Planeswalkers

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven

Chapter One

Prologue

The place was a cave on the plane of Zendikar, and four heroes, a telepath, a soldier mage, a pyromancer, and an Elf had just one a small victory in a larger war. The pyromancer's spell dispersed, and the battle was over. The demon was charred, smoking, propping his shoulder against the wall of the chamber. His pitiless eyes looked to each of them, one by one. "Well done," he said. "Well done. You've chosen to spend your efforts to defeat me, and you have. But every moment you've spent on me, you've allowed Zendikar to suffer. So you've still, of course, lost."

The pyromancer and the other heroes looked at each other. They feared the demon’s words held truth. The pyromancer turned to glare at the demon. The flame-haired hero’s eyes glowed red with power and rage.
The demon returned the pyromancer’s gaze, but made no move to attack. "You fools gained nothing but my enmity from this, and I am far worse any enemy than the horrors you idiotically oppose. I know the true nature of pain and suffering, and I promise you this," the demon said in a low snarl. "I will walk every plane, scour every pathetic world, until I find a way to bring fitting punishment down upon your misguided lives."

The pyromancer howled in fury and blasted fire hot enough to melt steel at the demon.
The blast’s target was too quick. Before the fire made contact, the air folded in on itself, swallowing the demon, and he was gone. The wall of the chamber where the demon had rested glowed red hot, but showed no trace of his presence.

The pyromancer kicked a rock in anger. The soldier mage placed a hand on the pyromancer’s shoulder. “Forget the demon. We have work to do.”

The four heroes left the chamber to the wider world of Zendikar to face a much larger threat. With great effort and sacrifice, total victory was achieved.

Chapter One

The Plane of Equestria was a realm at peace. Thanks to the efforts of the inhabitants of the realm Harmony reigned throughout the land, and even the most chaotic residents of Equestria were becalmed.

Discord, a planeswalker and shapeshifting master of chaos magic, had called Equestria home for millennia. Equestria may have been the plane of his birth, but if this was true no being save Discord knew for certain.

Discord was at home. He lived in a strange section of Equestria were unusual things grew, and the force have gravity was far from consistent. It was a place most Ponies avoided. Discord loved it.

Discord sat in a chair and stared at the go board. He was playing against his favorite appoint, himself. Discord posed a question to his doppelganger. “Tell me again why we aren’t playing chess. Go is a challenging intellectual exercise, but it is hardly in keeping with our flamboyant nature. It’s far to Zen and minimalistic.”

The doppelganger snorted. “The Black Queen caught the Black King chatting up one of the white knights behind her back. She is most distraught, and has gone to stay with her mother for a while.”

“Let’s hope things work out. At least, we have a chance this time. We’ll never be able to play Battleship again thanks to that treaty being ratified.” Discord said. “But we only have ourselves to blame. They told us this sort of thing would happen when we started practicing chaos magic.” He muttered. Discords body wiggled as if he was having a seizure.

“Something is out of balance. There is a powerful alien magic at work. I can feel it.” Discord said.
“It’s at the Tree of Harmony in Everfree. Let’s not waste time.” The Doppelganger said.

The two beings disappeared in a flash of white light. Discord materialized as one near the Tree of Harmony. The Tree of Harmony was a powerful artifact that had helped keep Equestria peaceful for thousands of years. It was crystalline, and it was alive. It was under attack. A black magical energy was attempting to wrench magical gems from its trunk and branches. The spell was seconds away from succeeding. It was too late to counter. Discord reacted without thinking. He wrapped his body around the tree and covered it like a second skin. Discord’s face appeared on the tree’s trunk. He winced as a powerful incantation was directed at him.

Discord laughed. “Ah hoo. Do cut that out. I am ever so ticklish.”

A being stepped into view. It was a large demon with glowing blood red ruby eyes. The demon spoke. “I am Ob Nixlix. Why do you interfere, Planeswalker?”

“I am Discord, and this is my realm. Get lost.” The shapeshifter replied as he tightened his coils around the tree of harmony.
The demon grinned. “That answers my questions. The elements I desire from this tree would enable me to punish some old enemies of mine. I could use them to divide and conquer. I could bend them to my will with my magic, but this tree and the elements it contains are useless to a chaos master such as yourself. I think you protect them because you value the wellbeing of its owners.” Ob Nixlix said.

Discord grimaced. “So what? Your magic isn’t nearly strong enough to touch me. You’ve failed. Planeswalk away, and I will forget I ever met you. I was in the middle of a game when your mischief interrupted me, and I would like to get back to it before the playing stones unionize or something ridiculous like that.”

The demon scratched at the wall. Leaving deep claw marks in the stone. “No, I want those elements, and I am not leaving this plane without them. You are correct. I am not strong enough to hurt you, but you are trapped there. The moment you leave the spell I cast will reactivate, and the elements will be mine. So I will leave here, and cause trouble. Sooner or later the one you love will be in peril, and you will be forced to react. I will then take the gems, planeswalk away, and forget I ever met you.” Ob Nixlix said. He made a vile gesture in the direction of Discord.

“You’d regret doing that.” Discord said.

“Is that a threat? You’d be no match for me once I wield the gems. If you chased me across the multiverse, it would only be to your doom.” Ob Nixlix clasped his claws together menacingly.

“It wasn’t a threat. It was a warning. I am not the only magic user in this world.” Discord said.

“You mean the unicorns? I have traveled this world in disguise. I met these magic users. They are nothing like you or I. They are weak and childlike in comparison. They will not be able to oppose me without access to the magic of this tree.” Ob Nixlix said.

“It is not the magic of The Tree of Harmony that keeps the peace in Equestria. It is the Magic of Friendship. You would be foolish to underestimate its power. Say, I’ve got an idea. Let’s you and me be friends. You can forget this whole revenge thing. Revenge never brings happiness, so what’s the point. You can come back to my place, and we can play a few games. You’re old. I can tell. I bet you’ve got some stories to tell. Perhaps we’ve been to some of the same places. I used to travel before I settled down.” Discord said.

Ob Nixlix paused. None had ever offered him friendship before today. He tried to consider the proposal, but found it too counter his nature. Ob Nixlix laughed manically. “Your Chaos use has effected your mind, but you will find clarity once you here the one you love cry out. You will rue your madness when your delusional friendship magic fails to save anyone.” Ob Nixlix transformed into a ball of smoke and fire and departed at an unholy speed.

Discord blinked a few times. “Oh this will end in tears, but I’m stuck here for the moment. I’ve been encased in stone before, but this is the first time I’ve encased a stone. I must say I prefer the ladder. Perhaps I will use this time to work on my memoirs.” He said. A notepad a pencil materialize in front of Discord. It began scribbling. Discord called out. “Do come out. I know you’re there.”
Zecora, a Zebra potion master, who lived in the Everfree Forest, stepped out from behind a rock. She trotted up to Discord’s face. “Of your encounter, I saw all. Have you ever seen such a being before?” She asked. “If sight alone does not make you think how could you forget the stink?”

“Some of us are rather fond of sulfur, but there is no accounting for taste. He is a demon from another plane of existence. He is very dangerous, and he will cause a great deal of trouble if he isn’t stopped at once. He’s really no fun at all. I’m glad you’re here. I need you to do somethings for me.” Discord said. A piece of paper tore of Discords not pad, and it floated into a pack Zecora was carrying. “First, I need you to get that note to Princess Celestia. Find Twilight and Spike. Spike should be able to do it. I’d send the letter myself, but she would be suspicious of a not sent directly from me, and she takes everything that little dragon delivers with his amazing magic fire breathe seriously. Secondly, I need you to bring Twilight Sparkle here post haste. There are things going on here that only she can fully appreciate. Don’t tell her I said this, but I find how much wisdom she possess for one so young impressive.”

Zecora nodded. As was her custom, she spoke in rhyme. “Of your praise, she will not hear a peep, but I too find her mind both wide and deep. For my presence, you will not yearn for I shall be quick to return.” The Zebra turned and galloped off.
Discord returned to scribbling in his notepad.

Author's Note

A few sentences of the prologue text is from the chapter Up in Flames written by Doug Beyer from The MTG website.

Chapter Two

Princess Twilight Sparkle was dreaming. It was an ordinary dream and she was enjoying it. Twilight was dreaming that she was on Bridleway in a tap dancing show with Princess Celestia, Princess Cadence, and, her sister-in-law, Princess Cadence.

The four Alicorns were tapping away in perfect synchronicity. The audience was watching them with rapture in their eyes until they dissolved away to become, the frozen north, the great expanse of tundra that surrounded The Crystal Empire. Twilight watched from the stage as a large black demon used black magic to revive an enemy she had long since vanquished. The enemy was the wicked unicorn king Sombra. King Sombra’s horn glowed blood red as the demon gifted him with new and terrifying spells.

“This is a terrible nightmare. I’m glad it’s not real.” Twilight said.

Princess Luna turned to Twilight Sparkle. The black alicorn’s maned flowed like the night sky. “Nay, Princess Twilight, what you see before you is a vision from my sister’s mind. Celestia has the gift of foresight.”

“Are you telling me that you are the real Luna, and the real Celestia, and the real Cadence, and we have been sharing this dream together?” Twilight asked.

“I thought you knew. Have we not been having fun?” Luna said.

“Yes, but I clearly have a lot more to learn about dreaming. That’s not what is important now. What are we to do about this demon, and King Sombra?” Twilight said.

Cadence spoke first. “I will awaken and put The Crystal Empire on high alert. Scouts will be sent to see what is happening in the frozen lands. I will report to all of you what they learn.” She vanished from sight.

Princess Celestia spoke next. “I will continue to sleep. I will need my energy come tomorrow. Luna will give all needed orders to our royal guard this night.”

Princess Luna nodded graciously at this statement.

“What am I to do?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

Celestia smiled at Twilight Sparkle. “You are the Princess of Friendship. You will find your role in this crisis with the aid your friends I am sure. I have faith in your abilities.” She said.

“I guess I will keep sleeping too then. There’s nothing I can really do now. The first train to the Crystal Empire doesn’t leave until tomorrow morning, and I am certain my friends will want to come with me.” Twilight said.

Luna put her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I would love to wish you a good night’s rest, but you are not alone. You must awaken.” Luna began gently rocking Twilight. “Wake up. You gotta wake up.” She said using the voice of Spike the Dragon.

Twilight woke up. Her baby dragon assistant, Spike, was shaking her and telling her to wake up. “What is it, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“It’s Zecora. She’s in the map room. She says it has something to do with the tree of harmony. She says Discord gave her this letter, and I should send it Princess Celestia right away.” Spike said. He held up a folded piece of paper.

“Send the letter to Princess Luna. Celestia is sleeping now.” Twilight said.

“Right.” Spike said. He burned the letter up with his magic fire breath instantly sending it to a magical mail shoot in Canterlot castle.

Twilight rolled out of bed, and went to wash her face. Feeling refreshed, she trotted down to the map room. “Good evening, Zecora. What can I do for you?”

“To the Tree of Harmony, we must go. On the way, I will tell what little I know.” The Zebra said.

“This isn’t about a demon. Is it?” Twilight asked.

Zecora’s eyes grew wide. “I take it this is more than a guess for you possess the power of a princess. I saw a demon this very night. His black magic filled me with fright. Discord protects the tree now. You must learn why and how.”

“Uh huh.” Twilight said. She climbed on the table in the map room. “Get on up here you two. Since the Tree of Harmony is magically linked to this table, I should be able to teleport all three of us directly to the tree.”

Zecora and Spike climbed up and stood next to Twilight. Zecora voiced concerns. “Twilight, I do not think it is good that you use magic and should.”

“I am certain this will work without difficulties. I already mastered it in theory.” Twilight said. The two equines and one dragon disappeared in a flash of purple magic.

Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Zecora appeared before Discord. Twilight and Zecora wobbled with vertigo. “On the other hoof, perhaps the spell could use a little work.” Twilight said.

“Oh, your spell is just fine. It is my presence that is the issue.” Discord face said from the tee.

Twilight rubbed her head. “Should I ask why you are wrapped around the tree of harmony, or is this more of your random chaos?” The alicorn enquired.

“Yes, you should ask. The answer is important.” Discord replied.

Twilight looked into Discord’s eyes seeking more information, but Discord remained silent. Twilight forced a smile. “Why are you wrapped around the Tree of Harmony?” Twilight asked.

“I am wrapped around the Tree of Harmony to prevent the spell of demonic planeswalker from taking effect. If the spell were to take effect, the planeswalker would immediately possess the elements of Harmony. The planeswalker’s is called Ob Nixilix, and Ob would no doubt use the Elements to cause harm to those on this world and others. I believe he wants them for a revenge scheme. Right now, Ob is out there in Equestria. He is stirring up trouble, so I give him the Elements to prevent the Ponies of Equestria from suffering. Ob overestimates my sense of compassion, and he underestimates my determination. You, Twilight, will help me dispel this enchantment, and I will go teach an upstart Planeswalker he is ten thousand years too young to be tangling with the big boys.” Discord said.

“I don’t take orders from you, but for the good of Equestria, I will get right on removing this snatch spell.” Twilight said. Her horn began to glow.

Discord laughed. “You’ll be at it for a year with your level of skill. This is alien magic of a kind you have never dealt with before tonight. You need help.”

Twilight looked at Zecora.

Zecora shrugged. “I don’t have the knowledge to change a black spell that is deeply strange.” She said.
A piece of parchment with a complex pictogram floated in front of Twilight. Twilight seized it with her magic. She began to study the pictogram. “This looks like the equations needed for dimensional travel, but there is this giant algorithm where the locational matrix should be.” Twilight said.

“Well spotted. Five points for the House of Sparkle. You need to place this on top of your portal generating mirror. This spell will direct you to a planeswalker who is both capable and willing to aid us. This planeswalker will most likely be an enemy of Ob Nixlix, so remember that name.”

“Why can’t I and the others defeat this Planeswalker ourselves?” Twilight said.

“You won’t be able to find him. You lack my refined senses, and as you seek him, Ob will sow ever more sorrow into this world. No, my way is better. Once the spell is gone, Ob will know I am free. He will leave this world, but I am past the point of easy forgiveness. I will follow him to whatever plane he travels and make sure he knows Equestria is off limits forever. You are suited for this mission. You’ve traveled the planes before tonight. This experience will aide you I am sure.” Discord said.

A determined look came over Twilight’s face. “I’ve made up my mind. I accept your mission. I am teleporting back to the tree. Are you coming Zecora?”

The Zebra shook her head. “On this mission, there is no need for three; I will stay and keep Discord company.”

Spike stood closer to Twilight and once more the two vanished in a flash.

Twilight and Spike raced to the portal room. Twilight picked up a quill and scroll using her magic. She scribbled a letter. “Spike send the letter to Princess Luna. It apprises her of the situation.” Twilight said hastily.

Spike took the letter and used his magic fire breath. The paper incinerated, but it would reform in the presence of, Luna, The Princess of The Night. “What about our friends? Won’t they wonder about where we went? With all this trouble happening, I am sure they will come looking for us.” He asked.

Twilight’s horn glowed brightly as she cast a spell. “A hologram of me will activate and explain the situation when one of them enters the castle. With that done, let’s set up this portal.” She said. Twilight placed the scroll Discord had given her in a holder above her magic mirror that allowed her to travel between worlds. The mirror sparked to life and shined with an eldritch light. “The connection is locked in and stable. We have success. Are you ready to go off on another interdimensional adventure with me, Spike?” Twilight said.

Spike put his claws to his mouth. “The scroll came from Discord. That portal could lead anywhere. What if it sent us to a world with no air we could breathe?” He asked.

Twilight winked. “That’s the wonder of this mirror. It will change us into any form that will allow us to survive in the world we visit. That’s why I became a human and you became a dog last time we used the mirror.” She said.

“That’s hardly comforting. Being a dog was alright. I’ve always liked dogs, but I don’t want to become some weird thing that doesn’t even breathe ordinary air.” Spike said.

“It’s not like you to be so squeamish. Even as a weird thing, you’ll still be my faithful assistant. The mirror will change our bodies, but our hearts will remain true.” Twilight said.

Spike stood proudly. “You’re right, Twilight. I’m ready when you are. Let’s do this thing.” He said.

Spike and Twilight crouched like runners before a race at the starting block.

“On the count of three. One! Two! Three!” Twilight yelled. Spike and Twilight sprinted into the portal that swallowed them with only the slightest of fizzles.

Chapter Three

Elsewhere in Equestria, trouble was brewing. Ob Nixlix flew to Tartarus. Tartarus was the prison where Equestria held its most dangerous villains. The villains were held in sturdy enchanted cages, and they were guarded by a fierce three headed dog, and a handful of ponies in armour.

Ob Nixlix destroyed the cages using bolts of dark power. He watched the chaos below to see if he should do more. Ob wished to create maximum suffering while conserving his power. It would not be easy to tame the elements to his will once he acquired them. Artifacts of great power often required great power to wield.
The dog managed to herd all the villains together. A unicorn soldier moved to bind a red and black centaur, but the centaur opened his mouth and drained the magic out of the unicorn. The magic streamed into the centaur as liquid light. The unicorn collapsed to the ground. The dog moved to bight the centaur, but the centaur performed a spell and escaped with a burst of speed. The centaur sprinted for nearly two hundred meters before stopping behind a boulder to catch his breath.

Ob dived to the stony ground and landed dramatically before the centaur.
The Centaur spoke first. “It is long since I have laid eyes on a demon. Was it you who enabled my escape? I will acknowledge no debt to you for no bargain had been struck between us. I am Lord Tirek. How shall I call you, Demon.?”

“You may call me as you wish. I care not. Are you an enemy to the Ponies of Equestria?” Ob asked Tirek flatly.
“I am more than their enemy. I am their true predator. It is my purpose to devour their magic and take my place as master of their lands.” Tirek said proudly.

Ob Nixlix produced a small orb of magic. “For reasons of my own, I wish to see pony-kind suffer. Take this magic and fulfill your purpose as you see fit.”

Tirek took the glowing orb from Ob’s claws. Tirek examined the orb carefully. He gazed and sniffed at it before consuming it. Tirek doubled in size. He bowed to Ob. “I thank you, Demon. I shall bring these ponies suffering the likes of which even you cannot imagine.”
Ob did not reply. His task accomplished in Tartarus he flew off to seek out more sources of misery for the ponies of Equestria.

Chapter Four

Twilight Sparkle and Spike emerged from the portal. Twilight felt disoriented as she always did after exiting the portal. Her body had been changed by magic, but she didn’t know how. She was a little surprise when she saw Spike. “Spike, you’re still a baby dragon. You haven’t changed at all. Do you feel any different?”

Spike nodded. “I have a powerful craving for jade salad.” He replied.

“That’s not really different for you. You’re always hungry for jewels. How do I look? I’m human, and I am wearing different clothes from Canterlot high. I’m glad about that. I was a bit concerned Discord’s programing would have me emerge as a naked human. One, humans have a lot of emotional issues with the sight of an unclothed human. Two, it is harder than you think to find clothes that are both practical and flattering. The human female body is very curvy.” Twilight said.

“I think your clothes are more than flattering. You look gorgeous. Your robe and green cape make you look mysterious and powerful. The gold sash ads regality while the socks and shoes are just like those you wear at Canterlot high. Wish I had a camera. I bet the Rarities in both worlds would love to see you like this. You should check in that backpack you are wearing. There could be a camera in there.” Spike said.

Twilight removed the backpack that had been given to her by the magic of the mirror. She looked inside. “Let’s see. There’s a water bottle filled with water, a small pocket knife, a kit for handling cuts and scrapes, a notepad and pen, and some food.” Twilight said. She took a bight out of what seemed like cake. “It’s good. It’s very rich. Here, try a piece, Spike.”

Spike ate a piece of the caky bread. “Tasty. My craving for gems is satisfied. And after only a nibble. I can hardly believe it. Is there a spell on it?”

Twilight shook her head. Her long hair flowed about her shoulders glamorously. “No, I can’t sense any magic from the food. I think it is just well made.” Twilight returned the cake and supplies to the backpack. “It’s funny. I shouldn’t be able to sense magic without my horn, but I feel it all around me.” Twilight looked at her hands. They glowed with a magical light. Twilight point her hands at a nearby stone and levitated it with ease. “I think I can use all the magic I could in this world as we could in Equestria. I’d love to see what I could do, to test my limits and break through, but it is not time to let it go. I want to hold back for the time being. It’s not time for experimenting. It’s time for exploring. Come on, Spike. Let’s find our new ally.”

For the first time since she arrived on the new world, Twilight took in her surroundings. They were in a rocky clearing in deciduous forest. The portal was an invisible part of a large boulder. The clearing might have been a part of some ancient ruins of a long forgotten civilization, but Twilight couldn’t tell for certain. She spotted two paths leading into the woods. One led one way. One led the other. Twilight could not even tell which way was north or south as the sky was overcast with grey menacing clouds. Twilight picked a path at random and began walking.

Spike followed Twilight as they set off down the path. “Do you think the humans will be concerned I’m not wearing any clothes? I don’t really need ‘em because I’m a dragon. I don’t feel the cold, and my scales are hard.”

“Oh, Spike. You are one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever met. I am certain the humans of this world will feel the same way.” Twilight said.

“I hope this new friend we are seeking is this world’s Rarity in that case.” Spike said.

“I just hope we find this friend soon. There’s no telling what sort of damage that demon Ob Nixlix is capable of if left unchallenged for too long. I want to leave this place as soon as possible for other reasons. I don’t know how I know it, but feels like there is some unnatural corrupting presence in this world. Perhaps this is just the way this world is supposed to be. If that’s the case, we really don’t belong here, and we shouldn’t linger.” Twilight said.

Spike began to look around fretfully. “How are we going to find this guy? We just started walking along this path. We could be going away from the place we want to be. The right way could lead us into town. The wrong way could lead us deeper into this forest. I got a feeling this world has worse things than timber wolves.”

“It’s cute that you’re afraid of timber wolves, but they’re no threat to you. They can’t bight with enough force to penetrate your scales, and creatures made of would shouldn’t tangle with creatures who breathe fire hot enough to melt iron in my opinion.” Twilight said.

“I vowed never to use my fire on a living thing.” Spike said sternly.

“Your gentleness is admirable. You really are a noble dragon. Since you are still a dragon, but I am no longer an alicorn, I need your help. If I float you high into the sky, will you take a look around and tell me what you see?” Twilight said.

“I’m here to help after all. Levitate when ready.” Spike replied. Spike began to glow and he rose about fifteen meters above the ground. He surveyed the terrain quickly before Twilight lowered him gently to the ground.

“Did you see anything?” Twilight enquired.

“Yes, I think we are going the right way. There is a town or a city not too far from here. This track leads straight there from what I can tell.” Spike said.

Twilight nodded. “Let’s keep going then. I can’t wait to meet the locals. What sort of things do they like doing? Do they ride around on motorcycles, and play electric guitars like my friends in Canterlot high?”

“The town seemed kind of simple, and I couldn’t make out any people.” Spike increased his pace. “I know you are eager to get some answers. We should move at maximum hike speed.”

Twilight said nothing as she moved quickly behind spike.

Twilight was winded as she emerged from the trail to the edge of the town. She leaned on the side of a wall and then slumped down. She took her water bottle from her backpack and took a big gulp. Feeling a little refreshed, she spoke. “I think we’ve earned a breather.” She passed the bottle to Spike, but he passed it back without drinking.

“Until we find another source of clean water, we should save that for you. Water that would be too tainted for you would prove tasty to me, and I can go a long time without taking a drink.” Spike said.

“Suit yourself, but you needn’t worry. You forget. I still have my magic. I can fill this bottle using any number of spells at my disposal.” Twilight said.

“Yes, but you need to conserve your power for the times you really need it. The time might be now. We have a visitor, and he doesn’t look friendly.” Spike said.

A man was shambling towards Twilight and Spike. The man was wearing torn and dirty clothes. His skin was pale grey and sagging.

Twilight stood up. “Greetings, sir. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I am a magic user from another world, and I am looking for another magic user who travels between worlds. You wouldn’t happen to know anyone like that?”

The man said nothing. He shambled closer. Twilight wrinkled her nose in disgust. The man came close enough to touch Twilight. “Sir, I do not know the customs of this world, but I appreciate my personal space.” She said.
The man embraced Twilight. He opened his mouth to reveal ugly rotten teeth. Twilight screamed as he moved to bite her.

The man’s eyes glowed blue. He released Twilight and walked away.
Twilight breathed a sigh of relief.

“What a weirdo.” Spike retorted.

“Zombies have simple minds. Changing their behaviour is as easy as flicking a switch. They are far from the strangest thing on the plane of Innestrad.” A man’s voice said from behind Spike.

Spike and Twilight turned to see a man in a large blue hood approaching them. His voice was soothing and clear. He sounded young, but wise beyond his years. “Forgive me if you were studying the creature. I can tell you could have handled it with ease, but you screamed, and my instinct is to render assistance. I was in terrible war not too long ago.” The man lowered his hood. He was handsome. He had brown hair and piercing blue eyes. “Jace Beleren at your service. Be they friend or foe, there is always pleasure when two planeswalkers meet.

“Twilight Sparkle at your service. The pleasure is all mine. I am certain you are the one we came to this world to find”
Jace placed is right hand on his temple. There was a glimmer in his eyes. “I know I am.”

Author's Note

Jace Beleren is one of my favourite planeswalkers because I bought a Jace vs Vraska deck when I was just starting playing.

Chapter Five

MLPMTG Five

Princess Celestia awoke and rose the sun as was her duty. Without stopping to eat breakfast or drink coffee Celestia rushed to her throne room. Princess Luna and the head of the Equestrian military were waiting for her.

Princess Luna spoke first. “We are glad you rested for you shall need all of strength of this most dire of days. King Sombra has begun his assault on The Crystal Empire. He is using some form of artificial army. His magically made phony ponies have no true wills of their own, but they have been impossible to destroy. They repair themselves immediately once damaged. The Empire’s defences are holding, but with Princess Cadence heavily pregnant, none can mount a magical counter attack.”

Princess Celestia turned to the head of the military. “We have plans in place for this. If the troops have not already been made ready, prepare them. We will travel north to aide our ally before midday.”

The head of the military saluted. “Yes, your Highness. The troops are assembled and await the order to move out.” The armoured Earth Pony said smartly.

Princess Luna raised her hoof. “There is more, Sister. It has been reported Lord Tirek has escaped and is already terrorizing ponies and stealing magic. Princess Twilight Sparkle has travelled to another world to seek a mage who can undo the magic surrounding the Tree of Harmony.”

Celestia put her hoof to her chin. “Perhaps we should deal with Tirek before we travel to The North. Shining Armour has trained his army well. They should be able to survive a siege for some time.” She said.

Luna shook her head. “With all due respect, Sister, both threats are equally dire. If Sombra were to break the Empire’s defences, the tragedy would be unbearable. You must go north and save our niece. We shall handle Lord Tirek. He has weaknesses only I can exploit. While Sombra is King of Shadows, you are the Sovereign of Light.”

Celestia embraced Luna and whispered into her ear. “Don’t take any unnecessary risks. You have nothing to prove. I lost you before. I couldn’t bear to lose you again.”

Luna gently pushed Celestia away. “I share your sentiment, Sister, but the safety of Equestria must always be our top priority. No time can be wasted. I will leave at once.” Luna said.

“Will you at least take your Royal Guard?” Celestia queried.

“No, that would only increase the risk. For my plan to succeed, I must do this alone.” Luna turned and galloped away crying out. “We shall not be gone long. We shall raise the moon this night.” The doors of the throne room were thrown open, and Luna launched into the air flying faster than the eye could see out of the castle and away from Canterlot.

Celestia looked at the head of the military with a steely eyed ferocity. “We shall travel north in five minutes. Relay the orders. We shall join you in the command carriage shortly.”

The head of the military saluted. “Yes, your highness.” The brave pony trotted away smartly.

Celestia looked around until she saw the pony she was seeking. She spotted a regal and handsome unicorn standing proudly in a sunbeam.

Celestia spoke to her nephew as a princess. “Prince Blueblood, I will leave you in charge in our absence. The reserves must be ready to face battle if we should fail. This must be done in such a way that will not cause panic. If it is widely learned that Equestria may well face its darkest hour, the consequences could be dire.”

Prince Blueblood bowed. “You can count on me, Aunty.”

“Remember, you are not alone. All of Equestria will rise to the call and stand for peace if it should come to that. Ponies may be initially skittish, but there is no end to their bravery when appropriately rallied. I will go now to the North. Canterlot is in your hooves.” Celestia said. She trotted away flanked by her royal guard.

As soon as Princess Celestia left the throne room, Prince Blueblood’s head slumped. He let out a massive yawn. “This is too much for the crack of dawn. Some ponies do like to take advantage of the nightlife in Canterlot. Oh well, can’t be helped. Some pony get me a mug of coffee, and some other pony get me the pony who is in charge of the reserves. The sooner I get the balls rolling. The sooner I can take my mid-morning nap. I don’t envy Aunt Luna one bit. She was up all night, and now she is out hunting a truly dangerous fiend.

In a far flung region of Equestria, a Unicorn stallion cowered on the ground. “Please, I’ll give you all my bits. Just don’t hurt me.” He begged.

Lord Tirek giggled with glee. “I desire something far more precious than bits, and when I take it, it won’t hurt a bit.” The Centaur open his mouth wide to consume the Unicorn’s magic. He began to suck only to find an invisible barrier protected his intended victim.

A proud and noble voice spoke loudly behind Tirek. “Your theft of magic ends today. You shall terrorize Equestria no longer.”

Tirek faced Princess Luna and looked about wildly. “You are alone? Foolish. Had you brought your sister and your guards I would have been defeated, but I have grown strong enough to overcome you, Princess. I will enjoy thrashing you almost as much as I will enjoy taking your power when I am done. You can fly away if you like. Alicorn magic is best when saved to last.” Tirek joked.

Luna was unmoved. “I come not looking to battle but to bargain. Would you hear me out?” She asked.

“I am in no hurry. Say what you will, moon riser.” Tirek said. He sat on the ground, and stared blankly and the dark alicorn.

“I have a proposal. If you will allow me to dream with you for three hours, I will give you magic if you still wish to have it upon awakening.” Luna said.

Tirek stroked his beard. “A strange proposal. How do I know this is not some kind of trick, and I will not simply be caged while I sleep?”

A scroll materialized in front of Tirek. He swiped it from the air and read it. Tirek looked at Luna in shock. “This is a pact than cannot be broken. The magic that governs it is older than memory.”

“Yes, I am certain of my actions.” Luna said.

Tirek pressed his thumb against a mark on the scroll. “I am certain I will have your magic in three hours.”

Luna’s eyes and horn glowed white. A thin beam of light struck Tirek in the forehead.

Tirek looked from side to side. “When do we start?” He inquired.

“It has already begun. We are dreaming now of the place where our bodies stand protected. You will note the Unicorn is no longer present.” Luna said.

“Uh huh, so do we just sit her for the next three hours.” Tirek asked.

“If you wish, but we can go anywhere you have been or anyplace you can imagine.” Luna said.

Tirek stared hard at the alicorn. In the waking world she was beautiful and regal. In the dream world, Luna was almost holy. Tirek had heard myths of angels. Was Luna one of them? Nonsense. He had taken her magic before, and felt nothing divine. A question rose in Tirek’s mind.

“Can we also go to places you have been?” He asked.

“Yes, where would you like to go?” Luna replied.

“I want to go to a cloud. I want to gaze down onto all of my future domain.” He said.

The world turned to mist and reformed to nothing but cloud white and sky blue. “This is Equestria as it was but a few days ago. I often fly above Canterlot before I retire for the day. From this cloud I beheld the most stunning view. The morning light glinted off the river as if it were made of the most perfect jewels. Gaze as you will.”

Tirek trotted to the edge of the cloud and circled around. “Magnificent. I shall carve that mountain there into a statue in honour of my glory.” He bragged.

“An ambitious goal. Would you care to see more?” Luna asked.

“More of what?” Tirek queried. He trotted around and around the cloud laughing and taping his fingers together.

Luna walked onto the open air to put her face in front of Tirek. “Would you like to see more of the world? I have been to the moon. The view from up there is beyond compare.”

“That does sound unique. I must admit I am curious. To the moon it is.” He said.

The cloud turned it the blackest smoke. The smoke rose up and blinded Tirek. Before Tirek had a chance to react, the smoke cleared. Tirek found himself in a garden filled with exotic fruits and flowers. A large butterfly flew past his face. “This is the moon?” Tirek asked uncertainly.

“This is as it was when I lived here as Nightmare Moon. It is a mysterious place. It has all the things a pony needs to live, but I was the only one here when I lived here. I found many artefacts when I explored this place, but I found no definitive answers too many of my questions. How does this garden survive on a world that is not but barren waste elsewhere?” Luna said.

“You were here for a thousand years.” Tirek said.

“That is another mystery to this place. Time moves differently here. A thousand years in Equestria is but one year here.” Luna said.

“Even if you had spent a thousand years here, I would feel no pity for you. This place is a hundred times better than Tartarus. If I never smell another three headed dog again it will be too soon.” Tirek said.

“Why did you choose to remain in Tartarus if you disliked it so?” Luna asked.
“I did not choose to remain there. I was a prisoner.” Tirek retorted.

“I was there when you were sentenced. If you had but given up on your goals to steal the magic of those in Equestria, you would have been released immediately. I aided in casting the spell that made this so. My sister and I are not cruel. It saddens us to imprison any being for any reason, but we could not allow you to harm our subjects.” Luna said sombrely.

Tirek growled. “I am not sure it something that a pony could understand, but you are unworthy of the power you possess. You do not have the same will as one such as me.”

Luna casual adjusted her crown. She used her magic to polish her silver shoes. “I would like to know how you came to hold such beliefs.” The princess responded.

Tirek put his face in front of Luna’s muzzle. “It is not beliefs. It is the truth. Take me to my land. Take me to the days when I was small, and you shall see the falsehoods of your rule.”

“Close your eyes and remember. When you open your eyes we shall be where your will takes us.” Luna said.

Princess Luna opened her eyes. She found herself in the dusty courtyard of some kind of school. A crowd of fantastical beings stood in a circle. They watched a young Tirek wrestling with a sphinx. The part man, part bird, part lion was not only grappling with Tirek, but the sphinx was also casting some form of magic at the centaur.

“Submit, Tirek. A beast like you is no match for an elite mind like mine.” The sphinx declared.

“The only thing you are elite at is bragging, Cairo, and you won’t be doing much of that when this beast devours your magic.” Tirek said. His horns glowed red as he pushed the sphinx to the ground.

“You are a beast that needs a little more time before the slaughter. I will start with one who is fattened for the kill.” Cairo said.
Luna heard a cry from behind the Sphinx known as Cairo. A winged Minotaur was writhing on the ground. A blue light was streaming from him into the Sphinx.

“It is against the rules to bring outsiders into a duel.” Tirek said.

“In a war, victory must be won at any cost. Submit or I will drain your brother dry.” Cairo threatened.

Tirek put his hands down. “I submit.” He said softly.

The sphinx opened his mouth and sucked the magic out of Tirek. The magic drained out of him as liquid light. After twenty seconds, Tirek collapsed on the ground.

Tirek’s brother vanished. “Ah ha ha ha!” Cairo laughed out loud. “Your brother was never here. You were fooled by nothing more than illusion. I told you a sentimental beast like you was no match for a mind that can think. Come to the bar fellows. Let us leave this wretched husk on the ground where he belongs. The first round is on me.”
The assembled crowd cheered. They followed Cairo as he strutted proudly away.

Hours passed like minutes in the dream world. Tirek’s brother stood by his fallen sibling. He held out his hands a gentle light pulsated from them. Tirek glowed. Tirek stirred then stood abruptly. “You should have let me spend the night in the mud regaining my strength instead of giving me some of your own. I need to learn the price of failure. Power is only for the worthy.” Tirek said.

The winged Minotaur laughed. “The price of failure is a chance to learn a lesson that cannot be gained through victory. What have you learned, brother?”

Tirek thought. “I have learned that one’s sentiment can be used as a weapon against one self. Perhaps ruthlessness is the path to true strength.”

“There is weakness in strength and strength in weakness. This we were taught was true.” The Minotaur said.

“Philosophical rubbish. I lost to Cairo in a duel. I wish I had been taught how to win.” Tirek said.

“Did you lose to Cairo, or did you lose to you? You are a better fighter than him, but he is cunning. Did you challenge him? Did your vanity blind you? You were trying to show off like a bully, and you paid the price. If you learned that lesson, I am glad you lost.”
Princess Luna and present day Lord Tirek watched the two brothers depart together.

“He was always weak minded.” Tirek muttered.

“And yet you cared for him more than winning a duel.” Luna said. “I have recently relearned the value of love for one’s siblings. I believe we have more in common than you know.”

“Then you believe wrongly, Pony. There were more lessons than this one. I was actually considering the point of view of my brother until the truth was made painfully clear to me. Allow me to open your eyes.” Tirek said.

Chapter Six

The mind mage planeswalker, Jace Beleren, and the human pony Princess Twilight Sparkle walked together on the plane of Innistrad.

Twilight put care into her steps. Her current human form was taller than her usual human form. It took more effort to maintain her balance than she wished. Twilight wanted to focus on what Jace was saying. She’d never met such a fascinating man before.

Spike was in his natural dragon form, and he exhibited his usual sense of urgency. “So Jace knows why we need his help because we told him via telepathy, and now that has been done, you’ve warded our minds so he cannot influence us because we wisely don’t trust strangers.

Even though we don’t trust him much, he can undo that demon’s spell, so he should just pop back to Equestria, undo the spell, and then we’ll owe him a favour, and we might have to help him fix this spooky world, but that’s later. Now, Equestria is in danger, and we need get back quick.” Spike ranted.

Twilight frowned. “It’s not that simple Spike. This world is in terrible danger. A magical madness is spreading, and Jace may not be able to leave even from a moment. The defences of Equestria are still intact. Princess Celestia and Luna are strong as are the guards. This world has lost its defences. It may need us more than Equestria right now.”

“I don’t know what the world needs.” Jace said. He put his hands together and griped his chin as he walked and talked. “Some madness grips Innistrad, and I detect a shadow of some greater threat to come, but I do not know if its defences are lost or merely broken. I came to this plane seeking answers, but I have found only riddles. I would like to journey to your world and help you as quickly as I can. Your needs are a distraction I can ill afford.”

“We are grateful for your aide.” Twilight Sparkle said.

Spike harrumphed. “We shouldn’t be too grateful. He’s stopping his enemy from getting his hands on The Elements of Harmony and using them against him and his friends.”

“Spike!” Twilight called out.

Jace chuckled. “No, Princess, The young dragon is correct. I will rest easier knowing Ob Nixilis has failed to get his hands on such powerful artefacts. Though I have no doubt he will continue to search for the tools to exact his revenge. I have no fear. The demon is strong, but the Gatewatch is stronger.”

“The Gatewatch. Who is ‘The Gatewatch’?” Twilight asked.

Jace ran ahead of Twilight and raised his right hand. It glowed blue with magic. “For the sake of the Multiverse, I will keep watch. That is the oath I spoke on Zendikar. My friends and I all vowed to keep watch for threats to the entire multiverse, so we call ourselves the Gatewatch. Perhaps you will join our group one day."

Twilight blushed and looked away. “I don’t know about that. I have a hard enough time looking after Equestria. Dealing with threats all over the multiverse is a bit much for me, plus I would miss my friends during all that traveling. My friends don’t travel from world to world like your friends. However, once I travelled to a world where I met people who had the same names and personality as my Pony friends. It was so uncanny, or is it? Do you often meet different versions of people you know when you travel?”

Jace shrugged, “I don’t know as many people as I used to know. I’ve lost so many memories due to telepathic combat. There are days I feel like a mere shell of a man. That’s why I am eager to make new memories with new friends. I am eager to see this portal, and the world that created it.”

“I am curious about this world. When things are settled on Equestria, I could help you explore its mysteries for a little while.” Jace said.
Jace paused. “That’s not a good idea. The more I think about it. The more I think it would be a good idea for you never to return to Innistrad.” He said.

Spike growled softly. “What are you hiding, buddy?”

Jace laughed uncomfortably, “Innistrad is never all that safe, but even after this crisis passes, I would not think it wise for Princess Twilight to come here. I have an old flame that lives on this plain. We’ve been getting on so well, she might take a disliking to you. I am not certain how jealous she can become, and her magic is very powerful.”

“It sounds like your old flame still burns for you. Have you extinguished your own interest?” Spike asked.

“You don’t have to answer that.” Twilight said. “We’re not here to harass you about your personal life. You’ve agreed to help us save

Equestria, and that is all we need to know. Here we are at the portal. Safe and sound. You say this world is full of horrors, but other than that zombie, we haven’t encountered anything at all dangerous. Perhaps the creatures here are simply misunderstood. My friend Fluttershy might be able to do a lot of good here.”

Jace rubbed his chin. “There is a small amount of magic leaking from this portal you came from. I can almost taste the otherworldly mana. This mana is cancelling out the madness that has infected this plane. It seems to have given living things a sense of harmony in a small area.

We have walked near dangerous creatures. I sensed them, but I sensed they lacked the desire to attack. It is just as well. Attacking a dragon is never wise.”

“You think I am dangerous?” Spike asked. He looked from side to side furtively. “Is there another dragon around here? Is it invisible?” Spike sniffed the air. “I can’t smell another dragon. Unless the dragons on this plane smell like rotting vegetation.”

Jace chuckled. “I was referring to you, my scaly friend. You have sharp claws, a bite that can shear through the toughest flesh, and breath hot enough to melt iron in seconds. Does that sound like a safe creature to me?”

Spike looked to Twilight. “Do ponies really think of me like that?”

Twilight bent down and picked up a rock. Her hand and the rock glowed purple as it transformed into a single flower. “I can transform living and no living beings into more things than I can imagine. Lives could be destroyed with my power, but no pony fears me. Why? Because, like

Spike, I have decided to only use my powers to help ponies live their lives in the best possible way. No pony fears Spike, and we would trust him with our lives any day of the week.” She handed the flower to Jace.

Jace put the flower to his nose. “This is no illusion. You can create life. This is extraordinary. Your power is that of the planeswalkers of old.”

“The magic is complicated, but do not confuse my spells for anything divine. I did not summon a flower from my own imaginings. I copied one that already lives using the mass of the stone. It is an imperfect copy at that. The flower lives, but I doubt it would grow if planted.”

Twilight pointed to a patch of stone. “We have arrived at the portal. Spike and I will enter first. Be warned. You will not be the same shape when you emerge in Equestria. It is a little disorienting at first, but we will be there for you.”

“I will follow you.” Jace said.

Twilight and Spike stepped through the portal. It glowed brightly and then returned to its ordinary appearance as a simple stone face on a boulder.

Jace was alone once again on Innistrad. He spoke to whoever was listening. “I will return soon. Your mysteries will be solved. The Gatewatch will make right the wrongs being done to this plane.” The mind mage stepped boldly into the portal and vanished.

Chapter Seven

In the dark and cloudy world between dreams, an alicorn princess gave her complete attention to a centaur lord. The princess was known as Luna to her friends. The lord was known as Tirek, and he had no friends.

Lord Tirek had not always been alone. He told a tale of a time he was surrounded by both friends and family. He told a tale of his youth, and as he spoke the dream world became the people, place and time of his story.

Lord Tirek began his tale thusly, “The dragon was both enormous and ancient. It was not out rightly cruel. It seemed to take a small amount of care not to harm those of the city, but its greed was much greater than its mercy. Its desire for the gems of the royal treasury was overwhelming. The force to drive it away was extraordinary, and it only retreated after it had manage to acquire a claw full of such great wealth as to make the rulers of the Crystal Empire paupers in comparison.”

Luna, one who had beheld countless fantastic dreams, eyes grew wide with amazement as Lord Tirek’s tale formed around them. She saw a city. The city was larger and more opulent than Canterlot. The numerous colourful domes, towers, and minarets bragged of the wealth and pride of Tirek’s people. Luna barely had a chance to enjoy the sights of the city for soon her entire focus was on the dragon.

The dragon was larger than any that had ever been seen in Equestria. It towered above even the greatest of the city’s temples. The dragon had for powerful legs with spear length claws. Its wings were massive enough to block out the sun when unfurled. Its scales were metallic with a multicolour oil slick sheen. The dragon was narrow compared to its length, but four ponies could comfortably stand next to each other on its back. The dragon moved with a serpentine grace, its steps shook the ground with a terrifying rhythm.

The dragon had landed in a park near its target. The guards of the city fled before it, and the might of the military was thrown against the beast. The arrows great and small were all useless. All the archers’ projectiles bounced of the dragons scales without causing so much as a scratch.

Tirek and his brother were in the garden of their family home when the word was put out all the city’s magicians were to use any spell they could thing of using to drive the dragon away. The family home was twenty minutes away from the battle. Tirek and his brother were safe there, but they heeded the call of civil duty and raced towards the royal treasury with no hesitation.

Many of the city’s magicians had arrived at the battle well ahead of Tirek and his brother. Cairo and a team of magicians were directing powerful lightning spells against the dragon. The lightning seemed to bother the dragon. The massive creature would growl and shack when struck as the electricity sparked off its flank. The deflected bolts went far and wide. Fires were starting all over the city.

Tirek assessed the situation grimly when he and his brother arrived. “This is lunacy. Those spells will destroy the city before the dragon is even stunned. It knew we couldn’t harm it before it came here. A dragon does not live to be as old as that one clearly is by being stupid. We should just let it take the jewels it came here for, and it will leave. The gems in the treasury are replaceable, but not a single life is.”
“I agree with you, but I don’t think we need to let the dragon take all the gems. If I can get into its head, I might be able convince it to only take some of them.” Tirek’s brother said.

“You really think you can form a telepathic link with a dragon?” Tirek asked.

The winged minotaur laughed. “If it has a mind, I can meld with it. I am not certain I could do it more than a few minutes, but that is all I’d need. We are not going to get anywhere while those idiots are flinging all that deafening force at the one I am to negotiate with today.”
Tirek stomped his hooves. “You start the melding process. I will take care of Cairo.”

Tirek’s brother said nothing. He sat down and began to meditate. He was an island of peace in a sea of chaos.

The sphinx mage Cairo and half a dozen other mages were stationed on a large balcony on a temple next to the treasury. Tirek galloped up the winding stair case to them in record time.

“Stop!” Tirek cried out as he burst through the doors.

Cairo chuckled. “The dragon will not stop simply because you ask nicely, Tirek. It is actually good you are here. Our lightening is only slowing it down slightly, but we need that time.” Cairo gestured to a trio of muttering robed and cowled figures. “They are preparing a powerful spell of death magic. You can use black mana. Can you not? Aide them and the dragon will be dead sooner.”

Tirek listened closely to the trio’s mutterings. He gasped in shock. “That spell is meant to be used only by the most powerful of beings against the most powerful of beings. If is cast, many in the city will be hurt or worse. My brother is going to meld with the dragon. He will convince it to take but a few gems. This is the best possible scenario.”

Cairo snarled. “Collateral damage is a consequence of battle. This city will emerge stronger than ever. We will be feared indeed when it is learned we are a race of dragon slayers. None will dare cheat or betray is ever again.”

“We will be known as a race of fools. This dragon will shrug of even a spell of this strength at best, or be injured and enraged at worse. If you’d open your eyes, you’d see that even if all the wizards of this city were to act as one, we wouldn’t be able to harm the dragon. It came to this city prepared. It is indestructible.” Tirek declared.

The robed trio began to chant louder and faster.

“You are too late. The spell is almost complete.” Cairo said smugly.

Tirek acted quickly. He opened his mouth and inhaled. The magic of the trio flowed into Tirek as streams of light. The trio collapsed, and Tirek stood taller.

“Traitor!” Cairo called out. He and the remaining mages cast potent disabling spells at Tirek before he had a chance to respond. Tirek collapsed onto the tiled floor of the balcony.

When Tirek returned to consciousness, he was beside his brother. Both of them were before a magistrate. The magistrate was a minotaur with a fancy official gown and displeased look on his face. The minotaur magistrate spoke in a stern and unforgiving tone.

“Tirek, I am glad you are awake. I was just about to pass sentence. I am not sure why you chose to betray your city and allow a monster to take our wealth, but I don’t care. Until you and your brother return something to the city of equal value to the gems that were stolen, you are hereby banished. The two of you have until sundown to be out of the city walls. You have power. Prove you are worthy of it in the wilds. Goodbye.” The magistrate finished speaking and turned and left before Tirek could say a word.

Tirek’s brother put his hand on Tirek’s shoulder. “Come brother. We have just enough time to pack. It looks like you and I are going on a big adventure.”

Tirek punched his own palm. “We did it. Didn’t we? You were able to meld with the dragon.”

Tirek’s brother nodded.

“Yet they treat us like criminals. This is unforgivable.” Tirek proclaimed. “We will make them pay for this.”

“I have no regrets. We saved many lives, and I have always wished to see the many wild lands far from here. There is an ancient forever free forest that is rumoured to be kept in harmony by a tree of living crystal. I long to see such a thing. Imagine what we could learn. My mind boils with questions.” Tirek’s brother said.

Tirek slapped his hands together. “Let’s go. That place sounds perfect. There we could find the wealth we need to return or the power we need for revenge. We’ll show them all the meaning of worth.”

The winged minotaur turned his head and smiled slightly. “This journey will be worth more to us than all the gems in the city. We will be making it together after all, Brother.”

The world became fog. Lord Tirek and Princess Luna stood alone in the dream world.

“Have you learned the truth now, Princess?” Lord Tirek said smugly.

Luna looked Lord Tirek directly in the eyes. “Yes, Tirek. I learned you have a heart, but you run from it. You cannot run from what is inside of you. You must accept your feelings, or they will forever bring you pain. I want you to show me one more thing with the time we have remaining. I want you to show me your future.”

Author's Note

Do you think I should capitalize 'minotaur'?