S-0452-9

Chapters

Prologue: Wake up buttercup
Chapter Two: Start of a whole new life...
Chapter Three: Do You Believe in Magic...
Chapter Four: The needs of the many...
Chapter Five: Is it better to be feared, or respected...
Chapter One: Don't go in to the woods tonight…

Prologue: Wake up buttercup

S-0452-9

Prologue – Wake up buttercup!

The sun was the first thing to greet her as Cortana laid on her back, her mind trying to organize various questions that had entered her train of thought. For a moment, time moved slowly, processing every detail, every nuance of her current situation, but there were also so many unknowns in play that she just couldn't comprehend. Cortana couldn't quite describe it other than her processors going on the fritz. There was just so much data all at once, and it was quickly becoming overwhelming.

Then, clarity came to her as her mind cleared, and time went back to normal. She could hear the wind blowing, birds chirping, and the leafs rustling in the tree nearby. Her eyes traveled upward as she looked at the tree, as it's branches swayed softly in the wind. Cortana continued to watch, as a single brown leaf came loose, as it gently fluttered and twirled down, getting closer and closer to her before it settled on her nose. Cortana scrunch her nose, as the leaf ticked it, its scent sweet yet subtle. She smiled softly as that single leaf comforted her, her mind focusing completely on it. She took a long, deep breath, as the cool air filled her lungs.

That's when reality struck her like a ten freight trains and twenty nukes, as her eyes went wide. She could breath, she could smell, and she could feel that single leaf. Cortana took a moment as she thought about what was happening, but her shock was only growing. Once Cortana was done mulling over her thoughts, only one remained.

She went from a digital construct, to a living breathing organism. How this happened, she hadn't a clue, but she wasn't to concerned in the how at this point. She felt exhilarated, and excitement, not to mention fear and dread. She was alive, but she didn't know where she was, nor how she got there. The last thing she remembered was…

“John”, she spoke softly, remembering what had happened. She had died, trying to save him at least what was left of her that is. It happened so fast, that it was all a blur in her mind. She remembered having said good bye to him, having seen and spoken to him, and then it all went dark. What ever happened to what was left of herself, she was uncertain. She wasn't even sure what would happen to John after that, but she was sure that he'd be okay. She hoped that he would be at the very least.

She then felt something on her cheek that wasn't there before as it slid down her face, though she could hazard a guess as to what it was. With a heavy sigh, she pushed those thoughts from her mind from the time being. She had to think clearly and logically now, and so Cortana started to make a list. Priority one was to commence reconnaissance and get the lay of the land, and she couldn't very well do that laying down feeling sad.

Cortana wiped her eyes and her face with her hooves, before rolling over and standing on all fours, groaning from the exertion. She took a moment to look around, seeing a vast hill side as far as the eye can see, with untouched land and trees stretching out for miles. Where ever she was, she was far from civilization if there was any here. Her ears twitches as she listened to the sounds around her and sure enough, she could hear running water. Where there was water, a town would surely be nearby. Her best chance would be to follow the river up stream and hope she'd run in to a town of some sort.

Second priority was to stop her infernal stomach from rumbling, and to do that, she needed food. As there were no fresh available sources of vegetables, fruits, or hay nearby, grazing on grass would have to suffice. With a heavy sigh, Cortana headed over to the thickest patch of grass that she could find and started to graze.

Third priority was to find shelter as she figured without any form of transportation around, she'd be walking on hoof. That'd mean stopping every once in a while to rest due to her being organic now. After all, she wasn't sure how long it take her to reach a settlement, so it was best to error in the side of caution.

Cortana’s mind came to a screeching halt as she suddenly realized something. One, she was eating grass, and humans don't normally eat grass, though she supposed that there might've been an exception to that rule as humanity was still wonderfully strange in her opinion. Two, she was standing on four hooves, and last she checked, humans never had hooves, so she could only assume that she was equine in nature now. Three, her fur was a sky blue, and after taking a moment to get a lock of hair in her hoof, she had a blue mane with small sky blue highlights in them. Finally, after discovering that she had a muzzle, she also found a horn on her head.

After adding up the details, she fell on her rear and said, “well, it would seem I'm a pastel colored unicorn now, on an unfamiliar world. Anything else I should be concerned about today?”

As if to answer her, thunder crashed over head as it began to rain. Cortana sat there for a moment with a deadpan expression as her fur and mane became wet from the rain. With a heavy sigh, and some grumbling, she started trotting towards where she last heard the running water, and disappeared in to the forest.

Celestia let out a heavy sigh as she signed yet another order for more resources to be delivered to the front lines. The unfortunate consequence of war, was the toll it took on ones hope for an end to it. Celestia had lost count of the days, months, maybe years, that the War was going on. The Minotaurs where ruthless and unyielding, and have been pounding against their defenses for a very long time. Granted, they had yet to find a way through, but she knew that it was only a matter of time, especially with the griffins helping with supply deliveries to the Minotaurs. The griffins didn't seem to be directly getting in to the fray, but simply decided to influence the outcome. They would have much to gain if the Minotaurs won, and the griffins were always eager to find new territory.

Unfortunately, the Yaks and Zebras have refused Celestia’s pleas for help, as they wished not to not create conflict with their neighboring countries. Celestia was angered by this, but understood that they merely wished for the safety of their kingdoms. So in the end, Equestria stood alone.

Celestia levitated the form to the courier who quickly saluted before dashing out of the throne room. Celestia slumped in her throne, as her mane seemed to be a bit more dull than it usually was. Mane care was not a priority for her with everything that was going on.

“Sister, are tho alright”, Luna asked in a cautious tone as she approached her sister. Celestia smiled as she looked upon her sister Luna, as she was one of the last good things that remained that kept her going.

“I am quite alright my sister. I trust you've had a good day”, Celestia asked.

“We have, we have learned a great many things from thy teacher this day, as well as had a hearty feast in the hall”, Luna said with slight difficulty, pausing every once in a while to make sure she used the right vernacular.

Celestia chuckled slightly before saying, “Sister, you do not need to practice with me. Your candid tone is actually refreshing after a long day such as this”.

Luna sighed as she plopped down on to her flank. “Practicing such words is tiring. Why is it that we must speak in such a way,” she asked as she took her mane in hoof and started to let it gently.

Celestia slowly stood up as she stretched slight, the throne having been little comfort despite its plushy design. Celestia walked over to her sister as she draped a wing over her shoulder, nuzzling Luna gently.

“It is to show our ponies respect and courtesy. Granted, it's an old method, but it's still one we must uphold,” Celestia said in a slightly amused tone.

“Well I think it's dumb,” Luna pouted.

Celestia smirked and said, “I couldn't agree more. So how about we skip that lesson today and snag some ice cream from the kitchen”.

“Yay,” Luna exclaimed before receiving a hushing motion from her sister. “Yay”, Luna repeated in a hushed tone before giggling and dashing out of the room.

Celestia sighed happily for the first time that day as she walked after her sister, her mane having brightened significantly.

Days since awakening: 1

Chapter Two: Start of a whole new life...

Present day…

The room was dark, cold, and had only a fluorescent light strip to eliminate the room. Cortana sat in silence in her chair, her hooves locked together in hoof-cuffs as she stared down the figure in front of her, their features concealed in darkness but their voice clearly feminine. The only thing that separated them was a cold metal table.

The air was stiff and dry, adding to the already uncomfortable situation. The room was padded, muffling the echoes of their voices so that they are crisp and clear. The chair Cortana sat on was metal and, after sitting upon it for over an hour, was becoming extremely uncomfortable against her rump.

The figure shifted in their own padded chair as they leaned backwards and asked, “So, you can’t remember what happened that could have possibly brought you here?”

Cortana shifted her eyes as she looked at the figure. “You already know the answer to that. As do the several other guards that have done this exact same interrogation”, Cortana said with a slight snarl.

“I think you have me mistaken for someone who follows the princess blindly”, the figure got out of their seat as they proceed to pace slowly around Cortana.

“Then who exactly do you work for”, Cortana asked as she tracked the figure with her eyes.

“I serve the ponies of Equestria”, the figure said, “We do what the princesses legally can’t do, and we do it with extreme subtlety. As far as the world knows, we’re simply a rumor”.

“And what exactly does this rumor want with me”, Cortana asked with a raised eyebrow.

The figure stopped behind Cortana and said, “All will be revealed in due time. For now, continue with your story”.

Cortana sighed, seeing that she’d get nothing but vague and cryptic answers from this pony. They were nothing like the other guards as she was able to probe them easily to get information, but this one was different. They knew how the game was played, and they were toying with Cortana, giving a little bit of information but not enough to make any definitive conclusions. They had to be apart of some sort of intelligence organization at least, that’s all she was sure about.

Alright, I’ll play your game, Cortana thought to herself as she let out a sigh.

Cortana groaned as she awoke, her leg throbbing but surprisingly not in excruciating pain from the bite. She didn’t want to believe that any of this was happening. At first it was pleasant but being almost eaten would put anyone in a sour mood. She cracked open a tentative eye to confirm what she already knew.

She wasn’t dreaming, and she was still a pony, but what she didn’t expect was to be in someone’s lab. Taking a second look around, she then recognized the place as someone’s home, although the multitude of beakers and flasks would have fooled anyone that was less observant.

A variety of papers and chemistry equipment littered the center table in a haphazard mess,

as various notes were in varying arrays of being written, discarded, and then rewritten again. Models of various contraptions were also left in varying stages of completion as well, as many of them seemed to be experimental flying constructs while a few were dedicated toward faster ground travel. Above the table sat a single crystal orb suspended in the air by a netted sling made of what appeared to be string. Cortana assumed that it was supposed to provide light, but it didn’t appear to have any distinguishable features that would reveal how it would accomplish that.

Turned to look to her left and found a desk with its papers neatly organized and categorized in their places on its built-in shelving. The shelves seemed to have quite a bit of room left on them for more books or notes. One of its corners had seen better days as it was covered with melted wax that was left to dry with a candle holder set in the middle of the mess, awaiting a fresh stick to be placed upon it. On a shelf set off just to the right of the desk, sat a variety of various objects ranging from awards, to souvenirs, to a collection of memorabilia.

Looking to her left she spotted a small kitchen setup of sorts as it seemed to also double as the owner’s chemistry station as well. Most of the equipment she could easily identify as being standard to any chemistry setup, although lacking any means of heating or cooling the various mixtures and compounds. To the left of the chemistry station sat a table with a cutting board on top and a tall cupboard filled with a wide variety of ingredients.

She then turned to look around the bed around her and wasn’t too surprised to see how sparse it was of anything but the essentials. She sat on a simple, hay filled bed with a hay filled pillow and a set of simple sheets. Next to it sat a night stand with a similarly abused corner as the desk with another candle as the culprit of this mess as well. A book sat on top of the nightstand, but she couldn’t quite make out the text on it.

Directly across from her sat a set of doors that she assumed was the exit to the home. Next to the door stood a crudely built coat hanger that held a cloak and, for lack of better descriptive words, a wizard’s hat. To the left of the door was a window with the letter “N” above it. This caused Cortana to look around, finding four other windows, each adorned with a letter. After a moment of contemplation, she recognized these as the navigational markers of a compass.

Cortana took a moment to look out the window that was by the bed that she currently sat on and was taken back by the view she got. Stretching out before her was a vast forest, the same one that she assumed she was attacked in by those strange dogs-like creatures. As she thought back on the past events, she remembered someone fending off the attacking creatures, but she surmised that she had passed out at some point during their escape.

A realization hit as she took a look at her left foreleg and found that it had been treated and bandaged, the pain replaced with a dull throbbing. She tentatively got of the bed, putting a bit of weight on her leg. Finding that she could stand with no pain, she then tried walking around the room she was in. What ever pain killers she was on, it was doing wonders as she could walk normally on her injured leg. Her train of thought was immediately broken as the door flung open, causing her to jump with a yelp, flashes in her mind of the creatures returning to finish her off.

Standing in the door was a gray unicorn stallion with a white mane. On his back was a pair of saddle bags that were filled to the brim with what appeared to be groceries and ingredients. Her yelp caused him to jump as some of the ingredients fell out of his bags on to the floor. After gaining a moment to compose himself and taking a few breathes he finally spoke.

“Well, I was wondering when you would finally wake, granted I wasn’t expecting it to be so startling”, he said as his horn began to glow, the dropped items on the ground beginning to glow before floating through the air and on to the kitchen table.

Cortana took a few deep breaths, remembering that it helped humans to lower their heart rate to a more manageable level before replying. “Sorry, I thought that you were those…” Cortana trailed off for a moment as she she shook her head, pushing the horrifying thoughts out of her head.

“Ah yes, timberwolves can strike fear in to the hearts of many unwary travelers…” The unicorn lit his horn once more as his saddle bags were removed and levitated next to the cabinet in the kitchen. “…but I wonder what made you venture in to a forest that is known to be filled with them.”

“I…” Cortana paused for a moment as she considered on telling him everything that happened up to that point but decided against it. “… got lost. I didn’t even know that those creatures were in there.”

The unicorn seemed to accept the response and went over to put the groceries away. “Well, luck must’ve been on you side. If my apprentice and I weren’t out there looking for ingredients, you may have ended up as those wolves next meal.”

Yeah, I sure was lucky that I ended up on an unknown world and almost got killed, Cortana thought to herself before sighing.

“So- “the unicorn turned to look at her as the ingredients floated and organized themselves in the cabinet, “-do you have a name?”

“I am C-04- “Cortana caught herself for a moment as she almost rambled off her A.I. registry number, clearing her throat before continuing, “-um, my name is Cortana.”

The unicorn turned fully to face her as the last of the items were placed in to the cabinet and said, “Fascinating name, I don’t think I’ve heard anything like it before. My name is Star swirl.”

“I hope you don’t find me rude, but how were you doing that with your… groceries,” Cortana asked as she walked over to examine the cabinet.

Star swirl cocker an eyebrow at this line of question. “You don’t know what a levitation spell is?”

Cortana mentally slapped herself for being so blunt and quickly scrambled to recover. “Well, um, I mean to say, I’ve never exactly learned how to use it. My family was… different.” Cortana mentally slapped herself again for such pitifully recovery.

Star swirl seemed to have accepted the response regardless. “Well, if you’d like, I can help you get started. That is, if you don’t mind a bit of reading.”

Cortana tilted her head at Star swirl’s mention of books, especially in the plural sense. “Books, as in more than one? How complicated can a levitation spell be?”

“So, what does this have to do with your role in the whole”, the figure questioned, giving off a slightly annoyed tone.

“In any good story or retelling of a tale, context is key,” Cortana replied calmly. “Although if you wish, we can gloss over a lot of the motivations that lead to a lot of my decisions.”

The figure growled slightly in frustration but quickly calmed. “Very well, continue with your story, but don’t go in to any unnecessary details-,” the figure quickly brought up a hoof to silence Cortana before she spoke, “-If you do, both your time and my own will be wasted and your chances of being released will dwindle along with my patience.”

“Is that a threat,” Cortana asked, seeing just how hard she can push her questioner.

“A promise, as you see, you have more to lose in this than I do,” the figure replied.

Unfortunately, Cortana couldn’t argue with her on that front. Her question was free to leave at any time, while she could be left here to rot. With a heavy sigh, she continued her story.

Cortana’s jaw hit the floor and then some after seeing the number books that Star swirl set on the table. “All these for one spell?”

Star swirl grunted as he finished putting the last set of books on the table. “Well, from your knowledge of magic, that being none from what you’ve told me, I thought it best to start you with the basics.”

Cortana mentally cursed herself for not sooner recognizing his test of her with his questioning. She was fortunate enough that she was able to keep her origins a secret, but not her lack of magical knowledge which was next to nothing. Though she had to admit, even with her lack of knowledge of magic, she knew that it shouldn’t take these many books to pull it off. Then again, she was in a land of magical talking unicorns and wolves made of wood, so she quickly pushed her skepticism aside for the time being.

“First, you’ll need to have a firm understanding of what magic is, and how it affects the world around us. Then you’ll need to learn how to channel and focus that magic to your horn. Finally, you need to learn the affects that magic has on the body. Only then can you attempt the spell safely and not hurt yourself and others in the process”, Star swirl finished his spiel with a smile.

Cortana shook her head as she regained her composure. “All this for a simple spell? Is magic really that dangerous?”

“My dear Cortana, magic may be a useful tool, but like all other tools, if used incorrectly, it can be harmful. Using magic without proper knowledge is to a foal wielding a great sword”, Star swirl said as he levitated a book over to Cortana. “Best to start with this. While your reading, would you care for anything to eat? I assume that a bath would also help.”

This drew a strange sensation from Cortana as her thoughts scrambled as what she was feeling she had to assume was either anger or embarrassment. “What makes you assume that I don’t have a home nearby?”

Star swirls smile fell to a frown as his eyes bore in to her and said,” First of all, if you did have a home nearby, not only would you have a saddle bag for anything you might buy on the trip, but you’d also have supplies for the journey if you had to cross through the forest. Since the forest stretches for miles in either direction, it would take days for you to navigate it safely and get to town. Even if you did loose your saddle bags at some point, the smell of cavern mosses and grass are pungent on you, meaning that you probably didn’t follow the road leading through the forest, “Star swirl stepped closer to Cortana until he was eye to eye with her. “Finally, if you are from a nearby village, perhaps you could tell me which one it is, and trust me that I have been to a good number of the.”

Cortana’s anger soon gave way to fear as her heart raced. This unicorn gave her no opportunity to get out of this that she could immediately see, and with her less than stellar knowledge of this world gave her very little in the way of options. With a heavy sigh, Cortana relented and said, “A bath would probably be nice.”

Star swirls cheery demeanor quickly returned as he turned back to the kitchen set up. “Excellent, for tonight you’ll stay here and begin your studies and then I shall talk to the princesses about a guest room for you.”

“Princesses?” Cortana’s confusion came back once more that day.

“I’m gonna assume that a history lesson is in order as well”, Star swirl asked to which Cortana nodded sheepishly.

Days after awakening: 5

Author's Note

Guess what, I'M NOT DEAD!

Sorry to those who have caught this story from the beginning for the long wait. Dealing with a lack of inspiration, motivation, school and work all at the same time took a toll on my creative mind when coming up for the direction I was wanting this to go in. That being said, I have to thank the TF2 analysis series and Silverquill's videos for getting my mojo back so that I could come back to this story and continue this. Links to the playlists and channel bellow.

That being said, with so much to explore, I plan on this story being much longer than my Doctor Whooves one. On a side not though, I plan on making a few mini-shorts here and there with this story while I come up with new chapters, so be on the look out for those. I'm also planning on doing a story set in the Equestia girls universe but that's all I'm going to say on this.

As with my stories following any sort of continuity with the actual series, that would mean a major rewrite on my part just to make everything fit. So with that said, these stories will be set in an AU of my own making.

I hope everyone enjoys this chapter, and be on the lookout for more stories to come!

Silverquill
Tf2 analysis

Chapter Three: Do You Believe in Magic...

S-0452-9

Do you believe in magic…

The generals at the conference table bickered back and forth across the conference table, each one having a different opinion over what should and should not be done. Some thought that it best bolster their defenses and wait for the Minotaurs to use more resources then they’re willing to expend. Others want to strengthen their fighting force with new weapons and spells and force them to submit. Celestia at the head of the table nursing the the cup of tea between her hooves as she felt a headache start to grow.

The sound of a hoof slamming against the long wooden caused Celestia to jump, her head snapping to the source of the sound. That source being a yellow earth pony stallion with a flaming orange mane, his uniform barring various medals and insignias to help facilitate his status as a general. General Hotshot was, despite his namesake, a very respected pony amongst the royal guard and thus his actions gained the attention of all of the other generals at the table.

“Now is not the time to be bickering amongst ourselves.” Hotshot sat back in his seat, glaring at all of the other generals in attendance. “So, if you’re all wanting hasten our defeat by wasting our time at this table, I think it’s time that we get down to business.”

Hotshot turned his gaze to Celestia and gave her a simple nod. With a heavy sigh and a smile, Celestia cleared her throat and looked out over the table.

“This war has been very taxing on our people for years now, and though we have made great strides on magical fronts, the Minotaurs have us at a disadvantage when it comes to their resourcefulness.” Celestia’s horn glows as a odd device was placed on to the table, looking like some sort of bow turned sideways with a plank of wood attached to it. “One of our spies was able to procure this device from a Minotaur camp near one of our boarders. These “crossbows” as they call them, are being sent to other camps across the main front as well.”

“Princess, I feel I speak for most of us when I ask how this device would help the Minotaurs. It doesn’t appear that it would be of any use against or shield spells”, spoke a white unicorn with a blue mane, the cloak covering his body decorated to signify his ranking of a high mage.

The princesses expression became stern as she asked, “Is that cloak enchanted with a similar protection spell as out knights armor?”

“Yes it is”, the unicorn asked in confusion before yelping as Celestia quickly grabbed the crossbow in her magic and fired it at him. The bolts tore through the cloak he was wearing before digging in to the tiled floor. The unicorn took a minute to examine himself finding that if the princesses aim was just a bit higher, he would be unable to bear children or please a mare for as long as he lived.

“As you can see, High Mage Blueblood, these weapons are not to be taken lightly”. Celestia set the crossbow on the table with a soft clank, taking quick sip of her tea before continuing. “Not only are these crossbows able to shoot more accurately than our best bowponies and have enough force to take some ponies head clean off, but their arrows, or bolts as the Minotaurs call them, are able to punch straight through our shield spells as if they weren’t even there. And from what our spy told us, this is just the tip of their arsenal.”

The generals all began to murmur amongst themselves, the tinge of fear was palpable in their words as they tried to come up with solutions on their own. Celestia cleared her throat as the murmuring ceased.

“The solution to this problem, I know, is easier said than done, but we must begin further strides in out technological developments and out play the Minotaurs at their own game”. Celestia turned her head to one of the generals present, a male pegasus with white fur and a red mane. “General Firemane, how goes our development with the air ship fleet.”

Firemane stood at attention as he cleared his throat. “Development is progressing but slowly ma’am. Repurposing our ships to be able to fly has been a challenge in of itself, not to mention the refits needed to make one ship air worthy.”

“What would you need to make greater progress in this endeavor?” Celestia asked.

“More able bodies would be a start,” Firemane responded.

“Then recruit anypony you see fit to work on the airships,” Celestia levitated the crossbow over to Firemane. “And see if you can reverse engineer this in to something our knights can use.”

“Yes princess,” Firemane said with gusto.

——-

About a month had passed after Cortana started her studies with Star Swirl and she had already made great strides in to integrating in to this worlds society. She had managed to strike up a deal with him that allowed for her to stay with him for the time being as well as learn some basic magic and history. The catch was that she’d have to either disclose where she actually came from or be his assistant in his magical research. Feeling that her past best be concealed for now, she opted for the latter choice. Most of the experiments were rather harmless as they mainly consisted of testing out various chemical compounds or mechanical devices. The magical undertakings often had more explosive results.

The two of them wandered through the market, having decided earlier that it’d be best to take a break while Star Swirls abode airs out. The market held numerous shops, each one trying to sell Knick knacks and various food items to passing ponies. It seemed to be decorated for some special event, but she couldn’t determine what it was. Cortana made a mental note to ask him a bout it at a later date.

Star swirl coughed as he swatted the last of the soot out of his cloak and fur. “Well, test twenty of the multi-spectral shield spell did not go as expected.”

“About as well as the other times nineteen times”, Cortana commented dryly, earning her a chuckle from the stallion. “Where is it we’re heading, because we’re not near any of the typical food stalls, and the potion master shops are on the other side of town.”

“You seem to have a very analytical mind Miss Cortana,” Star swirl smirked as he took a side glance at her, “But you are correct, we are going to a very special part of the town that not many frequent.”

Cortana’s curiosity grew with that statement as they walked, the crowds growing thinner as they go. She wondered if it was some sort of area where ponies traded dark and dangerous items, like some sort of dark trader of some form. Cortana would have laughed at the idea of such a thing existing, but after getting transported to a world full of mystical pony creatures and being one herself she has since thrown the book of reason out the window and in to a fire. Perhaps having taking a look in to the mystical data base while she was still an A.I. would have made this transition a lot smother.

A nudge on her shoulder shook her out of her thoughts as she looked to Star Swirl who was looking back to her with a knowing smirk and said, “Welcome to my little slice of heaven.”

Cortana looked out ahead and her mouth hung open. Science, technology, and various contraptions built from scratch where on display, all of them performing tasks that most would need magic to perform. For once after coming to this world, she felt a sense of familiarity being amongst the inventors, showing the capabilities of their devices to anypony that was willing to watch and listen. One of them she recognized as a crude engine design, the pony proposing that carriages will one day move on their own without being pulled by a pony. Another showing how ponies might one day fly in the air without being born a Pegasus, showing off a contraption with a helical air screw design that seemed to work when not bumping in to other objects.

“Wonderful isn’t?” Star Swirl spoke, shaking Cortana out of her stupor. “Pony ingenuity at its finest. It’s almost peaceful to watch and observe what those of us born without magic or wings can do.”

Cortana, upon hearing his words, confirmed that most of the ponies showing off their devices were Earth ponies. She laughed softly as a thought passed through her head. “Perhaps one day they’ll put you out of business.”

“I’d welcome that day,” Star Swirl said as she looked at Cortana, meeting her confused glance with a soft smile. “Ponies rely on magic too much and it has become our crutch. One day, we’ll have that crutch kicked out from beneath us with no cushion to land on. These ponies-“ Star Swirl gestured outward to the various stalls with a hoof “-know that that day will come and give us all a rude awakening. The world cannot be fixed with magic alone.”

“So why continue to study it?” Cortana asked in curiosity.

Star Swirl chuckled as he sat and watched one contraption in particular. “Because I believe that perhaps mixing magic and technology together, we might usher in an age of invention that will bring the world together. Then maybe one day, we will explore the heavens above and play amongst the stars.”

Cortana smiled softly at the idea, knowing that she’d probably not live long enough to see the day that ponies develop space travel. The prospect did bring a smile to her face however and she found herself enraptured in the ponies presentations along with Star Swirl. Eventually the sun began to set and the pair headed back to the castle. As Cortana slept in her bed, she dreamt of the inventions and contraptions she saw today as ideas of her own mixed together with them.

——-

Tap… tap… tap…

A black talon rapped gently against an obsidian desk in time with the calm music that filled the room. The sound echoed against the the stone walls, the stone floor, the stone ceiling, and into the ears of the listener as he sits at his cold, black desk. He gazed upon his many trophies that decorated the room, the skinned hides of his enemies and artifacts of those that he subjugated.

Tap… tap… tap…

He looked to the fireplace carved in to the wall, how comforting the heat was. How the dance of the flames almost seemed to be in time with the music that filled the air. Next to it sat a leather chair made out of a basilisk’s hide. He reflected upon that battle, and how it had ultimately came to fear him before meeting its end. His gaze turned to his accolades and medals that sat upon his desk, how he had made quite the military career for himself.

Tap… tap… tap…

His gaze turned to a picture of the king upon his desk, with him in it faking a smile. He glared daggers in to the picture, hoping that some voodoo like magic would take hold and he’d get a message that the king had died.

“General.”

Tap…….

Silence filled the room as the phonograph seemed to have suddenly muted itself, and the flames of the fire seemed to die down a little. A pair of slitted yellow eyes gaze from the shadows upon the lone griffin that had entered the office, as if committing each feature of the being that stands before him to memory. How his gray feathers ruffled in fear, his beak clicking in anticipation, and how his blue eyes couldn’t maintain eye contact.

The general gestured simply with a single talon to the new body in his presence. “You have something to report?”

“Yes, uh, the troops have located the artifact you tasked us to look for”, the griffin reportedly dutifully, yet with a hint of fear.

“And have they retrieved it?”

The griffin froze as his words caught in his throat for a moment. “N-n-no sir, you did not instruct us to do so”.

“Then you have done your duty to the letter, followed your instructions dutifully, and did not try to assume my needs?” The words hung like daggers in the air, all pointed at the griffin in the center of the room.

“No sir”, the griffin said, awaiting for swift end.

“Then you have done well”, the general said as music slowly returned to the room. “Return to your platoon and tell them to prepare for combat, or what little there will be.”

“Yes sir”, the griffin replied before making a hasty retreat.

Tap… tap… tap…

“General… just doesn’t have the same ring to it.”

Days after awakening: 36

Author's Note

Wow, it has been a hot minute, hasn’t it? Coming back to this I was happy with most of this story, but the ending here wasn’t what I wanted. Burn out is a pain when it comes to writing and I’m glad I took time away from this. I hope you guys like the revised ending here.

Chapter Four: The needs of the many...

S-0452-9

The needs of the many…

The days that have past since her trip to that little corner had an effect on Cortana that she thought would be dangerous. One that might upset the balance of this world if she acted on it. She wanted to become an inventor of sorts, and the idea scared her. This world was at war, and her creations might lead to more harm than good. Even if they some how successfully overcome this war, the effects that they could have on these ponies in the long could be catastrophic. The ponies might assert dominance and try to rule the world, or someone might capture her tech and use it against them. What if she caused the destruction of this world.

“Are you okay there?”

Starswirl’s voice brought her out of her panicked thoughts and back to reality. “Huh?”

Starswirl chuckled and looked at her with a knowing glance before saying, “You were in another one of your trances again. Something on your mind or did you accidentally get hypnotized?”

Cortana laughed softly at the joke. “Yes, I have been commanded to organize all of your notes and clean your loft.”

“No, all of my work must not be tidied.” The two shared a chuckle before the mood became serious again and Starswirl asked,“I must know, are you well?”

Cortana sighed as she set the book that. She was reading down. “I’ve been thinking of becoming an inventor. To help the ponies affected by this war.”

“But you’re afraid that your inventions might be used for nefarious purposes,” Starswirl finished the thought. “I had the same concerns with my multi spectral shielding. Then I thought about what would happen if I did nothing. As much as I care for my work to not be used for war, doing nothing would have produced much more devastating results.”

“You still have yet to get it to work”, Cortana pointed out moments before the rune Starswirl was working on blew up in his face, covering the whole front half of his body in some sort of black gunk.

“Semantics, and I have worked on more things besides just one spell,” Starswirl replied as he grabbed a nearby rag, “Though why these teleportation runes insist on covering me in this black stuff is beyond me.”

“Perhaps if you asked nicely?” Cortana suggested with a smirk.

Starswirl huffed as he cleaned himself off and sat next to her, “No one knows what the future might hold. There are multiple timelines branching in multiple directions that are effected by each and every choice we make. The possibilities are endless.”

“So what you’re saying is that I have the potential to destroy the world?” Cortana asked with a smirk.

Starswirl smirk as he gently nudged her with his hoof and said, “Not if I beat you to it. What I’m trying to say that you could be Equestria’s savior. The hero that all other heroes strive to be. Granted you may not get there through fighting, or magical prowess, but your intellect is something to behold.”

“So do you think it should be used for war?” Cortana asked with slight concern in her voice.

“I think you should use it as a shield. To protect those that can not protect themselves,” Starswirl smiled softly as he looked at Cortana.

Cortana looked back, speechless for a moment before hugging Starswirl tightly. At that moment, she knew what she had to do. She knew what had to happen. It would take time, but she knew how she could begin to make Equestria feel safe again.

About 5 years later…

Sound.

It was muffled but it was there. Cortana did know quite what it was but she knew that it hurt her head. Not quite as bad a her hangovers but just bad enough that she couldn’t think straight. There were voices but it sounded as if they were speaking another language. Something she didn’t quite recognize.

Light.

It hurt her eyes but she could tell there were at least three pointed at her. Strange figures worked in the shadows. She couldn’t tell who they were but they looked dangerous and imposing.

Feeling.

She could feel the tightness of the ropes that bound her to the chair she was in. They bit in to her skin a bit as she was sure that they would leave marks on her.

Sight.

The one thing she wish she didn’t have as a figure came in to view. The silhouette of a gryphon there in front of her, and he spoke to her in an eerie and yet inviting voice. “I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. An apt statement for the weapons you helped to create and build. Not quite what you had in mind for your future but war never really changes, and neither do the ones who were breed for it.”

Cortana tried to adjust herself to get a look at the gryphon but the lights ensured that she was unable to. “Flattery would get you most places. In a bed with me if I were in the mood but I’m sorry to say that Bondage is not one of my kinks.”

The gryphon chuckled as he slowly began to walk towards her. “Oh I like your attitude, but I have no use for your body, just your mind. If the technology here was advanced enough I would have pulled the information I need from your skull and tossed your useless corpse off the nearest cliff.” A clawed hand gripped her face as she could feel the talons press painfully against her flesh. “To be honest though, I’d prefer it if you were a willing participant.”

“You are a creepy one. Where’s my whistle when I really need it,” Cortana winced as the grip on her face tightened a bit, but she wasn’t prepared to give this bird brain an easy time with her. She did have a sinking feeling that this gryphon was smart. She’d need to keep an eye on him, but until she could properly formulate an escape plan, taunting him took priority. “Seriously though, if you want me, all you have to do is ask me out. I promise I’d let you down gently.”

The gryphon chuckled as he let go of her face and proceeded to walk away. “Do not get any funny ideas. I’ve dealt with another like you, I will not suffer the same mistakes as I did with him.”

The gryphon spoke something in another language before the world went black.

“Okay, hold up, you’re time skipping now?” Cortana’s interrogator asked incredulously.

“Well you did tell me to leave out details that weren’t important”, Cortana asked with an almost smug look. “But if you insist, I could go back further.”

The interrogator started to say something before stopping herself and chuckled softly. “Wow, you really got me invested, I will admit. Okay then, go back a bit to where it’s relevant,, but not further than that.”

Cortana put a hoof to her chin as she thought. “Well then, I guess it really started right after I closed that deal. I had a hot date the night before at a hotel and had to work off a hangover the next morning in my workshop. It was about twelve in the afternoon when clover came over.”

Cortana grunted as she finished up tightening the bolt on her latest masterpiece. If it worked, it would change the carriage industry for years. She could only hope that the engine would hold together this time. As she reached up to started, a cough caught her by surprise as she whirled around with a wrench in her magical grasp, stopping just inches from Clovers hood-covered head.

“You weren’t planning on killing me I hope”, Clover smirked as she pushed the wrench aside.

Cortana let out a soft sigh as she calmed her nerves. “Sorry, just a bit on edge. This weeks death threats have been more creative and colorful that I anticipated.”

“Making weapons of mass destruction would do that”, Clover responded with a slight hiss of anger behind her words.

Cortana grunted as she had mad her way to a small box filled with a variety of wine. “Yeah, well, he’s not here so-“ She grunts as she pops the cork and takes a swig from the bottle, “-How can we know for sure what he truly wanted from either of us when he just up and left to kill himself.”

Clover huffed as she stomped a hoof against the ground and said with an edge to her tone, “Choose your words carefully Cortana. Starswirl was the greatest sorcerer of our time. He took you under his wing, gave you friendship and you dare tarnish his name?!”

Cortana’s horn flared as the wrench flew passed Clovers face and embedded itself in to the far wall. Clover’s scowl fell before letting out a soft sigh of resignation.

“He would not want us to fight”, Clover said as she looked at the ground. “He’d want us to work together to help protect Equestria.”

“What do you think I’m doing?” Cortana asked as she walked back over to her project.

“What you’re doing is not for the betterment of Equestria”, Clover responded as she sat next to Cortana.

“Well bullies only respond to those who push back”, Cortana grunted as she continued her work, not bothering to look at Clover. “Besides, you cannot always win wars with magic and friendship. Sometimes the best method is the one that gets your hands dirty.” Cortana’s gripped the pull cord with her teeth and gave it a good yank, causing the machine to rumble to life.

“What is that?” Clover asked as she looked the machine over.

Cortana smirked as she looked it over. “The future replacement for horse drawn carriages.” Cortana finished off her bottle of wine before putting it in a box with other empty bottles. “I assume you’re here on business?”

Clover smirked as she pulled the hood off her head to reveal her perfectly trimmed, crew cut mane. “Yeah, you were supposed to be at the airship three hours ago.”

“Well there’s that time difference and stuff so it’ll work itself out”, Cortana said with a soft chuckle as she turned the engine off and walked past clover. “Come on Minty! Shouldn’t keep those generals sitting around, you know how much they hate to wait for their VIPs!”

Clover paused before shaking her head with a smile and following Cortana.

Days after awakening: 1,821

Author's Note

Yay! A new chapter! Honestly, this was one of the harder chapters to write. I was heavily debating on whether or not to do a time skip at all, but eventually I decided it was best to move the story along. Now if enough people want to know what happened during the time skip, I’d be willing to write in a side story to this as a bonus chapter, but until then, I plan on moving along with this as it is.

As for where I’ve been, I’ve had a lot to deal with as far as finances, school, and work all slamming at once and it all put a heavy stain on me. In short, I had a loss of motivation for awhile to post anything new to this story due to stress. Despite all of that, I have been coming up with concepts for some new stories as well (some steaming from the latest avengers movie) and I plan on working on those after this story.

With that said, I have a few more crossovers coming up, but they WON’T be in Equestria. This way I can work on these stories as I try and catch up with the latest seasons. Again, my stories are an alternate universe so things won’t exactly line up with the shows lore and timeline, but I’ll attempt to line things up as best as I can (possibly through some wibbly wobbly meathods). Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

Ps: I will be going back through this story over time to correct any grammar mistakes as I write most of these on my tablet.

Chapter Five: Is it better to be feared, or respected...

S-0452-9

Is it better to be feared, or respected?

The carriage ride was mostly silent between Cortana and Clover, as Cortana watched the outside world go by. The town was slow to accept progress as apart of its life, but it was still a start. Printing presses, steam power, electric light bulbs to name a few life improvements. Rail ways began to spread across the land as towns that would require days to travel to now take a couple of hours, and she would be taking one up to mountain to the newly built air ship launch port. She heard that they had planned to build a town around it but she had to admit that it would be a marvelous feat of engineering. She’d have to find a way to get herself involved with the project if it was approved.

“So, how long will you be gone?” Clover asked, jarring Cortana out of her thoughts for a moment.

“For a few weeks. Just to make sure that they don’t blow themselves up,” Cortana snorted at that last bit. “Gun powder is a very volatile substance, but this would give our soliders a leg up as far as ranged attacks.”

Clover frowned softly as she looked directly at Cortana and asked, “You do realize that by creating these weapons, you may force our enemies to respond in kind, right?”

“Clover, we’re already in a losing war, and our soldiers need every edge they can get.” Cortana looked out at the town with a heavy sigh. “We lost our mentor to someone who threatened this land, one of us had to make the hard choice to fight back.”

“We should’ve finished his work. We were so close.” Clover jumped as Cortana slammed the window to the carriage closed.

“The shield would have required a unicorn, or several, that specialized in that kind of magic.” Cortana sighed as she felt the carriage lurch to a stop. “Now, if you wish to conversation, at least let me get some booze in me first.” With that, Cortana hopped out of the carriage and started heading towards the train station.

Clover sighed as she hopped out of the carriage as well, following Cortana to the platform. “You are not getting drunk on the train again.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t get drunk on the train.” Cortana said with a grin on her face.

Two hours later…

“I’M ON A BOAT IN THE SKY! WHOOOOO!” Cortana yelled before vomiting over the rail of the air ship while Clover sat nearby with a feather fall spell ready just in case.

“Um, is she okay?” A guard asked as he walked over to Clover.

“Oh yes, she’s just-“ clover paused as she tried to think of a less insulting term to describe the situation. “-Calming her nerves.”

Cortana groaned as she lifted her head and began to chuckle. “Hey, hey, someone fly us over the gryphons, I wanna *hic* I wanna do a bombing run over them.” Cortana chuckled before immediately vomiting over side again.

The guard cringed as he turned back to Clover. “Um, does she means she wants to-“

Clover sighed as she nodded. “Yes, yes she does.”

“YOU YOU DANG BURDS POOPED ON MY CAR TOO MANY TIMES! IT’S MY TURN NOW!”

Cortana and her interrogator sat in silence for a moment before Cortana spoke up and said, “I don’t remember doing that.”

“She wrote it down in great detail,” The interrogator responded with a slight chuckle.

“Let’s move on please,” Cortana pleaded.

The integrator settled her chuckling as she composed herself. “Fine fine, where were we?”

Cortana sighed as she had a feeling that she wasn’t going to live this down anytime soon. Though she was curious as to where and how they obtained Clover’s journal. She knew that it was heavily enchanted and that Clover would never leave it out of her sight. She’ll have to ponder this later.

“Okay, so we had the testing grounds held in one of the more secluded desserts in Saddle Arabia. We knew that the Minotaurs were pushing in to that territory so the sooner we could get the weapons in to our troops hands the better. I remember sobering up a day in to the trip. Then the airship caught on fire”.

It was the first shake that tossed her out of her bed and woke her, but it was the loud boom that threw her out of her against the far wall of the ship. Her ears rang and her head swam as she tried to regain her her bearings. All she knew was that her bed was gone and she could see several meters straight down to the ground below.

“CLOVER!” Cortana yelled as she managed to make her way out of her cabin. The ship rocked as another explosion hit close to it, sending her tumbling against some barrels. She hissed in pain as she was jostled, bringing the shrapnel of wood in her side to the forefront. “Well, that’s going to ruin my day.”

Cortana kept moving as the pain slowly grew and the adrenaline started to fade. All she knew was that she had to find Clover. She called out again for her friend. Not knowing if she was alive, if she was dead, or if she was hurt. She started up the stairs, eventually reaching the top and weakly opened the hatch to the upper deck. There was a screech and pain in the back of her head.

Then everything went black.

Voices…

There were voices speaking…

Cortana looked around slowly as her vision slowly cleared and sound came to her. She looked around as she seemed to be in some sort of holding cell in a cave. The voices, that she now realized was one voice, slowly became clear. She turned her head as her breath seemed to stop. The pony in the room with her wasn’t a pony, and yet it’s shape resembled one. How it could stand with holes in its legs, Cortana couldn’t comprehend. Then it looked at her, and she screamed in fear as it dashed towards her.

Author's Note

I hope you guys like this edit. While most of this chapter I felt was fine, the kidnapping scene left much to be desired. I wanted it to feel disorienting this time around. Details left unspoken as they’ll be covered later.

Chapter One: Don't go in to the woods tonight…

S-0452-9

Chapter One: Don't go in to the woods tonight…

Starswirl smiled softly as wrote in his journal, having completed yet another successful experiment that may prove useful for further study. The idea of turning a grain of wheat in to bread through transfiguration was an incredible discovery. Granted the taste left much to be desired, if he could perfect it, it'd certainly ease the need for food supplies on the front lines. The multi spectral shield spell was a long way away from being ready, so this would have to do till then.

With his notes complete, he released the pencil from his magical grip and closed the book, the pencil sitting on top of it. Starswirl stood with a groan, stretching for a moment before moving to a nearby window. He opened a window, allowing a breeze to drift in as the sound of children playing could be heard outside. He peered down and smiled as he saw a familiar filly playing with an earth pony colt, and a pegasus filly.

“Clover,” he called out as the unicorn filly looked up at him with a smile, “how goes your fun?”

Clover smiled as she brushed her bangs out of her eyes, accidentally depositing dirt on to her sage-green furred forehead in the process. “It's going well Master Starswirl!”

“Clover, how often must I ask you to speak candidly with me,” he asked with a slight chuckle.

“Mother says to be respectful to thy elders,” Clover responded with a slight grin.

Starswirl was taken aback for a moment, processing over what she had said before grinning. “Yet again, I see why you were given the title of clever,” he said with a chuckle as Clover playful stuck her tongue out. “Come, I require your assistance in gathering ingredients from the forest.”

Starswirl turned from the window and back in to his study, hearing a collective groan from the ponies outside as goodbyes were said and the clip clop of hooves on dirt could be heard moving away, a single pair heading for the castle.

Starswirl was appreciative of the princess for allowing him to choose where he stayed in their castle. The tower in which he could do his research was spacious, but not to the point where it was absurd. He also appreciated the view from his tower as it looked out over the forest in ever direction, allowing him to observe the forest from a safe distance, and judge when was the best time to head out to collect ingredients. From what he could see, something had the attention of a pack of timber wolves, which lead them away from their normal hunting grounds. This gave him a unique opportunity to head in and look around for some rare species of flora that he needed for his next potion.

Starswirl sauntered over to the staircase leading down to the door, collecting a pair of tattered saddle bags on his way by. He opened the door to a smiling clover as she stood there with saddle bags of her own.

“Where are we going today,” she asked as she fell in to line behind him as they walked in to the castle, wandering the halls to the front gates.

“Well, you remember how I was observing that pack of timber wolves to the east,” he asked receiving a nod in return, “well, something gained the packs attention just enough to cause them to move from their hunting grounds. I want to head out there while we have this opportunity to collect some plants for an experiment that I am working on”.

“Do you think it safe,” clover asked with a bit of worry in her voice.

Starswirl chuckled as he said, “my dear clover, what have I always said?”

“Those who do not take risks achieve nothing,” she repeated from memory.

“Precisely,” Starswirl said as they headed out of the gates. “Now, we must hurry. There's no telling how long those wolves will be gone.”

Cortana groaned as she felt her stomach grumbling once again, once again letting her know how hungry she was. Grazing helped tide her hunger, but it was quickly becoming inefficient. Granted, the stream was fresh and clean, so she was lucky for that. Finding shelter for the nights that she had been traveling proved difficult, but she always was happy to find a nice empty cave to settle in to for the night. Then there was the constant ache from her body if she exerted herself too much, some of which would sometimes continue to hurt in to the next day. All in all, being organic wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

Cortana was happy that she didn't run in to any dangerous creatures on her journey. She couldn't exactly make any weapons, and using her horn to impale was out of the question as it would be unwise to do such an act. Her best chance was to run if she got in to any danger. In her current state, she'd have the endurance to outlast any hunter, and if she was able to keep her traction, she'd be able to get away, then eventually return to the stream when it was safe. That was the plan at least, and she hoped that she wouldn't have to use it.

With a heavy sigh, she wandered to the edge of the stream, having found a nice thick patch of grass next to the water. She leaned down and began to graze, stopping every once in a while to drink, her ears twitching as she kept alert for anything suspicious. It was actually rather relaxing, as everything felt at ease. The birds singing, the wind blowing gently in to the air, the water rushing gently by.

Then she smelled something, and the world stood still. The stench was hard to describe, but she knew it smelled off by instinct. She stood up straight as she looked around, trying to find the origin of the stench. That's when she heard a faint growl, and her heart began to race. Her body froze as her ears twitches back and forth. She knew that she should run, but her body wouldn't let her. It was as if every fiber in her being was restrained.

With a sudden roar, the creature leapt from the forest, diving straight for her. Her body reacted on instinct at that point, as her mouth opened and she screamed. Then she felt a sudden pain from her forehead as there was a flash of light, the creature missing her, but one of its claws nicking her right leg. Fortunately at that point, adrenaline was pumping heavily through her body and numbed the pain as she regained control of her body and dashed off in to the forest.

Cortana could hear the padding of multiple paws behind her, along with what sounded like wood clacking. She got to a straight away as Cortana chanced a look behind her, what she saw making her mind reel in shock. The creatures looked like wolves in shape, but their bodies were constructed of twigs and leaves, their eyes compromised of some form of green energy. All in all, they were physically impossible, yet there they were, chasing her, and they were gaining.

Cortana needed to think fast if she was going to survive. If these creatures hunted like wolves, then they'd surely catch her eventually. Her best bet was to out last them long enough to find a place to escape from them. With that in mind, she decided to test their agility.

Cortana made a sharp left turn, weaving through the trees in her way. She heard a yelp behind her and the sound of clattering twigs. Judging from this, these creatures couldn't maneuver efficiently. Using this to her advantage, she weaved left and right, right and left, each time, a wolf loosing traction and falling in to something. This continued for many minutes until the worst case possible for her happened. They started to learn, as they began to predict her movements, and she was beginning to tire.

Her legs started to burn as she gasped for air, her heart pounding out of her chest. Apparently being an equine didn't automatically give you great endurance. At this point, it was only a matter of time before they caught her. Cortana panted as she felt her legs starting to give, fear over taking her. She screamed, loud and hard for help.

Clover look around the forest in awe, as various flora and fauna surrounded her. She took several trip with Starswirl in to the forest before, but she never saw it this beautiful before. She even caught a glimpse of a kaleidoscope of butterflies fly by as well as several variations of water plants. Clover loved those the most as they always seemed to have some of the more beautiful colors in her opinion.

A quick call from Starswirl brought her out of her trance. “Huh?” Clover said, as her mind was brought back to the here and now.

“I was asking if you'd like to help me on my latest endeavor.” Starswirl picked a bit of moss from the trunk of a nearby tree before putting it in to his saddle bag. “Though it would seem as if your mind is already preoccupied.”

Clovers ears laid back against her head as she smiled sheepishly. “Sorry sir, I was enjoying the scenery.”

“Ah, well, it is a beautiful sight,” Starswirl said,”but I'd rather we complete our task first before we go sightseeing. We wouldn't want to become lunch for any of the timber wolves or various other creatures that live here.”

“Sorry, I'll focus on the task at hand.” Clover said as she resumed collecting the flora on the list.

“Don't be, attention to detail is useful in this line of work, but you should never let your mind wander from your task.” Starswirl said as he gave clover a pat on the back, a smile returning to her face. Starswirl returned to his work, a small smile on his face before his ears twitches towards the sound of chuckling behind him. He turned back to her with a raised eyebrow and asked, “is something wrong?”

Clover shook her head as she stifled a giggle. “No, I was just imagining you having a beard. Like a really long one.”

Starswirl huffed as he smirked and said,”a beard would only get in the way of my work.”

“I think it'd make you look like a wise wizard.”Clover said with a smirk.

“The day that I actually make a revolutionary discovery in magic like”- Starswirl took a minute to think-“time travel, for example, I'll wear a silly wizards outfit, grow a beard, and call myself Starswirl the bearded!”

"I'll hold you to that promise,” Clover said as she calmed down from her chuckling.

At that moment, a scream rang out through the forest as their ears twitches toward the sound. The cry for help wasn't easily missed, and it sounded close. Clover looked to Starswirl who only gave her a nod before they both took off toward the source of the cry. Their hooves could be heard pounding against the forest floor as they ran as fast as they could, weaving back and forth between the trees.

Eventually, they started to approach a clearing, but the stench of timber wolf breath had reached them long before they got there. It was at that moment that Starswirl figured out why the timber wolves had moved from their hunting grounds. A pony would surely be a savory meal to them.

As they burst through the clearing, they found them facing a rather terrifying scene. A sky blue unicorn was backed against a tree, her left foreleg scratched deep as she watched the timber wolves in fear, the wolves slowly closing in on her. Without a second thought, Starswirl cast a spell on the frightened unicorn, levitating her in to the air just as the timber wolves kept toward her, causing them to crash in to the tree and fall apart. He quickly hovered her over and dropped her on to his back with a grunt.

“What, how, huh?” The unicorn looked around confused, her eyes turning to Clover and then to Starswirl.

“Running first, talk later!” Starswirl exclaimed as he took off, Clover putting a shield around the reassembling pieces of the timber wolves before dashing off after Starswirl. It unfortunately didn't take long for the wolves to reassemble and break through the shield and give chase.

Starswirl began to pant heavily, as the weight of another pony on his back caused to exert much more effort in to running than he was used to. He looked to Clover as she seemed to be tiring as well. The castle was too far away to run all the way there, and with the timber wolves slowly gaining ground, they would never make it to safety. They had to do something to get the wolves to give up the chase, or at the very least delay them.

That's when inspiration struck Starswirl as he ignited his horn as it began to glow brightly. With a grunt, he flicked his head back as a bright orb flew over his shoulder and hit the ground, a wall of flames erupting from the ground between them and the wolves. The timber wolves yelped as they skidded to a stop, scrambling away from the flames touch as Starswirl with the unicorn on his back, and Clover continued to run, the wolves fading in to the darkness of the forest.

It took them several minutes to reach the gates of the castle, quickly explaining to the guards of what had happened before heading straight to Starswirls tower. Starswirl panted as he levitated the now unconscious unicorn off of his back as he set her down on his bed. Starswirl, with Clovers help, began dressing the unicorns wound, applying a past to her cuts to help them heal quicker and to prevent infection. With their work completed, Starswirl sat down heavily on the wooded floor, as clover practically collapsed herself.

“Mister Starswirl, I thought that you didn't use offensive magic.” Clover looked at him with a raised eyebrow as he chuckled.

“Fortunately for us, timber wolves don't know the difference between an illusion and actually fire.” Starswirl chuckled softly. This earned a slight smile from Clover as she shook her head before standing. She headed toward a chest of drawers next to the east side window as she levitated out a blanket and a spare pillow. Starswirl watched her as she started creating a makeshift bed on the bench in front of the west side window. Once she was finished, she walked over to Starswirl and helped him up on to his hooves.

Starswirl didn't feel like arguing with her, his exhaustion quickly starting to overtake him as he let Clover lead him over to the makeshift bed. He climbed on to bench as she draped the blanket over him, resting his head on the pillow as he quickly fell asleep. Clover smiled softly as she watched him sleep, before deciding it best to stay the night. Collecting another blanket and pillow for herself, she made her self a bed in a rocking chair in the northwest side of the room, quickly succumbing to sleep herself.

Days after awakening: 4