only a few stars to be seen. Her labored motion could only bring her a few feet at a time in any direction. She could hear things around her, even if she couldn't see them.

Voices. Hoofsteps. Wings. Casting of magic. Not a wall around her but the sounds echoed. She looked all around to find the source of the sounds, but she could see nothing. Barely able to make out her own hooves or her restraints, she took another heavy step forward, not even sure if that gesture would help.

The oppressiveness of the sounds added weight to her restraints. Angry arguments, heaving sobs, malicious laughter, solemn commentary assaulting her senses even more so. "Where am I??" she finally pleaded. "Who is out there! Anypony.....?"

"Quiet, you feathering brat!" A stallion's voice chided, "No one wants to see what you can do!"

A filly's voice pierced from another direction. "Papa!! Papa! What happened to Papa?! Why isn't he getting up?!"

Another stallion's voice from a third direction. "This is all I can do for you. It cannot be undone."

"Why can't it be undone?!" Another mare demanded. "What will it take? You're lying to me, aren't you?"

"My eyes are not closed! Why can't I see who comes and goes?" wept a zebra mare's voice from yet another direction.

Twilight shivered. Despair and anger all around her, unfamiliar voices filled with rage or despondency. "I can help!" She cried out. "Follow my voice!"

"There is so much more that I can do...." Morning Star's voice softly added to the din.

"I can only reach out," Princess Celestia's voice mechanically added. Twilight tried to focus on that voice.

"Princess Celestia!! I'm alive! I'm here!! Please, save me from this monster!!"

The winds around her picked up suddenly, staggering her and silencing all of the voices around her. A flash of light blinded her; lightning from a single cloud that dissipated, allowing a chariot to swoop down through the darkness. Twilight thought she recognized the silhouettes - a black chariot, two bat-winged pegasi pulling it through the skies with abandon.

"Princess Luna....?" she breathed as the chariot pulled up next to her.

"Far from it," The cloaked figure replied.

Another flash of lightning, and Twilight beheld the driver - another alicorn? She saw black and red under steel barding. Blood-stained, leathery wings snapped open, the horn glimmering in the flashes of lightning. A stallion, she guessed by his build. A glimpse to the others showed a male and female Phalanx soldier pulling the chariot. They cared not about Twilight, shouldering off their yokes to stand with their master.

"Princess Luna ain't comin for ya," the cloaked figure continued. "Open yer eyes, and see what Fear REALLY is!"

Twilight screamed herself awake, instinctively casting again and only shorting herself out. Collapsing from the shock and fear, her head nearly bounced on the dank floors. The dreamscape was gone, the prison closing on her even more, and those that surrounded her in her dream standing over her. All four - two mares, two stallions- wearing familiar armor.

"Phalanx....?" she whispered. "Princess Luna sent you...? She did hear me....?"

The larger of the two stallions smirked. "Perhaps. We're here for you, Twilight."

She relaxed. Luna's Phalanx had found her! "Quickly, carefully... get these off my hooves, they have some sort of anti-magic on them....."

"Not just yet," one of the mares cackled. "We know that those shackles can hurt us, too. We'll just have to find another way."

The alicorn raised a hoof in panic. "There's no earth ponies with you? They're the only ones who can-"

The statement stopped with the flash of a wingblade just under her chin. Her gaze wobbled from the sharp edge to the eyes of the wielder...... red, glimmering, reptilian eyes hovering over a grin twisted with malice and almost perverse excitement. "They look good on ya," he growled manically.

"But... you're with -"

"So what would YOU do," he sneered, "If I was the last thing you ever saw? What do alicorns think under the blades of mere soldiers? Or am I..?" he grinned broader, terrifying Twilight. "What if a bladed thief WAS the last thing you'd remember of your life?"

She attempted to backwing from him, only toppling herself and tangling up the chains. Again the reflex to cast, and again the searing pain of the Lyrium. Hooves pressed against one wing as the red-eyed alicorn bore down on her further. "Where you goin? We gotta discuss somethin with ya."

Twilight couldn't get a word free to reply. "Silence is willing!" jeered one of the two mares.

The princess could only flail and tremble as the red-eyed leader closed in. His Phalanx armor had red highlights instead of purple, and the chestplate shouldered a second neck guard, which pulsed brilliantly, like an external heart. It barely registered to her that the "horn" he had was nothing more than a decoration on his armor, perhaps a symbol of his leadership within the Phalanx? His grin only widened, jagged teeth almost glowing in their own light. The mares laughed, the larger stallion simply allowing this monster to threaten her! All her confusion and fear couldn't be translated to words, eyes riveted to his. "Yeah," he finally growled, "I like the looks o' that! How about ya cry for me? Boss don't like it, but I don't really care!"

The other pegasi stomped the stone floor, a ritual drumbeat of hooves that only terrified Twilight even more.

"Somethin ya DON'T know," the leader slathered, "Phalanx is Phalanx is Phalanx.... except me!"

His other wingblade flashed, raking her horn. She screamed from the action, then again as her reflex to magically rebuke this monster only allowed the Lyrium to choke on her protests. She pulled desperately at her pinned wing, feeling feathers give as she tried to free it. Her other wing suddenly caught in the jaws of one of the Phalanx mares, the other mare barely containing her glee as she ripped at it. Twilight weakly flailed as they tore at her wings, scraped at her horn, stomped on her tail.

"If ya ain't scared NOW," the bladed Phalanx soldier roared, "More where THIS came from! We're done here."

Three of the Phalanx soldiers marched out, one staying behind. That would be Twilight's last memory before collapsing from exhaustion and fear.

Gallant Lionheart awaited Dreamcarver's return, advance word to him that Aurora had been found shaken but unharmed. With Princess Twilight missing and Canterlot attempting to be discreet, he had heard much of the worries of Celestia and Luna as they tried to keep the news under wraps. He wanted to "Talk" to Lapis, but apparently enough careless use of the Voice of the Mind caught Count Solaris' attentions. He'd have to be sure that the noble was sound asleep before contacting Umbral again. He'd privately chided Hot Head about his use of it, but the pegasus continued its brazen use, sometimes just for the sake of spooking the locals. "Stupid foal," he grumbled to himself, "that magic can and will be traced soon enough."

"Talking to yourself?" another voice rumbled behind him. Lionheart wheeled, horn aglow. Snapdragon was not impressed. "Maybe the armor IS doing something to your mind. Perhaps Princess Luna would like to know more."

"This is not the time-"

"Oh, it's the perfect time," Snapdragon interrupted. "The Phalanx all know about these disappearances, yet we remain idle. Something else you want to tell the class?"

"I know nothing more than you do," Lionheart retorted. "Respect my post as YOUR captain!"

"'Respect' is a word you should never speak, you don't know it's meaning." Snapdragon's wings flared open. "You've barely lifted a hoof for a Princess and shown nothing but bored indifference to this. Other kingdoms will start inquiring, if they look to you for answers......"

"They'll get their answers, Snapdragon. Now stand down before I report you to - "

"Is there an issue, Captain?"

The two Phalanx soldiers snapped to attention as Princess Luna herself joined them. "This is a tense time, infighting is NOT what will solve the problem."

"Our captain lacks passion for his post," Snapdragon accused. Luna raised one of her wings to him.

"Lionheart is correct, this is not the time for discussion. You two will accompany me back to my quarters and guard my door. I have another guard on my balcony. I cannot be disturbed by anypony save my sister or my brother."

Gallant Lionheart saluted her. "None shall enter your chambers."

Luna nodded. "I will seek more answers through a Dreamwalk. Perhaps I can locate Princess Twilight Sparkle - or get more information to those who need to know."

"Dreamcarver is expected soon," Snapdragon informed the princess. "Will Princess Celestia be the only one to question the unicorn?"

"My sister is more qualified since Aurora is her student. I don't believe my presence, despite the time passed, will ease her condition. Now come."

The crescent moon hovered emotionlessly over the wilds of Equestria, giving just enough light for travel. Sonja carefully led the Spellbreaker teams through the woods northeast of Hollow Shades. Between the timing, amount of supplies, the Lyrium complement and Salvino's insistence to travel with the teams, her patience was already thin. Some of the others worried they had been spotted already, some wasting their anti-magic items on innocent shadows of trees and the occasional rabbit or squirrel. Her commentary thankfully backed by Salvino but the palpable restlessness did not help.

"This is taking too long," Belmonte groused as he counted up the troops for her. "We should be in Canterlot by now."

"This is necessary," she hissed back. "I'm guessing that their guards will be stepped up if that blasted alicorn is trying to stir up trouble. The last thing we need is to be snout-deep in a Royal inquiry."

"The caution will serve us in the end," Silverback added. "no matter how much of their magic is involved, things will still take a day or two to fall into place. Getting there too early will compromise Strife's side of the plan. Getting there too late...."

"Getting there too late might be beneficial," Salvino interrupted. "We will camp here and draw lots for splitting up at dawn. Sonja, you will lead one team north to the Crystal Empire. Belmonte, Silverback, you will be with me with the rest going to Canterlot."

"If we're too late-"

"Belmonte," the Spellbreak leader interrupted. "Remember the real reason we are involved. If done correctly, we will have at least three alicorns in range. The team heading north will have another alicorn they can neutralize. Demolishing Canterlot and reclaiming the Crystal Empire are all part of the plan."

"'Reclaiming'...?" Sonja queried. "How are we - "

"History that will be explained once our objectives are met."

Belmonte snorted in frustration and ordered the others to establish camp.

The doors to Luna's private chambers echoed shut, locks firmly in place and guards outside her door. Reprimanding Snapdragon and Gallant Lionheart again for their hostilities had not helped her mood or worry for the safety of Twilight Sparkle. Her faint memories of seeing her brother when she first returned (as Nightmare Moon) only added to her own frustrations. She had not slept for a few days, so at least this would be rest. She was thankful that Thunderspark volunteered to guard the balcony, as Shadow Tracker and Hazard Watch were otherwise occupied with examining the strange box taken from the Ponyville library.

She settled herself on a specific purple cushion she would rest upon when she chose to Dreamwalk. Unlike some of her other night patrolling, this would be a specific search - if she could locate Twilight Sparkle, assurances could be transmitted. If not, Luna considered other options, such as alerting Princess Cadance and especially Shining Armor of the kidnapping. Her aqua eyes slowly lost focus as they closed, her horn faintly glowing to light her path.

"Dreams are the realm of all ponies' minds," she whispered. "I shall observe their fondest hopes, deepest desires and worst fears. I walk silently, only to observe, save those I directly seek."

The simplicity of her closed eyes erupted in a flash of color, a shimmer of polished copper shattering into a wide and amorphous plane. The ground under her hooves felt more like clouds, the skies swirling above with random stars and cool colors. Purples and blues melting into each other overhead, stray thoughts of sleeping ponies all over Equestria. As she called it a "Dreamwalk", it was simply that. She would walk through open fields and boulevards, dreams to realize, dreams that have broken, dreams gone horribly wrong.

Many colts and fillies dreamed of their futures - in this realm they could try on a cutie mark to see if their destinies indeed matched. Most stallions dreamt of mares or fortunes; some faced hidden fears. The mares dreamt of stallions or stations, many dreaming of ruling as well. Some fantasized becoming alicorns, many accepting the gift in their minds from Celestia or Twilight. Rare would be her appearance, save for one slightly objectionable dream from a Phalanx soldier asleep at his post. She would speak to him later.

Her ears swiveled and her horn flickered, searching for familiar voices or sounds. Earth ponies dreamed of dancing on clouds; unicorns displaying great feats of strength; pegasi controlling more than the weather. Many citizens of Canterlot simply dreamt of relaxing with their families, pleasing the Princess of the Moon. Many of the voices she heard were happy, some concerned, some despondent. Still no voices resembling Twilight Sparkle's. She listened for Cadance next, knowing she rested comfortably with her beloved Shining Armor.

Her walk slowed as the growl of thunder caught her attentions. A glance to her left, and the "horizon" darkened with purplish-black clouds, winds spreading the storm out like a shroud. She paused in her deliberate walk, wondering whose dreams would encompass so much anger in this realm. The clouds continued to billow, blasts of lightning in multiple colors only increasing her curiosity. No voices emanated from the silent storm, no rain or snow emptying the gray-black void. "Such a bleak vision," she mused.

Finally unable to contain her curiosity, her wings pushed her away from the foggy grounds into the silent, raging storm. The clouds themselves pawed at her, spitting winds and turbulence her way. She struggled against the swirling updrafts and blocked the slashing lightning with her own magic. The storm tried to push her away, but she pushed back harder, searching for the bearer of such bad tidings.

A final push brought daylight to the center of the storm, a setting sun against a thorny garden. She landed at its entrance, startled by the jeering skeleton ponies that decorated the gateway and the iron spikes that surrounded them. A glance inside revealed barren, spiked trees that appeared to attack each other with every gust that blew through. Luna's continued curiosity did not slow the bizarre combat. Gathering herself, she entered the desolate center of the storm, deeply troubled at this dreamscape.

Only then did she hear the voices. Angry, frustrated voices locked in a perpetual argument. She could not make out the words, but it sounded like several ponies in heated, mean-spirited discussion. She followed the narrow path, hearing the voices getting louder and more agitated. "Hear me!" she finally called. "What of this grand debate? Why such anger? Why such a dreary place that only a Princess of the Night would wish on no other pony?"

The voices stopped. "Hear me!" She repeated. "What transpires here?"

"Go away," a stallion's voice distantly ordered. "Don't come back, you left already."

"I know nothing of what you speak!"

"Go away!" the voice repeated, louder. "Are you happy that you are home? Pleased to share a roof with your executioner?"

"Again, I know not which you speak!"

"Then SEE for yourself!"

The storm flooded the garden, shaping the landscape and ripping the thorny trees away. The display startled Luna; she had never encountered such a lucid dream! The clouds again swung at her, lightning searing the ground at her hooves. The winds angry roar gave away to discordant, broken music, a poorly tuned harpsichord as though played by a blind mare. The music faded as the storm finally peeled away, revealing a solid black alicorn stallion seated uncomfortably on a tattered cushion. His eyes flickered mostly green, perhaps shifting incessantly from deep blue to brilliant yellow too fast for her to follow. He stared through Luna with a gaze of a dragon, his leathery wings steeped in living shadows.

"Brother....." Luna breathed.

"One of few to Remember," he began. "You are home by my hoof. You're welcome."

Her mouth opened, but she could not speak at first. This was not the little Lapis she remembered! "Brother, why do you do this? What has happened?"

"You don't Remember," he replied simply.

"What was there to forget? What am I to 'Remember', other than you as the Shadow of the Moon?"

The alicorn's expression remained cold. "That alicorn is before you," he replied flatly. "I saw your tears. I saw Cepheid's chains. What will be my 'reward' on my return?"

"Family!" she replied without hesitation. "Celestia and Cepheid await you in Canterlot Castle."

Lapis did not react. "Living under an executioner. You broke our Promise. I brought you home. You both turned your backs to me."

"We did no such thing!" Luna protested.

"WHERE WAS SHE, THEN~?!" He demanded as he rose from his cushion. "Hiding in her glimmering spires, seeking nothing but deification at the cost of our names and reputations! She DEMONIZED you! She imprisoned Cepheid! I dare not speculate what she has done to the revered names of Aphelion of the Tides or Solaris of Nature! Do they even EXIST anymore? What will be THEIR fates upon their return? Windowless cages? New statues for the garden? Whatever shall please you and continue the demolition of what we once were!"

"You're mad!" Luna replied shakily as she backed away from him. "Twilight Sparkle has nothing to do with your issues!"

"WRONG!" Lapis conjured a tattered purple doll, the "remains" of the newest alicorn. "Tia chose to make new Family. Now that this Unworthy unicorn has been made into 'Family', she is very much a 'Family' matter." The purple doll flew down and flopped before Luna, bright red stuffing pouring out of the wings and ears. "Let her learn how 'close' and 'together' we've been for a thousand years! Take her wings away and she is yours unharmed. Surrender Canterlot to me and slowly be forgotten as has been done to me! This one's deeds may inspire generations, but let her do so as a UNICORN!"

"That is not yours to dictate!" Luna's courage quickly returned. "We have waited for you to come home. Just come home!"

"Not until my demands are met. BEGONE~!"

The roaring wind and blackened lightning slammed into her, ending her Dreamwalk and careening her into the wall of her chambers. Her eyes opened. She was not pleased.

Strife settled himself to an east-facing window, up before the sun as usual. He'd listened to Lapis in the throes of a nightmare, Desert Sun still sitting with him to calm him down. That should have pleased the earth pony; even the alicorns had something to fear. His tail flicked absently to the saddlebags, filled with Lyrium given to him by his Spellbreak brethren. Replaying the animated whip's attack on Lapis in his mind, he forced a smile to his face. That time would come, where he would see alicorns wither at his feet. Even if Salvino and the others don't come, he will find a way.

Resting his chin on the window's ledge, he let the new day wash over him. He hated this limbo; perhaps he was spoiled by the ability given to him, but at least he would know where they were. How long would it take for a messenger bird-

One eye opened as the tiny rush of wings blew past his ear. His open eye wandered to the source, a silvery bird that examined him with a stern gaze. "Salvino sent you?" he absently asked the bird. It pecked at his ear to make sure it had Strife's attention before holding up his leg with a message band attached.

Strife fumbled the scroll free to read:

"WE ARe Running Into VEry Steep Obstacles. ONE North Detatchement. All LeIgons COnsidered Ready Now. Salvino."

Strife sent the bird away. He would "translate" the note for Umbral. The real message told him he would be safe for now.

"Sorry if the noise bothered you, dear - not allowed to practice indoors, of course...."

Desert Sun, Night Ash and Slurry gathered in a rare meeting to practice with their new necklaces. Night Ash had teased Desert Sun about hers, knowing full well the damage that could be done if she tried to use the explosive properties of it within Drakengard. "It would have hurt worse had you been inside," she replied. "The echoes were quite strong. I had to 'turn off' the hearing part while you were practicing."

"You'd rather have 'sight' on anyway, wouldn't you?" Slurry queried.

The brown unicorn opened her light green eyes. "I don't know if I would have missed it if I could see before." She looked to the other two mares. "I love the designs, I think the Crystal Empire mare did a fantastic job with them."

"Money tends to do that," Slurry grumped. "And I'm hoping I don't damage your eyes."

Night Ash's smile faded slightly "There's nothing wrong with how you look," she reassured. "It's what you've done for us that matters."

"It matters to me."

"Shouldn't matter at all," Desert Sun chimed in. "Your weather skills are quite polished, and you're quite strong for a pegasus. Perhaps that's why Sandstone's taken a shine to you?"

The pegasus simply shook her head, wings tightening against her sides. "I don't know what he's looking at. Just a mudbat who happens to be good at weather and hauling."

"Those are good things, though," Sun insisted. "You've helped so much with the mining efforts, and helped transport us from the edge of the desert back to Drakengard. I can't levitate that much for that long, and neither can Night Ash."

"I guess I just need to ask more. Lapis made me a promise a while ago that he hasn't followed through."

"This about changing you back?" Sun queried. "He told me that-"

"He told YOU, of course," Slurry growled. "You're the 'sun to his moon', 'fire to his hearth'......"

"You're all that to Sandstone," Night Ash's quick reply. "Probably even more. He trips over himself when you're mentioned, and more so when he sees you."

"Still don't know what he sees....."

"He sees what I see when I don't have this necklace on. You're still talented, physically and mentally strong, and he would likely carry you from here to Manehatten if you asked."

"It's not what I want," Slurry sighed. "I just want to look like me, again. Lapis promised me if I stayed he would fix this."

"The necklace doesn't count, then?"

"It's not permanent."

"Would you be willing to show us, at least?"

The pegasus carefully stood. "Normally I wouldn't," she said mostly to Desert Sun, "but maybe if I DO show you, you can talk to him about it."

Night Ash slowly shook her head. "It's still a step in the right direction. Maybe he'll have something more permanent after -"

"After three plus years, he should have had this figured out by now. He should stop brooding over his sisters and whining about our little princess prisoner and actually finish what he supposedly started."

"I've seen the notes -"

"I've seen them too - doesn't mean he's ACTUALLY working on it!"

Night Ash motioned for calm. "Master Lapis has been juggling projects for everyone here. Perhaps he just wants to have his full attention on it when we've taken care of this other matter."

Slurry indignantly shook his head. "I've been down this road too many times - he needs to get me a solution BEFORE we do anything major, or he'll just keep pushing it back and pushing it back."

"So will you be showing us, then?"

"Right. Sorry if I'm wasting your time..."

The pegasus shook herself out thoroughly before raising a hoof to her necklace. "Maybe this will help you two understand." Neither responded with more than simple nods. Slurry looked to them again before closing her own amber eyes and tapping the gem embraced by two silver chameleons.

The murky diamond flashed to life, its shadowy magics flowing over her body in a dark gray wave. Every inch of her glimmered under the cloak of shimmering shadows, peeling away each layer of her colors and spreading out her mane. Her wings trembled as the membranes softened and the wingbones vanished, replaced by silvery-white feathers. Her mane casually cascaded down her neck, the mustard yellows glowing like a summer sun, the grays flashing white. Her coat lost all its "Mudbat" colors, changing to the color of rainclouds in a brilliant summer sky. Her clump of a cutie mark did not change much, but looked more like one storm cloud mixed into the canvas of her body coloring. When her eyes opened again, they were a deep emerald green and still smoldering with the firm determination that kept her from letting those who took this away from her win in the end. Her gaze then fell back to Desert Sun and Night Ash, both staring in bewilderment.

"Summerstorm...." Night Ash breathed. "So that's the name I'd heard...."

Desert Sun almost shushed Night Ash until Slurry herself spoke. "That name doesn't fit me, where I'm at now. All that muddy look does is bring me all the bad memories. Lapis is doing nothing but stalling, in my mind. I've waited VERY patiently! Do you have any idea what it's like to look at yourself and to know that it isn't you looking back? To know that you're not meant to look like this and that the real you is gone? Before this necklace, I wasn't sure I even remembered what I looked like. But I see myself as I used to be and I can't feel happy because I know it isn't real. It's just this necklace. And once it's turned off, so is she. All I want is to look like this again. Always."
Just for a moment, her face softened at the uttering of this last word and steeled once more as she continued speaking. "It would be my final victory, and when we take over I’ll have all of those who did this to me arrested. See how THEY like it!"

Night Ash lowered her head in apology. "I don't understand how anypony could do such things to you."

"Displays of power, a 'favor' to one in training, which of course couldn't be fixed....."

"They've lied to you," Desert Sun announced. "This can be cancelled quite easily. Not my strong suit, but I know he can do it."

"The question is then, WHEN is he going to do it? He's brushed me off too many times."

"I think we had come here to practice," Night Ash gently interrupted. "I suggest a test. Slurry, can you disguise yourself as Desert Sun? It would be a simple thing, since you two are close in height."

Desert Sun stood next to Slurry. "Right then. Given Night Ash's sight thing, we can fine-tune it?"

Slurry looked the fiery unicorn over a couple of times. "Okay...." she again raised a hoof and tapped the charm.

This time the magics flowed out slowly, glitters like microscopic eyes pulsing in Desert Sun's direction. Slurry could once again feel the magic mold at her body, carefully tucking her wings deep into her back as a horn blossomed on her forehead. Her longer mane from her Summerstorm form billowed out like its own fire, glowing red and gold to match her rapidly changing coat. Night Ash finally stood and stepped closer, appraising.

"Darken your reds, just a couple of shades.... there. Her eyes a solid silver, so it'll look like you don't have pupils.... better, much better." The brown unicorn looked back. "Turn the cloud into a four-pointed star and I think you'll be all set." Slurry closed her eyes to concentrate as Night Ash continued her comparisons. "Now just a touch on the yellows.... there, more golden. The necklace is perfect."

"I only had eight crayons," Slurry muttered, her voice slowly morphing to that of her target's. Night Ash's ears twitched expectantly.

Desert Sun looked her duplicate over. "Very nice, I'd be a bit fooled."

"Hadn't tried the voices, just forms," Slurry startled herself with her own voice. "Oh, the accent's in there too."

Night Ash listened again. "That's VERY close. Then again, I can also hear Hatchet laughing from the forges, Sandstone talking to his little brother, and Morning Star reciting from the Libram Noctem. It would take a very strong ear to tell the difference."

"So this would fool friends and family?" Slurry queried, fascinated at how well the disguise manipulated her voice. "Perhaps I shouldn't be so hard on him. But he DID promise."

"Of course he did," the real Desert Sun affirmed. "And this was just to let you have a few good tastes of your old self before he makes it permanent. You'll be fine."

A knock at the threshold ended their conversation as Violet Force stood in the hallway. "We're done with our shifts downstairs. Who wants a turn?"

"I'll go," Night Ash volunteered. "I think we're done with our practice."

Violet looked at the two Desert Suns. "Something to make Master Lapis twice as happy?"

"He could only hope," they replied in unison. The stallion smirked and winged away to go work on the weather.

"Have we been a little help at all, dear?"

Slurry sighed. "I want to test this first. Do you mind if I walk about like this for a bit?"

Desert Sun reached to hug Slurry, but the responding stare stopped her. "Please. Do try it out. If you get past Sandstone without him falling over, you'll know it works." The unicorn trotted out of the room, leaving Slurry to herself.

"Sandstone's not the one I'll be trying this on...."

Back in the Atrium, Celestia and Cepheid continued to discuss their response to the conundrum of Lapis' ransom note. While the Sun Princess insisted on writing, her brother continued to re-read and re-emphasize the language of it. "You'd think Solly wrote this," he grumbled. "You're gonna need a stronger word or two to get his attention."

"I think he'll understand, Cepheid," Celestia patiently replied as she continued to write. "I'll have someone fetch the old Seals, I want all three of ours on there to show that you've agreed to our response."

"Won't be enough. He'll want to see me out of irons, even if I have been for a while now."

"I think commenting on Twilight Sparkle's predicament is strong enough words." She put the quill aside and began to read the response out loud.

"To my youngest brother, Prince Lapis Umbral,
We DO understand your sadness and anger at what has transpired. 1,000 years IS too long to be without family, so I am inviting you, alone, to come and air your grievances so we may work out this problem. Holding a Princess of Equestria, who has earned that title and rank, for too long can---"

"HE SHALL HAVE HIS WAR, IF HE WISHES IT EVEN IN REPOSE~!!!" Luna appeared between them. "HOW DARE HE ATTEMPT TO BANISH ME FROM THE DREAM REALM! HOW DARE HE ENDANGER PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE! MY PHALANX FIGHT EACH OTHER IN ANTICIPATION OF MY BROTHER'S INVASION!"

Both were taken aback by Luna's furor. The Atrium shook with her voice, echoing her frustrations and anger. Soldiers all through the castle looked their way, only to snap back to their duties from the icy, aquamarine glare of the Princess of the Night and Dreams. Cepheid managed to loosen his tongue first. "Sister, what--"

"HE SPINS NIGHTMARES IN MY REALM! THORNS AND SILENT STORMS, SEEING TWILIGHT SPARKLE AS NOTHING MORE THAN A TOY IN A BLACK GAME OF CHESS! ONCE GALLANT LIONHEART AND SNAPDRAGON ARE CALMED FROM THEIR BICKERING, WE SHOULD STORM HIS 'CASTLE' AND SEE IF HE IS INDEED READY FOR MY WRATH!"

"There will not be a war, Luna," Celestia flatly replied.

"He is not the brother that I remember," Luna fumed. "The darkness and melancholy and rage.... He is lost to us."

"Is he?" Cepheid countered. "How lost was I before Twilight and the others re-opened my eyes? And how lost were YOU?" He then looked to Celestia. "You've actually seen him the most recently."

"You would not recognize him."

"He's just throwing another temper tantrum, right? If he's going to sit in a soiled stable and cry about it -"

"There's a lot more to this than tears. Maintaining harmony does not include battle and the involvement of hundreds of ponies who could be spared another war."

"It won't be a long one, knowing him," Cepheid snorted. "Isn't that how it usually works? Shouting righteous indignation, then he trips over his own hooves? I think that we CAN afford."

"That was 1,000 years ago," Luna warned her brother. "He is not what you remember. All of this anger and hatred has compressed into his heart like a black diamond."

Cepheid shuddered and backed away from his sisters. "This sounds... TOO familiar to me. Tia, finish the letter, I'll have an image brought to you presently." He teleported to the grand hall.

Luna glanced over the letter. "He's already declared war, sister. You have seen this yourself."

"It will not be a war unless he chooses to make it so," Celestia whispered. "Please add your Seal to this so that he will understand we all want to talk to him."

"A stuffed toy filled with red fabric was not a peace offering. Your words will be in vain."

"Hopefully our response will change his mind. If not, I ask that you return to the Dream Realm. Find Rainbow Dash and Shining Armor. They NEED to know what is happening. I will send word to Ponyville.

"I don't want to go to war against Family, and we both know Cepheid will refuse to participate. We have to try this first."

Twilight's mind swam from the Phalanx soldiers attacking her. One stayed just to watch as she shuddered, wept, ached. The stallion offered no sympathy or explanation to their actions. They had plucked her wings almost completely clean; her horn scraped and scratched. Everything else on her body feared separation in a similarly barbaric manner. This fear was not lost on the soldier, whose stoic glare only leaned into a satisfied smirk as his first steps away from the cell startled her from restless sleep.

Slowly, deliberately, Twilight pushed herself to her feet, bare wings not available for balancing. The water trough hadn't been refilled, but at least water remained. She sipped slowly, just trying to calm her nerves and whirling mind as the assault ran in a blood-red loop behind her eyes. It made no sense to her; why was she such a target? Why is that alicorn stallion so upset with her if it was Celestia's doing in the first place? If he's the one who brought Luna "home", why did they not talk about him? And why does he send monsters when he knows she can't go anywhere, especially without wings or magic? She guessed Strife would be extremely pleased that she had been reduced to-

The fear in her mind fluctuated a moment, finally pushing away the four Phalanx soldiers attacking her. She was indoors, no sunlight. She "Felt" underground. The cell might have been magically carved out, but there was nothing ornate or fancy or "Magical" to it. Twilight's theory that an alicorn was all three types of pony felt more than confirmed as all three sides mentally collapsing within. She staggered away from the trough and fell to her knees, not even her earth pony side consoled with hard ground beneath. All these emotions muted the sound of approaching hoofsteps, scaring her further when the new guard spoke.

"I hope my arrival did not disturb your sleep. It will be a quiet day here in Drakengard Keep."

Twilight spooked, tripping over her hooves and shackles once more. Once she steadied, a glance to the hallway revealed her new guard; a brown and green zebra..... unicorn? The mare's curly blue mane did not hide her closed eyes and faint smile. "You've little to fear from me. Smile or frown, yours I cannot see."

Twilight's ears flicked at the rhymes. They were nowhere near as smooth as Zecora's, or Prince Zathias'. She could see the new guard's ears in perpetual motion, perhaps a distraction from the silver necklace she was wearing? Twilight decided not to respond, simply settling herself down in hopes that this new guard is more like the red and gold unicorn and not the little blue zebra.

Night Ash's ears slowed. "Have you too little to say? Did the others - "

"Your accent's off," Twilight replied softly. "I know a couple of zebras. You don't sound like them."

"I admit I'm a little out of practice," Night Ash indirectly agreed with the prisoner. "So you know other zebras? Have you been to Farasipunda yet?"

Twilight looked away. "Not yet. And judging by how your 'boss' has it out for me, it seems very unlikely I will."

"We await response from Canterlot. Apparently much needs to be discussed about your fate. Master Lapis has made his request quite clear. Canterlot for his reign, and you returning to a normal life."

"My life has been anything but 'normal'-"

"He is well aware of your accomplishments and accolades," Night Ash politely interrupted. "He is mostly impressed with your work, and what you have accomplished with your friends."

"Mostly?" Twilight rolled her eyes. "The wings again, I get it......"

"He also worries about Discord running loose. He talks in sadder tones when he speaks of his sister Luna. It's what he doesn't say that catches my sensitive ears. Much of what you've done - and what your friends have accomplished - he does not comment but that likely means he will not deride it. Were he truly as furious as he was upon first sight of you with wings, there would be no food, no water, no blanket. No company."

"So what did he mean by 'Wings taken away from Family' when he mentioned them when he spoke to me?"

It was Night Ash's turn to look away. "His brother is still in prison? And is his sister Luna indeed 'free'?"

"If he's worried about Cepheid," Twilight's indignant response, "I'm the one who helped out of prison, despite his oen protests to stay. Luna? She has never been imprisoned as far as I know."

Night Ash's ears swung forward. "I believe your words. I hear the weariness and hesitation in your voice, but that is from your time here and not from attempting to deceive me."

"Lying wouldn't save me," Twilight admitted. "What's in it for you for being with him? The other unicorn showed concern, and I know why some of the others aren't pleased with me..."

"Master Lapis is a fine teacher," the proud response. "He has found ways to help me read books and scrolls, learn other functional magics. He's helped tame my sandstorms so that I won't hurt anypony else. I didn't want to hurt anypony else."

"'Help you read'....?"

Only then did Night Ash open her eyes. Nothing to them but swirls of white and pale green, looking at nothing. "As I mentioned, I cannot see. This happened during my training, and while I saved other ponies' lives, I paid a steep price."

Something clicked in Twilight's addled mind. This was the unicorn Prince Zathias praised. This might also be the unicorn that Snowcatcher.........

"Despite having such caring ideals in some regards, he has no problem with seeing some others being hurt."

Night Ash demured at such a caustic reply. "Something has hurt him for a very, very long time. It seems teaching is therapy for him. He will spend hours with Desert Sun and I, talking magic and history. He stops talking when either of us smile. And I can 'feel' him relax when we laugh. All you see is a monster; he is not a monster in my 'eyes'."

Twilight shook her head. "Then he must be brainwashing you. Then again, he hasn't tried to torture you."

"Not at all," Night Ash's pleasant tone blurring to offense. "He cares for all of us in different ways. He teaches Desert Sun, Morning Star and I. He's channeled Hatchet's energy into his true calling as an smith. He's toughening up poor Sandstone, who despite his size would still flee from the unknown."

"Are you sure he's doing it out of the goodness of his heart, and not for his own goals?"

"He wanted help, and exchanges it for the wealth of knowledge and wisdom he has gained over the centuries. It's more than a fair trade. You were trained by an alicorn as well, so you understand the honor that such a post gives the rest of us.

"We had pulled together to march on Canterlot to utilize the legendary Star Compass. It brought Nightmare Moon - Luna - back to Canterlot. She thanked him wholeheartedly, and they shared a short reunion. This was the last time he had seen her short of dreams and memories. We are all here for him, but he still sounds alone. So we continue to help, if only to perhaps bring out the rare shadow of a smile on his face. We know he cannot laugh; Princess Celestia mocked him for it."

"Princess Celestia wouldn't mock anypony!" Twilight protested, and her reflexes once again bringing the shackles into play. "All he has to do is go to Canterlot and TALK to her!"

"With what happened to Cepheid and Luna, do you honestly believe there will be 'talk'?" Twilight tried to respond. "Tell me, before Nightmare Moon, did you even know of him? Or of his brother?"

The alicorn's mind raced. She did remember something about Lapis' rants about being "forgotten". "I..." her mind dug through its own library in a search for an answer.

"Therein lies his other issue. Princess Celestia sacrificed memories."

"Wait, wait....There were some legends here and there that I've pieced as part of them. Though one that I thought would match him doesn't fit, as he's not locked to the old castle as the Pony of Shadows. Most stories talk about shadowy beings at night, but never seen. I'm guessing that was him. Was he the 'Wandering Shadow'? Or maybe just simply tied to the Nightmare Moon stories as the 'Moon's shadow'? That's what 'Umbral' ultimately means, right?"

This inormation seemed to impress Night Ash. "Then perhaps he was not as forgotten as he feared."

As if Discord himself planned it, once the two mares were relaxed an explosion shook the walls of the compound. Night Ash quick to her feet, tapping her necklace to better "hear" what was going on.

"What's happening??" Twilight asked frantically, only partially dodging debris from the ceiling. Night Ash didn't respond to her. The unicorn dashing upstairs told Twilight that all would NOT be quiet in Drakengard.

Chapter 22

Rare was the sight of two Solar guards outside of Luna's quarters, but while Gallant Lionheart and Snapdragon were once again detained for fighting, somepony had to guard her door. Dreamcarver offered to accompany her; he had a secondary talent of flying in his dreams, and perhaps his sharp eyes would assist. She gave him a cushion to rest his physical body on the balcony.

"Once we meet in the dream realm, stay close," she warned. "There are very dangerous corners of the realm. One of which I do not wish others to encounter."

"Who are we seeking, milady?"

"Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Rainbow Dash will also be a target. I will remain on the ground, but keep me within sight while airborne. Do you understand?"

"Yes, milady."

Luna nodded to him as he took his place on the balcony. She seated herself on her cushion, facing Dreamcarver as extra incentive. "Do not stray," she said simply. He blinked in tacit acceptance. With a nod she cast over herself and the Phalanx pegasus, restating the mantra to bring them into the dream realm once more.

Their eyes opened again to the swirling void through the copper curtain, Dreamcarver's ears instinctively flattening. "Noisy out there tonight," he observed.

"Many dreams continue through the night. Seek only those three voices. Let nothing else sway you."

Dreamcarver winged ahead of her, holding his speed back as though tethered to Luna like a kite. He scanned the wide landscape as it continued to morph and flow, a sea of piecemeal existences blended together with the harmonious musings of the subconscious. The occasional scream, the echoes of laughter and conversation, a cacophony of music all stinging at his ears while his eyes peered through the realm. How could he sort through all that noise to find three specific voices?

The initially incorrect answer shook his sensitive eardrums. The roar of a crowd drowned the background noise stalling his flight, and capturing Luna's attention as well. Luna had stopped in her walk, ears sorting through the din. She nodded back to her guard as the two turned back toward the cacophony of voices, spotting an enormous stadium in low-hanging clouds. Both winged over the walls of the structure, seeing tens of thousands of ponies watching a pegasus aerobatics team, their leader leaving a long rainbow contrail as they others dragged thunderclouds and lightning bolts.

The largest Wonderbolt show anyone could dream..... and a certain multicolor-maned pegasus in the center of it all.

Luna expected no less from the pegasus athlete. Rainbow Dash always dreamt big dreams and chased them just as earnestly. Many other ponies blamed it on ego and arrogance, but Dash's confidence in her ability was only limited by her vast imagination. And as expected of her, this dream was big, this dream was LOUD, this dream was everything Rainbow Dash wanted to be one day. Dreamcarver hovered beside the princess, dumbstruck at the sheer mass of ponies in attendance. Even if he had something to say, who would have heard him speak? Both turned to the center of the arena as Dash performed one final stunt, drawing a huge outline of the Wonderbolt logo in the air with her contrails. The others filled the wing-clouds and lightning bolt before circling the arena and landing on a central platform, where the assembly cheered impossibly louder for the trio.

As the three pegasi posed for their enormous audience, the crowd exploded with streamers and confetti showering the field. Luna offered the guard a knowing smile. Dreamcarver simply shook his head at the pageantry. "Not the dreams I've worked on," he muttered.

Luna directed him back into the complex through a conventional entryway, heading directly to the locker rooms. The show would be ending soon. There would be no need to interrupt the festivities, just enough to speak with Dash before her dream ended. Luna also knew that in most cases, Rainbow Dash would try to come back to her dreams, even for just "five more minutes".....

"Milady, this is nothing but unbridled arrogance formed in a dream," Dreamcarver complained. "She may celebrate in the arena for hours."

"I think not," Luna assured him. "The streamers and confetti will be left for cleaning up and the celebrations would happen after Rainbow Dash returns here to take off her uniform."

Her sentence barely was complete before Rainbow Dash and the other Wonderbolts burst into the room, laughing and cheering and slapping wings in celebratation. They shook off the streamers and confetti as they peeled off their flight suits, Dash still laughing with her teammates. She didn't even notice Luna and her guard for a minute as she talked to her two "wingponies" - Soarin and an older Scootaloo - before realizing her royal audience. A nervous tap from Soarin's wing pointed out the Princess, and the trio turned and bowed in unison.

"My visit here is for Rainbow Dash only," she announced evenly. As Dash looked up, the entire dreamscape washed away to a void. "I would not interrupt such revelry without reason."

"Aww, I was almost done, too....."

Dreamcarver growled, the landscape slowly darkening. "Stand down," Luna ordered him. "As one of the Elements of Harmony, familiarity to a Princess is not a punishable offense."

"Let me guess....." Rainbow Dash began nervously as the world around her swirled in darker blues. "Something's up about the railroad? Snowcatcher telling on me for something stupid?"

"There is unfortunate news about your friend, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"Twilight?!" Dash rocketed forward, stopped only by the Lunar Guard's glare. "Is she okay? What happened?"

Luna took a very deep breath to maintain her royal manner. "Princess Twilight Sparkle was abducted by agents of the Shadow of Moon. It seems that her Ascendency has not pleased everyone in Equestria."

"'Shadow of the Moon'? Hope that doesn't mean they're doing it for - " The pegasus covered her snout before speaking the name of Nightmare Moon.

"Not for me," she continued sadly. "but the Elements may be needed to assist in returning her unharmed. I will be speaking to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in a similar manner. When this dream ends, be ready to take the first train back to Canterlot."

"Take the train? Wouldn't me flying there be faster?"

"There will be time. Only recently has response to the ransom message been sent by messenger bird. We have two days from now."

"Are you sure?" Dash's confidence wavered. "I don't want anything else to happen to Twilight! You need me there right now!"

"Do not tire yourself, Rainbow Dash. Be on your way when you awaken."

The growing concern in Ponyville of the missing Princess crossed Mayor Mare's desk more than once. She could set her clock to each hour somepony would drop in and ask about the whereabouts of Twilight Sparkle. The mayor knew her friends had a "direct line" to Princess Celestia and would not trouble the local leader with those questions. Still, the worry mounted.

"Miss Mayor? Hate to interrupt since you probably get a lot of that lately...."

One of the secretaries had escorted Applejack to her office. "Applejack, are you bringing news? Or hopefully something for upcoming cider season?"

"Some of that's gonna have t' be on hold," the farmpony apologized. "Princess Celestia sent a note t' Spike and they want the Elements to head to Canterlot. Secret's already out about Twilight, hope they've found a way to get in touch with Rainbow Dash or Shining Armor."

"When will you be leaving?"

"The others're makin their own arrangements - gonna need somepony else at the library with Spike comin along. Farm'll take care of itself, got some family comin in to help with cider season. Pinkie hadn't been right since this happened, so she hadn't been workin much at Sugarcube corner. Fluttershy and Rarity have the big issues."

"I'm sure I can convince Cherilee to watch over the library in your absence. I will have to inquire around town about the boutique and Fluttershy's animals."

"Don't mean to add to the pile, Mayor. Hoping most of Fluttershy's animals will be ok without her for a day or two. Rarity might be losin money especially if she gets some more orders from out of town."

"They will understand, I would think. Princess Twilight's safety is at stake."

"I just know how Rarity is about her business. Some days I ain't no better. We'll be on the afternoon train if we can help it, though I'd bet two bushels it'll take Rarity til sundown to pack up."

The mayor offered Applejack a relieved smile. "I'll see to having some help sent. Concentrate on helping the Princess."

Night Ash galloped upstairs as the crashing only grew louder, angrier. She didn't need the necklace to pick out the voices - primarily Lapis and Slurry, but now she could hear Desert Sun and the rumbling of Sandstone's voice. Even with the argument she could hear others hurrying to the lab - the rush of several pegasus' wings and a chime of Morning Star's casting to teleport to the location. Discussion did heat up in Drakengard from time to time, but outright violence was not the order of the day.

She expected chaos in the lab but was not prepared for the aftermath. Not a single piece of furniture remained intact, liquids splattered all over the walls. Purple feathers smoldering in the settling dust, papers still blown about in the abrupt end to the frenzied debate. Scorch marks on the ceiling and walls detailed how this argument ended: Desert Sun used a small explosion of her own to diffuse the emtions in the room. She had backed Lapis to a corner, staring him down like an angry parent. Sandstone blocked the alicorn's path to Slurry; the pegasus uncharacteristically cowered from whatever caused this fight. Morning Star and Dustmite tended to Slurry as Desert Sun continued to stare Lapis down.

"Is everyone all right..?" Night Ash already guessed the answer.

"No...." Slurry whispered.

"No," Desert Sun answered for Lapis.

"She's not hurt," Morning Star reported as she scanned over the pegasus.

"Can't say the same for the room...." Sandstone added.

Night Ash tapped her necklace once more, assessing the structure damage with each careful step. She also "looked" to the walls and ceiling, careful not to disturb anything else on the floor. "Be thankful this spire was originally dragon-shaped," she told them in a calm, even voice. "Otherwise we'd have a lot more than bruises and scrapes." She turned to Lapis. "What was the issue here?"

"Apparently he's not keen on impersonators," Desert Sun answered for him.

"He's stalling, I KNEW it!!" Slurry shouted from the other side of the room. "He's stalling on fixing me, I finally heard it with my own ears!" She pushed to her feet, a wing silencing Sandstone for the moment. "You're too busy doing nicey things for Desert Sun when you've had me working for you a LITTLE bit longer. You've got a promise to keep, and I'm NOT waiting any longer!"

Night Ash turned to Lapis again. "What is the delay in restoring her?"

"She wants to be fully restored, permanently. That can be done when we're finished with-"

"Making your 'Sun to your Moon' and alicorn CAN'T wait, can it?"

Lapis shuddered a moment at Slurry's anger. "The feathers and horn shavings have to be fresh, they-" Desert Sun stomped down at the alicorn to silence him.

"I'm no better than her, and she WAS here first. Surely this a simple enough fix. Had you even tried?" Her gaze did not turn away from the alicorn.

"I WAS trying before you came in," Lapis retorted, "and it was hurting her so I stopped."

"I saw what you tried next, 'luv'."

"She threatened to leave!"

Night Ash turned back toward Slurry, who continued to march toward the couple. "You're no better than the rest of the unicorns I've worked for," the pegasus spat. "I was strung along like this more than once!"

"The necklace-"

"You can have the stupid thing back if that is more important to you than ME!"

"Don't think you need to look different....." Sandstone quietly added.

"Enough!!" Night Ash's raised voice stopped the argument altogether. "The last thing we need is for us to fall apart so close to the goal. Master Lapis, Desert Sun is right. Slurry was here before her, and I was here before Slurry. It's a request you should have taken care of in the last three years."

"I didn't wish to harm her, she has told me everything that had happened......"

"And what you tried next," Desert Sun accused, "Should give her every right to leave. Well aware what you can do with that horn of yours, 'luv'."

"It was a regression spell- I was trying to put her back-"

"My cutie mark started fading!!" Slurry bellowed. "THAT's how you reward loyalty? Hard work? Taking away even MORE of what I was?"

The others in the room looked to each other before looking back to their leader. His blue eyes still wide, fearful of Desert Sun's wrath and well aware of anypony else interested in punishing him for crossing a line. "That wasn't my intention," he shakily told her. "I wanted to see you happy again, and perhaps this was a means to it."

"That's just an EXCUSE!" Slurry closed in. Desert Sun blocked the pegasus' path.

"Are you harmed?"

"I don't have to answer that!"

"Are you PHYSICALLY harmed? He gave you quite the scare - "

"He's just like any other horn-head, INCLUDING you!"

"We can't fix you if you're going to be belligerent about it."

"I see how far TACT has gotten me!"

"Enough!!!" Night Ash repeated. "I don't think Master Lapis can do much of anything with this area destroyed. It's not enough punishment in your mind, Slurry, but he did make the attempt, correct?"

"After I - "

"Threatened to do more than berate him," Desert Sun finished for the pegasus. "You scared him well enough using my face."

"He wouldn't tell me the truth. Who ELSE are you lying to?"

"Nopony!" Lapis insisted. "Not even you!"

Slurry stared at the alicorn for a long, long time. "I almost wish I had a sense for that," she grumbled before turning to leave the lab. Night Ash raised a hoof to stop her.

"I can answer your question. He is telling the truth about hurting you. He worries that if you leave, how many of us would follow?"

"I'm no leader," Slurry replied, "do what you want."

Sandstone slowly walked up to Slurry. "I'd've been right behind you."

Only now did the pegasus start to calm. "Look, I think I made my request pretty clear from the start. And I'm going to keep asking." She turned to Lapis. "I've shown you a LOT of patience up to this point. Don't make me regret that." Slurry spread her leathery wings and departed out the nearest window.

"I do not instigate, I am attempting to maintain decorum!"

"Herding wild animals is a job in itself," Flank Attack reminded Gallant Lionheart. "I still haven't figured out how you landed this post. Still, fighting with Snapdragon isn't leaving a good impression to the rest of the Phalanx or to Princess Luna."

"I'll let Princess Luna be the judge of that." The unicorn turned toward the hallway leading to her chambers. "I should report to her."

"Her quarters are off-limits for another hour. She's in a Dreamwalk."

"Another one? The first put her in a foul enough mood."

"And your assistance to that mood was not appreciated. That's why Thunder Arrow and I had to take from our units to guard her chamber."

Lionheart snorted in disgust. "I'd like to 'inspect' your guards to see if they can do any better."

The earth pony guardcaptain ignored the slight. "At least they won't be fighting."

The two quietly approached the chambers, where two of the newer Solar Guard stood at attention - one earth pony, one pegasus. Both snapped to attention. Flank Attack expected a show of authority from Gallant Lionheart. Only protocols kept him from speaking up as the Phalanx unicorn approached the earth pony guard first.

"What's your name. soldier?"

"Silver Key, sir~!"

"Who assigned you here?"

"Guardcaptains Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack, sir~!"

"Have you had any disturbances?"

"None, sir~!"

Flank Attack shook his head slightly. He knew that Lionheart would repeat the same mantra to the pegasus.

"What's your name, soldier?"

"Hot Head, sir~!"

"Who assigned you here?"

"Guardcaptains Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack, sir?"

"Have you had any disturbances?"

"None, Sir~!"

Lionheart noded, looking the little pegasus up and down. ~~Hear anything while you were out here?~~

~~The names Rainbow Dash, Cadance and Shining Armor~~

"As you were," Lionheart ordered before continuing down the hall with Flank Attack.

"Need any help in here, boss?"

"No, Hatchet."

The smithy remained bewildered at the amount of damage to the lab. He'd heard some of the argument, but figured it was just Slurry being grouchy or "boss" wasn't in the mood to hear it. "Ya sure, boss? Yer armor's done so I'm between stuff."

"A breeze to blow the smaller pieces into a corner so they can be disposed, if you must," Lapis sighed.

Hatchet skipped the salute and whipped up a wind, pushing the smaller bits of furniture, paperwork, and stray feathers toward an empty corner. "Hey, these're those feathers ya asked me to get - "

"I won't be needing them anymore. You did as I had asked."

"I thought you were -"

"I do not require them anymore, Hatchet. Please do not ask me further."

Hatchet's breeze picked up slightly, moving some larger bits out of the way. "So I scared her and did all that damage to her for nothin? Come on, boss, that ain't you."

"I'm sure you enjoyed the exercise, regardless. And it was a good test of your necklace. Did she scream?"

"Oh yeah she did!"

"Did she cower in your presence?"

"Oh yeah she did!"

"Did she cry?"

"Oh yeah she - wait, was that good or bad, makin her cry?"

"HAASKEEKAH~!!!"

Both jumped as Nightwake reappeared among the rubble. "Master miss me? Sisters nice, feed me sweets. Brother free."

Lapis caught the tiny creature with his magic. "Did they suspect anything of you?"

"Nothing! Feed me, pet me, call me weird names, not call Nightwake! They answer! You no like this answer! Please no hurt Nightwake, just messenger...."

The alicorn released the creature. "Return to Goz and Mez, nothing more for now." Nightwake dissipated in a puff of brimstone.

"Ya ain't gonna use him t' talk ta Strife's boys?"

"Strife had informed me that the Spellbreak troops are splitting into two teams, one for Canterlot and another for the Crystal Empire. That was all the information I needed, outside of this response." He unscrolled the note with his magic.

"To our youngest brother, Prince Lapis Umbral,
We DO understand your sadness and anger at what has transpired. 1,000 years IS too long to be without family, so I am inviting you, alone, to come and air your grievances so we may work out this problem. Holding a Princess of Equestria, who has earned that title and rank, for too long can and will be considered an act of war. I pray that you may be able to see how disastrous that would be for Equestria's future, and we can work thing out pony to pony. The three of us shall be waiting.

Princess Celestia
Princess Luna
Prince Cepheid"

The scroll, written with Celestia's magic, radiated with watermark stamps - images embedded withing the parchment itself. Celestia's sun, Luna's single moon, Cepheid's silhouette to the sun. Beneath all the writing an image appeared - Cepheid standing between his sisters, wings spread wide and hooves unshackled. This puzzled Lapis more than satisfied his curiosity. How could those two be happy working for Tia? And if Cepheid is indeed free, Umbral knew he would be even LESS welcome. He closed the scroll and tucked it under his wing.

"What'd she say, boss?"

"The easiest translation for you, Hatchet.... I will be downstairs within the hour to try on my armor. I'll be happy to 'talk' with them......" the tone of his response was nothing near happy.

"uh... yeah, boss. Got it. Gonna go check on that right now!"

"Brilliant facility, Ms. Malachite, I've never been so impressed."

Golden Silver and Malachite Braid both had reasons to marvel - the Crystal Empire native was proud to have been chosen for the new armor project, and would be teaming not only with volunteer artisans, but with one of the premier smithys from Canterlot proper. This would be her first armor project, but she knew she was in good hooves. "I'm hoping that we can create a distinct and unique militia, much like the Solars and Lunars stand out to others."

"Oh, that will most certainly be arranged," the unicorn assured. "With your permission, I have an experimental technique that I'm borrowing from another armor style. Perhaps if we fold powdered native crystal in with the metals, much like the Phalanx armors have powdered moonstone."

"Wouldn't that weaken the metal itself?" she queried. "I've never mixed the two...."

"Absolutely not! Especially if we choose the gemstone carefully. I know that war is not something to the Empire's current vocabulary....." his expression apologetic to Malachite's shudder. "We need something that shall boost the confidence of the soldiers and help them focus mostly on their task at hand. I know that amethyst has such properties, and blended with iron or steel might secure a soldier's resolve."

Malachite dropped a book on the design table. "Amethyst, or perhaps Ametrine. Both are renowned for repelling negative energies.* Purple in itself is considered a 'royal' color and would be strong tribute to Princess Cadance and Princess Twilight. It would dispel the dark memories-" she took a couple of deep breaths - "and inspire confidence in the native volunteers."

"Rest assured that I can bring those properties forward with the proper application into the armor pieces." His eyes brightened a moment. "Ah! and the name is easily settled - 'Amethyst Armada'."

Malachite giggled. "You are too creative to be an armorer."

"I serve Equestria in all its needs, milady. And in this case, we are to create and expand the defenses of this freed empire. I will have some of the artisans create samples. We can work together on the calculations from there. A complete sample suit should be ready for the Winter Moon festival." He levitated a few of the designs into the air. "Now then - let us blend these styles into something that properly represents your home."

*(source: )

Aurora walked slowly through the halls of Canterlot castle. She had spent time resting, practicing her story. Convincing Princess Celestia of what happened wouldn't be the easiest thing to do; the Princess was much like a parent, capable of seeing through falsehoods. She tried hard to convince herself this was the right thing to do. She already had a prominent position within the school, she would be graduating soon, and with the Magic Council on hold she could see how everything shakes out and perhaps take the lead on the group if anything happened to Princess Twilight.

She paused in the hallway, a slight shiver crawling down her spine. Of course she hated Twilight and all that had been afforded her. Morning Star hated it even moreso, and that other alicorn hated her most of all. She forced some perspective to all of this: She had better grades, better classes, just fewer opportunities. Had she been given such choice assignments, there would be wings on her back as well! It's not arrogance if you have the numbers to back all of it up, so this will eventually turn Princess Celestia to assisting her other students, including her soon-to-be Valedictorian! Confidence restored, she completed her walk, maintaining her weary appearance so the story can be properly told.

The Solar guards outside of Celestia's quarters softened at her gaze, magically opening the doors for her without a word spoken. The story, as far as Aurora had heard, spread correctly: she had been kidnapped by a strange force believed to be related to Princess Twilight Sparkle's disappearance, and that while she was found unharmed in the wastes south of Appleloosa, she was traumatized from the experience. None disturbed her, short of leaving meals and books for her as she rested. She'd used some of that time to check in with Morning Star, who bragged about her encounters with Twilight. She was proud of the humiliation, excited for what would come next in her training. More offers to Aurora to join, but the pink unicorn didn't want to leave Canterlot.

"Are you well-rested?" Celestia's motherly voice drew Aurora and her thoughts back to the present. The pink unicorn bowed, even though not required. "Please, you have been through enough already."

Aurora carefully looked up to the gentle eyes of her longtime teacher. A warmth blanketed her and relaxed her under that gaze, depth of wisdom framed in magenta and beaming down on her like the very sun itself. Aurora withered slightly at such a genuine concern. "I.... I'm sorry that I hadn't spoken to you sooner," she whispered.

"You have been through a very harrowing experience, Aurora. And I have to ask you some very difficult questions. I hope that you will understand why these must be asked."

"I know you're worried about Twi- er, Princess Twilight," Aurora carefully corrected herself.

"Twilight is indeed a Princess, but I am also aware she is in grave danger. Any information about what happened will help us. We know who abducted her, we didn't know how you became entwined in this."

Aurora glanced up, tears in her eyes. "I know it was frightening," Celestia continued. "Please, tell me anything you can."

"I....."

Celestia stepped closer, draping one enormous wing over the tiny unicorn. "I know this is difficult. Any small detail, anything at all."

"I had bought her a rare rose to study," Aurora finally managed. "I showed it to her, and she thanked me. What happened next, it was so fast......" she closed her eyes, forcing a tear down her cheek.

"What happened next?"

"It was so fast... just a flash, but dark..... when I woke up I was alone."

"Do you remember where you were?"

"It was....." she took a deep breath. "it was a cave, and it was really really dark. I heard voices..... growling voices.... they could see me, but I couldn't see them."

"Did you try to see them with your magic?"

Aurora shook her head. "It had scared me so badly my horn wouldn't work. They laughed at me.... then one of them pinned me down with a hoof. They talked about me, how I wasn't 'who they were after'.... they spoke of terrible things they would do to me, then one booming voice told them to release me."

"What did that voice sound like compared to the others?"

"The ones talking about me..... sounded like timberwolves talking about dinner. I know timberwolves can't talk, they don't have hooves.... but the voices were growls. The voice over them had no emotions, except maybe anger.... it didn't want anything to do with me."

"It is fortunate they let you go."

"I was.... teleported out of the cave. I appeared far south of Appleloosa, up against the Macintosh hills. I followed the sun for as long as I could...."

Celestia sat closer still to Aurora. "They didn't say anything to you about Twilight, did they?"

"No!" Aurora's response abrupt and angry. "I would have told you if they had!" Her indignance startled Celestia.

"I'm just glad you're all right," Celestia tried to reassure. "I don't like the idea of losing any of my students. No matter how they leave."

Aurora didn't believe that at first. "But you're still asking about Twilight. I'm right here! You have two dozen students who don't even think you'd care if they left tomorrow. Why now?"

Celestia blinked. "This was life-threatening, not a dispute over playing favorites. I don't understand."

"Morning Star left because she wasn't appreciated! I almost followed her out the door! Once Twilight Sparkle was sent to Ponyville-"

"I can see you're all right, because you're right here. Just like I didn't have to hover over you or Morning Star. You're both exceptional students. Twilight needed guidance. Neither of you needed your hoof held as you continued your studies."

Aurora's ramblings shattered under frustrated sobs. She tried to pull free but the wing held her fast. "Take all the time you need. I am here."

Aurora's relief melted into guilt, poured into Celestia's side in genuine tears. The alicorn remained still, letting her student find relief and close comfort.

Hazard Watch listened to the conversation nearby, frown deepening. Shadow Tracker had told him what the "rare rose" was, and to both their knowledge no one sells them. He resisted every urge to burst into the room and accuse. That's how you did it in Manehatten, but he'd been warned about being rash as a soldier directly under a Princess.

He nodded to the unicorn of the Phalanx, who sighed. "That's a shame. The two students next in line under Celestia cracking to such pressures."

"Neither would have lasted a month in any sort of City guard training."

"And even less so for the Phalanx," Shadow Tracker finished for him. "That rose was a Midnight Rose. Princess Celestia recognized the stray petal immediately. If Aurora didn't know what it was, I can understand. But it's illegal to even hybrid Midnight Roses because of how carefully they have to be treated."

"So if I had put a hoof to it......"

"I'd be dragging your solid stone flank to Celestia. She has enough to worry about."

Princess Luna and Dreamcarver cleared the stadium as Rainbow Dash's dream neared its end. The swirling landscape erupted anew, mostly with silence. "Much better," Dreamcarver shook out sore ears. "Finding Princess Cadance and Shining Armor should not be difficult."

"They tend to share dreams, mostly futures," Luna admitted. "What their family could be, or more recently the work on the railroad expansions. This task weighs heavily on them, and thankfully all else in their kingdom remains peaceful."

"Canterlot lost a good Guardcaptain," the Phalanx soldier mused.

"Shining Armor is a good leader. Even if he may not think he is."

Luna swooped to the "ground" of the dreamscape, her guard remaining airborne. "Be mindful of the dream storm I encountered. We cannot disturb that corner again."

"It wasn't the 'storm' of Lionheart and Snapdragon's argument that startled you awake?"

"That is a completely separate matter." Luna was not in any mood to discuss that.

The crashes of stone and sparks of magic caught their attention away from the rest of the swirling nothing. The scene faded into view, a fog lifting to a chaotic scene - an enormous stone scorpion, lunging and snapping at two mares in defense of its territory. Dreamcarver launched toward the beast, only to be dragged back by Luna's magic. "No!" she ordered. "We must confirm the source of this dream."

"Should one of the mares be harmed or worse from this battle, they may not awaken."

"That includes the beast, if this is indeed its dream." Luna watched closely as the scorpion continued its offensive, the two mares holding it at bay with spells. She finally recognized the mares - Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance. They kept the creature at bay with their magic, taking turns distracting it in hopes of disabling its diamond-tipped stinger. The creature backed down only a few steps before rejoining the battle, This cycle repeated a few times, puzzling Luna. She finally turned to Dreamcarver.

"Harm none," she ordered simply.

The pegasus sped forward, wings wide and open straight from his sides. He circled the battle once, noting all the participants oblivious to his presence. This would make his namesake job even easier. His descent swept him between the two alicorns and the scorpion, stopping their motion as though stopping time. Luna calmly walked closer, dissipating each piece of the dream in its stasis. The scorpion collapsed first, disintegrating into nothing but sand. The landscape flew apart with him, a wind merging into the aether. Twilight Sparkle faded next, then Cadance. "Then who makes this battle in their repose?" She pondered.

"I did," A stallion's voice meekly replied.

Dreamcarver swept in front of Luna and the voice. What remained of the plain washed away in random rain, leaving a white stallion peering through his soaked blue mane. Luna stopped short. "Shining Armor? You dare endanger your sister and your bride in this realm?"

Dreamcarver landed next to Luna, eyes piercing the former guardcaptain. "You have fought battles in the waking world but cannot in this realm?"

Shining Armor looked away from them both. He continued to mope under his mind-created storm, clad in thick crystalline armor that slowed his movements and resolve. His horn silent, uncasting, his eyes unfocused.

"Tis not your intention to harm them, Shining Armor.... your scorpion is a plague of doubt in your mind."

"Twily and Cadance have done a lot to save my flank."

"Your turn is coming and coming quickly." Luna confirmed. "She is in grave danger, stolen away by the Shadow of the Moon."

"He came back?!" The stallion snapped to his feet, horn glowing. "And he's got Twily??"

Luna nodded. Shining took a step or two forward before his head drooped again. "She'll be all right, she can save herself."

Luna could hear another stone scorpion starting to form nearby. "These doubts plague you? Have you not served the Crystal Empire well?"

The unicorn's smirk less than confident. "I threw my wife at a shadow. Real brave."

Dreamcarver's smirk reappeared. "But even then, it was a sacrifice you both made of the Empire. You fought on despite lacking magic."

"And your magic is as potent as your combat skills. Were you not one who expelled the changelings?"

Princess Cadance reappeared in the dreamscape. Shining Armor lunged forward to her, only to see her explode into a mass of black insects. "I fell for one," Shining Armor drooped.

"You were not the first. The stress of the event and your responsibilities blinded you. This time there will be no distractions."

"But what can I do? What about the Empire? The railroad? Who will be - " More stone scorpions erupted around them. Dreamcarver turned away to deal with them.

"Is it no more a hazard than the traps and creatures of 'The Spire of the Black Peryton?' " Luna teased. "I've seen THOSE dreams, too.

"I understand in your youth, you partook in games of fantasy and adventure. As a foal you dreamt of being the brave hero, who triumphed against evil and saved the day everytime. That you could be this conquering paladin is a foal’s notion. A fantasy. And you will never be him.”

Silence hung in the air. Dreamcarver’s eyes tried desperately not to meet the gaze of either his Princess or the stallion she had just torn down. He knew Princess Luna to be harsh to the Phalanx soldiers, but to other royalty? He shook his head in mild disgust as the storm over Shining Armor's head darkened and soaked the unicorn to the bone. The scorpions closed in, Dreamcarver backing them down.

“The dream of your youth was not real," She continued. "but neither are the ones you find yourself plagued with now. I cannot fight what is in your mind for you. But I can provide you with the weapons and hope you may do so yourself. “

Shining Armor finally lifted his gaze to meet the princess.

“You will struggle, Shining Armor. And at times yes, you will also fail. Though it is the measure of a true hero how he faces these challenges within himself as well as those without."

"But-"

"Why do you think you were selected as guardcaptain?" Luna demanded. "Why do you think you were installed as warden of the Crystal Empire? Was it because you were brother of Twilight Sparkle or husband of Princess Cadance? Do not think for a moment that my sister and I would bestow these positions of grave importance as a result of some sort of relationship bias. We would not put the safety of our citizens at risk in order to curry favour or ‘play politics’. You were given these duties as you were the one most capable in your abilities and most deserving of our trust. No matter what fears you may have, what doubts may gnaw at you, trust in yourself as we have trusted in you. Do this and you’ll find, you’re stronger than you think you are!”

She marched up to the unicorn, one wing open. "What say you, Shining Armor? Will you remain locked in this doubt, or will you awaken to the challenge?"

Dreamcarver startled as the stone scorpions exploded into sand around him. He wheeled to see Shining Armor free of the crystalline gear, locking gazes with her. Luna nodded.

"When you awake, bring Princess Cadance and take the first train out of the Empire. Bring this resolve with you, leave the doubts behind."

Chapter 23

"Have you bloody lost your mind?!"

Desert Sun cornered Lapis away from the others. "You were going to erase her memory? Last I checked, that's not how you lift curses....."

"I-"

"I don't want to hear an excuse this time," she threatened. "You HAVE been stringing her along a bit, with all the attentions you've given myself, the other unicorns, and Hatchet! I'll never say I wasn't grateful, but there'll be no more playing favorites under my watch!"

"Your watch?" Lapis' befuddled query. "I told Slurry when she gave me the idea that the necklace was at least a temporary solution. She knew that all along, and now she loses her temper?"

"You started erasing her memories, sad as they are. That won't cure her."

"I don't want her to think I was stringing her along. I've shown you the notes...." his horn once again flickered to life, snuffed under Desert Sun's gaze.

"I've seen the notes as well. You could have done this so much sooner. You've been training Night Ash and I, and what of your prize pupil Morning Star? I'm sure between the four of us we could have taken care of things." Her expression softened when he didn't answer, his defeated glances reflecting in her eyes. She took a deep breath to soften her tone to him. "Luv, if she'd not left by now, she wasn't about to. You're too close to curing her, and jumping from one project to another isn't helping the idea that a permanent cure is even close."

"I don't want to see her cry. That could damage my casting...." the weak excuse.

"There's good crying too," Desert Sun reminded him. "Think of the tears of joy if you were to unravel all the curses. Make her look like she wants. For the rest of her life. You can't be skipping around projects when you've made a promise that binding to her. Had I actually the wings I would slap you for the thought."

"So you don't want them...?"

"I'm not going anywhere, luv. If anything, let the three of us at least try. I know you've an armor fitting to attend, but you've also got a lot of apologizing to do to Slurry." Desert Sun almost suggested an apology to Twilight, but finally breaking through this tension was a battle in itself.

"Yes... that's right..." he shakily stood.

"What are you so worried about? Did you honestly think all of us would have walked out over this?"

"A broken promise is a very strong motivator....." Lapis distantly replied. "And I also think what you would do if you left and keep going. Any of you could simply walk into Canterlot, speak to my sisters, tell them about me. You might be detained, but they wouldn't be merciful to me."

"We're not leaving. But you WILL apologize to Slurry."

Lapis nodded. "If you wish me to attend the dispell, I will come. Otherwise, my notes are yours to peruse." He slowly walked from the room, head lowered.

"We have spoken with two of them, Princess Luna," Dreamcarver grumbled. "Yet you insist on seeing Princess Cadance in this realm?"

"If to confirm and unite their cause," Luna sharply replied. "While they are family, good friends and tamer than Phalanx soldiers, speaking to them all in this manner will ensure a clear message when they awaken."

Both were airborne now, as the din of dreams calming and daybreak drew near. The swirl of the aether had slowed, and what dreams remained in the realm shone or dimmed within their view. Luna nodded to the giant storm far to their left. "That is the storm I warned you of before," she growled. "I dare not return there lest war break out in this realm."

Dreamcarver slowed to examine the nightmare in the distance. While only a few miles away, he could see the churning, frothing clouds and silent flashes of lightning in blue and red. The clouds blanketed the "ground" and mushroomed in continued turmoil, cursing back at them and taunting the rest of the realm in challenge. He wondered if Luna's reaction to it likened to her own "nightmare", but knew well not to ask. She was gentle and playful around the general population, but there was no "Joy" or "Fun" to her Phalanx. Her regiment her most arduous undertaking, and her pride shone at how well they intimidated without raising a hoof.

"With me, Dreamcarver!"

The soldier snapped out of his distraction as Luna banked hard toward another nightmare - this one sheathed in a glowing, sickly green. Through its haze he recognized the spires of the Crystal Empire, the populous going about its business. Yet Luna's concern of it told him this was no simple dream. The smog parted as she swooped through the city, watching the populous not reacting to her. Dreamcarver kept close, scanning for danger. The glow seemed familiar, but he could not place it. His query lost as a chorus of screeches and hisses erupted below.

Luna's eyes began to glow, and the facades of the smiling earth ponies fell away to angry changelings. "THIS is her nightmare," she confirmed. "The wedding day still scares her despite their victory. We must find her at once!"

Dreamcarver wanted to agree, but the changelings swarmed after the pair. Luna didn't want to "break" the nightmare, but time was running short in the realm. "They can be destroyed!" She ordered Dreamcarver. "I will fly ahead to the castle. Let none pass."

"Princess Luna, I-"

"This is a dream realm, do you forget your power here? Your dreams are stronger than these." She accelerated toward the castle, leaving him to the horde of airborne changelings.

Dreamcarver wheeled, the horde demanding his surrender. Hundreds of the beasts swirled around him in a gray-black storm of their own, determined to dispatch him before pursuing Luna. Thankful he was the distraction but still worried for his safety, he snapped his wings as wide as they would stretch. The winds began to pick up around him, confusing the crowd of creatures.

"BEGONE!!" He bellowed, his voice a thunderclap, an earthquake in the sky. The swarm destabilized around him, pleasing the pegasus. He rocketed into the throng, sharp wings slicing through dozens of the creatures.

"I SAID BEGONE~!!" he erupted again, the sheer volume of his voice shattering dozens more. They continued to close, the numbers preparing to overwhelm him. His winds and his wings could only hold them for so long. He had one last "trick" on hoof, but dared not show it in Luna's presence. He had to buy her time, she was almost inside the castle.

"This Nightmare ENDS, and MY Dream begins!" He announced, stunning the changelings. Uncomprehending stares did not faze him as the strong lucidity of his dream started to take over. With a haunting roar his body sheathed itself in eldritch flames, purplish black with flashes of red. The changeling horde slowed, glowing eyes widening as the energy burst away from Dreamcarver.

The soldier grinned back at the hesitant throng, feeling the strength in his wings and a trickle of magic before him. "COME! YOU CLAIM YOURSELVES ALICORNS, I AM MERELY ONE BY THE GRACES OF THIS REALM! ALL OF YOU AGAINST ME? DO YOUR WORST TO ME IF YOU DARE!"

The changelings charged. Dreamcarver could only laugh at them before meeting them midair.

Luna propelled herself through the balcony entrance of the Empire castle. She expected resistance, yet each soldier stood at attention at her arrival. Knowing there were changelings among the soldiers, she kept an ear in their direction as she swooped through the hallways. Deeper in the facility she started seeing signs of the colony's fortifications. That sickly green glow intensified, Crystal Empire natives locked away in unconscious stasis. She paused only briefly, seeing that each captive smiling faintly in their forced slumber; evidence enough that this "nightmare" weighed heavily on the Crystal Princess' mind despite her main concerns with the railroad and the Games.

She slipped into the throne room, seeing Shining Armor kneeling at the base of the two thrones. One throne completely soaked in the Changelings' cocoon materials, the other shattered under the bloated form of Queen Chrysalis. Her jagged horn glimmered as more energy wrapped around it, one extended hoof tended by the mesmerized stallion. She did not acknowledge the presence of the Princess of the Night, too wrapped up in her absorption of love from Shining Armor and the nearby Crystal Heart. Her smug smile locked on the poor unicorn before her, talking to him in Cadance's voice. The stallion so lost in the spell she did not bother disguising herself anymore! Luna marched toward the throne, the corpulent queen finally looking away from her puppet. "Can I ... help you?" She mockingly asked, still in Cadance's voice.

"Cease this morbid vision!" Luna demanded. "This is not how the Crystal Empire exists!"

"The possibility was there," the changeling queen cooed. "There is happiness here. All is at peace, and all of my subjects are happy. If they are happy, I am happy, and that was all that was ever asked of this kingdom." She paused, a slight burp escaping her.

Luna quietly gazed up to the cocoon, where Cadance lay curled up in a ball. Her gaze vacant, her mane messy, her tail in her forehooves, talking to it like a child. "You'll not find me as simple an opponent as my sister was in the waking world," Luna warned one last time.

Chrysalis somehow pushed to a standing position. "You underestimate me," she hissed. "Here I have been gathering power in anticipation of this battle! What you see before you will be the last pony you'll speak with in ANY world! This is MY castle now!"

The room erupted with brilliant green energy, electrocuting the royal couple as the folds of fat rolled back into the Changeling's body. Her grayish black frame slimmed, growing in height and wings shimmering with the gathered power. Bright green cracks arced up and down her body, casting a more sinister glow on the hall as Shining Armor collapsed at her hooves. "You were once a nightmare," the queen cackled, her true voice returning, "But you cannot loosen the grip I have on the mind of this poor little princess."

Luna stood motionless, expressionless to the display. Chrysalis only grew taller and more menacing, green lightning reaching for the Princess of the Night. What the queen did not realize from her own histrionics that the rest of the room had frozen in a timeless proximity. She leered toward Luna, ignorant of the rest of the room for that moment. "Something troubling you, Luna? Am I indeed too powerful for you now that I have broken the Royal Family of the Crystal Empire?"

"What you forget," Luna finally spoke, 'Is that while you have a castle in this realm, I am the RULER of this realm! I allow things not possible in the waking world! This is what you call an accomplishment? I'm afraid all this building is a sand castle full of deep worries of events that did not occur.

"This castle exists because I allowed it thus!" Luna met Chrysalis' gaze. "I will not allow doubts and worries undermine the potential of Princess Cadance!

"Fear and Doubt shalt melt away
As the end of Night and the coming Day
Cast aside this unfounded blunder
Nightmare's end, I say thee SUNDER~!"

The screams of the nightmare pierced Luna's ears as the nearby dreamscape erupted in plumes of sand and dust. A breeze pushed the clouds away as Cadance's dazed form drifted to the ground like a multicolored feather, body wracked in heaving sobs of relief. Luna then carefully approached Cadance, wings closed and expression softening.

Princess Cadance couldn't look up from her predicament- she had all four hooves wrapped around her tail, disheveled mane over her face to hide the tears. The explosions had startled her, the reality melting away too much for her already overburdened mind. Flinching under the mere shadow of Princess Luna, Cadance only curled up tighter in exhaustion and shame. Her attempts to speak gently shushed as Luna lay next to her.

"Your Empire is safe," she reassured. "Your husband is safe and awaits you. Your dearest friend Princess Twilight needs you more than ever in this time. Please, cease this unneeded faltering."

Cadance finally raised her head, eyes still clouded from the nightmare. "He didn't see... didn't know..."

"He worries almost as deeply protecting you as you fear losing him. This is the strength of your bond. It cannot be broken by force, distance or time."

Cadance huddled up against Luna, feeling like a child for her fears. With a glance to the dreamscape Luna fueled more optimism toward the Crystal Princess, allowing the kingdom to appear as it was now, including a simple meal and a clear view of the Crystal Heart in the near distance. "When you are ready, Princess Cadance, this will be the dream you remember. Shining Armor wll explain the rest to you." Luna rose from her place as Cadance looked to the food and the sights around her.

"You're not staying?" she asked.

"Our work is done here," Luna proudly responded. "Your strength will return in what remains of this place. Your nightmare dispelled this night."

Cadance blinked at the advice and the returning Dreamcarver, who landed solidly next to Luna. "The battle ended suddenly," growled the soldier, "But I see Princess Cadance is safe." He bowed to them both.

"Dreamcarver, what is that on your helm?" Luna asked warningly. The soldier stood and glanced up, forgetting that he had let his "dream" get away with him. Hastily dispelling the false horn, he kneeled anew to the giggling princesses.

"Forgive my assumption in this world," his apology.

"You'll have to try harder with that form. Your wings were still too small."

Hatchet's eager grin to his boss was little solace for Lapis' miscalculations. Inwardly, his pride for the pegasus' armor work could not be greater. He'd heard Hatchet's laughter and the ringing of metal, the hiss of steam, the occasional roar of flames. Other odd metal sounds had caught his ears between the myriad of tasks and planning, perhaps the specific needs of the osmium brought back from the new mine.

He was not surprised to see his smith in full regalia- his modified Phalanx armor dusted with soot, his necklace almost glowing with the red and blue tints of the two forges. His golden eyes flickered with pride, his grin twisted into a euphoric scowl. "Been lookin forward t' showin you this, boss. Those bone-pony things brought up more than enough t' work with."

"And why are you dressed for war so soon, Hatchet?" Lapis asked with the faintest amusement.

"Osmium's a buck to work with!" Hatchet replied without a hint of frustration. "Ya gotta fight with it to do what ya want it to do, then fight it some more t' stay still! B'sides, these give me all kinds of ideas." He tamped at his armor and pointed to his Fear necklace. "Heck, the armor might scare you if ya wear it wrong!"

"An odd thing to say to me, Hatchet. You talk as though I've never fought in a war."

"We were in one t'gether, boss, I remember!" And Hatchet savored every moment of his aerial battle against that gray pegasus. He had flown that soldier into the ground, and with the new armor could do it again. "But yeah, used some of the Phalanx armor tricks to put this t'gether for ya!"

Lapis then appraised the new armor for Hatchet's wild ego. It startled the alicorn at first; the design struck a deep chord in him. "You researched this..... thoroughly."

"Found a picture or two in the library since you were busy. Thought it'd be a good tribute." Hatchet's pride slid quickly to worry. "I can get that modified for ya real quick...."

"No, Hatchet. Thank you. If there would be any way to make them Remember, this is the armor to wear."

Indeed, the armor appeared a near-replica of the stormcloud armor he wore when he stood at Nightmare Moon's side - muted grays and blues from the blending of the osmium and iron, the frame of the helm shaped like crescent moons crossing directly under his horn. The chestplate resembled the overlapping plates of a dragon's belly, stylized wings pushed back over the shoulders. The wingblades serrated and sharp, reflecting only age and destruction. The croupiere had distinct crescents, solid osmium, right over his own cutie marks. The greaves shimmered a deeper, frothy gray, lower hanging clouds beneath the storm that he would wear to the most important war in a thousand years. Again, faint twitches skipped around his mouth, almost to speak - or emote?

"Gonna try it on?" Hatchet leered. "Gotta make sure it fits ya right."

Lapis walked around the armor a couple of times, admiring its color, its curvature, its detail. "Most exquisite," he replied distantly.

"Come on, boss, gotta slap that on and see how ya look in it!"

"Rather insistent," Lapis observed as he turned away from the armor. "You said you used some 'Phalanx armor tricks'. I think I need more details."

"I know ya don't like me playin with other stones and the timberwolf ash, but since I had to work with powders anyway I put a bunch in there. Oughta really scare em when you swoop down from the clouds - gotta hear that roar!"

Lapis gathered a few pieces of the armor with his magic. "You did write down the formula?"

"I think I got everythin here....." he read over the list. "Iron, Osmium, Timberwolf Ash, powdered moonstone shards, and some bone dust."

"Bone dust?" Lapis facehoofed. "Were you smashing Ichor's guards again?"

"Just a couple of em - and he knows, his little zombie filly laughed every time I did it. So, yeah." The pegasus shrugged, nodding to the completed work.

It almost amazed Lapis to Hatchet's nonchalance of this experiment - the fact that this armor was a complete blend of metallurgy, alchemy, necromancy and "Wild" magic, yet nothing more than a routine smithing. Perhaps pegasi are inclined to not worry much about consequence in their work; a unicorn would still be researching and an earth pony would otherwise refuse. He read over Hatchet's scroll at least three times, hoping he accurately measured as he worked. All the ingredients listed in their various capacities, split-forged and...

"...folded after sinterin, twenty-eight times, an no moon t' see me do it!"

The alicorn's eyes could only reflect astonishment; again, casually talking about a complex armoring as if making himself a sandwich. Setting the scroll aside, he carefully levitated over the greaves. Each one had some heft to them but once in place, did not limit his movement. Careful steps were taken around the forges as Hatchet blathered on about how the osmium and moonstone blues inspired him, or how he had to beg Morning Star to find an image of the old suit. Lapis half-listened as he reverently draped the croupiere and chestplates on, feeling an interesting twinge of the combined magics. The wingblades sang a similar song, a distant, lonely ballad of half-formed words and emotions. Steel was still steel, but somehow the osmium only magnified its magical call. He turned to gather the helm, only to find Hatchet balancing it in his hooves, grinning.

"I GOTTA see this- have fun!" The pegasus dropped the helm in place. Before Lapis could protest, he saw a hoof reach for the Fear necklace's gem.......

And the world around him turned stark white.

Blinded by the comparitive light, two or three disoriented steps only told him of the void he now belonged. Vague memories of wearing Phalanx armor crept through his mind, flooding the area in an earthquake of sound.

Lapis was not alone.

Eyes finally adjusting to the brilliant white, his first glance downward. No shadow cast- or had it moved already? The cacophony made it difficult to orient himself further,head raising to a group of shadowy figures around him. Indistinct pony shapes, each with hollowed eyes and gaping maws, magnifying the noise and defining it in voices - queries of who he was and why he had come. Nothing there knew who or what he was, did not know his name. "SILENCE~!!" He roared over their din. "Woe to every shadow who has forgotten the name of Lapis Umbral, the very Shadow of the Moon! I freed you from Sombra after he stole you and hid you away in the cold!"

"Who?" one deep voice asked again. "You are new to us....."

"You ceased to exist," a female voice added mockingly, "once we were taken away. You chose to Forget as much as you want them to Remember!"

"What have you done in this time away?" a distant male voice requested. "Have you helped or harmed Equestria in your exile?"

"I brought Luna home! I Remembered who she was! I did not demonize her as she was so demonized by her own executioner! I seek restoration to the Family because I REMEMBERED!"

"So did they," a familiar voice interrupted. "and that's why they chose to Forget."

He wheeled to the voice, horn blazing with energy. "You DARE!"

The last voice came from a hovering shadow, distinct by its wings and horn. He noted some of the other shadows dared to make themselves alicorns, while others became griffons, regular ponies, a diamond dog. But this one last shadow closed in on him, its gray hues paling to a distinct purple.

"I exist," she announced, "So that they could Forget!"

"BLASPHEMY~!!" he roared. "YOU ARE NOT WORTHY OF THE POST, LEST YOU MAKE THIS SUPPOSITION!"

'Why else am I here?" she jeered. "The Family is sundered. so I guess there needs to be a new Family."

"CURSE YOUR EXISTENCE!! CURSE YOUR VERY WORDS AND THE WINGS ON YOUR BACK!! HOW DARE YOU INVADE THIS REALM!!!"

He lunged at the shadow, only to feel it dissipate. The other shadows around him laughed and taunted at his clumsy attack.

"That's not how a warrior fights!" one shouted.

"Who's the unworthy one here?" Another called. "At least SHE seems to understand what she's got!"

"And all you have," an elder's voice finished. "Are the sounds of your voice, tiny bells in a canyon!"

Lapis shuddered as the faint ringing of decoration bells silenced every other sound around him. "Tiny bells in a canyon," the voice echoed. The shadows around him melted into a violet cloth that swirled around the remaining shadow, who repeated the mantra as the cloth then draped around "her" as she started to laugh again. He tensed as he saw the shadow's mane grow longer, bouncing in the unfelt winds.

"I will be Remembered because you are nothing but tiny bells in a canyon! My voice has been heard through the lights of the Sun and Moon! I am the new Beacon of Equestria!"

"ENOUGH~!!!"

Her last statement had broken every single thought in his mind, the white now suddenly brilliant red around the purplish shadow. He lunged at her anew, cursing her in Ancient Equestrian and condemning her deeper than the roots of Tarterus itself. Each lunge less and less effective, each wing thrust parried, every cast dissipated in a shower of amethystine sparks. Each kick found only air, his foe dancing backwards in perceived glee. He chased, showering her with words as he could not land a physical or magical blow. Fuming, he teleported around her, closing with each thrust, each wingbeat. Her expression panicked as he closed, his confidence growing. She summoned other shadows to slow him, but they would be easily swatted aside. "No more," he snarled. "No more will you be a thorn under my armor! The bells you shake at me in jest will echo throughout EQUESTRIA in angry tolls of storm warning!"

He stirred up the winds around him, horn and eyes glowing brilliant cobalt. "AND YOU WILL BE THE FIRST TO FALL!"

She attempted to teleport away, but the rage and fury in Lapis' heart focused him squarely on her destination. They collided midair, the shadow solidified by its fear. She bounced off the ground only once before he landed solidly above her. Roaring a final curse, his horn thrust down-

He froze. The scream was not his target's. Shaking off the blur of white, red and purple, he awoke to his horn dangerously close to piercing Desert Sun directly through her throat. Her eyes wider than even their first encounter, fear and paralysis holding her in place. He tried to back away, only tripping over an unconscious Hatchet and nearly falling on a dazed Sandstone. Night Ash and Morning Star slumped from their casting, singe marks on the chestplate and sand all around. He noted other singe marks from lightning bolts, storms dragged inside by Slurry. Violet Force and Silver Shimmer arrived too late; they chose to grab their armor first, hoping the others could hold him off.

Dustmite faded into view. "You ok, boss...?"

Lapis looked to each of them in turn, speechless. How close had he come? Two stallions down, three unicorns unable to slow him with magic. Three pegasi staring at him with mixed emotions as their weather attacks barely slowed him as well.

"And they say magic can help Equestria," a stallion's voice cracked the silence.

All turned to the entryway, where Strife peered from the hallway's shadow, the flicker of his Lyrium whip casting his silhouette back at them. "Yes, most helpful. Do you understand now? Do you even comprehend what I have tried to explain from the outset?"

"Strife," Lapis whispered, "this is not the time-"

"It's never THE time, for a creature who has nothing but. You rewarded your talented smith with a concussion that he won't feel until he wakes! Will your blessed bride ever stand beside you with the comfort she had with you in the last three years? Can your soldiers even trust you after that display of power? Typical alicorn."

"Strife," Lapis repeated, "My trial with the armor is complete. There will not be another outburst like this again." He turned to the others. "When Hatchet awakens, give him another concussion for me. He will thank you."

Strife stomped a hoof in mock-applause. "A grand reward for a weatherpony who thinks he's a magician. Your cursed armors and magical nonsense will be in vain if you choose to test your skills on your own allies."

"Strife, that's enough...."

"Oh, I'm not done." He entered the room, the whip twitching in anticipation. "Care to test your armor against me? I think I will fare better than a weak-bodied wizard and an addlebrained zebra."

"I said that's enough....."

"Silencing me only proves my point, and I don't need a horn to make one!" The whip cracked in challenge. Lapis responded with a warning bolt.

"Enough."

Strife gave the alicorn a showy, almost comical bow before departing. The entire room seemed to exhale with his departure.

Lapis wearily turned to his allies. "This is as much my fault for not preparing for what this armor is capable of as is Hatchet in his proficiency. You who wear the Phalanx armor, my trial came without chains or warning to anypony else. I swear to you on my own heart and horn that you will NOT see me this way again. Hatchet was foolish to use his necklace against untested armor, nearly costing lives." He kicked Hatchet's head once more in disdain. "I will restore the damage done. I will understand if you leave."

Slurry marched up to him, defiant. "So what did YOU see?"

"I was... Forgotten." He could not meet her gaze. "Thanks to Hatchet's lack of understanding, he intensified what the armor would do in my mind." A growl traced into his next statement. "She was in there, only confirming this fear......"

"'She'?" Slurry glanced back at Desert Sun.

"Not her." He nodded toward the dungeon. His form bled away from the armor and left it to collapse on the floor, splayed like a corpse.

Rainbow Dash did not want to wait for the train. Heck, she didn't want to wait for Princess Cadance and Shining Armor - what was taking them so long? The pegasus rarely woke this early, still a little tired from her dream being interrupted by Princess Luna. She could have been halfway to Canterlot by now, even with the blizzard blowing at its hardest. She winged around the camp impatiently, knowing that her friends were likely in Canterlot already.

"Hot date in Ponyville?" Snowcatcher quipped as she continued reading over her clipboard. "You didn't last long, heard you were leaving."

"I'm not going home. I'm going to Canterlot."

"Of course you are. Hope you have a nice comfy cloud waiting for you."

"I've been summoned by Princess Luna herself!"

"Is that why you're up with the sun this morning?" Snowcatcher didn't look up once from her roster. "I thought Wonderbolts and fresh cider were your only motivations."

Rainbow would have protested again if the clamoring of hooves drowned out her response. A crystal chariot, pulled by several natives in Solar Guard gear, slid to a stop just outside the encampment. No fanfare or escorts flanked the vehicle, the guards at stoic attention as Princess Cadance and Shining Armor emerged. The entire camp stopped to see their rulers exit their vehicle wearing nothing but saddlebags. They exchanged worried glances before facing the gathering workers.

"Good Morning," Shining Armor unsteadily began. "We, along with Rainbow Dash, have been asked to return to Canterlot regarding a family emergency. Snowcatcher will assume oversight of the camp in our absence. All will be explained once we return."

"Such an easy decision," a voice erupted in the otherwise silent crowd. "Leaving a cold leader over those whose backs carry the most burdens?"

The crowd parted, Siren Song striding through. "She can run all that paperwork in front of her well enough, but she has the interpony skills of a stone."

"This isn't up for discussion," Shining Armor impatiently replied.

"Of course not. A camp mostly comprised of earth ponies certainly cannot hold its own without an earth pony in charge. Snowcatcher has billions of her little snowflakes to craft while the rest of us are actually getting things done." Many in the crowd murmured agreement.

The unicorn was already losing his patience. "Siren, this is a family emergency and the decision is final."

"And what of the evening staff?" Siren continued in defiant nonchalance. "Unicorns need their beauty sleep."

"We dont have TIME for this!" Rainbow Dash interjected. "Snowcatcher can keep track of the weather AND the rest of you guys during the day and some of the pegasi can pick up the evening shifts! Can we go now?"

"If you must," Siren dismissed.

"We'll return as quickly as we can," Princess Cadance tried to assure the group. "We need work to continue on the railroad in our absence. I would prefer to remain here to oversee but this is a very important gathering. Please understand."

"Understand, nothing," the light blue pegasus groused. "I'd have been there by now."

Shining Armor herded the other two mares aboard the train. "Keep up the good work, everypony!" he shouted from the window as the train eased away from the station. Siren simply rolled her eyes.

Snowcatcher finally looked up from her clipboard. "Well? You've pretended up to this point I wasn't here and you still worked, get moving."

"Not until we know who the evening designated leader will be. I nominate Night Watch, who came with me to the camp. She consistently works evenings and has a hoof on the goings-on."

"I'll consider it, but I've got all day. You don't."

Siren's knowing glance to the rest of the earth ponies spurred some mumbled complaints. She nodded to herself, well aware how this could quickly turn in her favor.

While one train would fight through the snow, another quietly chugged west, four ponies and a small dragon seated in silence in their own car. Each mare felt alone despite their friends' proximity; without Rainbow Dash's bravado and Twilight's insights, these were simply four mares who knew each other and lived in the same town. Rarity tried to occupy herself with her sketchbook, only to doodle rainbows and stars. Applejack could only pace, looking out the windows as the train heaved westward. Fluttershy backed herself into a corner and curled up, already missing her animals. The mayor's reassurances did help, but she already had plenty to worry about. She could see the compounding of worry on her friends' faces..... and then there was Pinkie.

The pink earth pony had not moved from her seat, staring out a window at nothing. Her mane somewhat deflated from normal, dangling deeper into her usually bright blue eyes. Her tail flopped off the edge of the seat, lifeless. Her body may have boarded the train, but it was more an autonomous motion. There was no bounce, no smile; her voice lost with her thoughts. Applejack paused in her pacing to seat herself next to her usually enthusiastic friend. "Whatcha thinkin about, Pinkie? Ah know you're as worried as we are 'bout Twilight....."

Pinkie imperceptibly nodded, offering no further response. "Well, we're still together - and Rainbow Dash is probably racing the train from the Crystal Empire back to Canterlot. Don't you worry, we'll help Twilight."

Pinkie slowly turned from the window to meet the farmpony's concerned stare. In almost slow motion, the distance and worry faded from her face, if only for a few moments. "I know she's okay," Pinkie began. "I know she's still out there, just that I'm hoping they haven't tied her up to put under a giant sawhorse! Or she's tied up on the tracks somewhere waiting for us to - "

Applejack's hoof ended that conversation. "Ah don't think she's in that much trouble.... ah hope...."

Pinkie's eyes watered as she glanced at AJ's hoof in her mouth. The orange mare pulled away. "Sorry, don't like thinkin that way."

"Maybe she's just lost in some mysterious cavern, where the walls are covered in pictures and writing! She's reading and trying to translate when all the bats swoop down and try to scare her outside! She keeps reading anyway and then the bugs start crawling on her legs! It'd be creeeeeeeepy..."

Rarity slapped her sketchbook shut. "Really, Pinkie, I think that Twilight's situation might be a little more dire. She didn't say she was going anywhere to Spike. And I worry for the other unicorn who had come to visit."

"Just want to see Twilight again," Spike moped. "Nopony's been by the libary short of the mayor and Cherilee. And those that have won't come inside. All they do is drop flowers and stuff out on the bushes under the windows and walk away - like the library's a morgue!"

"At least they're still visiting the library, Spike," Fluttershy whispered from her corner. "Ever since we found out that Twilight was missing, most of my animals have been really restless. It's like they know something's wrong."

"It's not hard to know when it was shouted up and down the main thoroughfare," Rarity nodded to Pinkie and Spike. "I can only imagine how worried Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are about this. And trying to keep this quiet might be short of impossible outside of Ponyville."

"I've been quiet," Pinkie's unexpected interjection, "after my Pinkie sense told me she had disappeared and I get these weird little twitches in my ears and eyebrows and then my mane went 'floop' and it's still flooped."

"We all need t' stop worryin. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both trust all of us, and we'll get Twilight back."

"Maybe, since everypony thinks Twilight is a really strong and powerful alicorn, that some stronger and powerful-er alicorn's got her! Maybe she's going to feed Twilight a weird apple to make her sleep until somepony comes to rescue her! Oooh, maybe it's a MALE alicorn, and he wants to marry her!"

Rarity gasped at the thought, then calmed. "Pinkie, I can be a helpless romantic at times but I don't think either of those scenarios are what Twilight is facing."

"So it might REALLY be the ninjas?"

"PINKIE!!!!" the rest of the car erupted.

Twilight shrank against the back wall of her cell as a roar of smoke and shadows erupted in her cell. The mare once again fell over her shackles, the Lyrium shocking her startled casting. The shadow consolidated directly above her fallen form, midnight blue eyes pinning her down with their intensity alone.

Twilight summoned what little courage remained. "What happened up there? That's not the first time I've heard crashing....."

Lapis Umbral growled down at her before he spoke. "Nopony badly hurt.... yet."

"'Yet....'?" the alicorn repeated nervously. Were the others coming? More torture? She didn't want to ask. Umbral answered her questions, as if he had paused to read her mind.

"You are still safe for now." His words hardly reassuring as he started to flow around her like a black ghost. "I apparently have an overzealous soldier or two in my ranks who'd rather start a war under this roof than save it for Canterlot."

"Why do you WANT a war?" Twilight whispered. "Princess Celestia has kept peace for a thousand years, why should there be a war now?"

"Don't think you're worth fighting for?" he snarked. "One of the few things I will agree with you upon. I've heard humility is one of your strong suits. That won't save you in the end. I fully expect another throng of mesmerized ponies singing your praises, in lock-step with love for you and nothing but pitchforks and torches for me."

"Have you communicated with Canterlot? Do they even KNOW where I am?"

"All they know is that you're still alive." Shadowy tendrils floated over her head, not touching her. "The response to my demands sounded more like a request to surrender. We've come too far to just 'surrender'."

"I still don't understand," Twilight's confusion apparent. "You're angry about me becoming an alicorn. You're angry that Luna doesn't visit you. You're angry that Cepheid was imprisoned. Do you even understand what's really going on in Canterlot? Send somepony there to see for yourself - advice from your enemy...."

"'Enemy'?" The shadow's unamused response further frightened Twilight. "You think it's all that simple? This has been going on longer than you or any of your friends have existed. This goes back to the surfacing of Nightmare Moon. This goes back to the disbanding of the Phalanx. This goes back to a lot of things your dear teacher swept under the rug after banishing her sister.

"You chose to endanger yourself through a conduit that you should not have access. I will warn you only once, do not interfere in our business until the mission is complete."

"I can't do ANYTHING with your stupid anti-magic shackles on - I get reminded multiple times a day."

"I have somepony else to discuss this with.... when he awakens. But you were there - a purple shadow mocking my past, mocking my quest, trumpeting your existence. How DARE you-"

"That wasn't me! I told you I can't do an-" Her protest doubly silenced from his magic and the Lyrium.

"Oh, I'm sure you've figured out a way to work around the shackles. I did not mistake what I saw - a purple shadow telling me that she is the 'New Family' and because of what Tia and Luna have seen of me would prefer that I be Forgotten because perhaps they Remembered too much!" The shadows swirled around her in silent threat. "You have already been immortalized by my sisters despite your short tenure in this new 'form'. You as a 'beacon' of Equestria is overstepping your bounds."

She tried desperately to respond, but the shadows kept her distracted. "I'll have no more interference from you," he snarled, eyes glowing a hellish green and red. "You are merely one thing on a long list of grievances that will be resolved when I arrive in Canterlot. You will remain here until the arrangements are made that you will become a unicorn once more, and do whatever you wish with your life. If you are to be a Princess, stay so - if you are to be a librarian, stay so."

"Then.... just talk...." she weakly added. "No need... for ... war..."

"This 'war' isn't just about your arbitrary gift. This is a response to a thousand years of erased history. Luna was slandered for centuries because of her 'choice' that cost her time in Equestria. Her regiment sundered, nearly all traces destroyed! The only Phalanx names that anypony remembers are Starwatch and Tower Shield from the history books. Names such as Midnight Pale, Cloud Echo, Amber Stars, StormPath, Nightbow - lost to time.

"Lost to time also were the names of those who once aided Celestia in her 'tireless' duties - Aphelion of the tides, Solaris of the Trees. Cepheid of the Seasons driven mad by his family deserting him, much as Luna driven mad as her Generosity never appreciated by the populance. Did Celestia notice? She was too occupied having adventures with Star Swirl the Bearded and ignoring her duties, leaving the rest of us to take care of things in her stead. Now, I return to Canterlot to relieve her of her duties. I am doing YOU the favor of you giving you a full-time teacher."

"But how do you KNOW that.....?" Twilight asked again.

"Because I never Forgot. Perhaps that will occupy your ever-spinning mind while we finish cleaning up things upstairs. Be thankful you are more valuable to me alive. Once my armorer is conscious again, he'll wish he'd stayed concussed." The angry shadow swept over her like an icy wind before vanishing into the caverns nearby.

Chapter 24

"Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Rainbow Dash should have left the Crystal Empire at sunrise," Luna announced to her sister. "They are now very aware of what has happened."

Celestia nodded. "I sent word to Spike to have Twilight's friends bring the Elements to Canterlot. It seems the 'dream storm' you encountered first is more than a threat."

"Nothing that a pie or two to his muzzle couldn't fix," Cepheid grumbled. "Too much ado about that brat."

"His anger triggered my anger, Cepheid. I've apologized enough for my outburst."

"Nah, you're just antsy because you got your soldiers back." This calmed the three alicorns briefly.

"I've investigated the 'voices' that Count Solaris had been hearing," Celestia continued. "He caught only traces of conversation, though sometimes he would hear a stallion's voice trying to quiet the others. Whomever is using this gift is well aware it's still not a private conversation."

"Tis not a simple spell, though once learned it is easily given."

"It was removed from the magic curriculums decades ago to discourage cheating. So either it's a spell recently re-discovered or Lapis is using it to spy."

'That would explain why he thought I was still in prison," Cepheid rolled his eyes. "I thought the picture would be enough to shut him up. He's being stubborn."

'That is one thing," Celestia admitted, "I think we all are." Celestia then magicked up two scrolls. "I've compared the information Aurora gave me with the reports from Hazard Watch and Shadow Tracker. The 'rare rose' that Aurora brought was a Midnight Rose, something that requires extensive spell proficiency and research. Strange that Lapis would repeat a trick so soon after trying it once."

"He's done this before?"

"He did so to me, Cepheid. Through a former student of mine, Morning Star."

"How DARE he!" Luna bristled. "There was no need -"

"He did," Celestia responded with a quiet smile, "because he wanted me to see you come home."

Luna froze in her next protest, the faint memory from her return as Nightmare Moon only confirming such. "Then he is not completely lost to us."

"He's not, but he's too stubborn to admit that out loud." Cepheid simply shook his head thinking about his brother before speaking again. "What will you do about Aurora? By her own admission she gave the Midnight Rose to Twilight. At best she is in contact with Lapis and participated unwittingly. At worst, she has done so knowingly."

Celestia sighed. "Aurora and Morning Star were good friends in the past, I had thought they lost touch. It seems some of what she said was correct. Perhaps I have lost touch with my other students."

"Can't dwell on it, Tia. We got a bigger storm brewing."

"Luna, please instruct the guardcaptains. I need to tend to my classes briefly."

The westbound Spellbreak caravan had only traveled a few miles in the two days since the group split into two teams. Belmonte's patience wore thinner and thinner with the frequent stops, many at Silverback's behest, but soon Belmonte would only take that order from Salvino. The words from their leader weaker and weaker with each stop, Silverback's concern only growing as they once again huddled in a copse as Salvino was fed and treated with Lyrium potions.

"We could have been there by now," Belmonte groused as he tromped back to the others. "There is nothing for the rest of the journey, why do we once again have to hesitate?"

"You're an eager one, Belmonte," Salvino replied for the rest of the camp. "No, I agree, this is taking too long. But I don't wish to be taxed further until we reach Canterlot proper."

"'Taxed'? No disrespect, but any slower and we may as well walk backward."

"No disrespect taken." Salvino's tone told otherwise. "All will be much clearer once we are in Canterlot. Concern yourself more with the safe arrival of our troops. My well-being remains with the rest of you."

Silverback sat himself next to the Spellbreak leader. "'Well-being'? I don't think any of us understand this statement."

"I will see this war through, Silverback. That is all any of you need to know."

It was Umbral's turn to back somepony against the wall - Hatchet's recklessness had finally crossed a very sensitive line. The image of his own horn threatening Desert Sun burned deep in his mind's eye, a sight he wanted to erase from more than one pony's memory! There would be repercussions this time, and if the pegasus refused to budge he would be thrown to the wall.

Hatchet, well aware of the danger, backed down from his boss, wings fallen open. "That's not what was s'posed t' happen, boss. Thought you'd have a hoof on - "

"SILENCE!" Lapis roared to the artisan. "You nearly cost me my bride! Did I not rattle your brain hard enough? You had to know the danger of this."

"Yeah, but -"

"NO 'buts' this time." Lapis' steady advancing pushed Hatchet against the fire forge. He grimaced at the increasing heat, but refused to show pain.

"Sorry ain't fixin this-"

"Indeed, not." Lapis magically raised one of Hatchet's wings and stomped it against the forge until feathers could be smelt smoldering. "Punishing you is a quandry, you savor your pain."

"That's why I ain't movin - do yer worst. Break a bone, rip my ears, split a hoof - let me have it."

"You'll 'have' nothing of the sort." Lapis' horn flashed again, the Fear necklace disappearing from around Hatchet's neck. "I give generously, a lesson taught to me long ago. It seems I have been too generous to you."

Hatchet flinched as the necklace vanished. He flinched again as the silver collar traced itself around Lapis' neck in slow motion. "You are gifted in your craft and know cruelty too well to be punished with the conventions of the Phalanx. You would laugh as I stomp your wings on the floor, you lean forward to a physical blow, pull feathers from your own wings just to see if you still feel pain.

"There is one pain that I know hurts anypony with a past. And that is the pain of Memory." Lapis raised a hoof to the Fear gem, watching the pegasus' expression fade from defiant confidence to panic. "Let's see what's in YOUR mind that you fear so much! What is it in your past that makes you so willing to volunteer for punishment? My curiosity will be sated to your peril."

"Boss, you don' wanna do that," Hatchet warned. "I mean, lookit all the damage you did -"

"Oh don't worry, Hatchet. This time I will help you as you 'helped' me." The black hoof slammed into the gem...

Two different screams raked Twilight's ears from the dungeons. The first scream, definitely a stallion's, chilled her deeply. The second, a mare's pain-wracked cry, pulled hard at her heart. She pulled halfheartedly at her chains, expecting them to finally become bored enough to release her. Amid the angst there was no laughter, no one enjoyed the processes progressing upstairs. If it related to the screams and commands heard previously, perhaps the "war" that the black alicorn wanted may never leave Drakengard. What would that mean for her, then? She'd have to find a way to break the shackles without her magic, escape the spire without being able to fly, and somehow get back to Canterlot or Ponyville without being seen. All such possibilities becoming more and more remote as what little food and water offered her barely sustained her energies, draining her of all the hope she had carried into the morning that Aurora arrived on her doorstep. She sighed and settled herself once more to the ground tracing formulae in the dirt to pass the time.

Heavy hoofsteps startled her from her daze, and she froze as an enormous Phalanx soldier stood just outside her cage. He snorted at her once in brusque warning before settling to his post. Once his back was to her did she even dare to speak.

"What happened up there...?" her timid query. The soldier glared back at her but didn't respond. "Is everypony okay....?" she tried next, and the soldier turned back toward the bars.

"No, not all 'okay'," he snarled. "Hurts. She hurts too. Boss' hurt. An somepony gettin hurt...." a stallion's scream stalled his report. "Hurt him more, boss," he grumbled.

This puzzled Twilight - if they're a team, aren't they all friends at some level? The soldier's satisfaction shifted when the mare screamed again, and he lunged for the stairs. "SUMMER-" he started, then corrected himself. "SLURRY!!" He pawed the ground in frustration before turning back to the cage. "Don' like this at all."

"I'm not really in a position to help...."

"Don' want your help," the sour soldier replied. "Just want this done."

"'This'? as in 'this war'?"

"Don' wanna go to war," he explained. "Boss' idea. But boss said it'll fix everything."

"Well, not 'everything'," Twilight replied with exasperation. "I don't see these getting fixed any time soon." she showed him her bare wings.

"Blame Hatchet," he mumbled. The stallion's scream upstairs began again. "Yeah, boss' takin care of that right now."

"Sounds like he's torturing his own team," she winced when the mare shrieked unexpectedly.

"He won't hurt Summerstorm- I mean Slurry. Won't let him. He's hurtin Hatchet for bein stupid. Hatchet hurt me too. Boss is fixin that."

"'Hatchet'... was that one of the pegasi - "

The soldier nodded. "Him an his girl, an a couple others did that to ya. Sorry about that."

"You're not sorry. You don't talk much like a soldier if you're apologizing."

The stallion lowered his head. "Couldn't help Slurry, she thinks she's ugly.... couldn't help boss, stronger than me.... couldn't help Desert Sun, cuz Hatchet was stupid..... glad little brother's safe."

"You and your little brother would be safer anywhere else in Equestria right now."

"Nope. We'd be roamin and broke. No jobs, no money."

"Did you ever seek work in Canterlot?"

"Canterlot...? Never been."

"You would have been easily selected for the Solar Guard or the Phalanx," she appraised the soldier.

"Doubt I'd be anythin else. Boss wants me to be a guardcaptain when we're done."

"You don't think you'd become guard captain under Princess Celestia or Princess Luna?" The soldier shrugged. "You certainly look strong enough. What else are you good at?"

The soldier had to think more, making his head hurt. "Minin. Haulin. I'm strong, bout all I can do."

"Do you really think you're not smart?"

"'m not. Dusty does all the thinkin for me, I just do all the workin." Another scream from upstairs made the soldier growl.

"I'm not going anywhere, you should be helping her."

"Not with what they're doin. Tryin to get her uncursed. Can't do magic."

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't be there for her."

"She don't want me up there. Done nice stuff for her, she doesn't like it. Keeps tellin me to grow a backbone."

"A good guardcaptain needs one of those."

The big soldier wilted back to his post, each scream from upstairs making him flinch. He sighed and looked back to his prisoner.

"Standing up for something will get you a lot further than just letting others think for you," Twilight explained. "You can't just wait for something to come to you."

"You're makin my head hurt..."

"My everything hurts," Twilight rebutted.

"But Boss promised us --"

"Promised you what?"

A very anguished scream from the mare finally sent him away.

"Try .... again...."

"Slurry, it's hurting you too much," Night Ash apologized. "Haven't we had enough injuries before we even go to war?"

"Try.... AGAIN," Slurry snarled as she tried once again to stand.

"We're not getting too far with it," Desert Sun added. "Whatever they did, they've knotted it all together."

"The knot did loosen a little....." Morning Star noted. "but if it gets tightened again we might end up locking all of the curses in place."

Night Ash tapped her necklace to look at the spells again. She could trace the lines up and down Slurry's body, noting each color of magic that placed the curses on the poor pegasus. Somehow the spells were tied together in an almost Gordian knot that they dared not cut, lest the spells find other ways to stay locked in place.

"You're making progress," Slurry panted. "Try again...."

The three unicorns exchanged nervous looks. "I said try again!" Slurry repeated in her exhaustion. "I walked a lot when I broke my wing, this isn't as painful!"

"The knot is very complicated," Night Ash began, but knew that would not convince the pegasus. "We don't want to harm you any further. Please, we should all save our strength for the battle ahead."

"Still stalling...."

"Not at all. I would hope we're friends enough to-"

Sandstone burst into the room with a roar, scattering the other mares. The pegasus, too tired to move, stared defiantly at the angry earth pony. "You're interruping progress," she managed.

"He.... PROMISED!"

"I know. We all know. Glad you actually remembered."

"He... PROMISED!" Sandstone roared again, this time looking to the other three. "Where's boss?"

"Still discussing things with Hatchet," Desert Sun chimed in. "He'll be along."

"He.... PROMISED!!!" Sandstone repeated as he turned to the red and gold mare. Only then did Slurry raise a wing to him.

"HE promised," she corrected the stallion. "Don't take it out on them. And fixing me still isn't a priority, I'm used to that."

"That's not true at all!" Morning Star interrupted. "We're trying to untie somepony elses' spell knots, and he doesn't want to hear anypony scream or cry. You make it sound like -"

"He's been stalling, and I have my proof of that. That's why I keep telling you three to keep trying because HE won't. And as for screaming and crying..." Slurry's gaze turned to the white unicorn. "Your screams and cries started this war."

"I brought Twilight Sparkle here, may I remind you...."

"So since then I've done some screaming and crying and he's not listening. Desert Sun screamed and should be crying because she's lucky to be alive!"

"That's a bit low!"

"Deal with it - you're the one who's gonna be his warm blanket when he leaves the rest of us out in the cold!" Slurry scooped up her necklace with a wing and shrugged it on. "Guess I'll go suit up so I don't have to look like THIS for a while."

"But boss-"

"As for YOU," She snapped to Sandstone as she took her leave, "You abandoned your post. Go explain that to 'Boss'. In fact, I DARE you."

Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns never had attendance or application issues. Hundreds of unicorns all over Equestria apply, with a precious few getting the privilege of such specialized training. Princess Celestia and a few of the most talented spellcasters of previous classes continue a strong tradition of producing quality spellcasters, all who have contributed to the future of Equestria. Celestia herself was proud of every one of her students, regardless of what they did once they left her care. Many still wrote her, thanking her for her gentle hoof and keen eye.

It was only today that it struck her how classes had been dropping. She said nothing as she walked the halls with Aurora, who also remained silent. The Sun Princess saw a deep sadness in the young mare's eyes, a sadness mixed with frustration and... anger? Celestia had seen this look too many times in recent years, from expelling a boisterous filly who claimed she already outshone the entire school to the near-banishment of another for breaking into a guarded section of the Royal Library. Several others had withdrawn from the classes, few explaining themselves. Morning Star, a more recent departure, had shown defiance and complained that she had been "Held back" in her studies. Similar words now came from Aurora.

"Are you sure you wish to return to class?" Celestia finally asked the pink unicorn. "I know you have been through a very troubling ordeal......"

"I have to," she replied. "I'm too close to graduation. Too much time and money are invested in my future for me to walk away now."

Those were not the reasons Celestia really wanted to hear, but it would have to do. "I'm thankful you are returning, Aurora. I would hope that you wanted to come back to classes because of your achievements so far." Aurora simply looked away.

The other unicorns were already at their desks as Celestia and Aurora entered. Aurora looked to her remaining classmates, as glances of sympathy greeted her and space made in front for her to sit. Celestia watched as Aurora took her place, exchanging whispers of gratitude to everypony else. She shifted uncomfortably, knowing that all eyes were on her.

"I am sure that all of you have questions for Aurora, but please save those for after class today, which I promise will be a very short one." This drew attention away from the pink unicorn, as each student dutifully placed a blank scroll on their desks and magicked up their quills. "Some things have been brought to my attention because of recent events, and I think that I need to speak quickly about it.

"Many of you are planning a future as a spellcaster, a teacher, a leader. You all have enormous potential that I can only guide you to realize. Perhaps some of you are aiming toward near-impossible goals, reaching so far ahead that any stumbling block can look like a mountain of failures in your way. I am not here to see anypony fail; quite the contrary.

"What I will be asking from each of you is one thousand words, to be turned in personally to my quarters, about your goals and dreams. What can I do to help you get there? What can you do to show me you can get there? And if you haven't a goal, what can I do to help you find where you truly belong?"

Several students started writing immediately. "I would like you to be prepared to read this out loud to me, and I want every word to be nothing but the truth. This is not an exercise in pleasing me; this is a chance to create a clearer vision of where all of you WANT to be. I cannot, and will not, read your minds to get this answer, since it is an answer from the heart that I request. You're welcome to stay here and complete the assignment, but that is the only lesson for today." She nodded to the class before taking her leave.

As she stepped out the door, she did hear a whisper from one of the students to another.... "How you expand 'What do I have to do to get as much attention as Twilight Sparkle did' into a thousand words?"

"With all due respect, Princess Luna, how do we even know there is a war if he did not respond to you?"

"Do not question this, Thunder Arrow. I know my brother more than you think."

Luna sat alone with the guardcaptains as Celestia tended to her students. Flank Attack, Thunder Arrow and a slightly sleepy Gallant Lionheart had her full attention. "Tis not a matter of 'if', but 'when'. We have no information of his troop compliment. We have some information of where his base of operations could be, yet he knows us too well. This must be addressed, and quickly."

"Why should we change for him?" Flank attack grumbled. "We have nearly 200 soldiers between the Solars and the Lunars, we would have seen or heard something by now if he even had half this under his watch. You can't hide a fully-trained militia."

"Many think that an alicorn cannot hide, either," Luna replied to the room distantly.

"Since we have a guess where his base of operations are, can't we just send a team there to rescue Princess Twilight? I'm sure her friends, and a few soldiers, would be plenty to take care of whatever your brother has."

"Underestimating an alicorn is a dangerous business, Thunder Arrow. I welcome your casual approach to most things, but this could be the most important battle we have faced since the Changelings. This time we must be prepared!"

"Keeping some of the Phalanx working day hours weakens what forces we have, Princess Luna."

"They do as I order, as will you, Lionheart. I have limited these actions to specific individuals within your ranks so that the others may rest. Yes, two are awake now, but not at MY orders....."

"They're continuing an investigation that Princess Celestia needed further information," Lionheart continued with a yawn. "Hazard Watch and Shadow Tracker will need to sleep sometime. I hope Dreamcarver assisted you well."

"Dreamcarver assisted in helping gather our forces. He has been recognized for his efforts. We will have more than the Solar Guard and the Phalanx awaiting the arrival of my brother and whatever he chooses to bring."

Malachite Braid and Golden Silver jelled quickly with their work. The two artisans understood form and function in its own harmonious way - Golden Silver knew his armor, Malachite Braid knew sizing and maneuverability when it came to such an elaborate uniform. The unicorn was so impressed with his co-designer's eye for functionality he gathered a second parchment for her use.

"More designs?" She queried. "I thought we had the Amethystine armor formula complete and a rough design to hammer out."

"Work will begin soon enough," Golden Silver assured her, "But the greens of your coat inspire me further. A second armor, with emerald to calm the mind and your signature malachite for - "

"I'll stop you right there," She stepped up to her imaginative ally. "Malachite is meant for protecting travelers and children, not soldiers. Might I recommend green Sardonyx instead? That's better known for protection and power."

"Perhaps both problems solved with Green and Purple Fluorite?" A third voice chimed into the conversation.

The pair turned to the entranceway, a bright red earth pony with a red heart-shaped jewel on her flank. "Fire Ruby!?" Malachite exclaimed. "I wasn't expecting you back for a while."

"I was originally back in the area for the railroad project, but when I heard that a revered smith had traveled up here I couldn't resist looking into it."

"You know this mare? I'm sure we've met...."

The red mare knelt to him. "Golden Silver, your work is renowned throughout Equestria. I'm merely an artisan in training, and took time to study gemstones for their properties. Would there be time to get more Fluorite in pure purples and greens to powder with the emerald and Amethyst?"

"Genius!" Golden Silver answered. "Milady Ruby, please ask the local suppliers of whatever they can spare. Tell them the Crystal Empire's future depends upon it."

"Tell them I sent you," Malachite Braid added. "And price will be negotiated when Princess Cadance returns."

Fire Ruby nodded and hurried out the door- especially before Golden Silver recognized her.

Rainbow Dash was on a train, but she still hated waiting for it. Snowcatcher had calmed the wind and snow to pick up the train's pace, but still too slow for the multicolored pegasus. Shining Armor felt almost as restless, having to merely sit and wait for the train to get him to Canterlot. When he saw Twily again, he thought, he was going to make her teach him teleportation magic!

Cadance glanced back and forth between her husband and friend, the tension burdening her. She thought to cast her signature spell but would that really calm either down? This was a deep bond between friends, a brother and a sister. She'd known Twilight longer than Dash and used their time together to formulate how she would one day marry Shining Armor. Now the couple knew they had to repay Twilight for their happiness.

Dash fretted and fumed, trying not to fly around the train car. Yeah, Twilight was an alicorn, but she didn't know anything about fighting. She was "egghead" enough to figure out traps and puzzles, but in a hoof-to-hoof confrontation, Twilight's limited flight ability would leave her at a huge disadvantage. Twilight's magic is strong but if she mis-casts, it could be a disaster for both sides.

"Are we there yet!?" Dash uselessly blurted out, startling the couple.

"We're barely out of the frozen wastes," Shining Armor's irritated response. "The train can only go so fast."

"It NEEDS to go FASTER!" Dash's wings flared for emphasis. "Your sister and my friend are in danger, we can't be sightseeing! It's a straight shot south to Canterlot from the Empire, why wasn't a railway built there, anyhow?"

"What little research I could do," Cadance replied for her husband, "The line was originally designed for stops in Vanhoover, Seaddle, and Tall Tale. Directly south there's a lot of river to build around and over. We had to accommodate for the other cities."

"But this is an emergency! We need to go faster!"

"There's only so much that Captain Steamer can do to keep the train moving," Cadance retorted. "Pestering All Aboard isn't going to make this trip any shorter."

"Yeah? Well I got two ways to get to Canterlot a LOT faster!" She went airborne and hovered next to Cadance. "You should be doing the same," Dash goaded as she poked at the Crystal Princess' wngs.

"We need to save our strength for if - and when - there's a battle. I think Princess Luna was pretty clear- "

And so was Rainbow Dash with an abrupt, multicolored exit.

Twilight startled once again at shadows flowing around in the caverns by her cell. She expected another tirade from Umbral, more "Unworthy" this and "history" that. How could one pony hold so much hate for so long? Her transformation apparently was the one straw that broke an alicorn's back. She shivered as the shadow slid down a wall and under the bars into her cell, reforming before her in a blossom of silvery stars.

It wasn't Umbral this time.

Morning Star stood proudly over the pensive princess, he coat glittering in the faded light of the caverns. "Expecting somepony else?" she leered. "He's too busy to talk to you, but I have a few minutes...."

"Not sure I even want to hear what you have to say....."

"Oh, you'll listen, Twilight Suck-up - this is for every time Princess Celestia praised you and ignored us, for every project she gave you and nopony else in the class! This is for being so far under Princess Celestia's wing you knew how many feathers surrounded you!"

Twilight bit back the exact number, knowing she'd be interrupted anyway.

"Your teacher - certainly no longer mine- thought the world, the sun and moon of you. Aurora had the higher scores, I had Ponydectorian sewed up before YOU came along!"

"You could have said something....."

"You were blinded by your books while Celestia was blinded by YOU!" Morning Star nearly shouted in Twilight's face. "There were students in there that could outwrite, outperform and out-everything-else you did in that school short of your botched entrance exam but no, YOU were the only thing that mattered. Maybe a 'rebound' pony after Sunset Shimmer was expelled?"

"You would have been expelled too if you broke into another section of the library...."

"So I found a teacher who didn't hide such magic! Lapis has taught me more in the last three years than I learned in all my time under Celestia! So now I get to earn MY wings."

"So what makes you 'worthy' of that?" Twilight queried dryly. "Apparently the only alicorns are his so-called 'family'."

"What's left of your wings might need a new home. And I know Master Lapis will do the same for Desert Sun."

"Alicorns aren't just 'made'....."

"Then what was YOUR excuse?"

"I saved Equestria, more than once - "

"Oh, then you have your five underlings. They helped you, so why didn't THEY get the prizes?"

"Because they're not students under Princess Celestia!"

"Yes. And you're the ONLY one. So I moved on to a teacher who actually wanted to teach me." Morning Star turned away from Twilight to dive into the shadows anew. "Farewell, 'Princess'."

Chapter 25

The grand hall where Lapis addressed his team filled once more as he magically hung the layouts on the walls behind him. Each member had found their places within the room. A quiet glance to each one as he prepared. The Sand Brothers sat together, as always, Sandstone's attentions more to Slurry that to his boss; Morning Star and Night Ash sitting as close to the "front" of the room as they could without interfering in Lapis' preparations. Desert Sun lounged close to the entranceway, having already heard most of his speech as he'd rehearsed. The pegasi assembled restlessly, Hatchet still cowed by the nightmares his "boss" had sent him. Ichor hung in the shadows to the back of the room, listening in his cold silence while Sweet Pea dangled from his back. Strife decided he would also attend, impatiently waiting by the entranceway opposite Desert Sun. The alicorn knew he had a bunch of misfits in front of him. HIS misfits, each fulfilling goals under his tutelage and now preparing to return the favor.

"I believe we have everything we'll need for this invasion," he began. "We have strong weatherponies, good soldiers and two different militias backing up our relatively small team. Between Spellbreak and Ichor's undead leigons we will at least be on equal footing with the Canterlot militia."

"How soon are you wanting to begin this invasion?" Strife dryly asked, expecting to be leaving that evening.

"Tomorrow."

Strife calculated travel time in his head. "I can be there, but I will also need time to rendezvous with the Spellbreak contingent. I'm unsure how close they would camp to Canterlot."

"I give you the cover of this evening for travel. Dustmite can accompany you - "

"No. If I show up with him wearing your 'collars' that will undo what tenuous truce you have with Salvino."

Umbral nodded slowly, tired of even arguing the point. "Take what time you need. We will be there tomorrow."

"And what are we gonna do when we get there?" Violet Force inquired. "Your sisters raise the sun and moon, they'll make short work of us..."

"All will be explained shortly. Our 'guest' can have some quiet time to herself while I show you how all this will work."

Violet regretted the comment, realizing he'd questioned his leader's tactics. He knelt, wings splayed, awaiting punishment that only came from his sister's wing across the back of his neck.

"I am done doling out punishments to my allies. It is time that we turn our energies toward Canterlot." He turned back toward the map. "The Spellbreak team will be approaching from the east, we will be approaching from the southwest. The rest has the castle backed up against the mountain.

"Violet and Silver, you will pull one chariot bearing myself, Sun, Morning Star and Ichor. Cloud Slayer and Hatchet will have a chariot with Night Ash, Sandstone and Dustmite. Slurry, you will not be required to pull a chariot unless you wish to." Her glance enough of a negative answer. "Very well. We will be attacking, initially, in daylight...."

"So they'll see us coming? Great strategy....."

"This is more than deliberate, Strife. Morning Star and I can cast Absolute Night so that Canterlot is forced to scramble the Phalanx. The coming storm will be their only warning. Once the Phalanx are in play, I will have them join us, along with the undead leigons. Thus why I want all of you who have Phalanx armor, wearing it.

"Dustmite will infiltrate the castle and keep him out of battle. I need you to seek out and sabotage any backup plans that may be brewing deeper within its confines. Sandstone, you will be in the front lines of the battle. You will have several pegasi for cover, Desert Sun will use her range to keep back other attacks, plus the two militias backing you until Spellbreak arrives.

"Night Ash, I will be calling on you to locate my sisters and my brother so that once their militias are dispatched, we can approach them directly. You will also be seeking the Elements of Harmony, but without their 'hub' they should not be an issue. I will assist wherever I am needed until we have my Family gathered in the Great Hall. I had done so three years ago, and foolishly sent Luna to finish her mission alone. This time there will be no mistakes.

"You have the remainder of the day to prepare as you see fit. Strife, please let me know when you are going to meet with the rest of Spellbreak." With a simple nod the meeting ended. As the other ponies dispersed in pairs or small groups, Strife alone approached Lapis with a final question.

"We have your word that there will be amnesty for Spellbreak once you have regained the throne?"

"You have my word. Do not doubt it ever again."

Strife doubted it already. "I will be leaving shortly to meet with Spellbreak and rest at their site before the attack."

The railroad camp near the Crystal Empire buzzed with its labors, the process indeed going smooth. Snowcatcher felt ill at ease with this order. Rainbow Dash's departure, along with the rulers of the Empire, had certainly shifted the mood within the camp. The pegasi continued to move clouds with precision, yet glances groundward caught her eye. The unicorns positioned the ties and re-measured, but the earth ponies would re-measure their re-measurements. The camp had almost seamlessly dissolved into three distinct groups by race, and the unease was only increasing. The weather-minded unicorn kept her ears open to some of the conversations, but as long as schedules maintained there would be little need to interrupt-

"Snowcatcher, I'm sorry I'm late."

She turned to see Red Embers galloping up, iced coffee on a fitted tray on her back. "I've been running around all afternoon. I knew you'd be thirsty."

Snowcatcher only blinked her thank you as her magic carefully pulled it free from the tray. "What have you heard?" she asked quietly.

"'Heard'? I haven't had time to listen to - "

"What have you heard, Love Flare?"

The earth pony hesitated. "My name is Red Embers."

"What have you heard, Love Flare?"

She took a few steps closer. "The earth ponies' ears are a lot larger than you think," she whispered.

"I saw you come through to the camp from the Empire. Let's just say I have 'long ears' too."

Love Flare exhaled. "Fine. I work for the Princesses to help keep an eye and ear on things. All I do know is that Strife is involved in some sort of takeover, but he hasn't been found yet. We might have Spellbreak in the camp."

Snowcatcher sipped her iced coffee idly. "And in town?"

"I'm helping with an armor project."

"Are you going to keep her over there all afternoon?" Siren called from nearby. "We're actually working, perhaps some refreshment for the rest of us?" A general rumble of resentment followed. With a nod from Snowcatcher, Fire Embers returned to her errands.

A host of Solar guards escorted Spike, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy through Canterlot Castle to one of the larger conference rooms. This was no leisurely stroll - the soldiers marched in tight formation, as if the attack would be centered around these five. Fluttershy flinched at the harsh sound of hooves around her, wishing to be home again. Knowing that Twilight was in danger kept her moving, less and less reluctantly, to this very important meeting.

Rarity did not pack for this journey as she usually would. She felt almost naked lacking her ensemble near hoof, but there was nothing she could wear to comfort her mind. She had a good friend in danger, and princess or not she needed help.

Applejack fell in step with the soldiers unconsciously. She knew this was business, the farm would have to take care of itself for a while. Mac, Applebloom and Granny should be ok, and there's other family that would come by once the word gets to them. Sure, family and the farm are important, but they're not in danger.

Pinkie wasn't hopping along in her typical gait. Her head weighted with theories about her friend Twilight and mane dampened by her mood. It hadn't dropped completely, signalling hope in her heart. She did step back to push in the moping Spike forward.

"What?? I'm coming, I'm coming...." Spike grumbled in half-awake irritation.

Pinkie leaned in closer to the dragon. "Twilight's okay, I think.... I haven't had a 'doozy' or anything, but I bet she's just curled up someplace waiting for someone to save her."

"That's what we're doing, right?"

Pinkie brightened. "Of COURSE we're going to save her!! We're going to break her out of prison and get chased all over Equestria until half the kingdom gets into the chase and there'll be lots of music and -"

The guards halted before the doors to the meeting area. Pinkie tumbled over Spike at the sudden stop, both getting back to their feet as the doors swung open.

The room itself simple but still grand under the vaulted ceiling. A circular table held a printed map of the castle, five others already looking it over. Princess Celestia looked up from her study to see most of the Elements arriving.

"Time is very short," she apologized. "Thus my haste in bringing you here. I have already discussed much with our regiment leaders. I am unsure of how much time we will have."

"Twilight Sparkle's safety is foremost," Luna continued. "We expect Lapis to have her along as a trophy and a shield. No guard would fire in her direction if she is seen."

"That means I might be able to lasso her down," Applejack suggested a little too quickly.

"Were it only that simple," Celestia resigned. She turned to the guard captains to let them explain.

Thunder Arrow, a dark gray pegasus with a sleek blue and white mane spoke first. "There's only about 130 degrees of ground space their troops can approach us from, starting northeast and ending to the west-southwest of the grounds. Any other direction would require a very wide fly around, or a teleport. This group is led by an alicorn but I don't believe he will just teleport inside the walls of the castle."

"Alicorns are known for.... dramatic entrances," Luna admitted. "While night would be the proper strategy, we anticipate an attack in daylight."

Flank Attack nodded to the group. "Shining Armor and I can divide the Solars into enough teams to catch the incoming enemy at almost any point, even from the air. This won't be a short battle, so we'll have reserves ready..... " a wary glance to Gallant Lionheart ended his contribution. The brown unicorn pulled to his full height, ignoring the red earth pony's ire.

"The Phalanx will be already awake and waiting in various areas around the complex," Lionheart detailed as he used his magic to mark out spots clearly on the layout. "Should the Solars require assistance, we can pounce at any time. Some can be airborne with the Solars as necessary."

"Save your troop strength if this battle leads into evening," Flank Attack snapped. "We don't know how many will be coming, and it would be impossible to have a large complement hidden away. We would likely hear that many hooves marching long before we see them."

"So how are we to figure into all of this?" Rarity queried. "We're not soldiers, and we don't have all of the Elements here."

"That's easy!" Pinkie interjected. "Spike can be Rainbow Dash -"

"Uh, Pinkie, it doesn't work that way - "

"That's what Twilight wanted to try before! And you're really REALLY loyal to her just like we are!! Ooh, and Princess Celestia can be the element of Magic because her jewel thingy is the same color as Twilight's -"

Celestia finally dared herself a smile at Pinkie's suggestion. "The Elements of Harmony have already chosen their bearers, Pinkie Pie. They no longer resonate with myself or Luna."

"But alicorns ARE magic!!" Pinkie playfully insisted. "You can raise the sun and the moon and -"

"This is serious!" Flank Attack barked. Pinkie sunk below the table and shushed.

Celestia nodded before continuing."This is a very serious situation, as Canterlot proper has never faced combat. I've asked the Elements of Harmony to be here in case we can get Twilight Sparkle back, and potentially use the Elements' power to minimize the damage. There will still be battle until we have all of the Elements together. But you are here now, and that is one less target outside of Canterlot."

"But what if they attack Ponyville as well....?" Fluttershy refused to imagine that scenario.

"Lapis has no other interests in Ponyville that we're aware," Luna told the quiet pegasus. "His sisters are in Canterlot, and Twilight Sparkle is his prisoner. We do not know if he knows anything more of your town. We should simply focus here."

"But for now," Celestia finished. "The five of you do whatever you need to do to prepare. This is not how I wish to bring you to Canterlot so soon after a much happier occasion. But this is something that we will all face, together."

Strife's saddlebags still carried the tools he had brought from Hollow shades - the whip, the Lyrium potion, and his marching orders. He guessed Salvino's troops would be close to Canterlot already, but could not close in enough to be spotted by alerted forces. Letting the other unicorn go was dangerous enough, in his mind. They should have kept her here, she had a friend or two in Drakengard. He knew, however, that luxury was not his.

He heard the pegasi outside arguing about the storm and fog cover. He could hear the unicorns practicing elsewhere in the compound. The two earth ponies who resided here having to rely on the others for their travel in and out of the building soured his mood even more. He'd found a few smaller tunnels to get to ground level on his own, and risked his hide more than once from the lower launch platform down the steep sides of this dragon-hewn fortress before asking the help of anypony else there. If he must be assisted, he insisted on a pegasus. This time he would not ask.

He seethed anew with Lapis' empty promise. Should Salvino ever lay eyes on an alicorn in person, he would not negotiate. Belmonte would only strike first because he's younger and faster than Salvino these days. The two zebras - named for crumbling rocks and annoying bugs. Is this what Equestria thinks of earth ponies any more? He shook his head in disgust.

Hoofsteps approached the entryway to his temporary quarters. He ignored them as he continued to simmer. He looked forward to the day -

"Not that you care. Lapis didn't send me."

Strife paused in his musings so that he could savor the discontent in Slurry's voice. "So why have you come? Here to warn me of treachery? Your 'master' and his 'students' sent quite the warning the other day through you."

"I wanted to speak to you about your 'anti-magic' stuff. You don't think earth ponies have magic?"

"We don't need it. What we have is an innate ability to 'listen' to the voice of the planet. A pegasus rarely stays on the ground long enough to listen, and the unicorns ignore it."

"After what happened with me the other day, I want to at least hear your offer."

Strife nonchalantly opened his saddlebag. "What would you want with what I have?"

"Going through all that gave me more information on what was done to me, since I had a couple of magic experts examining my curses. It's a spell knot, so could it be dissolved with your Lyrium?"

Strife looked the pegasus up and down. "There is always a price."

"I know. What is yours, anymore?"

He removed the elixir from his saddlebag and placed it before her. "This will dissolve the supposed spell-knot. But it will be at least a moon or two before you can play with the lovely toy your current master gave you."

"But only the necklace?"

"No magic. At all. No healing of wounds, no magical balm for burns. And there is a war tomorrow. Your choice means little to me either way. I am at least being generous in telling you this much instead of you finding out in a less pleasant manner."

Her gaze fell to the bottle for a few moments, a glimmer of the necklace reflected in its eerie blue coloring. "Lyrium is the same shade of blue as a summer sky," Strife deliberately described. "Odorless and dispensible as liquid or powder. Its results are swift and complete. No experiments, no torture. It will not be a soft landing, but a magical wound cuts deeper than a traditional one."

The wording not lost on the pegasus. "Too good to be true."

'When we win this war, there will be plenty of Lyrium for your use. You must drop that ornate yoke before you consider this seriously."

"It's not a yoke. I'm not a slave."

"Then why are you still here?"

"If you weren't around when Sandstone crashed through.... Lapis promised."

"You're naiive to think that he will fulfill that when the war is over." He took a measured step toward the Lyrium bottle. "My offer still stands. We are not hard to find."

Slurry concealed a shudder from Strife's offer. "I'll.... keep that in mind. Did you want me to fly you to the entrance to valley or not? I'm available for the rest of the day."

"Unnecessary. I will get there by my own hooves. Just remember my words."

~~Tomorrow is the day! I can't wait~~

Aurora sat by her window, a sigh escaping her. She was happy to hear Morning Star happy and excited about something, but wasn't happy of what that something was. ~~You'll be with them, right?~~

~~At Master Lapis' side! I wish I could tell you more..... ~~

Aurora wanted to be happy for her friend. She wanted to tell Morning Star that she had been nominated for the Magic Council. She wanted to tell her many things, but held her thoughts back tightly. ~~You don't have to tell me more,~~ she replied after a moment. ~~I just hope everything works out okay.~~

~~Why wouldn't it? Twilight Suck-up is still in chains, Princess Celestia told Master Lapis to surrender... this was going to happen. Where will you be when we get there?~~

~~Probably in my room, unless we're evacuated~~

~~Come with us!! Once everything is done, Master Lapis will teach you anything you want! No magic is off-limits! He knows some of the stuff that got Sunset Shimmer kicked out - ~~

~~I thought you weren't supposed to use this too much~~

~~Sorry, too excited. See you tomorrow!!~~

Count Solaris paused in the hallway mid-step to Luna's quarters. He heard the word "tomorrow" hanging magically in the air. Not the deep voice he caught traces in the past, but a mare's. Excitement about tomorrow? No celebrations planned; perhaps something regarding Princess Celestia's classes. He shook his head clear and continued walking.

Slurry reported to Lapis shortly after her unnerving conversation with Strife. His offer, tempting but sinister, was indeed a solution; Lapis had given her a temporary one, likely to be used in a multitude of ways the following day. With Strife leaving to meet with his team she could not give him an answer before the battle. Still angry at Lapis for delaying a solution, has at least apologized (again) but still no solution in sight. Are any of them listening to her anymore? Has she spoken too much of her past? Her wings rustled in protest. She glanced to her short mane, her muddy colors. Is this what she would be for the rest of her life? No matter from who she has requested help, many have listened, though nothing done. She wanted to buck Lapis in the face, slap him with her wings, scream in his ears until he actually made an attempt. Knowing that he had the means to drain her down to a blank flank daunted her greatly. Was it worth the risk? Or should she just wait that much longer? The frustration only mounted as she entered Lapis' quarters, where he did not immediately look up from his planning.

"You wanted to see me?" She inquired almost mechanically to the alicorn.

"I was hoping you could forgive me for the time it is taking to bring you a complete and permanent solution," Lapis began, not looking up from his map. "I had hoped that the inspiration you gave me for those necklaces - these 'shadow elements' - would feel more a reward than just a half-thought solution."

"Still feels half-thought if you're not even bothering to stop what you're doing to apologize," she accused. "If I was Desert Sun, and I proved this, you would put all this aside and be all over me because Equestria can wait."

The Shadow of the Moon raised his head from the map and turned to the angry pegasus. "That's what it takes anymore. You're nothing more than every other spellcaster I've worked for in the past. Will. this. be. fixed. or. not? YES, or. NO?"

Lapis casually rolled up every one of his maps and turned to her. "You have my full attention. I keep to my word, and that has not changed. Once our mission is complete, you will have the spell knot untied. You can do what you wish with the necklace after that time. Trade it at the Bazaar, sell it to another unicorn for study, or smash it against the wall as I'm sure you dream of doing every night that I have not fulfilled this promise. Strike me if you wish; I had hoped you would save your rage for the venue of where they have not heard your past cries for justice. I have listened. I gave you a partial answer. They did not even hear your voice."

This tempered her next question. "So you said the rest of the day was 'open'...?"

"For all of you, this is a day of rest and preparations. I'm presuming you are still looking for something to occupy your time before the real work begins late tomorrow morning."

"Working on me would be something."

"You force me to once again use what you see as an excuse. I reiterate, once we are done with the injustices of Canterlot I will see to you."

"So what should I be doing in the meantime?" The pegasus rolled her eyes.

"There is something I would request of you. Please bring our prisoner extra food and water, in case our battle is prolonged. I have no desire to keep track of her while we are on our mission. Ichor will place guards in the early morning of the assault so that you will sleep. Sandstone guards her now, relieve him for at least the afternoon so that he may spend time with his brother."

"How long do you want me down there?"

"As long as you feel necessary. I will be occupied with the final details of our invasion for the rest of the day."

The pegasus chose to not roll her eyes a second time. "Fine."

Rainbow Dash could finally see the spires of Canterlot in the distance. Her wings felt a little heavy from the exertion but it helped her vent the frustration. All sorts of images roiled through her mind as she sped over the landscape - who would want Twilight as a prisoner? What are they doing to her while she's captive? Where is she being held? When will they even be allowed to go get her?

Her questions scattered as a Solar guard pegasus shot through her vector. "Hey!!! Hello, Element of Harmony on a mission of mercy here!"

The guard launched into her face. "Sneaking in the back door? Afraid somepony might see you?"

"Somepony BETTER see me! I'm here on orders from Princess Luna herself!"

"And what if I don't believe that?" The pegasus sneered. Dash refused to be intimidated.

"You don't have any weight TO throw around, pipsqueak! Now get outta my way, Princess Celestia and Luna are waiting for me!"

"I thought you were in the Crystal Empire. Didn't they buck you north to go play with the railroad tracks?"

"Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and I were ALL asked to come to Canterlot! I got sick of waiting for the train and I'm not gonna hover here and get a third degree from a half-pint pegasus guard!" Launching past the guard, Dash's rainbow contrail swooped around the spires of the castle.

The guard stopped spinning long enough to report. ~~Stripey mane's here~~

~~Princess Cadance and Shining Armor arrived an hour ago,~~ Gallant Lionheart added. ~~As have the remaining Elements~~

~~Understood. No more communications, Hot Head, Lionheart.~~ the shadowy voice ended the call.

Rainbow Dash circled the spires a few times, still frustrated by the little pegasus' interruption. Her wings were sore enough from the trip, she didn't need a good race ended with that little white flag. She'd covered considerable ground, and a quick tour around the outside of the castle couldn't hurt.

She whipped around the spires, drawing the attention of posted Solar guards. She waved to them as she sped past, glancing about for any sign of the Princesses or her friends. Most of the windows closed despite the cooling weather, and the few that remained open just enough for a breeze to sneak inside. Her ears caught the sounds of bustle in Canterlot proper, hushed by the steam of an arriving train. She changed course to see the arrivals - reinforcements? More travelers? Dash was positive she beat Shining Armor and Princess Cadance to Canterlot!

Not recognizing anypony from the arriving train, her interest turned back to finding a proper open window. The Atrium was completely open, letting the breeze pass through unopposed. She swept up the outside of the tower, planning to fly down the stairwell and through the castle until she found Princess Celestia or Princess Luna.

But even the fastest flier in Ponyville stops in her airborne tracks before an alicorn. Both froze in the moment, surprise of two different kinds in the air. She, like most of Equestria, had never encountered a male alicorn, and for once she had no witty comment before him. His coat shone in a brilliant yellow, paling only slightly in his short mane and long tail. His dark orange eyes, the color of the harvest moon, offset the sunshine saturated in his coat coloring. While his hair didn't "Flow" as Princess Celestia's or Princess Luna's, it had a blend of colors, mostly those of late autumn leaves. His wings rustled slightly, a breeze over a fresh cornfield.

Cepheid's expression softened only slightly before the pegasus. Was this the Element of Loyalty he heard discussed elsewhere in the castle? Perhaps her bond created by having every single color of the rainbow in her mane and tail, or her coat the color of a perfect sky? He savored the incredulous stare from her paler violet eyes and her abrupt landing.

"Rainbow Dash?" he asked simply.

"Yeah," the nervous response, "Have you.... heard of me?"

"If you could move as fast as your reputation," he half-joked, half-scolded, "You would have beaten Shining Armor and Princess Cadance here. You've got a LOT of catching up to do."

"But - wait, who - what - I mean, I know what you are but - "

"No buts," Cepheid interrupted. "You're needed downstairs. Don't let me stop you."

She launched downstairs without another word. Cepheid sighed and settled back to rest.

The kitchens of Drakengard, sparse as they were, produced all the meals for Wildforce thanks to Violet Force's cooking skills. He'd cooked for the militia on and off over the years, so he knew how to cook for 100 more than he did for two. He kept several cauldrons on steady heat with a beat of his wings and the casual addition of broken furniture wood. He had one smaller pot just for Umbral and Desert Sun, and a cooled stock pot for the leftovers to be brought to their prisoner. Not out of malice, he reasoned - the troops needed the nutrition more than a sedentary foe. The two female pegasi pushed their bins of stomped down meal from oats, barley or corn, cooked into thick pasty goodness that brought not a single complaint. Night Ash joined them today, using her necklace to watch the process and help season the concoctions.

"You're going to need to put a lot more in there than that," Violet chided on her frugal flavoring. "Two scoops of anything in these pots will get lost."

"I'll certainly taste it."

"Because of your happy shiny necklace?" Cloud Slayer leered as she filled another bowl with grains to stomp.

"Oh, well before that. I could taste the difference in berries from different bushes even before these were made. Seeing the berries seems to mute that a little."

"Figured you wore that day and night," Silver Shimmer posited as she dragged the bowl away from Cloud Slayer. "If I couldn't see, I'd probably wear it day and night."

"Master Lapis warned all of us about that, and the temptation is truly there. I don't need my eyes when I'm asleep, and I think just the noise around the complex would wake me up. I just wear it for the utility."

"So you'd walk around without it?"

"I was blind for several years, I'm more used to that."

As she continued to sweeten one pot, two more empty ones clunked next to the cauldrons. "Fill these up," Slurry ordered.

"Hungry already?" Violet smirked as he fanned the flames with his wings. "Almost ready."

"They're not for me. Our guest needs more than one last meal."

"We shouldn't leave her anything. She can gnaw on rocks!" Cloud Slayer punctuated the remark with a stomp that lacked a bowl of grains to smash. She glared to Silver Shimmer, who had already mashed the oats to a proper pulp.

The mud-colored pegasus gathered one bucket with her teeth, about to dip it into Violet's main cauldron. "Hey, that's for the rest of us!"

"I'm not standing here for an hour while you figure out who gets what," Slurry growled through gritted teeth.

"I don't think we'll notice this much missing," Night Ash gently intervened. Her magic gathered Slurry's bucket and Violet's ladle, carefully scooping from the top of the cauldron. "We'll add more fruit to ours and that will settle that."

Violet scowled as the unicorn continued to fill the bucket. "Then at least don't fill the bucket. She doesn't deserve- "

"She's getting 3 or 4 day's food now, get over it." Slurry nosed open one of her saddlebags so the food bucket could be placed. Night Ash already had the other one filled with cooled water, trying to prevent a fight the day before a war. "There, now I'm out of your faces for an hour or two. I'll eat when I'm hungry." She stomped out without another word.

"She'll eat half," Cloud Slayer cackled.

"I hope she eats it all," Violet snorted. "I don't cook for prisoners."

A Spellbreak guard scout reported to the center of their encampment. "That rainbow-maned pegasus just flew into Canterlot. Their preparations continue."

"In vain," Salvino's weak voice returned.

"Save your strength," Belmonte quietly chided, "Tomorrow is likely the day."

Salvino nodded to his second, shivering under a Lyrium-traced blanket provided by the camp. "We will wait for Strife," he whispered, "he will come back. Then our dreams will not be when we rest....."

"Lord Salvino..?" Silverback sat opposite to Belmonte, also checking on their ailing leader.

"I've sat too long..." he wheezed, "under the brilliant blue shield of our blessed Lyrium. Equestria is gripped with magic of all kinds any more. One cannot trot five paces before stepping in its spoor. Tomorrow, I will... WE will... see that change begin."

Silverback turned to the others. "Get him a broth," he ordered. "And someone spare another flask of powdered Lyrium for his blanket." Others scrambled to task as the mottled earth pony knelt to Salvino. "Please preserve your strength for the storm we must bring."

"Don't prattle to me," Salvino grumbled. "Save your breath for the storm itself. I will walk with you, not behind you or before.... as any leader... should...."

"Asleep again," Silverback worried.

"Fighting the magic out here for too long," Belmonte hissed. "Leave him be, and help scout for Strife's arrival."

The icy winds roared around the small troupe of Spellbreakers as they continued north. They paused only at the edge of the frozen waste, knowing that they would have no landmarks, no sky, no means to trace their way. As they shouldered on the cold climate gear, Sonja carefully unwrapped a lodestone from her belongings. It would be their only guide once they set foot in the white wasteland. "Stay close," she warned them. "Nature may know us but still does not forgive. If you are separated from the group, try to find north and head that way to rejoin; or turn south and wait at the edge of the wastes. Any other way and you will sleep under this white blanket forever."

"This isn't unnatural winter?" one of the others queried as she draped a woolen cloak on another team-mate.

"Even with swamps this far north, this winter exists. Likely from the shadows of the mountains further north of the Crystal Empire. If not that, it might be the last habitat of the Windigos. Even Salvino was unsure, as Spellbreakers haven't been anywhere near this area in centuries.

"The lodestone will lead us there. We should still be there by nightfall, and Night Watch will hopefully be in charge."

"There will be unicorns and pegasi on duty at night as well," another added.

"We will deal with them when we arrive. Keep your Lyrium close and the rest of us closer."

"I didn't want to wait! I wanted to BE here! I want to be out THERE looking for Twilight!"

Shining Armor had one big hoof on Rainbow Dash's tail. "We can't split up now. We know they're coming here, and they might bring Twily to us."

"You're just gonna wait? She's your sister!"

"We don't want to wait," Cadance assured the flustered pegasus. "None of us do. We don't know where she is, and if neither Celestia or Luna can trace her magic, we don't have any leads. Where would we start looking?"

"She's not in Ponyville! She's not here! There, that's two places down......"

"Are you sure?" Pinkie queried as she looked under a couch and behind bookcases.

"Save your strength and especially your speed," Shining Armor finally ordered, "for when they come to us. We're not going anywhere."

Dash pulled her tail free and turned snout-to-snout with Shining. "I can cover a lot of ground in a few hours!"

"An hour more than it took us to take the train," he retorted. She finally lowered herself to the ground and sighed.

The big guard was back again. Twilight tried not to show fear, but his glowering had improved from his previous visits. The faintly glowing yellow orbs locked with her deep violet eyes, the slitted pupil a virtual blade to her throat. The monstrous earth pony said even less this time; perhaps things from the previous days had been resolved? She fumbled for a question, not expecting an answer.

"What happened with the mare that was screaming the other day?"

The soldier grunted questioningly. "You went to see her. Was she all right?"

"She wasn't hurt."

"Why was she screaming?"

"Magic."

"What sort of magic?" she shivered, her useless wings trembling from her memory.

"Don' matter, wasn't fixed. Nothin they could do."

"Just wondering," her meek reply. The guard huffed at her in frustration. "Sorry," she quietly added.

"Not sorry," he grumbled.

"Actually, I am. I shouldn't bother you." The soldier shrugged.

Both their attentions turned to the stairway, where measured hoofsteps and the faint sloshing of water caught both their ears. She saw the guard relax in the presence of this female pegasus, who almost seemed to ignore his glances. He mustered a growl - or was it a purr? - as he nosed at her neck and ears. She carefully but brusquely shoved him aside.

"Back up, loverboy," she grumbled. "Go play with your little brother or something, if you can find him."

This beast of a soldier whimpered at the cold response. "You heard me," she continued, almost an order. "I've got it from here."

Twilight watched, almost amused, as this towering wall of a soldier wilted in the pegasus' presence. He slunk away from her and almost galloped up the stairs in fear of her dark gaze. Even Twilight paused, intimidated by the mare's height and build. Was she a soldier, too? She had a distinct air of discipline; does that explain why her coat was camoflage colored? Or her mane was so short? Or how tightly her wings pressed against her sides as she dutifully filled the water and food troughs to the brim? Would there be more taunts and ridicule? The alicorn's mind spun a little when their eyes briefly connected.

"I'm just bringing you food and water. You're welcome." The pegasus then removed the saddlebags and seated herself by the bars.

"So, no taunts? no ridicule...?"

"I think Strife's cuffs are plenty enough for you. I doubt you've ever had worse." The pegasus rolled her eyes and looked away.

The alicorn froze at that name. "You.... talk to Strife?"

"I talk to him because at least he listens. and he's apparently very effective in what he does. I'm sure you didn't like what he's said to you." Slurry's tone offered no sympathy.

"Lapis and the others have been just as..... 'kind'...."

"You expect kindness here? The way Lapis talks? All the 'kindness' goes to his 'goddess' Desert Sun."

"No, I...." Twilight fumbled at the sharp responses. "I just wonder when I hear screams upstairs. Aren't you all working for the same cause?"

"We are," her curt reply.

"I'd heard a mare screaming upstairs.... and a stallion about the same time. Do you know - "

"The stallion? Probably Hatchet. Nice to know something hurts him, even if it's in that box of rocks he has for a head."

Twilight shuddered again. "What did Lapis-"

"Everyone's scared of something, 'princess'. Even that nutcase. Nice to see him scared for once and hiding under his girlfriend's wing for a day or two. Probably 'daddy issues'." The mare shrugged dismissively.

This stirred something in her mind. The dream she had a few nights ago - an authoritative stallion yelling at a pegasus child. She recalled Morning Star's and Celestia's voices, and guessed the zebra was the blind one who sat with her previously. "What of the mare?" she queried.

"What about a mare? There's a few of us here, you know. Strange that this group is more stallions than mares."

"I heard one screaming about the same time. That big guard -" Twilight blinked, realizing his reaction when the new guard arrived. "...that was you, wasn't it?"

Slurry's voice remained dismissive. "I'm used to it. Between bad bosses and bad luck that's just how my life goes. I'm guessing this is the Absolute Worst Possible Thing to EVER happen to you."

The alicorn's ears drooped. Again with the Princess comparisons! She hadn't been a princess long enough to have any "worsts" than this. "I'll admit this is the first time I've been ponynapped."

"So yeah, this is - all those luxurious meetings, stallions at your feet, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna your bestest of friends. You eat fresh fruit every day and sleep on a soft cushion at night. Poor, POOR poor little princess......"

"Being a Princess is more than that," Twilight insisted. "We try to keep relations with other nations and races to maintain harmony. Even if the other leaders don't want that. The Farasipundans are easy to talk to, but the griffons and some of the city leaders....."

"And all that leaders are, are talk. They talk but they don't do much." Slurry's expression darkened. "Even Lapis...."

"But if we don't talk, we can't take action if there's a problem."

"I've got problems, 'princess' and leadership in general is one of them."

Twilight looked the pegasus up and down. "I would think you'd be in the Wonderbolts. Or working weather in a larger kingdom or city."

"Best laid plans, and all that. I got hired out of Cloudsdale Academy on my looks, not my resume."

"How do you know that?"

"You're a 'princess', I know you've worked with other leaders - Silver Viceroy, Lady Willowreed, Oaken Laurel, Alabaster, Red Cedar - unicorns that only prove that maybe Strife was right all along. Nothing I've ever reported on any boss I've ever worked for has ever made it through the gates of Canterlot. Lapis saved my life, when others just wanted to destroy it."

"You said Silver Viceroy, as in Baltimare mayor Silver Viceroy?"

"Who gave HIM a city?" Slurry snarled as she snapped to her feet. "All he wanted was a harem! I'm no 'trophy mare', I'm one of the fastest storm creators and dissipaters in Academy! I'm not there to pose and preen for him!"

"He's known for chasing a mare or two - "

"Hundred," Slurry finished for Twilight. "He didn't even look at my resume!"

Twilight wondered if Silver Viceroy even looked at the pictures. "So what happened from there?"

"I went looking for work in a smaller village, and that's when I met Lady Willowreed."

"I've heard my friend Rarity talk about her. She is still in charge of Blue Mountain Falls not far from Manehatten."

"And she doesn't like pretty mares walking around her village." Slurry glanced up at her closely cropped mane.

"I don't understand....."

"She wouldn't hire me unless I had my mane cut - and then she stuck it like this."

"You should have repo-"

"And I wouldn't be able to get a job anywhere in Equestria. All she has to do is shake her flank one way and wave her mane the other and everypony listens. She wanted me blacklisted, so I left."

"You didn't even ask her to-"

"She didn't want anypony prettier than her in her village, so I moved on. I had hoped Oaken Laurel, who DID read my resume, would fix my mane while I was working for him."

"I'm guessing he didn't. He's an odd leader with an even stranger sense of humor."

Slurry bristled again. "Is THAT what you call it? I call it magic abuse. 'Oakhead' said he'd fix my mane but 'oops'...... now I look like I'm covered in mud."

"Did you report him? He's reputed for doing things like that."

"If I did, who heard me?" Slurry mocked. "Nopony heard about that, what Alabaster did, and I don't have enough on Red Cedar to even send anything in!"

"Alabaster? The shaper? She's very talented - "

"And should be locked up like you making statues for the rest of her life!" Only then did Slurry spread her wings. "Behold her masterpieces - a 'test' that she refused to fix!"

Twilight gasped. Slurry's bat wings were almost as large as Lapis', spreading almost as wide. They, too, were an ugly shade of brown and gray, but still beat strong as she stirred up dust with a few angry beats. "So I don't know buck about privilege, soft beds, or even real bits to carry for food!! All I've wanted was an honest day's work with an honest day's reward, and I can't even find a competent boss!"

Twilight backed deeper into her cell. "If you had come to Canterlot - "

"Oh, I'm SURE I'd have gotten some sympathy - but that's about it! I'm guessing if any of my complaints got there, they were thrown away for 'not being important enough' or 'blown out of proportion'." She flapped her wings again. "They'd have to fix all of this at the same time," she grumbled as she pointed to her coloring, her wings, her mane.

"Celestia would have - "

"I've heard it too many times, 'princess' - as long as those leaders are still leading I'll just move on!"

Twilight continued to back up. "If it's any consolation..... Red Cedar was likely stalling for time. He's not powerful enough to undo Alabaster's magic, and would have needed help."

"And he strung me along for months.... "

"But isn't that was Lapis is doing? Why hasn't he tried?"

Slurry hesitated, the silence and gravity growing heavier to her. "He's......" she couldn't justify it. "he's still 'researching' when he's not growling about you or fawning over Desert Sun. I've seen the notes, the other unicorns have seen the notes. To their credit, they at least tried......"

Twilight blinked again. "That really was you screaming, wasn't it..."

"And if it was, who actually cared?" Slurry sat herself facing away from Twilight, abruptly ending the conversation for now.

"Stony, she's just grumpy cause of other stuff, not you."

"Can't help it, Dusty," Sandstone sighed. "Can't help her."

"You got each other's backs tomorrow, and I'll be fine. Once I'm inside the castle, they won't see me or (hopefully) sense I'm around. If I make it to the library again, maybe I can scare somethin up for her."

"Will Boss let you?"

"He's already got the layout, remember? All he wanted me to do is make sure nothin surprised him. Besides, you're gonna be too busy kicking flank and making room for the rest of the gang." Dustmite hopped up to his big brothers back. "Leadin the charge into battle, smashin everything in your way! That'd be awesome."

"Wanna trade...?"

"Huh? I can only smash bugs, you can smash anything!"

Sandstone finally smiled. "Just wish you weren't gonna be inside while I was fighting outside."

"You'll be fine! Just keep thinkin I'm back here, invisible." Dustmite tapped the Stealth gem on his necklace and vanished.

"It'd be awful quiet back there."

Hatchet spent most of his afternoon where he preferred to be - in the forges, venting his frustrations on the metal. The chariots for tomorrow were Boss' designs, but the smithy wanted to add some "Decoration" to make the rides a little more intimidating. Each strike through his hammering rig sparked and spat, ringing curses unspoken by the red and gray pegasus. His eyes simmered with the last few days' memories, even his accomplishments biting him back, badly. The armor he made for Boss was perfect - every curve, every shade, every gem - and so what if he gave it some Phalanx touches? He'd hoped Lapis would have at least continued with searing his wings before getting into his head! A rare shudder spread his wings and pushed new strength through his hammering rig, continuing to refine an edge for a crest to mount on one of the chariots.

His ear caught the rush of Cloud Slayer's wings as she perched on the window sill to watch. "Metal doesn't fight back, what's the fun in that?"

"Ain't the metal I'm fightin," he sneered back at her. "I'm winnin against the metal, just like we're winnin tomorrow."

Her grin broadened. "Gonna help me finish something tomorrow?"

"Name it."

"Rainbow Dash." Her normally eager-to-fight look deepened closer to true anger. "I wasn't done with her yet. I'm gonna get that done this time. I know she's there, she HAS to be there...."

"We'll get her. We'll get her friends. We'll get her bosses. We'll get that whole bucking castle from those two."

"Think 'boss' will give us someplace to rule?" her sadistic expression started to return.

"Too bad the first thing I'd wanna do, I can't. I'd lock up the old nag that I had to call my father and feed him broken glass for three days."

"And why not? Boss would be happy to find him for you."

"Diggin him up ain't worth it. I'd ask Ickky about it but it wouldn't be no fun beatin up a zombie. Too easy."

"Betcha his foal could do it, too."

"Hey, I like that little ragdoll. But that old nag ain't worth it. Rather see her make skeletons dancin in the Royal Gardens." He pumped the hammering rig a few more times for emphasis. "Just gonna scare all o' them, then we get to do the dancin."

Only then did Cloud Slayer leap off the sill, landing next to him with a wing-blade to his throat. "Not a royal 'we', right?" she leered. He didn't flinch.

"Tease. We're gonna tear that place down. Just thinkin about it I'm feelin better."

"When we're done with it all," she playfully growled. "We'll just have to do.... a little MORE damage."

Hatchet chuckled, nipping the wingblade. "All kinda damage," he replied. "And yeah, that multi-colored thing you hate so much? You want a coat, or just a scarf?"

"Her cutie mark in a pendant. I'll get that, myself. But I get her first, and if there's anything left....."

Their laugher echoed as they continued their twisted plot.

Desert Sun's ears twitched at the cacophony of laughter, gaze slowly turning toward Lapis. He continued to pour over scrolls and maps, making more notes and corrections, still sorting through it all. Every minute, every second he tried to time just so, even without the actual time that Spellbreak would arrive in Canterlot. He even tried to figure in summoning times for Ichor! She quietly shook her head and trotted up next to him, hoping her warmth would at least calm him a moment.

"Everything must be perfect," he whispered in a constant mantra. "The entrance, the deployment, the introduction of other forces...."

"Battles rarely follow a schedule, luv."

"This one must, as our windows of opportunity are limited. My sisters are not amateurs to battle, they have just not fought many in the last millennium."

"I think you're thinking too hard about it."

"Am I? How close was I when Luna came home? I had forgotten SOMETHING, whether it was not following her or- "

"It was out of your control, wasn't it?"

"I don't wish to fail again."

"Who would want to fail? Though sometimes you learn something when you lose from time to time."

"I've lost enough....." The maps and layouts all snapped shut. "I lost my sister once when she was banished, and again when she returned. I would hope she understands when I arrive tomorrow."

"Thundering in with us isn't exactly a good way to return home."

"Nor is walking in alone to be met with chains and the dungeons."

"We'll be there, luv, but you should step away from this for a bit. Perhaps a bonfire at sunset? Have everypony outside for a little bit?"

"And what of our prisoner?"

"She's not going anywhere, luv. You've made quite sure of that. Ichor could leave a guard or two if you'd like."

The alicorn looked to his betrothed, once again falling under the spell of her silver eyes. She could see the corners of his mouth twitching as they stared into each other, lost to the moment. He could not get enough of her moon-gray eyes, and her warmth at his side even greater comfort. She knew he was grateful, but still had tremendous trouble showing it. But she knew. "Please," she continued. "Time with everyone to relax before morning. We'll not be up late, and you should sleep before something this important."

"I......"

Her eyes glimmered in the faint light of the room. "I need to practice making Royal Orders, luv."

Only then did his body relax. "As you wish."

Chapter 26

The dungeon remained otherwise quiet, Slurry still steaming from her earlier conversation with the "Princess". Another pegasus, a silver and white mare, talked with Slurry briefly and joked about how Sandstone (was that the big guard's name?) missed her while she was down here. Slurry's responses were unappreciative, and the silver mare hurried off to her next errand, leaving Twilight once again alone with her guard. She carefully rose to all four hooves, trying to keep her chains from making too much noise and further irritating the guard. She saw one of the pegasus' ears twitch and paused.

"Don't let me stop you from eating," Slurry snarked without turning her head. "You should find this delightful, there's actually dried fruit in your oatmeal. Not my idea."

Twilight chose not to comment on her food. She hadn't touched it yet; she was more tired than hungry, mind still turning on her prior conversation with Slurry. Princess Celestia made it sound like Equestria was in full harmony, but these tales disturbed her. How could other ponies abuse their talents like that? Being in charge was responsibility enough. She thought again of the leaders that Slurry cursed and insulted, recalling some stories she had heard at the Armoring Ceremonies. Each of these leaders had reputations, but meeting someone who was actually there changed her perspective. If indeed these leaders were abusing their station, there should be something formally done. Slurry claimed her voice was never heard in Canterlot - written reports arrive by the bushel so her statement had merit.

"Princess Celestia needs to hear these stories," she began carefully. "She would see that those who wronged you are punished."

Slurry glanced back. "Of course she would," the sarcastic retort, "She'll be more than happy to help a mudbat who's working for her evil brother. And I know what you're trying to do - I don't have a heartstring left to pull. Releasing the 'Unworthy' on the world is nothing short of treason, so then I'll have three alicorns after my hide."

"I wasn't even aski-"

"Of course not," a third voice interrupted. Twilight froze.

Strife strode confidently down the stairs, whip once again draped around his neck. "I will be on my way shortly, but I can always make time for our overprivileged guest."

"I could use the break," Slurry shrugged and trotted back upstairs, leaving Twilight alone with this lone Spellbreaker.

The alicorn shivered at his gaze, shivered harder at the sight of the whip. He savored that fear as he took his time unlocking the cell door. "It warms my heart to see you cowering before me. A shame I cannot stay long."

She tried to find courage, but most came with the reflex to cast and sparks from the Lyrium. "Why do you stay here, then?" She strained. "Working for what you hate so much....."

"I have my reasons. Seeing you struggle under the shackles' power is one of them." The whip once again slipped free from his neck. "But that's not enough, I want more."

"I know your agenda doesn't stop with me. I know you won't stop with just seeing Princess Celestia and Princess Luna out of power...."

Strife spat at Twilight's feet. "I'll let your imagination enjoy what my plan might be." He almost casually looped the whip around one hoof. "Equestria does not need magic to turn, does not need magic to guide the sun or moon, does not need magic to guide the seasons or tides. It oppresses the trees and placebos the animals into thinking things are 'perfect'. They're blind to the truth, and Slurry is the first non-earth pony to see that, despite her yoke."

"'Yoke'?"

"That pretty little collar a gift from her master. I accept no such gifts, much as I do not accept your teacher and her sister as absolute rulers!" The whip slapped across her back. "But who will believe you?" The whip bit at her foreleg. She bit down hard not to scream, but a whimper still escaped her. "I'm thankful that you will fester here while the world changes! What 'friends' have come for you? Your 'underlings'? Your 'great teacher'?" He continued to strike her across the legs and back, occasionally freeing what few feathers remained on her wings. "Your mighty 'friendship' means nothing in the grand scheme of Equestria. 'Magic' has oppressed us for far too long! May you continue to wilt in this dark corner and your bones sink deep into the rocks here for someone to see a thousand years from now!" The whip barely slowed in his tirade, Twilight continuing to crumple.

"Your.... word... against... mine... " She managed before the whip found its way around her horn.

"I will savor the sight of our banner being raised all through Equestria," he hissed to her. "I will savor the victory of Spellbreak. I will savor seeing all of your kind in chains, under the hooves of those who know this world better than anypony else."

"My.... word......" she attempted again.

"Who is the prisoner here?" He demanded as the whip slid off her horn and wrapped around her neck. "Be thankful you're more valuable alive, or this would be our last encounter. Should by some unlikely miracle that you do escape, you will be my first, second and third target..... even if you are my last!"

The whip fell away, leaving Twilight to slump to the floor. She barely moved when the cell door slammed shut behind Strife.

"One twitch, two twitch, red twitch, blue twitch....."

Pinkie puzzled the new fits her Pinkie sense gave her. They were similar to ones she had shortly after Twilight was kidnapped, but not as strong. Ear flaps, mane poofing, a twinge in her foreleg and a shiver from her snout to her tail.

"Is it about Twilight, or tomorrow?" Fluttershy asked as she looked up from her reading. "I don't think your Pinkie sense tells you that, does it?"

Pinkie blinked over at the quiet pegasus. "It didn't say. All I know is that it really isn't ninjas, that usually has eye-crossing."

Fluttershy's next question was interrupted by a hail of fish-shaped crackers. "Those fishy twitches are wondrous distractions!" Discord almost goaded Pinkie. "I should really try to read them closer." He was suddenly dressed in doctor's gear, examining Pinkie with a stethoscope. "There's no cure for Pinkie sense, but perhaps the symptoms and side effects might be researchable."

Pinkie didn't flinch. "They just happen and I don't really worry about them. It wasn't a 'doozy' so if it was about Twilight she's probably okay! I don't have to worry about that!" She smiled into the stethoscope.

Discord nodded in approval as he listened to the smile. "Hmm.... hope does spring eternal, that's a good sign."

Fluttershy finally approached the pair. "I'm just worried they're talking about war. And sometimes brothers and sisters can be really stubborn about things."

"Oh, if this is about Lapis, he really IS harmless. Wouldn't hurt a hair on her hide. Your princess is still quite safe."

"But Twilight is still kidnapped, I don't think that's really.... safe."

"Tut, tut." Discord waggled a talon and a small bump appeared on the yellow pegasus' left cheek. "No worrywarts here. This one's curious little sense brought some good news, so at least enjoy the snacks for now." He used his paw to scoop up the fish crackers into a small kettle that he served between the ponies. "Let's just say there's some things that *I* know that I shouldn't tell -"

"Ooh Ohh! Tell me! Tell me! Tellmetellmetellmetellme!" Pinkie bounced around the draconoequus.

"Shouldn't you tell that secret to Princess Celestia or Princess Luna....?"

"Oh, THEY know, they just don't want to say anything! Here, I'll tell you......" He dramatically leaned in toward the pegasus as Pinkie stopped bouncing.

"Aww, I want to know too...."

The chaos creature hesitated. "Then it wouldn't be a secret, now would it?"

"Not even for a Pinkie Promise?"

A cupcake appeared on the earth pony's head. "This secret was only for Fluttershy's ears," he insisted as little yellow ears erupted in another bowl next to Discord.

Pinkie's expression turned more serious as she gathered the confection. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" The cupcake unceremoniously ended up between her eyes.

"Hmm..... it's really something I should not tell, should not tell, should not tell....." he skipped around her, tossing the extra Fluttershy ears like flower petals.

"I make promises and I can't break em. They're my promises, right?"

Discord paused, satisfied. "Very well. Gather closer, my little ponies, as this goes no farther than you."

Luna's mind and heart shivered as she raised the moon that evening. She knew that her brother was out there, still planning, still preparing. His irrational anger and disdainful commentary continued to worry her. She knew he was coming to Canterlot. She knew he would not come alone. Why must there be more conflict? She's home, she's reunited with family, he can do the same.

"Princess Luna, the Phalanx soldiers have all reported, except for our guardcaptain Gallant Lionheart."

She hesitated, hearing Lionheart's station spoken with utter disdain. "Snapdragon, are there not enough conflicts to face without having to look inside our own walls?"

Snapdragon did not move. "Emerald Charm and I have served you with loyalty that should have rivaled your past soldiers. Even Tower Shield would be impressed, would he not?"

"He would be impressed that you passed his trial before sunset," she replied coolly without turning away from the evening sky. "Lionheart can have his rest, as he has been disturbed during the day over the last several days. Dreamcarver and Hazard Watch will also need their rest."

"Dreamcarver was with you, Princess Luna, when...."

"I wish not to speak of that encounter. All the Phalanx needs to know is that tomorrow will not be easy for anypony. Split the shifts among those Phalanx still awake, as they will likely be needed tomorrow before sunset."

"Am I issuing this order, or should I attempt to awaken our poor guardcaptain?" The statement barely growled out as magic snared his wing and twisted.

"Your concerns with Lionheart are well documented. This order is coming from me, as I outrank him as his superior. I leave you to organizing as necessary, but sleep for all will be at a premium."

Snapdragon winced but said nothing, merely nodding in acknowledgement of the order.

"Be on your way," she finished as his wing was released.

Sonja's footing remained sure before the unforgiving winter that surrounded her small group. The lodestone stubbornly pointed north, her only guide in the dark, numbing evening that had fallen. She glanced behind her regularly; none had strayed. "Everypony start looking to the horizon!" she called over the howling winds. "The lights of the camp and Empire are the only light for miles. We should hope that Night Watch has her namesake duty in hoof."

The others nodded, squinting into the white darkness. "Who knows how well the light travels in this storm? Only in clear weather could anypony see for miles."

"Reflections off the snow might change our course," Sonja replied, glancing down at her lodestone. "This is our only key. Once the light and the stone match, then we will know our destination. Stay strong."

Slurry wandered back down to the dungeon area once the sun had set. She heard about the little "Get together" that Desert Sun planned and while it wouldn't run late nor would there be too much eating or drinking, it still wasn't quite what Slurry wanted the night before such an important event. She planned on attending; Sandstone would drag her outside otherwise. Ichor had offered a skeleton crew of guards during the festivities, but they wouldn't be in place until the celebrations began.

The pegasus still had a lot on her mind. She figured Twilight's "offers" were more desperation for freedom than any sincere offer to help. She had surmised, correctly, that Twilight had met all these leaders without an ounce of knowledge of their past transgressions. Slurry was even less surprised at how little she truly knew of the dark underbelly of Equestria politics. She frowned deeper; how much longer could those corrupted nags stay in power?? Is she the only one reporting them, or is there enough collusion that her complaints have been "Filed" for tinder?

She knew that Violet, Silver, Hatchet and Cloud Slayer would clean up the weather while Dustmite, Sandstone and Night Ash used the refuse from the destroyed lab to set up the bonfire. Desert Sun would start festivities with a "bang" (her words). Morning Star "supervised" while Lapis himself prepared a special meal for everypony. Ichor was likely already outside; she couldn't hear Sweetpea's babbling, making her recall the odd word she used... "Dahgosee?" "Dahagosi"? Shaking both words out of her mind, she stopped first to check the troughs to see if the poor prisoner had at least tried to eat.

A muffled groan traced her ear as she noted the troughs completely untouched. A glance into the cell explained both - Twilight lay barely conscious in the cell, fresh blue streaks on her body. She hastily unlocked the door, recalling that no one had checked on her since Strife left. Why didn't anypony else come down here? Strife could have killed her! Twilight groaned again, an attempt to speak. "Quiet," Slurry hissed, "last thing I need is somepony else down here thinking I took a turn at torturing you."

"You... you came back..?"

"Somepony should have been here sooner," she snapped more toward her allies. "Strife did this, didn't he?" Twilight nodded. "He had to give you one last lashing before he left, didn't he?" Another nod. "Stay with me." A slightly stronger nod. "No. You need to talk. Talk to me. One nod might be you nodding off on me."

"I..."

"Look at me," Slurry ordered as quietly and firmly as she could muster. Only then did the alicorn raise her head, violet eyes slightly clouded and unfocused. Twilight could see the pegasus' stern gaze lacked the malice she had seen during Strife's angry tirade. She blinked slowly, letting out one more breath as the room lost focus.

"I said look at me, Princess," Slurry repeated, a mixture of an order and a plea. "I swear, I thought Strife actually cared about something other than himself..... propaganda, all of it..." A wing opened and curled around Twilight, giving her something to fall against in a first attempt to stand. She stumbled a few times before settling to her knees, her own wings unable to help her stabilize. The bluish wounds on her body glowed in defiance of her consciousness, making Slurry angrier at Strife. "Only he could make me feel bad for a princess or any leader."

"I...." Twilight exhaled again, lowering her head. The wing remained around her, bringing faint memories of Celestia doing the same for her. Only now did the tears finally fall, the exhaustion and pain and frustration boiling over into quiet sobs. Slurry had to look away for a moment; too familiar, too similar emotions. She pulled her wing closer, a comforting gesture foreign to the pegasus' normal routine. She seated herself so that Twilight could lean closer, letting the emotion drain away. Her wing remained in place, flinching slightly as she felt Twilight once again starting to go limp.

"Uh uh," Slurry scolded, "If you're done crying, you can start talking. I told you my story..."

Twilight gathered herself, once again looking up to the pegasus. "But I'm - "

"A broken mess, just like I am. No thanks to 'leaders' like - "

"Like Silver Viceroy," Twilight interrupted quietly. "He hired you based on pictures. He wanted a trophy mare."

"And he was never punished."

"Or Lady Willowreed," Twilight continued as she caught her breath, "Who was jealous of your looks, blackmailing you into keeping silent when she changed it so she would look prettier."

"She was never punished."

"Oaken Laurel probably offered, too conveniently, to fix your mane but all he fixed was your coat. Probably because he thought it was 'funny'."

"He hasn't been punished either."

Twilight took another deep breath. "Alabaster changed your wings because she didn't like pegasi....."

"I let her, actually, but she wouldn't change them back. She's never been punished."

"Red Cedar promised - and I think he meant it - to fix you. He's not strong enough of a caster, he needed help but couldn't lose face..."

"Which is why he strung me along. I don't know if he should be punished or not."

Twilight finally steadied herself in her seat. "Outside of Alabaster, did I get any of that wrong?"

It was Slurry's turn to exhale, eyes closing and wing pulling back to her side. "Not even Lapis put all that together. And with all the spells knotted together, it's not like it can be undone with one spell. At least that's what I'm getting from the other unicorns, who at least tried..." she rolled her shoulders a couple of times. "Not like I can reach back and bite the stupid thing off, either."

Twilight almost found a smile from the statement, the sarcasm helping the mood. The smile never came, as her eyes caught small scars around the wing that was protecting her. "Did Alabaster try to remove your wings?"

"No, but I tried pretty hard."

"I know I can make those go away....." Twilight looked to the chains. "Not right now, though. And I don't want you in trouble."

Slurry finally stood. "What would Lapis do? Make me look worse?" A hoof raised up toward the gem on her necklace. "He could make me a bigger mess." She pressed on the gem, and turned into mange-ridden, flea-bitten shaggy pony. "Or make me old," she continued, tapping the gem to turn herself into the proverbial 'old grey mare'. "Or maybe he'd think the ultimate insult would be him turning me into you." Another tap, another change. Slurry even matched the damaged wings and Lyrium wounds. Slurry then glanced down to her necklace. Did it deliberately turn her into "injured" Twilight when she touched the gem, or was it simply seeing her that way? She thought again about her bat wings, her muddy colors. It was too familiar, too similar. Twilight Sparkle was a princess, but had been treated much the same as Slurry had over the years. Twilight had the misfortune of it all compressed into a couple of weeks. The pegasus looked up again, noting Twilight's stare now focused to her. The wounds, the wings, the scarred horn. Slurry realized that while Twilight had felt the immense pain inflicted on her, given she had spent her entire stay at Drakengard confined to darkness, this was the first time she could see the legacy this pain had left upon her body. The pegasus couldn’t help but notice Twilight’s eyes, the mute disbelief, the unspoken plea,the weary gaze all told the same story that Slurry had tried to tell so many others, all dismissed as exaggeration and calling timberwolf.

"Neither one of us wants that, meaning you or me," "Twilight" said as Slurry restored her form.

"So can't you just use that to make yourself.... yourself again?"

"It's not permanent. Why bother if it's not going to stick?"

"It can be," Twilight replied with confidence.

Slurry paused once more. She ran that scenario through her mind a few times, eyes locked on Twilight. "You're supposedly some genius of magic. Can YOU fix this? Or would you teleport away the moment you were freed?"

"You've been through enough already. And if I can't, I know somepony who can."

"Somepony who's moved the sun and moon for a thousand years... will that happen before or after I'm locked up for what's going to start tomorrow?"

"I'd be your voice of amnesty," Twilight paused. "I just realized I've never heard your name."

"Slurry. You're a smart princess, you know exactly why."

"You don't look like leftover clay or coal. That name doesn't suit you."

"It's all I have left."

Twilight lowered her head, eyes falling to the Lyrium shackles. "That's more than I have...."

One last glance upstairs before the pegasus leaned in as close as she dared to Twilight. "Can. You. Fix. This?" she growled. "Will. You. Fix. This?"

Twilight did respond, but her voice was drowned out from an explosion outside, followed by cheers and laughter. Slurry nodded to the princess. "Somepony will be checking on you later tonight."

Desert Sun ignited the festivities - literally! - by setting off an explosion to start the bonfire. All of the wooden debris from the damaged forges and lab blossomed into a a brilliant red and gold blaze that mirrored her coat. The rest of Wildforce had assembled with marshmallows and other treats to heat and share. Even Ichor and Sweet Pea arrived, sitting a safe distance from the blaze. Lapis watched his allies celebrating a final evening before the most important day of their short lives. He tried desperately to smile for Desert Sun as she pranced up to him and flopped by his side. "There now," she cheered. "Something to get everypony relaxed and sleeping well into the morning."

"A blossoming red flower," he replied, "that waves in the unfelt winds, and only listens to those who have tamed it."

She giggled. "Not so serious, luv, this is a celebration."

The pegasi added a slight breeze to the bonfire, flying dangerously close to it in a display of agility and aerobatics. Violet Force and Silver Shimmer showing off, Hatchet and Cloud Slayer daring each other to get closer still. Night Ash stirred the flames with her magic, a spark or two catching her airborne compatriots; all in good fun. Slurry and Sandstone watched nearby, and Dustmite bounced around them to encourage the two to join in. Lapis merely listened to the cheers and levity. The music of everypony's excitement did make him feel a lot better about the following day. He listened to genuine laughter, festive banter and enthusiasm of his cohorts. The warmth of the fire, the warmth of his betrothed at his side staved off the cool of the evening. The warm expressions as the others glanced back at their leader continued to melt at his cold heart. The comfort let him lean in closer to Desert Sun, who paused in her laughter at the pegasi's antics.

"Sleepy already, luv?"

"You've asked me to 'relax'. Is this correct?"

She erupted again with laughter. "None of that! You are still enjoying the night even if you -" she stopped as he nodded to her. She nosed at his ear. "I know you're enjoying this. WE know you're enjoying this."

"I should at least show it," he replied as he pushed back to all four hooves. All of the celebrants turned to him.

o/Let's make tonight a simple celebration Knowing tomorrow we throw caution to the wind! Here's a chance for all to let their manes down To dream of Canterlot on its knees again o/

Violet Force, Silver Shimmer and Cloud Slayer picked up on the song.

o/We'll take our chance to shine - ambition ain't a crime Take a chance to fly - Stage a Battlecry Take our chance to shine - ambition ain't a crime Take a chance to fly - it's Time! o/

Hatchet's voice roared over them in the chorus

o/Tonight - we'll ride it like a rollercoaster high as we can go tonight Tonight - we'll find a way to cast more shadows in the day! TONIGHT! o/

Lapis gave Hatchet a curious look as the pegasus landed.

o/We're gonna dance like it's our final hours The music's loud enough to wake the dead tonight! o/

He grinned in Ichor's direction and continued.

o/Come and join us! Set the world on fire! We're gonna watch it burn to see if the sun will rise! o/

Desert Sun added to the bonfire on cue from the lyrics as the pegasi repeated their refrain.

o/We'll take our chance to shine - ambition ain't a crime Take a chance to fly - Stage a Battlecry Take our chance to shine - ambition ain't a crime Take a chance to fly - it's Time! o/

o/Tonight - we'll ride it like a rollercoaster high as we can go tonight Tonight - we'll ride like the wagon's stolen, fast as we can go tonight Tonight - we'll find a way to cast more shadows in the day! TONIGHT! o/

The music and laughter floated back into Drakengard, where Twilight could only listen. She sighed and tried to get some rest.

No such celebrations could be heard in the woods east of Canterlot. The Spellbreakers were restless, watching Canterlot from a safe haven. As Salvino faded in and out of consciousness, Belmonte paced feverishly around the perimeter. Silverback remained at Salvino's side.

"Pacing will not bring Strife here any faster, Belmonte," Silverback cautioned as the light green pony passed him. "With or without him, we should enter Canterlot once the battles begin."

"He's taking his sweet bucking time," Belmonte groused. "How is Lord Salvino?"

"He's asleep again, may he sleep through the night and rise with the sun."

The group as a whole turned to their leader, wrapped tightly in a Lyrium-soaked blanket. His eyes had slowly sunken in during the journey, and his mane matted and fell over his ears. The blue tinges of his coat had faded, and with that most of his personal energy. Belmonte snorted to himself before continuing his patrol.Silverback kept his seat despite Belmonte's ire, looking to his fading leader. The others returned to their rest or their watches. He sighed, wishing there was more he could do. The patriarch of Spellbreak at least rested quietly, no dreams disturbing him. No one at the camp would put it past the Princess of the Night to attack him at his weakest! Was it arrogance that she did not try?

Belmonte's ears caught the approaching hoofsteps. He quickly gathered his whip and watched for the approach, signalling with his tail for the others to take cover. Silverback slunk in front of Salvino, readying his whip as well.

Strife could be seen galloping toward the camp, breathing hard from the run. Given the late hour and distant location, stealth was optional but speed a necessity. Belmonte almost whipped him anyway as he slid to a stop at the edge of the camp, panting.

"Finally let out of your cage?" Belmonte took advantage of Strife's exhaustion to get in the first word. "Did the mighty alicorn give you new marching orders? Or should I say, 'prancing orders'?"

Strife's whip responded for him, Belmonte catching with his own. "Your fantasy of those spellcasters and weather-twisters helping us should not change your mind."

"They strike tomorrow.... in daylight..." Strife heaved. "Their arrogance.... but lots of backup....."

"'Backup'? There are more involved?"

"Let him breathe, Belmonte, he has likely run for hours. Someone bring him water."

"No water for this stray!" Belmonte ordered as loud as he dared. "What 'others', Strife?"

"Phalanx," he managed after a couple of gulped breaths. "Skeleton ponies. Undead. We are to focus on the Solars and the alicorns only."

"More magical nonsense!"

"Belmonte, calm yourself." Silverback gathered his own canteen so that Strife could drink. "Patience is thin here, we worry for Salvino's health."

Strife drained the canteen before turning to his leader. "Lord Salvino....?" He whispered. "Was he poisoned?"

"The very air poisons him!" Belmonte exclaimed. "The unicorns! The pegasi! The magic is in the very air he breathes. The Lyrium protected him from this, but even what supplies we have are compromised to keep him alive. He insisted on this journey, and we will have him see it through war's end."

"Our wise, calculating leader crumbling to dust because he emerged from his Lyrium bubble?" Strife spat. Belmonte raised his whip again as a warning. "Look at his husk, Belmonte. Why have you not buried it?"

"How dare you....."

"Let him speak, Belmonte....."

All turned to hear the trembling words of their ailing leader. "Strife is correct. For too long I have been sealed off from the outside world. The Lyrium will not fail me. I will not fail any of you. Bring me to the alicorns as the battle rages."

"You're in no shape to fight!"

"To fight pointless battles against the drone soldiers, yes. But you will need me once the alicorns are gathered. The Lyrium within me, and all that you carry, must combine to settle the matter once and for all. Even if the last thing I see...... are the cowering stares of these so-called gods as they are cleansed from Equestria. That alone will be enough for my soul to begin its eternal wander."

Strife shifted uncomfortably, eyes still locked on Belmonte. "All this is, is a suicide mission?"

"No, Strife," Salvino whispered. "This is my destiny.... he who takes the mantle afterward will decide the fate of Spellbreak once the alicorns no longer rule......"

Silverback adjusted Salvino's blanket. "Please, Lord Salvino, rest. This is not the time to discuss our future."

"Equestria's..... future...." and Salvino drifted away again.

The constant snow muffled the round-the-clock progression of tracks. Star Hunter was the only pegasus up this late, helping keep the railways clear as several earth ponies measured and placed. He continued to channel winds and snow away from the track path as teams of earth ponies would bring pieces and fit them in place. There wasn't much conversation, just get the work done.

With Snowcatcher resting, the earth pony named Night Watch oversaw duties. She and Siren slept in the same quarters with most of the other earth ponies, and unlike most he'd met, they kept to themselves. Night Watch seemed especially aloof, and tonight she appeared even more distracted. She rarely spoke to anypony else unless giving orders, and tonight she - and most of the camp - felt like it ran on autopilot.

Night Watch's gaze wandered south periodically as she kept the camp moving. One of the last group of earth pony arrivals had indicated the Spellbreak team would be arriving tonight or in the morning. She or Siren would have to meet them immediately; Snowcatcher would ask too many questions. The one pegasus on duty might be an issue as well; word around the camp was he was a strong and fast flier, and pretty accomplished with his weather skills. He'd kept his snout out of most of the earth ponies' business, so he might not be as big an issue as Snowcatcher.

She continued to look into the winter night, hoping that Sonja and the others were able to navigate through the bitter cold.

Twilight stirred in her sleep, noting the revelry long ended. The dungeon seemed darker than usual; maybe just that faint hope that Slurry listened had taken some weight off her despair? She sighed to herself and dragged over to the troughs for the cold meal and fresher water.

She'd heard them singing about the demise of Canterlot. She had heard the hauntingly emotionless voice of that dark alicorn start the song, graciously and animatedly picked up by his followers. Did that not make him happy? She didn't hear him sing another word of the song. The laughter and screams of the pegasi had pecked at her ears and poked at her dreams. It only made her miss her friends more and more.

And tomorrow, it wouldn't matter. They would be storming Canterlot, and she had no way to warn them. Her magic stalled by the Lyrium, her wings plucked clean by one of those sadistic pegasi, her spirit completely broken since she could barely stand in the dank confines, much less see the stars or sun. She huddled on the blanket after her short meal, hoping she would return to sleep.

Her thoughts occupied her enough to mask the hoofsteps approaching the cell. Her eyes did open when she heard the crumbling of bones; she hadn't even noticed skeleton ponies were posted, probably by that lich pony. The cell door unlocked and swung open, making the alicorn shiver. The lich must have chosen to come back. Is it his turn to torture her? Her foggy mind raced over what little she knew of such powerful undead. She shut her eyes tight and prepared for her fate.

"I know your answer," a voice whispered to Twilight. "Everypony is asleep. This is my - I mean, our - chance."

It wasn't the distant, desiccated whisper of a shadow or a lich. She recognized the voice after a moment. "Slurry.....?"

"You're the first pony to listen to - and I mean 'listen' to my story. You didn't blow me off."

"Not like I could go anywhere or not listen....."

"But you did anyway. And when I said 'listen' I mean you actually cared enough to remember what I said. So now that everypony's asleep and I'm covering for Ichor's bone guards....."

Slurry's motions remained otherwise silent, short of her whispering justification. "You needed someone to listen," Twilight finally responded. "I think everypony else was afraid of you."

"Probably because they think Lapis found me hanging upside-down in a mine shaft." The pegasus carefully pulled off her necklace and placed it by the troughs. "I don't put up with much, including sympathy with no solutions. Promises haven't meant anything. All I've asked for is a solution."

"You have a resolve I wish I had.... I see a strong-willed pony who has had a lot put on her."

"The fact that you're not crying anymore looks like a good start," Slurry absently replied as she approached the alicorn. "I need you to hold very still."

"I'm not going any-"

"Stand. Still." Slurry shushed. "I'm no princess, so I don't get things like royal backing or a loud enough voice in court." She spread one of her giant wings and rested it firmly across Twilight's back. "There. You teleport away, I'm coming with you. Unless you want to be hunted down, you might not want to teleport. If you teleport away without me, I'll have all of Drakengard looking for you in two minutes. Do you understand?"

Twilight nodded nervously.

"Swear on anything and everything you hold dear. Because if we're teleported out, I'll thank you before I knock you out and bring you back here."

Twilight nodded again. "Now stand still."

The alicorn remained standing, watching as the pegasus finally reached toward the shackles with a hoof. "This will hurt," Slurry hissed. "Nothing I can do about it. I know Strife."

She pawed at the shackle a few times before a spark shocked them both. Twilight staggered, but steadied quickly before she was reprimanded again. Slurry shook out her short mane in frustration. "I was afraid of that."

"What do you mean?"

"They're on nice and tight. Even with you stuck down here, they haven't loosened any." Slurry snorted to herself before reaching down and attempting to loosen the shackle with her teeth. Another zap, but not as strong. Slurry grunted but continued working at the shackles to free Twilight.

"You said the spells were knotted together," Twilight queried as Slurry continued to work on the shackles. "Spell knots are a signature of Oaken Laurel's. He probably established the knot when you worked for him. Alabaster likely added her thread to the knot."

"It's not like a hoof-lace," Slurry finally responded as the first shackle fell away. "Probably looks like a Gourdian knot. Cutting it with a spell might lock everything in place. But if Oakhead tied it, that means it can be untied."

"Is that what the others were trying?"

"They wanted to loosen it first. Trying to see which strand was clear enough to be unthreaded, and maybe the rest would fall apart,"

Twilight mulled over those clues as Slurry continued with the shackles, pausing only a moment to switch wings. The princess knew that this pegasus' trust remained a bare minimum, even to those who she'd lived with in the recent years. She saw Slurry's determination in removing the shackles, interrupted every so often with a stern glare to keep her in place. Once a shackle felt loose enough, Twilight would slowly raise that leg, making sure that the shackle itself didn't clatter when it hit the ground. The faint 'clink' of the chains stalled them both, ears searching for another curious pony to arrive. Nothing. Slurry would then continue, wing pressing on Twilight's back to remind her not to teleport away.

While the wing on her back was firm, it actually comforted Twilight. Again, memories of Celestia's wing over her body keeping her standing still as Slurry completed removing all four shackles. Little shocks startled them both but nothing that would cause a gasp of pain. Twilight had one gasp of relief once the last shackle fell free, nearly falling to the ground beside it. She took several deep breaths, trying to do so quietly as Slurry stared her down.

"It's not like the shackles were draining you," Slurry chided. "They were just to 'shut you off', right?"

"Almost like holding your breath," Twilight responded as she slowly returned to her knees.

"Just don't breathe too hard or too loud. Too many ears in here." Twilight nodded affirmatively, then gestured with her head for Slurry to sit with her. The wing had not removed itself from Twilight's back, and the alicorn knew she wasn't completely out of the woods yet with the bat-winged pegasus. She glanced over the bracing wing, tentatively lighting her horn. Slurry flinched.

"It's the only way I can 'look' at the spell knot," Twilight explained.

"If there was another way, I'd ask." Slurry's gaze turned to the stairwell. "Night Ash doesn't wear her necklace to bed, and the other unicorns should be asleep. Still, keep your magic low in case somepony else chose not to sleep tonight."

Both mares shivered in unison. If Lapis were awake, he'd know and what then? Twilight knew Slurry didn't think there would be any worse consequences, so there she remained, wing still draped on her back. Twilight then remembered the blanket. "Here," she pointed with her horn. "It's not big, but we can both have a hoof on it while I study this knot. I need to be able to walk completely around you to follow the strands."

The wing reluctantly raised, allowing Twilight to pick up the blanket with her mouth. "Or I can drape it over both of us."

Slurry's reluctance answered Twilight as the wing returned to its place. Twilight then returned the blanket to the ground and stood on it. "There's only so far I can help you if you can't help me."

"Sounds better than 'there's nothing I can do for you. It can't be undone.' "

Twilight blinked at the statement; she recalled one of the statements from her nightmare a few nights ago. "Which one of the casters told you that?"

"Cedar. Then again, you said he wasn't really that good...."

"He probably didn't find any help. But I am trying to help you while there's still a chance for me to actually do it."

One of Slurry's hooves moved to the blanket, but her wing did not close. "Trust is a rare commodity. I thought you might have noticed it by now."

Twilight nodded before carefully focusing her magic on the knot. Through her careful casting the jumble appeared between Slurry's shoulder blades, about in the same spot as a saddle horn. It hovered and flickered with its own heartbeat, faint colors spilling away as each caster's magic continued to flow from it. "Oaken Laurel probably tied Silver Viceroy's and Lady Willowreed's spells together with his own. I don't know if the other casters were aware. Alabaster's shaping magic is threaded through here because of how much shaping magic actually needs to interact with the body. She deliberately added knots to this."

"So she really wanted this locked down?"

"Let's just say if she told you she was going to change you back, the amount of knots and double-knots tells me she was lying to you."

"So it can't be undone. Never mind."

"I didn't say that," Twilight insisted. "I just need to undo all of Alabaster's knots before I can do anything else. What your friends tried loosened some areas and tightened others. Had they focused on the same knots at the same time this would have likely just fallen off. I said I would fix you, and I will. This isn't going to be pleasant."

"What could be worse than feeling your cutie mark fade? Or awake while a broken wing was repaired?"

"Undoing all these knots. It would be easier if you sat on the blanket and closed your wing." Twilight opened one of hers to replace the connection.

Slurry reluctantly complied, already seeing the glow of Twilight's horn. The alicorn had her eyes closed, whispering a mantra as to keep the entire spell unheard and unfelt through the complex. The pegasus "felt" as each knot sent sparks of energy through her entire body. At first, they arced through her closed wings, which she knew had to stay shut. They quivered in reflexive protest, making Slurry grimace and shut her own eyes. Twilight's mantra and casting kept Slurry calm but not still as each knot was carefully undone, a new twinge to her back, her head, more to her wings, and back again. Twilight's wing did not move from its spot, centered directly under the very knot that had tied all of Slurry's feelings into a bundle and hidden them away. Each mantra brought a new sear, a new shock, a new itch. The pegasus refused to voice her pain, and was soon rewarded as it all melted away from her in a wash of almost ticklish magic. Not the magic that had made her an ugly mudbat, but magic that tried to warm the heart as the body could finally heal. She felt Twilight's wing press a little harder on her back; Slurry's eyes opened to Twilight sunken to her knees, sweating and breathing hard from the conflict of repressed casting, but still complete casting on a complicated mess that had confounded so many others for so long.

"Thank you..." Twilight wheezed. "For sitting so still. Once Alabaster's knots were untied, the rest could be undone......" she glanced up to Slurry. "Blue is a good color for you, by the way."

"Blue??" Slurry forgot completely about the connection and launched to her feet. She trotted in a circle to see for herself.

Gone were the muddy blotches; no more bat wings! She shook out her mane, feeling it cascade once more down her neck and touching her back. She spread her wings and gave them a few strong beats, more in curiosity than triumph. She looked down to her neck to make sure, once and for all, it was not the token necklace Lapis had given her. But indeed, everything "felt" right... she had to see for herself! She brushed quickly on the side of one of the troughs, getting enough of a polish to see her reflection.

Was that her? Was that truly her? A white and silver mane covering the back of her neck, a forelock just outside of her wide green eyes. Her blue coat interrupted in places with the same silver, the shade of clouds that debated rain. She looked once, twice, a third time to be sure! She spread her wings again, looking at the silvery feathers. She wanted to scream, to laugh, to cheer, to actually sing as all the others had done earlier in the night! One noise could bring all of Drakengard to see! She pranced about with her wings open, imagining cheers and celebration!

Her reverie interrupted by a sparking sound - she had forgotten about Twilight! Expecting her to have teleported away she wheeled back, only to see the alicorn wincing as she began standing in the discarded shackles. "I hope that's what you were looking for, Slurry."

The pegasus flapped her wings and closed them proudly. "You can call me Summerstorm now." She approached Twilight in more confusion than pride. "What are you doing? You should have been long gone...."

"I promised I wouldn't flee. Just be careful refastening the shackles."

Summerstorm stood before Twilight in complete consternation. She could have teleported out of Drakengard, at least to the base, and started running! Yet here she stood, keeping to her word, expecting to be locked right back up. "Fine," she finally replied. "I can't make it not hurt-"

"The residue from the spells won't fully dissipate for a few minutes, slu- I mean, Summerstorm."

The pegasus glanced up in tacit gratitude as she put the shackles back in place. "Try not to move too much, then. Those shackles won't be as forgiving."

"Will you be okay?"

"Only if I find a way to repay you......"

"We still have a few unicorns to round up, starting with Alabaster."

Slurry hesitated at "we", but said nothing more as she hastily locked Twilight up. She gathered her necklace and hurried back upstairs, a single glance of gratitude before disappearing.

Twilight nodded to herself in satisfaction, finally feeling her appetite coming back from even that bout of magical exertion. She raised a foreleg for her first step, only to see the shackle clatter to the floor. Hastily putting her hoof back in place, she leaned in on it to see that Slurry's rushed reshackling left the leg irons loose. For the first time since her arrival, a genuine smile appeared.

"Thank you.... Summerstorm."

Chapter 27

Snowcatcher's shift started at first light. Yet this was one morning she had trouble getting out of bed. Her head hurt, the room spun, her legs were unsteady. She could breathe, so it wasn't the rare mixed-weather cold she'd get when she had business in various climates. She tried to shake it off. "Too much to do, still," she muttered before using her magic to reach for her clipboard.

The instant she cast, the magic seared back into her body like invisible knives. She gasped from the inexplicable pain and collapsed inside her tent. The shock almost robbed her of voice as she squeaked out a cry for help.

She didn't expect to be heard, or a response to follow. The flap of her tent carefully opened to reveal Siren Song striding in, a look of amusement broadening as she closed in. "Something the matter, oh fearless leader?"

"My.... magic....."

"Tsk. You should just stay in bed, then. We'll take care of things from here." Siren unshouldered a dark blue blanket. "Here, once you're comfortable we'll just drape this over you and someone will bring you broth if you get hungry."

Snowcatcher pushed herself carefully to all four hooves, eyeing the blanket. "I won't need that," she rasped.

"It's more for ... 'comfort'. I think it will be very helpful."

The unicorn clambered back to her cot, still dizzy from her attempt to cast. "Fine," she muttered, knowing Siren was enjoying this a little too much. She closed her eyes with the blanket draped over her body......

"I didn't hear her scream."

"No need, Sonja, she doesn't know what just happened and won't require an explanation." Siren closed the tent flap. "Thank you for sparing a blanket for our poor poor 'master'."

"The pegasi are rounded up as well," Night Watch reported. "That dark blue one took a little longer to hold down."

"As long as we have them all," Sonja confirmed. "Let the snow pour on the tracks. Leave what's done in place for now."

Celestia usually enjoyed her morning duty of raising the sun. Some mornings it would be a grand display if enough ponies arrived to watch; some mornings, not many would drop by, bowing to her as she took care of her sacred duty. Today, the sun felt heavier than her heart. Deep down, she knew her brother still planned something; whatever his plan, there would not be an easy solution.

Cepheid had been almost zero help, dismissing the entire case as a "foal's folly" and they would just have to wait for Lapis to trip over his own hooves. Did her Brother of the Seasons truly believe that Lapis had learned nothing in a thousand years? He came close to taking over in his previous attempt. She learned. Canterlot learned. Lapis surely learned something, and he still had Twilight under his hoof.

"Sister, all of the Guard remains restless," Luna announced as she appeared on the balcony. "The previous evening was too quiet."

"Then today may very well be the day, sister," Celestia resigned. "The Guard won't have to be restless much longer. Did you find anything more in your Dreamwalks?"

"Nothing. I will attempt once more shortly. The Phalanx will rest for now, but can be readied."

"Thank you, sister." Celestia sighed, letting the sun wash over her. "What had we done so wrong? Why does Lapis insist on this?"

"Stubbornness?" Luna posited. "Fearing he was forgotten? Or worse, demonized as some say I was as Nightmare Moon? He supposes that Twilight Sparkle is his replacement."

"He said nothing of Cadance?"

"I don't believe he knows of her. She was not a factor the night I returned. Her husband, however...."

"He knows we're waiting for him."

"Let him come, sister. What transpires from here, may NEED to happen. What of the Elements?"

"I will share breakfast with them. I won't be able to stop them from assisting us, though I hope to guide them to one place so that they will be together once Twilight is secured from Lapis."

"And if he does not bring Twilight Sparkle?"

"Then WE have to stop him. Elements or no."

Lapis peered out into the distance from the launch platform at Drakengard. A slight breeze from the north, and clear skies once outside of the valley. The chariots were completed, Hatchet's speed and consistency once again surprising the Shadow of the Moon. He continued to look northeast, savoring the storm he was about to bring. He knew his sisters were pondering his return. He knew that Cepheid was likely disparaging him even now.

"Second thoughts, luv?"

"I cannot turn back now, Sun. We are going to Canterlot."

"We could go a bit more diplomatic."

"No, it doesn't work that way. Am I to turn to all of you after blustering so much of this invasion to say 'surprise, we're just going to talk'? I cannot do that. It will show weakness."

"Might show a bit of sense," Desert Sun leaned against him.

"There is no sense to their actions, I can respond in kind."

"The picture you had with the response.... your brother wasn't wearing chains and your sisters looked..... happy."

"A ruse. A fleeting smile does not mean true happiness."

Sun looked to her betrothed with concern. "So are you 'happy' that you're doing this, then?"

"No one is happy about war."

"Then why do something you don't wish to do?"

"Some things must be done. You know this as well as I."

Sun wanted to remind Lapis of what happened the last time they had visited Canterlot. Perhaps what he was doing was more than just a response about Twilight? Did he hold the grudge of his defeat three years ago? Or was it about Discord? There were so many things he could storm Canterlot castle about, but not one would be enough for this invasion! She looked down to her necklace, realizing how much damage she could do......

"If Canterlot becomes your castle, it will take time to repair."

"It is but a structure. One much too large for two alicorn princesses. The original was much more..... correct. It can be rebuilt."

"Can family?"

Lapis looked away. "Just consider it, luv." she contended. "We're going no matter the order. I think only Hatchet and Cloud Slayer will be disappointed that we're just going to talk."

"Talk's cheap," Hatchet interrupted as he slid in from his morning patrol. "This time we give it to em! They're REALLY gonna feel this!"

"Spoken like a true voice of reason." Desert Sun rolled her eyes. "Haven't you beaten up enough metal and Ichor's guards that it's not out of your system?"

"It's all a warm-up!" Hatchet launched off the platform. "We're gonna literally storm Canterlot with STORMS! With that TANK Sandstone! With YER giant firebombs! Cloud Slayer and I are ready!"

"Perhaps you can take care of checking on our prisoner before we depart?" Lapis requested of his eager smith.

"Just CHECK on her? C'mon, Boss......"

"What I don't see, I don't know."

Hatchet shot over the couple and back into Drakengard.

"So she's not coming with us?" Sun gave Lapis a strange look.

"She will escape us, somehow, if we do. I want her secured here. When we have Canterlot, we will send some troops to bring her there."

Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack divided the Solar troops throughout the premises. Shining Armor assisted just to keep his mind off his missing little sister. They had air patrols scheduled, unicorn and earth pony soldiers at all the parapets, even one unicorn in the Atrium.

"We have to be ready for anything - and everything," Shining Armor kept telling soldiers as they scurried to task. Thunder Arrow finally swatted the unicorn with a dark gray wing.

"We know what we're doing up here, you know. The Changelings thing was a lot different than what's coming today. Will you just -"

"No I will NOT calm down!" Shining turned to his former co-captain. “It's not just my post at stake, I have family at stake! Canterlot AND the Crystal Empire are at stake. If we fail here, does he stop with Canterlot? With Ponyville? Manehatten??"

"Breathe, Shining, breathe." Thunder Arrow shook out his mane before locking eyes with the unicorn once more. "Yes, this is war. Yes, there is a princess in danger. Yes, we'll be facing an alicorn. We've got that."

Flank Attack overheard some of the conversation. "And you jumping around like a cadet isn't helping. Better you than Gallant Lionheart, but if you don't have your horn on straight it won't matter."

Shining blinked at the earth pony guardcaptain. "If we've got enough soldiers, we won't need my forcefield. If you want me helping in battle, I need to be out here and not hiding someplace concentrating on the spell."

Thunder Arrow smirked. "Just calm down. Whatever this alicorn wants to throw at us, let him."

The pegasus' boast did nothing to change Shining Armor's mood. He hoped for Canterlot's sake they were ready.

Hatchet skipped the stairwell as he glided through the passageways to the princess' cell. He looked forward to scaring her some more; he loved the horror he'd seen, the grimaces when he pulled at feathers. Yeah, another scream or two to get him pumped up for today.

"HEY PRINCESS, BETTER EAT YER BREAKFAST!" He laughed as he landed before the cell. He skipped out on the armor and just wanted the necklace before he rode out. He'd heard Slurry was already suited up and giving Drakengard one last patrol. He turned to the cell to find its lone prisoner flopped on the ground. "You asleep?" He rattled the bars with his wings. "Get up! Makin sure you eat before we go. It's yer favorite, soupy oatmeal. And it's nice an cold!"

His enthusiasm faded when she didn't flinch or jump from the noise. She did finally raise her head, looking at him briefly before settling back down. "Hey, doncha ignore me!" He checked the troughs. "Ya ain't touched any of this? They actually brought you the GOOD soupy oatmeal, too!"

She moaned softly in response, mouth moving only slightly. "Ohhh, I get it! Ichor had you up all night with his guards! Heard Slurry was down here too!" He kicked around some stray bones from the remains of one of the guards. "Oh yeah, she got mad at the guards. Sorry I missed that. You gonna eat or not?"

"feed.... me...." she whispered. The plea only sent Hatchet into new fits of laughter.

"Feed you?! Feed YOU?? Oh, poor little princess can't even feed herself! No wonder she ain't eaten!!" Hatchet let himself into her cell. "Sorry I don't carry a spoon with me, 'Princess', I wasn't born with one in my mouth."

Twilight groaned again, only adding to Hatchet's good mood. "Too bad I can't just dump the trough on ya." He looked quickly back and forth from the food trough to the prone princess. "Don't feel like draggin ya over there, so okay, I'll bring ya some..... heheh...."

Hatchet made a show of prancing over to the food trough, flapping his wings awkwardly. "Yeah, if my wings worked a little better," he mocked, "This would be a lot easier!" Smirking at his own joke, he reared and plunged one hoof into the food trough. "Ooooops, I stepped in your lunch... not even sure that hoof's clean."

Twilight still did not react to his taunts, sleepily blinking in his direction as he hobbled back to her, wobbling on three legs and continuing to flap his wings uselessly. "Veeola! Breakfast is served!" he shoved the soaked hoof into her face. "Go on, lick it clean and you might get seconds!"

Twilight once again looked up at him in dim confusion. "heheheh, thought you were hungry." He leaned in to her face. "Here comes the oatmeal soaked choo-choo train..... open wide, Mrs. Tunnel-"

What happened next was too fast for his red eyes to follow. Twilight thrust her forehooves at him, the loose shackles sliding into place over the raised foreleg and his snout. The Lyrium woke to all the trace magic on the sadistic pegasus, ripping at him for wearing the Phalanx armor and the Fear necklace. He grunted and spasmed, tumbling about on the floor in much less enjoyable pain. She carefully removed the shackles from her hind hooves and kicked one at Hatchet, landing a solid blow to the side of his head. Slumping to the ground, Hatchet's twitching slowed, down to tics of residual magic and the Lyrium trying to get to his necklace.

Only now did Twilight have a few seconds to relax. Hatchet's screams would be muted with the shackle over his snout, and his necklace and Lyrium would keep him neutralized. The door to the cell was still open. Not sure of how much time they would wait before checking on Hatchet, she took only a moment to eat some of the food left for her, a quick drink of water and out the door she slipped, knowing that her magic still could not be used until she was outside and a safe distance away....

She glanced up the stairwell from where most of her visitors arrived. Too obvious, she thought, but was there another route? Despite her long stay, she rarely looked elsewhere around the exterior of her confines. To her left, the stairs, darkness to the right. She slunk to the right, despite the lack of light there.

No light entered this separate tunnel. It was well-hidden - guessing it wasn't used often, she didn't recall any of the others using it. She peered deep into its darkness, trying not to use her horn to light the way. She took a wary step forward, noting the incline of the tunnel was very steep. Did they even know of it? Her curiosity had to remain in check; she needed to know more, but she needed more to keep moving. Another step told her just how steep the tunnel could get - not completely vertical, but the hoof-holds were indeed narrow, more for a pegasus to balance or guide than an earth pony or unicorn to climb. Lacking feathers on her wings to aid her balance, she clamped them shut to her sides and gingerly pushed herself upward, hopefully to freedom.

"Rather eager for a morning patrol, Slurry."

"So? Somepony has to do it."

Desert Sun again cocked her head to one side as she saw the pegasus already in Phalanx armor and wearing her necklace. "Normally you'd not 'dress' for it."

"If today is THE day," Slurry growled back. "I'm ready. I'm sure Cloud Slayer's already suited up."

The unicorn blinked. "Now that you mention.... she's with Violet and Silver, inspecting the wagons. Hatchet went to play with the prisoner."

Slurry paused at that. "He'll be gentler than Strife. Not much gentler...."

"Just enough to keep her in place while we're gone. I should probably dress for the occasion as well."

"You're ranged attack - you don't need armor..."

"But we'll be inside Canterlot, and I'm sure somepony will approach. Luv wouldn't chance that with me otherwise."

Slurry snorted. "Right, forgot about your guardian......"

"If it's a consolation...." Desert Sun offered. "I got a great deal more than an apology from him for how he's treated you. I hope he's done the same to you directly. We couldn't quite get the knot undone....."

"Not worrying about it," Slurry cut her off. "I've got patrols, you've got armoring. I'll talk to him about it again when this is over." Slurry leapt for the nearest exit before the unicorn could speak.

Celestia promised to have a private breakfast with Twilight's closest friends, and despite several requests for her presence at the strategy sessions she turned them down outright. This was a little more important; Luna could fill her in before things went completely out of hoof. She used the morning meal to gauge the six who had travelled from Ponyville and where their minds might be, this close to a major confrontation. Applejack and Pinkie's appetites had not been affected, though neither had much to say between bites of waffles and pancakes. Fluttershy had not started eating, despite the reassurances she had from Discord the previous day. Spike half-heartedly gnawed on a topaz while Rarity carefully scooped oatmeal with a spoon held in her magic. Celestia herself barely sipped at her coffee, waiting to see if anypony else would at least start a conversation.

"Yer chefs really know somethin about pancakes," Applejack finally said after finishing a small stack, washing it down with milk. "Granny's are still better, but I'd wake up to these."

"The waffles need more berries!" Pinkie upended a bowl full of blueberries and raspberries on her waffle. "And whipped cream, and chocolate......"

"Yer nuts, Pinkie-"

"NUTS! I KNEW I WAS FORGETTING SOMETHING!" Pinkie glanced around the table for some.

"I'll have some brought out shortly, Pinkie," Celestia assured her. "Good to see most of you still have an appetite."

"Won't you be eating breakfast too, Princess...?" Fluttershy asked before reluctantly sampling her oatmeal.

"I'll be fine, Fluttershy. You really should eat." Celestia took another long sip of coffee and stared at the small stack of pancakes brought to her. She really didn't have much appetite this morning with so much else in disarray. What few students that had reported to her up to last night read insightful, thorough and inspired dreams of the future read with the jealousy toward Twilight Sparkle. She knew Shining Armor worried for his little sister as much as he did Canterlot proper, even with Luna calming his fears and doubts from before. She still had not spoken again to Aurora about the midnight rose that Hazard Watch found, and wondered if Count Solaris' catching traces of conversation included her. Perfectly prepared pancakes were no panacea to the perplexing present.

"Someone wake up Rainbow Dash yet?" Applejack started her second helping. "She's missin a treat."

"I think she was up most of the night anyway," Fluttershy admitted. "She's really angry and frustrated about all this and she couldn't sleep."

"That won't help us at all. She shoulda just flopped on a cloud outside and slept it off."

"Mostly nerves, I'm sure," Rarity offered. "Rainbow Dash knows she'll be working with the Wonderbolts and the Solar Pegasus guards, so she should be at the top of her game. If she's not....."

"She ain't up, so she don't get breakfast......"

"I can go wake her," Spike sleepily offered.

Pinkie looked at her messy waffles before turning to Spike. "The nuts aren't here yet, so I can go wake her up." She bounced from the table, turning back only once. "Nopony touch my waffles!" She ordered before heading into the hallway.

Spike yawned, one paw reaching a little too close. Pinkie reappeared. "No-pony, and no-DRAGON!"

Spike fell off his chair as Pinkie departed again.

"How can she not be worried at a time like this?" Rarity wondered out loud. "Twilight has been imprisoned, who knows what that monster has done to her."

Fluttershy finally started into her breakfast. "Discord asked her yesterday, and her Pinkie sense hasn't told her anything else..."

Only now could Celestia attempt her pancakes. Fluttershy's observation was the ounce of hope she could have with breakfast.

Twilight hesitated every few steps; the voices and echoes through the tunnel spooked her. She wondered if this tunnel branched elsewhere, or if it functioned like an audial "Chimney" to get sound out of the complex and minimize reverberations. Her mind wandered to such strange things, almost jump-started from her freedom. Intentional or not, she had every intention of repaying Summerstorm... when, not if, she escaped.

Her curiosity tugged her to a side tunnel, one that sloped downward. Faint light awaited ahead, but the conversations were better heard there. A mix of voices, ranging from excitement to curiosity to authoritative. She wanted to listen, she needed more information! The more she had, the more she could help prepare Canterlot. She heard growls of Phalanx soldiers talking about chariots; she heard Morning Star asking Ichor questions, and Sweet Pea's giggling; she heard Lapis Umbral himself donning his armor and speaking to somepony else. They were preparing. Today HAD to be the day. Twilight had to get out.

She scraped up the main incline, hoping that her theory was correct. This had to open to somewhere, there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Or clouds. Lots and lots of clouds! Twilight bumped her snout against the fog wall. Stifling a sneeze, she pondered her next step. Was there? The clouds were thick, but the spire itself narrow; it would be a long fall without wings to catch her. Magic was out of the question, even from up here. She knew that Morning Star or the blind unicorn zebra would notice that. She peered out again, carefully, the mists and wind keeping her visibility down. A tenuous step to the clouds gave her a firm reminder that this wasn't just cover; the clouds a platform, her bare wings twitching in confirmation. She lacked the use of the wings for balance but that would not stop her from walking on the clouds. Even a Cloudsdale pegasus had to be able to remain on them with a broken wing. She parted a portion of the cloud cover, hoping to see more and further into the area. Hopefully she accounted for all the pegasi, once she was spotted there would be no turning back. One deep breath, one leap of faith.... and the spongy, soft surface held her up so that she could start her journey northeast. She had to get to Canterlot before Lapis.

She peered up from the cloud cover. No pegasi in sight. Not risking being seen, she kept to a low profile in the cover, almost letting a layer cover her as he pointed herself northeast. The pegasus in her kept her footing, the earth pony in her a compass, and the unicorn in her demanding to help, somehow. She couldn't risk magic yet. She was too close to being dragged back... and still too far from where she wanted to be. She peeked up periodically, unable to see the end of the cloud cover. The clouds would only extend so far; would it be far enough then? Her unicorn side itched to cast. Frowning at the temptation, she ducked down once more and continued northeastward.

"WAKE UP RAINBOW DASH!!!"

The pegasus bounced off the ceiling and floor before catching herself and winging into Pinkie's face. "I'm up! Where's everypony else? Is Twilight okay? Did I miss anything?"

Pinkie blinked. "You're up now that I'm here, everypony else is finishing breakfast, Twilght's not here and you missed out on pancakes and waffles! I'll share mine, but nopony else gets any!"

Rainbow Dash landed before her friend and tried desperately to hide a yawn. "Good, I was worried I'd sleep through it all."

"Now you're awake!" Pinkie bounced around Dash once before heading down the hall. "Ready to eat and talk to everypony else and fly around Canterlot and maybe - "

"One thing at a time," Dash grumbled. "No more Pinkie stuff about Twilight?"

Pinkie stopped. "Nope!" She resumed mid-bounce.

"Too bad your Pinkie sense can't tell us if they're gonna bring her to Canterlot."

The pink pony bounced backward. "I really don't know! If she's brought here we could set her free and then we hit em with a RAINBOW TO THE FACE!" she flailed with punches and kicks in two bounces. "Or they'll leave her behind and she'll do a Daring Do escape and fight all the deathtraps so she'll be here just in time so we can hit em with a RAINBOW TO THE FACE!!" Pinkie flailed again. "Or she-"

"Kinda wish Princess Celestia could still wield an element.... maybe that other alicorn - "

"The gold alicorn sitting in the Atrium with a unicorn guard? He just wants to sit and watch, and you can't tell an alicorn he can't! He couldn't be Twilight if he wanted to. He could try really REALLY hard but I think he'd be more like you or Applejack-"

"Wait, you've MET him?"

"He's in Canterlot, you can't miss him!"

"Has anypony else - "

"Nope! I didn't say anything because nopony else asked me to! Just like keeping a secret for Discord-"

"Discord~?!"

Pinkie turned to Dash and zippered her mouth shut. After a moment she unzippered it. "Pinkie promise! Besides, my waffles are getting cold!"

Cepheid paced along the windows facing away from Canterlot, scanning the horizon. He'd glance back at the poor unicorn soldier sent to babysit him; he did not need a guard! He had zero interest in the fireworks to come. He just wanted to speak to his little brother and slap some sense into him.

"Prince Cepheid....?" the unicorn guard asked sheepishly. "You are not gathering armor for the coming storm?"

"Why? It's like an afternoon rain. It won't last long."

"You know more about who is coming than most of the Guard."

"I do - my brother, after all."

"Is it because it's family?"

"I can't choose sides when it comes to family," Cepheid resigned. "I don't like what Lapis is planning, but I don't think I can stop it. Tia and Luna are going to see this through just for the sake of Tia's student, I'm guessing."

"And the safety of Princess Twilight...?"

"She'll be fine. Little brother talks a good intimidating talk but it's only a matter of time. He'll trip over his own hooves and realize his mistake."

"You seem sure about this," the guard wondered. "So why are we on such high alert?"

"Because at least I can admit when I'm wrong. This time I don't think I am." Cepheid closed his eyes, letting the wind do the talking for a moment. "The wind is coming from the southwest. That's the wind my brother will ride into Canterlot. Dunno how many ponies he'll have with him, but I hope they understand what they're fighting for."

"Were you a soldier, Prince Cepheid?"

"Me? Nah. My duty was the seasons. We're in the autumn to winter transition now. Guessing little brother isn't going to wait for the snow." He glanced out the windows again. "Little brother's no soldier either. He looked like a child the first time we tried to put him in armor."

The soldier had trouble picturing something so undignified from an alicorn. "Just like a foal making his first armor from cans and plates, and twice as loud. Took us longer to catch him to quiet him down."

"I don't really understand...."

"You will, soldier. Not even a thousand years of experiences can change some things about an alicorn."

Twilight peeked out of the cloud cover to see much more distance to cover northeastward. She was running out of clouds, and only so many hops, skips and jumps before the sky would be completely clear. She might have to peel a piece from the edge of the cover to try and glide in that direction. Thankfully, some of the pegasi had stirred the proper tailwind, so she would have more of a head start. She only needed enough to curl up on (or into!) to continue her journey.

She had to have all her information in order. She didn't have all the names, but plenty of descriptions. Her wings, tattered to nearly nothing, evidence of her time imprisoned. She hadn't seen Aurora since she was brought in; what was her role in all this? She didn't want to be on the Magic Council, but there was a lot more to it than even that. Celestia and Luna had to have been contacted in the meantime. What about Strife? She didn't hear his voice at all on her way out. Was he already heading to Canterlot? Or was he rejoining his peers elsewhere? Too many questions that she couldn't answer.

A gentle swing of her wing picked up the breeze under her cloud. Canterlot had to be her first stop.

"Where is Hatchet? I'll need him to adjust something on this armor."

Desert Sun continued adjusting her drape. "I've not seen nor heard him since you sent him to check on Twilight."

Lapis' ears swiveled, not hearing the trademark laughter. "Not sure whether to be pleased or worried. He should have been back up here by now to suit up."

"Shall I check on them?"

"No. If I go, he'll move a great deal faster. Please check with Violet and Silver to make sure the chariots are ready."

Sun gave Lapis a light nuzzle before trotting off to the launch platform. Lapis himself purposefully marched to the dungeons, hoping that some of the armor noise would remind Hatchet that he had spent too much time playing with the trapped toy. There was war to fight, the prisoner had enough food and water for a few days until someone could be sent for her. He marched harder down the final stairway, the noise rattling the walls and bouncing around him with similar angry purpose.

"HATCHET~!" he called, expecting his smithy to appear at the base of the stairs with his wings to the ground to be stomped. No sign of the pegasus. Lapis called again with no answer. He paused as he heard nothing from the cell, nothing ahead of him, only the ruckus he caused.

"Hatchet, this is no time to be --" the thought lost immediately once Lapis could see the cell. The door remained wide open, and the sole occupant wrapped up in the Lyrium chains, unconscious. The pegasus had one shackle over his mouth, one on each of his forelimbs, and one draped over his neck. The troughs still mostly full, though one dented from an impact from Hatchet's spastic dance once the Lyrium took hold.

"HATCHET!" The tone now more of frustration mixed with concern as he entered the cell, sensing around for any sign of the actual prisoner. He pawed once at the shackles, immediately regretting it as the Lyrium tore into his armor and raked his body.

"DUSTMITE! COME TO THE DUNGEON IMMEDIATELY! EVERYPONY ELSE BE READY TO LEAVE WITHIN THE HOUR!

"THE PRINCESS HAS ESCAPED!"

Chapter 28

Twilight continued pushing her cloud northeast, hoping to get the winds to pick up further. She still hadn't quite cleared the valley, and Appleloosa was still a good distance away. At her current altitude she expected the winds to be stronger; perhaps the breeze was localized to Drakengard and would be a literal tail-wind for them when they do finally depart. She glanced back once, shuddering at the black spire almost glaring at her in anger.

Then it spoke.

An eruption of sound, a thunderous earthquake, the roar of a hundred lions, funneled by the walls of the valley. She saw the spire tremble, the sound and the wind washing through the valley as an audible tsunami. Her eyes widened at the sheer power of the voice. It was certainly Umbral's, he knew she had escaped, and his displeasure now a storm in ancient Equestrian over her luck and departure. The wave of wind and sound ripped at the clouds around Drakengard and mushroomed outward, white and gray waves flooding the air. The sheer force of the vocal storm tumbled clouds over her own. Before her visibility was lost from the wave, she saw pegasi leaving the spire.

They would find her. She couldn't permit herself to be found. Turning invisible would make her trackable by the spellcasters, even from this distance. Levitation was out of the question; she could only ride the winds and hope that her cloud would remain under her until the rage subsided. She turned back northeast, ready to urge her cloud onward.

The cloud stopped abruptly, bouncing off a pegasus mail cart. Twilight spooked, nearly falling from the cloud. The gray mailmare waved happily to her, completely oblivious to her plight.

"Are you heading to Appleloosa? I need a ride."

The crosseyed pegasus gave her an odd look. "Where else would I be sending mail out here?"

"Just.... is there room in the cart for me?"

"But you've got a really good cloud....."

"No time to explain!" Twilight dove into the cart. "If you can get me to Appleloosa, I'll get you a voucher for Sugarcube Corner. A muffin every morning for a year."

"Oh, okay." The pegasus hovered a few seconds, processing the offer.

"Just follow your route to Appleloosa, but please keep moving."

"Appleloooooooooooosa~!!" The mare cheered before winding her way northeast.

Twilight exhaled briefly, hoping this would be safe haven for part of her journey. It might cost her time, but she could preserve energy and get her mind around what was about to happen. She knew that if any of the Phalanx were searching for her, they would fly out this way. She knew Lapis wasn't that naive; once she got out, her first stop would be Canterlot. She continued to keep her horn silenced as she sifted through the mess inside the cart, hoping this was enough mail to cover her up in case they were spotted.

"SHE'S ESCAPED! SHE MUST BE CAUGHT! SCAN THE AREA FOR MAGIC! PEGASI, DISPERSE AND SEARCH FOR THE PRISONER~!!"

The entire cell shuddered from his orders, still scared from his tirade. Dustmite showed up to release Hatchet from the Lyrium bonds so new punishment could be meted. Most of his vitriol was aimed at the escaped prisoner, but he stung Hatchet's pride, past, and future in full Royal Canterlot Voice. The walls of the cell now warm to the touch from the sheer volume and force of his voice, and Hatchet curled up in a red and gray ball in the corner, seared from the Lyrium and his boss' fury. To be sure that Hatchet learned the lesson and felt pain that hurt, Lapis levitated Hatchet to the reflection on the trough and tapped the Fear gem several times, so that the nightmares of the necklace and his punitive speech would not be forgotten readily. The smithy trembled as the alicorn closed one more time, eyes glowing an almost electric blue. "You. Had. ONE. Job! ONE! JOB!"

"Boss, I - "

"SILENCE~!!!" Lapis thundered. "I would lock you in a room with all your fears were there time! I have all unicorns scanning for her magic and all the other pegasi looking for her! YOU, in the meantime, will get your armor on immediately and report to the launch platform."

Hatchet slowly uncoiled, body still sore and tender from the Lyrium surges and Lapis' words. "Yeah, about that......."

"NO EXCUSES!" Lapis roared, casting harshly on the pegasus. "Healing you should be humiliation enough! Every OTHER nightmare I have in mind will be saved should we still succeed. Now GO!"

Hatchet launched back upstairs for his armor. Lapis remained there for a few moments, looking at how much silt and dust he stirred in his anger. "I cannot fail this time," he said to himself. "WE cannot fail this time......." He turned to the stairs to see if anypony had had any luck in finding Twilight.

Silver Shimmer launched due northeast, flying low. Twilight's wings had nothing of use for flight so she had to escape to the ground somehow. Violet Force orbited the cloud cover and cleared patches in search of the escaped prisoner. Both hoped to bring her back to her pen and leave her there for a few days! She cursed to herself, wondering if she could even think of a way to punish Hatchet. He liked getting beat up for some reason, so physical was out.

No sign of the princess or hoofprints along the ground of the valley. "How far could she get?" Silver pondered as she gained altitude again, checking along the eastern wall of the valley to see if there might be a cave, a crevasse or ledge to hide from a pegasus' sharp eyes. Nothing. Silver was convinced that there was no possible way that Twilight could have already escaped the valley.

"Anything yet?" Violet Force called from the cloud cover.

"Check along the western valley walls - I'm heading north!"

"What about the mines?"

"One's already blocked up, the new mine isn't deep - Sandstone can check those, keep moving!"

Violet leapt off his cloud to continue his search. Silver accelerated when she noticed a stray cloud and even more strayed airborne cart. "HALT, TRAVELER!"

Violet heard the order and followed his sister.

Twilight shifted with the abrupt stop of the mail cart. She heard the snarling order of a Phalanx soldier nearby and it likely stopped poor Derpy.

"O hai scary pegasus," Derpy greeted with genuine earnest. Silver Shimmer wasn't impressed.

"Have you seen a purple alicorn in the area?" Silver demanded.

"A purple what?"

"A purple alicorn!" Violet Force repeated as he caught up to the cart. Derpy blinked again in incomprehension.

"She'd look like him," Silver Shimmer explained, pointing to the male Phalanx soldier. "But with a horn."

"I'm NOpony's mare!"

"But he's brown... the armor's purple......"

Twilight shuffled deeper under the mail. She can't get caught now! She scanned the mess of envelopes in hope of inspiration. She didn't recognize a lot of the names, letters going to Appleloosa, Baltimare, Vanhoover, Los Pegasus. One such letter did inspire her to carefully cast. She knew that neither pegasus would notice if she was careful enough.

"Do you even KNOW where you're going?"

"Just the mail," the grey pegasus replied innocently.

"That must be heavy! Let's see if I can lighten the load...."

"But I don't think I have anything addressed to a scary pegasus.... I don't remember."

"This is royal business, peasant!" Silver Shimmer peered into the cart. "I know you're in there, show yourself!"

The Phalanx pegasus was partially correct - somepony was in the cart, but not the purple alicorn she was looking for. A pale blue unicorn burst out of the mail assortment, looking disheveled and angry. Her blue-white mane rolled down her back as she locked eyes with Silver Shimmer. "GAH~!" she exclaimed, "Can't the Great and Powerful Trixie get her beauty rest when she's getting a free ride!?"

"Trixie??!"

"Yay Trixie!" The mailmare cheered again.

"Trixie getting a free ride?" Silver Shimmer snorted in disgust. "Probably because you can't conjure enough attention or money for the train."

"Does Trixie have to zap a mare?" The spellcaster warned.

"You would have seen Twilight Sparkle if she somehow flew past," Violet snarked. "Hopefully you managed a 'Great and Powerful' insult."

Trixie waved a hoof dismissively. "Oh, her? Why would Trixie even care about her anymore? Trixie has her own things to deal with now. So leave us so Trixie can get to the train station and to her next show, else Trixie file a formal complaint with Princess Luna of you interfering with postal services!"

"Well if either of you see Twilight Sparkle, report it immediately!"

"But....." The gray pegasus volunteered, only to have a light blue hoof over her snout.

"We will inform you if she appears. Now do leave the Great and Powerful Trixie alone!" The unicorn waved a hoof dismissively, trying to send the armored pegasi on her way. They looked Trixie up and down.

"I'm sure if YOU saw Twilight you'd point her out," Silver snapped before launching away.

Trixie deflated, the disguise melting away. "That was TOO close," Twilight whispered.

"Oooh, that was a really cool spell, Trixie...."

Twilight blinked. "Trixie teleported away. She needed more peanut butter crackers."

"Oh..." the pegasus looked around. "BYE TRIXIE~!!!"

"Just..... get me to Appleloosa."

Night Ash continued focusing north-eastward, sorting through the weather magic interference. She had never "Felt" Twilight's magic before and would hope its signature would be unique enough to stand out from the static.

"Any luck?" Desert Sun asked as she strained to scan as well. "I would think she would at least try a teleport."

"Nothing," Night Ash absently responded. "I did feel something slight, but it was too short to trace. It wasn't transport magic, I do know that."

Morning Star paced in front of the other two unicorns, scanning the horizon with her eyes as well as her magic. "She's not athletic enough to have run far. The pegasi should have found her by now."

"Lapis wants us on our way within the hour. I would think he would prefer we continue to scan."

"On a straight run we would beat her there," Desert Sun agreed. "She will have to teleport at some point."

Night Ash then "re-tuned" her necklace to hearing. "If she cannot fly, then perhaps I can locate her another way......"

"Do you think you'd be able to 'see' her?"

"I'm listening for her, Morning Star. But I hear nopony running out there. A lot of running around in here."

"We can't be wasting time just running around!" Morning Star protested. "Master Lapis will want us in the carts soon enough."

"When the pegasi get back, Morning Star. But until they do, I will continue searching."

The rumble of Lapis' anger spread away from the spires, catching ears in the distance. Cepheid turned southwest, ears forward, trying to sort out the thunderous sound. He could almost make out his little brother's voice in the cacophony, and frowned at the language used.

The guard was looking out a different window, ears flat. "Thunder? On a clear day?"

"Something's clear, soldier. Whatever is to happen WILL happen today. If my little brother's smart."

"'If'?"

"That temper tantrum is going to be heard in a lot of other places. Once it's traced back to him, he might have half of Equestria on his doorstep."

"Could you hear what he was saying?"

"Something about his horn being a sword, his wings are his shields and they cause hurricanes. The usual bluster."

"It still doesn't trouble you...?"

"Words are their own weapons, soldier. Let's see how good he is at wielding them at close range."

The rumble startled several at the Spellbreak camp, especially Strife. He recognized Lapis' voice immediately, looking due west. "It's starting."

"What? Your other master announces himself?"

Strife's glare turned back to Belmonte. "Alicorn arrogance. Canterlot will be ready for him."

"Preparing for a storm doesn't mean it will be weathered......." Salvino's voice creaked from his resting place. "Let us watch the storm. Break camp, and we will reap what the storm brings."

Chapter 29

The thunder of Lapis' tirade barely stirred the foundations of Canterlot. The rumbling was readily dismissed by the soldiers as either distant thunder or soldiers/artillery moving into position. The local populous also thought the tremors to be military related. Stores remained closed, classes were cancelled. Everypony simply informed that despite the weather, this would not be a good day to be outside. The sound was not lost on Celestia and Luna; they looked to each other knowingly.

"It will be today," Luna whispered to her sister. "Please instruct the Elements to be ready."

Celestia nodded. "Summon the Phalanx, I expect much from this battle."

Luna launched out a window to the Phalanx quarters as Celestia walked quietly back to the rooms she had allotted for Twilight's friends. She did not look forward to whatever was to happen. What little Luna could remember, what little Shining Armor recalled about Lapis sounded like its own nightmare. She shivered at the thought of Lapis on their doorstep in such a mood. She also worried for Twilight, but deep down knew that the newest princess would fight with everything she had to free herself from Lapis' grasp.

The rest of the Elements chose to use one of the unused meeting halls to wait for further orders. Each one already had their necklaces on, mostly at Rainbow Dash's insistence. Applejack thought they would at least see what the kidnapper wanted, knowing that they needed Twilight for the Rainbow of Harmony to actually work. Pinkie distracted herself by trying to put the crown on Spike, who complained back that the only magic he knew was getting messages to and from Princess Celestia.

"Maybe you could poof out purple flames, that would get a message to Twilight! Tell her we all said 'hi' and that we're-" she froze as the rumble touched off her Pinkie sense. She staggered, hair poofing flat then poofy, forelimbs trembling and tail whirling about. "OH! Princess Celestia is having company today. Maybe it'll be Twilight!"

"One could only hope," Celestia's gentle voice and magic opened the door to their area. "This will be the day we will know Twilight's fate. He is coming."

"Who's 'he'?" Rainbow Dash half-demanded, her mind briefly recalling the gold alicorn in the Atrium.

"'He', Rainbow Dash, is Twilight's captor. We are unsure of who will be attending him, but we are readying for anything."

Pinkie bounced up with Twilight's crown. "Are you sure you couldn't wear this crown, Princess Celestia?? Then we could just hit him with a RAINBOW TO THE FACE and invite him in for cake and ice cream!"

"It is not my element to wield, anymore," the Sun Princess reaffirmed. "As far as we are aware, Twilight is alive. The question will be if she is with him."

"Oh, he wouldn't do that!" Pinkie giggled. "He left her in the dungeon to despair and cry but she'll make a Daring Do escape!! She'll run and fly and hide from everypony looking for her! She might even beat him here...." she looked back at her tail, which didn't move. "But that part I'm not sure yet."

"You don't think he'll just come to talk.....?" Fluttershy asked carefully.

"Sadly, he will not. I don't believe he took our response to his threats very well."

"We could have Cadance fly out and talk to him! She has a really really cool love-love spell, that might keep him from wanting to fight! Then I'll teach him how to sing happy songs, and we can all celebrate him being here!"

"Pinkie, it won't be that simple," Rarity chided. "A shame, male alicorns sound absolutely dashing."

"But he doesn't Dash, that's Rainbow Dash's job."

"Not like that, Pinkie!" Rainbow protested before facehoofing.

"He doesn't dash - he looooooooms and he glowers like a gargoyle who's stuck to a wall or a ledge. If I had to sit in the same place for a longlonglonglongloooooooooong time I wouldn't be happy either!"

"All I can confirm is that he will be here today. And he will not be happy to be here. I know that your Elements may protect you, but without Twilight we cannot -"

"RAINBOW TO THE FACE~!!!" Pinkie growled, pawing at the air with her forelimbs.

"Until we have Twilight back, please keep safe. The Elements may be our only hope should the soldiers yield to whatever he brings."

Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack barked out orders to each unit of soldiers. The Solars had to cover as much of the castle as possible, until the Phalanx were fully mobilized. Flank Attack wasn't figuring them into his own strategy, recalling the stories that Silver Bardiche had told him about what happened at the Millenial. Earth ponies would be stationed all through the castle, unicorns interspersed. All pegasi in the air if possible, including one circling the mountain peak just in case.

"Face this as though the Changelings are returning!" Flank Attack announced. "Give no ground, show NO weakness!"

"Every eye in the sky is one more eye than before!" Thunder Arrow added authoritatively. "Report the instant you see something, no matter how trivial!"

The two captains turned to salute Shining Armor as he joined them for the last round of strategy. The white unicorn seemed unkempt and distracted as he looked over the map of the castle and exteriors, not asking any questions. His mind was still racing about his little sister; no matter how powerful she was, he knew she was in trouble and he couldn't do anything other than plan.

"EYES FRONT, SHINING ARMOR!" Flank Attack bellowed in his best Silver Bardiche voice. "You're needed here."

"Sorry, I'm - "

"We're all here for the same reason," Thunder Arrow affirmed. "We're fighting for your sister's honor, right?"

"We're fighting for Twily's - Princess Twilight's - my sister's LIFE!"

"Easy, easy. This time everypony's here. You fought him before, you know what to expect."

"One on one, we fought. You fought one of his pegasi, and it took three ponies to do in Silver Bardiche."

"This time we have a couple of hundred soldiers backing us up. As well as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna - "

"And the Phalanx," Flank Attack grumbled.

"I already mentioned them -"

"You said 'soldiers'....."

Thunder Arrow smirked. "Anyway, you and your wife fought off the changelings and fought Sombra. However, we had to set up a non-thrown room for Princess Cadance."

Flank Attack rolled his eyes at the awful pun as the already stressed unicorn responded. "Non-throne room?? She's a PRINCESS, she -"

The pegasus laughed as it dawned on Shining Armor. "That's not funny!" the unicorn protested.

"Cadance is safe, and she can take care of herself. We need to take care of the rest of the place. Now get your horn in the game here." Flank Attack stomped the map with a hoof, glaring at the still-smirking Thunder Arrow.

Lapis' expression could not darken further as each pegasus returned with no sign of the departed prisoner. His glare unsettled Slurry, calmed Cloud Slayer, silenced Silver Shimmer. Hatchet finally galloped in from suiting up, ears still stinging from "Boss"'s anger. He slid up to the alicorn and knelt, wings splayed in tacit apology.

He felt a hoof simply stand on the wing. "This morning is your final mistake," Umbral snarled. The hoof moved away, allowing the poor pegasus to stand.

"We all know where she is going! We have a speed advantage! She cannot fly, and her magic should not be restored enough to teleport! Regardless, all casters with their horns forward in case she does try!" He turned to Ichor. "You will bring your ranks from the very ground to scare the Solars. They may not affect the Phalanx."

"There are other 'effects' for those soldiers in place," the pony lich whispered. Sweet Pea flopped around on his back trying to cheer.

"Once I see Gallant Lionheart, that will be set in motion. I have outlined this plan to everypony numerous times. They are expecting us. They are NOT expecting much."

"We got this, boss!" Dustmite shouted. "Between the bone guards and big brother here-" the colt-sized zebra tapped Sandstone's armor - "They can't stop us!"

"The various magics will also cause confusion," Night Ash continued. "Wind, air, sand, weather and undead. A lot all at once for a kingdom that has had few such invasions."

"The Changeling invasion made sure they strengthened their numbers and discipline. That will NOT be enough." Lapis boarded his chariot, Desert Sun at his side. "I ask one last time, that you are all working with me on this venture?" Not one pony spoke for a moment. The alicorn nodded. "To Canterlot, then! Pegasi, increase the tailwind! Night Ash, assist if you can! Morning Star, Desert Sun - keep serching for our misplaced prisoner. Dustmite, prepare your brother for this combat."

A round of salutes, and everypony assembled to the chariots.

Twilight bounced with the mail cart as it landed on the outskirts of Appleloosa. She sat in there for a moment, getting her own eyes uncrossed from the bumpy ride and her mind spinning over the upcoming events.

"You okay Twilight Sparkle?" Derpy asked, maybe a little too loud, as she poked her head into the cart.

"I'm ... I'll be fine," the princess managed. She sat up in the cart and handed over the makeshift coupon. "Tell the pink pony that works there I sent you."

"It says muffins!!" Derpy crowed as Twilight slipped away for the next leg of her journey.

She had to be on the next train to Canterlot, and even that might not be fast enough. The roar of Lapis' vitriol still chilled her, knowing that his wrath would soon rain on the castle and kingdom that was once her home. She wanted to teleport right then and there, but she was still too weak and too far away. At least some miles covered by the train would put her in a safe range. She would focus on Princess Celestia; that, she knew, was the safest place in Canterlot, by her side.

She calmed a moment before attempting another low-level spell, the disguise spell she had used at the Armoring Ceremony. She couldn't be seen by the pony populous just yet. The ruckus of the sight of her might even be loud enough to catch the blind zebra's ears, so she would have to hide in plain sight. Her magic cast low, hiding the ragged wings and recoloring the purple hide to a more off-white, her violet eyes a sunset orange. With no mirror handy, she hoped her "Morning Voice" guise would cover her enough until she could get closer to Canterlot. Not having any saddlebags or information with her, she wasn't even sure she could get on the train heading north. This would be her fastest option for the moment; she could run, but they could fly. She could teleport, but they might sense her. One deep breath, and she rounded a corner to approach the train station.

She heard a great deal of excited conversation as travelers boarding the Appleloosa train exchanged stories of seeing bat-winged ponies in the skies to the south. One apparently had flown low over Appleloosa before looping back into the valley. Too close for Twilight's comfort; she decided not to listen as she approached the ticket window.

"One ticket to Canterlot, please," she requested.

"Travel's pretty restricted into Canterlot right now, miss....."

"Morning Voice, from the Fillydelphia Recorder. I was hoping to go to Canterlot to find out what's going on. My story about the cactus farming here will have to wait."

"A Reporter? Why didn't you say so? I'll see what I can arrange for you."

Twilight visibly relaxed. She expected a lot more questions.

"Morning Voice?" the teller returned to the window. "Next train leaves in thirty minutes, full. You'll have to see if we have a cancellation."

"This could be a major Equestrian matter!"

"We've got time. Hopefully a seat will open up. I'll let you know right away."

Twilight slumped to the bench, almost in defeat. Lapis and company could cover a lot of sky in thirty minutes, and she wasn't confident teleporting that far. A glance south confirmed her fears: a roiling black cloud erupted from the valley and drifted northeast. Even the teller noticed it.

"Might have to move up the timetable to beat that storm," he thought out loud. It was everything Twilight had not to turn to him and explain everything - but how would a reporter know what she knew? Would dropping the disguise make this faster? Would waiting for the train make things worse? Hearing nothing further from the teller, she impatiently flopped on the bench to wait.

Gallant Lionheart suited up quickly, well aware that Luna would arrive to give him his formal orders. He planned on having the Phalanx pegasi covering similar ground, Shadow Tracker (the only other Phalanx unicorn) should be outside, and the earth ponies near the gates. He guessed that Master Lapis had the ability and range to pull all of them "Over", but he wanted all of them visible.

"TO ARMS, GALLANT LIONHEART!!" Luna's voice announced to him as she flew through the window. "AWAKEN THEM AND PREPARE!"

He knelt to her. "Your voice summons them all, Princess Luna. The pony who does not answer will answer to me."

"Tis the day you prove yourself as a guardcaptain once more. I still hear rumblings from other ponies about you. I expect a great deal from you today."

"I will not disappoint."

"See that you don't - there are others who could be in your position. Prove them wrong as well." She launched out the window without another word.

Lionheart's ear turned back to the nearby barracks, where he heard the soldiers suiting up. "Today, we prove a lot of ponies wrong."

Twilight remained flopped on the bench near the teller's window, mind racing. Somehow she was teleported from what little normal life she had left to be fed to rabid Phalanx soldiers, scolded by another alicorn, and mocked by other ponies. Her magic had been almost completely wiped from her system; it was everything she had to not drop her disguise to see if her cutie mark was intact. She had survived the escape and one interrogation, but now she shouldn't just be sitting on a bench! Images of Canterlot in flames and the spires crumbling flooded her mind; she shivered at the thoughts, and heard within it a triumphant Lapis condemning Equestria to Eternal Night in Luna's name.

"Morning Voice?"

Twilight remained lost in the waking nightmare before she was reminded of her disguise.

"Morning Voice? Moving the train departure up a few minutes, I think we can squeeze you in."

She clambered off the bench and hurried to the window. "Please, this is VERY important."

"A couple of travelers said they can take the next train. They remembered you walking around at the Armoring ceremonies interviewing dignitaries, so they figured you were going there to talk to the Princesses?"

"Yes!" She said too abruptly. "Yes, this is all related. Please, even half a seat on the train is better than no seat at all."

"They look forward to the finished article when it hits the Recorder."

"I'll see that they get copies. Who gave up their seats?"

"Baltimare Mayor Silver Viceroy and his current consort, Velvet Cheesecake."

Twilight cringed inwardly, but realized that this was her chance. She guessed that Silver Viceroy saw Morning Voice talking to various rulers at the ceremonies. She could almost hear his proud admittance that his Generosity is as strong as the Element itself. Any seat in a brewing storm! "They will have a copy of the entire story. It might not be out for a few days, of course....."

"Of course," the teller cheerily replied. "He was interested in an interview at some point."

"I will certainly be in touch to arrange that," "Morning Voice" forced as much gratitude as she could before magicking up the ticket and galloping on board. She noted to herself that she would definitely arrange that interview......

Luna made one final stop before she returned to her sister. She heard the sound of someone cooking in one of the empty meeting rooms and instantly knew the answer. "DISCORD, THY ANTICS ARE ILL-TIMED!"

She entered the room to find the draconoequus lounging on the meeting table, holding a frying pan over a green fire. "Antics? Somepony said 'scramble' so it made me hungry." He tilted the pan enough to see a jumbled mess of his miniatures being cooked over the open flame. "There, I've scrambled my troops..."

Luna remained unamused. "You shall remain away from the war that is about to erupt here. Do not interfere with our interactions with Lapis and his forces."

"Would *I* do that?" came his innocent response. The frying pan erupted with popcorn. "I'll be happy to watch, family chaos is great chaos."

"Lapis is angry enough from the past within the family. Your presence will only make things - "

"Worse? or Better?" Two winged sticks of butter appeared over his popcorn, melting from the ambient heat. "Worry not, dear Luna, I have no interest in interfering in a family matter. Though I would certainly help you sedate that sad little creature. A wedgie through his armor, wet willies to his exposed ears - "

"Will only make things more difficult!"

Discord chuckled. "A sense of humor is a terrible thing to waste, dear Luna. Your taciturn brother is right, wait until the little one trips over his own hooves."

"This situation is more than family, and this is not the same alicorn that you tricked in his naiivete."

"'Tricked'? You WOUND me!" A stray popcorn kernel lodged in one eye. "I saw what he wanted and was willing to give it to him. If he wanted something else, I would give him that, and so on. Stodgy old Cephalopod was simply jealous that I couldn't please him."

"Regardless, your interference is NOT welcome."

"I'll busy myself, then," Discord casually waved her off. "I'm going to need MORE popcorn!"

The clanging and rattling of armor as the Solars and Phalanx assembled rang even over the sound of Iron Forge's hoof-hammer. Soldiers galloping or flying to post, orders shouted across the courtyards, the sound of preparation. Forge paused in his work only briefly to look outside, confused as the first soldier flying by a Phalanx guard. A split-second acknowledgement satisfied the armorer; they knew who gave them their barding, with the blessings of the Princesses. He looked back to his work and thought of all those bracing for whatever was heading this way. The winds had indeed shifted, blowing strongest from the northeast. To an earth pony, that was never a good sign. Between the change of seasons and the war preparations, this was not the day to be teaching or forging. No time for fine-tuning of current armors or replacing pieces damaged as the battles wore on. He wasn't going to wait for Flank Attack's order.

"Finish what you're working on, then to shelters!" he boomed over the din. "This area will be secured by the guards."

The startled apprentices hastened on each piece as Forge himself pried his heavy tool from his hoof. He would stay till all the apprentices - his and Golden Silver's alike - were safely out of this area. He recalled the informal assembly of Solars for the Royal Wedding, and guessed many of them remembered it too well. This time, the soot-black earth pony thought, Canterlot would be ready. He and his crew made these soldiers ready. Once the apprentices were away, then HE could prepare.

"Morning Voice" paced through the rail car, stopping every few steps to look out the window at the oncoming storm. Many of the passengers had been watching the clouds almost closing in, pushing hard to the northeast. Conversation in the train remained hushed, as words such as "shadow storms" and "Early winter" and the occasional grumbling complaint to be sent to Cloudsdale only added to her worry. She wanted to stop and tell everypony on that train it wasn't a natural storm! It wasn't a scheduled storm, at least not on Canterlot's or Cloudsdale's schedules! She couldn't see anypony within the clouds, but knew that Lapis was in there... someplace. The northeast winds pushed at the train, wobbling it on the tracks. Morning Voice stumbled; some passengers steadied in their seats, one pegasus foal airborne.

"We need everypony to remain in their seats," a conductor announced. "We're not going to be able to beat that storm, it's only picked up since we left Appleloosa."

She returned to her seat, eyes locked on the black clouds that continued to spread. She could only guess the train's speed, which had slowed because of the gusting winds, coupled with the storm pushing harder northeast only compounded her frustration. Her nervous energy wanted her back on the floor, but the conductor scolded her with a single gaze. Looking back at the storm, it was less than an hour from Canterlot. Her travel math was not adding up.

She had to get off the train.

Morning Star closed her eyes to take in the winds as they closed on Canterlot. The tailwinds continued to increase.... perhaps in Master Lapis' anticipation? Or was it part of the pegasi duties? It didn't matter; she could see the castle in the distance.

The castle she left behind. Then again, it was the castle that left her behind. Princess Celestia would not be able to ignore their arrival or her own abilities. Canterlot would not be able to ignore a storm that covered half a horizon, an eruption of skeleton ponies, weather and fire outside of their control. She would assist in the blanket of darkness to cover Canterlot to ensure the Phalanx were activated. If Princess Celestia dissipated the darkness, they could easily try again. And if somehow "Princess" Twilight made it back to Canterlot, it would be too late. She will have achieved a magical feat that Twilight wouldn't understand if it was shown to her. She will have proven to Celestia and Luna that she was an exceptional student more than prepared to be a princess.

She would save Aurora from the obscurity of the "exclusive school" that was for "Twilight, then everypony else." She would remain at Lapis' side throughout, as Celestia and Luna finally learned the error of ignoring talent. Canterlot would have a new ruler, one who would restore history and rebalance the scales of power.

And she would be a part of it. Twilight would be underhoof when she is found, and the wings would be Morning Star's to wear.

She glanced to the other passengers in the chariot. Lapis continued his stoic stare toward the castle, Desert Sun fidgeting beside him. Was she nervous? Excited? Maybe a little scared that a lich pony rode with them, the little zombie filly babbling joyously at what was to come.

This would be the day they changed Equestria, and this is where they started.

Fire Ruby stirred from a good night's sleep, curious to the lack of work noise in the camp. Usually the racket of the earliest shifts would rouse her, and she would assemble breakfast to pass out to Snowcatcher and company. Shaking off her blankets took an extra moment; Snowcatcher would have come for her if she wasn't up by a certain time, and she knew she was late. She peered out of her tent first to see the earth ponies in some sort of conference, Siren Song presiding.

"Snowcatcher is feeling a little under the weather today," she announced. "She will be resting in her tent so please do not disturb her. Duties will be redistributed as needed; the pegasi and unicorns have been dismissed for the time being. I am thankful that we have a larger complement of earth ponies to continue the work that Snowcatcher slowed with her protocols and the others slowed in questioning our work."

Fire Ruby emerged from her tent to join up with the rest. "You're late," another green pony scolded.

"I'm usually awake earlier, especially when there's more work going on."

"Do not mind her, Sonja," Siren then turned to the red earth pony. "Your duties will remain unchanged. Errands and such, of course."

Fire Ruby did a quick head count. "I'll need to go into the empire for more coffee, cocoa and donuts."

"Of course," Siren approved. "But do hurry back since breakfast is late."

"Storm blowing in from the southwest. It's a big one!"

"That's what we're preparing for!" Luna called back to the soldier. She wanted to look out the windows or stand on the balcony to watch the storm roll in, but she could already see it in her mind. She had seen it before, in a dream.... or a nightmare not of her choosing. She looked to her sister, who continued to hide her worry for the other Elements and the soldiers about to enter this battle.

The Grand Hall doors opened, and Shining Armor galloped up to the princesses. "Anything? Any word, any sense at all about Twily?"

Luna lowered her head. "We have sensed nothing of her. We cannot tell if she is with them or not, and even then her magic may be blocked."

"Blocked....." Shining repeated, "or worse." He glanced up to his own horn, at one time neutralized with black crystals. He shivered at the memory, steeling at all the "throw your wife at it" jokes he'd heard since. "That storm outside, is that him?"

Celestia nodded. "You are well aware of the placement of Solars and Phalanx for this battle."

"Lapis lacks in number and experience, but he would not approach this lightly," Luna continued.

"He was 'ready' for us three years ago," Shining growled. "We were lucky to get out of that one mostly unscathed. This time we're ready.... right?"

"Luna and I are ready. The soldiers are ready. We can have the Elements readied-"

"Can they do anything without Twily?"

"In using the Elements, no. But they all have a little combat experience, they fought the changelings hoof-to-hoof."

The reassurances only made Shining Armor pace faster. "Wearing a trench in the floor of the Great Hall will not start this war any faster."

"I'm not worried about the battle!" he insisted. "The one time Twily's in trouble and I can't help her? How many times has she saved me? Saved you? Saved Equestria???"

"We're not helpless, Shining Armor..... and if there was more we could do, we would have done so by now."

"It's not like I can use my magic to teleport her back to Canterlot!" His horn sparked with frustration, crackling with the emotional rollercoaster he'd been on since he left the Crystal Empire. He looked helplessly to the sisters, who could only offer empathy in their eyes.

The sparks from his horn seemed to appear again behind him, growing steadily in size. He wheeled as the flickering purple energy even brought the guards to attention. Celestia's eyes widened at the sphere as it grew, shimmering in paler and paler purples and small arcs of lightning. This was not magic of her brother or any of his horde; she recognized the signature immediately, as the flash of the teleportation field revealed a very tired, ragged alicorn in its center.

"Further.... than... I thought....." she exhaled before falling against her brother.

"TWILY~!!" Shining tried to steady her with his own magic as Celestia and Luna hurried to help. She wobbled a bit more before sinking again to her knees, breath ragged from the exertion of the spell.

"He's .... still... coming..." she panted. "Don't... .give... in to ... him....."

Shining Armor looked his poor sister over a few times. Her coat was dirty, even slightly damp from the dark confines she had been locked away. He puzzled each bluish streak on her body, even on her horn. Bruises? Lacerations? They weren't like any injury he'd seen before. He gawped at her wings; bare limbs on her back, plucked clean and stained with more of the blue slashes. Her mane flopped every which way, her tail no better. All four of her ankles smoothed from her incarceration, slight burns where they bit away at her legs. The vibrant violet muted under the matting, and traces of her ribs could be seen between. Her eyes still could not focus, and her breathing ragged from the magical exertion. He couldn't even guess how far she teleported, and even then she was doing so almost blind.

"He'll know you teleported here?" Luna queried. "This was an understandable risk."

Celestia sent the guards for the rest of the Elements. Twilight finally looked up at her brother. "Shining....?"

"Your horn.... your ribs... your WINGS!" The unicorn protested. "What did that monster do to you?"

"This is not the brother we knew," Celestia explained as she settled to healing Twilight. "Torture isn't something we'd expect."

"Not him, really," Twilight managed as the spell washed over her. "His minions. Strife....."

"STRIFE~!??" Shining exclaimed, "He's still involved??"

"He had anti-magic shackles," Twilight looked to her now-healed hooves. "And a weapon that destroys magic. He mentioned 'Spellbreak'....."

"Spellbreak still exists?" Luna blinked in surprise. "We've not heard any activity in centuries. This would explain some of the troubles we've had with Strife in the recent past."

"They were a small group of earth ponies from the far north who condemned magic in all its forms," Celestia continued. "The 'anti-magic' they wielded DOES occur naturally, and they harvested it in an uprising against the unicorns and pegasi. A contingent of them organized in an attempt to bring down Unicornia, and nearly succeeded. Many ponies were lost that day."

"Brother is taking an enormous risk, asking assistance from this coven of anti-magicians...."

"Is there a counter to their anti-magic, Princess Luna?"

"There was no need when the last team was chased into the valleys south of the San Palomino desert and the Macintosh hills."

"We're getting off-topic. What can you tells us of Lapis' other complement?"

"Phalanx. Spellcasters. A pony lich........."

"Necromancy," Luna whispered. "Were it his creation, we should be cautious. Otherwise, we are indeed facing an unknown."

"But another magic lost to legend and history," Celestia added with her own concern. "Did you see this creature yourself?"

"Your brother 'introduced' me. A unicorn lich, with an earth pony zombie. Apparently they were found in a mine near his headquarters."

"So not of his creation," Luna affirmed.

"There were also enchanted necklaces....."

Celestia nodded. "We were aware of the necklaces, they were crafted in the Crystal Empire. They're likely enchanted."

Twilight nodded. "But this isn't just about..... me," She looked to her restored wing in mixed relief and worry. "He's angry. VERY angry. He thinks that Princess Luna was imprisoned after she returned home and we dispelled Nightmare Moon. He thinks that Cepheid is still in the dungeon. He doesn't comprehend why Discord is free and he repeatedly told me that I shouldn't have these." she folded her wings tightly to her sides, almost wishing them to melt into her back.

"Sister, why would he still be this angry?"

"I don't know, Luna. I can only speculate - the gates to this castle are always open, he was free to return any time he wished. I never sent soldiers after him because of this very notion. I had dropped hints over the centuries to let him know he was welcome to come home and we could speak of that night....."

"'Dropped hints'?" Twilight seemed genuinely confused.

"It would take too long to explain."

"Sister, let me bring Twilight Sparkle to my quarters before the battles begin. Something CAN explain this a great deal faster."

"Go - but come back quickly, her friends have missed Twilight."

The two teleported away. "Why are they going to her room?" Shining Armor queried.

"Twilight needs to know something about Lapis that you might recall when he invaded three years ago. This will give her more answers and questions. But it's information she must know before he arrives."

Chapter 30

Slurry lurched slightly in the winds as they picked up yet again. She looked back to the chariots, where Lapis' gaze locked on Canterlot. She could see Desert Sun's face slightly contorted with worry, the other unicorns looking to Lapis in distress.

"SHE TELEPORTED! INCREASE THE WINDS!"

"Can the other pegasi handle that kind of windspeed with a load?" Slurry shouted back. "We'll be on their lawn in less than 30 minutes as it is!"

"THEY KNOW THE RISK!" Lapis replied. "FASTER! LEAVE THE PRINCESS LITTLE TO NO TIME TO SPEAK WITH MY SISTERS!"

Slurry pumped her giant wings and added to the already-strong tailwind. She dropped altitude and glanced back as the chariots pitched from the gusting. Despite Phalanx ponies leading the carts, they still rocked and startled the passengers. Slurry didn't think there was a need. "Any faster and we could lose one -"

Slurry's concern met with a whip-crack of thunder. She turned and stirred the winds anew, the pegasi adding what they could.

Luna and Twilight appeared in Luna's normally darkened quarters, where only the balcony light seeped in. "Tis something you must understand of little brother," she explained.

Twilight knew what she had seen - and experienced - and shook her head. "You weren't - I mean, Nightmare Moon wasn't even this angry. He let his minions do all the.... damage..." she shuddered a moment. "But he continued calling me.... Unworthy."

"If an alicorn is not born such, one must have achieved great deeds to become one. Sister and I were born alicorns, our brothers were not."

"He might not even know of Cadance, then. I don't think he spoke of her at all."

"And if so, Twilight Sparkle, would he understand in his rage?" Luna guided the young princess to one wall, with something covered in in a dark purple curtain.

"He will be even angrier when he arrives." A gust of wind from the balcony startled them both. "He's almost here...." Twilight backed to the wall.

"There are many things I expect from our youngest brother," Luna calmly continued. "but even after all the years....."

Her magic carefully peeled the curtain away from the art it hid from the world, a second gust of wind throwing sunlight on the grand mosaic before them. Twilight's eyes widened at the detail; it was much more intricate than any in the main hall, a brilliant rainbow of its own colors set off by the sudden sunlight. The background flowed in blues, pale greens and whites, detailing Discord writhing in pain over a multicolored, chaotic landscape. Above him flew six Alicorns, each wearing the Element necklaces, set with actual gemstones instead of glass. From each horn a beam of colored light thrust down on the downed draconoequus, a forebear of the combined Rainbow of Harmony that Twilight and her friends used to seal him away a second time. Her gaze followed the beams upward, where the alicorns were posed in an arch: Celestia and Luna in the center. Three of the four stallions were new to Twilight's eyes; Cepheid's golden coat well-captured with honey and amber-colored glass, a ruby glimmering around his neck. Another white stallion, with a mane colored like a sunset, sternly continued his task, a pink jewel around his neck. The remaining two stallions were deeper in color - one a shimmering sea blue, the glass flickering like sunlight over ocean waves. The last puzzled Twilight, as it was a blue and white mottled pony who looked overwhelmingly happy in his task, almost as though..... laughing? Twilight looked back to Luna. "That's-"

Luna nodded. "The one with the blue eyes wide? That is the Lapis Umbral I knew. The one I chose to remember."

"What happened to him?"

"The Nightmare." Luna looked away.

"How- "

"The night I was banished, Lapis stood at my side, as Solaris - " she pointed to the white stallion - "Stood at Celestia's. I was blinded with rage and my heart cocooned in a selfish bundle, but little brother refused to leave my side. Cepheid refused to fight, but Aphelion demanded that he 'pick a side'. That was the end of their participation in the battle.

"Solaris and Celestia refused to back down, much as Lapis nor I. With the elements under their control, they were able to overpower us both."

"You were banished...."

"And he left behind. He knew he could not face Celestia and Solaris no matter their state. He knew then, he was alone."

"Alone....." Twilight repeated, thinking of how Pinkie reacted when she thought she was "alone". "He wasn't forgotten....."

Again Luna lowered her head. "From what I have been told, Lapis never forgave Celestia for my banishment, and he shed tears before fleeing the castle, away from pony eyes and ears for a thousand years.

"Celestia kept his memory alive through stories and legends. He was the Wandering Shadow. He was the Midnight Pimpernel. He was the archetype for the few stallion heroes of prose and poetry, and a novelty that all ponies understood. She'd hoped that one morning he would come galloping up to the gates with the books in his saddlebags, thrilled to be remembered, even were it not by name."

Twilight took another step backward, mind reeling at the new information. That angry, shadowy alicorn with no remorse and no interest in her achievements, was a laughing swashbuckler from many of the stallion-centric novels she had read? Her captor was Shadowbat? He was Robin Woods, the thief of Trottingham? Pegasus Jack? Three-Swords the unicorn champion? Her captor was once the Clown Prince of the Element of Laughter? This creature who called her Unworthy was once a hero? She wobbled at the conflicting images, balanced by Luna's wing.

"Twas his doing that I am here at all," Luna reassured her. "But I fear this could happen twice more. As Cepheid fell into despair as Prince Hellstorm, as I was despondent as Nightmare Moon, my Shadow is still haunted; we still know nothing of the whereabouts of Solaris of Nature and Aphelion of the Tides."

Twilight really didn't want this to happen two more times. "All I know is that he won't be coming to talk."

"Then we will face him no matter his actions." Luna nodded her head, affirming her statement and as her horn shone, they teleported back to the grand hall.

The winds around Canterlot started swirling, buffeting the towers. Dreamcarver perched on a down slope facing away from the turbulence, watching the approaching storm.

He'd seen this before. In the Dream Realm.

The frothing clouds, the flashing lightning repeating the image that he saw Luna investigate. This time, he could just make out two chariots within the storm that he merely observed from a distance. Churning, frothing clouds and silent flashes of lightning in purple and red. The clouds continued to spread through the sky, opening like giant wings. In the center of the storm, he tried to focus his gaze on the chariots. He saw one pegasus flying lead, the carts each loaded with only a few ponies. Were more coming? Were they hiding in that roiling storm? His expression darkened when he saw the lead pegasus.

Phalanx.

He growled reflexively as his gaze noted that all the pegasi with them were Phalanx. One massive earth pony on the chariots similarly suited. This army dares to steep into a tradition started by Princess Luna herself? He recalled her fury when she returned from the initial Dreamwalk; now he too felt it.

"You shall have your war," he growled.

The past days, the past hours, even the last few minutes suddenly felt more than a fading nightmare. Twilight was finally back in Canterlot, at the bottom of a pony and dragon pile of friendship that she had sorely missed. She had been missed by her friends, all of them trying to hug her at the same time! All of them asking questions about what happened, asking her how she survived it all - and of course, Pinkie Pie asking about ninjas! She couldn't answer all of the questions at once! She was just happy for questions like these. They all tumbled apart, her friends gazing at her as she got back to her hooves. Spike wrapped himself around one leg and just hugged. She gently nosed his forehead to get him to pry loose.

"We were most certainly worried, Twilight!" Rarity spoke first. "How on Equestria could anypony want to do that to you?"

Before she could answer, Rainbow Dash chimed in. "Whoever it was, we're going to find him and - "

"We're not going to look for them, Rainbow Dash...."

"Oooo!" Pinkie started hopping again. "Because they're all ninjas and they're going to sneak in invisibly and -"

A roar of an explosion rocked the entire castle, silencing Pinkie mid-air. The sun was being blocked out by enormous, angry black clouds teeming with lightning. The first blast sounded and felt like a dragon crash-landing into the side of the mountain. The second, crackles of fabric blossoming into a manticore's roar. Fluttershy dove under a table; Applejack and Rarity shivered at the noise. Spike jumped behind Twilight, shivering as well. "Definitely not ninjas," he stuttered humorlessly.

The billowing cloud reached higher into the skies and gave much of Equestria pause. This unnatural eclipse raised alarms in cities and villages alike, ponies scattering for cover. Elder ponies whispered of Sombra; foals dove under beds and hid behind furniture; storefronts barricaded shut and windows locked. Even awakened dragons gave pause as the darkness came earlier than usual, sensing the amount of magic involved. Even from afar the cracks of thunder echoed, ringing over Canterlot and spreading far and wide. One last crash of thunder brought silence and stillness.

The calm before the storm.

Gallant Lionheart found a safe vantage point at another balcony. All of the pegasi Phalanx were deployed, earth ponies and unicorns on the ground. They peppered in with the Solars, which the Phalanx captain knew would further frustrate Flank Attack and Thunder Arrow. The display that Lapis had begun had all eyes locked to the chariots above, simply awestruck at the stormy display before them. It seemed Master Lapis had saved up his magic for this day - hopefully he had saved some for the battle.

The stillness in the air only increased the tensions. Soldiers who hadn't spooked pawed at the ground, the pegasi trying not to fly too far from the castle. He merely awaited his orders...

Twilight guided her friends to a lower balcony. "If Princess Celestia and Princess Luna can keep him from attacking, we might be able to stop them with the Elements!"

"RAINBOW TO THE FACE~!!" Pinkie cheered again.

"If the Elements can fix other alicorns, why wouldn't this work?" Rainbow Dash smirked to the others. "We got this. We're gonna stop a war!"

"Ah hope you're right about that," Applejack partially agreed.

"It's still something we have to try," Twilight affirmed. "Nopony else should be harmed over this...."

The stillness of the storm stirred other stallions to action, as the already-broken Spellbreak camp closed on Castle Canterlot.

"This day is an end and a beginning," Salvino said to nopony in particular. "Justice under the false clouds of the alicorns, dissipated into a new era."

"We'll start with a few whips around horns and wings," Belmonte bragged. "Maybe straying does have occasional use."

Strife knew that wasn't a compliment as he kept his whip at the ready. Deep down, this would be his vindication. He'd whipped Twilight Sparkle personally, and looked foward to the chance to do so again. Maybe a few lashes to Lapis just to get Belmonte to stop speaking of his "straying"? He glanced at the eager Belmonte and the devout Silverback, as they helped Salvino to all four hooves so that he could make a march that would alter Equestria. Forever.

Celestia and Luna appeared on the balcony normally reserved for sunrises and moonrises for public display. They were greeted by the shrouded black sky, lightning clawing toward the horizon. Its reach almost blocked out travel from Canterlot, a giant guard made of storms and lingering anger. Luna recognized the storm - and this one, this time, was real.

The howling winds, the snarling thunder, the overbearing darkness as though Sombra himself erupted from Tarterus. But this time, there was no call for slaves, no call for crystals. No voice could be heard among the din, thoughts even whispers over the turbulence! The darkness cowed Celestia, but she and Luna stood firm.

A single light in the giant's eye opened, revealing a lone Phalanx pegasus followed by two elaborate chariots, also pulled by Phalanx. Luna recognized the entrance; were this situation not so dire she would chide her little brother for stealing the entrance she herelf had done one Nightmare Night. She could see him in one of the chariots, with a red and gold unicorn at his side. The second chariot bore more Phalanx ponies, but her headcount totaled a fraction of Canterlot's combined forces. What was her little brother planning to do with such a small team? Did he honestly feel he could fight the battle mostly alone?

Her thoughts interrupted as the winds had stopped dead, yet the clouds continued to froth and paw around the sky, demanding battle as its handler hovered before it. The two chariots remained in mid air, a hundred paces or more from their balcony.

A standoff. For once, both princesses were speechless. Their youngest brother, armed with only a small team and the force of his dark magic, glowering at them with zero remorse. The midnight blue of his eyes glowed faintly in the shadowing dark, as the others awaited their order.

"HEAR ME, SISTERS!" Lapis Umbral announced in ancient Equestrian. "IN THE NAME AND THE SIGHT OF THE SHADOWS THAT LURK BOTH DAY AND NIGHT, I REVEAL MYSELF TO YOU! I, LAPIS UMBRAL, THE SHADOW OF THE MOON AND PRODIGAL TRAVELER! YOU KNOW MY REASONS TO SHOW MY FACE AND FORCES HERE! AWAKEN YOUR MEMORIES! WHERE IS THE TRUTH I SEEK? AND WHERE IS THE UNWORTHY PRINCESS WHO HIDES BENEATH YOUR VERY WINGS? SHALL I TELL ALL OF EQUESTRIA OF YOUR CRIMES??"

Celestia responded first. "YOUR MEMORIES REMAIN IN PROSE AND POETRY, AND HISTORY PRESERVED! NO PRINCESS IS UNWORTHY OF HER POST! YOU HAVE NO VOICE IN CANTERLOT-"

"SILENCE~!!!" The male alicorn's demand shook the castle. "YOU, WHO IMPRISONED YOUR OWN SISTER ON THE MOON, MURDERED THE ELEMENTS BY YOUR OWN HOOF, THEN HAD THE MASSES BUILD YOU A TEMPLE TO DEIFY YOUR VISAGE TO ALL OF EQUESTRIA! YOU DEMONIZED LUNA! YOU BURIED EVERY LAST ONE OF OUR BROTHERS!"

"DID YOU NOT SEE MY ROAMING FREE?" Luna demanded. "DID YOU NOT SEE BROTHER CEPHEID UNCHAINED? WHY THIS MORBID PAGEANTRY THAT YOU FIRST POISONED THE DREAM REALM, NOW IN THE WAKING WORLD? I HAVE PAID MY PENANCE!"

"A THOUSAND YEARS ON THE MOON WAS NOT PUNISHMENT ENOUGH FOR HER, DEAR LUNA. DO WE FORGET IT WAS NOT SHE WHO RELEASED YOU FROM YOUR COLD AND DISTANT SOLITUDE, BUT I AND THOSE OF THE STAR COMPASS? THE PONY WHO SWORE HIS LIFE TO YOU THEN AND NOW, WHEN OTHERS FEARED YOU AND DID NOT WANT YOU HERE ANYMORE? YET YOU RUN TO HER SIDE BY A MERE APOLOGY? CELESTIA CREATES NEW FAMILY AS IF SHE WERE OUR MOTHER! SHE HAS REPLACED FAMILY! SHE TOLERATES THE MONSTER DISCORD AWAKE AND ROAMING - SHOULD HIS WHIMS DECIDE OTHERWISE, ONCE AGAIN WE WILL BE LOST IN PERPETUAL CHAOS! YOU ABANDONED YOUR OWN CASTLE, SO THAT THIS TEMPLE BE ERECTED? THE ELEMENTS IN THE HOOVES OF COMMON PONIES!! DOES SHE THINK SHE KEPT EQUESTRIA TURNING A THOUSAND YEARS ON HER OWN? LOOK BELOW YOU, CELESTIA - THE UNDERLINGS WHO TEND TO THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF EQUESTRIA! THEY MOVE THE SEASONS FOR EQUESTRIA! YOU HAVE TAKEN AWAY EVERY BROTHER'S DUTY AND ENSURED WE WERE TO BE FORGOTTEN! HISTORY, WRITTEN BY THE VICTORS, WHO PREFER TO LEAVE OUT SUCH SIMPLE DETAILS! WHAT FURTHER MADNESS DO YOU WISH ON THIS WORLD??"

"NOT THE MADNESS YOU BRING TODAY!" Celestia's voice spoke modern Equestrian as she swept a wing to refer to the black tableau before her. "THE DOORS TO CANTERLOT HAVE BEEN OPEN A THOUSAND YEARS FOR YOU OR ANY OF OUR BROTHERS TO RETURN! AND HAD YOU WALKED THROUGH THE GATES OF CANTERLOT - "

"I WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPRISONED A THOUSAND AND ONE YEARS IN A ROOM OF WHITE LIGHT, NOTHING TO OCCUPY MY MIND OR HEART THAN NOTHING AT ALL! AS YOU HAVE DONE WITH LUNA! AS YOU HAD DONE TO - "

"ENOUGH!" Luna tired of this discussion. "COME HOME, WHILE WE CAN STILL CALL YOU BROTHER. WHY DOES THAT NOT SATE YOU?"

Lapis' right wing opened, pointing almost straight up. "BECAUSE, 'SISTER', I WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN." His voice trembled and deepened. "THIS TIME I WILL NOT FAIL YOU!"

Cepheid understood the argument. He didn't have to like it, but he understood it. It sounded familiar... He shook his head clear. "Just trip over something already," he muttered.

The Solars and Lunars alike looked to each other in confusion. What was the male alicorn's complaint? None spoke ancient Equestrian, short of clever wordplay and less than appropriate commentary. The string of the musical language clattered against their ears and pushed down on their psyches.

Thunder Arrow maintained composure. "Doesn't this remind you of something?" He absently asked Flank Attack. The earth pony shook his head no.

"No.... I don't even think Silver Bardiche has ever seen this before..."

"WHO TRULY NEEDS RESCUING, LITTLE BROTHER?" Celestia demanded. "WERE YOU NOT THE PONY WHO WISHED NEVER TO SEE TEARS AGAIN? HOW MANY PONIES WEEP IN FEAR OF THIS DISPLAY?"

"I HAVE A THOUSAND YEARS OF ALICORN TEARS OF MY OWN TO DRY - A PENANCE THAT I WILL SERVE BY BRINGING LUNA FROM HER EXECUTIONER!"

Celesita's ear twitched as she heard hooves galloping to another balcony. She knew the Elements weren't about to wait - this war was preventable. Luna was freed from her Nightmare; Cepheid pulled free from the Hellstorm; now, she hoped, Lapis could be loosed from the shadows that held him.

"THERE WILL BE NO WAR TODAY, LITTLE BROTHER," Celestia replied with more confidence. She could feel the Elements below her gathering their strength. Her student, her friends, they would not have stayed back long. "LET US DISCUSS THESE 'ATROCITIES' OVER A FEAST OF YOUR CHOOSING. SPARE THESE PONIES A FAMILY MATTER."

"MY APPETITE IS NOT FOR FOOD, BUT RESOLUTION!"

"THEN YOU SHALL HAVE YOUR RESOLUTION!!!"

The darkness around them all paled instantly at the eruption of magic from the lower balcony. A rainbow - the Elements of Harmony once again united - launched toward Lapis, the colors pushing back the storm and creating its own sorcereal winds. Hatchet and Cloud Slayer froze at the sudden eruption, but their leader remained unfazed.

"With me, Morning Star," he ordered. "With me, Shadows!"

All six of the shadow necklaces lit, swirling outward from the chariots to meet the incoming light. Each piece a different shade of gray, ribboning together in their own beam of magic. Morning Star's horn flickered and a gray ribbon darker still added to the beam, Lapis reinforcing it with Absolute Night. The two beams slammed into each other in midair, flashing light and dark, sparks of all colors raining below. Some soldiers spooked at the sight; others froze in awe at the sheer amount of magic brought to bear, alicorn-based and reinforced with the determination of each alicorn's peers. Lapis and Morning Star pressed their shadowy blast down on the rainbow, which wavered from the power. Celestia startled at the stalemate; Lapis had indeed been training and learning all those years alone! The Rainbow of Harmony faltered further, then slowly, slowly started falling back. The sisters looked to each other with surprise as the shadowy beam began to overtake the rainbow. Celestia's horn flickered to life.

"Sister, what -"

"One distraction, Luna, then the Rainbow of Harmony can finish its work!" Her eyes closed, focusing her magic to the very tip of her horn. "Sometimes only a spark is what it takes......"

Luna's confusion deepened as a single bead of pure white light floated toward the chariots......

"IT'S WORKIN, BOSS! WE'RE PUSHIN EM BACK!"

"Don't lose focus, Hatchet!" Umbral retorted, "The rainbow must be completely dispelled!"

Morning Star continued her casting, even if she was not part of the shadowed circle. As the Sword of the Star Compass it was her duty to defend the Lantern, and here Violet and Silver could only function as Shields against rival weather and gravity. Her iteration of Lapis' Absolute Night spell bracketed their shadow beam, giving Lapis the focus he would need to maintain the energies from the necklaces and magnified through himself. Her calculating and casting took all of her focus, and she did not see the white bead trickle by.

Lapis himself stared down the Rainbow of Shadows like the barrell of a cannon, continuing to force it through the focus of the shadow necklaces and others' magic. He could see it inching ever closer toward the new Elements, his anger only fueling the monochrome fire, pushing down with all the force he could muster. His attempts to help Luna - to get her to laugh when she felt unloved, to bring her home for revenge, and now to rescue her from her velvet prison - he could not afford to fail again! He would force the Elements to bow! He would take Luna to a safer haven! He -

He didn't hear Night Ash's warning over the roar of the battle.

He didn't notice Desert Sun's distraction.

All he felt was something of pure light piercing over his right eye.... and the battle was gone.

The cacophony of energies, the crackle of magic, the shouts of awe and fear vanished into calm silence, stirred with the sound of voices.

His own voice. Luna's voice.

"We all have destinies, Lapis," he could hear his sister almost beside his ear. "You've so much more to experience and triumph over. You silenced so many with your deeds before you even arrived. We will help you at every turn, help you up when you fall."

"All of you?" his voice spoke though his mouth didn't move.

"All of us. You are wanted and needed here, as are all your brothers, and Tia and I are. Just keep going, we are here for you."

He could hear a breath being taken before feeling a warm wing over his shoulders. "And even if they didn't, I will always be at your side."

Another wing, warmer, draped over him. "WE will always be at your side."

The warmth intensified through Lapis, warm to fiery to white-hot and blinding... followed by colors. All of them.

The rainbow had found him.

Chapter 4

~~Jackpot, boss - how many moonstones did you need?~~

Dustmite's eager question startled Lapis from his research. ~~twenty-eight. Have the merchant measure them on the counter in front of you, the difference between them cannot be more than 1/8th of an inch~~

~~Got it... will be back home tomorrow!~~

The dark alicorn was glad that his spy was safe for the moment. Dustmite had taken a train to Fillydelphia to a jewel merchant who specialized in matching stones. It was too risky to send him back to Canterlot; the little zebra wasn't sure if anyone would recognize him from his travels there before. No matter. The little one had found the moonstones needed, leaving Umbral to return to his studies. He decided that he would send Night Ash and Morning Star into the valley to scout a new potential mine. Sandstone had kicked the last bits of iron ore out of the mine and definitely needed the break.

Taking a break from his jewellry enchantment studies, he gathered his copies of the Phalanx armor notes he had transcribed from the original tome. He had known the forging process was complex, but marvelled at how precise! Each piece of the Phalanx armor must be forged at night, alternating between the fire and frost forges. Each shaping, the metal can be struck no more than twenty-eight times, the cycle of the moon. The edges are shaped much like blades, and the metal is coated on the 4th, 8th, and 12th forging in a clay made from powdered moonstone and timberwolf ash, then "Folded". The "eye" in the chestplate must be inset only on a full moon night and left under its light for 4 hours.

Noting the extra need for moonstones, he contacted Dustmite again. ~~ask the merchant if he has non-jewelry moonstones... or leftovers from custom work. We'll need some that will be smashed down to powder~~

~~Sure, boss- this guy's gettin cranky about the matching~~

~~pay him extra for the refuse that he'd likely throw in for free~~

~~Right!~~

As for the timberwolf ash.... he might have some unoccupied ponies who would be interested in a little exercise....

Before Cadance and Shining Armor returned to the Crystal Empire, they had requested one last meeting with Princess Celestia, separate from the Security Council.

"With the Games coming up soon, we need to begin improving transportation to the Crystal empire," Cadance explained. "The current station can handle hundreds of passengers a day, but we will have such an influx for the event."

"Cadance and I wanted to ask for help getting some ponies out our way to expand the railway system," Shining Armor continued. "I'd be willing to be out there and shield off construction spots as we go to keep things moving. Or Cadance and I can take turns."

Celestia gave that some thought. "How much expansion and pony-power will you need for this?"

Shining Armor lowered his head a little. "I dunno, I've never worked on a railroad...." Cadance tried not to giggle.

Celestia gathered a map, circling the Crystal Empire and the nearest stop with her magic. "The route itself is long, but thankfully straight. You will likely need a large complement to construct the tracks in time for the games. I will make a proposition for you.

"I've noticed that most of the Crystal Empire is composed of Earth ponies, who would be able-bodied enough to assist. It wouldn't be many's expertise, but we would need strong ponies to bring materials to the sites and handle the tools to put everything in place. Please keep me informed of your total number of volunteers. I think I will be able to supply some from our side in a week or two."

"You're going to recruit here for the railroad duties?" Cadance queried.

"After the Solar Guard and Phalanx tryouts, I might have a few who would be interested in aiding you."

"Master Lapis?"

The Shadow of the Moon heard the rare voice of his solitary pegasus, Slurry. He would hear her walking the complex alone most days, when she wasn't on weather duty to keep the cloud cover of Drakengard. Her visits to the Librem Noctem were rare. He casually placed the Phalanx scrolls on one of the tables and faced her.

Her visage still fascinated him, not in the same way that Desert Sun's did. Slurry's coat a patchwork of mustard yellows and slate grays, bat-like wings and permanently short mane. All curses from various unicorn mages who abused her in the past, enchantments that would need research to restore. His progress had been slow, but solutions to her "condition" would require very specific magic to not only bring her back to her old self physically, but to do it in such a way that he would not be seen in the same light.

"I see you've just come from the mines," he began evenly. "Has Sandstone completely cleaned it out?"

Slurry nodded. "I also just found out that Sandstone apparently 'saw me'.... did you 'show' him?"

"I did not," Umbral replied just as evenly. "Sandstone happened by while we were discussing things. He seems taken by you, despite any concern of how you look."

Slurry sighed. "He tried to give me a sapphire today- the same color as...."

The Shadow of the Moon lowered his head. "I know this will sound like an excuse, but the magic that was used on you has been there for some time. I will need to research more to see what exact spell caused your visage to change so that when I attempt to undo it, I won't make anything worse. That is the potential danger of reversing the spells."

"You made a promise-"

"And I intend to keep it. If I cannot fix it....." Lapis' voice trailed off. "That's it," he realized. "Slurry, you've given me the perfect idea. I can't fix it permanently, but I CAN fix it in a way that would be superior than just cancelling the spells!"

With a flicker of his horn the room begin to spin as books, scrolls and quills began whipping about the room. "Desert Sun suggested I make my own 'Elements', but instead I shall make something MUCH more useful! Each one with a skill that each of you can utilize when working for me in the field! Something that augments what you're already proficient, adding a magical touch that would grant you an ability aligned to your gifts! Slurry, thank you, I WILL have a temporary solution!"

Slurry spooked at the sudden activity. "I don't even know what you're talking about!"

The lights in Umbral's eyes were dancing. "I can make it so you can look however you wish.... or that you won't be seen at all! I could do the same for Dustmite! Ah, and what to do for Sandstone and the two unicorns? I'll think of something, I know I will!"

The mud-colored pegasus watched as Lapis' frenzied activity made his voice rather off-putting. He pranced about the Libram Noctem in a Eureka moment, yet any hint of excitement came in the pace of his speech, not the tone. His head whipped about as three or four scrolls had frantic writing going on, followed by the steady march of three books to his desk. "You must trust me on this, Slurry," he said absently as the books fell open to pages about gem colors, metals, and jewelcraft.

"I'll just give you room," she replied flatly before taking her leave. The magic activity slowed a moment, the implements almost showing disappointment that she wasn't staying to see this miracle in action.

A crescent moon peeked through the upstairs window of the library, one of Twilight's few welcome guests. The last of the onlookers outside had gone home for the night, so she could actually study downstairs. Spike and Owlowlicious had brought her books upstairs throughout the day. Now she carefully walked back down, carrying the books in a magical field and leaving them someplace where Spike could re-shelve them in the morning. StarSwirl's book had her captivated, and following how many of his spells trickled down to modern day magic only deepened her respect for the mage. She was about to ask Owlowlicious to bring her another book where there was a frantic knocking on her door. She groaned. "NOW what??" she demanded at the unopened door before stomping over and flinging it open.

No one outside, only making her more annoyed. One ear caught the sound of something in the bushes, but then a trace of white caught the corner of her eye. Standing on the doorstep with what looked like a pink cord in one paw stood a very unhappy white rabbit. Twilight's anger faded.

"Oh hi Angel," she welcomed the creature. "You can tell Fluttershy it's safe to come in."

The rabbit tugged on the pink cord, pulling Fluttershy out of the bushes by her tail. She hid her embarrassment under her long pink mane while Angel folded his forelegs and tapped his foot insistently. "Oh yes, Angel," Fluttershy acknowledged. "This was a good idea, I was just startled by something else."

The pegasus gingerly gathered a small basket and slipped inside, Angel impatiently following. "You're out awful late tonight," Twilight observed.

"I knew you'd still be awake," Fluttershy responded with a nod to Owlowlicious. "And no one else was here so I thought I'd at least bring you something that you might be able to use tomorrow."

Twilight gathered the basket with her magic and pulled the cloth cover away, revealing a big hat, sunglasses and a shawl-like drape. "See? Just like what I wore when I was working for Photo Finish. It'll cover you so no one can figure out who you are."

The alicorn's face lit up. "Of COURSE! now I can actually get a few errands run so Spike won't be hounded everywhere and I can actually leave the library!"

Fluttershy's head dipped down a little bit. "Of course, you'll also have to sneak out when no one is looking....."

Twilight sighed. "But thank you anyway, Fluttershy. I might still be able to use it."

The entirety of the Solar Guard assembled in the courtyard of Canterlot castle, abuzz with questions. They had all seen the flyers around town about the recruiting drive. Some were curious; others worried; a few were looking into transfers. Only Shining Armor, and maybe Thunder Arrow, knew what was going on with this.

The soldiers snapped to attention as Shining Armor entered, Thunder Arrow and Flank Attack to either side. The white unicorn looked over the throng of white pegasi, brown and gray unicorns, and oaken brown earth pony soldiers, now in a bizarre mix instead of the three separated regiments. Everyone was learning about everyone else, and the camaraderie was improving. This made Shining Armor quite proud, and wished that Silver Bardiche could come and see this. Sadly, the grumbly earth pony was still not fully himself after that night. Flank Attack could very well have been Bardiche's brother, given their temperments. The unicorn nodded to the gathered soldiers before he began.

"I know there's been a lot of questions about the flyers going around Canterlot and word from your families in other villages about this recruiting drive for the Solar Guard and Lunar Phalanx." Shining Armor tried to sound authoritative. "There is no war brewing, we have no immediate threat.

"We're expanding forces in peacetime as Solar Guard duties increase in Canterlot and the Crystal Kingdom. The Phalanx only has a handful of members, and we will need expanded ranks for night guard."

Flank Attack stepped forward. "The offer has been extended to the Solar Guard for anyone wishing a transfer to the Phalanx merely needs to report, out of your Solar Guard gear, for the tryouts. You are required to take BOTH physicals as a precaution."

Thunder Arrow spoke next, unable to contain the smirk on his face. "I've heard a lot of bravado out of you about how it can't be that difficult to transition, but we do have to make you aware of some specific requirements.

"First! Unless your entire family agrees to a night schedule, I would recommend non-mated soldiers only!

"Second! as Flank Attack mentioned, you will be required to take BOTH physicals, and there are a few other forms you will be filling out.

"Third! Regardless of what you've heard, stories of the Phalanx are NOT exaggerated! Does anyone here require proof?"

Murmuring in the crowd caught his ear. "Speak up or wait til the tryouts!" Thunder Arrow ordered. The murmuring stopped.

Celestia and Luna met up shortly after sunrise to compare notes. Now that the Sun Princess could get some rest and the Moon Princess would have company and a complement of guards, they had agreed Canterlot was running smoother. They discussed the tryouts and giggled briefly at the "Intimidation" from the invitations to the Phalanx. The armorers were already forging test pieces to ensure proper folding of armor plates. There would be little to do in making new Solar Guard armor, and they bandied the idea around of the Crystal Empire guards to have unique gear to save time and forging in Canterlot.

Talk was slowly leaning toward Shining Armor's post when a scroll appeared from a floating greenish flame. It plopped gently next to the sisters. "Twilight is up early today," Celestia noted as she gathered the scroll.

"How has she adjusted?" Luna queried.

"She hasn't written in a few days, I'm sure time is slipping by her as she studies." The scroll slowly opened to Celestia's magical command, and she showed it to her sister:

"Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,

I'm sorry that this might sound a little mean and rambling but I had to get up before Twilight did so I could write it. Twilight is getting really frustrated because of all the attention she's been getting in Ponyville. We usually have at least half the town outside, and even her friends are having trouble visiting. I'm not safe either! Twilight sends me on errands and all I get is 'Twilight this' and 'Twilight that'. How do you guys deal with all this attention? The last thing I need is another crazy Twilight episode. Please advise. Your faithful servant, Spike.

P.S. - I'm going back to bed!"

Luna frowned. "Her 'outbursts' would be met with fear."

"And after the difficulties with Prince Hellstorm and Lapis, it's something we will need to discuss with her directly."

"We should include Cepheid."

Celestia gathered a blank scroll and quill. "We will, sister. Twilight needs to see what he is truly like, and not the monster she faced."

Gallant Lionheart hurried to the dungeons before breakfast that morning. He knew he would have a few minutes during the shift change where he knew no one would be aware of his presence. He needed to meet up with Strife and Cloud Slayer again, to see if their oaths still held.

Morning Star had sent him two Hearth Badges to pass on to the prisoners when it was time for them to "escape". Specific instructions from Lapis himself were enclosed, along with a second envelope 'for his eyes only-do not open until the night before the Phalanx tryouts'. Figuring it was a thank you message from Lapis about the wording of his Oath of the Moon, he let the letter slip out of his mind as he worked quickly through the barely lit hallways to Strife's cell.

The earth pony was already awake, pacing and rattling the chains to his leg irons like a restless ghost. His mind still whirled with his hatred of his imprisonment and failure of his mission. His thoughts focused directly on Twilight Sparkle and the mentioning of her ascension to alicornhood only angered him further. His voice had no reach, so he continued to stew in his thoughts until that arrogant unicorn soldier came back! As if the thought had summoned the guard, Strife's grumbling halted with a solid knock on the door.

~~I can hear you everywhere in the dungeon,~~ Lionheart "sent" to Strife. ~~Do you understand this gift now?~~ Strife nodded. ~~Does your oath still stand?~~ Another nod. ~~Very well - the morning of the Armor Ceremonies you will receive an item that will free you from this place. It will take you to your new master.~~ Another nod, and Gallant Lionheart wandered to Cloud Slayer's cell.

Cloud Slayer was sound asleep in her cell, sprawled as if thrown to a corner like an old doll. The guard almost didn't want to wake her, knowing the tantrum she might throw. An almost playful shrug seen from the officer as he chose to witness said tantrum.

~~RAINBOW DASH CALLS YOU LAZY~~

Cloud Slayer tumbled about, hooves over her ears and wings flapping completely out of sync. Once her hooves hit the floor she tried going airborne, snagged by her chains and slamming face-first to the floor. She shrieked and cussed and demonized the rainbow-haired pegasus, descibing in fine detail how she would grind her foe into flour for cupcakes, and serve them to Celestia.

~~You're awake,~~ Lionheart "Sent" to the angry pegasus. ~~Your silence is required, as your oath of death on Rainbow Dash will not dissipate~~

"What're you doing to me??" She demanded. "Get OUT of my head!"

~~Learn this talent, for it will save your life! Your freedom draws near, be ready~~

"Ready for what??"

"You shall see, if you are not listening I cannot help you." Lionheart turned and hurried to the stairs. He was late for breakfast.

"Traveling, Master Lapis?"

Night Ash tumbled the request through her mind as Umbral continued. "I need you to travel to the Crystal Empire. If there is a jewelcrafter that can construct what I need, he or she will be there."

"I would think someone with clearer vision would be more preferable."

"They will be unaware of your blindness." Lapis "handed" her two scrolls. "These have all the information the jeweler will need. Six necklaces, in pure silver, with grey diamonds."

"'Gray' diamonds?"

"I am unsure Sombrantic shadow crystals still exist," Lapis explained. "I have provided in the documents the precise design and the shade of the diamonds. While not entirely pure, these diamonds contain the properties I need for a permanent, locked enchantment."

"I worry that I will stand out - zebras are rare enough."

"Practice your rhymes, and I will fit you with glasses to hide your eyes. You would not be out of the ordinary in a cloak with a hood to protect you from the cold."

"You are putting a great deal of faith in me, Master Lapis. Thank you."

"You told me you were content simply sitting here and 'reading' books and scrolls," Lapis replied. "But I think it's time you traveled to a new place. While you wait for the jewelcrafter, I ask that you peruse their library. See if you can find a few things for me." He added one more scroll to her saddlebags. "Good journey."

Chapter 19

Did she scream? Twilight couldn't remember.

Just a heavy physical blow, then darkness.

She recalled a scream - was it hers? Was it Aurora's? Nothing but blackness now. Any attempt to light up her horn sent searing pain through her entire body, which now ached all over. Eyes refusing to open, wings refusing to respond. Hooves leaden at their ends. All she knew that was she was alive..... right?

Another attempt at her horn, another flash of pain. Her hooves on fire, her horn barely responding, head pounding as though battered by rocks.

"....sparkle...."

Part of her name echoed distantly. She did not recognize the voice, her mouth not quite ready to move. One ear carefully swiveled to find the voice, but even this tiny motion pained her.

".....twilight sparkle...."

The voice closed in, commanding and deep. No empathy heard from it as it hovered closer to her, a moth of sound flitting just out of reach.

"Welcome, Twilight Sparkle," the cold voice finally focused in her ear.

"Who.... who's there....?" she whispered. "Aurora.... where's Aurora...."

"You should be more concerned of your own predicament," the voice replied evenly. "You have been summoned here for a purpose."

"'Summoned...?' But that's not how I......"

"It pleases me to be the first to bring you somewhere with a homegrown magic."

Her eyes finally drifted open, focusing on a dark figure standing almost directly over her. She could see two others - green and white - flanking the first, who towered over her limp form. She tried to look up, but again she couldn't move. Her dazed glances finally ascertained her predicament - doubly chained, physically and magically, in a cavernous room with one torch.

"I expect you to find these accommodations completely unacceptable," the dark voice continued without humor. "Your existence is an abomination to Equestria. No one is 'chosen' in such a manner. You are not worthy of the wings on your back."

Twilight weakly struggled, seeing the black coils around her. Had she the energy to scream, she would have at the sight of a shadowy pony creature biting fiercely on her horn. Reflexively casting sent new pain through her body, starting at her hooves and crescendoing in her head.

"Cast all you wish," he continued. "The Shadowbane savors the taste, what little it can get."

"Who.... who ARE you?" she finally managed. "Why are you doing this?"

The speaker loomed ever closer, and now she could see his face - a black and dark gray unicorn, shaggy gray and black mane swirled around his head like a cloud. Midnight blue eyes pierced her harder than the magical backlashes, and the face itself locked in a perpetual frown. "Of COURSE you don't know who I am," he retorted. "That was Celestia's goal."

"Princess.... Celestia.....?"

"The 'perfect student'," a mare's voice interrupted. "the perfect little princess and her perfect little world, the sun in Princess Celestia's eyes! Maybe now somepony ELSE will be seen in that classroom."

Twilight knew that voice. The next voice chilled her even further. "And your 'magic' that you hold so close is of no use to you, and your friends will learn soon enough of your disappearance. By the time they find you, any 'spark' you ever had will be eaten by the shackles around your hooves."

"Strife....? Morning Star.....?"

"Your past comes to haunt you, Unworthy Princess. And now you will learn some true history from a true ALICORN."

Her eyes widened as the wings flashed open, a roar of wind in the room. "I am why ponies fear the night! Luna gave the night its beauty, I gave it guardians! I shared the moon with her until one night one thousand years ago, where she was banished there alone, no remorse or forgiveness from Celestia! The Family sundered all in the name of 'harmony', as Luna has bought into her lies and brother Cepheid rots in the dungeons of Canterlot! I, the very Shadow of the Moon, Lapis Umbral, will not wait to be NOT welcomed by her!"

"I... don't understand....."

"Of course you don't," Strife snarled at her. "Your privileged life knows nothing of the adversity of other ponies. You've never wanted or needed anything as earth ponies fed you and the pegasi spun the clouds for your amusement. Now we'll see how you like being the one at the bottom of the pony pile!"

Twilight angrily tried to stand. "Blair!" Morning Star shouted, and the purple alicorn once again collapsed to the floor under the Shadowbane.

"We will enjoy your stay," Umbral finished as he watched Twilight struggle.

"Somepony!! Anypony!! I need help here!"

Spike's cries echoed through the town square as Applejack tried to chase him down. Pinkie Pie's screams reverberated from the opposite direction as she galloped up to Spike.

"Twilight Sparkle is GONE!" They shouted to each other in unison. Applejack would have laughed if the situation wasn't so serious.

"One minute, she's talking with a Canterlot unicorn about the Magic Council, next minute they're BOTH gone! If they were going somewhere, Twilight would have at least said something to me before - "

"Slow down, Spike," Applejack ordered as she slid to a stop next to him. "I saw that unicorn go inside, you let her in."

"Twilight was expecting her."

"Ooooh! So she had an appointment? So if Twilight knew she was coming maybe there was a surprise involved but the surprise wasn't the surprise either one of them wanted and my Pinkie Sense says-"

"Still don't explain where she's gone to, or how."

"All I know is that unicorn was from Canterlot too!"

"So perhaps they teleported to Canterlot together?" Rarity's silky voice interrupted the panic. "Sounds more like showing off, or perhaps they went back there to talk to Princess Celestia?"

"They would have told me!" Spike insisted, "or at least I would have gone with them!"

"Maybe they were captured by ninjas! They snuck into the library and really really quietly threw Twilight and her friend into a chariot and flew off!"

"Pinkie, ah think in broad daylight ah'd've seen that."

"If you did, those are REALLY bad ninjas!! Everypony would have seen them and we might have stopped them!"

"uhm....." a new voice whispered.

"But then they'd use their AWESOME NINJA POWERS and -" Pinkie reared and flailed away - "Ya~!! Haa~!! Ho~!! Hi-yaa~~!!! And then Poof! they're gone."

"actually......"

"We'd all be beaten up and poor Nurse Redheart would have to get us all help....."

"You see......"

"And then the ninjas would be able to hide Twilight from us forev-"

"WAIIIIIT~!!!"

The entire group shushed to the shriek of a more subdued mare, whose expression dissolved quickly from frustration to faint. "I mean.... shouldn't we just send a note to Princess Celestia and see if they went there?" Fluttershy meekly suggested. "Then at least we'll know...."

Spike saluted Fluttershy and Rarity. "I'm on it!"

Pinkie hurried up to Spike. "But how are you going to get the message to the ninjas?"

Twilight still ached from the capture, even if the Shadowbane had quietly slid off and found somewhere else to rest. Her head ached, her legs stung, her wings felt more like overfilled saddlebags on her shoulders. She gazed down at the bluish metal shackles sparking back at her like insults. She took in what she could've her new quarters, thankful that at least she was given a mirror and a washbasin. Fresh water in a bowl sat nearby, and her ear caught the scrape of another bowl being magically served.

Oatmeal, she guessed from the smell. No spoon and the consistency of soup. Twilight should have expected no less and turned to her server, now that she could see her better.

Morning Star stood proudly outside the bars, frosted coat twinkling in the faint light of the dungeon. The Shadowbane had shrunken down to the size of a pet cat and slept quietly on her back. Her horn flashed a silvery white at the prisoner, mocking her inability to cast. "How does it feel now, Twilight Suck-up?"

The alicorn puzzled the nickname. "I'm not sure what you mean, Morning Star. Why am I here? Why are YOU here? And where's Aurora, is she all right?"

Morning Star smirked back. "Oh, so now you're concerned about us? No Princess Celestia to make puppy-dog eyes to, no books to scrape your nose around in.... you actually see other ponies. We were never sure."

"I had my studies-"

"And Princess Celestia's ears, at all times! There hasn't been a student before or since that even remotely had that much attention. Private tutoring, 'missions', and now that," nodding to the wings before her expression soured. "She BOWED to you! You're no Princess! And even if you were, YOU should be bowing to HER!"

"But I -"

"I dropped out because Princess Celestia had stopped teaching the rest of the class. I think Archer left, too. Aurora was too afraid to strike out on her own. She's told me that her USAT scores are even higher than yours and what has she gotten for it? The Royal Nod, the Royal Smile, and the Royal brush-off."

"Princess Celestia wouldn't - "

"Don't interrupt me!" Morning Star snapped fiercely, the Shadowbane peeking up to see if he was needed. "You have had everything handed to you on a silver platter by Princess Celestia and NO amount of hard work by anypony else at that school even gets a second look! Aurora and I are better than you even without the wings! At least HERE I've gotten a good education, personalized attention - "

"I still don't - "

"Of course you don't. I just feel better that while you might outlive me, I helped outsmart you. Enjoy your....." She looked at the soupy mess. "I think it's oatmeal, they didn't say." She trotted off, head and tail held high.

Spike's missive to Princess Celestia arrived atop the afternoon paperwork. She had been so lost in other duties she had almost forgotten that Aurora had gone to Ponyville. Querying looks dismissed with a confident smile, she gathered the scroll to read what was surely Aurora's answer that Twilight would insist on sending ahead. She recognized Spike's hasty writing immediately; another smile. Twilight must have been VERY insistent.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm checking in to see if Twilight and Aurora teleported back to Canterlot. I was not in the room when they left. Should they stop in to see you, send response right away.

Spike"

This puzzled her. If they were going to teleport all the way to Canterlot it would likely take both of them in a joined spell. Impressive as that would be, the display unnecessary just on their school records alone. "I need to speak to Count Solaris and Flank Attack immediately," she said to her aide. "It seems we have a miscommunication."

That was her hope.

Strife draped the Lyrium whip over his shoulders before heading to the dungeon. He was well aware Morning Star had already gone, but only struck the alicorn prisoner with words.

Typical unicorn, thinking that words alone break the spirit. He glanced at the whip hanging loosely around his neck, already savoring the damage it would do to her. If the whip sliced Lapis' wing clean, he expected to leave Twilight with scars. Scars that no words could conjure. Scars that would remind the ruling alicorns they weren't invincible. A message that for which no words were necessary. Though he'd provide the commentary as well, if just for the satisfaction that he would have plenty of time to "talk".

He needed the stress release. The shock of that imp returning to Drakengard reasonably intact impressed him, where Morning Star's bragging had not. Lapis spoke sternly to the earth pony that his message did not properly convey the protections Nightwake needed. Strife hid his surprise that the creature returned at all! And if this was such an important errand, why did he not even bother writing the note or proofreading Strife's?

He'd counted on the alicorn's distractions to get the correct information to Salvino. Now he prepared for his "workout".

Hooves echoed emptily in the halls as he descended into the cold, dark center of Drakengard, deliberately down the stairs to "welcome the new guest" personally.

She was still conscious; a good sign to the earth pony. He watched her as she fussed with the chains, occasionally taking another stab of pain as the Lyrium rebuked her attempts at magic. It was suitable punishment, but in his mind it certainly was not enough. Forgoing any formal decorum, Strife nearly bucked the cell door open just to make sure she knew he had arrived.

The purple alicorn wheeled, wings weakly spread in challenge. The stallion was unmoved. In fact, he deliberately stopped moving just so her instinct to cast would stagger her again. He'd smile if his rage would subside.

"We've stopped you before...." she managed between shocks from the shackles.

"'We'? Are you so powerful that you have more than one pony in you? Some would say three, but no TRUE earth pony would accept a horn or wings!"

"My....friends....." she weakly tried to interrupt.

Strife growled back at her. "Nopony is within your shouting range to save you. Knowing Canterlot they will have a few dozen meetings before they even miss your presence."

She tried to say something else, but her gaze fell on the weapon that snaked off Strife's shoulders and hypnotically curled on the ground. "Before, I was nothing more than a mere Earth pony with high hopes of saving my race and bringing actual equality to this place," he informed her evenly. "It seems the equation requires more to reset this balance."

The whip started glowing blue, recognizing even the faintest trace of Twilight's remaining magic. Her slow steps back only whetted Strife's appetite. "Abomination!" he snarled, "Even the original owner of this whip would have said so." The whip snapped across the ground in warning. "Magic that now only protrudes from your head but from your back! Automatic status! You deserve NO such gifts!"

The whip nearly leapt from his hoof and caught Twilight with a blocking wing. She gritted her teeth back at him, refusing to scream for his satisfaction. He swung again, actually tearing at the wing this time. "Your so-called 'friends' nothing more than slavering servants to you, now that you can look down on them!" The whip flashed almost in tune with Strife's anger.

One lash tore into a wingbase. "The appendages nothing but some bizarre compensation for not respecting a planet that feeds you!"

Another lash bit into a foreleg. "Helps you stand above those that toil in the field! You will never acknowledge us for equals!"

The whip carved between feathers to scorch her back. "YOUR back will now bear that burden!"

"Mayor.... Mare.... was.... earth.... pony.... " She whispered. The whip sliced into her neck.

"Your door was the first approached for any danger, what does that do to the morale of your mayor? You took away her duties as unicorns do in any and every village!"

Twilight faltered. "but...." Again the whip attacked.

"ALL Earth ponies are programmed to turn to the unicorns and alicorns to save their lives!! I didn't HAVE to belittle your mayor, the damage was already done!" Another lash crossed her back, the bluish glow from each strike illuminating the dungeon. A shadow slowly morphed behind Strife from the glow, looming over both ponies with stern attention. Twilight attempted to back away from Strife again. She turned, exposing a flank that caught two lashes before she could move again, her leg weakening from the blows. A whimper escaped her, only allowing Strife to close in on her.

"You are who they turn to!" The whip slapped her other shoulder. "Not the authority of the town! And of course you get rewarded for your actions while I rotted in Canterlot's dungeons!" The whip wrapped around her horn and held fast. A violent tug of the whip made Twilight stumble face-forward. "You've left me little choice. I WILL have earth ponies in charge of this place, and you alicorns and unicorns can have the exercise of serving US! BOW!!" He stood on the whip to make sure she couldn't move right away. She struggled nonetheless.

"It's not that.... simple...." she grunted, aching from the blows.

"'Not that SIMPLE'?" Strife repeated incredulously. "Every earth pony I've spoken to in the last month accepts their lot! They don't CARE that they're slaves!" He rudely peeled the whip from her horn, only to stain her back with a new round of strikes. "The only chains are those of CASTE, and you take solace in their blind worship! The only answer I will accept.... is that earth ponies rule ALL of Equestria and save it before your magic smothers it! YOU will be the first to share this fate!" The earth pony's anger crescendoed into a lash that caught her just under her right ear.

"Fester!" he demanded as the whip caught her other wing, slicing off feathers.

"Rot!" He ordered, angrily pulling the whip back for a lash to her face.

"STRIFE!" Lapis' voice boomed through the dungeon. "That's enough! We need her alive!"

The earth pony trembled over Twilight's form. He closed in to her menacingly. "Your luck has run out," he growled. "I'll be there for your final moments." The whip casually wrapped around her neck. With a sharp twist, a shock of Lyrium thrust into her body. The reaction was instantaneous and violent- another instinct to cast, and the Lyrium of the shackles and the whip connected inside her body, shocking every sinew and nerve. He stepped back only to watch the painful dance, imagining strings around her wings and head as they spasmed with the magic-nullifying energies.

"STRIFE!" Lapis repeated as a warning. " I SAID THAT'S ENOUGH!"

Strife finally released her and backed slowly toward the door, anger still unsated despite the damage done. He inwardly savored each bluish line on Twilight's body, and now the two blue rings around her horn where his whip once gripped. Dark glances exchanged between the earth pony and the alicorn before Strife took his leave.

Umbral then turned to the cell, magically closing and locking the door anew. "I would apologize but that color looks good on you."

She managed to raise her head one last time, defiance expressed in a piercing gaze. Emotions in her swirling in its own magics, summed up in a single tear in each eye. "Tears....?" the alicorn mused, reflexively closing on the cell. She tacitly refused to answer the question, simply locking determined stares.

Desert Sun's footsteps interrupted the standoff; the request she had for Lapis lost at the sight of Twilight's pained expression. She looked back to the dark alicorn, who stood completely unmoved by Twilight's emotions. He turned away from the cell and started back upstairs, the red and gold unicorn following in stunned silence.

Few in Canterlot were made aware of the potential situation, Celestia made sure of that. The last thing she needed was panic in the center of Equestria over the newly-crowned princess. Messengers weresent immediately to the Crystal Empire and to some of the larger cities as a clandestine missing pony report. She restlessly shuffled her own wings in worry, fearing the worst still to come.

"Could we be over-reacting about this, sister?" Luna queried. "Perhaps Twilight Sparkle and Aurora chose to meet elsewhere."

"I worry only because both of them have the manners to at least tell Spike they would be going someplace," Celestia's simple reply. "If we start small, perhaps we can minimize the distress of her being missing."

The two alicorns entered the meeting chambers, the guardcaptains all assembled. Gallant Lionheart yawned loudly at the table as the meeting began.

"I have received a strange letter from Ponyville inquiring of the whereabouts of Twilight Sparkle and another student of mine, Aurora. What we will be discussing will not leave this room.

"I have reason to believe something has happened, but the perpetrator has yet to fully show his hoof. I need to know if you or anypony in your respective units have seen anything suspicious here. Even the smallest tidbit of information is welcome, and you will remain anonymous outside these doors."

"Should this truly be a more dire situation, all units will be mobilized and prepared," Luna continued. "The hope is that this is all for naught, but given the instability of relations with other nations this should not have been unexpected."

"All I've seen is that our guards are too complacent to begin with," Flank Attack grumbled. "Drills don't mean very much to them, and we have a few bad apples." He chose not to look at Gallant Lionheart.

"Only pegasus who gives me trouble is Hot Head," Thunder Arrow offered, "and he's finally learning to stop shooting his mouth off. All he tends to do is irritate other guards."

"What say you, Count Solaris? Have you any ideas?"

The dark blue unicorn pondered for several moments. "I have sensed occasional magic in strange places. I could not pinpoint it, but there are some days I catch traces...."

"Traces?" Luna interrupted. "Explain."

"Traces of.... stray thoughts, single words. All laced with magic in their own right."

"Unicorns thinking out loud," Flank Attack grumbled.

"Likely just background magic 'noise'," Gallant Lionheart explained. "I've caught it a couple of times myself, nothing more than 'gossip' on the wind."

"I understand the need for secrecy, Princess Celestia, but I will need to pinpoint this magic. I request full access to the Archive."

"You needn't ask, Count Solaris," Luna replied for her sister. "Lionheart, have some of your pegasi doing sweeps outside of Canterlot past sunset."

"I'll get my crew to cover ground during the day," Thunder Arrow spoke ahead of the order coming. "If we can find them in the next two days, we might be able to keep this quiet."

"Unfortunately Ponyville is aware that Twilight Sparkle is missing," Celestia sighed. "but the sooner we find them, the sooner we can understand."

The Shadow of the Moon bustled from table to table as a wing's worth of quills scribbled away at maps and parchment, planning out his upcoming activities. Information from Gallant Lionheart and Hot Head proved very useful. Aurora's cooperation made the capture a complete success. He knew that Canterlot would be buzzing soon enough about missing mares, and perhaps this would have his sisters' attentions.

Nightwake's babbling didn't break his concentration - every post, every guard, every shift, every step planned with a swipe of a quill. The imp watched from his assigned seat, waiting for another quill to finish a missive he would be delivering soon. "Go soon, yes? beat little pink horn to Canterlot, bother sisters, yes?" Lapis ignored the creature, knowing it would survive this journey in much better shape than he did his trip to Hollow Shades.

Desert Sun peeked in on the chores, steering clear of Nightwake. "Aurora's about ready to go," she explained as Lapis continued his work, "and Hatchet's not stopped laughing for the last hour or so, I think your armor's about done."

The alicorn absently nodded as she filled him in on Drakengard events. "Make sure Aurora stops here before her departure, I have some final instructions."

Nightwake sprung from his seat. "Go to Canterlot, Nightwake go soon! Do pretty bird thing again? No hurt this time?"

"I assure you it will not hurt as long as you maintain your disguise. There'll be no Lyrium whips waiting for you there. They'll probably pet you and feed you and try to give you a cute name."

"Nightwake have name! Not need 'cute'-"

"You WILL maintain your disguise this time. No excuses."

"Can I do anything to help you, luv?"

"I think things are in order." He glanced up from his work, locking stares with her.

'I'm not so sure." Her silver eyes held him fast as she finally stepped up. "There were tears in her eyes. Is that why you stopped Strife?"

"I have no interest in a dead alicorn. Strife would not have stopped."

"So you were actually worried about her, then?"

He looked away. "We need her alive," he reiterated.

"I understand that, it's just that- "

"I stopped him, that's all that matters."

Desert Sun felt an unfamiliar chill down her spine. "Yes, of course. He shouldn't guard her, might go off again."

"Check on her if you wish." He had completely turned away from the unicorn. "I will be sending Nightwake soon enough. Make sure Aurora has her story together."

She turned and quietly left the room, glancing back as the quills leapt back to task. Another shiver spooked her away from Umbral.

A few hours had passed since Spike sent his message to Princess Celestia. She had not responded, making the little dragon even more worried. The room Twilight and Aurora were last seen still untouched from earlier, save the tray he was carrying before the bizarre discovery. He had told the other ponies that he'd be okay and would let them know as soon as he heard back. A faint smile crossed his face, figuring Pinkie will tell them all first.

An authoritative knock at the library door startled Spike. He checked out the windows first, spotting Applejack at her stand. Despite her sales pitch, most gazes uneasily turned to whomever chose to cut that far ahead in line. There were no challengers to the visitor; Spike surmised it might be Big Macintosh inquiring, or perhaps the mayor sent someone to confirm the earlier panic. The unease from the other ponies cancelled that theory, unless the visitor wasn't in a very good mood.

Spike jumped again as the knock repeated with increased insistence. He scrambled to the door to see just who needed into the library. "Sorry. we're dealing with - "

The outside light washed around the figure at the threshold, a towering shadow that halted Spike's words in his tracks. The creature's bright yellow eyes locked on him, freezing Spike even further. He flinched as the shadow spread its enormous wings, not a sound made in the gesture. The room darkened with his presence as his hoof-steps spurred Spike backward to the bookcases. The door slammed shut behind the large pegasus, followed by gasps from outside. Spike blinked in panic, finally seeing that his visitor was one of Luna's new Phalanx guards intimidating his way inside. Taller than Big Mac and almost as wide, the bat-winged pegasus closed on the purple target, growling threats and bodily harm. Unable to back up any further, Spike closed his eyes and braced. "All I did was tell Princess Celestia what happened..... I don't know anything else!!!"

The pegasus backed off slowly, once again pulling to his full height. Spike dared a peek as the beast huffed in frustration. "Then what the hay am I doing up in the middle of the day? Gonna buck Lionheart in the head over this...."

Spike deflated, relieved "Wait, if you're one of Princess Luna's guards, what are you doing here? I would think Princess Celestia would have sent one of her own....."

"I'm the one asking questions," the pegasus snapped. "and if you MUST know, I was sent so that more questions wouldn't be asked!"

"A Solar Guard at Twilight's door would have been less conspicuous-"

"But MUCH more approachable," he gruffly finished for the dragon. "Officer Hazard Watch, used to work in Manehatten. Princess Luna herself asked for me to investigate this."

Spike offered his hand, but the officer simply walked past him. "I.. wasn't expecting-"

"I'm just here to look over the scene. Any information you've got, I'm listening." He stopped himself. "Sorry, used to Manehatten investigations."

"Not much to tell or show you, sir. Aurora came here to talk to Twilight, I went into the kitchen to mix up some punch, heard.... something, then came out here and they were gone."

"Your note suggested that you didn't see them leave."

"They didn't tell me they were going anywhere," Spike babbled, "All I knew was that Aurora had told Princess Celestia that she was personally coming to Ponyville to give Twilight an answer to a request. She mentioned a gift in the note, the box is under the table. If they were going to go somewhere they wouldn't have me making them drinks, right?"

"How long was she here?"

"Just... just a few minutes, I guess. I was making drinks," Spike desperately repeated.

"You haven't moved anything since that happened?" Hazard Watch continued his interrogation as he walked carefully through the main room. "Where is the 'gift'? And do you have the message about her arrival?"

"Uhm.... the box is under the table there. I'll get the note..." Spike halted again with Hazard Watch's piercing gaze.

"Good. The more information, the better." He gathered the lid with his teeth and dropped it diagonally into the main box. "You're not who I'm after, kid. I line up every pony in Ponyville and you'd be my last target. That's why I'm talking to you first."

Spike finally felt able to move, carefully picking up the scroll and handing it over. "So what happens now?"

"Both Princesses are trying to keep their own lids on this. I already heard whispers outside, too late to hide it in Ponyville. These come back with me." He scooped the box up with a wing and dumped it in his saddlebag, dropping the letter on top. "Might be some magic on the box. Keep the library locked down." He turned to leave.

"Can I .... make a request?"

The guard paused. "I don't have any new info for you."

"Not that. Just... tell Princess Celestia to keep me informed. She can contact me any time. Please?"

The stallion finally softened. "We'll do our best. I don't screw things up twice." He continued out the door, scowl keeping any other questions at bay.

Twilight leaned against the cool walls of the dungeon, still stinging from Strife's words and whip. She looked at each wound, resisting the urge to try and heal the wounds when she knew the shackles would shock her again. Even without the shackles she couldn't trust her own focus. The room would wobble and fade through her vision as she struggled to find a comfortable position to sleep.

She heard somepony approaching the cell. Huddling against the farthest corner, she closed her eyes, hoping the next guard would leave her be. The hoofsteps slowed before the cell, followed by the quiet shuffle of a pony seating themselves just outside. Twilight kept still, head tucked close to her body, awaiting the next round of abuse, whether it be physical or verbal. She heard nothing but the twinkle of magic, and the single torch brightening near her. A warmth flowed into the cell, emanating from the hall and not just from the torch.

"Seems a bit dark now, I'm sure," a mare's voice drifted to Twilight's ear. "may not help, but you're safe."

Twilight didn't respond, continuing to pretend to sleep. "Not much to offer, mind.... but you'll be fed, watered, and hopefully a blanket brought in," the voice continued uneasily, "but you'll live through this, that much I promise."

Again Twilight did not respond. She heard a sigh. "He stopped Strife, that I saw. He's still not exactly pleased with you. I'm.... I'm sorry that Strife made you cry."

Twilight slowly opened one violet eye, seeing the unicorn seated just outside the cell. The mottled red and gold mare continued to stare at the unwilling guest, silvery eyes showing curiosity and concern and not the malice or disgust Twilight's first three visitors offered. The unicorn's unruly mane seemed to wave gently from heat radiating from her body, allowing the natural warmth into an otherwise cold and soulless place. Her tail curled on the floor beside her. almost like a question mark on the ground. "See? not here for that nonsense," Desert Sun assured her. "I've been lost in the dark myself, so I understand."

"But I.. I DON'T understand," the trapped alicorn weakly replied. "I know why Morning Star is angry with me. I know why Strife is angry, period..... but why is that other alicorn so angry about this? What did those two tell him?"

"Oh, nothing they've said, he thinks quite well on his own."

"He called me 'unworthy'..... but this was a reward from Princess Celestia herself."

Desert Sun thought a moment. "He's mentioned things about history... something about Princess Celestia bowing to you? That bothered him just as much as those wings on your back."

"So his issue would be with Princess Celestia, not me."

"More to it than that."

"Why does he think he wouldn't be welcome? Princess Luna was welcomed at the Summer Sun Celebration the day after she came -"

Desert Sun's expression darkened. "That so....? Nice of her to not come back and check on him after he did Luna the favor of bringing her back to Equestria. Not sure what happened to her once she left, but at least the last time he saw her she was grateful....."

"Princess Luna, or Nightmare Moon?"

"One in the same, she was his sister, was she not?" Desert's voice stern, yet not sounding confrontational. "She at least spoke to him before she left, never came back. Not sure what went wrong from there, but...."

"Nothing went 'wrong'," Twilight spoke up, perplexed. "The Elements of Harmony cured her of the madness that made her Nightmare Moon. She's free, and happy now, living in Canterlot Castle."

"As he would tell it, living with the one pony who put her to the moon in the first place. Sounds like more than one family member owes him an apology."

"All he has to do is go to Canterlot and TALK to them!" Twilight pleaded.

Desert Sun remained skeptical. "Don't think he'll have the same welcome."

"How can you even support this?" Twilight struggled to stand. "Using magic-cancelling shackles on me, letting an insane earth pony torture me.... I don't understand Morning Star's jealousy, she was doing just as well if not better at the School as I was. So are you going to do something to me, now? Set me on fire? Heat up the shackles to sear my hooves?"

Desert Sun slowly shook her head no. "No need. I think too much damage done already. Just here to see that you aren't going anywhere, and thankfully you're not crying anymore."

"Why should you even care if I was crying or not?"

"Because I know someone who SHOULD," Desert Sun's cryptic response. "For now, just rest. I'll not disturb you further."

Surprised, relieved but still confused, Twilight settled again to let the warmth help her drift off to sleep.