A Fractured World

(Main Tent. Equestria Side.)

“I’m telling you, Twilight,” Starlight said, still reading the book she got from Markus. “The human mythos is fascinating. There are so many beliefs and tales, it makes ours look simple.” She flipped through a couple of pages more pages and started studying it deeply. “I never have seen such creatures before.”

“Isn’t that gift for Luna?” Apple Jack pointed out, sitting in a bunk bed under Pinkie Pie. Starlight held the book a little closer to her.

“She’ll get it,” Starlight said. “I’m just … making sure nothing dangerous is in it.”

“Right.” Apple Jack said, unconvinced. “So, why are you here and not with Discord trying to figure out that crazy window?”

“Discord kept complaining that I was distracting so until he figures out who’s the fifth magic source, I’ll be on the sideline.” Starlight said, a bit annoyed.

“Well, if that the case,” Twilight said, putting one of her spell books to the side. “I guess this is the best time, if any, to talk about the situation.”

“What situation?” Fluttershy asked, sitting up.

“The situation of I doesn’t trust General Scorpio or the two that are at his side,” Twilight said. “They seem a little annoyed that we are still here and there been an increase of soldiers at the site. Even after it was proven that they can’t cross over to our side. I just can’t shake the feeling that they are up to something.”

“You’re telling me.” Rainbow Dash said, getting up from a cloud hammock. “Spitfire always warm me of those three. Scorpio is considered one of the best military commander in all of Equestria history but a few years, things changed. He started to get more aggressive and there was a whisper about a secret army and plans. But the stories I heard about his Lieutenants, those are the stories that worried me.” She jumped down and the group watch as she started to get deep in the story.

“You see, Gemini got promoted up in rank due to him winning a whole bunch of battles against changeling. But many talk about is how he got the information to win the battles. The major rumor was he caught a few changelings and made them talk. He is as smart as cruel with his magic. I heard that he made a few spells that are up his alley. But Aquarius, she a whole another story.”

“The word is, she was one of Celestia’s favorite Pegasus a while back and a great Wonder Bolt. But she was also very intelligence and was an interested in magic. She begged to be taught the ways of magic but Celestia said it was impossible. After that, she left the Wonder Bolts and fell under Scorpio’s wing. After that, she seemed to avoid any pony from the Wonder Bolts. Spitfire barely talks about it but apparently, they use to be a thing. We just need to avoid them at all cost.”

There was a noise at the front of the tent and the group turn to see it open up and a guard enter.

“I was told that Starlight Glimmer was here.” The guard asked. They nodded to Starlight’s bunk and the guard walk over to her. “Lieutenant Gemini has requested to speak to you. Please follow me.” The guard left the tent.

“I guess I should follow him,” Starlight said, getting off the bunk. Twilight got off her bunk and walk over to open the tent flap for her.

“Be careful,” Twilight said. “He might be trying something. Don’t tell him anything.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Starlight said, leaving the tent. Twilight stood there, while Rainbow Dash put a hoof over her shoulder.

“You want me to follow them?” She asked. Twilight smiled and nodded.

(Gemini’s Tent.)

“Starlight, come in,” Gemini said, open the tent with a magic spell. Starlight entered and saw several symbols on the inside of the tent. “Don’t worry about wards. It’s so whoever enters, it reveals their true form. Don’t want any bug brains entering my tent.” He pulled out a bottle and turn to her, pouring a glass. “Want some? Brew by the Yaks. If there one thing they know, it’s how to make a good drink.”

“Sure, I guess.” Starlight said, taking the drink and sipping it. “Why did you call me here?”

“Straight to the point. I like that.” Gemini said, pouring himself a glass. “You are clearly a powerful unicorn, yet you are studying under Twilight. Why is that?”

“Well, a while ago…” Starlight started but Gemini raised a hoof to stop her.

“I know the story.” Gemini said, taking a sip of his drink. “You once rule a village in an iron hoof until Twilight came and ruin it. You swore revenge and basically rip time apart to beat her. She talked you down and now you’re her pet.”

“I wouldn’t call myself a pet.” Starlight said, feeling a little insulted.

“Of course, you won’t. What pet would?” He said, starting to trace his glass. “But now answered the question, why are you studying under Twilight?”

“Because of she's my friend.” Starlight answered. Gemini scoffed.

“Alright, let’s talk like adults.” Gemini said. “You have very powerful magic but you are limiting yourself by being lead to those weak-minded fowls. They are always going on about how magic if for friendship and to help other. True magic is to have a power that no other pony can have. You just have to let go of petty things like friends and harmony.”

“I think I’m doing fine myself, thank you.” Starlight answered and turn to leave but a large wall suddenly appeared.

“I wasn’t done talking yet.” Gemini said, his horn glowing a deep green. “One of King Sombra spells. You won’t believe the stuff he made.” He summoned a small green ball and sent into the ground. The ground shivers a bit before a miniature map of Equestria. He walked over to her and cast another spell, causing several flags to appear all over the map. “You see, these are all the strongholds that are under control by a pony who is loyal to Scorpio. I’m offering you a chance to join the winning side. Join us and I’ll show you magic beyond your wildest dreams.”

“I said NO!” Starlight said, casting a spell that blasted the wall away. “I will report you to Twilight.” Gemini started to laugh.

“You think I would offer this to you if I thought you could betray me to Twilight?” He said, putting down his cup. “Tell me, how’s the drink?” Starlight looked confused until she felt a coldness cover her. She dropped to the ground and tried to move. She could only twitch as Gemini walked over to her. “Such a pity, I was hoping you would join us. I guess you will die like the rest of them.” He dragged her to a chest and open it up. He threw her in with a moment hesitation and lock it. Afterward, he crawled into his bunk with protection amulet and quickly went to sleep. In about five hours, the world will change.